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348,500 | 16,805,987 | 1,771 | A display apparatus including a substrate, a display portion disposed on an active area defined at the substrate, a buffer layer disposed on the active area and a pad area defined at the substrate, a touch sensing portion disposed on the buffer layer, and a pad portion disposed between the pad area and the buffer layer. The touch sensing portion includes a first pad pattern, a middle layer disposed on the first pad pattern, and a second pad pattern disposed on the middle layer. The first pad pattern is connected to the pad portion through a first contact hole defined on the pad portion in the buffer layer. The second pad pattern is connected to the first pad pattern through a second contact hole defined on the first contact hole in the middle layer. | 1. A display apparatus comprising:
a display portion in which a display surface is defined and comprising a light emitting device and a thin film encapsulation layer; a touch sensing portion directly on the display portion; and a window on the touch sensing portion, wherein: the touch sensing portion comprises:
a first conductive pattern;
a middle layer disposed on the first conductive pattern and comprising an organic material; and
a second conductive pattern disposed on the middle layer; and
the display portion and the touch sensing portion are folded such that a first portion of the display surface and a second portion of the display surface face each other. 2. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein a modulus of the middle layer is smaller than a modulus of the thin film encapsulation layer. 3. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the thin film encapsulation layer comprises an organic layer and an inorganic layer. 4. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein:
the display portion further comprises a buffer layer disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer; and the buffer layer is in direct contact with the thin film encapsulation layer and the first conductive pattern. 5. The display apparatus of claim 4, wherein the buffer layer comprises an organic material. 6. The display apparatus of claim 4, wherein a modulus of the buffer layer is smaller than a modulus of the thin film encapsulation layer. 7. The display apparatus of claim 4, wherein a refractive index of the buffer layer has a value between a refractive index of the thin film encapsulation layer and a refractive index of the middle layer. 8. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the touch sensing portion further comprises a cover layer covering the second conductive pattern and comprising an organic material. 9. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the window comprises a glass substrate or a plastic film. 10. A display apparatus comprising:
a display panel folded on a folding axis and comprising a light emitting device and a thin film encapsulation layer; a buffer layer disposed on the thin film encapsulation; a first conductive pattern disposed on the buffer layer; a middle layer disposed on the first conductive pattern layer and comprising an organic material; and a second conductive pattern disposed on the middle layer. 11. The display apparatus of claim 10, wherein the buffer layer directly contact with the thin film encapsulation layer and the first conductive pattern. 12. The display apparatus of claim 10, wherein the buffer layer comprises an organic material. 13. The display apparatus of claim 10, wherein:
the display panel further comprises a display surface displaying an image; and the display panel is inner-folded such that a first portion of the display surface and a second portion of the display surface face each other. 14. The display apparatus of claim 10, wherein:
the display panel further comprises a display surface displaying an image; and the display panel is out-folded such that a first portion of the display surface and a second portion of the display surface face outward and are exposed to an outside of the display apparatus. 15. The display apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a passivation layer disposed on the second conductive pattern and comprising an organic material. 16. The display apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a window disposed on the second conductive pattern. 17. The display apparatus of claim 16, wherein the window comprises a glass substrate or a plastic film. | A display apparatus including a substrate, a display portion disposed on an active area defined at the substrate, a buffer layer disposed on the active area and a pad area defined at the substrate, a touch sensing portion disposed on the buffer layer, and a pad portion disposed between the pad area and the buffer layer. The touch sensing portion includes a first pad pattern, a middle layer disposed on the first pad pattern, and a second pad pattern disposed on the middle layer. The first pad pattern is connected to the pad portion through a first contact hole defined on the pad portion in the buffer layer. The second pad pattern is connected to the first pad pattern through a second contact hole defined on the first contact hole in the middle layer.1. A display apparatus comprising:
a display portion in which a display surface is defined and comprising a light emitting device and a thin film encapsulation layer; a touch sensing portion directly on the display portion; and a window on the touch sensing portion, wherein: the touch sensing portion comprises:
a first conductive pattern;
a middle layer disposed on the first conductive pattern and comprising an organic material; and
a second conductive pattern disposed on the middle layer; and
the display portion and the touch sensing portion are folded such that a first portion of the display surface and a second portion of the display surface face each other. 2. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein a modulus of the middle layer is smaller than a modulus of the thin film encapsulation layer. 3. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the thin film encapsulation layer comprises an organic layer and an inorganic layer. 4. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein:
the display portion further comprises a buffer layer disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer; and the buffer layer is in direct contact with the thin film encapsulation layer and the first conductive pattern. 5. The display apparatus of claim 4, wherein the buffer layer comprises an organic material. 6. The display apparatus of claim 4, wherein a modulus of the buffer layer is smaller than a modulus of the thin film encapsulation layer. 7. The display apparatus of claim 4, wherein a refractive index of the buffer layer has a value between a refractive index of the thin film encapsulation layer and a refractive index of the middle layer. 8. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the touch sensing portion further comprises a cover layer covering the second conductive pattern and comprising an organic material. 9. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the window comprises a glass substrate or a plastic film. 10. A display apparatus comprising:
a display panel folded on a folding axis and comprising a light emitting device and a thin film encapsulation layer; a buffer layer disposed on the thin film encapsulation; a first conductive pattern disposed on the buffer layer; a middle layer disposed on the first conductive pattern layer and comprising an organic material; and a second conductive pattern disposed on the middle layer. 11. The display apparatus of claim 10, wherein the buffer layer directly contact with the thin film encapsulation layer and the first conductive pattern. 12. The display apparatus of claim 10, wherein the buffer layer comprises an organic material. 13. The display apparatus of claim 10, wherein:
the display panel further comprises a display surface displaying an image; and the display panel is inner-folded such that a first portion of the display surface and a second portion of the display surface face each other. 14. The display apparatus of claim 10, wherein:
the display panel further comprises a display surface displaying an image; and the display panel is out-folded such that a first portion of the display surface and a second portion of the display surface face outward and are exposed to an outside of the display apparatus. 15. The display apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a passivation layer disposed on the second conductive pattern and comprising an organic material. 16. The display apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a window disposed on the second conductive pattern. 17. The display apparatus of claim 16, wherein the window comprises a glass substrate or a plastic film. | 1,700 |
348,501 | 16,805,992 | 1,771 | An image reading device that connects to a network, the image reading device exemplarily including: an operation panel that has a display; a document reader that generates scan data by reading a document placed on a document plate when a scan instruction specifying a save destination is received from an information terminal via the network; and a controller. The controller may cause display of the save destination on the display, which may be ready to receive a panel operation via the operation panel to execute a process for transmitting the scan data to the save destination, and upon receiving the panel operation, may execute the process for transmitting the scan data to the save destination. | 1. An image reading device that connects to a network, the image reading device comprising:
an operation panel that has a display; a document reader that generates scan data by reading a document placed on a document plate, when a scan instruction specifying a save destination is received from an information terminal via the network; and a controller that (i) causes display of the save destination on the display, which is ready to receive a panel operation via the operation panel to execute a process for transmitting the scan data to the save destination, and, (ii) upon receiving the panel operation, executes the process for transmitting the scan data to the save destination. 2. The image reading device of claim 1, wherein the controller:
causes display of options for executing a plurality of processes on the display, including the process for transmitting the scan data to the save destination, and deletes the scan data without transmitting the scan data to the save destination when the operation panel receives selection of an option to execute a process other than the process for transmitting the scan data to the save destination. 3. The image reading device of claim 1, wherein the controller sets a timeout for accepting the panel operation and after the timeout, upon determining that the scan instruction is from an authorized user, executes the process for transmitting the scan data to the save destination. 4. The image reading device of claim 1, wherein the controller sets a timeout for accepting the panel operation and after the timeout, upon determining that the scan instruction is from an unauthorized user, generates image data or a message describing at least a portion of an operation procedure to output the scan data from the image reading device and executes a process for transmitting the image data or the message to the save destination. 5. The image reading device of claim 4, wherein the controller, when a new scan instruction is received via the operation panel prior to execution of the operation procedure, determines whether image features of the scan data based on the prior scan instruction match scan data based on the new scan instruction, and upon determining that there is a match, does not output the scan data from the image reading device even if the operation procedure is executed. 6. The image reading device of claim 4, wherein the operation procedure includes verifying that an authentication code in the image data matches an authentication code inputted to the operation panel. 7. The image reading device of claim 4, wherein the operation procedure includes re-reading at least a portion of the document of the scan data. 8. The image reading device of claim 4, wherein the operation procedure includes re-transmitting a scan instruction from the information terminal to the image reading device. 9. The image reading device of claim 4, wherein the operation procedure includes a panel operation of selecting one output method from a plurality of output methods, and
wherein the plurality of output methods includes (1) transmitting an email with the scan data attached, (2) uploading the scan data to a defined upload server, and (3) saving the scan data to a defined file server. 10. The image reading device of claim 1, wherein the information terminal is defined as a first information terminal and the save destination is defined as a first save destination, and
wherein the controller, while ready to receive a panel operation, upon receiving a scan instruction specifying a second save destination different from the first save destination from a second information terminal different from the first information terminal, in addition to the option to execute the process for transmitting the scan data to the first save destination, causes display of an option to execute a process for transmitting the scan data to the second save destination, ready to receive selection of either option via the operation panel. 11. An image reading method executed by an image reading device that includes an operation panel that has a display, a document reader, and a controller, and has a function of connecting to a network, the method comprising:
generating, via the document reader, scan data by reading a document placed on a document plate, when a scan instruction specifying a save destination is received from an information terminal via the network; causing, via the controller, display of the save destination on the display, which is ready to receive a panel operation via the operation panel to execute a process for transmitting the scan data to the save destination; and upon receiving the panel operation, executing, via the controller, the process for transmitting the scan data to the save destination. | An image reading device that connects to a network, the image reading device exemplarily including: an operation panel that has a display; a document reader that generates scan data by reading a document placed on a document plate when a scan instruction specifying a save destination is received from an information terminal via the network; and a controller. The controller may cause display of the save destination on the display, which may be ready to receive a panel operation via the operation panel to execute a process for transmitting the scan data to the save destination, and upon receiving the panel operation, may execute the process for transmitting the scan data to the save destination.1. An image reading device that connects to a network, the image reading device comprising:
an operation panel that has a display; a document reader that generates scan data by reading a document placed on a document plate, when a scan instruction specifying a save destination is received from an information terminal via the network; and a controller that (i) causes display of the save destination on the display, which is ready to receive a panel operation via the operation panel to execute a process for transmitting the scan data to the save destination, and, (ii) upon receiving the panel operation, executes the process for transmitting the scan data to the save destination. 2. The image reading device of claim 1, wherein the controller:
causes display of options for executing a plurality of processes on the display, including the process for transmitting the scan data to the save destination, and deletes the scan data without transmitting the scan data to the save destination when the operation panel receives selection of an option to execute a process other than the process for transmitting the scan data to the save destination. 3. The image reading device of claim 1, wherein the controller sets a timeout for accepting the panel operation and after the timeout, upon determining that the scan instruction is from an authorized user, executes the process for transmitting the scan data to the save destination. 4. The image reading device of claim 1, wherein the controller sets a timeout for accepting the panel operation and after the timeout, upon determining that the scan instruction is from an unauthorized user, generates image data or a message describing at least a portion of an operation procedure to output the scan data from the image reading device and executes a process for transmitting the image data or the message to the save destination. 5. The image reading device of claim 4, wherein the controller, when a new scan instruction is received via the operation panel prior to execution of the operation procedure, determines whether image features of the scan data based on the prior scan instruction match scan data based on the new scan instruction, and upon determining that there is a match, does not output the scan data from the image reading device even if the operation procedure is executed. 6. The image reading device of claim 4, wherein the operation procedure includes verifying that an authentication code in the image data matches an authentication code inputted to the operation panel. 7. The image reading device of claim 4, wherein the operation procedure includes re-reading at least a portion of the document of the scan data. 8. The image reading device of claim 4, wherein the operation procedure includes re-transmitting a scan instruction from the information terminal to the image reading device. 9. The image reading device of claim 4, wherein the operation procedure includes a panel operation of selecting one output method from a plurality of output methods, and
wherein the plurality of output methods includes (1) transmitting an email with the scan data attached, (2) uploading the scan data to a defined upload server, and (3) saving the scan data to a defined file server. 10. The image reading device of claim 1, wherein the information terminal is defined as a first information terminal and the save destination is defined as a first save destination, and
wherein the controller, while ready to receive a panel operation, upon receiving a scan instruction specifying a second save destination different from the first save destination from a second information terminal different from the first information terminal, in addition to the option to execute the process for transmitting the scan data to the first save destination, causes display of an option to execute a process for transmitting the scan data to the second save destination, ready to receive selection of either option via the operation panel. 11. An image reading method executed by an image reading device that includes an operation panel that has a display, a document reader, and a controller, and has a function of connecting to a network, the method comprising:
generating, via the document reader, scan data by reading a document placed on a document plate, when a scan instruction specifying a save destination is received from an information terminal via the network; causing, via the controller, display of the save destination on the display, which is ready to receive a panel operation via the operation panel to execute a process for transmitting the scan data to the save destination; and upon receiving the panel operation, executing, via the controller, the process for transmitting the scan data to the save destination. | 1,700 |
348,502 | 16,805,973 | 1,771 | A pallet includes a plastic top deck and a bamboo bottom deck. The bamboo bottom deck includes bamboo boards made from bamboo strips layered together. Support blocks are coupled between the bamboo bottom deck and the plastic top deck, with a gap being formed therebetween for receiving a lifting member. | 1. A pallet comprising:
a plastic top deck; a bamboo bottom deck comprising a plurality of bamboo boards; and a plurality of support blocks coupled between said bamboo bottom deck and said plastic top deck, with a gap being formed therebetween for receiving a lifting member. 2. The pallet according to claim 1 wherein each bamboo board comprises a plurality of bamboo strips layered together. 3. The pallet according to claim 2 wherein each bamboo board further comprises a plastic composite added to the plurality of bamboo strips. 4. The pallet according to claim 2 wherein a direction of each bamboo strip is orthogonal to a direction of an adjacent bamboo strip. 5. The pallet according to claim 1 wherein each bamboo board comprises:
a top section comprising a plurality of bamboo strips layered together, with the plurality of bamboo strips extending in a first direction;
a bottom section comprising a plurality of bamboo strips layered together, with the plurality of bamboo strips extending in the first direction; and
at least one middle section between said top and bottom sections, with said at least one middle section comprising a plurality of bamboo strips layered together, with the plurality of bamboo strips extending in a second direction that is different from the first direction. 6. The pallet according to claim 5 wherein the second direction is at least one of orthogonal and crisscrossed with respect to the first direction. 7. The pallet according to claim 1 wherein said bamboo bottom deck comprises:
a pair of bamboo end deck boards;
a pair of bamboo connector boards extending between said pair of bamboo end deck boards; and
an intermediate bamboo connector board extending between said pair of bamboo end deck boards, with said intermediate bamboo connector board and said bamboo connector boards being orthogonal to said bamboo end deck boards. 8. The pallet according to claim 7 wherein respective joints between said pair of bamboo end deck boards and said pair of bamboo connector boards are mitered. 9. The pallet according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said support blocks comprises:
an upper surface;
a lower surface; and
first and second pairs of opposing sides extending between the upper and lower surfaces, with one of the sides having a pocket formed therein for receiving an end of the lifting member so as to allow the pallet to be spun around. 10. The pallet according to claim 9 further comprising at least one clinched nail extending through one of said bamboo boards and into the pocket in said at least one support block. 11. The pallet according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said support blocks comprises:
an upper surface;
a lower surface;
a first pair of opposing sides extending between the upper and lower surfaces and having a first opening extending therethrough; and
a second pair of opposing sides extending between the upper and lower surfaces and having a second opening extending therethrough and intersecting with the first opening. 12. The pallet according to claim 11 further comprising at least one clinched nail extending through one of said bamboo boards and into the first or second opening in said at least one support block. 13. The pallet according to claim 1 wherein each support block comprises at least one of wood, plastic, wood and plastic composite, and metal. 14. The pallet according to claim 1 wherein said plastic top deck comprises a monolithic plastic top deck. 15. The pallet according to claim 14 wherein said monolithic plastic top deck comprises a plurality of metal strips inserted therein for support, with each metal strip including perforated holes extending therethrough, and with the perforated holes extending in a direction that is orthogonal to an upper surface of said plastic top deck. 16. A method for making a pallet comprising:
forming a plastic top deck; forming a bamboo bottom deck comprising a plurality of bamboo boards; forming a plurality of support blocks; and coupling the plurality of support blocks between the bamboo bottom deck and the plastic top deck, with a gap being formed therebetween for receiving a lifting member. 17. The method according to claim 16 wherein each bamboo board comprises a plurality of bamboo strips layered together. 18. The method according to claim 16 wherein each bamboo board comprises:
a top section comprising a plurality of bamboo strips layered together, with the plurality of bamboo strips extending in a first direction;
a bottom section comprising a plurality of bamboo strips layered together, with the plurality of bamboo strips extending in the first direction; and
at least one middle section between the top and bottom sections, with the at least one middle section comprising a plurality of bamboo strips layered together, with the plurality of bamboo strips extending in a second direction that is different from the first direction. 19. The method according to claim 16 wherein forming the bamboo bottom deck comprises:
forming a pair of bamboo end deck boards;
forming a pair of bamboo connector boards extending between the pair of bamboo end deck boards; and
forming an intermediate bamboo connector board extending between the pair of bamboo end deck boards, with the intermediate bamboo connector board and the bamboo connector boards being orthogonal to said bamboo end deck boards. 20. The method according to claim 19 wherein respective joints between the pair of bamboo end deck boards and the pair of bamboo connector boards are mitered. | A pallet includes a plastic top deck and a bamboo bottom deck. The bamboo bottom deck includes bamboo boards made from bamboo strips layered together. Support blocks are coupled between the bamboo bottom deck and the plastic top deck, with a gap being formed therebetween for receiving a lifting member.1. A pallet comprising:
a plastic top deck; a bamboo bottom deck comprising a plurality of bamboo boards; and a plurality of support blocks coupled between said bamboo bottom deck and said plastic top deck, with a gap being formed therebetween for receiving a lifting member. 2. The pallet according to claim 1 wherein each bamboo board comprises a plurality of bamboo strips layered together. 3. The pallet according to claim 2 wherein each bamboo board further comprises a plastic composite added to the plurality of bamboo strips. 4. The pallet according to claim 2 wherein a direction of each bamboo strip is orthogonal to a direction of an adjacent bamboo strip. 5. The pallet according to claim 1 wherein each bamboo board comprises:
a top section comprising a plurality of bamboo strips layered together, with the plurality of bamboo strips extending in a first direction;
a bottom section comprising a plurality of bamboo strips layered together, with the plurality of bamboo strips extending in the first direction; and
at least one middle section between said top and bottom sections, with said at least one middle section comprising a plurality of bamboo strips layered together, with the plurality of bamboo strips extending in a second direction that is different from the first direction. 6. The pallet according to claim 5 wherein the second direction is at least one of orthogonal and crisscrossed with respect to the first direction. 7. The pallet according to claim 1 wherein said bamboo bottom deck comprises:
a pair of bamboo end deck boards;
a pair of bamboo connector boards extending between said pair of bamboo end deck boards; and
an intermediate bamboo connector board extending between said pair of bamboo end deck boards, with said intermediate bamboo connector board and said bamboo connector boards being orthogonal to said bamboo end deck boards. 8. The pallet according to claim 7 wherein respective joints between said pair of bamboo end deck boards and said pair of bamboo connector boards are mitered. 9. The pallet according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said support blocks comprises:
an upper surface;
a lower surface; and
first and second pairs of opposing sides extending between the upper and lower surfaces, with one of the sides having a pocket formed therein for receiving an end of the lifting member so as to allow the pallet to be spun around. 10. The pallet according to claim 9 further comprising at least one clinched nail extending through one of said bamboo boards and into the pocket in said at least one support block. 11. The pallet according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said support blocks comprises:
an upper surface;
a lower surface;
a first pair of opposing sides extending between the upper and lower surfaces and having a first opening extending therethrough; and
a second pair of opposing sides extending between the upper and lower surfaces and having a second opening extending therethrough and intersecting with the first opening. 12. The pallet according to claim 11 further comprising at least one clinched nail extending through one of said bamboo boards and into the first or second opening in said at least one support block. 13. The pallet according to claim 1 wherein each support block comprises at least one of wood, plastic, wood and plastic composite, and metal. 14. The pallet according to claim 1 wherein said plastic top deck comprises a monolithic plastic top deck. 15. The pallet according to claim 14 wherein said monolithic plastic top deck comprises a plurality of metal strips inserted therein for support, with each metal strip including perforated holes extending therethrough, and with the perforated holes extending in a direction that is orthogonal to an upper surface of said plastic top deck. 16. A method for making a pallet comprising:
forming a plastic top deck; forming a bamboo bottom deck comprising a plurality of bamboo boards; forming a plurality of support blocks; and coupling the plurality of support blocks between the bamboo bottom deck and the plastic top deck, with a gap being formed therebetween for receiving a lifting member. 17. The method according to claim 16 wherein each bamboo board comprises a plurality of bamboo strips layered together. 18. The method according to claim 16 wherein each bamboo board comprises:
a top section comprising a plurality of bamboo strips layered together, with the plurality of bamboo strips extending in a first direction;
a bottom section comprising a plurality of bamboo strips layered together, with the plurality of bamboo strips extending in the first direction; and
at least one middle section between the top and bottom sections, with the at least one middle section comprising a plurality of bamboo strips layered together, with the plurality of bamboo strips extending in a second direction that is different from the first direction. 19. The method according to claim 16 wherein forming the bamboo bottom deck comprises:
forming a pair of bamboo end deck boards;
forming a pair of bamboo connector boards extending between the pair of bamboo end deck boards; and
forming an intermediate bamboo connector board extending between the pair of bamboo end deck boards, with the intermediate bamboo connector board and the bamboo connector boards being orthogonal to said bamboo end deck boards. 20. The method according to claim 19 wherein respective joints between the pair of bamboo end deck boards and the pair of bamboo connector boards are mitered. | 1,700 |
348,503 | 16,806,006 | 1,771 | A thin back brace comprising a flexible, elastic, elongated panel, sheathed in knit neoprene or spacer fabric including antimicrobial silver containing fiber, extending in a longitudinal direction and adapted to be wrapped about the lumbar region and abdomen comprising a central zone and outlying zones on opposite edges of the central zone, the outlying zones each having elastic strip portions lying along directions that are skewed relative to the longitudinal direction such that when the brace is worn the strips are oriented upwardly with increasing proximity to the central zone such that they resist ride-up of the central zone by developing an increase in tension and a downward force component on the central zone. | 1. A back brace comprising a core of elastic sheet material extending in a longitudinal direction and a plurality of relatively rigid narrow, spaced stays transversely attached to a mid-length of the elastic sheet material, the core being substantially completely sheathed by a knit neoprene or spacer fabric shell, the thickness of major portions of the brace not substantially exceeding ¼ inch. 2. A back brace as set forth in claim 1, wherein the neoprene or spacer fabric shell includes a fiber containing antimicrobial silver. 3. A back brace as set forth in claim 1, wherein the core comprises convergent strips of elastic sheet material spanning a first distance adjacent a longitudinal center of the core and a second distance, less than the first distance, remote from the center. 4. A back brace as set forth in claim 3, wherein the center of the core comprises fish line elastic material. 5. A back brace as set forth in claim 4, wherein the stays are attached on the fish line elastic material. 6. A back brace comprising a flexible, elastic, elongated panel extending in a longitudinal direction and adapted to be wrapped about the lumbar region and abdomen comprising a central zone and outlying zones on opposite edges of the central zone, the outlying zones each having elastic strip portions lying along directions that are skewed relative to the longitudinal direction such that when the brace is worn the strips are oriented upwardly with increasing proximity to the central zone such that they resist ride-up of the central zone by developing an increase in tension and a downward force component on the central zone. 7. A back brace as set forth in claim 6, wherein the central zone has a plurality of semi-rigid stays attached thereto and oriented generally transverse to the longitudinal direction. 8. A back brace as set forth in claim 6, wherein the central zone and outlying zones are covered by a knitted fabric layer. 9. A back brace as set forth in claim 8, wherein the knitted fabric layer includes filaments containing antimicrobial silver. 10. A back brace as set forth in claim 8, wherein the central zone and outlying zones are covered on opposite sides by knitted fabric layers. 11. A back brace as set forth in claim 10, wherein one of the knitted fabric layers serves as an outside layer when the brace is worn, the outside layer forming a pocket area overlying the central zone for carrying therapeutic materials including hot and/or cold packs, magnetic pack, or a stimulator. 12. A back brace as set forth in claim 6, wherein the distal ends of the outlying zones have mutually engageable coupling elements. 13. A back brace as set forth in claim 6, having a flat configuration in a free state. 14. A back brace as set forth in claim 6, including an auxiliary elastic belt disposed on an outside of the brace when the brace is configured to be worn, the ends of the auxiliary belt being attached to the brace adjacent distal ends of the brace. 15. A back brace comprising a flexible and elastic elongated panel extending in a longitudinal direction and adapted to be wrapped about the lumbar region and abdomen comprising a core with a central zone and outlying zones on opposite edges of the central zone, the central zone having a plurality of semi-rigid stays attached thereto and oriented generally transverse to the longitudinal direction, the outlying zones each having elastic strip portions lying along directions that are skewed relative to the longitudinal direction such that when the brace is in a worn state, the strips on each side of the central zone are oriented upwardly and downwardly with increasing proximity to the central zone, the core having an inner face and an outer face with reference to the worn state, said core faces each being covered by a knit fabric. 16. A back brace as set forth in claim 15, wherein the knit fabric is a composite including neoprene. 17. A back brace as set forth in claim 15, wherein the fabric covering the inner core face provides a pocket area for therapeutic packs. 18. A back brace as set forth in claim 17, wherein the pocket area is accessible through a zipper sewn in the fabric covering the inner core face. 19. A back brace as set forth in claim 15, wherein said skewed elastic strip portions include portions that decline with increasing proximity to the central zone and tend to counterbalance the downward forces developed by said upwardly inclined strip portions. 20. A back brace as set forth in claim 15, wherein said central zone is a fish line elastic fabric. 21. A back brace as set forth in claim 15, wherein said central zone includes resilient stays oriented generally perpendicularly to said longitudinal direction. 22. A back brace as set forth in claim 21, wherein said resilient stays are attached to said central zone. 23. A back brace as set forth in claim 15, including an adjustable elastic belt having end portions attached to the brace adjacent longitudinal ends of the brace. 24. A back brace as set forth in claim 16, wherein the knit fabric includes a fiber carrying antimicrobial silver. | A thin back brace comprising a flexible, elastic, elongated panel, sheathed in knit neoprene or spacer fabric including antimicrobial silver containing fiber, extending in a longitudinal direction and adapted to be wrapped about the lumbar region and abdomen comprising a central zone and outlying zones on opposite edges of the central zone, the outlying zones each having elastic strip portions lying along directions that are skewed relative to the longitudinal direction such that when the brace is worn the strips are oriented upwardly with increasing proximity to the central zone such that they resist ride-up of the central zone by developing an increase in tension and a downward force component on the central zone.1. A back brace comprising a core of elastic sheet material extending in a longitudinal direction and a plurality of relatively rigid narrow, spaced stays transversely attached to a mid-length of the elastic sheet material, the core being substantially completely sheathed by a knit neoprene or spacer fabric shell, the thickness of major portions of the brace not substantially exceeding ¼ inch. 2. A back brace as set forth in claim 1, wherein the neoprene or spacer fabric shell includes a fiber containing antimicrobial silver. 3. A back brace as set forth in claim 1, wherein the core comprises convergent strips of elastic sheet material spanning a first distance adjacent a longitudinal center of the core and a second distance, less than the first distance, remote from the center. 4. A back brace as set forth in claim 3, wherein the center of the core comprises fish line elastic material. 5. A back brace as set forth in claim 4, wherein the stays are attached on the fish line elastic material. 6. A back brace comprising a flexible, elastic, elongated panel extending in a longitudinal direction and adapted to be wrapped about the lumbar region and abdomen comprising a central zone and outlying zones on opposite edges of the central zone, the outlying zones each having elastic strip portions lying along directions that are skewed relative to the longitudinal direction such that when the brace is worn the strips are oriented upwardly with increasing proximity to the central zone such that they resist ride-up of the central zone by developing an increase in tension and a downward force component on the central zone. 7. A back brace as set forth in claim 6, wherein the central zone has a plurality of semi-rigid stays attached thereto and oriented generally transverse to the longitudinal direction. 8. A back brace as set forth in claim 6, wherein the central zone and outlying zones are covered by a knitted fabric layer. 9. A back brace as set forth in claim 8, wherein the knitted fabric layer includes filaments containing antimicrobial silver. 10. A back brace as set forth in claim 8, wherein the central zone and outlying zones are covered on opposite sides by knitted fabric layers. 11. A back brace as set forth in claim 10, wherein one of the knitted fabric layers serves as an outside layer when the brace is worn, the outside layer forming a pocket area overlying the central zone for carrying therapeutic materials including hot and/or cold packs, magnetic pack, or a stimulator. 12. A back brace as set forth in claim 6, wherein the distal ends of the outlying zones have mutually engageable coupling elements. 13. A back brace as set forth in claim 6, having a flat configuration in a free state. 14. A back brace as set forth in claim 6, including an auxiliary elastic belt disposed on an outside of the brace when the brace is configured to be worn, the ends of the auxiliary belt being attached to the brace adjacent distal ends of the brace. 15. A back brace comprising a flexible and elastic elongated panel extending in a longitudinal direction and adapted to be wrapped about the lumbar region and abdomen comprising a core with a central zone and outlying zones on opposite edges of the central zone, the central zone having a plurality of semi-rigid stays attached thereto and oriented generally transverse to the longitudinal direction, the outlying zones each having elastic strip portions lying along directions that are skewed relative to the longitudinal direction such that when the brace is in a worn state, the strips on each side of the central zone are oriented upwardly and downwardly with increasing proximity to the central zone, the core having an inner face and an outer face with reference to the worn state, said core faces each being covered by a knit fabric. 16. A back brace as set forth in claim 15, wherein the knit fabric is a composite including neoprene. 17. A back brace as set forth in claim 15, wherein the fabric covering the inner core face provides a pocket area for therapeutic packs. 18. A back brace as set forth in claim 17, wherein the pocket area is accessible through a zipper sewn in the fabric covering the inner core face. 19. A back brace as set forth in claim 15, wherein said skewed elastic strip portions include portions that decline with increasing proximity to the central zone and tend to counterbalance the downward forces developed by said upwardly inclined strip portions. 20. A back brace as set forth in claim 15, wherein said central zone is a fish line elastic fabric. 21. A back brace as set forth in claim 15, wherein said central zone includes resilient stays oriented generally perpendicularly to said longitudinal direction. 22. A back brace as set forth in claim 21, wherein said resilient stays are attached to said central zone. 23. A back brace as set forth in claim 15, including an adjustable elastic belt having end portions attached to the brace adjacent longitudinal ends of the brace. 24. A back brace as set forth in claim 16, wherein the knit fabric includes a fiber carrying antimicrobial silver. | 1,700 |
348,504 | 16,806,033 | 3,631 | A frame mounting system for hanging frames on a wall surface includes a wall-mount cleat and a product-side cleat that is integrally-formed in at least one side frame rails of a frame during the manufacture of the frame. The two cleats are sized and shaped to selectively and snugly engage each other. A user simply mounts the wall-mount cleat level to a wall surface and then engages the product-side cleat with the wall mount cleat. An additional feature of the present invention is a flat surface that is formed in the frame rail adjacent to the integrally formed cleat. This flat surface is sized and shaped to receive and support a backing material by either staples or an appropriate adhesive to help protect the rear of the picture or painting. | 1) A picture frame selectively mountable to a horizontal wall cleat attached to a wall surface, said wall cleat includes an upwardly-directed angled projection that extends away from said wall surface at a first prescribed angle, said projection having a rear engagement surface and a thickness, said picture frame comprising:
an elongated upper member having an integrally formed cleat-channel along its length, said cleat-channel having an angular engagement surface which is disposed at said first prescribed angle with respect to said wall surface and which faces away from said wall surface; and wherein said picture is selectively mounted to said wall cleat by positioning said picture with respect to said wall cleat so that said cleat-channel of said upper member receives said projection of said wall cleat, allowing said angular engagement surface of said cleat-channel to abut against said rear engagement surface of said projection and thereby supporting said frame against said wall surface. 2) The picture frame, according to claim 1, further comprising two side members connected to a lower member, and also connected to said upper member, forming a rectangle. 3) The picture frame, according to claim 2, wherein said cleat-channel is also integrally formed in said side members and said lower member. 4) The picture frame, according to claim 3, wherein said members each include a front surface, a picture holding channel, a top surface, a rear surface and a backing support surface, said backing support surface being parallel to said rear surface and positioned between said rear surface and said picture holding channel, said cleat-channel being located between said backing support surface and said rear surface. 5) The picture frame, according to claim 4, further comprising a planar picture positioned within said picture holding channel of said members and a protective backing sheet secured to said backing support surface of said members. 6) The picture frame, according to claim 2, wherein said members are made from wood. 7) The picture frame, according to claim 2, wherein said members are made from metal. 8) The picture frame, according to claim 5, wherein said protective backing sheet is secured to said backing support surface using an adhesive. 9) The picture frame, according to claim 5, wherein said protective backing sheet is secured to said backing support surface using staples. 10) The picture frame, according to claim 1, wherein said cleat-channel includes a front surface which is parallel to and spaced from said angular engagement surface, said front surface and said angular engagement surface being spaced a distance which is greater than said thickness of said projection. 11) A system for mounting an item to a wall surface, comprising:
an elongated wall cleat that is horizontally attached to said wall surface, said wall cleat including an upwardly-directed angled projection that extends away from said wall surface at a first prescribed angle, said projection having an rear engagement surface; wherein said item includes an elongated upper member having an integrally formed cleat-channel along its length, said cleat-channel having an angular engagement surface which is disposed at said first prescribed angle with respect to said wall surface, said cleat-channel being sized and shaped to selectively receive said projection of said wall cleat; and wherein said item may be selectively mounted to said wall surface by positioning said item with respect to said wall cleat so that said cleat-channel of said upper member receives said projection of said wall cleat, allowing said angular engagement surface of said cleat-channel to abut against said rear engagement surface of said projection and thereby supporting said frame against said wall surface. 12) The system of claim 11, wherein said item further comprising two side members connected to a lower member, and also connected to said upper member, forming a rectangle. 13) The system of claim 12, wherein said cleat-channel is also integrally formed in said side members and said lower member. 14) The system of claim 13, wherein said members each include a front surface, a picture holding channel, a top surface, a rear surface and a backing support surface, said backing support surface being parallel to said rear surface and positioned between said rear surface and said picture holding channel, said cleat-channel being located between said backing support surface and said rear surface. 15) The system of claim 14, further comprising a planar picture positioned within said picture holding channel of said members and a protective backing sheet secured to said backing support surface of said members. 16) The system of claim 11, wherein said item is a shelf. 17) The system of claim 12, wherein said members are made from metal. 18) The system of claim 15, wherein said protective backing sheet is secured to said backing support surface using an adhesive. 19) The system of claim 11, wherein said cleat-channel includes a front surface which is parallel to and spaced from said angular engagement surface, said front surface and said angular engagement surface being spaced a distance which is greater than said thickness of said projection. 20) An L-shaped shelf selectively mountable to a horizontal wall cleat attached to a wall surface, said wall cleat includes an upwardly-directed angled projection that extends away from said wall surface at a first prescribed angle, said projection having an rear engagement surface and a thickness, said shelf comprising:
an elongated back wall having an integrally formed cleat-channel along its length, said cleat-channel having an angular engagement surface which is disposed at said first prescribed angle with respect to said wall surface; and wherein said shelf is selectively mounted to said wall cleat by positioning said shelf with respect to said wall cleat so that said cleat-channel of said back wall receives said projection of said wall cleat, allowing said angular engagement surface of said cleat-channel to abut against said rear engagement surface of said projection and thereby supporting said shelf against said wall surface. | A frame mounting system for hanging frames on a wall surface includes a wall-mount cleat and a product-side cleat that is integrally-formed in at least one side frame rails of a frame during the manufacture of the frame. The two cleats are sized and shaped to selectively and snugly engage each other. A user simply mounts the wall-mount cleat level to a wall surface and then engages the product-side cleat with the wall mount cleat. An additional feature of the present invention is a flat surface that is formed in the frame rail adjacent to the integrally formed cleat. This flat surface is sized and shaped to receive and support a backing material by either staples or an appropriate adhesive to help protect the rear of the picture or painting.1) A picture frame selectively mountable to a horizontal wall cleat attached to a wall surface, said wall cleat includes an upwardly-directed angled projection that extends away from said wall surface at a first prescribed angle, said projection having a rear engagement surface and a thickness, said picture frame comprising:
an elongated upper member having an integrally formed cleat-channel along its length, said cleat-channel having an angular engagement surface which is disposed at said first prescribed angle with respect to said wall surface and which faces away from said wall surface; and wherein said picture is selectively mounted to said wall cleat by positioning said picture with respect to said wall cleat so that said cleat-channel of said upper member receives said projection of said wall cleat, allowing said angular engagement surface of said cleat-channel to abut against said rear engagement surface of said projection and thereby supporting said frame against said wall surface. 2) The picture frame, according to claim 1, further comprising two side members connected to a lower member, and also connected to said upper member, forming a rectangle. 3) The picture frame, according to claim 2, wherein said cleat-channel is also integrally formed in said side members and said lower member. 4) The picture frame, according to claim 3, wherein said members each include a front surface, a picture holding channel, a top surface, a rear surface and a backing support surface, said backing support surface being parallel to said rear surface and positioned between said rear surface and said picture holding channel, said cleat-channel being located between said backing support surface and said rear surface. 5) The picture frame, according to claim 4, further comprising a planar picture positioned within said picture holding channel of said members and a protective backing sheet secured to said backing support surface of said members. 6) The picture frame, according to claim 2, wherein said members are made from wood. 7) The picture frame, according to claim 2, wherein said members are made from metal. 8) The picture frame, according to claim 5, wherein said protective backing sheet is secured to said backing support surface using an adhesive. 9) The picture frame, according to claim 5, wherein said protective backing sheet is secured to said backing support surface using staples. 10) The picture frame, according to claim 1, wherein said cleat-channel includes a front surface which is parallel to and spaced from said angular engagement surface, said front surface and said angular engagement surface being spaced a distance which is greater than said thickness of said projection. 11) A system for mounting an item to a wall surface, comprising:
an elongated wall cleat that is horizontally attached to said wall surface, said wall cleat including an upwardly-directed angled projection that extends away from said wall surface at a first prescribed angle, said projection having an rear engagement surface; wherein said item includes an elongated upper member having an integrally formed cleat-channel along its length, said cleat-channel having an angular engagement surface which is disposed at said first prescribed angle with respect to said wall surface, said cleat-channel being sized and shaped to selectively receive said projection of said wall cleat; and wherein said item may be selectively mounted to said wall surface by positioning said item with respect to said wall cleat so that said cleat-channel of said upper member receives said projection of said wall cleat, allowing said angular engagement surface of said cleat-channel to abut against said rear engagement surface of said projection and thereby supporting said frame against said wall surface. 12) The system of claim 11, wherein said item further comprising two side members connected to a lower member, and also connected to said upper member, forming a rectangle. 13) The system of claim 12, wherein said cleat-channel is also integrally formed in said side members and said lower member. 14) The system of claim 13, wherein said members each include a front surface, a picture holding channel, a top surface, a rear surface and a backing support surface, said backing support surface being parallel to said rear surface and positioned between said rear surface and said picture holding channel, said cleat-channel being located between said backing support surface and said rear surface. 15) The system of claim 14, further comprising a planar picture positioned within said picture holding channel of said members and a protective backing sheet secured to said backing support surface of said members. 16) The system of claim 11, wherein said item is a shelf. 17) The system of claim 12, wherein said members are made from metal. 18) The system of claim 15, wherein said protective backing sheet is secured to said backing support surface using an adhesive. 19) The system of claim 11, wherein said cleat-channel includes a front surface which is parallel to and spaced from said angular engagement surface, said front surface and said angular engagement surface being spaced a distance which is greater than said thickness of said projection. 20) An L-shaped shelf selectively mountable to a horizontal wall cleat attached to a wall surface, said wall cleat includes an upwardly-directed angled projection that extends away from said wall surface at a first prescribed angle, said projection having an rear engagement surface and a thickness, said shelf comprising:
an elongated back wall having an integrally formed cleat-channel along its length, said cleat-channel having an angular engagement surface which is disposed at said first prescribed angle with respect to said wall surface; and wherein said shelf is selectively mounted to said wall cleat by positioning said shelf with respect to said wall cleat so that said cleat-channel of said back wall receives said projection of said wall cleat, allowing said angular engagement surface of said cleat-channel to abut against said rear engagement surface of said projection and thereby supporting said shelf against said wall surface. | 3,600 |
348,505 | 16,806,022 | 3,631 | A frame mounting system for hanging frames on a wall surface includes a wall-mount cleat and a product-side cleat that is integrally-formed in at least one side frame rails of a frame during the manufacture of the frame. The two cleats are sized and shaped to selectively and snugly engage each other. A user simply mounts the wall-mount cleat level to a wall surface and then engages the product-side cleat with the wall mount cleat. An additional feature of the present invention is a flat surface that is formed in the frame rail adjacent to the integrally formed cleat. This flat surface is sized and shaped to receive and support a backing material by either staples or an appropriate adhesive to help protect the rear of the picture or painting. | 1) A picture frame selectively mountable to a horizontal wall cleat attached to a wall surface, said wall cleat includes an upwardly-directed angled projection that extends away from said wall surface at a first prescribed angle, said projection having a rear engagement surface and a thickness, said picture frame comprising:
an elongated upper member having an integrally formed cleat-channel along its length, said cleat-channel having an angular engagement surface which is disposed at said first prescribed angle with respect to said wall surface and which faces away from said wall surface; and wherein said picture is selectively mounted to said wall cleat by positioning said picture with respect to said wall cleat so that said cleat-channel of said upper member receives said projection of said wall cleat, allowing said angular engagement surface of said cleat-channel to abut against said rear engagement surface of said projection and thereby supporting said frame against said wall surface. 2) The picture frame, according to claim 1, further comprising two side members connected to a lower member, and also connected to said upper member, forming a rectangle. 3) The picture frame, according to claim 2, wherein said cleat-channel is also integrally formed in said side members and said lower member. 4) The picture frame, according to claim 3, wherein said members each include a front surface, a picture holding channel, a top surface, a rear surface and a backing support surface, said backing support surface being parallel to said rear surface and positioned between said rear surface and said picture holding channel, said cleat-channel being located between said backing support surface and said rear surface. 5) The picture frame, according to claim 4, further comprising a planar picture positioned within said picture holding channel of said members and a protective backing sheet secured to said backing support surface of said members. 6) The picture frame, according to claim 2, wherein said members are made from wood. 7) The picture frame, according to claim 2, wherein said members are made from metal. 8) The picture frame, according to claim 5, wherein said protective backing sheet is secured to said backing support surface using an adhesive. 9) The picture frame, according to claim 5, wherein said protective backing sheet is secured to said backing support surface using staples. 10) The picture frame, according to claim 1, wherein said cleat-channel includes a front surface which is parallel to and spaced from said angular engagement surface, said front surface and said angular engagement surface being spaced a distance which is greater than said thickness of said projection. 11) A system for mounting an item to a wall surface, comprising:
an elongated wall cleat that is horizontally attached to said wall surface, said wall cleat including an upwardly-directed angled projection that extends away from said wall surface at a first prescribed angle, said projection having an rear engagement surface; wherein said item includes an elongated upper member having an integrally formed cleat-channel along its length, said cleat-channel having an angular engagement surface which is disposed at said first prescribed angle with respect to said wall surface, said cleat-channel being sized and shaped to selectively receive said projection of said wall cleat; and wherein said item may be selectively mounted to said wall surface by positioning said item with respect to said wall cleat so that said cleat-channel of said upper member receives said projection of said wall cleat, allowing said angular engagement surface of said cleat-channel to abut against said rear engagement surface of said projection and thereby supporting said frame against said wall surface. 12) The system of claim 11, wherein said item further comprising two side members connected to a lower member, and also connected to said upper member, forming a rectangle. 13) The system of claim 12, wherein said cleat-channel is also integrally formed in said side members and said lower member. 14) The system of claim 13, wherein said members each include a front surface, a picture holding channel, a top surface, a rear surface and a backing support surface, said backing support surface being parallel to said rear surface and positioned between said rear surface and said picture holding channel, said cleat-channel being located between said backing support surface and said rear surface. 15) The system of claim 14, further comprising a planar picture positioned within said picture holding channel of said members and a protective backing sheet secured to said backing support surface of said members. 16) The system of claim 11, wherein said item is a shelf. 17) The system of claim 12, wherein said members are made from metal. 18) The system of claim 15, wherein said protective backing sheet is secured to said backing support surface using an adhesive. 19) The system of claim 11, wherein said cleat-channel includes a front surface which is parallel to and spaced from said angular engagement surface, said front surface and said angular engagement surface being spaced a distance which is greater than said thickness of said projection. 20) An L-shaped shelf selectively mountable to a horizontal wall cleat attached to a wall surface, said wall cleat includes an upwardly-directed angled projection that extends away from said wall surface at a first prescribed angle, said projection having an rear engagement surface and a thickness, said shelf comprising:
an elongated back wall having an integrally formed cleat-channel along its length, said cleat-channel having an angular engagement surface which is disposed at said first prescribed angle with respect to said wall surface; and wherein said shelf is selectively mounted to said wall cleat by positioning said shelf with respect to said wall cleat so that said cleat-channel of said back wall receives said projection of said wall cleat, allowing said angular engagement surface of said cleat-channel to abut against said rear engagement surface of said projection and thereby supporting said shelf against said wall surface. | A frame mounting system for hanging frames on a wall surface includes a wall-mount cleat and a product-side cleat that is integrally-formed in at least one side frame rails of a frame during the manufacture of the frame. The two cleats are sized and shaped to selectively and snugly engage each other. A user simply mounts the wall-mount cleat level to a wall surface and then engages the product-side cleat with the wall mount cleat. An additional feature of the present invention is a flat surface that is formed in the frame rail adjacent to the integrally formed cleat. This flat surface is sized and shaped to receive and support a backing material by either staples or an appropriate adhesive to help protect the rear of the picture or painting.1) A picture frame selectively mountable to a horizontal wall cleat attached to a wall surface, said wall cleat includes an upwardly-directed angled projection that extends away from said wall surface at a first prescribed angle, said projection having a rear engagement surface and a thickness, said picture frame comprising:
an elongated upper member having an integrally formed cleat-channel along its length, said cleat-channel having an angular engagement surface which is disposed at said first prescribed angle with respect to said wall surface and which faces away from said wall surface; and wherein said picture is selectively mounted to said wall cleat by positioning said picture with respect to said wall cleat so that said cleat-channel of said upper member receives said projection of said wall cleat, allowing said angular engagement surface of said cleat-channel to abut against said rear engagement surface of said projection and thereby supporting said frame against said wall surface. 2) The picture frame, according to claim 1, further comprising two side members connected to a lower member, and also connected to said upper member, forming a rectangle. 3) The picture frame, according to claim 2, wherein said cleat-channel is also integrally formed in said side members and said lower member. 4) The picture frame, according to claim 3, wherein said members each include a front surface, a picture holding channel, a top surface, a rear surface and a backing support surface, said backing support surface being parallel to said rear surface and positioned between said rear surface and said picture holding channel, said cleat-channel being located between said backing support surface and said rear surface. 5) The picture frame, according to claim 4, further comprising a planar picture positioned within said picture holding channel of said members and a protective backing sheet secured to said backing support surface of said members. 6) The picture frame, according to claim 2, wherein said members are made from wood. 7) The picture frame, according to claim 2, wherein said members are made from metal. 8) The picture frame, according to claim 5, wherein said protective backing sheet is secured to said backing support surface using an adhesive. 9) The picture frame, according to claim 5, wherein said protective backing sheet is secured to said backing support surface using staples. 10) The picture frame, according to claim 1, wherein said cleat-channel includes a front surface which is parallel to and spaced from said angular engagement surface, said front surface and said angular engagement surface being spaced a distance which is greater than said thickness of said projection. 11) A system for mounting an item to a wall surface, comprising:
an elongated wall cleat that is horizontally attached to said wall surface, said wall cleat including an upwardly-directed angled projection that extends away from said wall surface at a first prescribed angle, said projection having an rear engagement surface; wherein said item includes an elongated upper member having an integrally formed cleat-channel along its length, said cleat-channel having an angular engagement surface which is disposed at said first prescribed angle with respect to said wall surface, said cleat-channel being sized and shaped to selectively receive said projection of said wall cleat; and wherein said item may be selectively mounted to said wall surface by positioning said item with respect to said wall cleat so that said cleat-channel of said upper member receives said projection of said wall cleat, allowing said angular engagement surface of said cleat-channel to abut against said rear engagement surface of said projection and thereby supporting said frame against said wall surface. 12) The system of claim 11, wherein said item further comprising two side members connected to a lower member, and also connected to said upper member, forming a rectangle. 13) The system of claim 12, wherein said cleat-channel is also integrally formed in said side members and said lower member. 14) The system of claim 13, wherein said members each include a front surface, a picture holding channel, a top surface, a rear surface and a backing support surface, said backing support surface being parallel to said rear surface and positioned between said rear surface and said picture holding channel, said cleat-channel being located between said backing support surface and said rear surface. 15) The system of claim 14, further comprising a planar picture positioned within said picture holding channel of said members and a protective backing sheet secured to said backing support surface of said members. 16) The system of claim 11, wherein said item is a shelf. 17) The system of claim 12, wherein said members are made from metal. 18) The system of claim 15, wherein said protective backing sheet is secured to said backing support surface using an adhesive. 19) The system of claim 11, wherein said cleat-channel includes a front surface which is parallel to and spaced from said angular engagement surface, said front surface and said angular engagement surface being spaced a distance which is greater than said thickness of said projection. 20) An L-shaped shelf selectively mountable to a horizontal wall cleat attached to a wall surface, said wall cleat includes an upwardly-directed angled projection that extends away from said wall surface at a first prescribed angle, said projection having an rear engagement surface and a thickness, said shelf comprising:
an elongated back wall having an integrally formed cleat-channel along its length, said cleat-channel having an angular engagement surface which is disposed at said first prescribed angle with respect to said wall surface; and wherein said shelf is selectively mounted to said wall cleat by positioning said shelf with respect to said wall cleat so that said cleat-channel of said back wall receives said projection of said wall cleat, allowing said angular engagement surface of said cleat-channel to abut against said rear engagement surface of said projection and thereby supporting said shelf against said wall surface. | 3,600 |
348,506 | 16,805,996 | 3,631 | A needle actuator assembly for a drug delivery system includes a needle actuator body having a guide surface, a needle shuttle having a cam surface, with the needle shuttle moveable along a vertical axis between a first position and a second position. The needle shuttle is configured to move between the first and second position through engagement between the guide surface of the needle actuator body and the cam surface of the needle shuttle. The assembly further including a needle received by the needle shuttle. | 1. A needle actuator assembly for a drug delivery system, the needle actuator assembly comprising:
a needle actuator body having a guide surface, the needle actuator body being configured to move between a pre-use position and a post-use position; a needle shuttle comprising:
a cam surface; and
a biasing member,
wherein the needle shuttle is moveable along a vertical axis between a retracted position and an extended position, the needle shuttle configured to move between the retracted position and the extended position through engagement between the guide surface of the needle actuator body and the cam surface of the needle shuttle and responsive to the needle actuator body moving from the pre-use position to the post-use position, and
wherein, when the needle actuator body is in the post-use position, the biasing member of the needle shuttle biases the needle shuttle toward the extended position in a direction substantially parallel with the vertical axis; and
a needle received by the needle shuttle. 2. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a guide post, wherein the needle shuttle moves along the guide post. 3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the guide post is linear. 4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the cam surface of the needle shuttle comprises a first cam member and a second cam member spaced from the first cam member, and wherein the guide surface is non-linear and comprises a first side and a second side positioned opposite from the first side. 5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the second cam member of the needle shuttle is configured to engage the second side of the guide surface to move the needle shuttle from the retracted position to the extended position, and wherein the first cam member of the needle shuttle is configured to engage the first side of the guide surface to move the needle shuttle from the second position to the first position. 6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, when the needle actuator body moves between the pre-use position and the post-use position, the needle shuttle is disposed internal with respect to the needle actuator body. 7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, when the needle shuttle is in the extended position, the needle shuttle is disposed internal with respect to the needle actuator body. | A needle actuator assembly for a drug delivery system includes a needle actuator body having a guide surface, a needle shuttle having a cam surface, with the needle shuttle moveable along a vertical axis between a first position and a second position. The needle shuttle is configured to move between the first and second position through engagement between the guide surface of the needle actuator body and the cam surface of the needle shuttle. The assembly further including a needle received by the needle shuttle.1. A needle actuator assembly for a drug delivery system, the needle actuator assembly comprising:
a needle actuator body having a guide surface, the needle actuator body being configured to move between a pre-use position and a post-use position; a needle shuttle comprising:
a cam surface; and
a biasing member,
wherein the needle shuttle is moveable along a vertical axis between a retracted position and an extended position, the needle shuttle configured to move between the retracted position and the extended position through engagement between the guide surface of the needle actuator body and the cam surface of the needle shuttle and responsive to the needle actuator body moving from the pre-use position to the post-use position, and
wherein, when the needle actuator body is in the post-use position, the biasing member of the needle shuttle biases the needle shuttle toward the extended position in a direction substantially parallel with the vertical axis; and
a needle received by the needle shuttle. 2. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a guide post, wherein the needle shuttle moves along the guide post. 3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the guide post is linear. 4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the cam surface of the needle shuttle comprises a first cam member and a second cam member spaced from the first cam member, and wherein the guide surface is non-linear and comprises a first side and a second side positioned opposite from the first side. 5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the second cam member of the needle shuttle is configured to engage the second side of the guide surface to move the needle shuttle from the retracted position to the extended position, and wherein the first cam member of the needle shuttle is configured to engage the first side of the guide surface to move the needle shuttle from the second position to the first position. 6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, when the needle actuator body moves between the pre-use position and the post-use position, the needle shuttle is disposed internal with respect to the needle actuator body. 7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, when the needle shuttle is in the extended position, the needle shuttle is disposed internal with respect to the needle actuator body. | 3,600 |
348,507 | 16,805,982 | 3,631 | A sleeve member of a movable unit has a first pressure receiving surface and a second pressure receiving surface. The first pressure receiving surface receives a first fluid pressure in an axial direction opposite to a biasing force of a spring, when a valve member closes a seat opening portion. The second pressure receiving surface receives a second fluid pressure in the same axial direction to a direction of the biasing force of the spring, when the valve member closes the seat opening portion. A first surface area and a second surface area are made to be equal to each other. Each of the first and the second surface areas is an area of a projected portion on a virtual plane perpendicular to the axial direction. Each of the projected portions is obtained when each of the first and the second pressure receiving surfaces is projected to the virtual plane. | 1. A valve device for increasing or decreasing a flow amount of fluid comprising:
a valve housing; a movable unit movably provided in the valve housing in its axial direction and having a fluid flow passage extending in the axial direction so that the fluid flows through the fluid flow passage, the movable unit further having a valve seat surface formed around a seat opening portion which is formed at an axial-inner end of the fluid flow passage in the axial direction; a valve member rotatably provided in the valve housing and having a valve surface, which is opposed to and in contact with the valve seat surface in the axial direction, wherein the valve member operatively opens or closes the seat opening portion; and a biasing member for generating a biasing force to bias the movable unit in the axial direction to the valve member, so that the biasing member pushes the valve seat surface to the valve surface by the biasing force, wherein the fluid flows through the fluid flow passage from an axial-outer side to an axial-inner side of the axial direction when the valve member opens the seat opening portion, wherein the movable unit has a first pressure receiving surface and a second pressure receiving surface, wherein the first pressure receiving surface receives a first fluid pressure from the fluid in the axial direction opposite to a direction of the biasing force, when the valve member closes the seat opening portion, wherein the second pressure receiving surface receives a second fluid pressure from the fluid in the axial direction opposite to a direction of the first fluid pressure, when the valve member closes the seat opening portion, wherein a first surface area and a second surface area is equal to each other, and wherein each of the first surface area and the second surface area is an area of a projected portion on a virtual plane perpendicular to the axial direction, wherein each of the projected portions is obtained when each of the first and the second pressure receiving surfaces is projected to the virtual plane in the axial direction. 2. The valve device according to claim 1, further comprising;
a sleeve sealing member of an annular shape; and a seal holding member for holding the sleeve sealing member on an axial-inner side of the sleeve sealing member, wherein the movable unit includes a cylindrical portion extending in the axial direction and forming the fluid flow passage in an inside of the cylindrical portion, wherein the valve housing has;
a spacer member provided at an outside of the cylindrical portion in a radial direction thereof and surrounding the cylindrical portion; and
a plate supporting portion formed at a position of an axial-inner side of the seal holding member and opposing to a part of the seal holding member in the axial direction,
wherein the sleeve sealing member is arranged at the outside of the cylindrical portion in the radial direction for sealing a radial gap between the cylindrical portion and the spacer member, and wherein the plate supporting portion restricts a movement of the sleeve sealing member in the axial direction to the axial-inner side, when the sleeve sealing member is brought into contact with the plate supporting portion. 3. The valve device according to claim 1, further comprising;
a sleeve sealing member of an annular shape; and a seal holding member for holding the sleeve sealing member on an axial-inner side of the sleeve sealing member, wherein the movable unit includes a cylindrical portion extending in the axial direction and forming the fluid flow passage in an inside of the cylindrical portion, wherein the valve housing includes a spacer member provided at an outside of the cylindrical portion in a radial direction thereof and surrounding the cylindrical portion, wherein the sleeve sealing member is arranged at the outside of the cylindrical portion in the radial direction for sealing a radial gap between the cylindrical portion and the spacer member, and wherein the seal holding member is fixed to the valve housing. 4. The valve device according to claim 1, further comprising;
a sleeve sealing member of an annular shape; a seal holding member for holding the sleeve sealing member on an axial-inner side of the sleeve sealing member; and a compressible member made of elastic material, wherein the movable unit includes a cylindrical portion extending in the axial direction and forming the fluid flow passage in an inside of the cylindrical portion, wherein the valve housing has;
a spacer member provided at an outside of the cylindrical portion in a radial direction thereof and surrounding the cylindrical portion; and
a plate supporting portion formed at a position of an axial-inner side of the seal holding member and opposing to a part of the seal holding member in the axial direction,
wherein the sleeve sealing member is arranged at the outside of the cylindrical portion in the radial direction for sealing a radial gap between the cylindrical portion and the spacer member, and wherein the compressible member is arranged between the plate supporting portion and the seal holding member in a condition that the compressible member is compressed by and between them in the axial direction. 5. The valve device according to claim 1, further comprising;
a sleeve sealing member of an annular shape; and a seal holding member for holding the sleeve sealing member on an axial-inner side of the sleeve sealing member, wherein the movable unit includes;
a cylindrical portion extending in the axial direction and forming the fluid flow passage in an inside of the cylindrical portion; and
a seat holding portion extending from the cylindrical portion in a radial outward direction thereof,
wherein the valve housing includes;
a spacer member provided at an outside of the cylindrical portion in a radial direction thereof and surrounding the cylindrical portion; and
a plate supporting portion formed at a position of an axial-inner side of the seal holding member and opposing to a part of the seal holding member in the axial direction,
wherein the sleeve sealing member is arranged at the outside of the cylindrical portion in the radial direction for sealing a radial gap between the cylindrical portion and the spacer member, and wherein the plate supporting portion is formed in the valve housing at an outside of the seat holding portion in the radial direction, and wherein the seal holding member extends in the radial outward direction from an inside contacting position at which the seal holding member is in contact with an axial-inner side of the sleeve sealing member to an outside contacting position at which the seal holding member is in contact with an axial-outer side of the plate supporting portion. 6. The valve device according to claim 2, wherein
the movable unit includes a seat holding portion extending from the cylindrical portion in a radial outward direction thereof, the biasing member is composed of a spring, which is arranged at an axial-inner side of the seal holding member, and the biasing member is held between the seal holding member and the seat holding portion in a compressed condition in the axial direction. 7. The valve device according to claim 2, wherein
the movable unit includes a valve seat member having the valve seat surface, and the cylindrical portion is integrally formed with the valve seat member as one piece. 8. The valve device according to claim 5, wherein
the seat holding portion extends in the radial outward direction from an axial-inner side of the cylindrical portion, the movable unit includes;
a sleeve member having the cylindrical portion and the seat holding portion; and
a valve seat member of an annular shape, wherein the valve seat member is compressed between the seat holding portion and the valve surface by the biasing force of the biasing member,
the valve seat member has an opposing surface axially opposed to the seat holding portion, and the opposing surface has an annular pushing portion, which is formed in an annular shape and extends in a circumferential direction of the valve seat member, wherein the annular pushing portion is locally pushed strongly by the seat holding portion. 9. The valve device according to claim 5, wherein
the seat holding portion extends in the radial outward direction from an axial-inner side of the cylindrical portion, the movable unit includes;
a sleeve member having the cylindrical portion and the seat holding portion; and
a valve seat member of an annular shape, wherein the valve seat member is compressed between the seat holding portion and the valve surface by the biasing force of the biasing member, and
a seat spacer member is interposed between the seat holding portion and the valve seat member, wherein the seat spacer member is formed in an annular shape along the valve seat member and has a higher elasticity than that of the seat holding portion and the valve seat member. 10. The valve device according to claim 2, wherein
the sleeve sealing member is composed of an X-ring or an O-ring. | A sleeve member of a movable unit has a first pressure receiving surface and a second pressure receiving surface. The first pressure receiving surface receives a first fluid pressure in an axial direction opposite to a biasing force of a spring, when a valve member closes a seat opening portion. The second pressure receiving surface receives a second fluid pressure in the same axial direction to a direction of the biasing force of the spring, when the valve member closes the seat opening portion. A first surface area and a second surface area are made to be equal to each other. Each of the first and the second surface areas is an area of a projected portion on a virtual plane perpendicular to the axial direction. Each of the projected portions is obtained when each of the first and the second pressure receiving surfaces is projected to the virtual plane.1. A valve device for increasing or decreasing a flow amount of fluid comprising:
a valve housing; a movable unit movably provided in the valve housing in its axial direction and having a fluid flow passage extending in the axial direction so that the fluid flows through the fluid flow passage, the movable unit further having a valve seat surface formed around a seat opening portion which is formed at an axial-inner end of the fluid flow passage in the axial direction; a valve member rotatably provided in the valve housing and having a valve surface, which is opposed to and in contact with the valve seat surface in the axial direction, wherein the valve member operatively opens or closes the seat opening portion; and a biasing member for generating a biasing force to bias the movable unit in the axial direction to the valve member, so that the biasing member pushes the valve seat surface to the valve surface by the biasing force, wherein the fluid flows through the fluid flow passage from an axial-outer side to an axial-inner side of the axial direction when the valve member opens the seat opening portion, wherein the movable unit has a first pressure receiving surface and a second pressure receiving surface, wherein the first pressure receiving surface receives a first fluid pressure from the fluid in the axial direction opposite to a direction of the biasing force, when the valve member closes the seat opening portion, wherein the second pressure receiving surface receives a second fluid pressure from the fluid in the axial direction opposite to a direction of the first fluid pressure, when the valve member closes the seat opening portion, wherein a first surface area and a second surface area is equal to each other, and wherein each of the first surface area and the second surface area is an area of a projected portion on a virtual plane perpendicular to the axial direction, wherein each of the projected portions is obtained when each of the first and the second pressure receiving surfaces is projected to the virtual plane in the axial direction. 2. The valve device according to claim 1, further comprising;
a sleeve sealing member of an annular shape; and a seal holding member for holding the sleeve sealing member on an axial-inner side of the sleeve sealing member, wherein the movable unit includes a cylindrical portion extending in the axial direction and forming the fluid flow passage in an inside of the cylindrical portion, wherein the valve housing has;
a spacer member provided at an outside of the cylindrical portion in a radial direction thereof and surrounding the cylindrical portion; and
a plate supporting portion formed at a position of an axial-inner side of the seal holding member and opposing to a part of the seal holding member in the axial direction,
wherein the sleeve sealing member is arranged at the outside of the cylindrical portion in the radial direction for sealing a radial gap between the cylindrical portion and the spacer member, and wherein the plate supporting portion restricts a movement of the sleeve sealing member in the axial direction to the axial-inner side, when the sleeve sealing member is brought into contact with the plate supporting portion. 3. The valve device according to claim 1, further comprising;
a sleeve sealing member of an annular shape; and a seal holding member for holding the sleeve sealing member on an axial-inner side of the sleeve sealing member, wherein the movable unit includes a cylindrical portion extending in the axial direction and forming the fluid flow passage in an inside of the cylindrical portion, wherein the valve housing includes a spacer member provided at an outside of the cylindrical portion in a radial direction thereof and surrounding the cylindrical portion, wherein the sleeve sealing member is arranged at the outside of the cylindrical portion in the radial direction for sealing a radial gap between the cylindrical portion and the spacer member, and wherein the seal holding member is fixed to the valve housing. 4. The valve device according to claim 1, further comprising;
a sleeve sealing member of an annular shape; a seal holding member for holding the sleeve sealing member on an axial-inner side of the sleeve sealing member; and a compressible member made of elastic material, wherein the movable unit includes a cylindrical portion extending in the axial direction and forming the fluid flow passage in an inside of the cylindrical portion, wherein the valve housing has;
a spacer member provided at an outside of the cylindrical portion in a radial direction thereof and surrounding the cylindrical portion; and
a plate supporting portion formed at a position of an axial-inner side of the seal holding member and opposing to a part of the seal holding member in the axial direction,
wherein the sleeve sealing member is arranged at the outside of the cylindrical portion in the radial direction for sealing a radial gap between the cylindrical portion and the spacer member, and wherein the compressible member is arranged between the plate supporting portion and the seal holding member in a condition that the compressible member is compressed by and between them in the axial direction. 5. The valve device according to claim 1, further comprising;
a sleeve sealing member of an annular shape; and a seal holding member for holding the sleeve sealing member on an axial-inner side of the sleeve sealing member, wherein the movable unit includes;
a cylindrical portion extending in the axial direction and forming the fluid flow passage in an inside of the cylindrical portion; and
a seat holding portion extending from the cylindrical portion in a radial outward direction thereof,
wherein the valve housing includes;
a spacer member provided at an outside of the cylindrical portion in a radial direction thereof and surrounding the cylindrical portion; and
a plate supporting portion formed at a position of an axial-inner side of the seal holding member and opposing to a part of the seal holding member in the axial direction,
wherein the sleeve sealing member is arranged at the outside of the cylindrical portion in the radial direction for sealing a radial gap between the cylindrical portion and the spacer member, and wherein the plate supporting portion is formed in the valve housing at an outside of the seat holding portion in the radial direction, and wherein the seal holding member extends in the radial outward direction from an inside contacting position at which the seal holding member is in contact with an axial-inner side of the sleeve sealing member to an outside contacting position at which the seal holding member is in contact with an axial-outer side of the plate supporting portion. 6. The valve device according to claim 2, wherein
the movable unit includes a seat holding portion extending from the cylindrical portion in a radial outward direction thereof, the biasing member is composed of a spring, which is arranged at an axial-inner side of the seal holding member, and the biasing member is held between the seal holding member and the seat holding portion in a compressed condition in the axial direction. 7. The valve device according to claim 2, wherein
the movable unit includes a valve seat member having the valve seat surface, and the cylindrical portion is integrally formed with the valve seat member as one piece. 8. The valve device according to claim 5, wherein
the seat holding portion extends in the radial outward direction from an axial-inner side of the cylindrical portion, the movable unit includes;
a sleeve member having the cylindrical portion and the seat holding portion; and
a valve seat member of an annular shape, wherein the valve seat member is compressed between the seat holding portion and the valve surface by the biasing force of the biasing member,
the valve seat member has an opposing surface axially opposed to the seat holding portion, and the opposing surface has an annular pushing portion, which is formed in an annular shape and extends in a circumferential direction of the valve seat member, wherein the annular pushing portion is locally pushed strongly by the seat holding portion. 9. The valve device according to claim 5, wherein
the seat holding portion extends in the radial outward direction from an axial-inner side of the cylindrical portion, the movable unit includes;
a sleeve member having the cylindrical portion and the seat holding portion; and
a valve seat member of an annular shape, wherein the valve seat member is compressed between the seat holding portion and the valve surface by the biasing force of the biasing member, and
a seat spacer member is interposed between the seat holding portion and the valve seat member, wherein the seat spacer member is formed in an annular shape along the valve seat member and has a higher elasticity than that of the seat holding portion and the valve seat member. 10. The valve device according to claim 2, wherein
the sleeve sealing member is composed of an X-ring or an O-ring. | 3,600 |
348,508 | 16,806,015 | 3,631 | A methods and compositions for inhibiting iron sulfide scale in an oil production system having a well in a hydrocarbon-bearing formation. The method includes the steps of: supplying an aqueous scale-inhibiting solution comprising a water-soluble metal compound and a scale inhibitor, the water-soluble metal compound comprising a metal selected from the group consisting of lead, zinc, and combinations of the same; and wherein the scale inhibitor comprises a compound selected from the group consisting of phosphino polymers, inorganic polyphosphinates, organic phosphate esters, organic phosphonates, organic aminophosphates, polyphosphonates, polycarboxylates, and combinations of the same; and injecting the aqueous scale-inhibiting solution through the well such that iron sulfide scale is inhibited in the oil production system. | 1. A method for inhibiting iron sulfide scale in an oil production system having a well in a hydrocarbon-bearing formation, the method comprising the steps of:
supplying an aqueous scale-inhibiting solution comprising a water-soluble metal compound and a scale inhibitor, the water-soluble metal compound comprising a metal selected from the group consisting of lead, zinc, and combinations of the same; and wherein the scale inhibitor comprises a compound selected from the group consisting of phosphino polymers, inorganic polyphosphinates, organic phosphate esters, organic phosphonates, organic aminophosphates, polyphosphonates, polycarboxylates, and combinations of the same; injecting the aqueous scale-inhibiting solution through the well such that iron sulfide scale is inhibited in the oil production system. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the metal of the water-soluble metal compound has an oxidation number of 2. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the metal of the water-soluble metal compound is zinc, and the water-soluble metal compound comprises a zinc compound selected from the group consisting of zinc halides, hydrates of zinc halides, zinc acetate, zinc acetate dihydrate, and combinations of the same. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the metal of the water-soluble metal compound is lead, and the water-soluble metal compound comprises a lead compound selected from the group consisting of lead halides, hydrates of lead halides, lead acetate, lead acetate dihydrate, and combinations of the same. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the scale inhibitor comprises phosphino carboxylic acid. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the scale inhibitor comprises a terpolymer of maleic acid. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the scale inhibitor and the water-soluble metal compound have a weight ratio that is between 100:1 and 2:1 scale inhibitor to water-soluble metal compound. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the aqueous scale-inhibiting solution has pH in the range of 2-8. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of injecting the aqueous scale-inhibiting solution comprises injecting the aqueous scale-inhibiting solution as a squeeze treatment into the hydrocarbon-bearing formation. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of injecting the aqueous scale-inhibiting solution into the well comprises injecting the aqueous scale-inhibiting solution as a continuous injection treatment. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the hydrocarbon-bearing formation contains a hydrocarbon fluid; and where the hydrocarbon fluid comprises sulfur compounds in the range of 0.0004-90 volume percent; and where the sulfur compounds are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen sulfide, mercaptans, and combinations of the same. 12. An aqueous scale-inhibiting solution for inhibiting deposition of iron sulfide scale in an oil production system, the aqueous scale-inhibiting solution comprising:
a water-soluble metal compound, the water-soluble metal compound comprising a metal selected from the group consisting of lead, zinc, and combinations of the same; and a scale inhibitor, wherein the scale inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of phosphino polymers, inorganic polyphosphinates, organic phosphate esters, organic phosphonates, organic aminophosphates, polyphosphonates, polycarboxylates, and combinations of the same. 13. The aqueous scale-inhibiting solution of claim 12, wherein the metal of the water-soluble metal compound has an oxidation number of 2. 14. The aqueous scale-inhibiting solution of claim 13, wherein the metal of the water-soluble metal compound is zinc, and the water-soluble metal compound comprises a zinc compound selected from the group consisting of zinc halides, hydrates of zinc halides, zinc acetate, zinc acetate dihydrate, and combinations of the same. 15. The aqueous scale-inhibiting solution of claim 13, wherein the metal of the water-soluble metal compound is lead, and the water-soluble metal compound comprises a lead compound selected from the group consisting of lead halides, hydrates of lead halides, lead acetate, lead acetate dihydrate, and combinations of the same. 16. The aqueous scale-inhibiting solution of claim 12, wherein the scale inhibitor comprises phosphino carboxylic acid. 17. The aqueous scale-inhibiting solution of claim 12, wherein the scale inhibitor comprises a terpolymer of maleic acid. 18. The aqueous scale-inhibiting solution of claim 12, wherein the scale inhibitor and the water-soluble metal compound have a weight ratio that is between 100:1 and 2:1 scale inhibitor to water-soluble metal compound. 19. The aqueous scale-inhibiting solution of claim 12, wherein the aqueous scale-inhibiting solution has pH in the range of 2-8. | A methods and compositions for inhibiting iron sulfide scale in an oil production system having a well in a hydrocarbon-bearing formation. The method includes the steps of: supplying an aqueous scale-inhibiting solution comprising a water-soluble metal compound and a scale inhibitor, the water-soluble metal compound comprising a metal selected from the group consisting of lead, zinc, and combinations of the same; and wherein the scale inhibitor comprises a compound selected from the group consisting of phosphino polymers, inorganic polyphosphinates, organic phosphate esters, organic phosphonates, organic aminophosphates, polyphosphonates, polycarboxylates, and combinations of the same; and injecting the aqueous scale-inhibiting solution through the well such that iron sulfide scale is inhibited in the oil production system.1. A method for inhibiting iron sulfide scale in an oil production system having a well in a hydrocarbon-bearing formation, the method comprising the steps of:
supplying an aqueous scale-inhibiting solution comprising a water-soluble metal compound and a scale inhibitor, the water-soluble metal compound comprising a metal selected from the group consisting of lead, zinc, and combinations of the same; and wherein the scale inhibitor comprises a compound selected from the group consisting of phosphino polymers, inorganic polyphosphinates, organic phosphate esters, organic phosphonates, organic aminophosphates, polyphosphonates, polycarboxylates, and combinations of the same; injecting the aqueous scale-inhibiting solution through the well such that iron sulfide scale is inhibited in the oil production system. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the metal of the water-soluble metal compound has an oxidation number of 2. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the metal of the water-soluble metal compound is zinc, and the water-soluble metal compound comprises a zinc compound selected from the group consisting of zinc halides, hydrates of zinc halides, zinc acetate, zinc acetate dihydrate, and combinations of the same. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the metal of the water-soluble metal compound is lead, and the water-soluble metal compound comprises a lead compound selected from the group consisting of lead halides, hydrates of lead halides, lead acetate, lead acetate dihydrate, and combinations of the same. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the scale inhibitor comprises phosphino carboxylic acid. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the scale inhibitor comprises a terpolymer of maleic acid. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the scale inhibitor and the water-soluble metal compound have a weight ratio that is between 100:1 and 2:1 scale inhibitor to water-soluble metal compound. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the aqueous scale-inhibiting solution has pH in the range of 2-8. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of injecting the aqueous scale-inhibiting solution comprises injecting the aqueous scale-inhibiting solution as a squeeze treatment into the hydrocarbon-bearing formation. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of injecting the aqueous scale-inhibiting solution into the well comprises injecting the aqueous scale-inhibiting solution as a continuous injection treatment. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the hydrocarbon-bearing formation contains a hydrocarbon fluid; and where the hydrocarbon fluid comprises sulfur compounds in the range of 0.0004-90 volume percent; and where the sulfur compounds are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen sulfide, mercaptans, and combinations of the same. 12. An aqueous scale-inhibiting solution for inhibiting deposition of iron sulfide scale in an oil production system, the aqueous scale-inhibiting solution comprising:
a water-soluble metal compound, the water-soluble metal compound comprising a metal selected from the group consisting of lead, zinc, and combinations of the same; and a scale inhibitor, wherein the scale inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of phosphino polymers, inorganic polyphosphinates, organic phosphate esters, organic phosphonates, organic aminophosphates, polyphosphonates, polycarboxylates, and combinations of the same. 13. The aqueous scale-inhibiting solution of claim 12, wherein the metal of the water-soluble metal compound has an oxidation number of 2. 14. The aqueous scale-inhibiting solution of claim 13, wherein the metal of the water-soluble metal compound is zinc, and the water-soluble metal compound comprises a zinc compound selected from the group consisting of zinc halides, hydrates of zinc halides, zinc acetate, zinc acetate dihydrate, and combinations of the same. 15. The aqueous scale-inhibiting solution of claim 13, wherein the metal of the water-soluble metal compound is lead, and the water-soluble metal compound comprises a lead compound selected from the group consisting of lead halides, hydrates of lead halides, lead acetate, lead acetate dihydrate, and combinations of the same. 16. The aqueous scale-inhibiting solution of claim 12, wherein the scale inhibitor comprises phosphino carboxylic acid. 17. The aqueous scale-inhibiting solution of claim 12, wherein the scale inhibitor comprises a terpolymer of maleic acid. 18. The aqueous scale-inhibiting solution of claim 12, wherein the scale inhibitor and the water-soluble metal compound have a weight ratio that is between 100:1 and 2:1 scale inhibitor to water-soluble metal compound. 19. The aqueous scale-inhibiting solution of claim 12, wherein the aqueous scale-inhibiting solution has pH in the range of 2-8. | 3,600 |
348,509 | 16,805,969 | 3,631 | An image sensor comprises: a plurality of pixels each having an avalanche photodiode; and a control unit that controls, for each of a plurality of pixel groups which are obtained by dividing the plurality of pixels, to supply either of a first voltage and a second voltage as a reverse bias voltage of the avalanche photodiodes, wherein the first voltage is greater than a breakdown voltage of the avalanche photodiodes and the second voltage is smaller than the breakdown voltage. | 1. An image sensor comprising:
a plurality of pixels each having an avalanche photodiode; and a control unit that controls, for each of a plurality of pixel groups which are obtained by dividing the plurality of pixels, to supply either of a first voltage and a second voltage as a reverse bias voltage of the avalanche photodiodes, wherein the first voltage is greater than a breakdown voltage of the avalanche photodiodes and the second voltage is smaller than the breakdown voltage, and wherein the control unit is implemented by one or more processors, circuitry or a combination thereof. 2. The image sensor according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls to perform thinning readout of signals from the plurality of pixels by supplying the first voltage to the pixels that belong to one of the plurality of pixel groups, and supplying the second voltage to the other pixels to perform. 3. The image sensor according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls to sequentially read out signals from the plurality of pixels by sequentially performing the control of supplying the first voltage to the pixels that belong to one of the plurality of pixel groups and supplying the second voltage to the other pixel to the plurality of pixel groups. 4. The image sensor according to claim 3, wherein the control unit assigns weights to the plurality of pixel groups, and sets a period of time when the first voltage is supplied to each of the plurality of pixel groups in accordance with the weights. 5. The image sensor according to claim 4, wherein the control unit discretely sets the period of time when the first voltage is supplied. 6. The image sensor according to claim 1, further comprising a first supply circuit that supplies the first voltage and a second supply circuit that supplies the second voltage,
wherein the control unit selects either of the first supply circuit and the second supply circuit such that either of the first voltage and the second voltage is supplied. 7. The image sensor according to claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of pixels includes a first switch that selects the first supply circuit and a second switch that selects the second supply circuit, and the first switch and the second switch are controlled by the control unit. 8. The image sensor according to claim 1, further comprising a counter that counts a number of pulse signals generated based on output of each avalanche photodiode, and outputs a count value. 9. The image sensor according to claim 1, wherein the control unit includes a plurality of logic circuits, each having a plurality of input terminals, that have different configurations from each other and correspond to the plurality of pixel groups, respectively, wherein the plurality of logic circuits outputs different output signals with respect to a same combination of signals input to the plurality of input terminals as control signals for controlling the reverse bias voltage. 10. An image capturing apparatus comprising:
an image sensor having:
a plurality of pixels each having an avalanche photodiode; and
a control unit that controls, for each of a plurality of pixel groups which are obtained by dividing the plurality of pixels, to supply either of a first voltage and a second voltage as a reverse bias voltage of the avalanche photodiodes, wherein the first voltage is greater than a breakdown voltage of the avalanche photodiodes and the second voltage is smaller than the breakdown voltage, and wherein the control unit includes a plurality of logic circuits, each having a plurality of input terminals, that have different configurations from each other and correspond to the plurality of pixel groups, respectively, wherein the plurality of logic circuits outputs different output signals with respect to a same combination of signals input to the plurality of input terminals as control signals for controlling the reverse bias voltage, and
a unit that supplies the signals to be input to the plurality of input terminals of each of the plurality of logic circuits, wherein each unit is implemented by one or more processors, circuitry or a combination thereof. 11. An image processing apparatus comprising:
an image sensor having:
a plurality of pixels each having an avalanche photodiode;
a control unit that controls, for each of a plurality of pixel groups which are obtained by dividing the plurality of pixels, to supply either of a first voltage and a second voltage as a reverse bias voltage of the avalanche photodiodes, wherein the first voltage is greater than a breakdown voltage of the avalanche photodiodes and the second voltage is smaller than the breakdown voltage; and
counters that count numbers of pulse signals generated based on output of the avalanche photodiodes, and output count values, and
a processing unit that processes the count values output from the image sensor and generates image data, wherein each unit is implemented by one or more processors, circuitry or a combination thereof. 12. A control method of controlling an image sensor that has a plurality of pixels each having an avalanche photodiode, the method comprising:
controlling, for each of a plurality of pixel groups which are obtained by dividing the plurality of pixels, to supply either of a first voltage and a second voltage as a reverse bias voltage of the avalanche photodiodes, wherein the first voltage is greater than a breakdown voltage of the avalanche photodiodes and the second voltage is smaller than the breakdown voltage. 13. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, the storage medium storing a program that is executable by the computer, wherein the program includes program code for causing the computer to perform a control method of controlling an image sensor that has a plurality of pixels each having an avalanche photodiode, the method comprising:
controlling, for each of a plurality of pixel groups which are obtained by dividing the plurality of pixels, to supply either of a first voltage and a second voltage as a reverse bias voltage of the avalanche photodiodes, wherein the first voltage is greater than a breakdown voltage of the avalanche photodiodes and the second voltage is smaller than the breakdown voltage. | An image sensor comprises: a plurality of pixels each having an avalanche photodiode; and a control unit that controls, for each of a plurality of pixel groups which are obtained by dividing the plurality of pixels, to supply either of a first voltage and a second voltage as a reverse bias voltage of the avalanche photodiodes, wherein the first voltage is greater than a breakdown voltage of the avalanche photodiodes and the second voltage is smaller than the breakdown voltage.1. An image sensor comprising:
a plurality of pixels each having an avalanche photodiode; and a control unit that controls, for each of a plurality of pixel groups which are obtained by dividing the plurality of pixels, to supply either of a first voltage and a second voltage as a reverse bias voltage of the avalanche photodiodes, wherein the first voltage is greater than a breakdown voltage of the avalanche photodiodes and the second voltage is smaller than the breakdown voltage, and wherein the control unit is implemented by one or more processors, circuitry or a combination thereof. 2. The image sensor according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls to perform thinning readout of signals from the plurality of pixels by supplying the first voltage to the pixels that belong to one of the plurality of pixel groups, and supplying the second voltage to the other pixels to perform. 3. The image sensor according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls to sequentially read out signals from the plurality of pixels by sequentially performing the control of supplying the first voltage to the pixels that belong to one of the plurality of pixel groups and supplying the second voltage to the other pixel to the plurality of pixel groups. 4. The image sensor according to claim 3, wherein the control unit assigns weights to the plurality of pixel groups, and sets a period of time when the first voltage is supplied to each of the plurality of pixel groups in accordance with the weights. 5. The image sensor according to claim 4, wherein the control unit discretely sets the period of time when the first voltage is supplied. 6. The image sensor according to claim 1, further comprising a first supply circuit that supplies the first voltage and a second supply circuit that supplies the second voltage,
wherein the control unit selects either of the first supply circuit and the second supply circuit such that either of the first voltage and the second voltage is supplied. 7. The image sensor according to claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of pixels includes a first switch that selects the first supply circuit and a second switch that selects the second supply circuit, and the first switch and the second switch are controlled by the control unit. 8. The image sensor according to claim 1, further comprising a counter that counts a number of pulse signals generated based on output of each avalanche photodiode, and outputs a count value. 9. The image sensor according to claim 1, wherein the control unit includes a plurality of logic circuits, each having a plurality of input terminals, that have different configurations from each other and correspond to the plurality of pixel groups, respectively, wherein the plurality of logic circuits outputs different output signals with respect to a same combination of signals input to the plurality of input terminals as control signals for controlling the reverse bias voltage. 10. An image capturing apparatus comprising:
an image sensor having:
a plurality of pixels each having an avalanche photodiode; and
a control unit that controls, for each of a plurality of pixel groups which are obtained by dividing the plurality of pixels, to supply either of a first voltage and a second voltage as a reverse bias voltage of the avalanche photodiodes, wherein the first voltage is greater than a breakdown voltage of the avalanche photodiodes and the second voltage is smaller than the breakdown voltage, and wherein the control unit includes a plurality of logic circuits, each having a plurality of input terminals, that have different configurations from each other and correspond to the plurality of pixel groups, respectively, wherein the plurality of logic circuits outputs different output signals with respect to a same combination of signals input to the plurality of input terminals as control signals for controlling the reverse bias voltage, and
a unit that supplies the signals to be input to the plurality of input terminals of each of the plurality of logic circuits, wherein each unit is implemented by one or more processors, circuitry or a combination thereof. 11. An image processing apparatus comprising:
an image sensor having:
a plurality of pixels each having an avalanche photodiode;
a control unit that controls, for each of a plurality of pixel groups which are obtained by dividing the plurality of pixels, to supply either of a first voltage and a second voltage as a reverse bias voltage of the avalanche photodiodes, wherein the first voltage is greater than a breakdown voltage of the avalanche photodiodes and the second voltage is smaller than the breakdown voltage; and
counters that count numbers of pulse signals generated based on output of the avalanche photodiodes, and output count values, and
a processing unit that processes the count values output from the image sensor and generates image data, wherein each unit is implemented by one or more processors, circuitry or a combination thereof. 12. A control method of controlling an image sensor that has a plurality of pixels each having an avalanche photodiode, the method comprising:
controlling, for each of a plurality of pixel groups which are obtained by dividing the plurality of pixels, to supply either of a first voltage and a second voltage as a reverse bias voltage of the avalanche photodiodes, wherein the first voltage is greater than a breakdown voltage of the avalanche photodiodes and the second voltage is smaller than the breakdown voltage. 13. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, the storage medium storing a program that is executable by the computer, wherein the program includes program code for causing the computer to perform a control method of controlling an image sensor that has a plurality of pixels each having an avalanche photodiode, the method comprising:
controlling, for each of a plurality of pixel groups which are obtained by dividing the plurality of pixels, to supply either of a first voltage and a second voltage as a reverse bias voltage of the avalanche photodiodes, wherein the first voltage is greater than a breakdown voltage of the avalanche photodiodes and the second voltage is smaller than the breakdown voltage. | 3,600 |
348,510 | 16,805,974 | 3,631 | A method for installing a roof tile covering on a roof structure comprising: providing a plurality of roof tiles comprising a porcelain body and an attachment hole above the roof structure; placing and fixing a part of the plurality of roof tiles onto the roof structure, forming a horizontal row; interrupting the horizontal row at a distance from a hip or valley of the roof structure; cutting a roof tile to provide a triangular or trapezoidal piece comprising one or more attachment holes; placing and fixing the triangular or trapezoidal piece onto the roof structure over the hip or valley, leaving a gap between the triangular or trapezoidal piece and the plurality of roof tiles in the horizontal row; and placing and fixing at least one roof tile on the roof structure over the gap, wherein the roof tile covering comprises a plurality of horizontal rows of roof tiles. | 1. A method for installing a roof tile covering on a roof structure comprising the steps of:
providing a plurality of roof tiles comprising a porcelain body above the roof structure, the porcelain body comprising an attachment hole; placing and fixing a part of the plurality of roof tiles onto the roof structure thereby forming a horizontal row; interrupting the horizontal row at a distance from a hip or valley of the roof structure, wherein the distance is larger than the width of the roof tile; cutting at least one roof tile to provide a triangular or trapezoidal piece comprising one or more attachment holes; placing and fixing the triangular or trapezoidal piece onto the roof structure substantially in correspondence of the hip or valley thereby leaving a gap between the triangular or trapezoidal piece and the plurality of roof tiles in the horizontal row; and placing and fixing at least one roof tile on the roof structure in correspondence of the gap thereby filling the gap itself, wherein the roof tile covering comprises a plurality of horizontal rows of roof tiles. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein all of the steps are repeated for each of the plurality of horizontal rows of the roof tile covering. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the cutting step comprises cutting along a first cutting line that is inclined with respect to an upper edge of the roof tile. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the cutting step provides a triangular or trapezoidal piece comprising a plurality of attachment holes. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the cutting step is repeated to provide a plurality of triangular or trapezoidal pieces having the same form and dimension. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the placing and fixing the triangular or trapezoidal piece comprises gluing the triangular or trapezoidal piece to the roof structure. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the placing and fixing the triangular or trapezoidal piece further comprises nailing or screwing the triangular or trapezoidal piece to the roof structure. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of placing and fixing the at least one roof tile for filling the gap comprises cutting one of the roof tiles along a second cutting line parallel to a side edge of the roof tile. 9. The method of claim 1 further comprising a step of placing the roof tiles of adjacent horizontal rows on the roof structure with a regular offset pattern. 10. The method of claim 1 further comprising a step of placing the roof tiles of adjacent horizontal rows on the roof structure with a random offset pattern. 11. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of placing the roof tiles of adjacent horizontal rows on the roof structure in such a way that the adjacent horizontal rows are partially overlapped. 12. The method of claim 1 further comprising a step of placing an under layer on the roof structure. 13. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
providing a nail for being inserted in the attachment hole of the roof tile;
providing a nail gun for pushing the nail into the attachment hole, the nail gun comprising a centering element;
coupling the centering element with the attachment hole of the roof tile; and
pushing the nail into the attachment hole for installing the roof tile on the roof structure. 14. The method of claim 3, wherein the first cutting line is inclined at an angle of 22° with respect to the upper edge of the roof tile. 15. The method of claim 9, wherein the offset pattern is a regular offset pattern. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the regular offset pattern is a 50% offset pattern. 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the partial overlap between the adjacent horizontal rows is from 20% to 35%. 18. The method of claim 12 further comprising a step of placing the roof tile on the under layer immediately following the step of placing the under layer on the roof structure. | A method for installing a roof tile covering on a roof structure comprising: providing a plurality of roof tiles comprising a porcelain body and an attachment hole above the roof structure; placing and fixing a part of the plurality of roof tiles onto the roof structure, forming a horizontal row; interrupting the horizontal row at a distance from a hip or valley of the roof structure; cutting a roof tile to provide a triangular or trapezoidal piece comprising one or more attachment holes; placing and fixing the triangular or trapezoidal piece onto the roof structure over the hip or valley, leaving a gap between the triangular or trapezoidal piece and the plurality of roof tiles in the horizontal row; and placing and fixing at least one roof tile on the roof structure over the gap, wherein the roof tile covering comprises a plurality of horizontal rows of roof tiles.1. A method for installing a roof tile covering on a roof structure comprising the steps of:
providing a plurality of roof tiles comprising a porcelain body above the roof structure, the porcelain body comprising an attachment hole; placing and fixing a part of the plurality of roof tiles onto the roof structure thereby forming a horizontal row; interrupting the horizontal row at a distance from a hip or valley of the roof structure, wherein the distance is larger than the width of the roof tile; cutting at least one roof tile to provide a triangular or trapezoidal piece comprising one or more attachment holes; placing and fixing the triangular or trapezoidal piece onto the roof structure substantially in correspondence of the hip or valley thereby leaving a gap between the triangular or trapezoidal piece and the plurality of roof tiles in the horizontal row; and placing and fixing at least one roof tile on the roof structure in correspondence of the gap thereby filling the gap itself, wherein the roof tile covering comprises a plurality of horizontal rows of roof tiles. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein all of the steps are repeated for each of the plurality of horizontal rows of the roof tile covering. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the cutting step comprises cutting along a first cutting line that is inclined with respect to an upper edge of the roof tile. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the cutting step provides a triangular or trapezoidal piece comprising a plurality of attachment holes. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the cutting step is repeated to provide a plurality of triangular or trapezoidal pieces having the same form and dimension. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the placing and fixing the triangular or trapezoidal piece comprises gluing the triangular or trapezoidal piece to the roof structure. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the placing and fixing the triangular or trapezoidal piece further comprises nailing or screwing the triangular or trapezoidal piece to the roof structure. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of placing and fixing the at least one roof tile for filling the gap comprises cutting one of the roof tiles along a second cutting line parallel to a side edge of the roof tile. 9. The method of claim 1 further comprising a step of placing the roof tiles of adjacent horizontal rows on the roof structure with a regular offset pattern. 10. The method of claim 1 further comprising a step of placing the roof tiles of adjacent horizontal rows on the roof structure with a random offset pattern. 11. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of placing the roof tiles of adjacent horizontal rows on the roof structure in such a way that the adjacent horizontal rows are partially overlapped. 12. The method of claim 1 further comprising a step of placing an under layer on the roof structure. 13. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
providing a nail for being inserted in the attachment hole of the roof tile;
providing a nail gun for pushing the nail into the attachment hole, the nail gun comprising a centering element;
coupling the centering element with the attachment hole of the roof tile; and
pushing the nail into the attachment hole for installing the roof tile on the roof structure. 14. The method of claim 3, wherein the first cutting line is inclined at an angle of 22° with respect to the upper edge of the roof tile. 15. The method of claim 9, wherein the offset pattern is a regular offset pattern. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the regular offset pattern is a 50% offset pattern. 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the partial overlap between the adjacent horizontal rows is from 20% to 35%. 18. The method of claim 12 further comprising a step of placing the roof tile on the under layer immediately following the step of placing the under layer on the roof structure. | 3,600 |
348,511 | 16,805,995 | 2,699 | An image sensor includes a pixel array, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and a test circuit. The pixel array includes a plurality of pixels arranged in rows and columns. Each pixel generates an analog signal based on incident light. The ADC converts the analog signal to a digital signal using a counter. The test circuit receives a test code in a test mode, generates a count clock signal based on the test code, tests a counting operation of the counter according to the count clock signal, and externally outputs a test result of the counter through a test terminal. | 1-20. (canceled) 21. An image sensor, comprising:
a pixel array including a plurality of pixels, wherein each of the plurality of pixels generates an analog signal based on incident light; a comparator to compare the analog signal with a ramp signal; a counter to generate a counting code based on a test code in a test mode, and to generate a counting code based on a comparison operation of the comparator in a normal mode; and a comparison logic to output a test result of the counter based on the counting code generated by the counter. 22. The image sensor of claim 21, wherein the counter performs an up-counting. 23. The image sensor of claim 22, further comprising a test pattern generator, wherein:
the test pattern generator is to supply the test code to the comparison logic, and the comparison logic compares the test code with the counting code. 24. The image sensor of claim 23 further comprising a clock generator to generate a clock signal, and to supply the clock signal to the counter. 25. The image sensor of claim 24, wherein the clock generator is to generate an offset signal for setting an initial value of the counter, and to supply the offset signal to the counter. 26. The image sensor of claim 25, wherein the comparison logic is to output the test result through a test terminal. 27. The image sensor of claim 26, wherein the clock generator is to generate a first offset signal for setting at least two counters, and to generate a second offset signal different from the first offset signal for setting at least two counters. 28. An image sensor, comprising:
a pixel array including a plurality of pixels, wherein each of the plurality of pixels generates an analog signal based on incident light; a plurality of comparators to compare the analog signal with a ramp signal, and to generate a plurality of compare results; a first group of counters to generate a counting code based on a first test code in a test mode, and to generate a counting code based on at least two of the plurality of compare results in a normal mode; a second group of counters to generate a counting code based on a second test code in the test mode, and to generate a counting code based on at least two of the plurality of compare results in the normal mode; and a comparison logic to test a counting operation of the first and second group of counters in the test mode, and to output a test result of the first and second group of counters. 29. The image sensor of claim 28, wherein the first test code is different from the second test code. 30. The image sensor of claim 29, wherein the first group of counters performs an up-counting operation. 31. The image sensor of claim 30, further comprising a test pattern generator to supply the first test code and the second test code. 32. The image sensor of claim 31, further comprising a clock generator to generate a clock signal, and to supply the clock signal to the first and second group of counters. 33. The image sensor of claim 32, wherein the clock generator is to generate an offset signal for setting an initial value of the first and second group of counters, and to supply the offset signal to the first and second group of counters. 34. An image sensor, comprising:
a pixel array including a plurality of pixels, wherein each of the plurality of pixels generates an analog signal based on incident light; a plurality of comparators to compare the analog signal with a ramp signal, and to generate a plurality of compare results; a first group of counters to generate a counting code based on a first test code from a first value in a test mode, and to generate a counting code based on at least two of the plurality of compare results in a normal mode; a second group of counters to generate a counting code based on a second test code from a second value in the test mode, and to generate a counting code based on at least two of the plurality of compare results in the normal mode, wherein the first test code is different from the second test code; and a comparison logic to test a counting operation of the first and second group of counters in the test mode, and to output a test result of the first and second group of counters. 35. The image sensor of claim 34, wherein the first group of counters performs an up-counting operation. 36. The image sensor of claim 35, further comprising a test pattern generator to supply the first test code and the second test code. 37. The image sensor of claim 35, further comprising a clock generator to generate a clock signal, and to supply the clock signal to the first group of counters. 38. The image sensor of claim 37, wherein the clock generator is to generate a first offset signal for setting an initial value of the first group of counters as the first value. | An image sensor includes a pixel array, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and a test circuit. The pixel array includes a plurality of pixels arranged in rows and columns. Each pixel generates an analog signal based on incident light. The ADC converts the analog signal to a digital signal using a counter. The test circuit receives a test code in a test mode, generates a count clock signal based on the test code, tests a counting operation of the counter according to the count clock signal, and externally outputs a test result of the counter through a test terminal.1-20. (canceled) 21. An image sensor, comprising:
a pixel array including a plurality of pixels, wherein each of the plurality of pixels generates an analog signal based on incident light; a comparator to compare the analog signal with a ramp signal; a counter to generate a counting code based on a test code in a test mode, and to generate a counting code based on a comparison operation of the comparator in a normal mode; and a comparison logic to output a test result of the counter based on the counting code generated by the counter. 22. The image sensor of claim 21, wherein the counter performs an up-counting. 23. The image sensor of claim 22, further comprising a test pattern generator, wherein:
the test pattern generator is to supply the test code to the comparison logic, and the comparison logic compares the test code with the counting code. 24. The image sensor of claim 23 further comprising a clock generator to generate a clock signal, and to supply the clock signal to the counter. 25. The image sensor of claim 24, wherein the clock generator is to generate an offset signal for setting an initial value of the counter, and to supply the offset signal to the counter. 26. The image sensor of claim 25, wherein the comparison logic is to output the test result through a test terminal. 27. The image sensor of claim 26, wherein the clock generator is to generate a first offset signal for setting at least two counters, and to generate a second offset signal different from the first offset signal for setting at least two counters. 28. An image sensor, comprising:
a pixel array including a plurality of pixels, wherein each of the plurality of pixels generates an analog signal based on incident light; a plurality of comparators to compare the analog signal with a ramp signal, and to generate a plurality of compare results; a first group of counters to generate a counting code based on a first test code in a test mode, and to generate a counting code based on at least two of the plurality of compare results in a normal mode; a second group of counters to generate a counting code based on a second test code in the test mode, and to generate a counting code based on at least two of the plurality of compare results in the normal mode; and a comparison logic to test a counting operation of the first and second group of counters in the test mode, and to output a test result of the first and second group of counters. 29. The image sensor of claim 28, wherein the first test code is different from the second test code. 30. The image sensor of claim 29, wherein the first group of counters performs an up-counting operation. 31. The image sensor of claim 30, further comprising a test pattern generator to supply the first test code and the second test code. 32. The image sensor of claim 31, further comprising a clock generator to generate a clock signal, and to supply the clock signal to the first and second group of counters. 33. The image sensor of claim 32, wherein the clock generator is to generate an offset signal for setting an initial value of the first and second group of counters, and to supply the offset signal to the first and second group of counters. 34. An image sensor, comprising:
a pixel array including a plurality of pixels, wherein each of the plurality of pixels generates an analog signal based on incident light; a plurality of comparators to compare the analog signal with a ramp signal, and to generate a plurality of compare results; a first group of counters to generate a counting code based on a first test code from a first value in a test mode, and to generate a counting code based on at least two of the plurality of compare results in a normal mode; a second group of counters to generate a counting code based on a second test code from a second value in the test mode, and to generate a counting code based on at least two of the plurality of compare results in the normal mode, wherein the first test code is different from the second test code; and a comparison logic to test a counting operation of the first and second group of counters in the test mode, and to output a test result of the first and second group of counters. 35. The image sensor of claim 34, wherein the first group of counters performs an up-counting operation. 36. The image sensor of claim 35, further comprising a test pattern generator to supply the first test code and the second test code. 37. The image sensor of claim 35, further comprising a clock generator to generate a clock signal, and to supply the clock signal to the first group of counters. 38. The image sensor of claim 37, wherein the clock generator is to generate a first offset signal for setting an initial value of the first group of counters as the first value. | 2,600 |
348,512 | 16,805,989 | 2,699 | In one embodiment, a method executed by at least one processor includes receiving first historical location information identifying a first location area at which a first user was present at a first time and receiving second location information identifying a second location area at which a second user was present at a second time. The method includes determining that the first historical location information and the second location information each correspond to a particular location area and determining that a characteristic related to the first user corresponds to a preference related to the second user. In response to these determinations, the method includes causing information related to the first user to be presented to the second user. The information related to the first user includes the first location area of the first user relative to the second location area of the second user. | 1-39. (canceled) 40. A system, comprising:
an interface configured to:
receive first location information of a first user;
receive second location information of a second user;
one or more processors communicatively coupled to the interface and configured to:
determine that the first location information and the second location information each correspond to an event; and
in response to determining that the first location information and the second location information each correspond to the event, cause information to be presented to the second user, the information to be presented to the second user comprising the event and that the first user and the second user have the event in common. 41. The system of claim 40, wherein:
the first location information comprises a location at which the first user was present at a first time period; and the second location information comprises a location at which the second user was present at a second time period. 42. The system of claim 40, wherein the first location information comprises a location at which the first user will be present at a first time period. 43. The system of claim 40, wherein:
the first location information comprises a location at which the first user will be present at a first time period; and the second location information comprises a location at which the second user will be present at a second time period. 44. The system of claim 40, wherein:
the one or more processors are further configured to determine that the first location information and the second location information each correspond to a location type; and wherein the information presented to the second user comprises the location type and that the first user and the second user have the location type in common. 45. The system of claim 40, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to:
receive a preference of a second user for a plurality of users that have location information corresponding to the event; determine that each of the plurality of users having location information corresponding to the event; and present information to the second user, the information to be presented to the second user comprising the event and that the second user and the plurality of users have the event in common. 46. The system of claim 40, wherein receiving first location information of a first user comprises receiving a submission of a location of the first user. 47. A non-transitory computer-readable medium encoded with logic, the logic configured when executed to:
receive first location information of a first user; receive second location information of a second user; determine that the first location information and the second location information each correspond to an event; and in response to determining that the first location information and the second location information each correspond to the event, cause information to be presented to the second user, the information to be presented to the second user comprising the event and that the first user and the second user have the event in common. 48. The computer-readable medium of claim 47, wherein:
the first location information comprises a location at which the first user was present at a first time period; and the second location information comprises a location at which the second user was present at a second time period. 49. The computer-readable medium of claim 47, wherein the first location information comprises a location at which the first user will be present at a first time period. 50. The computer-readable medium of claim 47, wherein:
the first location information comprises a location at which the first user will be present at a first time period; and the second location information comprises a location at which the second user will be present at a second time period. 51. The computer-readable medium of claim 47, wherein:
the logic is further configured to determine that the first location information and the second location information each correspond to a location type; and wherein the information presented to the second user comprises the location type and that the first user and the second user have the location type in common. 52. The computer-readable medium of claim 47, wherein the logic is further configured to:
receive a preference of a second user for a plurality of users that have location information corresponding to the event; determine that each of the plurality of users having location information corresponding to the event; and present information to the second user, the information to be presented to the second user comprising the event and that the second user and the plurality of users have the event in common. 53. The computer-readable medium of claim 47, wherein receiving first location information of a first user comprises receiving a submission of a location of the first user. 54. A method, comprising:
receiving first location information of a first user; receiving second location information of a second user, determining that the first location information and the second location information each correspond to an event; and in response to determining that the first location information and the second location information each correspond to the event, causing information to be presented to the second user, the information to be presented to the second user comprising the event and that the first user and the second user have the event in common. 55. The method of claim 54, wherein:
the first location information comprises a location at which the first user was present at a first time period; and the second location information comprises a location at which the second user was present at a second time period. 56. The method of claim 54, wherein the first location information comprises a location at which the first user will be present at a first time period. 57. The method of claim 54, wherein:
the first location information comprises a location at which the first user will be present at a first time period; and the second location information comprises a location at which the second user will be present at a second time period. 58. The method of claim 54, further comprising:
determining that the first location information and the second location information each correspond to a location type; and wherein the information presented to the second user comprises the location type and that the first user and the second user have the location type in common. 59. The method of claim 54, further comprising:
receiving a preference of a second user for a plurality of users that have location information corresponding to the event; determining that each of the plurality of users having location information corresponding to the event; presenting information to the second user, the information to be presented to the second user comprising the event and that the second user and the plurality of users have the event in common. | In one embodiment, a method executed by at least one processor includes receiving first historical location information identifying a first location area at which a first user was present at a first time and receiving second location information identifying a second location area at which a second user was present at a second time. The method includes determining that the first historical location information and the second location information each correspond to a particular location area and determining that a characteristic related to the first user corresponds to a preference related to the second user. In response to these determinations, the method includes causing information related to the first user to be presented to the second user. The information related to the first user includes the first location area of the first user relative to the second location area of the second user.1-39. (canceled) 40. A system, comprising:
an interface configured to:
receive first location information of a first user;
receive second location information of a second user;
one or more processors communicatively coupled to the interface and configured to:
determine that the first location information and the second location information each correspond to an event; and
in response to determining that the first location information and the second location information each correspond to the event, cause information to be presented to the second user, the information to be presented to the second user comprising the event and that the first user and the second user have the event in common. 41. The system of claim 40, wherein:
the first location information comprises a location at which the first user was present at a first time period; and the second location information comprises a location at which the second user was present at a second time period. 42. The system of claim 40, wherein the first location information comprises a location at which the first user will be present at a first time period. 43. The system of claim 40, wherein:
the first location information comprises a location at which the first user will be present at a first time period; and the second location information comprises a location at which the second user will be present at a second time period. 44. The system of claim 40, wherein:
the one or more processors are further configured to determine that the first location information and the second location information each correspond to a location type; and wherein the information presented to the second user comprises the location type and that the first user and the second user have the location type in common. 45. The system of claim 40, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to:
receive a preference of a second user for a plurality of users that have location information corresponding to the event; determine that each of the plurality of users having location information corresponding to the event; and present information to the second user, the information to be presented to the second user comprising the event and that the second user and the plurality of users have the event in common. 46. The system of claim 40, wherein receiving first location information of a first user comprises receiving a submission of a location of the first user. 47. A non-transitory computer-readable medium encoded with logic, the logic configured when executed to:
receive first location information of a first user; receive second location information of a second user; determine that the first location information and the second location information each correspond to an event; and in response to determining that the first location information and the second location information each correspond to the event, cause information to be presented to the second user, the information to be presented to the second user comprising the event and that the first user and the second user have the event in common. 48. The computer-readable medium of claim 47, wherein:
the first location information comprises a location at which the first user was present at a first time period; and the second location information comprises a location at which the second user was present at a second time period. 49. The computer-readable medium of claim 47, wherein the first location information comprises a location at which the first user will be present at a first time period. 50. The computer-readable medium of claim 47, wherein:
the first location information comprises a location at which the first user will be present at a first time period; and the second location information comprises a location at which the second user will be present at a second time period. 51. The computer-readable medium of claim 47, wherein:
the logic is further configured to determine that the first location information and the second location information each correspond to a location type; and wherein the information presented to the second user comprises the location type and that the first user and the second user have the location type in common. 52. The computer-readable medium of claim 47, wherein the logic is further configured to:
receive a preference of a second user for a plurality of users that have location information corresponding to the event; determine that each of the plurality of users having location information corresponding to the event; and present information to the second user, the information to be presented to the second user comprising the event and that the second user and the plurality of users have the event in common. 53. The computer-readable medium of claim 47, wherein receiving first location information of a first user comprises receiving a submission of a location of the first user. 54. A method, comprising:
receiving first location information of a first user; receiving second location information of a second user, determining that the first location information and the second location information each correspond to an event; and in response to determining that the first location information and the second location information each correspond to the event, causing information to be presented to the second user, the information to be presented to the second user comprising the event and that the first user and the second user have the event in common. 55. The method of claim 54, wherein:
the first location information comprises a location at which the first user was present at a first time period; and the second location information comprises a location at which the second user was present at a second time period. 56. The method of claim 54, wherein the first location information comprises a location at which the first user will be present at a first time period. 57. The method of claim 54, wherein:
the first location information comprises a location at which the first user will be present at a first time period; and the second location information comprises a location at which the second user will be present at a second time period. 58. The method of claim 54, further comprising:
determining that the first location information and the second location information each correspond to a location type; and wherein the information presented to the second user comprises the location type and that the first user and the second user have the location type in common. 59. The method of claim 54, further comprising:
receiving a preference of a second user for a plurality of users that have location information corresponding to the event; determining that each of the plurality of users having location information corresponding to the event; presenting information to the second user, the information to be presented to the second user comprising the event and that the second user and the plurality of users have the event in common. | 2,600 |
348,513 | 16,805,967 | 2,699 | A vibrator device that includes a support member, first and second displacement plates, first and second piezoelectric vibrator elements, and an added mass member. The support member has first and second side portions opposing each other. The first displacement plate is supported by the first side portion and extends toward the second side portion so as to have a free end. The second displacement plate is supported by the second side portion and extends toward the first side portion so as to have a free end. The first and second piezoelectric vibrator elements are respectively disposed on the first and second displacement plates. The added mass member is connected to a portion of the first displacement plate at or around the free end thereof and to a portion of the second displacement plate at or around the free end thereof. | 1. A vibrator device comprising:
a support member having first and second side portions which oppose each other; a first displacement plate supported by the first side portion of the support member and extending toward the second side portion so as to have a first free end; a second displacement plate supported by the second side portion of the support member and extending toward the first side portion so as to have a second free end; a first piezoelectric vibrator element on the first displacement plate; a second piezoelectric vibrator element on the second displacement plate; and an added mass member connected to a portion of the first displacement plate proximal to the first free end relative to the first side portion of the support member and connected to a portion of the second displacement plate proximal to the second free end relative to the second side portion of the support member. 2. The vibrator device according to claim 1, wherein:
as viewed from a direction of stacking of the support member and the added mass member, at least part of a portion of the first displacement plate proximal to the first side portion than to the portion of the first displacement plate connected to the added mass member overlaps the added mass member; and as viewed from the direction of stacking of the support member and the added mass member, at least part of a portion of the second displacement plate proximal to the second side portion than to the portion of the second displacement plate connected to the added mass member overlaps the added mass member. 3. The vibrator device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second displacement plates overlap each other as viewed from a direction parallel with an extending direction of the first side portion of the support member. 4. The vibrator device according to claim 1, wherein the added mass member is connected at the first free end of the first displacement plate and at the second free end of the second displacement plate. 5. The vibrator device according to claim 1, wherein:
a surface of the added mass member connected to the first and second displacement plates has first and second end portions, the first end portion positioned proximal to the first side portion of the support member, the second end portion positioned proximal to the second side portion of the support member; and the first displacement plate is connected to at least part of the second end portion, and the second displacement plate is connected to at least part of the first end portion. 6. The vibrator device according to claim 1, wherein, as viewed from the direction of stacking of the support member and the added mass member, the first and second displacement plates are disposed point-symmetrically to each other with respect to a center of gravity of the added mass member. 7. The vibrator device according to claim 1, further comprising:
a first narrow width section between the first displacement plate and the first side portion, wherein a width of the first narrow width section along an extending direction of the first and second side portions is smaller than a width of the first displacement plate along the extending direction of the first and second side portions; and a second narrow width section between the second displacement plate and the second side portion, wherein a width of the second narrow width section along the extending direction of the first and second side portions is smaller than the width of the second displacement plate along the extending direction of the first and second side portions. 8. The vibrator device according to claim 7, wherein:
as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the first side portion, a first connecting portion between the first narrow width section and the first displacement plate and a second connecting portion between the first narrow width section and the first side portion do not overlap each other; and a third connecting portion between the second narrow width section and the second displacement plate and a fourth connecting portion between the second narrow width section and the second side portion do not overlap each other. 9. The vibrator device according to claim 7, wherein:
the first narrow width section between the first displacement plate and the first side portion includes a first connecting portion between the first narrow width section and the first displacement plate and a plurality of second connecting portions between the first narrow width section and the first side portion or includes a plurality of first connecting portions between the first narrow width section and the first displacement plate and a second connecting portion between the first narrow width section and the first side portion; and the second narrow width section between the second displacement plate and the second side portion includes a third connecting portion between the second narrow width section and the second displacement plate and a plurality of fourth connecting portions between the second narrow width section and the second displacement plate or includes a plurality of third connecting portions between the second narrow width section and the second displacement plate and a fourth connecting portion between the second narrow width section and the second side portion, wherein none of the first, second, third or fourth connecting portions overlap each other as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the first and second side portions and from an extending direction of the first and second displacement plates. 10. The vibrator device according to claim 7, wherein the first narrow width section between the first displacement plate and the first side portion includes a portion extending in parallel with the first side portion, and the second narrow width section between the second displacement plate and the second side portion includes a portion extending in parallel with the second side portion. 11. The vibrator device according to claim 7, wherein:
a first connecting portion between the first narrow width section and the first displacement plate is positioned at an end portion of the first displacement plate in an extending direction of the first side portion; and a second connecting portion between the second narrow width section and the second displacement plate is positioned at an end portion of the second displacement plate in an extending direction of the second side portion. 12. The vibrator device according to claim 7, wherein
the first narrow width section includes first, second and third portions, the first portion being linked to a widthwise end portion of the first displacement plate and extending in an extending direction of the first displacement plate, the second portion being linked to an end of the first portion opposite an end of the first portion connected to the first displacement plate and extending in an extending direction of the first side portion, and the third portion being linked to an end of the second portion opposite an end of the second portion linked to the first portion, extends in the extending direction of the first displacement plate, and linked to the first side portion; and the second narrow width section includes fourth, fifth and sixth portions, the fourth portion being linked to a widthwise end portion of the second displacement plate and extending in an extending direction of the second displacement plate, the fifth portion being linked to an end of the fourth portion opposite an end of the fourth portion connected to the second displacement plate and extending in an extending direction of the second side portion, and the sixth portion being linked to an end of the fifth portion opposite an end of the fifth portion linked to the fourth portion, extends in the extending direction of the second displacement plate, and linked to the second side portion. 13. The vibrator device according to claim 1, wherein each of the first and second displacement plates has a pair of side surfaces extending perpendicular to an extending direction of the first and second side portions, the first displacement plate including a first notch open toward one of the pair of side surfaces, and the second displacement plate including a second notch open toward one of the pair of side surfaces. 14. The vibrator device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second displacement plates and the support member are integral. 15. The vibrator device according to claim 7, wherein the first and second displacement plates, the first and second narrow width sections, and the support member are integral. 16. The vibrator device according to claim 1, wherein:
each of the first and second displacement plates has first and second main surfaces which oppose each other; the added mass member is connected to the first main surface of the first displacement plate and the first main surface of the second displacement plate; and the first piezoelectric vibrator element is on the second main surface of the first displacement plate, and the second piezoelectric vibrator element is on the second main surface of the second displacement plate. 17. The vibrator device according to claim 1, further comprising:
a plurality of connecting members arranges so as to connect the added mass member to the first and second displacement plates such that each of the first and second displacement plates has a portion thereof which opposes the added mass member with a gap therebetween. 18. The vibrator device according to claim 1, wherein:
a first shape of a portion of the first displacement plate which opposes the added mass member is identical to a second shape of a portion of the added mass member which opposes the first displacement plate when the first displacement plate is fully displaced in a direction in which the added mass member is displaced toward the first and second displacement plates; and a third shape of a portion of the second displacement plate which opposes the added mass member is identical to a fourth shape of a portion of the added mass member which opposes the second displacement plate when the second displacement plate is fully displaced in the direction in which the added mass member is displaced toward the first and second displacement plates. 19. The vibrator device according to claim 1, wherein a main surface of the added mass member proximal to the first and second displacement plates includes:
a first tilting portion that tilts toward the first displacement plate from a central portion of the added mass member toward the first free end in a first area of the added mass member which opposes the first displacement plate; and a second tilting portion that tilts toward the second displacement plate from the central portion of the added mass member toward the second free end in a second area of the added mass member which opposes the second displacement plate. 20. The vibrator device according to claim 1, further comprising:
a first casing member; and a second casing members, wherein the support member is disposed between the first and second casing members such that the first and second displacement plates and the added mass member are within a case defined by the first and second casing members and the support member. | A vibrator device that includes a support member, first and second displacement plates, first and second piezoelectric vibrator elements, and an added mass member. The support member has first and second side portions opposing each other. The first displacement plate is supported by the first side portion and extends toward the second side portion so as to have a free end. The second displacement plate is supported by the second side portion and extends toward the first side portion so as to have a free end. The first and second piezoelectric vibrator elements are respectively disposed on the first and second displacement plates. The added mass member is connected to a portion of the first displacement plate at or around the free end thereof and to a portion of the second displacement plate at or around the free end thereof.1. A vibrator device comprising:
a support member having first and second side portions which oppose each other; a first displacement plate supported by the first side portion of the support member and extending toward the second side portion so as to have a first free end; a second displacement plate supported by the second side portion of the support member and extending toward the first side portion so as to have a second free end; a first piezoelectric vibrator element on the first displacement plate; a second piezoelectric vibrator element on the second displacement plate; and an added mass member connected to a portion of the first displacement plate proximal to the first free end relative to the first side portion of the support member and connected to a portion of the second displacement plate proximal to the second free end relative to the second side portion of the support member. 2. The vibrator device according to claim 1, wherein:
as viewed from a direction of stacking of the support member and the added mass member, at least part of a portion of the first displacement plate proximal to the first side portion than to the portion of the first displacement plate connected to the added mass member overlaps the added mass member; and as viewed from the direction of stacking of the support member and the added mass member, at least part of a portion of the second displacement plate proximal to the second side portion than to the portion of the second displacement plate connected to the added mass member overlaps the added mass member. 3. The vibrator device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second displacement plates overlap each other as viewed from a direction parallel with an extending direction of the first side portion of the support member. 4. The vibrator device according to claim 1, wherein the added mass member is connected at the first free end of the first displacement plate and at the second free end of the second displacement plate. 5. The vibrator device according to claim 1, wherein:
a surface of the added mass member connected to the first and second displacement plates has first and second end portions, the first end portion positioned proximal to the first side portion of the support member, the second end portion positioned proximal to the second side portion of the support member; and the first displacement plate is connected to at least part of the second end portion, and the second displacement plate is connected to at least part of the first end portion. 6. The vibrator device according to claim 1, wherein, as viewed from the direction of stacking of the support member and the added mass member, the first and second displacement plates are disposed point-symmetrically to each other with respect to a center of gravity of the added mass member. 7. The vibrator device according to claim 1, further comprising:
a first narrow width section between the first displacement plate and the first side portion, wherein a width of the first narrow width section along an extending direction of the first and second side portions is smaller than a width of the first displacement plate along the extending direction of the first and second side portions; and a second narrow width section between the second displacement plate and the second side portion, wherein a width of the second narrow width section along the extending direction of the first and second side portions is smaller than the width of the second displacement plate along the extending direction of the first and second side portions. 8. The vibrator device according to claim 7, wherein:
as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the first side portion, a first connecting portion between the first narrow width section and the first displacement plate and a second connecting portion between the first narrow width section and the first side portion do not overlap each other; and a third connecting portion between the second narrow width section and the second displacement plate and a fourth connecting portion between the second narrow width section and the second side portion do not overlap each other. 9. The vibrator device according to claim 7, wherein:
the first narrow width section between the first displacement plate and the first side portion includes a first connecting portion between the first narrow width section and the first displacement plate and a plurality of second connecting portions between the first narrow width section and the first side portion or includes a plurality of first connecting portions between the first narrow width section and the first displacement plate and a second connecting portion between the first narrow width section and the first side portion; and the second narrow width section between the second displacement plate and the second side portion includes a third connecting portion between the second narrow width section and the second displacement plate and a plurality of fourth connecting portions between the second narrow width section and the second displacement plate or includes a plurality of third connecting portions between the second narrow width section and the second displacement plate and a fourth connecting portion between the second narrow width section and the second side portion, wherein none of the first, second, third or fourth connecting portions overlap each other as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the first and second side portions and from an extending direction of the first and second displacement plates. 10. The vibrator device according to claim 7, wherein the first narrow width section between the first displacement plate and the first side portion includes a portion extending in parallel with the first side portion, and the second narrow width section between the second displacement plate and the second side portion includes a portion extending in parallel with the second side portion. 11. The vibrator device according to claim 7, wherein:
a first connecting portion between the first narrow width section and the first displacement plate is positioned at an end portion of the first displacement plate in an extending direction of the first side portion; and a second connecting portion between the second narrow width section and the second displacement plate is positioned at an end portion of the second displacement plate in an extending direction of the second side portion. 12. The vibrator device according to claim 7, wherein
the first narrow width section includes first, second and third portions, the first portion being linked to a widthwise end portion of the first displacement plate and extending in an extending direction of the first displacement plate, the second portion being linked to an end of the first portion opposite an end of the first portion connected to the first displacement plate and extending in an extending direction of the first side portion, and the third portion being linked to an end of the second portion opposite an end of the second portion linked to the first portion, extends in the extending direction of the first displacement plate, and linked to the first side portion; and the second narrow width section includes fourth, fifth and sixth portions, the fourth portion being linked to a widthwise end portion of the second displacement plate and extending in an extending direction of the second displacement plate, the fifth portion being linked to an end of the fourth portion opposite an end of the fourth portion connected to the second displacement plate and extending in an extending direction of the second side portion, and the sixth portion being linked to an end of the fifth portion opposite an end of the fifth portion linked to the fourth portion, extends in the extending direction of the second displacement plate, and linked to the second side portion. 13. The vibrator device according to claim 1, wherein each of the first and second displacement plates has a pair of side surfaces extending perpendicular to an extending direction of the first and second side portions, the first displacement plate including a first notch open toward one of the pair of side surfaces, and the second displacement plate including a second notch open toward one of the pair of side surfaces. 14. The vibrator device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second displacement plates and the support member are integral. 15. The vibrator device according to claim 7, wherein the first and second displacement plates, the first and second narrow width sections, and the support member are integral. 16. The vibrator device according to claim 1, wherein:
each of the first and second displacement plates has first and second main surfaces which oppose each other; the added mass member is connected to the first main surface of the first displacement plate and the first main surface of the second displacement plate; and the first piezoelectric vibrator element is on the second main surface of the first displacement plate, and the second piezoelectric vibrator element is on the second main surface of the second displacement plate. 17. The vibrator device according to claim 1, further comprising:
a plurality of connecting members arranges so as to connect the added mass member to the first and second displacement plates such that each of the first and second displacement plates has a portion thereof which opposes the added mass member with a gap therebetween. 18. The vibrator device according to claim 1, wherein:
a first shape of a portion of the first displacement plate which opposes the added mass member is identical to a second shape of a portion of the added mass member which opposes the first displacement plate when the first displacement plate is fully displaced in a direction in which the added mass member is displaced toward the first and second displacement plates; and a third shape of a portion of the second displacement plate which opposes the added mass member is identical to a fourth shape of a portion of the added mass member which opposes the second displacement plate when the second displacement plate is fully displaced in the direction in which the added mass member is displaced toward the first and second displacement plates. 19. The vibrator device according to claim 1, wherein a main surface of the added mass member proximal to the first and second displacement plates includes:
a first tilting portion that tilts toward the first displacement plate from a central portion of the added mass member toward the first free end in a first area of the added mass member which opposes the first displacement plate; and a second tilting portion that tilts toward the second displacement plate from the central portion of the added mass member toward the second free end in a second area of the added mass member which opposes the second displacement plate. 20. The vibrator device according to claim 1, further comprising:
a first casing member; and a second casing members, wherein the support member is disposed between the first and second casing members such that the first and second displacement plates and the added mass member are within a case defined by the first and second casing members and the support member. | 2,600 |
348,514 | 16,806,016 | 2,699 | A method includes receiving, from a user device of a user, a first request for a discount; identifying, based on the first request, matching discounts from respective vendors, wherein at least some of the matching discounts comprising respective expiration timestamps; forwarding the matching discounts to the user device; and receiving, from the user device, a second request to associate a selected matching discount of the matching discounts from a selected vendor with the user. | 1. A method for use in a real-time discount marketplace, comprising:
