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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for transforming sets of input strings into at least one pattern expression that is a string expressing the sets of the input strings. The present invention particularly relates to a method for extracting a transformation pattern as an approximate pattern expression in the process of transforming the sets of input strings to at least one pattern expression, the transformation pattern being for transforming the sets of input strings to the pattern expression.
2. Description of Related Art
In setting a document parsing tool used in software development, a regular expression is often utilized to extract a sub-string of a processing target in a document. The extraction target can be a large number of similar sets of strings described according to a particular rule specific to a project. However, in an existing tool, a pattern expressing the rule needs to be manually acquired as an appropriate regular expression. This considerably restricts automation of processing of extracting a sub-string or accessibility of the aforementioned tool.
The regular expression in tools for upstream documents can be utilized for the purposes of, for example: utilizing a particular part of a document by extracting the part by use of the regular expression; designating a file to be subjected to certain processing by use of the regular expression; performing appropriate processing to a subset of files in a folder by sorting the files by using the regular expression; and extracting and utilizing semantic information by extracting a common part or a variable part from a text group.
In addition to the parsing of an upstream document, the regular expression can be used for, for example, lexical analysis in a compiler, keyword searching for text on a web or the like, and in the following scene. Specifically, when different kinds of processing are desired among files in a folder, a particular file is extracted by file name matching using the regular expression and is processed by particular processing.
Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-354787 describes an interactive method executed in an interactive device having a user-interactive feature; the interactive device; an interactive program; and a recording medium in which the interactive program is recorded. Every time a user inputs an information request, the interactive device identifies the content of the information request of the user by using a history of communications with the user, and responds to the user according to the content.
Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-139446 describes a secretary agent system, a secretary agent program and a dialogue planning method which are used in an everyday language computer system configured to process language text based on a semiotic base which is a structured collection of meaning resources in everyday language, the secretary agent system and the secretary agent program assisting interactive exchange of language text between the user and the everyday language computer system.
Japanese Application No. 2004-513458 describes: a method for allowing a user to view and modify a weighting for translation of a source language string; a machine translation system for allowing a user to view and modify a weighting for translation of a source language; and a product having computer-readable program means for allowing a user to view and modify a weighting for translation.
Japanese Application 2010-79723 describes an information processing apparatus comprising: a state classifying unit that generates state sets from states included in a deterministic finite state automaton by classifying the states into the state sets according to input symbols associated with outgoing transitions and finality indicating whether a state is a final state, in such a way that states in each set have the same input symbol and the same finality; a calculating unit that calculates an intersection of each state set and a set of transition destination states to which the states in the state set are transitioned, and iterates the calculation of the intersection, until the number of states in the intersection reaches one, by targeting, as a new state set, a set of transition destination states to which states included in the intersection are transitioned with the same symbol; and a state merging unit that merges plural indistinguishable states into one state by tracing the transition arrows in a reverse direction to the transition direction that the calculating unit follows, when the number of states in the intersection reaches one.
Japanese Application No. 2008-305722 describes search using indeterminate strings as a search string. The indeterminate strings can be expressed as regular expressions which include candidate characters selected for and united to each input character, and which are each formed by concanating the candidate characters for the input characters. Thus, search using a finite state automaton including the regular expressions can be performed instead of the above search using the indeterminate strings. The search using the finite state automaton, however, requires the following processing. Specifically, the finite state automaton needs to be provided with accept states accepting all the characters other than the candidate characters, in addition to the states of the candidate characters for each character. Moreover, each of the states of the candidate characters is associated with a certainty degree. Every time the acceptance of a character in a sub-string makes the state transition to the following state, the certainty degrees of the state and the following state are added up.
Japanese Application No. 2011-123794 describes provision of a technique for extracting information structured from a natural sentence, without using a parsing technique.
Japanese Application No. 2002-229981 describes a method for normalizing input strings.
Japanese Application No. 01-180046 describes a knowledge-based system and a method for understanding a natural language.
Japanese Application No. 2005-301780 describes an information processing apparatus performing dialogue processing and an information processing method for the same.
Japanese Application No. 2011-141627 describes a device and a generation method by which configuration data of a predetermined reconfigurable finite state automaton circuit is generated based on any regular expression.
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This invention relates to a method and apparatus for processing an insulator coated cable which consists of a conductor clad with a coating insulator to obtain terminal treated cable segments having given lengths, and which has given lengths of leading and trailing portions of coating insulator cut apart to be removed and expose the conductor.
When connecting two electric apparatus with an insulator coated cable, it is necessary to sever the cable to a given length and remove the terminal portions of the coating insulator of the resultant cable segment to expose the corresponding portions of the conductor. Hitherto, this operation has been most often carried out manually. Recently, cable separators for separating measured lengths of cable have started to be used. With such cable separators, however, the method of pulling out cable when making a length measurement and the method of taking up cable afterwards are not given adequate consideration. More specifically, the operation of removing terminal portions of the coating insulator of the cable segments is not automated but rather, is carried out manually with tools. Therefore, the efficiency of the operation is low. In addition, because blades are used to cut and remove the coating insulator, there is the danger of injury of the fingers. Further, when the measured cable has a length of several ten to several hundred meters, taking up the cable segment requires a great deal of labor.
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The embodiments of this invention generally relate to online flow control along the span of a high aspect ratio slot jet with applications to airknives as used in industry to apply coatings, dry coatings or to control the thickness of coatings. Most problematic is controlling the coating thickness distribution in the hot-dip galvanizing industry, where excess zinc coating of sheet steel is an expensive waste of material. With frequent changes in sheet thickness-width-and-speed, together with changes in furnace temperature, zinc pot temperature-and-chemical composition, coating thickness control is an ongoing problem for the operator. Currently the operator's options are limited to changing sheet speed, airknife supply pressure, distance between slot jet and sheet, and the blowing angle onto the sheet. To prevent coating edge buildup with associated coiling problems of the finished sheet goods and to improve coating uniformity, the operator has the option to change offline, the “bow” setting in the slot jet nozzle lips. To change the bow setting offline requires taking the slot jet to a machine shop for nozzle lip gap adjustment. A “bow” setting in the slot jet nozzle lip gap, is used to increase the jet mass flow rate or momentum, and thereby the wiping action, towards the edges of the sheet where the lack of flow blockage deflects the flow outward, thereby locally reducing the stagnation pressure on the sheet and thus wiping action.
Airknife technologies from the 1990's incorporated on-line controllable internal swiveling elbows to produce a fan shaped outflow angle of the airknife slot jet. This method proved to be effective in reducing edge build-up. However this mechanism was complex with numerous moving parts and often unreliable. After fixing the position of the outflow generating elbows, such airknives remained in service over the past two decades. Other operators resort to: (1) fences placed near the edges of the sheet to minimize edge build-up and coiling problems or (2) a bow-like setting in the airknife lips, to increase the mass flow rate and thus wiping action near the sheet edges. Figures from U.S. Pat. No. 5,683,514 are shown in FIG. 5 to illustrate the obtainable fan-like outflow pattern by adding swiveling elbows inside the airknife inlet plenum. The ever increasing cost of coating materials increases the demand for new technologies with online control over coating thickness distribution. This is likely to be in the form of online control over the distribution of any or all local mass flow rate or velocity or outflow angle along the length (span) of the slot jet of an airknife.
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1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a chemicals mixing container which contains two kinds of chemicals in isolation from each other and which, at a time of use, allows those chemicals to be mixed together inside the container before being discharged. For example, the invention relates to such a chemicals mixing container as a dental cement capsule which contains a powder material and a liquid material as the two kinds of chemicals in isolation from each other and which allows the powder material and the liquid material to be mixed together before being discharged.
2. Description of the Related Art
For chemicals mixing containers such as dental cement capsules, it is desired that with two kinds of chemicals such as a powder material and a liquid material stored in isolation from each other, the chemicals mixing container is enabled to, at the time of use, mix together the two kinds of chemicals inside the chemicals mixing container and to eject the resulting mixture (or reaction product) from the chemicals mixing container with the least possible residues of the mixture.
Among conventional chemicals mixing containers is one in which a mixing chamber for mixing together two kinds of chemicals is formed by a tubular shaped cylinder with one end sealed by an end wall, and a piston for ejecting the mixture of chemicals (see, e.g., JP 2007-61633 and JP S63-264055). In order to allow the mixture of chemicals to be discharged without remainders, the configuration of an end face of the piston needs to have such a copied form as to be closely contactable with an inner wall surface of an end wall of the cylinder roughly without clearances. As a result of this, there would be some cases where an inner wall surface of the cylindrical portion of the cylinder and the inner wall surface of the end wall of the cylinder or an end face of the piston forms as narrow an interior angle as 90° or smaller so that chemicals tend to be accumulated at corners of the mixing chamber, making it impossible to achieve uniform stirring and mixing of chemicals.
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a reciprocating fluid pump, and more particularly relates to a reciprocating fluid pump and spool valve combination for shifting pneumatic pressure between reciprocating pistons in the pump in order to effect pumping.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Reciprocating pumps are well known in the fluid industry. Such reciprocating fluid pumps are operated by a reciprocating spool valve which shifts pressurized air from one pumping chamber of the pneumatic reciprocating pump to the other as the pumping means (piston, bellows, diaphragm, etc.) reaches the end of its pumping stroke. The valve spool element in the spool valve shifts between two positions which alternately supply pressurized air to the pumping means of one side of the pump while simultaneously permitting the other pumping means to exhaust the air therefrom. The shifting of the valve spool element simply alternates this pressurized air/exhaust between pairs of pumping means within the pneumatic pump, thereby creating the reciprocating pumping action of the pump.
In conventional pneumatic reciprocating pump and spool valve combinations, the valve spool elements have been shifted mechanically or electronically. In mechanical shifting, the spool valve itself is typically constructed as an integral part of the reciprocating pump in a manner such that when the pump piston or diaphragm reaches the end of its pumping stroke, it engages a shift mechanism to mechanically shift the valve spool of the spool valve to its opposite position, which reverses the pressurized air and exhaust to the two reciprocating pumping means in order to reverse the direction of both pumping means to cause the just-exhausted fluid chamber to draw fluid thereinto and simultaneously exhaust (pump) fluid from the opposite full fluid chamber.
In electronic shifting of such a pneumatic reciprocating pump, the mechanical shifting means for the spool valve is replaced with an electric switch or switches which then activate a solenoid operated spool valve for effecting shifting of the valve spool in response to the reciprocating pump pistons', bellows', or diaphragms' having reached the end of their pumping strokes.
A third type of shifting of the spool valve is pneumatic shifting, wherein the pump pistons, bellows, diaphragms, etc. engage mechanical or electrical switches at the end of their respective strokes, which shift the supply air pressure to either end of the valve spool for shifting between positions. In the case of electrical switches, these electrical switches actuate solenoid valves which reciprocate the supply air pressure to the spool valve. A variation of this pneumatically shifted spool valve utilizes pressurized air on both ends of the valve spool, the shifting being effected by the electrical or mechanical switch to release the pressurized air from alternating ends of the valve spool to permit pressurized air at the opposite end to shift the valve spool.
One pneumatically operated reciprocating diaphragm pump on the market today is controlled by a mechanically shifted reciprocating rod that, in turn, causes an internal valve spool within the pump to shift to alternate the applications of pressurized air and exhaust to opposing diaphragm chambers within the pump. The initial shifting mechanism (reciprocating rod) is mechanical, in that it is shifted by being alternately struck on its ends by the two reciprocating fluid pump diaphragms. The alternating rod removes lateral support from a flexible inner sleeve that permits direct pressurized air to bleed around the sleeve to an end surface of the valve spool for shifting the valve spool to its opposite position. Reciprocation of the valve spool reverses the application of pressurized air and exhaust in the reciprocating pump diaphragm chambers in order to effect pumping of the pump, as is customary in all pneumatically operated dual reciprocating diaphragm or bellows-type pumps that are spool valve-actuated.
A similar type of pneumatically actuated reciprocating pump utilizes a spool valve incorporated into the pump body, the spool valve, of course, for reversing pressurized air and exhaust between the two opposed pumping chambers. The pumping chambers comprise connected diaphragms, which diaphragms alternately engage the end of a shifting rod to reciprocate it between left and right positions. The reciprocating shifting rod alternates air pressure and exhaust between the ends of the valve spool to reciprocate the valve spool. Reciprocation of the valve spool, of course, operates the reciprocating pump.
There are many problems associated with the currently available pneumatic reciprocating pumps and spool valve shifting mechanisms. Mechanical shifting of the spool within the spool valve is limited because of available space inside the reciprocating pump, and is also susceptible to premature wear and failure of either the mechanical shifting device for the spool valve, the pump diaphragm or piston itself, or both.
The use of electronics or electrical switching of the spool valve is prohibited in many situations because of the potential for spark and fire hazards generally associated with electric (i.e., spark generating) switching devices, not to mention the complexity that is introduced by the addition of an electric power supply, electrical switches, and solenoid-controlled pneumatic valves.
Some types of pneumatic switching of spool valves in reciprocating fluid pump mechanisms are also a potential source of problems. By providing air pressure to both sides of the spool within the spool valve, the spool has a natural tendency to locate itself in the exact center of the valve when air pressure to the pump is turned off. When it is again attempted to start the pump, the valve spool, being in the exact center of the spool valve, will not direct pneumatic pressure to either side of the valve pumping mechanisms. Therefore, the pump will not be able to start up. This is known in the industry as "deadhead." Deadhead can also occur in mechanical spool valve switches whenever switches on both sides of the pump trip during the same stroke. This can be due to a number of reasons including positive fluid pressure through the pump, the presence of a solid material within the pumped fluid, pneumatic leaks, and of course, mechanical switch malfunction. Air in the pumped fluid within the pumping chamber can also create deadhead problems.
The previously described pneumatically actuated reciprocating diaphragm pump that is actuated by an internal valve spool is difficult to adjust and control, because of the use of the internal deforming sleeve. The valve spool is shifted because the plastic sleeve deforms because it loses its lateral support when the control rod shifts. In theory, when air pressure against the sleeve reaches a predetermined amount, the sleeve will deform, eliminating the air pressure seal between the sleeve and valve spool, causing pressurized air to escape to the end surface of the valve spool to shift it to its opposite position. Because the deformation of the sleeve is so dependent upon a number of external factors (temperature, humidity, presence of lubricants or other chemicals, etc.), it is extremely difficult to predict when and how much the plastic sleeve will deform, and therefore when and how rapidly the valve spool will shift. In addition, constant flexure of the plastic sleeve will create material fatigue brittleness, etc. rendering the sleeve valueless for its intended purpose.
Prior art pneumatically actuated reciprocating fluid pumps have also consistently had problems with pumped fluid surge as pumped fluid from one chamber abruptly stops and fluid from the opposite chamber abruptly starts. This surge causes what is termed hydraulic hammering in supply lines, that tends to vibrate the lines, resulting in unnecessary abrasion, flexure, and fatigue in the lines, and also tends to vibrate the fluid connections and fittings loose near the pump. In certain applications, surge can dislodge particulate contamination within fluid filters and reintroduce this contamination into the fluid system.
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Programmable digital processors such as microprocessors and digital signal processors have become very complex machines. Testing these programmable digital processors has also become complex task. It is now common for semiconductor manufactures to build single integrated circuit programmable digital processors with millions of transistors. The current trend is to devote many of these transistors to on-chip cache memories. Even so, the number of logic circuits and their complex relationships makes testing such integrated circuits an increasingly difficult task.
A trend in electronics makes this testing problem more difficult. Single integrated circuit programmable digital processors are becoming more and more of the electronics of many end products. A single integrated circuit used in this way typically includes a programmable digital processor, read only memory storing the base program, read/write memory for operation and a set of peripherals selected for the particular product. This trend is known as system level integration. In the ultimate system level integration, all the electronics are embodied in a single integrated circuit. This level of integration is now achieved in electronic calculators. Many electronic calculators consist of a single integrated circuit, a keyboard, a display, the battery or solar panel power source and a plastic case. Such integration provides less “visibility” into the operation of the programmable digital signal processor. Because the address and data busses of the digital processor are no longer brought out the device pins, it is more difficult to determine the behavior of the embedded processor from external connections.
Another trend in electronics makes this testing problem more difficult. Many new product applications require differing types of processing. Often control processes and user interface processes are better handled with a different programmable digital processor than digital signal processes. An example is wireless telephones. Many coding/decoding and filtering tasks are best handled by a digital signal processor (DSP). Other tasks such as dialing, controlling user inputs and outputs are best handled by microprocessors such as a RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) processor. There is a trend for a system integrated circuit to include both a RISC processor and a DSP. These two processors will typically operate independently and employ differing instruction set architectures. Thus there may be more than one programmable digital processor on a single integrated circuit, each having limited visibility via the device pins.
Another problem is product emulation when employing these programmable digital processors. Product development and debugging is best handled with an emulation circuit closely corresponding to the actual integrated circuit to be employed in the final product. In circuit emulation (ICE) is in response to this need. An integrated circuit with ICE includes auxiliary circuits not needed in the operating product included solely to enhance emulation visibility. In the typical system level integration circuit, these emulation circuits use only a very small fraction of the number of transistors employed in operating circuits. Thus it is feasible to include ICE circuits in all integrated circuits manufactured. Since every integrated circuit can be used for emulation, inventory and manufacturing need not differ between a normal product and an emulation enhanced product.
As a result of these trends there is a need in the art for integrated circuits which are easier to test and easier to emulate.
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This invention relates to fiber optic communication systems and particularly to fiber optic communication systems for use in industrial control applications. More particularly, the invention relates to an optical communication system which continues uninterrupted communication between various elements of an industrial control system even in the event of a failure in the fiber optic lines.
Industrial control systems are used in industrial processes to control pressures, temperatures, mass transfers, and other process parameters. Control systems may included many input/output devices such as temperature sensors, pressure sensors, pressure regulators, and other similar devices positioned at various locations in the process equipment being controlled. Modern control systems also include one or more programmable logic controllers ("PLCs") for controlling various input/output devices in the system, based upon data collected from the input/output devices and based upon instructions programmed on the controller.
These input/output devices and PLCs must communicate with each other in order for the control system to provide the desired control for the process. Both data and instructions must be communicated between devices in the control system. Thus, an industrial control system requires a communication arrangement to enable the various control system devices to communicate with each other.
Some industrial processes may require very precise control. Failure of communications between the various elements of an industrial control system may upset the entire process and have dire results. For example, failure of process control communications in a chemical manufacturing process may result in the production of an entirely different chemical than what was intended. Thus, a communications failure in an industrial control system may require that the entire process being controlled be aborted or at least suspended until communication is reestablished. Also, failure of communication and control in some processes may pose very serious safety risks. Therefore, the communication systems employed in industrial control systems must be very robust.
Yet the communication lines required between the various elements of an industrial control system must commonly traverse harsh environments or areas of high activity. In these areas, there is a constant danger of damage to the communication lines resulting in a loss of communication in the control system. Also, conditions in some areas of an industrial process may interfere with certain types of transmissions. For example, electrical noise in certain areas of a plant may interfere with electrical transmissions. In these situations and others, data and instructions may be converted to optical signals for transmission between the various control system devices through optical fibers.
The various elements of an industrial control system are advantageously connected for communications in a ring configuration allowing communications in both directions around the ring. In this closed ring configuration, a single break in the ring does not cause a loss of communications since communication is still possible in the opposite direction from the location of the break. Closed communications rings, however, raise the problem of signal oscillation which interferes with communications.
One way to solve the problem of ensuring communications in the event of a failure along a communication path in an industrial process control system is to provide multiple communication paths between the various elements of the system. In the event of a failure on one communication path, communications are still maintained along a secondary or tertiary path. However, systems having multiple communication paths require duplicate communication lines and associated material and are therefore more costly. Furthermore, multiple communication paths complicate communication protocols.
Detecting a failure of communication in an industrial control system process is complicated by the nature of communications in the system. While some communications of data and instructions may be relatively continuous in some process control applications, communications may be infrequent in other control systems. In situations in which long gaps appear between data or instructions, a communication failure may not be readily apparent. A monitoring system which monitors for communication failures may mistake a communication fault for a gap in data, or mistake a gap in data for a communication fault.
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The present invention relates to a method for preventing or reducing the risk of or onset of cardiovascular events employing an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor, such as pravastatin.
Despite significant progress in reducing mortality due to atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD) over the last several years, cardiovascular disease remains the major cause of death in most developed countries. The relation between CAD and elevated concentrations of serum total cholesterol, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, is well documented.
It is well established that lipid disorders are important factors in the development of coronary heart disease (CHD), Schettler, G., xe2x80x9cThe role of diet and drugs in lowering serum cholesterol in the postmyocardial infarction patient,xe2x80x9d Cardiovasc. Drugs Ther., 1989, 2/6 (795-799).
Glatter, T. R., xe2x80x9cHyperlipidemia. What is xe2x80x98normalxe2x80x99, who should be treated and how,xe2x80x9d Postgrad. Med., 1984, 76/6 (49-59), states that xe2x80x9cAs the Coronary Primary Prevention Trial has recently shown, a 1% reduction in cholesterol level produces a 2% reduction in risk of myocardial infarction.xe2x80x9d
Goldstein, J. L., et al, xe2x80x9cThe LDL receptor defect in familial hypercholesterolemia. Implications for pathogenesis and therapy,xe2x80x9d Med. Clin. North Am., 1982, 66/2 (335-362) indicate that xe2x80x9cfamilial hypercholesterolemia was the first genetic disorder recognized to cause myocardial infarction. To this day, it remains the outstanding example of a single gene mutation that causes both hypercholesterolemia and coronary atherosclerosis.xe2x80x9d
Satler, L. F., et al, xe2x80x9cReduction in coronary heart disease: Clinical and anatomical considerations,xe2x80x9d Clin. Cardiol., 1989, 12/8 (422-426) disclose that xe2x80x9cthe higher the total plasma cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), the greater the risk that coronary artery disease will develop. Recently, clinical trials including the Coronary Drug Project, the Lipid Research Clinics Coronary Primary Prevention Trial (LRC-CPPT), and the Helsinki Heart Study provided evidence that lowering cholesterol reduces the frequency of fatal and nonfatal coronary events.xe2x80x9d In addition, Satler et al disclose that other studies xe2x80x9cdemonstrated that lowering of cholesterol was associated with a decreased incidence of progression of coronary disease, as well as with the potential for reduction in the atherosclerotic plaque.xe2x80x9d
Wilhelmsen, L., xe2x80x9cPractical guidelines for drug therapy after myocardial infarction,xe2x80x9d Drugs, 1989, 38/6 (1000-1007) discloses that it is advisable to correct blood lipid disturbances in effective management of the postinfarction patient.
Yamamoto, A., et al, xe2x80x9cClinical features of familial hypercholesterolemia,xe2x80x9d Arteriosclerosis, January-February 1989, 9 (1 Suppl.) p I66-74, disclose that xe2x80x9cin addition to the low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level, higher triglyceride and lower high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels correlate with an increased risk of ischemic heart disease.
Other references disclosing the relation between CAD and elevated concentrations of serum total cholesterol include
1. Canner P. L. et al, xe2x80x9cFifteen year mortality in Coronary Drug Project patients: long-term benefit with niacinxe2x80x9d, J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. 1986; 8:1245-1255.
2. Frick, M. H. et al, xe2x80x9cHelsinki Heart Study: primary-prevention trial with gemfibrozil in middle-aged men with dyslipidemia. Safety of treatment, changes in risk factors, and incidence of coronary heart disease,xe2x80x9d N. Engl. J. Med. 1987; 317:1237-1245.
3. Kannel, W. B. et al, xe2x80x9cSerum cholesterol, lipoproteins, and the risk of coronary heart disease: the Framingham Study,xe2x80x9d Ann. Intern. Med. 1971; 74:1-12.
4. xe2x80x9cThe Lipid Research Clinics Program. The Lipid Research Clinics Coronary Primary Prevention Trial results, I: reduction in incidence of coronary heart disease,xe2x80x9d JAMA 1984; 251-351-364.
5. Martin, M. J. et al, xe2x80x9cSerum cholesterol, blood pressure, and mortality: implications from a cohort of 361,662 men,xe2x80x9d Lancet 1986; 2:933-936.
Efforts to further reduce the mortality rate from CAD should benefit from appropriate screening for, and treatment of, hypercholesterolemia. Primary hypercholesterolemia is initially treated with a low-cholesterol low-fat diet and lifestyle modification. If these measures are inadequate, lipid lowering drugs are then added. Agents currently available for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia include bile acid-binding resins, nicotinic acid, probucol, fibrates, and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors. Pravastatin, a member of the latter class, in doses up to 40 mg/day, reduces serum LDL cholesterol an average of 32 to 34% and total cholesterol an average of 24 to 26% in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia. Hunninghake, D. B. et al, xe2x80x9cEfficacy and safety of pravastatin in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia, I: a dose-response study.xe2x80x9d Atherosclerosis 1990; 85:81-89.
In accordance with the present invention, surprisingly and unexpectedly, it has been found that patients with one or more risk factors for a coronary and/or cerebrovascular event such as hypercholesterolemia, who are treated an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor, such as pravastatin, experience a rapid marked and significant reduction in cardiovascular events. Thus, although a certain number of patients having one or more risk factors for coronary or cerebrovascular events are expected to suffer a cardiovascular incident, such as a myocardial infarction and/or unstable angina, it has unexpectedly been found that such patients when treated with an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor, such as pravastatin, have a rapid and sizable reduction in such cardiovascular events. What is even more remarkable is the fact that such reduction in cardiovascular events occur within one year and usually within 6 months of treatment and even sooner. This is especially significant inasmuch as until now it has been the generally held view that a treatment effect on cardiac event rates appears only after a lag phase of xe2x89xa72 years, as seen in the Coronary Primary Prevention Trial (JAMA 1984; 251:351-364) and the Helsinki Heart Study (N. Engl. J. Med. 1987; 317:1237-1245).
Thus, in accordance with the present invention, a method is provided for preventing onset of or reducing risk of a cardiovascular event in a patient having one or more risk factors for a coronary and/or cerebrovascular event wherein a therapeutically effective amount of an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor, preferably pravastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin and fluvastatin, more preferably pravastatin, is administered systemically, such as orally or parenterally.
The term xe2x80x9crisk factors for a coronary and/or cerebrovascular eventxe2x80x9d as employed herein refers to risk factors such as hypercholesterolemia, coronary artery disease (CAD), family history of coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes, cigarette smoking, cerebrovascular disease and/or male gender.
The term xe2x80x9ccoronary artery diseasexe2x80x9d (CAD) as employed herein refers to diseases including atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries, previous myocardial infarction, angina pectoris and/or heart failure.
The term xe2x80x9ccerebrovascular diseasexe2x80x9d as employed herein refers to diseases including atherosclerosis of the intracranial and/or extracranial arteries, stroke, and transient ischemic attacks.
The term xe2x80x9ccardiovascular event(s)xe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9cserious cardiovascular adverse event(s)xe2x80x9d as employed herein refers to coronary and/or cerebrovascular event(s) including primary myocardial infarction, secondary myocardial infarction, angina pectoris (including unstable angina), congestive heart failure, sudden cardiac death, cerebral infarction, syncope, transient ischemic attack and the like.
In accordance with the method of the invention, where the risk factor in patients to be treated is hypercholesterolemia, the serum total cholesterol concentrations will be at least 5.2 mmol/liter (at least 200 mg/dl). The patients may also have other risk factors for atherosclerotic coronary artery disease such as hypertension, previous myocardial infarction, smoker and the like.
Notwithstanding the above, it will be appreciated that in accordance with the present invention, the HMG CoA reductase inhibitor may be administered to patients irrespective of cholesterol levels and other risk factors to achieve the rapid reduction in cardiovascular events.
The HMG CoA reductase inhibitors suitable for use herein include, but are not limited to, mevastatin and related compounds as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,983,140, lovastatin (mevinolin) and related compounds as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,231,938, pravastatin and related compounds such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,346,227, velostatin (synvinolin or simvastatin) and related compounds as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,448,784 and 4,450,171, with pravastatin, lovastatin or simvastatin being preferred. Other HMG CoA reductase inhibitors which may be employed herein include, but are not limited to, fluvastatin, fluindostatin (Sandoz XU-62-320), pyrazole analogs of mevalonolactone derivatives as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,613,610, indene analogs of mevalonolactone derivatives as disclosed in PCT application WO 86/03488, 6-[2-(substituted-pyrrol-1-yl)alkyll]pyran-2-ones and derivatives thereof as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,647,576, Searle""s SC-45355 (a 3-substituted pentanedioic acid derivative) dichloroacetate, imidazole analogs of mevalonolactone as disclosed in PCT application Wo 86/07054, 3-carboxy-2-hydroxy-propane-phosphonic acid derivatives as disclosed in French Patent No. 2,596,393, 2,3-di-substituted pyrrole, furan and thiophene derivatives as disclosed in European Patent Application No. 0221025, naphthyl analogs of mevalonolactone as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,686,237, octahydro-naphthalenes such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,499,289, keto analogs of mevinolin (lovastatin) as disclosed in European Patent Application No. 0,142,146 A2, as well as other HMG CoA reductase inhibitors.
In addition, phosphinic acid compounds useful in inhibiting HMG CoA reductase suitable for use herein are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,904,646, which compounds have the moiety
wherein X is xe2x80x94Oxe2x80x94or xe2x80x94NHxe2x80x94, n is 1 or 2 and Z is a hydrophobic anchor.
Another class of HMG CoA reductase inhibitors suitable for use herein include phosphinic acid compounds disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,091,378, which compounds have the moiety
wherein X is xe2x80x94CH2xe2x80x94, xe2x80x94CH2xe2x80x94CH2xe2x80x94, xe2x80x94CHxe2x95x90CHxe2x80x94, xe2x80x94CH2CH2CH2xe2x80x94, xe2x80x94Cxe2x89xa1Cxe2x80x94 or xe2x80x94CH2Oxe2x80x94, where O is linked to Z, and Z is a hydrophobic anchor.
Most preferred is pravastatin.
The above-mentioned U.S. patents are incorporated herein by reference.
In carrying our the method of the present invention, the HMG CoA reductase inhibitor may be administered to mammalian species, such as dogs, cats, humans, etc., and as such may be incorporated in a conventional systemic dosage form, such as a tablet, capsule, elixir or injectable. The above dosage forms will also include the necessary carrier material, excipient, lubricant, buffer, anti-bacterial, bulking agent (such as mannitol), anti-oxidants (ascorbic acid or sodium bisulfite) or the like. Oral dosage forms are preferred, although parenteral forms are quite satisfactory as well.
The dose administered must be carefully adjusted according to age, weight and condition of the patient, as well as the route of administration, dosage form and regimen and the desired result.
Thus, for oral administration, a satisfactory result may be obtained employing the HMG CoA reductase inhibitor in dosages employed, for example, for pravastatin, lovastatin and simvastatin as indicated in the Physician""s Desk Reference, such as in an amount within the range of from about 1 to 2000 mg, per day in single or divided doses, and preferably from about 4 to about 200 mg per day in single or divided doses.
A preferred oral dosage form, such as tablets or capsules, will contain the HMG CoA reductase inhibitor in an amount of from about 0.5 to about 100 mg, preferably from about 5 to about 80 mg, and more preferably from about 10 to about 40 mg.
Tablets of various sizes can be prepared, e.g., of about 1 to 2000 mg in total weight, containing the active substance in the ranges described above, with the remainder being a physiologically acceptable carrier or other materials according to accepted pharmaceutical practice. These tablets can, of course, be scored to provide for fractional doses. Gelatin capsules can be similarly formulated.
Liquid formulations can also be prepared by dissolving or suspending active substances in a conventional liquid vehicle acceptable for pharmaceutical administration so as to provide the desired dosage in one to four teaspoonsful.
Illustrative of the adjuvants which may be incorporated in tablets are the following: a binder such as gum tragacanth, acacia, corn starch or gelatin; an excipient such as dicalcium phosphate or cellulose; a disintegrating agent such as corn starch, potato starch, alginic acid or the like; a lubricant such as stearic acid or magnesium stearate; a sweetening agent such as sucrose, aspartame, lactose or saccharin; a flavoring agent such as orange, peppermint, oil of wintergreen or cherry. When the dosage unit form is a capsule, it may contain in addition to materials of the above type a liquid carrier such as a fatty oil. Various other materials may be present as coatings or to otherwise modify the physical form of the dosage unit. For instance, tablets or capsules may be coated with shellac, sugar or both. A syrup of elixir may contain the active compound, water, alcohol or the like as the carrier, glycerol as solubilizer, sucrose as sweetening agent, methyl and propyl parabens as preservatives, a dye and a flavoring such as cherry or orange.
Some of the active substances described above form commonly known, pharmaceutically acceptable salts such as alkali metal and other common basic salts or acid addition salts, etc. References to the base substances are therefore intended to include those common salts known to be substantially equivalent to the parent compound.
The formulations as described above will be administered for a prolonged period, that is, for as long as the potential for a cardiovascular event remains or the symptoms continue. Sustained release forms of such formulations which may provide such amounts biweekly, weekly, monthly and the like may also be employed. A dosing period of at least one to two weeks or until hypercholesterolemia and/or atherosclerosis has regressed are required to achieve minimal benefit.
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In “Active Smart Cards”, extremely thin, flexible galvanic elements with a total thickness of, for example, less than 0.5 mm are used as energy stores. In the case of such thin electronic chip cards, the flat energy store is provided for supplying power to the IC chip or other components such as integrated miniature sensors or transponders.
Such a smart card must conform to ISO standards in its overall form comprising the card body, components and energy store in terms of being flexurally resistant in accordance with DIN-ISO 7816-1 and DIN ISO/IEC 10 373, i.e., the ISO bending test in accordance with DIN-ISO 7816-1 and the test specification in accordance with DIN ISO/IEC 10 373 must be satisfied. In the dynamic bending test, the card is flexed 2 cm in length and 1 cm in width with a frequency of 30 bends per minute (=0.5 Hz). In this test, a card must remain undamaged after at least 250 bends in each of the four possible directions (that is altogether 1000 bends). In the dynamic torsion test, the card is loaded ±15° about the longitudinal axis with a frequency of 30 bends per minute (=0.5 Hz). The standard demands 1000 torsions without the chip functionality failing or any mechanical damage being visible on the card.