receiving, from a user device of a user, a first request for a discount; identifying, based on the first request, matching discounts from respective vendors,
wherein at least some of the matching discounts comprise respective expiration timestamps;
forwarding, after identifying the matching discounts, the matching discounts to the user device; receiving, from the user device, a second request to associate a selected matching discount of the matching discounts from a selected vendor with the user; determining a location of the user device; and in response to determining that the user device is at a vendor location of the selected vendor and that the selected matching discount expires as the user is at the vendor location, suspending an expiration time of the selected matching discount while the user device is at the vendor location. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein identifying, based on the first request, the matching discounts from the respective vendors comprising:
identifying an active campaign of a vendor; and matching the first request to the active campaign. 3. The method of claim 2,
wherein the vendor is associated with a plurality of locations each associated with a respective location address, wherein the active campaign being applicable to at least a subset of the plurality of locations, wherein the first request comprises a search location, and wherein matching the first request to the active campaign comprises:
matching at least one of location of the user device or the search location of the first request to the at least the subset of the plurality of locations. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein a campaign includes a plurality of vendor locations, a redemption start timestamp, available redemption days, available redemption times, and a redemption expiration time. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein a campaign includes at least one of a description of users to receive discounts, a minimum discount value, a maximum discount value, or an increment amount. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein identifying, based on the first request, the matching discounts from the respective vendors further comprises:
receiving a first discount having a first value from a first automated agent of a first vendor; receiving a second discount having a second value from a second automated agent a second vendor; notifying the first automated agent of the first vendor that the second value is greater than the first value; and in response to the first value being smaller than the maximum discount value, receiving from the automated agent of the first vendor a third discount having a value that exceeds the first value by the increment amount. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein identifying, based on the first request, the matching discounts from the respective vendors comprises:
receiving discounts to add to the matching discounts for no more than a predetermined time period. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein identifying, based on the first request, the matching discounts from the respective vendors comprises:
notifying a vendor of the first request; receiving, from a vendor device of the vendor, a manual discount; and adding the manual discount to the matching discounts. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
in response to receiving the second request, notifying the selected vendor of the second request. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
in response to determining that the location of the user device is proximal to the vendor location of the selected vendor and that an expiration timestamp of the selected matching discount is about to be reached, suspending the expiration time of the selected matching discount while the user device is proximal to the vendor location. 11. (canceled) 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the matching discounts include first matches for goods or services matching a good or service string and second matches related to the good or service string. 13. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
receiving a third request to redeem the selected matching discount; and marking the selected matching discount as redeemed. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein identifying, based on the first request, the matching discounts from the respective vendors comprises:
identifying a matching discount from a vendor on a condition that a location of the user device and a location of the vendor are such that the user can arrive at the location before an expiration time of the discount. 15. A method for use in a real-time discount marketplace, comprising:
receiving, from a user device of a user, a first request for a discount; identifying, until a first bidding time expires and based on the first request, matching discounts from respective vendors,
wherein at least some of the matching discounts comprise respective expiration timestamps, and
wherein the respective vendors comprise a first vendor and a second vendor;
receiving a second request from the user to extend, for the first vendor, the first bidding time to a second bidding time; identifying, until the second bidding time expires, additional matching discounts from the first vendor but not from the second vendor; receiving a redemption request to redeem a selected matching discount from the matching discounts; and rejecting the redemption request in response to determining that the selected matching discount is not redeemable. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein determining that the selected matching discount is not redeemable comprises:
determining that a redemption day of the selected matching discount does not match a current day of the redemption request. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein determining that the selected matching discount is not redeemable comprises:
determining that a redemption day of the selected matching discount matches a current day of the redemption request but that a redemption time of the selected matching discount does not match a current time of the redemption request. 18. The method of claim 15, wherein determining that the selected matching discount is not redeemable comprises:
determining that the user has previously redeemed another matching discount with an issuing vendor of the selected matching discount. 19. The method of claim 15, wherein determining that the selected matching discount is not redeemable comprises:
determining that the user has not previously redeemed another matching discount with an issuing vendor of the selected matching discount. 20. A system for use in a real-time discount marketplace, comprising:
a memory; and a processor, the processor configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to:
receive, from a user device of a user, a first request for a discount;
identify, during a first bidding time and based on the first request, matching discounts from respective vendors,
wherein at least some of the matching discounts comprise respective expiration timestamps, and
wherein the respective vendors comprise a first vendor and a second vendor;
receive a second request from the user to extend, for the first vendor, the first bidding time to a second bidding time;
identifying, in the second bidding time, additional matching discounts from the first vendor but not from the second vendor;
forward the matching discounts to the user device;
receive, from the user device, a third request to associate a selected matching discount of the matching discounts from a selected vendor with the user;
receive, from the user, a third request to redeem the selected matching discount from the matching discounts; and
determine whether to redeem the discount based on the third request satisfying a campaign associated with the selected matching discount. 21. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
receiving a request from the user to share the selected matching discount with another user; and in response to determining that the selected matching discount is sharable with the other user, associating the selected matching discount with the other user. | A method includes receiving, from a user device of a user, a first request for a discount; identifying, based on the first request, matching discounts from respective vendors, wherein at least some of the matching discounts comprising respective expiration timestamps; forwarding the matching discounts to the user device; and receiving, from the user device, a second request to associate a selected matching discount of the matching discounts from a selected vendor with the user.1. A method for use in a real-time discount marketplace, comprising:
receiving, from a user device of a user, a first request for a discount; identifying, based on the first request, matching discounts from respective vendors,
wherein at least some of the matching discounts comprise respective expiration timestamps;
forwarding, after identifying the matching discounts, the matching discounts to the user device; receiving, from the user device, a second request to associate a selected matching discount of the matching discounts from a selected vendor with the user; determining a location of the user device; and in response to determining that the user device is at a vendor location of the selected vendor and that the selected matching discount expires as the user is at the vendor location, suspending an expiration time of the selected matching discount while the user device is at the vendor location. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein identifying, based on the first request, the matching discounts from the respective vendors comprising:
identifying an active campaign of a vendor; and matching the first request to the active campaign. 3. The method of claim 2,
wherein the vendor is associated with a plurality of locations each associated with a respective location address, wherein the active campaign being applicable to at least a subset of the plurality of locations, wherein the first request comprises a search location, and wherein matching the first request to the active campaign comprises:
matching at least one of location of the user device or the search location of the first request to the at least the subset of the plurality of locations. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein a campaign includes a plurality of vendor locations, a redemption start timestamp, available redemption days, available redemption times, and a redemption expiration time. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein a campaign includes at least one of a description of users to receive discounts, a minimum discount value, a maximum discount value, or an increment amount. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein identifying, based on the first request, the matching discounts from the respective vendors further comprises:
receiving a first discount having a first value from a first automated agent of a first vendor; receiving a second discount having a second value from a second automated agent a second vendor; notifying the first automated agent of the first vendor that the second value is greater than the first value; and in response to the first value being smaller than the maximum discount value, receiving from the automated agent of the first vendor a third discount having a value that exceeds the first value by the increment amount. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein identifying, based on the first request, the matching discounts from the respective vendors comprises:
receiving discounts to add to the matching discounts for no more than a predetermined time period. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein identifying, based on the first request, the matching discounts from the respective vendors comprises:
notifying a vendor of the first request; receiving, from a vendor device of the vendor, a manual discount; and adding the manual discount to the matching discounts. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
in response to receiving the second request, notifying the selected vendor of the second request. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
in response to determining that the location of the user device is proximal to the vendor location of the selected vendor and that an expiration timestamp of the selected matching discount is about to be reached, suspending the expiration time of the selected matching discount while the user device is proximal to the vendor location. 11. (canceled) 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the matching discounts include first matches for goods or services matching a good or service string and second matches related to the good or service string. 13. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
receiving a third request to redeem the selected matching discount; and marking the selected matching discount as redeemed. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein identifying, based on the first request, the matching discounts from the respective vendors comprises:
identifying a matching discount from a vendor on a condition that a location of the user device and a location of the vendor are such that the user can arrive at the location before an expiration time of the discount. 15. A method for use in a real-time discount marketplace, comprising:
receiving, from a user device of a user, a first request for a discount; identifying, until a first bidding time expires and based on the first request, matching discounts from respective vendors,
wherein at least some of the matching discounts comprise respective expiration timestamps, and
wherein the respective vendors comprise a first vendor and a second vendor;
receiving a second request from the user to extend, for the first vendor, the first bidding time to a second bidding time; identifying, until the second bidding time expires, additional matching discounts from the first vendor but not from the second vendor; receiving a redemption request to redeem a selected matching discount from the matching discounts; and rejecting the redemption request in response to determining that the selected matching discount is not redeemable. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein determining that the selected matching discount is not redeemable comprises:
determining that a redemption day of the selected matching discount does not match a current day of the redemption request. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein determining that the selected matching discount is not redeemable comprises:
determining that a redemption day of the selected matching discount matches a current day of the redemption request but that a redemption time of the selected matching discount does not match a current time of the redemption request. 18. The method of claim 15, wherein determining that the selected matching discount is not redeemable comprises:
determining that the user has previously redeemed another matching discount with an issuing vendor of the selected matching discount. 19. The method of claim 15, wherein determining that the selected matching discount is not redeemable comprises:
determining that the user has not previously redeemed another matching discount with an issuing vendor of the selected matching discount. 20. A system for use in a real-time discount marketplace, comprising:
a memory; and a processor, the processor configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to:
receive, from a user device of a user, a first request for a discount;
identify, during a first bidding time and based on the first request, matching discounts from respective vendors,
wherein at least some of the matching discounts comprise respective expiration timestamps, and
wherein the respective vendors comprise a first vendor and a second vendor;
receive a second request from the user to extend, for the first vendor, the first bidding time to a second bidding time;
identifying, in the second bidding time, additional matching discounts from the first vendor but not from the second vendor;
forward the matching discounts to the user device;
receive, from the user device, a third request to associate a selected matching discount of the matching discounts from a selected vendor with the user;
receive, from the user, a third request to redeem the selected matching discount from the matching discounts; and
determine whether to redeem the discount based on the third request satisfying a campaign associated with the selected matching discount. 21. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
receiving a request from the user to share the selected matching discount with another user; and in response to determining that the selected matching discount is sharable with the other user, associating the selected matching discount with the other user. | 2,600 |
348,515 | 16,805,997 | 2,699 | An alloy having a formula FeaCobNicCudMeSifBgXh is provided. M is at least one of V, Nb, Ta, Ti, Mo, W, Zr, Cr, Mn and Hf; a, b, c, d, e, f, g are in at. %; X denotes impurities and optional elements P, Ge and C; and a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h satisfy the following: | 1. An alloy, comprising:
a formula FeaCobNicCudMeSifBgXh, where M is at least one of the elements V, Nb, Ta, Ti, Mo, W, Zr, Cr, Mn and Hf; a, b, c, d, e, f, g are given in at. %; X denotes impurities and the optional elements P, Ge and C; and a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h satisfy the following conditions: 0≤b≤4, 0≤c<4, 0.5≤d≤2, 2.5≤e≤3.5, 14.5≤f≤16, 6≤g≤7, h<0.5, and 1≤(b+c)≤4.5, where a+b+c+d+e+f+g=100, the alloy having a nanocrystalline microstructure in which at least 50 vol. % of the grains have an average size of less than 100 nm, a saturation magnetostriction |λs|≤1 ppm,
a hysteresis loop with a central linear part,
a permeability of 10,000 to 15,000, and
a remanence ratio (Br/Bs)<1.5%. 2. An alloy according to claim 1, where 0.2≤c<4. 3. An alloy according to claim 1, where 0.2≤b<4. 4. An alloy according to claim 1, wherein the alloy has a saturation inductance of greater than 1.0 T. 5. An alloy according to claim 1, wherein the alloy has a coercive field strength of Hc<1 A/m. 6. An alloy according to claim 1, wherein the alloy has an anisotropy field Hk≥60 A/m. 7. An alloy according to claim 1, wherein X is C and h<0.5. 8. An alloy according to claim 1, wherein at least one element from the group Nb, Ta and Mo is present as M and 2.5<e<3.5. 9. An alloy according to claim 1, wherein Nb is replaceable completely by Ta and up to 0.06 at. % by Mo. 10. An alloy according to claim 1, where 0.5<b≤3, 0.5<c≤3, and 1≤(b+c)≤4.5. 11. An alloy according to claim 1, wherein the alloy has a permeability of 11000 to 14000. 12. A magnetic core made of the alloy according to claim 1. 13. A magnetic core according to claim 12, wherein the core is in the form of a toroidal core that is wound from a strip with a thickness of less than 50 μm. 14. A method for producing a magnetic core, comprising:
winding a strip made from an amorphous alloy comprising the formula FeaCobNicCudMeSifBgXh to form a toroidal core, where M is at least one of the elements V, Nb, Ta, Ti, Mo, W, Zr, Cr, Mn and Hf; a, b, c, d, e, f, g are given in at. %; X denotes impurities and the optional elements P, Ge and C; and a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h satisfy the following conditions: 0≤b≤4, 0≤c<4, 0.5≤d≤2, 2.5≤e≤3.5, 14.5≤f≤16, 6≤g≤7, h<0.5, and 1≤(b+c)≤4.5, where a+b+c+d+e+f+g=100, heat treating the toroidal core using a magnetic field of 80 kA/m to 200 kA/m perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the strip using a heat treatment process comprising five stages, where in stage 1 the temperature is increased from room temperature to T1 over a period from time t0 to time t1, where 300° C.≤T1≤500° C. and t1−t0 is 0.5 h to 2 h, in stage 2 the temperature is increased from T1 to T2 over a period from time t1 to time t2, where 400° C.≤T2≤600° C. and t2−t1 is 0.5 h to 6 h, in stage 3 the temperature is increased from T2 to T3 over a period from time t2 to time t3, where 400° C.≤T3≤650° C. and t3−t2 is 0 h to 1 h, in stage 4 the temperature is held at T3 for a period from time t3 to time t3-1, where t3-1−t3 is 0.25 h to 3 h, in stage 5 the temperature is reduced from T3 to room temperature over a period from time t3-1 to time t4, where t4-t3-1 is 2 h to 4 h. 15. A method according to claim 14, wherein T3 lies between 520° C. and 620° C. to achieve a saturation magnetostriction of |As|≤1 ppm. 16. A method according to claim 15, wherein a saturation magnetostriction λs is set at between 0 and +1 ppm. 17. A method according to claim 14, wherein the field strength of the magnetic field is varied or held constant during heat treatment. 18. A method according to claim 14, wherein the magnetic field is switched on or off during heat treatment. 19. A method according to claim 14, wherein at least three cores are stacked one on top of the other and heat treated. 20. A method according to claim 14, in which at least one of the two surfaces of the strip is provided with an electrically insulating layer prior to winding. | An alloy having a formula FeaCobNicCudMeSifBgXh is provided. M is at least one of V, Nb, Ta, Ti, Mo, W, Zr, Cr, Mn and Hf; a, b, c, d, e, f, g are in at. %; X denotes impurities and optional elements P, Ge and C; and a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h satisfy the following:1. An alloy, comprising:
a formula FeaCobNicCudMeSifBgXh, where M is at least one of the elements V, Nb, Ta, Ti, Mo, W, Zr, Cr, Mn and Hf; a, b, c, d, e, f, g are given in at. %; X denotes impurities and the optional elements P, Ge and C; and a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h satisfy the following conditions: 0≤b≤4, 0≤c<4, 0.5≤d≤2, 2.5≤e≤3.5, 14.5≤f≤16, 6≤g≤7, h<0.5, and 1≤(b+c)≤4.5, where a+b+c+d+e+f+g=100, the alloy having a nanocrystalline microstructure in which at least 50 vol. % of the grains have an average size of less than 100 nm, a saturation magnetostriction |λs|≤1 ppm,
a hysteresis loop with a central linear part,
a permeability of 10,000 to 15,000, and
a remanence ratio (Br/Bs)<1.5%. 2. An alloy according to claim 1, where 0.2≤c<4. 3. An alloy according to claim 1, where 0.2≤b<4. 4. An alloy according to claim 1, wherein the alloy has a saturation inductance of greater than 1.0 T. 5. An alloy according to claim 1, wherein the alloy has a coercive field strength of Hc<1 A/m. 6. An alloy according to claim 1, wherein the alloy has an anisotropy field Hk≥60 A/m. 7. An alloy according to claim 1, wherein X is C and h<0.5. 8. An alloy according to claim 1, wherein at least one element from the group Nb, Ta and Mo is present as M and 2.5<e<3.5. 9. An alloy according to claim 1, wherein Nb is replaceable completely by Ta and up to 0.06 at. % by Mo. 10. An alloy according to claim 1, where 0.5<b≤3, 0.5<c≤3, and 1≤(b+c)≤4.5. 11. An alloy according to claim 1, wherein the alloy has a permeability of 11000 to 14000. 12. A magnetic core made of the alloy according to claim 1. 13. A magnetic core according to claim 12, wherein the core is in the form of a toroidal core that is wound from a strip with a thickness of less than 50 μm. 14. A method for producing a magnetic core, comprising:
winding a strip made from an amorphous alloy comprising the formula FeaCobNicCudMeSifBgXh to form a toroidal core, where M is at least one of the elements V, Nb, Ta, Ti, Mo, W, Zr, Cr, Mn and Hf; a, b, c, d, e, f, g are given in at. %; X denotes impurities and the optional elements P, Ge and C; and a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h satisfy the following conditions: 0≤b≤4, 0≤c<4, 0.5≤d≤2, 2.5≤e≤3.5, 14.5≤f≤16, 6≤g≤7, h<0.5, and 1≤(b+c)≤4.5, where a+b+c+d+e+f+g=100, heat treating the toroidal core using a magnetic field of 80 kA/m to 200 kA/m perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the strip using a heat treatment process comprising five stages, where in stage 1 the temperature is increased from room temperature to T1 over a period from time t0 to time t1, where 300° C.≤T1≤500° C. and t1−t0 is 0.5 h to 2 h, in stage 2 the temperature is increased from T1 to T2 over a period from time t1 to time t2, where 400° C.≤T2≤600° C. and t2−t1 is 0.5 h to 6 h, in stage 3 the temperature is increased from T2 to T3 over a period from time t2 to time t3, where 400° C.≤T3≤650° C. and t3−t2 is 0 h to 1 h, in stage 4 the temperature is held at T3 for a period from time t3 to time t3-1, where t3-1−t3 is 0.25 h to 3 h, in stage 5 the temperature is reduced from T3 to room temperature over a period from time t3-1 to time t4, where t4-t3-1 is 2 h to 4 h. 15. A method according to claim 14, wherein T3 lies between 520° C. and 620° C. to achieve a saturation magnetostriction of |As|≤1 ppm. 16. A method according to claim 15, wherein a saturation magnetostriction λs is set at between 0 and +1 ppm. 17. A method according to claim 14, wherein the field strength of the magnetic field is varied or held constant during heat treatment. 18. A method according to claim 14, wherein the magnetic field is switched on or off during heat treatment. 19. A method according to claim 14, wherein at least three cores are stacked one on top of the other and heat treated. 20. A method according to claim 14, in which at least one of the two surfaces of the strip is provided with an electrically insulating layer prior to winding. | 2,600 |
348,516 | 16,806,032 | 2,699 | A slide rail assembly includes a first rail, a second rail, a third rail and a switch member. The second rail is movably mounted between the first rail and the third rail. The switch member is linearly movable and configured to be switched between a first state and a second state. When the switch member is in the second state, the second rail is configured to be driven by the third rail to move to a predetermined position along a retracting direction. When the third rail is moved relative to the second rail at the predetermined position along an extending direction, the switch member is configured to be switched from the second state to the first state. | 1. A slide rail assembly, comprising:
a first rail; a second rail movable relative to the first rail; a rear base arranged on the first rail, the rear base comprising a first base part and a second base part; and a rear engaging mechanism arranged on the second rail, the rear engaging mechanism comprising an engaging member linearly movable relative to the second rail along a linear direction; wherein when the second rail is located at a predetermined position relative to the first rail, the engaging member of the rear engaging mechanism is blocked by the first base part of the rear base, in order to prevent the second rail from being moved from the predetermined position along an extending direction; wherein when the second rail is located at the predetermined position, the engaging member of the rear engaging mechanism is blocked by the second base part of the rear base, in order to prevent the second rail from being moved from the predetermined position along a retracting direction. 2. The slide rail assembly of claim 1, further comprising a third rail movable relative to the second rail, and a switch member movable relative to the second rail to be in one of a first state and a second state; wherein the third rail is arranged with a driving structure and a front contact feature; wherein when the second rail is located at a first extended position relative to the first rail, the switch member is operable to switch from the first state to the second state; wherein when the third rail is moved along the retracting direction, the driving structure of the third rail is configured to contact the switch member in the second state to allow the third rail to drive the second rail to move to the predetermined position along the retracting direction; wherein when the third rail is moved a predetermined extended distance relative to the second rail at the predetermined position along the extending direction, the third rail is configured to drive the switch member to switch from the second state to the first state through the front contact feature. 3. The slide rail assembly of claim 1, wherein the rear engaging mechanism further comprises an elastic member configured to provide an elastic force to the engaging member; wherein when the second rail is located at the predetermined position, the engaging member is moved to be blocked between the first base part and the second base part of the rear base in response to the elastic force of the elastic member. 4. The slide rail assembly of claim 1, wherein the linear direction is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the second rail. 5. The slide rail assembly of claim 1, further comprising a front base arranged on the first rail; wherein the front base comprises a blocking feature, and the slide rail assembly further comprises a front engaging mechanism arranged on the second rail; wherein when the second rail is located at a first extended position relative to the first rail, the front engaging mechanism is located adjacent to the blocking feature of the front base, in order to prevent the second rail from being moved from the first extended position along the retracting direction. 6. A slide rail assembly, comprising:
a first rail; a second rail movable relative to the first rail; a third rail movable relative to the second rail; and a switch member linearly movable relative to the second rail to be in one of a first state and a second state; wherein when the second rail is located at a predetermined position relative to the first rail, the third rail is configured to drive the switch member to switch from the second state to the first state during the third rail being moved a predetermined extended distance relative to the second rail at the predetermined position along an extending direction. 7. The slide rail assembly of claim 6, further comprising a rear base arranged on the first rail, and an engaging mechanism arranged on the second rail; wherein the engaging mechanism comprises an engaging member linearly movable relative to the second rail along a linear direction; wherein when the second rail is located at a predetermined position, the engaging member of the engaging mechanism is blocked by the rear base, in order to prevent the second rail from being moved from the predetermined position along the extending direction 8. A slide rail assembly, comprising:
a first rail; a second rail movable relative to the first rail; a third rail movable relative to the second rail, the third rail being arranged with a driving structure and a front contact feature; and a switch member linearly movable relative to the second rail along a linear direction to be in one of a first state and a second state; wherein when the second rail is located at a first extended position relative to the first rail, the switch member is operable to switch from the first state to the second state; wherein when the third rail is moved along a retracting direction, the driving structure of the third rail is configured to contact the switch member in the second state to allow the third rail to drive the second rail to move to a predetermined position along the retracting direction; wherein when the third rail is moved a predetermined extended distance relative to the second rail at the predetermined position along an extending direction, the third rail is configured to drive the switch member to switch from the second state to the first state through the front contact feature. 9. The slide rail assembly of claim 8, wherein the third rail is further arranged with a rear contact feature; wherein when the third rail is detached from a passage of the second rail along the extending direction and when the switch member is switched from the first state to the second state, the third rail is configured to drive the switch member to switch from the second state to the first state through the rear contact feature during a process of the third rail being remounted to the passage of the second rail along the retracting direction. 10. The slide rail assembly of claim 9, wherein when the switch member is in the first state, the driving structure of the third rail is spaced from the switch member, so as to allow the third rail to be moved relative to the second rail along the retracting direction to a fully-retracted position. 11. The slide rail assembly of claim 8, wherein the second rail is movably mounted between the first rail and the third rail, and the second rail has a first side and a second side; wherein the first side of the second rail faces the first rail, and the second side of the second rail faces the third rail. 12. The slide rail assembly of claim 11, wherein the linear direction is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the second rail. 13. The slide rail assembly of claim 11, wherein the second rail is arranged with at least one holding feature configured to temporarily hold the switch member in the first state. 14. The slide rail assembly of claim 13, wherein when the switch member is in the second state, a switch part of the switch member, the driving structure, and the front contact feature are located at a same horizontal position. 15. The slide rail assembly of claim 13, wherein one of the front contact feature of the third rail and the switch part of the switch member has a guiding surface. 16. The slide rail assembly of claim 8, wherein when the second rail is located at the first extended position relative to the first rail, the slide rail assembly has a first length; wherein when the second rail is located at the predetermined position relative to the first rail, the slide rail assembly has a second length smaller than the first length. 17. The slide rail assembly of claim 8, further comprising a front base arranged on the first rail and a first engaging mechanism arranged on the second rail; wherein the front base comprises a blocking feature; wherein when the second rail is located at the first extended position, the first engaging mechanism is located adjacent to the blocking feature of the front base, in order to prevent the second rail from being moved from the first extended position along the retracting direction; wherein the first engaging mechanism comprises a first engaging member and a first elastic member configured to provide an elastic force to the first engaging member; wherein when the second rail is located at the first extended position, the first engaging member is located adjacent to the blocking feature of the front base in response to the elastic force of the elastic member. 18. The slide rail assembly of claim 8, further comprising a rear base arranged on the first rail and a second engaging mechanism arranged on the second rail; wherein when the second rail is located at the predetermined position, the second engaging mechanism is blocked by the rear base, in order to prevent the second rail from being moved from the predetermined position along the extending direction. 19. The slide rail assembly of claim 18, wherein the rear base comprises a first base part, and the second engaging mechanism comprises a second engaging member; wherein when the second rail is located at the predetermined position, the second engaging member is linearly moved to be blocked by the first base part of the rear base. 20. The slide rail assembly of claim 19, wherein the second engaging mechanism further comprises a second elastic member configured to provide an elastic force to the second engaging member; wherein when the second rail is located at the predetermined position, the second engaging member is blocked by the first base part of the rear base in response to the elastic force of the second elastic member. | A slide rail assembly includes a first rail, a second rail, a third rail and a switch member. The second rail is movably mounted between the first rail and the third rail. The switch member is linearly movable and configured to be switched between a first state and a second state. When the switch member is in the second state, the second rail is configured to be driven by the third rail to move to a predetermined position along a retracting direction. When the third rail is moved relative to the second rail at the predetermined position along an extending direction, the switch member is configured to be switched from the second state to the first state.1. A slide rail assembly, comprising:
a first rail; a second rail movable relative to the first rail; a rear base arranged on the first rail, the rear base comprising a first base part and a second base part; and a rear engaging mechanism arranged on the second rail, the rear engaging mechanism comprising an engaging member linearly movable relative to the second rail along a linear direction; wherein when the second rail is located at a predetermined position relative to the first rail, the engaging member of the rear engaging mechanism is blocked by the first base part of the rear base, in order to prevent the second rail from being moved from the predetermined position along an extending direction; wherein when the second rail is located at the predetermined position, the engaging member of the rear engaging mechanism is blocked by the second base part of the rear base, in order to prevent the second rail from being moved from the predetermined position along a retracting direction. 2. The slide rail assembly of claim 1, further comprising a third rail movable relative to the second rail, and a switch member movable relative to the second rail to be in one of a first state and a second state; wherein the third rail is arranged with a driving structure and a front contact feature; wherein when the second rail is located at a first extended position relative to the first rail, the switch member is operable to switch from the first state to the second state; wherein when the third rail is moved along the retracting direction, the driving structure of the third rail is configured to contact the switch member in the second state to allow the third rail to drive the second rail to move to the predetermined position along the retracting direction; wherein when the third rail is moved a predetermined extended distance relative to the second rail at the predetermined position along the extending direction, the third rail is configured to drive the switch member to switch from the second state to the first state through the front contact feature. 3. The slide rail assembly of claim 1, wherein the rear engaging mechanism further comprises an elastic member configured to provide an elastic force to the engaging member; wherein when the second rail is located at the predetermined position, the engaging member is moved to be blocked between the first base part and the second base part of the rear base in response to the elastic force of the elastic member. 4. The slide rail assembly of claim 1, wherein the linear direction is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the second rail. 5. The slide rail assembly of claim 1, further comprising a front base arranged on the first rail; wherein the front base comprises a blocking feature, and the slide rail assembly further comprises a front engaging mechanism arranged on the second rail; wherein when the second rail is located at a first extended position relative to the first rail, the front engaging mechanism is located adjacent to the blocking feature of the front base, in order to prevent the second rail from being moved from the first extended position along the retracting direction. 6. A slide rail assembly, comprising:
a first rail; a second rail movable relative to the first rail; a third rail movable relative to the second rail; and a switch member linearly movable relative to the second rail to be in one of a first state and a second state; wherein when the second rail is located at a predetermined position relative to the first rail, the third rail is configured to drive the switch member to switch from the second state to the first state during the third rail being moved a predetermined extended distance relative to the second rail at the predetermined position along an extending direction. 7. The slide rail assembly of claim 6, further comprising a rear base arranged on the first rail, and an engaging mechanism arranged on the second rail; wherein the engaging mechanism comprises an engaging member linearly movable relative to the second rail along a linear direction; wherein when the second rail is located at a predetermined position, the engaging member of the engaging mechanism is blocked by the rear base, in order to prevent the second rail from being moved from the predetermined position along the extending direction 8. A slide rail assembly, comprising:
a first rail; a second rail movable relative to the first rail; a third rail movable relative to the second rail, the third rail being arranged with a driving structure and a front contact feature; and a switch member linearly movable relative to the second rail along a linear direction to be in one of a first state and a second state; wherein when the second rail is located at a first extended position relative to the first rail, the switch member is operable to switch from the first state to the second state; wherein when the third rail is moved along a retracting direction, the driving structure of the third rail is configured to contact the switch member in the second state to allow the third rail to drive the second rail to move to a predetermined position along the retracting direction; wherein when the third rail is moved a predetermined extended distance relative to the second rail at the predetermined position along an extending direction, the third rail is configured to drive the switch member to switch from the second state to the first state through the front contact feature. 9. The slide rail assembly of claim 8, wherein the third rail is further arranged with a rear contact feature; wherein when the third rail is detached from a passage of the second rail along the extending direction and when the switch member is switched from the first state to the second state, the third rail is configured to drive the switch member to switch from the second state to the first state through the rear contact feature during a process of the third rail being remounted to the passage of the second rail along the retracting direction. 10. The slide rail assembly of claim 9, wherein when the switch member is in the first state, the driving structure of the third rail is spaced from the switch member, so as to allow the third rail to be moved relative to the second rail along the retracting direction to a fully-retracted position. 11. The slide rail assembly of claim 8, wherein the second rail is movably mounted between the first rail and the third rail, and the second rail has a first side and a second side; wherein the first side of the second rail faces the first rail, and the second side of the second rail faces the third rail. 12. The slide rail assembly of claim 11, wherein the linear direction is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the second rail. 13. The slide rail assembly of claim 11, wherein the second rail is arranged with at least one holding feature configured to temporarily hold the switch member in the first state. 14. The slide rail assembly of claim 13, wherein when the switch member is in the second state, a switch part of the switch member, the driving structure, and the front contact feature are located at a same horizontal position. 15. The slide rail assembly of claim 13, wherein one of the front contact feature of the third rail and the switch part of the switch member has a guiding surface. 16. The slide rail assembly of claim 8, wherein when the second rail is located at the first extended position relative to the first rail, the slide rail assembly has a first length; wherein when the second rail is located at the predetermined position relative to the first rail, the slide rail assembly has a second length smaller than the first length. 17. The slide rail assembly of claim 8, further comprising a front base arranged on the first rail and a first engaging mechanism arranged on the second rail; wherein the front base comprises a blocking feature; wherein when the second rail is located at the first extended position, the first engaging mechanism is located adjacent to the blocking feature of the front base, in order to prevent the second rail from being moved from the first extended position along the retracting direction; wherein the first engaging mechanism comprises a first engaging member and a first elastic member configured to provide an elastic force to the first engaging member; wherein when the second rail is located at the first extended position, the first engaging member is located adjacent to the blocking feature of the front base in response to the elastic force of the elastic member. 18. The slide rail assembly of claim 8, further comprising a rear base arranged on the first rail and a second engaging mechanism arranged on the second rail; wherein when the second rail is located at the predetermined position, the second engaging mechanism is blocked by the rear base, in order to prevent the second rail from being moved from the predetermined position along the extending direction. 19. The slide rail assembly of claim 18, wherein the rear base comprises a first base part, and the second engaging mechanism comprises a second engaging member; wherein when the second rail is located at the predetermined position, the second engaging member is linearly moved to be blocked by the first base part of the rear base. 20. The slide rail assembly of claim 19, wherein the second engaging mechanism further comprises a second elastic member configured to provide an elastic force to the second engaging member; wherein when the second rail is located at the predetermined position, the second engaging member is blocked by the first base part of the rear base in response to the elastic force of the second elastic member. | 2,600 |
348,517 | 16,806,011 | 2,699 | An electronic device includes a substrate, a plurality of light sources, the plurality of light sources configured to emit an optical signal to an object through the substrate, at least one sensor underneath the substrate, the at least one sensor configured to detect biometric information associated with the object by receiving a reflected light signal, the reflected light signal corresponding to the optical signal reflected off the object and transferred through the substrate, and a multi-lens array including at least one support layer, a plurality of first lenses, and a plurality of second lenses, the at least one support layer in an upper portion of the at least one sensor, the plurality of first lenses on an upper surface of the at least one support layer, and the plurality of second lenses on a lower surface of the at least one support layer. | 1. An electronic device, comprising:
a substrate; a display panel including a plurality of light sources, the plurality of light sources configured to emit an optical signal to an object through the substrate; at least one sensor underneath the substrate, the at least one sensor including processing circuitry configured to detect biometric information associated with the object by receiving a reflected light signal, the reflected light signal corresponding to the optical signal reflected off the object and transferred through the substrate; and a multi-lens array including at least one support layer, a plurality of first lenses, and a plurality of second lenses, the at least one support layer in an upper portion of the at least one sensor, the plurality of first lenses on an upper surface of the at least one support layer, and the plurality of second lenses on a lower surface of the at least one support layer. 2. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising:
an optical filter between the at least one sensor and the multi-lens array, the optical filter configured to selectively pass the reflected light signal in response to the reflected light signal having a desired wavelength band. 3. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein a distance from a lower surface of the display panel to a lower surface of the substrate is 4 mm or less in a direction perpendicular to the substrate. 4. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the multi-lens array has a field of view of 70 degrees or wider. 5. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein a first distance from a lower surface of the display panel to an upper portion of the first lens in a direction perpendicular to the substrate is 45% or greater than a second distance from a lower surface of the display panel to a lower surface of the substrate. 6. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to detect the biometric information of the object based on a plurality of sensor regions overlapping each other on the substrate. 7. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the multi-lens array further includes a plurality of third lenses parallel to an upper surface of the support layer. 8. An electronic device, comprising:
a display panel in an upper portion of a substrate and including a plurality of light sources configured to emit an optical signal to an object; at least one optical sensor on the substrate and configured to sense reflected light corresponding to the optical signal, the reflected light reflected from the object and passing through a detection area defined in the display panel; a lens support layer in an upper portion of the at least one optical sensor; a plurality of lenses on at least one of an upper surface and a lower surface of the lens support layer in a direction parallel to the upper surface of the substrate; and a position control layer in the upper portion of the substrate including processing circuitry, the position control layer configured to control a position of the at least one optical sensor and a position of at least one lens of the plurality of lenses. 9. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to control the position of the at least one optical sensor and the position of the at least one lens of the plurality of lenses based on position information of the object in relation to the detection area. 10. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the position control layer is in a lower portion of the at least one optical sensor. 11. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the position control layer is in a lower portion of the lens support layer. 12. The electronic device of claim 8, further comprising:
an optical filter between the optical sensor and the plurality of lenses and configured to selectively pass the reflected light in response to the reflected light having a desired wavelength band. 13. The electronic device of claim 8, further comprising:
a holder including an accommodation space, the accommodation space configured to store the optical sensor, and support the lens support layer. 14. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein a first distance from a lower surface of the display panel to an upper portion of the plurality of lenses in a direction perpendicular to the substrate is 45% or greater of a second distance from a lower surface of the display panel to a lower surface of the substrate. 15. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein the plurality of lenses are in at least one of an upper portion and a lower portion of the lens support layer. 16. A sensing module, comprising:
at least one sensor in an upper portion of a substrate, the at least one sensor including processing circuitry, the processing circuitry configured to receive light reflected from an object adjacent to a sensing area, and obtain biometric information of the object; a multi-lens array including a plurality of lenses and a support layer, the plurality of lenses in an upper portion of the at least one sensor in a direction parallel to an upper surface of the substrate, and the support layer configured to support the plurality of lenses; and a position control layer in the upper portion of the substrate, the position control layer including position processing circuitry configured to control a position of the at least one sensor and a position of at least one lens of the plurality of lenses based on position information of the object in relation to the sensing area. 17. The sensing module of claim 16, wherein the position control layer includes at least one sensor position control layer between the substrate and the at least one sensor, the at least one sensor position control layer including an actuator configured to adjust the position of the at least one sensor based on signals from the position processing circuitry. 18. The sensing module of claim 17, wherein the position control layer further includes a plate in the upper portion of the substrate, the plate configured to support the at least one sensor position control layer. 19. The sensing module of claim 16, wherein the position control layer includes a lens position control layer in the upper portion of the sensor, the lens position control layer configured to adjust a position of the support layer. 20. The sensing module of claim 16, wherein the at least one sensor is further configured to receive the reflected light from a plurality of sensing regions overlapping each other in the sensing area. | An electronic device includes a substrate, a plurality of light sources, the plurality of light sources configured to emit an optical signal to an object through the substrate, at least one sensor underneath the substrate, the at least one sensor configured to detect biometric information associated with the object by receiving a reflected light signal, the reflected light signal corresponding to the optical signal reflected off the object and transferred through the substrate, and a multi-lens array including at least one support layer, a plurality of first lenses, and a plurality of second lenses, the at least one support layer in an upper portion of the at least one sensor, the plurality of first lenses on an upper surface of the at least one support layer, and the plurality of second lenses on a lower surface of the at least one support layer.1. An electronic device, comprising:
a substrate; a display panel including a plurality of light sources, the plurality of light sources configured to emit an optical signal to an object through the substrate; at least one sensor underneath the substrate, the at least one sensor including processing circuitry configured to detect biometric information associated with the object by receiving a reflected light signal, the reflected light signal corresponding to the optical signal reflected off the object and transferred through the substrate; and a multi-lens array including at least one support layer, a plurality of first lenses, and a plurality of second lenses, the at least one support layer in an upper portion of the at least one sensor, the plurality of first lenses on an upper surface of the at least one support layer, and the plurality of second lenses on a lower surface of the at least one support layer. 2. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising:
an optical filter between the at least one sensor and the multi-lens array, the optical filter configured to selectively pass the reflected light signal in response to the reflected light signal having a desired wavelength band. 3. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein a distance from a lower surface of the display panel to a lower surface of the substrate is 4 mm or less in a direction perpendicular to the substrate. 4. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the multi-lens array has a field of view of 70 degrees or wider. 5. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein a first distance from a lower surface of the display panel to an upper portion of the first lens in a direction perpendicular to the substrate is 45% or greater than a second distance from a lower surface of the display panel to a lower surface of the substrate. 6. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to detect the biometric information of the object based on a plurality of sensor regions overlapping each other on the substrate. 7. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the multi-lens array further includes a plurality of third lenses parallel to an upper surface of the support layer. 8. An electronic device, comprising:
a display panel in an upper portion of a substrate and including a plurality of light sources configured to emit an optical signal to an object; at least one optical sensor on the substrate and configured to sense reflected light corresponding to the optical signal, the reflected light reflected from the object and passing through a detection area defined in the display panel; a lens support layer in an upper portion of the at least one optical sensor; a plurality of lenses on at least one of an upper surface and a lower surface of the lens support layer in a direction parallel to the upper surface of the substrate; and a position control layer in the upper portion of the substrate including processing circuitry, the position control layer configured to control a position of the at least one optical sensor and a position of at least one lens of the plurality of lenses. 9. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to control the position of the at least one optical sensor and the position of the at least one lens of the plurality of lenses based on position information of the object in relation to the detection area. 10. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the position control layer is in a lower portion of the at least one optical sensor. 11. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the position control layer is in a lower portion of the lens support layer. 12. The electronic device of claim 8, further comprising:
an optical filter between the optical sensor and the plurality of lenses and configured to selectively pass the reflected light in response to the reflected light having a desired wavelength band. 13. The electronic device of claim 8, further comprising:
a holder including an accommodation space, the accommodation space configured to store the optical sensor, and support the lens support layer. 14. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein a first distance from a lower surface of the display panel to an upper portion of the plurality of lenses in a direction perpendicular to the substrate is 45% or greater of a second distance from a lower surface of the display panel to a lower surface of the substrate. 15. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein the plurality of lenses are in at least one of an upper portion and a lower portion of the lens support layer. 16. A sensing module, comprising:
at least one sensor in an upper portion of a substrate, the at least one sensor including processing circuitry, the processing circuitry configured to receive light reflected from an object adjacent to a sensing area, and obtain biometric information of the object; a multi-lens array including a plurality of lenses and a support layer, the plurality of lenses in an upper portion of the at least one sensor in a direction parallel to an upper surface of the substrate, and the support layer configured to support the plurality of lenses; and a position control layer in the upper portion of the substrate, the position control layer including position processing circuitry configured to control a position of the at least one sensor and a position of at least one lens of the plurality of lenses based on position information of the object in relation to the sensing area. 17. The sensing module of claim 16, wherein the position control layer includes at least one sensor position control layer between the substrate and the at least one sensor, the at least one sensor position control layer including an actuator configured to adjust the position of the at least one sensor based on signals from the position processing circuitry. 18. The sensing module of claim 17, wherein the position control layer further includes a plate in the upper portion of the substrate, the plate configured to support the at least one sensor position control layer. 19. The sensing module of claim 16, wherein the position control layer includes a lens position control layer in the upper portion of the sensor, the lens position control layer configured to adjust a position of the support layer. 20. The sensing module of claim 16, wherein the at least one sensor is further configured to receive the reflected light from a plurality of sensing regions overlapping each other in the sensing area. | 2,600 |
348,518 | 16,806,021 | 2,699 | A biomagnetic measurement system includes a magnetism measurement apparatus configured to measure a magnetism of a target; and an electrical stimulation apparatus configured to apply a stimulation current to the target. The magnetism measurement apparatus includes a confirming unit configured to confirm a magnitude of an artifact caused by the stimulation current. The electrical stimulation apparatus is configured to output a compensation current for reducing the artifact after the stimulation current is output, based on information from the confirming unit. | 1. A biomagnetic measurement system comprising:
a magnetism measurement apparatus configured to measure a magnetism of a target; and an electrical stimulation apparatus configured to apply a stimulation current to the target, wherein the magnetism measurement apparatus includes:
a confirming unit configured to confirm a magnitude of an artifact caused by the stimulation current, and wherein
the electrical stimulation apparatus is configured to output a compensation current for reducing the artifact after the stimulation current is output, based on information from the confirming unit. 2. The biomagnetic measurement system according to claim 1, wherein the electrical stimulation apparatus is configured to automatically adjust the compensation current based on the information from the confirming unit. 3. The biomagnetic measurement system according to claim 1, wherein the magnetism measurement apparatus further includes:
a magnetic sensor; and a magnetic signal acquirer configured to acquire, from the magnetic sensor, a magnetic signal generated when the stimulation current is applied, and wherein the confirming unit is configured to confirm the magnitude of the artifact included in the magnetic signal. 4. The biomagnetic measurement system according to claim 3, wherein the magnetic signals are summed and averaged. 5. The biomagnetic measurement system according to claim 1, wherein the stimulation current and the compensation current are pulse signals having opposite phases to each other. 6. A biomagnetic measurement method comprising:
applying a stimulation current to a target; confirming a magnitude of an artifact caused by the stimulation current; and outputting a compensation current for reducing the artifact after the stimulation current is output, based on information obtained at the confirming. | A biomagnetic measurement system includes a magnetism measurement apparatus configured to measure a magnetism of a target; and an electrical stimulation apparatus configured to apply a stimulation current to the target. The magnetism measurement apparatus includes a confirming unit configured to confirm a magnitude of an artifact caused by the stimulation current. The electrical stimulation apparatus is configured to output a compensation current for reducing the artifact after the stimulation current is output, based on information from the confirming unit.1. A biomagnetic measurement system comprising:
a magnetism measurement apparatus configured to measure a magnetism of a target; and an electrical stimulation apparatus configured to apply a stimulation current to the target, wherein the magnetism measurement apparatus includes:
a confirming unit configured to confirm a magnitude of an artifact caused by the stimulation current, and wherein
the electrical stimulation apparatus is configured to output a compensation current for reducing the artifact after the stimulation current is output, based on information from the confirming unit. 2. The biomagnetic measurement system according to claim 1, wherein the electrical stimulation apparatus is configured to automatically adjust the compensation current based on the information from the confirming unit. 3. The biomagnetic measurement system according to claim 1, wherein the magnetism measurement apparatus further includes:
a magnetic sensor; and a magnetic signal acquirer configured to acquire, from the magnetic sensor, a magnetic signal generated when the stimulation current is applied, and wherein the confirming unit is configured to confirm the magnitude of the artifact included in the magnetic signal. 4. The biomagnetic measurement system according to claim 3, wherein the magnetic signals are summed and averaged. 5. The biomagnetic measurement system according to claim 1, wherein the stimulation current and the compensation current are pulse signals having opposite phases to each other. 6. A biomagnetic measurement method comprising:
applying a stimulation current to a target; confirming a magnitude of an artifact caused by the stimulation current; and outputting a compensation current for reducing the artifact after the stimulation current is output, based on information obtained at the confirming. | 2,600 |
348,519 | 16,806,036 | 2,699 | Absorbent sheet is manufactured utilizing a low charge density debonder composition comprising an imidazolinium surfactant-containing constituent selected from the group consisting of: (i) cationic imidazolinium surfactants with alkylalkenylhydroxy substitution; (ii) zwitterionic imidazolinium surfactants; and (iii) an ion paired surfactant mixture including a zwitterionic imidazolinium surfactant and a cationic surfactant and, in admixture with the imidazolinium surfactant-containing constituent, (iv) a nonionic surfactant. | 1. An ion paired surfactant mixture useful for debonder and softener compositions utilized in absorbent paper manufacture, said mixture comprising a zwitterionic imidazolinium surfactant and a cationic surfactant selected from cationic imidazolinium surfactants and quaternary ammonium surfactants, said zwitterionic imidazolinium surfactant having the structural formula I: 2. The ion paired surfactant mixture useful for debonder and softener compositions utilized in absorbent paper manufacture according to claim 1, comprising a cationic imidazolinium surfactant, wherein the cationic surfactant has the structural formula: 3. The ion paired surfactant mixture useful for debonder and softener compositions utilized in absorbent paper manufacture according to claim 2, wherein R19 is a hydroxy substituted alkylalkenyl moiety having from 11 to 21 carbon atoms and R12 is an amidoalkenylalkyl moiety bearing a pendant hydroxyl group having from 12 to 22 carbon atoms. 4. The ion paired surfactant mixture useful for debonder and softener compositions utilized in absorbent paper manufacture according to claim 1, comprising a quaternary ammonium surfactant selected from the group consisting of:
a dialkyldimethylammonium compound of the formula: 5. The ion paired surfactant mixture according to claim 1, wherein the molar ratio of cationic surfactant to zwitterionic surfactant is from 55:45 to 80:20. 6. The ion paired surfactant mixture according to claim 5, wherein the molar ratio of cationic surfactant to zwitterionic surfactant is from 60:40 to 75:25. 7. A debonder composition for absorbent paper manufacture comprising the ion paired surfactant mixture of claim 1 in admixture with a nonionic surfactant. 8. The debonder composition according to claim 7, wherein the debonder composition comprises from 5 to 45 wt. % of the ion paired surfactant mixture and from 65 to 95 wt. percent of nonionic surfactant. 9. The debonder composition according to claim 7, wherein the debonder composition comprises a nonionic surfactant selected from alkoxylated fatty acids and alkoxylated fatty alcohols. 10. The debonder composition according to claim 7, wherein the debonder composition exhibits a charge density of from 0.15 to 0.25 meq/g. | Absorbent sheet is manufactured utilizing a low charge density debonder composition comprising an imidazolinium surfactant-containing constituent selected from the group consisting of: (i) cationic imidazolinium surfactants with alkylalkenylhydroxy substitution; (ii) zwitterionic imidazolinium surfactants; and (iii) an ion paired surfactant mixture including a zwitterionic imidazolinium surfactant and a cationic surfactant and, in admixture with the imidazolinium surfactant-containing constituent, (iv) a nonionic surfactant.1. An ion paired surfactant mixture useful for debonder and softener compositions utilized in absorbent paper manufacture, said mixture comprising a zwitterionic imidazolinium surfactant and a cationic surfactant selected from cationic imidazolinium surfactants and quaternary ammonium surfactants, said zwitterionic imidazolinium surfactant having the structural formula I: 2. The ion paired surfactant mixture useful for debonder and softener compositions utilized in absorbent paper manufacture according to claim 1, comprising a cationic imidazolinium surfactant, wherein the cationic surfactant has the structural formula: 3. The ion paired surfactant mixture useful for debonder and softener compositions utilized in absorbent paper manufacture according to claim 2, wherein R19 is a hydroxy substituted alkylalkenyl moiety having from 11 to 21 carbon atoms and R12 is an amidoalkenylalkyl moiety bearing a pendant hydroxyl group having from 12 to 22 carbon atoms. 4. The ion paired surfactant mixture useful for debonder and softener compositions utilized in absorbent paper manufacture according to claim 1, comprising a quaternary ammonium surfactant selected from the group consisting of:
a dialkyldimethylammonium compound of the formula: 5. The ion paired surfactant mixture according to claim 1, wherein the molar ratio of cationic surfactant to zwitterionic surfactant is from 55:45 to 80:20. 6. The ion paired surfactant mixture according to claim 5, wherein the molar ratio of cationic surfactant to zwitterionic surfactant is from 60:40 to 75:25. 7. A debonder composition for absorbent paper manufacture comprising the ion paired surfactant mixture of claim 1 in admixture with a nonionic surfactant. 8. The debonder composition according to claim 7, wherein the debonder composition comprises from 5 to 45 wt. % of the ion paired surfactant mixture and from 65 to 95 wt. percent of nonionic surfactant. 9. The debonder composition according to claim 7, wherein the debonder composition comprises a nonionic surfactant selected from alkoxylated fatty acids and alkoxylated fatty alcohols. 10. The debonder composition according to claim 7, wherein the debonder composition exhibits a charge density of from 0.15 to 0.25 meq/g. | 2,600 |
348,520 | 16,806,035 | 2,699 | A test method for the combined toxicity of chlorpyrifos and butachlor, which comprises the following steps: A. Experimental organisms: The zebrafish wild type AB strain is used in the experiment. After the purchase, it is domesticated in the laboratory, and the experimental fishes for collecting fish eggs have been kept in this laboratory for more than 1 month. Through the combined toxicity test and single pesticide test, it is convenient to increase the reference data and improve the mutual comparison of the data according to the impact of different environments and different agents on the animals. Better balance and offset the effects of irrelevant variables, making the experimental results more convincing. The probit analysis method is used to calculate the pesticides on larvae based on the number and the time of death of fish larvae, and the data is reasonably analyzed and processed to avoid reliance on single effect. | 1. A test method for the combined toxicity of chlorpyrifos and butachlor, which comprises the following steps:
A. Experimental organisms: Using a zebrafish wild-type AB strain in the experiment and domesticated in laboratory after purchase, the fishes for collecting experimental fishes eggs had been raised in this laboratory for more than a month and fed with the fairy shrimps twice a day, remove the bait and feces 30 minutes after feeding; a ratio of light time to dark time is 14 h:10 h, on the eve of breeding, putting the healthy and sexually mature brood stock into the mating spawning tank with a ratio of female to male 1:2, 8 h earlier the next day light to fertilize their eggs, separating the cleaned and disinfected normal fertilized eggs into two parts: using one part for embryo experiments; incubating the other part in a 26±1° C. light incubator, using the larvae for exposure experiment after swimming balance; breeding Japanese medaka in a 10-liter round glass tank with a female-to-male ratio of 3:2 per 50 species of fish, and the breeding water is 8 L, freshly hatched larvae are fed twice daily in the morning and evening; every morning after collecting the fertilized eggs from the female, separating the eggs with a dropper, and selecting the fertilized healthy fertilized eggs for hatching larvae; B. Experimental water and experimental equipment: The preparation method of experimental water refers to the OECD guidelines, and it will be used after being fully exposed to oxygen, its main indicators are: water temperature of zebrafish is 26±1° C., and Japanese medaka 25±1° C., pH value is 7.8±0.2, dissolved oxygen 7.8 mg hardness recorded as 230±20 mg·L−1 respectively, as embryo and larvae poisoning equipment; C. Experimental reagents: 96% chlorpyrifos technical product and 95% butachlor technical product, using analytical pure N, N-dimethylformamide and Tween-80 to dissolve the pesticide technical product and make it into a certain concentration of stock solution, its additive volume ratio is not more than 0.1% for determination; D. Toxicity of pesticides to zebrafish embryos: On the basis of clearing the effective concentration range of pesticides in pre-tests, diluting the pesticide stock solution with standard dilution water to 5-7 concentrations with a geometrical ratio, and using a 24-well cell culture dish for poisoning apparatus, the volume of each well is 3 mL, 20 wells are the same experimental concentration, and the remaining 4 wells are blank controls; during the experiment, 2 mL of test solution and 1 randomly selected 3 hpf (hourpost-fertilization) normal fertilized embryo at the embryo shield stage were put into every well, set up 3 replicates at each concentration, every culture dish as a replicate, and incubating in a multifunctional incubator at 26±1° C. with a photoperiod of 14 h (light): 10 h (dark); E. Single toxicity of pesticides to zebrafish larvae and Japanese medaka: Design the toxicity test of pesticides to zebrafish and Japanese medaka according to the method of the OECD guidelines, based on the preliminary test to determine the effective concentration range of the pesticide, diluting the stock solution with standard dilution water to 5-7 concentrations with a geometrical ratio, using a 24-well cell culture dish as the poisoning device, the volume of each well is 3 mL, adding 2 mL of test solution to each well and a larva that has developed normally and just entered the migratory period through microscopy during the experiment, no feeding during the test, each concentration is set up in triplicate, every culture dish as a replicate, the zebrafish test temperature is 26±1° C., the test temperature is 25±1° C., the photoperiod is 14 h (light): 10 h (dark), replacing the test solution every 24 h, observing and counting the number of dead larvae every 24 h, and calculating LC50 values and their 95% confidence limits by the probit analysis method when exposed 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h; F. Combined toxicity test: The toxicity test is performed on zebrafish larvae and Japanese medaka larvae, the test procedure is as follows: a. Zebrafish larvae: The LC50 value of zebrafish larvae with a single pesticide for 96 h is a toxic unit, and 5-7 different concentrations with a geometrical ratio, test method and calculation of LC50 value of each exposure time are the same as 1.4.2; b. Japanese medaka: A single pesticide is used to measure the LC50 value of Japanese medaka for 96 hours, mixing chlorpyrifos and butachlor to form binary mixed systems with different ratios of 1:4, 2:3, 1:1, 3:2 and 4:1, according to the pre-experiment results, 5-7 different concentrations are set at equal logarithmic intervals to determine the combined toxicity of the mixed system to Japanese medaka, the method is the same as the determination of single toxicity, the total concentration of the binary mixture is the sum of the concentrations of the two components; G. Combined toxicity evaluation method: Using the following formula to find the sum of biological toxicity 5: S=Am/Ai+Bm/Bi, wherein Am and Bat are the toxicities of each pesticide in the mixture, and Ai and Bi are the toxicities of A and B pesticides when acting alone; convert S into additive index AI, when S≤1, AI=(1/S)−1.0; when S>1, AI=1.0−S, and evaluating the compound effect of chemicals with AI, when −0.2<AI<0.25, that is, addition; when it is AI≥0.25, it is greater than the addition effect, that is, synergistic effect; when AI≤−0.2 is less than the additive effect, that is, antagonism; H. Data processing: Calculating the LC50 value of pesticides on larvae and their 95% confidence limits by probit analysis based on the number and time of dead fish larvae, and using 95% confidence limit of LC50 as the criterion to determine whether the toxicity difference of different pesticides is significant, LC50≤0.1 mg a.i. L−1, is hypertoxic; 0.1<LC50≤1.0 mg a.i. L−1, is high toxicity; 1.0<LC50≤10.0 mg a.i. L−1, is medium toxicity; LC50>10.0 mg a.i. is low toxicity. The maximum allowable concentration of MPC employs 100 as the protection factor, the formula is: MPC=96 h-LC50/100, to get the maximum allowable concentration of a poison. 2. The test method for the combined toxicity of chlorpyrifos and butachlor according to claim 1, wherein the test water temperature in step A is controlled at 25±1° C., and the light cycle is 14 h of light and 10 h of darkness. 3. The test method for the combined toxicity of chlorpyrifos and butachlor according to claim 1, wherein in step B, using a Lycra S8AP0 type apochromatic stereo microscope for observation and photographing. 4. The test method for the combined toxicity of chlorpyrifos and butachlor according to claim 1, wherein the larvae in the migratory period in step E refer to fish 120 h after fertilization of eggs. 5. The test method for the combined toxicity of chlorpyrifos and butachlor according to claim 1, wherein the mixing ratio in the step F is designed with reference to a more toxic agent. 6. The test method for the combined toxicity of chlorpyrifos and butachlor according to claim 1, wherein the MPC in the step 1 is the maximum allowable concentration. 7. The test method for the combined toxicity of chlorpyrifos and butachlor according to claim 1, wherein in step 1, the toxicity classification standard of pesticides for larvae is based on “Environmental Safety Evaluation Test Guidelines of Chemical Pesticides” formulated by the State Environmental Protection Administration of China in 1989. 8. The test method for the combined toxicity of chlorpyrifos and butachlor according to claim 1, wherein in the step D, the test solution needs to be replaced every 24 h, observing and microscopical observing the CK group and the exposed group every 24 h, recording the number of embryos with normal development and malformations, and calculating the number of embryos hatched and larvae malformations, the experiment lasts 96 hours. | A test method for the combined toxicity of chlorpyrifos and butachlor, which comprises the following steps: A. Experimental organisms: The zebrafish wild type AB strain is used in the experiment. After the purchase, it is domesticated in the laboratory, and the experimental fishes for collecting fish eggs have been kept in this laboratory for more than 1 month. Through the combined toxicity test and single pesticide test, it is convenient to increase the reference data and improve the mutual comparison of the data according to the impact of different environments and different agents on the animals. Better balance and offset the effects of irrelevant variables, making the experimental results more convincing. The probit analysis method is used to calculate the pesticides on larvae based on the number and the time of death of fish larvae, and the data is reasonably analyzed and processed to avoid reliance on single effect.1. A test method for the combined toxicity of chlorpyrifos and butachlor, which comprises the following steps:
A. Experimental organisms: Using a zebrafish wild-type AB strain in the experiment and domesticated in laboratory after purchase, the fishes for collecting experimental fishes eggs had been raised in this laboratory for more than a month and fed with the fairy shrimps twice a day, remove the bait and feces 30 minutes after feeding; a ratio of light time to dark time is 14 h:10 h, on the eve of breeding, putting the healthy and sexually mature brood stock into the mating spawning tank with a ratio of female to male 1:2, 8 h earlier the next day light to fertilize their eggs, separating the cleaned and disinfected normal fertilized eggs into two parts: using one part for embryo experiments; incubating the other part in a 26±1° C. light incubator, using the larvae for exposure experiment after swimming balance; breeding Japanese medaka in a 10-liter round glass tank with a female-to-male ratio of 3:2 per 50 species of fish, and the breeding water is 8 L, freshly hatched larvae are fed twice daily in the morning and evening; every morning after collecting the fertilized eggs from the female, separating the eggs with a dropper, and selecting the fertilized healthy fertilized eggs for hatching larvae; B. Experimental water and experimental equipment: The preparation method of experimental water refers to the OECD guidelines, and it will be used after being fully exposed to oxygen, its main indicators are: water temperature of zebrafish is 26±1° C., and Japanese medaka 25±1° C., pH value is 7.8±0.2, dissolved oxygen 7.8 mg hardness recorded as 230±20 mg·L−1 respectively, as embryo and larvae poisoning equipment; C. Experimental reagents: 96% chlorpyrifos technical product and 95% butachlor technical product, using analytical pure N, N-dimethylformamide and Tween-80 to dissolve the pesticide technical product and make it into a certain concentration of stock solution, its additive volume ratio is not more than 0.1% for determination; D. Toxicity of pesticides to zebrafish embryos: On the basis of clearing the effective concentration range of pesticides in pre-tests, diluting the pesticide stock solution with standard dilution water to 5-7 concentrations with a geometrical ratio, and using a 24-well cell culture dish for poisoning apparatus, the volume of each well is 3 mL, 20 wells are the same experimental concentration, and the remaining 4 wells are blank controls; during the experiment, 2 mL of test solution and 1 randomly selected 3 hpf (hourpost-fertilization) normal fertilized embryo at the embryo shield stage were put into every well, set up 3 replicates at each concentration, every culture dish as a replicate, and incubating in a multifunctional incubator at 26±1° C. with a photoperiod of 14 h (light): 10 h (dark); E. Single toxicity of pesticides to zebrafish larvae and Japanese medaka: Design the toxicity test of pesticides to zebrafish and Japanese medaka according to the method of the OECD guidelines, based on the preliminary test to determine the effective concentration range of the pesticide, diluting the stock solution with standard dilution water to 5-7 concentrations with a geometrical ratio, using a 24-well cell culture dish as the poisoning device, the volume of each well is 3 mL, adding 2 mL of test solution to each well and a larva that has developed normally and just entered the migratory period through microscopy during the experiment, no feeding during the test, each concentration is set up in triplicate, every culture dish as a replicate, the zebrafish test temperature is 26±1° C., the test temperature is 25±1° C., the photoperiod is 14 h (light): 10 h (dark), replacing the test solution every 24 h, observing and counting the number of dead larvae every 24 h, and calculating LC50 values and their 95% confidence limits by the probit analysis method when exposed 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h; F. Combined toxicity test: The toxicity test is performed on zebrafish larvae and Japanese medaka larvae, the test procedure is as follows: a. Zebrafish larvae: The LC50 value of zebrafish larvae with a single pesticide for 96 h is a toxic unit, and 5-7 different concentrations with a geometrical ratio, test method and calculation of LC50 value of each exposure time are the same as 1.4.2; b. Japanese medaka: A single pesticide is used to measure the LC50 value of Japanese medaka for 96 hours, mixing chlorpyrifos and butachlor to form binary mixed systems with different ratios of 1:4, 2:3, 1:1, 3:2 and 4:1, according to the pre-experiment results, 5-7 different concentrations are set at equal logarithmic intervals to determine the combined toxicity of the mixed system to Japanese medaka, the method is the same as the determination of single toxicity, the total concentration of the binary mixture is the sum of the concentrations of the two components; G. Combined toxicity evaluation method: Using the following formula to find the sum of biological toxicity 5: S=Am/Ai+Bm/Bi, wherein Am and Bat are the toxicities of each pesticide in the mixture, and Ai and Bi are the toxicities of A and B pesticides when acting alone; convert S into additive index AI, when S≤1, AI=(1/S)−1.0; when S>1, AI=1.0−S, and evaluating the compound effect of chemicals with AI, when −0.2<AI<0.25, that is, addition; when it is AI≥0.25, it is greater than the addition effect, that is, synergistic effect; when AI≤−0.2 is less than the additive effect, that is, antagonism; H. Data processing: Calculating the LC50 value of pesticides on larvae and their 95% confidence limits by probit analysis based on the number and time of dead fish larvae, and using 95% confidence limit of LC50 as the criterion to determine whether the toxicity difference of different pesticides is significant, LC50≤0.1 mg a.i. L−1, is hypertoxic; 0.1<LC50≤1.0 mg a.i. L−1, is high toxicity; 1.0<LC50≤10.0 mg a.i. L−1, is medium toxicity; LC50>10.0 mg a.i. is low toxicity. The maximum allowable concentration of MPC employs 100 as the protection factor, the formula is: MPC=96 h-LC50/100, to get the maximum allowable concentration of a poison. 2. The test method for the combined toxicity of chlorpyrifos and butachlor according to claim 1, wherein the test water temperature in step A is controlled at 25±1° C., and the light cycle is 14 h of light and 10 h of darkness. 3. The test method for the combined toxicity of chlorpyrifos and butachlor according to claim 1, wherein in step B, using a Lycra S8AP0 type apochromatic stereo microscope for observation and photographing. 4. The test method for the combined toxicity of chlorpyrifos and butachlor according to claim 1, wherein the larvae in the migratory period in step E refer to fish 120 h after fertilization of eggs. 5. The test method for the combined toxicity of chlorpyrifos and butachlor according to claim 1, wherein the mixing ratio in the step F is designed with reference to a more toxic agent. 6. The test method for the combined toxicity of chlorpyrifos and butachlor according to claim 1, wherein the MPC in the step 1 is the maximum allowable concentration. 7. The test method for the combined toxicity of chlorpyrifos and butachlor according to claim 1, wherein in step 1, the toxicity classification standard of pesticides for larvae is based on “Environmental Safety Evaluation Test Guidelines of Chemical Pesticides” formulated by the State Environmental Protection Administration of China in 1989. 8. The test method for the combined toxicity of chlorpyrifos and butachlor according to claim 1, wherein in the step D, the test solution needs to be replaced every 24 h, observing and microscopical observing the CK group and the exposed group every 24 h, recording the number of embryos with normal development and malformations, and calculating the number of embryos hatched and larvae malformations, the experiment lasts 96 hours. | 2,600 |
348,521 | 16,806,009 | 2,699 | A locking system is installed inside a truck work body such as a service body. A linear actuator drives a sliding member longitudinally between locked and unlocked positions. The sliding member is supported by slide bearings. A spring may bias the sliding member toward the unlocked position. Locking catches are secured on the compartment doors of storage compartments of the truck work body. Locking members protruding from the sliding member engage the locking catches in the locked position, and disengage from the locking catches in the unlocked position. The actuator may be wirelessly activated by a transmitter key fob. The actuator is mounted by tamper-resistant fasteners that are accessible and removable from the exterior of the work body, to release the actuator and unlock the system in the event of an actuator failure. A single actuator locks all compartments on one side of the work body. | 1. A locking system for a truck work body that has externally accessible compartment doors, wherein the locking system comprises:
a plurality of locking catches that are mounted respectively on a plurality of the compartment doors which are to be lockable by the locking system; a sliding member that is longitudinally slidably arranged inside the truck work body so as to be longitudinally slidable between a locked position and an unlocked position; a plurality of locking members that are rigidly connected to and protrude from the sliding member so that the locking members respectively engage with the locking catches to prevent opening of the plurality of the compartment doors when the sliding member is in the locked position, and so that the locking members respectively disengage from the locking catches to allow opening of the plurality of the compartment doors when the sliding member is in the unlocked position; an actuator that is operatively connected to the sliding member and is configured to drive a longitudinal sliding motion of the sliding member between the locked position and the unlocked position; an electronic transmitter that is configured to be manually operated by a user to selectively emit a lock signal and an unlock signal; and an electronic receiver that is control-connected to the actuator, and is configured to receive the lock signal and the unlock signal and to respectively responsively control the actuator to drive the longitudinal sliding motion of the sliding member to the locked position and to the unlocked position respectively. 2. The locking system according to claim 1, further comprising tamper-resistant fasteners by which the actuator is secured inside the truck work body, wherein the tamper-resistant fasteners are accessible and removable from outside of the truck work body so as to release the actuator. 3. The locking system according to claim 2, further comprising a biasing spring that is connected between the sliding member and a point inside the truck work body, to apply to the sliding member a spring bias that urges the sliding member to slide from the locked position to the unlocked position. 4. The locking system according to claim 2, further comprising a removal tool that fits and engages a head configuration of the tamper-resistant fasteners, and that enables removal of the tamper-resistant fasteners. 5. The locking system according to claim 2, wherein the tamper-resistant fasteners are the only parts of the locking system that are exposed externally from the truck work body. 6. The locking system according to claim 1, wherein the sliding member is arranged entirely within the truck work body, and no part of the sliding member protrudes externally from the truck work body. 7. The locking system according to claim 1, further comprising slide bearings that are mounted in the truck work body and slidably support the sliding member. 8. The locking system according to claim 7, wherein the slide bearings comprise blocks of low-friction plastic selected from HDPE and PTFE. 9. The locking system according to claim 1, wherein the sliding member comprises a sliding bar of aluminum or aluminum alloy having a rectangular cross-sectional configuration, and the locking members comprise locking tabs of aluminum or aluminum alloy that are welded or bolted to the sliding bar. 10. The locking system according to claim 1,
wherein the truck work body includes respective ones of the plurality of compartment doors having respective free edges thereof at different heights, wherein respective ones of the locking catches are arranged at different heights, wherein the sliding member includes only a single sliding bar arranged at a single height in the truck work body on a respective side of the truck work body, and wherein respective ones of the locking members have different lengths protruding from the sliding bar and/or respective ones of the locking members protrude from the sliding bar in different upward or downward directions so as to respectively reach and engage with the locking catches arranged at different heights. 11. The locking system according to claim 1, wherein the sliding member on a respective side of the truck work body includes two sliding bars that are vertically offset from one another and extend parallel to one another, and at least one connector bar that rigidly interconnects the two sliding bars with one another so that the two sliding bars are both longitudinally slidable in unison and parallel to one another. 12. The locking system according to claim 1, wherein the locking members and the locking catches are positioned so that the locking members do not protrude into respective door openings of the compartment doors when the sliding member is in the unlocked position. 13. The locking system according to claim 1, including a total of only two of the actuators for locking and unlocking all of the compartment doors on a right side and on a left side of the truck work body. 14. The locking system according to claim 1, wherein a single said actuator locks and unlocks all of the compartment doors on a right side or on a left side of the truck work body. 15. The locking system according to claim 1, expressly excluding an externally accessible key lock or combination lock for locking the sliding member. 16. A combination comprising the locking system according to claim 1 assembled and installed in the truck work body. 17. A kit of parts for assembling and installing a locking system in a truck work body that has externally accessible compartment doors, wherein the parts comprise:
locking catches configured to be mounted on an interior of a plurality of the compartment doors which are to be lockable by the locking system; a sliding member configured to be longitudinally slidably arranged inside the truck work body so as to be longitudinally slidable between a locked position and an unlocked position; locking members rigidly connected to and protruding from the sliding member, so that the locking members respectively engage with the locking catches to prevent opening of the plurality of the compartment doors when the sliding member is in the locked position, and so that the locking members respectively disengage from the locking catches to allow opening of the plurality of the compartment doors when the sliding member is in the unlocked position; an actuator configured to be operatively connected to the sliding member, and to drive a longitudinal sliding motion of the sliding member between the locked position and the unlocked position; an electronic transmitter configured to be manually operated by a user to selectively emit a lock signal and an unlock signal; and an electronic receiver configured to be control-connected to the actuator, and to receive the lock signal and the unlock signal and to responsively control the actuator to drive the longitudinal sliding motion of the sliding member to the locked position and to the unlocked position respectively. 18. The kit according to claim 17, wherein the parts further comprise tamper-resistant fasteners configured to secure the actuator inside the truck work body, whereby the tamper-resistant fasteners are accessible and removable from outside of the truck work body so as to release the actuator. 19. The kit according to claim 18, further comprising a biasing spring configured to be connected between the sliding member and a point inside the truck work body, to apply to the sliding member a spring bias that urges the sliding member to slide from the locked position to the unlocked position. 20. The kit according to claim 17, wherein the parts further comprise slide bearings of a low-friction plastic configured to be mounted in the truck work body and slidably support the sliding member. | A locking system is installed inside a truck work body such as a service body. A linear actuator drives a sliding member longitudinally between locked and unlocked positions. The sliding member is supported by slide bearings. A spring may bias the sliding member toward the unlocked position. Locking catches are secured on the compartment doors of storage compartments of the truck work body. Locking members protruding from the sliding member engage the locking catches in the locked position, and disengage from the locking catches in the unlocked position. The actuator may be wirelessly activated by a transmitter key fob. The actuator is mounted by tamper-resistant fasteners that are accessible and removable from the exterior of the work body, to release the actuator and unlock the system in the event of an actuator failure. A single actuator locks all compartments on one side of the work body.1. A locking system for a truck work body that has externally accessible compartment doors, wherein the locking system comprises:
a plurality of locking catches that are mounted respectively on a plurality of the compartment doors which are to be lockable by the locking system; a sliding member that is longitudinally slidably arranged inside the truck work body so as to be longitudinally slidable between a locked position and an unlocked position; a plurality of locking members that are rigidly connected to and protrude from the sliding member so that the locking members respectively engage with the locking catches to prevent opening of the plurality of the compartment doors when the sliding member is in the locked position, and so that the locking members respectively disengage from the locking catches to allow opening of the plurality of the compartment doors when the sliding member is in the unlocked position; an actuator that is operatively connected to the sliding member and is configured to drive a longitudinal sliding motion of the sliding member between the locked position and the unlocked position; an electronic transmitter that is configured to be manually operated by a user to selectively emit a lock signal and an unlock signal; and an electronic receiver that is control-connected to the actuator, and is configured to receive the lock signal and the unlock signal and to respectively responsively control the actuator to drive the longitudinal sliding motion of the sliding member to the locked position and to the unlocked position respectively. 2. The locking system according to claim 1, further comprising tamper-resistant fasteners by which the actuator is secured inside the truck work body, wherein the tamper-resistant fasteners are accessible and removable from outside of the truck work body so as to release the actuator. 3. The locking system according to claim 2, further comprising a biasing spring that is connected between the sliding member and a point inside the truck work body, to apply to the sliding member a spring bias that urges the sliding member to slide from the locked position to the unlocked position. 4. The locking system according to claim 2, further comprising a removal tool that fits and engages a head configuration of the tamper-resistant fasteners, and that enables removal of the tamper-resistant fasteners. 5. The locking system according to claim 2, wherein the tamper-resistant fasteners are the only parts of the locking system that are exposed externally from the truck work body. 6. The locking system according to claim 1, wherein the sliding member is arranged entirely within the truck work body, and no part of the sliding member protrudes externally from the truck work body. 7. The locking system according to claim 1, further comprising slide bearings that are mounted in the truck work body and slidably support the sliding member. 8. The locking system according to claim 7, wherein the slide bearings comprise blocks of low-friction plastic selected from HDPE and PTFE. 9. The locking system according to claim 1, wherein the sliding member comprises a sliding bar of aluminum or aluminum alloy having a rectangular cross-sectional configuration, and the locking members comprise locking tabs of aluminum or aluminum alloy that are welded or bolted to the sliding bar. 10. The locking system according to claim 1,
wherein the truck work body includes respective ones of the plurality of compartment doors having respective free edges thereof at different heights, wherein respective ones of the locking catches are arranged at different heights, wherein the sliding member includes only a single sliding bar arranged at a single height in the truck work body on a respective side of the truck work body, and wherein respective ones of the locking members have different lengths protruding from the sliding bar and/or respective ones of the locking members protrude from the sliding bar in different upward or downward directions so as to respectively reach and engage with the locking catches arranged at different heights. 11. The locking system according to claim 1, wherein the sliding member on a respective side of the truck work body includes two sliding bars that are vertically offset from one another and extend parallel to one another, and at least one connector bar that rigidly interconnects the two sliding bars with one another so that the two sliding bars are both longitudinally slidable in unison and parallel to one another. 12. The locking system according to claim 1, wherein the locking members and the locking catches are positioned so that the locking members do not protrude into respective door openings of the compartment doors when the sliding member is in the unlocked position. 13. The locking system according to claim 1, including a total of only two of the actuators for locking and unlocking all of the compartment doors on a right side and on a left side of the truck work body. 14. The locking system according to claim 1, wherein a single said actuator locks and unlocks all of the compartment doors on a right side or on a left side of the truck work body. 15. The locking system according to claim 1, expressly excluding an externally accessible key lock or combination lock for locking the sliding member. 16. A combination comprising the locking system according to claim 1 assembled and installed in the truck work body. 17. A kit of parts for assembling and installing a locking system in a truck work body that has externally accessible compartment doors, wherein the parts comprise:
locking catches configured to be mounted on an interior of a plurality of the compartment doors which are to be lockable by the locking system; a sliding member configured to be longitudinally slidably arranged inside the truck work body so as to be longitudinally slidable between a locked position and an unlocked position; locking members rigidly connected to and protruding from the sliding member, so that the locking members respectively engage with the locking catches to prevent opening of the plurality of the compartment doors when the sliding member is in the locked position, and so that the locking members respectively disengage from the locking catches to allow opening of the plurality of the compartment doors when the sliding member is in the unlocked position; an actuator configured to be operatively connected to the sliding member, and to drive a longitudinal sliding motion of the sliding member between the locked position and the unlocked position; an electronic transmitter configured to be manually operated by a user to selectively emit a lock signal and an unlock signal; and an electronic receiver configured to be control-connected to the actuator, and to receive the lock signal and the unlock signal and to responsively control the actuator to drive the longitudinal sliding motion of the sliding member to the locked position and to the unlocked position respectively. 18. The kit according to claim 17, wherein the parts further comprise tamper-resistant fasteners configured to secure the actuator inside the truck work body, whereby the tamper-resistant fasteners are accessible and removable from outside of the truck work body so as to release the actuator. 19. The kit according to claim 18, further comprising a biasing spring configured to be connected between the sliding member and a point inside the truck work body, to apply to the sliding member a spring bias that urges the sliding member to slide from the locked position to the unlocked position. 20. The kit according to claim 17, wherein the parts further comprise slide bearings of a low-friction plastic configured to be mounted in the truck work body and slidably support the sliding member. | 2,600 |
348,522 | 16,806,014 | 2,699 | A system having a mixed air box with inputs of return air from a space or spaces of a building, and of outside air. The mixed air box may have an output of discharge air to the space or spaces of the building. The air from the output may be return air that is conditioned with cooling, heat, or outside air. A damper may be situated at the input of outside air to the mixed air box. A temperature sensor may be positioned at the input for outside air and at the output of discharge air. A cooling mechanism may be at the output of the discharge air. The temperature sensor may be downstream from the cooling mechanism. An economizer may have connections with the damper, the temperature sensor and the cooling mechanism. | 1. A modulated damper mechanism comprising:
a first air duct; a second air duct; a third air duct; a mixed air chamber connected to the first, second and third air ducts; a damper situated between the second air duct and the mixed air chamber; a first air temperature sensor situated in the second air duct; a second air temperature sensor situated in the third air duct; an air cooling device situated in the third air duct between the mixed air box and the second air temperature sensor; and a controller connected to the damper, the air cooling device, and the first and second air temperature sensors; wherein: the controller compares a temperature of the first air temperature sensor with a temperature of the second air temperature sensor; and if the temperature of the second air temperature sensor is lower than the temperature of the first air temperature sensor, then control of the damper is based on the temperature of the first air temperature sensor. 2. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein if the temperature of the second air temperature sensor is higher than the temperature of the first air temperature sensor, then the controller will control the damper according to the temperature of the second air temperature sensor. 3. The mechanism of claim 2, wherein if the air cooling device is cooling air then the controller will control the damper to be open. 4. The mechanism of claim 3, wherein the first and third air ducts are connected to one or more spaces of a building. 5. The mechanism of claim 4, wherein:
the first air duct is a return air duct; the second air duct is an outside air duct; the third air duct is a discharge air duct; and the controller is an economizer. 6. The mechanism of claim 5, wherein outside air is good for economizing when the outside air can be used for cooling air from the first air duct, in the mixed air chamber. | A system having a mixed air box with inputs of return air from a space or spaces of a building, and of outside air. The mixed air box may have an output of discharge air to the space or spaces of the building. The air from the output may be return air that is conditioned with cooling, heat, or outside air. A damper may be situated at the input of outside air to the mixed air box. A temperature sensor may be positioned at the input for outside air and at the output of discharge air. A cooling mechanism may be at the output of the discharge air. The temperature sensor may be downstream from the cooling mechanism. An economizer may have connections with the damper, the temperature sensor and the cooling mechanism.1. A modulated damper mechanism comprising:
a first air duct; a second air duct; a third air duct; a mixed air chamber connected to the first, second and third air ducts; a damper situated between the second air duct and the mixed air chamber; a first air temperature sensor situated in the second air duct; a second air temperature sensor situated in the third air duct; an air cooling device situated in the third air duct between the mixed air box and the second air temperature sensor; and a controller connected to the damper, the air cooling device, and the first and second air temperature sensors; wherein: the controller compares a temperature of the first air temperature sensor with a temperature of the second air temperature sensor; and if the temperature of the second air temperature sensor is lower than the temperature of the first air temperature sensor, then control of the damper is based on the temperature of the first air temperature sensor. 2. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein if the temperature of the second air temperature sensor is higher than the temperature of the first air temperature sensor, then the controller will control the damper according to the temperature of the second air temperature sensor. 3. The mechanism of claim 2, wherein if the air cooling device is cooling air then the controller will control the damper to be open. 4. The mechanism of claim 3, wherein the first and third air ducts are connected to one or more spaces of a building. 5. The mechanism of claim 4, wherein:
the first air duct is a return air duct; the second air duct is an outside air duct; the third air duct is a discharge air duct; and the controller is an economizer. 6. The mechanism of claim 5, wherein outside air is good for economizing when the outside air can be used for cooling air from the first air duct, in the mixed air chamber. | 2,600 |
348,523 | 16,806,005 | 2,699 | An electrode according to an embodiment contains an electrode mixture layer containing an active material and a conductive assistant. In a logarithmic differential pore volume distribution by a mercury intrusion method, the electrode mixture layer satisfies: a ratio P1/P2 within a range of 2 or more and less than 8, and a ratio S1/S2 within a range of 3 or more and less than 10. P1 is a value of a maximum logarithmic differential pore volume in a pore diameter range of 0.1 μm or more and 1 μm or less. P2 is a value of a logarithmic differential pore volume of a pore diameter of 0.03 μm. S1 is an integrated value in a pore diameter range of 0.1 μm or more and 1 μm or less. S2 is an integrated value in a pore diameter range of more than 0 μm and less than 0.1 μm. | 1. An electrode comprising:
an electrode mixture layer containing an active material and a conductive assistant, wherein in a logarithmic differential pore volume distribution by a mercury intrusion method, the electrode mixture layer satisfies: a ratio P1/P2 within a range of 2 or more and less than 8, and a ratio S1/S2 within a range of 3 or more and less than 10, where P1 is a value [mL/g] of a maximum logarithmic differential pore volume in a pore diameter range of 0.1 μm or more and 1 μm or less in the logarithmic differential pore volume distribution and P2 is a value [mL/g] of a logarithmic differential pore volume for a pore diameter of 0.03 μm in the logarithmic differential pore volume distribution, and S1 is an integrated value in a pore diameter range of 0.1 μm or more and 1 μm or less in the logarithmic differential pore volume distribution and S2 is an integrated value in a pore diameter range of more than 0 μm and less than 0.1 μm in the logarithmic differential pore volume distribution. 2. The electrode according to claim 1, wherein
the conductive assistant contains particles of a first carbon material and particles of a second carbon material, the particles of the first carbon material satisfy an intensity ratio G1/D1 within a range of 2 or more and less than 4 in a Raman spectrum of the electrode mixture layer, where G1 is an intensity of a G1 band whose peak top appears in a range of 1550 cm−1 to 1650 cm−1, and D1 is an intensity of a D1 band whose peak top appears in a range of 1300 cm−1 to 1400 cm−1 in the Raman spectrum, the particles of the first carbon material are flat particles having an aspect ratio within a range of 1.5 to 2, and an average particle size ratio d1/d2 is within a range of 2 or more and 14 or less, where d1 is an average particle size of the particles of the first carbon material and d2 is an average particle size of the particles of the second carbon material. 3. The electrode according to claim 2, wherein
the particles of the second carbon material satisfy an intensity ratio G2/D2 within a range of 1 or more and less than 1.5 in the Raman spectrum, where G2 is an intensity of a G2 band whose peak top appears in a range of 1550 cm−1 to 1650 cm−1 in the Raman spectrum, and D2 is an intensity of a D2 band whose peak top appears in a range of 1300 cm−1 to 1400 cm−1, and a weight ratio C1/C2 is within a range of 0.2 or more and less than 1, where C1 is a weight of the particles of the first carbon material contained in the electrode mixture layer, and C2 is a weight of the particles of the second carbon material contained in the electrode mixture layer. 4. The electrode according to claim 2, wherein
the particles of the first carbon material are at least one type of particles selected from the group consisting of graphite particles, graphene particles, and carbon fiber particles, the average particle size d1 of the particles of the first carbon material is within a range of 4 μm or more and less than 7 μm, and the average particle size d2 of the particles of the second carbon material is within a range of 0.5 μm or more and less than 2 μm. 5. The electrode according to claim 3, wherein the weight ratio C1/C2 is within a range of 0.3 or more and less than 1. 6. An electrode according to claim 1, wherein
the active material has a particulate shape, and active material particles contain secondary particles formed by aggregation of primary particles, the secondary particles of the active material particles have an average secondary particle size within a range of 3 μm or more and less than 10 μm, and the active material contains a composite oxide represented by a general formula: LiaNi(1-x-y)CoxMnyO2, and in the general formula, 0.9≤a≤1.2, 0<x≤0.4, and 0<y≤0.35. 7. The electrode according to claim 1, wherein an area ratio A2/A1 is within a range of 0.1 or more and 0.4 or less, where Al is an area [μm2] of the active material contained in 1 μm2 of a cross-section of the electrode mixture layer, and A2 is an area [μm2] of the conductive assistant contained in 1 μm2 of the cross-section. 8. A nonaqueous electrolyte battery comprising:
the electrode according to claim 1 as a positive electrode; a negative electrode; and a nonaqueous electrolyte. | An electrode according to an embodiment contains an electrode mixture layer containing an active material and a conductive assistant. In a logarithmic differential pore volume distribution by a mercury intrusion method, the electrode mixture layer satisfies: a ratio P1/P2 within a range of 2 or more and less than 8, and a ratio S1/S2 within a range of 3 or more and less than 10. P1 is a value of a maximum logarithmic differential pore volume in a pore diameter range of 0.1 μm or more and 1 μm or less. P2 is a value of a logarithmic differential pore volume of a pore diameter of 0.03 μm. S1 is an integrated value in a pore diameter range of 0.1 μm or more and 1 μm or less. S2 is an integrated value in a pore diameter range of more than 0 μm and less than 0.1 μm.1. An electrode comprising:
an electrode mixture layer containing an active material and a conductive assistant, wherein in a logarithmic differential pore volume distribution by a mercury intrusion method, the electrode mixture layer satisfies: a ratio P1/P2 within a range of 2 or more and less than 8, and a ratio S1/S2 within a range of 3 or more and less than 10, where P1 is a value [mL/g] of a maximum logarithmic differential pore volume in a pore diameter range of 0.1 μm or more and 1 μm or less in the logarithmic differential pore volume distribution and P2 is a value [mL/g] of a logarithmic differential pore volume for a pore diameter of 0.03 μm in the logarithmic differential pore volume distribution, and S1 is an integrated value in a pore diameter range of 0.1 μm or more and 1 μm or less in the logarithmic differential pore volume distribution and S2 is an integrated value in a pore diameter range of more than 0 μm and less than 0.1 μm in the logarithmic differential pore volume distribution. 2. The electrode according to claim 1, wherein
the conductive assistant contains particles of a first carbon material and particles of a second carbon material, the particles of the first carbon material satisfy an intensity ratio G1/D1 within a range of 2 or more and less than 4 in a Raman spectrum of the electrode mixture layer, where G1 is an intensity of a G1 band whose peak top appears in a range of 1550 cm−1 to 1650 cm−1, and D1 is an intensity of a D1 band whose peak top appears in a range of 1300 cm−1 to 1400 cm−1 in the Raman spectrum, the particles of the first carbon material are flat particles having an aspect ratio within a range of 1.5 to 2, and an average particle size ratio d1/d2 is within a range of 2 or more and 14 or less, where d1 is an average particle size of the particles of the first carbon material and d2 is an average particle size of the particles of the second carbon material. 3. The electrode according to claim 2, wherein
the particles of the second carbon material satisfy an intensity ratio G2/D2 within a range of 1 or more and less than 1.5 in the Raman spectrum, where G2 is an intensity of a G2 band whose peak top appears in a range of 1550 cm−1 to 1650 cm−1 in the Raman spectrum, and D2 is an intensity of a D2 band whose peak top appears in a range of 1300 cm−1 to 1400 cm−1, and a weight ratio C1/C2 is within a range of 0.2 or more and less than 1, where C1 is a weight of the particles of the first carbon material contained in the electrode mixture layer, and C2 is a weight of the particles of the second carbon material contained in the electrode mixture layer. 4. The electrode according to claim 2, wherein
the particles of the first carbon material are at least one type of particles selected from the group consisting of graphite particles, graphene particles, and carbon fiber particles, the average particle size d1 of the particles of the first carbon material is within a range of 4 μm or more and less than 7 μm, and the average particle size d2 of the particles of the second carbon material is within a range of 0.5 μm or more and less than 2 μm. 5. The electrode according to claim 3, wherein the weight ratio C1/C2 is within a range of 0.3 or more and less than 1. 6. An electrode according to claim 1, wherein
the active material has a particulate shape, and active material particles contain secondary particles formed by aggregation of primary particles, the secondary particles of the active material particles have an average secondary particle size within a range of 3 μm or more and less than 10 μm, and the active material contains a composite oxide represented by a general formula: LiaNi(1-x-y)CoxMnyO2, and in the general formula, 0.9≤a≤1.2, 0<x≤0.4, and 0<y≤0.35. 7. The electrode according to claim 1, wherein an area ratio A2/A1 is within a range of 0.1 or more and 0.4 or less, where Al is an area [μm2] of the active material contained in 1 μm2 of a cross-section of the electrode mixture layer, and A2 is an area [μm2] of the conductive assistant contained in 1 μm2 of the cross-section. 8. A nonaqueous electrolyte battery comprising:
the electrode according to claim 1 as a positive electrode; a negative electrode; and a nonaqueous electrolyte. | 2,600 |
348,524 | 16,806,004 | 2,699 | The present invention relates to the field of radiation therapy and methods, software and systems for treatment planning. A target volume of a region of a patient to be treated during a treatment of a patient in a radiation therapy unit is obtained. A first Isocenter location procedure is performed including inter alia evaluating potential isocenter locations along normal directions of the surface and respective isodistance surfaces in respective starting voxel in a direction inwards from the surface, and a second isocenter location procedure is performed including inter alia identifying a median axis of the target volume or center point of the target volume, placing isocenters at locations along the median axis, placing isocenters in the target volume based on a distance to existing isocenters and to the target surface. | 1. A method for determining isocenter locations in a target volume for use at a radiation therapy system, said system comprising a radiation therapy unit having a fixed radiation focus point, wherein a spatial dose distribution surrounding the focus point can be adjusted, wherein radiation is directed to said focus point, said method comprising:
a) obtaining a target volume of a region of a patient to be treated during a treatment of a patient in a radiation therapy unit; b) calculating a curvature of the target surface; c) performing a first isocenter location procedure including:
c1) selecting starting voxels on the surface of the target based on selection curvature criteria;
c2) evaluating potential isocenter locations along normal directions of the surface and respective isodistance surfaces in respective starting voxel in a direction inwards from the surface, wherein said normal directions are subsequently calculated from the surface of the target to respective isodistance surfaces inwards from respective surface;
c3) selecting a location along said normal directions for placing of an isocenter;
d) performing a second isocenter location procedure including:
d1) identifying a median axis of said target volume or center point of said target volume;
d2) placing isocenters at locations along said median axis;
d3) placing isocenters in said target volume based on a distance to existing isocenters and to the target surface; and
e) providing an isocenter location distribution in said target based on the isocenters placed in said target volume in said first and second isocenter location procedures. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein step d) further comprises the step of determining a center of mass of said target volume and placing an isocenter at said center of mass. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein step d3) further comprises the step of placing isocenters in said target volume based on a relative distance to existing isocenters and to the surface, including:
determining the relative distance to an isocenter as the distance from a potential isocenter location to that isocenter divided by an isocenter cut off distance constant; and determining the relative distance to the surface as the Euclidian distance from the potential isocenter location divided by a surface cut off distance constant. 4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising:
comparing the minimum of the relative distance to a closest isocenter and the relative distance to the surface for each potential location with corresponding minimum relative distance in all other potential locations; and selecting the maximum relative distance as an isocenter location. 5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising:
stopping isocenter placement when no further potential isocenter location with a relative distance greater than a pre-determined constant could be found. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein step c3) further comprises:
selecting a location along said normal directions for placing of an isocenter when predetermined conditions are met, wherein said predetermined conditions include: a total distance along the normal direction is greater or equal to a distance proportional to the curvature radius of the surface at the starting voxel; or the distance to the surface along the normal direction is no longer increasing. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein step c1) selecting starting voxels on the surface of the target based on selection curvature criteria, further comprises:
identifying potential starting voxels on the surface where a curvature radius is less than a predetermined threshold value; selecting starting voxels among potential starting voxels by iterative selection based on maximum curvature; and disregarding starting voxels that are within pre-defined distance from already chosen starting voxels 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein step e) providing an isocenter location distribution in said target based on the isocenters placed in said target volume in said first and second isocenter location procedures further comprises performing an isocenter reduction procedure including:
determining a radius to adjacent isocenters from a certain isocenter, and removing isocenters being within a predetermined radius boundary. 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein said step of removing isocenters being within a predetermined radius boundary includes replacing all isocenters within a certain volume surrounding at least one isocenter with a candidate isocenter. 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein said certain volume surrounding at least one isocenter is a radius boundary. 11. The method according to claim 1, wherein step d2) placing isocenters at locations along said at least one median axis further comprises:
identifying a subset of the target voxels as potential isocenter points; calculating the normal directions from the target surface inwards for each of the potential isocenter points; moving the potential isocenter point inwards a small distance along the normal to a new isodistance surface; and calculating the normal of the said isodistance surface and moving the potential isocenter point inwards along the normal until the distance to the surface is no longer increasing, selecting that potential location as an isocenter location. 12. The method according to claim 1, further comprising performing a pre-processing step including smoothing a target surface using a filter function. 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein said filter function uses a 3D Gaussian filter kernel. 14. A dose planning software for determining isocenter locations in a target volume for use at a radiation therapy system, said system comprising a radiation therapy unit having a fixed radiation focus point, wherein a spatial dose distribution surrounding the focus point can be changed, wherein radiation is directed to said focus point, said dose planning software being configured to execute:
a) obtaining a target volume of a region of a patient to be treated during a treatment of a patient in a radiation therapy unit; b) calculating a curvature of the target surface; c) performing a first isocenter location procedure including:
c1) selecting starting voxels on the surface of the target based on selection curvature criteria;
c2) evaluating potential isocenter locations along normal directions of the surface and respective isodistance surfaces in respective starting voxel in a direction inwards from the surface, wherein said normal directions are subsequently calculated from the surface of the target to respective isodistance surfaces inwards from respective surface;
c3) selecting a location along said normal directions for placing of an isocenter;
d) performing a second isocenter location procedure including:
d1) identifying a median axis of said target volume or center point of said target volume;
d2) placing isocenters at locations along said median axis;
d3) placing isocenters in said target volume based on a distance to existing isocenters and to the target surface; and
e) providing an isocenter location distribution in said target based on the isocenters placed in said target volume in said first and second isocenter location procedures. 15. The dose planning software according to claim 14, wherein step d) further comprises the step of determining a center of mass of said target volume and placing an isocenter at said center of mass. 16. The dose planning software according to claim 14, wherein step d3) further comprises the step of placing isocenters in said target volume based on a relative distance to existing isocenters and to the surface, including:
determining the relative distance to an isocenter as the distance from a potential isocenter location to that isocenter divided by an isocenter cut off distance constant; and determining the relative distance to the surface as the Euclidian distance from the potential isocenter location divided by a surface cut off distance constant. 17. The dose planning software according to claim 16, wherein the dose planning software is configured to execute:
comparing the minimum of the relative distance to a closest isocenter and the relative distance to the surface for each potential location with corresponding minimum relative distance in all other potential locations; and selecting the maximum relative distance as an isocenter location. 18. The dose planning software according to claim 17, wherein the dose planning software is configured to execute:
stopping isocenter placement when no further potential isocenter location with a relative distance greater than a pre-determined constant could be found. 19. The dose planning software according to claim 14, wherein step c3) further comprises:
selecting a location along said normal directions for placing of an isocenter when predetermined conditions are met, wherein said predetermined conditions include:
a total distance along the normal direction is greater or equal to a distance proportional to the curvature radius of the surface at the starting voxel; or
the distance to the surface along the normal direction is no longer increasing. 20. The dose planning software according to claim 14, wherein step c1) selecting starting voxels on the surface of the target based on selection curvature criteria, further comprises:
identifying potential starting voxels on the surface where a curvature radius is less than a predetermined threshold value; selecting starting voxels among potential starting voxels by iterative selection based on maximum curvature; and disregarding starting voxels that are within pre-defined distance from already chosen starting voxels. 21. The dose planning software according to claim 14, wherein step e) providing an isocenter location distribution in said target based on the isocenters placed in said target volume in said first and second isocenter location procedures further comprises performing an isocenter reduction procedure including:
determining a radius to adjacent isocenters from a certain isocenter, and removing isocenters being within a predetermined radius boundary. 22. The dose planning software according to claim 21, wherein said step of removing isocenters being within a predetermined radius boundary includes replacing all isocenters within a certain volume surrounding at least one isocenter with a candidate isocenter. 23. The dose planning software according to claim 22, wherein said certain volume surrounding at least one isocenter is a radius boundary. 24. The dose planning software according to claim 14, wherein step d2) placing isocenters at locations along said at least one median axis further comprises:
identifying a subset of the target voxels as potential isocenter points; calculating the normal directions from the target surface inwards for each of the potential isocenter points; moving the potential isocenter point inwards a small distance along the normal to a new isodistance surface; and calculating the normal of the said isodistance surface and moving the potential isocenter point inwards along the normal until the distance to the surface is no longer increasing, selecting that potential location as an isocenter location. 25. The dose planning software according to claim 14, further comprising performing a pre-processing step including smoothing a target surface using a filter function. 26. The dose planning software according to claim 25, wherein said filter function uses a 3D Gaussian filter kernel. 27. A dose planning system for determining isocenter locations in a target volume for use at a radiation therapy system, said radiation therapy system comprising a radiation therapy unit having a fixed radiation focus point, wherein a spatial dose distribution surrounding the focus point can be changed by adjusting collimator settings or adjusting the leaves in a MLC (multi leaf collimator), wherein radiation is directed to said focus point, wherein said dose planning system comprises:
a calculation module for calculating a curvature of the target surface based on an obtained a target volume of a region of a patient to be treated during a treatment of a patient in a radiation therapy unit, said target volume, for example, being modeled as a three-dimensional voxel representation; a first isocenter location module for performing a first isocenter location procedure including: selecting starting voxels on the surface of the target based on selection curvature criteria, evaluating potential isocenter locations along normal directions of the surface and respective isodistance surfaces in respective starting voxel in a direction inwards from the surface, wherein said normal directions are subsequently calculated from the surface of the target to respective isodistance surfaces inwards from respective surface; and selecting a location along said normal directions for placing of an isocenter; a second isocenter location module for performing a second isocenter location procedure including: identifying a median axis of said target volume or center point of said target volume, placing isocenters at locations along said median axis, placing isocenters in said target volume based on a distance to existing isocenters and to the target surface; and wherein said dose planning system is configured to provide an isocenter location distribution in said target based on the isocenters placed in said target volume in said first and second isocenter location procedures. | The present invention relates to the field of radiation therapy and methods, software and systems for treatment planning. A target volume of a region of a patient to be treated during a treatment of a patient in a radiation therapy unit is obtained. A first Isocenter location procedure is performed including inter alia evaluating potential isocenter locations along normal directions of the surface and respective isodistance surfaces in respective starting voxel in a direction inwards from the surface, and a second isocenter location procedure is performed including inter alia identifying a median axis of the target volume or center point of the target volume, placing isocenters at locations along the median axis, placing isocenters in the target volume based on a distance to existing isocenters and to the target surface.1. A method for determining isocenter locations in a target volume for use at a radiation therapy system, said system comprising a radiation therapy unit having a fixed radiation focus point, wherein a spatial dose distribution surrounding the focus point can be adjusted, wherein radiation is directed to said focus point, said method comprising:
a) obtaining a target volume of a region of a patient to be treated during a treatment of a patient in a radiation therapy unit; b) calculating a curvature of the target surface; c) performing a first isocenter location procedure including:
c1) selecting starting voxels on the surface of the target based on selection curvature criteria;
c2) evaluating potential isocenter locations along normal directions of the surface and respective isodistance surfaces in respective starting voxel in a direction inwards from the surface, wherein said normal directions are subsequently calculated from the surface of the target to respective isodistance surfaces inwards from respective surface;
c3) selecting a location along said normal directions for placing of an isocenter;
d) performing a second isocenter location procedure including:
d1) identifying a median axis of said target volume or center point of said target volume;
d2) placing isocenters at locations along said median axis;
d3) placing isocenters in said target volume based on a distance to existing isocenters and to the target surface; and
e) providing an isocenter location distribution in said target based on the isocenters placed in said target volume in said first and second isocenter location procedures. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein step d) further comprises the step of determining a center of mass of said target volume and placing an isocenter at said center of mass. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein step d3) further comprises the step of placing isocenters in said target volume based on a relative distance to existing isocenters and to the surface, including:
determining the relative distance to an isocenter as the distance from a potential isocenter location to that isocenter divided by an isocenter cut off distance constant; and determining the relative distance to the surface as the Euclidian distance from the potential isocenter location divided by a surface cut off distance constant. 4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising:
comparing the minimum of the relative distance to a closest isocenter and the relative distance to the surface for each potential location with corresponding minimum relative distance in all other potential locations; and selecting the maximum relative distance as an isocenter location. 5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising:
stopping isocenter placement when no further potential isocenter location with a relative distance greater than a pre-determined constant could be found. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein step c3) further comprises:
selecting a location along said normal directions for placing of an isocenter when predetermined conditions are met, wherein said predetermined conditions include: a total distance along the normal direction is greater or equal to a distance proportional to the curvature radius of the surface at the starting voxel; or the distance to the surface along the normal direction is no longer increasing. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein step c1) selecting starting voxels on the surface of the target based on selection curvature criteria, further comprises:
identifying potential starting voxels on the surface where a curvature radius is less than a predetermined threshold value; selecting starting voxels among potential starting voxels by iterative selection based on maximum curvature; and disregarding starting voxels that are within pre-defined distance from already chosen starting voxels 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein step e) providing an isocenter location distribution in said target based on the isocenters placed in said target volume in said first and second isocenter location procedures further comprises performing an isocenter reduction procedure including:
determining a radius to adjacent isocenters from a certain isocenter, and removing isocenters being within a predetermined radius boundary. 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein said step of removing isocenters being within a predetermined radius boundary includes replacing all isocenters within a certain volume surrounding at least one isocenter with a candidate isocenter. 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein said certain volume surrounding at least one isocenter is a radius boundary. 11. The method according to claim 1, wherein step d2) placing isocenters at locations along said at least one median axis further comprises:
identifying a subset of the target voxels as potential isocenter points; calculating the normal directions from the target surface inwards for each of the potential isocenter points; moving the potential isocenter point inwards a small distance along the normal to a new isodistance surface; and calculating the normal of the said isodistance surface and moving the potential isocenter point inwards along the normal until the distance to the surface is no longer increasing, selecting that potential location as an isocenter location. 12. The method according to claim 1, further comprising performing a pre-processing step including smoothing a target surface using a filter function. 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein said filter function uses a 3D Gaussian filter kernel. 14. A dose planning software for determining isocenter locations in a target volume for use at a radiation therapy system, said system comprising a radiation therapy unit having a fixed radiation focus point, wherein a spatial dose distribution surrounding the focus point can be changed, wherein radiation is directed to said focus point, said dose planning software being configured to execute:
a) obtaining a target volume of a region of a patient to be treated during a treatment of a patient in a radiation therapy unit; b) calculating a curvature of the target surface; c) performing a first isocenter location procedure including:
c1) selecting starting voxels on the surface of the target based on selection curvature criteria;
c2) evaluating potential isocenter locations along normal directions of the surface and respective isodistance surfaces in respective starting voxel in a direction inwards from the surface, wherein said normal directions are subsequently calculated from the surface of the target to respective isodistance surfaces inwards from respective surface;
c3) selecting a location along said normal directions for placing of an isocenter;
d) performing a second isocenter location procedure including:
d1) identifying a median axis of said target volume or center point of said target volume;
d2) placing isocenters at locations along said median axis;
d3) placing isocenters in said target volume based on a distance to existing isocenters and to the target surface; and
e) providing an isocenter location distribution in said target based on the isocenters placed in said target volume in said first and second isocenter location procedures. 15. The dose planning software according to claim 14, wherein step d) further comprises the step of determining a center of mass of said target volume and placing an isocenter at said center of mass. 16. The dose planning software according to claim 14, wherein step d3) further comprises the step of placing isocenters in said target volume based on a relative distance to existing isocenters and to the surface, including:
determining the relative distance to an isocenter as the distance from a potential isocenter location to that isocenter divided by an isocenter cut off distance constant; and determining the relative distance to the surface as the Euclidian distance from the potential isocenter location divided by a surface cut off distance constant. 17. The dose planning software according to claim 16, wherein the dose planning software is configured to execute:
comparing the minimum of the relative distance to a closest isocenter and the relative distance to the surface for each potential location with corresponding minimum relative distance in all other potential locations; and selecting the maximum relative distance as an isocenter location. 18. The dose planning software according to claim 17, wherein the dose planning software is configured to execute:
stopping isocenter placement when no further potential isocenter location with a relative distance greater than a pre-determined constant could be found. 19. The dose planning software according to claim 14, wherein step c3) further comprises:
selecting a location along said normal directions for placing of an isocenter when predetermined conditions are met, wherein said predetermined conditions include:
a total distance along the normal direction is greater or equal to a distance proportional to the curvature radius of the surface at the starting voxel; or
the distance to the surface along the normal direction is no longer increasing. 20. The dose planning software according to claim 14, wherein step c1) selecting starting voxels on the surface of the target based on selection curvature criteria, further comprises:
identifying potential starting voxels on the surface where a curvature radius is less than a predetermined threshold value; selecting starting voxels among potential starting voxels by iterative selection based on maximum curvature; and disregarding starting voxels that are within pre-defined distance from already chosen starting voxels. 21. The dose planning software according to claim 14, wherein step e) providing an isocenter location distribution in said target based on the isocenters placed in said target volume in said first and second isocenter location procedures further comprises performing an isocenter reduction procedure including:
determining a radius to adjacent isocenters from a certain isocenter, and removing isocenters being within a predetermined radius boundary. 22. The dose planning software according to claim 21, wherein said step of removing isocenters being within a predetermined radius boundary includes replacing all isocenters within a certain volume surrounding at least one isocenter with a candidate isocenter. 23. The dose planning software according to claim 22, wherein said certain volume surrounding at least one isocenter is a radius boundary. 24. The dose planning software according to claim 14, wherein step d2) placing isocenters at locations along said at least one median axis further comprises:
identifying a subset of the target voxels as potential isocenter points; calculating the normal directions from the target surface inwards for each of the potential isocenter points; moving the potential isocenter point inwards a small distance along the normal to a new isodistance surface; and calculating the normal of the said isodistance surface and moving the potential isocenter point inwards along the normal until the distance to the surface is no longer increasing, selecting that potential location as an isocenter location. 25. The dose planning software according to claim 14, further comprising performing a pre-processing step including smoothing a target surface using a filter function. 26. The dose planning software according to claim 25, wherein said filter function uses a 3D Gaussian filter kernel. 27. A dose planning system for determining isocenter locations in a target volume for use at a radiation therapy system, said radiation therapy system comprising a radiation therapy unit having a fixed radiation focus point, wherein a spatial dose distribution surrounding the focus point can be changed by adjusting collimator settings or adjusting the leaves in a MLC (multi leaf collimator), wherein radiation is directed to said focus point, wherein said dose planning system comprises:
a calculation module for calculating a curvature of the target surface based on an obtained a target volume of a region of a patient to be treated during a treatment of a patient in a radiation therapy unit, said target volume, for example, being modeled as a three-dimensional voxel representation; a first isocenter location module for performing a first isocenter location procedure including: selecting starting voxels on the surface of the target based on selection curvature criteria, evaluating potential isocenter locations along normal directions of the surface and respective isodistance surfaces in respective starting voxel in a direction inwards from the surface, wherein said normal directions are subsequently calculated from the surface of the target to respective isodistance surfaces inwards from respective surface; and selecting a location along said normal directions for placing of an isocenter; a second isocenter location module for performing a second isocenter location procedure including: identifying a median axis of said target volume or center point of said target volume, placing isocenters at locations along said median axis, placing isocenters in said target volume based on a distance to existing isocenters and to the target surface; and wherein said dose planning system is configured to provide an isocenter location distribution in said target based on the isocenters placed in said target volume in said first and second isocenter location procedures. | 2,600 |
348,525 | 16,805,976 | 2,699 | A computer-implemented scheduling method, a base unit for a reservation management system, and a computer program product for computerized reservation management. One method may comprise acquiring a plurality of temporary reservations from a plurality of customers, calculating a resource usage probability function for each of the plurality of customers using the probability functions associated with the plurality of temporary reservations, matching the plurality of customers with a plurality of mobile resources based on the calculated resource usage probability functions, and dispatching one of the plurality of mobile resources to a pickup location in response to the matching. The plurality of temporary reservations may include probability functions. | 1. A computer-implemented scheduling method, comprising:
acquiring a plurality of temporary reservations from a plurality of customers for a plurality of mobile resources, wherein each of the plurality of temporary reservations comprise a customer-selected temporary service time, temporary pickup location, and ambiguity mode for the temporary service time, wherein:
the ambiguity modes comprise one or more of: (i) a request to use one of the plurality of mobile resources around the temporary service time, in which an associated riding probability function peaks around the temporary service time and decreases to approximately 0% both before and afterwards, (ii) a request to use one of the plurality of mobile resources before the temporary service time in which the associated riding probability function gradually increases from approximately 0% to 100% at the temporary service time, and (iii) a request to use one of plurality of mobile resources after the temporary service time, in which the associated riding probability function starts at 100% at the temporary service time and then gradually decays; and
the acquiring includes:
presenting a plurality of ambiguity modes for selection by one customer of the plurality of customers; and
receiving, from the one customer of the plurality of customers, a selected one of the plurality of ambiguity modes;
calculating a resource usage probability function for each customer of the plurality of customers using the customer-selected temporary service times and the customer-selected ambiguity modes associated with the plurality of temporary reservations; matching a first customer of the plurality of customers with a first mobile resource of the plurality of mobile resources based on the calculated resource usage probability functions; and dispatching the first mobile resource of the plurality of mobile resources toward the temporary pickup location in response to the matching; after dispatching the first mobile resource of the plurality of mobile resources toward the temporary pickup location in response to the matching:
acquiring a definite reservation from the first customer of the plurality of customers, wherein the definite reservation requests an immediate allocation of one of the plurality of mobile resources at a definite pickup location; and
dispatching a second mobile resource of the plurality of mobile resources to the definite pickup location in response to the definite reservation. 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of mobile resources are taxis, and wherein the plurality of customers are taxi riders. 3. (canceled) 4. (canceled) 5. (canceled) 6. A computer-implemented scheduling method, comprising:
acquiring a plurality of temporary reservations from a plurality of customers for a plurality of mobile resources, wherein each of the plurality of temporary reservations comprise a customer-selected temporary service time, temporary pickup location, and ambiguity mode for the temporary service time, wherein:
the ambiguity modes comprise one or more of: (i) a request to use one of the plurality of mobile resources around the temporary service time, in which an associated riding probability function peaks around the temporary service time and decreases to approximately 0% both before and afterwards, (ii) a request to use one of the plurality of mobile resources before the temporary service time in which the associated riding probability function gradually increases from approximately 0% to 100% at the temporary service time, and (iii) a request to use one of plurality of mobile resources after the temporary service time, in which the associated riding probability function starts at 100% at the temporary service time and then gradually decays; and
the acquiring includes:
presenting a plurality of ambiguity modes for selection by one customer of the plurality of customers; and
receiving, from the one customer of the plurality of customers, a selected one of the plurality of ambiguity modes;
calculating a resource usage probability function for each customer of the plurality of customers using the customer-selected temporary service times and the customer-selected ambiguity modes associated with the plurality of temporary reservations; acquiring a current location and a current destination from each of the plurality of mobile resources; calculating a predicted completion time for each of the plurality of mobile resources based on the current location and the current destination; matching a first customer of the plurality of customers with a first mobile resource of the plurality of mobile resources based on the calculated resource usage probability functions, wherein matching the plurality of customers with the plurality of mobile resources is further based on the predicted completion times; and dispatching the first mobile resource of the plurality of mobile resources toward the temporary pickup location in response to the matching; after dispatching the first mobile resource of the plurality of mobile resources toward the temporary pickup location in response to the matching:
acquiring a definite reservation from the first customer of the plurality of customers, wherein the definite reservation requests an immediate allocation of one of the plurality of mobile resources at a definite pickup location; and
dispatching a second mobile resource of the plurality of mobile resources to the definite pickup location in response to the definite reservation. 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:
acquiring a usage history for the one customer of the plurality of customers; and calculating a plurality of parameters for the resource usage probability function using the usage history. 8. A base unit for a reservation management system, comprising a processor coupled to a memory, the memory containing program instructions that, when executed on the processor, cause the base unit to:
acquire a plurality of temporary reservations from a plurality of customers for a plurality of mobile resources, wherein each of the plurality of temporary reservations comprise a customer-selected temporary service time, temporary pickup location, and ambiguity mode for the temporary service time, wherein:
the ambiguity modes comprise one or more of: (i) a request to use one of the plurality of mobile resources around the temporary service time, in which an associated riding probability function peaks around the temporary service time and decreases to approximately 0% both before and afterwards, (ii) a request to use one of the plurality of mobile resources before the temporary service time in which the associated riding probability function gradually increases from approximately 0% to 100% at the temporary service time, and (iii) a request to use one of plurality of mobile resources after the temporary service time, in which the associated riding probability function starts at 100% at the temporary service time and then gradually decays; and
the acquiring includes:
presenting a plurality of ambiguity modes for selection by one customer of the plurality of customers; and
receiving, from the one customer of the plurality of customers, a selected one of the plurality of ambiguity modes;
calculate a resource usage probability function for each customer of the plurality of customers using the customer-selected temporary service times and the customer-selected ambiguity modes associated with the plurality of temporary reservations; acquire a current location and a current destination from each of the plurality of mobile resources; calculate a predicted completion time for each of the plurality of mobile resources based on the current location and the current destination; match a first customer of the plurality of customers with a first mobile resource of the plurality of mobile resources based on the calculated resource usage probability functions, wherein matching the plurality of customers with the plurality of mobile resources is further based on the predicted completion times; and dispatch the first mobile resource of the plurality of mobile resources toward the temporary pickup location in response to the matching; after dispatching the first mobile resource of the plurality of mobile resources toward the temporary pickup location in response to the matching:
acquire a definite reservation from the first customer of the plurality of customers, wherein the definite reservation requests an immediate allocation of one of the plurality of mobile resources at a definite pickup location; and
dispatch a second mobile resource of the plurality of mobile resources to the definite pickup location in response to the definite reservation. 9. The base unit of claim 8 wherein the plurality of mobile resources comprises a plurality of taxis. 10. (canceled) 11. (canceled) 12-13. (canceled) 14. The base unit of claim 8, further comprising program instructions that, when executed on the processor:
acquire a usage history for the one customer of the plurality of customers; calculate a plurality of parameters for the resource usage probability function using the usage history. 15-22. (canceled) 23. (canceled) 24. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, wherein the dispatching of the first mobile resource of the plurality of mobile resources toward the temporary pickup location in response to the matching comprises:
dispatching the first mobile resource of the plurality of mobile resources to a middle point between two or more customers of the plurality of customers. 25. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, wherein:
the current time is different than the temporary service time; and the temporary pickup location is different than the definite pickup location. | A computer-implemented scheduling method, a base unit for a reservation management system, and a computer program product for computerized reservation management. One method may comprise acquiring a plurality of temporary reservations from a plurality of customers, calculating a resource usage probability function for each of the plurality of customers using the probability functions associated with the plurality of temporary reservations, matching the plurality of customers with a plurality of mobile resources based on the calculated resource usage probability functions, and dispatching one of the plurality of mobile resources to a pickup location in response to the matching. The plurality of temporary reservations may include probability functions.1. A computer-implemented scheduling method, comprising:
acquiring a plurality of temporary reservations from a plurality of customers for a plurality of mobile resources, wherein each of the plurality of temporary reservations comprise a customer-selected temporary service time, temporary pickup location, and ambiguity mode for the temporary service time, wherein:
the ambiguity modes comprise one or more of: (i) a request to use one of the plurality of mobile resources around the temporary service time, in which an associated riding probability function peaks around the temporary service time and decreases to approximately 0% both before and afterwards, (ii) a request to use one of the plurality of mobile resources before the temporary service time in which the associated riding probability function gradually increases from approximately 0% to 100% at the temporary service time, and (iii) a request to use one of plurality of mobile resources after the temporary service time, in which the associated riding probability function starts at 100% at the temporary service time and then gradually decays; and
the acquiring includes:
presenting a plurality of ambiguity modes for selection by one customer of the plurality of customers; and
receiving, from the one customer of the plurality of customers, a selected one of the plurality of ambiguity modes;
calculating a resource usage probability function for each customer of the plurality of customers using the customer-selected temporary service times and the customer-selected ambiguity modes associated with the plurality of temporary reservations; matching a first customer of the plurality of customers with a first mobile resource of the plurality of mobile resources based on the calculated resource usage probability functions; and dispatching the first mobile resource of the plurality of mobile resources toward the temporary pickup location in response to the matching; after dispatching the first mobile resource of the plurality of mobile resources toward the temporary pickup location in response to the matching:
acquiring a definite reservation from the first customer of the plurality of customers, wherein the definite reservation requests an immediate allocation of one of the plurality of mobile resources at a definite pickup location; and
dispatching a second mobile resource of the plurality of mobile resources to the definite pickup location in response to the definite reservation. 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of mobile resources are taxis, and wherein the plurality of customers are taxi riders. 3. (canceled) 4. (canceled) 5. (canceled) 6. A computer-implemented scheduling method, comprising:
acquiring a plurality of temporary reservations from a plurality of customers for a plurality of mobile resources, wherein each of the plurality of temporary reservations comprise a customer-selected temporary service time, temporary pickup location, and ambiguity mode for the temporary service time, wherein:
the ambiguity modes comprise one or more of: (i) a request to use one of the plurality of mobile resources around the temporary service time, in which an associated riding probability function peaks around the temporary service time and decreases to approximately 0% both before and afterwards, (ii) a request to use one of the plurality of mobile resources before the temporary service time in which the associated riding probability function gradually increases from approximately 0% to 100% at the temporary service time, and (iii) a request to use one of plurality of mobile resources after the temporary service time, in which the associated riding probability function starts at 100% at the temporary service time and then gradually decays; and
the acquiring includes:
presenting a plurality of ambiguity modes for selection by one customer of the plurality of customers; and
receiving, from the one customer of the plurality of customers, a selected one of the plurality of ambiguity modes;
calculating a resource usage probability function for each customer of the plurality of customers using the customer-selected temporary service times and the customer-selected ambiguity modes associated with the plurality of temporary reservations; acquiring a current location and a current destination from each of the plurality of mobile resources; calculating a predicted completion time for each of the plurality of mobile resources based on the current location and the current destination; matching a first customer of the plurality of customers with a first mobile resource of the plurality of mobile resources based on the calculated resource usage probability functions, wherein matching the plurality of customers with the plurality of mobile resources is further based on the predicted completion times; and dispatching the first mobile resource of the plurality of mobile resources toward the temporary pickup location in response to the matching; after dispatching the first mobile resource of the plurality of mobile resources toward the temporary pickup location in response to the matching:
acquiring a definite reservation from the first customer of the plurality of customers, wherein the definite reservation requests an immediate allocation of one of the plurality of mobile resources at a definite pickup location; and
dispatching a second mobile resource of the plurality of mobile resources to the definite pickup location in response to the definite reservation. 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:
acquiring a usage history for the one customer of the plurality of customers; and calculating a plurality of parameters for the resource usage probability function using the usage history. 8. A base unit for a reservation management system, comprising a processor coupled to a memory, the memory containing program instructions that, when executed on the processor, cause the base unit to:
acquire a plurality of temporary reservations from a plurality of customers for a plurality of mobile resources, wherein each of the plurality of temporary reservations comprise a customer-selected temporary service time, temporary pickup location, and ambiguity mode for the temporary service time, wherein:
the ambiguity modes comprise one or more of: (i) a request to use one of the plurality of mobile resources around the temporary service time, in which an associated riding probability function peaks around the temporary service time and decreases to approximately 0% both before and afterwards, (ii) a request to use one of the plurality of mobile resources before the temporary service time in which the associated riding probability function gradually increases from approximately 0% to 100% at the temporary service time, and (iii) a request to use one of plurality of mobile resources after the temporary service time, in which the associated riding probability function starts at 100% at the temporary service time and then gradually decays; and
the acquiring includes:
presenting a plurality of ambiguity modes for selection by one customer of the plurality of customers; and
receiving, from the one customer of the plurality of customers, a selected one of the plurality of ambiguity modes;
calculate a resource usage probability function for each customer of the plurality of customers using the customer-selected temporary service times and the customer-selected ambiguity modes associated with the plurality of temporary reservations; acquire a current location and a current destination from each of the plurality of mobile resources; calculate a predicted completion time for each of the plurality of mobile resources based on the current location and the current destination; match a first customer of the plurality of customers with a first mobile resource of the plurality of mobile resources based on the calculated resource usage probability functions, wherein matching the plurality of customers with the plurality of mobile resources is further based on the predicted completion times; and dispatch the first mobile resource of the plurality of mobile resources toward the temporary pickup location in response to the matching; after dispatching the first mobile resource of the plurality of mobile resources toward the temporary pickup location in response to the matching:
acquire a definite reservation from the first customer of the plurality of customers, wherein the definite reservation requests an immediate allocation of one of the plurality of mobile resources at a definite pickup location; and
dispatch a second mobile resource of the plurality of mobile resources to the definite pickup location in response to the definite reservation. 9. The base unit of claim 8 wherein the plurality of mobile resources comprises a plurality of taxis. 10. (canceled) 11. (canceled) 12-13. (canceled) 14. The base unit of claim 8, further comprising program instructions that, when executed on the processor:
acquire a usage history for the one customer of the plurality of customers; calculate a plurality of parameters for the resource usage probability function using the usage history. 15-22. (canceled) 23. (canceled) 24. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, wherein the dispatching of the first mobile resource of the plurality of mobile resources toward the temporary pickup location in response to the matching comprises:
dispatching the first mobile resource of the plurality of mobile resources to a middle point between two or more customers of the plurality of customers. 25. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, wherein:
the current time is different than the temporary service time; and the temporary pickup location is different than the definite pickup location. | 2,600 |
348,526 | 16,806,012 | 2,699 | A display device includes: first pixels coupled to data lines and a first scan line; second pixels coupled to the data lines and a second scan line; a data driver for sequentially supplying, to the data lines, first data voltages corresponding to first grayscale values of the first pixels and second data voltages corresponding to second grayscale values of the second pixels; a scan driver for supplying a first scan signal to the first scan line, and supplying a second scan signal to the second scan line; and a precharge controller for determining a width of a pulse of the second scan signal, based on a comparison result of the second grayscale values and previous frame grayscale values and a comparison result of the first grayscale values and the second grayscale values. | 1. A display device comprising:
first pixels coupled to data lines and a first scan line; second pixels coupled to the data lines and a second scan line; a data driver configured to sequentially supply, to the data lines, first data voltages corresponding to first grayscale values of the first pixels and second data voltages corresponding to second grayscale values of the second pixels; a scan driver configured to supply a first scan signal to the first scan line, and supply a second scan signal to the second scan line; and a precharge controller configured to determine a width of a pulse of the second scan signal, based on a comparison result of the second grayscale values and previous frame grayscale values and a comparison result of the first grayscale values and the second grayscale values. 2. The display device of claim 1, wherein the precharge controller determines the width of the pulse of the second scan signal, based on a smaller value between a first difference value as a difference between the second grayscale values and the previous frame grayscale values and a second difference value as a difference between the first grayscale values and the second grayscale values. 3. The display device of claim 2, wherein the precharge controller decreases the width of the pulse of the second scan signal as the smaller value is increased. 4. The display device of claim 3, wherein the precharge controller includes:
a frame comparator configured to provide the first difference value by comparing the second grayscale values and the previous frame grayscale values; a line comparator configured to provide the second difference value by comparing the first grayscale values and the second grayscale values; and a precharge signal generator configured to apply a first precharge control pulse to a first precharge control line, based on a comparison result of the frame comparator and the line comparator, and apply a second precharge control pulse to a second precharge control line, based on a next comparison result, wherein the first precharge control pulse and the second precharge control pulse do not temporally overlap with each other. 5. The display device of claim 4, wherein the precharge controller further includes:
a first line memory configured to store the first grayscale values; a second line memory configured to store the second grayscale values; and a frame memory configured to store the previous frame grayscale values. 6. The display device of claim 5, wherein the frame memory replaces grayscale values stored therein that have been compared by the frame comparator with grayscale values provided by the second line memory. 7. The display device of claim 6, wherein the first line memory replaces grayscale values stored therein that have been compared by the line comparator with grayscale values provided by the second line memory. 8. The display device of claim 4, wherein the scan driver includes:
scan stages configured to sequentially provide scan output signals having scan output pulses to scan output lines; XOR gates having first input terminals coupled to the scan output lines and second input terminals coupled to one of the first precharge control line and the second precharge control line; and level shifters having input terminals coupled to output terminals of the XOR gates and output terminals coupled to scan lines. 9. A display device comprising:
first pixels coupled to data lines and a first scan line; second pixels coupled to the data lines and a second scan line; a data driver configured to sequentially supply, to the data lines, first data voltages corresponding to first grayscale values of the first pixels and second data voltages corresponding to second grayscale values of the second pixels; a scan driver configured to supply a first scan signal to the first scan line, and supply a second scan signal to the second scan line; and a precharge controller configured to determine a width of a pulse of the second scan signal, based on a comparison result of the first grayscale values and the second grayscale values. 10. The display device of claim 9, wherein the precharge controller decreases the width of the pulse of the second scan signal as a difference between the first grayscale values and the second grayscale values is increased. 11. The display device of claim 10, wherein the precharge controller includes:
a line comparator configured to compare the first grayscale values and the second grayscale values; and a precharge signal generator configured to apply a first precharge control pulse to a first precharge control line, based on a comparison result of the line comparator, and apply a second precharge control pulse to a second precharge control line, based on a next comparison result, wherein the first precharge control pulse and the second precharge control pulse do not temporally overlap with each other. 12. The display device of claim 11, wherein the precharge controller further includes:
a first line memory configured to store the first grayscale values; and a second line memory configured to store the second grayscale values. 13. The display device of claim 12, wherein the first line memory replaces grayscale values that have been compared by the line comparator among grayscale values stored therein with grayscale values provided by the second line memory. 14. The display device of claim 11, wherein the scan driver includes:
scan stages configured to sequentially provide scan output signals having scan output pulses to scan output lines; XOR gates having first input terminals coupled to the scan output lines and second input terminals coupled to one of the first precharge control line and the second precharge control line; and level shifters having input terminals coupled to output terminals of the XOR gates and output terminals coupled to scan lines. 15. A display device comprising:
pixels coupled to data lines and a scan line; a data driver configured to supply data voltages corresponding to grayscale values of the pixels to the data lines; a scan driver configured to supply a scan signal to the scan line; and a precharge controller configured to determine a width of a pulse of the scan signal, based on a comparison result of current frame grayscale values and previous frame grayscale values of the pixels. 16. The display device of claim 15, wherein the precharge controller decreases the width of the pulse of the scan signal as a difference between the current frame grayscale values and the previous frame grayscale values is increased. 17. The display device of claim 16, wherein the precharge controller includes:
a frame comparator configured to compare the current frame grayscale values and the previous frame grayscale values; and a precharge signal generator configured to apply a first precharge control pulse to a first precharge control line, based on a comparison result of the frame comparator, and apply a second precharge control pulse to a second precharge control line, based on a next comparison result, wherein the first precharge control pulse and the second precharge control pulse do not temporally overlap with each other. 18. The display device of claim 17, wherein the precharge controller further includes:
a line memory configured to store the current frame grayscale values; and a frame memory configured to store the previous frame grayscale values, and store grayscale values of a previous frame of pixels coupled to a scan line different from the scan line. 19. The display device of claim 18, wherein the frame memory replaces grayscale values that have been compared by the frame comparator among grayscale values stored therein with grayscale values provided by the line memory, and stores the replaced grayscale values. 20. The display device of claim 17, wherein the scan driver includes:
scan stages configured to sequentially provide scan output signals having scan output pulses to scan output lines; XOR gates having first input terminals coupled to the scan output lines and second input terminals coupled to one of the first precharge control line and the second precharge control line; and level shifters having input terminals coupled to output terminals of the XOR gates and output terminals coupled to scan lines. | A display device includes: first pixels coupled to data lines and a first scan line; second pixels coupled to the data lines and a second scan line; a data driver for sequentially supplying, to the data lines, first data voltages corresponding to first grayscale values of the first pixels and second data voltages corresponding to second grayscale values of the second pixels; a scan driver for supplying a first scan signal to the first scan line, and supplying a second scan signal to the second scan line; and a precharge controller for determining a width of a pulse of the second scan signal, based on a comparison result of the second grayscale values and previous frame grayscale values and a comparison result of the first grayscale values and the second grayscale values.1. A display device comprising:
first pixels coupled to data lines and a first scan line; second pixels coupled to the data lines and a second scan line; a data driver configured to sequentially supply, to the data lines, first data voltages corresponding to first grayscale values of the first pixels and second data voltages corresponding to second grayscale values of the second pixels; a scan driver configured to supply a first scan signal to the first scan line, and supply a second scan signal to the second scan line; and a precharge controller configured to determine a width of a pulse of the second scan signal, based on a comparison result of the second grayscale values and previous frame grayscale values and a comparison result of the first grayscale values and the second grayscale values. 2. The display device of claim 1, wherein the precharge controller determines the width of the pulse of the second scan signal, based on a smaller value between a first difference value as a difference between the second grayscale values and the previous frame grayscale values and a second difference value as a difference between the first grayscale values and the second grayscale values. 3. The display device of claim 2, wherein the precharge controller decreases the width of the pulse of the second scan signal as the smaller value is increased. 4. The display device of claim 3, wherein the precharge controller includes:
a frame comparator configured to provide the first difference value by comparing the second grayscale values and the previous frame grayscale values; a line comparator configured to provide the second difference value by comparing the first grayscale values and the second grayscale values; and a precharge signal generator configured to apply a first precharge control pulse to a first precharge control line, based on a comparison result of the frame comparator and the line comparator, and apply a second precharge control pulse to a second precharge control line, based on a next comparison result, wherein the first precharge control pulse and the second precharge control pulse do not temporally overlap with each other. 5. The display device of claim 4, wherein the precharge controller further includes:
a first line memory configured to store the first grayscale values; a second line memory configured to store the second grayscale values; and a frame memory configured to store the previous frame grayscale values. 6. The display device of claim 5, wherein the frame memory replaces grayscale values stored therein that have been compared by the frame comparator with grayscale values provided by the second line memory. 7. The display device of claim 6, wherein the first line memory replaces grayscale values stored therein that have been compared by the line comparator with grayscale values provided by the second line memory. 8. The display device of claim 4, wherein the scan driver includes:
scan stages configured to sequentially provide scan output signals having scan output pulses to scan output lines; XOR gates having first input terminals coupled to the scan output lines and second input terminals coupled to one of the first precharge control line and the second precharge control line; and level shifters having input terminals coupled to output terminals of the XOR gates and output terminals coupled to scan lines. 9. A display device comprising:
first pixels coupled to data lines and a first scan line; second pixels coupled to the data lines and a second scan line; a data driver configured to sequentially supply, to the data lines, first data voltages corresponding to first grayscale values of the first pixels and second data voltages corresponding to second grayscale values of the second pixels; a scan driver configured to supply a first scan signal to the first scan line, and supply a second scan signal to the second scan line; and a precharge controller configured to determine a width of a pulse of the second scan signal, based on a comparison result of the first grayscale values and the second grayscale values. 10. The display device of claim 9, wherein the precharge controller decreases the width of the pulse of the second scan signal as a difference between the first grayscale values and the second grayscale values is increased. 11. The display device of claim 10, wherein the precharge controller includes:
a line comparator configured to compare the first grayscale values and the second grayscale values; and a precharge signal generator configured to apply a first precharge control pulse to a first precharge control line, based on a comparison result of the line comparator, and apply a second precharge control pulse to a second precharge control line, based on a next comparison result, wherein the first precharge control pulse and the second precharge control pulse do not temporally overlap with each other. 12. The display device of claim 11, wherein the precharge controller further includes:
a first line memory configured to store the first grayscale values; and a second line memory configured to store the second grayscale values. 13. The display device of claim 12, wherein the first line memory replaces grayscale values that have been compared by the line comparator among grayscale values stored therein with grayscale values provided by the second line memory. 14. The display device of claim 11, wherein the scan driver includes:
scan stages configured to sequentially provide scan output signals having scan output pulses to scan output lines; XOR gates having first input terminals coupled to the scan output lines and second input terminals coupled to one of the first precharge control line and the second precharge control line; and level shifters having input terminals coupled to output terminals of the XOR gates and output terminals coupled to scan lines. 15. A display device comprising:
pixels coupled to data lines and a scan line; a data driver configured to supply data voltages corresponding to grayscale values of the pixels to the data lines; a scan driver configured to supply a scan signal to the scan line; and a precharge controller configured to determine a width of a pulse of the scan signal, based on a comparison result of current frame grayscale values and previous frame grayscale values of the pixels. 16. The display device of claim 15, wherein the precharge controller decreases the width of the pulse of the scan signal as a difference between the current frame grayscale values and the previous frame grayscale values is increased. 17. The display device of claim 16, wherein the precharge controller includes:
a frame comparator configured to compare the current frame grayscale values and the previous frame grayscale values; and a precharge signal generator configured to apply a first precharge control pulse to a first precharge control line, based on a comparison result of the frame comparator, and apply a second precharge control pulse to a second precharge control line, based on a next comparison result, wherein the first precharge control pulse and the second precharge control pulse do not temporally overlap with each other. 18. The display device of claim 17, wherein the precharge controller further includes:
a line memory configured to store the current frame grayscale values; and a frame memory configured to store the previous frame grayscale values, and store grayscale values of a previous frame of pixels coupled to a scan line different from the scan line. 19. The display device of claim 18, wherein the frame memory replaces grayscale values that have been compared by the frame comparator among grayscale values stored therein with grayscale values provided by the line memory, and stores the replaced grayscale values. 20. The display device of claim 17, wherein the scan driver includes:
scan stages configured to sequentially provide scan output signals having scan output pulses to scan output lines; XOR gates having first input terminals coupled to the scan output lines and second input terminals coupled to one of the first precharge control line and the second precharge control line; and level shifters having input terminals coupled to output terminals of the XOR gates and output terminals coupled to scan lines. | 2,600 |
348,527 | 16,806,002 | 2,699 | The present invention relates to a class of polymer ion imbibed membranes for electrolyte flow batteries. The membranes are a conducting aromatic polyether type copolymer bearing nitrogen heterocycles groups, especially pyridine type. While the membranes can be used in acid, basic, and neutral electrolytes, the nitrogen heterocycles in the membrane interact with acid in the electrolyte to form a proton transport network, so as to keep the proton transport performance of the membrane. The membrane has excellent mechanical stability and thermostability as well as tunable porosity. | 1. Thermally stable conductive polymers for use in redox flow batteries, comprising heterocycle aromatic moieties containing one or more nitrogen groups, wherein said polymers are imbibed with an electrolyte. 2. The polymers according to claim 1, comprising heterocycle aromatic moieties containing one or more nitrogen groups, wherein said polymers are imbibed with an electrolyte that is an inorganic acid. 3. The polymers according to claim 1, comprising heterocycle aromatic moieties containing one or more nitrogen groups, wherein said polymers are imbibed with an electrolyte that is an inorganic base. 4. The polymers according to claim 1, wherein said polymers are aromatic polyether polymers. 5. The polymers according to claim 1, wherein said polymers are linear, branched, comb-like, network, cross-linked, or star-shaped in architecture. 6. The polymers according to claim 1, wherein said polymers are thermally stable in temperatures up to at least 280° C. 7. The polymers according to claim 1, where the range of their conductivity is 0.001 S/m to 1000 S/m. 8. The polymers according to claim 1 with tunable porosity as measured by ion permeability varying from 0.01×109 cm2/sec to 100×109 cm2/sec. 9. An ion-imbibed membrane comprising: the polymers of claim 1 imbibed with an inorganic acid. 10. The ion-imbibed membrane of claim 9, wherein the inorganic acid is selected from a group consisting of phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid and nitric acid. 11. An acidic electrolyte flow battery, comprising the ion-imbibed membrane of claim 10. 12. The acidic electrolyte flow battery of claim 11, wherein the ion-imbibed membrane has a thickness of 0.1 to 1000 μm, and an acid concentration range of between 0.1-25 mol/L. 13. An ion-imbibed membrane comprising: the polymers of claim 1 imbibed with an inorganic base. 14. The ion-imbibed membrane of claim 13 where the inorganic base is selected from a group of hydroxides consisting of potassium, sodium, lithium, cesium, calcium, or strontium hydroxide. 15. A basic electrolyte flow battery, comprising: an ion-imbibed membrane of claim 14. 16. The basic electrolyte flow battery of claim 15, wherein the ion-imbibed membrane has a thickness of 0.1 to 1000 μm, and a base concentration range of between 0.1-25 mol/L. | The present invention relates to a class of polymer ion imbibed membranes for electrolyte flow batteries. The membranes are a conducting aromatic polyether type copolymer bearing nitrogen heterocycles groups, especially pyridine type. While the membranes can be used in acid, basic, and neutral electrolytes, the nitrogen heterocycles in the membrane interact with acid in the electrolyte to form a proton transport network, so as to keep the proton transport performance of the membrane. The membrane has excellent mechanical stability and thermostability as well as tunable porosity.1. Thermally stable conductive polymers for use in redox flow batteries, comprising heterocycle aromatic moieties containing one or more nitrogen groups, wherein said polymers are imbibed with an electrolyte. 2. The polymers according to claim 1, comprising heterocycle aromatic moieties containing one or more nitrogen groups, wherein said polymers are imbibed with an electrolyte that is an inorganic acid. 3. The polymers according to claim 1, comprising heterocycle aromatic moieties containing one or more nitrogen groups, wherein said polymers are imbibed with an electrolyte that is an inorganic base. 4. The polymers according to claim 1, wherein said polymers are aromatic polyether polymers. 5. The polymers according to claim 1, wherein said polymers are linear, branched, comb-like, network, cross-linked, or star-shaped in architecture. 6. The polymers according to claim 1, wherein said polymers are thermally stable in temperatures up to at least 280° C. 7. The polymers according to claim 1, where the range of their conductivity is 0.001 S/m to 1000 S/m. 8. The polymers according to claim 1 with tunable porosity as measured by ion permeability varying from 0.01×109 cm2/sec to 100×109 cm2/sec. 9. An ion-imbibed membrane comprising: the polymers of claim 1 imbibed with an inorganic acid. 10. The ion-imbibed membrane of claim 9, wherein the inorganic acid is selected from a group consisting of phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid and nitric acid. 11. An acidic electrolyte flow battery, comprising the ion-imbibed membrane of claim 10. 12. The acidic electrolyte flow battery of claim 11, wherein the ion-imbibed membrane has a thickness of 0.1 to 1000 μm, and an acid concentration range of between 0.1-25 mol/L. 13. An ion-imbibed membrane comprising: the polymers of claim 1 imbibed with an inorganic base. 14. The ion-imbibed membrane of claim 13 where the inorganic base is selected from a group of hydroxides consisting of potassium, sodium, lithium, cesium, calcium, or strontium hydroxide. 15. A basic electrolyte flow battery, comprising: an ion-imbibed membrane of claim 14. 16. The basic electrolyte flow battery of claim 15, wherein the ion-imbibed membrane has a thickness of 0.1 to 1000 μm, and a base concentration range of between 0.1-25 mol/L. | 2,600 |
348,528 | 16,806,013 | 2,699 | Provided are a cell strain HEK293.CS for reducing the production of a replication competent adenovirus, and a construction method and the use thereof. HEK293.CS is a safe adenovirus-producing cell line constructed by knocking out a gene fragment homologous to the Ad5 adenovirus E1 gene in HEK293 and providing a template plasmid to replace said gene fragment with a non-homologous sequence that stabilizes the expression of the E1 gene. Compared with the unmodified HEK293 cell strain, HEK293.CS shows no decrease in growth ability and virus production ability, but does not produce a detectable RCA. HEK293.CS can be used for the mass culture of a recombinant human type 5 adenovirus, and reducing the probability of RCA production in the manufacture process of drugs such as vaccines and antibodies. | 1. A cell strain for reducing the production of replication competent adenovirus, wherein it is a cell strain HEK293.CS, and in the cell strain HEK293.CS a non-coding region of the cell strain HEK293 E1 gene is replaced with a heterologous control element. 2. The cell strain for reducing replication competent adenovirus production according to claim 1, wherein in the cell strain HEK293.CS the ITR and E1A Promoter sequences of the cell strain HEK293 E1 gene is replaced with a heterologous control element. 3. The cell strain for reducing replication competent adenovirus production according to claim 2, wherein the heterologous control element is PGK Promoter, and the base sequence of the PGK promoter is represented by the sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 in the Sequence Listing. 4. A method for constructing a cell strain for reducing the production of replication competent adenovirus according to claim 1, wherein the specific steps are as follows:
(1) designing, synthesizing, and annealing to obtain four sgRNAs, which are designated as sgRNA1, sgRNA2, sgRNA3, and sgRNA4; (2) preparing a PX462.V2.0 plasmid containing Cas9n enzyme, and digesting the plasmid with Bsal; (3) ligating the four double-stranded sgRNAs obtained in the step (1) respectively to the plasmid recovering from the gel of the enzymatic cleavage in step (2); (4) preparing a homologous template repair plasmid, adding a left homologous arm PSG4 sequence and a right homologous arm Ad5 sequence to both ends of the PGK Promoter, and ligating the synthesized sequence to PUC57 vector plasmid; (5) co-transfecting the four plasmids obtained in step (3) together with the homologous repair plasmid in step (4) into HEK293 cells, and a preliminary modified cell strain is obtained by antibiotic screening and monoclonal purification; with identification, if there is no complete replacement in the modified cell strain, the transfection and screening are continued until the ITR and E1A Promoter of E1 gene in the HEK293 cell strain are completely replaced with a PGK Promoter, i.e., a modified cell line is obtained. 5. The method for constructing a cell strain for reducing the production of replication competent adenovirus according to claim 4, wherein the method for designing and synthesizing sgRNA1, sgRNA2, sgRNA3, and sgRNA4 in the step (1) includes: screening a sgRNA targeting site, designing and synthesizing sgRNA1T, sgRNA1B, sgRNA2T, sgRNA2B, sgRNA3T, sgRNA3B, sgRNA4T, and sgRNA4B; annealing sgRNA1T with sgRNA1B, sgRNA2T with sgRNA2B, sgRNA3T with sgRNA3B, and sgRNA4T with sgRNA4B respectively, so as to form double-stranded sgRNA1, sgRNA2, sgRNA3, and sgRNA4. 6. The method for constructing a cell strain for reducing the production of replication competent adenovirus according to claim 4, wherein the screening marker used in step (1) is puromycin. 7. The method for constructing a cell strain for reducing the production of replication competent adenovirus according to claim 4, wherein it is identified by gene sequencing that there is a complete replacement in the cell line modified in step (5), and it is determined by a biological test method that the modified cell line does not produce detectable RCA. 8. A method for manufacturing a vaccine or antibody, wherein a cell strain according to claim 1 is used for reducing the production of replication competent adenovirus. 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the adenovirus is a recombinant human type 5 adenovirus. 10. A modified cell or a passage cell thereof, wherein the ITR and E1A Promoter sequence (abbreviated as ITR+E1A Promoter) of E1 gene in the cell or its passage cell is replaced with a heterologous control element, and the sequence of the heterologous control element is less than 35% similar to that of the ITR+E1A Promoter, wherein the cell is from a group consisting of: a HEK293 cell, a 911 cell, a pTG6559 cell, and a N52.E6 cell. 11. The cell or a passage cell thereof according to claim 10, wherein the cell or its passage cell contains 1 copy or more copies of the ITR+E1A Promoter, part or all copies of the ITR+E1A Promoters are replaced with heterologous control elements. 12. The cell or a passage cell thereof according to claim 10, wherein the heterologous control element is a promoter that initiates E1A expression in the cell or its passage cell, and is less than 35%, 33%, 32%, 31%, 30%, 29%, 28%, 26%, 25%, 23%, 22% or 20% similar to the ITR+E1A Promoter sequence. 13. The cell or a passage cell thereof according to claim 10, wherein the ITR+E1A Promoter sequence is the sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:2 or a homologous sequence thereof. 14. The cell or a passage cell thereof according to claim 10, wherein the heterologous control element is from a group consisting of: a chicken β-actin promoter, a CMV promoter, an HSV TK promoter, and a PGK promoter. 15. The cell or a passage cell thereof according to claim 10, wherein the sequence of the heterologous control element is the sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:1. 16. The cell or a passage cell thereof according to claim 10, wherein the cell is a HEK293.CS cell strain. 17. A method for producing an adenovirus, wherein it comprises infecting the cell according to claim 10 or a passage cell thereof with an adenovirus. 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the adenovirus is Ad5 adenovirus. | Provided are a cell strain HEK293.CS for reducing the production of a replication competent adenovirus, and a construction method and the use thereof. HEK293.CS is a safe adenovirus-producing cell line constructed by knocking out a gene fragment homologous to the Ad5 adenovirus E1 gene in HEK293 and providing a template plasmid to replace said gene fragment with a non-homologous sequence that stabilizes the expression of the E1 gene. Compared with the unmodified HEK293 cell strain, HEK293.CS shows no decrease in growth ability and virus production ability, but does not produce a detectable RCA. HEK293.CS can be used for the mass culture of a recombinant human type 5 adenovirus, and reducing the probability of RCA production in the manufacture process of drugs such as vaccines and antibodies.1. A cell strain for reducing the production of replication competent adenovirus, wherein it is a cell strain HEK293.CS, and in the cell strain HEK293.CS a non-coding region of the cell strain HEK293 E1 gene is replaced with a heterologous control element. 2. The cell strain for reducing replication competent adenovirus production according to claim 1, wherein in the cell strain HEK293.CS the ITR and E1A Promoter sequences of the cell strain HEK293 E1 gene is replaced with a heterologous control element. 3. The cell strain for reducing replication competent adenovirus production according to claim 2, wherein the heterologous control element is PGK Promoter, and the base sequence of the PGK promoter is represented by the sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 in the Sequence Listing. 4. A method for constructing a cell strain for reducing the production of replication competent adenovirus according to claim 1, wherein the specific steps are as follows:
(1) designing, synthesizing, and annealing to obtain four sgRNAs, which are designated as sgRNA1, sgRNA2, sgRNA3, and sgRNA4; (2) preparing a PX462.V2.0 plasmid containing Cas9n enzyme, and digesting the plasmid with Bsal; (3) ligating the four double-stranded sgRNAs obtained in the step (1) respectively to the plasmid recovering from the gel of the enzymatic cleavage in step (2); (4) preparing a homologous template repair plasmid, adding a left homologous arm PSG4 sequence and a right homologous arm Ad5 sequence to both ends of the PGK Promoter, and ligating the synthesized sequence to PUC57 vector plasmid; (5) co-transfecting the four plasmids obtained in step (3) together with the homologous repair plasmid in step (4) into HEK293 cells, and a preliminary modified cell strain is obtained by antibiotic screening and monoclonal purification; with identification, if there is no complete replacement in the modified cell strain, the transfection and screening are continued until the ITR and E1A Promoter of E1 gene in the HEK293 cell strain are completely replaced with a PGK Promoter, i.e., a modified cell line is obtained. 5. The method for constructing a cell strain for reducing the production of replication competent adenovirus according to claim 4, wherein the method for designing and synthesizing sgRNA1, sgRNA2, sgRNA3, and sgRNA4 in the step (1) includes: screening a sgRNA targeting site, designing and synthesizing sgRNA1T, sgRNA1B, sgRNA2T, sgRNA2B, sgRNA3T, sgRNA3B, sgRNA4T, and sgRNA4B; annealing sgRNA1T with sgRNA1B, sgRNA2T with sgRNA2B, sgRNA3T with sgRNA3B, and sgRNA4T with sgRNA4B respectively, so as to form double-stranded sgRNA1, sgRNA2, sgRNA3, and sgRNA4. 6. The method for constructing a cell strain for reducing the production of replication competent adenovirus according to claim 4, wherein the screening marker used in step (1) is puromycin. 7. The method for constructing a cell strain for reducing the production of replication competent adenovirus according to claim 4, wherein it is identified by gene sequencing that there is a complete replacement in the cell line modified in step (5), and it is determined by a biological test method that the modified cell line does not produce detectable RCA. 8. A method for manufacturing a vaccine or antibody, wherein a cell strain according to claim 1 is used for reducing the production of replication competent adenovirus. 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the adenovirus is a recombinant human type 5 adenovirus. 10. A modified cell or a passage cell thereof, wherein the ITR and E1A Promoter sequence (abbreviated as ITR+E1A Promoter) of E1 gene in the cell or its passage cell is replaced with a heterologous control element, and the sequence of the heterologous control element is less than 35% similar to that of the ITR+E1A Promoter, wherein the cell is from a group consisting of: a HEK293 cell, a 911 cell, a pTG6559 cell, and a N52.E6 cell. 11. The cell or a passage cell thereof according to claim 10, wherein the cell or its passage cell contains 1 copy or more copies of the ITR+E1A Promoter, part or all copies of the ITR+E1A Promoters are replaced with heterologous control elements. 12. The cell or a passage cell thereof according to claim 10, wherein the heterologous control element is a promoter that initiates E1A expression in the cell or its passage cell, and is less than 35%, 33%, 32%, 31%, 30%, 29%, 28%, 26%, 25%, 23%, 22% or 20% similar to the ITR+E1A Promoter sequence. 13. The cell or a passage cell thereof according to claim 10, wherein the ITR+E1A Promoter sequence is the sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:2 or a homologous sequence thereof. 14. The cell or a passage cell thereof according to claim 10, wherein the heterologous control element is from a group consisting of: a chicken β-actin promoter, a CMV promoter, an HSV TK promoter, and a PGK promoter. 15. The cell or a passage cell thereof according to claim 10, wherein the sequence of the heterologous control element is the sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:1. 16. The cell or a passage cell thereof according to claim 10, wherein the cell is a HEK293.CS cell strain. 17. A method for producing an adenovirus, wherein it comprises infecting the cell according to claim 10 or a passage cell thereof with an adenovirus. 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the adenovirus is Ad5 adenovirus. | 2,600 |
348,529 | 16,805,948 | 2,699 | A method can include obtaining access code data corresponding to an access code transmitted to a user device. The method can further include monitoring the user device. The method can further include determining, based on the monitoring, that the access code is shared. The method can further include initiating, in response to the determining that the access code is shared, an invalidation of the access code. | 1. A computer-implemented method comprising:
obtaining access code data corresponding to an access code transmitted to a user device; monitoring the user device; determining, based on the monitoring, that the access code is shared, by the user device, with an un-trusted contact; and initiating, in response to the determining that the access code is shared with the un-trusted contact, an invalidation of the access code. 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the access code data includes a validity period; and
wherein the monitoring occurs within the validity period. 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the determining that the access code is shared with the un-trusted contact includes determining that the access code is shared within the validity period. 4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the access code data includes a first indication that the access code was transmitted to the user device; and
wherein the monitoring occurs in response to obtaining the first indication. 5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the access code data includes a second indication that the access code was received by the user device; and
wherein the monitoring occurs in response to obtaining the second indication. 6. (canceled) 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the monitoring includes analyzing content of at least one communication platform of the user device, wherein the at least one communication platform is selected from a group consisting of: voice communication, electronic mail communication, and short message service communication. 8. The computer-implemented method of claim 7, wherein the access code data includes a third indication that the access code was received by the user device by a first communication platform of the user device, wherein the first communication platform is selected from a group consisting of: electronic mail communication and short message service communication;
wherein the determining that the access code is shared with the un-trusted contact comprises determining that the access code is shared by a second communication platform of the user device, wherein the second communication platform is selected from a group consisting of: voice communication, electronic mail communication, and short message service communication; and wherein the first communication platform is different from the second communication platform. 9. The computer-implemented method of claim 7, wherein the access code data includes a fourth indication that the access code was transmitted to the user device by short message service communication; and
wherein the determining that the access code is shared with the un-trusted contact comprises determining that the access code is shared by voice communication. 10. A system comprising:
a processor; and a memory in communication with the processor, the memory containing program instructions that, when executed by the processor, are configured to cause the processor to perform a method, the method comprising: obtaining access code data corresponding to an access code transmitted to a user device; obtaining trusted-contact data; monitoring the user device to obtain communication data; determining, by comparing the trusted-contact data to the communication data, that the access code is shared with an un-trusted contact by a transmission of the access code from the user device to the un-trusted contact; and initiating, in response to the determining that the access code is shared with the un-trusted contact, an invalidation of the access code. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the access code data includes a validity period; and
wherein the monitoring occurs within the validity period. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the determining that the access code is shared with the un-trusted contact includes determining that the access code is shared within the validity period. 13. The system of claim 10, wherein the access code data includes a first indication that the access code was transmitted to the user device; and
wherein the monitoring occurs in response to obtaining the first indication. 14. The system of claim 10, wherein the access code data includes a second indication that the access code was received by the user device; and
wherein the monitoring occurs in response to obtaining the second indication. 15. The system of claim 10, wherein the monitoring includes analyzing content of at least one communication platform of the user device, wherein the at least one communication platform is selected from a group consisting of: voice communication, electronic mail communication, and short message service communication. 16. A computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, the program instructions executable by a processor to cause the processor to perform a method, the method comprising:
obtaining trusted contact data corresponding to a set of trusted contacts; obtaining access code data comprising a first indication that an access code was transmitted to a user device; monitoring the user device in response to the obtaining the access code data, the monitoring comprising analyzing content of at least one communication platform of the user device, the at least one communication platform selected from a group consisting of: voice communication, electronic mail communication, and short message service communication; obtaining, based on the monitoring, communication data corresponding to a contact in communication with the user device; determining, by comparing the trusted contact data to the communication data, that the contact is an un-trusted contact; determining, based on the monitoring, that the access code is shared, by the user device, with the un-trusted contact; and initiating, in response to the determining that the access code is shared with the un-trusted contact, an invalidation of the access code. 17. The computer program product of claim 16, wherein the access code data includes a validity period; and
wherein the monitoring occurs within the validity period. 18. The computer program product of claim 17, wherein the determining that the access code is shared with the un-trusted contact includes determining that the access code is shared within the validity period. 19. (canceled) 20. The computer program product of claim 16, wherein the access code data includes a second indication that the access code was received by the user device; and
wherein the monitoring occurs in response to obtaining the second indication. 21. The system of claim 10, wherein the determining that the access code is shared with the un-trusted contact comprises determining that the communication data does not match the trusted-contact data. | A method can include obtaining access code data corresponding to an access code transmitted to a user device. The method can further include monitoring the user device. The method can further include determining, based on the monitoring, that the access code is shared. The method can further include initiating, in response to the determining that the access code is shared, an invalidation of the access code.1. A computer-implemented method comprising:
obtaining access code data corresponding to an access code transmitted to a user device; monitoring the user device; determining, based on the monitoring, that the access code is shared, by the user device, with an un-trusted contact; and initiating, in response to the determining that the access code is shared with the un-trusted contact, an invalidation of the access code. 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the access code data includes a validity period; and
wherein the monitoring occurs within the validity period. 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the determining that the access code is shared with the un-trusted contact includes determining that the access code is shared within the validity period. 4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the access code data includes a first indication that the access code was transmitted to the user device; and
wherein the monitoring occurs in response to obtaining the first indication. 5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the access code data includes a second indication that the access code was received by the user device; and
wherein the monitoring occurs in response to obtaining the second indication. 6. (canceled) 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the monitoring includes analyzing content of at least one communication platform of the user device, wherein the at least one communication platform is selected from a group consisting of: voice communication, electronic mail communication, and short message service communication. 8. The computer-implemented method of claim 7, wherein the access code data includes a third indication that the access code was received by the user device by a first communication platform of the user device, wherein the first communication platform is selected from a group consisting of: electronic mail communication and short message service communication;
wherein the determining that the access code is shared with the un-trusted contact comprises determining that the access code is shared by a second communication platform of the user device, wherein the second communication platform is selected from a group consisting of: voice communication, electronic mail communication, and short message service communication; and wherein the first communication platform is different from the second communication platform. 9. The computer-implemented method of claim 7, wherein the access code data includes a fourth indication that the access code was transmitted to the user device by short message service communication; and
wherein the determining that the access code is shared with the un-trusted contact comprises determining that the access code is shared by voice communication. 10. A system comprising:
a processor; and a memory in communication with the processor, the memory containing program instructions that, when executed by the processor, are configured to cause the processor to perform a method, the method comprising: obtaining access code data corresponding to an access code transmitted to a user device; obtaining trusted-contact data; monitoring the user device to obtain communication data; determining, by comparing the trusted-contact data to the communication data, that the access code is shared with an un-trusted contact by a transmission of the access code from the user device to the un-trusted contact; and initiating, in response to the determining that the access code is shared with the un-trusted contact, an invalidation of the access code. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the access code data includes a validity period; and
wherein the monitoring occurs within the validity period. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the determining that the access code is shared with the un-trusted contact includes determining that the access code is shared within the validity period. 13. The system of claim 10, wherein the access code data includes a first indication that the access code was transmitted to the user device; and
wherein the monitoring occurs in response to obtaining the first indication. 14. The system of claim 10, wherein the access code data includes a second indication that the access code was received by the user device; and
wherein the monitoring occurs in response to obtaining the second indication. 15. The system of claim 10, wherein the monitoring includes analyzing content of at least one communication platform of the user device, wherein the at least one communication platform is selected from a group consisting of: voice communication, electronic mail communication, and short message service communication. 16. A computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, the program instructions executable by a processor to cause the processor to perform a method, the method comprising:
obtaining trusted contact data corresponding to a set of trusted contacts; obtaining access code data comprising a first indication that an access code was transmitted to a user device; monitoring the user device in response to the obtaining the access code data, the monitoring comprising analyzing content of at least one communication platform of the user device, the at least one communication platform selected from a group consisting of: voice communication, electronic mail communication, and short message service communication; obtaining, based on the monitoring, communication data corresponding to a contact in communication with the user device; determining, by comparing the trusted contact data to the communication data, that the contact is an un-trusted contact; determining, based on the monitoring, that the access code is shared, by the user device, with the un-trusted contact; and initiating, in response to the determining that the access code is shared with the un-trusted contact, an invalidation of the access code. 17. The computer program product of claim 16, wherein the access code data includes a validity period; and
wherein the monitoring occurs within the validity period. 18. The computer program product of claim 17, wherein the determining that the access code is shared with the un-trusted contact includes determining that the access code is shared within the validity period. 19. (canceled) 20. The computer program product of claim 16, wherein the access code data includes a second indication that the access code was received by the user device; and
wherein the monitoring occurs in response to obtaining the second indication. 21. The system of claim 10, wherein the determining that the access code is shared with the un-trusted contact comprises determining that the communication data does not match the trusted-contact data. | 2,600 |
348,530 | 16,805,990 | 2,699 | The present invention provides lithium nickelate-based positive electrode active substance particles having a high energy density which are excellent in charge/discharge cycle characteristics when highly charged, and hardly suffer from generation of gases upon storage under high-temperature conditions, and a process for producing the positive electrode active substance particles, as well as a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery. The present invention relates to positive electrode active substance particles each comprising a core particle X comprising a lithium nickelate composite oxide having a layer structure which is represented by the formula: Li1+aNi1−b−cCobMcO2 wherein M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mn, Al, B, Mg, Ti, Sn, Zn and Zr; a is a number of −0.1 to 0.2 (−0.1⋅a⋅0.2); b is a number of 0.05 to 0.5 (0.05⋅b⋅0.5); and c is a number of 0.01 to 0.4 (0.01⋅c⋅0.4); a coating compound Y comprising at least one element selected from the group consisting of Al, Mg, Zr, Ti and Si; and a coating compound Z comprising an Li element, in which a content of lithium hydroxide LiOH in the positive electrode active substance particles is not more than 0.40% by weight, a content of lithium carbonate Li2CO3 in the positive electrode active substance particles is not more than 0.65% by weight, and a weight ratio of the content of lithium carbonate to the content of lithium hydroxide is not less than 1. | 1. A process for producing a Positive electrode active substance particles, each Positive electrode active substance particles comprising:
a core particle X comprising a lithium nickelate composite oxide having a layer structure which is represented by the formula:
Li1+aNi1−b−cCobMcO2 2. A process for producing the positive electrode active substance particles as claimed in claim 1, comprising the steps of:
subjecting the core particle X to humidification treatment and heat treatment in atmospheric air at a temperature of 150 to 450° C. to form the coating compound Z on a surface of the core particle X; and then forming the coating compound Y on the resulting particle by a vapor phase epitaxy method. | The present invention provides lithium nickelate-based positive electrode active substance particles having a high energy density which are excellent in charge/discharge cycle characteristics when highly charged, and hardly suffer from generation of gases upon storage under high-temperature conditions, and a process for producing the positive electrode active substance particles, as well as a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery. The present invention relates to positive electrode active substance particles each comprising a core particle X comprising a lithium nickelate composite oxide having a layer structure which is represented by the formula: Li1+aNi1−b−cCobMcO2 wherein M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mn, Al, B, Mg, Ti, Sn, Zn and Zr; a is a number of −0.1 to 0.2 (−0.1⋅a⋅0.2); b is a number of 0.05 to 0.5 (0.05⋅b⋅0.5); and c is a number of 0.01 to 0.4 (0.01⋅c⋅0.4); a coating compound Y comprising at least one element selected from the group consisting of Al, Mg, Zr, Ti and Si; and a coating compound Z comprising an Li element, in which a content of lithium hydroxide LiOH in the positive electrode active substance particles is not more than 0.40% by weight, a content of lithium carbonate Li2CO3 in the positive electrode active substance particles is not more than 0.65% by weight, and a weight ratio of the content of lithium carbonate to the content of lithium hydroxide is not less than 1.1. A process for producing a Positive electrode active substance particles, each Positive electrode active substance particles comprising:
a core particle X comprising a lithium nickelate composite oxide having a layer structure which is represented by the formula:
Li1+aNi1−b−cCobMcO2 2. A process for producing the positive electrode active substance particles as claimed in claim 1, comprising the steps of:
subjecting the core particle X to humidification treatment and heat treatment in atmospheric air at a temperature of 150 to 450° C. to form the coating compound Z on a surface of the core particle X; and then forming the coating compound Y on the resulting particle by a vapor phase epitaxy method. | 2,600 |
348,531 | 16,805,999 | 2,184 | One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an arithmetic processor including a detection unit that detects instruction information, wherein an instruction including a processing instruction to be performed after completion of DMA (Direct Memory Access) in a DMA request instruction is described in the instruction information and a data processing unit that uses data transferred by the DMA request instruction to execute an operation corresponding to the processing instruction based on the instruction information detected by the detection unit. | 1. An arithmetic processor, comprising:
a detection unit that detects instruction information, wherein an instruction including a processing instruction to be performed after completion of DMA (Direct Memory Access) in a DMA request instruction is described in the instruction information; and a data processing unit that uses data transferred by the DMA request instruction to execute an operation corresponding to the processing instruction based on the instruction information detected by the detection unit. 2. The arithmetic processor as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
a FIFO that stores the processing instruction, wherein the processing instruction is stored in an area for storing a destination address of the DMA request instruction. 3. The arithmetic processor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the DMA request instruction is transmitted between a plurality of lower nodes each including a PCIe board and an upper node coupled to the plurality of lower nodes. 4. The arithmetic processor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the operation corresponding to the processing instruction includes an arithmetic operation or a transferring operation on data transferred by the DMA request instruction. 5. The arithmetic processor as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
a plurality of detection units that each detects the instruction information in the DMA request instruction transmitted from a plurality of devices; and a waiting unit that waits the processing instructions from the plurality of devices based on the instruction information detected by each of the plurality of detection units and causes the data processing unit to execute an operation corresponding to the processing instructions. 6. The arithmetic processor as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
an interface unit that corrects missing of the instruction information and the data and transmits the corrected instruction information and the data to the detection unit. 7. The arithmetic processor as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
an instruction generation unit that generates, from the processing instruction, a reply address after the operation. 8. The arithmetic processor as claimed in claim 3, wherein the lower node operates under recognition of the instruction information as a destination address. 9. The arithmetic processor as claimed in claim 7, further comprising:
an operation database to the instruction generation unit, wherein the instruction generation unit generates the instruction based on the operation database. 10. The arithmetic processor as claimed in claim 9, wherein the instruction information includes a flag that indicates use or non-use of the operation database. 11. A control method for an arithmetic processor, comprising:
detecting information, wherein an instruction including a processing instruction to be performed after completion of DMA (Direct Memory Access) in a DMA request instruction is described in the information; and processing an operation using data transferred by the DMA request instruction based on the detected information. 12. The control method for the arithmetic processor as claimed in claim 11, further comprising:
storing the processing instruction in a FIFO, wherein the processing instruction is stored in an area for storing a destination address of the DMA request instruction. 13. The control method for the arithmetic processor as claimed in claim 11, wherein the DMA request instruction is transmitted between a plurality of lower nodes each including a PCIe board and an upper node coupled to the plurality of lower nodes. 14. The control method for the arithmetic processor as claimed in claim 11, wherein the operation corresponding to the processing instruction includes an arithmetic operation or a transferring operation on data transferred by the DMA request instruction. 15. The control method for the arithmetic processor as claimed in claim 11, further comprising:
detecting, by a plurality of detection units, the instruction information in the DMA request instruction transmitted from a plurality of devices; and waiting the processing instructions from the plurality of devices based on the instruction information detected by each of the plurality of detection units and causing the data processing unit to execute an operation corresponding to the processing instructions. 16. The control method for the arithmetic processor as claimed in claim 11, further comprising:
correcting missing of the instruction information and the data; and transmitting the corrected instruction information and the data to the detection unit. 17. The control method for the arithmetic processor as claimed in claim 11, further comprising:
generating, from the processing instruction, a reply address after the operation. 18. The control method for the arithmetic processor as claimed in claim 13, wherein the lower node operates under recognition of the instruction information as a destination address. 19. The control method for the arithmetic processor as claimed in claim 17, further comprising:
generating the instruction based on an operation database. 20. The control method for the arithmetic processor as claimed in claim 19, wherein the instruction information includes a flag that indicates use or non-use of the operation database. | One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an arithmetic processor including a detection unit that detects instruction information, wherein an instruction including a processing instruction to be performed after completion of DMA (Direct Memory Access) in a DMA request instruction is described in the instruction information and a data processing unit that uses data transferred by the DMA request instruction to execute an operation corresponding to the processing instruction based on the instruction information detected by the detection unit.1. An arithmetic processor, comprising:
a detection unit that detects instruction information, wherein an instruction including a processing instruction to be performed after completion of DMA (Direct Memory Access) in a DMA request instruction is described in the instruction information; and a data processing unit that uses data transferred by the DMA request instruction to execute an operation corresponding to the processing instruction based on the instruction information detected by the detection unit. 2. The arithmetic processor as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
a FIFO that stores the processing instruction, wherein the processing instruction is stored in an area for storing a destination address of the DMA request instruction. 3. The arithmetic processor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the DMA request instruction is transmitted between a plurality of lower nodes each including a PCIe board and an upper node coupled to the plurality of lower nodes. 4. The arithmetic processor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the operation corresponding to the processing instruction includes an arithmetic operation or a transferring operation on data transferred by the DMA request instruction. 5. The arithmetic processor as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
a plurality of detection units that each detects the instruction information in the DMA request instruction transmitted from a plurality of devices; and a waiting unit that waits the processing instructions from the plurality of devices based on the instruction information detected by each of the plurality of detection units and causes the data processing unit to execute an operation corresponding to the processing instructions. 6. The arithmetic processor as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
an interface unit that corrects missing of the instruction information and the data and transmits the corrected instruction information and the data to the detection unit. 7. The arithmetic processor as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
an instruction generation unit that generates, from the processing instruction, a reply address after the operation. 8. The arithmetic processor as claimed in claim 3, wherein the lower node operates under recognition of the instruction information as a destination address. 9. The arithmetic processor as claimed in claim 7, further comprising:
an operation database to the instruction generation unit, wherein the instruction generation unit generates the instruction based on the operation database. 10. The arithmetic processor as claimed in claim 9, wherein the instruction information includes a flag that indicates use or non-use of the operation database. 11. A control method for an arithmetic processor, comprising:
detecting information, wherein an instruction including a processing instruction to be performed after completion of DMA (Direct Memory Access) in a DMA request instruction is described in the information; and processing an operation using data transferred by the DMA request instruction based on the detected information. 12. The control method for the arithmetic processor as claimed in claim 11, further comprising:
storing the processing instruction in a FIFO, wherein the processing instruction is stored in an area for storing a destination address of the DMA request instruction. 13. The control method for the arithmetic processor as claimed in claim 11, wherein the DMA request instruction is transmitted between a plurality of lower nodes each including a PCIe board and an upper node coupled to the plurality of lower nodes. 14. The control method for the arithmetic processor as claimed in claim 11, wherein the operation corresponding to the processing instruction includes an arithmetic operation or a transferring operation on data transferred by the DMA request instruction. 15. The control method for the arithmetic processor as claimed in claim 11, further comprising:
detecting, by a plurality of detection units, the instruction information in the DMA request instruction transmitted from a plurality of devices; and waiting the processing instructions from the plurality of devices based on the instruction information detected by each of the plurality of detection units and causing the data processing unit to execute an operation corresponding to the processing instructions. 16. The control method for the arithmetic processor as claimed in claim 11, further comprising:
correcting missing of the instruction information and the data; and transmitting the corrected instruction information and the data to the detection unit. 17. The control method for the arithmetic processor as claimed in claim 11, further comprising:
generating, from the processing instruction, a reply address after the operation. 18. The control method for the arithmetic processor as claimed in claim 13, wherein the lower node operates under recognition of the instruction information as a destination address. 19. The control method for the arithmetic processor as claimed in claim 17, further comprising:
generating the instruction based on an operation database. 20. The control method for the arithmetic processor as claimed in claim 19, wherein the instruction information includes a flag that indicates use or non-use of the operation database. | 2,100 |
348,532 | 16,806,018 | 2,184 | A ground fault detection device that is connected to an ungrounded battery, estimates an insulation resistance of the system provided with the battery, and detects a ground fault, includes a capacitor that operates as a flying capacitor, two C-contact switches that switch a V0 charging path including the battery and the capacitor, a Vcn charging path including the battery, a negative-side insulation resistance that is an insulation resistance between a negative side of the battery and ground, and the capacitor, a Vcp charging path including the battery, a positive-side insulation resistance insulation resistance that is an insulation resistance between a positive-side insulation resistance of the battery and ground, and the capacitor, and a measurement path that serves both a charge voltage measurement and a discharge of the first capacitor, and an optical MOS-FET capable of blocking charge inflow to and charge outflow from the capacitor. | 1. A ground fault detection device connected to an ungrounded battery for estimating an insulation resistance of a system where a battery is installed so as to detect ground fault, comprising:
a capacitor that operates as a flying capacitor; two C-contact switches that switch a V0 charging path including the battery and the capacitor, a Vcn charging path including the battery, a negative-side insulation resistance that is an insulation resistance between a negative side of the battery and ground, and the capacitor, a Vcp charging path including the battery, a positive-side insulation resistance that is an insulation resistance between a positive side of the battery and ground, and the capacitor, and a measurement path that serves both a charge voltage measurement and a discharge of the first capacitor; and an optical MOS-FET capable of blocking charge inflow to and charge outflow from the capacitor. 2. The ground fault detection device according to claim 1, wherein
the capacitor and the optical MOS-FET are connected in series between common contacts of the two C-contact switches. 3. The ground fault detection device according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit for controlling the two C-contact switches and the optical MOS-FET, wherein
the control unit switches the Vcn charging path or the Vcp charging path to the measurement path, and turns off the optical MOS-FET, and the control units, if a value of the charge voltage measurement acquired is less than or equal to a predetermined reference value, switches path back to the Vcn charging path or the Vcp charging path and turns on the optical MOS-FET. 4. The ground fault detection device according to claim 2, further comprising a control unit for controlling the two C-contact switches and the optical MOS-FET, wherein
the control unit switches the Vcn charging path or the Vcp charging path to the measurement path, and turns off the optical MOS-FET, and the control units, if a value of the charge voltage measurement acquired is less than or equal to a predetermined reference value, switches path back to the Vcn charging path or the Vcp charging path and turns on the optical MOS-FET. 5. The ground fault detection device according to claim 3, wherein
the control unit, if the value of the charge voltage measurement acquired is more than the predetermined reference value, turns on the optical MOS-FET so as to discharge the capacitor. 6. The ground fault detection device according to claim 4, wherein
the control unit, if the value of the charge voltage measurement acquired is more than the predetermined reference value, turns on the optical MOS-FET so as to discharge the capacitor. 7. The ground fault detection device according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit for controlling the two C-contact switches and the optical MOS-FET, wherein
the control unit, when switching either or both of the two C-contact switches, turns off the optical MOS-FET immediately before switching, and turns back on the optical MOS-FET after switching is completed. 8. The ground fault detection device according to claim 2, further comprising a control unit for controlling the two C-contact switches and the optical MOS-FET, wherein
the control unit, when switching either or both of the two C-contact switches, turns off the optical MOS-FET immediately before switching, and turns back on the optical MOS-FET after switching is completed. | A ground fault detection device that is connected to an ungrounded battery, estimates an insulation resistance of the system provided with the battery, and detects a ground fault, includes a capacitor that operates as a flying capacitor, two C-contact switches that switch a V0 charging path including the battery and the capacitor, a Vcn charging path including the battery, a negative-side insulation resistance that is an insulation resistance between a negative side of the battery and ground, and the capacitor, a Vcp charging path including the battery, a positive-side insulation resistance insulation resistance that is an insulation resistance between a positive-side insulation resistance of the battery and ground, and the capacitor, and a measurement path that serves both a charge voltage measurement and a discharge of the first capacitor, and an optical MOS-FET capable of blocking charge inflow to and charge outflow from the capacitor.1. A ground fault detection device connected to an ungrounded battery for estimating an insulation resistance of a system where a battery is installed so as to detect ground fault, comprising:
a capacitor that operates as a flying capacitor; two C-contact switches that switch a V0 charging path including the battery and the capacitor, a Vcn charging path including the battery, a negative-side insulation resistance that is an insulation resistance between a negative side of the battery and ground, and the capacitor, a Vcp charging path including the battery, a positive-side insulation resistance that is an insulation resistance between a positive side of the battery and ground, and the capacitor, and a measurement path that serves both a charge voltage measurement and a discharge of the first capacitor; and an optical MOS-FET capable of blocking charge inflow to and charge outflow from the capacitor. 2. The ground fault detection device according to claim 1, wherein
the capacitor and the optical MOS-FET are connected in series between common contacts of the two C-contact switches. 3. The ground fault detection device according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit for controlling the two C-contact switches and the optical MOS-FET, wherein
the control unit switches the Vcn charging path or the Vcp charging path to the measurement path, and turns off the optical MOS-FET, and the control units, if a value of the charge voltage measurement acquired is less than or equal to a predetermined reference value, switches path back to the Vcn charging path or the Vcp charging path and turns on the optical MOS-FET. 4. The ground fault detection device according to claim 2, further comprising a control unit for controlling the two C-contact switches and the optical MOS-FET, wherein
the control unit switches the Vcn charging path or the Vcp charging path to the measurement path, and turns off the optical MOS-FET, and the control units, if a value of the charge voltage measurement acquired is less than or equal to a predetermined reference value, switches path back to the Vcn charging path or the Vcp charging path and turns on the optical MOS-FET. 5. The ground fault detection device according to claim 3, wherein
the control unit, if the value of the charge voltage measurement acquired is more than the predetermined reference value, turns on the optical MOS-FET so as to discharge the capacitor. 6. The ground fault detection device according to claim 4, wherein
the control unit, if the value of the charge voltage measurement acquired is more than the predetermined reference value, turns on the optical MOS-FET so as to discharge the capacitor. 7. The ground fault detection device according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit for controlling the two C-contact switches and the optical MOS-FET, wherein
the control unit, when switching either or both of the two C-contact switches, turns off the optical MOS-FET immediately before switching, and turns back on the optical MOS-FET after switching is completed. 8. The ground fault detection device according to claim 2, further comprising a control unit for controlling the two C-contact switches and the optical MOS-FET, wherein
the control unit, when switching either or both of the two C-contact switches, turns off the optical MOS-FET immediately before switching, and turns back on the optical MOS-FET after switching is completed. | 2,100 |
348,533 | 16,806,038 | 2,184 | An imaging optical system includes a plurality of lens groups each moving such that spaces between each one of the plurality of lens groups change during a zooming. The imaging optical system conjugates a conjugate point on a magnification side and an intermediate imaging position, and conjugates a conjugate point on a reduction side and the intermediate imaging position. The imaging optical system includes a first lens group located at a furthest place on the magnification side and a rear group in this order from the magnification side toward the reduction side. The first lens group includes a field curvature correction lens group moving along an optical axis when an amount of a field curvature is changed, and a focusing lens group. The imaging optical system satisfies condition (4) below: | 1-19. (canceled) 20. An imaging optical system comprising a plurality of lens groups, the plurality of lens groups each including at least one lens and moving such that spaces between each one of the plurality of lens groups change during a zooming action,
wherein the imaging optical system conjugates a conjugate point on a magnification side of the imaging optical system and an intermediate imaging position inside the imaging optical system, and conjugates a conjugate point on a reduction side of the imaging optical system and the intermediate imaging position, wherein the imaging optical system includes a first lens group located at a furthest place on the magnification side and having positive power, a second lens group having positive power, third lens group having positive power and a rear group having positive power in this order from the magnification side toward the reduction side, wherein the first lens group includes a focusing lens group moving along the optical axis during a focusing action from an infinity focus state to a proximate focus state, wherein the imaging optical system satisfies condition (9) below:
0.4<f4/bf<1.0 (9) 21. The imaging optical system according to claim 20, wherein the intermediate imaging is positioned inside between the first lens group. 22. The imaging optical system according to claim 20, wherein the imaging optical system satisfies condition (7) below:
3.0<f1/fp<15.0 (7)
where, f1 is a composite focal length of a relay optical system located farther on the reduction side than the intermediate imaging position, and
fp is a composite focal length of a magnifying optical system located farther on the magnification side than the intermediate imaging position. 23. The imaging optical system according to claim 20, wherein the imaging optical system satisfies condition (8) below:
2.0<|f4/ft|<10.0 (8)
where, f4 is a focal length of the rear lens group; and
ft is a composite focal length of a total system at a telephoto end. 24. The imaging optical system according to claim 20, wherein the first lens group includes a field curvature correction lens group moving along an optical axis when an amount of a field curvature is changed. 25. The imaging optical system according to claim 24, wherein the imaging optical system satisfies condition (4) below:
|{(1−βcw 2)×βcrw 2}/{(1−βfw 2)×βfrw 2}|<0.2 (4)
where, βcw is a paraxial lateral magnification, at a wide angle end, of the field curvature correction lens group moving along the optical axis when the amount of the field curvature is changed,
βcrw is a paraxial lateral magnification, at the wide angle end, of every lens located farther on the reduction side than the field curvature correction lens group moving along the optical axis when the amount of the field curvature is changed,
βfw is a paraxial lateral magnification, at the wide angle end, of the focusing lens group moving along the optical axis during the focusing action, and
βfrw is a paraxial lateral magnification, at the wide angle end, of every lens located farther on the reduction side than the focusing lens group moving along the optical axis during the focusing action. 26. The imaging optical system according to claim 24, wherein the imaging optical system satisfies condition (5) below:
|ff/fc|<0.8 (5)
where, ff is a focal length of the focusing lens group moving along the optical axis during the focusing action, and
fc is a focal length of the field curvature correction lens group moving along the optical axis when the amount of the field curvature is changed. 27. The imaging optical system according to claim 24, wherein the field curvature correction lens group is formed of one sheet of negative lens and one sheet of positive lens. 28. The imaging optical system according to claim 24, wherein the imaging optical system satisfies condition (6) below:
|fc/f1|<0.3 (6)
where, f1 is a focal length of the first lens group, and
fc is a focal length of the field curvature correction lens group moving along the optical axis when the amount of the field curvature is changed. | An imaging optical system includes a plurality of lens groups each moving such that spaces between each one of the plurality of lens groups change during a zooming. The imaging optical system conjugates a conjugate point on a magnification side and an intermediate imaging position, and conjugates a conjugate point on a reduction side and the intermediate imaging position. The imaging optical system includes a first lens group located at a furthest place on the magnification side and a rear group in this order from the magnification side toward the reduction side. The first lens group includes a field curvature correction lens group moving along an optical axis when an amount of a field curvature is changed, and a focusing lens group. The imaging optical system satisfies condition (4) below:1-19. (canceled) 20. An imaging optical system comprising a plurality of lens groups, the plurality of lens groups each including at least one lens and moving such that spaces between each one of the plurality of lens groups change during a zooming action,
wherein the imaging optical system conjugates a conjugate point on a magnification side of the imaging optical system and an intermediate imaging position inside the imaging optical system, and conjugates a conjugate point on a reduction side of the imaging optical system and the intermediate imaging position, wherein the imaging optical system includes a first lens group located at a furthest place on the magnification side and having positive power, a second lens group having positive power, third lens group having positive power and a rear group having positive power in this order from the magnification side toward the reduction side, wherein the first lens group includes a focusing lens group moving along the optical axis during a focusing action from an infinity focus state to a proximate focus state, wherein the imaging optical system satisfies condition (9) below:
0.4<f4/bf<1.0 (9) 21. The imaging optical system according to claim 20, wherein the intermediate imaging is positioned inside between the first lens group. 22. The imaging optical system according to claim 20, wherein the imaging optical system satisfies condition (7) below:
3.0<f1/fp<15.0 (7)
where, f1 is a composite focal length of a relay optical system located farther on the reduction side than the intermediate imaging position, and
fp is a composite focal length of a magnifying optical system located farther on the magnification side than the intermediate imaging position. 23. The imaging optical system according to claim 20, wherein the imaging optical system satisfies condition (8) below:
2.0<|f4/ft|<10.0 (8)
where, f4 is a focal length of the rear lens group; and
ft is a composite focal length of a total system at a telephoto end. 24. The imaging optical system according to claim 20, wherein the first lens group includes a field curvature correction lens group moving along an optical axis when an amount of a field curvature is changed. 25. The imaging optical system according to claim 24, wherein the imaging optical system satisfies condition (4) below:
|{(1−βcw 2)×βcrw 2}/{(1−βfw 2)×βfrw 2}|<0.2 (4)
where, βcw is a paraxial lateral magnification, at a wide angle end, of the field curvature correction lens group moving along the optical axis when the amount of the field curvature is changed,
βcrw is a paraxial lateral magnification, at the wide angle end, of every lens located farther on the reduction side than the field curvature correction lens group moving along the optical axis when the amount of the field curvature is changed,
βfw is a paraxial lateral magnification, at the wide angle end, of the focusing lens group moving along the optical axis during the focusing action, and
βfrw is a paraxial lateral magnification, at the wide angle end, of every lens located farther on the reduction side than the focusing lens group moving along the optical axis during the focusing action. 26. The imaging optical system according to claim 24, wherein the imaging optical system satisfies condition (5) below:
|ff/fc|<0.8 (5)
where, ff is a focal length of the focusing lens group moving along the optical axis during the focusing action, and
fc is a focal length of the field curvature correction lens group moving along the optical axis when the amount of the field curvature is changed. 27. The imaging optical system according to claim 24, wherein the field curvature correction lens group is formed of one sheet of negative lens and one sheet of positive lens. 28. The imaging optical system according to claim 24, wherein the imaging optical system satisfies condition (6) below:
|fc/f1|<0.3 (6)
where, f1 is a focal length of the first lens group, and
fc is a focal length of the field curvature correction lens group moving along the optical axis when the amount of the field curvature is changed. | 2,100 |
348,534 | 16,806,037 | 2,184 | Provided herein are novel autoantibody biomarkers, and panels for detecting autoantibody biomarkers for prostate cancer, and methods and kits for detecting these biomarkers in the serum of individuals suspected of having prostate cancer. | 1. A method of detecting an autoantibody in an individual suspected of having prostate cancer, comprising:
a) contacting a sample from the individual with two or more autoantibody capture molecules, wherein the three or more autoantibody capture molecules are autoantibody capture molecules selected from the group consisting of KOR, PIM1, CCNB1, LGALS8, GOF15, AMACR, RPL23, SFRP4, QSCN6, TP53, NCAM2, HOXB13, SH3GLB1, CLON4, PTEN, MUC1, KLK3, BIRC5, RPL30, and CLON3 or a target antibody against an antigen selected from the group consisting of KOR, PIM1, CCNB1, LGALS8, GOF15, AMACR, RPL23, SFRP4, QSCN6, TP53, NCAM2, HOXB13, SH3GLB1, CLON4, PTEN, MUC1 KLK3, BIRC5, RPL30, and CLON3; and (b) detecting binding of an antibody or antibody-containing complex in the sample to the autoantibody capture molecules, thereby detecting the autoantibody in the individual, (c) determining, based on the autoantibody detected, if the individual has prostate cancer. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the autoantibody capture molecules comprise PTEN and TP53. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the three or more autoantibody capture molecules are selected from the group consisting of KOR, PIM-1, LGALS8, GOF15, RPL23, RPL30, SFRP4, QSCN6, NCAM2, HOXB13, SH3GLB1, CLON3, CLON4, and PTEN, and target antibodies to KOR, PIM-1, LGALS8, GOF15, RPL23, RPL30, SFRP4, QSCN6, NCAM2, HOXB13, SH3GLB1, CLON3, CLON4, and PTEN. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the autoantibody capture molecules comprise KOR or PIM-1 or both KOR and PIM-1. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the autoantibody capture molecules further comprise at least one autoantibody capture molecule selected from the group consisting of LGALS8, GOF15, RPL23, RPL30, SFRP4, QSCN6, NCAM2, HOXB13, SH3GLB1, CLON3, CLON4, and PTEN or a target antibody against an antigen comprising KDR, PIM-1, LGALS8, GDF15, RPL23, RPL30, SFRP4, QSCN6, NCAM2, HOXB13, SH3GLB1, CLDN3, CLDN4, and PTEN. 6. The method of claim 1, comprising contacting a sample from the individual with ten or more autoantibody capture molecules. 7. The method of claim 1, comprising contacting a sample from the individual with fifteen or more autoantibody capture molecules. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the detecting is performed by immunoassay, wherein the autoantibody capture molecules are immobilized on a solid support. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the test sample is blood or a fraction thereof. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising correlating the binding of the autoantibody capture molecules to antibodies or antibody-containing complexes in the test sample with a diagnosis of prostate cancer. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the binding of the autoantibody capture molecules to antibodies or antibody-containing complexes in the sample distinguishes between prostate cancer and BPH in the individual. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the binding of the autoantibody capture molecules to antibodies or antibody-containing complexes in the sample distinguishes between High Grade and Low Grade prostate cancer. 13. A method of detecting an autoantibody associated with prostate cancer or BPH in a sample, comprising:
a) contacting the sample with three or more autoantibody capture molecules, wherein the autoantibody capture molecules are selected from the group consisting of KDR, PIM1, CCNB1, LGALS8, GDF15, AMACR, RPL23, SFRP4, QSCN6, TP53, NCAM2, HOXB13, SH3GLB1, CLDN4, PTEN, MUC1, KLK3, BIRC5, RPL30, and CLDN3 or a target antibody against an antigen selected from the group consisting of KDR, PIM1, CCNB1, LGALS8, GDF15, AMACR, RPL23, SFRP4, QSCN6, TP53, NCAM2, HOXB13, SH3GLB1, CLON4, PTEN, MUC1 KLK3, BIRC5, RPL30, and CLON3; and (b) detecting binding of an antibody or antibody-containing complex in the sample to the two or more autoantibody capture molecules, thereby detecting the autoantibody sample; (c) determining whether the autoantibody in the sample is associated with prostate cancer or BPH. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the three or more autoantibody capture molecules comprise KOR or PIM-1 or both KOR and PIM-1. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the three or more autoantibody capture molecules are selected from the group consisting of KOR, PIM-1, LGALS8, GOF15, RPL23, RPL30, SFRP4, QSCN6, NCAM2, HOXB13, SH3GLB1, CLON3, CLON4, and PTEN or a target antibody against an antigen comprising KOR, PIM-1, LGALS8, GOF15, RPL23, RPL30, SFRP4, QSCN6, NCAM2, HOXB13, SH3GLB1, CLON3, CLON4, and PTEN. 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the autoantibody capture molecules further comprise at least one autoantibody capture molecule selected from the group consisting of LGALS8, GOF15, RPL23, RPL30, SFRP4, QSCN6, NCAM2, HOXB13, SH3GLB1, CLON3, CLON4, and PTEN or a target antibody against an antigen comprising KOR, PIM-1, LGALS8, GOF15, RPL23, RPL30, SFRP4, QSCN6, NCAM2, HOXB13, SH3GLB1, CLON3, CLON4, and PTEN. 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the autoantibody capture molecules comprise TP53, PTEN, or both TP53 and PTEN. 18. The method of claim 13, comprising contacting a sample with ten or more autoantibody capture molecules. 19. The method of claim 13, comprising contacting a sample with fifteen or more autoantibody capture molecules. 20. The method of claim 13, comprising contacting the sample autoantibody capture molecules comprising KOR, PIM-1, LGALS8, GOF15, RPL23, RPL30, SFRP4, QSCN6, NCAM2, HOXB13, SH3GLB1, CLON3, CLON4, and PTEN or a target antibody against an antigen comprising KOR, PIM-1, LGALS8, GOF15, RPL23, RPL30, SFRP4, QSCN6, NCAM2, HOXB13, SH3GLB1, CLON3, CLON4, and PTEN. 21. A biomarker detection panel comprising a first biomarker and a second biomarker,
wherein the first biomarker comprises (i) KDR of SEQ ID NO. 2, (ii) a fragment of SEQ ID NO. 2 comprising an epitope recognizable by an antibody that binds KDR, or (iii) a target antibody against KDR of SEQ ID NO. 2, wherein the second biomarker comprises (iv) PIM1 of SEQ ID NO. 1, (v) a fragment of SEQ ID NO. 1 comprising an epitope recognizable by an antibody that binds PIM1, or (vi) a target antibody against PIM1 of SEQ ID NO. 1, and wherein the first and second biomarkers are immobilized on a solid support. 22. The biomarker detection panel of claim 21, wherein the solid support is an array. 23. The biomarker detection panel of claim 21, wherein the solid support is a microarray. 24. The biomarker detection panel of claim 21, wherein the first biomarker comprises (i) KDR of SEQ ID NO. 2. 25. The biomarker detection panel of claim 21, wherein the second biomarker comprises (iv) PIM1 of SEQ ID NO. 1. 26. An in vitro method for differentiating prostate cancer from benign prostatic hyperplasia, comprising contacting a serum sample from the individual with a biomarker detection panel, detecting autoantibodies binding the first biomarker and autoantibodies binding the second biomarker, and diagnosing the patient as having prostate cancer upon detection of autoantibodies binding the first biomarker and autoantibodies binding the second biomarker. | Provided herein are novel autoantibody biomarkers, and panels for detecting autoantibody biomarkers for prostate cancer, and methods and kits for detecting these biomarkers in the serum of individuals suspected of having prostate cancer.1. A method of detecting an autoantibody in an individual suspected of having prostate cancer, comprising:
a) contacting a sample from the individual with two or more autoantibody capture molecules, wherein the three or more autoantibody capture molecules are autoantibody capture molecules selected from the group consisting of KOR, PIM1, CCNB1, LGALS8, GOF15, AMACR, RPL23, SFRP4, QSCN6, TP53, NCAM2, HOXB13, SH3GLB1, CLON4, PTEN, MUC1, KLK3, BIRC5, RPL30, and CLON3 or a target antibody against an antigen selected from the group consisting of KOR, PIM1, CCNB1, LGALS8, GOF15, AMACR, RPL23, SFRP4, QSCN6, TP53, NCAM2, HOXB13, SH3GLB1, CLON4, PTEN, MUC1 KLK3, BIRC5, RPL30, and CLON3; and (b) detecting binding of an antibody or antibody-containing complex in the sample to the autoantibody capture molecules, thereby detecting the autoantibody in the individual, (c) determining, based on the autoantibody detected, if the individual has prostate cancer. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the autoantibody capture molecules comprise PTEN and TP53. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the three or more autoantibody capture molecules are selected from the group consisting of KOR, PIM-1, LGALS8, GOF15, RPL23, RPL30, SFRP4, QSCN6, NCAM2, HOXB13, SH3GLB1, CLON3, CLON4, and PTEN, and target antibodies to KOR, PIM-1, LGALS8, GOF15, RPL23, RPL30, SFRP4, QSCN6, NCAM2, HOXB13, SH3GLB1, CLON3, CLON4, and PTEN. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the autoantibody capture molecules comprise KOR or PIM-1 or both KOR and PIM-1. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the autoantibody capture molecules further comprise at least one autoantibody capture molecule selected from the group consisting of LGALS8, GOF15, RPL23, RPL30, SFRP4, QSCN6, NCAM2, HOXB13, SH3GLB1, CLON3, CLON4, and PTEN or a target antibody against an antigen comprising KDR, PIM-1, LGALS8, GDF15, RPL23, RPL30, SFRP4, QSCN6, NCAM2, HOXB13, SH3GLB1, CLDN3, CLDN4, and PTEN. 6. The method of claim 1, comprising contacting a sample from the individual with ten or more autoantibody capture molecules. 7. The method of claim 1, comprising contacting a sample from the individual with fifteen or more autoantibody capture molecules. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the detecting is performed by immunoassay, wherein the autoantibody capture molecules are immobilized on a solid support. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the test sample is blood or a fraction thereof. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising correlating the binding of the autoantibody capture molecules to antibodies or antibody-containing complexes in the test sample with a diagnosis of prostate cancer. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the binding of the autoantibody capture molecules to antibodies or antibody-containing complexes in the sample distinguishes between prostate cancer and BPH in the individual. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the binding of the autoantibody capture molecules to antibodies or antibody-containing complexes in the sample distinguishes between High Grade and Low Grade prostate cancer. 13. A method of detecting an autoantibody associated with prostate cancer or BPH in a sample, comprising:
a) contacting the sample with three or more autoantibody capture molecules, wherein the autoantibody capture molecules are selected from the group consisting of KDR, PIM1, CCNB1, LGALS8, GDF15, AMACR, RPL23, SFRP4, QSCN6, TP53, NCAM2, HOXB13, SH3GLB1, CLDN4, PTEN, MUC1, KLK3, BIRC5, RPL30, and CLDN3 or a target antibody against an antigen selected from the group consisting of KDR, PIM1, CCNB1, LGALS8, GDF15, AMACR, RPL23, SFRP4, QSCN6, TP53, NCAM2, HOXB13, SH3GLB1, CLON4, PTEN, MUC1 KLK3, BIRC5, RPL30, and CLON3; and (b) detecting binding of an antibody or antibody-containing complex in the sample to the two or more autoantibody capture molecules, thereby detecting the autoantibody sample; (c) determining whether the autoantibody in the sample is associated with prostate cancer or BPH. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the three or more autoantibody capture molecules comprise KOR or PIM-1 or both KOR and PIM-1. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the three or more autoantibody capture molecules are selected from the group consisting of KOR, PIM-1, LGALS8, GOF15, RPL23, RPL30, SFRP4, QSCN6, NCAM2, HOXB13, SH3GLB1, CLON3, CLON4, and PTEN or a target antibody against an antigen comprising KOR, PIM-1, LGALS8, GOF15, RPL23, RPL30, SFRP4, QSCN6, NCAM2, HOXB13, SH3GLB1, CLON3, CLON4, and PTEN. 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the autoantibody capture molecules further comprise at least one autoantibody capture molecule selected from the group consisting of LGALS8, GOF15, RPL23, RPL30, SFRP4, QSCN6, NCAM2, HOXB13, SH3GLB1, CLON3, CLON4, and PTEN or a target antibody against an antigen comprising KOR, PIM-1, LGALS8, GOF15, RPL23, RPL30, SFRP4, QSCN6, NCAM2, HOXB13, SH3GLB1, CLON3, CLON4, and PTEN. 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the autoantibody capture molecules comprise TP53, PTEN, or both TP53 and PTEN. 18. The method of claim 13, comprising contacting a sample with ten or more autoantibody capture molecules. 19. The method of claim 13, comprising contacting a sample with fifteen or more autoantibody capture molecules. 20. The method of claim 13, comprising contacting the sample autoantibody capture molecules comprising KOR, PIM-1, LGALS8, GOF15, RPL23, RPL30, SFRP4, QSCN6, NCAM2, HOXB13, SH3GLB1, CLON3, CLON4, and PTEN or a target antibody against an antigen comprising KOR, PIM-1, LGALS8, GOF15, RPL23, RPL30, SFRP4, QSCN6, NCAM2, HOXB13, SH3GLB1, CLON3, CLON4, and PTEN. 21. A biomarker detection panel comprising a first biomarker and a second biomarker,
wherein the first biomarker comprises (i) KDR of SEQ ID NO. 2, (ii) a fragment of SEQ ID NO. 2 comprising an epitope recognizable by an antibody that binds KDR, or (iii) a target antibody against KDR of SEQ ID NO. 2, wherein the second biomarker comprises (iv) PIM1 of SEQ ID NO. 1, (v) a fragment of SEQ ID NO. 1 comprising an epitope recognizable by an antibody that binds PIM1, or (vi) a target antibody against PIM1 of SEQ ID NO. 1, and wherein the first and second biomarkers are immobilized on a solid support. 22. The biomarker detection panel of claim 21, wherein the solid support is an array. 23. The biomarker detection panel of claim 21, wherein the solid support is a microarray. 24. The biomarker detection panel of claim 21, wherein the first biomarker comprises (i) KDR of SEQ ID NO. 2. 25. The biomarker detection panel of claim 21, wherein the second biomarker comprises (iv) PIM1 of SEQ ID NO. 1. 26. An in vitro method for differentiating prostate cancer from benign prostatic hyperplasia, comprising contacting a serum sample from the individual with a biomarker detection panel, detecting autoantibodies binding the first biomarker and autoantibodies binding the second biomarker, and diagnosing the patient as having prostate cancer upon detection of autoantibodies binding the first biomarker and autoantibodies binding the second biomarker. | 2,100 |
348,535 | 16,806,039 | 1,743 | Collapsible containers and a method of their manufacture are disclosed herein. The collapsible containers have one or more collapsible wall sections and a stiff upper and lower tier. The wall sections have living hinges and three or more tiers between the hinges. A thermoplastic elastomer layer may join separately made portions of the container together. The containers may be made by molding and overmolding. The containers include inter alia bulk liquid containers, jugs, tubs, baskets, bottles, and food containers. The method of manufacturing includes placing a container component and a matching container body comprising a stiff first tier, a stiff second tier, and a collapsible wall section in a mold; assembling the container body with the container component to close one end of the container body; and overmolding a thermoplastic layer around the container body and the container component. | 1. A collapsible container comprising
a generally annular, stiff upper tier and an opening in an upper portion of the upper tier; a stiff lower tier; and a collapsible wall section connected to the upper tier and the lower tier, the collapsible wall section comprising at least first, second and third generally annular collapsible wall section tiers, an upper living hinge adjacent the lower edge of the upper tier, a lower living hinge adjacent the upper edge of the lower tier, and at least two intermediate living hinges, the first and second collapsible wall section tiers connected to each other by one of the intermediate living hinges, the second and third collapsible wall section tiers connected to each other by the other of the intermediate living hinges, the first tier located above the second tier and the second tier located above the third tier, wherein the size of the container volume can be increased by unfolding the collapsible wall section from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration and can be decreased by folding the collapsible wall section from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration, the collapsible wall section being at least partially located within one of the upper and lower tiers and the other of the upper and lower tiers being at least partially located within the collapsible wall section when the collapsible wall section is in the collapsed configuration. 2. The collapsible container of claim 1 wherein the first, second and third tiers are substantially vertical in the expanded configuration and in the collapsed configuration. 3. The collapsible container of claim 1 wherein the lower tier comprises a generally annular first portion and a second portion, the first and second portions being secured together by an overmolded thermoplastic layer at least partially covering the first and second portions. 4. The collapsible container of claim 3 wherein one of the first and second portions has a female member and the other of the first and second portions has a corresponding male member, the male member inserted in the female member. 5. The collapsible container of claim 3 wherein the second portion is generally annular. 6. The collapsible container of claim 5 further comprising
a bottom tier below the lower tier and
a second collapsible wall section connected to the lower tier and the bottom tier, the second collapsible wall section comprising at least fourth, fifth and sixth generally annular collapsible wall section tiers, a second upper living hinge adjacent the lower edge of the lower tier, a second lower living hinge adjacent the upper edge of the bottom tier, and at least two intermediate living hinges, the fourth and fifth collapsible wall section tiers connected to each other by one of the intermediate living hinges, the fifth and sixth collapsible wall section tiers connected to each other by the other of the intermediate living hinges, the fourth tier located above the fifth tier and the fifth tier located above the sixth tier, wherein the size of the container volume can be increased by unfolding the second collapsible wall section from a second collapsed configuration to a second expanded configuration and can be decreased by folding the second collapsible wall section from the second expanded configuration to the second collapsed configuration, the second collapsible wall section being at least partially located within one of the lower and bottom tiers and the other of the lower and bottom tiers being at least partially located within the second collapsible wall section when the second collapsible wall section is in the second collapsed configuration. 7. The collapsible container of claim 1 further comprising:
a bottom tier below the lower tier; and
a second collapsible wall section connected to the lower tier and the bottom tier, the second collapsible wall section comprising at least fourth, fifth and sixth generally annular collapsible wall section tiers, a second upper living hinge adjacent the lower edge of the lower tier, a second lower living hinge adjacent the upper edge of the bottom tier, and at least two intermediate living hinges, the fourth and fifth collapsible wall section tiers connected to each other by one of the intermediate living hinges, the fifth and sixth collapsible wall section tiers connected to each other by the other of the intermediate living hinges, the fourth tier located above the fifth tier and the fifth tier located above the sixth tier, wherein the size of the container volume can be increased by unfolding the second collapsible wall section from a second collapsed configuration to a second expanded configuration and can be decreased by folding the second collapsible wall section from the second expanded configuration to the second collapsed configuration, the second collapsible wall section being at least partially located within one of the lower and bottom tiers and the other of the lower and bottom tiers being at least partially located within the second collapsible wall section when the second collapsible wall section is in the second collapsed configuration. 8. The collapsible container of claim 1 further comprising a rim having an underside, a flexible rim component and a rigid rim underside component. 9. The collapsible container of claim 8 further comprising a lid having a plurality of peripheral flaps for securing the lid to the container. 10. The collapsible container of claim 8 wherein the upper tier, lower tier, collapsible wall section and the flexible rim component are made of an elastomer, the flexible rim component connected to the upper tier. 11. The collapsible container of claim 10 wherein the rigid rim underside component is made of a non-elastomeric plastic. 12. The collapsible container of claim 8 wherein each of the peripheral flaps comprise a hook for securing the lid to the container, each flap adjustable from a hooked position in which the hook is hooked to the underside of the rim to an unhooked position. 13. The collapsible container of claim 1 further comprising a flexible spout, the spout having a spout living hinge, wherein the spout is foldable downwardly along the spout living hinge and the spout is thereby at least partially located within the lower tier when the lower tiers and pour spout are in the collapsed configuration. 14. The collapsible container of claim 1 further comprising a removable lid covering and securable over the opening. 15. The collapsible container of claim 14 wherein the lid comprises a plurality of peripheral flaps for securing the lid to the container. 16. The collapsible container of claim 14 wherein the lid comprises a selectively openable vent. 17. The collapsible container of claim 14 wherein the container is watertight when the removable lid is secured over the opening. 18. The collapsible container of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of apertures. 19. The collapsible container of claim 1 wherein the container volume is defined by the upper and lower tiers and the collapsible wall section. 20. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein the opening is configured to be opened and closed to selectively allow and restrict the flow of fluid into and out of the container through the top opening. 21. A method of manufacturing a collapsible container comprising:
placing a container body comprising a stiff first tier, a stiff second tier, and a collapsible wall section in a mold; assembling the container body with a matching container component to close one end of the container body; placing the container component in the mold; and overmolding a thermoplastic layer around at least a portion of the container body and around at least a portion of the container component in the mold to join the container body and the container component. 22. The method of claim 21 further comprising collapsing the collapsible wall section to collapse the container body before overmolding, wherein the overmolding occurs on the collapsed container body. 23. The method of claim 21 further comprising forming the collapsible wall section with a plurality of circumferential wall sections and a plurality of circumferential lines of thinned material for living hinges between the circumferential wall sections. 24. The method of claim 21 further comprising overmolding the collapsible wall section onto the first tier and the second tier. | Collapsible containers and a method of their manufacture are disclosed herein. The collapsible containers have one or more collapsible wall sections and a stiff upper and lower tier. The wall sections have living hinges and three or more tiers between the hinges. A thermoplastic elastomer layer may join separately made portions of the container together. The containers may be made by molding and overmolding. The containers include inter alia bulk liquid containers, jugs, tubs, baskets, bottles, and food containers. The method of manufacturing includes placing a container component and a matching container body comprising a stiff first tier, a stiff second tier, and a collapsible wall section in a mold; assembling the container body with the container component to close one end of the container body; and overmolding a thermoplastic layer around the container body and the container component.1. A collapsible container comprising
a generally annular, stiff upper tier and an opening in an upper portion of the upper tier; a stiff lower tier; and a collapsible wall section connected to the upper tier and the lower tier, the collapsible wall section comprising at least first, second and third generally annular collapsible wall section tiers, an upper living hinge adjacent the lower edge of the upper tier, a lower living hinge adjacent the upper edge of the lower tier, and at least two intermediate living hinges, the first and second collapsible wall section tiers connected to each other by one of the intermediate living hinges, the second and third collapsible wall section tiers connected to each other by the other of the intermediate living hinges, the first tier located above the second tier and the second tier located above the third tier, wherein the size of the container volume can be increased by unfolding the collapsible wall section from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration and can be decreased by folding the collapsible wall section from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration, the collapsible wall section being at least partially located within one of the upper and lower tiers and the other of the upper and lower tiers being at least partially located within the collapsible wall section when the collapsible wall section is in the collapsed configuration. 2. The collapsible container of claim 1 wherein the first, second and third tiers are substantially vertical in the expanded configuration and in the collapsed configuration. 3. The collapsible container of claim 1 wherein the lower tier comprises a generally annular first portion and a second portion, the first and second portions being secured together by an overmolded thermoplastic layer at least partially covering the first and second portions. 4. The collapsible container of claim 3 wherein one of the first and second portions has a female member and the other of the first and second portions has a corresponding male member, the male member inserted in the female member. 5. The collapsible container of claim 3 wherein the second portion is generally annular. 6. The collapsible container of claim 5 further comprising
a bottom tier below the lower tier and
a second collapsible wall section connected to the lower tier and the bottom tier, the second collapsible wall section comprising at least fourth, fifth and sixth generally annular collapsible wall section tiers, a second upper living hinge adjacent the lower edge of the lower tier, a second lower living hinge adjacent the upper edge of the bottom tier, and at least two intermediate living hinges, the fourth and fifth collapsible wall section tiers connected to each other by one of the intermediate living hinges, the fifth and sixth collapsible wall section tiers connected to each other by the other of the intermediate living hinges, the fourth tier located above the fifth tier and the fifth tier located above the sixth tier, wherein the size of the container volume can be increased by unfolding the second collapsible wall section from a second collapsed configuration to a second expanded configuration and can be decreased by folding the second collapsible wall section from the second expanded configuration to the second collapsed configuration, the second collapsible wall section being at least partially located within one of the lower and bottom tiers and the other of the lower and bottom tiers being at least partially located within the second collapsible wall section when the second collapsible wall section is in the second collapsed configuration. 7. The collapsible container of claim 1 further comprising:
a bottom tier below the lower tier; and
a second collapsible wall section connected to the lower tier and the bottom tier, the second collapsible wall section comprising at least fourth, fifth and sixth generally annular collapsible wall section tiers, a second upper living hinge adjacent the lower edge of the lower tier, a second lower living hinge adjacent the upper edge of the bottom tier, and at least two intermediate living hinges, the fourth and fifth collapsible wall section tiers connected to each other by one of the intermediate living hinges, the fifth and sixth collapsible wall section tiers connected to each other by the other of the intermediate living hinges, the fourth tier located above the fifth tier and the fifth tier located above the sixth tier, wherein the size of the container volume can be increased by unfolding the second collapsible wall section from a second collapsed configuration to a second expanded configuration and can be decreased by folding the second collapsible wall section from the second expanded configuration to the second collapsed configuration, the second collapsible wall section being at least partially located within one of the lower and bottom tiers and the other of the lower and bottom tiers being at least partially located within the second collapsible wall section when the second collapsible wall section is in the second collapsed configuration. 8. The collapsible container of claim 1 further comprising a rim having an underside, a flexible rim component and a rigid rim underside component. 9. The collapsible container of claim 8 further comprising a lid having a plurality of peripheral flaps for securing the lid to the container. 10. The collapsible container of claim 8 wherein the upper tier, lower tier, collapsible wall section and the flexible rim component are made of an elastomer, the flexible rim component connected to the upper tier. 11. The collapsible container of claim 10 wherein the rigid rim underside component is made of a non-elastomeric plastic. 12. The collapsible container of claim 8 wherein each of the peripheral flaps comprise a hook for securing the lid to the container, each flap adjustable from a hooked position in which the hook is hooked to the underside of the rim to an unhooked position. 13. The collapsible container of claim 1 further comprising a flexible spout, the spout having a spout living hinge, wherein the spout is foldable downwardly along the spout living hinge and the spout is thereby at least partially located within the lower tier when the lower tiers and pour spout are in the collapsed configuration. 14. The collapsible container of claim 1 further comprising a removable lid covering and securable over the opening. 15. The collapsible container of claim 14 wherein the lid comprises a plurality of peripheral flaps for securing the lid to the container. 16. The collapsible container of claim 14 wherein the lid comprises a selectively openable vent. 17. The collapsible container of claim 14 wherein the container is watertight when the removable lid is secured over the opening. 18. The collapsible container of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of apertures. 19. The collapsible container of claim 1 wherein the container volume is defined by the upper and lower tiers and the collapsible wall section. 20. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein the opening is configured to be opened and closed to selectively allow and restrict the flow of fluid into and out of the container through the top opening. 21. A method of manufacturing a collapsible container comprising:
placing a container body comprising a stiff first tier, a stiff second tier, and a collapsible wall section in a mold; assembling the container body with a matching container component to close one end of the container body; placing the container component in the mold; and overmolding a thermoplastic layer around at least a portion of the container body and around at least a portion of the container component in the mold to join the container body and the container component. 22. The method of claim 21 further comprising collapsing the collapsible wall section to collapse the container body before overmolding, wherein the overmolding occurs on the collapsed container body. 23. The method of claim 21 further comprising forming the collapsible wall section with a plurality of circumferential wall sections and a plurality of circumferential lines of thinned material for living hinges between the circumferential wall sections. 24. The method of claim 21 further comprising overmolding the collapsible wall section onto the first tier and the second tier. | 1,700 |
348,536 | 16,806,019 | 1,743 | The technology described herein is directed towards content rights data that are associated with content (a data item) to make that content selectively available or unavailable in responses by a data service to client requests. A client includes client content rights data in association with each request, (e.g., via a token), and the data service uses that client content rights data as query parameters (constraint criteria) in making a request for a data item. Client content rights data also may be used for accessing cached data. Availability constraints may include client location, brand, channel, device class and time (commence and cease). | 1. A system comprising,
a processor; and a memory communicatively coupled to the processor, the memory having stored therein computer-executable instructions, which when executed perform operations, the operations comprising:
caching a data item at a cache location in a cache data structure, in which the cache location is based on an identifier of the data item and first content rights data associated with the data item;
receiving a request for the data item, in which the request comprises request data comprising the identifier of the data item and second content rights data;
determining a hash key based on the data item identifier and at least part of the second client content rights data;
accessing the cache data structure based on the second hash key to attempt to locate the data item; and
in response to the accessing, determining that the data item is found at the cache location via the second hash key, and returning the data item from the cache location in response to the request. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the accessing further comprises evaluating time information associated with the content rights data with respect to a time of the request. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the request data comprises an authorization token. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the request comprises a message, and wherein the second client content rights data is received in an authorization token associated with the message. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the caching the data item comprises obtaining the data item from at least one data store. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first content rights data comprises a territory constraint. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the first content rights data comprises a brand constraint. 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the first content rights data comprises a channel constraint. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the request data is associated with device data, and wherein the first content rights data comprises an agent constraint. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the first content rights data comprises a commences constraint. 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the first content rights data comprises a ceases constraint. 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the operations further comprise receiving the first content rights data in a message header and receiving content of the data item and the data item identifier in a message body. 13. A method comprising,
maintaining, by a system comprising a processor, a cache, the maintaining comprising storing a data item in the cache at a cache location based on a data item identifier of the data and first content rights data associated with the data item; receiving, a request for the data item, the request comprising the data item identifier, and the request associated with a token comprising second content rights data; and in response to the request, computing a hash key based upon the data item identifier and at least part of the second content rights data, looking for the data item in the cache based on the hash key, and if found, returning the data item. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein if the data item is not found in the cache, querying for the data item in a data store using at least part of the second content rights data as one or more query parameters. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the first content rights data comprises at least one of: a territory constraint, a brand constraint, a channel constraint or an agent constraint. 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the first content rights data comprises at least one of: a commences constraint or ceases constraint. 17. One or more machine-readable storage media having machine-executable instructions, which when executed perform operations, the operations comprising:
determining a first hash value that is based on an identifier of a data item representing a media content user interface element, and based on first content rights data associated with the data item; storing the data item in a cache at a cache location determined by the first hash value; receiving a request for the data item; obtaining second content rights data from a token associated with the request; determining a second hash value that is based on the identifier of the data item and at least part of the second content rights data; and accessing the cache based on the second hash value to attempt to return the data item from the cache. 18. The one or more machine-readable storage media of claim 17, wherein the attempt to return the data item from the cache is successful, and wherein the operations further comprise, returning the data item in response to the request. 19. The one or more machine-readable storage media of claim 17, wherein the attempt to return the data item from the cache is not successful, and wherein the operations further comprise returning an indication to the client that the data item is not available to the in response to the request. 20. The one or more machine-readable storage media of claim 17, wherein the determining the first hash value based on the first content rights data comprises determining the first hash value based on at least one of: territory data, brand data, channel data or agent data. | The technology described herein is directed towards content rights data that are associated with content (a data item) to make that content selectively available or unavailable in responses by a data service to client requests. A client includes client content rights data in association with each request, (e.g., via a token), and the data service uses that client content rights data as query parameters (constraint criteria) in making a request for a data item. Client content rights data also may be used for accessing cached data. Availability constraints may include client location, brand, channel, device class and time (commence and cease).1. A system comprising,
a processor; and a memory communicatively coupled to the processor, the memory having stored therein computer-executable instructions, which when executed perform operations, the operations comprising:
caching a data item at a cache location in a cache data structure, in which the cache location is based on an identifier of the data item and first content rights data associated with the data item;
receiving a request for the data item, in which the request comprises request data comprising the identifier of the data item and second content rights data;
determining a hash key based on the data item identifier and at least part of the second client content rights data;
accessing the cache data structure based on the second hash key to attempt to locate the data item; and
in response to the accessing, determining that the data item is found at the cache location via the second hash key, and returning the data item from the cache location in response to the request. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the accessing further comprises evaluating time information associated with the content rights data with respect to a time of the request. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the request data comprises an authorization token. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the request comprises a message, and wherein the second client content rights data is received in an authorization token associated with the message. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the caching the data item comprises obtaining the data item from at least one data store. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first content rights data comprises a territory constraint. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the first content rights data comprises a brand constraint. 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the first content rights data comprises a channel constraint. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the request data is associated with device data, and wherein the first content rights data comprises an agent constraint. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the first content rights data comprises a commences constraint. 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the first content rights data comprises a ceases constraint. 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the operations further comprise receiving the first content rights data in a message header and receiving content of the data item and the data item identifier in a message body. 13. A method comprising,
maintaining, by a system comprising a processor, a cache, the maintaining comprising storing a data item in the cache at a cache location based on a data item identifier of the data and first content rights data associated with the data item; receiving, a request for the data item, the request comprising the data item identifier, and the request associated with a token comprising second content rights data; and in response to the request, computing a hash key based upon the data item identifier and at least part of the second content rights data, looking for the data item in the cache based on the hash key, and if found, returning the data item. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein if the data item is not found in the cache, querying for the data item in a data store using at least part of the second content rights data as one or more query parameters. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the first content rights data comprises at least one of: a territory constraint, a brand constraint, a channel constraint or an agent constraint. 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the first content rights data comprises at least one of: a commences constraint or ceases constraint. 17. One or more machine-readable storage media having machine-executable instructions, which when executed perform operations, the operations comprising:
determining a first hash value that is based on an identifier of a data item representing a media content user interface element, and based on first content rights data associated with the data item; storing the data item in a cache at a cache location determined by the first hash value; receiving a request for the data item; obtaining second content rights data from a token associated with the request; determining a second hash value that is based on the identifier of the data item and at least part of the second content rights data; and accessing the cache based on the second hash value to attempt to return the data item from the cache. 18. The one or more machine-readable storage media of claim 17, wherein the attempt to return the data item from the cache is successful, and wherein the operations further comprise, returning the data item in response to the request. 19. The one or more machine-readable storage media of claim 17, wherein the attempt to return the data item from the cache is not successful, and wherein the operations further comprise returning an indication to the client that the data item is not available to the in response to the request. 20. The one or more machine-readable storage media of claim 17, wherein the determining the first hash value based on the first content rights data comprises determining the first hash value based on at least one of: territory data, brand data, channel data or agent data. | 1,700 |
348,537 | 16,806,059 | 3,773 | A spinal construct is based on a fixed contour rod and modified bone screws configured to account for different height and angular offsets between the rod and the spinal anatomy. The rod contour is adapted for percutaneous introduction thereby eliminating the need for open spinal surgery for multi-level constructs. | 1. A bone screw for fixation in a vertebral body of a spine, comprising:
an elongated shank having bone engaging threads and defining a longitudinal axis; and a rod-engaging portion connected to one end of said elongated shank, said rod-engaging portion defining a channel for receiving a spinal rod therein, wherein said channel is defined at a non-perpendicular angle relative to said longitudinal axis of said shank. 2. The bone screw of claim 1, further comprising a set screw threaded into said rod-engaging portion, said set screw including a tip arranged to engage the spinal rod received within said channel to clamp the rod within the rod-engaging portion, wherein said tip is conical and defined at said non-perpendicular angle. 3. The bone screw of claim 1, wherein said non-perpendicular angle is between 5° and 45° measured from a line that is perpendicular to said longitudinal axis. 4. A kit for use in forming a spinal construct, comprising a plurality of screws according to claim 3, each having said channel defined at a different non-perpendicular angle. 5. The kit of claim 4, wherein said plurality of screws have non-perpendicular angles provided in 5° increments. 6. A bone screw for fixation in a vertebral body of a spine, comprising:
an elongated shank having bone engaging threads and defining a longitudinal axis; and a rod-engaging portion connected to one end of said elongated shank, said rod-engaging portion defining a vertical axis and a channel for receiving a spinal rod therein oriented perpendicular to said vertical axis, wherein said rod-engaging portion is connected to said elongated shank so that said longitudinal axis is not colinear with said vertical axis. 7. The bone screw of claim 6, further comprising a set screw threaded into said rod-engaging portion to engage the spinal rod received within said channel to clamp the rod within the rod-engaging portion. 8. The bone screw of claim 6, wherein said longitudinal axis is oriented at an angle relative to said vertical axis, wherein said angle is between 5° and 45°. 9. A kit for use in forming a spinal construct, comprising a plurality of screws according to claim 8, each having said angle different from the other screws. 10. The kit of claim 9, wherein said plurality of screws have angles provided in 5° increments. 11. A bone screw for fixation in a vertebral body of a spine, comprising:
an elongated shank having bone engaging threads and defining a longitudinal axis; a rod-engaging portion defining a channel for receiving a spinal rod therein oriented perpendicular to said vertical axis; and an intermediate portion connecting said rod-engaging portion to said elongated shank, said intermediate portion having a height along said longitudinal axis of at least 0.5 mm. 12. The bone screw of claim 11, further comprising a set screw threaded into said rod-engaging portion to engage the spinal rod received within said channel to clamp the rod within the rod-engaging portion. 13. The bone screw of claim 11, wherein said height is less than 30 mm. 14. A kit for use in forming a spinal construct, comprising a plurality of screws according to claim 13, each having different heights ranging from 0.5 mm to 30 mm. 15. The kit of claim 14, wherein said plurality of screws are provided with heights at 0.5 mm increments. 16. A kit for forming a spinal construct for correcting a number of vertebral levels of a patient's spine, comprising:
an elongated rod defining a fixed curved contour adapted for percutaneous introduction along a patient's spine, said fixed curved contour being offset from the patient's spine by different offsets at different vertebral levels; and a plurality of bone screws having;
an elongated shank with bone engaging threads and defining a longitudinal axis; and
a rod-engaging portion defining a channel for receiving the spinal rod therein,
wherein said rod-engaging portion is attached to said elongated shank at different heights along said longitudinal axis, each of said different heights corresponding to each of said different offsets. 17. A kit for forming a spinal construct for correcting a number of vertebral levels of a patient's spine, comprising:
an elongated rod defining a fixed curved contour adapted for percutaneous introduction along a patient's spine, said fixed curved contour being non-perpendicular relative to an optimum insertion angle for a bone screw into vertebral bodies at different vertebral levels; and a plurality of bone screws having;
an elongated shank with bone engaging threads and defining a longitudinal axis; and
a rod-engaging portion defining a channel for receiving the spinal rod therein,
wherein said elongated shank is attached to said rod-engaging portion at different non-perpendicular angles to align with the optimum insertion angle for a bone screw at each of the different vertebral levels. | A spinal construct is based on a fixed contour rod and modified bone screws configured to account for different height and angular offsets between the rod and the spinal anatomy. The rod contour is adapted for percutaneous introduction thereby eliminating the need for open spinal surgery for multi-level constructs.1. A bone screw for fixation in a vertebral body of a spine, comprising:
an elongated shank having bone engaging threads and defining a longitudinal axis; and a rod-engaging portion connected to one end of said elongated shank, said rod-engaging portion defining a channel for receiving a spinal rod therein, wherein said channel is defined at a non-perpendicular angle relative to said longitudinal axis of said shank. 2. The bone screw of claim 1, further comprising a set screw threaded into said rod-engaging portion, said set screw including a tip arranged to engage the spinal rod received within said channel to clamp the rod within the rod-engaging portion, wherein said tip is conical and defined at said non-perpendicular angle. 3. The bone screw of claim 1, wherein said non-perpendicular angle is between 5° and 45° measured from a line that is perpendicular to said longitudinal axis. 4. A kit for use in forming a spinal construct, comprising a plurality of screws according to claim 3, each having said channel defined at a different non-perpendicular angle. 5. The kit of claim 4, wherein said plurality of screws have non-perpendicular angles provided in 5° increments. 6. A bone screw for fixation in a vertebral body of a spine, comprising:
an elongated shank having bone engaging threads and defining a longitudinal axis; and a rod-engaging portion connected to one end of said elongated shank, said rod-engaging portion defining a vertical axis and a channel for receiving a spinal rod therein oriented perpendicular to said vertical axis, wherein said rod-engaging portion is connected to said elongated shank so that said longitudinal axis is not colinear with said vertical axis. 7. The bone screw of claim 6, further comprising a set screw threaded into said rod-engaging portion to engage the spinal rod received within said channel to clamp the rod within the rod-engaging portion. 8. The bone screw of claim 6, wherein said longitudinal axis is oriented at an angle relative to said vertical axis, wherein said angle is between 5° and 45°. 9. A kit for use in forming a spinal construct, comprising a plurality of screws according to claim 8, each having said angle different from the other screws. 10. The kit of claim 9, wherein said plurality of screws have angles provided in 5° increments. 11. A bone screw for fixation in a vertebral body of a spine, comprising:
an elongated shank having bone engaging threads and defining a longitudinal axis; a rod-engaging portion defining a channel for receiving a spinal rod therein oriented perpendicular to said vertical axis; and an intermediate portion connecting said rod-engaging portion to said elongated shank, said intermediate portion having a height along said longitudinal axis of at least 0.5 mm. 12. The bone screw of claim 11, further comprising a set screw threaded into said rod-engaging portion to engage the spinal rod received within said channel to clamp the rod within the rod-engaging portion. 13. The bone screw of claim 11, wherein said height is less than 30 mm. 14. A kit for use in forming a spinal construct, comprising a plurality of screws according to claim 13, each having different heights ranging from 0.5 mm to 30 mm. 15. The kit of claim 14, wherein said plurality of screws are provided with heights at 0.5 mm increments. 16. A kit for forming a spinal construct for correcting a number of vertebral levels of a patient's spine, comprising:
an elongated rod defining a fixed curved contour adapted for percutaneous introduction along a patient's spine, said fixed curved contour being offset from the patient's spine by different offsets at different vertebral levels; and a plurality of bone screws having;
an elongated shank with bone engaging threads and defining a longitudinal axis; and
a rod-engaging portion defining a channel for receiving the spinal rod therein,
wherein said rod-engaging portion is attached to said elongated shank at different heights along said longitudinal axis, each of said different heights corresponding to each of said different offsets. 17. A kit for forming a spinal construct for correcting a number of vertebral levels of a patient's spine, comprising:
an elongated rod defining a fixed curved contour adapted for percutaneous introduction along a patient's spine, said fixed curved contour being non-perpendicular relative to an optimum insertion angle for a bone screw into vertebral bodies at different vertebral levels; and a plurality of bone screws having;
an elongated shank with bone engaging threads and defining a longitudinal axis; and
a rod-engaging portion defining a channel for receiving the spinal rod therein,
wherein said elongated shank is attached to said rod-engaging portion at different non-perpendicular angles to align with the optimum insertion angle for a bone screw at each of the different vertebral levels. | 3,700 |
348,538 | 16,806,026 | 3,773 | A package includes a package substrate, an interposer over and bonded to the package substrate, a first wafer over and bonding to the interposer, and a second wafer over and bonding to the first wafer. The first wafer has independent passive device dies therein. The second wafer has active device dies therein. | 1. A package comprising:
a package substrate; an interposer over and bonded to the package substrate; a first wafer over and bonding to the interposer, wherein the first wafer comprises independent passive device dies therein; and a second wafer over and bonding to the first wafer, wherein the second wafer comprises active device dies therein. 2. The package of claim 1, wherein the first wafer is a reconstructed wafer comprising:
the independent passive device dies; and an encapsulant encapsulating the independent passive device dies therein, wherein the encapsulant separates the independent passive device dies from each other. 3. The package of claim 2 further comprising a plurality of memory dies encapsulated in the encapsulant, wherein each of the plurality of memory dies is overlapped by one of the active device dies. 4. The package of claim 1, wherein the independent passive device dies are continuously and physically connected to each other to form an integrated piece. 5. The package of claim 1, wherein the first wafer and the second wafer comprise curved edges. 6. The package of claim 1 further comprising:
a power module underlying and bonded to the package substrate. 7. The package of claim 6, wherein the first wafer comprises:
a semiconductor substrate; and through-semiconductor vias penetrating through the semiconductor substrate, wherein the active device dies are electrically coupled to the power module through the through-semiconductor vias. 8. The package of claim 1 further comprising a connector attached to the package substrate. 9. The package of claim 1 further comprising:
a screw penetrating through the package substrate, the first wafer, and the second wafer; and
a bolt attached to the screw. 10. The package of claim 1 further comprising:
a thermal interface material; and
a cold plate attached to the second wafer through the thermal interface material. 11. A package comprising:
a plurality of independent passive device dies forming a first array, wherein the plurality of independent passive device dies comprises through-substrate vias therein; a plurality of active device dies forming a second array, wherein the plurality of active device dies overlap, and are bonded to, the plurality of independent passive device dies; a package substrate underlying the plurality of independent passive device dies; and a plurality of power modules overlapped by the plurality of independent passive device dies and the plurality of active device dies, wherein the plurality of power modules are electrically connected to the plurality of independent passive device dies and the plurality of active device dies. 12. The package of claim 11, wherein the plurality of active device dies are continuously and physically connected to each other to form a wafer. 13. The package of claim 11 further comprising a molding compound molding the plurality of independent passive device dies therein. 14. The package of claim 11 further comprising a plurality of memory dies overlapped by, and bonded to, the plurality of active device dies. 15. A method comprising:
bonding an interposer with a first package, wherein the first package comprises:
a wafer comprising a plurality of device dies therein, wherein semiconductor substrates in the plurality of device dies are continuously connected as an integrated substrate; and
a plurality of passive device dies bonded with the wafer, wherein the plurality of passive device dies are bonded between the interposer and the wafer;
bonding the interposer to a package substrate; and bonding power modules to the package substrate, wherein the power modules are on an opposing side of the package substrate than the interposer. 16. The method of claim 15 further comprising:
encapsulating the plurality of passive device dies in an encapsulant; and
polishing the encapsulant and the plurality of passive device dies. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein through-substrate vias in the plurality of passive device dies are revealed by the polishing, and after the bonding the power modules, the through-substrate vias interconnect the power modules and the plurality of device dies. 18. The method of claim 16 further comprising:
bonding a plurality of memory dies with the plurality of device dies, wherein the plurality of memory dies are encapsulated in the encapsulant. 19. The method of claim 15 further comprising:
bonding the plurality of passive device dies to the wafer through a chip-to-wafer bonding process. 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the plurality of passive device dies are in an un-sawed wafer, and the method further comprises bonding the plurality of passive device dies to the wafer through a wafer-to-wafer bonding process. | A package includes a package substrate, an interposer over and bonded to the package substrate, a first wafer over and bonding to the interposer, and a second wafer over and bonding to the first wafer. The first wafer has independent passive device dies therein. The second wafer has active device dies therein.1. A package comprising:
a package substrate; an interposer over and bonded to the package substrate; a first wafer over and bonding to the interposer, wherein the first wafer comprises independent passive device dies therein; and a second wafer over and bonding to the first wafer, wherein the second wafer comprises active device dies therein. 2. The package of claim 1, wherein the first wafer is a reconstructed wafer comprising:
the independent passive device dies; and an encapsulant encapsulating the independent passive device dies therein, wherein the encapsulant separates the independent passive device dies from each other. 3. The package of claim 2 further comprising a plurality of memory dies encapsulated in the encapsulant, wherein each of the plurality of memory dies is overlapped by one of the active device dies. 4. The package of claim 1, wherein the independent passive device dies are continuously and physically connected to each other to form an integrated piece. 5. The package of claim 1, wherein the first wafer and the second wafer comprise curved edges. 6. The package of claim 1 further comprising:
a power module underlying and bonded to the package substrate. 7. The package of claim 6, wherein the first wafer comprises:
a semiconductor substrate; and through-semiconductor vias penetrating through the semiconductor substrate, wherein the active device dies are electrically coupled to the power module through the through-semiconductor vias. 8. The package of claim 1 further comprising a connector attached to the package substrate. 9. The package of claim 1 further comprising:
a screw penetrating through the package substrate, the first wafer, and the second wafer; and
a bolt attached to the screw. 10. The package of claim 1 further comprising:
a thermal interface material; and
a cold plate attached to the second wafer through the thermal interface material. 11. A package comprising:
a plurality of independent passive device dies forming a first array, wherein the plurality of independent passive device dies comprises through-substrate vias therein; a plurality of active device dies forming a second array, wherein the plurality of active device dies overlap, and are bonded to, the plurality of independent passive device dies; a package substrate underlying the plurality of independent passive device dies; and a plurality of power modules overlapped by the plurality of independent passive device dies and the plurality of active device dies, wherein the plurality of power modules are electrically connected to the plurality of independent passive device dies and the plurality of active device dies. 12. The package of claim 11, wherein the plurality of active device dies are continuously and physically connected to each other to form a wafer. 13. The package of claim 11 further comprising a molding compound molding the plurality of independent passive device dies therein. 14. The package of claim 11 further comprising a plurality of memory dies overlapped by, and bonded to, the plurality of active device dies. 15. A method comprising:
bonding an interposer with a first package, wherein the first package comprises:
a wafer comprising a plurality of device dies therein, wherein semiconductor substrates in the plurality of device dies are continuously connected as an integrated substrate; and
a plurality of passive device dies bonded with the wafer, wherein the plurality of passive device dies are bonded between the interposer and the wafer;
bonding the interposer to a package substrate; and bonding power modules to the package substrate, wherein the power modules are on an opposing side of the package substrate than the interposer. 16. The method of claim 15 further comprising:
encapsulating the plurality of passive device dies in an encapsulant; and
polishing the encapsulant and the plurality of passive device dies. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein through-substrate vias in the plurality of passive device dies are revealed by the polishing, and after the bonding the power modules, the through-substrate vias interconnect the power modules and the plurality of device dies. 18. The method of claim 16 further comprising:
bonding a plurality of memory dies with the plurality of device dies, wherein the plurality of memory dies are encapsulated in the encapsulant. 19. The method of claim 15 further comprising:
bonding the plurality of passive device dies to the wafer through a chip-to-wafer bonding process. 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the plurality of passive device dies are in an un-sawed wafer, and the method further comprises bonding the plurality of passive device dies to the wafer through a wafer-to-wafer bonding process. | 3,700 |
348,539 | 16,806,046 | 3,773 | A robotic manipulator is used to control the forces and angles applied on the strings during stringing of a lacrosse head. Precise string lengths may be implemented for certain features of the pocket. In some embodiments, the manipulator attaches the pocket to a lacrosse head and produces a strung head which has precise ratios of tension when comparing various strings within the pocket. One or more robot arms with end effectors such as grippers may be used. The forces used when tying each knot can be consistent throughout the pocket, or vary according to which particular knot is being tied. The tension of shooting strings and/or runners may be finely tuned in some embodiments. | 1-16. (canceled) 17. An apparatus comprising:
a lacrosse head having a first sidewall and an opposite second sidewall; a pocket attached to the lacrosse head with a plurality of strings which pass through sidewall openings; a first string of the plurality of strings, the first string extending inwardly from a first sidewall opening on the first sidewall; and a second string extending inwardly from a second sidewall opening on the second, opposite sidewall, the second sidewall opening being directly opposite the first sidewall opening; wherein the first and second string have the same applied tension when the pocket is in a resting state. 18. An apparatus as in claim 17, further comprising:
a third string of the plurality of strings, the third string extending inwardly from a third sidewall opening on the first sidewall; and a fourth string extending inwardly from a fourth sidewall opening on the second, opposite sidewall, the fourth sidewall opening being directly opposite the third sidewall opening; wherein the third and fourth string have the same applied tension when the pocket is in a resting state. 19. An apparatus as in claim 18, wherein the first and second strings are extensions of strings of the pocket. 20. An apparatus as in claim 18, wherein the first and second strings are strings which are separate strings from strings of the pocket. | A robotic manipulator is used to control the forces and angles applied on the strings during stringing of a lacrosse head. Precise string lengths may be implemented for certain features of the pocket. In some embodiments, the manipulator attaches the pocket to a lacrosse head and produces a strung head which has precise ratios of tension when comparing various strings within the pocket. One or more robot arms with end effectors such as grippers may be used. The forces used when tying each knot can be consistent throughout the pocket, or vary according to which particular knot is being tied. The tension of shooting strings and/or runners may be finely tuned in some embodiments.1-16. (canceled) 17. An apparatus comprising:
a lacrosse head having a first sidewall and an opposite second sidewall; a pocket attached to the lacrosse head with a plurality of strings which pass through sidewall openings; a first string of the plurality of strings, the first string extending inwardly from a first sidewall opening on the first sidewall; and a second string extending inwardly from a second sidewall opening on the second, opposite sidewall, the second sidewall opening being directly opposite the first sidewall opening; wherein the first and second string have the same applied tension when the pocket is in a resting state. 18. An apparatus as in claim 17, further comprising:
a third string of the plurality of strings, the third string extending inwardly from a third sidewall opening on the first sidewall; and a fourth string extending inwardly from a fourth sidewall opening on the second, opposite sidewall, the fourth sidewall opening being directly opposite the third sidewall opening; wherein the third and fourth string have the same applied tension when the pocket is in a resting state. 19. An apparatus as in claim 18, wherein the first and second strings are extensions of strings of the pocket. 20. An apparatus as in claim 18, wherein the first and second strings are strings which are separate strings from strings of the pocket. | 3,700 |
348,540 | 16,806,030 | 3,773 | An integrated circuit device includes a memory including a memory cell insulation surrounding a memory stack and a memory cell interconnection unit, a peripheral circuit including a peripheral circuit region formed on a peripheral circuit board, and a peripheral circuit interconnection between the peripheral circuit region and the memory structure, a plurality of conductive bonding structures on a boundary between the memory cell interconnection and the peripheral circuit interconnection in a first region, the first region overlapping the memory stack in a vertical direction, and a through electrode penetrating one of the memory cell insulation and the peripheral circuit board and extended to a lower conductive pattern included in the peripheral circuit interconnection in a second region, the second region overlapping the memory cell insulation in the vertical direction. | 1. An integrated circuit device comprising:
a memory comprising
a memory stack,
a memory cell interconnection comprising a plurality of upper conductive patterns configured to be electrically connectable to the memory stack, and
a memory cell insulation surrounding the memory stack and the memory cell interconnection;
a peripheral circuit comprising
a peripheral circuit board,
a peripheral circuit region on the peripheral circuit board, and
a peripheral circuit interconnection comprising a plurality of lower conductive patterns between the peripheral circuit region and the memory and bonded to the memory cell interconnection;
a plurality of conductive bonding structures on a boundary between the memory cell interconnection and the peripheral circuit interconnection in a first region, the first region overlapping the memory stack in a vertical direction, the plurality of conductive bonding structures being bonded plurality of first upper conductive patterns selected from among the plurality of upper conductive patterns and a respective plurality of first lower conductive patterns selected from among the plurality of lower conductive patterns; and a through electrode penetrating one of the memory cell insulation and the peripheral circuit board and extended to a second lower conductive pattern selected from among the plurality of lower conductive patterns in the vertical direction, in a second region, the second region overlapping the memory cell insulation in the vertical direction. 2. The integrated circuit device of claim 1, wherein
the through electrode penetrates the memory cell insulation and extends to the second lower conductive pattern. 3. The integrated circuit device of claim 1, wherein
the through electrode penetrates the peripheral circuit board and the peripheral circuit region and extends to the second lower conductive pattern. 4. The integrated circuit device of claim 1, wherein
the first lower conductive pattern and the second lower conductive pattern are at different levels. 5. The integrated circuit device of claim 1, wherein
the first lower conductive pattern and the second lower conductive pattern are at the same level. 6. The integrated circuit device of claim 1, wherein
the first lower conductive pattern and the second lower conductive pattern comprise different metals. 7. The integrated circuit device of claim 1, wherein
the first lower conductive pattern and the second lower conductive pattern comprise the same metal. 8. The integrated circuit device of claim 1, wherein
each of the first lower conductive pattern and the second lower conductive pattern has a shape in which a width in a horizontal direction increases as the first lower conductive pattern and the second lower conductive pattern respectively becomes closer toward the memory structure. 9. The integrated circuit device of claim 1, wherein
the first lower conductive pattern has a shape in which a width in a horizontal direction increases as the first lower conductive pattern becomes closer toward the memory structure, and the second lower conductive pattern has a shape in which a width in the horizontal direction decreases as the second lower conductive pattern becomes closer toward the memory structure. 10. The integrated circuit device of claim 1, further comprising
a conductive pad in contact with the through electrode and extending in a horizontal direction outside of the memory structure, wherein the conductive pad comprises a portion overlapping the memory stack in the vertical direction. 11. The integrated circuit device of claim 1, further comprising
a conductive pad in contact with the through electrode and extending in a horizontal direction outside of the peripheral circuit structure, wherein the conductive pad is spaced apart from the peripheral circuit region with the peripheral circuit board therebetween. 12. An integrated circuit device comprising:
a memory comprising
a memory stack comprising
a plurality of bit lines extending in a first horizontal direction,
a memory cell interconnection comprising a plurality of upper conductive patterns configured to be electrically connectable to the plurality of bit lines, and
a memory cell insulation surrounding the memory stack and the memory cell interconnection;
a peripheral circuit comprising
a peripheral circuit board,
a peripheral circuit region on the peripheral circuit board, and
a peripheral circuit interconnection comprising a plurality of lower conductive patterns between the peripheral circuit region and the memory and bonded to the memory cell interconnection;
a conductive bonding on a boundary between the memory cell interconnection and the peripheral circuit interconnection in a first region, the first region overlapping the memory stack in a vertical direction, the conductive bonding being bonded first upper conductive pattern selected from among the plurality of upper conductive patterns and a first lower conductive pattern selected from among the plurality of lower conductive patterns; and a plurality of through electrodes extended in the vertical direction through one of the memory cell insulation and the peripheral circuit board, in a second region spaced apart from the first region in a horizontal direction, wherein the plurality of through electrodes comprise a plurality of first through electrodes arranged in a line along the first horizontal direction in the second region. 13. The integrated circuit device of claim 12, wherein
the plurality of through electrodes further comprise a plurality of second through electrodes arranged in a line along a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction in the second region. 14. The integrated circuit device of claim 12, wherein
the plurality of through electrodes comprise one through electrode in contact with a second lower conductive pattern selected from among the plurality of lower conductive patterns, and the one through electrode extends to the second lower conductive pattern through the memory cell insulation. 15. The integrated circuit device of claim 12, wherein
the plurality of through electrodes comprise one through electrode in contact with a second lower conductive pattern selected from among the plurality of lower conductive patterns, and the one through electrode extends to the second lower conductive pattern through the peripheral circuit board and the peripheral circuit region. 16. The integrated circuit device of claim 15, wherein
a first shortest distance from the peripheral circuit board to the first lower conductive pattern is greater than a second shortest distance from the peripheral circuit board to the second lower conductive pattern. 17. The integrated circuit device of claim 15, wherein
a first shortest distance from the peripheral circuit board to the first lower conductive pattern is the same as a second shortest distance from the peripheral circuit board to the second lower conductive pattern. 18. The integrated circuit device of claim 15, wherein
the first lower conductive pattern and the second lower conductive pattern comprise different metals. 19. An integrated circuit device comprising:
a memory comprising
a semiconductor layer,
a memory stack on the semiconductor layer,
a memory cell interconnection comprising a plurality of upper conductive patterns overlapping the memory stack in a vertical direction and configured to be electrically connectable to the memory stack, and
a memory cell insulation surrounding the semiconductor layer, the memory stack, and the memory cell interconnection;
a peripheral circuit comprising
a peripheral circuit board,
a peripheral circuit region on the peripheral circuit board, and
a peripheral circuit interconnection between the peripheral circuit region and the memory and bonded to the memory cell interconnection;
a plurality of conductive bonding structures comprising Cu and on a boundary between the memory cell interconnection and the peripheral circuit interconnection in a first region, the first region overlapping the memory stack in the vertical direction; a plurality of lower conductive patterns comprising at least one metal selected from among Al, W, and Cu and in the peripheral circuit interconnection in a second region, the second region overlapping the memory cell insulation in the vertical direction; and a through electrode penetrating one of the memory cell insulation and the peripheral circuit board in the second region and contacting one lower conductive pattern among the plurality of lower conductive patterns. 20. The integrated circuit device of claim 19, wherein
the plurality of lower conductive patterns comprise a first lower conductive pattern constituting the plurality of conductive bonding structures and a second lower conductive pattern in contact with the through electrode, the first lower conductive pattern has a shape in which a width in a horizontal direction increases as the first lower conductive pattern becomes closer toward the memory structure, and the second lower conductive pattern has a shape in which a width in the horizontal direction decreases as the second lower conductive pattern becomes closer toward the memory structure. | An integrated circuit device includes a memory including a memory cell insulation surrounding a memory stack and a memory cell interconnection unit, a peripheral circuit including a peripheral circuit region formed on a peripheral circuit board, and a peripheral circuit interconnection between the peripheral circuit region and the memory structure, a plurality of conductive bonding structures on a boundary between the memory cell interconnection and the peripheral circuit interconnection in a first region, the first region overlapping the memory stack in a vertical direction, and a through electrode penetrating one of the memory cell insulation and the peripheral circuit board and extended to a lower conductive pattern included in the peripheral circuit interconnection in a second region, the second region overlapping the memory cell insulation in the vertical direction.1. An integrated circuit device comprising:
a memory comprising
a memory stack,
a memory cell interconnection comprising a plurality of upper conductive patterns configured to be electrically connectable to the memory stack, and
a memory cell insulation surrounding the memory stack and the memory cell interconnection;
a peripheral circuit comprising
a peripheral circuit board,
a peripheral circuit region on the peripheral circuit board, and
a peripheral circuit interconnection comprising a plurality of lower conductive patterns between the peripheral circuit region and the memory and bonded to the memory cell interconnection;
a plurality of conductive bonding structures on a boundary between the memory cell interconnection and the peripheral circuit interconnection in a first region, the first region overlapping the memory stack in a vertical direction, the plurality of conductive bonding structures being bonded plurality of first upper conductive patterns selected from among the plurality of upper conductive patterns and a respective plurality of first lower conductive patterns selected from among the plurality of lower conductive patterns; and a through electrode penetrating one of the memory cell insulation and the peripheral circuit board and extended to a second lower conductive pattern selected from among the plurality of lower conductive patterns in the vertical direction, in a second region, the second region overlapping the memory cell insulation in the vertical direction. 2. The integrated circuit device of claim 1, wherein
the through electrode penetrates the memory cell insulation and extends to the second lower conductive pattern. 3. The integrated circuit device of claim 1, wherein
the through electrode penetrates the peripheral circuit board and the peripheral circuit region and extends to the second lower conductive pattern. 4. The integrated circuit device of claim 1, wherein
the first lower conductive pattern and the second lower conductive pattern are at different levels. 5. The integrated circuit device of claim 1, wherein
the first lower conductive pattern and the second lower conductive pattern are at the same level. 6. The integrated circuit device of claim 1, wherein
the first lower conductive pattern and the second lower conductive pattern comprise different metals. 7. The integrated circuit device of claim 1, wherein
the first lower conductive pattern and the second lower conductive pattern comprise the same metal. 8. The integrated circuit device of claim 1, wherein
each of the first lower conductive pattern and the second lower conductive pattern has a shape in which a width in a horizontal direction increases as the first lower conductive pattern and the second lower conductive pattern respectively becomes closer toward the memory structure. 9. The integrated circuit device of claim 1, wherein
the first lower conductive pattern has a shape in which a width in a horizontal direction increases as the first lower conductive pattern becomes closer toward the memory structure, and the second lower conductive pattern has a shape in which a width in the horizontal direction decreases as the second lower conductive pattern becomes closer toward the memory structure. 10. The integrated circuit device of claim 1, further comprising
a conductive pad in contact with the through electrode and extending in a horizontal direction outside of the memory structure, wherein the conductive pad comprises a portion overlapping the memory stack in the vertical direction. 11. The integrated circuit device of claim 1, further comprising
a conductive pad in contact with the through electrode and extending in a horizontal direction outside of the peripheral circuit structure, wherein the conductive pad is spaced apart from the peripheral circuit region with the peripheral circuit board therebetween. 12. An integrated circuit device comprising:
a memory comprising
a memory stack comprising
a plurality of bit lines extending in a first horizontal direction,
a memory cell interconnection comprising a plurality of upper conductive patterns configured to be electrically connectable to the plurality of bit lines, and
a memory cell insulation surrounding the memory stack and the memory cell interconnection;
a peripheral circuit comprising
a peripheral circuit board,
a peripheral circuit region on the peripheral circuit board, and
a peripheral circuit interconnection comprising a plurality of lower conductive patterns between the peripheral circuit region and the memory and bonded to the memory cell interconnection;
a conductive bonding on a boundary between the memory cell interconnection and the peripheral circuit interconnection in a first region, the first region overlapping the memory stack in a vertical direction, the conductive bonding being bonded first upper conductive pattern selected from among the plurality of upper conductive patterns and a first lower conductive pattern selected from among the plurality of lower conductive patterns; and a plurality of through electrodes extended in the vertical direction through one of the memory cell insulation and the peripheral circuit board, in a second region spaced apart from the first region in a horizontal direction, wherein the plurality of through electrodes comprise a plurality of first through electrodes arranged in a line along the first horizontal direction in the second region. 13. The integrated circuit device of claim 12, wherein
the plurality of through electrodes further comprise a plurality of second through electrodes arranged in a line along a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction in the second region. 14. The integrated circuit device of claim 12, wherein
the plurality of through electrodes comprise one through electrode in contact with a second lower conductive pattern selected from among the plurality of lower conductive patterns, and the one through electrode extends to the second lower conductive pattern through the memory cell insulation. 15. The integrated circuit device of claim 12, wherein
the plurality of through electrodes comprise one through electrode in contact with a second lower conductive pattern selected from among the plurality of lower conductive patterns, and the one through electrode extends to the second lower conductive pattern through the peripheral circuit board and the peripheral circuit region. 16. The integrated circuit device of claim 15, wherein
a first shortest distance from the peripheral circuit board to the first lower conductive pattern is greater than a second shortest distance from the peripheral circuit board to the second lower conductive pattern. 17. The integrated circuit device of claim 15, wherein
a first shortest distance from the peripheral circuit board to the first lower conductive pattern is the same as a second shortest distance from the peripheral circuit board to the second lower conductive pattern. 18. The integrated circuit device of claim 15, wherein
the first lower conductive pattern and the second lower conductive pattern comprise different metals. 19. An integrated circuit device comprising:
a memory comprising
a semiconductor layer,
a memory stack on the semiconductor layer,
a memory cell interconnection comprising a plurality of upper conductive patterns overlapping the memory stack in a vertical direction and configured to be electrically connectable to the memory stack, and
a memory cell insulation surrounding the semiconductor layer, the memory stack, and the memory cell interconnection;
a peripheral circuit comprising
a peripheral circuit board,
a peripheral circuit region on the peripheral circuit board, and
a peripheral circuit interconnection between the peripheral circuit region and the memory and bonded to the memory cell interconnection;
a plurality of conductive bonding structures comprising Cu and on a boundary between the memory cell interconnection and the peripheral circuit interconnection in a first region, the first region overlapping the memory stack in the vertical direction; a plurality of lower conductive patterns comprising at least one metal selected from among Al, W, and Cu and in the peripheral circuit interconnection in a second region, the second region overlapping the memory cell insulation in the vertical direction; and a through electrode penetrating one of the memory cell insulation and the peripheral circuit board in the second region and contacting one lower conductive pattern among the plurality of lower conductive patterns. 20. The integrated circuit device of claim 19, wherein
the plurality of lower conductive patterns comprise a first lower conductive pattern constituting the plurality of conductive bonding structures and a second lower conductive pattern in contact with the through electrode, the first lower conductive pattern has a shape in which a width in a horizontal direction increases as the first lower conductive pattern becomes closer toward the memory structure, and the second lower conductive pattern has a shape in which a width in the horizontal direction decreases as the second lower conductive pattern becomes closer toward the memory structure. | 3,700 |
348,541 | 16,806,042 | 3,773 | A hard disk comb includes: a main body including a groove; and an arm joined to the main body. A part of the arm is disposed inside the groove, and an opening edge of the groove is joined to an upper surface of the arm. | 1. A hard disk comb comprising:
a main body comprising a groove; and an arm joined to the main body, wherein a part of the arm is disposed inside the groove, and an opening edge of the groove is joined to an upper surface of the arm. 2. The hard disk comb according to claim 1, wherein
the arm is in a plate shape, and the upper surface of the arm is joined to the main body but a lower surface of the arm is not joined to the main body. 3. The hard disk comb according to claim 1, wherein the arm is welded to the main body. 4. The hard disk comb according to claim 3, wherein the arm is laser-welded to the main body. 5. The hard disk comb according to claim 1, wherein the main body is joined to the arm at three or more joining portions that are not disposed on a straight line. 6. The hard disk comb according to claim 1, wherein
the arm comprises an aluminum layer and SUS layers disposed on both surfaces of the aluminum layer, and the main body is formed of SUS. 7. The hard disk comb according to claim 1, wherein a gap is between the arm and an inner surface of the groove. 8. The hard disk comb according to claim 1, wherein a part of an inner surface of the groove is an inclined surface. 9. The hard disk comb according to claim 8, wherein the inclined surface faces the arm with a gap between the arm and the inner surface of the groove. 10. An actuator comprising:
the hard disk comb according to claim 1; a suspension attached to a tip end portion of the arm; a magnetic head attached to the suspension; a coil holding portion fixed to or integrated with the main body; and a coil held by the coil holding portion. 11. A hard disk comb comprising:
a main body comprising a groove; and an arm joined to the main body, wherein a part of the arm is disposed inside the groove, the arm comprises an aluminum layer and SUS layers on both surfaces of the aluminum layer, and the main body is made of SUS. 12. A manufacturing method of a hard disk comb comprising:
preparing a main body comprising a groove; inserting an arm and a joining jig in the groove; joining the arm to the main body; and extracting the joining jig from the groove. | A hard disk comb includes: a main body including a groove; and an arm joined to the main body. A part of the arm is disposed inside the groove, and an opening edge of the groove is joined to an upper surface of the arm.1. A hard disk comb comprising:
a main body comprising a groove; and an arm joined to the main body, wherein a part of the arm is disposed inside the groove, and an opening edge of the groove is joined to an upper surface of the arm. 2. The hard disk comb according to claim 1, wherein
the arm is in a plate shape, and the upper surface of the arm is joined to the main body but a lower surface of the arm is not joined to the main body. 3. The hard disk comb according to claim 1, wherein the arm is welded to the main body. 4. The hard disk comb according to claim 3, wherein the arm is laser-welded to the main body. 5. The hard disk comb according to claim 1, wherein the main body is joined to the arm at three or more joining portions that are not disposed on a straight line. 6. The hard disk comb according to claim 1, wherein
the arm comprises an aluminum layer and SUS layers disposed on both surfaces of the aluminum layer, and the main body is formed of SUS. 7. The hard disk comb according to claim 1, wherein a gap is between the arm and an inner surface of the groove. 8. The hard disk comb according to claim 1, wherein a part of an inner surface of the groove is an inclined surface. 9. The hard disk comb according to claim 8, wherein the inclined surface faces the arm with a gap between the arm and the inner surface of the groove. 10. An actuator comprising:
the hard disk comb according to claim 1; a suspension attached to a tip end portion of the arm; a magnetic head attached to the suspension; a coil holding portion fixed to or integrated with the main body; and a coil held by the coil holding portion. 11. A hard disk comb comprising:
a main body comprising a groove; and an arm joined to the main body, wherein a part of the arm is disposed inside the groove, the arm comprises an aluminum layer and SUS layers on both surfaces of the aluminum layer, and the main body is made of SUS. 12. A manufacturing method of a hard disk comb comprising:
preparing a main body comprising a groove; inserting an arm and a joining jig in the groove; joining the arm to the main body; and extracting the joining jig from the groove. | 3,700 |
348,542 | 16,806,043 | 3,773 | Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards an integrated chip including a protective ring structure overlying a grating coupler structure. A waveguide structure is disposed within a semiconductor substrate and comprises the grating coupler structure. An interconnect structure overlies the semiconductor substrate. The interconnect structure includes a contact etch stop layer (CESL) and a conductive contact over the semiconductor substrate. The conductive contact extends through the CESL. The protective ring structure extends through the CESL and has an upper surface aligned with an upper surface of the conductive contact. | 1. An integrated chip, comprising:
a semiconductor substrate; a waveguide structure disposed within the semiconductor substrate, wherein the waveguide structure comprises a grating coupler structure; an interconnect structure overlying the semiconductor substrate, wherein the interconnect structure comprises a contact etch stop layer (CESL) and a conductive contact over the semiconductor substrate, wherein the conductive contact extends through the CESL; and a protective ring structure overlying the grating coupler structure, wherein the protective ring structure extends through the CESL and has an upper surface aligned with an upper surface of the conductive contact. 2. The integrated chip of claim 1, further comprising:
an upper etch stop layer continuously extending from above an upper surface of the interconnect structure to below the upper surface of the protective ring structure. 3. The integrated chip of claim 2, wherein the CESL and the upper etch stop layer comprise a same material. 4. The integrated chip of claim 2, wherein sidewalls of the upper etch stop layer are laterally spaced between a perimeter of the protective ring structure. 5. The integrated chip of claim 2, wherein the upper etch stop layer directly contacts a sidewall of the protective ring structure and the upper surface of the protective ring structure. 6. The integrated chip of claim 1, wherein the interconnect structure comprises a bottommost layer of conductive wires overlying the conductive contact, wherein the protective ring structure is disposed below the bottommost layer of conductive wires. 7. The integrated chip of claim 1, wherein the protective ring structure and the conductive contact comprise a same material. 8. The integrated chip of claim 1, wherein the grating coupler structure comprises a plurality of grating segments, wherein the plurality of grating segments are spaced laterally between an outer perimeter of the protective ring structure. 9. An integrated chip, comprising:
a semiconductor substrate; a grating coupler structure disposed on a front-side of the semiconductor substrate, wherein the grating coupler structure comprises a plurality of grating segments laterally separated from one another; an interconnect structure overlying the front-side of the semiconductor substrate and comprising a contact etch stop layer (CESL), a plurality of conductive wires, conductive vias, and a plurality of inter-level dielectric (ILD) layers; a waveguide dielectric layer disposed between the CESL and the front-side of the semiconductor substrate, wherein the waveguide dielectric layer is disposed between adjacent grating segments; an upper etch stop layer overlying the interconnect structure and continuously extending along sidewalls of the ILD layers to below a bottommost conductive wire of the plurality of conductive wires; and a protective ring structure overlying the grating coupler structure, wherein the grating segments are spaced laterally between a perimeter of the protective ring structure. 10. The integrated chip of claim 9, further comprising:
a light pipe opening extending from an upper surface of the interconnect structure to an upper surface of the CESL, wherein the light pipe opening continuously extends from a sidewall of the upper etch stop layer to a sidewall of the protective ring structure. 11. The integrated chip of claim 10, further comprising:
a light pipe structure disposed within the light pipe opening, wherein the light pipe structure continuously extends from the upper surface of the CESL to the sidewall of the protective ring structure. 12. The integrated chip of claim 9, wherein the protective ring structure and the conductive vias comprise a same material. 13. The integrated chip of claim 9, wherein the CESL and the upper etch stop layer comprise silicon nitride (Si3N4), the waveguide dielectric layer comprises silicon dioxide (SiO2), and the semiconductor substrate comprises silicon. 14. The integrated chip of claim 9, wherein the upper etch stop layer directly contacts a sidewall of the protective ring structure and an upper surface of the protective ring structure. 15. The integrated chip of claim 9, wherein a lower surface of the upper etch stop layer is disposed below an upper surface of the protective ring structure, wherein the upper etch stop layer is laterally offset from an inner perimeter of the protective ring structure by a non-zero distance. 16. The integrated chip of claim 9, wherein a width of the protective ring structure continuously decreases from an upper surface of the bottommost conductive wire of the plurality of conductive wires to the front-side of the semiconductor substrate. 17. The integrated chip of claim 9, further comprising:
a passivation structure extending along an upper surface of the interconnect structure; and wherein the upper etch stop layer continuously extends along an upper surface and a sidewall of the passivation structure. 18. A method for forming an integrated chip, the method comprising:
forming a grating coupler structure in a front-side of a semiconductor substrate; forming a protective ring structure over the grating coupler structure; forming an interconnect structure over the front-side of the semiconductor substrate, wherein the interconnect structure comprises a plurality of inter-level dielectric (ILD) layers, a plurality of conductive wires, and a plurality of conductive vias; performing a first dry etch process on the interconnect structure to define a light pipe opening in the plurality of ILD layers, such that a segment of a lower ILD layer remains over the grating coupler structure after the first dry etch process and the light pipe opening is spaced laterally within a perimeter of the protective ring structure; forming an upper etch stop layer over an upper surface of the interconnect structure and lining the light pipe opening, such that a lower surface of the upper etch stop layer is disposed along the segment of the lower ILD layer; and performing a wet etch process on the lower ILD layer, such that the segment of the lower ILD layer is removed, thereby exposing a sidewall of the protective ring structure and expanding the light pipe opening. 19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising:
forming a light pipe structure in the light pipe opening, such that a lower surface of the light pipe structure is disposed below an upper surface of the protective ring structure. 20. The method according to claim 18, wherein forming the upper etch stop layer comprises:
depositing the upper etch stop layer over the upper surface of the interconnect structure and sidewalls of the ILD layers that define the light pipe opening, such that a lower segment of the upper etch stop layer extends along an upper surface of the segment of the lower ILD layer; and performing a second dry etch process on the upper etch stop layer to remove the lower segment of the upper etch stop layer, thereby exposing the upper surface of the segment of the lower ILD layer, wherein the second dry etch process has a lower etch power than the first dry etch process. | Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards an integrated chip including a protective ring structure overlying a grating coupler structure. A waveguide structure is disposed within a semiconductor substrate and comprises the grating coupler structure. An interconnect structure overlies the semiconductor substrate. The interconnect structure includes a contact etch stop layer (CESL) and a conductive contact over the semiconductor substrate. The conductive contact extends through the CESL. The protective ring structure extends through the CESL and has an upper surface aligned with an upper surface of the conductive contact.1. An integrated chip, comprising:
a semiconductor substrate; a waveguide structure disposed within the semiconductor substrate, wherein the waveguide structure comprises a grating coupler structure; an interconnect structure overlying the semiconductor substrate, wherein the interconnect structure comprises a contact etch stop layer (CESL) and a conductive contact over the semiconductor substrate, wherein the conductive contact extends through the CESL; and a protective ring structure overlying the grating coupler structure, wherein the protective ring structure extends through the CESL and has an upper surface aligned with an upper surface of the conductive contact. 2. The integrated chip of claim 1, further comprising:
an upper etch stop layer continuously extending from above an upper surface of the interconnect structure to below the upper surface of the protective ring structure. 3. The integrated chip of claim 2, wherein the CESL and the upper etch stop layer comprise a same material. 4. The integrated chip of claim 2, wherein sidewalls of the upper etch stop layer are laterally spaced between a perimeter of the protective ring structure. 5. The integrated chip of claim 2, wherein the upper etch stop layer directly contacts a sidewall of the protective ring structure and the upper surface of the protective ring structure. 6. The integrated chip of claim 1, wherein the interconnect structure comprises a bottommost layer of conductive wires overlying the conductive contact, wherein the protective ring structure is disposed below the bottommost layer of conductive wires. 7. The integrated chip of claim 1, wherein the protective ring structure and the conductive contact comprise a same material. 8. The integrated chip of claim 1, wherein the grating coupler structure comprises a plurality of grating segments, wherein the plurality of grating segments are spaced laterally between an outer perimeter of the protective ring structure. 9. An integrated chip, comprising:
a semiconductor substrate; a grating coupler structure disposed on a front-side of the semiconductor substrate, wherein the grating coupler structure comprises a plurality of grating segments laterally separated from one another; an interconnect structure overlying the front-side of the semiconductor substrate and comprising a contact etch stop layer (CESL), a plurality of conductive wires, conductive vias, and a plurality of inter-level dielectric (ILD) layers; a waveguide dielectric layer disposed between the CESL and the front-side of the semiconductor substrate, wherein the waveguide dielectric layer is disposed between adjacent grating segments; an upper etch stop layer overlying the interconnect structure and continuously extending along sidewalls of the ILD layers to below a bottommost conductive wire of the plurality of conductive wires; and a protective ring structure overlying the grating coupler structure, wherein the grating segments are spaced laterally between a perimeter of the protective ring structure. 10. The integrated chip of claim 9, further comprising:
a light pipe opening extending from an upper surface of the interconnect structure to an upper surface of the CESL, wherein the light pipe opening continuously extends from a sidewall of the upper etch stop layer to a sidewall of the protective ring structure. 11. The integrated chip of claim 10, further comprising:
a light pipe structure disposed within the light pipe opening, wherein the light pipe structure continuously extends from the upper surface of the CESL to the sidewall of the protective ring structure. 12. The integrated chip of claim 9, wherein the protective ring structure and the conductive vias comprise a same material. 13. The integrated chip of claim 9, wherein the CESL and the upper etch stop layer comprise silicon nitride (Si3N4), the waveguide dielectric layer comprises silicon dioxide (SiO2), and the semiconductor substrate comprises silicon. 14. The integrated chip of claim 9, wherein the upper etch stop layer directly contacts a sidewall of the protective ring structure and an upper surface of the protective ring structure. 15. The integrated chip of claim 9, wherein a lower surface of the upper etch stop layer is disposed below an upper surface of the protective ring structure, wherein the upper etch stop layer is laterally offset from an inner perimeter of the protective ring structure by a non-zero distance. 16. The integrated chip of claim 9, wherein a width of the protective ring structure continuously decreases from an upper surface of the bottommost conductive wire of the plurality of conductive wires to the front-side of the semiconductor substrate. 17. The integrated chip of claim 9, further comprising:
a passivation structure extending along an upper surface of the interconnect structure; and wherein the upper etch stop layer continuously extends along an upper surface and a sidewall of the passivation structure. 18. A method for forming an integrated chip, the method comprising:
forming a grating coupler structure in a front-side of a semiconductor substrate; forming a protective ring structure over the grating coupler structure; forming an interconnect structure over the front-side of the semiconductor substrate, wherein the interconnect structure comprises a plurality of inter-level dielectric (ILD) layers, a plurality of conductive wires, and a plurality of conductive vias; performing a first dry etch process on the interconnect structure to define a light pipe opening in the plurality of ILD layers, such that a segment of a lower ILD layer remains over the grating coupler structure after the first dry etch process and the light pipe opening is spaced laterally within a perimeter of the protective ring structure; forming an upper etch stop layer over an upper surface of the interconnect structure and lining the light pipe opening, such that a lower surface of the upper etch stop layer is disposed along the segment of the lower ILD layer; and performing a wet etch process on the lower ILD layer, such that the segment of the lower ILD layer is removed, thereby exposing a sidewall of the protective ring structure and expanding the light pipe opening. 19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising:
forming a light pipe structure in the light pipe opening, such that a lower surface of the light pipe structure is disposed below an upper surface of the protective ring structure. 20. The method according to claim 18, wherein forming the upper etch stop layer comprises:
depositing the upper etch stop layer over the upper surface of the interconnect structure and sidewalls of the ILD layers that define the light pipe opening, such that a lower segment of the upper etch stop layer extends along an upper surface of the segment of the lower ILD layer; and performing a second dry etch process on the upper etch stop layer to remove the lower segment of the upper etch stop layer, thereby exposing the upper surface of the segment of the lower ILD layer, wherein the second dry etch process has a lower etch power than the first dry etch process. | 3,700 |
348,543 | 16,806,044 | 3,773 | A vehicle safety system includes at least one detector positioned to monitor at least a portion of an interior of a vehicle and a processor/communication system configured to receive inputs from the at least one detector and to communicate with brought-in devices located within the vehicle. The processor/communication system determines a location of the brought-in device based on visible/IR signals generated by the brought-in device and detected by the at least one detector, wherein the processor/communication system communicates restrictions/permissions to the brought-in device based on the determined location. | 1. A vehicle safety system for restricting the functionality of brought-in devices within a vehicle, the system comprising:
at least one visible light/infrared (IR) camera positioned to monitor at least a portion of an interior of a vehicle; an processor/communication system configured to receive inputs from the at least one detector and to communicate with brought-in devices located within the vehicle, wherein the processor/communication system determines a location of the brought-in device based on visible/IR signals displayed by the brought-in device and detected by the at least one detector, wherein the processor/communication system communicates restrictions/permissions to the brought-in device based on the determined location. 2. The vehicle safety system of claim 1, wherein the processor/communication system communicates requests to the brought-in devices, wherein the brought-in devices generate visible/IR signals in response. 3. The vehicle safety system of claim 2, wherein the processor/communication system communicates requests one at a time to brought-in devices located within the vehicle. 4. The vehicle safety system of claim 1, wherein visible/IR signals detected by the at least one camera is encoded with identifying information unique to the brought-in device originating the visible/IR signal. 5. The vehicle safety system of claim 4, wherein the processor/communication system identifies devices located within the vehicle based on the encoded visible/IR signals received by the at least one camera. 6. The vehicle safety system of claim 1, wherein the processor/communication system determines the location of the device based, at least in part, on additional inputs received from one or more sensors located within the vehicle. 7. The vehicle safety system of claim 1, wherein the processor/communication system receives feedback from the brought-in devices indicating a detected change in location of the brought-in device, wherein the processor/communication system modifies permissions/restrictions based on the received feedback. 8. The vehicle safety system of claim 7, wherein the processor/communication system communicates the location of the brought-in device determined based on the detected visible/IR signal to the brought-in device, wherein the brought-in device utilizes the received location to monitor changes in location within the vehicle. 9. The vehicle safety system of claim 1, wherein processor/communication system communicates the location of the brought-in device determined based on the detected visible/IR signal to one or more external systems utilized to monitor locations of the brought-in devices. 10. The vehicle safety system of claim 1, wherein the at least one detector camera captures one or more images, wherein the processor/communication system is configured to determine the location of the brought-in device based on image analysis of the one or more captured images. 11. The vehicle safety system of claim 10, wherein the processor/communication system utilizes image analysis to identify barcodes displayed by the brought-in device to uniquely identify and determine the location of the brought-in device. 12. The vehicle safety system of claim 10, wherein the processor/communication system utilizes image analysis to detect a position of occupants within the vehicle, wherein the detected position of occupants is utilized in combination with the detected location of brought-in devices to determine restrictions/permissions assigned to each brought-in device. 13. A method of restricting device privileges within a vehicle, the method comprising:
requesting visible/infrared (IR) verification from one or more brought-in devices; detecting visible/IR signals displayed by the one or more brought-in devices; determining a location of each of the one or more brought-in devices based on the detected visible/IR signals; generating restrictions/permission based on the determined location of each of the one or more brought-in devices; and communicating the restrictions/permissions to the one or more brought-in devices. 14. The method of claim 13, further including identifying each of the plurality of brought-in devices located within the vehicle. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein requesting visible/IR verification from one or more brought-in devices includes requesting visible/IR verification from one device at a time, wherein detected visible/IR signals are correlated with the brought-in device to which the request was sent. 16. The method of claim 13, wherein generating restrictions/permissions includes generating restrictions for brought-in devices determined to be located in a driver seating area. 17. The method of claim 13, further including receiving feedback from the one or more brought-in devices regarding a change in location detected by the brought-in device and utilizing the received feedback to modify restrictions/permissions associated with the one or more brought-in devices. 18. The method of claim 13, further including communicating the location of the brought-in device determined based on the detected visible/IR signal to one or more external systems utilized to monitor locations of the brought-in devices. 19. The method of claim 18, further including receiving feedback from the one or more external systems regarding changes in location of the one or more brought-in devices. 20. The method of claim 13, wherein detecting visible/IR signals displayed by the one or more brought-in devices includes capturing one or more images. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein determining a location of each of the one or more brought-in devices based on the detected visible/IR signals, includes analyzing the one or more captured images to detect a location of the one or more brought-in devices. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein analyzing the one or more captured images to detect the location of the one or more brought-in devices includes identifying a barcode displayed by the brought-in device that uniquely identifies the brought-in device. 23. The method of claim 21, wherein analyzing the one or more captured images further includes analyzing the one or more captured images to detect a location of an occupant relative to the detected brought-in device, wherein generating permissions/restrictions are based on the detected location of the brought-in devices and the detected location of the occupant relative to the brought-in device. | A vehicle safety system includes at least one detector positioned to monitor at least a portion of an interior of a vehicle and a processor/communication system configured to receive inputs from the at least one detector and to communicate with brought-in devices located within the vehicle. The processor/communication system determines a location of the brought-in device based on visible/IR signals generated by the brought-in device and detected by the at least one detector, wherein the processor/communication system communicates restrictions/permissions to the brought-in device based on the determined location.1. A vehicle safety system for restricting the functionality of brought-in devices within a vehicle, the system comprising:
at least one visible light/infrared (IR) camera positioned to monitor at least a portion of an interior of a vehicle; an processor/communication system configured to receive inputs from the at least one detector and to communicate with brought-in devices located within the vehicle, wherein the processor/communication system determines a location of the brought-in device based on visible/IR signals displayed by the brought-in device and detected by the at least one detector, wherein the processor/communication system communicates restrictions/permissions to the brought-in device based on the determined location. 2. The vehicle safety system of claim 1, wherein the processor/communication system communicates requests to the brought-in devices, wherein the brought-in devices generate visible/IR signals in response. 3. The vehicle safety system of claim 2, wherein the processor/communication system communicates requests one at a time to brought-in devices located within the vehicle. 4. The vehicle safety system of claim 1, wherein visible/IR signals detected by the at least one camera is encoded with identifying information unique to the brought-in device originating the visible/IR signal. 5. The vehicle safety system of claim 4, wherein the processor/communication system identifies devices located within the vehicle based on the encoded visible/IR signals received by the at least one camera. 6. The vehicle safety system of claim 1, wherein the processor/communication system determines the location of the device based, at least in part, on additional inputs received from one or more sensors located within the vehicle. 7. The vehicle safety system of claim 1, wherein the processor/communication system receives feedback from the brought-in devices indicating a detected change in location of the brought-in device, wherein the processor/communication system modifies permissions/restrictions based on the received feedback. 8. The vehicle safety system of claim 7, wherein the processor/communication system communicates the location of the brought-in device determined based on the detected visible/IR signal to the brought-in device, wherein the brought-in device utilizes the received location to monitor changes in location within the vehicle. 9. The vehicle safety system of claim 1, wherein processor/communication system communicates the location of the brought-in device determined based on the detected visible/IR signal to one or more external systems utilized to monitor locations of the brought-in devices. 10. The vehicle safety system of claim 1, wherein the at least one detector camera captures one or more images, wherein the processor/communication system is configured to determine the location of the brought-in device based on image analysis of the one or more captured images. 11. The vehicle safety system of claim 10, wherein the processor/communication system utilizes image analysis to identify barcodes displayed by the brought-in device to uniquely identify and determine the location of the brought-in device. 12. The vehicle safety system of claim 10, wherein the processor/communication system utilizes image analysis to detect a position of occupants within the vehicle, wherein the detected position of occupants is utilized in combination with the detected location of brought-in devices to determine restrictions/permissions assigned to each brought-in device. 13. A method of restricting device privileges within a vehicle, the method comprising:
requesting visible/infrared (IR) verification from one or more brought-in devices; detecting visible/IR signals displayed by the one or more brought-in devices; determining a location of each of the one or more brought-in devices based on the detected visible/IR signals; generating restrictions/permission based on the determined location of each of the one or more brought-in devices; and communicating the restrictions/permissions to the one or more brought-in devices. 14. The method of claim 13, further including identifying each of the plurality of brought-in devices located within the vehicle. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein requesting visible/IR verification from one or more brought-in devices includes requesting visible/IR verification from one device at a time, wherein detected visible/IR signals are correlated with the brought-in device to which the request was sent. 16. The method of claim 13, wherein generating restrictions/permissions includes generating restrictions for brought-in devices determined to be located in a driver seating area. 17. The method of claim 13, further including receiving feedback from the one or more brought-in devices regarding a change in location detected by the brought-in device and utilizing the received feedback to modify restrictions/permissions associated with the one or more brought-in devices. 18. The method of claim 13, further including communicating the location of the brought-in device determined based on the detected visible/IR signal to one or more external systems utilized to monitor locations of the brought-in devices. 19. The method of claim 18, further including receiving feedback from the one or more external systems regarding changes in location of the one or more brought-in devices. 20. The method of claim 13, wherein detecting visible/IR signals displayed by the one or more brought-in devices includes capturing one or more images. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein determining a location of each of the one or more brought-in devices based on the detected visible/IR signals, includes analyzing the one or more captured images to detect a location of the one or more brought-in devices. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein analyzing the one or more captured images to detect the location of the one or more brought-in devices includes identifying a barcode displayed by the brought-in device that uniquely identifies the brought-in device. 23. The method of claim 21, wherein analyzing the one or more captured images further includes analyzing the one or more captured images to detect a location of an occupant relative to the detected brought-in device, wherein generating permissions/restrictions are based on the detected location of the brought-in devices and the detected location of the occupant relative to the brought-in device. | 3,700 |
348,544 | 16,805,965 | 3,773 | Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a multi-dimensional commerce platform that may be utilized for the communication of data. Aspects of the multi-dimensional commerce platform may include various functional components to facilitate a system to receive inventory data at a first server associated with the multi-dimensional commerce platform, provide a second server associated with a third-party (e.g., a third party seller/distributor) access to the inventory data, alter or modify the inventory data based on attributes of the second server, and cause display of a presentation of the modified inventory data at a client device. | 1. A method comprising:
transmitting, to a networked platform, an inventory request that includes at least one term related to a first item; receiving, from the networked platform, inventory data having item attributes, the inventory data being identified based on the inventory request; modifying at least one of the item attributes based on configuration instructions; and causing a display of a presentation of the modified at least one item attribute at the client device. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises:
receiving a transaction request for the first item at the second server; routing the transaction request from the second server to the first server; and causing a purchase of the first item. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the networked platform is a multi-dimensional commerce platform and the item attributes include a price and a first display language, and the modifying the item attributes includes:
translating the first display language to a second display language; and altering the price. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the instructions further comprise:
receiving, at the second server, a search request that identifies the first item; and generating a presentation of the first item based on the modified item attributes. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the item attributes of the first item include an item description, an item image, and a display format for the first item, and the modifying the item attributes includes modifying the item description, the item image, and the display format of the first item, based on the configuration instructions. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the providing access to the inventory includes:
receiving, from the second server, an inventory search request at the first server; and retrieving a subset of the inventory based on the inventory search request, the subset including the first item. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the causing display of the presentation of the first item at the client device includes:
generating a graphical user interface that includes the presentation of the first item. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the networked platform is a multi-dimensional commerce platform and the server identifier is associated with a presentation configuration, wherein the presentation configuration includes a set of display rules for at least the first item, and the modifying the item attributes of the first item further comprises:
retrieving the presentation configuration associated with the server identifier of the second server; and modifying the item attributes of the first item based on the presentation configuration. 9. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium, storing instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of a machine, cause the machine to perform operations comprising:
transmitting, to a networked platform, an inventory request that includes at least one term related to a first item; receiving, from the networked platform, inventory data having item attributes, the inventory data being identified based on the inventory request; modifying at least one of the item attributes based on configuration instructions; and causing a display of a presentation of the modified at least one item attribute at the client device. 10. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 9, wherein the instructions cause the machine to perform operations further comprising:
receiving a transaction request for the first item at the second server; routing the transaction request from the second server to the first server; and causing a purchase of the first item. 11. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 9, wherein the networked platform is a multi-dimensional commerce platform and the item attributes include a price and a first display language, and the modifying the item attributes includes:
translating the first display language to a second display language; and altering the price. 12. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 9, wherein the operations further comprise:
receiving, at the second server, a search request that identifies the first item; and generating a presentation of the first item based on the modified item attributes. 13. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 9, wherein the item attributes of the first item include an item description, an item image, and a display format for the first item, and the modifying the item attributes includes modifying the item description, the item image, and the display format of the first item, based on the configuration instructions. 14. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 9, wherein the providing access to the inventory includes:
receiving, from the second server, an inventory search request at the first server; and retrieving a subset of the inventory based on the inventory search request, the subset including the first item. 15. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 9, wherein the causing display of the presentation of the first item at the client device includes:
generating a graphical user interface that includes the presentation of the first item. 16. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 9, wherein the server identifier is associated with a presentation configuration, wherein the presentation configuration includes a set of display rules for at least the first item, and the modifying the item attributes of the first item further comprises:
retrieving the presentation configuration associated with the server identifier of the second server; and modifying the item attributes of the first item based on the presentation configuration. 17. A system comprising:
one or more processors of a machine; and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor among the one or more processors, causes the machine to perform operations comprising:
transmitting, to a networked platform, an inventory request that includes at least one term related to a first item;
receiving, from the networked platform, inventory data having item attributes, the inventory data being identified based on the inventory request;
modifying at least one of the item attributes based on configuration instructions; and
causing a display of a presentation of the modified at least one item attribute at the client device. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the operations further comprise:
receiving a transaction request for the first item at the second server; routing the transaction request from the second server to the first server; and causing a purchase of the first item. 19. The system of claim 17, wherein the networked platform is a multi-dimensional commerce platform and the item attributes include a price and a first display language, and the modifying the item attributes includes:
translating the first display language to a second display language; and altering the price. 20. The system of claim 17, wherein the item attributes of the first item include an item description, an item image, and a display format for the first item, and the modifying the item attributes includes:
receiving a presentation configuration at the second server; and modifying the item description, the item image, and the display format of the first item, based on the presentation configuration. | Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a multi-dimensional commerce platform that may be utilized for the communication of data. Aspects of the multi-dimensional commerce platform may include various functional components to facilitate a system to receive inventory data at a first server associated with the multi-dimensional commerce platform, provide a second server associated with a third-party (e.g., a third party seller/distributor) access to the inventory data, alter or modify the inventory data based on attributes of the second server, and cause display of a presentation of the modified inventory data at a client device.1. A method comprising:
transmitting, to a networked platform, an inventory request that includes at least one term related to a first item; receiving, from the networked platform, inventory data having item attributes, the inventory data being identified based on the inventory request; modifying at least one of the item attributes based on configuration instructions; and causing a display of a presentation of the modified at least one item attribute at the client device. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises:
receiving a transaction request for the first item at the second server; routing the transaction request from the second server to the first server; and causing a purchase of the first item. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the networked platform is a multi-dimensional commerce platform and the item attributes include a price and a first display language, and the modifying the item attributes includes:
translating the first display language to a second display language; and altering the price. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the instructions further comprise:
receiving, at the second server, a search request that identifies the first item; and generating a presentation of the first item based on the modified item attributes. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the item attributes of the first item include an item description, an item image, and a display format for the first item, and the modifying the item attributes includes modifying the item description, the item image, and the display format of the first item, based on the configuration instructions. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the providing access to the inventory includes:
receiving, from the second server, an inventory search request at the first server; and retrieving a subset of the inventory based on the inventory search request, the subset including the first item. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the causing display of the presentation of the first item at the client device includes:
generating a graphical user interface that includes the presentation of the first item. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the networked platform is a multi-dimensional commerce platform and the server identifier is associated with a presentation configuration, wherein the presentation configuration includes a set of display rules for at least the first item, and the modifying the item attributes of the first item further comprises:
retrieving the presentation configuration associated with the server identifier of the second server; and modifying the item attributes of the first item based on the presentation configuration. 9. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium, storing instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of a machine, cause the machine to perform operations comprising:
transmitting, to a networked platform, an inventory request that includes at least one term related to a first item; receiving, from the networked platform, inventory data having item attributes, the inventory data being identified based on the inventory request; modifying at least one of the item attributes based on configuration instructions; and causing a display of a presentation of the modified at least one item attribute at the client device. 10. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 9, wherein the instructions cause the machine to perform operations further comprising:
receiving a transaction request for the first item at the second server; routing the transaction request from the second server to the first server; and causing a purchase of the first item. 11. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 9, wherein the networked platform is a multi-dimensional commerce platform and the item attributes include a price and a first display language, and the modifying the item attributes includes:
translating the first display language to a second display language; and altering the price. 12. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 9, wherein the operations further comprise:
receiving, at the second server, a search request that identifies the first item; and generating a presentation of the first item based on the modified item attributes. 13. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 9, wherein the item attributes of the first item include an item description, an item image, and a display format for the first item, and the modifying the item attributes includes modifying the item description, the item image, and the display format of the first item, based on the configuration instructions. 14. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 9, wherein the providing access to the inventory includes:
receiving, from the second server, an inventory search request at the first server; and retrieving a subset of the inventory based on the inventory search request, the subset including the first item. 15. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 9, wherein the causing display of the presentation of the first item at the client device includes:
generating a graphical user interface that includes the presentation of the first item. 16. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 9, wherein the server identifier is associated with a presentation configuration, wherein the presentation configuration includes a set of display rules for at least the first item, and the modifying the item attributes of the first item further comprises:
retrieving the presentation configuration associated with the server identifier of the second server; and modifying the item attributes of the first item based on the presentation configuration. 17. A system comprising:
one or more processors of a machine; and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor among the one or more processors, causes the machine to perform operations comprising:
transmitting, to a networked platform, an inventory request that includes at least one term related to a first item;
receiving, from the networked platform, inventory data having item attributes, the inventory data being identified based on the inventory request;
modifying at least one of the item attributes based on configuration instructions; and
causing a display of a presentation of the modified at least one item attribute at the client device. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the operations further comprise:
receiving a transaction request for the first item at the second server; routing the transaction request from the second server to the first server; and causing a purchase of the first item. 19. The system of claim 17, wherein the networked platform is a multi-dimensional commerce platform and the item attributes include a price and a first display language, and the modifying the item attributes includes:
translating the first display language to a second display language; and altering the price. 20. The system of claim 17, wherein the item attributes of the first item include an item description, an item image, and a display format for the first item, and the modifying the item attributes includes:
receiving a presentation configuration at the second server; and modifying the item description, the item image, and the display format of the first item, based on the presentation configuration. | 3,700 |
348,545 | 16,806,051 | 3,773 | The present invention is generally directed to systems and methods of provisioning, and using heterogeneous clusters in a cloud-based big data system, the heterogeneous clusters made up of primary instance types and different types of instances, the method including: determining if there are composition requirements of any heterogeneous cluster, the composition requirements defining instance types permitted for use; determining if any of the permitted different types of instances are required or advantageous for use; determining an amount of different types of instances to utilize, this determination based at least in part on an instance weight; provisioning the heterogeneous cluster comprising both primary instances and permitted different types of instances. | 1. A method for heterogeneously auto-scaling cloud-based big dam clusters to use multiple instance types, comprising;
determining provisioning requirements based on a primary instance type; assigning a weight of 1.0 to the primary instance type; identifying other approved instance types and determining an instance weight for each other approved instance type; determining if using any other instance types is advantageous in that it would result in reduced costs, faster processing, or other advantages: if using other instance types is advantageous, determining which other instance types to use, and determining the number of other instance types by using the instance weight to determine corresponding processing power. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining an instance weight for each other approved instance type comprises:
determining the disk space of each instance type; determining a ratio of the disk space of each instance type compared with the primary instance type; deriving an instance weight for each instance type based on its ratio of disk space compared to the primary instance type. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining an instance weight for each other approved instance type comprises;
identifying the number of computer processing units (CPUs) in each other approved instance type; identifying the number of CPUs in the primary instance type; calculating a ratio for each other approved instance type between the number of CPUs in each other approved instance type and the number of CPUs in the primary instance type; deriving an instance weight for each other instance type based on the ratio determined for each other instance type. 4-9. (canceled) 10. A method for determining a normalized instance count for a heterogeneous cluster, the normalized instance count indicating the amount of computing power as represented by a number of primary instances, comprising;
determining weight for each instance type used in the heterogenous cluster; determining a normalized size for each instance type by multiplying the weight for each instance type by the number of instances for that type; adding the normalized sizes for each instance type to determine the normalized size for the heterogenous cluster. | The present invention is generally directed to systems and methods of provisioning, and using heterogeneous clusters in a cloud-based big data system, the heterogeneous clusters made up of primary instance types and different types of instances, the method including: determining if there are composition requirements of any heterogeneous cluster, the composition requirements defining instance types permitted for use; determining if any of the permitted different types of instances are required or advantageous for use; determining an amount of different types of instances to utilize, this determination based at least in part on an instance weight; provisioning the heterogeneous cluster comprising both primary instances and permitted different types of instances.1. A method for heterogeneously auto-scaling cloud-based big dam clusters to use multiple instance types, comprising;
determining provisioning requirements based on a primary instance type; assigning a weight of 1.0 to the primary instance type; identifying other approved instance types and determining an instance weight for each other approved instance type; determining if using any other instance types is advantageous in that it would result in reduced costs, faster processing, or other advantages: if using other instance types is advantageous, determining which other instance types to use, and determining the number of other instance types by using the instance weight to determine corresponding processing power. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining an instance weight for each other approved instance type comprises:
determining the disk space of each instance type; determining a ratio of the disk space of each instance type compared with the primary instance type; deriving an instance weight for each instance type based on its ratio of disk space compared to the primary instance type. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining an instance weight for each other approved instance type comprises;
identifying the number of computer processing units (CPUs) in each other approved instance type; identifying the number of CPUs in the primary instance type; calculating a ratio for each other approved instance type between the number of CPUs in each other approved instance type and the number of CPUs in the primary instance type; deriving an instance weight for each other instance type based on the ratio determined for each other instance type. 4-9. (canceled) 10. A method for determining a normalized instance count for a heterogeneous cluster, the normalized instance count indicating the amount of computing power as represented by a number of primary instances, comprising;
determining weight for each instance type used in the heterogenous cluster; determining a normalized size for each instance type by multiplying the weight for each instance type by the number of instances for that type; adding the normalized sizes for each instance type to determine the normalized size for the heterogenous cluster. | 3,700 |
348,546 | 16,806,023 | 3,773 | In an implementation of the disclosed subject matter, a device may emit a first emission sequence of infrared radiation at a subject, and capture a first reflected sequence of infrared radiation reflected from the subject. The first emission sequence may be compared to the first reflected sequence, and, based on the comparison, a sequence of variations may be determined. The sequence of variations may be compared to signal pattern stored in a sleep profile for the subject. The subject may be determined to have exhibited sleep behavior based on the comparison of the sequence of variations to the signal pattern stored in the sleep profile. In response to determining the subject has exhibited sleep behavior, the device may capture a second reflected sequence of radiation reflected from the subject. A breathing rate of the subject and/or a heart rate of the subject may be determined based on the second reflected sequence. | 1. A method for determining an occurrence of a sleep behavior or disorder, the method comprising:
receiving, from a radiation capture component of an electronic device, a first signal corresponding to a sequence of radiation reflected from a subject; filtering the first signal by reducing at least one energy peak of the reflected sequence of radiation to produce a second signal; determining a heart rate of the subject based on the second signal; determining an occurrence of a sleep behavior or disorder based on the heart rate; and in response to the occurrence of the sleep behavior or disorder, causing a notice about the occurrence of the sleep behavior or disorder to be provided. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
receiving, from a sensor, information about a temperature in vicinity of the subject. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the first signal is filtered based on the temperature. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the notice is provided to a mobile device of a user separate from the subject. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the subject is a juvenile and the user is an adult. 6. The method of claim 4, further comprising providing an alert to a healthcare provider or an emergency responder. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the notice is provided via the electronic device. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
determining a sleep stage of the subject based upon the first signal; and storing a record of the first signal and the determined sleep behavior or disorder in a sleep profile of the subject. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising:
storing a record of the heart rate and/or the second signal in the sleep profile. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the notice is provided to a home monitoring hub. 11. A system for determining an occurrence of a sleep disorder, the system comprising:
a memory configured to store a first signal and a second signal; and a processor configured to:
receive, from a radiation capture component of an electronic device, a first signal corresponding to a sequence of radiation reflected from a subject;
filter the first signal by reducing at least one energy peak of the reflected sequence of radiation to produce a second signal;
determine a heart rate of the subject based on the second signal;
determine an occurrence of a sleep behavior or disorder based on the heart rate; and
in response to the occurrence of the sleep behavior or disorder, cause a notice about the occurrence of the sleep behavior or disorder to be provided. 12. The system of claim 11, the processor further configured to:
receive, from a sensor, information about a temperature in vicinity of the subject. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the first signal is filtered based on the temperature. 14. The system of claim 12, further comprising the sensor. 15. The system of claim 11, wherein the notice is provided to a mobile device of a user separate from the subject. 16. The system of claim 15, the processor further configured to provide an alert to a healthcare provider or an emergency responder. 17. The system of claim 11, wherein the processor is configured to provide the notice via the electronic device. 18. The system of claim 11, the processor further configured to:
determine a sleep stage of the subject based upon the first signal; and store a record of the first signal and the determined sleep behavior or disorder in a sleep profile of the subject. 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the memory further stores the sleep profile of the subject. 20. The system of claim 11, the processor further configured to provide the notice to a home monitoring hub in communication with a device comprising the processor. | In an implementation of the disclosed subject matter, a device may emit a first emission sequence of infrared radiation at a subject, and capture a first reflected sequence of infrared radiation reflected from the subject. The first emission sequence may be compared to the first reflected sequence, and, based on the comparison, a sequence of variations may be determined. The sequence of variations may be compared to signal pattern stored in a sleep profile for the subject. The subject may be determined to have exhibited sleep behavior based on the comparison of the sequence of variations to the signal pattern stored in the sleep profile. In response to determining the subject has exhibited sleep behavior, the device may capture a second reflected sequence of radiation reflected from the subject. A breathing rate of the subject and/or a heart rate of the subject may be determined based on the second reflected sequence.1. A method for determining an occurrence of a sleep behavior or disorder, the method comprising:
receiving, from a radiation capture component of an electronic device, a first signal corresponding to a sequence of radiation reflected from a subject; filtering the first signal by reducing at least one energy peak of the reflected sequence of radiation to produce a second signal; determining a heart rate of the subject based on the second signal; determining an occurrence of a sleep behavior or disorder based on the heart rate; and in response to the occurrence of the sleep behavior or disorder, causing a notice about the occurrence of the sleep behavior or disorder to be provided. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
receiving, from a sensor, information about a temperature in vicinity of the subject. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the first signal is filtered based on the temperature. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the notice is provided to a mobile device of a user separate from the subject. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the subject is a juvenile and the user is an adult. 6. The method of claim 4, further comprising providing an alert to a healthcare provider or an emergency responder. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the notice is provided via the electronic device. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
determining a sleep stage of the subject based upon the first signal; and storing a record of the first signal and the determined sleep behavior or disorder in a sleep profile of the subject. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising:
storing a record of the heart rate and/or the second signal in the sleep profile. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the notice is provided to a home monitoring hub. 11. A system for determining an occurrence of a sleep disorder, the system comprising:
a memory configured to store a first signal and a second signal; and a processor configured to:
receive, from a radiation capture component of an electronic device, a first signal corresponding to a sequence of radiation reflected from a subject;
filter the first signal by reducing at least one energy peak of the reflected sequence of radiation to produce a second signal;
determine a heart rate of the subject based on the second signal;
determine an occurrence of a sleep behavior or disorder based on the heart rate; and
in response to the occurrence of the sleep behavior or disorder, cause a notice about the occurrence of the sleep behavior or disorder to be provided. 12. The system of claim 11, the processor further configured to:
receive, from a sensor, information about a temperature in vicinity of the subject. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the first signal is filtered based on the temperature. 14. The system of claim 12, further comprising the sensor. 15. The system of claim 11, wherein the notice is provided to a mobile device of a user separate from the subject. 16. The system of claim 15, the processor further configured to provide an alert to a healthcare provider or an emergency responder. 17. The system of claim 11, wherein the processor is configured to provide the notice via the electronic device. 18. The system of claim 11, the processor further configured to:
determine a sleep stage of the subject based upon the first signal; and store a record of the first signal and the determined sleep behavior or disorder in a sleep profile of the subject. 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the memory further stores the sleep profile of the subject. 20. The system of claim 11, the processor further configured to provide the notice to a home monitoring hub in communication with a device comprising the processor. | 3,700 |
348,547 | 16,806,020 | 3,773 | A method of encoding video including: writing a plurality of predetermined buffer descriptions into a sequence parameter set of a coded video bitstream; writing a plurality of updating parameters into a slice header of the coded video bitstream for selecting and modifying one buffer description out of the plurality of buffer descriptions; and encoding a slice into the coded video bitstream using the slice header and the modified buffer description. | 1. A method comprising:
decoding a flag which indicates whether a coded video bitstream conforms to a first standard or other standards; when the flag indicates the coded video bitstream conforms to the first standard, parsing a plurality of buffer descriptions from a sequence parameter set of the coded video bitstream; parsing (i) a buffer description identifier which indicates a buffer description out of the plurality of buffer descriptions, (ii) a plurality of buffer element identifiers, each of the plurality of buffer element identifiers indicating each of a plurality of buffer elements within the buffer description indicated by the buffer description identifier, each of the plurality of buffer elements corresponding to each of a plurality of reference pictures and (iii) a plurality of picture identifiers, each of the plurality of picture identifiers for reassigning each of the plurality of reference pictures to be associated with each of the plurality of buffer elements within the buffer description indicated by the buffer description identifier; selecting one buffer description indicated by the buffer description identifier from the plurality of buffer descriptions for decoding a slice included in the coded video bitstream; parsing, from a picture parameter set, a flag which indicates whether reassigning the plurality of reference pictures to be associated with each of the plurality of buffer elements within the selected one buffer description is to be executed or not; reassigning, using the plurality of picture identifiers, the plurality of reference pictures to be associated with each of the plurality of buffer elements within the selected one buffer description, all the plurality of reference pictures existing in the selected one buffer description when the flag indicates the reassigning is to be executed; decoding the slice from the coded video bitstream using a slice header and the selected one buffer description which is reassigned when the flag indicates that the reassigning is to be executed; not reassigning the plurality of reference pictures to be associated with each of the plurality of buffer elements within the selected one buffer description when the flag indicates that the reassigning is not to be executed; and decoding the slice using the slice header and the selected one buffer description which is not reassigned when the reassigning is not to be executed. 2. The method according to claim 1,
wherein the first standard is High Efficiency Video Coding Standard. | A method of encoding video including: writing a plurality of predetermined buffer descriptions into a sequence parameter set of a coded video bitstream; writing a plurality of updating parameters into a slice header of the coded video bitstream for selecting and modifying one buffer description out of the plurality of buffer descriptions; and encoding a slice into the coded video bitstream using the slice header and the modified buffer description.1. A method comprising:
decoding a flag which indicates whether a coded video bitstream conforms to a first standard or other standards; when the flag indicates the coded video bitstream conforms to the first standard, parsing a plurality of buffer descriptions from a sequence parameter set of the coded video bitstream; parsing (i) a buffer description identifier which indicates a buffer description out of the plurality of buffer descriptions, (ii) a plurality of buffer element identifiers, each of the plurality of buffer element identifiers indicating each of a plurality of buffer elements within the buffer description indicated by the buffer description identifier, each of the plurality of buffer elements corresponding to each of a plurality of reference pictures and (iii) a plurality of picture identifiers, each of the plurality of picture identifiers for reassigning each of the plurality of reference pictures to be associated with each of the plurality of buffer elements within the buffer description indicated by the buffer description identifier; selecting one buffer description indicated by the buffer description identifier from the plurality of buffer descriptions for decoding a slice included in the coded video bitstream; parsing, from a picture parameter set, a flag which indicates whether reassigning the plurality of reference pictures to be associated with each of the plurality of buffer elements within the selected one buffer description is to be executed or not; reassigning, using the plurality of picture identifiers, the plurality of reference pictures to be associated with each of the plurality of buffer elements within the selected one buffer description, all the plurality of reference pictures existing in the selected one buffer description when the flag indicates the reassigning is to be executed; decoding the slice from the coded video bitstream using a slice header and the selected one buffer description which is reassigned when the flag indicates that the reassigning is to be executed; not reassigning the plurality of reference pictures to be associated with each of the plurality of buffer elements within the selected one buffer description when the flag indicates that the reassigning is not to be executed; and decoding the slice using the slice header and the selected one buffer description which is not reassigned when the reassigning is not to be executed. 2. The method according to claim 1,
wherein the first standard is High Efficiency Video Coding Standard. | 3,700 |
348,548 | 16,806,029 | 3,773 | A data storage device is disclosed comprising a first disk comprising a first disk surface, a second disk comprising a second disk surface, an actuator arm, a head coupled to a distal end of the actuator arm, and a ramp for loading/unloading the head. A first elevator actuator is configured to actuate the actuator arm along an axial dimension relative to the first and second disks, and a second elevator actuator is configured to actuate at least part of the ramp along the axial dimension, wherein a simultaneous movement of the first and second elevator actuators is synchronized. | 1. A data storage device comprising:
a first disk comprising a first disk surface; a second disk comprising a second disk surface; an actuator arm; a head coupled to a distal end of the actuator arm; a ramp for loading/unloading the head; a first elevator actuator configured to actuate the actuator arm along an axial dimension relative to the first and second disks; a second elevator actuator configured to actuate at least part of the ramp along the axial dimension; a radial actuator configured to actuate the head radially over the first disk surface or the second disk surface; and control circuitry configured to synchronize a simultaneous movement of the first and second elevator actuators. 2. The data storage device as recited in claim 1, wherein:
the first elevator actuator comprises a first lead screw; the second elevator actuator comprises a second lead screw; and synchronizing the simultaneous movement of the first and second elevator actuators compensates for a difference in pitch between the first lead screw and the second lead screw. 3. The data storage device as recited in claim 2, wherein the control circuitry is further configured to synchronize the simultaneous movement of the first and second elevator actuators by:
measuring a first pitch of the first lead screw; measuring a second pitch of the second lead screw; and generating a velocity command for at least one of the first or second elevator actuators based on a ratio of the first pitch to the second pitch. 4. The data storage device as recited in claim 3, wherein the control circuitry is further configured to measure the first pitch by:
rotating the first lead screw by n revolutions; measuring an axial displacement of the actuator arm; and measuring the first pitch by dividing the measured axial displacement by n. 5. A data storage device comprising:
a first disk comprising a first disk surface; a second disk comprising a second disk surface; an actuator arm; a head coupled to a distal end of the actuator arm; a ramp for loading/unloading the head; a first elevator actuator configured to actuate the actuator arm along an axial dimension relative to the first and second disks, wherein the first elevator actuator comprises a first lead screw having a first pitch; a second elevator actuator configured to actuate at least part of the ramp along the axial dimension, wherein the second elevator actuator comprises a second lead screw having a second pitch; a radial actuator configured to actuate the head radially over the first disk surface or the second disk surface; and control circuitry configured to measure the first pitch of the first lead screw and measure a second pitch of the second lead screw. 6. The data storage device as recited in claim 5, wherein the control circuitry is further configured to synchronize a simultaneous movement of the first and second elevator actuators based on the first pitch and the second pitch. 7. The data storage device as recited in claim 6, wherein the control circuitry is further configured to synchronize the simultaneous movement of the first and second elevator actuators by generating a velocity command for at least one of the first or second elevator actuators based on a ratio of the first pitch to the second pitch. 8. The data storage device as recited in claim 5, wherein the control circuitry is further configured to measure the first pitch by:
rotating the first lead screw by n revolutions; measuring an axial displacement of the actuator arm; and measuring the first pitch by dividing the measured axial displacement by n. 9. A data storage device comprising:
a first disk comprising a first disk surface; a second disk comprising a second disk surface; an actuator arm; a head coupled to a distal end of the actuator arm; a ramp for loading/unloading the head; a first elevator actuator configured to actuate the actuator arm along an axial dimension relative to the first and second disks; a second elevator actuator configured to actuate at least part of the ramp along the axial dimension; a radial actuator configured to actuate the head radially over the first disk surface or the second disk surface; and a means for synchronizing a simultaneous movement of the first and second elevator actuators. 10. The data storage device as recited in claim 9, wherein:
the first elevator actuator comprises a first lead screw; the second elevator actuator comprises a second lead screw; and the means for synchronizing the simultaneous movement of the first and second elevator actuators comprises a means for measuring a first pitch of the first lead screw and a second pitch of the second lead screw. | A data storage device is disclosed comprising a first disk comprising a first disk surface, a second disk comprising a second disk surface, an actuator arm, a head coupled to a distal end of the actuator arm, and a ramp for loading/unloading the head. A first elevator actuator is configured to actuate the actuator arm along an axial dimension relative to the first and second disks, and a second elevator actuator is configured to actuate at least part of the ramp along the axial dimension, wherein a simultaneous movement of the first and second elevator actuators is synchronized.1. A data storage device comprising:
a first disk comprising a first disk surface; a second disk comprising a second disk surface; an actuator arm; a head coupled to a distal end of the actuator arm; a ramp for loading/unloading the head; a first elevator actuator configured to actuate the actuator arm along an axial dimension relative to the first and second disks; a second elevator actuator configured to actuate at least part of the ramp along the axial dimension; a radial actuator configured to actuate the head radially over the first disk surface or the second disk surface; and control circuitry configured to synchronize a simultaneous movement of the first and second elevator actuators. 2. The data storage device as recited in claim 1, wherein:
the first elevator actuator comprises a first lead screw; the second elevator actuator comprises a second lead screw; and synchronizing the simultaneous movement of the first and second elevator actuators compensates for a difference in pitch between the first lead screw and the second lead screw. 3. The data storage device as recited in claim 2, wherein the control circuitry is further configured to synchronize the simultaneous movement of the first and second elevator actuators by:
measuring a first pitch of the first lead screw; measuring a second pitch of the second lead screw; and generating a velocity command for at least one of the first or second elevator actuators based on a ratio of the first pitch to the second pitch. 4. The data storage device as recited in claim 3, wherein the control circuitry is further configured to measure the first pitch by:
rotating the first lead screw by n revolutions; measuring an axial displacement of the actuator arm; and measuring the first pitch by dividing the measured axial displacement by n. 5. A data storage device comprising:
a first disk comprising a first disk surface; a second disk comprising a second disk surface; an actuator arm; a head coupled to a distal end of the actuator arm; a ramp for loading/unloading the head; a first elevator actuator configured to actuate the actuator arm along an axial dimension relative to the first and second disks, wherein the first elevator actuator comprises a first lead screw having a first pitch; a second elevator actuator configured to actuate at least part of the ramp along the axial dimension, wherein the second elevator actuator comprises a second lead screw having a second pitch; a radial actuator configured to actuate the head radially over the first disk surface or the second disk surface; and control circuitry configured to measure the first pitch of the first lead screw and measure a second pitch of the second lead screw. 6. The data storage device as recited in claim 5, wherein the control circuitry is further configured to synchronize a simultaneous movement of the first and second elevator actuators based on the first pitch and the second pitch. 7. The data storage device as recited in claim 6, wherein the control circuitry is further configured to synchronize the simultaneous movement of the first and second elevator actuators by generating a velocity command for at least one of the first or second elevator actuators based on a ratio of the first pitch to the second pitch. 8. The data storage device as recited in claim 5, wherein the control circuitry is further configured to measure the first pitch by:
rotating the first lead screw by n revolutions; measuring an axial displacement of the actuator arm; and measuring the first pitch by dividing the measured axial displacement by n. 9. A data storage device comprising:
a first disk comprising a first disk surface; a second disk comprising a second disk surface; an actuator arm; a head coupled to a distal end of the actuator arm; a ramp for loading/unloading the head; a first elevator actuator configured to actuate the actuator arm along an axial dimension relative to the first and second disks; a second elevator actuator configured to actuate at least part of the ramp along the axial dimension; a radial actuator configured to actuate the head radially over the first disk surface or the second disk surface; and a means for synchronizing a simultaneous movement of the first and second elevator actuators. 10. The data storage device as recited in claim 9, wherein:
the first elevator actuator comprises a first lead screw; the second elevator actuator comprises a second lead screw; and the means for synchronizing the simultaneous movement of the first and second elevator actuators comprises a means for measuring a first pitch of the first lead screw and a second pitch of the second lead screw. | 3,700 |
348,549 | 16,806,031 | 3,773 | One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for migrating a trust relationship. For example, a first storage cluster and a second storage cluster have a disaster recovery relationship where the second storage cluster provides failover client access to replicated data, replicated from the first storage cluster to the second storage cluster, in the event the first storage cluster fails. The first storage cluster may have a trust relationship with a third storage cluster, such that data is mirrored from a volume of the first storage cluster into a mirrored volume of the third storage cluster based upon the trust relationship. In the event the first storage cluster fails over to the second storage cluster due to a disaster at the first storage cluster, the trust relationship is migrated to be between the second storage cluster and the third storage cluster for non-disruptive mirroring of data to the mirrored volume. | 1. A method comprising:
hosting a first virtual machine at a first node, wherein a client device is provided with read and write access to first storage provided by the first virtual machine; hosting a second virtual machine at a second node; in response to receiving a request from the client device to establish a trust relationship between the first virtual machine and the second virtual machine, establishing the trust relationship to specify the first node as data mirroring source for the second node; mirroring user data and configuration data from the first storage of the first virtual machine to second storage provided by the second virtual machine based upon the trust relationship being established; and providing the client device with read and write access to the second storage. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first storage provided by the first virtual machine comprises cloud storage of a data cloud. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the second storage provided by the second virtual machine comprises cloud storage of a data cloud. 4. The method of claim 1, comprising:
detecting that the trust relationship is broken based upon the first node failing, wherein the mirroring of the user data and the configuration data is stopped based upon the trust relationship breaking. 5. The method of claim 4, comprising:
in response to determining that the first node has recovered from the failure, automatically creating a restored trust relationship between the first virtual machine as the second virtual machine. 6. The method of claim 5, comprising:
resuming the mirroring of the user data and the configuration data based upon the restored trust relationship being automatically created. 7. The method of claim 1, comprising:
establishing a non-disaster recovery relationship between the first node and the second node. 8. The method of claim 1, comprising:
establishing the trust relationship based upon an agreement by a storage administrator of the first node. 9. The method of claim 1, comprising:
establishing the trust relationship based upon an agreement by a storage administrator of the second node. 10. The method of claim 1, comprising:
providing the client device with volume mount access through second virtual machine based upon the trust relationship. 11. The method of claim 1, comprising:
providing the client device with volume level operations through second virtual machine based upon the trust relationship. 12. A computing device, comprising:
a processor; and a memory containing instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to:
host a first virtual machine at a first node, wherein a client device is provided with read and write access to first cloud storage provided by the first virtual machine;
host a second virtual machine at a second node;
in response to receiving a request from the client device to establish a trust relationship between the first virtual machine and the second virtual machine, establish the trust relationship to specify the first node as data mirroring source for the second node;
mirror data from the first cloud storage of the first virtual machine to second cloud storage provided by the second virtual machine based upon the trust relationship being established; and
provide the client device with read and write access to the second cloud storage. 13. The computing device of claim 12, wherein the instructions cause the processor to:
detect that the trust relationship is broken based upon the first node failing, wherein the mirroring of the data is stopped based upon the trust relationship breaking. 14. The computing device of claim 13, wherein the instructions cause the processor to: in response to determining that the first node has recovered from the failure, automatically create a restored trust relationship between the first virtual machine as the second virtual machine. 15. The computing device of claim 14, wherein the instructions cause the processor to:
resume the mirroring of the data based upon the restored trust relationship being automatically created. 16. A non-transitory machine readable medium comprising instructions for performing a method, which when executed by a machine, causes the machine to:
host a first virtual machine at a first node, wherein a client device is provided with read and write access to first cloud storage provided by the first virtual machine; host a second virtual machine at a second node; establish a trust relationship to specify the first node as data mirroring source for the second node; mirror data from the first cloud storage of the first virtual machine to second cloud storage provided by the second virtual machine based upon the trust relationship being established; and provide the client device with read and write access to the second cloud storage. 17. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 16, wherein the instructions cause the machine to:
detect that the trust relationship is broken based upon the first node failing, wherein the mirroring of the data is stopped based upon the trust relationship breaking. 18. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 17, wherein the instructions cause the machine to:
in response to determining that the first node has recovered from the failure, automatically create a restored trust relationship between the first virtual machine as the second virtual machine. 19. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 18, wherein the instructions cause the machine to:
resume the mirroring of the data based upon the restored trust relationship being automatically created. 20. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 16, wherein the instructions cause the machine to:
provide the client device with volume level operations through second virtual machine based upon the trust relationship. | One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for migrating a trust relationship. For example, a first storage cluster and a second storage cluster have a disaster recovery relationship where the second storage cluster provides failover client access to replicated data, replicated from the first storage cluster to the second storage cluster, in the event the first storage cluster fails. The first storage cluster may have a trust relationship with a third storage cluster, such that data is mirrored from a volume of the first storage cluster into a mirrored volume of the third storage cluster based upon the trust relationship. In the event the first storage cluster fails over to the second storage cluster due to a disaster at the first storage cluster, the trust relationship is migrated to be between the second storage cluster and the third storage cluster for non-disruptive mirroring of data to the mirrored volume.1. A method comprising:
hosting a first virtual machine at a first node, wherein a client device is provided with read and write access to first storage provided by the first virtual machine; hosting a second virtual machine at a second node; in response to receiving a request from the client device to establish a trust relationship between the first virtual machine and the second virtual machine, establishing the trust relationship to specify the first node as data mirroring source for the second node; mirroring user data and configuration data from the first storage of the first virtual machine to second storage provided by the second virtual machine based upon the trust relationship being established; and providing the client device with read and write access to the second storage. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first storage provided by the first virtual machine comprises cloud storage of a data cloud. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the second storage provided by the second virtual machine comprises cloud storage of a data cloud. 4. The method of claim 1, comprising:
detecting that the trust relationship is broken based upon the first node failing, wherein the mirroring of the user data and the configuration data is stopped based upon the trust relationship breaking. 5. The method of claim 4, comprising:
in response to determining that the first node has recovered from the failure, automatically creating a restored trust relationship between the first virtual machine as the second virtual machine. 6. The method of claim 5, comprising:
resuming the mirroring of the user data and the configuration data based upon the restored trust relationship being automatically created. 7. The method of claim 1, comprising:
establishing a non-disaster recovery relationship between the first node and the second node. 8. The method of claim 1, comprising:
establishing the trust relationship based upon an agreement by a storage administrator of the first node. 9. The method of claim 1, comprising:
establishing the trust relationship based upon an agreement by a storage administrator of the second node. 10. The method of claim 1, comprising:
providing the client device with volume mount access through second virtual machine based upon the trust relationship. 11. The method of claim 1, comprising:
providing the client device with volume level operations through second virtual machine based upon the trust relationship. 12. A computing device, comprising:
a processor; and a memory containing instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to:
host a first virtual machine at a first node, wherein a client device is provided with read and write access to first cloud storage provided by the first virtual machine;
host a second virtual machine at a second node;
in response to receiving a request from the client device to establish a trust relationship between the first virtual machine and the second virtual machine, establish the trust relationship to specify the first node as data mirroring source for the second node;
mirror data from the first cloud storage of the first virtual machine to second cloud storage provided by the second virtual machine based upon the trust relationship being established; and
provide the client device with read and write access to the second cloud storage. 13. The computing device of claim 12, wherein the instructions cause the processor to:
detect that the trust relationship is broken based upon the first node failing, wherein the mirroring of the data is stopped based upon the trust relationship breaking. 14. The computing device of claim 13, wherein the instructions cause the processor to: in response to determining that the first node has recovered from the failure, automatically create a restored trust relationship between the first virtual machine as the second virtual machine. 15. The computing device of claim 14, wherein the instructions cause the processor to:
resume the mirroring of the data based upon the restored trust relationship being automatically created. 16. A non-transitory machine readable medium comprising instructions for performing a method, which when executed by a machine, causes the machine to:
host a first virtual machine at a first node, wherein a client device is provided with read and write access to first cloud storage provided by the first virtual machine; host a second virtual machine at a second node; establish a trust relationship to specify the first node as data mirroring source for the second node; mirror data from the first cloud storage of the first virtual machine to second cloud storage provided by the second virtual machine based upon the trust relationship being established; and provide the client device with read and write access to the second cloud storage. 17. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 16, wherein the instructions cause the machine to:
detect that the trust relationship is broken based upon the first node failing, wherein the mirroring of the data is stopped based upon the trust relationship breaking. 18. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 17, wherein the instructions cause the machine to:
in response to determining that the first node has recovered from the failure, automatically create a restored trust relationship between the first virtual machine as the second virtual machine. 19. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 18, wherein the instructions cause the machine to:
resume the mirroring of the data based upon the restored trust relationship being automatically created. 20. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 16, wherein the instructions cause the machine to:
provide the client device with volume level operations through second virtual machine based upon the trust relationship. | 3,700 |
348,550 | 16,806,010 | 3,773 | In an embodiment, a circuit includes a Direct Current (DC)-DC buck-boost converter and a controller. The controller includes an error amplifier configured to receive a feedback signal responsive to an output signal of the buck-boost converter. The error amplifier is configured to compare the feedback signal and a reference signal to generate an error signal. The controller includes a modulator circuit that is configured to receive the error signal and compare the error signal with a periodic ramp signal to generate a modulated signal. The controller further includes a digital logic block to generate switching signals in response to the modulated signal that is fed to the buck-boost converter to control the output signal of the buck-boost converter. The controller includes a capacitance multiplier circuit coupled to the output of the error amplifier to configure a dominant pole so as to compensate the buck-boost converter. | 1. A circuit comprising:
a first compensation circuit that includes:
a first resistor coupled between a first node and a second node;
a first capacitor coupled between the first node and the second node; and
a second resistor coupled between the second node and a ground node;
a first amplifier that includes a first input coupled to the second node, a second input coupled to receive a reference voltage, and an output configured to provide an error signal; a modulator that includes a first input coupled to receive a ramp signal, a second input coupled to the output of the first amplifier to receive the error signal, and an output configured to provide a modulation signal; a second compensation circuit that includes:
a third resistor coupled between the output of the first amplifier and a third node;
a second amplifier that includes a first input coupled to the third node, a second input, and an output coupled to the second input;
a fourth resistor coupled to the output of the second amplifier;
a fifth resistor coupled between the fourth resistor and the third node; and
a second capacitor coupled between the third node and the ground node; and
a switching circuit that includes an input coupled to the output of the modulator to receive the modulation signal and a set of outputs configured to couple to a power converter, wherein the first node is configured to couple to an output of the power converter. 2. The circuit of claim 1 further comprising a ramp generator that includes an output coupled to the first input of the modulator to provide the ramp signal. 3. The circuit of claim 1, wherein:
a ratio of resistance of the fourth resistor to resistance of the fifth resistor is a value K; and the second amplifier is configured to provide, at the third node, an equivalent capacitance of K times a capacitance of the second capacitor. 4. The circuit of claim 3, wherein the equivalent capacitance and a resistance of the third resistor are configured to produce a zero in a transfer function of the power converter. 5. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the first input of the first amplifier is an inverting input. 6. The circuit of claim 5, wherein the first amplifier is an inverting amplifier. 7. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the modulator is a pulse-width modulator. 8. The circuit of claim 1 further comprising the power converter. 9. The circuit of claim 8, wherein the power converter includes a DC-DC buck-boost converter. 10. The circuit of claim 9, wherein the DC-DC buck-boost converter includes:
a first switch coupled between a power supply voltage and a fourth node; a second switch coupled between the fourth node and the ground node; an inductor having a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal of the inductor coupled to the fourth node; a third switch coupled between the second terminal of the inductor with the ground node; and a third capacitor having a first terminal and a second terminal; and a fourth switch coupled between the second terminal of the inductor with the first terminal of the third capacitor, wherein the second terminal of the third capacitor is coupled to the ground node, and wherein the first switch and the third switch are controlled by a first switching signal provided by the switching circuit and the second switch and the fourth switch are controlled by a second switching signal provided by the switching circuit. 11. A circuit comprising:
a first compensation circuit that includes:
a first resistor and a first capacitor coupled in parallel between a first node and a feedback node;
a second resistor coupled between the first node and a ground node;
a first amplifier that includes a first input coupled to the first node, a second input coupled to receive a reference voltage, and an output configured to provide an error signal; a modulator that includes a first input coupled to receive a ramp signal, a second input coupled to the output of the first amplifier to receive the error signal, and an output configured to provide a modulation signal; a second compensation circuit that includes:
a capacitance multiplier circuit; and
a third resistor coupled between the output of the first amplifier and the capacitance multiplier circuit; and
a switching circuit that includes an input coupled to the output of the modulator to receive the modulation signal and a set of outputs configured to couple to a power converter, wherein the feedback node is configured to couple to an output of the power converter. 12. The circuit of claim 11, wherein the capacitance multiplier circuit includes:
a second amplifier that includes a first input coupled to a third node, a second input, and an output coupled to the second input; a fourth resistor coupled to the output of the second amplifier; a fifth resistor coupled between the fourth resistor and the third node; and a second capacitor coupled between the third node and the ground node. 13. The circuit of claim 12, wherein:
a ratio of resistance of the fourth resistor to resistance of the fifth resistor is a value K; and the second amplifier is configured to provide, at the third node, an equivalent capacitance of K times a capacitance of the second capacitor. 14. The circuit of claim 13, wherein the equivalent capacitance and a resistance of the third resistor are configured to produce a zero in a transfer function of the power converter. 15. The circuit of claim 11, wherein the third resistor is a variable resistor. 16. The circuit of claim 11 further comprising a ramp generator that includes an output coupled to the first input of the modulator to provide the ramp signal. 17. The circuit of claim 11, wherein the first input of the first amplifier is an inverting input and the first amplifier is an inverting amplifier. 18. The circuit of claim 11, wherein the modulator is a pulse-width modulator. 19. The circuit of claim 11 further comprising the power converter. 20. The circuit of claim 19, wherein the power converter includes a DC-DC buck-boost converter. | In an embodiment, a circuit includes a Direct Current (DC)-DC buck-boost converter and a controller. The controller includes an error amplifier configured to receive a feedback signal responsive to an output signal of the buck-boost converter. The error amplifier is configured to compare the feedback signal and a reference signal to generate an error signal. The controller includes a modulator circuit that is configured to receive the error signal and compare the error signal with a periodic ramp signal to generate a modulated signal. The controller further includes a digital logic block to generate switching signals in response to the modulated signal that is fed to the buck-boost converter to control the output signal of the buck-boost converter. The controller includes a capacitance multiplier circuit coupled to the output of the error amplifier to configure a dominant pole so as to compensate the buck-boost converter.1. A circuit comprising:
a first compensation circuit that includes:
a first resistor coupled between a first node and a second node;
a first capacitor coupled between the first node and the second node; and
a second resistor coupled between the second node and a ground node;
a first amplifier that includes a first input coupled to the second node, a second input coupled to receive a reference voltage, and an output configured to provide an error signal; a modulator that includes a first input coupled to receive a ramp signal, a second input coupled to the output of the first amplifier to receive the error signal, and an output configured to provide a modulation signal; a second compensation circuit that includes:
a third resistor coupled between the output of the first amplifier and a third node;
a second amplifier that includes a first input coupled to the third node, a second input, and an output coupled to the second input;
a fourth resistor coupled to the output of the second amplifier;
a fifth resistor coupled between the fourth resistor and the third node; and
a second capacitor coupled between the third node and the ground node; and
a switching circuit that includes an input coupled to the output of the modulator to receive the modulation signal and a set of outputs configured to couple to a power converter, wherein the first node is configured to couple to an output of the power converter. 2. The circuit of claim 1 further comprising a ramp generator that includes an output coupled to the first input of the modulator to provide the ramp signal. 3. The circuit of claim 1, wherein:
a ratio of resistance of the fourth resistor to resistance of the fifth resistor is a value K; and the second amplifier is configured to provide, at the third node, an equivalent capacitance of K times a capacitance of the second capacitor. 4. The circuit of claim 3, wherein the equivalent capacitance and a resistance of the third resistor are configured to produce a zero in a transfer function of the power converter. 5. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the first input of the first amplifier is an inverting input. 6. The circuit of claim 5, wherein the first amplifier is an inverting amplifier. 7. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the modulator is a pulse-width modulator. 8. The circuit of claim 1 further comprising the power converter. 9. The circuit of claim 8, wherein the power converter includes a DC-DC buck-boost converter. 10. The circuit of claim 9, wherein the DC-DC buck-boost converter includes:
a first switch coupled between a power supply voltage and a fourth node; a second switch coupled between the fourth node and the ground node; an inductor having a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal of the inductor coupled to the fourth node; a third switch coupled between the second terminal of the inductor with the ground node; and a third capacitor having a first terminal and a second terminal; and a fourth switch coupled between the second terminal of the inductor with the first terminal of the third capacitor, wherein the second terminal of the third capacitor is coupled to the ground node, and wherein the first switch and the third switch are controlled by a first switching signal provided by the switching circuit and the second switch and the fourth switch are controlled by a second switching signal provided by the switching circuit. 11. A circuit comprising:
a first compensation circuit that includes:
a first resistor and a first capacitor coupled in parallel between a first node and a feedback node;
a second resistor coupled between the first node and a ground node;
a first amplifier that includes a first input coupled to the first node, a second input coupled to receive a reference voltage, and an output configured to provide an error signal; a modulator that includes a first input coupled to receive a ramp signal, a second input coupled to the output of the first amplifier to receive the error signal, and an output configured to provide a modulation signal; a second compensation circuit that includes:
a capacitance multiplier circuit; and
a third resistor coupled between the output of the first amplifier and the capacitance multiplier circuit; and
a switching circuit that includes an input coupled to the output of the modulator to receive the modulation signal and a set of outputs configured to couple to a power converter, wherein the feedback node is configured to couple to an output of the power converter. 12. The circuit of claim 11, wherein the capacitance multiplier circuit includes:
a second amplifier that includes a first input coupled to a third node, a second input, and an output coupled to the second input; a fourth resistor coupled to the output of the second amplifier; a fifth resistor coupled between the fourth resistor and the third node; and a second capacitor coupled between the third node and the ground node. 13. The circuit of claim 12, wherein:
a ratio of resistance of the fourth resistor to resistance of the fifth resistor is a value K; and the second amplifier is configured to provide, at the third node, an equivalent capacitance of K times a capacitance of the second capacitor. 14. The circuit of claim 13, wherein the equivalent capacitance and a resistance of the third resistor are configured to produce a zero in a transfer function of the power converter. 15. The circuit of claim 11, wherein the third resistor is a variable resistor. 16. The circuit of claim 11 further comprising a ramp generator that includes an output coupled to the first input of the modulator to provide the ramp signal. 17. The circuit of claim 11, wherein the first input of the first amplifier is an inverting input and the first amplifier is an inverting amplifier. 18. The circuit of claim 11, wherein the modulator is a pulse-width modulator. 19. The circuit of claim 11 further comprising the power converter. 20. The circuit of claim 19, wherein the power converter includes a DC-DC buck-boost converter. | 3,700 |
348,551 | 16,806,064 | 3,773 | The present disclosure relates to a processing tool that includes a first wafer-mounting frame and a second wafer-mounting frame. The first wafer-mounting frame is configured to retain a target wafer. The second wafer-mounting frame is configured to retain a masking wafer. The masking wafer includes a mask pattern made up of a number of openings passing through the masking wafer to correspond to a predetermined deposition pattern to be formed on the target wafer. A deposition chamber is configured to receive the first and second wafer-mounting frames, when the first and second wafer-mounting frames are clamped together to retain the target wafer and the masking wafer. The deposition chamber includes a material deposition source configured to deposit material from the material deposition source through the number of openings in the mask pattern to form the material in the predetermined deposition pattern on the target wafer. | 1. A processing tool, comprising:
a first wafer-mounting frame including a first engagement face and a first coupling assembly, wherein the first engagement face is configured to retain a target wafer; a second wafer-mounting frame including a second engagement face and a second coupling assembly configured to engage the first coupling assembly to couple the first wafer-mounting frame to the second wafer-mounting frame, the second wafer-mounting frame configured to retain a masking wafer on the second engagement face, wherein the masking wafer includes a mask pattern made up of a number of openings passing through the masking wafer to correspond to a predetermined deposition pattern to be formed on the target wafer; and a deposition chamber configured to receive the first and second wafer-mounting frames when the first and second coupling assemblies are engaged to retain the target wafer and the masking wafer, the deposition chamber including a material deposition source configured to deposit material from the material deposition source through the number of openings in the mask pattern to form the material in the predetermined deposition pattern on the target wafer. 2. The processing tool of claim 1, further comprising:
a robotic assembly configured to arrange an imaging device between the target wafer and the masking wafer, the imaging device configured to determine position of a target alignment mark on the target wafer and a masking alignment mark on the masking wafer; and an alignment assembly configured to move at least one wafer of the masking wafer and the target wafer along a first linear axis along a face of the at least one wafer, to move the at least one wafer along a second linear axis along the face of the at least one wafer and perpendicular to the first linear axis, and/or to move the at least one wafer through a rotation on the face of the at least one wafer to align the target alignment mark with the masking alignment mark. 3. The processing tool of claim 1, wherein the first engagement face includes a window passing through the first engagement face, the window configured to allow viewing of a target alignment mark on the target wafer. 4. The processing tool of claim 3, further comprising:
an imaging device configured to image the target alignment mark on the target wafer and to image a masking alignment mark on the masking wafer through the window; and an alignment assembly configured to move at least one wafer of the masking wafer and the target wafer along a first linear axis along a face of the at least one wafer, along a second linear axis along the face of the wafer and perpendicular to the first linear axis, and/or through a rotation on the face of the wafer to align the target alignment mark with the masking alignment mark. 5. The processing tool of claim 1:
wherein the first wafer-mounting frame includes a first retaining ring extending from the first engagement face to laterally surround the target wafer; and wherein the second wafer-mounting frame includes a second retaining ring extending from the second engagement face to laterally surround the masking wafer. 6. The processing tool of claim 5, wherein the first coupling assembly is arranged on the first retaining ring. 7. The processing tool of claim 5, wherein the second coupling assembly is arranged on the second retaining ring. 8. The processing tool of claim 1, wherein the target wafer is a first semiconductor wafer having a first outer diameter, and the masking wafer is a second semiconductor wafer having a second outer diameter equal to the first outer diameter. 9. A method for processing wafers, comprising:
retaining a target wafer on a first wafer-mounting frame; retaining a first masking wafer on a second wafer-mounting frame, wherein the first masking wafer includes a first mask pattern made up of a first number of openings passing through the first masking wafer, the first mask pattern corresponding to a first predetermined deposition pattern to be formed on the target wafer; measuring a first amount of misalignment between a target alignment mark on the target wafer and a first alignment mark on the first masking wafer, and moving at least one of the target wafer and the first masking wafer to reduce the first amount of misalignment, thereby aligning the first masking wafer and the target wafer; clamping the first wafer-mounting frame to the second wafer-mounting frame after the first masking wafer and the target wafer have been aligned; arranging the clamped first and second wafer-mounting frames, which include the aligned target wafer and the first masking wafer, before a first deposition source; and providing first material from the first deposition source through the first number of openings on the first masking wafer to form the first material according to the first predetermined deposition pattern on the target wafer. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the first amount of misalignment between the target alignment mark and the first alignment mark is measured while the target wafer is retained in the first wafer-mounting frame and the first masking wafer is retained in the second wafer-mounting frame. 11. The method of claim 9, wherein moving at least one wafer of the first masking wafer and the target wafer includes moving the at least one wafer along a first linear axis along a face of the at least one wafer, along a second linear axis along the face of the wafer and perpendicular to the first linear axis, and through a rotation on the face of the wafer. 12. The method of claim 9, further comprising:
un-clamping the first wafer-mounting frame from the second wafer-mounting frame after the first material has been formed according to the first predetermined deposition pattern on the target wafer; and removing the first masking wafer from the second wafer-mounting frame. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising:
retaining a second masking wafer on the second wafer-mounting frame, wherein the second masking wafer includes a second mask pattern made up of a second number of openings passing through the second masking wafer, the second mask pattern corresponding to a second predetermined deposition pattern to be formed on the target wafer and differing from the first mask pattern; measuring a second amount of misalignment between the target alignment mark on the target wafer and a second alignment mark on the second masking wafer, and moving at least one of the second masking wafer and the target wafer to reduce the second amount of misalignment, thereby aligning the second masking wafer and the target wafer; clamping the first wafer-mounting frame to the second wafer-mounting frame while the target wafer and the second masking wafer are aligned; arranging the clamped first and second wafer-mounting frames, which include the aligned target wafer and the second masking wafer, before a second deposition source; and providing second material from the second deposition source through the second number of openings on the second masking wafer to form the second material according to the second predetermined deposition pattern on the target wafer. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first material of the first deposition source corresponds to a first emissive material for an organic light emitting diode, and wherein the second material of the second deposition source corresponds to a second emissive material for the organic light emitting diode, the first emissive material differing from the second emissive material. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first emissive material is a first organic material configured to emit light of a first color and the second emissive material is a second organic material configured to emit light of a second color that is different from the first color. 16. A method for processing wafers in a cluster tool, comprising:
transferring a target wafer including an anode layer from a transfer load lock to a first processing chamber through a first transfer chamber using a first transfer robot; in the first processing chamber, forming a hole injection layer over the anode layer; transferring the target wafer including the hole injection layer from the first processing chamber to a second processing chamber using the first transfer robot; in the second processing chamber, forming a hole transport layer over the hole injection layer; in a third processing chamber, retaining the target wafer including the hole transport layer on a first wafer-mounting frame; retaining a first masking wafer on a second wafer-mounting frame, wherein the first masking wafer includes a first mask pattern made up of a first number of openings passing through the first masking wafer, the first mask pattern corresponding to a first predetermined deposition pattern to be formed on the target wafer; measuring a first amount of misalignment between a target alignment mark on the target wafer and a first alignment mark on the first masking wafer, and moving at least one of the first masking wafer and the target wafer to reduce the first amount of misalignment, thereby aligning the first masking wafer and the target wafer; clamping the first wafer-mounting frame to the second wafer-mounting frame after the first masking wafer and the target wafer have been aligned; and arranging the clamped first and second wafer-mounting frames, which include the aligned first masking wafer and the target wafer therein, in a third processing chamber, and depositing a first emissive material through the first number of openings on the first masking wafer to form the first emissive material according to the first predetermined deposition pattern on the target wafer. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
un-clamping the first wafer-mounting frame from the second wafer-mounting frame after the first emissive material has been formed according to the first predetermined deposition pattern on the target wafer; removing the first masking wafer from the second wafer-mounting frame. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
retaining a second masking wafer on the second wafer-mounting frame, wherein the second masking wafer includes a second mask pattern made up of a second number of openings passing through the second masking wafer, the second mask pattern corresponding to a second predetermined deposition pattern to be formed on the target wafer and differing from the first mask pattern; measuring a second amount of misalignment between the target alignment mark on the target wafer and a second alignment mark on the second masking wafer, and moving at least one of the second masking wafer and the target wafer to reduce the second amount of misalignment, thereby aligning the second masking wafer and the target wafer; clamping the first wafer-mounting frame to the second wafer-mounting frame while the target wafer and the second masking wafer are aligned; and arranging the clamped first and second wafer-mounting frames, which include the aligned target wafer and the second masking wafer, before a second deposition source; and providing second material from the second deposition source through the second number of openings on the second masking wafer to form the second material according to the second predetermined deposition pattern on the target wafer. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the first emissive material corresponds to a first organic material for an organic light emitting diode, and wherein corresponds to a second organic material for the organic light emitting diode, the first organic material differing from the second organic material. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the first organic material is configured to emit light of a first color and the second organic material is configured to emit light of a second color that is different from the first color. | The present disclosure relates to a processing tool that includes a first wafer-mounting frame and a second wafer-mounting frame. The first wafer-mounting frame is configured to retain a target wafer. The second wafer-mounting frame is configured to retain a masking wafer. The masking wafer includes a mask pattern made up of a number of openings passing through the masking wafer to correspond to a predetermined deposition pattern to be formed on the target wafer. A deposition chamber is configured to receive the first and second wafer-mounting frames, when the first and second wafer-mounting frames are clamped together to retain the target wafer and the masking wafer. The deposition chamber includes a material deposition source configured to deposit material from the material deposition source through the number of openings in the mask pattern to form the material in the predetermined deposition pattern on the target wafer.1. A processing tool, comprising:
a first wafer-mounting frame including a first engagement face and a first coupling assembly, wherein the first engagement face is configured to retain a target wafer; a second wafer-mounting frame including a second engagement face and a second coupling assembly configured to engage the first coupling assembly to couple the first wafer-mounting frame to the second wafer-mounting frame, the second wafer-mounting frame configured to retain a masking wafer on the second engagement face, wherein the masking wafer includes a mask pattern made up of a number of openings passing through the masking wafer to correspond to a predetermined deposition pattern to be formed on the target wafer; and a deposition chamber configured to receive the first and second wafer-mounting frames when the first and second coupling assemblies are engaged to retain the target wafer and the masking wafer, the deposition chamber including a material deposition source configured to deposit material from the material deposition source through the number of openings in the mask pattern to form the material in the predetermined deposition pattern on the target wafer. 2. The processing tool of claim 1, further comprising:
a robotic assembly configured to arrange an imaging device between the target wafer and the masking wafer, the imaging device configured to determine position of a target alignment mark on the target wafer and a masking alignment mark on the masking wafer; and an alignment assembly configured to move at least one wafer of the masking wafer and the target wafer along a first linear axis along a face of the at least one wafer, to move the at least one wafer along a second linear axis along the face of the at least one wafer and perpendicular to the first linear axis, and/or to move the at least one wafer through a rotation on the face of the at least one wafer to align the target alignment mark with the masking alignment mark. 3. The processing tool of claim 1, wherein the first engagement face includes a window passing through the first engagement face, the window configured to allow viewing of a target alignment mark on the target wafer. 4. The processing tool of claim 3, further comprising:
an imaging device configured to image the target alignment mark on the target wafer and to image a masking alignment mark on the masking wafer through the window; and an alignment assembly configured to move at least one wafer of the masking wafer and the target wafer along a first linear axis along a face of the at least one wafer, along a second linear axis along the face of the wafer and perpendicular to the first linear axis, and/or through a rotation on the face of the wafer to align the target alignment mark with the masking alignment mark. 5. The processing tool of claim 1:
wherein the first wafer-mounting frame includes a first retaining ring extending from the first engagement face to laterally surround the target wafer; and wherein the second wafer-mounting frame includes a second retaining ring extending from the second engagement face to laterally surround the masking wafer. 6. The processing tool of claim 5, wherein the first coupling assembly is arranged on the first retaining ring. 7. The processing tool of claim 5, wherein the second coupling assembly is arranged on the second retaining ring. 8. The processing tool of claim 1, wherein the target wafer is a first semiconductor wafer having a first outer diameter, and the masking wafer is a second semiconductor wafer having a second outer diameter equal to the first outer diameter. 9. A method for processing wafers, comprising:
retaining a target wafer on a first wafer-mounting frame; retaining a first masking wafer on a second wafer-mounting frame, wherein the first masking wafer includes a first mask pattern made up of a first number of openings passing through the first masking wafer, the first mask pattern corresponding to a first predetermined deposition pattern to be formed on the target wafer; measuring a first amount of misalignment between a target alignment mark on the target wafer and a first alignment mark on the first masking wafer, and moving at least one of the target wafer and the first masking wafer to reduce the first amount of misalignment, thereby aligning the first masking wafer and the target wafer; clamping the first wafer-mounting frame to the second wafer-mounting frame after the first masking wafer and the target wafer have been aligned; arranging the clamped first and second wafer-mounting frames, which include the aligned target wafer and the first masking wafer, before a first deposition source; and providing first material from the first deposition source through the first number of openings on the first masking wafer to form the first material according to the first predetermined deposition pattern on the target wafer. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the first amount of misalignment between the target alignment mark and the first alignment mark is measured while the target wafer is retained in the first wafer-mounting frame and the first masking wafer is retained in the second wafer-mounting frame. 11. The method of claim 9, wherein moving at least one wafer of the first masking wafer and the target wafer includes moving the at least one wafer along a first linear axis along a face of the at least one wafer, along a second linear axis along the face of the wafer and perpendicular to the first linear axis, and through a rotation on the face of the wafer. 12. The method of claim 9, further comprising:
un-clamping the first wafer-mounting frame from the second wafer-mounting frame after the first material has been formed according to the first predetermined deposition pattern on the target wafer; and removing the first masking wafer from the second wafer-mounting frame. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising:
retaining a second masking wafer on the second wafer-mounting frame, wherein the second masking wafer includes a second mask pattern made up of a second number of openings passing through the second masking wafer, the second mask pattern corresponding to a second predetermined deposition pattern to be formed on the target wafer and differing from the first mask pattern; measuring a second amount of misalignment between the target alignment mark on the target wafer and a second alignment mark on the second masking wafer, and moving at least one of the second masking wafer and the target wafer to reduce the second amount of misalignment, thereby aligning the second masking wafer and the target wafer; clamping the first wafer-mounting frame to the second wafer-mounting frame while the target wafer and the second masking wafer are aligned; arranging the clamped first and second wafer-mounting frames, which include the aligned target wafer and the second masking wafer, before a second deposition source; and providing second material from the second deposition source through the second number of openings on the second masking wafer to form the second material according to the second predetermined deposition pattern on the target wafer. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first material of the first deposition source corresponds to a first emissive material for an organic light emitting diode, and wherein the second material of the second deposition source corresponds to a second emissive material for the organic light emitting diode, the first emissive material differing from the second emissive material. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first emissive material is a first organic material configured to emit light of a first color and the second emissive material is a second organic material configured to emit light of a second color that is different from the first color. 16. A method for processing wafers in a cluster tool, comprising:
transferring a target wafer including an anode layer from a transfer load lock to a first processing chamber through a first transfer chamber using a first transfer robot; in the first processing chamber, forming a hole injection layer over the anode layer; transferring the target wafer including the hole injection layer from the first processing chamber to a second processing chamber using the first transfer robot; in the second processing chamber, forming a hole transport layer over the hole injection layer; in a third processing chamber, retaining the target wafer including the hole transport layer on a first wafer-mounting frame; retaining a first masking wafer on a second wafer-mounting frame, wherein the first masking wafer includes a first mask pattern made up of a first number of openings passing through the first masking wafer, the first mask pattern corresponding to a first predetermined deposition pattern to be formed on the target wafer; measuring a first amount of misalignment between a target alignment mark on the target wafer and a first alignment mark on the first masking wafer, and moving at least one of the first masking wafer and the target wafer to reduce the first amount of misalignment, thereby aligning the first masking wafer and the target wafer; clamping the first wafer-mounting frame to the second wafer-mounting frame after the first masking wafer and the target wafer have been aligned; and arranging the clamped first and second wafer-mounting frames, which include the aligned first masking wafer and the target wafer therein, in a third processing chamber, and depositing a first emissive material through the first number of openings on the first masking wafer to form the first emissive material according to the first predetermined deposition pattern on the target wafer. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
un-clamping the first wafer-mounting frame from the second wafer-mounting frame after the first emissive material has been formed according to the first predetermined deposition pattern on the target wafer; removing the first masking wafer from the second wafer-mounting frame. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
retaining a second masking wafer on the second wafer-mounting frame, wherein the second masking wafer includes a second mask pattern made up of a second number of openings passing through the second masking wafer, the second mask pattern corresponding to a second predetermined deposition pattern to be formed on the target wafer and differing from the first mask pattern; measuring a second amount of misalignment between the target alignment mark on the target wafer and a second alignment mark on the second masking wafer, and moving at least one of the second masking wafer and the target wafer to reduce the second amount of misalignment, thereby aligning the second masking wafer and the target wafer; clamping the first wafer-mounting frame to the second wafer-mounting frame while the target wafer and the second masking wafer are aligned; and arranging the clamped first and second wafer-mounting frames, which include the aligned target wafer and the second masking wafer, before a second deposition source; and providing second material from the second deposition source through the second number of openings on the second masking wafer to form the second material according to the second predetermined deposition pattern on the target wafer. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the first emissive material corresponds to a first organic material for an organic light emitting diode, and wherein corresponds to a second organic material for the organic light emitting diode, the first organic material differing from the second organic material. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the first organic material is configured to emit light of a first color and the second organic material is configured to emit light of a second color that is different from the first color. | 3,700 |
348,552 | 16,806,041 | 3,773 | A method for providing performance assessment of terminal devices is provided. A user initiates, by way of a service application that runs on a user device of the user, a first request for obtaining risk scores or connectivity scores of the terminal devices. The first request may include terminal identifiers of specific terminal devices or information pertaining to a specific geographical area. The user device communicates the first request to a server. The server determines the risk scores or the connectivity scores based on the first request. The server transmits, to the user device, a first response that includes the risk scores or the connectivity scores. The user device displays the risk scores or the connectivity scores to the user based on the first response, thereby providing the performance assessment of the terminal devices. | 1. A method for providing performance assessment of one or more terminal devices, the method comprising:
receiving, by a server from a user device of a user, a request for one or more risk scores of the one or more terminal devices, respectively, wherein each risk score indicates a measure of risk associated with performing a transaction at a corresponding terminal device of the one or more terminal devices; determining, by the server based on the request, the one or more risk scores, wherein each risk score is determined based on a transaction history of the corresponding terminal device; and transmitting, by the server to the user device, the one or more risk scores, wherein the one or more risk scores are presented to the user on a user interface rendered on the user device. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising hosting, by the server, a service application executable on the user device, wherein the request is received by the server by way of the service application, and wherein the user interface is rendered by the service application. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the transaction history of each terminal device includes a count of transactions declined at the terminal device due to at least one of a security violation, an invalid merchant identifier, or a cryptographic error. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the request includes one or more identifiers of the one or more terminal devices, respectively. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising identifying, by the server, the one or more terminal devices from a plurality of terminal devices, based on the one or more identifiers. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the request includes information pertaining to a first location and a first distance. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising identifying, by the server, the one or more terminal devices from a plurality of terminal devices, wherein the one or more terminals are located within the first distance of the first location. 8. A system for providing performance assessment of one or more terminal devices, the system comprising:
a payment network server that is configured to:
receive, from a user device of a user, a request for one or more risk scores of the one or more terminal devices, respectively, wherein each risk score indicates a measure of risk associated with performing a transaction at a corresponding terminal device of the one or more terminal devices,
determine, based on the request, the one or more risk scores, wherein each risk score is determined based on a transaction history of the corresponding terminal device, and
transmit, to the user device, the one or more risk scores, wherein the one or more risk scores are presented to the user on a user interface rendered on the user device. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the transaction history of each terminal device includes a count of transactions declined at the terminal device due to at least one of a security violation, an invalid merchant identifier, or a cryptographic error. 10. The system of claim 8, wherein the request includes one or more identifiers of the one or more terminal devices, respectively. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the payment network server is further configured to identify the one or more terminal devices from a plurality of terminal devices, based on the one or more identifiers. 12. The system of claim 8, wherein the request includes information pertaining to a first distance and a first location. 13. The system of claim 8, wherein the payment network server is further configured to identify the one or more terminal devices from a plurality of terminal devices, wherein the one or more terminals are located within the first distance of the first location. 14. A method for providing performance assessment of one or more terminal devices, the method comprising:
receiving, by a server from a user device of a user, a request for one or more connectivity scores of the one or more terminal devices, respectively, wherein each connectivity score is a qualitative measure of seam lessness of network connectivity between a corresponding terminal device of the one or more terminal devices and the server; determining, by the server based on the request, the one or more connectivity scores, wherein each connectivity score is determined based on a network connectivity history of the corresponding terminal device; and transmitting, by the server to the user device, the one or more connectivity scores, wherein the one or more connectivity scores are presented to the user on a user interface rendered on the user device. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising hosting, by the server, a service application executable on the user device, wherein the request is received by the server by way of the service application, and wherein the user interface is rendered by the service application. 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the network connectivity history of each terminal device includes an offline time duration of an acquirer associated with the corresponding terminal device and a count of transactions declined by the acquirer when the acquirer is online. 17. The method claim 14, wherein the request includes one or more identifiers of the one or more terminal devices, respectively. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising identifying, by the server, the one or more terminal devices from a plurality of terminal devices, based on the one or more identifiers. 19. The method of claim 14, wherein the request includes information pertaining to a first location and a first distance. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising identifying, by the server, the one or more terminal devices from a plurality of terminal devices, wherein the one or more terminals are located within the first distance of the first location | A method for providing performance assessment of terminal devices is provided. A user initiates, by way of a service application that runs on a user device of the user, a first request for obtaining risk scores or connectivity scores of the terminal devices. The first request may include terminal identifiers of specific terminal devices or information pertaining to a specific geographical area. The user device communicates the first request to a server. The server determines the risk scores or the connectivity scores based on the first request. The server transmits, to the user device, a first response that includes the risk scores or the connectivity scores. The user device displays the risk scores or the connectivity scores to the user based on the first response, thereby providing the performance assessment of the terminal devices.1. A method for providing performance assessment of one or more terminal devices, the method comprising:
receiving, by a server from a user device of a user, a request for one or more risk scores of the one or more terminal devices, respectively, wherein each risk score indicates a measure of risk associated with performing a transaction at a corresponding terminal device of the one or more terminal devices; determining, by the server based on the request, the one or more risk scores, wherein each risk score is determined based on a transaction history of the corresponding terminal device; and transmitting, by the server to the user device, the one or more risk scores, wherein the one or more risk scores are presented to the user on a user interface rendered on the user device. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising hosting, by the server, a service application executable on the user device, wherein the request is received by the server by way of the service application, and wherein the user interface is rendered by the service application. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the transaction history of each terminal device includes a count of transactions declined at the terminal device due to at least one of a security violation, an invalid merchant identifier, or a cryptographic error. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the request includes one or more identifiers of the one or more terminal devices, respectively. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising identifying, by the server, the one or more terminal devices from a plurality of terminal devices, based on the one or more identifiers. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the request includes information pertaining to a first location and a first distance. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising identifying, by the server, the one or more terminal devices from a plurality of terminal devices, wherein the one or more terminals are located within the first distance of the first location. 8. A system for providing performance assessment of one or more terminal devices, the system comprising:
a payment network server that is configured to:
receive, from a user device of a user, a request for one or more risk scores of the one or more terminal devices, respectively, wherein each risk score indicates a measure of risk associated with performing a transaction at a corresponding terminal device of the one or more terminal devices,
determine, based on the request, the one or more risk scores, wherein each risk score is determined based on a transaction history of the corresponding terminal device, and
transmit, to the user device, the one or more risk scores, wherein the one or more risk scores are presented to the user on a user interface rendered on the user device. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the transaction history of each terminal device includes a count of transactions declined at the terminal device due to at least one of a security violation, an invalid merchant identifier, or a cryptographic error. 10. The system of claim 8, wherein the request includes one or more identifiers of the one or more terminal devices, respectively. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the payment network server is further configured to identify the one or more terminal devices from a plurality of terminal devices, based on the one or more identifiers. 12. The system of claim 8, wherein the request includes information pertaining to a first distance and a first location. 13. The system of claim 8, wherein the payment network server is further configured to identify the one or more terminal devices from a plurality of terminal devices, wherein the one or more terminals are located within the first distance of the first location. 14. A method for providing performance assessment of one or more terminal devices, the method comprising:
receiving, by a server from a user device of a user, a request for one or more connectivity scores of the one or more terminal devices, respectively, wherein each connectivity score is a qualitative measure of seam lessness of network connectivity between a corresponding terminal device of the one or more terminal devices and the server; determining, by the server based on the request, the one or more connectivity scores, wherein each connectivity score is determined based on a network connectivity history of the corresponding terminal device; and transmitting, by the server to the user device, the one or more connectivity scores, wherein the one or more connectivity scores are presented to the user on a user interface rendered on the user device. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising hosting, by the server, a service application executable on the user device, wherein the request is received by the server by way of the service application, and wherein the user interface is rendered by the service application. 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the network connectivity history of each terminal device includes an offline time duration of an acquirer associated with the corresponding terminal device and a count of transactions declined by the acquirer when the acquirer is online. 17. The method claim 14, wherein the request includes one or more identifiers of the one or more terminal devices, respectively. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising identifying, by the server, the one or more terminal devices from a plurality of terminal devices, based on the one or more identifiers. 19. The method of claim 14, wherein the request includes information pertaining to a first location and a first distance. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising identifying, by the server, the one or more terminal devices from a plurality of terminal devices, wherein the one or more terminals are located within the first distance of the first location | 3,700 |
348,553 | 16,806,061 | 3,773 | A drive assembly may transmit a driving force in a washing machine and comprise a stator and a rotor, a washing shaft connected to the rotor and to a pulsator of the washing machine, a spin-drying shaft surrounding the washing shaft and connected to an inner tub of the washing machine, a coupler provided to be vertically movable in an inner side of the spin-drying shaft to selectively connect the spin-drying shaft to and from the rotor, and a clutch providing power to move the coupler. A first bearing may support an upper outer circumferential surface of the washing shaft and a second bearing may support a lower outer circumferential surface of the washing shaft. The coupler may be provided between the first bearing and the second bearing in an axial direction. | 1. A drive assembly for a washing machine, the washing machine having a case, an outer tub provided inside the case to receive wash water, an inner tub provided inside the outer tub to receive laundry, and a pulsator provided inside the inner tub and configured to be rotatable by the drive assembly, the drive assembly comprising:
a drive motor having a stator and a rotor; a first shaft having an upper end and a lower end, the lower end of the first shaft being connected to the rotor to rotate and the upper end of the first shaft being connected to the pulsator to rotate the pulsator; a second shaft at least partially surrounding the first shaft and having an upper end and a lower end, the lower end of the second shaft being adjacent the rotor and the upper end of the second shaft being connected to the inner tub; a coupler configured to be movable in an axial direction of the first shaft and provided at an inner circumferential surface of the second shaft, the coupler being configured to connect and disconnect the second shaft to and from the rotor; and a clutch providing power to move the coupler in the axial direction. 2. The drive assembly of claim 1, further comprising:
a first bearing supporting an upper outer circumferential surface of a lower section of the first shaft; and a second bearing supporting a lower outer circumferential surface of the lower section of the second shaft, wherein the coupler is provided between the first bearing and the second bearing in the axial direction. 3. The drive assembly of claim 2, wherein the clutch includes a clutch drive component generating a driving force and a clutch moving component which is moved in the axial direction by the driving force generated by the clutch drive component, the clutch moving component being connected to the coupler and provided between the first bearing and the second bearing in the axial direction. 4. The drive assembly of claim 2, wherein inner sides of the first and second bearings are supported by the first shaft, and outer sides of the first and second bearings are supported by the second shaft. 5. The drive assembly of claim 2, wherein the first bearing and the second bearing are provided between the first shaft and the second shaft in a radial direction of the first shaft. 6. The drive assembly of claim 3, wherein the first bearing and the second bearing are provided between the first shaft and the second shaft, and the clutch moving component is provided radially outside of the second shaft. 7. The drive assembly of claim 6, wherein the coupler is connected to the clutch moving component through the second shaft. 8. The drive assembly of claim 3, wherein the clutch drive component includes a solenoid coil, and the clutch moving component moves in the axial direction by an electromagnetic force generated by the clutch drive component. 9. The drive assembly of claim 1, wherein:
the lower end of the first shaft includes a first coupler serration-fitting assembly provided on an outer circumferential surface, the lower end of the second shaft includes a second coupler serration-fitting assembly provided on an inner circumferential surface, and the coupler includes an inner surface serration-fitted with the first coupler serration fitting assembly and an outer surface serration-fitted with the second coupler serration fitting assembly. 10. The drive assembly of claim 1, wherein the rotor includes a wall surrounding the stator and a bottom extending from a lower section of the wall and coupled to the lower section of the first shaft. 11. The drive assembly of claim 1, further comprising a bearing housing in which the coupler and clutch are provided, wherein the first shaft and the second shaft penetrate the bearing housing. 12. The drive assembly of claim 11, further comprising:
an upper side support bearing rotatably supporting an upper section of the second shaft, and a lower side support bearing rotatably supporting a lower section of the second shaft, wherein the clutch is provided between the upper side support bearing and the lower side support bearing. 13. The drive assembly of claim 12, wherein the clutch is provided between the second shaft and the bearing housing. 14. The drive assembly of claim 12, wherein the bearing housing includes a first sleeve in which the upper side support bearing is provided to support an outside of the second shaft, a second sleeve in which the clutch is provided, and a third sleeve in which the lower side support bearing is provided to support the outside of the second shaft. 15. A drive assembly for a washing machine, the washing machine having a case, an outer tub provided in the case to receive wash water, an inner tub provided in the outer tub to receive laundry, and a pulsator provided in the inner tub and configured to be rotatable by the drive assembly, the drive assembly comprising:
a drive motor; a first shaft connected to the drive motor and the pulsator so that the first shaft is rotated by the drive motor and the pulsator is rotated by the first shaft; a second shaft surrounding the first shaft, the second shaft being provided adjacent the drive motor and connected to the inner tub; a coupler configured to be movable in an axial direction of the first shaft and provided at a side of the second shaft, the coupler being configured to connect and disconnect the second shaft to and from the drive motor; a clutch providing power to move the coupler in the axial direction; a first bearing supporting an upper outer circumferential surface of a lower section of the first shaft; and a second bearing supporting a lower outer circumferential surface of the lower section of the first shaft, wherein the coupler is provided between the first bearing and the second bearing in the axial direction. 16. The drive assembly of claim 15, wherein the first bearing and the second bearing are provided between the first shaft and the second shaft in a radial direction of the first shaft. 17. The drive assembly of claim 15, wherein the clutch comprises a clutch drive component generating a driving force and a clutch moving component which is moved in the axial direction by the driving force generated by the clutch drive component, the clutch moving component being connected to the coupler and provided between the first bearing and the second bearing in the axial direction. 18. The drive assembly of claim 17, wherein the clutch moving component is provided radially outside of the second shaft. 19. The drive assembly of claim 17, wherein the coupler is connected to the clutch moving component through the second shaft. 20. A washing machine comprising:
a case; an outer tub provided in the case; an inner tub provided in the outer tub; a pulsator provided in the inner tub and configured to rotate; a drive motor provided under the outer tub; a first shaft connected to the drive motor and the pulsator; a second shaft at least partially surrounding the first shaft and connected to the inner tub; a coupler configured to be movable in an axial direction of the first shaft to connect and disconnect the second shaft to and from the drive motor; a clutch providing power to move the coupler; a first bearing supporting an outer circumferential surface of the first shaft; and a second bearing supporting the outer circumferential surface of the first shaft, wherein the coupler is provided between the first bearing and the second bearing in the axial direction. | A drive assembly may transmit a driving force in a washing machine and comprise a stator and a rotor, a washing shaft connected to the rotor and to a pulsator of the washing machine, a spin-drying shaft surrounding the washing shaft and connected to an inner tub of the washing machine, a coupler provided to be vertically movable in an inner side of the spin-drying shaft to selectively connect the spin-drying shaft to and from the rotor, and a clutch providing power to move the coupler. A first bearing may support an upper outer circumferential surface of the washing shaft and a second bearing may support a lower outer circumferential surface of the washing shaft. The coupler may be provided between the first bearing and the second bearing in an axial direction.1. A drive assembly for a washing machine, the washing machine having a case, an outer tub provided inside the case to receive wash water, an inner tub provided inside the outer tub to receive laundry, and a pulsator provided inside the inner tub and configured to be rotatable by the drive assembly, the drive assembly comprising:
a drive motor having a stator and a rotor; a first shaft having an upper end and a lower end, the lower end of the first shaft being connected to the rotor to rotate and the upper end of the first shaft being connected to the pulsator to rotate the pulsator; a second shaft at least partially surrounding the first shaft and having an upper end and a lower end, the lower end of the second shaft being adjacent the rotor and the upper end of the second shaft being connected to the inner tub; a coupler configured to be movable in an axial direction of the first shaft and provided at an inner circumferential surface of the second shaft, the coupler being configured to connect and disconnect the second shaft to and from the rotor; and a clutch providing power to move the coupler in the axial direction. 2. The drive assembly of claim 1, further comprising:
a first bearing supporting an upper outer circumferential surface of a lower section of the first shaft; and a second bearing supporting a lower outer circumferential surface of the lower section of the second shaft, wherein the coupler is provided between the first bearing and the second bearing in the axial direction. 3. The drive assembly of claim 2, wherein the clutch includes a clutch drive component generating a driving force and a clutch moving component which is moved in the axial direction by the driving force generated by the clutch drive component, the clutch moving component being connected to the coupler and provided between the first bearing and the second bearing in the axial direction. 4. The drive assembly of claim 2, wherein inner sides of the first and second bearings are supported by the first shaft, and outer sides of the first and second bearings are supported by the second shaft. 5. The drive assembly of claim 2, wherein the first bearing and the second bearing are provided between the first shaft and the second shaft in a radial direction of the first shaft. 6. The drive assembly of claim 3, wherein the first bearing and the second bearing are provided between the first shaft and the second shaft, and the clutch moving component is provided radially outside of the second shaft. 7. The drive assembly of claim 6, wherein the coupler is connected to the clutch moving component through the second shaft. 8. The drive assembly of claim 3, wherein the clutch drive component includes a solenoid coil, and the clutch moving component moves in the axial direction by an electromagnetic force generated by the clutch drive component. 9. The drive assembly of claim 1, wherein:
the lower end of the first shaft includes a first coupler serration-fitting assembly provided on an outer circumferential surface, the lower end of the second shaft includes a second coupler serration-fitting assembly provided on an inner circumferential surface, and the coupler includes an inner surface serration-fitted with the first coupler serration fitting assembly and an outer surface serration-fitted with the second coupler serration fitting assembly. 10. The drive assembly of claim 1, wherein the rotor includes a wall surrounding the stator and a bottom extending from a lower section of the wall and coupled to the lower section of the first shaft. 11. The drive assembly of claim 1, further comprising a bearing housing in which the coupler and clutch are provided, wherein the first shaft and the second shaft penetrate the bearing housing. 12. The drive assembly of claim 11, further comprising:
an upper side support bearing rotatably supporting an upper section of the second shaft, and a lower side support bearing rotatably supporting a lower section of the second shaft, wherein the clutch is provided between the upper side support bearing and the lower side support bearing. 13. The drive assembly of claim 12, wherein the clutch is provided between the second shaft and the bearing housing. 14. The drive assembly of claim 12, wherein the bearing housing includes a first sleeve in which the upper side support bearing is provided to support an outside of the second shaft, a second sleeve in which the clutch is provided, and a third sleeve in which the lower side support bearing is provided to support the outside of the second shaft. 15. A drive assembly for a washing machine, the washing machine having a case, an outer tub provided in the case to receive wash water, an inner tub provided in the outer tub to receive laundry, and a pulsator provided in the inner tub and configured to be rotatable by the drive assembly, the drive assembly comprising:
a drive motor; a first shaft connected to the drive motor and the pulsator so that the first shaft is rotated by the drive motor and the pulsator is rotated by the first shaft; a second shaft surrounding the first shaft, the second shaft being provided adjacent the drive motor and connected to the inner tub; a coupler configured to be movable in an axial direction of the first shaft and provided at a side of the second shaft, the coupler being configured to connect and disconnect the second shaft to and from the drive motor; a clutch providing power to move the coupler in the axial direction; a first bearing supporting an upper outer circumferential surface of a lower section of the first shaft; and a second bearing supporting a lower outer circumferential surface of the lower section of the first shaft, wherein the coupler is provided between the first bearing and the second bearing in the axial direction. 16. The drive assembly of claim 15, wherein the first bearing and the second bearing are provided between the first shaft and the second shaft in a radial direction of the first shaft. 17. The drive assembly of claim 15, wherein the clutch comprises a clutch drive component generating a driving force and a clutch moving component which is moved in the axial direction by the driving force generated by the clutch drive component, the clutch moving component being connected to the coupler and provided between the first bearing and the second bearing in the axial direction. 18. The drive assembly of claim 17, wherein the clutch moving component is provided radially outside of the second shaft. 19. The drive assembly of claim 17, wherein the coupler is connected to the clutch moving component through the second shaft. 20. A washing machine comprising:
a case; an outer tub provided in the case; an inner tub provided in the outer tub; a pulsator provided in the inner tub and configured to rotate; a drive motor provided under the outer tub; a first shaft connected to the drive motor and the pulsator; a second shaft at least partially surrounding the first shaft and connected to the inner tub; a coupler configured to be movable in an axial direction of the first shaft to connect and disconnect the second shaft to and from the drive motor; a clutch providing power to move the coupler; a first bearing supporting an outer circumferential surface of the first shaft; and a second bearing supporting the outer circumferential surface of the first shaft, wherein the coupler is provided between the first bearing and the second bearing in the axial direction. | 3,700 |
348,554 | 16,806,062 | 2,813 | Semiconductor device and formation method are provided. The method includes providing a substrate, a first fin and a second fin on the substrate, an isolation structure covering a portion of sidewalls of the first and second fins, a gate structure across the first fin or the second fin, a first doped source/drain region in the first fin, a second doped source/drain region in the second fin, and an interlayer dielectric layer on the isolation structure, the first and second fins, and the gate structure. A first through hole is formed in the interlayer dielectric layer, exposing the first doped source/drain region or the second doped source/drain region. A second through hole is formed in the interlayer dielectric layer on the isolation structure to connect to the first through hole. A first plug is formed in the first through hole and a second plug is formed in the second through hole. | 1. A method of forming a semiconductor device, comprising:
providing a substrate, a first fin and a second fin that are adjacent to each other and arranged in parallel on the substrate, an isolation structure covering a portion of sidewalls of the first and second fins, a gate structure across the first fin or the second fin, the gate structure covering a portion of the isolation structure, a first doped source/drain region in the first fin on both sides of the gate structure, a second doped source/drain region in the second fin on both sides of the gate structure, and an interlayer dielectric layer on the isolation structure, covering tops and sidewalls of the first and second fins, and covering top and sidewalls of the gate structure; forming a first through hole in the interlayer dielectric layer and exposing the first doped source/drain region or the second doped source/drain region; forming a second through hole in the interlayer dielectric layer on the isolation structure, wherein the second through hole is connected to the first through hole; and forming a first plug in the first through hole and forming a second plug in the second through hole, after the first through hole and the second through hole are formed. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein forming the first through hole comprises:
forming a first patterned layer on the interlayer dielectric layer, wherein the first patterned layer has a plurality of first openings on the first doped source/drain region or the second doped source/drain region; and with the first patterned layer as a mask, etching the interlayer dielectric layer until top surfaces of the first doped source/drain region and the doped second source/drain region are exposed, to form the first through hole in the interlayer dielectric layer. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein forming the second through hole comprises:
forming a second patterned layer on the interlayer dielectric layer, wherein the second patterned layer has a plurality of second openings, and a projection pattern of the second opening on a surface of the substrate and a projection pattern of the first opening on the surface of the substrate partially overlap; and with the second patterned layer as a mask, etching the interlayer dielectric layer to form the second through hole corresponding to a position of the second opening in the interlayer dielectric layer. 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the second patterned layer further includes a third opening on the gate structure, and the forming method further comprises:
with the second patterned layer as a mask, etching the interlayer dielectric layer until the top of the gate structure is exposed, to form a third through hole corresponding to a position of the third opening in the interlayer dielectric layer; and filling the third through hole with a conductive material to form a third plug. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the interlayer dielectric layer comprises:
a first dielectric layer covering the isolation structure, covering tops and sidewalls of the first and second fins, covering a sidewall of the gate structure; and a second dielectric layer on the first dielectric layer, wherein a top surface of the first dielectric layer is coplanar with a top surface of the gate structure. 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein:
a material of the first dielectric layer comprises silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, silicon borohydride, silicon oxynitride, silicon oxynitride, or a combination thereof; and a material of the second dielectric layer comprises silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, silicon borohydride, silicon oxynitride, silicon oxynitride, or a combination thereof. 7. The method according to claim 2, wherein the first patterned layer comprises:
a first patterned photoresist layer on the interlayer dielectric layer, exposing the interlayer dielectric layer on the first doped source/drain region and the second doped source/drain region. 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein:
the first patterned layer further comprises:
a first bottom anti-reflection layer at a bottom of the first patterned photoresist layer; and
a first planarization layer at a bottom of the first bottom anti-reflection layer, wherein the first planarization layer is on the interlayer dielectric layer, and forming the first patterned layer comprises:
forming a first planarization material layer on the interlayer dielectric layer;
forming a first bottom anti-reflection material layer on the first planarization material layer;
forming a first photoresist material layer on the first bottom anti-reflection material layer;
exposing and developing the first photoresist material layer to form the first patterned photoresist layer; and
etching the first bottom anti-reflection material layer and the first planarization material layer with the first patterned photoresist layer as a mask until the interlayer dielectric layer is exposed, to form the first patterned layer having the plurality of first openings. 9. The method according to claim 3, wherein the second patterned layer comprises:
a second patterned photoresist layer on the interlayer dielectric layer, exposing a portion of the interlayer dielectric layer on the isolation structure. 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein:
the second patterned layer further comprises:
a second bottom anti-reflection layer at a bottom of the second photoresist layer;
a second planarization layer at a bottom of the second bottom anti-reflection layer, wherein the second planarization layer is on the interlayer dielectric layer, and forming the second patterned layer comprises:
forming a second planarization material layer on the interlayer dielectric layer;
forming a second bottom anti-reflection material layer on the second planarization material layer;
forming a second photoresist material layer on the second bottom anti-reflection material layer;
exposing and developing the second photoresist material layer to form the second patterned photoresist layer; and
etching the second bottom anti-reflection material layer and the second planarization material layer with the first patterned photoresist layer as a mask until the interlayer dielectric layer is exposed to form the second patterned layer having the plurality of second openings. 11. The method according to claim 5, wherein:
the first plug, the second plug and the third plug are simultaneously formed; or the second plug and the third plug are formed after the first plug is formed; or the second plug and the third plug are formed before the first plug is formed. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein:
the first plug, the second plug and the third plug are simultaneously formed, and forming the first plug, the second plug the plug and the third plug comprises:
forming a conductive material film on surfaces of a bottom and sidewalls of each of the first through hole, the second through hole, and the third through hole, and on the surface of the interlayer dielectric layer, wherein the conductive material film fills the first through hole, the second through hole and the third through hole; and
planarizing the conductive material film until a top surface of the interlayer dielectric layer is exposed, to form the first plug in the first through hole, form the second plug in the second through hole, and form the third plug in the third through hole. 13. The method according to claim 1, wherein:
a material of each of the first plug and the second plug comprises Al, Cu, Ag, Au, Ni, Ti, W, WN or WSi. 14. The method according to claim 1, wherein:
a distance between adjacent first through holes in an extending direction of the gate structure is between 70 nm and 150 nm. 15. A semiconductor device, comprising:
a substrate, a first fin and a second fin adjacent to each other and arranged in parallel on the substrate, an isolation structure covering a portion of sidewalls of the first second fins, a gate structure across the first fin or the second fin, the gate structure covering a portion of the isolation structure, a first doped source/drain region disposed in the first fin on both sides of the gate structure, and a second doped source/drain region disposed in the second fin on both sides of the gate structure, and an interlayer dielectric layer on the isolation structure, covering tops and sidewalls of the first and second fins, and top and sidewalls of the gate structure, a first through hole in the interlayer dielectric layer, exposing the first doped source/drain region or the second doped source/drain region, and a first plug in the first through hole, and a second through hole in the interlayer dielectric layer on the isolation structure, and a second plug in the second through hole, wherein the second plug is connected to the first plug. 16. The semiconductor device according to claim 15, further comprising:
a third through hole in the interlayer dielectric layer; and a third plug in the third through hole and on the gate structure. 17. The semiconductor device according to claim 15, wherein the interlayer dielectric layer comprises:
a first dielectric layer covering a surface of the isolation structure, covering tops and sidewalls of the first and second fins, covering a sidewall of the gate structure; and a second dielectric layer on the first dielectric layer, wherein a top surface of the first dielectric layer is coplanar with a top surface of the gate structure. 18. The semiconductor device according to claim 17, wherein:
a material of the first dielectric layer comprises silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, silicon borohydride, silicon oxynitride, silicon oxynitride, or a combination thereof, and a material of the second dielectric layer comprises silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, silicon borohydride, silicon oxynitride, silicon oxynitride, or a combination thereof. 19. The semiconductor device according to claim 15, wherein a material of each of the first plug and the second plug comprises Al, Cu, Ag, Au, Ni, Ti, W, WN or WSi. 20. The semiconductor device according to claim 15, wherein a distance between adjacent first through holes in an extending direction of the gate structure is between 70 nm and 150 nm. | Semiconductor device and formation method are provided. The method includes providing a substrate, a first fin and a second fin on the substrate, an isolation structure covering a portion of sidewalls of the first and second fins, a gate structure across the first fin or the second fin, a first doped source/drain region in the first fin, a second doped source/drain region in the second fin, and an interlayer dielectric layer on the isolation structure, the first and second fins, and the gate structure. A first through hole is formed in the interlayer dielectric layer, exposing the first doped source/drain region or the second doped source/drain region. A second through hole is formed in the interlayer dielectric layer on the isolation structure to connect to the first through hole. A first plug is formed in the first through hole and a second plug is formed in the second through hole.1. A method of forming a semiconductor device, comprising:
providing a substrate, a first fin and a second fin that are adjacent to each other and arranged in parallel on the substrate, an isolation structure covering a portion of sidewalls of the first and second fins, a gate structure across the first fin or the second fin, the gate structure covering a portion of the isolation structure, a first doped source/drain region in the first fin on both sides of the gate structure, a second doped source/drain region in the second fin on both sides of the gate structure, and an interlayer dielectric layer on the isolation structure, covering tops and sidewalls of the first and second fins, and covering top and sidewalls of the gate structure; forming a first through hole in the interlayer dielectric layer and exposing the first doped source/drain region or the second doped source/drain region; forming a second through hole in the interlayer dielectric layer on the isolation structure, wherein the second through hole is connected to the first through hole; and forming a first plug in the first through hole and forming a second plug in the second through hole, after the first through hole and the second through hole are formed. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein forming the first through hole comprises:
forming a first patterned layer on the interlayer dielectric layer, wherein the first patterned layer has a plurality of first openings on the first doped source/drain region or the second doped source/drain region; and with the first patterned layer as a mask, etching the interlayer dielectric layer until top surfaces of the first doped source/drain region and the doped second source/drain region are exposed, to form the first through hole in the interlayer dielectric layer. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein forming the second through hole comprises:
forming a second patterned layer on the interlayer dielectric layer, wherein the second patterned layer has a plurality of second openings, and a projection pattern of the second opening on a surface of the substrate and a projection pattern of the first opening on the surface of the substrate partially overlap; and with the second patterned layer as a mask, etching the interlayer dielectric layer to form the second through hole corresponding to a position of the second opening in the interlayer dielectric layer. 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the second patterned layer further includes a third opening on the gate structure, and the forming method further comprises:
with the second patterned layer as a mask, etching the interlayer dielectric layer until the top of the gate structure is exposed, to form a third through hole corresponding to a position of the third opening in the interlayer dielectric layer; and filling the third through hole with a conductive material to form a third plug. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the interlayer dielectric layer comprises:
a first dielectric layer covering the isolation structure, covering tops and sidewalls of the first and second fins, covering a sidewall of the gate structure; and a second dielectric layer on the first dielectric layer, wherein a top surface of the first dielectric layer is coplanar with a top surface of the gate structure. 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein:
a material of the first dielectric layer comprises silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, silicon borohydride, silicon oxynitride, silicon oxynitride, or a combination thereof; and a material of the second dielectric layer comprises silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, silicon borohydride, silicon oxynitride, silicon oxynitride, or a combination thereof. 7. The method according to claim 2, wherein the first patterned layer comprises:
a first patterned photoresist layer on the interlayer dielectric layer, exposing the interlayer dielectric layer on the first doped source/drain region and the second doped source/drain region. 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein:
the first patterned layer further comprises:
a first bottom anti-reflection layer at a bottom of the first patterned photoresist layer; and
a first planarization layer at a bottom of the first bottom anti-reflection layer, wherein the first planarization layer is on the interlayer dielectric layer, and forming the first patterned layer comprises:
forming a first planarization material layer on the interlayer dielectric layer;
forming a first bottom anti-reflection material layer on the first planarization material layer;
forming a first photoresist material layer on the first bottom anti-reflection material layer;
exposing and developing the first photoresist material layer to form the first patterned photoresist layer; and
etching the first bottom anti-reflection material layer and the first planarization material layer with the first patterned photoresist layer as a mask until the interlayer dielectric layer is exposed, to form the first patterned layer having the plurality of first openings. 9. The method according to claim 3, wherein the second patterned layer comprises:
a second patterned photoresist layer on the interlayer dielectric layer, exposing a portion of the interlayer dielectric layer on the isolation structure. 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein:
the second patterned layer further comprises:
a second bottom anti-reflection layer at a bottom of the second photoresist layer;
a second planarization layer at a bottom of the second bottom anti-reflection layer, wherein the second planarization layer is on the interlayer dielectric layer, and forming the second patterned layer comprises:
forming a second planarization material layer on the interlayer dielectric layer;
forming a second bottom anti-reflection material layer on the second planarization material layer;
forming a second photoresist material layer on the second bottom anti-reflection material layer;
exposing and developing the second photoresist material layer to form the second patterned photoresist layer; and
etching the second bottom anti-reflection material layer and the second planarization material layer with the first patterned photoresist layer as a mask until the interlayer dielectric layer is exposed to form the second patterned layer having the plurality of second openings. 11. The method according to claim 5, wherein:
the first plug, the second plug and the third plug are simultaneously formed; or the second plug and the third plug are formed after the first plug is formed; or the second plug and the third plug are formed before the first plug is formed. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein:
the first plug, the second plug and the third plug are simultaneously formed, and forming the first plug, the second plug the plug and the third plug comprises:
forming a conductive material film on surfaces of a bottom and sidewalls of each of the first through hole, the second through hole, and the third through hole, and on the surface of the interlayer dielectric layer, wherein the conductive material film fills the first through hole, the second through hole and the third through hole; and
planarizing the conductive material film until a top surface of the interlayer dielectric layer is exposed, to form the first plug in the first through hole, form the second plug in the second through hole, and form the third plug in the third through hole. 13. The method according to claim 1, wherein:
a material of each of the first plug and the second plug comprises Al, Cu, Ag, Au, Ni, Ti, W, WN or WSi. 14. The method according to claim 1, wherein:
a distance between adjacent first through holes in an extending direction of the gate structure is between 70 nm and 150 nm. 15. A semiconductor device, comprising:
a substrate, a first fin and a second fin adjacent to each other and arranged in parallel on the substrate, an isolation structure covering a portion of sidewalls of the first second fins, a gate structure across the first fin or the second fin, the gate structure covering a portion of the isolation structure, a first doped source/drain region disposed in the first fin on both sides of the gate structure, and a second doped source/drain region disposed in the second fin on both sides of the gate structure, and an interlayer dielectric layer on the isolation structure, covering tops and sidewalls of the first and second fins, and top and sidewalls of the gate structure, a first through hole in the interlayer dielectric layer, exposing the first doped source/drain region or the second doped source/drain region, and a first plug in the first through hole, and a second through hole in the interlayer dielectric layer on the isolation structure, and a second plug in the second through hole, wherein the second plug is connected to the first plug. 16. The semiconductor device according to claim 15, further comprising:
a third through hole in the interlayer dielectric layer; and a third plug in the third through hole and on the gate structure. 17. The semiconductor device according to claim 15, wherein the interlayer dielectric layer comprises:
a first dielectric layer covering a surface of the isolation structure, covering tops and sidewalls of the first and second fins, covering a sidewall of the gate structure; and a second dielectric layer on the first dielectric layer, wherein a top surface of the first dielectric layer is coplanar with a top surface of the gate structure. 18. The semiconductor device according to claim 17, wherein:
a material of the first dielectric layer comprises silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, silicon borohydride, silicon oxynitride, silicon oxynitride, or a combination thereof, and a material of the second dielectric layer comprises silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, silicon borohydride, silicon oxynitride, silicon oxynitride, or a combination thereof. 19. The semiconductor device according to claim 15, wherein a material of each of the first plug and the second plug comprises Al, Cu, Ag, Au, Ni, Ti, W, WN or WSi. 20. The semiconductor device according to claim 15, wherein a distance between adjacent first through holes in an extending direction of the gate structure is between 70 nm and 150 nm. | 2,800 |
348,555 | 16,806,025 | 2,813 | A mobile terminal to be carried by a user of a vehicle acquires a captured image of the vehicle, acquires distance information on a distance to the vehicle based on the captured image, determines whether the distance to the vehicle is within a predetermined allowable distance based on the distance information, and transmits an operation signal corresponding to an operation content input by a user to the vehicle when the distance to the vehicle is determined to be within the allowable distance. | 1. A mobile terminal to be carried by a user of a vehicle and capable of moving the vehicle by remote operation by transmitting an operation signal corresponding to operation by the user to the vehicle, the mobile terminal comprising:
an image acquisition section connected to an imaging section that captures an image of the vehicle and acquiring a captured image from the imaging section; an image display section displaying the captured image; a distance information acquisition section detecting the vehicle in the captured image and acquiring distance information on a distance to the vehicle based on the captured image; a determination section determining whether the distance to the vehicle is within an allowable distance, which is predetermined, based on the distance information; an operation content detection section connected to an operation section provided to be operable by the user while checking a display of the captured image, and detecting an operation content to the operation section; and an operation signal transmission section transmitting the operation signal corresponding to the operation content to the vehicle when the distance to the vehicle is determined to be within the allowable distance, wherein even after the operation signal transmission section has transmitted the operation signal to the vehicle, when the vehicle is no longer detected in the captured image or when the distance to the vehicle is determined to be outside the allowable distance, the operation signal transmission section stops transmitting the operation signal corresponding to the operation content until the distance to the vehicle is determined to be within the allowable distance. 2. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, wherein the image display section displays, in addition to the captured image, the distance information on the vehicle detected in the captured image and information on whether the distance information is within the allowable distance. 3. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, wherein the distance information acquisition section acquires the distance information based on a size of the vehicle in the captured image. 4. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, further comprising
an automatic focusing section causing the imaging section to focus on the vehicle by analyzing the captured image and changing a focal position of the imaging section, wherein the distance information acquisition section acquires the distance information based on information of the focal position of the imaging section changed by the automatic focusing section. 5. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, further comprising:
a vehicle identification information storage section storing vehicle identification information for identifying a proper vehicle to be remotely operated by the user; and a proper vehicle determination section determining whether the vehicle is the proper vehicle by extracting the vehicle identification information from the image of the vehicle in the captured image, wherein the operation signal transmission section transmits the operation signal when the distance to the vehicle is determined to be within the allowable distance and the vehicle is determined to be the proper vehicle. 6. The mobile terminal according to claim 3, further comprising
a vehicle dimension information storage section storing vehicle dimension information on a vehicle dimension of the proper vehicle to be remotely operated by the user, wherein the distance information acquisition section acquires the distance information based on the size of the vehicle in the captured image and the vehicle dimension information. 7. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, further comprising:
a reception section receiving a predetermined authentication request signal transmitted from the vehicle; and an authentication signal transmission section transmitting a predetermined authentication signal stored in advance upon receiving the authentication request signal. 8. A remote operation method for moving a vehicle by a remote operation using a mobile terminal carried by a user of the vehicle, the remote operation method comprising:
acquiring a captured image of the vehicle from an imaging section mounted on the mobile terminal and displaying the captured image; detecting the vehicle in the captured image and acquiring distance information on a distance to the vehicle; determining whether a distance to the vehicle is within a predetermined allowable distance based on the distance information; detecting an operation content input to an operation section provided to be operable by the user while checking a display of the captured image; and transmitting an operation signal corresponding to the operation content to the vehicle when the distance to the vehicle is determined to be within the allowable distance, wherein even after having transmitting the operation signal to the vehicle, when the vehicle is no longer detected in the captured image or when the distance to the vehicle is determined to be outside the allowable distance, the transmission of the operation signal corresponding to the operation content is stopped until the distance to the vehicle is determined to be within the allowable distance. 9. A mobile terminal to be carried by a user of a vehicle, comprising:
a camera configured to capture an image of the vehicle; a display panel; an antenna; an operation button provided to be operable by the user to remotely control the vehicle; a processor connected to the camera, the display panel, the antenna, and the operation button; and a memory storing a program that instructs the processor to
acquire a captured image from the camera and display the captured image on the display panel,
detect the vehicle in the captured image and acquire distance information on a distance to the vehicle based on the captured image,
determine whether the distance to the vehicle is within an allowable distance, which is predetermined, based on the distance information,
detect an operation content input by the user with the operation button, and
transmit the operation signal corresponding to the operation content from the antenna to the vehicle when the distance to the vehicle is determined to be within the allowable distance, wherein
even after transmitting the operation signal to the vehicle, when the vehicle is no longer detected in the captured image or when the distance to the vehicle is determined to be outside the allowable distance, the program instructs the processor to stop transmitting the operation signal corresponding to the operation content until the distance to the vehicle is determined to be within the allowable distance. | A mobile terminal to be carried by a user of a vehicle acquires a captured image of the vehicle, acquires distance information on a distance to the vehicle based on the captured image, determines whether the distance to the vehicle is within a predetermined allowable distance based on the distance information, and transmits an operation signal corresponding to an operation content input by a user to the vehicle when the distance to the vehicle is determined to be within the allowable distance.1. A mobile terminal to be carried by a user of a vehicle and capable of moving the vehicle by remote operation by transmitting an operation signal corresponding to operation by the user to the vehicle, the mobile terminal comprising:
an image acquisition section connected to an imaging section that captures an image of the vehicle and acquiring a captured image from the imaging section; an image display section displaying the captured image; a distance information acquisition section detecting the vehicle in the captured image and acquiring distance information on a distance to the vehicle based on the captured image; a determination section determining whether the distance to the vehicle is within an allowable distance, which is predetermined, based on the distance information; an operation content detection section connected to an operation section provided to be operable by the user while checking a display of the captured image, and detecting an operation content to the operation section; and an operation signal transmission section transmitting the operation signal corresponding to the operation content to the vehicle when the distance to the vehicle is determined to be within the allowable distance, wherein even after the operation signal transmission section has transmitted the operation signal to the vehicle, when the vehicle is no longer detected in the captured image or when the distance to the vehicle is determined to be outside the allowable distance, the operation signal transmission section stops transmitting the operation signal corresponding to the operation content until the distance to the vehicle is determined to be within the allowable distance. 2. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, wherein the image display section displays, in addition to the captured image, the distance information on the vehicle detected in the captured image and information on whether the distance information is within the allowable distance. 3. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, wherein the distance information acquisition section acquires the distance information based on a size of the vehicle in the captured image. 4. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, further comprising
an automatic focusing section causing the imaging section to focus on the vehicle by analyzing the captured image and changing a focal position of the imaging section, wherein the distance information acquisition section acquires the distance information based on information of the focal position of the imaging section changed by the automatic focusing section. 5. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, further comprising:
a vehicle identification information storage section storing vehicle identification information for identifying a proper vehicle to be remotely operated by the user; and a proper vehicle determination section determining whether the vehicle is the proper vehicle by extracting the vehicle identification information from the image of the vehicle in the captured image, wherein the operation signal transmission section transmits the operation signal when the distance to the vehicle is determined to be within the allowable distance and the vehicle is determined to be the proper vehicle. 6. The mobile terminal according to claim 3, further comprising
a vehicle dimension information storage section storing vehicle dimension information on a vehicle dimension of the proper vehicle to be remotely operated by the user, wherein the distance information acquisition section acquires the distance information based on the size of the vehicle in the captured image and the vehicle dimension information. 7. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, further comprising:
a reception section receiving a predetermined authentication request signal transmitted from the vehicle; and an authentication signal transmission section transmitting a predetermined authentication signal stored in advance upon receiving the authentication request signal. 8. A remote operation method for moving a vehicle by a remote operation using a mobile terminal carried by a user of the vehicle, the remote operation method comprising:
acquiring a captured image of the vehicle from an imaging section mounted on the mobile terminal and displaying the captured image; detecting the vehicle in the captured image and acquiring distance information on a distance to the vehicle; determining whether a distance to the vehicle is within a predetermined allowable distance based on the distance information; detecting an operation content input to an operation section provided to be operable by the user while checking a display of the captured image; and transmitting an operation signal corresponding to the operation content to the vehicle when the distance to the vehicle is determined to be within the allowable distance, wherein even after having transmitting the operation signal to the vehicle, when the vehicle is no longer detected in the captured image or when the distance to the vehicle is determined to be outside the allowable distance, the transmission of the operation signal corresponding to the operation content is stopped until the distance to the vehicle is determined to be within the allowable distance. 9. A mobile terminal to be carried by a user of a vehicle, comprising:
a camera configured to capture an image of the vehicle; a display panel; an antenna; an operation button provided to be operable by the user to remotely control the vehicle; a processor connected to the camera, the display panel, the antenna, and the operation button; and a memory storing a program that instructs the processor to
acquire a captured image from the camera and display the captured image on the display panel,
detect the vehicle in the captured image and acquire distance information on a distance to the vehicle based on the captured image,
determine whether the distance to the vehicle is within an allowable distance, which is predetermined, based on the distance information,
detect an operation content input by the user with the operation button, and
transmit the operation signal corresponding to the operation content from the antenna to the vehicle when the distance to the vehicle is determined to be within the allowable distance, wherein
even after transmitting the operation signal to the vehicle, when the vehicle is no longer detected in the captured image or when the distance to the vehicle is determined to be outside the allowable distance, the program instructs the processor to stop transmitting the operation signal corresponding to the operation content until the distance to the vehicle is determined to be within the allowable distance. | 2,800 |
348,556 | 16,806,034 | 2,813 | A portable electronic device of an embodiment includes a plurality of secure elements and a communicator. The communicator performs communication with a reader/writer device to which an external device is connected using non-contact communication. The communicator changes a transmission destination to a secure element corresponding to a transmission destination identifier for identifying the transmission destination among the plurality of secure elements on the basis of the transmission destination identifier and change-instruction-information giving instructions to change the transmission destination, assigned to telegraph data received from the reader/writer device using the non-contact communication and transmits the telegraph data received from the reader/writer device to the secure element. | 1. A portable electronic device comprising:
a plurality of secure elements; and a communicator that performs communication with a reader/writer device to which an external device is connected using non-contact communication, the communicator that changes a transmission destination to a secure element corresponding to a transmission destination identifier for identifying the transmission destination among the plurality of secure elements on the basis of the transmission destination identifier and of a change-instruction-information giving instructions to change the transmission destination, wherein the transmission destination identifier and the change-instruction-information are assigned to telegraph data received from the reader/writer device using the non-contact communication, and the communicator that transmits the telegraph data received from the reader/writer device to the secure element. 2. The portable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein
the telegraph data is assigned with node address information including the transmission destination identifier, a transmission source identifier for identifying a transmission source, and the change-instruction-information, and the communicator changes the transmission destination to a secure element corresponding to the transmission destination identifier when the change-instruction-information included in the node address information indicates an instruction to change the transmission destination. 3. The portable electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising:
a secure element information storage that stores an identifier corresponding to the secure element included in a host device as secure element list information, wherein the communicator transmits the secure element list information stored in the secure element information storage to the reader/writer device, receives the telegraph data assigned with the identifier included in the secure element list information as the transmission destination identifier from the reader/writer device, and changes the transmission destination to a secure element corresponding to the transmission destination identifier assigned to the telegraph data. 4. A non-contact communication system comprising:
a plurality of secure elements; a plurality of the external devices; and a communicator that performs communication with a reader/writer device to which an external device is connected using non-contact communication, wherein the communicator changes a transmission destination to a secure element corresponding to a transmission destination identifier for identifying the transmission destination among the plurality of secure elements on the basis of the transmission destination identifier and of a change-instruction-information giving instructions to change the transmission destination, wherein the transmission destination identifier and the change-instruction-information are assigned to telegraph data received from the reader/writer device using the non-contact communication, and wherein the communicator that transmits the telegraph data received from the reader/writer device to the secure element. 5. The non-contact communication system according to claim 4, further comprising:
an external device information storage that stores an identifier corresponding to the external device which can be connected to the reader/writer device as external device list information, wherein the reader/writer device transmits the external device list information stored in the external device information storage to the communicator, wherein the reader/writer device receives the telegraph data assigned with the identifier included in the external device list information as the transmission destination identifier from the communicator, and wherein the reader/writer device changes the transmission destination to an external device corresponding to the transmission destination identifier assigned to the telegraph data. 6. The non-contact communication system according to claim 4, wherein
the telegraph data is assigned with node address information including the transmission destination identifier, a transmission source identifier for identifying a transmission source, first change-instruction-information giving instructions to change the transmission destination secure element, and second change-instruction-information giving instructions to change the transmission destination external device, the communicator changes the transmission destination to the secure element corresponding to the transmission destination identifier when the first change-instruction-information included in the node address information indicates an instruction to change the transmission destination, and the reader/writer device changes the transmission destination to the external device corresponding to the transmission destination identifier when the second change-instruction-information included in the node address information indicates an instruction to change the transmission destination. 7. A non-contact communication method between a reader/writer device to which an external device is connected and a portable electronic device including a plurality of secure elements, the method comprising:
allowing a communicator to change a transmission destination to a secure element corresponding to a transmission destination identifier for identifying a transmission destination among the plurality of secure elements on the basis of the transmission destination identifier and change-instruction-information giving instructions to change the transmission destination, assigned to telegraph data received from the reader/writer device using non-contact communication; and allowing the communicator to transmit the telegraph data received from the reader/writer device to the secure element changed. | A portable electronic device of an embodiment includes a plurality of secure elements and a communicator. The communicator performs communication with a reader/writer device to which an external device is connected using non-contact communication. The communicator changes a transmission destination to a secure element corresponding to a transmission destination identifier for identifying the transmission destination among the plurality of secure elements on the basis of the transmission destination identifier and change-instruction-information giving instructions to change the transmission destination, assigned to telegraph data received from the reader/writer device using the non-contact communication and transmits the telegraph data received from the reader/writer device to the secure element.1. A portable electronic device comprising:
a plurality of secure elements; and a communicator that performs communication with a reader/writer device to which an external device is connected using non-contact communication, the communicator that changes a transmission destination to a secure element corresponding to a transmission destination identifier for identifying the transmission destination among the plurality of secure elements on the basis of the transmission destination identifier and of a change-instruction-information giving instructions to change the transmission destination, wherein the transmission destination identifier and the change-instruction-information are assigned to telegraph data received from the reader/writer device using the non-contact communication, and the communicator that transmits the telegraph data received from the reader/writer device to the secure element. 2. The portable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein
the telegraph data is assigned with node address information including the transmission destination identifier, a transmission source identifier for identifying a transmission source, and the change-instruction-information, and the communicator changes the transmission destination to a secure element corresponding to the transmission destination identifier when the change-instruction-information included in the node address information indicates an instruction to change the transmission destination. 3. The portable electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising:
a secure element information storage that stores an identifier corresponding to the secure element included in a host device as secure element list information, wherein the communicator transmits the secure element list information stored in the secure element information storage to the reader/writer device, receives the telegraph data assigned with the identifier included in the secure element list information as the transmission destination identifier from the reader/writer device, and changes the transmission destination to a secure element corresponding to the transmission destination identifier assigned to the telegraph data. 4. A non-contact communication system comprising:
a plurality of secure elements; a plurality of the external devices; and a communicator that performs communication with a reader/writer device to which an external device is connected using non-contact communication, wherein the communicator changes a transmission destination to a secure element corresponding to a transmission destination identifier for identifying the transmission destination among the plurality of secure elements on the basis of the transmission destination identifier and of a change-instruction-information giving instructions to change the transmission destination, wherein the transmission destination identifier and the change-instruction-information are assigned to telegraph data received from the reader/writer device using the non-contact communication, and wherein the communicator that transmits the telegraph data received from the reader/writer device to the secure element. 5. The non-contact communication system according to claim 4, further comprising:
an external device information storage that stores an identifier corresponding to the external device which can be connected to the reader/writer device as external device list information, wherein the reader/writer device transmits the external device list information stored in the external device information storage to the communicator, wherein the reader/writer device receives the telegraph data assigned with the identifier included in the external device list information as the transmission destination identifier from the communicator, and wherein the reader/writer device changes the transmission destination to an external device corresponding to the transmission destination identifier assigned to the telegraph data. 6. The non-contact communication system according to claim 4, wherein
the telegraph data is assigned with node address information including the transmission destination identifier, a transmission source identifier for identifying a transmission source, first change-instruction-information giving instructions to change the transmission destination secure element, and second change-instruction-information giving instructions to change the transmission destination external device, the communicator changes the transmission destination to the secure element corresponding to the transmission destination identifier when the first change-instruction-information included in the node address information indicates an instruction to change the transmission destination, and the reader/writer device changes the transmission destination to the external device corresponding to the transmission destination identifier when the second change-instruction-information included in the node address information indicates an instruction to change the transmission destination. 7. A non-contact communication method between a reader/writer device to which an external device is connected and a portable electronic device including a plurality of secure elements, the method comprising:
allowing a communicator to change a transmission destination to a secure element corresponding to a transmission destination identifier for identifying a transmission destination among the plurality of secure elements on the basis of the transmission destination identifier and change-instruction-information giving instructions to change the transmission destination, assigned to telegraph data received from the reader/writer device using non-contact communication; and allowing the communicator to transmit the telegraph data received from the reader/writer device to the secure element changed. | 2,800 |
348,557 | 16,806,066 | 2,813 | An air maintenance device for a dry pipe Fire Protection System (FPS) is capable of measuring an FPS piping network pressure leak rate. The air maintenance device includes a normally-open solenoid isolating it from all gas sources, and a pressure sensor in gas flow communication with the FPS piping network. An electronics module initiates a pressure leak rate measurement operation by reading the pressure sensor, and closing the solenoid, at the beginning of a predetermined duration. At the expiration of the predetermined duration at least a final pressure reading is taken, and the solenoid is opened. A FPS piping network pressure leak rate is calculated by subtracting the final pressure reading from the initial pressure reading, and dividing by the predetermined duration. If intermediate readings indicate a pressure below a threshold, the measurement is aborted and the solenoid is opened to allow the gas sources to maintain system pressure. | 1. An air maintenance device configured to be interposed between a pressurized gas source and a piping network of a dry pipe fire protection system (FPS), comprising:
a piping network selectively defining a maintenance path having a restricted orifice and a quick-fill path; a normally-open solenoid between the FPS piping network and a pressurized gas source; a pressure sensor in gas flow communication with the FPS piping network; and a controller configured to
close the solenoid to selectively isolate the FPS piping network from the pressurized gas source for at least a predetermined duration;
read the pressure sensor at least at the beginning and end of a predetermined duration; and
calculate and output a pressure leak rate of the FPS piping network. 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the pressure sensor is disposed within the piping network. 3. The device of claim 1 wherein the controller and pressure sensor are disposed on a circuit board, and wherein a passage connects the pressure sensor in gas flow communication with the FPS piping network. 4. The device of claim 3 wherein the circuit board includes an interface to a remote computer. 5. The device of claim 1 wherein the controller is further configured to, prior to closing the solenoid:
read the pressure sensor; and
if the FPS piping network pressure is below a first pressure threshold, abort the pressure leak rate measurement process. 6. The device of claim 1 wherein the controller is further configured to, after closing the solenoid:
monitor the pressure sensor at least periodically; and
if the FPS piping network pressure is below a first pressure threshold, abort the pressure leak rate measurement process and open the solenoid. 7. The device of claim 1 wherein the controller is further configured to output an alarm if the pressure leak rate of the FPS piping network is above a predetermined leak rate threshold. 8. The device of claim 1 wherein the controller is further configured to store the calculated pressure leak rate of the FPS piping network. 9. The device of claim 8 wherein the controller is further configured to calculate a running average pressure leak rate of the FPS piping network over a plurality of FPS pressure leak rate measurement operations. 10. A method of measuring a pressure leak rate of a dry pipe fire protection system (FPS) having an air maintenance device interposed between a pressurized gas source and a piping network of a FPS, comprising:
closing a normally-open solenoid interposed between the FPS piping network and the pressurized gas source; reading a pressure sensor in gas flow communication with the FPS piping network at least at the beginning and end of a predetermined duration; and calculating a pressure leak rate of the FPS piping network from at least the two pressure readings and the predetermined duration. 11. The method of claim 10 wherein reading a pressure sensor in gas flow communication with the FPS piping network comprises reading a pressure sensor disposed within piping of the air maintenance device downstream of the solenoid. 12. The method of claim 10 wherein reading a pressure sensor in gas flow communication with the FPS piping network comprises reading a pressure sensor disposed on a circuit board and in gas flow communication with the FPS piping network via an air passage. 13. The method of claim 10 further comprising communicating the calculated pressure leak rate of the FPS piping network with a remote computer. 14. The method of claim 10 further comprising, prior to closing the solenoid:
reading the pressure sensor; and
if the FPS piping network pressure is below a first pressure threshold, aborting the pressure leak rate measurement process. 15. The method of claim 10 further comprising, after closing the solenoid:
monitoring the pressure sensor at least periodically; and
if the FPS piping network pressure is below a first pressure threshold, aborting the pressure leak rate measurement process and opening the solenoid. 16. The method of claim 10 further comprising outputting an alarm if the pressure leak rate of the FPS piping network is above a predetermined leak rate threshold. 17. The method of claim 10 further comprising storing the calculated pressure leak rate of the FPS piping network. 18. The method of claim 17 further comprising calculating a running average pressure leak rate of the FPS piping network over a plurality of FPS pressure leak rate measurement operations. 19. A non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program product comprising instructions configured to cause a controller in an electronics module of an air maintenance device including a normally-open solenoid and pressure sensor, and interposed between a pressurized gas source and a piping network of a dry pipe fire protection system (FPS), to perform a FPS piping network pressure leak rate measurement by performing the steps of:
closing the normally-open solenoid interposed between the FPS piping network and the pressurized gas source; reading a pressure sensor in gas flow communication with the FPS piping network at least at the beginning and end of a predetermined duration; and calculating a pressure leak rate of the FPS piping network from at least the two pressure readings and the predetermined duration. 20. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 19 wherein the instructions are further configured to cause the controller to, prior to closing the solenoid:
read the pressure sensor; and
if the FPS piping network pressure is below a first pressure threshold, abort the pressure leak rate measurement process. 21. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 19 wherein the instructions are further configured to cause the controller to, after closing the solenoid:
monitor the pressure sensor at least periodically; and
if the FPS piping network pressure is below a first pressure threshold, abort the pressure leak rate measurement process and open the solenoid. | An air maintenance device for a dry pipe Fire Protection System (FPS) is capable of measuring an FPS piping network pressure leak rate. The air maintenance device includes a normally-open solenoid isolating it from all gas sources, and a pressure sensor in gas flow communication with the FPS piping network. An electronics module initiates a pressure leak rate measurement operation by reading the pressure sensor, and closing the solenoid, at the beginning of a predetermined duration. At the expiration of the predetermined duration at least a final pressure reading is taken, and the solenoid is opened. A FPS piping network pressure leak rate is calculated by subtracting the final pressure reading from the initial pressure reading, and dividing by the predetermined duration. If intermediate readings indicate a pressure below a threshold, the measurement is aborted and the solenoid is opened to allow the gas sources to maintain system pressure.1. An air maintenance device configured to be interposed between a pressurized gas source and a piping network of a dry pipe fire protection system (FPS), comprising:
a piping network selectively defining a maintenance path having a restricted orifice and a quick-fill path; a normally-open solenoid between the FPS piping network and a pressurized gas source; a pressure sensor in gas flow communication with the FPS piping network; and a controller configured to
close the solenoid to selectively isolate the FPS piping network from the pressurized gas source for at least a predetermined duration;
read the pressure sensor at least at the beginning and end of a predetermined duration; and
calculate and output a pressure leak rate of the FPS piping network. 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the pressure sensor is disposed within the piping network. 3. The device of claim 1 wherein the controller and pressure sensor are disposed on a circuit board, and wherein a passage connects the pressure sensor in gas flow communication with the FPS piping network. 4. The device of claim 3 wherein the circuit board includes an interface to a remote computer. 5. The device of claim 1 wherein the controller is further configured to, prior to closing the solenoid:
read the pressure sensor; and
if the FPS piping network pressure is below a first pressure threshold, abort the pressure leak rate measurement process. 6. The device of claim 1 wherein the controller is further configured to, after closing the solenoid:
monitor the pressure sensor at least periodically; and
if the FPS piping network pressure is below a first pressure threshold, abort the pressure leak rate measurement process and open the solenoid. 7. The device of claim 1 wherein the controller is further configured to output an alarm if the pressure leak rate of the FPS piping network is above a predetermined leak rate threshold. 8. The device of claim 1 wherein the controller is further configured to store the calculated pressure leak rate of the FPS piping network. 9. The device of claim 8 wherein the controller is further configured to calculate a running average pressure leak rate of the FPS piping network over a plurality of FPS pressure leak rate measurement operations. 10. A method of measuring a pressure leak rate of a dry pipe fire protection system (FPS) having an air maintenance device interposed between a pressurized gas source and a piping network of a FPS, comprising:
closing a normally-open solenoid interposed between the FPS piping network and the pressurized gas source; reading a pressure sensor in gas flow communication with the FPS piping network at least at the beginning and end of a predetermined duration; and calculating a pressure leak rate of the FPS piping network from at least the two pressure readings and the predetermined duration. 11. The method of claim 10 wherein reading a pressure sensor in gas flow communication with the FPS piping network comprises reading a pressure sensor disposed within piping of the air maintenance device downstream of the solenoid. 12. The method of claim 10 wherein reading a pressure sensor in gas flow communication with the FPS piping network comprises reading a pressure sensor disposed on a circuit board and in gas flow communication with the FPS piping network via an air passage. 13. The method of claim 10 further comprising communicating the calculated pressure leak rate of the FPS piping network with a remote computer. 14. The method of claim 10 further comprising, prior to closing the solenoid:
reading the pressure sensor; and
if the FPS piping network pressure is below a first pressure threshold, aborting the pressure leak rate measurement process. 15. The method of claim 10 further comprising, after closing the solenoid:
monitoring the pressure sensor at least periodically; and
if the FPS piping network pressure is below a first pressure threshold, aborting the pressure leak rate measurement process and opening the solenoid. 16. The method of claim 10 further comprising outputting an alarm if the pressure leak rate of the FPS piping network is above a predetermined leak rate threshold. 17. The method of claim 10 further comprising storing the calculated pressure leak rate of the FPS piping network. 18. The method of claim 17 further comprising calculating a running average pressure leak rate of the FPS piping network over a plurality of FPS pressure leak rate measurement operations. 19. A non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program product comprising instructions configured to cause a controller in an electronics module of an air maintenance device including a normally-open solenoid and pressure sensor, and interposed between a pressurized gas source and a piping network of a dry pipe fire protection system (FPS), to perform a FPS piping network pressure leak rate measurement by performing the steps of:
closing the normally-open solenoid interposed between the FPS piping network and the pressurized gas source; reading a pressure sensor in gas flow communication with the FPS piping network at least at the beginning and end of a predetermined duration; and calculating a pressure leak rate of the FPS piping network from at least the two pressure readings and the predetermined duration. 20. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 19 wherein the instructions are further configured to cause the controller to, prior to closing the solenoid:
read the pressure sensor; and
if the FPS piping network pressure is below a first pressure threshold, abort the pressure leak rate measurement process. 21. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 19 wherein the instructions are further configured to cause the controller to, after closing the solenoid:
monitor the pressure sensor at least periodically; and
if the FPS piping network pressure is below a first pressure threshold, abort the pressure leak rate measurement process and open the solenoid. | 2,800 |
348,558 | 16,806,040 | 2,813 | A semiconductor device according to an embodiment comprises a semiconductor substrate and a semiconductor element provided on the semiconductor substrate. A first insulation film is configured to cover the semiconductor element. A first sidewall film is provided on a side part of the first insulation film, of which an absorption coefficient for ultraviolet light is larger than that of the first insulation film. | 1. A semiconductor device comprising:
a semiconductor substrate; a semiconductor element provided on the semiconductor substrate; a first insulation film configured to cover the semiconductor element; and a first sidewall film provided on a side part of the first insulation film, of which an absorption coefficient for ultraviolet light is larger than that of the first insulation film. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the first sidewall film includes a silicon nitride film. 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the first sidewall film includes a metal film. 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the first sidewall film contains at least one of tungsten, titanium, and aluminum. 5. The device of claim 1, further comprising a second sidewall film configured to cover an outer side of the first sidewall film. 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the first insulation film includes a first interlayer dielectric film and a second interlayer dielectric film provided above the first interlayer dielectric film, and
the first sidewall film or the second sidewall film is in direct contact with an interface between the first interlayer dielectric film and the second interlayer dielectric film. 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the semiconductor element includes a first semiconductor circuit that is provided on the semiconductor substrate and is covered by the first interlayer dielectric film, and a second semiconductor circuit that is provided above the first semiconductor circuit and is covered by the second interlayer dielectric film. 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the first semiconductor circuit is a CMOS circuit and the second semiconductor circuit is a memory cell, or the first semiconductor circuit is a memory cell and the second semiconductor circuit is a CMOS circuit. 9. The device of claim 6, wherein a conductor vertically crosses the interface along a direction perpendicular to the semiconductor substrate. 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the conductor contains copper. 11. The device of claim 6, wherein the interface is a surface at which a silicon oxide film included in the first interlayer dielectric film and a silicon oxide film included in the second interlayer dielectric film are in contact with each other. 12. The device of claim 1, further comprising a seal ring configured to surround the semiconductor element, wherein
the first sidewall film is provided outside the seal ring and contains a same material as the seal ring. 13. The device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of seal rings surrounding the semiconductor element and arranged with a first distance in a direction substantially parallel to a top surface of the semiconductor substrate, wherein
the first sidewall film is provided outside the seal rings with a distance larger than the first distance. 14. The device of claim 13, wherein a distance between an outermost one of the seal rings and the first sidewall film is 9 μm or more. 15. The device of claim 1, wherein the first sidewall film is provided on an entire side surface of the first insulation film. 16. A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device, comprising, for a semiconductor substrate that includes a plurality of semiconductor elements provided thereon, a light absorption film covering the semiconductor substrate, and a first embedding film provided in the first insulation film, having a larger absorption coefficient for ultraviolet light than that of the first insulation film, and formed in a surrounding area of the semiconductor elements when being viewed from a direction perpendicular to the semiconductor substrate:
irradiating laser light along a periphery of a plurality of semiconductor elements to form a groove in the first insulation film, and forming first sidewall films including at least a part of the light absorption film on a side surface of the first insulation film; and cutting between the first sidewall films with a blade. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein
irradiation of the ultraviolet laser light forms a melted portion in which at least a portion of the light absorption film is melted, and a second sidewall film, which is the melted portion welded and solidified, is formed on side surface of the first sidewall film. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein
irradiation of the ultraviolet laser light forms a melted portion in which at least a portion of the first insulation film is melted, and a second sidewall film, which is the melted portion welded and solidified, is formed on side surface of the first sidewall film. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein
the first insulation film includes a first interlayer dielectric film and a second interlayer dielectric film provided above the first interlayer dielectric film, the semiconductor element includes a first semiconductor circuit that is provided on the semiconductor substrate and is covered by the first interlayer dielectric film and a second semiconductor circuit that is provided above the first semiconductor circuit, irradiation of the ultraviolet laser light forms a melted portion in which at least a portion of the first sidewall film and/or the light absorption film is melted, and a second sidewall film, which is the melted portion welded and solidified, is formed on an edge part of the bonding surface between the first and second interlayer dielectric films the side surface of the first sidewall film. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein
the first semiconductor circuit is a CMOS circuit and the second semiconductor circuit is a memory cell, or the first semiconductor circuit is a memory cell and the second semiconductor circuit is a CMOS circuit, the interface is a surface at which a silicon oxide film included in the first interlayer dielectric film and a silicon oxide film included in the second interlayer dielectric film are in contact with each other, and a conductor containing copper crosses the interface along a direction perpendicular to the semiconductor substrate. | A semiconductor device according to an embodiment comprises a semiconductor substrate and a semiconductor element provided on the semiconductor substrate. A first insulation film is configured to cover the semiconductor element. A first sidewall film is provided on a side part of the first insulation film, of which an absorption coefficient for ultraviolet light is larger than that of the first insulation film.1. A semiconductor device comprising:
a semiconductor substrate; a semiconductor element provided on the semiconductor substrate; a first insulation film configured to cover the semiconductor element; and a first sidewall film provided on a side part of the first insulation film, of which an absorption coefficient for ultraviolet light is larger than that of the first insulation film. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the first sidewall film includes a silicon nitride film. 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the first sidewall film includes a metal film. 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the first sidewall film contains at least one of tungsten, titanium, and aluminum. 5. The device of claim 1, further comprising a second sidewall film configured to cover an outer side of the first sidewall film. 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the first insulation film includes a first interlayer dielectric film and a second interlayer dielectric film provided above the first interlayer dielectric film, and
the first sidewall film or the second sidewall film is in direct contact with an interface between the first interlayer dielectric film and the second interlayer dielectric film. 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the semiconductor element includes a first semiconductor circuit that is provided on the semiconductor substrate and is covered by the first interlayer dielectric film, and a second semiconductor circuit that is provided above the first semiconductor circuit and is covered by the second interlayer dielectric film. 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the first semiconductor circuit is a CMOS circuit and the second semiconductor circuit is a memory cell, or the first semiconductor circuit is a memory cell and the second semiconductor circuit is a CMOS circuit. 9. The device of claim 6, wherein a conductor vertically crosses the interface along a direction perpendicular to the semiconductor substrate. 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the conductor contains copper. 11. The device of claim 6, wherein the interface is a surface at which a silicon oxide film included in the first interlayer dielectric film and a silicon oxide film included in the second interlayer dielectric film are in contact with each other. 12. The device of claim 1, further comprising a seal ring configured to surround the semiconductor element, wherein
the first sidewall film is provided outside the seal ring and contains a same material as the seal ring. 13. The device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of seal rings surrounding the semiconductor element and arranged with a first distance in a direction substantially parallel to a top surface of the semiconductor substrate, wherein
the first sidewall film is provided outside the seal rings with a distance larger than the first distance. 14. The device of claim 13, wherein a distance between an outermost one of the seal rings and the first sidewall film is 9 μm or more. 15. The device of claim 1, wherein the first sidewall film is provided on an entire side surface of the first insulation film. 16. A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device, comprising, for a semiconductor substrate that includes a plurality of semiconductor elements provided thereon, a light absorption film covering the semiconductor substrate, and a first embedding film provided in the first insulation film, having a larger absorption coefficient for ultraviolet light than that of the first insulation film, and formed in a surrounding area of the semiconductor elements when being viewed from a direction perpendicular to the semiconductor substrate:
irradiating laser light along a periphery of a plurality of semiconductor elements to form a groove in the first insulation film, and forming first sidewall films including at least a part of the light absorption film on a side surface of the first insulation film; and cutting between the first sidewall films with a blade. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein
irradiation of the ultraviolet laser light forms a melted portion in which at least a portion of the light absorption film is melted, and a second sidewall film, which is the melted portion welded and solidified, is formed on side surface of the first sidewall film. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein
irradiation of the ultraviolet laser light forms a melted portion in which at least a portion of the first insulation film is melted, and a second sidewall film, which is the melted portion welded and solidified, is formed on side surface of the first sidewall film. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein
the first insulation film includes a first interlayer dielectric film and a second interlayer dielectric film provided above the first interlayer dielectric film, the semiconductor element includes a first semiconductor circuit that is provided on the semiconductor substrate and is covered by the first interlayer dielectric film and a second semiconductor circuit that is provided above the first semiconductor circuit, irradiation of the ultraviolet laser light forms a melted portion in which at least a portion of the first sidewall film and/or the light absorption film is melted, and a second sidewall film, which is the melted portion welded and solidified, is formed on an edge part of the bonding surface between the first and second interlayer dielectric films the side surface of the first sidewall film. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein
the first semiconductor circuit is a CMOS circuit and the second semiconductor circuit is a memory cell, or the first semiconductor circuit is a memory cell and the second semiconductor circuit is a CMOS circuit, the interface is a surface at which a silicon oxide film included in the first interlayer dielectric film and a silicon oxide film included in the second interlayer dielectric film are in contact with each other, and a conductor containing copper crosses the interface along a direction perpendicular to the semiconductor substrate. | 2,800 |
348,559 | 16,806,058 | 2,813 | A semiconductor device according to an embodiment comprises a semiconductor substrate and a semiconductor element provided on the semiconductor substrate. A first insulation film is configured to cover the semiconductor element. A first sidewall film is provided on a side part of the first insulation film, of which an absorption coefficient for ultraviolet light is larger than that of the first insulation film. | 1. A semiconductor device comprising:
a semiconductor substrate; a semiconductor element provided on the semiconductor substrate; a first insulation film configured to cover the semiconductor element; and a first sidewall film provided on a side part of the first insulation film, of which an absorption coefficient for ultraviolet light is larger than that of the first insulation film. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the first sidewall film includes a silicon nitride film. 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the first sidewall film includes a metal film. 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the first sidewall film contains at least one of tungsten, titanium, and aluminum. 5. The device of claim 1, further comprising a second sidewall film configured to cover an outer side of the first sidewall film. 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the first insulation film includes a first interlayer dielectric film and a second interlayer dielectric film provided above the first interlayer dielectric film, and
the first sidewall film or the second sidewall film is in direct contact with an interface between the first interlayer dielectric film and the second interlayer dielectric film. 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the semiconductor element includes a first semiconductor circuit that is provided on the semiconductor substrate and is covered by the first interlayer dielectric film, and a second semiconductor circuit that is provided above the first semiconductor circuit and is covered by the second interlayer dielectric film. 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the first semiconductor circuit is a CMOS circuit and the second semiconductor circuit is a memory cell, or the first semiconductor circuit is a memory cell and the second semiconductor circuit is a CMOS circuit. 9. The device of claim 6, wherein a conductor vertically crosses the interface along a direction perpendicular to the semiconductor substrate. 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the conductor contains copper. 11. The device of claim 6, wherein the interface is a surface at which a silicon oxide film included in the first interlayer dielectric film and a silicon oxide film included in the second interlayer dielectric film are in contact with each other. 12. The device of claim 1, further comprising a seal ring configured to surround the semiconductor element, wherein
the first sidewall film is provided outside the seal ring and contains a same material as the seal ring. 13. The device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of seal rings surrounding the semiconductor element and arranged with a first distance in a direction substantially parallel to a top surface of the semiconductor substrate, wherein
the first sidewall film is provided outside the seal rings with a distance larger than the first distance. 14. The device of claim 13, wherein a distance between an outermost one of the seal rings and the first sidewall film is 9 μm or more. 15. The device of claim 1, wherein the first sidewall film is provided on an entire side surface of the first insulation film. 16. A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device, comprising, for a semiconductor substrate that includes a plurality of semiconductor elements provided thereon, a light absorption film covering the semiconductor substrate, and a first embedding film provided in the first insulation film, having a larger absorption coefficient for ultraviolet light than that of the first insulation film, and formed in a surrounding area of the semiconductor elements when being viewed from a direction perpendicular to the semiconductor substrate:
irradiating laser light along a periphery of a plurality of semiconductor elements to form a groove in the first insulation film, and forming first sidewall films including at least a part of the light absorption film on a side surface of the first insulation film; and cutting between the first sidewall films with a blade. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein
irradiation of the ultraviolet laser light forms a melted portion in which at least a portion of the light absorption film is melted, and a second sidewall film, which is the melted portion welded and solidified, is formed on side surface of the first sidewall film. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein
irradiation of the ultraviolet laser light forms a melted portion in which at least a portion of the first insulation film is melted, and a second sidewall film, which is the melted portion welded and solidified, is formed on side surface of the first sidewall film. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein
the first insulation film includes a first interlayer dielectric film and a second interlayer dielectric film provided above the first interlayer dielectric film, the semiconductor element includes a first semiconductor circuit that is provided on the semiconductor substrate and is covered by the first interlayer dielectric film and a second semiconductor circuit that is provided above the first semiconductor circuit, irradiation of the ultraviolet laser light forms a melted portion in which at least a portion of the first sidewall film and/or the light absorption film is melted, and a second sidewall film, which is the melted portion welded and solidified, is formed on an edge part of the bonding surface between the first and second interlayer dielectric films the side surface of the first sidewall film. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein
the first semiconductor circuit is a CMOS circuit and the second semiconductor circuit is a memory cell, or the first semiconductor circuit is a memory cell and the second semiconductor circuit is a CMOS circuit, the interface is a surface at which a silicon oxide film included in the first interlayer dielectric film and a silicon oxide film included in the second interlayer dielectric film are in contact with each other, and a conductor containing copper crosses the interface along a direction perpendicular to the semiconductor substrate. | A semiconductor device according to an embodiment comprises a semiconductor substrate and a semiconductor element provided on the semiconductor substrate. A first insulation film is configured to cover the semiconductor element. A first sidewall film is provided on a side part of the first insulation film, of which an absorption coefficient for ultraviolet light is larger than that of the first insulation film.1. A semiconductor device comprising:
a semiconductor substrate; a semiconductor element provided on the semiconductor substrate; a first insulation film configured to cover the semiconductor element; and a first sidewall film provided on a side part of the first insulation film, of which an absorption coefficient for ultraviolet light is larger than that of the first insulation film. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the first sidewall film includes a silicon nitride film. 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the first sidewall film includes a metal film. 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the first sidewall film contains at least one of tungsten, titanium, and aluminum. 5. The device of claim 1, further comprising a second sidewall film configured to cover an outer side of the first sidewall film. 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the first insulation film includes a first interlayer dielectric film and a second interlayer dielectric film provided above the first interlayer dielectric film, and
the first sidewall film or the second sidewall film is in direct contact with an interface between the first interlayer dielectric film and the second interlayer dielectric film. 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the semiconductor element includes a first semiconductor circuit that is provided on the semiconductor substrate and is covered by the first interlayer dielectric film, and a second semiconductor circuit that is provided above the first semiconductor circuit and is covered by the second interlayer dielectric film. 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the first semiconductor circuit is a CMOS circuit and the second semiconductor circuit is a memory cell, or the first semiconductor circuit is a memory cell and the second semiconductor circuit is a CMOS circuit. 9. The device of claim 6, wherein a conductor vertically crosses the interface along a direction perpendicular to the semiconductor substrate. 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the conductor contains copper. 11. The device of claim 6, wherein the interface is a surface at which a silicon oxide film included in the first interlayer dielectric film and a silicon oxide film included in the second interlayer dielectric film are in contact with each other. 12. The device of claim 1, further comprising a seal ring configured to surround the semiconductor element, wherein
the first sidewall film is provided outside the seal ring and contains a same material as the seal ring. 13. The device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of seal rings surrounding the semiconductor element and arranged with a first distance in a direction substantially parallel to a top surface of the semiconductor substrate, wherein
the first sidewall film is provided outside the seal rings with a distance larger than the first distance. 14. The device of claim 13, wherein a distance between an outermost one of the seal rings and the first sidewall film is 9 μm or more. 15. The device of claim 1, wherein the first sidewall film is provided on an entire side surface of the first insulation film. 16. A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device, comprising, for a semiconductor substrate that includes a plurality of semiconductor elements provided thereon, a light absorption film covering the semiconductor substrate, and a first embedding film provided in the first insulation film, having a larger absorption coefficient for ultraviolet light than that of the first insulation film, and formed in a surrounding area of the semiconductor elements when being viewed from a direction perpendicular to the semiconductor substrate:
irradiating laser light along a periphery of a plurality of semiconductor elements to form a groove in the first insulation film, and forming first sidewall films including at least a part of the light absorption film on a side surface of the first insulation film; and cutting between the first sidewall films with a blade. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein
irradiation of the ultraviolet laser light forms a melted portion in which at least a portion of the light absorption film is melted, and a second sidewall film, which is the melted portion welded and solidified, is formed on side surface of the first sidewall film. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein
irradiation of the ultraviolet laser light forms a melted portion in which at least a portion of the first insulation film is melted, and a second sidewall film, which is the melted portion welded and solidified, is formed on side surface of the first sidewall film. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein
the first insulation film includes a first interlayer dielectric film and a second interlayer dielectric film provided above the first interlayer dielectric film, the semiconductor element includes a first semiconductor circuit that is provided on the semiconductor substrate and is covered by the first interlayer dielectric film and a second semiconductor circuit that is provided above the first semiconductor circuit, irradiation of the ultraviolet laser light forms a melted portion in which at least a portion of the first sidewall film and/or the light absorption film is melted, and a second sidewall film, which is the melted portion welded and solidified, is formed on an edge part of the bonding surface between the first and second interlayer dielectric films the side surface of the first sidewall film. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein
the first semiconductor circuit is a CMOS circuit and the second semiconductor circuit is a memory cell, or the first semiconductor circuit is a memory cell and the second semiconductor circuit is a CMOS circuit, the interface is a surface at which a silicon oxide film included in the first interlayer dielectric film and a silicon oxide film included in the second interlayer dielectric film are in contact with each other, and a conductor containing copper crosses the interface along a direction perpendicular to the semiconductor substrate. | 2,800 |
348,560 | 16,806,050 | 2,813 | Provided is a transparent sheet that is prevented from curling, is excellent in external appearance, prevents the progress of a crack, and the rupture, of its glass, and is excellent in flexibility. A transparent sheet of the present invention includes: an inorganic glass; and a resin film bonded onto one side, or each of both sides, of the inorganic glass through an adhesion layer, in which: the inorganic glass has a thickness of from 35 μm to 100 μm; the adhesion layer has a single-layer thickness of more than 10 μm and (the thickness of the inorganic glass×0.3) μm or less; the adhesion layer has a modulus of elasticity at 25° C. of from 1.2 GPa to 10 GPa; and a ratio of a total thickness of the resin film to the thickness of the inorganic glass is from 0.9 to 4. | 1. A transparent sheet, comprising:
an inorganic glass; and a resin film bonded onto one side, or each of both sides, of the inorganic glass through an adhesion layer, wherein: the inorganic glass has a thickness of from 35 μm to 100 μm; the adhesion layer has a single-layer thickness of more than 10 μm and (the thickness of the inorganic glass×0.3) μm or less; the adhesion layer has a modulus of elasticity at 25° C. of from 1.2 GPa to 10 GPa; and a ratio of a total thickness of the resin film to the thickness of the inorganic glass is from 0.9 to 4. 2. A transparent sheet according to claim 1, wherein the modulus of elasticity of the resin film at 25° C. is from 1.5 GPa to 10 GPa. 3. A transparent sheet according to claim 1, wherein the resin film contains a resin having a glass transition temperature of from 150° C. to 350° C. 4. A transparent sheet according to claim 1, wherein the resin film contains a thermoplastic resin. 5. A transparent sheet according to claim 1, wherein the adhesion layer is formed of a UV-curable resin. 6. A transparent sheet according to claim 1, wherein the transparent sheet has a total thickness of 150 μm or less. 7. A transparent sheet according to claim 1, wherein the transparent sheet is used as a substrate for a display element or for a solar cell. 8. A transparent sheet according to claim 1, wherein the transparent sheet is used as a moisture-proof cover for a display element or for a solar cell. 9. A method of producing a transparent sheet, comprising the steps of:
applying a resin solution for forming an adhesion layer onto an inorganic glass or a resin film to form an applied layer; and laminating the inorganic glass and the resin film through the applied layer, followed by curing of the applied layer to form an adhesion layer to bond the inorganic glass and the resin film onto each other, wherein: the inorganic glass has a thickness of from 35 μm to 100 μm; the adhesion layer has a single-layer thickness of more than 10 μm and (the thickness of the inorganic glass×0.3) μm or less; the adhesion layer has a modulus of elasticity at 25° C. of from 1.2 GPa to 10 GPa; and a ratio of a total thickness of the resin film to the thickness of the inorganic glass is from 0.9 to 4. | Provided is a transparent sheet that is prevented from curling, is excellent in external appearance, prevents the progress of a crack, and the rupture, of its glass, and is excellent in flexibility. A transparent sheet of the present invention includes: an inorganic glass; and a resin film bonded onto one side, or each of both sides, of the inorganic glass through an adhesion layer, in which: the inorganic glass has a thickness of from 35 μm to 100 μm; the adhesion layer has a single-layer thickness of more than 10 μm and (the thickness of the inorganic glass×0.3) μm or less; the adhesion layer has a modulus of elasticity at 25° C. of from 1.2 GPa to 10 GPa; and a ratio of a total thickness of the resin film to the thickness of the inorganic glass is from 0.9 to 4.1. A transparent sheet, comprising:
an inorganic glass; and a resin film bonded onto one side, or each of both sides, of the inorganic glass through an adhesion layer, wherein: the inorganic glass has a thickness of from 35 μm to 100 μm; the adhesion layer has a single-layer thickness of more than 10 μm and (the thickness of the inorganic glass×0.3) μm or less; the adhesion layer has a modulus of elasticity at 25° C. of from 1.2 GPa to 10 GPa; and a ratio of a total thickness of the resin film to the thickness of the inorganic glass is from 0.9 to 4. 2. A transparent sheet according to claim 1, wherein the modulus of elasticity of the resin film at 25° C. is from 1.5 GPa to 10 GPa. 3. A transparent sheet according to claim 1, wherein the resin film contains a resin having a glass transition temperature of from 150° C. to 350° C. 4. A transparent sheet according to claim 1, wherein the resin film contains a thermoplastic resin. 5. A transparent sheet according to claim 1, wherein the adhesion layer is formed of a UV-curable resin. 6. A transparent sheet according to claim 1, wherein the transparent sheet has a total thickness of 150 μm or less. 7. A transparent sheet according to claim 1, wherein the transparent sheet is used as a substrate for a display element or for a solar cell. 8. A transparent sheet according to claim 1, wherein the transparent sheet is used as a moisture-proof cover for a display element or for a solar cell. 9. A method of producing a transparent sheet, comprising the steps of:
applying a resin solution for forming an adhesion layer onto an inorganic glass or a resin film to form an applied layer; and laminating the inorganic glass and the resin film through the applied layer, followed by curing of the applied layer to form an adhesion layer to bond the inorganic glass and the resin film onto each other, wherein: the inorganic glass has a thickness of from 35 μm to 100 μm; the adhesion layer has a single-layer thickness of more than 10 μm and (the thickness of the inorganic glass×0.3) μm or less; the adhesion layer has a modulus of elasticity at 25° C. of from 1.2 GPa to 10 GPa; and a ratio of a total thickness of the resin film to the thickness of the inorganic glass is from 0.9 to 4. | 2,800 |
348,561 | 16,806,067 | 2,813 | A resource scheduling method of a wireless communication system is provided. The resource scheduling method includes the following steps. Each of the user equipment (UEs) is classified by a centralized scheduler as a cell-edge UE or a non cell-edge UE. A first scheduling is performed by the centralized scheduler by allocating a first resource for the cell-edge UEs, a second resource for the non cell-edge UEs, and a third resource for retransmission of at least one of the cell-edge UEs. A second scheduling is performed by a distributed scheduler by allocating a first part of the second resource for at least one of the non cell-edge UEs. | 1. A resource scheduling method of a wireless communication system, comprising:
classifying, by a centralized scheduler, each of a plurality of user equipment (UEs) as a cell-edge UE or a non cell-edge UE; performing, by the centralized scheduler, a first scheduling by allocating a first resource for the cell-edge UEs, a second resource for the non cell-edge UEs, and a third resource for retransmission of at least one of the cell-edge UEs; and performing, by a distributed scheduler, a second scheduling by allocating a first part of the second resource for at least one of the non cell-edge UEs, wherein a scheduling period of the first scheduling is determined according to a radio channel status. 2. The resource scheduling method of claim 1, wherein a method of performing the first scheduling further comprises:
allocating, by the centralized scheduler, each part of the second resource respectively for one of the non cell-edge UEs. 3. The resource scheduling method of claim 1, wherein the second resource includes a first group and a second group, and the method of performing the first scheduling further comprises:
allocating, by the centralized scheduler, each part of the first group respectively for one of the non cell-edge UEs, and each part of the second group respectively for retransmission of one of the non cell-edge UEs. 4. The resource scheduling method of claim 1, wherein a method of performing the second scheduling further comprises:
allocating, by the distributed scheduler, a second part of the second resource for retransmission of at least one of the non cell-edge UEs. 5. The resource scheduling method of claim 1, wherein the method of performing the second scheduling further comprises:
allocating, by the distributed scheduler, a part of the third resource for at least one of the non cell-edge UEs when the distributed scheduler determines that the part of the third resource for retransmission to the at least one of the cell-edge UEs is not required. 6. The resource scheduling method of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of UEs is classified as the cell-edge UE or the non cell-edge UE according to a fronthaul status of a remote radio head (RRH) to which the UE is connected. 7. The resource scheduling method of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of UEs is classified as the cell-edge UE or the non cell-edge UE according to an overall network performance. 8. The resource scheduling method of claim 1, wherein classification of the plurality of UEs are carried out by the centralized scheduler periodically at a time period, and the time period between each of the classifications is the same as the scheduling period of the first scheduling. 9. The resource scheduling method of claim 1, wherein the scheduling period of the first scheduling is greater than a scheduling period of the second scheduling. 10. A baseband unit (BBU), comprising:
a centralized scheduler configured to: classify each of a plurality of user equipment (UEs) as a cell-edge UE or a non cell-edge UE; perform a first scheduling by allocating a first resource for the cell-edge UEs, a second resource for the non cell-edge UEs, and a third resource for retransmission of at least one of the cell-edge UEs, wherein a scheduling period of the first scheduling is determined according to a radio channel status. 11. The BBU of claim 10, wherein when the first scheduling is performed, the centralized scheduler is further configured to allocate each part of the second resource respectively for one of the non cell-edge UEs. 12. The BBU of claim 10, wherein the second resource includes a first group and a second group, when the first scheduling is performed, the centralized scheduler is further configured to allocate each part of the first group respectively for one of the non cell-edge UEs, and each part of the second group respectively for retransmission for one of the non cell-edge UEs. 13. The BBU of claim 10, wherein the centralized scheduler classifies the each of the plurality of UEs as the cell-edge UE or the non cell-edge UE according to a fronthaul status of a remote radio head (RRH) to which the UE is connected. 14. The BBU of claim 10, wherein the centralized scheduler classifies the each of the plurality of UEs as the cell-edge UE or the non cell-edge UE according to an overall network performance. 15. The BBU of claim 10, wherein the centralized scheduler classifies the plurality of UEs periodically, and a period of classifying the plurality of UEs is the same as the scheduling period of the first scheduling. 16. A remote radio head (RRH), comprising:
a distributed scheduler configured to: receive an allocation of a first scheduling from a baseband unit (BBU), wherein the first scheduling is performed by a centralized scheduler of the BBU, the allocation of the first scheduling includes a first resource for cell-edge user equipment (UEs), a second resource for non cell-edge UEs, and a third resource for retransmission of at least one of the cell-edge UEs, wherein a scheduling period of the first scheduling is determined according to a radio channel status; and perform a second scheduling by allocating a first part of the second resource for at least one of the non cell-edge UEs. 17. The RRH of claim 16, wherein each part of the second resource of the allocation of the first scheduling is respectively for one of the non cell-edge UEs. 18. The RRH of claim 16, wherein the second resource of the allocation of the first scheduling includes a first group and a second group, each part of the first group is respectively for one of the non cell-edge UEs, and each part of the second group is respectively for retransmission for one of the non cell-edge UEs. 19. The RRH of claim 16, wherein when the second scheduling is performed, the distributed scheduler is further configured to allocate a second part of the second resource for retransmission of at least one of the non cell-edge UEs. 20. The RRH of claim 16, wherein when the second scheduling is performed, the distributed scheduler is further configured to allocate a part of the third resource for at least one of the non-cell-edge UEs when the distributed scheduler determines that the part of the third resource for retransmission to the at least one of the cell-edge UEs is not required. 21. The RRH of claim 16, wherein the scheduling period of the first scheduling is greater than a scheduling period of the second scheduling. | A resource scheduling method of a wireless communication system is provided. The resource scheduling method includes the following steps. Each of the user equipment (UEs) is classified by a centralized scheduler as a cell-edge UE or a non cell-edge UE. A first scheduling is performed by the centralized scheduler by allocating a first resource for the cell-edge UEs, a second resource for the non cell-edge UEs, and a third resource for retransmission of at least one of the cell-edge UEs. A second scheduling is performed by a distributed scheduler by allocating a first part of the second resource for at least one of the non cell-edge UEs.1. A resource scheduling method of a wireless communication system, comprising:
classifying, by a centralized scheduler, each of a plurality of user equipment (UEs) as a cell-edge UE or a non cell-edge UE; performing, by the centralized scheduler, a first scheduling by allocating a first resource for the cell-edge UEs, a second resource for the non cell-edge UEs, and a third resource for retransmission of at least one of the cell-edge UEs; and performing, by a distributed scheduler, a second scheduling by allocating a first part of the second resource for at least one of the non cell-edge UEs, wherein a scheduling period of the first scheduling is determined according to a radio channel status. 2. The resource scheduling method of claim 1, wherein a method of performing the first scheduling further comprises:
allocating, by the centralized scheduler, each part of the second resource respectively for one of the non cell-edge UEs. 3. The resource scheduling method of claim 1, wherein the second resource includes a first group and a second group, and the method of performing the first scheduling further comprises:
allocating, by the centralized scheduler, each part of the first group respectively for one of the non cell-edge UEs, and each part of the second group respectively for retransmission of one of the non cell-edge UEs. 4. The resource scheduling method of claim 1, wherein a method of performing the second scheduling further comprises:
allocating, by the distributed scheduler, a second part of the second resource for retransmission of at least one of the non cell-edge UEs. 5. The resource scheduling method of claim 1, wherein the method of performing the second scheduling further comprises:
allocating, by the distributed scheduler, a part of the third resource for at least one of the non cell-edge UEs when the distributed scheduler determines that the part of the third resource for retransmission to the at least one of the cell-edge UEs is not required. 6. The resource scheduling method of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of UEs is classified as the cell-edge UE or the non cell-edge UE according to a fronthaul status of a remote radio head (RRH) to which the UE is connected. 7. The resource scheduling method of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of UEs is classified as the cell-edge UE or the non cell-edge UE according to an overall network performance. 8. The resource scheduling method of claim 1, wherein classification of the plurality of UEs are carried out by the centralized scheduler periodically at a time period, and the time period between each of the classifications is the same as the scheduling period of the first scheduling. 9. The resource scheduling method of claim 1, wherein the scheduling period of the first scheduling is greater than a scheduling period of the second scheduling. 10. A baseband unit (BBU), comprising:
a centralized scheduler configured to: classify each of a plurality of user equipment (UEs) as a cell-edge UE or a non cell-edge UE; perform a first scheduling by allocating a first resource for the cell-edge UEs, a second resource for the non cell-edge UEs, and a third resource for retransmission of at least one of the cell-edge UEs, wherein a scheduling period of the first scheduling is determined according to a radio channel status. 11. The BBU of claim 10, wherein when the first scheduling is performed, the centralized scheduler is further configured to allocate each part of the second resource respectively for one of the non cell-edge UEs. 12. The BBU of claim 10, wherein the second resource includes a first group and a second group, when the first scheduling is performed, the centralized scheduler is further configured to allocate each part of the first group respectively for one of the non cell-edge UEs, and each part of the second group respectively for retransmission for one of the non cell-edge UEs. 13. The BBU of claim 10, wherein the centralized scheduler classifies the each of the plurality of UEs as the cell-edge UE or the non cell-edge UE according to a fronthaul status of a remote radio head (RRH) to which the UE is connected. 14. The BBU of claim 10, wherein the centralized scheduler classifies the each of the plurality of UEs as the cell-edge UE or the non cell-edge UE according to an overall network performance. 15. The BBU of claim 10, wherein the centralized scheduler classifies the plurality of UEs periodically, and a period of classifying the plurality of UEs is the same as the scheduling period of the first scheduling. 16. A remote radio head (RRH), comprising:
a distributed scheduler configured to: receive an allocation of a first scheduling from a baseband unit (BBU), wherein the first scheduling is performed by a centralized scheduler of the BBU, the allocation of the first scheduling includes a first resource for cell-edge user equipment (UEs), a second resource for non cell-edge UEs, and a third resource for retransmission of at least one of the cell-edge UEs, wherein a scheduling period of the first scheduling is determined according to a radio channel status; and perform a second scheduling by allocating a first part of the second resource for at least one of the non cell-edge UEs. 17. The RRH of claim 16, wherein each part of the second resource of the allocation of the first scheduling is respectively for one of the non cell-edge UEs. 18. The RRH of claim 16, wherein the second resource of the allocation of the first scheduling includes a first group and a second group, each part of the first group is respectively for one of the non cell-edge UEs, and each part of the second group is respectively for retransmission for one of the non cell-edge UEs. 19. The RRH of claim 16, wherein when the second scheduling is performed, the distributed scheduler is further configured to allocate a second part of the second resource for retransmission of at least one of the non cell-edge UEs. 20. The RRH of claim 16, wherein when the second scheduling is performed, the distributed scheduler is further configured to allocate a part of the third resource for at least one of the non-cell-edge UEs when the distributed scheduler determines that the part of the third resource for retransmission to the at least one of the cell-edge UEs is not required. 21. The RRH of claim 16, wherein the scheduling period of the first scheduling is greater than a scheduling period of the second scheduling. | 2,800 |
348,562 | 16,806,048 | 2,851 | A control system for a charging control network may include a primary server system that applies a control process to an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (“EVSE”), a secondary server system that applies a monitoring process to the EVSE, and a mediator system that maintains a virtualized connection there-between. The mediator system may: in response to receiving a first request from the EVSE, selectively route the first request to one or more server systems based on predetermined rules; in response to receiving at least one first reply, selectively route only one of the at least one first reply to the EVSE; in response to receiving a second request from one of the server systems directed toward the EVSE, route the second request to the EVSE; and, in response to receiving a second reply to the second request, route the second reply to the server system that transmitted the second request. | 1. A mediator system for a control system of a charging control network, the mediator system comprising:
a processor; and a memory operatively connected to the processor, and storing instructions executable by the processor to perform acts that include:
maintaining a virtualized connection between an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (“EVSE”) in the charging control network and a plurality of server systems in the charging network by:
in response to receiving a first request from the EVSE, selectively routing the first request to one or more server systems from amongst the plurality of server systems;
in response to receiving at least one first reply to the first request from the selected one or more server systems, selectively routing one and only one of the at least one first reply to the EVSE;
in response to receiving a second request from one of the plurality of server systems, the second request directed toward the EVSE, routing the second request to the EVSE; and
in response to receiving a second reply to the second request from the EVSE, routing the second reply to the one of the plurality of server systems that transmitted the second request. 2. The mediator system of claim 1, wherein the acts further include:
receiving a first connection from the EVSE; and in response to receiving the first connection request:
establishing a respective second connection with each server system in the plurality of server systems; and
forming the virtualized connection between the EVSE and the plurality of server systems based on the first connection and the respective second connections. 3. The mediator system of claim 2, wherein a first communications protocol for at least one of the first connection or one of the respective second connections is different from a second communications protocol of another. 4. The mediator of claim 3, wherein one or more of:
the first communications protocol is a stateless communications protocol, and the second communications protocol is a stateful communications protocol; or the first communications protocol is a first version of a communications protocol, and the second communications protocol is a second version of the communications protocol that is different than the first version. 5. The mediator system of claim 2, wherein the first connection enables communications using a first communication protocol and communications using a second communications protocol different from the first communications protocol. 6. The mediator system of claim 2, wherein the acts further include, in response to one of the respective second connections being interrupted:
attempting to re-establish said interrupted connection; caching at least one request or reply that would otherwise be routed via said interrupted connection; and in response to said interrupted connection being re-established, routing the at least one cached request or reply via the re-established connection. 7. The mediator system of claim 2, wherein the acts further include: in response to the first connection being interrupted, terminating the respective second connections. 8. The mediator system of claim 1, wherein the selectively routing of the first request to the one or more server systems from amongst the plurality of server systems includes:
applying a predetermined set of rules to the first request to identify the one or more server systems as relevant to the first request; and routing the first request to the identified one or more server systems. 9. The mediator system of claim 8, wherein applying the predetermined set of rules includes:
based on the predetermined set of rules, determining a category of the first request; and comparing the determined category of the first request with predetermined categories of the plurality of server systems, and identifying the one or more server systems as having a predetermined category that matches the category of the first request. 10. The mediator system of claim 1, wherein:
one of the server systems from amongst the plurality of server systems is assigned as a primary server system to the EVSE; in response to one of the at least one first replies originating from the primary server system assigned to the EVSE, the one and only one of the at least one of the first reply that is routed to the EVSE is the first reply originating from the primary server system assigned to the EVSE; at least one of the server systems from amongst the plurality of server systems other than the primary server system is assigned as at least one secondary server system to the EVSE; the virtualized connection enables the primary server system to apply at least one control process to the EVSE; and the virtualized connection enables the at least one secondary server system to apply at least one monitoring process to the EVSE. 11. A computer-implemented method, comprising:
maintaining a virtualized connection between an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (“EVSE”) in a charging control network and a plurality of server systems in the charging network by:
in response to receiving a first request from the EVSE, selectively routing the first request to one or more server systems from amongst the plurality of server systems;
in response to receiving at least one first reply to the first request from the selected one or more server systems, selectively routing one and only one of the at least one first reply to the EVSE;
in response to receiving a second request from one of the plurality of server systems, the second request directed toward the EVSE, routing the second request to the EVSE; and
in response to receiving a second reply to the second request from the EVSE, routing the second reply to the one of the plurality of server systems that transmitted the second request. 12. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, further comprising:
receiving a first connection from the EVSE; and in response to receiving the first connection request:
establishing a respective second connection with each server system in the plurality of server systems; and
forming the virtualized connection between the EVSE and the plurality of server systems based on the first connection and the respective second connections. 13. The computer-implemented method of claim 12, wherein:
a first communications protocol for at least one of the first connection or one of the respective second connections is different from a second communications protocol of another; and one or more of:
the first communications protocol is a stateless communications protocol, and the second communications protocol is a stateful communications protocol; or
the first communications protocol is a first version of a communications protocol, and the second communications protocol is a second version of the communications protocol that is different than the first version. 14. The computer-implemented method of claim 12, wherein the first connection enables communications using a first communication protocol and communications using a second communications protocol different from the first communications protocol. 15. The computer-implemented method of claim 12, further comprising:
in response to one of the first connection or one of the respective second connections being interrupted:
caching at least one request or reply that would otherwise be routed via said interrupted connection; and
attempting to re-establish said interrupted connection;
in response to said interrupted connection being re-established, routing the at least one cached request or reply via the re-established connection; and in response to a failure to re-establish said interrupted connection, terminating a remainder of the one of the first connection and one of the respective second connections. 16. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein the selectively routing of the first request to the one or more server systems from amongst the plurality of server systems includes:
applying a predetermined set of rules to the first request to identify the one or more server systems as relevant to the first request; and routing the first request to the identified one or more server systems. 17. The computer-implemented method of claim 16, wherein applying the predetermined set of rules includes:
based on the predetermined set of rules, determining a category of the first request; and comparing the determined category of the first request with predetermined categories of the plurality of server systems, and identifying the one or more server systems as having a predetermined category that matches the category of the first request. 18. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein:
one of the server systems from amongst the plurality of server systems is assigned as a primary server system to the EVSE; in response to one of the at least one first replies originating from the primary server system assigned to the EVSE, the one and only one of the at least one of the first reply that is routed to the EVSE is the first reply originating from the primary server system assigned to the EVSE; at least one of the server systems from amongst the plurality of server systems other than the primary server system is assigned as at least one secondary server system to the EVSE; the virtualized connection enables the primary server system to apply at least one control process to the EVSE; and the virtualized connection enables the at least one secondary server system to apply at least one monitoring process to the EVSE. 19. A control system for a charging control network, comprising:
a primary server system configured to apply at least one control process to an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (“EVSE”) in the charging control network; at least one secondary server system configured to apply at least one monitoring process to the EVSE; and a mediator system configured to maintain a virtualized connection between the EVSE and both of the primary server system and the at least one secondary server system, the mediator system including a processor and a memory operatively connected to the processor, and storing instructions executable by the processor to perform acts that include:
in response to receiving a first request from the EVSE, selectively routing the first request to one or more of the primary server system or the at least one secondary server systems based on a set of predetermined rules;
in response to receiving at least one first reply to the first request from the selected one or more of the primary server system or the at least one secondary server systems, selectively routing one and only one of the at least one first reply to the EVSE;
in response to receiving a second request from one of the primary server system or one of the at least one secondary server systems, the second request directed toward the EVSE, routing the second request to the EVSE; and
in response to receiving a second reply to the second request from the EVSE, routing the second reply to the one of the primary server system or one of the at least one secondary server systems that transmitted the second request. 20. The control system of claim 19, wherein the acts further include, in response to receiving a first connection from the EVSE:
establishing a respective second connection with each of the primary server system and the at least one secondary server system; and forming the virtualized connection between the EVSE, the primary server system, and the at least one secondary server system based on the first connection and the respective second connections. | A control system for a charging control network may include a primary server system that applies a control process to an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (“EVSE”), a secondary server system that applies a monitoring process to the EVSE, and a mediator system that maintains a virtualized connection there-between. The mediator system may: in response to receiving a first request from the EVSE, selectively route the first request to one or more server systems based on predetermined rules; in response to receiving at least one first reply, selectively route only one of the at least one first reply to the EVSE; in response to receiving a second request from one of the server systems directed toward the EVSE, route the second request to the EVSE; and, in response to receiving a second reply to the second request, route the second reply to the server system that transmitted the second request.1. A mediator system for a control system of a charging control network, the mediator system comprising:
a processor; and a memory operatively connected to the processor, and storing instructions executable by the processor to perform acts that include:
maintaining a virtualized connection between an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (“EVSE”) in the charging control network and a plurality of server systems in the charging network by:
in response to receiving a first request from the EVSE, selectively routing the first request to one or more server systems from amongst the plurality of server systems;
in response to receiving at least one first reply to the first request from the selected one or more server systems, selectively routing one and only one of the at least one first reply to the EVSE;
in response to receiving a second request from one of the plurality of server systems, the second request directed toward the EVSE, routing the second request to the EVSE; and
in response to receiving a second reply to the second request from the EVSE, routing the second reply to the one of the plurality of server systems that transmitted the second request. 2. The mediator system of claim 1, wherein the acts further include:
receiving a first connection from the EVSE; and in response to receiving the first connection request:
establishing a respective second connection with each server system in the plurality of server systems; and
forming the virtualized connection between the EVSE and the plurality of server systems based on the first connection and the respective second connections. 3. The mediator system of claim 2, wherein a first communications protocol for at least one of the first connection or one of the respective second connections is different from a second communications protocol of another. 4. The mediator of claim 3, wherein one or more of:
the first communications protocol is a stateless communications protocol, and the second communications protocol is a stateful communications protocol; or the first communications protocol is a first version of a communications protocol, and the second communications protocol is a second version of the communications protocol that is different than the first version. 5. The mediator system of claim 2, wherein the first connection enables communications using a first communication protocol and communications using a second communications protocol different from the first communications protocol. 6. The mediator system of claim 2, wherein the acts further include, in response to one of the respective second connections being interrupted:
attempting to re-establish said interrupted connection; caching at least one request or reply that would otherwise be routed via said interrupted connection; and in response to said interrupted connection being re-established, routing the at least one cached request or reply via the re-established connection. 7. The mediator system of claim 2, wherein the acts further include: in response to the first connection being interrupted, terminating the respective second connections. 8. The mediator system of claim 1, wherein the selectively routing of the first request to the one or more server systems from amongst the plurality of server systems includes:
applying a predetermined set of rules to the first request to identify the one or more server systems as relevant to the first request; and routing the first request to the identified one or more server systems. 9. The mediator system of claim 8, wherein applying the predetermined set of rules includes:
based on the predetermined set of rules, determining a category of the first request; and comparing the determined category of the first request with predetermined categories of the plurality of server systems, and identifying the one or more server systems as having a predetermined category that matches the category of the first request. 10. The mediator system of claim 1, wherein:
one of the server systems from amongst the plurality of server systems is assigned as a primary server system to the EVSE; in response to one of the at least one first replies originating from the primary server system assigned to the EVSE, the one and only one of the at least one of the first reply that is routed to the EVSE is the first reply originating from the primary server system assigned to the EVSE; at least one of the server systems from amongst the plurality of server systems other than the primary server system is assigned as at least one secondary server system to the EVSE; the virtualized connection enables the primary server system to apply at least one control process to the EVSE; and the virtualized connection enables the at least one secondary server system to apply at least one monitoring process to the EVSE. 11. A computer-implemented method, comprising:
maintaining a virtualized connection between an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (“EVSE”) in a charging control network and a plurality of server systems in the charging network by:
in response to receiving a first request from the EVSE, selectively routing the first request to one or more server systems from amongst the plurality of server systems;
in response to receiving at least one first reply to the first request from the selected one or more server systems, selectively routing one and only one of the at least one first reply to the EVSE;
in response to receiving a second request from one of the plurality of server systems, the second request directed toward the EVSE, routing the second request to the EVSE; and
in response to receiving a second reply to the second request from the EVSE, routing the second reply to the one of the plurality of server systems that transmitted the second request. 12. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, further comprising:
receiving a first connection from the EVSE; and in response to receiving the first connection request:
establishing a respective second connection with each server system in the plurality of server systems; and
forming the virtualized connection between the EVSE and the plurality of server systems based on the first connection and the respective second connections. 13. The computer-implemented method of claim 12, wherein:
a first communications protocol for at least one of the first connection or one of the respective second connections is different from a second communications protocol of another; and one or more of:
the first communications protocol is a stateless communications protocol, and the second communications protocol is a stateful communications protocol; or
the first communications protocol is a first version of a communications protocol, and the second communications protocol is a second version of the communications protocol that is different than the first version. 14. The computer-implemented method of claim 12, wherein the first connection enables communications using a first communication protocol and communications using a second communications protocol different from the first communications protocol. 15. The computer-implemented method of claim 12, further comprising:
in response to one of the first connection or one of the respective second connections being interrupted:
caching at least one request or reply that would otherwise be routed via said interrupted connection; and
attempting to re-establish said interrupted connection;
in response to said interrupted connection being re-established, routing the at least one cached request or reply via the re-established connection; and in response to a failure to re-establish said interrupted connection, terminating a remainder of the one of the first connection and one of the respective second connections. 16. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein the selectively routing of the first request to the one or more server systems from amongst the plurality of server systems includes:
applying a predetermined set of rules to the first request to identify the one or more server systems as relevant to the first request; and routing the first request to the identified one or more server systems. 17. The computer-implemented method of claim 16, wherein applying the predetermined set of rules includes:
based on the predetermined set of rules, determining a category of the first request; and comparing the determined category of the first request with predetermined categories of the plurality of server systems, and identifying the one or more server systems as having a predetermined category that matches the category of the first request. 18. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein:
one of the server systems from amongst the plurality of server systems is assigned as a primary server system to the EVSE; in response to one of the at least one first replies originating from the primary server system assigned to the EVSE, the one and only one of the at least one of the first reply that is routed to the EVSE is the first reply originating from the primary server system assigned to the EVSE; at least one of the server systems from amongst the plurality of server systems other than the primary server system is assigned as at least one secondary server system to the EVSE; the virtualized connection enables the primary server system to apply at least one control process to the EVSE; and the virtualized connection enables the at least one secondary server system to apply at least one monitoring process to the EVSE. 19. A control system for a charging control network, comprising:
a primary server system configured to apply at least one control process to an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (“EVSE”) in the charging control network; at least one secondary server system configured to apply at least one monitoring process to the EVSE; and a mediator system configured to maintain a virtualized connection between the EVSE and both of the primary server system and the at least one secondary server system, the mediator system including a processor and a memory operatively connected to the processor, and storing instructions executable by the processor to perform acts that include:
in response to receiving a first request from the EVSE, selectively routing the first request to one or more of the primary server system or the at least one secondary server systems based on a set of predetermined rules;
in response to receiving at least one first reply to the first request from the selected one or more of the primary server system or the at least one secondary server systems, selectively routing one and only one of the at least one first reply to the EVSE;
in response to receiving a second request from one of the primary server system or one of the at least one secondary server systems, the second request directed toward the EVSE, routing the second request to the EVSE; and
in response to receiving a second reply to the second request from the EVSE, routing the second reply to the one of the primary server system or one of the at least one secondary server systems that transmitted the second request. 20. The control system of claim 19, wherein the acts further include, in response to receiving a first connection from the EVSE:
establishing a respective second connection with each of the primary server system and the at least one secondary server system; and forming the virtualized connection between the EVSE, the primary server system, and the at least one secondary server system based on the first connection and the respective second connections. | 2,800 |
348,563 | 16,806,049 | 2,851 | A system and method of protecting individuals from ionizing energy is provided. The system can determine a location of an individual with respect to a source of ionizing energy. Before the source emits ionizing energy, the system can determine patterns of ionizing energy expected to be generated by an expected emission from the source. The system can then determine if an individual is within a danger zone in which the individual is expected to receive a dose of ionizing energy above a predetermined amount. The system may also determine if an individual is outside of an optimal zone in which the individual is expected to receive less than a predetermined dose of ionizing energy without being unnecessarily distant from a working area. The system can provide a warning when an individual is within the danger or inefficient zones. Optionally, the system can prevent the source from emitting ionizing energy when an individual is within the danger zone. | 1. A system for reducing exposure to a source of ionizing energy, comprising:
a computational machine comprising a processor and memory, the processor in communication with the memory and at least one output device; at least one sensor in communication with the processor configured to monitor a predetermined area proximate to the source of ionizing energy; a program stored in the memory and executable by the processor with instructions to:
determine contours of at least two zones of ionizing energy generated by an emission of ionizing energy by the source;
receive data from a sensor related to the location of the individual;
determine a zone of ionizing energy in which the individual is located; and
generate, by the output device, a first alert when the individual is at least partially in a danger zone expected to receive more than a first amount of ionizing energy. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the program further includes an instruction to receive information related to the emission of ionizing energy to be generated by the source. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the information includes at least one of an orientation of the source, a path of the emission, a focal point of the emission, a duration of the emission, and a power level of the emission. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least two zones include: (i) a danger zone; (ii) an inefficient zone; and (iii) a safe zone between the danger zone and the inefficient zone. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the program further includes an instruction to delay the emission of ionizing energy when the individual is at least partially in the danger zone. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the delay is for a predetermined amount of time. 7. The system of claim 5, wherein the delay continues until the individual is completely outside of the danger zone. 8. The system of claim 4, wherein the program further includes an instruction to stop an emission of the source when the individual moves at least partially into the danger zone during the emission. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the program further includes an instruction to generate, by the output device, a second alert when the individual is in the inefficient zone. 10. The system of claim 8, wherein the output device displays:
the location of the individual; and contours associated with each of the danger zone, the safe zone, and the inefficient zone. 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the predetermined area of the at least one sensor is adjustable. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality of sensors oriented in unique directions. 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the output device comprises a display associated with a device wearable by the individual, and wherein the first alert includes an icon displayed proximate to the individual's eyes. 14. A method for providing an alert to an individual related to a dose of ionizing energy from a source of ionizing energy, comprising:
determining at least two contours of levels of ionizing energy expected to be generated by an emission of ionizing energy by the source; determining one or more zones where the individual is located in relation to the source, the zones comprising at least an optimal zone, an inefficient zone and a danger zone; and generating, by the output device, the alert when at least a portion of the individual's body is expected to receive more than a first amount of ionizing energy. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising receiving data from at least one sensor related to the location of the individual. 16. The method of claim 14, wherein determining the at least two contour levels includes receiving information related to the emission to be generated by the source, the information including at least one of: (i) an orientation of the source; (ii) a path of the emission; (iii) a focal point of the emission; (iv) a duration of the emission, and (v) a power level of the emission. 17. The method of claim 14, further comprising delaying the emission of ionizing energy when the individual is expected to receive more than the first amount of ionizing energy. 18. The method of claim 14, further comprising:
generating, by the output device, a second alert when the individual is expected to receive less than a second amount of ionizing energy. | A system and method of protecting individuals from ionizing energy is provided. The system can determine a location of an individual with respect to a source of ionizing energy. Before the source emits ionizing energy, the system can determine patterns of ionizing energy expected to be generated by an expected emission from the source. The system can then determine if an individual is within a danger zone in which the individual is expected to receive a dose of ionizing energy above a predetermined amount. The system may also determine if an individual is outside of an optimal zone in which the individual is expected to receive less than a predetermined dose of ionizing energy without being unnecessarily distant from a working area. The system can provide a warning when an individual is within the danger or inefficient zones. Optionally, the system can prevent the source from emitting ionizing energy when an individual is within the danger zone.1. A system for reducing exposure to a source of ionizing energy, comprising:
a computational machine comprising a processor and memory, the processor in communication with the memory and at least one output device; at least one sensor in communication with the processor configured to monitor a predetermined area proximate to the source of ionizing energy; a program stored in the memory and executable by the processor with instructions to:
determine contours of at least two zones of ionizing energy generated by an emission of ionizing energy by the source;
receive data from a sensor related to the location of the individual;
determine a zone of ionizing energy in which the individual is located; and
generate, by the output device, a first alert when the individual is at least partially in a danger zone expected to receive more than a first amount of ionizing energy. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the program further includes an instruction to receive information related to the emission of ionizing energy to be generated by the source. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the information includes at least one of an orientation of the source, a path of the emission, a focal point of the emission, a duration of the emission, and a power level of the emission. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least two zones include: (i) a danger zone; (ii) an inefficient zone; and (iii) a safe zone between the danger zone and the inefficient zone. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the program further includes an instruction to delay the emission of ionizing energy when the individual is at least partially in the danger zone. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the delay is for a predetermined amount of time. 7. The system of claim 5, wherein the delay continues until the individual is completely outside of the danger zone. 8. The system of claim 4, wherein the program further includes an instruction to stop an emission of the source when the individual moves at least partially into the danger zone during the emission. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the program further includes an instruction to generate, by the output device, a second alert when the individual is in the inefficient zone. 10. The system of claim 8, wherein the output device displays:
the location of the individual; and contours associated with each of the danger zone, the safe zone, and the inefficient zone. 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the predetermined area of the at least one sensor is adjustable. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality of sensors oriented in unique directions. 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the output device comprises a display associated with a device wearable by the individual, and wherein the first alert includes an icon displayed proximate to the individual's eyes. 14. A method for providing an alert to an individual related to a dose of ionizing energy from a source of ionizing energy, comprising:
determining at least two contours of levels of ionizing energy expected to be generated by an emission of ionizing energy by the source; determining one or more zones where the individual is located in relation to the source, the zones comprising at least an optimal zone, an inefficient zone and a danger zone; and generating, by the output device, the alert when at least a portion of the individual's body is expected to receive more than a first amount of ionizing energy. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising receiving data from at least one sensor related to the location of the individual. 16. The method of claim 14, wherein determining the at least two contour levels includes receiving information related to the emission to be generated by the source, the information including at least one of: (i) an orientation of the source; (ii) a path of the emission; (iii) a focal point of the emission; (iv) a duration of the emission, and (v) a power level of the emission. 17. The method of claim 14, further comprising delaying the emission of ionizing energy when the individual is expected to receive more than the first amount of ionizing energy. 18. The method of claim 14, further comprising:
generating, by the output device, a second alert when the individual is expected to receive less than a second amount of ionizing energy. | 2,800 |
348,564 | 16,806,024 | 2,851 | A method including actions of pairing with a mobile device and receiving a user name, a password encrypted with a connector password key, and a public key of the mobile device. Additional actions include providing the password encrypted with the connector password key, receiving the password in a decrypted form, obtaining a pairing key, encrypting the pairing key using the public key, encrypting the password with a local password key, providing the pairing key encrypted using the public key and the password encrypted with the local password key, disconnecting from the mobile device, after disconnecting form the mobile device, reconnecting with mobile device, providing a workstation identification, receiving the user name and the password encrypted with the local password key, decrypting the password encrypted with the local password key, and logging in the user using the user name and the password decrypted with the local password key. | 1. A method comprising:
decrypting, by a computer system, an encrypted message from a mobile device using a pairing key for a pairing of the computer system and the mobile device; verifying, by the computer system, that a value decrypted from the encrypted message matches a reference value; in response to successfully decrypting the encrypted message using the pairing key and verifying that the value decrypted from the encrypted message matches the reference value, decrypting, by the computer system, the encrypted password using (i) a password key for the computer system and (ii) one or more additional values decrypted from the encrypted message; and providing, by the computer system, the decrypted password to log in a user associated with the mobile device to the computer system. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the encrypted message was encrypted using a pairing key for the pairing of the computer system and the mobile device, wherein the pairing key is configured to be retained as the pairing key for the pairing of the computer system and the mobile device over multiple communication sessions. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving, by the computer system from the mobile device, a request to log in to the computer system. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the encrypted message further comprises a user name. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein providing the decrypted password to log-in the user corresponding to the mobile device further comprises providing, by the computer system, the user name from the decrypted message to log in the user corresponding to the mobile device. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the reference value is a nonce provided to the mobile device by the computer system. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the nonce comprises a random value generated by the computer system that corresponds to a log-in session for the mobile device. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining, by the computer system, that the mobile device is paired with the computer system;
wherein providing the decrypted password is based on determining that the mobile device is paired with the computer system. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein determining that the mobile device is paired with the computer system further comprises:
receiving, by the computer system, an identifier from the mobile device while the mobile device is in proximity to the computer system; and determining, by the computer system from the mobile device, that the identifier indicates that the mobile device is paired with the computer system. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein determining that the mobile device is paired with the computer system further comprises:
broadcasting, by the computer system, an identifier; and receiving, by the computer system, an indication from the mobile device that the mobile device is paired with the computer system. 11. A method comprising:
storing, by an electronic device, an encrypted password and a pairing key for a pairing of the electronic device with a computer system, the encrypted password and the pairing key being stored in association with a device identifier for the computer system; receiving, by the electronic device, a message comprising the device identifier for the computer system; in response to receiving the message, accessing, by the electronic device, the encrypted password and the pairing key that correspond to the computer system; generating, by the electronic device, message content that includes the encrypted password; encrypting, by the electronic device, the message content using the pairing key for the pairing of the electronic device with the computer system; and transmitting, by the electronic device, the encrypted message. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the message content comprises a user identifier for a user associated with the electronic device. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the message content comprises an initialization vector used by a computer system to generate the encrypted password. 14. The method of claim 11, comprising receiving, by the electronic device, a message from the computer system comprising a nonce;
wherein the message content includes the nonce provided by the computer system. 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the message comprising the device identifier for the computer system is a message from the computer system that is sent over a wireless communication channel; and
wherein transmitting the encrypted message comprises transmitting the encrypted message over the wireless communication channel. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the wireless communication channel is a direct short-range wireless connection between the computer system and the electronic device. 17. The method of claim 11, wherein storing the encrypted password and the pairing key for the pairing of the electronic device with a computer system comprises storing the encrypted password and the pairing key in association with the device identifier for the computer system prior to receiving the message comprising the device identifier for the computer system; and
wherein accessing the encrypted password and the pairing key that correspond to the computer system comprises determining that the device identifier in the received message matches the device identifier associated with the stored encrypted password and pairing key. 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the encrypted password is generated by a system different from the electronic device. 19. The method of claim 11, wherein the electronic device does not store an encryption key for decrypting the encrypted password. 20. The method of claim 11, wherein the electronic device is a mobile phone. | A method including actions of pairing with a mobile device and receiving a user name, a password encrypted with a connector password key, and a public key of the mobile device. Additional actions include providing the password encrypted with the connector password key, receiving the password in a decrypted form, obtaining a pairing key, encrypting the pairing key using the public key, encrypting the password with a local password key, providing the pairing key encrypted using the public key and the password encrypted with the local password key, disconnecting from the mobile device, after disconnecting form the mobile device, reconnecting with mobile device, providing a workstation identification, receiving the user name and the password encrypted with the local password key, decrypting the password encrypted with the local password key, and logging in the user using the user name and the password decrypted with the local password key.1. A method comprising:
decrypting, by a computer system, an encrypted message from a mobile device using a pairing key for a pairing of the computer system and the mobile device; verifying, by the computer system, that a value decrypted from the encrypted message matches a reference value; in response to successfully decrypting the encrypted message using the pairing key and verifying that the value decrypted from the encrypted message matches the reference value, decrypting, by the computer system, the encrypted password using (i) a password key for the computer system and (ii) one or more additional values decrypted from the encrypted message; and providing, by the computer system, the decrypted password to log in a user associated with the mobile device to the computer system. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the encrypted message was encrypted using a pairing key for the pairing of the computer system and the mobile device, wherein the pairing key is configured to be retained as the pairing key for the pairing of the computer system and the mobile device over multiple communication sessions. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving, by the computer system from the mobile device, a request to log in to the computer system. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the encrypted message further comprises a user name. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein providing the decrypted password to log-in the user corresponding to the mobile device further comprises providing, by the computer system, the user name from the decrypted message to log in the user corresponding to the mobile device. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the reference value is a nonce provided to the mobile device by the computer system. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the nonce comprises a random value generated by the computer system that corresponds to a log-in session for the mobile device. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining, by the computer system, that the mobile device is paired with the computer system;
wherein providing the decrypted password is based on determining that the mobile device is paired with the computer system. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein determining that the mobile device is paired with the computer system further comprises:
receiving, by the computer system, an identifier from the mobile device while the mobile device is in proximity to the computer system; and determining, by the computer system from the mobile device, that the identifier indicates that the mobile device is paired with the computer system. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein determining that the mobile device is paired with the computer system further comprises:
broadcasting, by the computer system, an identifier; and receiving, by the computer system, an indication from the mobile device that the mobile device is paired with the computer system. 11. A method comprising:
storing, by an electronic device, an encrypted password and a pairing key for a pairing of the electronic device with a computer system, the encrypted password and the pairing key being stored in association with a device identifier for the computer system; receiving, by the electronic device, a message comprising the device identifier for the computer system; in response to receiving the message, accessing, by the electronic device, the encrypted password and the pairing key that correspond to the computer system; generating, by the electronic device, message content that includes the encrypted password; encrypting, by the electronic device, the message content using the pairing key for the pairing of the electronic device with the computer system; and transmitting, by the electronic device, the encrypted message. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the message content comprises a user identifier for a user associated with the electronic device. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the message content comprises an initialization vector used by a computer system to generate the encrypted password. 14. The method of claim 11, comprising receiving, by the electronic device, a message from the computer system comprising a nonce;
wherein the message content includes the nonce provided by the computer system. 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the message comprising the device identifier for the computer system is a message from the computer system that is sent over a wireless communication channel; and
wherein transmitting the encrypted message comprises transmitting the encrypted message over the wireless communication channel. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the wireless communication channel is a direct short-range wireless connection between the computer system and the electronic device. 17. The method of claim 11, wherein storing the encrypted password and the pairing key for the pairing of the electronic device with a computer system comprises storing the encrypted password and the pairing key in association with the device identifier for the computer system prior to receiving the message comprising the device identifier for the computer system; and
wherein accessing the encrypted password and the pairing key that correspond to the computer system comprises determining that the device identifier in the received message matches the device identifier associated with the stored encrypted password and pairing key. 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the encrypted password is generated by a system different from the electronic device. 19. The method of claim 11, wherein the electronic device does not store an encryption key for decrypting the encrypted password. 20. The method of claim 11, wherein the electronic device is a mobile phone. | 2,800 |
348,565 | 16,806,047 | 2,851 | Disclosed herein is a pharmaceutical composition that includes, based on the total weight of the composition, 5% to 30% of an active pharmaceutical ingredient including an acetone-extracted product and a saccharide compound in a weight ratio of 9:1, 20% to 75% of a solubilizing agent, 5% to 30% of a disintegrating agent, 5% to 30% of a filling agent, 0.1% to 5% of a flow agent, and 0.1% to 5% of a lubricant. The active pharmaceutical ingredient has an average particle size of about 1 μm to 30 μm. | 1. A pharmaceutical composition comprising, based on the total weight of the composition:
5% to 30% of an active pharmaceutical ingredient including an acetone-extracted product and a saccharide compound in a weight ratio of 9:1, the active pharmaceutical ingredient having an average particle size of about 1 μm to 30 μm; 20% to 75% of a solubilizing agent; 5% to of a disintegrating agent; 5% to 30% of a filling agent; 0.1% to 5% of a flow agent; and 0.1% to 5% of a lubricant; wherein the acetone-extracted product is obtained by pulverizing gamboge resin into powder, followed by subjecting the pulverized powder to extraction with acetone. 2. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the solubilizing agent is selected from the group consisting of sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium cetearyl sulfate, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, carnauba wax, benzalkonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, polyethylene glycol stearate, polyethylene glycol-6 (PEG-6) caprylic/capric glycerides, lauroyl polyoxylglycerides, caprylocaproyl polyoxylglycerides, linoleoyl polyoxylglycerides, oleoyl polyoxylglycerides, stearoyl polyoxylglycerides, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20), polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate (Tween 40), polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate (Tween 60), polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80), sorbitan monoisostearate, sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan monopalmitate, sorbitan monostearate, sorbitan sesquistearate, sorbitan sesquioleate, sorbitan sesquiisostearate, sorbitan trilaurate, sorbitan trioleate, sorbitan tristearate, and combinations thereof. 3. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the disintegrating agent is selected from the group consisting of alginic acid, calcium alginate, calcium carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, cellulose, chitosan, pregelatinized starch, cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone, glycine, guar gum, hydroxypropyl cellulose, low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium aluminum silicate, methyl cellulose, polacrilin potassium, polyvinylpyrrolidone, sodium alginate, sodium carboxymethyl starch, partially pregelatinized starch, and combinations thereof. 4. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the filling agent is selected from the group consisting of aluminum alginate, calcium carbonate, calcium lactate, tricalcium phosphate, calcium hydrogen phosphate, calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate, calcium silicate, calcium sulfate, silicified microcrystalline cellulose, cellulose acetate, dextrin, erythritol, ethyl cellulose, fructose, fumaric acid, isomalt, kaolin, lactitol, magnesium carbonate, maltodextrin, medium chain triglyceride, microcrystalline cellulose, polydextrose, polymethyl acrylate, simethicone, sodium chloride, corn starch, sugar spheres, 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, arabic gum, fucose, xylitol, and combinations thereof. 5. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the flow agent is selected from the group consisting of magnesium oxide, magnesium silicate, magnesium trisilicate, silicon dioxide, and combinations thereof. 6. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the lubricant is selected from the group consisting of magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, monostearin, glyceryl behenate, glyceryl palmitate, glyceryl stearate, magnesium dodecyl sulfate, myristic acid, palmitic acid, Poloxamer 188, Poloxamer 237, Poloxamer 338, Poloxamer 407, polyethylene glycol 1000 (PEG 1000), polyethylene glycol 1450 (PEG 1450), polyethylene glycol 1540 (PEG 1540), polyethylene glycol 2000 (PEG 2000), polyethylene glycol 3000 (PEG 3000), polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG 3350), polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG 4000), polyethylene glycol 4600 (PEG 4600), polyethylene glycol 8000 (PEG 8000), sodium benzoate, sodium stearyl fumarate, stearic acid, talc, zinc stearate, potassium stearate, and combinations thereof. 7. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the saccharide compound is selected from the group consisting of glucose, lactose, sucrose, brown sugar, sorbitol, mannitol, starch, and combinations thereof. 8. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 7, wherein the saccharide compound is brown sugar. 9. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is manufactured into a solid dosage form selected from the group consisting of a tablet, a granule, a powder, a capsule, a pellet, or a pill. 10. A solid dosage formulation which is manufactured from pharmaceutical composition of claim 1. 11. The solid dosage formulation of claim 10, which is in a form selected from the group consisting of a tablet, a granule, a powder, a capsule, a pellet, or a pill. | Disclosed herein is a pharmaceutical composition that includes, based on the total weight of the composition, 5% to 30% of an active pharmaceutical ingredient including an acetone-extracted product and a saccharide compound in a weight ratio of 9:1, 20% to 75% of a solubilizing agent, 5% to 30% of a disintegrating agent, 5% to 30% of a filling agent, 0.1% to 5% of a flow agent, and 0.1% to 5% of a lubricant. The active pharmaceutical ingredient has an average particle size of about 1 μm to 30 μm.1. A pharmaceutical composition comprising, based on the total weight of the composition:
5% to 30% of an active pharmaceutical ingredient including an acetone-extracted product and a saccharide compound in a weight ratio of 9:1, the active pharmaceutical ingredient having an average particle size of about 1 μm to 30 μm; 20% to 75% of a solubilizing agent; 5% to of a disintegrating agent; 5% to 30% of a filling agent; 0.1% to 5% of a flow agent; and 0.1% to 5% of a lubricant; wherein the acetone-extracted product is obtained by pulverizing gamboge resin into powder, followed by subjecting the pulverized powder to extraction with acetone. 2. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the solubilizing agent is selected from the group consisting of sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium cetearyl sulfate, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, carnauba wax, benzalkonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, polyethylene glycol stearate, polyethylene glycol-6 (PEG-6) caprylic/capric glycerides, lauroyl polyoxylglycerides, caprylocaproyl polyoxylglycerides, linoleoyl polyoxylglycerides, oleoyl polyoxylglycerides, stearoyl polyoxylglycerides, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20), polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate (Tween 40), polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate (Tween 60), polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80), sorbitan monoisostearate, sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan monopalmitate, sorbitan monostearate, sorbitan sesquistearate, sorbitan sesquioleate, sorbitan sesquiisostearate, sorbitan trilaurate, sorbitan trioleate, sorbitan tristearate, and combinations thereof. 3. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the disintegrating agent is selected from the group consisting of alginic acid, calcium alginate, calcium carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, cellulose, chitosan, pregelatinized starch, cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone, glycine, guar gum, hydroxypropyl cellulose, low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium aluminum silicate, methyl cellulose, polacrilin potassium, polyvinylpyrrolidone, sodium alginate, sodium carboxymethyl starch, partially pregelatinized starch, and combinations thereof. 4. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the filling agent is selected from the group consisting of aluminum alginate, calcium carbonate, calcium lactate, tricalcium phosphate, calcium hydrogen phosphate, calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate, calcium silicate, calcium sulfate, silicified microcrystalline cellulose, cellulose acetate, dextrin, erythritol, ethyl cellulose, fructose, fumaric acid, isomalt, kaolin, lactitol, magnesium carbonate, maltodextrin, medium chain triglyceride, microcrystalline cellulose, polydextrose, polymethyl acrylate, simethicone, sodium chloride, corn starch, sugar spheres, 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, arabic gum, fucose, xylitol, and combinations thereof. 5. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the flow agent is selected from the group consisting of magnesium oxide, magnesium silicate, magnesium trisilicate, silicon dioxide, and combinations thereof. 6. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the lubricant is selected from the group consisting of magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, monostearin, glyceryl behenate, glyceryl palmitate, glyceryl stearate, magnesium dodecyl sulfate, myristic acid, palmitic acid, Poloxamer 188, Poloxamer 237, Poloxamer 338, Poloxamer 407, polyethylene glycol 1000 (PEG 1000), polyethylene glycol 1450 (PEG 1450), polyethylene glycol 1540 (PEG 1540), polyethylene glycol 2000 (PEG 2000), polyethylene glycol 3000 (PEG 3000), polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG 3350), polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG 4000), polyethylene glycol 4600 (PEG 4600), polyethylene glycol 8000 (PEG 8000), sodium benzoate, sodium stearyl fumarate, stearic acid, talc, zinc stearate, potassium stearate, and combinations thereof. 7. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the saccharide compound is selected from the group consisting of glucose, lactose, sucrose, brown sugar, sorbitol, mannitol, starch, and combinations thereof. 8. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 7, wherein the saccharide compound is brown sugar. 9. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is manufactured into a solid dosage form selected from the group consisting of a tablet, a granule, a powder, a capsule, a pellet, or a pill. 10. A solid dosage formulation which is manufactured from pharmaceutical composition of claim 1. 11. The solid dosage formulation of claim 10, which is in a form selected from the group consisting of a tablet, a granule, a powder, a capsule, a pellet, or a pill. | 2,800 |
348,566 | 16,806,084 | 3,711 | A golf mat for protecting a grass surface and a method that reduces damage to a grass surface during a tee shot. The golf mat includes a planar body for protecting the grass surface by absorbing and/or deflecting an impact of a golf club head. The planar body includes a plurality of gaps in the planar body for allowing access to the grass, at least one tee opening for receiving a golf tee, and a plurality of ground engagement members connected to the planar body for limiting movement of the golf mat from an impact of the golf club head and maintaining the planar body in contact with the ground surface. | 1. A mat for covering a grass surface, the mat comprising:
a planar body for protecting the grass surface by withstanding an impact of a golf club head, the planar body comprising:
a plurality of gaps in the planar body for allowing access to the grass surface;
at least one tee opening for receiving a golf tee; and
a plurality of ground engagement members connected to the planar body for limiting movement of the golf mat from an impact of the golf club head and maintaining the planar body in contact with the grass surface. 2. The mat of claim 1, wherein allowing access to the grass includes allowing evapotranspiration and the access of water, nutrients, air and sunlight to the grass surface. 3. The mat of claim 1, wherein the planar body is rectangular in shape. 4. The mat of claim 3, wherein the at least one tee opening is positioned on a longitudinal center line of the planar body. 5. The mat of claim 1, wherein the plurality of gaps are polygonal in shape having either three or four sides. 6. The mat of claim 1, wherein the plurality of gaps are elliptical in shape. 7. The mat of claim 1, where in the plurality of gaps form a lattice, the lattice providing structural integrity to the planar body. 8. The mat of claim 7, wherein the lattice covers approximately 30% to 50% of the grass surface beneath the mat. 9. The golf mat of claim 1, wherein the plurality of ground engagement members are contiguous with a subset of the plurality of gaps. 10. The mat of claim 1, wherein the plurality of ground engagement members are contiguous with a bottom surface of the planar body. 11. The mat of claim 1, wherein the plurality of engagement members include a spike. 12. The mat of claim 11, wherein the plurality of ground engagement members are driven into the grass surface to maintain the mat in substantially immovable contact with the grass surface. 13. The mat of claim 1, wherein the mat is constructed of a material selected from the group of: low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fortified with UV activated stabilizers, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fortified without UV activated stabilizers, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), acrylic, vinyl, Kevlar, or metal laminated in plastic. 14. The mat of claim 1, wherein the plurality of gaps, the at least one opening and the plurality of ground engagement members are formed by a cutting process. 15. The mat of claim 1, wherein the mat is manufactured by injection molding. 16. A method to reduce damage to a grass surface during performance of tee shots, the method comprising:
covering a grass surface partially while allowing the access of water, nutrients, air and sunlight to the grass surface; placing a tee within the partially covered grass surface; placing a golf ball on the tee; standing adjacent to the partially covered grass surface; and swinging a golf club to strike the ball off the tee such that the path travelled by the golf club head immediately prior to striking the ball is within the partially covered grass surface. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the grass surface is substantially rectangular in shape. 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the longitudinal axis of the grass surface is oriented in the desired direction of the flight of the ball. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the club is swung in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the grass surface. 20. The method of claim 16, wherein a mat partially covers the grass surface, the mat comprising:
a planar body for protecting the grass surface by withstanding an impact of a golf club head, the planar body comprising:
a plurality of gaps in the planar body for allowing access to the grass surface;
at least one tee opening for receiving a golf tee; and
a plurality of ground engagement members connected to the planar body for limiting movement of the golf mat from an impact of the golf club head and maintaining the planar body in contact with the grass surface. | A golf mat for protecting a grass surface and a method that reduces damage to a grass surface during a tee shot. The golf mat includes a planar body for protecting the grass surface by absorbing and/or deflecting an impact of a golf club head. The planar body includes a plurality of gaps in the planar body for allowing access to the grass, at least one tee opening for receiving a golf tee, and a plurality of ground engagement members connected to the planar body for limiting movement of the golf mat from an impact of the golf club head and maintaining the planar body in contact with the ground surface.1. A mat for covering a grass surface, the mat comprising:
a planar body for protecting the grass surface by withstanding an impact of a golf club head, the planar body comprising:
a plurality of gaps in the planar body for allowing access to the grass surface;
at least one tee opening for receiving a golf tee; and
a plurality of ground engagement members connected to the planar body for limiting movement of the golf mat from an impact of the golf club head and maintaining the planar body in contact with the grass surface. 2. The mat of claim 1, wherein allowing access to the grass includes allowing evapotranspiration and the access of water, nutrients, air and sunlight to the grass surface. 3. The mat of claim 1, wherein the planar body is rectangular in shape. 4. The mat of claim 3, wherein the at least one tee opening is positioned on a longitudinal center line of the planar body. 5. The mat of claim 1, wherein the plurality of gaps are polygonal in shape having either three or four sides. 6. The mat of claim 1, wherein the plurality of gaps are elliptical in shape. 7. The mat of claim 1, where in the plurality of gaps form a lattice, the lattice providing structural integrity to the planar body. 8. The mat of claim 7, wherein the lattice covers approximately 30% to 50% of the grass surface beneath the mat. 9. The golf mat of claim 1, wherein the plurality of ground engagement members are contiguous with a subset of the plurality of gaps. 10. The mat of claim 1, wherein the plurality of ground engagement members are contiguous with a bottom surface of the planar body. 11. The mat of claim 1, wherein the plurality of engagement members include a spike. 12. The mat of claim 11, wherein the plurality of ground engagement members are driven into the grass surface to maintain the mat in substantially immovable contact with the grass surface. 13. The mat of claim 1, wherein the mat is constructed of a material selected from the group of: low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fortified with UV activated stabilizers, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fortified without UV activated stabilizers, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), acrylic, vinyl, Kevlar, or metal laminated in plastic. 14. The mat of claim 1, wherein the plurality of gaps, the at least one opening and the plurality of ground engagement members are formed by a cutting process. 15. The mat of claim 1, wherein the mat is manufactured by injection molding. 16. A method to reduce damage to a grass surface during performance of tee shots, the method comprising:
covering a grass surface partially while allowing the access of water, nutrients, air and sunlight to the grass surface; placing a tee within the partially covered grass surface; placing a golf ball on the tee; standing adjacent to the partially covered grass surface; and swinging a golf club to strike the ball off the tee such that the path travelled by the golf club head immediately prior to striking the ball is within the partially covered grass surface. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the grass surface is substantially rectangular in shape. 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the longitudinal axis of the grass surface is oriented in the desired direction of the flight of the ball. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the club is swung in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the grass surface. 20. The method of claim 16, wherein a mat partially covers the grass surface, the mat comprising:
a planar body for protecting the grass surface by withstanding an impact of a golf club head, the planar body comprising:
a plurality of gaps in the planar body for allowing access to the grass surface;
at least one tee opening for receiving a golf tee; and
a plurality of ground engagement members connected to the planar body for limiting movement of the golf mat from an impact of the golf club head and maintaining the planar body in contact with the grass surface. | 3,700 |
348,567 | 16,806,072 | 3,711 | This disclosure describes vehicle climate control systems and methods for more intelligently controlling an occupant comfort level within a vehicle interior in a manner that minimizes energy usage of the vehicle. The climate control system may be automatically controlled in an economical mode (i.e., ECO mode) when certain vehicle conditions are met. For example, the decision to activate the ECO mode of the climate control system may be a function of one or more variables including, but not limited to, vehicle speed, vehicle speed differentials, ambient temperatures, temperature differentials, battery state of charge, predicted low battery state of charge, etc. | 1. A vehicle, comprising:
a climate control system including a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and a heated/cooled seat; and a control module configured to automatically activate an economical (ECO) mode of the climate control system during operation of the vehicle, wherein automatically activating the ECO mode includes adjusting a temperature set point of the HVAC system by an offset value and supplying a pre-calculated current to the heated/cooled seat. 2. The vehicle as recited in claim 1, wherein the HVAC system includes a heating element, a cooling element, and a blower adapted for directing a conditioned air into a passenger cabin of the vehicle. 3. The vehicle as recited in claim 1, wherein the heated/cooled seat includes a seat and an electrically powered heating/cooling element disposed within the seat. 4. The vehicle as recited in claim 1, wherein the control module includes a pulse width modulation (PWM) circuit adapted to control a flow of the pre-calculated current a desirable PWM duty cycle to the heated/cooled seat. 5. The vehicle as recited in claim 1, comprising a sensor system configured to sense an ambient temperature, a vehicle speed, and a state of charge of an energy source of the vehicle. 6. The vehicle as recited in claim 1, comprising a navigations system. 7. The vehicle as recited in claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to automatically activate the ECO mode when a vehicle speed exceeds a predefined vehicle speed threshold. 8. The vehicle as recited in claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to automatically activate the ECO mode when a vehicle speed exceeds a predefined vehicle speed threshold and the temperature set point exceeds an ambient temperature. 9. The vehicle as recited in claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to automatically activate the ECO mode when a predefined vehicle speed threshold exceeds a vehicle speed and an ambient temperature exceeds the temperature set point. 10. The vehicle as recited in claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to automatically activate the ECO mode in response to estimating that the vehicle will likely travel above a predefined speed threshold for greater than a predefined amount of time during a pre-planned drive route of the vehicle. 11. The vehicle as recited in claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to automatically activate the ECO mode in response to estimating that an amount of energy required to meet a range associated with a pre-planned drive route of the vehicle will result in a battery state of charge that is less than a predefined battery state of charge threshold during the pre-planned drive route. 12. The vehicle as recited in claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to automatically activate the ECO mode when a predefined state of charge threshold exceeds a current state of charge of an energy source of the vehicle. 13. A method, comprising:
automatically activating, via a control module located onboard a vehicle, an economical (ECO) mode of a climate control system of the vehicle, wherein the climate control system includes a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and a heated/cooled seat, wherein automatically activating the ECO mode includes adjusting a temperature set point of the HVAC system by an offset value and supplying a pre-calculated current to the heated/cooled seat. 14. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein the ECO mode is automatically activated when a vehicle speed exceeds a predefined vehicle speed threshold. 15. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein the ECO mode is automatically activated when a vehicle speed exceeds a predefined vehicle speed threshold and the temperature set point exceeds an ambient temperature. 16. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein the ECO mode is automatically activated when a predefined vehicle speed threshold exceeds a vehicle speed and an ambient temperature exceeds the temperature set point. 17. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein the ECO mode is automatically activated when the control module estimates that the vehicle will likely travel above a predefined speed threshold for greater than a predefined amount of time during a pre-planned drive route of the vehicle. 18. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein the ECO mode is automatically activated when the control module estimates that an amount of energy required to meet a range associated with a pre-planned drive route of the vehicle will result in a battery state of charge that is less than a predefined battery state of charge threshold during the pre-planned drive route. 19. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein the ECO mode is automatically activated when a predefined state of charge threshold exceeds a current state of charge of an energy source of the vehicle. 20. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein the offset value and the pre-calculated current are derived from at least one look-up table. | This disclosure describes vehicle climate control systems and methods for more intelligently controlling an occupant comfort level within a vehicle interior in a manner that minimizes energy usage of the vehicle. The climate control system may be automatically controlled in an economical mode (i.e., ECO mode) when certain vehicle conditions are met. For example, the decision to activate the ECO mode of the climate control system may be a function of one or more variables including, but not limited to, vehicle speed, vehicle speed differentials, ambient temperatures, temperature differentials, battery state of charge, predicted low battery state of charge, etc.1. A vehicle, comprising:
a climate control system including a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and a heated/cooled seat; and a control module configured to automatically activate an economical (ECO) mode of the climate control system during operation of the vehicle, wherein automatically activating the ECO mode includes adjusting a temperature set point of the HVAC system by an offset value and supplying a pre-calculated current to the heated/cooled seat. 2. The vehicle as recited in claim 1, wherein the HVAC system includes a heating element, a cooling element, and a blower adapted for directing a conditioned air into a passenger cabin of the vehicle. 3. The vehicle as recited in claim 1, wherein the heated/cooled seat includes a seat and an electrically powered heating/cooling element disposed within the seat. 4. The vehicle as recited in claim 1, wherein the control module includes a pulse width modulation (PWM) circuit adapted to control a flow of the pre-calculated current a desirable PWM duty cycle to the heated/cooled seat. 5. The vehicle as recited in claim 1, comprising a sensor system configured to sense an ambient temperature, a vehicle speed, and a state of charge of an energy source of the vehicle. 6. The vehicle as recited in claim 1, comprising a navigations system. 7. The vehicle as recited in claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to automatically activate the ECO mode when a vehicle speed exceeds a predefined vehicle speed threshold. 8. The vehicle as recited in claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to automatically activate the ECO mode when a vehicle speed exceeds a predefined vehicle speed threshold and the temperature set point exceeds an ambient temperature. 9. The vehicle as recited in claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to automatically activate the ECO mode when a predefined vehicle speed threshold exceeds a vehicle speed and an ambient temperature exceeds the temperature set point. 10. The vehicle as recited in claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to automatically activate the ECO mode in response to estimating that the vehicle will likely travel above a predefined speed threshold for greater than a predefined amount of time during a pre-planned drive route of the vehicle. 11. The vehicle as recited in claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to automatically activate the ECO mode in response to estimating that an amount of energy required to meet a range associated with a pre-planned drive route of the vehicle will result in a battery state of charge that is less than a predefined battery state of charge threshold during the pre-planned drive route. 12. The vehicle as recited in claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to automatically activate the ECO mode when a predefined state of charge threshold exceeds a current state of charge of an energy source of the vehicle. 13. A method, comprising:
automatically activating, via a control module located onboard a vehicle, an economical (ECO) mode of a climate control system of the vehicle, wherein the climate control system includes a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and a heated/cooled seat, wherein automatically activating the ECO mode includes adjusting a temperature set point of the HVAC system by an offset value and supplying a pre-calculated current to the heated/cooled seat. 14. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein the ECO mode is automatically activated when a vehicle speed exceeds a predefined vehicle speed threshold. 15. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein the ECO mode is automatically activated when a vehicle speed exceeds a predefined vehicle speed threshold and the temperature set point exceeds an ambient temperature. 16. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein the ECO mode is automatically activated when a predefined vehicle speed threshold exceeds a vehicle speed and an ambient temperature exceeds the temperature set point. 17. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein the ECO mode is automatically activated when the control module estimates that the vehicle will likely travel above a predefined speed threshold for greater than a predefined amount of time during a pre-planned drive route of the vehicle. 18. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein the ECO mode is automatically activated when the control module estimates that an amount of energy required to meet a range associated with a pre-planned drive route of the vehicle will result in a battery state of charge that is less than a predefined battery state of charge threshold during the pre-planned drive route. 19. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein the ECO mode is automatically activated when a predefined state of charge threshold exceeds a current state of charge of an energy source of the vehicle. 20. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein the offset value and the pre-calculated current are derived from at least one look-up table. | 3,700 |
348,568 | 16,806,068 | 3,711 | A two-piece baluster shoe and method for installation thereof on a baluster are provided. The baluster shoe is configured to engage with a baluster adjacent the connection of a baluster to a rail without the use of a discrete mechanical fastener, such as a set screw. The baluster shoe features an integrated resilient spring tongue that engages with the baluster, thereby securing the baluster shoe in place relative to the baluster and forcing the baluster shoe against the adjacent rail. The baluster shoe is formed in two shoe portions that snap together or otherwise are engaged with connector elements when positioned at the desired location adjacent a joint of the baluster with the rail, which can occur after the baluster is engaged with the rail. | 1. A baluster shoe configured to engage with a baluster adjacent a connection of the baluster to a rail, the baluster shoe comprising:
a first shoe portion including a wall member extending between a first end and a second end, and at least one connector element extending from the wall member, the first shoe portion between the first and second ends defining an outer periphery configured to face away from the baluster and an inner periphery configured to face towards the baluster; and a second shoe portion including an end wall and two side walls connected to and extending from the end wall, with the two side walls including at least one connector element, each of the end wall and the two side walls extending between a first end and a second end, the second shoe portion between the first and second ends defining an outer periphery configured to face away from the baluster and an inner periphery configured to face towards the baluster, and the second shoe portion further includes a resilient spring tongue extending from the inner periphery, wherein when the first and second shoe portions are removably attached together using the at least one connector element on each of the first and second shoe portions, the inner periphery of the first and second shoe portions surrounds the baluster with the resilient spring tongue engaging the baluster to force the baluster shoe against the rail at the first ends of the first and second shoe portions. 2. The baluster shoe of claim 1, wherein the outer periphery of the first and second shoe portions tapers in size between the first and second ends to provide a transition between the baluster and the rail. 3. The baluster shoe of claim 1, wherein the end wall and two side walls of the second shoe portion are arranged in a U-shape configuration. 4. The baluster shoe of claim 1, wherein the at least one connector element of the first and second shoe portions collectively comprise:
at least one pivot arm member; and at least one pivot arm receptacle, wherein removably attaching the first and second shoe portions further includes inserting the at least one pivot arm member into the at least one pivot arm receptacle to bring together at least part of the first and second shoe portions, the at least one pivot arm receptacle being configured to enable pivotable movement of the at least one pivot arm member therein, such pivotal movement causing a remainder of the first and second shoe portions to be brought together. 5. The baluster shoe of claim 4, wherein the at least one pivot arm member is located on the first shoe portion and the at least one pivot arm receptacle is located on the second shoe portion. 6. The baluster shoe of claim 4, wherein the at least one pivot arm member and the at least one pivot arm receptacle are located proximate to the second ends of the first and second shoe portions. 7. The baluster shoe of claim 1, wherein the at least one connector element of the first and second shoe portions collectively comprise:
at least one resilient tab member; and at least one resilient tab receptacle slot, wherein the at least one resilient tab receptacle slot is configured to receive the corresponding at least one resilient tab member in a snap engagement, thereby removably attaching the first and second shoe portions to each other. 8. The baluster shoe of claim 7, wherein the at least one resilient tab member is located on the first shoe portion and the at least one resilient tab receptacle slot is located on the second shoe portion. 9. The baluster shoe of claim 7, wherein the at least one resilient tab member and the at least one resilient tab receptacle slot are located proximate to the first ends of the first and second shoe portions. 10. The baluster shoe of claim 1, wherein the resilient spring tongue is fixedly coupled to the end wall of the second shoe portion. 11. The baluster shoe of claim 10, wherein the resilient spring tongue extends from the fixed coupling on the end wall so as to project outwardly away from the end wall and in a direction of the first end of the second shoe portion, the resilient spring tongue remaining spaced apart from each of the two side walls. 12. A rail assembly, comprising:
an upper rail; a lower rail, wherein the lower rail is spaced below the upper rail; at least one baluster positioned between and attached to the upper rail and the lower rail, wherein the baluster comprises a mating groove near an end of the baluster; and at least one baluster shoe configured to engage with a baluster adjacent a connection of the baluster to one of the upper rail and the lower rail, the baluster shoe comprising:
a first shoe portion including a wall member extending between a first end and a second end, and at least one connector element extending from the wall member, the first shoe portion between the first and second ends defining an outer periphery configured to face away from the baluster and an inner periphery configured to face towards the baluster; and
a second shoe portion including an end wall and two side walls connected to and extending from the end wall, with the two side walls including at least one connector element, each of the end wall and the two side walls extending between a first end and a second end, the second shoe portion between the first and second ends defining an outer periphery configured to face away from the baluster and an inner periphery configured to face towards the baluster, and the second shoe portion further includes a resilient spring tongue extending from the inner periphery,
wherein when the first and second shoe portions are removably attached together using the at least one connector element of each of the first and second shoe portions, the inner periphery of the first and second shoe portions surrounds the baluster with the resilient spring tongue engaging the baluster to force the baluster shoe against the one of the upper rail and the lower rail at the first ends of the first and second shoe portions. 13. The baluster shoe of claim 12, wherein the at least one connector element of the first and second shoe portions collectively comprise:
at least one pivot arm member; and at least one pivot arm receptacle, wherein removably attaching the first and second shoe portions further includes inserting the at least one pivot arm member into the at least one pivot arm receptacle to bring together the first and second shoe portions, the at least one pivot arm receptacle configured to enable pivotable movement of the at least one pivot arm member therein, such pivotal movement causing the first and second shoe portions to be brought together. 14. The baluster shoe of claim 12, wherein the at least one connector element of the first and second shoe portions collectively comprise:
at least one resilient tab member; and at least one resilient tab receptacle slot, wherein the at least one resilient tab receptacle slot is configured to receive the corresponding at least one resilient tab member in a snap engagement, thereby removably attaching the first and second shoe portions to each other. 15. The baluster shoe of claim 12, wherein the resilient spring tongue is fixedly coupled to the end wall of the second shoe portion. 16. The baluster shoe of claim 15, wherein the resilient spring tongue extends from the fixed coupling on the end wall so as to project outwardly away from the end wall and in a direction of the first end of the second shoe portion, the resilient spring tongue remaining spaced apart from each of the two side walls. 17. A method for assembling a rail assembly, the method comprising:
attaching a baluster, which includes a mating groove near an end of the baluster, to an upper rail and to a lower rail, the lower rail spaced below the upper rail; and fastening a baluster shoe to the baluster, wherein a resilient spring tongue of the baluster shoe is configured to engage with the mating groove of the baluster and force the baluster shoe against one of the upper rail and the lower rail adjacent a connection of the baluster to that one of the upper rail and the lower rail. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of fastening a baluster shoe to the baluster further comprises:
aligning a first shoe portion of the baluster shoe on a side of the baluster with a second shoe portion on an opposing side of the baluster; and engaging a connector element of the first shoe portion with a connector element of the second shoe portion such that when the first and second shoe portions are removably attached together using the connector elements, an inner periphery of the first shoe portion and an inner periphery of the second shoe portion combine to surround the baluster. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of engaging the connector element of the first shoe portion with the connector element of the second shoe portion further comprises:
inserting a pivot arm member of the first shoe portion into a pivot arm receptacle of the second shoe portion such that the pivot arm receptacle is configured to enable pivotable movement of the pivot arm member therein; and pivotally moving the first shoe portion about a contact between the pivot arm member of the first shoe portion and the pivot arm receptacle of the second shoe portion so that two side walls of the second shoe portion are guided into contact with a wall member of the first shoe portion. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of engaging the connector element of the first shoe portion with the connector element of the second shoe portion further comprises:
inserting a resilient tab member of the first shoe portion into a resilient tab receptacle slot of the second shoe portion such that the first shoe portion and second shoe portion snap into engagement with each other, removably securing the first and second shoe portions of the baluster shoe together, when the resilient tab member is fully inserted into the corresponding resilient tab receptacle slot. | A two-piece baluster shoe and method for installation thereof on a baluster are provided. The baluster shoe is configured to engage with a baluster adjacent the connection of a baluster to a rail without the use of a discrete mechanical fastener, such as a set screw. The baluster shoe features an integrated resilient spring tongue that engages with the baluster, thereby securing the baluster shoe in place relative to the baluster and forcing the baluster shoe against the adjacent rail. The baluster shoe is formed in two shoe portions that snap together or otherwise are engaged with connector elements when positioned at the desired location adjacent a joint of the baluster with the rail, which can occur after the baluster is engaged with the rail.1. A baluster shoe configured to engage with a baluster adjacent a connection of the baluster to a rail, the baluster shoe comprising:
a first shoe portion including a wall member extending between a first end and a second end, and at least one connector element extending from the wall member, the first shoe portion between the first and second ends defining an outer periphery configured to face away from the baluster and an inner periphery configured to face towards the baluster; and a second shoe portion including an end wall and two side walls connected to and extending from the end wall, with the two side walls including at least one connector element, each of the end wall and the two side walls extending between a first end and a second end, the second shoe portion between the first and second ends defining an outer periphery configured to face away from the baluster and an inner periphery configured to face towards the baluster, and the second shoe portion further includes a resilient spring tongue extending from the inner periphery, wherein when the first and second shoe portions are removably attached together using the at least one connector element on each of the first and second shoe portions, the inner periphery of the first and second shoe portions surrounds the baluster with the resilient spring tongue engaging the baluster to force the baluster shoe against the rail at the first ends of the first and second shoe portions. 2. The baluster shoe of claim 1, wherein the outer periphery of the first and second shoe portions tapers in size between the first and second ends to provide a transition between the baluster and the rail. 3. The baluster shoe of claim 1, wherein the end wall and two side walls of the second shoe portion are arranged in a U-shape configuration. 4. The baluster shoe of claim 1, wherein the at least one connector element of the first and second shoe portions collectively comprise:
at least one pivot arm member; and at least one pivot arm receptacle, wherein removably attaching the first and second shoe portions further includes inserting the at least one pivot arm member into the at least one pivot arm receptacle to bring together at least part of the first and second shoe portions, the at least one pivot arm receptacle being configured to enable pivotable movement of the at least one pivot arm member therein, such pivotal movement causing a remainder of the first and second shoe portions to be brought together. 5. The baluster shoe of claim 4, wherein the at least one pivot arm member is located on the first shoe portion and the at least one pivot arm receptacle is located on the second shoe portion. 6. The baluster shoe of claim 4, wherein the at least one pivot arm member and the at least one pivot arm receptacle are located proximate to the second ends of the first and second shoe portions. 7. The baluster shoe of claim 1, wherein the at least one connector element of the first and second shoe portions collectively comprise:
at least one resilient tab member; and at least one resilient tab receptacle slot, wherein the at least one resilient tab receptacle slot is configured to receive the corresponding at least one resilient tab member in a snap engagement, thereby removably attaching the first and second shoe portions to each other. 8. The baluster shoe of claim 7, wherein the at least one resilient tab member is located on the first shoe portion and the at least one resilient tab receptacle slot is located on the second shoe portion. 9. The baluster shoe of claim 7, wherein the at least one resilient tab member and the at least one resilient tab receptacle slot are located proximate to the first ends of the first and second shoe portions. 10. The baluster shoe of claim 1, wherein the resilient spring tongue is fixedly coupled to the end wall of the second shoe portion. 11. The baluster shoe of claim 10, wherein the resilient spring tongue extends from the fixed coupling on the end wall so as to project outwardly away from the end wall and in a direction of the first end of the second shoe portion, the resilient spring tongue remaining spaced apart from each of the two side walls. 12. A rail assembly, comprising:
an upper rail; a lower rail, wherein the lower rail is spaced below the upper rail; at least one baluster positioned between and attached to the upper rail and the lower rail, wherein the baluster comprises a mating groove near an end of the baluster; and at least one baluster shoe configured to engage with a baluster adjacent a connection of the baluster to one of the upper rail and the lower rail, the baluster shoe comprising:
a first shoe portion including a wall member extending between a first end and a second end, and at least one connector element extending from the wall member, the first shoe portion between the first and second ends defining an outer periphery configured to face away from the baluster and an inner periphery configured to face towards the baluster; and
a second shoe portion including an end wall and two side walls connected to and extending from the end wall, with the two side walls including at least one connector element, each of the end wall and the two side walls extending between a first end and a second end, the second shoe portion between the first and second ends defining an outer periphery configured to face away from the baluster and an inner periphery configured to face towards the baluster, and the second shoe portion further includes a resilient spring tongue extending from the inner periphery,
wherein when the first and second shoe portions are removably attached together using the at least one connector element of each of the first and second shoe portions, the inner periphery of the first and second shoe portions surrounds the baluster with the resilient spring tongue engaging the baluster to force the baluster shoe against the one of the upper rail and the lower rail at the first ends of the first and second shoe portions. 13. The baluster shoe of claim 12, wherein the at least one connector element of the first and second shoe portions collectively comprise:
at least one pivot arm member; and at least one pivot arm receptacle, wherein removably attaching the first and second shoe portions further includes inserting the at least one pivot arm member into the at least one pivot arm receptacle to bring together the first and second shoe portions, the at least one pivot arm receptacle configured to enable pivotable movement of the at least one pivot arm member therein, such pivotal movement causing the first and second shoe portions to be brought together. 14. The baluster shoe of claim 12, wherein the at least one connector element of the first and second shoe portions collectively comprise:
at least one resilient tab member; and at least one resilient tab receptacle slot, wherein the at least one resilient tab receptacle slot is configured to receive the corresponding at least one resilient tab member in a snap engagement, thereby removably attaching the first and second shoe portions to each other. 15. The baluster shoe of claim 12, wherein the resilient spring tongue is fixedly coupled to the end wall of the second shoe portion. 16. The baluster shoe of claim 15, wherein the resilient spring tongue extends from the fixed coupling on the end wall so as to project outwardly away from the end wall and in a direction of the first end of the second shoe portion, the resilient spring tongue remaining spaced apart from each of the two side walls. 17. A method for assembling a rail assembly, the method comprising:
attaching a baluster, which includes a mating groove near an end of the baluster, to an upper rail and to a lower rail, the lower rail spaced below the upper rail; and fastening a baluster shoe to the baluster, wherein a resilient spring tongue of the baluster shoe is configured to engage with the mating groove of the baluster and force the baluster shoe against one of the upper rail and the lower rail adjacent a connection of the baluster to that one of the upper rail and the lower rail. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of fastening a baluster shoe to the baluster further comprises:
aligning a first shoe portion of the baluster shoe on a side of the baluster with a second shoe portion on an opposing side of the baluster; and engaging a connector element of the first shoe portion with a connector element of the second shoe portion such that when the first and second shoe portions are removably attached together using the connector elements, an inner periphery of the first shoe portion and an inner periphery of the second shoe portion combine to surround the baluster. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of engaging the connector element of the first shoe portion with the connector element of the second shoe portion further comprises:
inserting a pivot arm member of the first shoe portion into a pivot arm receptacle of the second shoe portion such that the pivot arm receptacle is configured to enable pivotable movement of the pivot arm member therein; and pivotally moving the first shoe portion about a contact between the pivot arm member of the first shoe portion and the pivot arm receptacle of the second shoe portion so that two side walls of the second shoe portion are guided into contact with a wall member of the first shoe portion. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of engaging the connector element of the first shoe portion with the connector element of the second shoe portion further comprises:
inserting a resilient tab member of the first shoe portion into a resilient tab receptacle slot of the second shoe portion such that the first shoe portion and second shoe portion snap into engagement with each other, removably securing the first and second shoe portions of the baluster shoe together, when the resilient tab member is fully inserted into the corresponding resilient tab receptacle slot. | 3,700 |
348,569 | 16,806,056 | 3,711 | An optical transceiver according to an aspect of the present embodiment is an optical transceiver configured to be inserted to and extracted from a cage of an apparatus along a first direction. The optical transceiver includes a device generating heat, and a housing having a rectangular parallelepiped shape with long sides extending along the first direction. The housing includes an internal space housing the device, and an outside part configured to be exposed to an outside of the cage. When the housing is engaged with the cage, the outside part having an air intake part configured to bring an outside air into the internal space for cooling the device. | 1. An optical transceiver configured to be inserted to and extracted from a cage of an apparatus along a first direction, the optical transceiver comprising:
a device generating heat; and a housing having a rectangular parallelepiped shape with long sides extending along the first direction, the housing including:
an internal space housing the device; and
an outside part configured to be exposed to an outside of the cage, when the housing is engaged with the cage, the outside part having an air intake part configured to bring an outside air into the internal space for cooling the device. 2. The optical transceiver according to claim 1,
wherein the air intake part has mesh-like through holes, each through hole bringing the outside air into the internal space and preventing a dust from entering the internal space. 3. The optical transceiver according to claim 2,
wherein the air intake part includes a mesh member having a platelike shape and the mesh-like through holes, and wherein the mesh member is attached to an opening of the housing. 4. The optical transceiver according to claim 3,
wherein the mesh member is formed as a sheet metal. 5. The optical transceiver according to claim 2,
wherein each of the through holes has a diameter smaller than 20% of a wavelength of an electromagnetic wave generated in the internal space. 6. The optical transceiver according to claim 5,
wherein the electromagnetic wave is caused by a high frequency electrical signal handled by the device. 7. The optical transceiver according to claim 1,
wherein the housing has a plural of grooves each extending along the first direction, wherein each of the grooves allows an intaked air to flow from the air intake part therethrough. 8. The optical transceiver according to claim 2,
wherein the grooves has respective ends aligned with mesh-like through holes in a direction crossing with the first direction. 9. The optical transceiver according to claim 1, further comprising a handle attached to the outside part,
wherein the handle covers the air intake part and has intake holes on an outer face, wherein the handle leads the outside air from the intake holes to the air intake part. 10. The optical transceiver according to claim 1,