In the previously used methods of hot and cold lamination, the metal housing of the element was often damaged so that the overall system of the card became unusable. If the housing was introduced into the chip card by cold lamination with known adhesives such as, for example, commonly used two-component polyurethane adhesives, cracks often occurred when the ISO bending tests were carried out.
EP 0 997 959 B1 describes galvanic elements with a non-aqueous electrolyte which have housings comprising laminate films. Such laminates generally comprise a composite aluminum foil coated on both sides, which can easily be deep-drawn to 5 mm and, on the basis of this property, immediately passes the ISO test. The plastic encapsulation thereby prevents tearing.
In DE 101 02 125.9, the mechanical reinforcement of an electronic chip card with a galvanic element arranged in it by means of a partial or complete coverage comprising metal or fiber-reinforced plastic is described.
A further possibility for stabilizing the metal housing is proposed in DE 102 26 848.7. In that application, in the case of a galvanic element with at least one lithium-intercalating electrode and a thin, flexible housing comprising two metal foils which bear directly against the electrodes and are connected to each other in sealed manner by means of an adhesive or sealing layer, at least one of the metal foils is provided on the outer side with a layer of plastic increasing the stability and strength, and an adhesive layer is arranged between the metal foil and the layer of plastic. Such a galvanic element must, however, be transformed into a laminated structure in further method steps.
It would therefore be advantageous to provide an active chip card which meets the high requirements in terms of mechanical stability with respect to flexural stresses and torsional stresses and which can be easily produced and is constructed from a few layers.
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an impact modifier for a polymer composition. More particularly, the present invention relates to an impact modifier for a polycarbonate resin composition, which provides enhanced coloration and impact resistance.
2. Description of the Related Technology
Generally, a polycarbonate resin has excellent impact strength, self-extinguishment, dimension stability and heat resistance. Thus, a polycarbonate resin has been widely used as a housing material for various electronic or electric devices.
However, a polycarbonate resin has poor flowability due to its high melting point. Thus, the resin requires a high temperature for processing. Such a high processing temperature causes a resulting product to have deteriorated impact resistance. To avoid this problem, a polycarbonate resin is typically used in mixture with various impact modifiers.
Although impact modifiers improve the impact strength of a polycarbonate resin, such impact modifiers causes other problems. For instance, a butadiene rubber-based impact modifier commonly used in a polycarbonate resin tends to be degraded or scorched during a molding process of over 300° C. This problem causes deterioration of heat stability and weather resistance, thereby limiting application of the impact modifier. An acrylate rubber-based impact modifier generally provides good heat stability and weather resistance. However, it shows poor coloration property and impact resistance at a low temperature.
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to a video communication field, and more particularly to a bit allocation method for controlling a data transmission rate through a channel in an MPEG2 video encoder which realizes a video compression method for reducing a band width in data transmission.
2. Description of the Prior Art
It is anticipated that video information will be a very important information source in the future information society and the demand for communications using digital video compression and storage media will be explosively increased. In particular, an MPEG2 video algorithm can widely be applied to video compression methods for digital video communication media, storage media, multimedia and high definition television (HDTV).
A transmission rate control method is a very important one of the MPEG2 associated techniques because it is connected directly with a picture quality of a restored video signal.
Generally, in the case where color motion video data is to be expressed in a digital manner, there is required very much data amount. For this reason, the direct transmission or storage of the digital color motion video data results in a transmission channel or a storage device being wasteful. Therefore, video compression and expansion methods are used to reduce the data amount in the data transmission or storage.
Such a video compression method utilizes a property of video data having much redundancy. Namely, the video compression method is adapted to reduce the data amount in the transmission/storage by removing the redundancy of the video data.
In JTC1/SC29/WG11 as an affiliated organization of ISO/IEC, the standard MPEG1 of a motion video compression coding method for a storage medium in the 1.15 Mbps class was established in the year 1991 by a Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG). Also, the standard MPEG2 of a motion video compression coding method for communication/storage/broadcasting in the 4 Mbps or more class is in progress as of the year 1993.
The MPEG2 in progress is a DCT/DPCM composite coding algorithm which utilizes discrete cosine transform (DCT) and motion compensation to remove spatial and time redundancies of an input video signal, respectively. The MPEG2 also utilizes a variable length code (VLC) to remove a statistic redundancy of the input video signal. For this reason, in a video encoder performing the video compression, the generated data amount is very variable according to a characteristic of the input video signal.
For the purpose of transmitting the variable output data from the video encoder through a channel of a fixed band, buffers are required respectively in the encoder and a decoder. In the encoder, the data to be transmitted through the channel must be prevented from overflowing the buffer or being exhausted therein. Also, the data amount must be controlled to be matched with a capacity of the transmission channel which is called a transmission rate control.
The transmission rate control is performed by adjusting a step size of a quantizer. Because the quantization of the quantizer is a lossy coding process, a picture quality of the decoded video signal from the decoder is greatly dependent on the transmission rate control.
In the other words, in the case where the step size of the quantizer is made large, the data amount transmitted to the buffer is reduced, whereas the quantized data is degraded in accuracy. For this reason, the picture quality of the decoded video signal is degraded as compared with that of the original video signal. On the contrary, in the case where the step size of the quantizer is made small, the quantized data is increased in accuracy although the data amount transmitted to the buffer is increased. In this case, the picture quality of the decoded video signal is substantially the same as that of the original video signal.
The MPEG standard is not connected with the transmission rate control because it establishes a syntax of a bit stream inputted in the decoding process. Therefore, the transmission rate control is a know-how of the encoded which is capable of maintaining the picture quality at the maximum at a given band.
The MPEG2 algorithm has three coding modes, an intra mode (referred to hereinafter as I mode), a predicted mode (referred to hereinafter as P mode) and a dibirectionally predicted mode (referred to hereinafter as B mode), which will hereinafter be described in detail with reference to FIG. 1 which is a block diagram of an MPEG2 video encoder.
The I mode is to perform the coding using the video signal itself. The I mode is periodically performed for random access to a coded bit stream. Also, the I mode is required in preventing a degradation in the picture quality due to an error of a storage medium. A video signal of the I mode is used as a reference for video motion prediction in the p and B modes.
The P mode is to perform the coding by compensating for the motion from a previous video signal of the I or P mode.
The B mode is to perform the coding by compensating for the motion from the previous video signal of the I or P mode or the subsequent video signal of the I or P mode.
The video coding method in the I mode will hereinafter be described in detail.
In the video encoder of FIG. 1, a DCT unit 11 partitions pixels of a video frame into N.times.N blocks and performs the DCT for every block to remove the spatial redundancy of the video data. A quantizer 12 quantizes DCT coefficients from the DCT unit 11 using a desired step size. The quantized DCT coefficients from the quantizer 12 are converted into a one-dimensional array in a zig-zag scanning manner. The quantized DCT coefficients of the one-dimensional array are converted into the combination of 0 and 1 by a variable length coder (VLC) and then transmitted through the buffer to the transmission channel.
Before the conversion into the one-dimensional array, the quantized DCT coefficients are decoded by an inverse quantizer 13 and an inverse DCT unit 14 and then stored into a first frame memory 15. At this time, the video data stored in the first frame memory 15 has a quantization error because it is reproduced through the quantization and the inverse quantization.
The video coding method in the P mode is adapted to compress a bit rate by removing the time redundancy of the video information. In the video coding method in the P mode, the DCT, inverse DCT, quantization and inverse quantization operations are the same, as those in the I mode. The motion estimation and the motion compensation are performed in the unit of macro block of 16.times.16 pixels. A motion estimator 18 compares the video data of the input block with video data of a previous frame from a second frame memory 17, not quantized. As a result of the comparison, the motion estimator 18 finds a motion vector positioning data analogous to the video data of the input block, in the second frame memory 17. A motion compensator 16 extracts a video data block corresponding to the motion vector, from a previous video frame stored in the first frame memory 15. Then, the extracted video data block is subtracted from the input block data and the resultant data is passed through the DCT unit 11 and the quantizer 12 to the transmission channel in the above-mentioned manner.
The video data and the motion vector transmitted in the P mode are combined with the previous video data by the decoder, resulting in production of a full picture.
The video coding method in the B mode is a compression method of reducing a prediction error by compensating for the motion using the previous and subsequent reference frames.
The operation of the encoder associated with the I, P and B modes is controlled by a mode selector 19.
The I, P and B-coded video data are combined to form a group of pictures (GOP) which can be directly accessed for the decoding with no previous video information. First coded video data must be the I-coded video data, which usually discriminates between the GOPs. It is preferred that the GOP has a small number of pictures so that it can be applied to the random access, a fast forward. operation, and fast and normal reverse operations.
The present invention relates to a method of allocating a bit amount properly to the I, P and B-coded video data forming the GOP. In accordance with the present invention, a scene variation is sensed and the bit amount of the I and P-coded video data is adjusted in accordance with the sensed result, so that the picture quality of the decoded video data can be enhanced.
However, a conventional bit allocation method is adapted to estimate previously a bit amount to be generated in the coding in consideration of an input video characteristic, a coding mode, a transmission capacity and a required picture quality.
FIG. 2 is a view illustrating conventional coding modes for an input picture string in the MPEG2 video encoder. Three P mode pictures are inserted between two I mode pictures, and two B mode pictures are inserted between I and P mode pictures or between two P mode pictures. As a result, 12 pictures constitute one group. Each of the arrows indicates an operational relation between the respective mode pictures.
Now, a bit allocation method for the transmission rate control in a conventional MPEG2 test model 5 (TM5) with the construction as shown in FIG. 2 will be described in detail.
In the MPEG2 TM5, a bit amount is allocated differently according to the coding modes. Generally, in order to obtain the same picture quality, more bit amount must be allocated in the order off I, P and B mode pictures.
First, complexities X.sub.I, X.sub.P and X.sub.B of the I, P and B mode pictures are defined as follows: EQU X.sub.I =S.sub.I .multidot.Q.sub.I ( 1) EQU X.sub.P =S.sub.P .multidot.Q.sub.P ( 2) EQU X.sub.B =S.sub.B .multidot.Q.sub.B ( 3)
S.sub.I, S.sub.P and S.sub.B are the number of bits of the just before coded video data of the respective modes and Q.sub.I, Q.sub.P and Q.sub.B are average step sizes of the quantizer used in those cases, respectively. Namely, the coding complexity is defined as a multiplication of the bits number and the average quantizer step size in coding the previous picture.
Allocated bit amounts T.sub.I, T.sub.P and T.sub.B of the I, P and B mode pictures are defined as follows: ##EQU1## K.sub.P and K.sub.B have values different according to quantization matrices, and are 1.0 and 1.4 in the TM5, respectively. R is the bit amount remaining after the coding up to the just before picture among bits allocated to the entire picture group. N.sub.P is the number of the remaining P mode pictures of the picture group except the coded pictures and N.sub.B is the number of the remaining B mode pictures of the picture group except the coded pictures. Channel transmission rate/(8.multidot.inputs per sec) indicates a minimum number of bits to be allocated to each picture.
The above equations (4) to (6) used for the bit allocation in the MPEG2 TM5 signify that the bit amount a is allocated to the respect;ire I, P and B mode pictures according to the complexities X.sub.I, X.sub.P and X.sub.B of the previously coded pictures of the same modes. However, when the input picture has a different characteristic due to the scene change, the complexities X.sub.I, X.sub.P and X.sub.B of the previously coded pictures become insignificant. Particularly, in the case where the scene change is present in the P mode picture, most of macro blocks of the P mode picture muse be coded in the I mode because the motion compensation is impossible. Generally, the required number of bits in the I mode coding is at least twice that in the P mode coding. For this reason, the picture quality is degraded due to the shortage in the bits number of the P mode picture having the scene change. Also, the quality degradation of the P mode picture may have a bad effect on the subsequent B or P mode picture since the p mode picture is used as a reference for the motion-compensation.
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Prostaglandins (PGs) are part of the prostanoid family and their receptors fall into five different classes—DP, EP, FP, IP and TP—based on their sensitivity to the five naturally occurring prostanoids, PGD2, PGE2, PGF2α, PGI2 and TxA2, respectively (Coleman, R. A., Prostanoid Receptors, IUPHAR compendium of receptor characterization and classification, 2nd edition, 338-353, ISBN 0-9533510-3-3, 2000). EP receptors (for which the endogenous ligand is PGE2) have been subdivided into four types termed EP1, EP2, EP3 and EP4.
The international patent applications WO2005080367 and WO 2007017687 describe various EP2 receptor agonists and the use thereof for the treatment of conditions like inflammatory disorders, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
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The fabrication of some devices often requires protective layers for surface protection and pattern delineation. Such surface layers are useful during fabrication as well as on completed devices. Requirements for such films differ widely depending on the particular fabrication procedure, material, etc. Usually, adherence, stability (particularly toward moisture), and effectiveness as a diffusion barrier are of principal importance. Also, stability, adherence, etc., at high temperatures are desirable where high temperatures are used during fabrication of the device or on subsequent use of the device. In addition, with some applications and fabrication procedures, it might be advantageous for the protective layer to be at least partially transparent to radiation including radiation in the infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-ray and gamma ray regions.
Optical devices are becoming of increasing importance commercially, principally because of the development of optical communications systems and certain types of display systems. Because of these developments, various optical devices including semiconductor optical devices are becoming increasingly important so that economic and effective techniques for manufacturing such devices are in great demand. Coatings that are suitable for use on optical devices including semiconductor optical devices are highly desirable. Such coatings should be stable, unaffected by ordinary atmosphere substances such as moisture, chemicals, etc., adherent and be able to withstand temperatures used to fabricate the devices or in the use of the devices. Such glass coating should also be readily removable by a convenient procedure. In many devices, the coating should also be transparent at various parts of the radiation spectrum. Where the coating is used to encapsulate optical devices, it should be transparent to the part of the radiation spectrum where they operate. Exemplary optical devices are light-emitting diodes, lasers and optical detectors. The coatings may also be used as reflection coatings to increase or decrease reflection of radiation on the surface of semiconductor optical devices. Indeed, in a general sense, the thickness and optical properties of a glass layer can be adjusted to either increase transmission of the device (e.g., for light-emitting diodes or optical detectors) or increase the reflectivity of the coatings (e.g., for laser applications, etc.).
It should be remarked that the term "optical" is used in a broad sense and is not limited to only visible radiation. The term optical radiation refers to any useful radiation and includes, in addition to visible radiation, infrared radiation, ultraviolet radiation, X-ray and gamma ray radiation, etc.
In the fabrication of some devices it is advantageous to have protective layers that are transparent to radiation. For example, it might be advantageous to observe the surface under the protective layer during processing or at various steps during the processing.
Typical semiconductor devices are described in a variety of references including Light-Emitting Diodes by A. A. Bergh and P. J. Dean, Clarenden Press, 1976 and Injection Electroluminescent Devices by C. H. Gooch, John Wiley and Sons, New York, 1973. Other useful references include Semiconductors and Semimetals, edited by R. K. Willardson and A. C. Beer, Academic Press, 1966, Vol. 2; Physics of III-V Compounds, and Physics of Semiconductor Devices by S. M. Sze, Wiley-Interscience, New York, 1969. These references contain descriptions of various devices including semiconductor lasers, optoisolators, light-emitting diodes, light detectors, solar cells, etc.
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to blades for grass mowers and agricultural implements, and, particularly to the improved two piece construction of a peripheral blade.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
U.S. Pat. No. 5,375,400 to John A. Darden teaches a peripheral mower blade that is designed to cut and mulch grass at high volume. The blade is so designed to reduce back drag and require less horsepower. Such peripheral blades offer less chance that objects will be thrown out from under the mower deck they are mounted on, nor will they come apart creating a dangerous environment for those who are around the mower. In the construction discussed by Darden in '400, the blade is one piece. At the time, Darden taught that a one piece blade made manufacture of the blade less expensive and made the blade more durable.
However, several drawbacks have been discovered with respect to the one piece peripheral mower blade. Such blades have been found time consuming and difficult to change. Since peripheral mower blades are mounted on a horizontal rotary shaft in a series containing several blades, all of the interim blades must be removed in order to replace a worn or damaged blade that is toward the center of the shaft. The one piece blades also require a series of spacers on the shaft separating the blades, and these spacers also must be dealt with when replacing or arranging the one piece peripheral blades on the shaft.
Thus, a need exists to improve peripheral mower blades to make them easier to install, especially when a blade on the center of the horizontal rotary shaft is damaged or worn. A two piece blade could be considered, but, before now, providing a two piece blade has been avoided and not seriously considered because of the belief that such blades would provide a weak structure and could break off of the shaft and present a danger of being slung outward from a mower.
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1. Field of the Disclosure
The present disclosure relates to an end-pumped vertical external cavity surface emitting laser (VECSEL), and more particularly, to a VECSEL having improved optical structure with improved mirror forming an external cavity.
2. Description of the Related Art
VECSELs increase a gain region by adopting an external mirror instead of an upper, integral mirror for a Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) and obtains a high output power of several to several tens of watts (W) or higher.
FIG. 1 illustrates optical arrangement of a conventional front-pumped VECSEL. Referring to FIG. 1, the conventional VECSEL includes a pumping unit providing a pump beam, a laser chip 11 that is excited by a pump beam to emit a laser beam, and first and second mirrors 17 and 19 that are located outside the laser chip 11 and form an external cavity.
The pumping unit includes a pumping light source 1 mounted on a first heat sink 3 and a collimating lens 5 collimating a pump beam emitted by the pumping light source 1 and provides a pump beam to a portion of the laser chip from which a laser beam is emitted.
A second heat sink 13 is disposed on one surface of the laser chip 11 and dissipates heat generated by the laser chip 11.
The first mirror 17 is separated from the laser chip 11 and is obliquely disposed relative to an axis of incident light emitted from the laser chip 11. The first mirror 17 has a concave reflecting surface 17a facing the laser chip 11 and the second mirror 19. Thus, the first mirror 17 prevents a laser beam resonating between the second mirror 19 and the laser chip 11 from diverging. The second mirror 19 faces the first mirror 17 and reflects light from the first mirror 17 back into the first mirror 17.
A birefringent filter 15 is disposed between the first mirror 17 and the laser chip 11 and filters out all but a laser beam having a predetermined wavelength. A Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) crystal 21 is disposed between the first and second mirrors 17 and 19 and converts the laser beam emitted from the laser chip 11 to its half wavelength beam.
Meanwhile, because the external cavity mirror 17 for the conventional VECSEL of FIG. 1 having the above-mentioned construction has the concave reflecting surface 17a, it is difficult to integrate the external cavity mirror 17 with the laser chip and form a VECSEL as an integrated module. This makes it difficult to reduce the size of VECSEL to less than several to several tens of millimeters (mm).
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of confocal microscopy and, more particularly, the present invention relates to high three-dimensional resolution cross-polarization devices for imaging subsurface micro-structure.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Measurement of detailed subsurface micro-structure is critical in determining properties of materials and understanding material processing mechanisms. At present, subsurface micro-structure is typically examined by destructive methods such as: (a) cutting the sample to examine cross-sectional micro-structure; (b) polishing or removing surface layers to examine micro-structure at layers of different depths; (c) cutting or polishing the sample at an angle to the surface. Destructive examination has several disadvantages, including being time consuming, error prone, and inapplicable for live tissues.
Non-destructive methods (such as microscopy) for examining sub-surface detail of materials have been explored. However, most microscopic methods, including optical microscopy, can only examine the 2D micro-structure of the specimen's surface. This is so because when light is incident on a surface, the majority of the light coming back for measurement originates from the surface, unless the material is transparent. For example, during the examination of metals, only surface reflection and scattering occur.
For translucent materials such as ceramics, silicon, and biological materials, a portion of the incident light may penetrate into the material subsurface. A fraction of this penetrating light is back-scattered due to interactions with the internal micro-structure. This back-scattered light may escape back from the surface and be detected (See FIG. 1). Internally back-scattered light is, however, very weak compared with the light incident on the surface.
By selective detection of only the internally back-scattered light, the subsurface micro-structure can be determined. One technique to detect and resolve depth of the internal back-scattering is optical coherence tomography (OCT). The technique is based on low-coherence optical gating of the back-scattered light from different depths relative to a reference beam using an interferometer. Interference occurs when the scattering depth is equal to a reference “depth” which is determined by the position of a reflector. Low coherence of the light being used ensures a narrow gating of the depth range and therefore high resolution. By moving the reflector and synchronously measuring the interference signal, the scattering data from various depths can be obtained. Typical depth resolution is larger than 10 μm. (See H. R. Hee et al. “Optical Coherence Tomography for Ophthalmic Imaging,” IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology, 1995, at 67).
Another method to separate surface reflection/scattering from subsurface scattering is to use the polarization properties of light. In the plane perpendicular to the direction of light travel, the electric field of the light can be described as having two perpendicular components which are referred to, for example, as vertically-polarized and horizontally-polarized components when the plane is vertical. When incident light is linearly polarized (i.e., with only one polarization component), the surface reflected or scattered light typically has the same polarization as the incident light. The subsurface scattered light, however, may become completely depolarized (i.e., with equal intensity in both polarization directions) because of multiple interactions with the subsurface micro-structure. When one uses polarized optics to selectively detect the cross-polarized light (i.e. light polarized perpendicular to the polarization of the incident light) that is due to subsurface back-scattering, the detector signal is related only to subsurface micro-structure variation. Methods based on this principle have been successfully used to detect subsurface defects in ceramic and silicon materials, and for biological tissue. However, because the detector receives cross-polarized back-scattered light from all subsurface depths, this method has no depth resolution and typically yields only 2D images.
Confocal microscopy with 3D resolution has been widely used to examine biological materials such as cells and tissues. The method uses a point source and a point detector; both at the focal points of an objective lens which is focused on a sample. When high numerical aperture (NA) objectives are used, 3D spatial resolution (including depth) can be achieved well below a micrometer. This method is usually used to examine semi-transparent biological materials prepared with a fluorescent dye. The method is also used to examine the topology of semiconductor devices using the superb depth resolution of confocal microscopy. However, this method cannot be used to examine subsurface micro-structure of dense materials such as ceramics.
A need exists in the art for a method and a device to obtain high-resolution three-dimensional information concerning the subsurface micro-structure of dense materials such as ceramics.
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Many cleaning compositions include a foaming agent to increase contact time on surfaces to be cleaned. Such compositions are presently used in many applications, such as retail, industrial and institutional including grease cutters, clinging lime scale removers, shower wall cleaners, bathtub cleaners, hand sanitizing gels, disinfectant gels, hand-soaps, teat dips, coatings, stabilized enzymes, structured liquids, and the like.
The most widely used foaming agent is cocamide DEA, or cocamide diethanolamine, a diethanolamide made by reacting a mixture of fatty acids from coconut oils (cocamide) with diethanolamine. The agent may also been known as lauramide diethanolamine, Coco Diethanolamide, coconut oil amide of diethanolamine, Lauramide DEA, Lauric diethanolamide, Lauroyl diethanolamide, and Lauryl diethanolamide.
It is a viscous liquid and is used as a foaming agent in bath products like shampoos and hand soaps, and in cosmetics as an emulsifying agent. The chemical formula is CH3(CH2)nC(═O)N(CH2CH2OH)2, where n can vary depending on the source of fatty acids. Coconut oil contains about 50% of lauric acid, thus the formula of cocamide can be written as CH3(CH2)10CONH2, though the number of carbon atoms in the chains varies. Cocamide DEA has come under criticism lately and is under regulatory pressure to have it removed from products. It is an allergen that can cause contact dermatitis in individuals who are susceptible to skin allergies. More recently, cocamide DEA has been linked to cancer.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) lists coconut oil diethanolamine condensate (cocamide DEA) as an IARC Group 2B carcinogen, which identifies this chemical as possibly carcinogenic to humans. In June 2012, the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment added Cocamide DEA to the California Proposition 65 (1986) list of chemicals known to cause cancer.
Accordingly it is an object herein to provide a foam stabilizer that can be used as a replacement for cocamide DEA.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a foam stabilizer that is safe, environmentally friendly and economically feasible.
Other objects, aspects and advantages of this invention will be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the following disclosure, the drawings, and the appended claims.
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In the related art, as a vehicle-mounted electric compressor used for a vehicular air conditioning device, an inverter-integrated vehicle-mounted electric compressor has been known. Such an inverter-integrated vehicle-mounted electric compressor includes an inverter accommodating portion on an outer periphery of a housing that includes a motor and a compressor. In the inverter accommodating portion, an inverter circuit that drives the motor is accommodated and installed, whereby the inverter circuit is incorporated integrally with the compressor.
In such a vehicle-mounted electric compressor, the housing that is the outline of the vehicle-mounted electric compressor is configured by integrally coupling a motor housing that includes the motor to a compressor housing that includes the compressor. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an example in which an inverter accommodating portion, in which an inverter circuit is accommodated and installed, is provided in an upper portion (upper surface) of the outer periphery on the motor housing. The vehicle-mounted electric compressor further includes compressor attachment feet for installing the electric compressor to a vehicle. The compressor attachment feet are provided in a plurality of locations in an upper portion (upper surface) and a lower portion (lower surface) of the outer periphery on the motor housing. Furthermore, the vehicle-mounted electric compressor includes an intake port for a low-pressure refrigerant gas provided on a side surface on the rear end portion of the motor housing, and a discharge port for a high-pressure refrigerant gas on an outer peripheral side portion of the compressor housing.
For another example, Patent Documents 1 to 3 each disclose an example in which a plurality of refrigerant passages are provided around cylindrical space that includes a motor in the motor housing in the direction of the motor axis. The electric compressor motor housing in the example is configured to guide a low-pressure refrigerant gas introduced from a refrigerant intake port to inside the rear end portion of the motor housing through the refrigerant passages, toward the motor housing. This configuration can cool a motor and components (heat-releasing components, in particular) of an inverter circuit accommodated and installed in an inverter accommodating portion on an outer periphery of the motor housing.
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For certain types of products, including but not limited to bottled or packaged products having a cap the top, it may be desirable and more convenient to display the products for sale by suspending them from their caps, flanges or other elements at the top of the package. A variety of display devices are available for this purpose. Examples of these are the Kinseley U.S. Pat. No. 4,863,131, Gollob et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,785,189, Spammer et al U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,326, and Hartwall U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,288. A shortcoming of these devices is that they all require front loading, meaning that new products must always be loaded from the front of the device. When displaying food products, or other products having a limited shelf life, it is very important that the display hooks be loaded properly, with new items always being placed at the back of the display, and older items be being moved to the front of the display, where they will be removed first by the customers. In order to assure that the merchandise on a front-loading display device is as fresh as practicable, one must either allow the display hook to be fully depleted before reloading, or remove any unsold products, load new products onto the back of the display, and then replace the unsold products at the front of the hook. This sometimes may not done properly, because of the extra time and effort required of the store employee.
The shortcomings of the front-loading arrangements described in the foregoing paragraph are partly resolved in display mechanisms represented by the Spamer et al U.S. Pat. No. 5,586,687 , and Trulaske No. 6,523,719. These devices allow back loading of the display. However, the loading must be in the direction of the axis of the display, which requires that open space be provided behind the display to allow a product to be positioned behind the display for loading. Moreover, these back-loading displays require special support structure in order to provide for the necessary space behind the display device.
Another form of display that permits loading of product at the rear of the display is that shown in the Merl U.S. Pat. No. 4,310,097. In that device, product bottles, which are supported by their necks, are loaded downwardly into the back of the display through a large open space at the back of the display. While this makes it possible for products to be back-loaded into the display, the Merl display device makes the process somewhat cumbersome, in that products are loaded from above the display. This requires the entire bottle to be gripped by its neck or top, lowered into the display and then moved forward until the neck of the bottle is engaged by spaced apart supports. A “catch basin” is provided to enable bottles, dropped during loading, to be retrieved.
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a design structure for phase-locked loop circuit, and in particular a frequency adaptive level shifter circuit.
2. Description of Background
Currently, level translator circuits are used to pass signals across voltage domain boundaries. Many different level translators exist in the prior art, but many of the traditional circuit topologies are becoming unworkable as supply voltages decrease and the frequency of the signals increase.
A specific translator architecture that is not as limited by voltage headroom or signal frequency is described in the commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,491,441, entitled “Method and apparatus for generating a clock signal from a continuous oscillator signal including a translator circuit”, Ser. No. 08/269,197, issued on Feb. 13, 1996. It is understood that other means exist to establish a level translator circuit.
The intended use of the circuit described in this patent was to translate small voltage continuous signals into large full supply signals. It also functions well as a general purpose level-shifter that passes CMOS signals across a voltage domain boundary. A time constant, determined by the capacitor and resistor, are tuned for a specific frequency of application. A limitation with this is that the fixed RC product formed by a resistor and capacitor unduly limits the range of frequencies that the circuit is useful over.
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A mobile device may only operate on a specific type of network that is limited to a single carrier. For example, a cellular phone may be configured to operate on a single code division multiple access (CDMA) network that is operated by a single carrier. Even if the network is operated by more than one carrier, the phone may be limited to being activated on that single CDMA network. The user of the cellular phone may want to switch networks and carriers and use the cellular phone on a different network, which may be operated by a different carrier. For instance, the user of the cellular phone may want to switch to a CDMA network operated by a different CDMA carrier or to a global system for mobile communications (GSM) network operated by a GSM carrier; however, the user is unable to switch from the single CDMA network to a different network because the phone is limited to working on a single CDMA network.
It may desirable to provide users with devices which may be activated and used on multiple different networks.
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{
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The commercial monitor bracket is generally composed of two parts including a base disposed on the table and an angle-adjustable movable arm coupled with the base, wherein a monitor is fixed on one end of the movable arm such that the monitor can be disposed stably and the monitor's angle is adjustable.
However, the drawbacks existing in angle adjustment and integral assembly of the conventional monitor bracket are listed as follows:
1. In the process of coupling a plug of a computer machine with the monitor, the monitor or the movable arm must be detached first since the elevational angle of the monitor is not adjustable, causing the inconvenience to the user.
2. An accidental fall of the bracket including the monitor fixed thereon from the table may be caused easily by shifting the bracket or impacting the bracket incautiously, so it is unsteady and not safe enough.
3. The adjustment of the movable arm is confined to specific angles so the adjustable angle is incomplete, causing the inconvenience to the user.
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{
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a solid-state imaging apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
As a solid-state imaging apparatus used for an electronic camera or the like, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-232216 has been disclosed. The solid-state imaging apparatus has two or more sets of photodiodes (PDs) and transfer MOS transistors, performs reading out to a common floating diffusion (FD) region, and performs amplification by a common source follower MOS transistor.
Moreover, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-165755 has disclosed a unit for providing a solid-state imaging apparatus in which a MOS capacitor is added to an FD so that an FD capacitor is variable, and sensitivity can be changed corresponding to signal electric charges accumulated in a photoelectric conversion section. It is possible to reduce an output signal amplitude when a large amount of electric charges are transferred to the FD, and to suppress an amplitude of a voltage on and after a vertical signal line, by increasing the FD capacitor.
However, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-232216 increases the FD capacitor itself by having a common FD, and thus has a problem of a degraded SN ratio (Signal to Noise ratio).
Moreover, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-165755 requires a capacitor unit for causing the FD capacitor to be electrically variable, and thus has a problem of an increased number of elements within a pixel and a reduced PD area.
An object of the present invention is to provide a solid-state imaging apparatus which can cause an FD capacitor value to be variable without increasing the number of elements.
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Rapid thermal processing (RTP) is a well-developed technology for fabricating semiconductor integrated circuits in which the substrate, for example, a silicon wafer, is irradiated with high-intensity optical radiation in a RTP chamber to quickly heat the substrate to a relatively high temperature to thermally activate a process in the substrate. Once the substrate has been thermally processed, the radiant energy is removed and the substrate quickly cools. As such, RTP is energy efficient because the chamber surrounding the substrate is not heated to the elevated temperatures required to process the substrate, and only the substrate is heated. In other words, during RTP, the processed substrate is not in thermal equilibrium with the surrounding environment, namely the chamber.
The fabrication of integrated circuits from silicon or other wafers involves many steps of depositing layers, photo lithographically patterning the layers, and etching the patterned layers. Ion implantation is used to dope active regions in the semiconductive silicon. The fabrication sequence also includes thermal annealing of the wafers for many uses including curing implant damage and activating the dopants, crystallization, thermal oxidation and nitridation, silicidation, chemical vapor deposition, vapor phase doping, thermal cleaning, among others.
Although annealing in early stages of silicon technology typically involved heating multiple wafers for long periods in an annealing oven, RTP has been increasingly used to satisfy the ever more stringent requirements for processing substrates with increasingly smaller circuit features. RTP is typically performed in single-wafer chambers by irradiating a wafer with light from an array of high-intensity lamps directed at the front face of the wafer on which the integrated circuits are being formed. The radiation is at least partially absorbed by the wafer and quickly heats it to a desired high temperature, for example above 600° C., or in some applications above 1000° C. The radiant heating can be quickly turned on and off to controllably heat the wafer over a relatively short period, for example, of one minute or, for example, 30 seconds, more specifically, 10 seconds, and even more specifically, one second. Temperature changes in rapid thermal processing chambers are capable of occurring at rates of at least about 25° C. per second to 50° C. per second and higher, for example at least about 100° C. per second or at least about 150° C. per second.
During certain processes, lower temperatures, for example, less than about 400° C., may be required. A temperature of a substrate in a processing chamber may be below 400° C. and may be as low as about 175° C. An example of such processes is forming silicides on silicon wafers. The quality and performance of processing a substrate such as a silicon wafer in a chamber depends in part on the ability to provide and maintain an accurate temperature setting of the wafer or substrate. Temperatures of a substrate in a processing chamber are usually measured by a pyrometer, which measures temperature within a bandwidth of wavelengths. Radiation which is within the radiation pyrometer bandwidth and which originates from the heating source can interfere with the interpretation of the pyrometer signal if this radiation is detected by the pyrometer. To some extent “leaking” heat source radiation can interfere with the pyrometer reading. In addition, not all wafers are opaque at the pyrometer bandwidth, especially when the wafer is at lower temperatures. Accordingly, improved systems and methods to measure temperatures accurately with a pyrometer are required.