wherein the housing further has an outlet part, and wherein the air intake part and the outlet part allowing an intaked air for flowing through the internal space and cooling the device. | An optical transceiver according to an aspect of the present embodiment is an optical transceiver configured to be inserted to and extracted from a cage of an apparatus along a first direction. The optical transceiver includes a device generating heat, and a housing having a rectangular parallelepiped shape with long sides extending along the first direction. The housing includes an internal space housing the device, and an outside part configured to be exposed to an outside of the cage. When the housing is engaged with the cage, the outside part having an air intake part configured to bring an outside air into the internal space for cooling the device.1. An optical transceiver configured to be inserted to and extracted from a cage of an apparatus along a first direction, the optical transceiver comprising:
a device generating heat; and a housing having a rectangular parallelepiped shape with long sides extending along the first direction, the housing including:
an internal space housing the device; and
an outside part configured to be exposed to an outside of the cage, when the housing is engaged with the cage, the outside part having an air intake part configured to bring an outside air into the internal space for cooling the device. 2. The optical transceiver according to claim 1,
wherein the air intake part has mesh-like through holes, each through hole bringing the outside air into the internal space and preventing a dust from entering the internal space. 3. The optical transceiver according to claim 2,
wherein the air intake part includes a mesh member having a platelike shape and the mesh-like through holes, and wherein the mesh member is attached to an opening of the housing. 4. The optical transceiver according to claim 3,
wherein the mesh member is formed as a sheet metal. 5. The optical transceiver according to claim 2,
wherein each of the through holes has a diameter smaller than 20% of a wavelength of an electromagnetic wave generated in the internal space. 6. The optical transceiver according to claim 5,
wherein the electromagnetic wave is caused by a high frequency electrical signal handled by the device. 7. The optical transceiver according to claim 1,
wherein the housing has a plural of grooves each extending along the first direction, wherein each of the grooves allows an intaked air to flow from the air intake part therethrough. 8. The optical transceiver according to claim 2,
wherein the grooves has respective ends aligned with mesh-like through holes in a direction crossing with the first direction. 9. The optical transceiver according to claim 1, further comprising a handle attached to the outside part,
wherein the handle covers the air intake part and has intake holes on an outer face, wherein the handle leads the outside air from the intake holes to the air intake part. 10. The optical transceiver according to claim 1,
wherein the housing further has an outlet part, and wherein the air intake part and the outlet part allowing an intaked air for flowing through the internal space and cooling the device. | 3,700 |
348,570 | 16,806,055 | 3,711 | A component assembly that includes a connection between two components, in particular an electronic circuit board and a housing. The connection includes a pin-shaped connector via which the electronic circuit board is held on the housing, and the pin-shaped connector in a passage of the housing being connected to the housing via a housing caulking. The pin-shaped connector, in the area of the housing caulking, includes a recess that cooperates with the housing caulking in such a way that the pin-shaped connecting means is held in the passage. | 1-9. (canceled) 10. A component assembly, comprising:
an electronic circuit board; a housing; and a connection connecting the electronic circuit board and the housing, the connection including a pin-shaped connector via which the electronic circuit board is held on the housing, the pin-shaped connector, in a passage of the housing, being connected to the housing via a housing caulking, wherein the pin-shaped connector includes, in an area of the housing caulking, a recess that cooperates with the housing caulking in such a way that the pin-shaped connector is held in the passage. 11. The component assembly as recited in claim 10, wherein the recess on the pin-shaped connector forms a conical area, a diverging end of the conical area being oriented toward a free end of the pin-shaped connector facing away from the electronic circuit board. 12. The component assembly as recited in claim 10, wherein the recess on the pin-shaped connector forms a cylindrical area, a ridge being formed on an end of the recess facing away from the electronic circuit board. 13. The component assembly as recited in claim 10, wherein the pin-shaped connector has knurling in the area of the housing caulking. 14. The component assembly as recited in claim 10, wherein the pin-shaped connector is situated in a borehole of the electronic circuit board. 15. The component assembly as recited in claim 14, wherein the pin-shaped connector, in the area of the electronic circuit board, includes a connecting section having a larger diameter, that is situated eccentrically with respect to the pin-shaped connector. 16. The component assembly as recited in claim 10, wherein the housing includes at least one groove that forms an intermediate area with respect to the pin-shaped connector, the housing caulking being formed on the intermediate area. 17. The component assembly as recited in claim 16, wherein the groove is, at least in part, an annular groove. 18. A camera module, comprising:
a component assembly including an electronic circuit board, a housing, and a connection connecting the electronic circuit board and the housing, the connection including a pin-shaped connector via which the electronic circuit board is held on the housing, the pin-shaped connector, in a passage of the housing, being connected to the housing via a housing caulking, wherein the pin-shaped connector includes, in an area of the housing caulking, a recess that cooperates with the housing caulking in such a way that the pin-shaped connector is held in the passage. | A component assembly that includes a connection between two components, in particular an electronic circuit board and a housing. The connection includes a pin-shaped connector via which the electronic circuit board is held on the housing, and the pin-shaped connector in a passage of the housing being connected to the housing via a housing caulking. The pin-shaped connector, in the area of the housing caulking, includes a recess that cooperates with the housing caulking in such a way that the pin-shaped connecting means is held in the passage.1-9. (canceled) 10. A component assembly, comprising:
an electronic circuit board; a housing; and a connection connecting the electronic circuit board and the housing, the connection including a pin-shaped connector via which the electronic circuit board is held on the housing, the pin-shaped connector, in a passage of the housing, being connected to the housing via a housing caulking, wherein the pin-shaped connector includes, in an area of the housing caulking, a recess that cooperates with the housing caulking in such a way that the pin-shaped connector is held in the passage. 11. The component assembly as recited in claim 10, wherein the recess on the pin-shaped connector forms a conical area, a diverging end of the conical area being oriented toward a free end of the pin-shaped connector facing away from the electronic circuit board. 12. The component assembly as recited in claim 10, wherein the recess on the pin-shaped connector forms a cylindrical area, a ridge being formed on an end of the recess facing away from the electronic circuit board. 13. The component assembly as recited in claim 10, wherein the pin-shaped connector has knurling in the area of the housing caulking. 14. The component assembly as recited in claim 10, wherein the pin-shaped connector is situated in a borehole of the electronic circuit board. 15. The component assembly as recited in claim 14, wherein the pin-shaped connector, in the area of the electronic circuit board, includes a connecting section having a larger diameter, that is situated eccentrically with respect to the pin-shaped connector. 16. The component assembly as recited in claim 10, wherein the housing includes at least one groove that forms an intermediate area with respect to the pin-shaped connector, the housing caulking being formed on the intermediate area. 17. The component assembly as recited in claim 16, wherein the groove is, at least in part, an annular groove. 18. A camera module, comprising:
a component assembly including an electronic circuit board, a housing, and a connection connecting the electronic circuit board and the housing, the connection including a pin-shaped connector via which the electronic circuit board is held on the housing, the pin-shaped connector, in a passage of the housing, being connected to the housing via a housing caulking, wherein the pin-shaped connector includes, in an area of the housing caulking, a recess that cooperates with the housing caulking in such a way that the pin-shaped connector is held in the passage. | 3,700 |
348,571 | 16,806,071 | 3,711 | The present disclosure relates to compositions, for treating interleukin 5 (IL-5) mediated diseases, and related methods. | 1. A composition comprising an antibody having a heavy chain amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, or an antibody variant having a heavy chain amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to the heavy chain amino acid sequence and/or a light chain amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to the light chain amino acid sequence, wherein the composition comprises: ≤80% acidic antibody variants. 2. A composition comprising an antibody having a heavy chain amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, or an antibody variant having a heavy chain amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to the heavy chain amino acid sequence and/or a light chain amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to the light chain amino acid sequence, wherein the composition comprises: ≤80% acidic antibody variants and ≤20% aggregated antibody variants. 3. A composition comprising an antibody having a heavy chain amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, or an antibody variant having a heavy chain amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to the heavy chain amino acid sequence and/or a light chain amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to the light chain amino acid sequence, wherein the composition comprises: ≤25% deamidated antibody variants at N31 of the light chain amino acid sequence; and ≤20% aggregated antibody variants. 4. A composition comprising an antibody having a heavy chain amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, or an antibody variant having a heavy chain amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to the heavy chain amino acid sequence and/or a light chain amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to the light chain amino acid sequence, wherein the composition comprises: ≤25% deamidated antibody variants at N31 of the light chain amino acid sequence; ≤55% oxidised antibody variants at M64 of the heavy chain amino acid sequence; ≤3% oxidised antibody variants at W52 of the heavy chain amino acid sequence; and ≤20% aggregated antibody variants. 5. A composition comprising an antibody having a heavy chain amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, or an antibody variant having a heavy chain amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to the heavy chain amino acid sequence and/or a light chain amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to the light chain amino acid sequence, wherein the composition comprises: ≤25% deamidated antibody variants at N31 of the light chain amino acid sequence; ≤35% deamidated antibody variants at N386 of the heavy chain amino acid sequence; and ≤20% aggregated antibody variants. 6. A composition comprising an antibody having a heavy chain amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, or an antibody variant having a heavy chain amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to the heavy chain amino acid sequence and/or a light chain amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to the light chain amino acid sequence, wherein the composition comprises: ≤25% deamidated antibody variants at N31 of the light chain amino acid sequence; ≤35% deamidated antibody variants at N386 of the heavy chain amino acid sequence; ≤55% oxidised antibody variants at M64 of the heavy chain amino acid sequence, M254 of the heavy chain amino acid sequence, M430 of the heavy chain amino acid sequence; ≤3% oxidised antibody variants at W52 of the heavy chain amino acid sequence; and ≤20% aggregated antibody variants. 7. A composition comprising a purified preparation of a monoclonal antibody and a buffering agent,
wherein the composition is at a pH from 6.8 to 7.2, wherein the buffering agent is histidine, phosphate, or citrate or a salt thereof, wherein the purified preparation comprises the isoforms represented by peak 65, peak 78, peak 88, peak 92, the main peak and peak 112 shown in FIG. 1, wherein the antibody comprises a heavy chain an amino acid sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain amino acid sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, and wherein the antibody is produced by a Chinese Hamster Ovary cell. 8. A composition comprising a purified preparation of a monoclonal antibody and a buffering agent,
wherein the composition is at a pH from 6.8 to 7.2, wherein the buffering agent is phosphate or a salt thereof, wherein the purified preparation comprises the isoforms represented by peak 65, peak 78, peak 88, peak 92, the main peak and peak 112 shown in FIG. 1, wherein the antibody comprises a heavy chain amino acid sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain amino acid sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, and wherein the antibody is produced by a Chinese Hamster Ovary cell. 9. A composition comprising
a) an anti-IL-5 antibody comprising a heavy chain sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2; and b) a main form of the antibody comprising greater than, or equal to, 50% of the protein in the composition as measured using capillary isoelectric focusing of the composition. 10. A composition comprising
a) an anti-IL-5 antibody comprising a heavy chain sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2; b) a main form of the antibody comprising greater than, or equal to, 50% of the protein in the composition as measured using capillary isoelectric focusing of the composition; and c) acidic forms of the antibody comprising about 20% to about 45% of the protein in the composition as measured using capillary isoelectric focusing of the composition. 11. A composition comprising
a) an anti-IL-5 antibody comprising a heavy chain sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2; b) a main form of the antibody comprising greater than, or equal to, 50% of the protein in the composition as measured using capillary isoelectric focusing of the composition; and c) a basic form of the antibody comprising about 1% to about 15% of the protein in the composition as measured using capillary isoelectric focusing of the composition. 12. A composition comprising
a) an anti-IL-5 antibody comprising a heavy chain sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2; b) a main form of the antibody comprising greater than, or equal to, 50% of the protein in the composition as measured using capillary isoelectric focusing of the composition; c) acidic forms of the antibody comprising about 20% to about 45% of the protein in the composition as measured using capillary isoelectric focusing of the composition; and d) a basic form of the antibody comprising about 1% to about 15% of the protein in the composition as measured using capillary isoelectric focusing of the composition. 13. A composition comprising
a) an anti-IL-5 antibody comprising a heavy chain sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2; and b) deamidated forms of the antibody comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of 35% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue deamidated at asparagine 386 and 25% or less of a light chain amino acid residue deamidated at asparagine 31. 14. A composition comprising
a) an anti-IL-5 antibody comprising a heavy chain sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2; and b) oxidized forms of the antibody comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of 3% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue oxidized at tryptophan 52, 55% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue oxidized at methionine 64, 50% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue oxidized at methionine 254, 50% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue oxidized at methionine 360, and 50% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue oxidized at methionine 430. 15. A composition comprising
a) an anti-IL-5 antibody comprising a heavy chain sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2; b) deamidated forms of the antibody comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of 35% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue deamidated at asparagine 386 and 25% or less of a light chain amino acid residue deamidated at asparagine 31; and c) oxidized forms of the antibody comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of 3% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue oxidized at tryptophan 52, 50% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue oxidized at methionine 64, 50% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue oxidized at methionine 254, 50% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue oxidized at methionine 360, and 50% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue oxidized at methionine 430. 16. A composition comprising
a) an anti-IL-5 antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region having the CDRH1 amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 5, the CDRH2 amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 6, and the CDRH3 amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 7; and a light chain variable region having the CDRL1 amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 8, the CDRL2 amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 9, and the CDRL3 amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 10; and b) 25% or less of deamidated forms of the antibody comprising a light chain amino acid residue deamidated at asparagine 31. 17. A composition comprising
a) an anti-IL-5 antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region having the CDRH1 amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 5, the CDRH2 amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 6, and the CDRH3 amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 7; and a light chain variable region having the CDRL1 amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 8, the CDRL2 amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 9, and the CDRL3 amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 10; and b) oxidized forms of the antibody comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of 3% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue oxidized at tryptophan 52 and 50% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue oxidized at methionine 64. 18. A composition comprising
a) an anti-IL-5 antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region having the CDRH1 amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 5, the CDRH2 amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 6, and the CDRH3 amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 7; and a light chain variable region having the CDRL1 amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 8, the CDRL2 amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 9, and the CDRL3 amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 10; b) oxidized forms of the antibody comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of 3% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue oxidized at tryptophan 52 and 50% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue oxidized at methionine 64; and c) 25% or less of deamidated forms of the antibody comprising a light chain amino acid residue deamidated at asparagine 31. 19. A composition comprising
a) an anti-IL-5 antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region sequence having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 3 and a light chain variable region sequence having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 4; and b) 25% or less of deamidated forms of the antibody comprising a light chain amino acid residue deamidated at asparagine 31. 20. A composition comprising
a) an anti-IL-5 antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region sequence having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 3 and a light chain variable region sequence having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 4; and b) oxidized forms of the antibody comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of 3% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue oxidized at tryptophan 52, and 50% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue oxidized at methionine 64. 21. A composition comprising
a) an anti-IL-5 antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region sequence having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 3 and a light chain variable region sequence having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 4; b) 25% or less of deamidated forms of the antibody comprising a light chain amino acid residue deamidated at asparagine 31; and c) oxidized forms of the antibody comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of 3% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue oxidized at tryptophan 52, and 50% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue oxidized at methionine 64. 22. A composition comprising a population of anti-IL-5 antibodies having
a) an anti-IL-5 antibody comprising a heavy chain sequence having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain sequence having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2; b) a modified form of the antibody heavy chain amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 comprising at least one amino acid residue modification selected from the group consisting of an amino terminal pyroglutamate residue at amino acid residue 1, a carboxy terminal glycine amino acid residue at amino acid residue 448, a deamidated asparagine residue at position 386, an oxidized tryptophan residue at position 52, an oxidized methionine residue at position 64, an oxidized methionine at position 254, an oxidized methionine at position 360 and an oxidized methionine residue at position 430; and c) a modified form of the antibody light chain amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 comprising a deamidated asparagine residue at amino acid residue 31. 23. A composition comprising a population of anti-IL-5 antibodies having
a) an anti-IL-5 antibody comprising a heavy chain sequence having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain sequence having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2; b) a modified form of the antibody heavy chain amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 comprising at least one amino acid residue modification selected from the group consisting of a deamidated asparagine residue at position 386, an oxidized tryptophan residue at position 52, an oxidized methionine residue at position 64, an oxidized methionine at position 254, an oxidized methionine at position 254, an oxidized methionine at position 360 and an oxidized methionine residue at position 430; and c) a modified form of the antibody light chain amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 comprising a deamidated asparagine residue at amino acid residue 31. 24. A composition comprising a population of anti-IL-5 antibodies having
a) an anti-IL-5 antibody comprising a heavy chain sequence having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain sequence having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2; b) a modified form of the antibody heavy chain amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 comprising a deamidated asparagine residue at position 386; and c) a modified form of the antibody light chain amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 comprising a deamidated asparagine residue at amino acid residue 31. 25. A composition comprising a population of anti-IL-5 antibodies having
a) an anti-IL-5 antibody comprising a heavy chain sequence having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain sequence having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2; and b) a modified form of the antibody heavy chain amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 comprising at least one amino acid residue modification selected from the group consisting of an oxidized tryptophan residue at position 52, an oxidized methionine residue at position 64, an oxidized methionine at position 254, an oxidized methionine at position 360 and an oxidized methionine residue at position 430. 26. A composition comprising
a) an anti-IL-5 antibody comprising a heavy chain sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2; and b) a main form of the antibody comprising greater than, or equal to, 20% of the protein in the composition as measured using capillary isoelectric focusing of the composition. 27. A composition comprising
a) an anti-IL-5 antibody comprising a heavy chain sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2; b) a main form of the antibody comprising greater than, or equal to, 20% of the protein in the composition as measured using capillary isoelectric focusing of the composition; and c) acidic forms of the antibody comprising up to about 80% of the protein in the composition as measured using capillary isoelectric focusing of the composition. 28. A composition according to claim 1 wherein the antibody is at a concentration of between about 75 mg/ml to about 100 mg/ml. 29. A composition according to claim 1 wherein the composition further comprises one or a combination of:
(a) a buffering agent selected from the group consisting of sodium phosphate dibasic heptahydrate, phosphate, citrate, sodium phosphate, potassium phosphate, sodium citrate, and histidine, providing a pH of between 6.8 and 7.2; and/or
(b) a sugar; and/or
(c) polysorbate 80; and/or
(d) EDTA. 30. A composition according to claim 1 wherein the composition has at least 0.70 IL-5 specific antigen binding activity; and/or at least 70% FcRn binding activity, compared with a reference standard composition comprising SEQ ID NO: 1 and SEQ ID NO:2. 31. A method of treating a disease in a subject comprising the steps of
a) identifying a subject with a disease selected from the group consisting of of asthma, severe eosinophilic asthma, severe asthma, uncontrolled eosinophilic asthma, eosinophilic asthma, sub-eosinophilic asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, hypereosinophilic syndrome, nasal polyposis, bullous pemphigoid and eosinophilic esophagitis; and b) administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition according to claim 1 to the subject; 32. The method of claim 31 wherein the composition is administered at a dose of 100 mg once every 4 weeks. 33. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a composition according to claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier | The present disclosure relates to compositions, for treating interleukin 5 (IL-5) mediated diseases, and related methods.1. A composition comprising an antibody having a heavy chain amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, or an antibody variant having a heavy chain amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to the heavy chain amino acid sequence and/or a light chain amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to the light chain amino acid sequence, wherein the composition comprises: ≤80% acidic antibody variants. 2. A composition comprising an antibody having a heavy chain amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, or an antibody variant having a heavy chain amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to the heavy chain amino acid sequence and/or a light chain amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to the light chain amino acid sequence, wherein the composition comprises: ≤80% acidic antibody variants and ≤20% aggregated antibody variants. 3. A composition comprising an antibody having a heavy chain amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, or an antibody variant having a heavy chain amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to the heavy chain amino acid sequence and/or a light chain amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to the light chain amino acid sequence, wherein the composition comprises: ≤25% deamidated antibody variants at N31 of the light chain amino acid sequence; and ≤20% aggregated antibody variants. 4. A composition comprising an antibody having a heavy chain amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, or an antibody variant having a heavy chain amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to the heavy chain amino acid sequence and/or a light chain amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to the light chain amino acid sequence, wherein the composition comprises: ≤25% deamidated antibody variants at N31 of the light chain amino acid sequence; ≤55% oxidised antibody variants at M64 of the heavy chain amino acid sequence; ≤3% oxidised antibody variants at W52 of the heavy chain amino acid sequence; and ≤20% aggregated antibody variants. 5. A composition comprising an antibody having a heavy chain amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, or an antibody variant having a heavy chain amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to the heavy chain amino acid sequence and/or a light chain amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to the light chain amino acid sequence, wherein the composition comprises: ≤25% deamidated antibody variants at N31 of the light chain amino acid sequence; ≤35% deamidated antibody variants at N386 of the heavy chain amino acid sequence; and ≤20% aggregated antibody variants. 6. A composition comprising an antibody having a heavy chain amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, or an antibody variant having a heavy chain amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to the heavy chain amino acid sequence and/or a light chain amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to the light chain amino acid sequence, wherein the composition comprises: ≤25% deamidated antibody variants at N31 of the light chain amino acid sequence; ≤35% deamidated antibody variants at N386 of the heavy chain amino acid sequence; ≤55% oxidised antibody variants at M64 of the heavy chain amino acid sequence, M254 of the heavy chain amino acid sequence, M430 of the heavy chain amino acid sequence; ≤3% oxidised antibody variants at W52 of the heavy chain amino acid sequence; and ≤20% aggregated antibody variants. 7. A composition comprising a purified preparation of a monoclonal antibody and a buffering agent,
wherein the composition is at a pH from 6.8 to 7.2, wherein the buffering agent is histidine, phosphate, or citrate or a salt thereof, wherein the purified preparation comprises the isoforms represented by peak 65, peak 78, peak 88, peak 92, the main peak and peak 112 shown in FIG. 1, wherein the antibody comprises a heavy chain an amino acid sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain amino acid sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, and wherein the antibody is produced by a Chinese Hamster Ovary cell. 8. A composition comprising a purified preparation of a monoclonal antibody and a buffering agent,
wherein the composition is at a pH from 6.8 to 7.2, wherein the buffering agent is phosphate or a salt thereof, wherein the purified preparation comprises the isoforms represented by peak 65, peak 78, peak 88, peak 92, the main peak and peak 112 shown in FIG. 1, wherein the antibody comprises a heavy chain amino acid sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain amino acid sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, and wherein the antibody is produced by a Chinese Hamster Ovary cell. 9. A composition comprising
a) an anti-IL-5 antibody comprising a heavy chain sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2; and b) a main form of the antibody comprising greater than, or equal to, 50% of the protein in the composition as measured using capillary isoelectric focusing of the composition. 10. A composition comprising
a) an anti-IL-5 antibody comprising a heavy chain sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2; b) a main form of the antibody comprising greater than, or equal to, 50% of the protein in the composition as measured using capillary isoelectric focusing of the composition; and c) acidic forms of the antibody comprising about 20% to about 45% of the protein in the composition as measured using capillary isoelectric focusing of the composition. 11. A composition comprising
a) an anti-IL-5 antibody comprising a heavy chain sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2; b) a main form of the antibody comprising greater than, or equal to, 50% of the protein in the composition as measured using capillary isoelectric focusing of the composition; and c) a basic form of the antibody comprising about 1% to about 15% of the protein in the composition as measured using capillary isoelectric focusing of the composition. 12. A composition comprising
a) an anti-IL-5 antibody comprising a heavy chain sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2; b) a main form of the antibody comprising greater than, or equal to, 50% of the protein in the composition as measured using capillary isoelectric focusing of the composition; c) acidic forms of the antibody comprising about 20% to about 45% of the protein in the composition as measured using capillary isoelectric focusing of the composition; and d) a basic form of the antibody comprising about 1% to about 15% of the protein in the composition as measured using capillary isoelectric focusing of the composition. 13. A composition comprising
a) an anti-IL-5 antibody comprising a heavy chain sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2; and b) deamidated forms of the antibody comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of 35% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue deamidated at asparagine 386 and 25% or less of a light chain amino acid residue deamidated at asparagine 31. 14. A composition comprising
a) an anti-IL-5 antibody comprising a heavy chain sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2; and b) oxidized forms of the antibody comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of 3% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue oxidized at tryptophan 52, 55% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue oxidized at methionine 64, 50% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue oxidized at methionine 254, 50% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue oxidized at methionine 360, and 50% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue oxidized at methionine 430. 15. A composition comprising
a) an anti-IL-5 antibody comprising a heavy chain sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2; b) deamidated forms of the antibody comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of 35% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue deamidated at asparagine 386 and 25% or less of a light chain amino acid residue deamidated at asparagine 31; and c) oxidized forms of the antibody comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of 3% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue oxidized at tryptophan 52, 50% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue oxidized at methionine 64, 50% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue oxidized at methionine 254, 50% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue oxidized at methionine 360, and 50% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue oxidized at methionine 430. 16. A composition comprising
a) an anti-IL-5 antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region having the CDRH1 amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 5, the CDRH2 amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 6, and the CDRH3 amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 7; and a light chain variable region having the CDRL1 amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 8, the CDRL2 amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 9, and the CDRL3 amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 10; and b) 25% or less of deamidated forms of the antibody comprising a light chain amino acid residue deamidated at asparagine 31. 17. A composition comprising
a) an anti-IL-5 antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region having the CDRH1 amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 5, the CDRH2 amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 6, and the CDRH3 amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 7; and a light chain variable region having the CDRL1 amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 8, the CDRL2 amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 9, and the CDRL3 amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 10; and b) oxidized forms of the antibody comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of 3% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue oxidized at tryptophan 52 and 50% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue oxidized at methionine 64. 18. A composition comprising
a) an anti-IL-5 antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region having the CDRH1 amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 5, the CDRH2 amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 6, and the CDRH3 amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 7; and a light chain variable region having the CDRL1 amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 8, the CDRL2 amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 9, and the CDRL3 amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 10; b) oxidized forms of the antibody comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of 3% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue oxidized at tryptophan 52 and 50% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue oxidized at methionine 64; and c) 25% or less of deamidated forms of the antibody comprising a light chain amino acid residue deamidated at asparagine 31. 19. A composition comprising
a) an anti-IL-5 antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region sequence having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 3 and a light chain variable region sequence having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 4; and b) 25% or less of deamidated forms of the antibody comprising a light chain amino acid residue deamidated at asparagine 31. 20. A composition comprising
a) an anti-IL-5 antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region sequence having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 3 and a light chain variable region sequence having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 4; and b) oxidized forms of the antibody comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of 3% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue oxidized at tryptophan 52, and 50% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue oxidized at methionine 64. 21. A composition comprising
a) an anti-IL-5 antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region sequence having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 3 and a light chain variable region sequence having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 4; b) 25% or less of deamidated forms of the antibody comprising a light chain amino acid residue deamidated at asparagine 31; and c) oxidized forms of the antibody comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of 3% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue oxidized at tryptophan 52, and 50% or less of a heavy chain amino acid residue oxidized at methionine 64. 22. A composition comprising a population of anti-IL-5 antibodies having
a) an anti-IL-5 antibody comprising a heavy chain sequence having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain sequence having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2; b) a modified form of the antibody heavy chain amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 comprising at least one amino acid residue modification selected from the group consisting of an amino terminal pyroglutamate residue at amino acid residue 1, a carboxy terminal glycine amino acid residue at amino acid residue 448, a deamidated asparagine residue at position 386, an oxidized tryptophan residue at position 52, an oxidized methionine residue at position 64, an oxidized methionine at position 254, an oxidized methionine at position 360 and an oxidized methionine residue at position 430; and c) a modified form of the antibody light chain amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 comprising a deamidated asparagine residue at amino acid residue 31. 23. A composition comprising a population of anti-IL-5 antibodies having
a) an anti-IL-5 antibody comprising a heavy chain sequence having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain sequence having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2; b) a modified form of the antibody heavy chain amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 comprising at least one amino acid residue modification selected from the group consisting of a deamidated asparagine residue at position 386, an oxidized tryptophan residue at position 52, an oxidized methionine residue at position 64, an oxidized methionine at position 254, an oxidized methionine at position 254, an oxidized methionine at position 360 and an oxidized methionine residue at position 430; and c) a modified form of the antibody light chain amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 comprising a deamidated asparagine residue at amino acid residue 31. 24. A composition comprising a population of anti-IL-5 antibodies having
a) an anti-IL-5 antibody comprising a heavy chain sequence having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain sequence having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2; b) a modified form of the antibody heavy chain amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 comprising a deamidated asparagine residue at position 386; and c) a modified form of the antibody light chain amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 comprising a deamidated asparagine residue at amino acid residue 31. 25. A composition comprising a population of anti-IL-5 antibodies having
a) an anti-IL-5 antibody comprising a heavy chain sequence having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain sequence having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2; and b) a modified form of the antibody heavy chain amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 comprising at least one amino acid residue modification selected from the group consisting of an oxidized tryptophan residue at position 52, an oxidized methionine residue at position 64, an oxidized methionine at position 254, an oxidized methionine at position 360 and an oxidized methionine residue at position 430. 26. A composition comprising
a) an anti-IL-5 antibody comprising a heavy chain sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2; and b) a main form of the antibody comprising greater than, or equal to, 20% of the protein in the composition as measured using capillary isoelectric focusing of the composition. 27. A composition comprising
a) an anti-IL-5 antibody comprising a heavy chain sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and a light chain sequence having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2; b) a main form of the antibody comprising greater than, or equal to, 20% of the protein in the composition as measured using capillary isoelectric focusing of the composition; and c) acidic forms of the antibody comprising up to about 80% of the protein in the composition as measured using capillary isoelectric focusing of the composition. 28. A composition according to claim 1 wherein the antibody is at a concentration of between about 75 mg/ml to about 100 mg/ml. 29. A composition according to claim 1 wherein the composition further comprises one or a combination of:
(a) a buffering agent selected from the group consisting of sodium phosphate dibasic heptahydrate, phosphate, citrate, sodium phosphate, potassium phosphate, sodium citrate, and histidine, providing a pH of between 6.8 and 7.2; and/or
(b) a sugar; and/or
(c) polysorbate 80; and/or
(d) EDTA. 30. A composition according to claim 1 wherein the composition has at least 0.70 IL-5 specific antigen binding activity; and/or at least 70% FcRn binding activity, compared with a reference standard composition comprising SEQ ID NO: 1 and SEQ ID NO:2. 31. A method of treating a disease in a subject comprising the steps of
a) identifying a subject with a disease selected from the group consisting of of asthma, severe eosinophilic asthma, severe asthma, uncontrolled eosinophilic asthma, eosinophilic asthma, sub-eosinophilic asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, hypereosinophilic syndrome, nasal polyposis, bullous pemphigoid and eosinophilic esophagitis; and b) administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition according to claim 1 to the subject; 32. The method of claim 31 wherein the composition is administered at a dose of 100 mg once every 4 weeks. 33. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a composition according to claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier | 3,700 |
348,572 | 16,806,053 | 3,711 | A semiconductor memory device according to an embodiment includes: a substrate having a substrate plane extending in a first direction and a second direction intersecting with the first direction; a first wiring provided above the substrate, the first wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a second wiring provided above the substrate, the second wiring being separated from the first wiring in the first direction, the second wiring being passed by the same virtual line together with the first wiring, the second wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a third wiring provided between the first wiring and the second wiring, the third wiring being separated from the first wiring and the second wiring, the third wiring being passed by the same virtual line together with the first wiring and the second wiring, the third wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a fourth wiring provided above the first wiring, the fourth wiring overlapping with the first wiring when viewed from the above, the fourth wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a fifth wiring provided over the second wiring and the third wiring, the fifth wiring being separated from the fourth wiring in the first direction, the fifth wiring overlapping with the second wiring and the third wiring when viewed from the above, the fifth wiring being passed by the same virtual line together with the fourth wiring, the fifth wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a sixth wiring provided over the fourth wiring and the fifth wiring, the sixth wiring overlapping with the fourth wiring and the fifth wiring when viewed from the above, the sixth wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a plurality of seventh wirings provided between the first wiring and the fourth wiring, between the third wiring and the fifth wiring, and between the second wiring and the fifth wiring, the seventh wirings being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the second direction; a plurality of eighth wirings provided between the fourth wiring and the sixth wiring and between the fifth wiring and the sixth wiring, the eighth wirings being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the second direction; a plurality of first memory cells provided between the first wiring, the second wiring, and the third wiring and the seventh wirings; a plurality of second memory cells provided between the fourth wiring and the seventh wirings and between the fifth wiring and the seventh wirings, the second memory cells overlapping with the first memory cells when viewed from the above; a plurality of third memory cells provided between the fourth wiring and the eighth wirings and between the fifth wiring and the eighth wirings, the third memory cells overlapping with the second memory cells when viewed from the above; a plurality of fourth memory cells provided between the sixth wiring and the eighth wirings, the fourth memory cells overlapping with the third memory cells when viewed from the above; a first connection wiring provided above the substrate, the first connection wiring being provided at least partially under a portion where the first wiring and the third wiring are separated; a second connection wiring provided between the first wiring and the third wiring so that a longitudinal direction extends along a third direction intersecting with the first direction and the second direction, the second connection wiring connecting the sixth wiring and the first connection wiring; a third connection wiring configured to connect the first wiring and the first connection wiring; a fourth connection wiring configured to connect the third wiring and the first connection wiring; a fifth connection wiring provided above the substrate, the fifth connection wiring being provided at least partially under a portion where the second wiring and the third wiring are separated; and a sixth connection wiring provided between the second wiring and the third wiring so that a longitudinal direction extends along the third direction, the sixth connection wiring connecting the fifth wiring and the fifth connection wiring. | 1. A semiconductor memory device comprising:
a substrate having a substrate plane extending in a first direction and a second direction intersecting with the first direction; a first wiring provided above the substrate, the first wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a second wiring provided above the substrate, the second wiring being separated from the first wiring in the first direction, the second wiring being passed by the same virtual line together with the first wiring, the second wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a third wiring provided between the first wiring and the second wiring, the third wiring being separated from the first wiring and the second wiring, the third wiring being passed by the same virtual line together with the first wiring and the second wiring, the third wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a fourth wiring provided above the first wiring, the fourth wiring overlapping with the first wiring when viewed from the above, the fourth wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a fifth wiring provided over the second wiring and the third wiring, the fifth wiring being separated from the fourth wiring in the first direction, the fifth wiring overlapping with the second wiring and the third wiring when viewed from the above, the fifth wiring being passed by the same virtual line together with the fourth wiring, the fifth wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a sixth wiring provided over the fourth wiring and the fifth wiring, the sixth wiring overlapping with the fourth wiring and the fifth wiring when viewed from the above, the sixth wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a plurality of seventh wirings provided between the first wiring and the fourth wiring, between the third wiring and the fifth wiring, and between the second wiring and the fifth wiring, the seventh wirings being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the second direction; a plurality of eighth wirings provided between the fourth wiring and the sixth wiring and between the fifth wiring and the sixth wiring, the eighth wirings being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the second direction; a plurality of first memory cells provided between the first wiring, the second wiring, and the third wiring and the seventh wirings; a plurality of second memory cells provided between the fourth wiring and the seventh wirings and between the fifth wiring and the seventh wirings, the second memory cells overlapping with the first memory cells when viewed from the above; a plurality of third memory cells provided between the fourth wiring and the eighth wirings and between the fifth wiring and the eighth wirings, the third memory cells overlapping with the second memory cells when viewed from the above; a plurality of fourth memory cells provided between the sixth wiring and the eighth wirings, the fourth memory cells overlapping with the third memory cells when viewed from the above; a first connection wiring provided above the substrate, the first connection wiring being provided at least partially under a portion where the first wiring and the third wiring are separated; a second connection wiring provided between the first wiring and the third wiring so that a longitudinal direction extends along a third direction intersecting with the first direction and the second direction, the second connection wiring connecting the sixth wiring and the first connection wiring; a third connection wiring configured to connect the first wiring and the first connection wiring; a fourth connection wiring configured to connect the third wiring and the first connection wiring; a fifth connection wiring provided above the substrate, the fifth connection wiring being provided at least partially under a portion where the second wiring and the third wiring are separated; and a sixth connection wiring provided between the second wiring and the third wiring so that a longitudinal direction extends along the third direction, the sixth connection wiring connecting the fifth wiring and the fifth connection wiring. 2. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 1, further comprising a first selected voltage generation circuit provided in the substrate under the first connection wiring, wherein the first selected voltage generation circuit is connected to the first connection wiring. 3. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 1, further comprising:
a first unselected voltage generation circuit provided in the substrate under the first wiring or under the third wiring; and a seventh connection wiring configured to connect the first wiring or the third wiring and the first unselected voltage generation circuit. 4. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 1, further comprising a second unselected voltage generation circuit provided in the substrate under the fifth connection wiring, wherein the second unselected voltage generation circuit is connected to the fifth connection wiring. 5. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 1, further comprising: a second selected voltage generation circuit provided in the substrate under the second wiring or under the third wiring, wherein the second selected voltage generation circuit is connected to the fifth connection wiring. 6. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 1, further comprising:
a first selected voltage generation circuit provided in the substrate under the first connection wiring, the first selected voltage generation circuit being connected to the first connection wiring; and a third selected voltage generation circuit provided in the substrate under the first connection wiring, wherein an unselected voltage generation circuit is not disposed between the first selected voltage generation circuit and the third selected voltage generation circuit, in the first direction. 7. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 1, further comprising:
a ninth wiring provided to be separated from the fourth wiring in the second direction; a tenth wiring provided to be separated from the ninth wiring in the second direction, the ninth wiring being provided between the fourth wiring and the tenth wiring; an eleventh wiring provided to be separated from the tenth wiring in the second direction, the tenth wiring being provided between the eleventh wiring and the ninth wiring; a twelfth wiring provided to be separated from the fifth wiring in the second direction and to be separated from the ninth wiring in the first direction; a thirteenth wiring provided to be separated from the twelfth wiring in the second direction and to be separated from the tenth wiring in the first direction, the twelfth wiring being provided between the fifth wiring and the thirteenth wiring; a fourteenth wiring provided to be separated from the thirteenth wiring in the second direction and to be separated from the eleventh wiring in the first direction, the thirteenth wiring being provided between the twelfth wiring and the fourteenth wiring; a fifteenth wiring provided over the ninth wiring and the twelfth wiring, the fifteenth wiring overlapping with the ninth wiring and the twelfth wiring when viewed from the above, the fifteenth wiring being provided above the eighth wirings, the fifteenth wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a sixteenth wiring provided over the tenth wiring and the thirteenth wiring, the sixteenth wiring overlapping with the tenth wiring and the thirteenth wiring when viewed from the above, the sixteenth wiring being provided above the eighth wirings, the sixteenth wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a seventeenth wiring provided over the eleventh wiring and the fourteenth wiring, the seventeenth wiring overlapping with the eleventh wiring and the fourteenth wiring when viewed from the above, the seventeenth wiring being provided above the eighth wirings, the seventeenth wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; an eighteenth wiring provided between the substrate and the ninth wiring, the eighteenth wiring overlapping with the ninth wiring when viewed from the above, the eighteenth wiring being provided to be separated from the first wiring in the second direction; a nineteenth wiring provided between the substrate and the tenth wiring, the nineteenth wiring overlapping with the tenth wiring when viewed from the above, the nineteenth wiring being provided to be separated from the eighteenth wiring in the second direction; a twentieth wiring provided between the substrate and the eleventh wiring, the twentieth wiring overlapping with the eleventh wiring when viewed from the above, the twentieth wiring being provided to be separated from the nineteenth wiring in the second direction; a twenty-first wiring provided between the substrate and the twelfth wiring, the twenty-first wiring overlapping with the twelfth wiring when viewed from the above, the twenty-first wiring being provided to be separated from the third wiring in the second direction, the twenty-first wiring being provided under a portion where the ninth wiring and the twelfth wiring are separated, the twenty-first wiring being provided to be separated from the eighteenth wiring in the first direction; a twenty-second wiring provided between the substrate and the thirteenth wiring, the twenty-second wiring overlapping with the thirteenth wiring when viewed from the above, the twenty-second wiring being provided to be separated from the twenty-first wiring in the second direction, the twenty-second wiring being provided under a portion where the tenth wiring and the thirteenth wiring are separated, the twenty-second wiring being provided to be separated from the nineteenth wiring in the first direction; a twenty-third wiring provided between the substrate and the fourteenth wiring, the twenty-third wiring overlapping with the fourteenth wiring when viewed from the above, the twenty-third wiring being provided to be separated from the twenty-second wiring in the second direction, the twenty-third wiring being provided under a portion where the eleventh wiring and the fourteenth wiring are separated, the twenty-third wiring being provided to be separated from the twentieth wiring in the first direction; an eighth connection wiring provided above the substrate, the eighth connection wiring being provided at least partially under a portion where the eighteenth wiring and the twenty-first wiring are separated; a ninth connection wiring provided between the ninth wiring and the twelfth wiring so that a longitudinal direction extends along the third direction, the ninth connection wiring connecting the fifteenth wiring and the eighth connection wiring; a tenth connection wiring configured to connect the eighteenth wiring and the eighth connection wiring; an eleventh connection wiring configured to connect the twenty-first wiring and the eighth connection wiring; a twelfth connection wiring provided above the substrate, the twelfth connection wiring being provided at least partially under a portion where the nineteenth wiring and the twenty-second wiring are separated; a thirteenth connection wiring provided between the tenth wiring and the thirteenth wiring so that a longitudinal direction extends along the third direction, the thirteenth connection wiring connecting the sixteenth wiring and the twelfth connection wiring; a fourteenth connection wiring configured to connect the nineteenth wiring and the twelfth connection wiring; a fifteenth connection wiring configured to connect the twenty-second wiring and the twelfth connection wiring; a sixteenth connection wiring provided above the substrate, the sixteenth connection wiring being provided at least partially under a portion where the twentieth wiring and the twenty-third wiring are separated; a seventeenth connection wiring provided between the eleventh wiring and the fourteenth wiring so that a longitudinal direction extends along the third direction, the seventeenth connection wiring connecting the seventeenth wiring and the sixteenth connection wiring; an eighteenth connection wiring configured to connect the twentieth wiring and the sixteenth connection wiring; and a nineteenth connection wiring configured to connect the twenty-third wiring and the sixteenth connection wiring. 8. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 7, wherein the first connection wiring is provided above the eighth connection wiring, and the sixteenth connection wiring is provided above the twelfth connection wiring. 9. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 1, wherein the first connection wiring has a width larger than a width of the first wiring or the third wiring, in the second direction. 10. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 7,
wherein the second connection wiring is provided between the seventeenth connection wiring and the nineteenth connection wiring in the first direction, and the thirteenth connection wiring is provided between the ninth connection wiring and the nineteenth connection wiring in the first direction. 11. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 7, wherein the eighteenth connection wiring is provided between the tenth connection wiring and the seventeenth connection wiring in the first direction, and the fourth connection wiring is provided between the second connection wiring and the fifteenth connection wiring in the first direction. 12. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 7, wherein the tenth connection wiring and the fourteenth connection wiring are provided between the seventeenth connection wiring and the eighteenth connection wiring in the first direction, and the eleventh connection wiring and the fifteenth connection wiring are provided between the second connection wiring and the fourth connection wiring in the first direction. 13. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 1, further comprising:
a ninth wiring provided to be separated from the fourth wiring in the second direction; a tenth wiring provided to be separated from the fifth wiring in the second direction; an eleventh wiring provided to be separated from the ninth wiring and the tenth wiring in the second direction, the ninth wiring being provided between the fourth wiring and the eleventh wiring, the tenth wiring being provided between the fifth wiring and the eleventh wiring; a twelfth wiring provided to be separated from the eleventh wiring in the second direction; a fifteenth wiring provided over the ninth wiring and the tenth wring, the fifteenth wiring overlapping with the ninth wiring and the tenth wring when viewed from the above, the fifteenth wiring being provided above the eighth wirings, the fifteenth wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a sixteenth wiring provided over the eleventh wiring, the sixteenth wiring overlapping with the eleventh wiring when viewed from the above, the sixteenth wiring being provided above the eighth wirings, the sixteenth wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a seventeenth wiring provided over the twelfth wiring, the seventeenth wiring overlapping with the twelfth wiring when viewed from the above, the seventeenth wiring being provided above the eighth wirings, the seventeenth wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; an eighteenth wiring provided between the substrate and the ninth wiring, the eighteenth wiring overlapping with the ninth wiring when viewed from the above, the eighteenth wiring being provided to be separated from the first wiring in the second direction; a nineteenth wiring provided between the substrate and the tenth wiring, the nineteenth wiring overlapping with the tenth wiring when viewed from the above, the nineteenth wiring being provided to be separated from the third wiring in the second direction; an eighth connection wiring provided above the substrate, the eighth connection wiring being provided at least partially under the eighteenth wiring and the nineteenth wiring; a tenth connection wiring provided between the eighth connection wiring and the eighteenth wiring, the tenth connection wiring connecting the eighth connection wiring and the eighteenth wiring; and an eleventh connection wiring provided between the eighth connection wiring and the nineteenth wiring, the eleventh connection wiring connecting the eighth connection wiring and the nineteenth wiring. 14. A semiconductor memory device comprising:
a substrate having a substrate plane extending in a first direction and a second direction intersecting with the first direction; a first wiring provided above the substrate, the first wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a second wiring provided above the substrate, the second wiring being separated from the first wiring in the first direction, the second wiring being passed by the same virtual line together with the first wiring, the second wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a third wiring provided between the first wiring and the second wiring, the third wiring being separated from the first wiring and the second wiring, the third wiring being passed by the same virtual line together with the first wiring and the second wiring, the third wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a fourth wiring provided above the first wiring, the fourth wiring overlapping with the first wiring when viewed from the above, the fourth wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a fifth wiring provided over the second wiring, the fifth wiring being separated from the fourth wiring in the first direction, the fifth wiring overlapping with the second wiring when viewed from the above, the fifth wiring being passed by the same virtual line together with the fourth wiring, the fifth wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a sixth wiring provided over the fourth wiring and the fifth wiring, the sixth wiring overlapping with the fourth wiring and the fifth wiring when viewed from the above, the sixth wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a plurality of seventh wirings provided between the first wiring and the fourth wiring and between the second wiring and the fifth wiring, the seventh wirings being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the second direction; a plurality of eighth wirings provided between the fourth wiring and the sixth wiring and between the fifth wiring and the sixth wiring, the eighth wirings being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the second direction; a plurality of first memory cells provided between the first wiring and the second wiring and the seventh wirings; a plurality of second memory cells provided between the fourth wiring and the seventh wirings and between the fifth wiring and the seventh wirings, the second memory cells overlapping with the first memory cells when viewed from the above; a plurality of third memory cells provided between the fourth wiring and the eighth wirings and between the fifth wiring and the eighth wirings; a plurality of fourth memory cells provided between the sixth wiring and the eighth wirings, the fourth memory cells overlapping with the third memory cells when viewed from the above; a first connection wiring provided above the substrate, the first connection wiring being provided at least partially under a portion where the first wiring and the third wiring are separated; a second connection wiring provided between the first wiring and the third wiring so that a longitudinal direction extends along a third direction intersecting with the first direction and the second direction, the second connection wiring connecting the sixth wiring and the first connection wiring; a third connection wiring configured to connect the first wiring and the first connection wiring; and a fourth connection wiring configured to connect the third wiring and the first connection wiring. 15. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 14, further comprising:
a ninth wiring provided to be separated from the fourth wiring in the second direction; a tenth wiring provided to be separated from the ninth wiring in the second direction, the ninth wiring being provided between the fourth wiring and the tenth wiring; an eleventh wiring provided to be separated from the tenth wiring in the second direction, the tenth wiring being provided between the eleventh wiring and the ninth wiring; a twelfth wiring provided to be separated from the fifth wiring in the second direction and to be separated from the ninth wiring in the first direction; a thirteenth wiring provided to be separated from the twelfth wiring in the second direction and to be separated from the tenth wiring in the first direction, the twelfth wiring being provided between the fifth wiring and the thirteenth wiring; a fourteenth wiring provided to be separated from the thirteenth wiring in the second direction and to be separated from the eleventh wiring in the first direction, the thirteenth wiring being provided between the twelfth wiring and the fourteenth wiring; a fifteenth wiring provided over the ninth wiring and the twelfth wiring, the fifteenth wiring overlapping with the ninth wiring and the twelfth wiring when viewed from the above, the fifteenth wiring being provided above the eighth wirings, the fifteenth wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a sixteenth wiring provided over the tenth wiring and the thirteenth wiring, the sixteenth wiring overlapping with the tenth wiring and the thirteenth wiring when viewed from the above, the sixteenth wiring being provided above the eighth wirings, the sixteenth wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a seventeenth wiring provided over the eleventh wiring and the fourteenth wiring, the seventeenth wiring overlapping with the eleventh wiring and the fourteenth wiring when viewed from the above, the seventeenth wiring being provided above the eighth wirings, the seventeenth wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; an eighteenth wiring provided between the substrate and the ninth wiring, the eighteenth wiring overlapping with the ninth wiring when viewed from the above, the eighteenth wiring being provided to be separated from the first wiring in the second direction; a nineteenth wiring provided between the substrate and the tenth wiring, the nineteenth wiring overlapping with the tenth wiring when viewed from the above, the nineteenth wiring being provided to be separated from the eighteenth wiring in the second direction; a twentieth wiring provided between the substrate and the eleventh wiring, the twentieth wiring overlapping with the eleventh wiring when viewed from the above, the twentieth wiring being provided to be separated from the nineteenth wiring in the second direction; a twenty-first wiring provided between the substrate and the fifteenth wiring, the twenty-first wiring overlapping with the fifteenth wiring when viewed from the above, the twenty-first wiring being provided to be separated from the third wiring in the second direction and to be separated from the eighteenth wiring in the first direction; a twenty-second wiring provided between the substrate and the sixteenth wiring, the twenty-second wiring overlapping with the sixteenth wiring when viewed from the above, the twenty-second wiring being provided to be separated from the twenty-first wiring in the second direction and to be separated from the nineteenth wiring in the first direction; a twenty-third wiring provided between the substrate and the seventeenth wiring, the twenty-third wiring overlapping with the seventeenth wiring when viewed from the above, the twenty-third wiring being provided to be separated from the twenty-second wiring in the second direction and to be separated from the twentieth wiring in the first direction; a twenty-fourth wiring overlapping with the twelfth wiring when viewed from the above, the twenty-fourth wiring being provided to be separated from the second wiring in the second direction, the twenty-fourth wiring being provided to be separated from the twenty-first wiring in the first direction; a twenty-fifth wiring overlapping with the thirteenth wiring when viewed from the above, the twenty-fifth wiring being provided to be separated from the twenty-fourth wiring in the second direction and to be separated from the twenty-second wiring in the first direction; a twenty-sixth wiring overlapping with the fourteenth wiring when viewed from the above, the twenty-sixth wiring being provided to be separated from the twenty-fifth wiring in the second direction and to be separated from the twenty-third wiring in the first direction; a fifth connection wiring provided above the substrate, the fifth connection wiring being provided at least partially under a portion where the second wiring and the third wiring are separated; a sixth connection wiring provided between the twenty-first wiring and the twenty-fourth wiring so that a longitudinal direction extends along the third direction, the sixth connection wiring connecting the fifteenth wiring and the fifth connection wiring; a seventh connection wiring configured to connect the twenty-first wiring and the fifth connection wiring; an eighth connection wiring configured to connect the twenty-fourth wiring and the fifth connection wiring; a ninth connection wiring provided above the substrate, the ninth connection wiring being provided at least partially under a portion where the nineteenth wiring and the twenty-second wiring are separated; a tenth connection wiring provided between the tenth wiring and the thirteenth wiring so that a longitudinal direction extends along the third direction, the tenth connection wiring connecting the sixteenth wiring and the ninth connection wiring; an eleventh connection wiring configured to connect the nineteenth wiring and the ninth connection wiring; a twelfth connection wiring configured to connect the twenty-second wiring and the ninth connection wiring; a thirteenth connection wiring provided above the substrate, the thirteenth connection wiring being provided at least partially under a portion where the twenty-third wiring and the twenty-sixth wiring are separated; a fourteenth connection wiring provided between the twenty-third wiring and the twenty-sixth wiring so that a longitudinal direction extends along the third direction, the fourteenth connection wiring connecting the seventeenth wiring and the thirteenth connection wiring; a fifteenth connection wiring configured to connect the twenty-third wiring and the thirteenth connection wiring; and a sixteenth connection wiring configured to connect the twenty-sixth wiring and the thirteenth connection wiring. | A semiconductor memory device according to an embodiment includes: a substrate having a substrate plane extending in a first direction and a second direction intersecting with the first direction; a first wiring provided above the substrate, the first wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a second wiring provided above the substrate, the second wiring being separated from the first wiring in the first direction, the second wiring being passed by the same virtual line together with the first wiring, the second wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a third wiring provided between the first wiring and the second wiring, the third wiring being separated from the first wiring and the second wiring, the third wiring being passed by the same virtual line together with the first wiring and the second wiring, the third wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a fourth wiring provided above the first wiring, the fourth wiring overlapping with the first wiring when viewed from the above, the fourth wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a fifth wiring provided over the second wiring and the third wiring, the fifth wiring being separated from the fourth wiring in the first direction, the fifth wiring overlapping with the second wiring and the third wiring when viewed from the above, the fifth wiring being passed by the same virtual line together with the fourth wiring, the fifth wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a sixth wiring provided over the fourth wiring and the fifth wiring, the sixth wiring overlapping with the fourth wiring and the fifth wiring when viewed from the above, the sixth wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a plurality of seventh wirings provided between the first wiring and the fourth wiring, between the third wiring and the fifth wiring, and between the second wiring and the fifth wiring, the seventh wirings being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the second direction; a plurality of eighth wirings provided between the fourth wiring and the sixth wiring and between the fifth wiring and the sixth wiring, the eighth wirings being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the second direction; a plurality of first memory cells provided between the first wiring, the second wiring, and the third wiring and the seventh wirings; a plurality of second memory cells provided between the fourth wiring and the seventh wirings and between the fifth wiring and the seventh wirings, the second memory cells overlapping with the first memory cells when viewed from the above; a plurality of third memory cells provided between the fourth wiring and the eighth wirings and between the fifth wiring and the eighth wirings, the third memory cells overlapping with the second memory cells when viewed from the above; a plurality of fourth memory cells provided between the sixth wiring and the eighth wirings, the fourth memory cells overlapping with the third memory cells when viewed from the above; a first connection wiring provided above the substrate, the first connection wiring being provided at least partially under a portion where the first wiring and the third wiring are separated; a second connection wiring provided between the first wiring and the third wiring so that a longitudinal direction extends along a third direction intersecting with the first direction and the second direction, the second connection wiring connecting the sixth wiring and the first connection wiring; a third connection wiring configured to connect the first wiring and the first connection wiring; a fourth connection wiring configured to connect the third wiring and the first connection wiring; a fifth connection wiring provided above the substrate, the fifth connection wiring being provided at least partially under a portion where the second wiring and the third wiring are separated; and a sixth connection wiring provided between the second wiring and the third wiring so that a longitudinal direction extends along the third direction, the sixth connection wiring connecting the fifth wiring and the fifth connection wiring.1. A semiconductor memory device comprising:
a substrate having a substrate plane extending in a first direction and a second direction intersecting with the first direction; a first wiring provided above the substrate, the first wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a second wiring provided above the substrate, the second wiring being separated from the first wiring in the first direction, the second wiring being passed by the same virtual line together with the first wiring, the second wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a third wiring provided between the first wiring and the second wiring, the third wiring being separated from the first wiring and the second wiring, the third wiring being passed by the same virtual line together with the first wiring and the second wiring, the third wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a fourth wiring provided above the first wiring, the fourth wiring overlapping with the first wiring when viewed from the above, the fourth wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a fifth wiring provided over the second wiring and the third wiring, the fifth wiring being separated from the fourth wiring in the first direction, the fifth wiring overlapping with the second wiring and the third wiring when viewed from the above, the fifth wiring being passed by the same virtual line together with the fourth wiring, the fifth wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a sixth wiring provided over the fourth wiring and the fifth wiring, the sixth wiring overlapping with the fourth wiring and the fifth wiring when viewed from the above, the sixth wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a plurality of seventh wirings provided between the first wiring and the fourth wiring, between the third wiring and the fifth wiring, and between the second wiring and the fifth wiring, the seventh wirings being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the second direction; a plurality of eighth wirings provided between the fourth wiring and the sixth wiring and between the fifth wiring and the sixth wiring, the eighth wirings being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the second direction; a plurality of first memory cells provided between the first wiring, the second wiring, and the third wiring and the seventh wirings; a plurality of second memory cells provided between the fourth wiring and the seventh wirings and between the fifth wiring and the seventh wirings, the second memory cells overlapping with the first memory cells when viewed from the above; a plurality of third memory cells provided between the fourth wiring and the eighth wirings and between the fifth wiring and the eighth wirings, the third memory cells overlapping with the second memory cells when viewed from the above; a plurality of fourth memory cells provided between the sixth wiring and the eighth wirings, the fourth memory cells overlapping with the third memory cells when viewed from the above; a first connection wiring provided above the substrate, the first connection wiring being provided at least partially under a portion where the first wiring and the third wiring are separated; a second connection wiring provided between the first wiring and the third wiring so that a longitudinal direction extends along a third direction intersecting with the first direction and the second direction, the second connection wiring connecting the sixth wiring and the first connection wiring; a third connection wiring configured to connect the first wiring and the first connection wiring; a fourth connection wiring configured to connect the third wiring and the first connection wiring; a fifth connection wiring provided above the substrate, the fifth connection wiring being provided at least partially under a portion where the second wiring and the third wiring are separated; and a sixth connection wiring provided between the second wiring and the third wiring so that a longitudinal direction extends along the third direction, the sixth connection wiring connecting the fifth wiring and the fifth connection wiring. 2. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 1, further comprising a first selected voltage generation circuit provided in the substrate under the first connection wiring, wherein the first selected voltage generation circuit is connected to the first connection wiring. 3. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 1, further comprising:
a first unselected voltage generation circuit provided in the substrate under the first wiring or under the third wiring; and a seventh connection wiring configured to connect the first wiring or the third wiring and the first unselected voltage generation circuit. 4. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 1, further comprising a second unselected voltage generation circuit provided in the substrate under the fifth connection wiring, wherein the second unselected voltage generation circuit is connected to the fifth connection wiring. 5. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 1, further comprising: a second selected voltage generation circuit provided in the substrate under the second wiring or under the third wiring, wherein the second selected voltage generation circuit is connected to the fifth connection wiring. 6. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 1, further comprising:
a first selected voltage generation circuit provided in the substrate under the first connection wiring, the first selected voltage generation circuit being connected to the first connection wiring; and a third selected voltage generation circuit provided in the substrate under the first connection wiring, wherein an unselected voltage generation circuit is not disposed between the first selected voltage generation circuit and the third selected voltage generation circuit, in the first direction. 7. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 1, further comprising:
a ninth wiring provided to be separated from the fourth wiring in the second direction; a tenth wiring provided to be separated from the ninth wiring in the second direction, the ninth wiring being provided between the fourth wiring and the tenth wiring; an eleventh wiring provided to be separated from the tenth wiring in the second direction, the tenth wiring being provided between the eleventh wiring and the ninth wiring; a twelfth wiring provided to be separated from the fifth wiring in the second direction and to be separated from the ninth wiring in the first direction; a thirteenth wiring provided to be separated from the twelfth wiring in the second direction and to be separated from the tenth wiring in the first direction, the twelfth wiring being provided between the fifth wiring and the thirteenth wiring; a fourteenth wiring provided to be separated from the thirteenth wiring in the second direction and to be separated from the eleventh wiring in the first direction, the thirteenth wiring being provided between the twelfth wiring and the fourteenth wiring; a fifteenth wiring provided over the ninth wiring and the twelfth wiring, the fifteenth wiring overlapping with the ninth wiring and the twelfth wiring when viewed from the above, the fifteenth wiring being provided above the eighth wirings, the fifteenth wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a sixteenth wiring provided over the tenth wiring and the thirteenth wiring, the sixteenth wiring overlapping with the tenth wiring and the thirteenth wiring when viewed from the above, the sixteenth wiring being provided above the eighth wirings, the sixteenth wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a seventeenth wiring provided over the eleventh wiring and the fourteenth wiring, the seventeenth wiring overlapping with the eleventh wiring and the fourteenth wiring when viewed from the above, the seventeenth wiring being provided above the eighth wirings, the seventeenth wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; an eighteenth wiring provided between the substrate and the ninth wiring, the eighteenth wiring overlapping with the ninth wiring when viewed from the above, the eighteenth wiring being provided to be separated from the first wiring in the second direction; a nineteenth wiring provided between the substrate and the tenth wiring, the nineteenth wiring overlapping with the tenth wiring when viewed from the above, the nineteenth wiring being provided to be separated from the eighteenth wiring in the second direction; a twentieth wiring provided between the substrate and the eleventh wiring, the twentieth wiring overlapping with the eleventh wiring when viewed from the above, the twentieth wiring being provided to be separated from the nineteenth wiring in the second direction; a twenty-first wiring provided between the substrate and the twelfth wiring, the twenty-first wiring overlapping with the twelfth wiring when viewed from the above, the twenty-first wiring being provided to be separated from the third wiring in the second direction, the twenty-first wiring being provided under a portion where the ninth wiring and the twelfth wiring are separated, the twenty-first wiring being provided to be separated from the eighteenth wiring in the first direction; a twenty-second wiring provided between the substrate and the thirteenth wiring, the twenty-second wiring overlapping with the thirteenth wiring when viewed from the above, the twenty-second wiring being provided to be separated from the twenty-first wiring in the second direction, the twenty-second wiring being provided under a portion where the tenth wiring and the thirteenth wiring are separated, the twenty-second wiring being provided to be separated from the nineteenth wiring in the first direction; a twenty-third wiring provided between the substrate and the fourteenth wiring, the twenty-third wiring overlapping with the fourteenth wiring when viewed from the above, the twenty-third wiring being provided to be separated from the twenty-second wiring in the second direction, the twenty-third wiring being provided under a portion where the eleventh wiring and the fourteenth wiring are separated, the twenty-third wiring being provided to be separated from the twentieth wiring in the first direction; an eighth connection wiring provided above the substrate, the eighth connection wiring being provided at least partially under a portion where the eighteenth wiring and the twenty-first wiring are separated; a ninth connection wiring provided between the ninth wiring and the twelfth wiring so that a longitudinal direction extends along the third direction, the ninth connection wiring connecting the fifteenth wiring and the eighth connection wiring; a tenth connection wiring configured to connect the eighteenth wiring and the eighth connection wiring; an eleventh connection wiring configured to connect the twenty-first wiring and the eighth connection wiring; a twelfth connection wiring provided above the substrate, the twelfth connection wiring being provided at least partially under a portion where the nineteenth wiring and the twenty-second wiring are separated; a thirteenth connection wiring provided between the tenth wiring and the thirteenth wiring so that a longitudinal direction extends along the third direction, the thirteenth connection wiring connecting the sixteenth wiring and the twelfth connection wiring; a fourteenth connection wiring configured to connect the nineteenth wiring and the twelfth connection wiring; a fifteenth connection wiring configured to connect the twenty-second wiring and the twelfth connection wiring; a sixteenth connection wiring provided above the substrate, the sixteenth connection wiring being provided at least partially under a portion where the twentieth wiring and the twenty-third wiring are separated; a seventeenth connection wiring provided between the eleventh wiring and the fourteenth wiring so that a longitudinal direction extends along the third direction, the seventeenth connection wiring connecting the seventeenth wiring and the sixteenth connection wiring; an eighteenth connection wiring configured to connect the twentieth wiring and the sixteenth connection wiring; and a nineteenth connection wiring configured to connect the twenty-third wiring and the sixteenth connection wiring. 8. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 7, wherein the first connection wiring is provided above the eighth connection wiring, and the sixteenth connection wiring is provided above the twelfth connection wiring. 9. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 1, wherein the first connection wiring has a width larger than a width of the first wiring or the third wiring, in the second direction. 10. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 7,
wherein the second connection wiring is provided between the seventeenth connection wiring and the nineteenth connection wiring in the first direction, and the thirteenth connection wiring is provided between the ninth connection wiring and the nineteenth connection wiring in the first direction. 11. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 7, wherein the eighteenth connection wiring is provided between the tenth connection wiring and the seventeenth connection wiring in the first direction, and the fourth connection wiring is provided between the second connection wiring and the fifteenth connection wiring in the first direction. 12. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 7, wherein the tenth connection wiring and the fourteenth connection wiring are provided between the seventeenth connection wiring and the eighteenth connection wiring in the first direction, and the eleventh connection wiring and the fifteenth connection wiring are provided between the second connection wiring and the fourth connection wiring in the first direction. 13. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 1, further comprising:
a ninth wiring provided to be separated from the fourth wiring in the second direction; a tenth wiring provided to be separated from the fifth wiring in the second direction; an eleventh wiring provided to be separated from the ninth wiring and the tenth wiring in the second direction, the ninth wiring being provided between the fourth wiring and the eleventh wiring, the tenth wiring being provided between the fifth wiring and the eleventh wiring; a twelfth wiring provided to be separated from the eleventh wiring in the second direction; a fifteenth wiring provided over the ninth wiring and the tenth wring, the fifteenth wiring overlapping with the ninth wiring and the tenth wring when viewed from the above, the fifteenth wiring being provided above the eighth wirings, the fifteenth wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a sixteenth wiring provided over the eleventh wiring, the sixteenth wiring overlapping with the eleventh wiring when viewed from the above, the sixteenth wiring being provided above the eighth wirings, the sixteenth wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a seventeenth wiring provided over the twelfth wiring, the seventeenth wiring overlapping with the twelfth wiring when viewed from the above, the seventeenth wiring being provided above the eighth wirings, the seventeenth wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; an eighteenth wiring provided between the substrate and the ninth wiring, the eighteenth wiring overlapping with the ninth wiring when viewed from the above, the eighteenth wiring being provided to be separated from the first wiring in the second direction; a nineteenth wiring provided between the substrate and the tenth wiring, the nineteenth wiring overlapping with the tenth wiring when viewed from the above, the nineteenth wiring being provided to be separated from the third wiring in the second direction; an eighth connection wiring provided above the substrate, the eighth connection wiring being provided at least partially under the eighteenth wiring and the nineteenth wiring; a tenth connection wiring provided between the eighth connection wiring and the eighteenth wiring, the tenth connection wiring connecting the eighth connection wiring and the eighteenth wiring; and an eleventh connection wiring provided between the eighth connection wiring and the nineteenth wiring, the eleventh connection wiring connecting the eighth connection wiring and the nineteenth wiring. 14. A semiconductor memory device comprising:
a substrate having a substrate plane extending in a first direction and a second direction intersecting with the first direction; a first wiring provided above the substrate, the first wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a second wiring provided above the substrate, the second wiring being separated from the first wiring in the first direction, the second wiring being passed by the same virtual line together with the first wiring, the second wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a third wiring provided between the first wiring and the second wiring, the third wiring being separated from the first wiring and the second wiring, the third wiring being passed by the same virtual line together with the first wiring and the second wiring, the third wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a fourth wiring provided above the first wiring, the fourth wiring overlapping with the first wiring when viewed from the above, the fourth wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a fifth wiring provided over the second wiring, the fifth wiring being separated from the fourth wiring in the first direction, the fifth wiring overlapping with the second wiring when viewed from the above, the fifth wiring being passed by the same virtual line together with the fourth wiring, the fifth wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a sixth wiring provided over the fourth wiring and the fifth wiring, the sixth wiring overlapping with the fourth wiring and the fifth wiring when viewed from the above, the sixth wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a plurality of seventh wirings provided between the first wiring and the fourth wiring and between the second wiring and the fifth wiring, the seventh wirings being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the second direction; a plurality of eighth wirings provided between the fourth wiring and the sixth wiring and between the fifth wiring and the sixth wiring, the eighth wirings being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the second direction; a plurality of first memory cells provided between the first wiring and the second wiring and the seventh wirings; a plurality of second memory cells provided between the fourth wiring and the seventh wirings and between the fifth wiring and the seventh wirings, the second memory cells overlapping with the first memory cells when viewed from the above; a plurality of third memory cells provided between the fourth wiring and the eighth wirings and between the fifth wiring and the eighth wirings; a plurality of fourth memory cells provided between the sixth wiring and the eighth wirings, the fourth memory cells overlapping with the third memory cells when viewed from the above; a first connection wiring provided above the substrate, the first connection wiring being provided at least partially under a portion where the first wiring and the third wiring are separated; a second connection wiring provided between the first wiring and the third wiring so that a longitudinal direction extends along a third direction intersecting with the first direction and the second direction, the second connection wiring connecting the sixth wiring and the first connection wiring; a third connection wiring configured to connect the first wiring and the first connection wiring; and a fourth connection wiring configured to connect the third wiring and the first connection wiring. 15. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 14, further comprising:
a ninth wiring provided to be separated from the fourth wiring in the second direction; a tenth wiring provided to be separated from the ninth wiring in the second direction, the ninth wiring being provided between the fourth wiring and the tenth wiring; an eleventh wiring provided to be separated from the tenth wiring in the second direction, the tenth wiring being provided between the eleventh wiring and the ninth wiring; a twelfth wiring provided to be separated from the fifth wiring in the second direction and to be separated from the ninth wiring in the first direction; a thirteenth wiring provided to be separated from the twelfth wiring in the second direction and to be separated from the tenth wiring in the first direction, the twelfth wiring being provided between the fifth wiring and the thirteenth wiring; a fourteenth wiring provided to be separated from the thirteenth wiring in the second direction and to be separated from the eleventh wiring in the first direction, the thirteenth wiring being provided between the twelfth wiring and the fourteenth wiring; a fifteenth wiring provided over the ninth wiring and the twelfth wiring, the fifteenth wiring overlapping with the ninth wiring and the twelfth wiring when viewed from the above, the fifteenth wiring being provided above the eighth wirings, the fifteenth wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a sixteenth wiring provided over the tenth wiring and the thirteenth wiring, the sixteenth wiring overlapping with the tenth wiring and the thirteenth wiring when viewed from the above, the sixteenth wiring being provided above the eighth wirings, the sixteenth wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; a seventeenth wiring provided over the eleventh wiring and the fourteenth wiring, the seventeenth wiring overlapping with the eleventh wiring and the fourteenth wiring when viewed from the above, the seventeenth wiring being provided above the eighth wirings, the seventeenth wiring being provided so that a longitudinal direction extends along the first direction; an eighteenth wiring provided between the substrate and the ninth wiring, the eighteenth wiring overlapping with the ninth wiring when viewed from the above, the eighteenth wiring being provided to be separated from the first wiring in the second direction; a nineteenth wiring provided between the substrate and the tenth wiring, the nineteenth wiring overlapping with the tenth wiring when viewed from the above, the nineteenth wiring being provided to be separated from the eighteenth wiring in the second direction; a twentieth wiring provided between the substrate and the eleventh wiring, the twentieth wiring overlapping with the eleventh wiring when viewed from the above, the twentieth wiring being provided to be separated from the nineteenth wiring in the second direction; a twenty-first wiring provided between the substrate and the fifteenth wiring, the twenty-first wiring overlapping with the fifteenth wiring when viewed from the above, the twenty-first wiring being provided to be separated from the third wiring in the second direction and to be separated from the eighteenth wiring in the first direction; a twenty-second wiring provided between the substrate and the sixteenth wiring, the twenty-second wiring overlapping with the sixteenth wiring when viewed from the above, the twenty-second wiring being provided to be separated from the twenty-first wiring in the second direction and to be separated from the nineteenth wiring in the first direction; a twenty-third wiring provided between the substrate and the seventeenth wiring, the twenty-third wiring overlapping with the seventeenth wiring when viewed from the above, the twenty-third wiring being provided to be separated from the twenty-second wiring in the second direction and to be separated from the twentieth wiring in the first direction; a twenty-fourth wiring overlapping with the twelfth wiring when viewed from the above, the twenty-fourth wiring being provided to be separated from the second wiring in the second direction, the twenty-fourth wiring being provided to be separated from the twenty-first wiring in the first direction; a twenty-fifth wiring overlapping with the thirteenth wiring when viewed from the above, the twenty-fifth wiring being provided to be separated from the twenty-fourth wiring in the second direction and to be separated from the twenty-second wiring in the first direction; a twenty-sixth wiring overlapping with the fourteenth wiring when viewed from the above, the twenty-sixth wiring being provided to be separated from the twenty-fifth wiring in the second direction and to be separated from the twenty-third wiring in the first direction; a fifth connection wiring provided above the substrate, the fifth connection wiring being provided at least partially under a portion where the second wiring and the third wiring are separated; a sixth connection wiring provided between the twenty-first wiring and the twenty-fourth wiring so that a longitudinal direction extends along the third direction, the sixth connection wiring connecting the fifteenth wiring and the fifth connection wiring; a seventh connection wiring configured to connect the twenty-first wiring and the fifth connection wiring; an eighth connection wiring configured to connect the twenty-fourth wiring and the fifth connection wiring; a ninth connection wiring provided above the substrate, the ninth connection wiring being provided at least partially under a portion where the nineteenth wiring and the twenty-second wiring are separated; a tenth connection wiring provided between the tenth wiring and the thirteenth wiring so that a longitudinal direction extends along the third direction, the tenth connection wiring connecting the sixteenth wiring and the ninth connection wiring; an eleventh connection wiring configured to connect the nineteenth wiring and the ninth connection wiring; a twelfth connection wiring configured to connect the twenty-second wiring and the ninth connection wiring; a thirteenth connection wiring provided above the substrate, the thirteenth connection wiring being provided at least partially under a portion where the twenty-third wiring and the twenty-sixth wiring are separated; a fourteenth connection wiring provided between the twenty-third wiring and the twenty-sixth wiring so that a longitudinal direction extends along the third direction, the fourteenth connection wiring connecting the seventeenth wiring and the thirteenth connection wiring; a fifteenth connection wiring configured to connect the twenty-third wiring and the thirteenth connection wiring; and a sixteenth connection wiring configured to connect the twenty-sixth wiring and the thirteenth connection wiring. | 3,700 |
348,573 | 16,806,073 | 3,711 | Disclosed is a shark fin antenna for a vehicle. The shark fin antenna has a pad and a base disposed on the pad to provide a space for a printed circuit board and a plurality of antenna components. The shark fin antenna includes a holder having a groove therein for exposing at least a portion of an upper surface of a printed circuit board, a first antenna unit supported by the holder and having an antenna pattern formed on a surface thereof to receive an AM/FM frequency band signal, a first auxiliary unit covering at least a portion of an upper surface of the first antenna unit, and a spring mounted in the groove to elastically support the first auxiliary unit and the first antenna unit in a vertical direction of the upper surface of the printed circuit board. | 1. A shark fin antenna for a vehicle, wherein the shark fin antenna has a pad and a base disposed on the pad to provide a space for a printed circuit board and a plurality of antenna components, the shark fin antenna comprising:
a holder having a groove therein for exposing at least a portion of an upper surface of a printed circuit board; a first antenna unit supported by the holder and having an antenna pattern formed on a surface thereof to receive an AM/FM frequency band signal; a first auxiliary unit covering at least a portion of an upper surface of the first antenna unit; and a spring mounted in the groove to elastically support the first auxiliary unit and the first antenna unit in a vertical direction of the upper surface of the printed circuit board. 2. The shark fin antenna for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the first antenna unit includes a fixing hole penetrating through the first antenna unit on a side thereof, and one end of the spring may be inserted into the fixing hole. 3. The shark fin antenna for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the spring is electrically connected to the antenna pattern of the first antenna unit. 4. The shark fin antenna for a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one second antenna unit coupled to a rear end of the first antenna unit to receive a 4G (LTE), eCall, ISM wireless communication band, or 5G signal. 5. The shark fin antenna for a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising: a third antenna unit disposed on the printed circuit board at a front end of the first antenna unit to receive a GPS/GNSS signal. 6. The shark fin antenna for a vehicle according to claim 5, further comprising: a fourth antenna unit interposed between the third antenna unit and the printed circuit board to receive an IRNSS signal. 7. The shark fin antenna for a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising: a fifth antenna unit standing up on the printed circuit board at the front end of the first antenna unit to receive a DMB/DAB/ISDB-T signal. 8. The shark fin antenna for a vehicle according to claim 7, further comprising: a second auxiliary unit covering at least a portion of an upper surface of the fifth antenna unit. 9. The shark fin antenna for a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising: a sixth antenna unit disposed on the printed circuit board and including a patch antenna composed of ceramic or PCB-ceramic integrated material to receive satellite radio signals, and a reflector disposed on the sixth antenna unit. 10. The shark fin antenna for a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one seventh antenna unit coupled to the holder to receive a 5G or CV2X signal. 11. The shark fin antenna for a vehicle according to claim 10, further comprising: an eighth antenna unit coupled to the holder to receive at least one or more of 5G and CV2X signals, and a ninth antenna unit coupled to the holder to receive at least one or more of 4G (LTE), eCall and CV2X signals. | Disclosed is a shark fin antenna for a vehicle. The shark fin antenna has a pad and a base disposed on the pad to provide a space for a printed circuit board and a plurality of antenna components. The shark fin antenna includes a holder having a groove therein for exposing at least a portion of an upper surface of a printed circuit board, a first antenna unit supported by the holder and having an antenna pattern formed on a surface thereof to receive an AM/FM frequency band signal, a first auxiliary unit covering at least a portion of an upper surface of the first antenna unit, and a spring mounted in the groove to elastically support the first auxiliary unit and the first antenna unit in a vertical direction of the upper surface of the printed circuit board.1. A shark fin antenna for a vehicle, wherein the shark fin antenna has a pad and a base disposed on the pad to provide a space for a printed circuit board and a plurality of antenna components, the shark fin antenna comprising:
a holder having a groove therein for exposing at least a portion of an upper surface of a printed circuit board; a first antenna unit supported by the holder and having an antenna pattern formed on a surface thereof to receive an AM/FM frequency band signal; a first auxiliary unit covering at least a portion of an upper surface of the first antenna unit; and a spring mounted in the groove to elastically support the first auxiliary unit and the first antenna unit in a vertical direction of the upper surface of the printed circuit board. 2. The shark fin antenna for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the first antenna unit includes a fixing hole penetrating through the first antenna unit on a side thereof, and one end of the spring may be inserted into the fixing hole. 3. The shark fin antenna for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the spring is electrically connected to the antenna pattern of the first antenna unit. 4. The shark fin antenna for a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one second antenna unit coupled to a rear end of the first antenna unit to receive a 4G (LTE), eCall, ISM wireless communication band, or 5G signal. 5. The shark fin antenna for a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising: a third antenna unit disposed on the printed circuit board at a front end of the first antenna unit to receive a GPS/GNSS signal. 6. The shark fin antenna for a vehicle according to claim 5, further comprising: a fourth antenna unit interposed between the third antenna unit and the printed circuit board to receive an IRNSS signal. 7. The shark fin antenna for a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising: a fifth antenna unit standing up on the printed circuit board at the front end of the first antenna unit to receive a DMB/DAB/ISDB-T signal. 8. The shark fin antenna for a vehicle according to claim 7, further comprising: a second auxiliary unit covering at least a portion of an upper surface of the fifth antenna unit. 9. The shark fin antenna for a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising: a sixth antenna unit disposed on the printed circuit board and including a patch antenna composed of ceramic or PCB-ceramic integrated material to receive satellite radio signals, and a reflector disposed on the sixth antenna unit. 10. The shark fin antenna for a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one seventh antenna unit coupled to the holder to receive a 5G or CV2X signal. 11. The shark fin antenna for a vehicle according to claim 10, further comprising: an eighth antenna unit coupled to the holder to receive at least one or more of 5G and CV2X signals, and a ninth antenna unit coupled to the holder to receive at least one or more of 4G (LTE), eCall and CV2X signals. | 3,700 |
348,574 | 16,806,090 | 3,711 | A corrugated insert for supporting products within a shipping container is disclosed, which includes a plurality of panels foldably connected to one another in such a manner so as to form an accordion configuration that includes an upper panel, a lower panel and a plurality of medial panels, each medial panel having a matrix of apertures formed therein, wherein the matrix of apertures formed in each medial panel is aligned with the matrix of apertures formed in an adjacent medial panel when the medial panels are in the accordion configuration to receive and support a plurality of products within the shipping container. | 1. An insert for supporting products within a shipping container, comprising:
a plurality of panels foldably connected to one another in such a manner so as to form an accordion configuration that includes an upper panel, a lower panel and a plurality of medial panels, each medial panel having a matrix of apertures formed therein, wherein the matrix of apertures formed in each medial panel is aligned with the matrix of apertures formed in an adjacent medial panel when the medial panels are in the accordion configuration to receive and support a plurality of products within the shipping container. 2. An insert as recited in claim 1, wherein the insert is constructed from a corrugated cardboard material. 3. An insert as recited in claim 1, wherein the insert is constructed from a plurality of panels each having a rectangular configuration. 4. An insert as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of medial panels includes first, second and third medial panels. 5. An insert as recited in claim 1, wherein the matrix of apertures formed in each of the medial panels include circular apertures. 6. An insert as recited in claim 5, wherein the matrix of apertures formed in each of the medial panels include circular apertures of equal diameter. 7. An insert as recited in claim 6, wherein the matrix of circular apertures formed in each of the medial panels is a three by four rectangular matrix consisting of twelve circular apertures of equal diameter. 8. An insert for supporting products within a shipping container, comprising:
a plurality of panels foldably connected to one another in such a manner so as to form an accordion configuration that includes an upper panel, a lower panel and a plurality of medial panels, each medial panel having a matrix of circular apertures of equal diameter formed therein, wherein the matrix of circular apertures formed in each medial panel is aligned with the matrix of circular apertures formed in an adjacent medial panel when the medial panels are in the accordion configuration to receive and support a plurality of products each having a continuous outer diameter within the shipping container. 9. An insert as recited in claim 8, wherein the insert is constructed from a corrugated cardboard material. 10. An insert as recited in claim 8, wherein the insert is constructed from a plurality of panels each having a rectangular configuration. 11. An insert as recited in claim 8, wherein the plurality of medial panels includes first, second and third medial panels. 12. An insert as recited in claim 8, wherein the matrix of circular apertures formed in each of the medial panels is a three by four rectangular matrix consisting of twelve circular apertures of equal diameter. 13. A corrugated cardboard insert for supporting products within a shipping container, comprising:
a plurality of rectangular panels foldably connected to one another in such a manner so as to form an accordion configuration that includes an upper panel, a lower panel and a plurality of medial panels, each medial panel having a rectangular matrix of twelve circular apertures of equal diameter formed therein, wherein the rectangular matrix of twelve circular apertures formed in each medial panel is aligned with the rectangular matrix of twelve circular apertures formed in an adjacent medial panel when the medial panels are in the accordion configuration so as to receive and support twelve beverage containers within the shipping container. 14. A corrugated cardboard insert as recited in claim 13, wherein the plurality of medial panels includes first, second and third medial panels. 15. A corrugated cardboard insert as recited in claim 13, wherein the rectangular matrix of twelve circular apertures formed in each of the medial panels is a three by four rectangular matrix. | A corrugated insert for supporting products within a shipping container is disclosed, which includes a plurality of panels foldably connected to one another in such a manner so as to form an accordion configuration that includes an upper panel, a lower panel and a plurality of medial panels, each medial panel having a matrix of apertures formed therein, wherein the matrix of apertures formed in each medial panel is aligned with the matrix of apertures formed in an adjacent medial panel when the medial panels are in the accordion configuration to receive and support a plurality of products within the shipping container.1. An insert for supporting products within a shipping container, comprising:
a plurality of panels foldably connected to one another in such a manner so as to form an accordion configuration that includes an upper panel, a lower panel and a plurality of medial panels, each medial panel having a matrix of apertures formed therein, wherein the matrix of apertures formed in each medial panel is aligned with the matrix of apertures formed in an adjacent medial panel when the medial panels are in the accordion configuration to receive and support a plurality of products within the shipping container. 2. An insert as recited in claim 1, wherein the insert is constructed from a corrugated cardboard material. 3. An insert as recited in claim 1, wherein the insert is constructed from a plurality of panels each having a rectangular configuration. 4. An insert as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of medial panels includes first, second and third medial panels. 5. An insert as recited in claim 1, wherein the matrix of apertures formed in each of the medial panels include circular apertures. 6. An insert as recited in claim 5, wherein the matrix of apertures formed in each of the medial panels include circular apertures of equal diameter. 7. An insert as recited in claim 6, wherein the matrix of circular apertures formed in each of the medial panels is a three by four rectangular matrix consisting of twelve circular apertures of equal diameter. 8. An insert for supporting products within a shipping container, comprising:
a plurality of panels foldably connected to one another in such a manner so as to form an accordion configuration that includes an upper panel, a lower panel and a plurality of medial panels, each medial panel having a matrix of circular apertures of equal diameter formed therein, wherein the matrix of circular apertures formed in each medial panel is aligned with the matrix of circular apertures formed in an adjacent medial panel when the medial panels are in the accordion configuration to receive and support a plurality of products each having a continuous outer diameter within the shipping container. 9. An insert as recited in claim 8, wherein the insert is constructed from a corrugated cardboard material. 10. An insert as recited in claim 8, wherein the insert is constructed from a plurality of panels each having a rectangular configuration. 11. An insert as recited in claim 8, wherein the plurality of medial panels includes first, second and third medial panels. 12. An insert as recited in claim 8, wherein the matrix of circular apertures formed in each of the medial panels is a three by four rectangular matrix consisting of twelve circular apertures of equal diameter. 13. A corrugated cardboard insert for supporting products within a shipping container, comprising:
a plurality of rectangular panels foldably connected to one another in such a manner so as to form an accordion configuration that includes an upper panel, a lower panel and a plurality of medial panels, each medial panel having a rectangular matrix of twelve circular apertures of equal diameter formed therein, wherein the rectangular matrix of twelve circular apertures formed in each medial panel is aligned with the rectangular matrix of twelve circular apertures formed in an adjacent medial panel when the medial panels are in the accordion configuration so as to receive and support twelve beverage containers within the shipping container. 14. A corrugated cardboard insert as recited in claim 13, wherein the plurality of medial panels includes first, second and third medial panels. 15. A corrugated cardboard insert as recited in claim 13, wherein the rectangular matrix of twelve circular apertures formed in each of the medial panels is a three by four rectangular matrix. | 3,700 |
348,575 | 16,805,991 | 3,711 | The present invention relates to a member for an automobile roof provided by compression molding a laminate, wherein the laminate comprises three layers: a layer A-a, a layer B, and a layer A-b laminated in the order mentioned, when the sum of the thickness of the layer A-a, the layer B and the layer A-b is assumed to correspond to 100%, the sum of the thickness of the layer A-a and the layer A-b accounts for from 6 to 8%, and the thickness of the layer A-a accounts for from 0.5 to 7.5%, the thickness of the layer A-b accounts for from 0.5 to 7.5%, and the thickness of the layer B accounts for from 92 to 94%, in such a way that the sum of the thickness of the layer A-a, the layer B and the layer A-b accounts for from 70 to 93%. | 1. A member for an automobile roof, provided by compression molding a laminate, wherein
the laminate comprises three layers: the following layer A-a, the following layer B, and the following layer A-b laminated in the order mentioned, when a sum of a thickness of the layer A-a, a thickness of the layer B, and a thickness of the layer A-b is assumed to correspond to 100%, a sum of the thickness of the layer A-a and the thickness of the layer A-b accounts for 6% or more and 8% or less, and the thickness of the layer A-a accounts for 0.5% or more and 7.5% or less and the thickness of the layer A-b accounts for 0.5% or more and 7.5% or less, and the thickness of the layer B accounts for 92% or more and 94% or less, in such a way that the sum of the thickness of the layer A-a, the thickness of the layer B, and the thickness of the layer A-b accounts for 70% or more and 93% or less: Layer A-a and Layer A-b: layers comprising the following propylene polymer component (A1), the following ethylene-methyl methacrylate copolymer component (A2), and the following ethylene-(1-butene) copolymer component (A3), wherein when a total content of the propylene polymer component (A1), the ethylene-methyl methacrylate copolymer component (A2), and the ethylene-(1-butene) copolymer component (A3) is assumed to be 100% by weight, a content of the propylene polymer component (A1) is 42.5% by weight or more and 47.5% by weight or less, a content of the ethylene-methyl methacrylate copolymer component (A2) is 32.5% by weight or more and 37.5% by weight or less, and a content of the ethylene-(l-butene) copolymer component (A3) is 15% by weight or more and 25% by weight or less; Propylene polymer component (A1): a component as a propylene homopolymer having an isotactic structure, wherein the component has an isotactic pentad fraction of 0.90 or more and 0.99 or less, measured using 13C-NMR, and a melt mass flow rate of 0.1 g/10 minutes or more and 5.0 g/10 minutes or less, measured under conditions of a temperature of 230° C. and a load of 2.16 kgf; Ethylene-methyl methacrylate copolymer component (A2): an ethylene-methyl methacrylate copolymer component having a melt mass flow rate of 1.5 g/10 minutes or more and 5.0 g/10 minutes or less, measured under conditions of a temperature of 190° C. and a load of 2.16 kgf; Ethylene-(1-butene) copolymer component (A3): an ethylene-(1-butene) copolymer component having a melt mass flow rate of 0.1 g/10 minutes or more and 1.0 g/10 minutes or less, measured under conditions of a temperature of 190° C. and a load of 2.16 kgf; Layer B: a layer comprising the following propylene polymer component (B1) and the following talc (B2), wherein when a total content of the propylene polymer component (B1) and the talc (B2) is assumed to be 100% by weight, a content of the propylene polymer component (B1) is 65% by weight or more and 75% by weight or less, and a content of the talc (B2) is 25% by weight or more and 35% by weight or less; Propylene polymer component (B1): a component as a propylene homopolymer having an isotactic structure, wherein the component has an isotactic pentad fraction of 0.90 or more and 0.99 or less, measured using 13C-NMR, and a melt mass flow rate of 0.1 g/10 minutes or more and 5.0 g/10 minutes or less, measured under conditions of a temperature of 230° C. and a load of 2.16 kgf; Talc (B2): a talc satisfying the following requirement (1-a), the following requirement (1-b), and the following requirement (1-c); Requirement (1-a): a talc having a median diameter D50(L) of 10 μm or more and 25 μm or less, measured by a laser diffraction method in accordance with MS R1629; Requirement (1-b): a talc having a median diameter D50(S) of 2 μm or more and 8 μm or less, measured by a centrifugal sedimentation method in accordance with HS R1619; and Requirement (1-c): a talc having an aspect ratio constant of 2 or more and 15 or less, determined by the following expression (1):
Aspect ratio constant={D50(L)−D50(S)}/D50(S) Expression (1). 2. A method for producing member for an automobile roof, comprising a step of compression molding a laminate, wherein
the laminate comprises three layers: the following layer A-a, the following layer B, and the following layer A-b laminated in the order mentioned, when a sum of a thickness of the layer A-a, a thickness of the layer B, and a thickness of the layer A-b is assumed to correspond to 100%, a sum of the thickness of the layer A-a and the thickness of the layer A-b accounts for 6% or more and 8% or less, the thickness of the layer A-a accounts for 0.5% or more and 7.5% or less, the thickness of the layer A-b accounts for 0.5% or more and 7.5% or less, and the thickness of the layer B accounts for 92% or more and 94% or less, in such a way that the sum of the thickness of the layer A-a, the thickness of the layer B, and the thickness of the layer A-b accounts for 70% or more and 93% or less: Layer A-a and Layer A-b: layers comprising the following propylene polymer component (A1), the following ethylene-methyl methacrylate copolymer component (A2), and the following ethylene-(1-butene) copolymer component (A3), wherein when a total content of the propylene polymer component (A1), the ethylene-methyl methacrylate copolymer component (A2), and the ethylene-(1-butene) copolymer component (A3) is assumed to be 100% by weight, a content of the propylene polymer component (A1) is 42.5% by weight or more and 47.5% by weight or less, a content of the ethylene-methyl methacrylate copolymer component (A2) is 32.5% by weight or more and 37.5% by weight or less, and a content of the ethylene-(1-butene) copolymer component (A3) is 15% by weight or more and 25% by weight or less; Propylene polymer component (A1): a component as a propylene homopolymer having an isotactic structure, wherein the component has an isotactic pentad fraction of 0.90 or more and 0.99 or less, measured using 13C-NMR, and a melt mass flow rate of 0.1 g/10 minutes or more and 5.0 g/10 minutes or less, measured under conditions of a temperature of 230° C. and a load of 2.16 kgf; Ethylene-methyl methacrylate copolymer component (A2): an ethylene-methyl methacrylate copolymer component having a melt mass flow rate of 1.5 g/10 minutes or more and 5.0 g/10 minutes or less, measured under conditions of a temperature of 190° C. and a load of 2.16 kgf; Ethylene-(1-butene) copolymer component (A3): an ethylene-(1-butene) copolymer component having a melt mass flow rate of 0.1 g/10 minutes or more and 1.0 g/10 minutes or less, measured under conditions of a temperature of 190° C. and a load of 2.16 kgf; Layer B: a layer comprising the following propylene polymer component (B1) and the following talc (B2), wherein when a total content of the propylene polymer component (B1) and the talc (B2) is assumed to be 100% by weight, a content of the propylene polymer component (B1) is 65% by weight or more and 75% by weight or less, and a content of the talc (B2) is 25% by weight or more and 35% by weight or less; Propylene polymer component (B1): a component as a propylene homopolymer having an isotactic structure, wherein the component has an isotactic pentad fraction of 0.90 or more and 0.99 or less, measured using 13C-NMR, and a melt mass flow rate of 0.1 g/10 minutes or more and 5.0 g/10 minutes or less, measured under conditions of a temperature of 230° C. and a load of 2.16 kgf; Talc (B2): a talc satisfying the following requirement (1-a), the following requirement (1-b), and the following requirement (1-c); Requirement (1-a): a talc having a median diameter D50(L) of 10 μm or more and 25 μm or less, measured by a laser diffraction method in accordance with JIS R1629; Requirement (1-b): a talc having a median diameter D50(S) of 2 μm or more and 8 μm or less, measured by a centrifugal sedimentation method in accordance with JIS R1619; and Requirement (1-c): a talc having an aspect ratio constant of 2 or more and 15 or less, determined by the following expression (1):
Aspect ratio constant={D50(L)−D50(S)}/D50(S) Expression (1). | The present invention relates to a member for an automobile roof provided by compression molding a laminate, wherein the laminate comprises three layers: a layer A-a, a layer B, and a layer A-b laminated in the order mentioned, when the sum of the thickness of the layer A-a, the layer B and the layer A-b is assumed to correspond to 100%, the sum of the thickness of the layer A-a and the layer A-b accounts for from 6 to 8%, and the thickness of the layer A-a accounts for from 0.5 to 7.5%, the thickness of the layer A-b accounts for from 0.5 to 7.5%, and the thickness of the layer B accounts for from 92 to 94%, in such a way that the sum of the thickness of the layer A-a, the layer B and the layer A-b accounts for from 70 to 93%.1. A member for an automobile roof, provided by compression molding a laminate, wherein
the laminate comprises three layers: the following layer A-a, the following layer B, and the following layer A-b laminated in the order mentioned, when a sum of a thickness of the layer A-a, a thickness of the layer B, and a thickness of the layer A-b is assumed to correspond to 100%, a sum of the thickness of the layer A-a and the thickness of the layer A-b accounts for 6% or more and 8% or less, and the thickness of the layer A-a accounts for 0.5% or more and 7.5% or less and the thickness of the layer A-b accounts for 0.5% or more and 7.5% or less, and the thickness of the layer B accounts for 92% or more and 94% or less, in such a way that the sum of the thickness of the layer A-a, the thickness of the layer B, and the thickness of the layer A-b accounts for 70% or more and 93% or less: Layer A-a and Layer A-b: layers comprising the following propylene polymer component (A1), the following ethylene-methyl methacrylate copolymer component (A2), and the following ethylene-(1-butene) copolymer component (A3), wherein when a total content of the propylene polymer component (A1), the ethylene-methyl methacrylate copolymer component (A2), and the ethylene-(1-butene) copolymer component (A3) is assumed to be 100% by weight, a content of the propylene polymer component (A1) is 42.5% by weight or more and 47.5% by weight or less, a content of the ethylene-methyl methacrylate copolymer component (A2) is 32.5% by weight or more and 37.5% by weight or less, and a content of the ethylene-(l-butene) copolymer component (A3) is 15% by weight or more and 25% by weight or less; Propylene polymer component (A1): a component as a propylene homopolymer having an isotactic structure, wherein the component has an isotactic pentad fraction of 0.90 or more and 0.99 or less, measured using 13C-NMR, and a melt mass flow rate of 0.1 g/10 minutes or more and 5.0 g/10 minutes or less, measured under conditions of a temperature of 230° C. and a load of 2.16 kgf; Ethylene-methyl methacrylate copolymer component (A2): an ethylene-methyl methacrylate copolymer component having a melt mass flow rate of 1.5 g/10 minutes or more and 5.0 g/10 minutes or less, measured under conditions of a temperature of 190° C. and a load of 2.16 kgf; Ethylene-(1-butene) copolymer component (A3): an ethylene-(1-butene) copolymer component having a melt mass flow rate of 0.1 g/10 minutes or more and 1.0 g/10 minutes or less, measured under conditions of a temperature of 190° C. and a load of 2.16 kgf; Layer B: a layer comprising the following propylene polymer component (B1) and the following talc (B2), wherein when a total content of the propylene polymer component (B1) and the talc (B2) is assumed to be 100% by weight, a content of the propylene polymer component (B1) is 65% by weight or more and 75% by weight or less, and a content of the talc (B2) is 25% by weight or more and 35% by weight or less; Propylene polymer component (B1): a component as a propylene homopolymer having an isotactic structure, wherein the component has an isotactic pentad fraction of 0.90 or more and 0.99 or less, measured using 13C-NMR, and a melt mass flow rate of 0.1 g/10 minutes or more and 5.0 g/10 minutes or less, measured under conditions of a temperature of 230° C. and a load of 2.16 kgf; Talc (B2): a talc satisfying the following requirement (1-a), the following requirement (1-b), and the following requirement (1-c); Requirement (1-a): a talc having a median diameter D50(L) of 10 μm or more and 25 μm or less, measured by a laser diffraction method in accordance with MS R1629; Requirement (1-b): a talc having a median diameter D50(S) of 2 μm or more and 8 μm or less, measured by a centrifugal sedimentation method in accordance with HS R1619; and Requirement (1-c): a talc having an aspect ratio constant of 2 or more and 15 or less, determined by the following expression (1):
Aspect ratio constant={D50(L)−D50(S)}/D50(S) Expression (1). 2. A method for producing member for an automobile roof, comprising a step of compression molding a laminate, wherein
the laminate comprises three layers: the following layer A-a, the following layer B, and the following layer A-b laminated in the order mentioned, when a sum of a thickness of the layer A-a, a thickness of the layer B, and a thickness of the layer A-b is assumed to correspond to 100%, a sum of the thickness of the layer A-a and the thickness of the layer A-b accounts for 6% or more and 8% or less, the thickness of the layer A-a accounts for 0.5% or more and 7.5% or less, the thickness of the layer A-b accounts for 0.5% or more and 7.5% or less, and the thickness of the layer B accounts for 92% or more and 94% or less, in such a way that the sum of the thickness of the layer A-a, the thickness of the layer B, and the thickness of the layer A-b accounts for 70% or more and 93% or less: Layer A-a and Layer A-b: layers comprising the following propylene polymer component (A1), the following ethylene-methyl methacrylate copolymer component (A2), and the following ethylene-(1-butene) copolymer component (A3), wherein when a total content of the propylene polymer component (A1), the ethylene-methyl methacrylate copolymer component (A2), and the ethylene-(1-butene) copolymer component (A3) is assumed to be 100% by weight, a content of the propylene polymer component (A1) is 42.5% by weight or more and 47.5% by weight or less, a content of the ethylene-methyl methacrylate copolymer component (A2) is 32.5% by weight or more and 37.5% by weight or less, and a content of the ethylene-(1-butene) copolymer component (A3) is 15% by weight or more and 25% by weight or less; Propylene polymer component (A1): a component as a propylene homopolymer having an isotactic structure, wherein the component has an isotactic pentad fraction of 0.90 or more and 0.99 or less, measured using 13C-NMR, and a melt mass flow rate of 0.1 g/10 minutes or more and 5.0 g/10 minutes or less, measured under conditions of a temperature of 230° C. and a load of 2.16 kgf; Ethylene-methyl methacrylate copolymer component (A2): an ethylene-methyl methacrylate copolymer component having a melt mass flow rate of 1.5 g/10 minutes or more and 5.0 g/10 minutes or less, measured under conditions of a temperature of 190° C. and a load of 2.16 kgf; Ethylene-(1-butene) copolymer component (A3): an ethylene-(1-butene) copolymer component having a melt mass flow rate of 0.1 g/10 minutes or more and 1.0 g/10 minutes or less, measured under conditions of a temperature of 190° C. and a load of 2.16 kgf; Layer B: a layer comprising the following propylene polymer component (B1) and the following talc (B2), wherein when a total content of the propylene polymer component (B1) and the talc (B2) is assumed to be 100% by weight, a content of the propylene polymer component (B1) is 65% by weight or more and 75% by weight or less, and a content of the talc (B2) is 25% by weight or more and 35% by weight or less; Propylene polymer component (B1): a component as a propylene homopolymer having an isotactic structure, wherein the component has an isotactic pentad fraction of 0.90 or more and 0.99 or less, measured using 13C-NMR, and a melt mass flow rate of 0.1 g/10 minutes or more and 5.0 g/10 minutes or less, measured under conditions of a temperature of 230° C. and a load of 2.16 kgf; Talc (B2): a talc satisfying the following requirement (1-a), the following requirement (1-b), and the following requirement (1-c); Requirement (1-a): a talc having a median diameter D50(L) of 10 μm or more and 25 μm or less, measured by a laser diffraction method in accordance with JIS R1629; Requirement (1-b): a talc having a median diameter D50(S) of 2 μm or more and 8 μm or less, measured by a centrifugal sedimentation method in accordance with JIS R1619; and Requirement (1-c): a talc having an aspect ratio constant of 2 or more and 15 or less, determined by the following expression (1):
Aspect ratio constant={D50(L)−D50(S)}/D50(S) Expression (1). | 3,700 |
348,576 | 16,806,063 | 3,711 | An apparatus has processing circuitry, and history storage circuitry to store local history records. Each local history record corresponds to a respective subset of instruction addresses and tracks a sequence of observed instruction behaviour observed for successive instances of instructions having addresses in that subset. Pointer storage circuitry to store a shared pointer shared between the local history records. The shared pointer indicates a common storage position reached in each local history record. Prediction circuitry determines predicted instruction behaviour for a given instruction address based on a selected portion of a selected local history record stored in the history storage circuitry. The prediction circuitry selects the selected local history record based on the given instruction address and selects the selected portion based on the shared pointer. | 1. An apparatus comprising:
processing circuitry to perform data processing in response to instructions; history storage circuitry to store a plurality of local history records, each local history record corresponding to a respective subset of instruction addresses and tracking a sequence of observed instruction behaviour observed for successive instances of instructions having instruction addresses in that subset; pointer storage circuitry to store a shared pointer shared between said plurality of local history records, the shared pointer indicative of a common storage position reached in each of the local history records; and prediction circuitry to determine predicted instruction behaviour for a given instruction address based on a selected portion of a selected local history record stored in the history storage circuitry; where the prediction circuitry is configured to select the selected local history record based on the given instruction address and to select the selected portion based on the shared pointer. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, in which the prediction circuitry is configured to select the selected portion dependent on the same shared pointer regardless of which of the local history records is selected as the selected local history record. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising front end circuitry to associate a supplied instruction supplied for processing by the processing circuitry with a tagged pointer determined based on the shared pointer stored in the pointer storage circuitry. 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, comprising misprediction recovery circuitry responsive to a misprediction detected for a given mispredicted instruction, to restore the shared pointer stored in the pointer storage circuitry to a value determined based on the tagged pointer associated with the given mispredicted instruction. 5. The apparatus according to claim 4, in which the front end circuitry is also configured to associate the supplied instruction with a local history tag indicative of at least one piece of local history information obtained from at least one local history record other than the local history record associated with a subset of instruction addresses including the instruction address of the supplied instruction; and
in response to the misprediction, the misprediction recovery circuitry is configured to use the local history tag associated with the mispredicted instruction to restore said at least one piece of local history information to said at least one local history record. 6. The apparatus according to claim 3, in which in response to the processing circuitry determining observed instruction behaviour for an executed instruction satisfying at least one history updating condition, the prediction circuitry is configured to update the local history information at a target storage position in a target local history record based on said observed instruction behaviour for the executed instruction, where the prediction circuitry is configured to select the target local history record based on an instruction address of the executed instruction and to select the target storage position based on the tagged pointer associated with the executed instruction. 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, in which in response to a pointer advance event, the prediction circuitry is configured to advance the shared pointer stored in the pointer storage circuitry, to update the common storage position reached in each of said plurality of local history records. 8. The apparatus according to claim 7, in which in response to the pointer advance event, the prediction circuitry is configured to advance the shared pointer to advance the storage position reached in a given local history record even if no observed instruction behaviour was allocated to the given local history record since a previous pointer advance event. 9. The apparatus according to claim 7, in which the pointer advance event comprises an instance of detecting a backwards change of program flow indicative of a change of program flow from a first instruction to a second instruction having a lower instruction address than the first instruction. 10. The apparatus according to claim 9, comprising backwards program flow change detection circuitry to detect the backwards change of program flow based on comparison of the instruction addresses of the first instruction and the second instruction. 11. The apparatus according to claim 10, in which the backwards program flow change detection circuitry is configured to detect the backwards change of program flow based on a partial comparison of corresponding portions of the instruction addresses of the first instruction and the second instruction, said corresponding portions excluding most significant portions of the instruction addresses of the first instruction and the second instruction. 12. The apparatus according to claim 7, in which local history information at a given storage position in a given local history record has one of a plurality of states, said plurality of states including an initialisation state and at least two observed instruction behaviour states for indicating different observed instruction behaviour; and
in response to the pointer advance event, the prediction circuitry is configured to set the local history information at a next storage position in each of said plurality of local history records to the initialisation state. 13. The apparatus according to claim 1, in which the prediction circuitry comprises at least one prediction table comprising a plurality of prediction state entries; and
the prediction circuitry is configured to determine said predicted instruction behaviour based on said selected portion of the selected local history record by:
using said selected portion of the selected local history record to select at least one selected prediction state entry from said at least one prediction table; and
determining said predicted instruction behaviour based on said at least one selected prediction state entry from said at least one prediction table. 14. The apparatus according to claim 1, in which when a replay condition is satisfied for the given instruction address, the prediction circuitry is configured to determine said predicted instruction behaviour directly based on said selected portion of the selected local history record. 15. The apparatus according to claim 14, in which the replay condition is satisfied when the prediction circuitry detects that the given instruction address represents a block of one or more instructions including a replayed instruction to be re-executed following detection of a misprediction associated with an earlier instruction than the replayed instruction, when the local history record associated with the subset of instruction addresses including the given instruction address includes an indication of the observed instruction behaviour observed when the replayed instruction was executed previously prior to detection of the misprediction associated with the earlier instruction. 16. The apparatus according to claim 1, in which the prediction circuitry comprises branch prediction circuitry to predict, as the predicted instruction behaviour, a predicted branch outcome for a branch instruction. 17. The apparatus according to claim 1, in which the prediction circuitry comprises one of:
load value prediction circuitry to predict, as the predicted instruction behaviour, a predicted load data value predicted to be loaded in response to a load instruction; and. address prediction circuitry to predict, as the predicted instruction behaviour, a predicted target address for a load instruction. 18. The apparatus according to claim 1, in which the processing circuitry comprises out-of-order processing circuitry configured to support execution of instructions in a different order to a program order. 19. An apparatus comprising:
means for performing data processing in response to instructions; means for storing a plurality of local history records, each local history record corresponding to a respective subset of instruction addresses and tracking a sequence of observed instruction behaviour observed for successive instances of instructions having instruction addresses in that subset; means for storing a shared pointer shared between said plurality of local history records, the shared pointer indicative of a common storage position reached in each of the local history records; and means for determining predicted instruction behaviour for a given instruction address based on a selected portion of a selected local history record stored in the means for storing the plurality of local history records; where the means for determining is configured to select the selected local history record based on the given instruction address and to select the selected portion based on the shared pointer. 20. A method comprising:
performing data processing in response to instructions; tracking observed instruction behaviour in a plurality of local history records, each local history record corresponding to a respective subset of instruction addresses and tracking a sequence of observed instruction behaviour observed for successive instances of instructions having instruction addresses in that subset; storing a shared pointer shared between said plurality of local history records, the shared pointer indicative of a common storage position reached in each of the local history records; and determining predicted instruction behaviour for a given instruction address based on a selected portion of a selected local history record stored in the history storage circuitry; where the selected local history record is selected based on the given instruction address, and the selected portion is selected based on the shared pointer. | An apparatus has processing circuitry, and history storage circuitry to store local history records. Each local history record corresponds to a respective subset of instruction addresses and tracks a sequence of observed instruction behaviour observed for successive instances of instructions having addresses in that subset. Pointer storage circuitry to store a shared pointer shared between the local history records. The shared pointer indicates a common storage position reached in each local history record. Prediction circuitry determines predicted instruction behaviour for a given instruction address based on a selected portion of a selected local history record stored in the history storage circuitry. The prediction circuitry selects the selected local history record based on the given instruction address and selects the selected portion based on the shared pointer.1. An apparatus comprising:
processing circuitry to perform data processing in response to instructions; history storage circuitry to store a plurality of local history records, each local history record corresponding to a respective subset of instruction addresses and tracking a sequence of observed instruction behaviour observed for successive instances of instructions having instruction addresses in that subset; pointer storage circuitry to store a shared pointer shared between said plurality of local history records, the shared pointer indicative of a common storage position reached in each of the local history records; and prediction circuitry to determine predicted instruction behaviour for a given instruction address based on a selected portion of a selected local history record stored in the history storage circuitry; where the prediction circuitry is configured to select the selected local history record based on the given instruction address and to select the selected portion based on the shared pointer. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, in which the prediction circuitry is configured to select the selected portion dependent on the same shared pointer regardless of which of the local history records is selected as the selected local history record. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising front end circuitry to associate a supplied instruction supplied for processing by the processing circuitry with a tagged pointer determined based on the shared pointer stored in the pointer storage circuitry. 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, comprising misprediction recovery circuitry responsive to a misprediction detected for a given mispredicted instruction, to restore the shared pointer stored in the pointer storage circuitry to a value determined based on the tagged pointer associated with the given mispredicted instruction. 5. The apparatus according to claim 4, in which the front end circuitry is also configured to associate the supplied instruction with a local history tag indicative of at least one piece of local history information obtained from at least one local history record other than the local history record associated with a subset of instruction addresses including the instruction address of the supplied instruction; and
in response to the misprediction, the misprediction recovery circuitry is configured to use the local history tag associated with the mispredicted instruction to restore said at least one piece of local history information to said at least one local history record. 6. The apparatus according to claim 3, in which in response to the processing circuitry determining observed instruction behaviour for an executed instruction satisfying at least one history updating condition, the prediction circuitry is configured to update the local history information at a target storage position in a target local history record based on said observed instruction behaviour for the executed instruction, where the prediction circuitry is configured to select the target local history record based on an instruction address of the executed instruction and to select the target storage position based on the tagged pointer associated with the executed instruction. 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, in which in response to a pointer advance event, the prediction circuitry is configured to advance the shared pointer stored in the pointer storage circuitry, to update the common storage position reached in each of said plurality of local history records. 8. The apparatus according to claim 7, in which in response to the pointer advance event, the prediction circuitry is configured to advance the shared pointer to advance the storage position reached in a given local history record even if no observed instruction behaviour was allocated to the given local history record since a previous pointer advance event. 9. The apparatus according to claim 7, in which the pointer advance event comprises an instance of detecting a backwards change of program flow indicative of a change of program flow from a first instruction to a second instruction having a lower instruction address than the first instruction. 10. The apparatus according to claim 9, comprising backwards program flow change detection circuitry to detect the backwards change of program flow based on comparison of the instruction addresses of the first instruction and the second instruction. 11. The apparatus according to claim 10, in which the backwards program flow change detection circuitry is configured to detect the backwards change of program flow based on a partial comparison of corresponding portions of the instruction addresses of the first instruction and the second instruction, said corresponding portions excluding most significant portions of the instruction addresses of the first instruction and the second instruction. 12. The apparatus according to claim 7, in which local history information at a given storage position in a given local history record has one of a plurality of states, said plurality of states including an initialisation state and at least two observed instruction behaviour states for indicating different observed instruction behaviour; and
in response to the pointer advance event, the prediction circuitry is configured to set the local history information at a next storage position in each of said plurality of local history records to the initialisation state. 13. The apparatus according to claim 1, in which the prediction circuitry comprises at least one prediction table comprising a plurality of prediction state entries; and
the prediction circuitry is configured to determine said predicted instruction behaviour based on said selected portion of the selected local history record by:
using said selected portion of the selected local history record to select at least one selected prediction state entry from said at least one prediction table; and
determining said predicted instruction behaviour based on said at least one selected prediction state entry from said at least one prediction table. 14. The apparatus according to claim 1, in which when a replay condition is satisfied for the given instruction address, the prediction circuitry is configured to determine said predicted instruction behaviour directly based on said selected portion of the selected local history record. 15. The apparatus according to claim 14, in which the replay condition is satisfied when the prediction circuitry detects that the given instruction address represents a block of one or more instructions including a replayed instruction to be re-executed following detection of a misprediction associated with an earlier instruction than the replayed instruction, when the local history record associated with the subset of instruction addresses including the given instruction address includes an indication of the observed instruction behaviour observed when the replayed instruction was executed previously prior to detection of the misprediction associated with the earlier instruction. 16. The apparatus according to claim 1, in which the prediction circuitry comprises branch prediction circuitry to predict, as the predicted instruction behaviour, a predicted branch outcome for a branch instruction. 17. The apparatus according to claim 1, in which the prediction circuitry comprises one of:
load value prediction circuitry to predict, as the predicted instruction behaviour, a predicted load data value predicted to be loaded in response to a load instruction; and. address prediction circuitry to predict, as the predicted instruction behaviour, a predicted target address for a load instruction. 18. The apparatus according to claim 1, in which the processing circuitry comprises out-of-order processing circuitry configured to support execution of instructions in a different order to a program order. 19. An apparatus comprising:
means for performing data processing in response to instructions; means for storing a plurality of local history records, each local history record corresponding to a respective subset of instruction addresses and tracking a sequence of observed instruction behaviour observed for successive instances of instructions having instruction addresses in that subset; means for storing a shared pointer shared between said plurality of local history records, the shared pointer indicative of a common storage position reached in each of the local history records; and means for determining predicted instruction behaviour for a given instruction address based on a selected portion of a selected local history record stored in the means for storing the plurality of local history records; where the means for determining is configured to select the selected local history record based on the given instruction address and to select the selected portion based on the shared pointer. 20. A method comprising:
performing data processing in response to instructions; tracking observed instruction behaviour in a plurality of local history records, each local history record corresponding to a respective subset of instruction addresses and tracking a sequence of observed instruction behaviour observed for successive instances of instructions having instruction addresses in that subset; storing a shared pointer shared between said plurality of local history records, the shared pointer indicative of a common storage position reached in each of the local history records; and determining predicted instruction behaviour for a given instruction address based on a selected portion of a selected local history record stored in the history storage circuitry; where the selected local history record is selected based on the given instruction address, and the selected portion is selected based on the shared pointer. | 3,700 |
348,577 | 16,806,083 | 2,154 | A configuration for a component of a primary node is synchronized with a configuration for a component of a partner node in a different cluster by replicating the primary node configuration with the partner node. A baseline configuration replication comprises a snapshot of a component configuration on the primary. The baseline configuration can be generated by traversing through the configuration objects, capturing their attributes and encapsulating them in a package. The baseline package can then be transferred to the partner node. The configuration objects can be applied on the partner node in the order in which they were captured on the primary node. Attributes of the configuration objects are identified that are to be transformed. Values for the identified attributes are transformed from a name space in the primary node to a name space in the partner node. | 1. A method comprising:
in response to determining that one or more configuration objects are to be deleted in association with a primary configuration and a partner configuration, performing a traversal of configuration objects within the primary configuration and the partner configuration, wherein the traversal comprises for a primary configuration object of the primary configuration and a partner configuration object of the partner configuration:
determining whether a primary key of the primary configuration object matches a partner key of the partner configuration object;
in response to the primary key not matching the partner key, determining whether a value of the partner key is less than a value of the primary key; and
in response to the value of the partner key being less than the value of the primary key, deleting the partner configuration object from the partner configuration. 2. The method of claim 1, comprising:
in response to the primary key matching the partner key, retaining the partner configuration object within the partner configuration. 3. The method of claim 1, comprising:
in response to the value of the partner key not being less than the value of the primary key, retaining the partner configuration object within the partner configuration. 4. The method of claim 1, comprising:
traversing the configurations objects according to a reverse order in which the configuration objects were created. 5. The method of claim 1, comprising:
traversing the configuration objects in an order that preserves dependencies between the configuration objects. 6. The method of claim 1, comprising:
performing a string comparison for text based identifiers of the primary key and the partner key to determine whether the primary key and the partner key match. 7. The method of claim 1, comprising:
performing an integer comparison for integer based identifiers of the primary key and the partner key to determine whether the primary key and the partner key match. 8. The method of claim 1, comprising:
performing a byte-by-byte comparison for identifiers of the primary key and the partner key to determine whether the primary key and the partner key match. 9. The method of claim 1, comprising:
determining that the partner configuration object does not exist within the primary configuration based upon the partner key being less than the primary key. 10. The method of claim 1, comprising:
determining that the primary configuration object was dropped from being replicated based upon the partner key not being less than the primary key. 11. A non-transitory machine readable medium comprising instructions for performing a method, which when executed by a machine, causes the machine to:
in response to determining that one or more configuration objects are to be deleted in association with a primary configuration and a partner configuration, perform a traversal of configuration objects within the primary configuration and the partner configuration, wherein the traversal comprises for a primary configuration object of the primary configuration and a partner configuration object of the partner configuration:
determining whether a primary key of the primary configuration object matches a partner key of the partner configuration object;
in response to the primary key not matching the partner key, determining whether a value of the partner key is less than a value of the primary key; and
in response to the value of the partner key being less than the value of the primary key, deleting the partner configuration object from the partner configuration. 12. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 11, wherein the instructions cause the machine to:
in response to the primary key matching the partner key, retain the partner configuration object within the partner configuration. 13. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 11, wherein the instructions cause the machine to:
in response to the value of the partner key not being less than the value of the primary key, retain the partner configuration object within the partner configuration. 14. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 11, wherein the instructions cause the machine to:
traverse the configurations objects according to a reverse order in which the configuration objects were created. 15. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 11, wherein the instructions cause the machine to:
traverse the configuration objects in an order that preserves dependencies between the configuration objects. 16. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 11, wherein the instructions cause the machine to:
perform a string comparison for text based identifiers of the primary key and the partner key to determine whether the primary key and the partner key match. 17. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 11, wherein the instructions cause the machine to:
perform an integer comparison for integer based identifiers of the primary key and the partner key to determine whether the primary key and the partner key match. 18. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 11, wherein the instructions cause the machine to:
perform a byte-by-byte comparison for identifiers of the primary key and the partner key to determine whether the primary key and the partner key match. 19. A computing device comprising:
a memory comprising machine executable code for performing a method; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor configured to execute the machine executable code to cause the processor to:
in response to determining that one or more configuration objects are to be deleted in association with a primary configuration and a partner configuration, perform a traversal of configuration objects within the primary configuration and the partner configuration, wherein the traversal comprises for a primary configuration object of the primary configuration and a partner configuration object of the partner configuration:
determining whether a primary key of the primary configuration object matches a partner key of the partner configuration object;
in response to the primary key not matching the partner key, determining whether a value of the partner key is less than a value of the primary key; and
in response to the value of the partner key being less than the value of the primary key, deleting the partner configuration object from the partner configuration. 20. The computing device of claim 19, wherein the machine executable code causes the processor to:
in response to the primary key matching the partner key, retain the partner configuration object within the partner configuration. | A configuration for a component of a primary node is synchronized with a configuration for a component of a partner node in a different cluster by replicating the primary node configuration with the partner node. A baseline configuration replication comprises a snapshot of a component configuration on the primary. The baseline configuration can be generated by traversing through the configuration objects, capturing their attributes and encapsulating them in a package. The baseline package can then be transferred to the partner node. The configuration objects can be applied on the partner node in the order in which they were captured on the primary node. Attributes of the configuration objects are identified that are to be transformed. Values for the identified attributes are transformed from a name space in the primary node to a name space in the partner node.1. A method comprising:
in response to determining that one or more configuration objects are to be deleted in association with a primary configuration and a partner configuration, performing a traversal of configuration objects within the primary configuration and the partner configuration, wherein the traversal comprises for a primary configuration object of the primary configuration and a partner configuration object of the partner configuration:
determining whether a primary key of the primary configuration object matches a partner key of the partner configuration object;
in response to the primary key not matching the partner key, determining whether a value of the partner key is less than a value of the primary key; and
in response to the value of the partner key being less than the value of the primary key, deleting the partner configuration object from the partner configuration. 2. The method of claim 1, comprising:
in response to the primary key matching the partner key, retaining the partner configuration object within the partner configuration. 3. The method of claim 1, comprising:
in response to the value of the partner key not being less than the value of the primary key, retaining the partner configuration object within the partner configuration. 4. The method of claim 1, comprising:
traversing the configurations objects according to a reverse order in which the configuration objects were created. 5. The method of claim 1, comprising:
traversing the configuration objects in an order that preserves dependencies between the configuration objects. 6. The method of claim 1, comprising:
performing a string comparison for text based identifiers of the primary key and the partner key to determine whether the primary key and the partner key match. 7. The method of claim 1, comprising:
performing an integer comparison for integer based identifiers of the primary key and the partner key to determine whether the primary key and the partner key match. 8. The method of claim 1, comprising:
performing a byte-by-byte comparison for identifiers of the primary key and the partner key to determine whether the primary key and the partner key match. 9. The method of claim 1, comprising:
determining that the partner configuration object does not exist within the primary configuration based upon the partner key being less than the primary key. 10. The method of claim 1, comprising:
determining that the primary configuration object was dropped from being replicated based upon the partner key not being less than the primary key. 11. A non-transitory machine readable medium comprising instructions for performing a method, which when executed by a machine, causes the machine to:
in response to determining that one or more configuration objects are to be deleted in association with a primary configuration and a partner configuration, perform a traversal of configuration objects within the primary configuration and the partner configuration, wherein the traversal comprises for a primary configuration object of the primary configuration and a partner configuration object of the partner configuration:
determining whether a primary key of the primary configuration object matches a partner key of the partner configuration object;
in response to the primary key not matching the partner key, determining whether a value of the partner key is less than a value of the primary key; and
in response to the value of the partner key being less than the value of the primary key, deleting the partner configuration object from the partner configuration. 12. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 11, wherein the instructions cause the machine to:
in response to the primary key matching the partner key, retain the partner configuration object within the partner configuration. 13. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 11, wherein the instructions cause the machine to:
in response to the value of the partner key not being less than the value of the primary key, retain the partner configuration object within the partner configuration. 14. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 11, wherein the instructions cause the machine to:
traverse the configurations objects according to a reverse order in which the configuration objects were created. 15. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 11, wherein the instructions cause the machine to:
traverse the configuration objects in an order that preserves dependencies between the configuration objects. 16. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 11, wherein the instructions cause the machine to:
perform a string comparison for text based identifiers of the primary key and the partner key to determine whether the primary key and the partner key match. 17. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 11, wherein the instructions cause the machine to:
perform an integer comparison for integer based identifiers of the primary key and the partner key to determine whether the primary key and the partner key match. 18. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 11, wherein the instructions cause the machine to:
perform a byte-by-byte comparison for identifiers of the primary key and the partner key to determine whether the primary key and the partner key match. 19. A computing device comprising:
a memory comprising machine executable code for performing a method; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor configured to execute the machine executable code to cause the processor to:
in response to determining that one or more configuration objects are to be deleted in association with a primary configuration and a partner configuration, perform a traversal of configuration objects within the primary configuration and the partner configuration, wherein the traversal comprises for a primary configuration object of the primary configuration and a partner configuration object of the partner configuration:
determining whether a primary key of the primary configuration object matches a partner key of the partner configuration object;
in response to the primary key not matching the partner key, determining whether a value of the partner key is less than a value of the primary key; and
in response to the value of the partner key being less than the value of the primary key, deleting the partner configuration object from the partner configuration. 20. The computing device of claim 19, wherein the machine executable code causes the processor to:
in response to the primary key matching the partner key, retain the partner configuration object within the partner configuration. | 2,100 |
348,578 | 16,806,070 | 1,774 | A cement mixing tool with a gearbox transmission assembly, an electric drill tool, a pair of mixing blades, a drive shaft housing assembly, a handle assembly and a splash guard. The electric drill tool is attached to the drive shaft housing assembly. The gearbox transmission assembly is attached to the drive shaft housing assembly. The pair of mixing blades are attached to opposing shafts extending from the gearbox transmission assembly. The splash guard attached to the exterior the drive shaft housing assembly. The handle assembly is attached to the drive shaft housing assembly. The resulting tool can be used by a person to mix wet cement within a wheelbarrow or other similar open topped container. | 1. A cement mixing tool comprising:
a gearbox transmission assembly; an electric drill tool; a pair of mixing blades; a drive shaft housing assembly; a handle assembly; a splash guard; said electric drill tool removably attached to said drive shaft housing assembly; said gearbox transmission assembly attached to said drive shaft housing assembly; said pair of mixing blades removably attached to opposing offset shafts extending from said gearbox transmission assembly; said splash guard attached to the exterior said drive shaft housing assembly via standard means; said handle assembly including an adjustable angle handle and an attachment clamp that secures said handle to said drive shaft housing assembly; said drive shaft housing assembly including an outer sleeve, an inner shaft, a pair of bearings, a connecting nut and a drill attachment coupling; said pair of bearings supporting said inner shaft within said outer sleeve; said inner shaft terminating on one end in a small worm gear and at the other end in a threaded portion; said gearbox transmission assembly including a large worm gear that engages the said small worm gear of said drive shaft housing assembly; said threaded portion of said inner shaft threadably attached to said connecting nut; the opposite side of said connecting nut threadably attached to a threaded shaft extending from the chuck of said electric drill tool; and said drill attachment coupling attached at one end to said outer sleeve and at the opposite the front portion of said electric drill tool via standard fastening means. 2. A cement mixing tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein said handle assembly is slidably adjustable along the length of said outer sleeve. 3. A cement mixing tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein said pair of mixing blades each have five wings;
said wing having an open frame construction. | A cement mixing tool with a gearbox transmission assembly, an electric drill tool, a pair of mixing blades, a drive shaft housing assembly, a handle assembly and a splash guard. The electric drill tool is attached to the drive shaft housing assembly. The gearbox transmission assembly is attached to the drive shaft housing assembly. The pair of mixing blades are attached to opposing shafts extending from the gearbox transmission assembly. The splash guard attached to the exterior the drive shaft housing assembly. The handle assembly is attached to the drive shaft housing assembly. The resulting tool can be used by a person to mix wet cement within a wheelbarrow or other similar open topped container.1. A cement mixing tool comprising:
a gearbox transmission assembly; an electric drill tool; a pair of mixing blades; a drive shaft housing assembly; a handle assembly; a splash guard; said electric drill tool removably attached to said drive shaft housing assembly; said gearbox transmission assembly attached to said drive shaft housing assembly; said pair of mixing blades removably attached to opposing offset shafts extending from said gearbox transmission assembly; said splash guard attached to the exterior said drive shaft housing assembly via standard means; said handle assembly including an adjustable angle handle and an attachment clamp that secures said handle to said drive shaft housing assembly; said drive shaft housing assembly including an outer sleeve, an inner shaft, a pair of bearings, a connecting nut and a drill attachment coupling; said pair of bearings supporting said inner shaft within said outer sleeve; said inner shaft terminating on one end in a small worm gear and at the other end in a threaded portion; said gearbox transmission assembly including a large worm gear that engages the said small worm gear of said drive shaft housing assembly; said threaded portion of said inner shaft threadably attached to said connecting nut; the opposite side of said connecting nut threadably attached to a threaded shaft extending from the chuck of said electric drill tool; and said drill attachment coupling attached at one end to said outer sleeve and at the opposite the front portion of said electric drill tool via standard fastening means. 2. A cement mixing tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein said handle assembly is slidably adjustable along the length of said outer sleeve. 3. A cement mixing tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein said pair of mixing blades each have five wings;
said wing having an open frame construction. | 1,700 |
348,579 | 16,806,074 | 1,774 | A tool for a plug to which a cable having its basal end covered with a boot is attached is disclosed. The plug includes a plug body fitted to an adapter and a slider supported on the plug body. The tool includes an insertion portion that catches the slider, and a boot surrounding part that has a sleeve-like shape and accepts insertion of the cable and the boot, to accommodate the boot while the insertion portion is catching the slider. The boot surrounding part includes a slit extending along an entire length in an axial direction of the boot surrounding part and having a width greater than a diameter of the cable and smaller than a maximum diameter of the boot. While the insertion portion is catching the slider, the boot surrounding part is positioned inner than an outermost shape line of the plug as seen in the axial direction. | 1. A tool for a plug to which a cable having its basal end covered with a boot is attached, the plug including a plug body configured to be fitted to an adapter and a slider supported on the plug body, the tool comprising:
an insertion portion configured to catch the slider; and a boot surrounding part having a sleeve-like shape and configured to accept insertion of the cable and the boot, to accommodate the boot in a state where the insertion portion is catching the slider, wherein the boot surrounding part includes a slit extending along an entire length in an axial direction of the boot surrounding part and having a width greater than a diameter of the cable and smaller than a maximum diameter of the boot, and in the state where the insertion portion is catching the slider, the boot surrounding part is positioned inner than an outermost shape line of the plug as seen in the axial direction. 2. The tool for a plug according to claim 1, wherein the insertion portion catches the slider when positioned in parallel to the axial direction, and cancels the catching the slider when inclined relative to the axial direction. 3. The tool for a plug according to claim 1, wherein
the insertion portion includes: a taper part having its thickness reduced toward its tip; and a basal part positioned on the boot surrounding part side than the taper part is and having a constant thickness. 4. The tool for a plug according to claim 1, further comprising a handle extending in the axial direction further than the boot from the boot surrounding part, in the state where the insertion portion is catching the slider. 5. The tool for a plug according to claim 1, wherein the insertion portion includes a pressing part configured to press the plug body or the slider in the axial direction. 6. The tool for a plug according to claim 4, wherein
the handle includes: a first grip part; and a fragile part positioned between a rear edge of the boot surrounding part and the first grip part, a cross-sectional area of the fragile part perpendicular to the axial direction being locally small. 7. The tool for a plug according to claim 6, wherein
the handle includes a second grip part provided between the rear edge of the boot surrounding part and the fragile part. 8. The tool for a plug according to claim 6, wherein the fragile part includes a through hole, a recessed part, or a groove. 9. The tool for a plug according to claim 1, wherein the boot surrounding part includes a recessed side surface. 10. A plug comprising:
the tool for a plug according to claim 1; and the slider including a slot configured to accept insertion of the insertion portion. 11. The tool for a plug according to claim 2, wherein
the insertion portion includes: a taper part having its thickness reduced toward its tip; and a basal part positioned on the boot surrounding part side than the taper part is and having a constant thickness. 12. The tool for a plug according to claim 2, further comprising a handle extending in the axial direction further than the boot from the boot surrounding part, in the state where the insertion portion is catching the slider. 13. The tool for a plug according to claim 3, further comprising a handle extending in the axial direction further than the boot from the boot surrounding part, in the state where the insertion portion is catching the slider. 14. The tool for a plug according to claim 2, wherein the insertion portion includes a pressing part configured to press the plug body or the slider in the axial direction. 15. The tool for a plug according to claim 3, wherein the insertion portion includes a pressing part configured to press the plug body or the slider in the axial direction. 16. A tool for a plug including a plug body fitted to an adapter and a slider supported on the plug body, the tool comprising:
an insertion portion configured to catch the slider; and a handle extending in a direction opposite to the insertion portion, the handle including: a first grip part; and a fragile part positioned on the insertion portion side than the first grip part is, a cross-sectional area of the fragile part perpendicular to the direction in which the handle extends being locally small. 17. The tool for a plug according to claim 16, wherein
the handle includes a second grip part provided on the insertion portion side than the fragile part is. 18. The tool for a plug according to claim 16, wherein the fragile part includes a through hole, a recessed part, or a groove. 19. A slider supported on a plug body configured to be fitted to an adapter, comprising
a handle extending integrally from the slider in a direction opposite to the plug body, the handle including: a first grip part; and a fragile part positioned on the slider side than the first grip part is, a cross-sectional area of the fragile part perpendicular to the direction in which the handle extends being locally small. 20. A cable with a plug, comprising:
the cable; and the plug according to claim 10 attached to a terminal part of the cable. | A tool for a plug to which a cable having its basal end covered with a boot is attached is disclosed. The plug includes a plug body fitted to an adapter and a slider supported on the plug body. The tool includes an insertion portion that catches the slider, and a boot surrounding part that has a sleeve-like shape and accepts insertion of the cable and the boot, to accommodate the boot while the insertion portion is catching the slider. The boot surrounding part includes a slit extending along an entire length in an axial direction of the boot surrounding part and having a width greater than a diameter of the cable and smaller than a maximum diameter of the boot. While the insertion portion is catching the slider, the boot surrounding part is positioned inner than an outermost shape line of the plug as seen in the axial direction.1. A tool for a plug to which a cable having its basal end covered with a boot is attached, the plug including a plug body configured to be fitted to an adapter and a slider supported on the plug body, the tool comprising:
an insertion portion configured to catch the slider; and a boot surrounding part having a sleeve-like shape and configured to accept insertion of the cable and the boot, to accommodate the boot in a state where the insertion portion is catching the slider, wherein the boot surrounding part includes a slit extending along an entire length in an axial direction of the boot surrounding part and having a width greater than a diameter of the cable and smaller than a maximum diameter of the boot, and in the state where the insertion portion is catching the slider, the boot surrounding part is positioned inner than an outermost shape line of the plug as seen in the axial direction. 2. The tool for a plug according to claim 1, wherein the insertion portion catches the slider when positioned in parallel to the axial direction, and cancels the catching the slider when inclined relative to the axial direction. 3. The tool for a plug according to claim 1, wherein
the insertion portion includes: a taper part having its thickness reduced toward its tip; and a basal part positioned on the boot surrounding part side than the taper part is and having a constant thickness. 4. The tool for a plug according to claim 1, further comprising a handle extending in the axial direction further than the boot from the boot surrounding part, in the state where the insertion portion is catching the slider. 5. The tool for a plug according to claim 1, wherein the insertion portion includes a pressing part configured to press the plug body or the slider in the axial direction. 6. The tool for a plug according to claim 4, wherein
the handle includes: a first grip part; and a fragile part positioned between a rear edge of the boot surrounding part and the first grip part, a cross-sectional area of the fragile part perpendicular to the axial direction being locally small. 7. The tool for a plug according to claim 6, wherein
the handle includes a second grip part provided between the rear edge of the boot surrounding part and the fragile part. 8. The tool for a plug according to claim 6, wherein the fragile part includes a through hole, a recessed part, or a groove. 9. The tool for a plug according to claim 1, wherein the boot surrounding part includes a recessed side surface. 10. A plug comprising:
the tool for a plug according to claim 1; and the slider including a slot configured to accept insertion of the insertion portion. 11. The tool for a plug according to claim 2, wherein
the insertion portion includes: a taper part having its thickness reduced toward its tip; and a basal part positioned on the boot surrounding part side than the taper part is and having a constant thickness. 12. The tool for a plug according to claim 2, further comprising a handle extending in the axial direction further than the boot from the boot surrounding part, in the state where the insertion portion is catching the slider. 13. The tool for a plug according to claim 3, further comprising a handle extending in the axial direction further than the boot from the boot surrounding part, in the state where the insertion portion is catching the slider. 14. The tool for a plug according to claim 2, wherein the insertion portion includes a pressing part configured to press the plug body or the slider in the axial direction. 15. The tool for a plug according to claim 3, wherein the insertion portion includes a pressing part configured to press the plug body or the slider in the axial direction. 16. A tool for a plug including a plug body fitted to an adapter and a slider supported on the plug body, the tool comprising:
an insertion portion configured to catch the slider; and a handle extending in a direction opposite to the insertion portion, the handle including: a first grip part; and a fragile part positioned on the insertion portion side than the first grip part is, a cross-sectional area of the fragile part perpendicular to the direction in which the handle extends being locally small. 17. The tool for a plug according to claim 16, wherein
the handle includes a second grip part provided on the insertion portion side than the fragile part is. 18. The tool for a plug according to claim 16, wherein the fragile part includes a through hole, a recessed part, or a groove. 19. A slider supported on a plug body configured to be fitted to an adapter, comprising
a handle extending integrally from the slider in a direction opposite to the plug body, the handle including: a first grip part; and a fragile part positioned on the slider side than the first grip part is, a cross-sectional area of the fragile part perpendicular to the direction in which the handle extends being locally small. 20. A cable with a plug, comprising:
the cable; and the plug according to claim 10 attached to a terminal part of the cable. | 1,700 |
348,580 | 16,806,028 | 1,774 | A magnetoresistance element deposited upon a substrate includes a first stack portion having opposing first and second surfaces and including a first plurality of layers. The first stack portion has a first substantially linear response corresponding to an applied magnetic field over a first magnetic field strength range. The magnetoresistance element also includes a second stack portion having opposing first and second surfaces and including a second plurality of layers. The first surface of the second stack portion is disposed over the second surface of the first stack portion and the second stack portion has a second substantially linear response that is different than the first substantially linear response. The second substantially linear response corresponds to the applied magnetic field over a second magnetic field strength range. | 1. A magnetoresistance element deposited upon a substrate, comprising:
a first stack portion having opposing first and second surfaces and comprising a first plurality of layers, the first stack portion having a first substantially linear response corresponding to an applied magnetic field over a first magnetic field strength range; a second stack portion having opposing first and second surfaces and comprising a second plurality of layers comprising a first pinning layer, wherein the first surface of the second stack portion is disposed over the second surface of the first stack portion and the second stack portion has a second substantially linear response that is different than the first substantially linear response, the second substantially linear response corresponding to the applied magnetic field over a second magnetic field strength range; a third stack portion having opposing first and second surfaces and comprising a third plurality of layers comprising a second pinning layer, wherein the first surface of the first stack portion is disposed over the second surface of the third stack portion and the third stack portion has a third substantially linear response that is different than the first substantially linear response and the second substantially linear response; a cap layer disposed over the first pinning layer; a substrate; and a seed layer disposed over the substrate, the second pinning layer being disposed over the seed layer. 2. The magnetoresistance element of claim 1, wherein the first magnetic field strength range includes a negative magnetic field. 3. The magnetoresistance element of claim 1, wherein the second magnetic field strength range includes a positive magnetic field. 4. The magnetoresistance element of claim 1, wherein the first magnetic field strength range overlaps with one or more portions of the second magnetic field strength range. 5. The magnetoresistance element of claim 1, wherein each of the layers of the first stack portion has a respective thickness and the thickness of at least one of the layers of the first stack portion is selected to result in the first stack portion having the first substantially linear response. 6. The magnetoresistance element of claim 1, wherein each of the layers of the second stack portion has a respective thickness and the thickness of at least one of the layers of the second stack portion is selected to result in the second stack portion having the second substantially linear response. 7. The magnetoresistance element of claim 1, wherein an ordering of the first plurality of layers in the first stack portion is selected to result in the first stack portion having the first substantially linear response, and wherein an ordering of the second plurality of layers in the second stack portion is selected to result in the second stack portion having the second substantially linear response. 8. The magnetoresistance element of claim 1, wherein the first and second plurality of layers comprise a same number of layers. 9. The magnetoresistance element of claim 1, wherein the first and second plurality of layers comprise a different number of layers. 10. The magnetoresistance element of claim 1, wherein the first stack portion comprises a first pinned layer structure; a first spacer layer disposed over the first pinned layer structure; and a first free layer structure disposed over the first spacer layer, wherein the first spacer layer is comprised of a first material having a first thickness, the first material and the first thickness selected to result in the first stack portion having the first substantially linear response. 11. The magnetoresistance element of claim 10, wherein the second stack portion comprises a second pinned layer structure; a second spacer layer disposed over the second pinned layer structure; and a second free layer structure disposed over the second spacer layer, wherein the second spacer layer is comprised of a second material having a second thickness, the second material and the second thickness selected to result in the second stack portion having the second substantially linear response. 12. The magnetoresistance element of claim 11, wherein the first and second spacer layers are comprised of Ruthenium (Ru). 13. The magnetoresistance element of claim 12, wherein the second selected thickness of the second spacer layer is in a range between about 1.6 nanometers (nm) to about 1.8 nm, about 2.2 nm to about 2.4 nm, about 2.9 nm to about 3.1 nm, or about 3.5 nm to about 3.7 nm. 14. The magnetoresistance element of claim 13, wherein the first selected thickness of the first spacer layer is about 1.3 nm, and wherein the second selected thickness of the second spacer layer is about 1.7 nm. 15. The magnetoresistance element of claim 14, wherein the first and second pinned layer structures include one respective pinned layer. 16. The magnetoresistance element of claim 14, wherein the first and second pinned layer structures each comprise a respective synthetic antiferromagnetic (SAF) structure. 17. The magnetoresistance element of claim 1, wherein the magnetoresistance element is one of a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) element, a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) element and a tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) element. 18. The magnetoresistance element of claim 1, wherein the magnetoresistance element is provided in a magnetic field sensor. 19. The magnetoresistance element of claim 1, wherein the third substantially linear response corresponding to the applied magnetic field over a third magnetic field strength range between or overlapping with the first magnetic field strength range and the second magnetic field strength range. 20. The magnetoresistance element of claim 1, wherein the first substantially linear response of the first stack portion results in the magnetoresistance element having a first sensitivity level to changes in magnetic field strength in response to the applied magnetic field being within the first magnetic field strength range,
wherein the second substantially linear response of the second stack portion results in the magnetoresistance element having a second sensitivity level to changes in the magnetic field strength in response to the applied magnetic field being within the second magnetic field strength range, the second sensitivity level being different in comparison to the first sensitivity level, wherein the third substantially linear response of the third stack portion results in the magnetoresistance element having a third sensitivity level to changes in the magnetic field strength in response to the applied magnetic field being within the third magnetic field strength range, the third sensitivity level being different in comparison to the first and second sensitivity levels. 21. The magnetoresistance element of claim 1, further comprising a first electroconductive layer, the first electroconductive layer being in direct contact with the first surface of the second stack portion and being in direct contact with second surface of the first stack portion,
wherein the first electroconductive layer is a pinning layer. 22. The magnetoresistance element of claim 21, wherein the first electroconductive layer comprises platinum manganese (PtMn). 23. The magnetoresistance element of claim 21, wherein the first and second substantially linear responses are provided at least in part from the first electroconductive layer. 24. The magnetoresistance element of claim 21, further comprising a second electroconductive layer, the second electroconductive layer being in direct contact with the first surface of the third stack portion and being in direct contact with second surface of the second stack portion,
wherein the second electroconductive layer is a pinning layer. 25. A magnetic field sensor, comprising:
a magnetoresistance element configured to generate first, second and third substantially linear responses to an applied magnetic field, wherein the first, second and third substantially linear responses have substantially zero offset with respect to an expected response of the magnetoresistance element at an applied magnetic field strength of about zero Oersteds, wherein the magnetoresistance element comprises:
a first stack portion having opposing first and second surfaces and comprising a first plurality of layers comprising a first pinning layer, the first stack portion having the first substantially linear response;
a second stack portion having opposing first and second surfaces and comprising a second plurality of layers, wherein the first surface of the second stack portion is disposed over the second surface of the first stack portion and the second stack portion has the second substantially linear response that is different than the first substantially linear response;
a third stack portion having opposing first and second surfaces and comprising a third plurality of layers comprising a second pinning layer, wherein the first surface of the third stack portion is disposed over the second surface of the second stack portion and the third stack portion has a third substantially linear response that is different than the first substantially linear response and the second substantially linear response;
a cap layer disposed over the first pinning layer;
a substrate; and
a seed layer disposed over the substrate, the second pinning layer being disposed over the seed layer. 26. The magnetic field sensor of claim 25, further comprising a first electroconductive layer, the first electroconductive layer being in direct contact with the first surface of the second stack portion and being in direct contact with second surface of the first stack portion,
wherein the first electroconductive layer is a third pinning layer. 27. The magnetic field sensor of claim 26, wherein the first electroconductive layer comprises platinum manganese (PtMn). 28. The magnetic field sensor of claim 26, wherein the first and second substantially linear responses are provided at least in part from the first electroconductive layer. 29. The magnetic field sensor of claim 26, further comprising a second electroconductive layer, the second electroconductive layer being in direct contact with the first surface of the third stack portion and being in direct contact with second surface of the second stack portion,
wherein the second electroconductive layer is a fourth pinning layer. 30. The magnetic field sensor of claim 25, wherein the third substantially linear response corresponding to the applied magnetic field over a third magnetic field strength range between or overlapping with the first magnetic field strength range and the second magnetic field strength range. 31. The magnetic field sensor of claim 25, wherein the first substantially linear response of the first stack portion results in the magnetoresistance element having a first sensitivity level to changes in magnetic field strength in response to the applied magnetic field being within the first magnetic field strength range,
wherein the second substantially linear response of the second stack portion results in the magnetoresistance element having a second sensitivity level to changes in the magnetic field strength in response to the applied magnetic field being within the second magnetic field strength range, the second sensitivity level being different in comparison to the first sensitivity level, wherein the third substantially linear response of the third stack portion results in the magnetoresistance element having a third sensitivity level to changes in the magnetic field strength in response to the applied magnetic field being within the third magnetic field strength range, the third sensitivity level being different in comparison to the first and second sensitivity levels. 32. A magnetoresistance element deposited upon a substrate, comprising:
a first stack portion having opposing first and second surfaces and comprising a first plurality of layers, the first stack portion having a first substantially linear response corresponding to an applied magnetic field over a first magnetic field strength range; a second stack portion having opposing first and second surfaces and comprising a second plurality of layers, wherein the first surface of the second stack portion is disposed over the second surface of the first stack portion and the second stack portion has a second substantially linear response that is different than the first substantially linear response, the second substantially linear response corresponding to the applied magnetic field over a second magnetic field strength range; and a third stack portion having opposing first and second surfaces and comprising a third plurality of layers, wherein the first surface of the first stack portion is disposed over the second surface of the third stack portion and the third stack portion has a third substantially linear response that is different than the first substantially linear response and the second substantially linear response, wherein the first stack portion comprises a first pinned layer structure; a first spacer layer disposed over the first pinned layer structure; and a first free layer structure disposed over the first spacer layer, wherein the first spacer layer is comprised of a first material having a first thickness, the first material and the first thickness selected to result in the first stack portion having the first substantially linear response. 33. The magnetoresistance element of claim 32, wherein the first magnetic field strength range includes a negative magnetic field. 34. The magnetoresistance element of claim 32, wherein the second magnetic field strength range includes a positive magnetic field. 35. The magnetoresistance element of claim 32, wherein the first magnetic field strength range overlaps with one or more portions of the second magnetic field strength range. 36. The magnetoresistance element of claim 32, wherein each of the layers of the first stack portion has a respective thickness and the thickness of at least one of the layers of the first stack portion is selected to result in the first stack portion having the first substantially linear response. 37. The magnetoresistance element of claim 32, wherein each of the layers of the second stack portion has a respective thickness and the thickness of at least one of the layers of the second stack portion is selected to result in the second stack portion having the second substantially linear response. 38. The magnetoresistance element of claim 32, wherein an ordering of the first plurality of layers in the first stack portion is selected to result in the first stack portion having the first substantially linear response, and wherein an ordering of the second plurality of layers in the second stack portion is selected to result in the second stack portion having the second substantially linear response. 39. The magnetoresistance element of claim 32, wherein the first and second plurality of layers comprise a same number of layers. 40. The magnetoresistance element of claim 32, wherein the first and second plurality of layers comprise a different number of layers. 41. The magnetoresistance element of claim 32, wherein the second stack portion comprises a second pinned layer structure; a second spacer layer; and a second free layer structure wherein the second spacer layer is comprised of a second material having a second thickness, the second material and the second thickness selected to result in the second stack portion having the second substantially linear response. 42. The magnetoresistance element of claim 41, wherein the first and second spacer layers are comprised of Ruthenium (Ru). 43. The magnetoresistance element of claim 42, wherein the second selected thickness of the second spacer layer is in a range between about 1.6 nanometers (nm) to about 1.8 nm, about 2.2 nm to about 2.4 nm, about 2.9 nm to about 3.1 nm, or about 3.5 nm to about 3.7 nm. 44. The magnetoresistance element of claim 42, wherein the first selected thickness of the first spacer layer is about 1.3 nm, and wherein the second selected thickness of the second spacer layer is about 1.7 nm. 45. The magnetoresistance element of claim 41, wherein the first and second pinned layer structures include one respective pinned layer. 46. The magnetoresistance element of claim 41, wherein the first and second pinned layer structures each comprise a respective synthetic antiferromagnetic (SAF) structure. 47. The magnetoresistance element of claim 32, wherein the magnetoresistance element is one of a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) element, a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) element and a tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) element. 48. The magnetoresistance element of claim 32, wherein the magnetoresistance element is provided in a magnetic field sensor. | A magnetoresistance element deposited upon a substrate includes a first stack portion having opposing first and second surfaces and including a first plurality of layers. The first stack portion has a first substantially linear response corresponding to an applied magnetic field over a first magnetic field strength range. The magnetoresistance element also includes a second stack portion having opposing first and second surfaces and including a second plurality of layers. The first surface of the second stack portion is disposed over the second surface of the first stack portion and the second stack portion has a second substantially linear response that is different than the first substantially linear response. The second substantially linear response corresponds to the applied magnetic field over a second magnetic field strength range.1. A magnetoresistance element deposited upon a substrate, comprising:
a first stack portion having opposing first and second surfaces and comprising a first plurality of layers, the first stack portion having a first substantially linear response corresponding to an applied magnetic field over a first magnetic field strength range; a second stack portion having opposing first and second surfaces and comprising a second plurality of layers comprising a first pinning layer, wherein the first surface of the second stack portion is disposed over the second surface of the first stack portion and the second stack portion has a second substantially linear response that is different than the first substantially linear response, the second substantially linear response corresponding to the applied magnetic field over a second magnetic field strength range; a third stack portion having opposing first and second surfaces and comprising a third plurality of layers comprising a second pinning layer, wherein the first surface of the first stack portion is disposed over the second surface of the third stack portion and the third stack portion has a third substantially linear response that is different than the first substantially linear response and the second substantially linear response; a cap layer disposed over the first pinning layer; a substrate; and a seed layer disposed over the substrate, the second pinning layer being disposed over the seed layer. 2. The magnetoresistance element of claim 1, wherein the first magnetic field strength range includes a negative magnetic field. 3. The magnetoresistance element of claim 1, wherein the second magnetic field strength range includes a positive magnetic field. 4. The magnetoresistance element of claim 1, wherein the first magnetic field strength range overlaps with one or more portions of the second magnetic field strength range. 5. The magnetoresistance element of claim 1, wherein each of the layers of the first stack portion has a respective thickness and the thickness of at least one of the layers of the first stack portion is selected to result in the first stack portion having the first substantially linear response. 6. The magnetoresistance element of claim 1, wherein each of the layers of the second stack portion has a respective thickness and the thickness of at least one of the layers of the second stack portion is selected to result in the second stack portion having the second substantially linear response. 7. The magnetoresistance element of claim 1, wherein an ordering of the first plurality of layers in the first stack portion is selected to result in the first stack portion having the first substantially linear response, and wherein an ordering of the second plurality of layers in the second stack portion is selected to result in the second stack portion having the second substantially linear response. 8. The magnetoresistance element of claim 1, wherein the first and second plurality of layers comprise a same number of layers. 9. The magnetoresistance element of claim 1, wherein the first and second plurality of layers comprise a different number of layers. 10. The magnetoresistance element of claim 1, wherein the first stack portion comprises a first pinned layer structure; a first spacer layer disposed over the first pinned layer structure; and a first free layer structure disposed over the first spacer layer, wherein the first spacer layer is comprised of a first material having a first thickness, the first material and the first thickness selected to result in the first stack portion having the first substantially linear response. 11. The magnetoresistance element of claim 10, wherein the second stack portion comprises a second pinned layer structure; a second spacer layer disposed over the second pinned layer structure; and a second free layer structure disposed over the second spacer layer, wherein the second spacer layer is comprised of a second material having a second thickness, the second material and the second thickness selected to result in the second stack portion having the second substantially linear response. 12. The magnetoresistance element of claim 11, wherein the first and second spacer layers are comprised of Ruthenium (Ru). 13. The magnetoresistance element of claim 12, wherein the second selected thickness of the second spacer layer is in a range between about 1.6 nanometers (nm) to about 1.8 nm, about 2.2 nm to about 2.4 nm, about 2.9 nm to about 3.1 nm, or about 3.5 nm to about 3.7 nm. 14. The magnetoresistance element of claim 13, wherein the first selected thickness of the first spacer layer is about 1.3 nm, and wherein the second selected thickness of the second spacer layer is about 1.7 nm. 15. The magnetoresistance element of claim 14, wherein the first and second pinned layer structures include one respective pinned layer. 16. The magnetoresistance element of claim 14, wherein the first and second pinned layer structures each comprise a respective synthetic antiferromagnetic (SAF) structure. 17. The magnetoresistance element of claim 1, wherein the magnetoresistance element is one of a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) element, a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) element and a tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) element. 18. The magnetoresistance element of claim 1, wherein the magnetoresistance element is provided in a magnetic field sensor. 19. The magnetoresistance element of claim 1, wherein the third substantially linear response corresponding to the applied magnetic field over a third magnetic field strength range between or overlapping with the first magnetic field strength range and the second magnetic field strength range. 20. The magnetoresistance element of claim 1, wherein the first substantially linear response of the first stack portion results in the magnetoresistance element having a first sensitivity level to changes in magnetic field strength in response to the applied magnetic field being within the first magnetic field strength range,
wherein the second substantially linear response of the second stack portion results in the magnetoresistance element having a second sensitivity level to changes in the magnetic field strength in response to the applied magnetic field being within the second magnetic field strength range, the second sensitivity level being different in comparison to the first sensitivity level, wherein the third substantially linear response of the third stack portion results in the magnetoresistance element having a third sensitivity level to changes in the magnetic field strength in response to the applied magnetic field being within the third magnetic field strength range, the third sensitivity level being different in comparison to the first and second sensitivity levels. 21. The magnetoresistance element of claim 1, further comprising a first electroconductive layer, the first electroconductive layer being in direct contact with the first surface of the second stack portion and being in direct contact with second surface of the first stack portion,
wherein the first electroconductive layer is a pinning layer. 22. The magnetoresistance element of claim 21, wherein the first electroconductive layer comprises platinum manganese (PtMn). 23. The magnetoresistance element of claim 21, wherein the first and second substantially linear responses are provided at least in part from the first electroconductive layer. 24. The magnetoresistance element of claim 21, further comprising a second electroconductive layer, the second electroconductive layer being in direct contact with the first surface of the third stack portion and being in direct contact with second surface of the second stack portion,
wherein the second electroconductive layer is a pinning layer. 25. A magnetic field sensor, comprising:
a magnetoresistance element configured to generate first, second and third substantially linear responses to an applied magnetic field, wherein the first, second and third substantially linear responses have substantially zero offset with respect to an expected response of the magnetoresistance element at an applied magnetic field strength of about zero Oersteds, wherein the magnetoresistance element comprises:
a first stack portion having opposing first and second surfaces and comprising a first plurality of layers comprising a first pinning layer, the first stack portion having the first substantially linear response;
a second stack portion having opposing first and second surfaces and comprising a second plurality of layers, wherein the first surface of the second stack portion is disposed over the second surface of the first stack portion and the second stack portion has the second substantially linear response that is different than the first substantially linear response;
a third stack portion having opposing first and second surfaces and comprising a third plurality of layers comprising a second pinning layer, wherein the first surface of the third stack portion is disposed over the second surface of the second stack portion and the third stack portion has a third substantially linear response that is different than the first substantially linear response and the second substantially linear response;
a cap layer disposed over the first pinning layer;
a substrate; and
a seed layer disposed over the substrate, the second pinning layer being disposed over the seed layer. 26. The magnetic field sensor of claim 25, further comprising a first electroconductive layer, the first electroconductive layer being in direct contact with the first surface of the second stack portion and being in direct contact with second surface of the first stack portion,
wherein the first electroconductive layer is a third pinning layer. 27. The magnetic field sensor of claim 26, wherein the first electroconductive layer comprises platinum manganese (PtMn). 28. The magnetic field sensor of claim 26, wherein the first and second substantially linear responses are provided at least in part from the first electroconductive layer. 29. The magnetic field sensor of claim 26, further comprising a second electroconductive layer, the second electroconductive layer being in direct contact with the first surface of the third stack portion and being in direct contact with second surface of the second stack portion,
wherein the second electroconductive layer is a fourth pinning layer. 30. The magnetic field sensor of claim 25, wherein the third substantially linear response corresponding to the applied magnetic field over a third magnetic field strength range between or overlapping with the first magnetic field strength range and the second magnetic field strength range. 31. The magnetic field sensor of claim 25, wherein the first substantially linear response of the first stack portion results in the magnetoresistance element having a first sensitivity level to changes in magnetic field strength in response to the applied magnetic field being within the first magnetic field strength range,
wherein the second substantially linear response of the second stack portion results in the magnetoresistance element having a second sensitivity level to changes in the magnetic field strength in response to the applied magnetic field being within the second magnetic field strength range, the second sensitivity level being different in comparison to the first sensitivity level, wherein the third substantially linear response of the third stack portion results in the magnetoresistance element having a third sensitivity level to changes in the magnetic field strength in response to the applied magnetic field being within the third magnetic field strength range, the third sensitivity level being different in comparison to the first and second sensitivity levels. 32. A magnetoresistance element deposited upon a substrate, comprising:
a first stack portion having opposing first and second surfaces and comprising a first plurality of layers, the first stack portion having a first substantially linear response corresponding to an applied magnetic field over a first magnetic field strength range; a second stack portion having opposing first and second surfaces and comprising a second plurality of layers, wherein the first surface of the second stack portion is disposed over the second surface of the first stack portion and the second stack portion has a second substantially linear response that is different than the first substantially linear response, the second substantially linear response corresponding to the applied magnetic field over a second magnetic field strength range; and a third stack portion having opposing first and second surfaces and comprising a third plurality of layers, wherein the first surface of the first stack portion is disposed over the second surface of the third stack portion and the third stack portion has a third substantially linear response that is different than the first substantially linear response and the second substantially linear response, wherein the first stack portion comprises a first pinned layer structure; a first spacer layer disposed over the first pinned layer structure; and a first free layer structure disposed over the first spacer layer, wherein the first spacer layer is comprised of a first material having a first thickness, the first material and the first thickness selected to result in the first stack portion having the first substantially linear response. 33. The magnetoresistance element of claim 32, wherein the first magnetic field strength range includes a negative magnetic field. 34. The magnetoresistance element of claim 32, wherein the second magnetic field strength range includes a positive magnetic field. 35. The magnetoresistance element of claim 32, wherein the first magnetic field strength range overlaps with one or more portions of the second magnetic field strength range. 36. The magnetoresistance element of claim 32, wherein each of the layers of the first stack portion has a respective thickness and the thickness of at least one of the layers of the first stack portion is selected to result in the first stack portion having the first substantially linear response. 37. The magnetoresistance element of claim 32, wherein each of the layers of the second stack portion has a respective thickness and the thickness of at least one of the layers of the second stack portion is selected to result in the second stack portion having the second substantially linear response. 38. The magnetoresistance element of claim 32, wherein an ordering of the first plurality of layers in the first stack portion is selected to result in the first stack portion having the first substantially linear response, and wherein an ordering of the second plurality of layers in the second stack portion is selected to result in the second stack portion having the second substantially linear response. 39. The magnetoresistance element of claim 32, wherein the first and second plurality of layers comprise a same number of layers. 40. The magnetoresistance element of claim 32, wherein the first and second plurality of layers comprise a different number of layers. 41. The magnetoresistance element of claim 32, wherein the second stack portion comprises a second pinned layer structure; a second spacer layer; and a second free layer structure wherein the second spacer layer is comprised of a second material having a second thickness, the second material and the second thickness selected to result in the second stack portion having the second substantially linear response. 42. The magnetoresistance element of claim 41, wherein the first and second spacer layers are comprised of Ruthenium (Ru). 43. The magnetoresistance element of claim 42, wherein the second selected thickness of the second spacer layer is in a range between about 1.6 nanometers (nm) to about 1.8 nm, about 2.2 nm to about 2.4 nm, about 2.9 nm to about 3.1 nm, or about 3.5 nm to about 3.7 nm. 44. The magnetoresistance element of claim 42, wherein the first selected thickness of the first spacer layer is about 1.3 nm, and wherein the second selected thickness of the second spacer layer is about 1.7 nm. 45. The magnetoresistance element of claim 41, wherein the first and second pinned layer structures include one respective pinned layer. 46. The magnetoresistance element of claim 41, wherein the first and second pinned layer structures each comprise a respective synthetic antiferromagnetic (SAF) structure. 47. The magnetoresistance element of claim 32, wherein the magnetoresistance element is one of a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) element, a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) element and a tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) element. 48. The magnetoresistance element of claim 32, wherein the magnetoresistance element is provided in a magnetic field sensor. | 1,700 |
348,581 | 16,806,054 | 1,762 | A tetraanionic OCO pincer ligand metal-oxo-alkylidene complex is prepared from a trianionic pincer ligand supported metal-alkylidyne. The metal can be tungsten or other group 5-7 transition metal. The tetraanionic pincer ligand metal-oxo-alkylidene complex, a trianionic OCO pincer ligand metal complex, or a trianionic ONO pincer ligand metal complex can be used to polymerize cycloalkenes. The poly(cycloalkene)s are predominantly cis-alkene macrocyclics. | 1.-3. (canceled) 4. A method of polymerizing a cyclic alkene, comprising
providing a catalytic initiator selected from a tetraanionic OCO pincer ligand metal-oxo-alkylidene complex, a trianionic OCO pincer ligand metal complex, or a trianionic ONO pincer ligand metal complex; providing a plurality of cyclic alkene monomers; and combining the catalytic initiator with the cyclic alkene monomers, polymerizing the plurality of cyclic alkene monomers into a macrocyclic poly(alkene). 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the tetraanionic OCO pincer ligand metal-oxo-alkylidene complex has the structure: 6. The method of claim 4, wherein the trianionic OCO pincer ligand metal complex has the structure: 7. The method of claim 4, wherein the trianionic ONO pincer ligand metal complex has the structure: 8. The method of claim 4, wherein the cyclic monomer is unsubstituted or substituted cyclopropene, cyclobutene, cyclopentene, cycloheptene, and cyclooctene, norbornene, dicyclopentadiene, norbornene anhydride, diester from norbornene anhydride, imide from norbornene anhydride, oxanorbornene, oxanorbornene anhydride, ester of oxanorbornene anhydride, and imide of oxanorbornene anhydride, or any combination thereof, wherein the ester is from a C1-C10 alkyl or aryl alcohol, the imides is from C1-C10 alkyl or aryl amine; wherein substituents can be C1-C10 alkyl, aryl, C1-C10 alkoxy, aryloxy, C1-C10 carboxylic acid ester, or carboxylic acid amide, optionally substituted one or two times with C1-C10 alkyl or aryl. 9. A stereoregular cyclic polynorbornene, consisting of repeating units having greater than 95% cis content and greater than 95% syndiotactic content. 10. The stereoregular cyclic polynorbornene according to claim 9, wherein the degree of polymerization is 3 to 100,000. 11. The stereoregular cyclic polynorbornene according to claim 9, wherein the cyclic polynorbornene comprises double bonds and at least one of the double bonds is a reduced double bond. 12. The stereoregular cyclic polynorbornene according to claim 9, wherein the cyclic polynorbornene is a poly(cycloalkane), wherein the poly(cycloalkane) is prepared by reduction of the double bonds of a cyclic poly(cycloalkene). 13. The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of reducing the double bonds of the macrocyclic poly(alkene), thereby forming a macrocyclic poly(alkane). 14. A stereoregular cyclic poly(cycloalkane) consisting of repeating units having greater than 95% syndiotactic content. 15. The method of claim 4, wherein the tetraanionic OCO pincer ligand metal-oxo-alkylidene complex has the structure: 16. The method of claim 4, wherein the tetraanionic OCO pincer ligand metal-oxo-alkylidene complex has the structure: 17. The method of claim 4, wherein the tetraanionic OCO pincer ligand metal-oxo-alkylidene complex has the structure: | A tetraanionic OCO pincer ligand metal-oxo-alkylidene complex is prepared from a trianionic pincer ligand supported metal-alkylidyne. The metal can be tungsten or other group 5-7 transition metal. The tetraanionic pincer ligand metal-oxo-alkylidene complex, a trianionic OCO pincer ligand metal complex, or a trianionic ONO pincer ligand metal complex can be used to polymerize cycloalkenes. The poly(cycloalkene)s are predominantly cis-alkene macrocyclics.1.-3. (canceled) 4. A method of polymerizing a cyclic alkene, comprising
providing a catalytic initiator selected from a tetraanionic OCO pincer ligand metal-oxo-alkylidene complex, a trianionic OCO pincer ligand metal complex, or a trianionic ONO pincer ligand metal complex; providing a plurality of cyclic alkene monomers; and combining the catalytic initiator with the cyclic alkene monomers, polymerizing the plurality of cyclic alkene monomers into a macrocyclic poly(alkene). 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the tetraanionic OCO pincer ligand metal-oxo-alkylidene complex has the structure: 6. The method of claim 4, wherein the trianionic OCO pincer ligand metal complex has the structure: 7. The method of claim 4, wherein the trianionic ONO pincer ligand metal complex has the structure: 8. The method of claim 4, wherein the cyclic monomer is unsubstituted or substituted cyclopropene, cyclobutene, cyclopentene, cycloheptene, and cyclooctene, norbornene, dicyclopentadiene, norbornene anhydride, diester from norbornene anhydride, imide from norbornene anhydride, oxanorbornene, oxanorbornene anhydride, ester of oxanorbornene anhydride, and imide of oxanorbornene anhydride, or any combination thereof, wherein the ester is from a C1-C10 alkyl or aryl alcohol, the imides is from C1-C10 alkyl or aryl amine; wherein substituents can be C1-C10 alkyl, aryl, C1-C10 alkoxy, aryloxy, C1-C10 carboxylic acid ester, or carboxylic acid amide, optionally substituted one or two times with C1-C10 alkyl or aryl. 9. A stereoregular cyclic polynorbornene, consisting of repeating units having greater than 95% cis content and greater than 95% syndiotactic content. 10. The stereoregular cyclic polynorbornene according to claim 9, wherein the degree of polymerization is 3 to 100,000. 11. The stereoregular cyclic polynorbornene according to claim 9, wherein the cyclic polynorbornene comprises double bonds and at least one of the double bonds is a reduced double bond. 12. The stereoregular cyclic polynorbornene according to claim 9, wherein the cyclic polynorbornene is a poly(cycloalkane), wherein the poly(cycloalkane) is prepared by reduction of the double bonds of a cyclic poly(cycloalkene). 13. The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of reducing the double bonds of the macrocyclic poly(alkene), thereby forming a macrocyclic poly(alkane). 14. A stereoregular cyclic poly(cycloalkane) consisting of repeating units having greater than 95% syndiotactic content. 15. The method of claim 4, wherein the tetraanionic OCO pincer ligand metal-oxo-alkylidene complex has the structure: 16. The method of claim 4, wherein the tetraanionic OCO pincer ligand metal-oxo-alkylidene complex has the structure: 17. The method of claim 4, wherein the tetraanionic OCO pincer ligand metal-oxo-alkylidene complex has the structure: | 1,700 |
348,582 | 16,806,081 | 3,781 | A user friendly multi-chambered flat urine collection device comprising an inlet port having a non-return valve, an upper chamber further divided into a plurality of vertical chambers, a lower chamber further divided into a plurality of vertical chambers, a plurality of breathing open areas intervening said upper, lower and vertical chambers, and a drainage tube. The inlet port is positioned at top of the upper chamber, said inlet port in turn is removably connected to a catheter. The breathing open areas between the vertical chambers of said upper and lower chambers allow the urine collection device to conform to shape of patient body. Moreover, the chambers distribute the weight of collected urine equally to avoid a bulging effect. Alternately, the urine collection device has absorbent layer insert to absorb the bodily discharge. | 1. A multi-chambered urine collection device comprising:
a) an inlet port; b) an upper chamber; c) a lower chamber; and d) a drainage tube; 2. The multi-chambered urine collection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device further comprises a measurement unit with a plurality of sensors; and a transmission unit. 3. The multi-chambered urine collection device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plurality of sensors includes but not limited to temperature sensors, humidity sensor, pH sensor. 4. The multi-chambered urine collection device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the transmission unit transmits sensor data wirelessly such as by Bluetooth transmitter to a server unit. 5. The multi-chambered urine collection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper and lower chambers have folded side walls. 6. A multi-chambered urine collection device comprising:
a) an inlet port; b) a urine collecting chamber; c) a urine storing chamber; and d) a plurality of joining means to join said urine collecting chamber and said urine storing chamber; 7. The multi-chambered urine collection device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the urine storing chamber comprises an absorbent layer insert with an absorbent rope, a connector and a closed end. 8. The multi-chambered urine collection device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the urine storing chamber is a disposable chamber. 9. A wearable urine collection device comprising:
a) a pair of shorts having leg wears, each leg wear having a pocket with at least one orifice at top and one orifice at bottom of said pocket; b) at least one multi-chambered urine collection bag in said pocket of said shorts, said at least one multi-chambered urine collection bag comprising an inlet port, an upper chamber, a lower chamber, and a drainage tube; and c) an optional distribution means connected to said inlet port; wherein, the upper chamber is divided into a plurality of vertical chambers; the lower chamber is divided into a plurality of vertical chambers; a plurality of breathing open areas intervene said upper, lower and vertical chambers, inlet port is positioned at top of the upper chamber, said inlet port in turn is removably connected to a catheter; the inlet port has a non-return valve; the upper chamber is connected to the lower chamber through at least one non-return valve; the breathing open areas between the vertical chambers of said upper and lower chambers allow the urine collection device to conform to shape of patient body; the inlet port protrudes out of the orifice at top of the pocket; the drainage tube protrudes out of the orifice at bottom of the pocket; and the distribution means is connected to a catheter. 10. The wearable multi-chambered urine collection device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the upper and lower chambers have folded side walls. | A user friendly multi-chambered flat urine collection device comprising an inlet port having a non-return valve, an upper chamber further divided into a plurality of vertical chambers, a lower chamber further divided into a plurality of vertical chambers, a plurality of breathing open areas intervening said upper, lower and vertical chambers, and a drainage tube. The inlet port is positioned at top of the upper chamber, said inlet port in turn is removably connected to a catheter. The breathing open areas between the vertical chambers of said upper and lower chambers allow the urine collection device to conform to shape of patient body. Moreover, the chambers distribute the weight of collected urine equally to avoid a bulging effect. Alternately, the urine collection device has absorbent layer insert to absorb the bodily discharge.1. A multi-chambered urine collection device comprising:
a) an inlet port; b) an upper chamber; c) a lower chamber; and d) a drainage tube; 2. The multi-chambered urine collection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device further comprises a measurement unit with a plurality of sensors; and a transmission unit. 3. The multi-chambered urine collection device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plurality of sensors includes but not limited to temperature sensors, humidity sensor, pH sensor. 4. The multi-chambered urine collection device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the transmission unit transmits sensor data wirelessly such as by Bluetooth transmitter to a server unit. 5. The multi-chambered urine collection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper and lower chambers have folded side walls. 6. A multi-chambered urine collection device comprising:
a) an inlet port; b) a urine collecting chamber; c) a urine storing chamber; and d) a plurality of joining means to join said urine collecting chamber and said urine storing chamber; 7. The multi-chambered urine collection device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the urine storing chamber comprises an absorbent layer insert with an absorbent rope, a connector and a closed end. 8. The multi-chambered urine collection device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the urine storing chamber is a disposable chamber. 9. A wearable urine collection device comprising:
a) a pair of shorts having leg wears, each leg wear having a pocket with at least one orifice at top and one orifice at bottom of said pocket; b) at least one multi-chambered urine collection bag in said pocket of said shorts, said at least one multi-chambered urine collection bag comprising an inlet port, an upper chamber, a lower chamber, and a drainage tube; and c) an optional distribution means connected to said inlet port; wherein, the upper chamber is divided into a plurality of vertical chambers; the lower chamber is divided into a plurality of vertical chambers; a plurality of breathing open areas intervene said upper, lower and vertical chambers, inlet port is positioned at top of the upper chamber, said inlet port in turn is removably connected to a catheter; the inlet port has a non-return valve; the upper chamber is connected to the lower chamber through at least one non-return valve; the breathing open areas between the vertical chambers of said upper and lower chambers allow the urine collection device to conform to shape of patient body; the inlet port protrudes out of the orifice at top of the pocket; the drainage tube protrudes out of the orifice at bottom of the pocket; and the distribution means is connected to a catheter. 10. The wearable multi-chambered urine collection device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the upper and lower chambers have folded side walls. | 3,700 |
348,583 | 16,806,017 | 3,781 | A device for attaching a junction box to a photovoltaic. The photovoltaic panel has a photovoltaic side and a non-photovoltaic side. The device includes a bracket with a first side attachable to the junction box and a second side attachable to the non-photovoltaic surface of the photovoltaic panel. A central fastener is attachable at one end to the bracket and a plate is adapted for connecting to the other end of the central fastener and for mounting on the photovoltaic side of the photovoltaic panel. One or more rotatable spacers, connectible to the central fastener, may be located on the non-photovoltaic side of the photovoltaic panel. One or more fixed spacers may be located on the non-photovoltaic side connectible to the bracket. | 1-17. (canceled) 18. An apparatus, comprising:
a fastener configured to extend between at least two photovoltaic panels; a bracket connected to the fastener, wherein the bracket is configured to attach to a junction box, wherein the junction box is configured to electrically connect the at least two photovoltaic panels; and wherein the fastener and the bracket are configured to clamp there between at least one of the at least two photovoltaic panels. 19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising an adjustable spacer configured to be mounted and adjustable in a space between the bracket and at least one of the at least two photovoltaic panels. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the adjustable spacer is rotatable around the fastener. 21. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a fixed spacer configured to be mounted in a space between the bracket and at least one of the at least two photovoltaic panels. 22. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the bracket is configured to attach to a non-photovoltaic side of at least one of the at least two photovoltaic panels. 23. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a plate rotatably connected to the fastener. 24. A device comprising:
a bracket configured to attach to (1) a first junction box and (2) a first photovoltaic panel or a second photovoltaic panel; and a fastener attached to said bracket, wherein the fastener and bracket are configured to suspend the first junction box from the first photovoltaic panel or the second photovoltaic panel by clamping the first photovoltaic panel or the second photovoltaic panel between the bracket and the fastener. 25. The device of claim 24, wherein the bracket is further configured to attach to a third photovoltaic panel and a fourth photovoltaic panel. 26. The device of claim 25, wherein the fastener and bracket are further configured to clamp the third photovoltaic panel and the fourth photovoltaic panel between the bracket and the fastener. 27. The device of claim 24, wherein the bracket comprises mounting holes configured to attach the bracket to the first junction box. 28. The device of claim 24, wherein the first junction box includes a direct-current-to-direct-current converter or a direct-current-to-alternating-current converter. 29. An apparatus comprising a first junction box, a second junction box, a first photovoltaic panel, a second photovoltaic panel, and a device, the device comprising:
a bracket configured to attach to the first junction box and the first photovoltaic panel and to the second junction box and the second photovoltaic panel; and a fastener attached to said bracket, wherein the fastener and bracket are configured to suspend the first junction box from the first photovoltaic panel and the second junction box from the second photovoltaic panel by clamping the first photovoltaic panel or the second photovoltaic panel between the bracket and the fastener wherein, the first junction box is attached, using the device, to the first photovoltaic panel on a side thereof and the second junction box attached, using the device, to the second photovoltaic panel on a side thereof. 30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the second junction box is operably connected to the first junction box. 31. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the first junction box includes a direct-current-to-direct-current converter or a direct-current-to-alternating-current converter. | A device for attaching a junction box to a photovoltaic. The photovoltaic panel has a photovoltaic side and a non-photovoltaic side. The device includes a bracket with a first side attachable to the junction box and a second side attachable to the non-photovoltaic surface of the photovoltaic panel. A central fastener is attachable at one end to the bracket and a plate is adapted for connecting to the other end of the central fastener and for mounting on the photovoltaic side of the photovoltaic panel. One or more rotatable spacers, connectible to the central fastener, may be located on the non-photovoltaic side of the photovoltaic panel. One or more fixed spacers may be located on the non-photovoltaic side connectible to the bracket.1-17. (canceled) 18. An apparatus, comprising:
a fastener configured to extend between at least two photovoltaic panels; a bracket connected to the fastener, wherein the bracket is configured to attach to a junction box, wherein the junction box is configured to electrically connect the at least two photovoltaic panels; and wherein the fastener and the bracket are configured to clamp there between at least one of the at least two photovoltaic panels. 19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising an adjustable spacer configured to be mounted and adjustable in a space between the bracket and at least one of the at least two photovoltaic panels. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the adjustable spacer is rotatable around the fastener. 21. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a fixed spacer configured to be mounted in a space between the bracket and at least one of the at least two photovoltaic panels. 22. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the bracket is configured to attach to a non-photovoltaic side of at least one of the at least two photovoltaic panels. 23. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a plate rotatably connected to the fastener. 24. A device comprising:
a bracket configured to attach to (1) a first junction box and (2) a first photovoltaic panel or a second photovoltaic panel; and a fastener attached to said bracket, wherein the fastener and bracket are configured to suspend the first junction box from the first photovoltaic panel or the second photovoltaic panel by clamping the first photovoltaic panel or the second photovoltaic panel between the bracket and the fastener. 25. The device of claim 24, wherein the bracket is further configured to attach to a third photovoltaic panel and a fourth photovoltaic panel. 26. The device of claim 25, wherein the fastener and bracket are further configured to clamp the third photovoltaic panel and the fourth photovoltaic panel between the bracket and the fastener. 27. The device of claim 24, wherein the bracket comprises mounting holes configured to attach the bracket to the first junction box. 28. The device of claim 24, wherein the first junction box includes a direct-current-to-direct-current converter or a direct-current-to-alternating-current converter. 29. An apparatus comprising a first junction box, a second junction box, a first photovoltaic panel, a second photovoltaic panel, and a device, the device comprising:
a bracket configured to attach to the first junction box and the first photovoltaic panel and to the second junction box and the second photovoltaic panel; and a fastener attached to said bracket, wherein the fastener and bracket are configured to suspend the first junction box from the first photovoltaic panel and the second junction box from the second photovoltaic panel by clamping the first photovoltaic panel or the second photovoltaic panel between the bracket and the fastener wherein, the first junction box is attached, using the device, to the first photovoltaic panel on a side thereof and the second junction box attached, using the device, to the second photovoltaic panel on a side thereof. 30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the second junction box is operably connected to the first junction box. 31. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the first junction box includes a direct-current-to-direct-current converter or a direct-current-to-alternating-current converter. | 3,700 |
348,584 | 16,806,052 | 3,781 | A face seal includes a seal carrier defining an axis and having a pilot flange, a seal element disposed at least partially in the seal carrier, and a retaining plate connected to one axial end of the seal carrier. The retaining plate has an axial step disposed circumferentially about the retaining plate. The axial step is interfaced with the pilot flange. | 1. A retaining plate for a face seal comprising:
a main retaining plate body comprising a ring defining an axis; an axial step in said retaining plate body; a seal overlap portion extending radially inward from said axial step, and extending less than a full radial height of a corresponding seal element; and a plurality of retainer flanges extending radially outward from said retaining plate. 2. The retaining plate of claim 1, wherein said axial step is an axial shift in said main retaining plate body. 3. The retaining plate of claim 1, wherein said axial step comprises a radially inward facing pilot surface. 4. The retaining plate of claim 1, wherein a radial length of said seal overlap portion is defined at least in part by a radial tolerance of said axial step. 5. The retaining plate of claim 4, wherein the radial length of the seal overlap portion is defined by the radial tolerance of the axial step and a radial tolerance of a seal carrier of a corresponding pilot flange. 6. The retaining plate of claim 1, wherein said plurality of retainer flanges are disposed circumferentially evenly about said retaining plate. 7. The retaining plate of claim 1, wherein said plurality of retainer flanges is disposed circumferentially unevenly about said retaining plate. 8. The retaining plate of claim 1, wherein each retainer flange in said plurality of retainer flanges includes a through hole operable to receive a coil spring guide. | A face seal includes a seal carrier defining an axis and having a pilot flange, a seal element disposed at least partially in the seal carrier, and a retaining plate connected to one axial end of the seal carrier. The retaining plate has an axial step disposed circumferentially about the retaining plate. The axial step is interfaced with the pilot flange.1. A retaining plate for a face seal comprising:
a main retaining plate body comprising a ring defining an axis; an axial step in said retaining plate body; a seal overlap portion extending radially inward from said axial step, and extending less than a full radial height of a corresponding seal element; and a plurality of retainer flanges extending radially outward from said retaining plate. 2. The retaining plate of claim 1, wherein said axial step is an axial shift in said main retaining plate body. 3. The retaining plate of claim 1, wherein said axial step comprises a radially inward facing pilot surface. 4. The retaining plate of claim 1, wherein a radial length of said seal overlap portion is defined at least in part by a radial tolerance of said axial step. 5. The retaining plate of claim 4, wherein the radial length of the seal overlap portion is defined by the radial tolerance of the axial step and a radial tolerance of a seal carrier of a corresponding pilot flange. 6. The retaining plate of claim 1, wherein said plurality of retainer flanges are disposed circumferentially evenly about said retaining plate. 7. The retaining plate of claim 1, wherein said plurality of retainer flanges is disposed circumferentially unevenly about said retaining plate. 8. The retaining plate of claim 1, wherein each retainer flange in said plurality of retainer flanges includes a through hole operable to receive a coil spring guide. | 3,700 |
348,585 | 16,806,087 | 3,781 | A method of forming a semiconductor structure includes forming first semiconductor devices over a first substrate, forming a first dielectric material layer over the first semiconductor devices, forming vertical recesses in the first dielectric material layer, such that each of the vertical recesses vertically extends from a topmost surface of the first dielectric material layer toward the first substrate, forming silicon nitride material portions in each of the vertical recesses; and locally irradiating a second subset of the silicon nitride material portions with a laser beam. A first subset of the silicon nitride material portions that is not irradiated with the laser beam includes first silicon nitride material portions that apply tensile stress to respective surrounding material portions, and the second subset of the silicon nitride material portions that is irradiated with the laser beam includes second silicon nitride material portions that apply compressive stress to respective surrounding material portions. | 1. A semiconductor structure comprising a first semiconductor die, wherein the first semiconductor die comprises:
a first substrate; first semiconductor devices located over the first substrate; a first dielectric material layer located over the first semiconductor devices; first silicon nitride material portions embedded within an upper portion of the first dielectric material layer and applying tensile stress to respective surrounding material portions; and second silicon nitride material portions embedded within the upper portion of the first dielectric material layer and applying compressive stress to respective surrounding material portions. 2. The semiconductor structure of claim 1, wherein the first silicon nitride material portions have a higher hydrogen concentration than the second silicon nitride material portions. 3. The semiconductor structure of claim 1, further comprising first bonding pads embedded in the upper portion of the first dielectric material layer. 4. The semiconductor structure of claim 3, wherein:
at least one of the first silicon nitride material portions and the second silicon nitride material portions has a lateral dimension that is greater than a maximum lateral dimension of each of the first bonding pads; and each of the first silicon nitride material portions and the second silicon nitride material portions has a depth that is greater than a vertical thickness of the first bonding pads. 5. The semiconductor structure of claim 3, wherein:
the first silicon nitride material portions comprise strips which laterally extend along a first lengthwise direction; the second silicon nitride material portions comprise strips which laterally extend along a second lengthwise direction that is different from the first lengthwise direction; top surfaces of the first silicon nitride material portions and top surfaces of the second silicon nitride material portions are within a horizontal plane that includes a top surface of the first dielectric material layer; and top surfaces of the first bonding pads are located in the horizontal plane including the top surface of the first dielectric material layer. 6. The semiconductor structure of claim 3, further comprising a second semiconductor die that comprises:
a second substrate; second semiconductor devices located over the second substrate; a second dielectric material layer located over the second semiconductor devices; and second bonding pads embedded in the second dielectric material layer and bonded to a respective one of the first bonding pads. 7. The semiconductor structure of claim 6, wherein the second semiconductor die further comprises:
third silicon nitride material portions embedded within an upper portion of the second dielectric material layer and applying tensile stress to respective surrounding material portions; and fourth silicon nitride material portions embedded within the upper portion of the second dielectric material layer and applying compressive stress to respective surrounding material portions. 8. The semiconductor structure of claim 6, wherein:
the first semiconductor die comprises a crater region in which a recessed horizontal surface of the first dielectric material layer is vertically recessed from a horizontal bonding interface between the first bonding pads and the second bonding pads toward the first substrate to provide a cavity; and the second semiconductor die comprises a mesa portion that protrudes away from the second substrate and at least partly fills the cavity in the crater region. 9. The semiconductor structure of claim 8, wherein:
the first semiconductor die comprises recessed bonding pads located at the recessed horizontal surface; and the second semiconductor die comprises raised bonding pads located at a planar surface of the mesa portion and bonded to a respective one of the recessed bonding pads. 10. The semiconductor structure of claim 8, wherein:
the cavity of the crater region is laterally bounded by four sidewalls; one of the first silicon nitride material portions is physically exposed at one of the four sidewalls; and one of the second silicon nitride material portions is physically exposed at another of the four sidewalls. 11. The semiconductor structure of claim 6, wherein:
the first semiconductor die comprises a plurality of crater regions in which a respective recessed horizontal surface of the first dielectric material layer is vertically recessed from a horizontal bonding interface between the first bonding pads and the second bonding pads toward the first substrate to provide a plurality of cavities; the second semiconductor die comprises a mesa portion that protrudes away from the second substrate and at least partly fills one of the plurality of cavities; and additional semiconductor dies are bonded to the first semiconductor die at a respective one of the recessed horizontal surfaces of the first dielectric material layer located in cavities other than the cavity in the second semiconductor die is present. 12. The semiconductor structure of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of second semiconductor dies, each comprising a second substrate, second semiconductor devices located over the second substrate, a second dielectric material layer located over the second semiconductor devices, and second bonding pads embedded in the second dielectric material layer;
wherein: the first semiconductor die further comprises crater regions in each of which a recessed horizontal surface of the first dielectric material layer is vertically recessed to provide a cavity, and recessed first bonding pads located at the recessed horizontal surface; the plurality of second semiconductor dies are located in the respective crater regions in the first semiconductor die; and the second bonding pads are bonded to a respective one of the recessed first bonding pads. 13. The semiconductor structure of claim 12, wherein:
the first silicon nitride portions comprise both first silicon nitride strips and first silicon nitride pillars; and the second silicon nitride portions comprise both second silicon nitride strips and second silicon nitride pillars. 14. A method of forming a semiconductor structure, comprising:
forming first semiconductor devices over a first substrate; forming a first dielectric material layer over the first semiconductor devices; forming vertical recesses in the first dielectric material layer, wherein each of the vertical recesses vertically extends from a topmost surface of the first dielectric material layer toward the first substrate; forming silicon nitride material portions in each of the vertical recesses; and locally irradiating a second subset of the silicon nitride material portions with a laser beam, wherein a first subset of the silicon nitride material portions that is not irradiated with the laser beam comprises first silicon nitride material portions that apply tensile stress to respective surrounding material portions, and the second subset of the silicon nitride material portions that is irradiated with the laser beam comprises second silicon nitride material portions that apply compressive stress to respective surrounding material portions. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein:
the locally irradiating the second subset of the silicon nitride material portions with the laser beam outgasses hydrogen from the second silicon nitride material portions; and the first silicon nitride material portions have a higher hydrogen concentration than the second silicon nitride material portions. 16. The method of claim 14, further comprising forming first bonding pads in the first dielectric material layer, wherein top surfaces of the first bonding pads are formed within a horizontal plane including the topmost surface of the first dielectric material layer. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein:
the first bonding pads are formed in regions in which the silicon nitride material portions are not present after the step of locally irradiating the second subset of the silicon nitride material portions with the laser beam; and at least one of the silicon nitride material portions has a lateral dimension that is greater than a maximum lateral dimension of each of the first bonding pads, and has a depth that is greater than a vertical thickness of the first bonding pads. 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
providing a second semiconductor die including a second substrate, second semiconductor devices located on the second substrate, second dielectric material layer located on the second semiconductor devices, and second bonding pads embedded in the second dielectric material layer; and bonding the second bonding pads to the first bonding pads. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:
forming a crater region in the first dielectric material layer by vertically recessing a portion of the first dielectric material layer; forming a mesa portion in the second dielectric material layer by recessing a peripheral portion of the second dielectric material layer that surrounds the mesa portion, wherein the second semiconductor die is bonded to the first semiconductor die with the mesa portion within the crater region; forming buried bonding pads within the first dielectric material layer, wherein top surfaces of the buried bonding pads are covered with an upper region of the first dielectric material layer; physically exposing top surfaces of the buried bonding pads underneath the crater region, wherein the buried bonding pads become recessed bonding pads; forming raised bonding pads in the mesa portion of the second dielectric material layer; and bonding the raised bonding pads to the recessed bonding pads. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein:
the first silicon nitride portions comprise both first silicon nitride strips and first silicon nitride pillars; and the second silicon nitride portions comprise both second silicon nitride strips and second silicon nitride pillars. 21. The method of claim 18, wherein the second semiconductor die further comprises:
third silicon nitride material portions embedded within an upper portion of the second dielectric material layer and applying tensile stress to respective surrounding material portions; and fourth silicon nitride material portions embedded within the upper portion of the second dielectric material layer and applying compressive stress to respective surrounding material portions. | A method of forming a semiconductor structure includes forming first semiconductor devices over a first substrate, forming a first dielectric material layer over the first semiconductor devices, forming vertical recesses in the first dielectric material layer, such that each of the vertical recesses vertically extends from a topmost surface of the first dielectric material layer toward the first substrate, forming silicon nitride material portions in each of the vertical recesses; and locally irradiating a second subset of the silicon nitride material portions with a laser beam. A first subset of the silicon nitride material portions that is not irradiated with the laser beam includes first silicon nitride material portions that apply tensile stress to respective surrounding material portions, and the second subset of the silicon nitride material portions that is irradiated with the laser beam includes second silicon nitride material portions that apply compressive stress to respective surrounding material portions.1. A semiconductor structure comprising a first semiconductor die, wherein the first semiconductor die comprises:
a first substrate; first semiconductor devices located over the first substrate; a first dielectric material layer located over the first semiconductor devices; first silicon nitride material portions embedded within an upper portion of the first dielectric material layer and applying tensile stress to respective surrounding material portions; and second silicon nitride material portions embedded within the upper portion of the first dielectric material layer and applying compressive stress to respective surrounding material portions. 2. The semiconductor structure of claim 1, wherein the first silicon nitride material portions have a higher hydrogen concentration than the second silicon nitride material portions. 3. The semiconductor structure of claim 1, further comprising first bonding pads embedded in the upper portion of the first dielectric material layer. 4. The semiconductor structure of claim 3, wherein:
at least one of the first silicon nitride material portions and the second silicon nitride material portions has a lateral dimension that is greater than a maximum lateral dimension of each of the first bonding pads; and each of the first silicon nitride material portions and the second silicon nitride material portions has a depth that is greater than a vertical thickness of the first bonding pads. 5. The semiconductor structure of claim 3, wherein:
the first silicon nitride material portions comprise strips which laterally extend along a first lengthwise direction; the second silicon nitride material portions comprise strips which laterally extend along a second lengthwise direction that is different from the first lengthwise direction; top surfaces of the first silicon nitride material portions and top surfaces of the second silicon nitride material portions are within a horizontal plane that includes a top surface of the first dielectric material layer; and top surfaces of the first bonding pads are located in the horizontal plane including the top surface of the first dielectric material layer. 6. The semiconductor structure of claim 3, further comprising a second semiconductor die that comprises:
a second substrate; second semiconductor devices located over the second substrate; a second dielectric material layer located over the second semiconductor devices; and second bonding pads embedded in the second dielectric material layer and bonded to a respective one of the first bonding pads. 7. The semiconductor structure of claim 6, wherein the second semiconductor die further comprises:
third silicon nitride material portions embedded within an upper portion of the second dielectric material layer and applying tensile stress to respective surrounding material portions; and fourth silicon nitride material portions embedded within the upper portion of the second dielectric material layer and applying compressive stress to respective surrounding material portions. 8. The semiconductor structure of claim 6, wherein:
the first semiconductor die comprises a crater region in which a recessed horizontal surface of the first dielectric material layer is vertically recessed from a horizontal bonding interface between the first bonding pads and the second bonding pads toward the first substrate to provide a cavity; and the second semiconductor die comprises a mesa portion that protrudes away from the second substrate and at least partly fills the cavity in the crater region. 9. The semiconductor structure of claim 8, wherein:
the first semiconductor die comprises recessed bonding pads located at the recessed horizontal surface; and the second semiconductor die comprises raised bonding pads located at a planar surface of the mesa portion and bonded to a respective one of the recessed bonding pads. 10. The semiconductor structure of claim 8, wherein:
the cavity of the crater region is laterally bounded by four sidewalls; one of the first silicon nitride material portions is physically exposed at one of the four sidewalls; and one of the second silicon nitride material portions is physically exposed at another of the four sidewalls. 11. The semiconductor structure of claim 6, wherein:
the first semiconductor die comprises a plurality of crater regions in which a respective recessed horizontal surface of the first dielectric material layer is vertically recessed from a horizontal bonding interface between the first bonding pads and the second bonding pads toward the first substrate to provide a plurality of cavities; the second semiconductor die comprises a mesa portion that protrudes away from the second substrate and at least partly fills one of the plurality of cavities; and additional semiconductor dies are bonded to the first semiconductor die at a respective one of the recessed horizontal surfaces of the first dielectric material layer located in cavities other than the cavity in the second semiconductor die is present. 12. The semiconductor structure of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of second semiconductor dies, each comprising a second substrate, second semiconductor devices located over the second substrate, a second dielectric material layer located over the second semiconductor devices, and second bonding pads embedded in the second dielectric material layer;
wherein: the first semiconductor die further comprises crater regions in each of which a recessed horizontal surface of the first dielectric material layer is vertically recessed to provide a cavity, and recessed first bonding pads located at the recessed horizontal surface; the plurality of second semiconductor dies are located in the respective crater regions in the first semiconductor die; and the second bonding pads are bonded to a respective one of the recessed first bonding pads. 13. The semiconductor structure of claim 12, wherein:
the first silicon nitride portions comprise both first silicon nitride strips and first silicon nitride pillars; and the second silicon nitride portions comprise both second silicon nitride strips and second silicon nitride pillars. 14. A method of forming a semiconductor structure, comprising:
forming first semiconductor devices over a first substrate; forming a first dielectric material layer over the first semiconductor devices; forming vertical recesses in the first dielectric material layer, wherein each of the vertical recesses vertically extends from a topmost surface of the first dielectric material layer toward the first substrate; forming silicon nitride material portions in each of the vertical recesses; and locally irradiating a second subset of the silicon nitride material portions with a laser beam, wherein a first subset of the silicon nitride material portions that is not irradiated with the laser beam comprises first silicon nitride material portions that apply tensile stress to respective surrounding material portions, and the second subset of the silicon nitride material portions that is irradiated with the laser beam comprises second silicon nitride material portions that apply compressive stress to respective surrounding material portions. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein:
the locally irradiating the second subset of the silicon nitride material portions with the laser beam outgasses hydrogen from the second silicon nitride material portions; and the first silicon nitride material portions have a higher hydrogen concentration than the second silicon nitride material portions. 16. The method of claim 14, further comprising forming first bonding pads in the first dielectric material layer, wherein top surfaces of the first bonding pads are formed within a horizontal plane including the topmost surface of the first dielectric material layer. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein:
the first bonding pads are formed in regions in which the silicon nitride material portions are not present after the step of locally irradiating the second subset of the silicon nitride material portions with the laser beam; and at least one of the silicon nitride material portions has a lateral dimension that is greater than a maximum lateral dimension of each of the first bonding pads, and has a depth that is greater than a vertical thickness of the first bonding pads. 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
providing a second semiconductor die including a second substrate, second semiconductor devices located on the second substrate, second dielectric material layer located on the second semiconductor devices, and second bonding pads embedded in the second dielectric material layer; and bonding the second bonding pads to the first bonding pads. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:
forming a crater region in the first dielectric material layer by vertically recessing a portion of the first dielectric material layer; forming a mesa portion in the second dielectric material layer by recessing a peripheral portion of the second dielectric material layer that surrounds the mesa portion, wherein the second semiconductor die is bonded to the first semiconductor die with the mesa portion within the crater region; forming buried bonding pads within the first dielectric material layer, wherein top surfaces of the buried bonding pads are covered with an upper region of the first dielectric material layer; physically exposing top surfaces of the buried bonding pads underneath the crater region, wherein the buried bonding pads become recessed bonding pads; forming raised bonding pads in the mesa portion of the second dielectric material layer; and bonding the raised bonding pads to the recessed bonding pads. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein:
the first silicon nitride portions comprise both first silicon nitride strips and first silicon nitride pillars; and the second silicon nitride portions comprise both second silicon nitride strips and second silicon nitride pillars. 21. The method of claim 18, wherein the second semiconductor die further comprises:
third silicon nitride material portions embedded within an upper portion of the second dielectric material layer and applying tensile stress to respective surrounding material portions; and fourth silicon nitride material portions embedded within the upper portion of the second dielectric material layer and applying compressive stress to respective surrounding material portions. | 3,700 |
348,586 | 16,806,107 | 2,858 | Methods and systems incorporating non-linear dynamic (NLD) analysis such as entropy or other complexity analysis monitoring continuous or evoked signals from a biological subject are presented, where such a system comprises of processing steps including: a) the combination of a biological signal evoked as a result of patient stimulation presented to a biological subject and a non-linear analysis method capable of capturing temporal changes in signal order or regularity; b) any combination of processed evoked or continuous central nervous or peripheral physiological mechanisms b) a means to generate a measure indicative of a patient's level of anaesthesia and consciousness depth (A&CD), sedation or sleep/wake state. Methods and systems incorporating a NLD analysis means to improve the discrimination between different signals origins including any combination of: a) central nervous system (CNS), b) peripheral control or nervous system (PNS), c) autonomic control or nervous system (ANS), d) arousals, and e) artifacts. | 1. A biological signal monitoring apparatus, comprising:
one or more sensors configured to detect an input signal channel and a biological input signal; and a processor executing a computer program including instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to:
determine that the input signal channel contains a noise signal;
in response to a determination that the noise signal has a noise characteristic, extract the noise signal from the input signal channel;
adjust the noise signal based on the noise characteristic to generate an adjusted noise signal;
combine the adjusted noise signal with the biological input signal to generate a combined signal; and
adjust the combined signal based on the noise characteristic to generate an adjusted combined signal. 2. The biological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the extracting the noise signal from the input signal channel includes removing noise from the input signal channel. 3. The biological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjusting the noise signal based on the noise characteristic to generate an adjusted noise signal includes removing noise from the input signal channel. 4. The biological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjusting the combined signal based on noise characteristic to generate an adjusted noise signal includes removing noise from the biological input signal. 5. The biological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the noise characteristic is determined based on the adjusted combined signal. 6. The biological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the noise characteristic is determined based on a time-adjusted aperture window of the biological input signal. 7. The biological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to:
before the determination that the noise signal has a noise characteristic:
determine a plurality of points of the input signal channel at which noise is the highest;
sample and hold the plurality of points of the input signal channel to generate a timing reference signal; and
synchronize the timing reference signal with the biological input signal to generate a synchronized signal. 8. The biological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 7, wherein the synchronized signal is generated by interleaving the biological input signal with the input signal channel at one or more portions between the plurality of points of the input signal channel at which noise is the highest. 9. The biological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to:
based on the adjusted combined signal:
determine that the input signal channel contains another noise signal;
in response to a determination that the another noise signal has another noise characteristic, extract the another noise signal from the input signal channel;
adjust the another noise signal based on the another noise characteristic to generate another adjusted noise signal;
combine the another adjusted noise signal with the biological input signal to generate another combined signal; and
adjust the another combined signal based on the another noise characteristic to generate another adjusted combined signal. 10. The biological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 9, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to minimize the noise frequency of the biological input signal. 11. The biological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 9, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to maximize predetermined raw portions of the biological input signal. 12. The biological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 11, wherein the predetermined raw portions of the biological input signal are predetermined by a user of the biological signal monitoring apparatus. 13. The biological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to output the adjusted combined signal to a display. 14. The biological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the source of the noise signal is predetermined by a user of the biological signal monitoring apparatus. 15. The biological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the noise signal is cyclical. 16. The biological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the input signal channel is a channel at which a cyclical signal is generated. 17. The biological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the biological input signal is cyclical. 18. The biological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the source of the noise signal is one or more signals selected from the group consisting of:
magnetic resonance imaging echo; equipment disturbance; mains noise; entropy; waveform morphology; electromyography signal intrusion; electrooculography signal intrusion; human body movement; and human body arousal. 19. The biological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the noise signal is extracted from:
the frequency spectrum of the input signal channel; or the amplitude values of the input signal channel. 20. The biological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the noise signal is extracted from a phase-shifted version of the input signal channel. 21. A method of monitoring a biological signal, comprising:
determining that an input signal channel contains a noise signal; in response to a determination that the noise signal has a noise characteristic, extracting the noise signal from the input signal channel; adjusting the noise signal based on the noise characteristic to generate an adjusted noise signal; combining the adjusted noise signal with a biological input signal to generate a combined signal; and adjusting the combined signal based on the noise characteristic to generate an adjusted combined signal. 22. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program including instructions, which when executed by a processor of a biological signal monitoring apparatus, cause the processor to:
determine that an input signal channel contains a noise signal; in response to a determination that the noise signal has a noise characteristic, extract the noise signal from the input signal channel; adjust the noise signal based on the noise characteristic to generate an adjusted noise signal; combine the adjusted noise signal with a biological input signal to generate a combined signal; and adjust the combined signal based on the noise characteristic to generate an adjusted combined signal. | Methods and systems incorporating non-linear dynamic (NLD) analysis such as entropy or other complexity analysis monitoring continuous or evoked signals from a biological subject are presented, where such a system comprises of processing steps including: a) the combination of a biological signal evoked as a result of patient stimulation presented to a biological subject and a non-linear analysis method capable of capturing temporal changes in signal order or regularity; b) any combination of processed evoked or continuous central nervous or peripheral physiological mechanisms b) a means to generate a measure indicative of a patient's level of anaesthesia and consciousness depth (A&CD), sedation or sleep/wake state. Methods and systems incorporating a NLD analysis means to improve the discrimination between different signals origins including any combination of: a) central nervous system (CNS), b) peripheral control or nervous system (PNS), c) autonomic control or nervous system (ANS), d) arousals, and e) artifacts.1. A biological signal monitoring apparatus, comprising:
one or more sensors configured to detect an input signal channel and a biological input signal; and a processor executing a computer program including instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to:
determine that the input signal channel contains a noise signal;
in response to a determination that the noise signal has a noise characteristic, extract the noise signal from the input signal channel;
adjust the noise signal based on the noise characteristic to generate an adjusted noise signal;
combine the adjusted noise signal with the biological input signal to generate a combined signal; and
adjust the combined signal based on the noise characteristic to generate an adjusted combined signal. 2. The biological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the extracting the noise signal from the input signal channel includes removing noise from the input signal channel. 3. The biological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjusting the noise signal based on the noise characteristic to generate an adjusted noise signal includes removing noise from the input signal channel. 4. The biological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjusting the combined signal based on noise characteristic to generate an adjusted noise signal includes removing noise from the biological input signal. 5. The biological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the noise characteristic is determined based on the adjusted combined signal. 6. The biological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the noise characteristic is determined based on a time-adjusted aperture window of the biological input signal. 7. The biological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to:
before the determination that the noise signal has a noise characteristic:
determine a plurality of points of the input signal channel at which noise is the highest;
sample and hold the plurality of points of the input signal channel to generate a timing reference signal; and
synchronize the timing reference signal with the biological input signal to generate a synchronized signal. 8. The biological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 7, wherein the synchronized signal is generated by interleaving the biological input signal with the input signal channel at one or more portions between the plurality of points of the input signal channel at which noise is the highest. 9. The biological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to:
based on the adjusted combined signal:
determine that the input signal channel contains another noise signal;
in response to a determination that the another noise signal has another noise characteristic, extract the another noise signal from the input signal channel;
adjust the another noise signal based on the another noise characteristic to generate another adjusted noise signal;
combine the another adjusted noise signal with the biological input signal to generate another combined signal; and
adjust the another combined signal based on the another noise characteristic to generate another adjusted combined signal. 10. The biological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 9, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to minimize the noise frequency of the biological input signal. 11. The biological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 9, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to maximize predetermined raw portions of the biological input signal. 12. The biological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 11, wherein the predetermined raw portions of the biological input signal are predetermined by a user of the biological signal monitoring apparatus. 13. The biological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to output the adjusted combined signal to a display. 14. The biological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the source of the noise signal is predetermined by a user of the biological signal monitoring apparatus. 15. The biological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the noise signal is cyclical. 16. The biological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the input signal channel is a channel at which a cyclical signal is generated. 17. The biological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the biological input signal is cyclical. 18. The biological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the source of the noise signal is one or more signals selected from the group consisting of:
magnetic resonance imaging echo; equipment disturbance; mains noise; entropy; waveform morphology; electromyography signal intrusion; electrooculography signal intrusion; human body movement; and human body arousal. 19. The biological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the noise signal is extracted from:
the frequency spectrum of the input signal channel; or the amplitude values of the input signal channel. 20. The biological signal monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the noise signal is extracted from a phase-shifted version of the input signal channel. 21. A method of monitoring a biological signal, comprising:
determining that an input signal channel contains a noise signal; in response to a determination that the noise signal has a noise characteristic, extracting the noise signal from the input signal channel; adjusting the noise signal based on the noise characteristic to generate an adjusted noise signal; combining the adjusted noise signal with a biological input signal to generate a combined signal; and adjusting the combined signal based on the noise characteristic to generate an adjusted combined signal. 22. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program including instructions, which when executed by a processor of a biological signal monitoring apparatus, cause the processor to:
determine that an input signal channel contains a noise signal; in response to a determination that the noise signal has a noise characteristic, extract the noise signal from the input signal channel; adjust the noise signal based on the noise characteristic to generate an adjusted noise signal; combine the adjusted noise signal with a biological input signal to generate a combined signal; and adjust the combined signal based on the noise characteristic to generate an adjusted combined signal. | 2,800 |
348,587 | 16,806,111 | 3,644 | A cargo transporting system for a tailsitter aircraft includes a cargo receptacle rotatably coupled to an underside of a wing and a cargo assembly selectively coupled to the cargo receptacle. By rotating the cargo receptacle, the cargo transporting system can transition between a deployed position and a retracted position. In the deployed position, the cargo receptacle is substantially perpendicular to the wing, and accommodates ground personnel charged with connecting or removing the cargo assembly from the cargo transporting system. In the retracted position, the cargo receptacle is substantially parallel to the wing, and positioned for flight operations. | 1. A cargo transporting system for a tailsitter aircraft having a wing, the aircraft having a loading configuration in which the aircraft is sitting on a surface with the wing in a substantially vertical orientation, the cargo transporting system comprising:
a cargo receptacle rotatably coupled to an underside of the wing, the cargo receptacle having a cargo interface; and a cargo assembly having a receptacle interface configured for coupling with the cargo interface; wherein, in the loading configuration, the cargo transporting system has a deployed position with the cargo receptacle substantially perpendicular to the wing and a retracted position with the cargo receptacle substantially parallel to the wing; wherein, in the deployed position, the cargo assembly is connected to the cargo receptacle by coupling the receptacle interface with the cargo interface such that the cargo assembly is substantially perpendicular to the wing; and wherein, in the retracted position when the cargo assembly is connected to the cargo receptacle, the cargo assembly is substantially parallel to the wing. 2. The cargo transporting system of claim 1 wherein, in the deployed position, a bottom surface of the cargo receptacle rests above the surface. 3. The cargo transporting system of claim 1 wherein, in the deployed position, a bottom surface of the cargo receptacle rests between two and four feet above the surface. 4. The cargo transporting system of claim 1 wherein the cargo receptacle is configured to be selectively raised and lowered between the retracted and deployed positions. 5. The cargo transporting system of claim 1 further comprising a rotating joint coupling the cargo receptacle to the underside of the wing such that the cargo receptacle is selectively rotatable between the retracted and deployed positions about the rotating joint. 6. The cargo transporting system of claim 5 further comprising an integral tang assembly located at a rear end of the cargo receptacle, the integral tang assembly coupling the cargo receptacle to the rotating joint. 7. The cargo transporting system of claim 5 wherein the rotating joint further comprises a joint lock and wherein, in the deployed position, the joint lock locks the cargo receptacle in a position substantially perpendicular to the wing. 8. The cargo transporting system of claim 1 further comprising a hinged arm coupling the cargo receptacle to the underside of the wing, the hinged arm exerting a force to control a rate at which the cargo receptacle is raised and lowered between the retracted and deployed positions. 9. The cargo transporting system of claim 8 wherein, in the deployed position, the hinged arm supports at least a portion of the weight of the cargo receptacle. 10. The cargo transporting system of claim 1 further comprising a housing structure coupled to the underside of the wing, the housing structure having a housing aperture; and
wherein, in the retracted position, a top surface of the cargo receptacle is positioned within the housing aperture and a bottom surface of the cargo receptacle is positioned outside the housing aperture. 11. The cargo transporting system of claim 1 further comprising a lock assembly configured to lock the cargo receptacle in a position substantially parallel with the wing. 12. The cargo transporting system of claim 11 wherein the lock assembly further comprises a lock aperture located on the cargo receptacle; and
a lock mechanism coupled to the underside of the wing;
wherein, in the retracted position, the lock mechanism interacts with the lock aperture to lock the cargo receptacle in the position substantially parallel with the wing. 13. The cargo transporting system of claim 1 wherein the cargo assembly further comprises a weapons system. 14. A tailsitter aircraft having a loading configuration in which the aircraft is sitting on a surface, the aircraft comprising:
a wing having a substantially vertical orientation in the loading configuration; a pylon coupled to the wing; a tail assembly coupled to the pylon and configured to contact the surface in the loading configuration; and a first cargo transporting system coupled to the wing, the first cargo transporting system including: a first cargo receptacle rotatably coupled to an underside of the wing, the first cargo receptacle having a first cargo interface; and a first cargo assembly having a first receptacle interface configured for coupling with the first cargo interface; wherein, in the loading configuration, the first cargo transporting system has a deployed position with the first cargo receptacle substantially perpendicular to the wing and a retracted position with the first cargo receptacle substantially parallel to the wing; wherein, in the deployed position, the first cargo assembly is connected to the first cargo receptacle by coupling the first receptacle interface with the first cargo interface such that the first cargo assembly is substantially perpendicular to the wing; and wherein, in the retracted position when the first cargo assembly is connected to the first cargo receptacle, the first cargo assembly is substantially parallel to the wing. 15. The tailsitter aircraft of claim 14 further comprising:
a second cargo transporting system coupled to the wing, the second cargo transporting system including:
a second cargo receptacle rotatably coupled to the underside of the wing, the second cargo receptacle having a second cargo interface;
a second cargo assembly having a second receptacle interface configured for coupling with the second cargo interface; and
wherein, in the loading configuration, the second cargo transporting system has a deployed position with the second cargo receptacle substantially perpendicular to the wing and a retracted position with the second cargo receptacle substantially parallel to the wing;
wherein, in the deployed position, the second cargo assembly is connected to the second cargo receptacle by coupling the second receptacle interface with the second cargo interface such that the second cargo assembly is substantially perpendicular to the wing;
wherein, in the retracted position when the second cargo assembly is connected to the second cargo receptacle, the second cargo assembly is substantially parallel to the wing; and
wherein, the first and second cargo transporting systems are symmetrically oriented on the wing. 16. The tailsitter aircraft of claim 15 wherein the first and second cargo receptacles are configured to be selectively raised and lowered between the retracted and deployed positions. 17. The tailsitter aircraft of claim 15 wherein the first and second cargo transporting systems are configured to simultaneously raise and lower the respective first and seconds cargo receptacles between the retracted and deployed positions. 18. The tailsitter aircraft of claim 15 wherein a bottom surface of each of the first and second cargo receptacles rests between two and four feet above the surface in the deployed positions. 19. A method of using an instrument system in communication with a cargo transporting system on a tailsitter aircraft having a wing, the aircraft having a loading configuration in which the aircraft is sitting on a surface with the wing in a substantially vertical orientation, the method comprising:
receiving a signal at the instrument system; determining, with the instrument system, whether the cargo transporting system is in a retracted position with a cargo receptacle substantially parallel with the wing or a deployed position with the cargo receptacle is substantially perpendicular to the wing; sending a command from the instrument system to the cargo transporting system to transition to the deployed position if the cargo transporting system is in the retracted position; and sending a command from the instrument system to the cargo transporting system to transition to the retracted position if the cargo transporting system is in the deployed position. 20. The method of claim 19 further comprising:
determining, with the instrument system, whether the aircraft is in the loading configuration; and
sending an error message if the aircraft is not in the loading configuration to prevent the cargo transporting system from transitioning between the deployed position and the retracted position when the aircraft is not in the loading configuration. | A cargo transporting system for a tailsitter aircraft includes a cargo receptacle rotatably coupled to an underside of a wing and a cargo assembly selectively coupled to the cargo receptacle. By rotating the cargo receptacle, the cargo transporting system can transition between a deployed position and a retracted position. In the deployed position, the cargo receptacle is substantially perpendicular to the wing, and accommodates ground personnel charged with connecting or removing the cargo assembly from the cargo transporting system. In the retracted position, the cargo receptacle is substantially parallel to the wing, and positioned for flight operations.1. A cargo transporting system for a tailsitter aircraft having a wing, the aircraft having a loading configuration in which the aircraft is sitting on a surface with the wing in a substantially vertical orientation, the cargo transporting system comprising:
a cargo receptacle rotatably coupled to an underside of the wing, the cargo receptacle having a cargo interface; and a cargo assembly having a receptacle interface configured for coupling with the cargo interface; wherein, in the loading configuration, the cargo transporting system has a deployed position with the cargo receptacle substantially perpendicular to the wing and a retracted position with the cargo receptacle substantially parallel to the wing; wherein, in the deployed position, the cargo assembly is connected to the cargo receptacle by coupling the receptacle interface with the cargo interface such that the cargo assembly is substantially perpendicular to the wing; and wherein, in the retracted position when the cargo assembly is connected to the cargo receptacle, the cargo assembly is substantially parallel to the wing. 2. The cargo transporting system of claim 1 wherein, in the deployed position, a bottom surface of the cargo receptacle rests above the surface. 3. The cargo transporting system of claim 1 wherein, in the deployed position, a bottom surface of the cargo receptacle rests between two and four feet above the surface. 4. The cargo transporting system of claim 1 wherein the cargo receptacle is configured to be selectively raised and lowered between the retracted and deployed positions. 5. The cargo transporting system of claim 1 further comprising a rotating joint coupling the cargo receptacle to the underside of the wing such that the cargo receptacle is selectively rotatable between the retracted and deployed positions about the rotating joint. 6. The cargo transporting system of claim 5 further comprising an integral tang assembly located at a rear end of the cargo receptacle, the integral tang assembly coupling the cargo receptacle to the rotating joint. 7. The cargo transporting system of claim 5 wherein the rotating joint further comprises a joint lock and wherein, in the deployed position, the joint lock locks the cargo receptacle in a position substantially perpendicular to the wing. 8. The cargo transporting system of claim 1 further comprising a hinged arm coupling the cargo receptacle to the underside of the wing, the hinged arm exerting a force to control a rate at which the cargo receptacle is raised and lowered between the retracted and deployed positions. 9. The cargo transporting system of claim 8 wherein, in the deployed position, the hinged arm supports at least a portion of the weight of the cargo receptacle. 10. The cargo transporting system of claim 1 further comprising a housing structure coupled to the underside of the wing, the housing structure having a housing aperture; and
wherein, in the retracted position, a top surface of the cargo receptacle is positioned within the housing aperture and a bottom surface of the cargo receptacle is positioned outside the housing aperture. 11. The cargo transporting system of claim 1 further comprising a lock assembly configured to lock the cargo receptacle in a position substantially parallel with the wing. 12. The cargo transporting system of claim 11 wherein the lock assembly further comprises a lock aperture located on the cargo receptacle; and
a lock mechanism coupled to the underside of the wing;
wherein, in the retracted position, the lock mechanism interacts with the lock aperture to lock the cargo receptacle in the position substantially parallel with the wing. 13. The cargo transporting system of claim 1 wherein the cargo assembly further comprises a weapons system. 14. A tailsitter aircraft having a loading configuration in which the aircraft is sitting on a surface, the aircraft comprising:
a wing having a substantially vertical orientation in the loading configuration; a pylon coupled to the wing; a tail assembly coupled to the pylon and configured to contact the surface in the loading configuration; and a first cargo transporting system coupled to the wing, the first cargo transporting system including: a first cargo receptacle rotatably coupled to an underside of the wing, the first cargo receptacle having a first cargo interface; and a first cargo assembly having a first receptacle interface configured for coupling with the first cargo interface; wherein, in the loading configuration, the first cargo transporting system has a deployed position with the first cargo receptacle substantially perpendicular to the wing and a retracted position with the first cargo receptacle substantially parallel to the wing; wherein, in the deployed position, the first cargo assembly is connected to the first cargo receptacle by coupling the first receptacle interface with the first cargo interface such that the first cargo assembly is substantially perpendicular to the wing; and wherein, in the retracted position when the first cargo assembly is connected to the first cargo receptacle, the first cargo assembly is substantially parallel to the wing. 15. The tailsitter aircraft of claim 14 further comprising:
a second cargo transporting system coupled to the wing, the second cargo transporting system including:
a second cargo receptacle rotatably coupled to the underside of the wing, the second cargo receptacle having a second cargo interface;
a second cargo assembly having a second receptacle interface configured for coupling with the second cargo interface; and
wherein, in the loading configuration, the second cargo transporting system has a deployed position with the second cargo receptacle substantially perpendicular to the wing and a retracted position with the second cargo receptacle substantially parallel to the wing;
wherein, in the deployed position, the second cargo assembly is connected to the second cargo receptacle by coupling the second receptacle interface with the second cargo interface such that the second cargo assembly is substantially perpendicular to the wing;
wherein, in the retracted position when the second cargo assembly is connected to the second cargo receptacle, the second cargo assembly is substantially parallel to the wing; and
wherein, the first and second cargo transporting systems are symmetrically oriented on the wing. 16. The tailsitter aircraft of claim 15 wherein the first and second cargo receptacles are configured to be selectively raised and lowered between the retracted and deployed positions. 17. The tailsitter aircraft of claim 15 wherein the first and second cargo transporting systems are configured to simultaneously raise and lower the respective first and seconds cargo receptacles between the retracted and deployed positions. 18. The tailsitter aircraft of claim 15 wherein a bottom surface of each of the first and second cargo receptacles rests between two and four feet above the surface in the deployed positions. 19. A method of using an instrument system in communication with a cargo transporting system on a tailsitter aircraft having a wing, the aircraft having a loading configuration in which the aircraft is sitting on a surface with the wing in a substantially vertical orientation, the method comprising:
receiving a signal at the instrument system; determining, with the instrument system, whether the cargo transporting system is in a retracted position with a cargo receptacle substantially parallel with the wing or a deployed position with the cargo receptacle is substantially perpendicular to the wing; sending a command from the instrument system to the cargo transporting system to transition to the deployed position if the cargo transporting system is in the retracted position; and sending a command from the instrument system to the cargo transporting system to transition to the retracted position if the cargo transporting system is in the deployed position. 20. The method of claim 19 further comprising:
determining, with the instrument system, whether the aircraft is in the loading configuration; and
sending an error message if the aircraft is not in the loading configuration to prevent the cargo transporting system from transitioning between the deployed position and the retracted position when the aircraft is not in the loading configuration. | 3,600 |
348,588 | 16,806,085 | 3,644 | An air temperature sensor with a housing having a skin with a first and second portion, a temperature sensor having at least a portion extending through the housing, a set of fluid passageways defined within an interior of the housing, and a tube to receive bleed air from an aircraft engine located within the interior and to allow hot bleed air into the set of fluid passageways. | 1. An air temperature sensor suitable for use on an aircraft, the air temperature sensor comprising:
a housing having a skin defining an interior and including a first portion of the skin and a second portion of the skin each defining wetted surfaces and separated by an open portion in the housing; a temperature sensor having at least a portion extending through the open portion in the housing; a set of fluid passageways, including a first fluid passageway proximate the first portion of the skin and a second fluid passageway proximate the second portion of the skin, the set of fluid passageways defined within the interior; and a tube having a first end fluidly coupled to receive bleed air from a portion of an aircraft engine and a second end, fluidly coupled to the first end, located within the interior, wherein the second end is configured to allow hot bleed air into the set of fluid passageways such that a first portion of the hot bleed air is dispersed within the first fluid passageway and a second portion of the hot bleed air is dispersed within the second fluid passageway to heat the first portion of the skin and the second portion of the skin respectively. 2. The air temperature sensor of claim 1, further comprising an inlet defined by a tip with a set of spray openings. 3. The air temperature sensor of claim 2, further comprising a dispersion chamber fluidly coupled to the set of fluid passageways where the second end of the tube is coupled to the dispersion chamber via the tip, and wherein the set of spray openings are configured to spray the hot bleed air into the dispersion chamber. 4. The air temperature sensor of claim 3, wherein at least one of the set of spray openings is configured to heat the skin located proximate the dispersion chamber. 5. The air temperature sensor of claim 4, wherein the dispersion chamber is defined by a set of walls, wherein at least one wall of the set of walls is located proximate the skin. 6. The air temperature sensor of claim 5, wherein the at least one wall defines an angled surface and at least one spray opening is oriented to disperse the hot bleed air onto the angled surface to heat the angled surface. 7. The air temperature sensor of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the skin forms an airfoil. 8. The air temperature sensor of claim 2, wherein the first portion of the skin defines a leading edge of the airfoil. 9. The air temperature sensor of claim 3, further comprising a sheath at least partially circumscribing the portion of the temperature sensor extending through the open portion in the housing where the sheath shields the temperature sensor from heat within the set of fluid passageways. 10. The air temperature sensor of claim 1, wherein the set of fluid passageways further comprises at least two channels are oriented parallel to each other and configured to direct an airflow in opposing directions. 11. An air temperature sensor, comprising:
a housing defining an interior and having a skin defining at least one wetted surface; a temperature sensor extending through a portion of the housing and at least partially adjacent a portion of the skin; a set of fluid passageways defined within the interior and configured to receive hot bleed air via an inlet, disperse the hot bleed air to at least two separate portions of the skin, and exhaust the hot bleed air via at least two separate sets of outlets; and a piccolo tube having a first end fluidly coupled to receive hot bleed air from a portion of an aircraft engine and a second end, fluidly coupled to the first end, wherein the second end is fluidly coupled to the inlet and configured to allow hot bleed air into the set of fluid passageways to heat the skin and prevent ice buildup along the at least one wetted surface. 12. The air temperature sensor of claim 11, wherein the inlet is defined by a tip having a set of spray openings located about the tip. 13. The air temperature sensor of claim 12, wherein the set of spray openings are configured to allow the hot bleed air to spray out against specific portions of an inside surface of the housing. 14. The air temperature sensor of claim 13, further comprising a dispersion chamber defining the specific portions of the inside surface of the housing. 15. The air temperature sensor of claim 14, wherein at least one of the set of spray openings is configured to heat the skin located proximate the dispersion chamber. 16. The air temperature sensor of claim 11, further comprising a temperature sensor inlet extending through the housing to a temperature sensor outlet to provide a diverted airflow path through the housing along an exterior surface of the housing. 17. The air temperature sensor of claim 16, wherein the set of fluid passageways is at least two fluid passageways within the interior configured to disperse the hot bleed air to the at least two separate portions of the skin on opposite sides of the diverted airflow path. 18. A method of forming an air temperature sensor, the method comprising:
forming a housing with a skin defining an interior and extending between an upper section and a lower section having an airfoil cross section;
forming an inlet within the housing in the upper section and comprising multiple spray openings;
forming a set of fluid passageways that extend between the upper section and the lower section within the interior and that fluidly connect the inlet to a set of outlets located within the housing in the upper section. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the set of fluid passageways is formed into at least two channels that are oriented parallel to each other and are configured to direct an airflow in opposing directions when hot bleed air is received via the inlet. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the set of outlets is at least two sets of outlets each fluidly coupled to the at least two channels and configured to exhaust the airflow at two separate locations in the upper section. | An air temperature sensor with a housing having a skin with a first and second portion, a temperature sensor having at least a portion extending through the housing, a set of fluid passageways defined within an interior of the housing, and a tube to receive bleed air from an aircraft engine located within the interior and to allow hot bleed air into the set of fluid passageways.1. An air temperature sensor suitable for use on an aircraft, the air temperature sensor comprising:
a housing having a skin defining an interior and including a first portion of the skin and a second portion of the skin each defining wetted surfaces and separated by an open portion in the housing; a temperature sensor having at least a portion extending through the open portion in the housing; a set of fluid passageways, including a first fluid passageway proximate the first portion of the skin and a second fluid passageway proximate the second portion of the skin, the set of fluid passageways defined within the interior; and a tube having a first end fluidly coupled to receive bleed air from a portion of an aircraft engine and a second end, fluidly coupled to the first end, located within the interior, wherein the second end is configured to allow hot bleed air into the set of fluid passageways such that a first portion of the hot bleed air is dispersed within the first fluid passageway and a second portion of the hot bleed air is dispersed within the second fluid passageway to heat the first portion of the skin and the second portion of the skin respectively. 2. The air temperature sensor of claim 1, further comprising an inlet defined by a tip with a set of spray openings. 3. The air temperature sensor of claim 2, further comprising a dispersion chamber fluidly coupled to the set of fluid passageways where the second end of the tube is coupled to the dispersion chamber via the tip, and wherein the set of spray openings are configured to spray the hot bleed air into the dispersion chamber. 4. The air temperature sensor of claim 3, wherein at least one of the set of spray openings is configured to heat the skin located proximate the dispersion chamber. 5. The air temperature sensor of claim 4, wherein the dispersion chamber is defined by a set of walls, wherein at least one wall of the set of walls is located proximate the skin. 6. The air temperature sensor of claim 5, wherein the at least one wall defines an angled surface and at least one spray opening is oriented to disperse the hot bleed air onto the angled surface to heat the angled surface. 7. The air temperature sensor of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the skin forms an airfoil. 8. The air temperature sensor of claim 2, wherein the first portion of the skin defines a leading edge of the airfoil. 9. The air temperature sensor of claim 3, further comprising a sheath at least partially circumscribing the portion of the temperature sensor extending through the open portion in the housing where the sheath shields the temperature sensor from heat within the set of fluid passageways. 10. The air temperature sensor of claim 1, wherein the set of fluid passageways further comprises at least two channels are oriented parallel to each other and configured to direct an airflow in opposing directions. 11. An air temperature sensor, comprising:
a housing defining an interior and having a skin defining at least one wetted surface; a temperature sensor extending through a portion of the housing and at least partially adjacent a portion of the skin; a set of fluid passageways defined within the interior and configured to receive hot bleed air via an inlet, disperse the hot bleed air to at least two separate portions of the skin, and exhaust the hot bleed air via at least two separate sets of outlets; and a piccolo tube having a first end fluidly coupled to receive hot bleed air from a portion of an aircraft engine and a second end, fluidly coupled to the first end, wherein the second end is fluidly coupled to the inlet and configured to allow hot bleed air into the set of fluid passageways to heat the skin and prevent ice buildup along the at least one wetted surface. 12. The air temperature sensor of claim 11, wherein the inlet is defined by a tip having a set of spray openings located about the tip. 13. The air temperature sensor of claim 12, wherein the set of spray openings are configured to allow the hot bleed air to spray out against specific portions of an inside surface of the housing. 14. The air temperature sensor of claim 13, further comprising a dispersion chamber defining the specific portions of the inside surface of the housing. 15. The air temperature sensor of claim 14, wherein at least one of the set of spray openings is configured to heat the skin located proximate the dispersion chamber. 16. The air temperature sensor of claim 11, further comprising a temperature sensor inlet extending through the housing to a temperature sensor outlet to provide a diverted airflow path through the housing along an exterior surface of the housing. 17. The air temperature sensor of claim 16, wherein the set of fluid passageways is at least two fluid passageways within the interior configured to disperse the hot bleed air to the at least two separate portions of the skin on opposite sides of the diverted airflow path. 18. A method of forming an air temperature sensor, the method comprising:
forming a housing with a skin defining an interior and extending between an upper section and a lower section having an airfoil cross section;
forming an inlet within the housing in the upper section and comprising multiple spray openings;
forming a set of fluid passageways that extend between the upper section and the lower section within the interior and that fluidly connect the inlet to a set of outlets located within the housing in the upper section. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the set of fluid passageways is formed into at least two channels that are oriented parallel to each other and are configured to direct an airflow in opposing directions when hot bleed air is received via the inlet. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the set of outlets is at least two sets of outlets each fluidly coupled to the at least two channels and configured to exhaust the airflow at two separate locations in the upper section. | 3,600 |
348,589 | 16,806,091 | 3,644 | Embodiments of the disclosure provide a method and system for removing water build-up in a hydrocarbon storage tank. An oil-water interface sensor is located in the hydrocarbon storage tank and includes a first probe and a second probe. The first probe is located at a bottom portion of the hydrocarbon storage tank. The first probe generates a first input data stream. The second probe is located above the first probe. The second probe generates a second input data stream. The first and second input data streams are processed to determine a vertical displacement of an oil-water interface, which is compared against a predetermined value. An output data stream responsive to the comparison is generated including instructions to maintain a controllable valve either in an open position or in a closed position. The output data stream is communicated to the controllable valve, fluidly connected to a drain line connected to the bottom portion of the hydrocarbon storage tank, to be in the open position or in the closed position. Water build-up is removed via the drain line as the controllable valve is maintained in the open position. | 1. A method for removing water build-up in a hydrocarbon storage tank, wherein the water build-up creates an oil-water interface in the hydrocarbon storage tank, the method comprising the steps of:
generating a first input data stream and a second input data stream using an oil-water interface sensor located in the hydrocarbon storage tank, the oil-water interface sensor comprising:
a first probe, the first probe located at a bottom portion of the hydrocarbon storage tank, the first probe generating the first input data stream; and
a second probe, the second probe located above the first probe, the second probe generating the second input data stream;
processing the first input data stream and the second input data stream to determine a vertical displacement of the oil-water interface; comparing the vertical displacement of the oil-water interface against a first predetermined value; generating an output data stream responsive to the comparing step, wherein the output data stream includes instructions to maintain a controllable valve either in an open position or in a closed position; and communicating the output data stream to the controllable valve such that the controllable valve is maintained either in the open position or in the closed position, wherein the controllable valve is fluidly connected to a drain line, the drain line fluidly connected to the bottom portion of the hydrocarbon storage tank, wherein the water build-up is removed via the drain line as the controllable valve is maintained in the open position. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the second probe is tethered from a top portion of the hydrocarbon storage tank. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first probe and the second probe are located on a side wall of the hydrocarbon storage tank. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first probe is located below the oil-water interface and the second probe is located above the oil-water interface. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first probe and the second probe are pressure sensors, wherein the first input data stream and the second input data stream include hydraulic pressure data. 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising the step of:
generating a third input data stream using the oil-water interface sensor, wherein the oil-water interface sensor includes a temperature sensor, wherein the third input data stream includes liquid temperature data, wherein the processing step, the third input data stream is used to correct density values of liquid hydrocarbon and water present in the hydrocarbon storage tank. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first probe and the second probe are sound velocity sensors, wherein the first input data stream and the second input data stream include sound velocity data. 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of:
generating a third input data stream using the oil-water interface sensor, wherein the oil-water interface sensor includes a temperature sensor, wherein the third input data stream includes liquid temperature data, wherein the processing step, the third input data stream is used to correct sound velocity values in liquid hydrocarbon and water present in the hydrocarbon storage tank. 9. The method of claim 7, wherein one of the first probe and the second probe includes a transducer and one of the first probe and the second probe includes a receiver. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:
monitoring integrity of the controllable valve using an analytics sensor, wherein the analytics sensor is located on a vertical section of the drain line. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the analytics sensor is a sound velocity sensor. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the steps of:
generating a fourth input data stream using the analytics sensor, wherein the fourth input data stream includes sound velocity data; and comparing sound velocity against a second predetermined value. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of:
providing an alarm to an operator responsive to the comparing sound velocity step. 14. A dewatering system for removing water build-up in a hydrocarbon storage tank, wherein the water build-up creates an oil-water interface in the hydrocarbon storage tank, the dewatering system comprising:
the hydrocarbon storage tank; an oil-water interface sensor, the oil-water interface sensor located in the hydrocarbon storage tank, the oil-water interface sensor comprising:
a first probe, the first probe located at a bottom portion of the hydrocarbon storage tank, the first probe generating a first input data stream; and
a second probe, the second probe located above the first probe, the second probe generating a second input data stream;
a drain line, the drain line fluidly connected to the bottom portion of the hydrocarbon storage tank; a controllable valve, the controllable valve fluidly connected to the drain line, the controllable valve configured to remove the water build-up via the drain line in an open position; an analytics sensor, the analytics sensor located on a vertical section of the drain line, the analytics sensor configured to monitor integrity of the controllable valve; and a control system, the control system electronically connected to the first probe, the second probe, the controllable valve, and the analytics sensor, the control system configured to receive and process the first input data stream and the second input data stream to determine a vertical displacement of the oil-water interface, the control system configured to make a comparison of the vertical displacement of the oil-water interface against a first predetermined value, the control system configured to generate an output data stream responsive to the comparison, the control system configured to transmit the output data stream to the controllable valve, wherein the output data stream includes instructions to maintain the controllable valve either in the open position or in a closed position. 15. The dewatering system of claim 14, wherein the second probe is tethered from a top portion of the hydrocarbon storage tank, wherein the first probe is located below the oil-water interface and the second probe is located above the oil-water interface. 16. The dewatering system of claim 14, wherein the first probe and the second probe are pressure sensors, wherein the first input data stream and the second input data stream include hydraulic pressure data. 17. The dewatering system of claim 16, wherein the oil-water interface sensor includes a temperature sensor, the temperature sensor generating a third input data stream including liquid temperature data, wherein the third input data stream is received and processed by the control system to correct density values of liquid hydrocarbon and water present in the hydrocarbon storage tank. 18. The dewatering system of claim 14, wherein the first probe and the second probe are sound velocity sensors, wherein the first input data stream and the second input data stream include sound velocity data. 19. The dewatering system of claim 18, wherein the oil-water interface sensor includes a temperature sensor, the temperature sensor generating a third input data stream including liquid temperature data, wherein the third input data stream is received and processed by the control system to correct sound velocity values in liquid hydrocarbon and water present in the hydrocarbon storage tank. 20. The dewatering system of claim 14, wherein the analytics sensor is a sound velocity sensor, the sound velocity sensor generating a fourth input data stream including sound velocity data, wherein the fourth input data stream is received and processed by the control system to make a comparison of sound velocity against a second predetermined value. | Embodiments of the disclosure provide a method and system for removing water build-up in a hydrocarbon storage tank. An oil-water interface sensor is located in the hydrocarbon storage tank and includes a first probe and a second probe. The first probe is located at a bottom portion of the hydrocarbon storage tank. The first probe generates a first input data stream. The second probe is located above the first probe. The second probe generates a second input data stream. The first and second input data streams are processed to determine a vertical displacement of an oil-water interface, which is compared against a predetermined value. An output data stream responsive to the comparison is generated including instructions to maintain a controllable valve either in an open position or in a closed position. The output data stream is communicated to the controllable valve, fluidly connected to a drain line connected to the bottom portion of the hydrocarbon storage tank, to be in the open position or in the closed position. Water build-up is removed via the drain line as the controllable valve is maintained in the open position.1. A method for removing water build-up in a hydrocarbon storage tank, wherein the water build-up creates an oil-water interface in the hydrocarbon storage tank, the method comprising the steps of:
generating a first input data stream and a second input data stream using an oil-water interface sensor located in the hydrocarbon storage tank, the oil-water interface sensor comprising:
a first probe, the first probe located at a bottom portion of the hydrocarbon storage tank, the first probe generating the first input data stream; and
a second probe, the second probe located above the first probe, the second probe generating the second input data stream;
processing the first input data stream and the second input data stream to determine a vertical displacement of the oil-water interface; comparing the vertical displacement of the oil-water interface against a first predetermined value; generating an output data stream responsive to the comparing step, wherein the output data stream includes instructions to maintain a controllable valve either in an open position or in a closed position; and communicating the output data stream to the controllable valve such that the controllable valve is maintained either in the open position or in the closed position, wherein the controllable valve is fluidly connected to a drain line, the drain line fluidly connected to the bottom portion of the hydrocarbon storage tank, wherein the water build-up is removed via the drain line as the controllable valve is maintained in the open position. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the second probe is tethered from a top portion of the hydrocarbon storage tank. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first probe and the second probe are located on a side wall of the hydrocarbon storage tank. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first probe is located below the oil-water interface and the second probe is located above the oil-water interface. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first probe and the second probe are pressure sensors, wherein the first input data stream and the second input data stream include hydraulic pressure data. 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising the step of:
generating a third input data stream using the oil-water interface sensor, wherein the oil-water interface sensor includes a temperature sensor, wherein the third input data stream includes liquid temperature data, wherein the processing step, the third input data stream is used to correct density values of liquid hydrocarbon and water present in the hydrocarbon storage tank. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first probe and the second probe are sound velocity sensors, wherein the first input data stream and the second input data stream include sound velocity data. 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of:
generating a third input data stream using the oil-water interface sensor, wherein the oil-water interface sensor includes a temperature sensor, wherein the third input data stream includes liquid temperature data, wherein the processing step, the third input data stream is used to correct sound velocity values in liquid hydrocarbon and water present in the hydrocarbon storage tank. 9. The method of claim 7, wherein one of the first probe and the second probe includes a transducer and one of the first probe and the second probe includes a receiver. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:
monitoring integrity of the controllable valve using an analytics sensor, wherein the analytics sensor is located on a vertical section of the drain line. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the analytics sensor is a sound velocity sensor. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the steps of:
generating a fourth input data stream using the analytics sensor, wherein the fourth input data stream includes sound velocity data; and comparing sound velocity against a second predetermined value. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of:
providing an alarm to an operator responsive to the comparing sound velocity step. 14. A dewatering system for removing water build-up in a hydrocarbon storage tank, wherein the water build-up creates an oil-water interface in the hydrocarbon storage tank, the dewatering system comprising:
the hydrocarbon storage tank; an oil-water interface sensor, the oil-water interface sensor located in the hydrocarbon storage tank, the oil-water interface sensor comprising:
a first probe, the first probe located at a bottom portion of the hydrocarbon storage tank, the first probe generating a first input data stream; and
a second probe, the second probe located above the first probe, the second probe generating a second input data stream;
a drain line, the drain line fluidly connected to the bottom portion of the hydrocarbon storage tank; a controllable valve, the controllable valve fluidly connected to the drain line, the controllable valve configured to remove the water build-up via the drain line in an open position; an analytics sensor, the analytics sensor located on a vertical section of the drain line, the analytics sensor configured to monitor integrity of the controllable valve; and a control system, the control system electronically connected to the first probe, the second probe, the controllable valve, and the analytics sensor, the control system configured to receive and process the first input data stream and the second input data stream to determine a vertical displacement of the oil-water interface, the control system configured to make a comparison of the vertical displacement of the oil-water interface against a first predetermined value, the control system configured to generate an output data stream responsive to the comparison, the control system configured to transmit the output data stream to the controllable valve, wherein the output data stream includes instructions to maintain the controllable valve either in the open position or in a closed position. 15. The dewatering system of claim 14, wherein the second probe is tethered from a top portion of the hydrocarbon storage tank, wherein the first probe is located below the oil-water interface and the second probe is located above the oil-water interface. 16. The dewatering system of claim 14, wherein the first probe and the second probe are pressure sensors, wherein the first input data stream and the second input data stream include hydraulic pressure data. 17. The dewatering system of claim 16, wherein the oil-water interface sensor includes a temperature sensor, the temperature sensor generating a third input data stream including liquid temperature data, wherein the third input data stream is received and processed by the control system to correct density values of liquid hydrocarbon and water present in the hydrocarbon storage tank. 18. The dewatering system of claim 14, wherein the first probe and the second probe are sound velocity sensors, wherein the first input data stream and the second input data stream include sound velocity data. 19. The dewatering system of claim 18, wherein the oil-water interface sensor includes a temperature sensor, the temperature sensor generating a third input data stream including liquid temperature data, wherein the third input data stream is received and processed by the control system to correct sound velocity values in liquid hydrocarbon and water present in the hydrocarbon storage tank. 20. The dewatering system of claim 14, wherein the analytics sensor is a sound velocity sensor, the sound velocity sensor generating a fourth input data stream including sound velocity data, wherein the fourth input data stream is received and processed by the control system to make a comparison of sound velocity against a second predetermined value. | 3,600 |
348,590 | 16,806,098 | 3,644 | An electronic apparatus and a control method are provided. The electronic apparatus includes a transceiver, a memory configured to store an artificial intelligence (AI) model, and a processor configured to control the transceiver to receive environment information from at least one of a plurality of devices that are connected to the electronic apparatus, determine that a predicted device of the plurality of devices will lose a network connection based on the first AI model and the environment information, and in response to determining the predicted device will lose the network connection, maintain the network connection of the predicted device through another device of the plurality of devices. The electronic apparatus may use a rule-based model or an AI model trained by using at least one of a machine learning algorithm, a neural network algorithm, or a deep-learning algorithm. | 1. An electronic apparatus comprising:
a transceiver; a memory configured to store a first artificial intelligence (AI) model; and a processor configured to:
based on environment information being received from at least one of a plurality of devices that are connected to the electronic apparatus, input the environment information to the first AI model, and
in response to one of the plurality of devices being predicted to lose a network connection based on an output of the first AI model, maintain the network connection of the predicted device through another device of the plurality of devices. 2. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to:
control the transceiver to transmit, to the predicted device, a control signal for controlling the predicted device to transmit information obtained by the predicted device to the other device, and control the transceiver to transmit, to the other device, a control signal for controlling the other device to transmit the information received from the predicted device to the electronic apparatus. 3. The electronic apparatus of claim 2, wherein the processor is further configured to receive, in response to the network connection between the predicted device and the electronic apparatus being lost, the information obtained by the predicted device from the other device via the transceiver. 4. The electronic apparatus of claim 1,
wherein the first AI model is trained based on training data including information of a device that has lost a network connection to the electronic apparatus among the plurality of devices, and wherein information of the plurality of devices is obtained during a time including a point in time at which the network connection is lost. 5. The electronic apparatus of claim 1,
wherein the memory further stores a second AI model, and wherein the processor is further configured to identify the other device based on the second AI model and the environment information. 6. The electronic apparatus of claim 5,
wherein the second AI model is trained based on training data including network connection information indicating a state of a network connection between the predicted device and at least one device among the plurality of devices located near the predicted device, and wherein information of the plurality of devices is obtained during a time including a point in time at which the network connection is established. 7. The electronic apparatus of claim 1,
wherein the memory is further configured to store a third AI model, and wherein the processor is further configured to:
in case that the other device is not identified, determine prediction information on a future operation progress state of the predicted device based on the third AI model and a current operation progress state of the predicted device, and
control the transceiver to transmit the prediction information to at least one of the plurality of devices. 8. The electronic apparatus of claim 7, wherein the processor is further configured to:
in response to the network connection between the predicted device and the electronic apparatus being lost and then resumed, receive state information of an operation progress state of the predicted device during a time for which the network connection is lost, from the predicted device via the transceiver, and train the third AI model based on the state information. 9. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein a communication method between the plurality of devices and the electronic apparatus is different from a communication method between the predicted device and the other device. 10. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the environment information comprises at least one of information of an operation progress state of each device, information of a network connection of each device, or information of a surrounding environment of each device. 11. A method of an electronic apparatus, the method comprising:
based on environment information being received from at least one of a plurality of devices that are connected to the electronic apparatus, inputting the environment information to a first artificial intelligence (AI) model; and in response to one of the plurality of devices being predicted to lose a network connection based on an output of the first AI model, controlling the predicted device to maintain the network connection of the predicted device through another device of the plurality of devices. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the controlling of the predicted device comprises:
transmitting, to the predicted device, a control signal for controlling the predicted device to transmit information obtained by the predicted device to the other device, and transmitting, to the other device, a control signal for controlling the other device to transmit the information received from the predicted device to the electronic apparatus. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the controlling of the predicted device comprises receiving, in response to the network connection between the predicted device and the electronic apparatus being lost, the information obtained by the predicted device from the other device. 14. The method of claim 11,
wherein the first AI model is trained based on training data including information of a device that has lost a network connection to the electronic apparatus among the plurality of devices, and wherein information of the plurality of devices is obtained during a time including a point in time at which the network connection is lost. 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the controlling of the predicted device comprises:
inputting the received environment information to a second AI model trained to identify the other device of the plurality of devices network-connected to the electronic apparatus; and identifying the other device based on an output of the second AI model. 16. The method of claim 15,
wherein the second AI model is trained based on training data including network connection information indicating a state of a network connection between the predicted device and at least one device located near the predicted device, and wherein information of the plurality of devices is obtained during a time including a point in time at which the network connection is established. 17. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
in case that the other device is not identified, inputting operation progress state information on a current operation progress state of the predicted device to a third AI model; obtaining prediction information on a future operation progress state of the predicted device based on an output of the third AI model; and transmitting the prediction information to at least one of the plurality of devices. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
in response to the network connection between the predicted device and the electronic apparatus being lost and then resumed, receiving state information of an operation progress state of the predicted device during a time for which the network connection is lost, from the predicted device; and training the third AI model based on the state information. 19. The method of claim 11, wherein a communication method between the plurality of devices and the electronic apparatus is different from a communication method between the predicted device and the other device. 20. The method of claim 11, wherein the environment information comprises at least one of information of an operation progress state of each device, information of a network connection of each device, or information of a surrounding environment of each device. | An electronic apparatus and a control method are provided. The electronic apparatus includes a transceiver, a memory configured to store an artificial intelligence (AI) model, and a processor configured to control the transceiver to receive environment information from at least one of a plurality of devices that are connected to the electronic apparatus, determine that a predicted device of the plurality of devices will lose a network connection based on the first AI model and the environment information, and in response to determining the predicted device will lose the network connection, maintain the network connection of the predicted device through another device of the plurality of devices. The electronic apparatus may use a rule-based model or an AI model trained by using at least one of a machine learning algorithm, a neural network algorithm, or a deep-learning algorithm.1. An electronic apparatus comprising:
a transceiver; a memory configured to store a first artificial intelligence (AI) model; and a processor configured to:
based on environment information being received from at least one of a plurality of devices that are connected to the electronic apparatus, input the environment information to the first AI model, and
in response to one of the plurality of devices being predicted to lose a network connection based on an output of the first AI model, maintain the network connection of the predicted device through another device of the plurality of devices. 2. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to:
control the transceiver to transmit, to the predicted device, a control signal for controlling the predicted device to transmit information obtained by the predicted device to the other device, and control the transceiver to transmit, to the other device, a control signal for controlling the other device to transmit the information received from the predicted device to the electronic apparatus. 3. The electronic apparatus of claim 2, wherein the processor is further configured to receive, in response to the network connection between the predicted device and the electronic apparatus being lost, the information obtained by the predicted device from the other device via the transceiver. 4. The electronic apparatus of claim 1,
wherein the first AI model is trained based on training data including information of a device that has lost a network connection to the electronic apparatus among the plurality of devices, and wherein information of the plurality of devices is obtained during a time including a point in time at which the network connection is lost. 5. The electronic apparatus of claim 1,
wherein the memory further stores a second AI model, and wherein the processor is further configured to identify the other device based on the second AI model and the environment information. 6. The electronic apparatus of claim 5,
wherein the second AI model is trained based on training data including network connection information indicating a state of a network connection between the predicted device and at least one device among the plurality of devices located near the predicted device, and wherein information of the plurality of devices is obtained during a time including a point in time at which the network connection is established. 7. The electronic apparatus of claim 1,
wherein the memory is further configured to store a third AI model, and wherein the processor is further configured to:
in case that the other device is not identified, determine prediction information on a future operation progress state of the predicted device based on the third AI model and a current operation progress state of the predicted device, and
control the transceiver to transmit the prediction information to at least one of the plurality of devices. 8. The electronic apparatus of claim 7, wherein the processor is further configured to:
in response to the network connection between the predicted device and the electronic apparatus being lost and then resumed, receive state information of an operation progress state of the predicted device during a time for which the network connection is lost, from the predicted device via the transceiver, and train the third AI model based on the state information. 9. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein a communication method between the plurality of devices and the electronic apparatus is different from a communication method between the predicted device and the other device. 10. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the environment information comprises at least one of information of an operation progress state of each device, information of a network connection of each device, or information of a surrounding environment of each device. 11. A method of an electronic apparatus, the method comprising:
based on environment information being received from at least one of a plurality of devices that are connected to the electronic apparatus, inputting the environment information to a first artificial intelligence (AI) model; and in response to one of the plurality of devices being predicted to lose a network connection based on an output of the first AI model, controlling the predicted device to maintain the network connection of the predicted device through another device of the plurality of devices. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the controlling of the predicted device comprises:
transmitting, to the predicted device, a control signal for controlling the predicted device to transmit information obtained by the predicted device to the other device, and transmitting, to the other device, a control signal for controlling the other device to transmit the information received from the predicted device to the electronic apparatus. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the controlling of the predicted device comprises receiving, in response to the network connection between the predicted device and the electronic apparatus being lost, the information obtained by the predicted device from the other device. 14. The method of claim 11,
wherein the first AI model is trained based on training data including information of a device that has lost a network connection to the electronic apparatus among the plurality of devices, and wherein information of the plurality of devices is obtained during a time including a point in time at which the network connection is lost. 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the controlling of the predicted device comprises:
inputting the received environment information to a second AI model trained to identify the other device of the plurality of devices network-connected to the electronic apparatus; and identifying the other device based on an output of the second AI model. 16. The method of claim 15,
wherein the second AI model is trained based on training data including network connection information indicating a state of a network connection between the predicted device and at least one device located near the predicted device, and wherein information of the plurality of devices is obtained during a time including a point in time at which the network connection is established. 17. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
in case that the other device is not identified, inputting operation progress state information on a current operation progress state of the predicted device to a third AI model; obtaining prediction information on a future operation progress state of the predicted device based on an output of the third AI model; and transmitting the prediction information to at least one of the plurality of devices. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
in response to the network connection between the predicted device and the electronic apparatus being lost and then resumed, receiving state information of an operation progress state of the predicted device during a time for which the network connection is lost, from the predicted device; and training the third AI model based on the state information. 19. The method of claim 11, wherein a communication method between the plurality of devices and the electronic apparatus is different from a communication method between the predicted device and the other device. 20. The method of claim 11, wherein the environment information comprises at least one of information of an operation progress state of each device, information of a network connection of each device, or information of a surrounding environment of each device. | 3,600 |
348,591 | 16,806,097 | 2,852 | In accordance with some embodiments, systems, methods, and media for automatically segmenting and diagnosing prostate lesions using multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (mp-MRI) data are provided. In some embodiments, the system comprises is programmed to: receive mp-MRI data depicting a prostate, including T2w data and ADC data; provide the T2w data and ADC data as input to first and second input channels of a trained convolutional neural network (CNN); receive, from the trained CNN, output values from output channels indicating which pixels are likely to correspond to a particular class of prostate lesion, the channels corresponding to predicted aggressiveness in order of increasing aggressiveness, identify a prostate lesion in the data based on output values greater than a threshold; predict an aggressiveness based on which channel had values over the threshold; and present an indication that a prostate lesion of the predicted aggressiveness is likely present in the prostate. | 1. A system for automatically detecting and classifying prostate lesions, the system comprising:
at least one hardware processor that is programmed to:
receive multi-parameter MRI (mp-MRI) data depicting a portion of a subject's prostate, the mp-MRI data comprising a plurality of components,
wherein a first component of the plurality of components comprises T2 weighted (T2w )data, and a second component of the plurality of components comprises apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) data;
provide the T2w data as input to a first input channel of a plurality of input channels of a trained convolutional neural network (CNN) classification model,
wherein the trained CNN classification model is configured to receive inputs using the plurality of input channels, each of the plurality of input channels corresponding to one of the plurality of components, and provide outputs using a plurality of output channels, each of the plurality of output cannels indicating a likelihood that each pixel of the data provided to the input channels corresponds to a particular class of prostate lesion of a plurality of classes, with each class of the plurality of classes corresponding to a predicted aggressiveness of a prostate lesion in order of increasing aggressiveness, and
wherein the trained CNN classification model was trained using labeled mp-MRI data comprising a multiplicity of slices of T2w data, and a respective multiplicity of co-registered ADC data, and a combination of focal loss (FL) and mutual finding loss (MFL);
provide the ADC data as input to a second channel of the plurality of channels;
receive, from the trained CNN classification model for each of a plurality of pixels of the mp-MRI data, a plurality of output values from the respective plurality of output channels,