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{
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a digital interface, and more particularly to a method of controlling connection between nodes in a digital interface.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIG. 1 illustrates a connection state of a conventional 1394 system connected between nodes. Referring to FIG. 1, the conventional digital interface includes first and second input plug control registers 21 and 22 for inputting/outputting connection information between nodes connected to a 1394 serial bus 10 in accordance with control signals of an application node (not illustrated), a first audio/video node 20 comprising a first input master plug register 23, a third input plug control register 31 for inputting/outputting connection information between nodes connected to the 1394 serial bus 10 in accordance with control signals of the application node, a second audio/video node 30 comprising a second input master plug register 32, a fourth input plug control register 41 for inputting/outputting connection information between nodes connected to the 1394 serial bus 10 in accordance with control signals of the application node, a third video/audio node 40 comprising a third input master plug register 42, fifth and sixth plug control registers 51 and 52 for inputting/outputting connection information between nodes connected to the 1394 serial bus 10 in accordance with control signals of the application node, a fourth audio/video node 50 comprising a fourth input master plug register 53, an output plug control register 61 for inputting/outputting connection information between nodes connected to the 1394 serial bus 10 in accordance with control signals of the application node, and a fifth audio/video node 60 comprising an output master plug register 62.
The method of controlling connection between nodes for the conventional digital interface as constructed above will be explained in detail with reference to accompanying drawings.
The application node is allocated with a channel for transmitting isochronous data from the fifth audio/video node 60 to the first audio/video node 20 through a point-to-point connection or broadcast connection, and writes in the same format the output plug control register in the fifth audio/video node 60 and the input plug control register in the first audio/video node 20 in the output plug control register 61 and the second input plug control register 22.
Thereafter, the application node writes “1” in an on-line bit of the output plug control register 61 in the fifth audio/video node 60 and an on-line bit of the second input plug control register 22 to transmit the isochronous data.
Also, the application node writes in the same format the output plug control register in a point-to-point connection counter or a broadcast connection counter of the output plug control register 61 in the fifth audio/video node 60.
Then, the isochronous data is transmitted from the fifth audio/video node 60 to the first audio/video node 20 through the channel.
Thus, transmission of the isochronous data from the fifth audio/video node 60 to the second and fourth audio/video nodes 30 and 40 is performed through the above-described process.
According to the conventional method of controlling connection between nodes in a digital interface, however, since no command for connection the nodes to the digital interface is provided, the transmission/reception, reproduction and control of a data stream of a predetermined program cannot be smoothly performed.
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1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to physiological measurement techniques and biotelemetry (i.e., medical telemetry), and more particularly to a system, device, and method for heart and lung monitoring using a modulated radio frequency (RF) carrier, such as an IEEE 802.11(x) (“WiFi”) orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) signal, as a diagnostic signal.
2. Description of Related Art
Several technologies have been developed to help doctors and medical professionals access, visualize, or learn more about a patient's internal organs without having to undertake an invasive medical procedure.
For example, an electrocardiogram (an “EKG”) can be used to determine information about a patient's heart. Electrical waves generated by the heart are measured by electrodes that are placed on the skin of a patient. The voltage between the electrodes is displayed on a monitor for analysis of the patient's heart. EKGs have several disadvantages, however. The electrodes must be physically connected to the patient being monitored, which can be bothersome to the patient, for the duration of the EKG test. In addition, an EKG does not produce an image of the heart itself and is not a direct measurement of the motion of the heart. Therefore, the detected electrical characteristics are merely analogues of the heart's motion.
Computer axial tomography (“CAT” or “CT”) scans can be used to generate three-dimensional (3D) images of a human body. CT scanners emit a fan-shaped x-ray beam, which passes through a patient's body before being detected by rotating source detectors. Depending on the type of tissue the x-rays pass through, the x-rays will be attenuated or will pass through unimpeded. The x-rays that pass through the body are detected and used to generate an image of the tissues exposed to the x-rays. Images of internal organs can therefore be generated. Yet, CT scanners suffer from numerous disadvantages. They are expensive, bulky and immobile, require patients to remain generally immobile for extended periods of time during the scanning, and expose patients to potentially harmful x-rays.
Magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) scanners can be used to generate images of a human body. An MRI scanner uses magnetic fields to align the nuclear magnetization of hydrogen atoms in the body. The magnetization of these atoms is then altered to produce a magnetic field, which is detected by the scanner and used to generate an image. As with CT scanners, MRI scanners are expensive, very large and immobile, and require patients to remain relatively immobile during the procedure. Furthermore, MRI scanners cannot be used by some people with metal implants.
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Data storage tape systems have been used for decades in the computer, audio, and video fields. The data storage tape system includes a tape drive and one or more data storage tape cartridges. During use, storage tape is transferred between a tape reel assembly within the cartridge and a separate tape reel assembly within the drive. In this regard, the storage tape is driven by a tape drive system defined by one or both of the cartridge and tape drive. Regardless of exact form, the data storage tape system continues to be a popular format for recording large volumes of information for subsequent retrieval and use.
With the above in mind, a data storage tape cartridge generally consists of an outer shell or housing maintaining at least one tape reel assembly and a length of magnetic storage tape. A storage tape is wrapped about a hub of the tape reel assembly and is driven through a defined path by a driving system. The housing normally includes a separate cover and a separate base. Together, the cover and the base form an opening (or window) at a forward portion of the housing permitting access to the storage tape by a read/write head upon insertion of the data storage tape cartridge into the tape drive. The interaction between the storage tape and the head can occur within the housing (i.e., a mid tape load design) or exterior to the housing (i.e., a helical drive design). Where the head/storage tape interaction is exterior to the housing, the data storage tape cartridge normally includes a single tape real assembly employing a leader block or similar device. Alternately, where the head/storage tape interaction is within the housing, a dual tape reel configuration is typically employed.
Regardless of the number of tape reel assemblies associated with a particular data storage tape cartridge, the tape reel assembly (also known as a spool) generally includes a hub and one or more reel flanges. In general, the hub includes a core that defines a tape winding surface. The reel flanges are optional, and, if employed, are disposed at opposite ends of the hub and spaced to accommodate a width of the storage tape.
The spool is a repository for the storage tape. In particular, the storage tape is wrapped onto the tape winding surface. In this regard, it is desired that the storage tape be packed onto the hub in a uniform manner. Specifically, edges of the storage tape should be uniformly packed such that the edges are evenly aligned. Significantly, storage tape that is not uniformly packed can be damaged as it traverses the tape drive system. Storage tape that is not uniformly packed is said to have staggered strands. Sources of staggered strands can include non-uniform guiding of the storage tape onto the hub, poor storage tape quality, and aerodynamic forces generated during the winding process. The staggered strands can take several forms, including isolated strands of storage tape that are staggered, popped storage tape strands, and a bulk storage tape stagger where individual popped strands cannot be identified.
Prior art tape winding systems have attempted to uniformly pack storage tape onto hubs. Unfortunately, these prior art tape winding systems do not account for storage tape wear. For example, one prior art tape winding system described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,508,431 employs a tape guide having rigid packing arms. The tape guide is rigidly mounted to a frame by a combination of rigid mounts and fasteners. The rigid packing arms include ceramic plates that contact the edges of the storage tape along an entire radius of the tape pack. In addition, a precisely formed spacer block is utilized to position the rigid packing arms relative to the storage tape, creating a rigid and inflexible tape-packing device. In this regard, the prior art tape guide potentially imparts continuous wear across the storage tape edges.
Another prior art tape winding system, utilizing a flexible packing guide, is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,045,086. The packing guide is rigidly coupled to a support member. The packing guide employs pleats or corrugations in an attempt to increase the flexibility of the guide, and low friction coatings on a contact edge where the guide touches the film pack. However, the packing guide fails to account for wear imparted to the film that is already uniformly packed about the hub. That is to say, even in the case where the film pack is uniform, the packing guide still imparts a large axial force downward onto the film pack. Despite the presence of the pleats or corrugations, and despite the presence of the low friction coating, the support member splays the packing guide into wear-imparting contact with the film regardless of the uniformity of the film pack.
The winding and unwinding of storage tape from hubs will continue to be an integral step in storing and retrieving data in tape drive systems. With increasing speeds of reading/writing and advanced magnetic tape technology, accurate and consistent storage tape positioning is desirable. To this end, wear imparted to the storage tape as it is packed onto the hub will reduce the life cycle of the storage tape. Therefore, a need exists for a tape drive system capable of uniformly packing storage tape onto the spool with a minimum of storage tape wear.
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The prior art relating to the preparation of aromatic amines may be exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 2,750,416. However, this patent teaches an azomethine-phenol mechanism utilizing formimines which have been derived from amines possessing a tertiary alpha-carbon atom, that is, the azomethine reactant possesses an alkyl substituent wherein the carbon atom which is directly attached to the nitrogen atom is completely substituted by other alkyl groups. The two components of the reaction mixture are admixed in reacting proportions or, if so desired, an inert organic solvent such as naphtha, benzene, or toluene may be present, although the presence of this solvent is said to be not required. The reason for utilizing this type of reactant, that is, a compound containing a tertiary alpha-carbon atom is that, in the past, it has been generally accepted that only those formimines in which the amino group is attached to a tertiary carbon atom will be sufficiently stable for isolation and for further reaction.
In contradistinction to the teachings set forth in the above-cited reference, it has now been discovered that formimines which have been prepared from alkyl amines where the alpha-carbon atom (the carbon atom directly bonded to the nitrogen atom) is primary or secondary may be utilized in a reaction with an aromatic amine to form the desired products of the present invention, that is, aromatic diamines. Formimines derived from such amines will hereinafter be referred to as primary and secondary alkyl formimines. In the case of primary alkyl formimines, the alpha-carbon atom directly bonded to the nitrogen atom possesses two hydrogen atoms while in the case of the secondary alkyl formimines the alpha-carbon atom possesses only one hydrogen atom.
This invention relates to the formation of aromatic diamines, and more specifically to the formation of the aforementioned diamines by reacting a primary or secondary alkyl formimine with a tertiary aromatic amine in an anhydrous medium.
The compounds of the present invention which comprise aromatic diamines will find a wide variety of uses as antioxidants or antiozonants for various organic substrates such as petroleum products such as heating oil, lubricating oil, gasoline, etc., or other products which are subjected to the action of oxygen or ozone such as natural rubber, synthetic rubber such as Buna S, etc. In addition, these compounds may also find use in the chemical industry as herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, etc.
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a process for obtaining aromatic diamines, and particularly alkyl-substituted aromatic diamines.
A further object of this invention is to provide a process for obtaining aromatic diamines in which the reactants form the desired product in an anhydrous acidic medium.
In one aspect an embodiment of this invention resides in a process for the preparation of an aromatic diamine which comprises reacting a primary or secondary formimine, which is prepared by reacting a linear or branched chain primary alkyl amine with a formaldehyde to form said formimine reactant characterized by possession of a linear or branched chain alkyl moiety attached to the nitrogen atom of said formimine reactant, with a tertiary aromatic amine in an anhydrous acidic medium, and recovering the resultant aromatic diamine.
A specific embodiment of this invention is found in a process for the preparation of an aromatic diamine which comprises reacting formaldehyde with n-hexylamine at a temperature in the range of from about 20.degree. to about 100.degree. C. and a pressure in the range of from about atmospheric to about 100 atmospheres, reacting the resultant n-hexylformimine with N,N-dimethylaniline at a temperature in the range of from about 20.degree. to about 100.degree. C. and a pressure in the range of from about atmospheric to about 100 atmospheres in the presence of anhydrous trifluoroacetic acid, and recovering the resultant p-dimethylamino-N-n-hexylbenzylamine.
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This invention relates to a nestable pallet for storing or transporting goods.
Pallets are often to used to store and transport goods. The pallets maintain the goods at a distance above the floor such that they can be readily lifted and moved by a fork of a lift truck. Some pallets have stringers or double decks forming openings which receive the forks of the lift truck. Other pallets are nestable within one another to facilitate storage and transport when empty. Generally, nestable pallets typically have openings in their upper surface which receive corresponding shaped feet of a similar nestable pallet. Thus, the nestable pallets are easier to store and transport when empty.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,283,044, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, discloses the use of box beam cross sections to provide a stronger, more durable injection molded pallet. Generally, upper and lower ribbed pallet sections are heat welded together to form the entire pallet. This patent discloses the use of box beam sections only in standard pallets, including rackable and stringer type pallets.
A nestable pallet must provide multiple openings through its deck to receive the feet of a similar pallet. As a result, box beam sections have not been provided in nestable pallets in the prior art. Therefore, prior art nestable pallets have not been able to benefit from the increased strength and durability provided by the box beam section technology.
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The present invention relates to data storage systems, and more specifically, this invention relates to solid-state drives separately allocating different write operations for improved separation of data and thereby reduced write amplification.
Performance characteristics of conventional NAND flash-based solid state drives (SSDs) are fundamentally different from those of traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). Data in conventional SSDs is typically organized in pages of 4, 8, or 16 KB sizes. Moreover, page read operations are typically one order of magnitude faster than write operations and latency neither depends on the current nor the previous location of operations.
However, memory locations must be erased in blocks prior to being written to. The size of an erase block unit is typically 256 pages and the erase operations takes approximately one order of magnitude more time than a page program operation. Due to the intrinsic properties of NAND flash, SSDs write data out-of-place whereby a mapping table maps logical addresses of the written data to physical ones. This mapping table is typically referred to as the Logical-to-Physical Table (LPT).
As flash cells exhibit read errors and/or failures due to wear or other reasons, additional redundancy is used within flash pages as well as across flash chips (e.g., RAID-5 or RAID-6 like schemes), the additional redundancy within flash pages possibly including error correction code (ECC) which, for example, may include BCH. While the addition of ECC in pages is relatively straightforward, the organization of flash blocks into RAID-like stripes is more complex. For instance, individual blocks are retired over time which requires either to reorganize the stripes, or to reduce the capacity of the stripe. As the organization of stripes together with the LPT defines the placement of data, SSDs utilize a Log-Structured Array (LSA) architecture, which combines these two methods.
The LSA architecture relies on out-of-place writes. In this approach, a flash page overwrite will result in writing the flash page data to a new location in flash, marking the old copy of the flash page data as invalid, and then updating the mapping information. Due to the limitations of current NAND flash technology, an invalidated data location cannot be reused until the entire block it belongs to has been erased. Before erasing, though, the block must undergo garbage collection, whereby any valid data in the block is relocated to a new block. Garbage collection of a block is typically deferred for as long as possible to maximize the amount of invalidated data in block, and thus reduce the number of valid pages that must be relocated, as relocated data causes additional write operations, and thereby increases write amplification.
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The present invention relates to integrated circuits. In particular, the invention relates to cooling of integrated circuits.
There is increasing demand within the electronics industry for improved thermal management of electronic components. Higher performance integrated circuits expend greater energy to achieve desired levels of performance, and generate substantially greater heat as a byproduct. Such integrated circuits also have higher circuit density and a correspondingly smaller surface area available for removal of generated heat.
The problem of heat removal is even greater for 3-D integrated circuits. 3-D integrated circuits are three dimensional in that they include layers of two-dimensional integrated circuits stacked vertically. Often, this is done by stacking two-dimensional integrated circuits face-to-face for two-layer stacks, or face-to-back for stacks of more than two layers. Typically, this requires that power and signal lines pass through a substrate upon which the two-dimensional circuit is integrated.
Some 3-D integrated circuits have been proposed that include channels in integrated circuit substrates through which a fluid flows to carry away heat. Such cooling channels, also called micro-fluidic channels, can be very effective at carrying away heat. However, as 3-D circuit integration of higher performance integrated circuits continues to develop, improvements in heat removal will be required.
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for fabricating a semiconductor device, and more particularly to a method for fabricating a capacitor of a semiconductor device with greater capacitance by depositing a dielectric layer with a dielectric material, Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 --Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 with higher structural stability and dielectric constant than a Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 layer, wherein the Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 --Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 layer is obtained by adding an aluminum containing compound in the process of depositing a conventional dielectric Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 layer.
2. Description of the Prior Art
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view for illustrating an embodiment of a semiconductor capacitor with a Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 layer as a dielectric layer in accordance with the prior art.
As shown in FIG. 1, a conventional method for fabricating the Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 capacitor to be used for a semiconductor DRAM device will be described below.
First of all, doped polysilicon is used for forming a bottom electrode 5, a storage node on a semiconductor substrate, and a Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 layer 9 is deposited as a dielectric layer on the polysilicon layer 5 by a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) method or low pressure CVD (LPCVD) method. In addition, a top electrode (plate electrode) 11, 13 is deposited with TiN and/or polysilicon, thereby forming a capacitor for a DRAM device.
However, for the process of depositing a dielectric layer, a PECVD method of forming a high quality dielectric layer, and a LPCVD method of forming a dielectric layer with low quality but high step coverage, have been mainly applied for depositing the Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 layer.
Since the Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 layer 9 generally has an unstable stoichiometry, some substitution type Ta vacancy atoms inevitably remain in the dielectric layer due to a difference in the composition ratio of Ta and O. Furthermore, in the process of forming the Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 dielectric layer, an organic material of Ta(OC.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.5, a precursor of Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5, and O.sub.2 (or N.sub.2 O) gas are reacted to release and co-exist carbon atoms (C), hydrocarbon (CH.sub.4, C2H4 etc.) and water (H.sub.2 O)
On the other hand, FIG. 2 is a schematic view for illustrating internal chemical composition and properties of the Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 layer shown in FIG. 1.
As the Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 layer 9 is shown in the drawing, due to unstable stoichiometry, it remains in a state of Ta.sub.x O.sub.y, releasing some substitution type Ta vacancy atoms caused by difference in the composition ratio of Ta and O. Furthermore, an organic material of Ta(OC.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.5, a precursor of Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5, and O.sub.2 (or N.sub.2 O) gas are reacted to release and co-exist carbon atoms (C), hydrocarbon (CH.sub.4, C2H4 etc.) and water (H.sub.2 O) as well.
Therefore, there is a problem in the conventional Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 capacitor in that the conventional Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 capacitor increases current leakage and deteriorates dielectric characteristic due to impurities like carbon atoms, ions, radicals remaining in the Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 dielectric layer, thereby putting a great limitation in application of the Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 capacitor for a mass production of DRAM devices.
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The present invention relates, in general, to a device-independent, frequency-driven layout system and method for field programmable gate arrays ("FPGA"). More particularly, the present invention allows an FPGA circuit designer to specify the desired operating frequencies of clock signals in the FPGA design to the frequency-driven layout system of the present invention which will then, if possible, generate a physical layout for the device that will allow it to operate at the specified frequencies. Actual net, path and skew requirements are automatically generated and fed to the place and route tools. This is effectuated by evaluating the frequency constraints, determining what delay ranges are acceptable for each electrical connection and targeting those ranges throughout the layout synthesis.
Field programmable gate arrays ("FPGA") are a relatively new technology, first introduced by Xilinx, Inc. in 1985. An FPGA consists of cells which can be programmed to perform a variety of logical functions and programmable interconnects to connect the logic cells in a general way. The cells and interconnects are used to implement complex logical circuits. The use of FPGA's continues to grow at a rapid rate due to their relatively shorter design cycles, reduced cost through logic consolidation and the flexibility offered by their re-programmability. With an FPGA's inherent flexibility also comes additional timing problems not encountered, for example, in the use of gate arrays due to the fact that an FPGA uses programmable switches having inherently less predictable and greater delay characteristics, fixed interconnect resources and logic cells which are generally coarser than other types of programmable devices.
However, despite the advantages offered by FPGA's, one of the significant shortcomings of the devices is their limited speed. Utilizing the automatic map place and route tools provided by the FPGA manufacturers themselves, designs implemented in today's technology typically can achieve maximum operating frequencies of only about 30 to 40 Mhz. Nevertheless, even though the devices continue to attain faster operating speeds due to improved process technology, many of today's board level designs require operating frequencies in the 50 to 100 Mhz range. Moreover, competing technologies such as programmable logic devices ("PLD") and gate arrays are likewise becoming faster.
Previously, designers have attempted to maximize chip performance by becoming so knowledgeable in a particular device's architecture and proficient at designing in that particular device, that through meticulous design capture and manual place and route, the designers were able to do a more effective job of programming than with the use of the automatic tools provided by the FPGA manufacturer. Nevertheless, as such devices become larger and inherently more complex, it is increasingly more difficult to do the design manually. Moreover, with the introduction of additional FPGA's from still other manufacturers, whole new architectures are presented, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. It is, therefore, becoming increasingly difficult for a designer to become expert in working with each of the many different available designs.
Typically, the process for implementing a design in an FPGA begins with the device selection. In this regard, the designer typically attempts to maximize the efficiency of his implementation by careful selection of the device, given its inherent limited size and speed. The second primary step is termed "design capture" and the vast majority of FPGA designs are "captured" utilizing schematics. Alternative design capture techniques include programmable array logic/programmable logic device ("PAL/PLD") behavioral languages such as Abel and Palasm and hardware description languages such as VHDL and Verilog. Functional simulation follows design capture. However, simulation of the actual timing cannot be done because the design exists only in terms of a logical representation and there is no physical information available on which to base the functional simulation.
The next step in the design process is the mapping of the design into the target device. Mapping, or "fitting" is that stage of the design in which the logical information is converted into the technology-specific components unique to the physical device targeted for implementation; that is, the logic blocks within a particular FPGA. Some device specific optimization can occur at this point and some designers wait until after mapping to do the above-described functional simulation thereby allowing them to do some preliminary timing simulation at the same time, even though, until place and route is complete, the only timing information available are the component delays.
Once the design has been converted into the logic blocks available within the specific targeted device, they must be placed and routed. This is typically a lengthy phase of the design process and, unlike gate arrays, FPGA's are fixed in size and if the design does not automatically place and route to completion, getting it to fit within the targeted device can prove to be very difficult. It is also important to understand that even a completely routed design can still be a long way from a working design. Getting the timing inside the targeted device to work properly, and at the desired operating frequency, is typically the most time consuming, and error prone, part of the design process.
Current design techniques include following the routing of all the connections with timing analysis or timing simulation (or a combination of both techniques) in order to find the problems that would keep the device from running at the desired operating frequency. This is an iterative process as the designer runs timing analysis (or simulation), finds and fixes a problem, runs timing analysis again to find the next problem and so on, until the design works. Other techniques which designers may implement include using static random access memory ("SRAM") based devices to build a prototype board to aid in identifying timing problems and then fixing them at lower operating speeds, raising the speed a notch, finding and fixing new problems and so on, until the desired operating frequency is obtained.
The inherent flexibility of FPGA's makes them more susceptible to timing problems than other technologies such as PAL's, PLD's, gate arrays and standard cells. For example, because of the more varied logic blocks used in FPGA's, (as compared to the relatively fine-grain elements utilized in gate arrays), without good device-specific optimization, logic functions may not be efficiently implemented to the particular architecture being used thereby resulting in extra delays through potentially critical paths. This problem is especially acute with relatively coarse-grain architectures such as AT&T's ORCA and Xilinx's 3,000/4000 Series devices. The number of permutations of logic elements within these devices is so great that current synthesis tools simply do not work, and in general, special mapping algorithms must be developed.
Another difficulty encountered in the programming of FPGA's is that the average interconnect delays within the typical device are greater than those on an associated printed circuit board ("PCB") or gate array, making it difficult to obtain perfectly synchronized timing while at the same time creating a higher penalty for poorly routed connections. The heterogeneous interconnect resources of the aforedescribed Xilinx devices, or the ability to route through logic blocks and architectures such as is found in Pilkington and Concurrent devices further complicates the situation. These unique FPGA characteristics make it particularly difficult to get all devices timing optimized, as the delay on any particular path can change significantly depending on which route is taken. This commonly results in skew and setup-and-hold violations.
Another problem encountered in programming FPGA's is that there may simply not be sufficient routing resources of the proper type to readily implement the design. Problems may be encountered in finding adequate routing resources such as dedicated clock lines or interconnects which can handle wide fanout circuitry with minimal delay variances. As has been previously described, interconnect resources within FPGA's are both fixed and relatively limited. In fact, the larger devices currently available are even more susceptible to these type of problems due to the increased demand placed upon them for global interconnect resources.
Further, the limited operating speeds of current FPGA's provide additional constraints forcing programmers to find alternative techniques for optimizing the devices for their maximum operating frequencies. As has been described, obtaining the maximum operating speed of a particular device is important, while at the same time, FPGA's are particularly susceptible to timing problems which affect the ability to obtain this desired performance. While the most important single step in implementing an FPGA design is choosing the proper device based upon its size, speed and architecture, most of the time spent in designing a working device is spent in getting the device timing to work.
Therefore, it can been seen that there are two primary ways to shorten FPGA design cycles. That is, one can either shorten the time it takes to get through the process of mapping, optimization, placement, routing, timing analysis and programming and/or reduce the number of times that one needs to go through that process to get working results. Typically, the design flow of a FPGA device comprises an iterative process of laying out the design, checking the timing using timing analysis and/or timing simulation, making changes to the layout and then rechecking the timing. Inherent in this iterative process is that changing the layout in one part of an FPGA in an attempt to fix a particular timing problem can easily cause a concomitant timing problem to appear somewhere else in the design.
Therefore, an optimal solution to these problems is the ability to set timing requirements up front and then have the design tools automatically meet them during, implementation. Such a "timing-driven" approach shortens the design cycle by eliminating the need to run multiple iterations of place and route, or having to resort to manual "tweaking" of the design in an attempt to repair timing problems and maximize operating frequency. Moreover, having the ability to set timing requirements up front allows all critical nets of the device to be constrained by these timing requirements and, therefore, changes can be made to the design without causing concomitant timing problems elsewhere in the device. The ability to deal with timing issues dynamically, during placement and routing, allows the designer to shorten design cycles significantly.
In order for the design process of a FPGA to be truly timing-driven, two criteria must be met5 First, the designer has to be able to specify the exact timing requirements up front, before the automatic design tools are engaged. Next, the automatic tools (mapping/placement/routing) have to be designed to complete their task while simultaneously adhering to the timing rules as input by the designer. Therefore, timing requirements, such as clock frequency, offset (the off-chip timing relationships between clock and data signals), and external setup/hold times should be considered along with physical constraints like package type and pinout assignments early in the design process. Because most of the timing requirements will be in terms of the logical design, such need first be converted into constraints that the physical implementation tools can relate to, such as specific paths, nets and maximum skew, before being handed off to the mapping, placement and routing routines. In general, FPGA programming can be broken down into four steps comprising technology mapping/optimization, placement, routing and programming.
With regard to the mapping/optimization step of FPGA programming, there are at least three different approaches. First, the optimization algorithms may be "fixed" and make pre-set tradeoffs between device area and speed. (Typically, optimizing for speed entails "flattening" the hierarchy of the circuitry, but this usually results in the circuitry taking up more space or area). Alternatively, the designer may be provided with control over whether the mapper optimizes more for area or more for speed. Finally, the mapper may be truly "timing-driven" although typically the only timing evaluation which may take place is component delays, since when there is no placement and routing information from which to determine interconnect delays, such cannot be considered.
The second step of FPGA programming is placement, and while speed enhancing mapping algorithms can provide incremental improvements over a solution which only provides timing-driven placement and timing-driven routing, a timing-driven mapping capability without timing-driven place and route will prove insufficient. Currently, the state of the art in FPGA design tools has relied on a process called "delay-based cleanup" to reduce overall interconnect delays. With delay-based cleanup, the designer is only allowed to enter net/signal priorities (that is, signal A has a higher priority than signal B). Such tools provide no capability to enter specific, detailed timing requirements and thus, such tools cannot possibly meet timing requirements because they have never been specified. Basically, a cleanup pass is run after the design has been routed to 100% completion with the tools attempting to reduce the average delay of all nets in the design. Among the disadvantages of such delay-based cleanup techniques is that the tools do the same thing each time, and as an example, high priority nets are always routed first, regardless of the results. Further, the tools don't necessarily balance the use of available resources, and some nets may be "faster" than they need to be only because they were routed first and, therefore, use up valuable routing resources that were not really needed, while others may not be fast enough. Finally, not enough information is provided for the tools to act intelligently, and there is no way for them to report back whether they have balanced the use of available resources or where potential problems may exist.
Utilizing truly timing-driven techniques, the designer may specify exact timing constraints for all paths, nets, skew and so forth (as an example, all points on signal A must be under 15 nanoseconds, and the clock skew for net X must be under 3 nanoseconds). Among the many advantages to utilizing a truly timing-driven technique is that the tools would then have the necessary information with which to attempt to balance the use of available resources and allow them to work on the problems until all input requirements are met. Further, potential timing problems are, therefore, addressed up front, as opposed to the numerous iterations required to find and fix problems after layout of the FPGA is complete. This significantly shortens the design cycle and aids in eliminating the possibility of creating a new problem somewhere else on the device while attempting to fix an existing one. Moreover, when properly implemented, true timing-driven capability would preclude the unnecessary ripping up of acceptably placed and routed circuitry as changes are made to the design, thereby also shortening the design cycle. While there are numerous advantages to timing-driven approaches, it is nevertheless incumbent upon the designer to know, up front, his exact timing requirements and to assign them specifically and correctly to the appropriate paths and nets. Depending on the design and size of the device, this could include anywhere from several dozen to several hundred signals.
Therefore, it would be highly desirable to provide an FPGA designer with the benefits of true timing-driven techniques while allowing him to specify his requirements in high-level terms such as frequency and offset. Such would then result in a "frequency-driven" design technique where actual net, path and skew requirements would then be automatically generated and passed to the place and route tools. Therefore, a frequency-driven design approach would provide all of the same benefits as a timing-driven approach, but would allow the input of merely a single preference (such as clock frequency) and the system would automatically generate and assign constraints to the literally thousands of signals on the device automatically, relieving the designer of the difficult task of manually identifying the paths and signals and the exact timing requirements himself. Moreover, since all potentially critical paths in the device are then automatically assigned constraints, the tools have the requisite information to analyze and optimize the design for best results. Balancing timing between multiple different paths at the same time requires the manipulation of large amounts of data while simultaneously solving equations.
In order to effectuate such a "frequency-driven" design, timing analysis must be integrated into the total timing/frequency-driven solution such that analysis can be run using the designer's original input constraints/preferences as the measurement criteria. Such timing analysis functionality, when combined with the detailed and accurate set of timing constraints needed to achieve a desired operating frequency, allows for a technique which can pinpoint exactly where an implemented design has failed to meet the designers specified timing requirements as well eliminating the problems inherent in the conventional approach of manually sorting through vast amounts of data to pinpoint such problems.
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The present invention relates to a vertical low pressure CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) apparatus for effecting vapor phase epitaxy on semiconductor substrates or wafers.
A vertical low pressure CVD, or sometimes abbreviated as LPCVD, apparatus is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Laid-Open Publication No. 1-73930. This kind of conventional CVD apparatus forms films on wafers by using monosilane gas and oxygen gas as reactive gas. In the conventional CVD apparatus, an annular nozzle formed with holes for jetting monosilane gas is disposed remote from the oxygen inlet port, so that the monosilane gas is prevented from reacting with the oxygen gas, which is highly oxidizing, at an early stage. Moreover, the oxygen gas inlet port is formed through only one portion of a flange which is connected to the bottom of an outer tube. When the pressure inside the CVD apparatus is below 1 Torr, the molecules of gas flow in a transitional range between a viscous flow range and a molecular flow range, as is well known in the art. Hence, the diffusion of oxygen molecules jetted from the oxygen gas port and flowing toward the annular nozzle is caused to change by the circumference of the annular nozzle. As a result, the mixture of monosilane gas and oxygen and, therefore, the reaction of the two kinds of gas becomes irregular. Specifically, in a region where the monosilane concentration is high, the two kinds of gas react excessively and roughen the surfaces of the wafers. Conversely, in a region where the monosilane concentration is low, the reaction is short and reduces the thickness of the resulting films.
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This invention relates to an improvement of the data security of data access in a telephone system. Quite especially, the invention relates to an improvement of the data security of direct data accesses connected to mobile communications systems.
As the data transmission capacity of telephone systems is increasing, as the services provided by data networks are improving and as the use of data networks, such as the Internet, is becoming more general, the need for connecting the telephone system directly to data networks has grown. To meet this demand, Direct Data Accesses DDA have been developed, wherein the exchange of the telephone network is connected directly to the data network.
FIG. 1 shows such an arrangement by way of example, wherein there is a direct data access from a Mobile Switching Centre MSC to an Asynchronous Transfer Mode or ATM network, to a Public Switched Packet Data Network PSPDN, to a Private Network PN, to a Local Area Network LAN and to a data network in accordance with the X.25 protocol. Through the exchange, data services may be used by mobile stations directly subordinated to the exchange, such as Mobile Stations MSa, by mobile stations MSb subordinated to other mobile services switching centres, such as MSC2, which are connected to the exchange through the network, and by subscriber equipment, such as Fixed telephone network Subscribers FS, of other systems which are connected to the exchange through an Integrated Services Digital Network ISDN.
MSC is connected to an ATM network with an IWF matching unit. The matching unit collects data transmitted by the subscriber in the form of a circuit switched data signal and from this it forms packets or cells of a fixed length suitable for transmission to the ATM network. The circuit switched data signal may be e.g. in accordance with the CCITT V.24/V.28, CCITT V.110 or CCITT V.120 standards (CCITT=Comitxc3xa9 Consultatif International de Txc3xa9lxc3xa9graphique et Txc3xa9lxc3xa9phonique). Correspondingly, the matching unit sends information contained in the cells which it receives from the ATM network and which is to be sent to the user and transmits it to the user in a circuit switched form. To make possible several connections in parallel, several matching units in parallel may be used.