wherein each of the plurality of output values is indicative of a likelihood that a prostate lesion of at least the level of prostate lesion aggressiveness corresponding to that output channel is present at the pixel;
identify a prostate lesion in the mp-MRI data based one or more output values for one or more pixels of the plurality of pixels being greater than a threshold;
predict an aggressiveness of the identified prostate lesion based on which output channels had values over the threshold for the particular pixel; and
cause an indication that a prostate lesion of the predicted aggressiveness is likely present in the subject's prostate to be presented to a user. 2. The system of claim 1,
wherein a first output channel of the plurality of output channels is associated with a first class that corresponds to a Gleason score of 3+3, a second output channel of the plurality of output channels is associated with a second class that corresponds to a Gleason score of 3+4, a third output channel of the plurality of output channels is associated with a third class that corresponds to a Gleason score of 4+3, a fourth output channel of the plurality of output channels is associated with a fourth class that corresponds to a Gleason score of 8, and a fifth output channel of the plurality of output channels is associated with a fifth class that corresponds to a Gleason score of 9 or more. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the CNN classification model was trained at least in part by:
(i) providing a slice of training T2w data as input to the first input channel of the untrained CNN classification model, and a slice of training ADC data corresponding to the T2w data as input to the second input channel of the untrained CNN classification model; (ii) receiving from the untrained CNN, a first set of outputs comprising a value from each output channel for each pixel of the training mp-MRI data based on the data provided as input at (i); (iii) generating, using label information associated with the training mp-MRI data, a plurality of binary masks that are each associated with one of the plurality of classes, each mask indicating which pixels of the training mp-MRI data are non-lesion and which pixels of the training mp-MRI data correspond to a lesion of at least the class associated with the mask; (iv) generating a first loss value using FL based on a comparison of the plurality of masks and the first set of outputs for each pixel of the training mp-MRI data; (v) providing the slice of training T2w data as input to the first channel of the untrained CNN classification model, and blank data as input to the second channel of the untrained CNN classification model; (vi) receiving from the untrained CNN, a second set of outputs comprising a value from each output channel for each pixel of the training mp-MRI data based on the data provided as input at (v); (vii) providing blank data as input to the first channel of the untrained CNN classification model, and the slide of training ADC data as input to the second channel of the untrained CNN classification model; (viii) receiving from the untrained CNN, a third set of outputs comprising a value from each output channel for each pixel of the training mp-MRI data based on the data provided as input at (vii); (ix) selecting, for MFL, between the second set of outputs and the third set of outputs based on which of the second set of outputs and third set of outputs more closely corresponds to the first set of outputs; (x) generating a second loss value based on a distance between the plurality of masks and the differences between the first set of outputs and the selected set of outputs; and (xi) repeating (i) to (x) for the multiplicity of training slices to generate the trained CNN classification model. 4. The system of claim 3,
wherein a first mask of the plurality of masks corresponds to the first class, a second mask of the plurality of masks corresponds to the second class, a third mask of the plurality of masks corresponds to the third class, a fourth mask of the plurality of masks corresponds to the fourth class, and a fifth mask of the plurality of masks corresponds to the fifth class. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one hardware processor that is programmed to:
clip the T2w data using a lower threshold corresponding to an intensity of air and an upper threshold corresponding to an intensity of bladder in the T2w data; and normalize the clipped T2w data to a range of [0,1]. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one hardware processor that is programmed to:
select a portion of the T2w data centered on the prostate depicted in the mp-MRI data; and convert the selected portion of the T2w data to a size corresponding to an input size of the first input channel. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one hardware processor that is programmed to:
provide the T2w data as input to the first input channel of the trained CNN classification model, and blank data as input to the second channel of the trained CNN; receive, from the trained CNN classification model for each of a plurality of pixels of the mp-MRI data, a second plurality of output values from the respective plurality of output channels; provide blank data as input to the first input channel of the trained CNN classification model, and the ADC data as input to the second channel of the trained CNN; receive, from the trained CNN classification model for each of a plurality of pixels of the mp-MRI data, a third plurality of output values from the respective plurality of output channels; select one of the plurality of components, ISel, to segment based on which of the second plurality of output values and the third plurality of output values minimizes the expression 8. A method for automatically detecting and classifying prostate lesions, the method comprising:
receiving multi-parameter MRI (mp-MRI) data depicting a portion of a subject's prostate, the mp-MRI data comprising a plurality of components,
wherein a first component of the plurality of components comprises T2 weighted (T2w) data, and a second component of the plurality of components comprises apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) data;
providing the T2w data as input to a first input channel of a plurality of input channels of a trained convolutional neural network (CNN) classification model,
wherein the trained CNN classification model is configured to receive inputs using the plurality of input channels, each of the plurality of input channels corresponding to one of the plurality of components, and provide outputs using a plurality of output channels, each of the plurality of output cannels indicating a likelihood that each pixel of the data provided to the input channels corresponds to a particular class of prostate lesion of a plurality of classes, with each class of the plurality of classes corresponding to a predicted aggressiveness of a prostate lesion in order of increasing aggressiveness, and
wherein the trained CNN classification model was trained using labeled mp-MRI data comprising a multiplicity of slices of T2w data, and a respective multiplicity of co-registered ADC data, and a combination of focal loss (FL) and mutual finding loss (MFL);
providing the ADC data as input to a second channel of the plurality of channels; receiving, from the trained CNN classification model for each of a plurality of pixels of the mp-MRI data, a plurality of output values from the respective plurality of output channels,
wherein each of the plurality of output values is indicative of a likelihood that a prostate lesion of at least the level of prostate lesion aggressiveness corresponding to that output channel is present at the pixel;
identifying a prostate lesion in the mp-MRI data based one or more output values for one or more pixels of the plurality of pixels being greater than a threshold; predicting an aggressiveness of the identified prostate lesion based on which output channels had values over the threshold for the particular pixel; and causing an indication that a prostate lesion of the predicted aggressiveness is likely present in the subject's prostate to be presented to a user. 9. The method of claim 8,
wherein a first output channel of the plurality of output channels is associated with a first class that corresponds to a Gleason score of 3+3, a second output channel of the plurality of output channels is associated with a second class that corresponds to a Gleason score of 3+4, a third output channel of the plurality of output channels is associated with a third class that corresponds to a Gleason score of 4+3, a fourth output channel of the plurality of output channels is associated with a fourth class that corresponds to a Gleason score of 8, and a fifth output channel of the plurality of output channels is associated with a fifth class that corresponds to a Gleason score of 9 or more. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the CNN classification model was trained at least in part by:
(i) providing a slice of training T2w data as input to the first input channel of the untrained CNN classification model, and a slice of training ADC data corresponding to the T2w data as input to the second input channel of the untrained CNN classification model; (ii) receiving from the untrained CNN, a first set of outputs comprising a value from each output channel for each pixel of the training mp-MRI data based on the data provided as input at (i); (iii) generating, using label information associated with the training mp-MRI data, a plurality of binary masks that are each associated with one of the plurality of classes, each mask indicating which pixels of the training mp-MRI data are non-lesion and which pixels of the training mp-MRI data correspond to a lesion of at least the class associated with the mask; (iv) generating a first loss value using FL based on a comparison of the plurality of masks and the first set of outputs for each pixel of the training mp-MRI data; (v) providing the slice of training T2w data as input to the first channel of the untrained CNN classification model, and blank data as input to the second channel of the untrained CNN classification model; (vi) receiving from the untrained CNN, a second set of outputs comprising a value from each output channel for each pixel of the training mp-MRI data based on the data provided as input at (v); (vii) providing blank data as input to the first channel of the untrained CNN classification model, and the slide of training ADC data as input to the second channel of the untrained CNN classification model; (viii) receiving from the untrained CNN, a third set of outputs comprising a value from each output channel for each pixel of the training mp-MRI data based on the data provided as input at (vii); (ix) selecting, for MFL, between the second set of outputs and the third set of outputs based on which of the second set of outputs and third set of outputs more closely corresponds to the first set of outputs; (x) generating a second loss value based on a distance between the plurality of masks and the differences between the first set of outputs and the selected set of outputs; and (xi) repeating (i) to (x) for the multiplicity of training slices to generate the trained CNN classification model. 11. The method of claim 10,
wherein a first mask of the plurality of masks corresponds to the first class, a second mask of the plurality of masks corresponds to the second class, a third mask of the plurality of masks corresponds to the third class, a fourth mask of the plurality of masks corresponds to the fourth class, and a fifth mask of the plurality of masks corresponds to the fifth class. 12. The method of claim 8, further comprising:
clipping the T2w data using a lower threshold corresponding to an intensity of air and an upper threshold corresponding to an intensity of bladder in the T2w data; and normalizing the clipped T2w data to a range of [0,1]. 13. The method of claim 8, further comprising:
selecting a portion of the T2w data centered on the prostate depicted in the mp-MRI data; and converting the selected portion of the T2w data to a size corresponding to an input size of the first input channel. 14. The method of claim 8, further comprising:
providing the T2w data as input to the first input channel of the trained CNN classification model, and blank data as input to the second channel of the trained CNN; receiving, from the trained CNN classification model for each of a plurality of pixels of the mp-MRI data, a second plurality of output values from the respective plurality of output channels; providing blank data as input to the first input channel of the trained CNN classification model, and the ADC data as input to the second channel of the trained CNN; receiving, from the trained CNN classification model for each of a plurality of pixels of the mp-MRI data, a third plurality of output values from the respective plurality of output channels; selecting one of the plurality of components, ISel, to segment based on which of the second plurality of output values and the third plurality of output values minimizes the expression 15. A non-transitory computer readable medium containing computer executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a method for automatically detecting and classifying prostate lesions, the method comprising:
receiving multi-parameter MRI (mp-MRI) data depicting a portion of a subject's prostate, the mp-MRI data comprising a plurality of components,
wherein a first component of the plurality of components comprises T2 weighted (T2w) data, and a second component of the plurality of components comprises apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) data;
providing the T2w data as input to a first input channel of a plurality of input channels of a trained convolutional neural network (CNN) classification model,
wherein the trained CNN classification model is configured to receive inputs using the plurality of input channels, each of the plurality of input channels corresponding to one of the plurality of components, and provide outputs using a plurality of output channels, each of the plurality of output cannels indicating a likelihood that each pixel of the data provided to the input channels corresponds to a particular class of prostate lesion of a plurality of classes, with each class of the plurality of classes corresponding to a predicted aggressiveness of a prostate lesion in order of increasing aggressiveness, and
wherein the trained CNN classification model was trained using labeled mp-MRI data comprising a multiplicity of slices of T2w data, and a respective multiplicity of co-registered ADC data, and a combination of focal loss (FL) and mutual finding loss (MFL);
providing the ADC data as input to a second channel of the plurality of channels; receiving, from the trained CNN classification model for each of a plurality of pixels of the mp-MRI data, a plurality of output values from the respective plurality of output channels,
wherein each of the plurality of output values is indicative of a likelihood that a prostate lesion of at least the level of prostate lesion aggressiveness corresponding to that output channel is present at the pixel;
identifying a prostate lesion in the mp-MRI data based one or more output values for one or more pixels of the plurality of pixels being greater than a threshold; predicting an aggressiveness of the identified prostate lesion based on which output channels had values over the threshold for the particular pixel; and causing an indication that a prostate lesion of the predicted aggressiveness is likely present in the subject's prostate to be presented to a user. 16. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15,
wherein a first output channel of the plurality of output channels is associated with a first class that corresponds to a Gleason score of 3+3, a second output channel of the plurality of output channels is associated with a second class that corresponds to a Gleason score of 3+4, a third output channel of the plurality of output channels is associated with a third class that corresponds to a Gleason score of +3, a fourth output channel of the plurality of output channels is associated with a fourth class that corresponds to a Gleason score of 8, and a fifth output channel of the plurality of output channels is associated with a fifth class that corresponds to a Gleason score of 9 or more. 17. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein the CNN classification model was trained at least in part by:
(i) providing a slice of training T2w data as input to the first input channel of the untrained CNN classification model, and a slice of training ADC data corresponding to the T2w data as input to the second input channel of the untrained CNN classification model; (ii) receiving from the untrained CNN, a first set of outputs comprising a value from each output channel for each pixel of the training mp-MRI data based on the data provided as input at (i); (iii) generating, using label information associated with the training mp-MRI data, a plurality of binary masks that are each associated with one of the plurality of classes, each mask indicating which pixels of the training mp-MRI data are non-lesion and which pixels of the training mp-MRI data correspond to a lesion of at least the class associated with the mask; (iv) generating a first loss value using FL based on a comparison of the plurality of masks and the first set of outputs for each pixel of the training mp-MRI data; (v) providing the slice of training T2w data as input to the first channel of the untrained CNN classification model, and blank data as input to the second channel of the untrained CNN classification model; (vi) receiving from the untrained CNN, a second set of outputs comprising a value from each output channel for each pixel of the training mp-MRI data based on the data provided as input at (v); (vii) providing blank data as input to the first channel of the untrained CNN classification model, and the slide of training ADC data as input to the second channel of the untrained CNN classification model; (viii) receiving from the untrained CNN, a third set of outputs comprising a value from each output channel for each pixel of the training mp-MRI data based on the data provided as input at (vii); (ix) selecting, for MFL, between the second set of outputs and the third set of outputs based on which of the second set of outputs and third set of outputs more closely corresponds to the first set of outputs; (x) generating a second loss value based on a distance between the plurality of masks and the differences between the first set of outputs and the selected set of outputs; and (xi) repeating (i) to (x) for the multiplicity of training slices to generate the trained CNN classification model. 18. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 17,
wherein a first mask of the plurality of masks corresponds to the first class, a second mask of the plurality of masks corresponds to the second class, a third mask of the plurality of masks corresponds to the third class, a fourth mask of the plurality of masks corresponds to the fourth class, and a fifth mask of the plurality of masks corresponds to the fifth class. 19. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein the method further comprises:
clipping the T2w data using a lower threshold corresponding to an intensity of air and an upper threshold corresponding to an intensity of bladder in the T2w data; and normalizing the clipped T2w data to a range of [0,1]. 20. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein the method further comprises:
selecting a portion of the T2w data centered on the prostate depicted in the mp-MRI data; and converting the selected portion of the T2w data to a size corresponding to an input size of the first input channel. 21. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein the method further comprises:
providing the T2w data as input to the first input channel of the trained CNN classification model, and blank data as input to the second channel of the trained CNN; receiving, from the trained CNN classification model for each of a plurality of pixels of the mp-MRI data, a second plurality of output values from the respective plurality of output channels; providing blank data as input to the first input channel of the trained CNN classification model, and the ADC data as input to the second channel of the trained CNN; receiving, from the trained CNN classification model for each of a plurality of pixels of the mp-MRI data, a third plurality of output values from the respective plurality of output channels; selecting one of the plurality of components, ISel, to segment based on which of the second plurality of output values and the third plurality of output values minimizes the expression 22. A system for determining a class of a cancer, the system comprising:
at least one hardware processor that is programmed to:
receive multi-parameter imaging data depicting a portion of a subject:
provide a first subset of the multi-parameter imaging data as input to a first channel of a trained convolutional neural network (CNN);
provide a second subset of the multi-parameter imaging data as input to a second channel of the trained CNN;
receive, from the trained CNN, a set of output values corresponding to a set of output channels for a plurality of pixels of the multi-parameter imaging data, the set of output channels corresponding to a set of classes of cancer in order of increasing aggressiveness, and each value indicating a likelihood that the pixel depicts cancerous tissue of at least a particular class of cancer corresponding to the output channel from which the value was output;
identify a cancer region in the multi-parameter imaging data based on one or more output values for one or more pixels corresponding to the cancer region being greater than a threshold;
predict an aggressiveness of the identified cancer region based on which of the output channels had values over the threshold for one or more pixels; and
generate a report indicating that the predicted aggressiveness is present in the cancer region. | In accordance with some embodiments, systems, methods, and media for automatically segmenting and diagnosing prostate lesions using multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (mp-MRI) data are provided. In some embodiments, the system comprises is programmed to: receive mp-MRI data depicting a prostate, including T2w data and ADC data; provide the T2w data and ADC data as input to first and second input channels of a trained convolutional neural network (CNN); receive, from the trained CNN, output values from output channels indicating which pixels are likely to correspond to a particular class of prostate lesion, the channels corresponding to predicted aggressiveness in order of increasing aggressiveness, identify a prostate lesion in the data based on output values greater than a threshold; predict an aggressiveness based on which channel had values over the threshold; and present an indication that a prostate lesion of the predicted aggressiveness is likely present in the prostate.1. A system for automatically detecting and classifying prostate lesions, the system comprising:
at least one hardware processor that is programmed to:
receive multi-parameter MRI (mp-MRI) data depicting a portion of a subject's prostate, the mp-MRI data comprising a plurality of components,
wherein a first component of the plurality of components comprises T2 weighted (T2w )data, and a second component of the plurality of components comprises apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) data;
provide the T2w data as input to a first input channel of a plurality of input channels of a trained convolutional neural network (CNN) classification model,
wherein the trained CNN classification model is configured to receive inputs using the plurality of input channels, each of the plurality of input channels corresponding to one of the plurality of components, and provide outputs using a plurality of output channels, each of the plurality of output cannels indicating a likelihood that each pixel of the data provided to the input channels corresponds to a particular class of prostate lesion of a plurality of classes, with each class of the plurality of classes corresponding to a predicted aggressiveness of a prostate lesion in order of increasing aggressiveness, and
wherein the trained CNN classification model was trained using labeled mp-MRI data comprising a multiplicity of slices of T2w data, and a respective multiplicity of co-registered ADC data, and a combination of focal loss (FL) and mutual finding loss (MFL);
provide the ADC data as input to a second channel of the plurality of channels;
receive, from the trained CNN classification model for each of a plurality of pixels of the mp-MRI data, a plurality of output values from the respective plurality of output channels,
wherein each of the plurality of output values is indicative of a likelihood that a prostate lesion of at least the level of prostate lesion aggressiveness corresponding to that output channel is present at the pixel;
identify a prostate lesion in the mp-MRI data based one or more output values for one or more pixels of the plurality of pixels being greater than a threshold;
predict an aggressiveness of the identified prostate lesion based on which output channels had values over the threshold for the particular pixel; and
cause an indication that a prostate lesion of the predicted aggressiveness is likely present in the subject's prostate to be presented to a user. 2. The system of claim 1,
wherein a first output channel of the plurality of output channels is associated with a first class that corresponds to a Gleason score of 3+3, a second output channel of the plurality of output channels is associated with a second class that corresponds to a Gleason score of 3+4, a third output channel of the plurality of output channels is associated with a third class that corresponds to a Gleason score of 4+3, a fourth output channel of the plurality of output channels is associated with a fourth class that corresponds to a Gleason score of 8, and a fifth output channel of the plurality of output channels is associated with a fifth class that corresponds to a Gleason score of 9 or more. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the CNN classification model was trained at least in part by:
(i) providing a slice of training T2w data as input to the first input channel of the untrained CNN classification model, and a slice of training ADC data corresponding to the T2w data as input to the second input channel of the untrained CNN classification model; (ii) receiving from the untrained CNN, a first set of outputs comprising a value from each output channel for each pixel of the training mp-MRI data based on the data provided as input at (i); (iii) generating, using label information associated with the training mp-MRI data, a plurality of binary masks that are each associated with one of the plurality of classes, each mask indicating which pixels of the training mp-MRI data are non-lesion and which pixels of the training mp-MRI data correspond to a lesion of at least the class associated with the mask; (iv) generating a first loss value using FL based on a comparison of the plurality of masks and the first set of outputs for each pixel of the training mp-MRI data; (v) providing the slice of training T2w data as input to the first channel of the untrained CNN classification model, and blank data as input to the second channel of the untrained CNN classification model; (vi) receiving from the untrained CNN, a second set of outputs comprising a value from each output channel for each pixel of the training mp-MRI data based on the data provided as input at (v); (vii) providing blank data as input to the first channel of the untrained CNN classification model, and the slide of training ADC data as input to the second channel of the untrained CNN classification model; (viii) receiving from the untrained CNN, a third set of outputs comprising a value from each output channel for each pixel of the training mp-MRI data based on the data provided as input at (vii); (ix) selecting, for MFL, between the second set of outputs and the third set of outputs based on which of the second set of outputs and third set of outputs more closely corresponds to the first set of outputs; (x) generating a second loss value based on a distance between the plurality of masks and the differences between the first set of outputs and the selected set of outputs; and (xi) repeating (i) to (x) for the multiplicity of training slices to generate the trained CNN classification model. 4. The system of claim 3,
wherein a first mask of the plurality of masks corresponds to the first class, a second mask of the plurality of masks corresponds to the second class, a third mask of the plurality of masks corresponds to the third class, a fourth mask of the plurality of masks corresponds to the fourth class, and a fifth mask of the plurality of masks corresponds to the fifth class. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one hardware processor that is programmed to:
clip the T2w data using a lower threshold corresponding to an intensity of air and an upper threshold corresponding to an intensity of bladder in the T2w data; and normalize the clipped T2w data to a range of [0,1]. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one hardware processor that is programmed to:
select a portion of the T2w data centered on the prostate depicted in the mp-MRI data; and convert the selected portion of the T2w data to a size corresponding to an input size of the first input channel. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one hardware processor that is programmed to:
provide the T2w data as input to the first input channel of the trained CNN classification model, and blank data as input to the second channel of the trained CNN; receive, from the trained CNN classification model for each of a plurality of pixels of the mp-MRI data, a second plurality of output values from the respective plurality of output channels; provide blank data as input to the first input channel of the trained CNN classification model, and the ADC data as input to the second channel of the trained CNN; receive, from the trained CNN classification model for each of a plurality of pixels of the mp-MRI data, a third plurality of output values from the respective plurality of output channels; select one of the plurality of components, ISel, to segment based on which of the second plurality of output values and the third plurality of output values minimizes the expression 8. A method for automatically detecting and classifying prostate lesions, the method comprising:
receiving multi-parameter MRI (mp-MRI) data depicting a portion of a subject's prostate, the mp-MRI data comprising a plurality of components,
wherein a first component of the plurality of components comprises T2 weighted (T2w) data, and a second component of the plurality of components comprises apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) data;
providing the T2w data as input to a first input channel of a plurality of input channels of a trained convolutional neural network (CNN) classification model,
wherein the trained CNN classification model is configured to receive inputs using the plurality of input channels, each of the plurality of input channels corresponding to one of the plurality of components, and provide outputs using a plurality of output channels, each of the plurality of output cannels indicating a likelihood that each pixel of the data provided to the input channels corresponds to a particular class of prostate lesion of a plurality of classes, with each class of the plurality of classes corresponding to a predicted aggressiveness of a prostate lesion in order of increasing aggressiveness, and
wherein the trained CNN classification model was trained using labeled mp-MRI data comprising a multiplicity of slices of T2w data, and a respective multiplicity of co-registered ADC data, and a combination of focal loss (FL) and mutual finding loss (MFL);
providing the ADC data as input to a second channel of the plurality of channels; receiving, from the trained CNN classification model for each of a plurality of pixels of the mp-MRI data, a plurality of output values from the respective plurality of output channels,
wherein each of the plurality of output values is indicative of a likelihood that a prostate lesion of at least the level of prostate lesion aggressiveness corresponding to that output channel is present at the pixel;
identifying a prostate lesion in the mp-MRI data based one or more output values for one or more pixels of the plurality of pixels being greater than a threshold; predicting an aggressiveness of the identified prostate lesion based on which output channels had values over the threshold for the particular pixel; and causing an indication that a prostate lesion of the predicted aggressiveness is likely present in the subject's prostate to be presented to a user. 9. The method of claim 8,
wherein a first output channel of the plurality of output channels is associated with a first class that corresponds to a Gleason score of 3+3, a second output channel of the plurality of output channels is associated with a second class that corresponds to a Gleason score of 3+4, a third output channel of the plurality of output channels is associated with a third class that corresponds to a Gleason score of 4+3, a fourth output channel of the plurality of output channels is associated with a fourth class that corresponds to a Gleason score of 8, and a fifth output channel of the plurality of output channels is associated with a fifth class that corresponds to a Gleason score of 9 or more. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the CNN classification model was trained at least in part by:
(i) providing a slice of training T2w data as input to the first input channel of the untrained CNN classification model, and a slice of training ADC data corresponding to the T2w data as input to the second input channel of the untrained CNN classification model; (ii) receiving from the untrained CNN, a first set of outputs comprising a value from each output channel for each pixel of the training mp-MRI data based on the data provided as input at (i); (iii) generating, using label information associated with the training mp-MRI data, a plurality of binary masks that are each associated with one of the plurality of classes, each mask indicating which pixels of the training mp-MRI data are non-lesion and which pixels of the training mp-MRI data correspond to a lesion of at least the class associated with the mask; (iv) generating a first loss value using FL based on a comparison of the plurality of masks and the first set of outputs for each pixel of the training mp-MRI data; (v) providing the slice of training T2w data as input to the first channel of the untrained CNN classification model, and blank data as input to the second channel of the untrained CNN classification model; (vi) receiving from the untrained CNN, a second set of outputs comprising a value from each output channel for each pixel of the training mp-MRI data based on the data provided as input at (v); (vii) providing blank data as input to the first channel of the untrained CNN classification model, and the slide of training ADC data as input to the second channel of the untrained CNN classification model; (viii) receiving from the untrained CNN, a third set of outputs comprising a value from each output channel for each pixel of the training mp-MRI data based on the data provided as input at (vii); (ix) selecting, for MFL, between the second set of outputs and the third set of outputs based on which of the second set of outputs and third set of outputs more closely corresponds to the first set of outputs; (x) generating a second loss value based on a distance between the plurality of masks and the differences between the first set of outputs and the selected set of outputs; and (xi) repeating (i) to (x) for the multiplicity of training slices to generate the trained CNN classification model. 11. The method of claim 10,
wherein a first mask of the plurality of masks corresponds to the first class, a second mask of the plurality of masks corresponds to the second class, a third mask of the plurality of masks corresponds to the third class, a fourth mask of the plurality of masks corresponds to the fourth class, and a fifth mask of the plurality of masks corresponds to the fifth class. 12. The method of claim 8, further comprising:
clipping the T2w data using a lower threshold corresponding to an intensity of air and an upper threshold corresponding to an intensity of bladder in the T2w data; and normalizing the clipped T2w data to a range of [0,1]. 13. The method of claim 8, further comprising:
selecting a portion of the T2w data centered on the prostate depicted in the mp-MRI data; and converting the selected portion of the T2w data to a size corresponding to an input size of the first input channel. 14. The method of claim 8, further comprising:
providing the T2w data as input to the first input channel of the trained CNN classification model, and blank data as input to the second channel of the trained CNN; receiving, from the trained CNN classification model for each of a plurality of pixels of the mp-MRI data, a second plurality of output values from the respective plurality of output channels; providing blank data as input to the first input channel of the trained CNN classification model, and the ADC data as input to the second channel of the trained CNN; receiving, from the trained CNN classification model for each of a plurality of pixels of the mp-MRI data, a third plurality of output values from the respective plurality of output channels; selecting one of the plurality of components, ISel, to segment based on which of the second plurality of output values and the third plurality of output values minimizes the expression 15. A non-transitory computer readable medium containing computer executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a method for automatically detecting and classifying prostate lesions, the method comprising:
receiving multi-parameter MRI (mp-MRI) data depicting a portion of a subject's prostate, the mp-MRI data comprising a plurality of components,
wherein a first component of the plurality of components comprises T2 weighted (T2w) data, and a second component of the plurality of components comprises apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) data;
providing the T2w data as input to a first input channel of a plurality of input channels of a trained convolutional neural network (CNN) classification model,
wherein the trained CNN classification model is configured to receive inputs using the plurality of input channels, each of the plurality of input channels corresponding to one of the plurality of components, and provide outputs using a plurality of output channels, each of the plurality of output cannels indicating a likelihood that each pixel of the data provided to the input channels corresponds to a particular class of prostate lesion of a plurality of classes, with each class of the plurality of classes corresponding to a predicted aggressiveness of a prostate lesion in order of increasing aggressiveness, and
wherein the trained CNN classification model was trained using labeled mp-MRI data comprising a multiplicity of slices of T2w data, and a respective multiplicity of co-registered ADC data, and a combination of focal loss (FL) and mutual finding loss (MFL);
providing the ADC data as input to a second channel of the plurality of channels; receiving, from the trained CNN classification model for each of a plurality of pixels of the mp-MRI data, a plurality of output values from the respective plurality of output channels,
wherein each of the plurality of output values is indicative of a likelihood that a prostate lesion of at least the level of prostate lesion aggressiveness corresponding to that output channel is present at the pixel;
identifying a prostate lesion in the mp-MRI data based one or more output values for one or more pixels of the plurality of pixels being greater than a threshold; predicting an aggressiveness of the identified prostate lesion based on which output channels had values over the threshold for the particular pixel; and causing an indication that a prostate lesion of the predicted aggressiveness is likely present in the subject's prostate to be presented to a user. 16. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15,
wherein a first output channel of the plurality of output channels is associated with a first class that corresponds to a Gleason score of 3+3, a second output channel of the plurality of output channels is associated with a second class that corresponds to a Gleason score of 3+4, a third output channel of the plurality of output channels is associated with a third class that corresponds to a Gleason score of +3, a fourth output channel of the plurality of output channels is associated with a fourth class that corresponds to a Gleason score of 8, and a fifth output channel of the plurality of output channels is associated with a fifth class that corresponds to a Gleason score of 9 or more. 17. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein the CNN classification model was trained at least in part by:
(i) providing a slice of training T2w data as input to the first input channel of the untrained CNN classification model, and a slice of training ADC data corresponding to the T2w data as input to the second input channel of the untrained CNN classification model; (ii) receiving from the untrained CNN, a first set of outputs comprising a value from each output channel for each pixel of the training mp-MRI data based on the data provided as input at (i); (iii) generating, using label information associated with the training mp-MRI data, a plurality of binary masks that are each associated with one of the plurality of classes, each mask indicating which pixels of the training mp-MRI data are non-lesion and which pixels of the training mp-MRI data correspond to a lesion of at least the class associated with the mask; (iv) generating a first loss value using FL based on a comparison of the plurality of masks and the first set of outputs for each pixel of the training mp-MRI data; (v) providing the slice of training T2w data as input to the first channel of the untrained CNN classification model, and blank data as input to the second channel of the untrained CNN classification model; (vi) receiving from the untrained CNN, a second set of outputs comprising a value from each output channel for each pixel of the training mp-MRI data based on the data provided as input at (v); (vii) providing blank data as input to the first channel of the untrained CNN classification model, and the slide of training ADC data as input to the second channel of the untrained CNN classification model; (viii) receiving from the untrained CNN, a third set of outputs comprising a value from each output channel for each pixel of the training mp-MRI data based on the data provided as input at (vii); (ix) selecting, for MFL, between the second set of outputs and the third set of outputs based on which of the second set of outputs and third set of outputs more closely corresponds to the first set of outputs; (x) generating a second loss value based on a distance between the plurality of masks and the differences between the first set of outputs and the selected set of outputs; and (xi) repeating (i) to (x) for the multiplicity of training slices to generate the trained CNN classification model. 18. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 17,
wherein a first mask of the plurality of masks corresponds to the first class, a second mask of the plurality of masks corresponds to the second class, a third mask of the plurality of masks corresponds to the third class, a fourth mask of the plurality of masks corresponds to the fourth class, and a fifth mask of the plurality of masks corresponds to the fifth class. 19. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein the method further comprises:
clipping the T2w data using a lower threshold corresponding to an intensity of air and an upper threshold corresponding to an intensity of bladder in the T2w data; and normalizing the clipped T2w data to a range of [0,1]. 20. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein the method further comprises:
selecting a portion of the T2w data centered on the prostate depicted in the mp-MRI data; and converting the selected portion of the T2w data to a size corresponding to an input size of the first input channel. 21. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein the method further comprises:
providing the T2w data as input to the first input channel of the trained CNN classification model, and blank data as input to the second channel of the trained CNN; receiving, from the trained CNN classification model for each of a plurality of pixels of the mp-MRI data, a second plurality of output values from the respective plurality of output channels; providing blank data as input to the first input channel of the trained CNN classification model, and the ADC data as input to the second channel of the trained CNN; receiving, from the trained CNN classification model for each of a plurality of pixels of the mp-MRI data, a third plurality of output values from the respective plurality of output channels; selecting one of the plurality of components, ISel, to segment based on which of the second plurality of output values and the third plurality of output values minimizes the expression 22. A system for determining a class of a cancer, the system comprising:
at least one hardware processor that is programmed to:
receive multi-parameter imaging data depicting a portion of a subject:
provide a first subset of the multi-parameter imaging data as input to a first channel of a trained convolutional neural network (CNN);
provide a second subset of the multi-parameter imaging data as input to a second channel of the trained CNN;
receive, from the trained CNN, a set of output values corresponding to a set of output channels for a plurality of pixels of the multi-parameter imaging data, the set of output channels corresponding to a set of classes of cancer in order of increasing aggressiveness, and each value indicating a likelihood that the pixel depicts cancerous tissue of at least a particular class of cancer corresponding to the output channel from which the value was output;
identify a cancer region in the multi-parameter imaging data based on one or more output values for one or more pixels corresponding to the cancer region being greater than a threshold;
predict an aggressiveness of the identified cancer region based on which of the output channels had values over the threshold for one or more pixels; and
generate a report indicating that the predicted aggressiveness is present in the cancer region. | 2,800 |
348,592 | 16,806,057 | 2,852 | A method comprises removing a first deck of a plurality of decks and a second deck of the plurality of decks from an autorack. The method further comprises removing one or more of a plurality of posts of the autorack and coupling a cross-brace assembly to one or more of the plurality of posts, wherein the cross-brace assembly is coupled to the one or more of the plurality of posts at a location above an existing brace bay of the autorack. The method also comprises coupling the second deck of the plurality of decks to the autorack at a location above or below the cross-brace assembly. | 1-12. (canceled) 13. A method comprising:
removing an existing roof section from an autorack; removing one or more of a plurality of existing side screens from the autorack; removing a first deck of a plurality of existing decks from the autorack; removing a second deck of the plurality of existing decks from the autorack; increasing a width of a first end portion of a flatcar of the autorack such that the width of the first end portion of the flatcar is greater than a width of a center portion of the flatcar; increasing a width of a second end portion of the flatcar of the autorack such that the width of the second end portion of the flatcar is greater than the width of the center portion of the flatcar; increasing a width between a first post of a plurality of posts and a second post of the plurality of posts, the first post located near a first side of the first end portion of the flatcar and the second post located near a second side of the first end portion, the second side opposite the first side; increasing a width between a third post of the plurality of posts and a fourth post of the plurality of posts, the third post located near a first side of the second end portion of the flatcar and the fourth post located near a second side of the second end portion, the second side opposite the first side; coupling a cross-brace assembly to two or more of the plurality of posts of the autorack, wherein the cross-brace assembly is coupled to the two or more of the plurality of posts at a location above an existing brace bay of the autorack; coupling a replacement deck to the autorack at a location above or below the cross-brace assembly; coupling one or more of a plurality of replacement side screens to one or more of the plurality of posts; and coupling a replacement roof section to the autorack. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising removing one or more of the plurality of posts from the autorack. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein coupling the cross-brace assembly to the two or more of the plurality of posts comprises:
coupling at least one brace of the cross-brace assembly to a fifth post of the plurality of posts; and coupling the at least one brace of the cross-brace assembly to a sixth post of the plurality of posts. 16. The method of claim 13, wherein coupling the cross-brace assembly to the two or more of the plurality of posts comprises:
coupling a first bolting plate of the cross-brace assembly to a fifth post of the plurality of posts at a location above the existing brace bay of the autorack; coupling a second bolting plate of the cross-brace assembly to the fifth post of the plurality of posts at a location above the first bolting plate; coupling a third bolting plate of the cross-brace assembly to a sixth post of the plurality of posts at a location above the existing brace bay of the autorack; and coupling a fourth bolting plate of the cross-brace assembly to the sixth post of the plurality of posts at a location above the third bolting plate. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
coupling a first end of a first brace of the cross-brace assembly to the first bolting plate; coupling a second end of the first brace to the fourth bolting plate; coupling a first end of a second brace of the cross-brace assembly to the second bolting plate; and coupling a second end of the second brace to the third bolting plate. 18. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
coupling at least one pulley to the autorack; coupling at least one cable to the replacement deck of the autorack and the at least one pulley, the at least one cable operable to adjust a vertical position of the replacement deck within the autorack; and coupling an actuator to the autorack, the actuator configured to pull the at least one cable to adjust the vertical position of the replacement deck within the autorack. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising coupling a controller to the autorack, wherein the controller is electronically coupled to the actuator. 20. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
removing an existing door structure from the autorack; and coupling a seal-safe radial door structure to at least one end of the autorack. 21. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
increasing a height of one or more of the plurality of posts; wherein a height of the one or more of the plurality of replacement side screens is greater than a height of the one or more of the plurality of existing side screens. 22. The method of claim 13, wherein the autorack is an existing autorack. 23. An autorack comprising:
a flatcar comprising:
a first end portion;
a second end portion; and
a center portion;
wherein a width of the first end portion of the flatcar is greater than a width of the center portion of the flatcar;
wherein a width of the second end portion of the flatcar is greater than the width of the center portion of a flatcar;
a plurality of posts; a first post of the plurality of posts located near a first side of the first end portion of the flatcar; a second post of the plurality of posts located near a second side of the first end portion, the second side opposite the first side, wherein a width between the first post of the plurality of posts and the second post of the plurality of posts is greater than the width of the center portion of the flatcar; a third post of the plurality of posts located near a first side of the second end portion of the flatcar; a fourth post of the plurality of posts located near a second side of the second end portion, the second side opposite the first side, wherein a width between the third post of the plurality of posts and the fourth post of the plurality of posts is greater than the width of the center portion of the flatcar; a cross-brace assembly coupled to two or more of the plurality of posts of the autorack, wherein the cross-brace assembly is coupled to the two or more of the plurality of posts at a location above an existing brace bay of the autorack; a replacement deck coupled to the autorack at a location above or below the cross-brace assembly one or more of a plurality of replacement side screens coupled to one or more of the plurality of posts; and a replacement roof section coupled to the autorack. 24. The autorack of claim 23, wherein the cross-brace assembly further comprises at least one brace coupled to a fifth post of the plurality of posts and a sixth post of the plurality of posts. 25. The autorack of claim 23, wherein the cross-brace assembly further comprises:
a first bolting plate coupled to a fifth post of the plurality of posts at a location above the existing brace bay of the autorack; a second bolting plate coupled to the fifth post of the plurality of posts at a location above the first bolting plate; a third bolting plate coupled to a sixth post of the plurality of posts at a location above the existing brace bay of the autorack; and a fourth bolting plate coupled to the sixth post of the plurality of posts at a location above the third bolting plate. 26. The autorack of claim 25, wherein the cross-brace assembly further comprises:
a first brace having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first brace is coupled to the first bolting plate and the second end of the first brace is coupled to the fourth bolting plate; a second brace having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the second brace is coupled to the second bolting plate and the second end of the second brace is coupled to the third bolting plate. 27. The autorack of claim 23, further comprising:
at least one pulley coupled to the autorack; at least one cable coupled to the replacement deck of the autorack and the at least one pulley, the at least one cable operable to adjust a vertical position of the replacement deck within the autorack; and an actuator coupled to the autorack, the actuator configured to pull the at least one cable to adjust the vertical position of the replacement deck within the autorack. 28. The autorack of claim 23, further comprising a controller coupled to the autorack, wherein the controller is electronically coupled to the actuator. 29. The autorack of claim 23, further comprising a seal-safe radial door structure coupled to at least one end of the autorack. 30. The autorack of claim 23, wherein a height of a roof of the autorack is at least twenty feet. 31. The autorack of claim 23, wherein a height of a roof of the autorack is adjustable. 32. The autorack of claim 23, wherein the autorack is an existing autorack. | A method comprises removing a first deck of a plurality of decks and a second deck of the plurality of decks from an autorack. The method further comprises removing one or more of a plurality of posts of the autorack and coupling a cross-brace assembly to one or more of the plurality of posts, wherein the cross-brace assembly is coupled to the one or more of the plurality of posts at a location above an existing brace bay of the autorack. The method also comprises coupling the second deck of the plurality of decks to the autorack at a location above or below the cross-brace assembly.1-12. (canceled) 13. A method comprising:
removing an existing roof section from an autorack; removing one or more of a plurality of existing side screens from the autorack; removing a first deck of a plurality of existing decks from the autorack; removing a second deck of the plurality of existing decks from the autorack; increasing a width of a first end portion of a flatcar of the autorack such that the width of the first end portion of the flatcar is greater than a width of a center portion of the flatcar; increasing a width of a second end portion of the flatcar of the autorack such that the width of the second end portion of the flatcar is greater than the width of the center portion of the flatcar; increasing a width between a first post of a plurality of posts and a second post of the plurality of posts, the first post located near a first side of the first end portion of the flatcar and the second post located near a second side of the first end portion, the second side opposite the first side; increasing a width between a third post of the plurality of posts and a fourth post of the plurality of posts, the third post located near a first side of the second end portion of the flatcar and the fourth post located near a second side of the second end portion, the second side opposite the first side; coupling a cross-brace assembly to two or more of the plurality of posts of the autorack, wherein the cross-brace assembly is coupled to the two or more of the plurality of posts at a location above an existing brace bay of the autorack; coupling a replacement deck to the autorack at a location above or below the cross-brace assembly; coupling one or more of a plurality of replacement side screens to one or more of the plurality of posts; and coupling a replacement roof section to the autorack. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising removing one or more of the plurality of posts from the autorack. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein coupling the cross-brace assembly to the two or more of the plurality of posts comprises:
coupling at least one brace of the cross-brace assembly to a fifth post of the plurality of posts; and coupling the at least one brace of the cross-brace assembly to a sixth post of the plurality of posts. 16. The method of claim 13, wherein coupling the cross-brace assembly to the two or more of the plurality of posts comprises:
coupling a first bolting plate of the cross-brace assembly to a fifth post of the plurality of posts at a location above the existing brace bay of the autorack; coupling a second bolting plate of the cross-brace assembly to the fifth post of the plurality of posts at a location above the first bolting plate; coupling a third bolting plate of the cross-brace assembly to a sixth post of the plurality of posts at a location above the existing brace bay of the autorack; and coupling a fourth bolting plate of the cross-brace assembly to the sixth post of the plurality of posts at a location above the third bolting plate. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
coupling a first end of a first brace of the cross-brace assembly to the first bolting plate; coupling a second end of the first brace to the fourth bolting plate; coupling a first end of a second brace of the cross-brace assembly to the second bolting plate; and coupling a second end of the second brace to the third bolting plate. 18. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
coupling at least one pulley to the autorack; coupling at least one cable to the replacement deck of the autorack and the at least one pulley, the at least one cable operable to adjust a vertical position of the replacement deck within the autorack; and coupling an actuator to the autorack, the actuator configured to pull the at least one cable to adjust the vertical position of the replacement deck within the autorack. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising coupling a controller to the autorack, wherein the controller is electronically coupled to the actuator. 20. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
removing an existing door structure from the autorack; and coupling a seal-safe radial door structure to at least one end of the autorack. 21. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
increasing a height of one or more of the plurality of posts; wherein a height of the one or more of the plurality of replacement side screens is greater than a height of the one or more of the plurality of existing side screens. 22. The method of claim 13, wherein the autorack is an existing autorack. 23. An autorack comprising:
a flatcar comprising:
a first end portion;
a second end portion; and
a center portion;
wherein a width of the first end portion of the flatcar is greater than a width of the center portion of the flatcar;
wherein a width of the second end portion of the flatcar is greater than the width of the center portion of a flatcar;
a plurality of posts; a first post of the plurality of posts located near a first side of the first end portion of the flatcar; a second post of the plurality of posts located near a second side of the first end portion, the second side opposite the first side, wherein a width between the first post of the plurality of posts and the second post of the plurality of posts is greater than the width of the center portion of the flatcar; a third post of the plurality of posts located near a first side of the second end portion of the flatcar; a fourth post of the plurality of posts located near a second side of the second end portion, the second side opposite the first side, wherein a width between the third post of the plurality of posts and the fourth post of the plurality of posts is greater than the width of the center portion of the flatcar; a cross-brace assembly coupled to two or more of the plurality of posts of the autorack, wherein the cross-brace assembly is coupled to the two or more of the plurality of posts at a location above an existing brace bay of the autorack; a replacement deck coupled to the autorack at a location above or below the cross-brace assembly one or more of a plurality of replacement side screens coupled to one or more of the plurality of posts; and a replacement roof section coupled to the autorack. 24. The autorack of claim 23, wherein the cross-brace assembly further comprises at least one brace coupled to a fifth post of the plurality of posts and a sixth post of the plurality of posts. 25. The autorack of claim 23, wherein the cross-brace assembly further comprises:
a first bolting plate coupled to a fifth post of the plurality of posts at a location above the existing brace bay of the autorack; a second bolting plate coupled to the fifth post of the plurality of posts at a location above the first bolting plate; a third bolting plate coupled to a sixth post of the plurality of posts at a location above the existing brace bay of the autorack; and a fourth bolting plate coupled to the sixth post of the plurality of posts at a location above the third bolting plate. 26. The autorack of claim 25, wherein the cross-brace assembly further comprises:
a first brace having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first brace is coupled to the first bolting plate and the second end of the first brace is coupled to the fourth bolting plate; a second brace having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the second brace is coupled to the second bolting plate and the second end of the second brace is coupled to the third bolting plate. 27. The autorack of claim 23, further comprising:
at least one pulley coupled to the autorack; at least one cable coupled to the replacement deck of the autorack and the at least one pulley, the at least one cable operable to adjust a vertical position of the replacement deck within the autorack; and an actuator coupled to the autorack, the actuator configured to pull the at least one cable to adjust the vertical position of the replacement deck within the autorack. 28. The autorack of claim 23, further comprising a controller coupled to the autorack, wherein the controller is electronically coupled to the actuator. 29. The autorack of claim 23, further comprising a seal-safe radial door structure coupled to at least one end of the autorack. 30. The autorack of claim 23, wherein a height of a roof of the autorack is at least twenty feet. 31. The autorack of claim 23, wherein a height of a roof of the autorack is adjustable. 32. The autorack of claim 23, wherein the autorack is an existing autorack. | 2,800 |
348,593 | 16,806,094 | 2,852 | A zeolite membrane complex comprises: a support; and a zeolite membrane formed on the support. The membrane is of SAT-type zeolite, and in an X-ray diffraction pattern obtained by X-ray irradiation to the zeolite membrane, a peak intensity around 2θ=13.9° is 1.5 times or more a peak intensity around 2θ=8.5°. | 1. A zeolite membrane complex comprising:
a support; and a zeolite membrane formed on said support, wherein said zeolite membrane is of SAT-type zeolite, and in an X-ray diffraction pattern obtained by X-ray irradiation to said zeolite membrane, a peak intensity around 2θ=13.9° is 1.5 times or more a peak intensity around 2θ=8.5°. 2. The zeolite membrane complex according to claim 1, wherein
in said X-ray diffraction pattern, the peak intensity around 2θ=13.9° is two times or more the peak intensity around 2θ=8.5°. 3. The zeolite membrane complex according to claim 1, wherein
said support is porous. 4. The zeolite membrane complex according to claim 1, wherein
said support is an alumina sintered compact or a mullite sintered compact. 5. A method of producing a zeolite membrane complex, comprising:
a) synthesizing SAT-type zeolite by hydrothermal synthesis and obtaining seed crystals from said zeolite; b) depositing said seed crystals on a support; c) immersing said support in a starting material solution having a pH greater than or equal to 5 and less than or equal to 9 prepared by mixing an aluminum source and a phosphorus source with a pH greater than or equal to 4, and growing SAT-type zeolite from said seed crystals by hydrothermal synthesis to form a zeolite membrane on said support; and d) removing a structure-directing agent from said zeolite membrane. 6. The method of producing a zeolite membrane complex, according to claim 5, wherein
in an X-ray diffraction pattern obtained by X-ray irradiation to said zeolite membrane, a peak intensity around 2θ=13.9° is 1.5 times or more a peak intensity around 2θ=8.5°. 7. The method of producing a zeolite membrane complex, according to claim 5, wherein
in said operation a) or c), aluminum alkoxide or an alumina sol is used as the aluminum source in the hydrothermal synthesis. | A zeolite membrane complex comprises: a support; and a zeolite membrane formed on the support. The membrane is of SAT-type zeolite, and in an X-ray diffraction pattern obtained by X-ray irradiation to the zeolite membrane, a peak intensity around 2θ=13.9° is 1.5 times or more a peak intensity around 2θ=8.5°.1. A zeolite membrane complex comprising:
a support; and a zeolite membrane formed on said support, wherein said zeolite membrane is of SAT-type zeolite, and in an X-ray diffraction pattern obtained by X-ray irradiation to said zeolite membrane, a peak intensity around 2θ=13.9° is 1.5 times or more a peak intensity around 2θ=8.5°. 2. The zeolite membrane complex according to claim 1, wherein
in said X-ray diffraction pattern, the peak intensity around 2θ=13.9° is two times or more the peak intensity around 2θ=8.5°. 3. The zeolite membrane complex according to claim 1, wherein
said support is porous. 4. The zeolite membrane complex according to claim 1, wherein
said support is an alumina sintered compact or a mullite sintered compact. 5. A method of producing a zeolite membrane complex, comprising:
a) synthesizing SAT-type zeolite by hydrothermal synthesis and obtaining seed crystals from said zeolite; b) depositing said seed crystals on a support; c) immersing said support in a starting material solution having a pH greater than or equal to 5 and less than or equal to 9 prepared by mixing an aluminum source and a phosphorus source with a pH greater than or equal to 4, and growing SAT-type zeolite from said seed crystals by hydrothermal synthesis to form a zeolite membrane on said support; and d) removing a structure-directing agent from said zeolite membrane. 6. The method of producing a zeolite membrane complex, according to claim 5, wherein
in an X-ray diffraction pattern obtained by X-ray irradiation to said zeolite membrane, a peak intensity around 2θ=13.9° is 1.5 times or more a peak intensity around 2θ=8.5°. 7. The method of producing a zeolite membrane complex, according to claim 5, wherein
in said operation a) or c), aluminum alkoxide or an alumina sol is used as the aluminum source in the hydrothermal synthesis. | 2,800 |
348,594 | 16,806,089 | 2,852 | An image forming apparatus includes a rotatable image bearing member configured to bear an electrostatic latent image, a developing container configured to accommodate developer comprising toner, a developing member configured to develop the electrostatic latent image born on the image bearing member into a toner image by using the developer in the developing container, a transfer member configured to transfer the toner image born on the image bearing member onto the recording material, and a notification portion configured to notify replenishment information for prompting replenishing the developing container with the developer. The notification portion is configured to notify the replenishment information in a state in which an index correlated with a ratio of an amount of paper dust mixed in the developer in the developing container to an amount of the developer in the developing container has not exceeded a preset threshold value of the index. | 1. An image forming apparatus configured to form an image on a recording material, the image forming apparatus comprising:
a rotatable image bearing member configured to bear an electrostatic latent image; a developing container configured to accommodate developer comprising toner; a developing member configured to develop the electrostatic latent image born on the image bearing member into a toner image by using the developer in the developing container; a transfer member configured to transfer the toner image born on the image bearing member onto the recording material; and a notification portion configured to notify replenishment information for prompting replenishing the developing container with the developer, the notification portion being configured to notify the replenishment information in a state in which an index correlated with a ratio of an amount of paper dust mixed in the developer in the developing container to an amount of the developer in the developing container has not exceeded a preset threshold value of the index. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the index represents a ratio of accumulated number of sheets of the recording material on which images have been formed to the amount of the developer in the developing container. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the index represents a ratio of the amount of the paper dust in the developing container to the amount of the developer in the developing container, and wherein the amount of the paper dust in the developing container is updated each time images are formed on a predetermined number of sheets of the recording material, the amount of the paper dust in the developing container being updated on a basis of an amount of paper dust entering the developing container from the recording material via the image bearing member and the developing member and an amount of paper dust discharged from the developing container onto the recording material through the developing member and the image bearing member. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a detection portion attached to the developing container and configured to detect the amount of the developer in the developing container,
wherein the notification portion is configured to notify the replenishment information on a basis of a detection result of the detection portion. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the notification portion is configured to notify the replenishment information in a case where the amount of the developer in the developing container is equal to or smaller than a threshold value of the amount of the developer, and wherein the threshold value of the amount of the developer is a constant value preset such that the index does not exceed the threshold value of the index. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the notification portion is configured to notify the replenishment information in a case where the amount of the developer in the developing container is equal to or smaller than a threshold value of the amount of the developer, and wherein a larger value is set as the threshold value of the amount of the developer in a case of next notification of the replenishment information than in a case of previous notification of the replenishment information. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5,
wherein the image forming apparatus is capable of forming images on a plurality of kinds of recording materials, and wherein the threshold value of the amount of the developer is changed in accordance with the kind of the recording material on which an image has been formed. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the developing member is configured to collect, into the developing container, toner that is not transferred onto the recording material by the transfer member after being supplied to the image bearing member from the developing member in a developing region where the image bearing member and the developer bearing member face each other and that is not used for development of the electrostatic latent image when reaching the developing region again by rotation of the image bearing member. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an opening portion is provided in the developing container, and the developing container is configured such that the developer can be supplied to the developing container from an outside of the image forming apparatus through the opening portion in a state in which the developing container is attached to a body of the image forming apparatus. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display apparatus configured to display information as an image,
wherein the notification portion is configured to notify the replenishment information via the display apparatus. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification portion is configured to notify the replenishment information via a display apparatus provided in an external apparatus by communicating with the external apparatus. 12. An image forming apparatus configured to form an image on a recording material, the image forming apparatus comprising:
a rotatable image bearing member configured to bear an electrostatic latent image; a developing container configured to accommodate developer comprising toner; a developing member configured to develop the electrostatic latent image born on the image bearing member into a toner image by using the developer in the developing container; a transfer member configured to transfer the toner image born on the image bearing member onto the recording material; and a notification portion configured to notify replenishment information for prompting replenishing the developing container with the developer, wherein, in a case where the developing container is replenished with the developer after the notification portion notifies the replenishment information of a previous time when an amount of the developer in the developing container is smaller than a first amount, the notification portion notifies the replenishment information of a next time when the amount of the developer in the developing container is smaller than a second amount larger than the first amount. 13. An image forming apparatus configured to form an image on a recording material, the image forming apparatus comprising:
a rotatable image bearing member configured to bear an electrostatic latent image; a developing container configured to accommodate developer comprising toner; a developing member configured to develop the electrostatic latent image born on the image bearing member into a toner image by using the developer in the developing container; a transfer member configured to transfer the toner image born on the image bearing member onto the recording material; and a notification portion configured to notify replenishment information for prompting replenishing the developing container with the developer, wherein, in a case of forming an image on a recording material of a first kind in an initial state in which a predetermined amount of the developer is accommodated in the developing container and paper dust is not mixed in the developer in the developing container, the notification portion notifies the replenishment information in a case where an accumulated number of sheets of the recording material of the first kind on which images have been formed has exceeded a first number of sheets, and wherein, in a case of forming an image on a recording material of a second kind different from the recording material of the first kind in the initial state, the notification portion notifies the replenishment information in a case where an accumulated number of sheets of the recording material of the second kind on which images have been formed has exceeded a second number of sheets larger than the first number of sheets. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13,
wherein the recording material of the first kind is paper containing talc as filler, and wherein the recording material of the second kind is paper containing calcium carbonate as filler. | An image forming apparatus includes a rotatable image bearing member configured to bear an electrostatic latent image, a developing container configured to accommodate developer comprising toner, a developing member configured to develop the electrostatic latent image born on the image bearing member into a toner image by using the developer in the developing container, a transfer member configured to transfer the toner image born on the image bearing member onto the recording material, and a notification portion configured to notify replenishment information for prompting replenishing the developing container with the developer. The notification portion is configured to notify the replenishment information in a state in which an index correlated with a ratio of an amount of paper dust mixed in the developer in the developing container to an amount of the developer in the developing container has not exceeded a preset threshold value of the index.1. An image forming apparatus configured to form an image on a recording material, the image forming apparatus comprising:
a rotatable image bearing member configured to bear an electrostatic latent image; a developing container configured to accommodate developer comprising toner; a developing member configured to develop the electrostatic latent image born on the image bearing member into a toner image by using the developer in the developing container; a transfer member configured to transfer the toner image born on the image bearing member onto the recording material; and a notification portion configured to notify replenishment information for prompting replenishing the developing container with the developer, the notification portion being configured to notify the replenishment information in a state in which an index correlated with a ratio of an amount of paper dust mixed in the developer in the developing container to an amount of the developer in the developing container has not exceeded a preset threshold value of the index. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the index represents a ratio of accumulated number of sheets of the recording material on which images have been formed to the amount of the developer in the developing container. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the index represents a ratio of the amount of the paper dust in the developing container to the amount of the developer in the developing container, and wherein the amount of the paper dust in the developing container is updated each time images are formed on a predetermined number of sheets of the recording material, the amount of the paper dust in the developing container being updated on a basis of an amount of paper dust entering the developing container from the recording material via the image bearing member and the developing member and an amount of paper dust discharged from the developing container onto the recording material through the developing member and the image bearing member. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a detection portion attached to the developing container and configured to detect the amount of the developer in the developing container,
wherein the notification portion is configured to notify the replenishment information on a basis of a detection result of the detection portion. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the notification portion is configured to notify the replenishment information in a case where the amount of the developer in the developing container is equal to or smaller than a threshold value of the amount of the developer, and wherein the threshold value of the amount of the developer is a constant value preset such that the index does not exceed the threshold value of the index. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the notification portion is configured to notify the replenishment information in a case where the amount of the developer in the developing container is equal to or smaller than a threshold value of the amount of the developer, and wherein a larger value is set as the threshold value of the amount of the developer in a case of next notification of the replenishment information than in a case of previous notification of the replenishment information. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5,
wherein the image forming apparatus is capable of forming images on a plurality of kinds of recording materials, and wherein the threshold value of the amount of the developer is changed in accordance with the kind of the recording material on which an image has been formed. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the developing member is configured to collect, into the developing container, toner that is not transferred onto the recording material by the transfer member after being supplied to the image bearing member from the developing member in a developing region where the image bearing member and the developer bearing member face each other and that is not used for development of the electrostatic latent image when reaching the developing region again by rotation of the image bearing member. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an opening portion is provided in the developing container, and the developing container is configured such that the developer can be supplied to the developing container from an outside of the image forming apparatus through the opening portion in a state in which the developing container is attached to a body of the image forming apparatus. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display apparatus configured to display information as an image,
wherein the notification portion is configured to notify the replenishment information via the display apparatus. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification portion is configured to notify the replenishment information via a display apparatus provided in an external apparatus by communicating with the external apparatus. 12. An image forming apparatus configured to form an image on a recording material, the image forming apparatus comprising:
a rotatable image bearing member configured to bear an electrostatic latent image; a developing container configured to accommodate developer comprising toner; a developing member configured to develop the electrostatic latent image born on the image bearing member into a toner image by using the developer in the developing container; a transfer member configured to transfer the toner image born on the image bearing member onto the recording material; and a notification portion configured to notify replenishment information for prompting replenishing the developing container with the developer, wherein, in a case where the developing container is replenished with the developer after the notification portion notifies the replenishment information of a previous time when an amount of the developer in the developing container is smaller than a first amount, the notification portion notifies the replenishment information of a next time when the amount of the developer in the developing container is smaller than a second amount larger than the first amount. 13. An image forming apparatus configured to form an image on a recording material, the image forming apparatus comprising:
a rotatable image bearing member configured to bear an electrostatic latent image; a developing container configured to accommodate developer comprising toner; a developing member configured to develop the electrostatic latent image born on the image bearing member into a toner image by using the developer in the developing container; a transfer member configured to transfer the toner image born on the image bearing member onto the recording material; and a notification portion configured to notify replenishment information for prompting replenishing the developing container with the developer, wherein, in a case of forming an image on a recording material of a first kind in an initial state in which a predetermined amount of the developer is accommodated in the developing container and paper dust is not mixed in the developer in the developing container, the notification portion notifies the replenishment information in a case where an accumulated number of sheets of the recording material of the first kind on which images have been formed has exceeded a first number of sheets, and wherein, in a case of forming an image on a recording material of a second kind different from the recording material of the first kind in the initial state, the notification portion notifies the replenishment information in a case where an accumulated number of sheets of the recording material of the second kind on which images have been formed has exceeded a second number of sheets larger than the first number of sheets. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13,
wherein the recording material of the first kind is paper containing talc as filler, and wherein the recording material of the second kind is paper containing calcium carbonate as filler. | 2,800 |
348,595 | 16,806,065 | 2,852 | Methods and systems for testing and treating spinal cord stimulation (SCS) patients are disclosed. Patients are eventually treated with sub-perception (paresthesia free) therapy. However, supra-perception stimulation is used during “sweet spot searching” during which active electrodes are selected for the patient. This allows sweet spot searching to occur much more quickly and without the need to wash in the various electrode combinations that are tried. After selecting electrodes using supra-perception therapy, therapy is titrated to sub-perception levels using the selected electrodes. Such sub-perception therapy has been investigated using pulses at or below 10 kHz, and it has been determined that a statistically significant correlation exists between pulse width (PW) and frequency (F) in this frequency range at which SCS patients experience significant reduction in symptoms such as back pain. Beneficially, sub-perception stimulation at such low frequencies significantly lowers power consumption in the patient's neurostimulator. | 1. A method for programming a spinal cord stimulator having a plurality of electrodes comprising an array, comprising:
(a) providing to the spinal cord stimulator a plurality of different sets of first stimulation parameters, wherein each first stimulation parameters set causes the spinal cord stimulator to form biphasic test pulses at at least two of the electrodes, wherein each biphasic test pulse comprises a first phase of a first polarity and a second phase of a second polarity opposite the first polarity, wherein the first and second pulse phases are both actively driven by stimulation circuitry in the spinal cord stimulator, and wherein each first stimulation parameters set causes supra-perception stimulation to occur at different locations relative to the array; (b) determining a set of the first stimulation parameters that treats a pain symptom of the patient, the determined first stimulation parameters set corresponding to a therapy location relative to the array; and (c) providing to the spinal cord stimulator a set of second stimulation parameters to cause the spinal cord stimulator to form therapeutic pulses at at least two of the electrodes, wherein the second stimulation parameters set causes sub-perception stimulation to occur at the therapy location. | Methods and systems for testing and treating spinal cord stimulation (SCS) patients are disclosed. Patients are eventually treated with sub-perception (paresthesia free) therapy. However, supra-perception stimulation is used during “sweet spot searching” during which active electrodes are selected for the patient. This allows sweet spot searching to occur much more quickly and without the need to wash in the various electrode combinations that are tried. After selecting electrodes using supra-perception therapy, therapy is titrated to sub-perception levels using the selected electrodes. Such sub-perception therapy has been investigated using pulses at or below 10 kHz, and it has been determined that a statistically significant correlation exists between pulse width (PW) and frequency (F) in this frequency range at which SCS patients experience significant reduction in symptoms such as back pain. Beneficially, sub-perception stimulation at such low frequencies significantly lowers power consumption in the patient's neurostimulator.1. A method for programming a spinal cord stimulator having a plurality of electrodes comprising an array, comprising:
(a) providing to the spinal cord stimulator a plurality of different sets of first stimulation parameters, wherein each first stimulation parameters set causes the spinal cord stimulator to form biphasic test pulses at at least two of the electrodes, wherein each biphasic test pulse comprises a first phase of a first polarity and a second phase of a second polarity opposite the first polarity, wherein the first and second pulse phases are both actively driven by stimulation circuitry in the spinal cord stimulator, and wherein each first stimulation parameters set causes supra-perception stimulation to occur at different locations relative to the array; (b) determining a set of the first stimulation parameters that treats a pain symptom of the patient, the determined first stimulation parameters set corresponding to a therapy location relative to the array; and (c) providing to the spinal cord stimulator a set of second stimulation parameters to cause the spinal cord stimulator to form therapeutic pulses at at least two of the electrodes, wherein the second stimulation parameters set causes sub-perception stimulation to occur at the therapy location. | 2,800 |
348,596 | 16,806,045 | 2,852 | An pneumatic plug for sealing a pipeline. The pneumatic plug includes a tubular member that extends in an axial direction from a first end to a second end. The tubular member includes a rubber layer and a fiber layer. The rubber layer extends from the first end to the second end of the tubular member. The fiber layer is disposed on a top surface of the rubber layer. The fiber layer includes a plurality of fibers that extend from the first end to the second end of the tubular member. Each of the plurality of fibers extend at an angle that is offset from the axial direction. | 1. A pneumatic plug for sealing a pipeline, the pneumatic plug comprising:
a tubular member extending in an axial direction from a first end to a second end, the tubular member comprising:
a rubber layer extending from the first end to the second end of the tubular member, and
a fiber layer disposed on a top surface of the rubber layer, the fiber layer including a plurality of fibers extending from the first end to the second end of the tubular member, wherein each of the plurality of fibers extend at an angle that is offset from the axial direction. 2. The pneumatic plug of claim 1, wherein the angle that each of the plurality of fibers extend is between approximately 1 degree and 8 degrees. 3. The pneumatic plug of claim 2, wherein the angle that each of the plurality of fibers extend is between approximately 4 degrees and 7 degrees. 4. The pneumatic plug of claim 1, wherein the first end and the second end of the tubular member extend circumferentially about a central axis, the central axis being substantially parallel to the axial direction, the first end and the second end both defining a parametric curve about a first transverse axis and a second transverse axis, respectively, each of which extend in a transverse direction, the transverse direction being substantially perpendicular to the axial direction. 5. The pneumatic plug of claim 1, wherein the first end and the second end of the tubular member extend circumferentially about a central axis, the central axis being substantially parallel to the axial direction, the first end and the second end both defining a radius of curvature about a first transverse axis and a second transverse axis, respectively, each of which extend in a transverse direction, the transverse direction being substantially perpendicular to the axial direction. 6. The pneumatic plug of claim 5, wherein the radius of curvature ranges from approximately 3 inches to 8 inches for a plug configured to seal a pipeline having a diameter of approximately 12 inches to approximately 24 inches. 7. The pneumatic plug of claim 5, wherein the radius of curvature ranges from approximately 2 inches to 7 inches for a plug configured to seal a pipeline having a diameter of approximately 8 inches to approximately 16 inches. 8. The pneumatic plug of claim 5, wherein the radius of curvature ranges from approximately 1 inches to 6 inches for a plug configured to seal a pipeline having a diameter of approximately 6 inches to approximately 12 inches. 9. The pneumatic plug of claim 5, wherein the radius of curvature ranges from approximately 0.1 inches to 5 inches for a plug configured to seal a pipeline having a diameter of approximately 4 inches to approximately 8 inches. 10. A method for manufacturing a pneumatic plug, the method comprising:
disposing a rubber layer about an outer surface of a mandrel, the rubber layer extending in an axial direction from a first end to a second end forming a tubular member; and disposing a fiber layer on a top surface of the rubber layer, the fiber layer including a plurality of fibers extending from the first end to the second end of the tubular member, wherein each of the plurality of fibers is disposed at an angle that is offset from the axial direction. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the angle that each of the plurality of fibers extend is between approximately 1 degree and 8 degrees. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the angle that each of the plurality of fibers extend is between approximately 4 degrees and 7 degrees. 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the rubber layer is a first rubber layer, the method further comprising:
disposing a second rubber layer about a top surface of the fiber layer, the second rubber layer extending in the axial direction from the first end to the second end of the tubular member. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the fiber layer is a first fiber layer, the method further comprising:
disposing a second fiber layer on a top surface of the second rubber layer, the second fiber layer extending in the axial direction from the first end to the second end of the tubular member; and disposing a third rubber layer on a top surface of the second fiber layer, the third rubber layer extending in the axial direction from the first end to the second end of the tubular member. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the angle that each of the plurality of fibers extend is a first angle, and wherein the second fiber layer includes a second plurality of fibers extending from the first end to the second end of the tubular member, wherein each of the second plurality of fibers is disposed at a second angle that is offset from the axial direction. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first angle and the second angle are substantially the same. 17. The method of claim 10, wherein the mandrel has a first mandrel end and a second mandrel end spaced from the first mandrel end along the axial direction, wherein each of the first mandrel end and the second mandrel end define a first curve and a second curve, respectively, the first curve and the second curve extending about a first transverse axis and a second transverse axis, respectively, each of the first and second transverse axes extend in a transverse direction, the transverse direction being substantially perpendicular to the axial direction, the method further comprising:
selecting the angle that each of the plurality of fibers are disposed, wherein selecting the angle is dependent upon geometries of the first curve and the second curve such that a ratio between the angle of each of the plurality of fibers and the first and second curves is an inverse ratio. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first curve is substantially symmetric to the second curve such that the first curve is an approximate mirror image of the second curve. 19. The method of claim 10, further comprising:
prior to disposing the fiber layer on the top surface of the rubber layer, selecting a desired friction between each of the plurality of fibers and the rubber layer based upon the angle that each of the plurality of fibers is to be disposed; prior to disposing the fiber layer on the top surface of the rubber layer, selecting a desired tension in each of the plurality of fibers based upon the desired friction between each of the plurality of fibers and the rubber layer; and during disposing the fiber layer on the top surface of the rubber layer, disposing each of the plurality of fibers with the desired friction and the desired tension. 20. A system for manufacturing a pneumatic plug, the system comprising:
a mandrel having an outer surface that extends from a first end to a second end spaced from the first end along a central axis, wherein each of the first end and the second end define a first curve and a second curve, respectively, wherein in cross section of the mandrel through the central axis the first curve and the second curve each define a parametric curve about a first transverse axis and a second transverse axis, respectively, each of the first and second transverse axes being substantially perpendicular to the central axis. 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the first curve is substantially symmetric to the second curve such that the first curve is an approximate mirror image of the second curve. 22. The system of claim 20, further comprising:
a winding device configured to dispose a rubber layer about the outer surface of the mandrel, the rubber layer extending from the first end to the second end forming a tubular member, the winding device being further configured to dispose a fiber layer on a top surface of the rubber layer, the fiber layer including a plurality of fibers extending from the first end to the second end of the tubular member, wherein the winding device is configured to dispose each of the plurality of fibers at an angle that is offset from the axial direction. | An pneumatic plug for sealing a pipeline. The pneumatic plug includes a tubular member that extends in an axial direction from a first end to a second end. The tubular member includes a rubber layer and a fiber layer. The rubber layer extends from the first end to the second end of the tubular member. The fiber layer is disposed on a top surface of the rubber layer. The fiber layer includes a plurality of fibers that extend from the first end to the second end of the tubular member. Each of the plurality of fibers extend at an angle that is offset from the axial direction.1. A pneumatic plug for sealing a pipeline, the pneumatic plug comprising:
a tubular member extending in an axial direction from a first end to a second end, the tubular member comprising:
a rubber layer extending from the first end to the second end of the tubular member, and
a fiber layer disposed on a top surface of the rubber layer, the fiber layer including a plurality of fibers extending from the first end to the second end of the tubular member, wherein each of the plurality of fibers extend at an angle that is offset from the axial direction. 2. The pneumatic plug of claim 1, wherein the angle that each of the plurality of fibers extend is between approximately 1 degree and 8 degrees. 3. The pneumatic plug of claim 2, wherein the angle that each of the plurality of fibers extend is between approximately 4 degrees and 7 degrees. 4. The pneumatic plug of claim 1, wherein the first end and the second end of the tubular member extend circumferentially about a central axis, the central axis being substantially parallel to the axial direction, the first end and the second end both defining a parametric curve about a first transverse axis and a second transverse axis, respectively, each of which extend in a transverse direction, the transverse direction being substantially perpendicular to the axial direction. 5. The pneumatic plug of claim 1, wherein the first end and the second end of the tubular member extend circumferentially about a central axis, the central axis being substantially parallel to the axial direction, the first end and the second end both defining a radius of curvature about a first transverse axis and a second transverse axis, respectively, each of which extend in a transverse direction, the transverse direction being substantially perpendicular to the axial direction. 6. The pneumatic plug of claim 5, wherein the radius of curvature ranges from approximately 3 inches to 8 inches for a plug configured to seal a pipeline having a diameter of approximately 12 inches to approximately 24 inches. 7. The pneumatic plug of claim 5, wherein the radius of curvature ranges from approximately 2 inches to 7 inches for a plug configured to seal a pipeline having a diameter of approximately 8 inches to approximately 16 inches. 8. The pneumatic plug of claim 5, wherein the radius of curvature ranges from approximately 1 inches to 6 inches for a plug configured to seal a pipeline having a diameter of approximately 6 inches to approximately 12 inches. 9. The pneumatic plug of claim 5, wherein the radius of curvature ranges from approximately 0.1 inches to 5 inches for a plug configured to seal a pipeline having a diameter of approximately 4 inches to approximately 8 inches. 10. A method for manufacturing a pneumatic plug, the method comprising:
disposing a rubber layer about an outer surface of a mandrel, the rubber layer extending in an axial direction from a first end to a second end forming a tubular member; and disposing a fiber layer on a top surface of the rubber layer, the fiber layer including a plurality of fibers extending from the first end to the second end of the tubular member, wherein each of the plurality of fibers is disposed at an angle that is offset from the axial direction. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the angle that each of the plurality of fibers extend is between approximately 1 degree and 8 degrees. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the angle that each of the plurality of fibers extend is between approximately 4 degrees and 7 degrees. 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the rubber layer is a first rubber layer, the method further comprising:
disposing a second rubber layer about a top surface of the fiber layer, the second rubber layer extending in the axial direction from the first end to the second end of the tubular member. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the fiber layer is a first fiber layer, the method further comprising:
disposing a second fiber layer on a top surface of the second rubber layer, the second fiber layer extending in the axial direction from the first end to the second end of the tubular member; and disposing a third rubber layer on a top surface of the second fiber layer, the third rubber layer extending in the axial direction from the first end to the second end of the tubular member. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the angle that each of the plurality of fibers extend is a first angle, and wherein the second fiber layer includes a second plurality of fibers extending from the first end to the second end of the tubular member, wherein each of the second plurality of fibers is disposed at a second angle that is offset from the axial direction. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first angle and the second angle are substantially the same. 17. The method of claim 10, wherein the mandrel has a first mandrel end and a second mandrel end spaced from the first mandrel end along the axial direction, wherein each of the first mandrel end and the second mandrel end define a first curve and a second curve, respectively, the first curve and the second curve extending about a first transverse axis and a second transverse axis, respectively, each of the first and second transverse axes extend in a transverse direction, the transverse direction being substantially perpendicular to the axial direction, the method further comprising:
selecting the angle that each of the plurality of fibers are disposed, wherein selecting the angle is dependent upon geometries of the first curve and the second curve such that a ratio between the angle of each of the plurality of fibers and the first and second curves is an inverse ratio. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first curve is substantially symmetric to the second curve such that the first curve is an approximate mirror image of the second curve. 19. The method of claim 10, further comprising:
prior to disposing the fiber layer on the top surface of the rubber layer, selecting a desired friction between each of the plurality of fibers and the rubber layer based upon the angle that each of the plurality of fibers is to be disposed; prior to disposing the fiber layer on the top surface of the rubber layer, selecting a desired tension in each of the plurality of fibers based upon the desired friction between each of the plurality of fibers and the rubber layer; and during disposing the fiber layer on the top surface of the rubber layer, disposing each of the plurality of fibers with the desired friction and the desired tension. 20. A system for manufacturing a pneumatic plug, the system comprising:
a mandrel having an outer surface that extends from a first end to a second end spaced from the first end along a central axis, wherein each of the first end and the second end define a first curve and a second curve, respectively, wherein in cross section of the mandrel through the central axis the first curve and the second curve each define a parametric curve about a first transverse axis and a second transverse axis, respectively, each of the first and second transverse axes being substantially perpendicular to the central axis. 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the first curve is substantially symmetric to the second curve such that the first curve is an approximate mirror image of the second curve. 22. The system of claim 20, further comprising:
a winding device configured to dispose a rubber layer about the outer surface of the mandrel, the rubber layer extending from the first end to the second end forming a tubular member, the winding device being further configured to dispose a fiber layer on a top surface of the rubber layer, the fiber layer including a plurality of fibers extending from the first end to the second end of the tubular member, wherein the winding device is configured to dispose each of the plurality of fibers at an angle that is offset from the axial direction. | 2,800 |
348,597 | 16,806,112 | 2,852 | Various aspects described herein are directed to different techniques for automatically and dynamically analyzing a first subscriber system's telemetry information and crowdsourced telemetry information to dynamically evaluate at least one performance metric associated with at least one entity of the first subscriber system; and for automatically and dynamically initiating at least one modification of at least one configuration element at the first subscriber system based on the analysis of the first subscriber system telemetry information and crowdsourced telemetry information, | 1. A computer implemented method for facilitating automated management of a plurality of subscriber systems communicatively coupled to a computer network, the plurality of subscriber systems including a first subscriber system, the method comprising causing at least one processor to execute instructions for:
accessing first subscriber system telemetry information relating to an operating environment of the first subscriber system; identifying, using the first subscriber system telemetry information, a first set of configuration elements associated with the first subscriber system; acquiring crowdsourced telemetry information for a plurality of systems, the crowdsourced telemetry information including information about attributes, characteristics and/or configuration elements relating to respective operating environments of the plurality of systems; analyzing the first subscriber system telemetry information and the crowdsourced telemetry information to dynamically evaluate at least one metric associated with at least one entity of the first subscriber system, wherein the at least one metric includes at least one performance metric associated with the at least one entity of the first subscriber system; automatically implementing or initiating, based on the analysis of the first subscriber system telemetry information and crowdsourced telemetry information, a first set of activities relating to management of the first subscriber system; and wherein the first set of activities further includes automatically and dynamically initiating, based on the analysis of the first subscriber system telemetry information and crowdsourced telemetry information, at least one modification of at least one configuration element at the first subscriber system. 2. A computer implemented system for facilitating automated management of a plurality of subscriber systems communicatively coupled to a computer network, the plurality of subscriber systems including a first subscriber system, the system comprising:
at least one processor; at least one interface; a memory storing a plurality of instructions; the at least one processor being operable to execute a plurality of instructions stored in the memory for causing at least one component of the computer network to: access first subscriber system telemetry information relating to an operating environment of the first subscriber system; identify, using the first subscriber system telemetry information, a first set of configuration elements associated with the first subscriber system; acquire crowdsourced telemetry information for a plurality of systems, the crowdsourced telemetry information including information about attributes, characteristics and/or configuration elements relating to respective operating environments of the plurality of systems; analyze the first subscriber system telemetry information and the crowdsourced telemetry information to dynamically evaluate at least one metric associated with at least one entity of the first subscriber system, wherein the at least one metric includes at least one performance metric associated with the at least one entity of the first subscriber system; and automatically implement or initiate, based on the analysis of the first subscriber system telemetry information and crowdsourced telemetry information, a first set of activities relating to management of the first subscriber system; and wherein the first set of activities includes automatically and dynamically initiating, based on the analysis of the first subscriber system telemetry information and crowdsourced telemetry information, at least one modification of at least one configuration element at the first subscriber system. 3. The computer implemented system of claim 2 wherein the first subscriber system corresponds to a system or component selected from a group consisting of: a physical server, a virtual server, a virtual machine, a switch, a router, a mobile device, a network device, a printer, and a container. 4. The computer implemented system of claim 2 wherein the first subscriber system telemetry information includes at least one type of information selected from a group consisting of: a package version, a package name, an IP address, an open port, a network connection, a configuration parameter, an OS version, CPU consumption, memory consumption, a network service end connection, a configuration element, a configuration parameter value, a reboot event, a crash event, an error event, an system health status, a system or application log event, and a successful event. 5. The computer implemented system of claim 2:
wherein the first set of activities further includes automatically and dynamically generating, based on the analysis of the first subscriber system telemetry information and crowdsourced telemetry information, first subscriber system reliability information, the first subscriber system reliability information identifying a first configuration element installed at the first subscriber system which may cause reliability issues at the first subscriber system; and wherein the first configuration element corresponds to a configuration element selected from a group consisting of: a system component or device, a package name, a package version, a package release, a container name, a container version, a virtual machine, a system attribute, a system characteristic, an operating system name, an operating system version, an operating system release, a configuration parameter or setting, a BIOS version, a driver name, a driver version, and a firmware version. 6. The computer implemented system of claim 2:
wherein the first set of activities further includes automatically and dynamically generating, based on the analysis of the first subscriber system telemetry information and crowdsourced telemetry information, first subscriber system reliability information, the first subscriber system reliability information identifying a first configuration element not installed at the first subscriber system which may cause reliability issues at the first subscriber system; and wherein the first configuration element corresponds to a configuration element selected from a group consisting of: a system component or device, a package name, a package version, a package release, a container name, a container version, a virtual machine, a system attribute, a system characteristic, an operating system name, an operating system version, an operating system release, a configuration parameter or setting, a BIOS version, a driver name, a driver version, and a firmware version. 7. The computer implemented system of claim 2:
wherein the first set of activities further includes automatically and dynamically generating, based on the analysis of the first subscriber system telemetry information and crowdsourced telemetry information, first subscriber system compatibility information, the first subscriber system compatibility information identifying a first configuration element installed at the first subscriber system which may cause compatibility issues at the first subscriber system; and wherein the first configuration element corresponds to a configuration element selected from a group consisting of: a system component or device, a package name, a package version, a package release, a container name, a container version, a virtual machine, a system attribute, a system characteristic, an operating system name, an operating system version, an operating system release, a configuration parameter or setting, a BIOS version, a driver name, a driver version, and a firmware version. 8. The computer implemented system of claim 2:
wherein the first set of activities further includes automatically and dynamically generating, based on the analysis of the first subscriber system telemetry information and crowdsourced telemetry information, first subscriber system compatibility information, the first subscriber system compatibility information identifying a first configuration element not installed at the first subscriber system which may cause compatibility issues at the first subscriber system; and wherein the first configuration element corresponds to a configuration element selected from a group consisting of: a system component or device, a package name, a package version, a package release, a container name, a container version, a virtual machine, a system attribute, a system characteristic, an operating system name, an operating system version, an operating system release, a configuration parameter or setting, a BIOS version, a driver name, a driver version, and a firmware version. 9. The computer implemented system of claim 2:
wherein the first set of activities further includes automatically and dynamically generating, based on the analysis of the first subscriber system telemetry information and crowdsourced telemetry information, first subscriber system vulnerability information, the first subscriber system vulnerability information identifying a first configuration element installed at the first subscriber system which may cause vulnerability issues at the first subscriber system; and wherein the first configuration element corresponds to a configuration element selected from a group consisting of: a system component or device, a package name, a package version, a package release, a container name, a container version, a virtual machine, a system attribute, a system characteristic, an operating system name, an operating system version, an operating system release, a configuration parameter or setting, a BIOS version, a driver name, a driver version, and a firmware version. 10. The computer implemented system of claim 2:
wherein the first set of activities further includes automatically and dynamically generating, based on the analysis of the first subscriber system telemetry information and crowdsourced telemetry information, first subscriber system vulnerability information, the first subscriber system vulnerability information identifying a first configuration element not installed at the first subscriber system which may cause vulnerability issues at the first subscriber system; and wherein the first configuration element corresponds to a configuration element selected from a group consisting of: a system component or device, a package name, a package version, a package release, a container name, a container version, a virtual machine, a system attribute, a system characteristic, an operating system name, an operating system version, an operating system release, a configuration parameter or setting, a BIOS version, a driver name, a driver version, and a firmware version. 11. The computer implemented system of claim 2:
wherein the first set of activities further includes automatically and dynamically generating, based on the analysis of the first subscriber system telemetry information and crowdsourced telemetry information, at least one configuration recommendation relating to a recommended modification of at least one configuration element at the first subscriber system; and wherein the at least one configuration recommendation includes at least one configuration recommendation selected from a group consisting of: a package change recommendation, a package version change recommendation, a code change recommendation, a system attribute change recommendation, a system characteristic change recommendation, a system configuration parameter change recommendation, a component version change recommendation, a container change recommendation, an operating system change recommendation, a component change recommendation, a virtual machine change recommendation, a version upgrade recommendation, and a version downgrade recommendation. 12. The computer implemented system of claim 2:
wherein the first set of activities further includes automatically and dynamically initiating, based on the analysis of the first subscriber system telemetry information and crowdsourced telemetry information, at least one modification of at least one configuration element at the first subscriber system; and wherein the at least one modification includes at least one activity selected from a group consisting of: change of system component, change of system component version, change of configuration setting or parameter, change of system package, change of system package version, change of system container, change of system container version, change of OS version, change of virtual machine, change of system configuration parameter, change of system attribute, change of system resource allocation, and change of system operational parameter. 13. The computer implemented system of claim 2:
wherein the first set of activities further includes automatically and dynamically preventing, based on the analysis of the first subscriber system telemetry information and crowdsourced telemetry information, initiation of at least one modification of at least one configuration element at the first subscriber system; and wherein the at least one modification includes at least one activity selected from a group consisting of: change of system component, change of system component version, change of configuration setting or parameter, change of system package, change of system package version, change of system container, change of system container version, change of OS version, change of virtual machine, change of system configuration parameter, change of system attribute, change of system resource allocation, and change of system operational parameter. 14. The computer implemented system of claim 2 being further operable to cause the at least one processor to execute instructions for causing at least one component of the computer network to:
automatically initiate a first conditional modification of a first configuration element at the first subscriber system if it is determined that specific threshold criteria has been satisfied for allowing the conditional modification of the first configuration element to proceed;
automatically prevent initiating a first conditional modification of a first configuration element at the first subscriber system if it is determined that specific threshold criteria has not been satisfied for allowing the conditional modification of the first configuration element to proceed; and
wherein the first conditional modification includes at least one activity selected from a group consisting of: change of system component, change of system component version, change of configuration setting or parameter, change of system package, change of system package version, change of system container, change of system container version, change of OS version, change of virtual machine, change of system configuration parameter, change of system attribute, change of system resource allocation, and change of system operational parameter. 15. The computer implemented system of claim 2, wherein the plurality of subscriber systems further comprises a second subscriber system, the system being further operable to cause the at least one processor to execute additional instructions for causing at least one component of the computer network to:
automatically implement or initiate, based on the analysis of the crowdsourced telemetry information, a second set of activities relating to management of the second subscriber system; and wherein the second set of activities includes automatically and dynamically initiating, based on the analysis of the crowdsourced telemetry information, at least one modification of at least one configuration element at the second subscriber system. 16. A non-transitory computer usable medium for use in a computer network comprising a plurality of subscriber systems, the computer network including at least one processor, the computer usable medium having computer readable code embodied therein, the computer readable code comprising computer code for causing at least one processor to execute instructions stored in at least one memory for:
accessing first subscriber system telemetry information relating to an operating environment of the first subscriber system; identifying, using the first subscriber system telemetry information, a first set of configuration elements associated with the first subscriber system; acquiring crowdsourced telemetry information for a plurality of systems, the crowdsourced telemetry information including information about attributes, characteristics and/or configuration elements relating to respective operating environments of the plurality of systems; analyzing the first subscriber system telemetry information and the crowdsourced telemetry information to dynamically evaluate at least one metric associated with at least one entity of the first subscriber system, wherein the at least one metric includes at least one performance metric associated with the at least one entity of the first subscriber system; automatically implementing or initiating, based on the analysis of the first subscriber system telemetry information and crowdsourced telemetry information, a first set of activities relating to management of the first subscriber system; and wherein the first set of activities further includes automatically and dynamically initiating, based on the analysis of the first subscriber system telemetry information and crowdsourced telemetry information, at least one modification of at least one configuration element at the first subscriber system. | Various aspects described herein are directed to different techniques for automatically and dynamically analyzing a first subscriber system's telemetry information and crowdsourced telemetry information to dynamically evaluate at least one performance metric associated with at least one entity of the first subscriber system; and for automatically and dynamically initiating at least one modification of at least one configuration element at the first subscriber system based on the analysis of the first subscriber system telemetry information and crowdsourced telemetry information,1. A computer implemented method for facilitating automated management of a plurality of subscriber systems communicatively coupled to a computer network, the plurality of subscriber systems including a first subscriber system, the method comprising causing at least one processor to execute instructions for:
accessing first subscriber system telemetry information relating to an operating environment of the first subscriber system; identifying, using the first subscriber system telemetry information, a first set of configuration elements associated with the first subscriber system; acquiring crowdsourced telemetry information for a plurality of systems, the crowdsourced telemetry information including information about attributes, characteristics and/or configuration elements relating to respective operating environments of the plurality of systems; analyzing the first subscriber system telemetry information and the crowdsourced telemetry information to dynamically evaluate at least one metric associated with at least one entity of the first subscriber system, wherein the at least one metric includes at least one performance metric associated with the at least one entity of the first subscriber system; automatically implementing or initiating, based on the analysis of the first subscriber system telemetry information and crowdsourced telemetry information, a first set of activities relating to management of the first subscriber system; and wherein the first set of activities further includes automatically and dynamically initiating, based on the analysis of the first subscriber system telemetry information and crowdsourced telemetry information, at least one modification of at least one configuration element at the first subscriber system. 2. A computer implemented system for facilitating automated management of a plurality of subscriber systems communicatively coupled to a computer network, the plurality of subscriber systems including a first subscriber system, the system comprising:
at least one processor; at least one interface; a memory storing a plurality of instructions; the at least one processor being operable to execute a plurality of instructions stored in the memory for causing at least one component of the computer network to: access first subscriber system telemetry information relating to an operating environment of the first subscriber system; identify, using the first subscriber system telemetry information, a first set of configuration elements associated with the first subscriber system; acquire crowdsourced telemetry information for a plurality of systems, the crowdsourced telemetry information including information about attributes, characteristics and/or configuration elements relating to respective operating environments of the plurality of systems; analyze the first subscriber system telemetry information and the crowdsourced telemetry information to dynamically evaluate at least one metric associated with at least one entity of the first subscriber system, wherein the at least one metric includes at least one performance metric associated with the at least one entity of the first subscriber system; and automatically implement or initiate, based on the analysis of the first subscriber system telemetry information and crowdsourced telemetry information, a first set of activities relating to management of the first subscriber system; and wherein the first set of activities includes automatically and dynamically initiating, based on the analysis of the first subscriber system telemetry information and crowdsourced telemetry information, at least one modification of at least one configuration element at the first subscriber system. 3. The computer implemented system of claim 2 wherein the first subscriber system corresponds to a system or component selected from a group consisting of: a physical server, a virtual server, a virtual machine, a switch, a router, a mobile device, a network device, a printer, and a container. 4. The computer implemented system of claim 2 wherein the first subscriber system telemetry information includes at least one type of information selected from a group consisting of: a package version, a package name, an IP address, an open port, a network connection, a configuration parameter, an OS version, CPU consumption, memory consumption, a network service end connection, a configuration element, a configuration parameter value, a reboot event, a crash event, an error event, an system health status, a system or application log event, and a successful event. 5. The computer implemented system of claim 2:
wherein the first set of activities further includes automatically and dynamically generating, based on the analysis of the first subscriber system telemetry information and crowdsourced telemetry information, first subscriber system reliability information, the first subscriber system reliability information identifying a first configuration element installed at the first subscriber system which may cause reliability issues at the first subscriber system; and wherein the first configuration element corresponds to a configuration element selected from a group consisting of: a system component or device, a package name, a package version, a package release, a container name, a container version, a virtual machine, a system attribute, a system characteristic, an operating system name, an operating system version, an operating system release, a configuration parameter or setting, a BIOS version, a driver name, a driver version, and a firmware version. 6. The computer implemented system of claim 2:
wherein the first set of activities further includes automatically and dynamically generating, based on the analysis of the first subscriber system telemetry information and crowdsourced telemetry information, first subscriber system reliability information, the first subscriber system reliability information identifying a first configuration element not installed at the first subscriber system which may cause reliability issues at the first subscriber system; and wherein the first configuration element corresponds to a configuration element selected from a group consisting of: a system component or device, a package name, a package version, a package release, a container name, a container version, a virtual machine, a system attribute, a system characteristic, an operating system name, an operating system version, an operating system release, a configuration parameter or setting, a BIOS version, a driver name, a driver version, and a firmware version. 7. The computer implemented system of claim 2:
wherein the first set of activities further includes automatically and dynamically generating, based on the analysis of the first subscriber system telemetry information and crowdsourced telemetry information, first subscriber system compatibility information, the first subscriber system compatibility information identifying a first configuration element installed at the first subscriber system which may cause compatibility issues at the first subscriber system; and wherein the first configuration element corresponds to a configuration element selected from a group consisting of: a system component or device, a package name, a package version, a package release, a container name, a container version, a virtual machine, a system attribute, a system characteristic, an operating system name, an operating system version, an operating system release, a configuration parameter or setting, a BIOS version, a driver name, a driver version, and a firmware version. 8. The computer implemented system of claim 2:
wherein the first set of activities further includes automatically and dynamically generating, based on the analysis of the first subscriber system telemetry information and crowdsourced telemetry information, first subscriber system compatibility information, the first subscriber system compatibility information identifying a first configuration element not installed at the first subscriber system which may cause compatibility issues at the first subscriber system; and wherein the first configuration element corresponds to a configuration element selected from a group consisting of: a system component or device, a package name, a package version, a package release, a container name, a container version, a virtual machine, a system attribute, a system characteristic, an operating system name, an operating system version, an operating system release, a configuration parameter or setting, a BIOS version, a driver name, a driver version, and a firmware version. 9. The computer implemented system of claim 2:
wherein the first set of activities further includes automatically and dynamically generating, based on the analysis of the first subscriber system telemetry information and crowdsourced telemetry information, first subscriber system vulnerability information, the first subscriber system vulnerability information identifying a first configuration element installed at the first subscriber system which may cause vulnerability issues at the first subscriber system; and wherein the first configuration element corresponds to a configuration element selected from a group consisting of: a system component or device, a package name, a package version, a package release, a container name, a container version, a virtual machine, a system attribute, a system characteristic, an operating system name, an operating system version, an operating system release, a configuration parameter or setting, a BIOS version, a driver name, a driver version, and a firmware version. 10. The computer implemented system of claim 2:
wherein the first set of activities further includes automatically and dynamically generating, based on the analysis of the first subscriber system telemetry information and crowdsourced telemetry information, first subscriber system vulnerability information, the first subscriber system vulnerability information identifying a first configuration element not installed at the first subscriber system which may cause vulnerability issues at the first subscriber system; and wherein the first configuration element corresponds to a configuration element selected from a group consisting of: a system component or device, a package name, a package version, a package release, a container name, a container version, a virtual machine, a system attribute, a system characteristic, an operating system name, an operating system version, an operating system release, a configuration parameter or setting, a BIOS version, a driver name, a driver version, and a firmware version. 11. The computer implemented system of claim 2:
wherein the first set of activities further includes automatically and dynamically generating, based on the analysis of the first subscriber system telemetry information and crowdsourced telemetry information, at least one configuration recommendation relating to a recommended modification of at least one configuration element at the first subscriber system; and wherein the at least one configuration recommendation includes at least one configuration recommendation selected from a group consisting of: a package change recommendation, a package version change recommendation, a code change recommendation, a system attribute change recommendation, a system characteristic change recommendation, a system configuration parameter change recommendation, a component version change recommendation, a container change recommendation, an operating system change recommendation, a component change recommendation, a virtual machine change recommendation, a version upgrade recommendation, and a version downgrade recommendation. 12. The computer implemented system of claim 2:
wherein the first set of activities further includes automatically and dynamically initiating, based on the analysis of the first subscriber system telemetry information and crowdsourced telemetry information, at least one modification of at least one configuration element at the first subscriber system; and wherein the at least one modification includes at least one activity selected from a group consisting of: change of system component, change of system component version, change of configuration setting or parameter, change of system package, change of system package version, change of system container, change of system container version, change of OS version, change of virtual machine, change of system configuration parameter, change of system attribute, change of system resource allocation, and change of system operational parameter. 13. The computer implemented system of claim 2:
wherein the first set of activities further includes automatically and dynamically preventing, based on the analysis of the first subscriber system telemetry information and crowdsourced telemetry information, initiation of at least one modification of at least one configuration element at the first subscriber system; and wherein the at least one modification includes at least one activity selected from a group consisting of: change of system component, change of system component version, change of configuration setting or parameter, change of system package, change of system package version, change of system container, change of system container version, change of OS version, change of virtual machine, change of system configuration parameter, change of system attribute, change of system resource allocation, and change of system operational parameter. 14. The computer implemented system of claim 2 being further operable to cause the at least one processor to execute instructions for causing at least one component of the computer network to:
automatically initiate a first conditional modification of a first configuration element at the first subscriber system if it is determined that specific threshold criteria has been satisfied for allowing the conditional modification of the first configuration element to proceed;
automatically prevent initiating a first conditional modification of a first configuration element at the first subscriber system if it is determined that specific threshold criteria has not been satisfied for allowing the conditional modification of the first configuration element to proceed; and
wherein the first conditional modification includes at least one activity selected from a group consisting of: change of system component, change of system component version, change of configuration setting or parameter, change of system package, change of system package version, change of system container, change of system container version, change of OS version, change of virtual machine, change of system configuration parameter, change of system attribute, change of system resource allocation, and change of system operational parameter. 15. The computer implemented system of claim 2, wherein the plurality of subscriber systems further comprises a second subscriber system, the system being further operable to cause the at least one processor to execute additional instructions for causing at least one component of the computer network to:
automatically implement or initiate, based on the analysis of the crowdsourced telemetry information, a second set of activities relating to management of the second subscriber system; and wherein the second set of activities includes automatically and dynamically initiating, based on the analysis of the crowdsourced telemetry information, at least one modification of at least one configuration element at the second subscriber system. 16. A non-transitory computer usable medium for use in a computer network comprising a plurality of subscriber systems, the computer network including at least one processor, the computer usable medium having computer readable code embodied therein, the computer readable code comprising computer code for causing at least one processor to execute instructions stored in at least one memory for:
accessing first subscriber system telemetry information relating to an operating environment of the first subscriber system; identifying, using the first subscriber system telemetry information, a first set of configuration elements associated with the first subscriber system; acquiring crowdsourced telemetry information for a plurality of systems, the crowdsourced telemetry information including information about attributes, characteristics and/or configuration elements relating to respective operating environments of the plurality of systems; analyzing the first subscriber system telemetry information and the crowdsourced telemetry information to dynamically evaluate at least one metric associated with at least one entity of the first subscriber system, wherein the at least one metric includes at least one performance metric associated with the at least one entity of the first subscriber system; automatically implementing or initiating, based on the analysis of the first subscriber system telemetry information and crowdsourced telemetry information, a first set of activities relating to management of the first subscriber system; and wherein the first set of activities further includes automatically and dynamically initiating, based on the analysis of the first subscriber system telemetry information and crowdsourced telemetry information, at least one modification of at least one configuration element at the first subscriber system. | 2,800 |
348,598 | 16,806,092 | 2,852 | Systems and methods for enhancing user engagement with network applications include client application executed by a client device, the client application comprising an embedded browser, in communication with one or more application servers providing a plurality of network applications. The embedded browser is configured to access a first network application and a second network application. The client application is configured to: track interactions of a user via the embedded browser with the first network application and the second network application, each interaction having a corresponding score; generate an aggregate score for the user from the scores of each tracked interaction; transmit, to a first application server, the aggregate score for the user; and receive, from the first application server, a score table comprising a plurality of scores of users including the aggregate score for the user. The embedded browser is further configured to display the score table to the user. | 1. A method comprising:
intercepting, by a device, requests and responses between a browser within a client application and one or more networked applications at a first layer of a network stack, the first layer being a layer above a second layer of the network stack at which the requests and responses are encrypted; identifying, by the device, each interaction of a user from the requests and responses of a plurality of interactions, each interaction assigned a score; establishing, by the device, an aggregate score of the user based at least on the score assigned to each interaction; and displaying, by the device, a score table including the aggregate score of the user. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the second layer of the network stack is at or below a transport layer of the network stack. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first layer of the network stack is the layer above a transport layer of the network stack. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising identifying, by the device, the plurality of interactions via one or more sessions between the browser and the one or more networked applications. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein data from at least one session of the plurality of sessions is isolated from other sessions of the plurality of sessions. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising communicating, by the device, the aggregate score of the user to a server. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprises receiving, by the device, from the server, the score table comprising aggregate scores for each of a plurality of users including the user. 8. A system comprising:
one or more processors, coupled to memory, and configured to:
intercept requests and responses between a browser within a client application and one or more networked applications at a first layer of a network stack, the first layer being a layer above a second layer of the network stack at which the requests and responses are encrypted;
identify each interaction of a user from the requests and responses of a plurality of interactions, each interaction assigned a score;
establish an aggregate score of the user based at least on the score assigned to each interaction; and
display a score table including the aggregate score of the user. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the second layer of the network stack is at or below a transport layer of the network stack. 10. The system of claim 8, wherein the first layer of the network stack is the layer above a transport layer of the network stack. 11. The system of claim 8, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to identify the plurality of interactions via one or more sessions between the browser and the one or more networked applications. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein data from at least one session of the plurality of sessions is isolated from other sessions of the plurality of sessions. 13. The system of claim 8, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to communicate the aggregate score of the user to a server. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to receive from the server, the score table comprising aggregate scores for each of a plurality of users including the user. 15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to:
intercept requests and responses between a browser within a client application and one or more networked applications at a first layer of a network stack, the first layer being a layer above a second layer of the network stack at which the requests and responses are encrypted; identify each interaction of a user from the requests and responses of a plurality of interactions, each interaction assigned a score; establish an aggregate score of the user based at least on the score assigned to each interaction; and display a score table including the aggregate score of the user. 16. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the second layer of the network stack is at or below a transport layer of the network stack and the first layer of the network stack is the layer above a transport layer of the network stack. 17. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, further comprising instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to identify the plurality of interactions via one or more sessions between the browser and the one or more networked applications. 18. The computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein data from at least one session of the plurality of sessions is isolated from other sessions of the plurality of sessions. 19. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, further comprising instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to communicate the aggregate score of the user to a server. 20. The computer-readable medium of claim 19, further comprising instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to receive from the server, the score table comprising aggregate scores for each of a plurality of users including the user. | Systems and methods for enhancing user engagement with network applications include client application executed by a client device, the client application comprising an embedded browser, in communication with one or more application servers providing a plurality of network applications. The embedded browser is configured to access a first network application and a second network application. The client application is configured to: track interactions of a user via the embedded browser with the first network application and the second network application, each interaction having a corresponding score; generate an aggregate score for the user from the scores of each tracked interaction; transmit, to a first application server, the aggregate score for the user; and receive, from the first application server, a score table comprising a plurality of scores of users including the aggregate score for the user. The embedded browser is further configured to display the score table to the user.1. A method comprising:
intercepting, by a device, requests and responses between a browser within a client application and one or more networked applications at a first layer of a network stack, the first layer being a layer above a second layer of the network stack at which the requests and responses are encrypted; identifying, by the device, each interaction of a user from the requests and responses of a plurality of interactions, each interaction assigned a score; establishing, by the device, an aggregate score of the user based at least on the score assigned to each interaction; and displaying, by the device, a score table including the aggregate score of the user. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the second layer of the network stack is at or below a transport layer of the network stack. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first layer of the network stack is the layer above a transport layer of the network stack. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising identifying, by the device, the plurality of interactions via one or more sessions between the browser and the one or more networked applications. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein data from at least one session of the plurality of sessions is isolated from other sessions of the plurality of sessions. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising communicating, by the device, the aggregate score of the user to a server. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprises receiving, by the device, from the server, the score table comprising aggregate scores for each of a plurality of users including the user. 8. A system comprising:
one or more processors, coupled to memory, and configured to:
intercept requests and responses between a browser within a client application and one or more networked applications at a first layer of a network stack, the first layer being a layer above a second layer of the network stack at which the requests and responses are encrypted;
identify each interaction of a user from the requests and responses of a plurality of interactions, each interaction assigned a score;
establish an aggregate score of the user based at least on the score assigned to each interaction; and
display a score table including the aggregate score of the user. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the second layer of the network stack is at or below a transport layer of the network stack. 10. The system of claim 8, wherein the first layer of the network stack is the layer above a transport layer of the network stack. 11. The system of claim 8, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to identify the plurality of interactions via one or more sessions between the browser and the one or more networked applications. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein data from at least one session of the plurality of sessions is isolated from other sessions of the plurality of sessions. 13. The system of claim 8, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to communicate the aggregate score of the user to a server. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to receive from the server, the score table comprising aggregate scores for each of a plurality of users including the user. 15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to:
intercept requests and responses between a browser within a client application and one or more networked applications at a first layer of a network stack, the first layer being a layer above a second layer of the network stack at which the requests and responses are encrypted; identify each interaction of a user from the requests and responses of a plurality of interactions, each interaction assigned a score; establish an aggregate score of the user based at least on the score assigned to each interaction; and display a score table including the aggregate score of the user. 16. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the second layer of the network stack is at or below a transport layer of the network stack and the first layer of the network stack is the layer above a transport layer of the network stack. 17. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, further comprising instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to identify the plurality of interactions via one or more sessions between the browser and the one or more networked applications. 18. The computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein data from at least one session of the plurality of sessions is isolated from other sessions of the plurality of sessions. 19. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, further comprising instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to communicate the aggregate score of the user to a server. 20. The computer-readable medium of claim 19, further comprising instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to receive from the server, the score table comprising aggregate scores for each of a plurality of users including the user. | 2,800 |
348,599 | 16,806,121 | 2,852 | A quasi-systolic array includes: a primary quasi-systolic processor; an edge row bank and edge column bank of edge quasi-systolic processors; and an interior bank of interior quasi-systolic processors. The primary quasi-systolic processor, edge quasi-systolic processor, and interior quasi-systolic processor independently include a quasi-systolic processor and are disposed and electrically connected in rows and columns in the quasi-systolic array. | 1. A quasi-systolic processor comprising:
a plurality of forward input transmission line that individually receive a forward datum, and a number of forward input transmission line is s; a plurality of forward output transmission line that individually receive a forward output, and a number of forward output transmission line is s; a plurality of backward input transmission line that individually receive a backward datum, and a number of backward input transmission line is s; a plurality of backward output transmission line that individually receive a backward output, and a number of backward output transmission line is s; a plurality of primary processor with a number of primary processor being f, such that: 2. The quasi-systolic processor of claim 1, wherein the primary processor further comprises the accumulator controller in electrical, magnetic, mechanical, or photonic communication with the phase angle accumulation memory. 3. The quasi-systolic processor of claim 1, wherein the primary processor further comprises the counter in electrical, magnetic, mechanical, or photonic communication with the phase angle accumulation memory, the phase angle memory, and the backward linear transform processor and that:
receives the accumulated phase from the phase angle accumulation memory; receives the second backward output from the backward linear transform processor; and produces the scaled accumulated phase by applying the second backward output to the accumulated phase. 4. The quasi-systolic processor of claim 1, wherein the identity processor comprises:
a first dummy input member in electrical, magnetic, mechanical, or photonic communication with a second forward linear transform processor and that communicates first dummy input data to the second forward linear transform processor; and the second forward linear transform processor in electrical, magnetic, mechanical, or photonic communication with the forward input transmission line, a second phase angle memory, the forward output transmission line, and a first dummy output member and that:
receives forward datum from the forward input transmission line, first dummy input data from the first dummy input member, and a zero phase angle from the second phase angle memory; and
linearly transforms the forward datum and the first dummy input data through rotation about the zero phase angle to produce the identity output as forward output and first dummy output data, such that the forward output is identical to the forward datum. 5. The quasi-systolic processor of claim 4, wherein the identity processor further comprises:
a second dummy input member in electrical, magnetic, mechanical, or photonic communication with a second backward linear transform processor and that communicates second dummy input data to the second forward linear transform processor; and the second backward linear transform processor in electrical, magnetic, mechanical, or photonic communication with the backward input transmission line, the second phase angle memory, the backward output transmission line, and a second dummy output member and that:
receives backward datum from the backward input transmission line, the second dummy input data from the second dummy input member, and the zero phase angle from the second phase angle memory; and
linearly transforms the backward datum and the second dummy input data through rotation about the zero phase angle to produce backward output and the second dummy output data, such that the backward output is identical to the backward datum. 6. A quasi-systolic array comprising:
a primary quasi-systolic processor; an edge row bank in data communication with the primary quasi-systolic processor and comprising a plurality of edge quasi-systolic processors; an edge column bank in data communication with the primary quasi-systolic processor and comprising a plurality of edge quasi-systolic processors; an interior bank in data communication with the edge row bank and the edge column bank and comprising a plurality of interior quasi-systolic processors, wherein each primary quasi-systolic processor, edge quasi-systolic processor, and interior quasi-systolic processor independently comprise a quasi-systolic processor of claim 1; each quasi-systolic processor is in electrical, magnetic, mechanical, or photonic communication with another quasi-systolic processor; and the quasi-systolic processors are disposed and electrically connected in rows and columns of quasi-systolic processors, such that:
the primary quasi-systolic processor and the edge row bank are disposed in a first row of the quasi-systolic array;
the primary quasi-systolic processor and the edge column bank are disposed in a first column of the quasi-systolic array;
the primary quasi-systolic processor initially receives forward datum before any other quasi-systolic processor in the quasi-systolic array and initially produces forward output from the initially received forward datum before any other quasi-systolic processor in the primary quasi-systolic processor;
at least half of the forward output transmission lines of the primary quasi-systolic processor is connected to a single edge quasi-systolic processor of the edge row bank, and at least half of the forward output transmission lines of the primary quasi-systolic processor is connected to a single edge quasi-systolic processor of the edge column bank;
in the edge row bank, edge quasi-systolic processors are electrically connected to each other in seriatum, and a number of forward input transmission line halves sequentially from quasi-systolic processor to quasi-systolic processor;
in the edge column bank, edge quasi-systolic processor are electrically connected to each other in seriatum, and a number of forward input transmission line halves sequentially from quasi-systolic processor to quasi-systolic processor; and
in the interior bank, an interior quasi-systolic processor receives forward datum and produces backward datum that is subjected to backward propagation through interior quasi-systolic processors in the interior bank and edge quasi-systolic processors in the edge row bank and the edge column bank and finally received by the primary quasi-systolic processor. 7. The quasi-systolic array of claim 6, wherein the primary processor further comprises the accumulator controller in electrical, magnetic, mechanical, or photonic communication with the phase angle accumulation memory. 8. The quasi-systolic array of claim 6, wherein the primary processor further comprises the counter in electrical, magnetic, mechanical, or photonic communication with the phase angle accumulation memory, the phase angle memory, and the backward linear transform processor and that:
receives the accumulated phase from the phase angle accumulation memory; receives the second backward output from the backward linear transform processor; and produces the scaled accumulated phase by applying the second backward output to the accumulated phase. 9. The quasi-systolic array of claim 6, wherein the identity processor comprises:
a first dummy input member in electrical, magnetic, mechanical, or photonic communication with a second forward linear transform processor and that communicates first dummy input data to the second forward linear transform processor; and the second forward linear transform processor in electrical, magnetic, mechanical, or photonic communication with the forward input transmission line, a second phase angle memory, the forward output transmission line, and a first dummy output member and that:
receives forward datum from the forward input transmission line, first dummy input data from the first dummy input member, and a zero phase angle from the second phase angle memory; and
linearly transforms the forward datum and the first dummy input data through rotation about the zero phase angle to produce the identity output as forward output and first dummy output data, such that the forward output is identical to the forward datum. 10. The quasi-systolic array of claim 9, wherein the identity processor further comprises:
a second dummy input member in electrical, magnetic, mechanical, or photonic communication with a second backward linear transform processor and that communicates second dummy input data to the second forward linear transform processor; and the second backward linear transform processor in electrical, magnetic, mechanical, or photonic communication with the backward input transmission line, the second phase angle memory, the backward output transmission line, and a second dummy output member and that:
receives backward datum from the backward input transmission line, the second dummy input data from the second dummy input member, and the zero phase angle from the second phase angle memory; and
linearly transforms the backward datum and the second dummy input data through rotation about the zero phase angle to produce backward output and the second dummy output data, such that the backward output is identical to the backward datum. 11. A process for performing streaming eigen-updates in a hardware neuromorphic network that comprises the quasi-systolic array of claim 6, the process comprising:
receiving, by the primary quasi-systolic processor of the quasi-systolic array, a first forward datum and a second forward datum; producing, by the primary quasi-systolic processor from the first forward datum and the second forward datum, a first forward output and a second forward output; receiving the first forward output from the primary quasi-systolic processor by the edge row bank, and serially iteratively transforming and reducing a dimensionality of the first forward output by the edge quasi-systolic processors of the edge row bank to produce third forward data for the interior quasi-systolic processors in the interior bank; receiving the second forward output from the primary quasi-systolic processor by the edge column bank, and serially iteratively transforming and reducing a dimensionality of the second forward output by the edge quasi-systolic processors of the edge column bank to produce fourth forward data for the interior quasi-systolic processor in the interior bank; receiving the third forward data and the fourth forward data by the interior quasi-systolic processor in the interior bank and producing first backward data and second backward date from the third forward data and the fourth forward data and backward propagating the first backward data and the second backward data through the interior quasi-systolic processors in the interior bank by serially iteratively transforming the first backward data and the fourth backward data by the interior quasi-systolic processors to produce third backward data and fourth backward data; receiving the third backward data from the interior bank by the edge row bank, and serially iteratively transforming the third backward data by the edge quasi-systolic processors of the edge row bank to produce fifth backward data for the primary quasi-systolic processor; receiving the fourth backward data from the interior bank by the edge column bank, and serially iteratively transforming the fourth backward data by the edge quasi-systolic processors of the edge column bank to produce sixth backward data for the primary quasi-systolic processor; and receiving the fifth backward data from the edge row bank and the sixth backward data from the edge column bank by the primary quasi-systolic processor, and transforming the fifth backward data and the sixth backward data by the primary quasi-systolic processor to produce final backward data to perform streaming eigen-updates in the hardware neuromorphic network. | A quasi-systolic array includes: a primary quasi-systolic processor; an edge row bank and edge column bank of edge quasi-systolic processors; and an interior bank of interior quasi-systolic processors. The primary quasi-systolic processor, edge quasi-systolic processor, and interior quasi-systolic processor independently include a quasi-systolic processor and are disposed and electrically connected in rows and columns in the quasi-systolic array.1. A quasi-systolic processor comprising:
a plurality of forward input transmission line that individually receive a forward datum, and a number of forward input transmission line is s; a plurality of forward output transmission line that individually receive a forward output, and a number of forward output transmission line is s; a plurality of backward input transmission line that individually receive a backward datum, and a number of backward input transmission line is s; a plurality of backward output transmission line that individually receive a backward output, and a number of backward output transmission line is s; a plurality of primary processor with a number of primary processor being f, such that: 2. The quasi-systolic processor of claim 1, wherein the primary processor further comprises the accumulator controller in electrical, magnetic, mechanical, or photonic communication with the phase angle accumulation memory. 3. The quasi-systolic processor of claim 1, wherein the primary processor further comprises the counter in electrical, magnetic, mechanical, or photonic communication with the phase angle accumulation memory, the phase angle memory, and the backward linear transform processor and that:
receives the accumulated phase from the phase angle accumulation memory; receives the second backward output from the backward linear transform processor; and produces the scaled accumulated phase by applying the second backward output to the accumulated phase. 4. The quasi-systolic processor of claim 1, wherein the identity processor comprises:
a first dummy input member in electrical, magnetic, mechanical, or photonic communication with a second forward linear transform processor and that communicates first dummy input data to the second forward linear transform processor; and the second forward linear transform processor in electrical, magnetic, mechanical, or photonic communication with the forward input transmission line, a second phase angle memory, the forward output transmission line, and a first dummy output member and that:
receives forward datum from the forward input transmission line, first dummy input data from the first dummy input member, and a zero phase angle from the second phase angle memory; and
linearly transforms the forward datum and the first dummy input data through rotation about the zero phase angle to produce the identity output as forward output and first dummy output data, such that the forward output is identical to the forward datum. 5. The quasi-systolic processor of claim 4, wherein the identity processor further comprises:
a second dummy input member in electrical, magnetic, mechanical, or photonic communication with a second backward linear transform processor and that communicates second dummy input data to the second forward linear transform processor; and the second backward linear transform processor in electrical, magnetic, mechanical, or photonic communication with the backward input transmission line, the second phase angle memory, the backward output transmission line, and a second dummy output member and that:
receives backward datum from the backward input transmission line, the second dummy input data from the second dummy input member, and the zero phase angle from the second phase angle memory; and
linearly transforms the backward datum and the second dummy input data through rotation about the zero phase angle to produce backward output and the second dummy output data, such that the backward output is identical to the backward datum. 6. A quasi-systolic array comprising:
a primary quasi-systolic processor; an edge row bank in data communication with the primary quasi-systolic processor and comprising a plurality of edge quasi-systolic processors; an edge column bank in data communication with the primary quasi-systolic processor and comprising a plurality of edge quasi-systolic processors; an interior bank in data communication with the edge row bank and the edge column bank and comprising a plurality of interior quasi-systolic processors, wherein each primary quasi-systolic processor, edge quasi-systolic processor, and interior quasi-systolic processor independently comprise a quasi-systolic processor of claim 1; each quasi-systolic processor is in electrical, magnetic, mechanical, or photonic communication with another quasi-systolic processor; and the quasi-systolic processors are disposed and electrically connected in rows and columns of quasi-systolic processors, such that:
the primary quasi-systolic processor and the edge row bank are disposed in a first row of the quasi-systolic array;
the primary quasi-systolic processor and the edge column bank are disposed in a first column of the quasi-systolic array;
the primary quasi-systolic processor initially receives forward datum before any other quasi-systolic processor in the quasi-systolic array and initially produces forward output from the initially received forward datum before any other quasi-systolic processor in the primary quasi-systolic processor;
at least half of the forward output transmission lines of the primary quasi-systolic processor is connected to a single edge quasi-systolic processor of the edge row bank, and at least half of the forward output transmission lines of the primary quasi-systolic processor is connected to a single edge quasi-systolic processor of the edge column bank;
in the edge row bank, edge quasi-systolic processors are electrically connected to each other in seriatum, and a number of forward input transmission line halves sequentially from quasi-systolic processor to quasi-systolic processor;
in the edge column bank, edge quasi-systolic processor are electrically connected to each other in seriatum, and a number of forward input transmission line halves sequentially from quasi-systolic processor to quasi-systolic processor; and
in the interior bank, an interior quasi-systolic processor receives forward datum and produces backward datum that is subjected to backward propagation through interior quasi-systolic processors in the interior bank and edge quasi-systolic processors in the edge row bank and the edge column bank and finally received by the primary quasi-systolic processor. 7. The quasi-systolic array of claim 6, wherein the primary processor further comprises the accumulator controller in electrical, magnetic, mechanical, or photonic communication with the phase angle accumulation memory. 8. The quasi-systolic array of claim 6, wherein the primary processor further comprises the counter in electrical, magnetic, mechanical, or photonic communication with the phase angle accumulation memory, the phase angle memory, and the backward linear transform processor and that:
receives the accumulated phase from the phase angle accumulation memory; receives the second backward output from the backward linear transform processor; and produces the scaled accumulated phase by applying the second backward output to the accumulated phase. 9. The quasi-systolic array of claim 6, wherein the identity processor comprises:
a first dummy input member in electrical, magnetic, mechanical, or photonic communication with a second forward linear transform processor and that communicates first dummy input data to the second forward linear transform processor; and the second forward linear transform processor in electrical, magnetic, mechanical, or photonic communication with the forward input transmission line, a second phase angle memory, the forward output transmission line, and a first dummy output member and that:
receives forward datum from the forward input transmission line, first dummy input data from the first dummy input member, and a zero phase angle from the second phase angle memory; and
linearly transforms the forward datum and the first dummy input data through rotation about the zero phase angle to produce the identity output as forward output and first dummy output data, such that the forward output is identical to the forward datum. 10. The quasi-systolic array of claim 9, wherein the identity processor further comprises:
a second dummy input member in electrical, magnetic, mechanical, or photonic communication with a second backward linear transform processor and that communicates second dummy input data to the second forward linear transform processor; and the second backward linear transform processor in electrical, magnetic, mechanical, or photonic communication with the backward input transmission line, the second phase angle memory, the backward output transmission line, and a second dummy output member and that:
receives backward datum from the backward input transmission line, the second dummy input data from the second dummy input member, and the zero phase angle from the second phase angle memory; and
linearly transforms the backward datum and the second dummy input data through rotation about the zero phase angle to produce backward output and the second dummy output data, such that the backward output is identical to the backward datum. 11. A process for performing streaming eigen-updates in a hardware neuromorphic network that comprises the quasi-systolic array of claim 6, the process comprising:
receiving, by the primary quasi-systolic processor of the quasi-systolic array, a first forward datum and a second forward datum; producing, by the primary quasi-systolic processor from the first forward datum and the second forward datum, a first forward output and a second forward output; receiving the first forward output from the primary quasi-systolic processor by the edge row bank, and serially iteratively transforming and reducing a dimensionality of the first forward output by the edge quasi-systolic processors of the edge row bank to produce third forward data for the interior quasi-systolic processors in the interior bank; receiving the second forward output from the primary quasi-systolic processor by the edge column bank, and serially iteratively transforming and reducing a dimensionality of the second forward output by the edge quasi-systolic processors of the edge column bank to produce fourth forward data for the interior quasi-systolic processor in the interior bank; receiving the third forward data and the fourth forward data by the interior quasi-systolic processor in the interior bank and producing first backward data and second backward date from the third forward data and the fourth forward data and backward propagating the first backward data and the second backward data through the interior quasi-systolic processors in the interior bank by serially iteratively transforming the first backward data and the fourth backward data by the interior quasi-systolic processors to produce third backward data and fourth backward data; receiving the third backward data from the interior bank by the edge row bank, and serially iteratively transforming the third backward data by the edge quasi-systolic processors of the edge row bank to produce fifth backward data for the primary quasi-systolic processor; receiving the fourth backward data from the interior bank by the edge column bank, and serially iteratively transforming the fourth backward data by the edge quasi-systolic processors of the edge column bank to produce sixth backward data for the primary quasi-systolic processor; and receiving the fifth backward data from the edge row bank and the sixth backward data from the edge column bank by the primary quasi-systolic processor, and transforming the fifth backward data and the sixth backward data by the primary quasi-systolic processor to produce final backward data to perform streaming eigen-updates in the hardware neuromorphic network. | 2,800 |
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