The exchange is connected to the public switched packet data network by a Packet Handler PH, which converts the circuit switched data signal into a data packet flow in accordance with a protocol, such as the Transport Control Protocol/Internet Protocol TCP/IP, which is used in the public data network. The packet handler functions as the access point to the data network in relation to the telephone system. Several packet handlers may be connected to the exchange, whereby several simultaneous connections may be set up with the data network.
To a private network PN, such as the in-house network of a company, the exchange is connected by an IWF (InterWorking Function) matching unit, which converts the circuit switched data signal in accordance with the protocol used in the private network. The matching unit is connected to the private data network by a fixedly allocated subscriber line, which functions as the access point to the data network. Several matching units may be connected to the exchange, whereby several simultaneous connections may be set up with the data network.
The exchange is connected to a LAN local area network by an IWF matching unit and by a LAN ROUTER connected to the former. The exchange may be connected to the router with several subscriber lines, whereby several simultaneous connections can be set up with the LAN network. The router functions as both access point to the data network and a concentrator collecting in a buffer the data packets received in parallel from the different subscriber lines and supplying them to the data network in series form.
In a fifth connection method, the packet network, which in the figure is a data network in accordance with the X.25 protocol, is connected to the exchange with the aid of an IWF matching unit and a Packet Assembler/Disassembler PAD. The matching unit sends to the packet assembler/disassembler functioning as the access point to the data network a circuit switched data signal, which may be e.g. in accordance with the CCITT V.24/V.28 or CCITT V.110 standards. Of the circuit switched signals the packet assembler/disassembler forms packets, buffers the packets and supplies them to the data network in series form.
Furthermore, the mobile switching centre may be connected to a PDN packet data network with the aid of an IWF matching unit and an Access Router AR. The AR is connected to a (Pulse Code Modulation) PCM matching unit by a conductor on which a protocol in accordance with the CCITT V.110 or CCITT V.120 standard is used. The access router converts the circuit switched data signal going to the packet network so that it is in accordance with the packet data protocol used in the packet network, and sends it to the packet data network. The packet switched data which it receives from the packet data network the access router converts into a circuit switched data signal to be sent to the exchange. The exchange is connected to the access router by exchange signalling, such as e.g. signalling in accordance with the 30B+D standard, the DPNSS (Digital Private Network Signalling System) or the QSIG international signalling standard for corporate networks. Differing from the other data accesses shown in FIG. 1, the mobile switching centre may set up signalling connections with the access router outside the traffic channel.
Data security is one of the major problems with data accesses. Since data networks very often contain information which must be kept secret from outsiders, access of outsiders to the network must be prevented. In connection with chargeable data services, the network operator to be able to charge needs the identity of the user using the network services. Also in this case, it must be possible to prevent any user assuming a false identity from gaining access to the network services. However, in the system shown in FIG. 1, anyone who learns the call number of a data network service will gain access to the network and thus to use services of the network.
FIG. 2 shows a state-of-the-art arrangement in a mobile communications system for preventing switching-on under a false identity to a HOST server located in a data network. Mobile station MS requests connection set-up of that mobile switching centre MSC2 under which it is located at the moment. On receiving the request for a connection set-up, the MSC2 authenticates the mobile station (step P1) to make sure that the mobile station has given a true subscriber identity. Having ensured the identity of the mobile station, the MSC2 sets up a connection with that exchange MSC1, which by way of the PAD packet assembler/disassembler is directly in connection with the data network. MSC1 switches on to the packet assembler/disassembler, which sends back to the subscriber a request to perform an authentication procedure based on the use of a password (step P2). In response to the request, the subscriber supplies his user identification and his password. The packet assembler/disassembler checks if the password given by the user is the same as the password stored in its own user database. If this is the case, the subscriber is given access to the data network. Otherwise access is barred.
Inside the data network, the network elements trust one another (step P3). Hereby all subscribers who have been given access to the network have access to all servers of the network, unless these are separately protected, e.g. by authentication procedures based on the use of a password. After the authentication, the packet assembler/disassembler located in the exchange begins to convert the circuit switched data flow received from the mobile station into packet form and to send it in packet switched form through the data network and further to the HOST server. Correspondingly, the packet assembler/disassembler receives from the HOST server in the data network packet switched data, which is converted by the packet assembler/disassembler into circuit switched form and which is sent on the circuit switched connection to the MS mobile station.
FIG. 3 shows another state-of-the-art arrangement in a mobile communications system for preventing switching-on under a false identity to a HOST server located in a data network. The connection set-up from the mobile station to the MSC1 exchange, which is connected directly with the data network through a PAD packet assembler/disassembler, is set up exactly in the same manner as in the example shown in FIG. 2. However, the packet assembler/disassembler does not authenticate the subscriber, but it sends in packet form a request for connection set-up to the HOST server. Hereby anybody who knows the call number of the PAD packet assembler/disassembler may set up a connection with the HOST server. To prevent unauthorised use of the server, authentication procedures are used, wherein the user sends his user ID and his password to the server in the data network. The server checks if the password given by the user tallies with the password stored in the server""s user database. If it does, the subscriber is given access to the server. If it does not, access is barred.
However, there are some problems with state-of-the-art authentication methods. Firstly, the data network must include means for performing the authentication procedure-and for maintaining the password database required by the procedure. However, these are not available in all data networks and at their access points, e.g. in the packet assemblers/disassemblers, whereby anybody has access to use the services of the data network by dialling the call number of the packet assembler/disassembler. Nor is it often sensible to implement the password authentication in a server-specific manner, since the number of password databases which must hereby be maintained will often become too high. In addition, the user when setting up the connection must remember his user ID and the corresponding password, the number of which may be considerable with a user using many different systems.
It is an objective of this invention to solve the problems described above. The objective is achieved with the method described in the independent claims.
The inventive idea is to define a closed user group formed by the access point to the data network and by the users of a service. Incoming calls coming from outside the user group to the access point of the data network are barred. Calls inside the user group coming to the access point are given access. Hereby the telephone system in itself prevents users outside the data service""s user group from gaining access to the network.
The user of the data service when taking contact with the data network states the user group formed by users of the data service as the user group of the call to be set up. This information can be established in the user""s subscriber data as the default user group of the basic service in question, whereby the information need not be given manually when the call is set up. The telephone system when setting up the call checks whether the user belongs to the user group mentioned in the call set-up data and whether he is otherwise entitled to the call. If the user is entitled to the call, set-up of the call is continued to that exchange from which there is a direct connection with the data network.
The exchange which has a direct connection with the data network checks if the access point to the data network allows set-up of the call. Set-up of the call is allowed only if the access point belongs to the user group given by the user requesting set-up of the connection.
The telephone system is preferably a mobile communications system, whereby the identity of the user requesting set-up of the connection can be verified through known authentication procedures of the mobile communications system.
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The present invention relates to an apparatus for preparing beverages or other similar products using a food substance. The invention more precisely relates to dispensing machines, such as mobile or portable coffee machines.
The beverage preparation apparatuses of the coffee machine type which use prepacked or non-packed portions of a food substance are very widespread among private individuals, and also in municipalities, shopping centres and companies. The preparation principle is based on the extraction of portions of the substance by the passage through this substance of a quantity of cold or hot liquid under high pressure, typically a pressure above atmospheric pressure. The prepacked portions can be partially rigid capsules, or else flexible bags, which are hermetically sealed or partially open, or else a dose filter.
An example of a capsule is described in patent EP 0 512 468 B1. An example of a bag is described in patent EP 0 602 203 B1.
Such extraction systems have many advantages. On the one hand, the individual packages are easy to use and require no batching of coffee or other substances, in the machine. The user places a capsule, a ground-coffee dose or other portions in the machine, then presses a button to start extraction. On the other hand, the individual packages are batched to deliver a beverage, like a coffee, having the desired characteristics such as sufficient character, flavour, foam or other important attributes. When they are impermeable, they thus usually preserve the freshness of the substance better, up to the time of extraction. Finally, the preparation conditions, such as the temperature, pressure and extraction time can be better controlled, thereby guaranteeing relatively controlled and constant quality to the consumer.
An example of an extraction method is described in patent EP 0 512 470 B1.
To extract a beverage under pressure from these portions, of the capsule or other type, it is necessary to use a relatively powerful water pump such as an electric compressor. These pumps use the mains electric power supply. They are also rather noisy during extraction.
It is therefore difficult to move these preparation apparatuses, such as on a trolley or simply by carrying them. In fact, it would be an advantage to be able to make these apparatuses more mobile so as to offer beverages in locomotion means such as the train, plane, or in certain places such as cinemas, theatres, and also in public places such as beaches, parks, poolsides and other public or private places.
Patent application WO 99/02081 proposes a coffee machine, more precisely a mobile machine, in which the pressure required to extract the ground coffee is generated by compressed air. The water for preparing the coffee is kept in a thermally insulated container. The water can be heated by electric heating elements. This solution offers the advantage of producing the extraction pressure by a self-contained means, such as a gas cylinder, installed under the machine. The machine can be installed on a trolley with the gas cylinder installed in a compartment of the trolley provided for this purpose.
However, such a device presents certain drawbacks. In fact, in this invention, the gas of the cylinder communicates directly with the hot water tank. This means that the entire volume of the tank is kept under constant pressure, of the order of several bar.
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The present invention relates to angioplasty apparatus for providing a dilation catheter to facilitate a quick exchange of the dilation catheter.
The dilation catheter is introduced into a body of a patient to enlarge constrictions in blood vessels and other body cavities. In one of conventional dilation catheters, an inner lumen is situated inside an outer lumen, and a balloon is attached to the distal end of the outer lumen. A guide wire is located inside the inner lumen.
In this method, firstly, a guide wire is introduced into a desired location, and secondly, the inner lumen with the outer lumen over the guide wire is pushed over the introduced guide wire to the desired location. The inner and outer lumens may be introduced into a blood vessel together with the guide wire.
However, should the need to exchange the introduced catheter, for example to change the size of the balloon, the guide wire must be protruded from the patient's body by a length greater than the length of the dilation catheter. Therefore, an extension wire is attached to the first introduced guide wire. When the catheter is changed, the guide wire is held firm in location, the dilation catheter in the blood vessel is withdrawn, and the new dilation catheter is introduced over the guide wire to complete the exchange. The handling of the extended guide wire is very cumbersome because of the length of the guide wire.
In order to solve the above problem, a short inner lumen is attached to a long outer lumen to extend from the distal end of the outer lumen. The proximal end of the inner lumen is sealingly attached to a side wall of the outer lumen near the distal end thereof. An inflatable balloon is attached between the distal ends of the inner and outer lumens. The guide wire passes through the inner lumen to advance or retract the catheter on the guide wire. The outer lumen has a port on the proximal end, and the balloon is capable of being inflated or deflated through the outer lumen from the proximal end by means of a syringe or other devices.
In the above improved catheter, since the guide wire passes only through the short inner lumen, the catheter can be exchanged easily without using the extension guide wire.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,762,129, a short tube for guiding the guide wire is attached to the distal end of a long tube. A balloon is also attached to the distal end of the long tube, and a fluid is introduced into the balloon through the long tube.
Although these improved systems mentioned above may avoid the requirements for using the long extended guide wires, the coaxial and dual lumens are attached to the proximal end of the balloon, so that the outer diameter becomes larger as well as the distal end of the catheter is too stiff to follow the bending vessels. Further, in the dual lumen design where the short tube is attached to the long tube, the rotation and pushability of the dilation catheter are reduced since the inner lumen tracking on the guide wire is pushed with the outer lumen in the offset position.
The same can be said on the coaxial design, since the outer lumen does not extend to the distal end of the balloon. Namely, the only common junction between the outer and inner lumens is the one where the proximal end of the inner lumen is exiting from the outer lumen.
In the angioplastisy, the above lumens are generally guided by a guide catheter, and as the blood vessel becomes a small diameter, the lumens are extended from the guide catheter. Thus, the design of the two lumen catheters with the guide wire exiting from the guide catheter increases the outer diameter of the guide catheter or the total size of the dilation catheter to thereby limit the ability of the introduction of two or more of the dilation catheters in the same guide catheter of a small size.
Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide a dilation catheter to obviate the foregoing difficulties.
Another object of the invention is to provide a dilation catheter as stated above, which has a small diameter and can be controlled easily without trouble.
A further object of the invention is to provide a dilation catheter as stated above, which can be easily manufactured.
Further objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the invention.
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Typically, a seat of vehicle is composed of a seat cushion for supporting a lower part of an occupant's body, a seat back for supporting an upper part of an occupant's body, and a head rest for supporting an occupant's head. Seats in a second or third array of a multi-purpose vehicle are generally used as seats for occupants, however, in order to load cargo into the vehicle, these seats are typically configured as double-folding seats. Double-folding seats are typically seats in which the seat back folds toward a seat cushion and then folds toward a front direction of the vehicle.
To realize a double-folding seat, a seat back is firstly folded by pulling a recliner strap installed on a rear surface of the seat. A rear latch is released from a striker fixed to a vehicle body by pulling a release strap when the seat back is folded. The seat cushion, that is released from the striker, is then rotated. Accordingly, the seat is double-folded. However, a drawback of this conventional double-folding seat is that the seat requires many manipulations to complete the double-folding process.
The information disclosed in this Background of the Invention section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art.
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image signal processing device for a digital still camera or similar imaging apparatus and, more particularly, to an image signal processing device capable of reducing false signals appearing when the high frequency components of luminance signals are produced from signals output from a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor on which a G stripe, R/B full checker color filter is fitted.
2. Description of the Background Art
A digital still camera, for example, includes an imaging device implemented as a CCD image sensor. A color filter for separating an R (red), a G (green) and a B (blue) color component pixel by pixel is fitted on the image sensor. Various kinds of color filters are known in the art and include a G stripe, R/B full checker color filter. Considering the noticeable influence of G component signals on resolution, the G stripe, R/B full checker color filter has R filter components, G filter components and B filter components arranged such that a number of G component signals can be detected. For example, the filter components are arranged in a repetitive GRGB pattern. In addition, the filter components are arranged such that the G filter components form vertical stripes while the R filter components and B filter components alternate with each other in the vertical direction. In this condition, the R filter components and B filter components each forms a checker pattern.
An image signal processing device for converting the R, G and B color components output from the above image sensor to luminance signals Y and chrominance signals R-Y and B-Y is conventional. It has been customary with this conventional image signal processing device to determine a luminance signal YL, a component YH of the luminance signal YL lying in a high frequency range and chrominance signals R-Y and B-Y for each pixel by using the color component signals of, e.g., a 2 (vertical)×2 (horizontal) pixel matrix including the pixel under observation. Specifically, when the 2×2 pixel matrix including a pixel whose luminance signal should be determined consists of four color component signals R, G1, G2 and B, the luminance signal YL is determined by use of a formula 0.3R+0.295(G1+G2)+0.11B.
Further, the component YH lying in a high frequency range is produced by a formula (G1+G2)/2 if the color component signal of the pixel whose luminance signal should be determined is a G component signal, or by a formula (R+B)/2 if it is an R or a B component signal. The component YH is subtracted from the luminance signal YL. The resulting difference is passed through a low pass filter to turn out a luminance signal YL1 which is a low frequency component. The component YH is added to the luminance signal YL1 so as to output a luminance signal Y implementing a high resolution.
However, the conventional device of the type determining the component of the luminance signal lying in a high frequency range by using two color component signals on two adjoining scanning lines has some problems left unsolved, as follows. When a difference in level between the two color component signals is great at a color boundary between the pixels, a false signal occurs at the color boundary. For example, assume an RB column having the R and B filter components arranged alternately. Then, if a difference in level between the R and B component signals of the adjoining pixels is great, the value of the component YH derived from the formula (R+B)/2 noticeably differs from the original value and turns out a false signal.
Moreover, a false signal ascribable to the fold of the high frequency component of the component YH of the luminance signal causes a vertical stripe to appear in an image. It is a common practice to reduce this kind of false signals by passing the components YH of the luminance signals through a low pass filter so as to reduce the frequency components lying in the high frequency range. This, however, cannot be done without deteriorating the resolution of an image. It is therefore difficult to reduce vertical stripes while guaranteeing a desired resolution.
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Analogue time keeping apparatus, such as clocks and watches, and the game of golf have been known for centuries. Both believed to date from about the 15th century.
Clocks and watches which divide a day into hours and minutes and tell the time are known. Stopwatches or chronometers are known which allow intervals of time to be measured. More recently, over the last several decades, digital time keeping equipment has become available enabling complex timing to be conducted and bespoke timing programs and apparatus can be created for specific timing tasks. With the advent of computers and programmable timers, essentially any timing problem can be solved by creating a bespoke digital timer.
Despite these advances in horological apparatus no one has yet invented a simple means by which a golfer when playing a round of golf can easily assess their progress against the pace of play guidelines as suggested by the R&A of St. Andrews (Golf's governing body) to avoid the problems of ‘slow play’. ‘Slow Play’ is generally accepted as any round of golf on an 18 hole course taking longer than 4 hours.
Despite the flexibility of digital time keeping equipment, a conventional analogue clock face type display is still generally preferred by many. As well as generally being considered more aesthetically pleasing, such displays allow essentially instantaneous assimilation of the information, are generally more suited to reading from various angles and in various lighting conditions and facilitate interpretation of the significance of the time by a user.
Analogue time keeping devices, typically watches, with additional hands and functions for presenting additional information, for example, seconds, time of day, the date, the seasons of the moon, the state of the tide, or for example a count down timer are known. Watches having a conventional analogue clock face but tailored to particular applications, for example diving or aviation, having additional hands or dials are known. Digital watches with multiple timers and alarms and complex computers and calculator functions are known.
Despite the centuries of development, hitherto there has not been proposed a device which can conveniently measure or sub-divide time intervals spanning multiple hours using a conventional analogue clock face timing device.
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High performance thermoplastic elastomers are elastomers which, when formed into a film, strand or similar article, can be extended to a stretched length and retracted without experiencing a substantial loss in retractive force at an intermediate (lower) stretched length. While these elastomers typically have useful properties of high strength, low hysteresis, low creep and low stress relaxation, they are expensive relative to other elastomers and thermoplastic polymers in general.
Low performance thermoplastic elastomers are elastomers which, when formed into a film, strand or similar article, can be extended to a stretched length and retracted, but substantially lose their retractive force at an intermediate (lower) stretched length. While these elastomers are typically less expensive than high performance elastomers, they exhibit higher levels of hysteresis, creep and stress relaxation when stretched.
High and low performance elastomers have been blended together in various attempts to create blends which retain the performance characteristics of high performance elastomers to the extent possible, while saving on material costs. The blending has not resulted in elastomer blends having suitable hysteresis, creep, stress relaxation, or other properties. One reason for this is that the Gibb's free energy of mixing is positive, due to high interfacial tension between the molecules of high performance elastomer and low performance elastomer. The Gibb's free energy of mixing, or ΔG, is defined as the Gibb's free energy of the elastomer blend minus the sum of the Gibb's free energies of the components prior to blending, at a reference temperature.
When the Gibb's free energy of mixing is positive, thermodynamics favor phase separation over intimate mixing of the two elastic polymer components. Often, one of the components forms a continuous phase, while the other component forms a discontinuous phase of droplets or domains dispersed within the continuous phase. The phase separation adversely affects the elastic properties of the blend, and can result in melt instability during processing, and non-uniform gauge and physical appearance of the film or filament structure being produced. The tendency to phase separate diminishes as the Gibb's free energy of mixing approaches zero, and intimate mixing is favored when the Gibb's free energy of mixing is less than zero.
Accordingly, there is a need or desire for an elastic polymer composition including a high performance elastomer and a low performance elastomer, which combines the performance properties of the high performance elastomer with the cost benefits of the low performance elastomer. More specifically, there is a need or desire for an elastic polymer composition including a high performance elastomer and a low performance elastomer, which has a lower Gibb's free energy of mixing than a simple blend of the same high performance elastomer and the same low performance elastomer, in the same weight proportions, at ambient (storage) and elevated (mixing and processing) temperatures. There is also a need or desire for film and fabric layers formed using such an improved elastic polymer composition.
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1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to aqueous cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations as well as additives therefor.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Aqueous preparations of active ingredients are frequently used in pharmaceutics and especially in cosmetics. For reasons related to the application or use of the preparations, it may be desirable that the preparations have an increased viscosity and exist in the form of gels or pastes.
Typical examples of such cosmetic preparations are highly viscous or gel-like shampoos as well as bath and shower gels. Besides active cosmetic ingredients, these products contain surfactants, especially anionic surfactants, such as, for example, alkylbenzene sulfonates and alkyl ether sulfates. Also, in recent years, betaines have been used to an increasing extent as surfactants.
Until now, anionic or cationic, synthetic polymers or vegetable thickening agents have been used to thicken such preparations. It is however a disadvantage of these known thickening agents that they cannot be universally employed, but are system-specific and frequently produce cloudiness and form deposits. Such products are especially unsuitable for thickening aqueous betaine solutions.
Salts, such as, for example, sodium chloride, have been added to anionic surfactants. This addition is ineffective with sulfosuccinic esters and betaines. Moreover, in larger quantities, the added mineral salts have a salting out effect on the dissolved surfactants and detract from the ability of such solutions to have a solubilizing effect.
Polyethyleneglycol derivatives which act as thickeners are disclosed in German Offenlegungsschrift No. 31 40 160. These compounds correspond to the general formula: ##STR3## in which R represents an alkyl radical and/or an alkoxymethyl radical or a mixture of these radicals;
n represents an average group number of 20 to 500 and, preferably, of 30 to 200, and PA0 x and y represent average group numbers of 0 to 8, the sum (x+y) varying between 1 and 8.
These compounds are synthesized by adding long chain 1,2-alkylene oxides, such as, for example, 1,2-octadecene oxides or alkyl glycidyl ethers, such as, for example oleyl glycidyl or alkenyl glycidyl ethers, to polyethylene glycols.
The compounds of the above-mentioned Offenlegungsschrift are relatively expensive because of the long-chain epoxides used. Moreover, their thickening capability and especially their solubilizing capability are not always adequate.
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Inverters are circuits for converting a direct current (DC) to an alternating current (AC). That is, an inverter converts direct current electric energy from a source, such as a battery, to an alternating current, which is generally a sine wave or square wave. One particular type of inverter is a multi-level inverter that is configured to first convert a direct current into a step-like square wave of multiple levels, and then form a sine wave by using a filter. If there are more levels implemented by the multi-level inverter, a waveform of a sine wave that is obtained by the multi-level inverter is more approximate to a standard sine waveform. Multi-level inverters are a common power topology for high and medium power applications such as utility interfaces for renewable power sources, flexible alternating current transmission systems, medium voltage motor drive systems, and the like.
In terms of topology varieties, multi-level inverters take many forms, such as diode-clamped multi-level inverters, flying capacitor multi-level inverters, and others (e.g. cascaded H-bridge multi-level inverters, etc.). Unlike flying capacitor multi-level inverters which typically employ capacitors for clamping purposes, diode-clamped multi-level inverters use diodes to provide multiple voltage levels through different phases to capacitor banks. In use, the diode transfers a limited amount of voltage, thereby reducing the stress on other electrical componentry.
Diode-clamped multi-level inverters, however, are limited in a variety of ways. For example, by virtue of the passive nature of the diode(s) themselves, a modulation scheme that controls inverter operation is limited. Further, diode-clamped multi-level inverters are often void of the topology features of other types of topology-specific features (e.g. flying capacitors, etc.) that may afford beneficial attributes in certain topological configurations. Even still, in the event additional levels are desired, diode-clamped multi-level inverter topologies require a significant number of additional components that is directly proportional to the number of desired additional levels. In addition to the augmented cost resulting from such extra required components, there are operational considerations, as well. For instance, the more components incorporated at each inverter level results in larger loop inductances which, in turn, can frustrate switching at high rates (e.g. tens of kHz, etc.).
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Apheresis is a procedure in which an individual blood component can be separated and collected from whole blood withdrawn from a subject. Typically, whole blood is withdrawn through a needle inserted into the subject's arm and transferred into a cell separator, such as a centrifugal bowl. Once the whole blood is separated into its various components (e.g., plasma, red blood cells, and platelets), one or more of the components can be collected from the centrifugal bowl. The remaining components can be returned to the subject along with a compensation fluid to make up for the volume of the removed component.
While performing apheresis procedures, the technician must balance the procedure time with the safety of the patient. In particular, the technician must perform the procedure as quickly as possible to minimize the procedure time and associated discomfort of the subject, but must always be conscious of the safety of the subject. One such area for safety concern is the pressure at which the whole blood is withdrawn from the subject and the remaining blood components are returned to the subject. The pressure at which the remaining components and potential compensation fluid are returned to the subject is critical to the safety of the subject. If the pressure is too high during the return or too low in during the draw, the subject is at risk for vein lesions.
To control the pressure of the blood withdrawn from and components returned to the subject, current systems attempt to measure a venous pressure. However, current systems typically measure the pressure within the line at a distance away from the access site. This distance creates inaccuracies in the measurement and, as a result, current systems can not accurately measure the venous pressure. As one can imagine, these inaccuracies increase the risk to the patient and, perhaps, force the technician to operate the apheresis system at a non-optimized rate. Despite measuring as close as possible to the venipuncture, current systems do not factor in the loss of pressure that occurs between the point of measure and the tip of the needle,
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In many cases, data packets need to be sent between a mobile user equipment and a service entity. Transmissions can be performed both in downlink and uplink direction. For example, a server may send different packet flows for sound and video to the user equipment in a streaming session. The user equipment may send data to the service entity or may initiate a streaming session by control signaling. The service entity can also be another mobile user equipment. The transmission is performed over a mobile network and the service entity may be either part of the mobile network or it is able to exchange data packets with the network.
Customary mobile networks comprise a core network with core network nodes, e.g. a serving general packet radio service support node (SGSN) or a gateway general packet radio service support node (GGSN). The core network nodes allow the exchange of data with external networks such as the Internet or mobile or fixed networks of other operators. Furthermore, customary mobile networks comprise one or more access networks with access network nodes for controlling the radio transmission to the user equipment, commonly designated, e.g., as base station controllers, radio network controllers (RNC), Node B or base transceiver stations.
Depending on the type of packet traffic, the requirements for the transmission differ significantly. For example, voice transmission requires low delay and jitter while a limited amount of errors can be acceptable. Streaming sessions using packet buffers typically allow higher delays and jitter and the receiver can generally also correct or hide errors while file transfer can often be performed as best-effort traffic but normally requires error-free data. In addition, operators may choose to offer different qualities of service (QoS) depending on the user's subscription, i.e. they may choose to perform user differentiation. Accordingly, the provision of a defined quality of service is an important concept in the control of data traffic as described for example in technical specification 3GPP 23.107 V 6.3.0. of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project “Quality of Service (QoS) concept and architecture”.
The quality of service relating to a data transmission involving nodes of the mobile network and the user equipment is defined in different contexts. The user equipment and a core network node negotiate a PDP (Packet Data Protocol) context which specifies parameters for the transmission of data packets to and from the user equipment. In addition, further contexts are set up for different links between the service entity and the user equipment, e.g. a radio bearer between an access node and the user equipment, which specifies the transmission parameters on the radio link. The parameters of the further contexts are normally determined according to the PDP context. Packet flows between the service entity and the user equipment are then mapped to these contexts and forwarded accordingly.
The different contexts all involve attributes for specifying individual parameters of the traffic. In present mobile networks a plurality of such attributes is defined and they may either indicate binary or numerical values. Accordingly, a high number of possible combinations for the values of such attributes exist. In the negotiation or specification of the attributes for a context, also the user equipment can be involved. Depending on manufacturer, model and software, the user equipment can have different requirements and behavior in the specification procedure of the context, i.e. the setting of the attributes can also depend on the user equipment. This problem may partly be overcome by performing a specific configuration for the user equipment according to network operator, user equipment manufacturer and type. This is, however, inconvenient for the user and solves this problem only partly.
The differentiated services concept allows marking in the header of a data packet which quality of service should be used when handling the packet. A corresponding header field is for example defined in different versions of the Internet Protocol (IP). However, the marking of the data packets does not allow to forward quality of service information to all nodes controlling the quality of a data transmission in a mobile network because not all nodes are adapted to evaluate the headers. For example if the packet transmission involves packet fragmentation and/or encryption with later reassembly or decryption, the headers are normally not accessible to nodes handling encrypted packets or packet fragments.
Accordingly, it is a problem to specify the quality of service which the nodes in a mobile network use for the handling of data packets. In addition, it is also difficult for operators to specify how the resources controlled by the nodes in a mobile network are shared between different levels of the quality of service.
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1. Field
The following description relates to a separator for a rechargeable lithium battery and a rechargeable lithium battery including the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently, developments in the information technology (IT) industry have been very rapid as compared with other science and technology fields, and these developments have been applied to produce many kinds of portable and convenient mobile devices such as laptops, cell phones, PDAs, and the like. These IT mobile devices require a more slim-sized and lighter battery with larger capacity and the like as an energy source. For the energy source, a rechargeable lithium battery has been widely used and researched.
The rechargeable lithium battery has been widely used due to its high energy density per unit volume. However, the rechargeable lithium battery may become swollen when its internal temperature is too high and may then explode at about 150° C. This explosion possibility of the rechargeable lithium battery has been known for a long time but not resolved yet. Accordingly, there is still a need for the development of a solution to prevent and/or delay this explosion possibility.
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Applicants have developed a composition and method for use in photoluminescent barometry which greatly improves the sensitivity of methods of photoluminescent barometry. Applicants are aware of the following U.S. patents.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,230,764; 4,752,115; 3,612,866; 4,789,992; 3,787,874; 4,810,655; 3,890,835; 4,819,658; 4,075,493; 4,895,156; 4,215,275; 5,043,285; 4,560,286; 5,043,286.
The disclosures of the above patents are incorporated by reference herein.
The scientific literature includes: "Luminescent Barometry in Wind Tunnels," Janet Kavandi et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 61 (11), November 1990; "A New Optical Pressure Measurement System (OPMS)," Arne Vollan et al., IEEE, 1991, "Spectroscopic Characterization of Complexes of Ruthenium (II) and Iridium (III) with 4,4'-Diphenyl-2,2'-bipyridine and 4,7-Diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline, R. J. Watts and G. A. Crosby, Journal of the American Chemical Society, 93:13(3184) 1971; "Mechanics of Gas Transport in Poly(1-Trimethylsilyl-1 Propyne)," S. R. Auvil et al., Polymer Preprints, 32:3(380) 1991; "Substituted Propyne Polymers--Part II. Effects of Aging on the Gas Permeability Properties of Poly[1-(trimethylsily) Propyne] for Gas Separation Membranes," Michael Langsam and Lloyd M. Robeson, Polymer Engineering and science, 29:1(44) 1989; "New technique of surface flow visualization based on oxygen quenching of fluorescence," John I. Peterson and Raphael V. Fitzgerald, Rev. Sci. Instrum. 51(5) May 1980 p. 670; "Fiberoptic Oxygen Sensor Based on Fluorescence Quenching and Energy Transfer," Ashutosh Sharma and Otto S. Wolfbeis, Applied Spectroscopy, 42:6(1009) 1988; and "Photophysics and Photochemistry of Oxygen Sensors Based on Luminescent Transition-Metal Complexes," E. R. Carraway and N. J. Demas et al., Anal. Chem., 63(337) 1991. These publications are incorporated by reference herein.
The field of luminescent barometry is new and has been developed in response to the difficulties arising from conventional techniques used to determining pressure distributions over aerodynamic surfaces, such as, over the surfaces of an airfoil. These difficulties include the difficulty and cost of using mechanical or electronic pressure sensors on a surface. Sensors can disrupt the air flow over the surface and provide an erroneous reading. Errors may also arise due to the difficulty of using a sufficient number of sensors in an array to obtain realistic view of the phenomenon occurring. Many of these difficulties are described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 3,787,874. More particularly, the aerodynamic forces acting on an aircraft model result largely from the distribution of pressure over the model surfaces. It is therefore common practice to measure surface pressures using a pressure model in the wind tunnel and compute the force distributions from the pressure data. Pressure models have hundreds of small (typically 0.02-inch diameter) pressure taps machined into their surfaces. These taps must be drilled precisely normal to the surface, with tight tolerances on location, diameter and even chamfer. In addition, each pressure tap must be connected to a pressure transducer module. There are usually too many taps to leave room for the transducers inside the model and hundred of thin stainless steel tubes must be used to establish connections to externally located transducers. The precision machining and the hand labor of installing the tubes is slow and costly: it usually takes nine months or more and about $1 million to build such a model. Moreover, overall forces and moments cannot always be measured accurately with conventional methods using pressure models, since the tubes connecting the pressure taps to the transducers can disrupt the airflow around the model and create inaccurate measurements of drag and lift.
Luminescent barometry has developed as a result of the discovery that surfaces may be coated with materials which are capable of being excited by light, such as ultraviolet light, and that these excited materials, will emit light which may be used as a measure of pressure on those surfaces. Many of these materials operate by an oxygen quenching phenomenon, that is the oxygen permeating through the binder which is applied to the surface is a function of the air pressure on the surface. The light emanating from the excited surface is an inverse function of the oxygen partial pressure and therefore the emitted light is an indication and measurement which can be correlated back to the pressure on the surface itself.
The techniques of photoluminescent barometry have been described in "A New Optical Pressure Measurement System (OPMS)," Vollan et al, 1991 IEEE and also in "Luminescent Barometry In Wind Tunnels," Kavandi et al., Rev, sci. Instrum., 61 (11) November 1990. As described by Kavandi et al., a platinum complex, platinum octaethylporphyrin (PtOEP) has been shown to be a suitable photoluminescent compound which may be excited by ultraviolet radiation and used to map the pressure differentials across surfaces, such as airfoils. Other platinum complexes, such as platinum etioporphyrin, have been reported as emitters. The technique can be used on models measured in wind tunnels and can provide pressure distribution maps of the surfaces under examination. In addition to platinum octaethylporphyrin (PtOEP), applicants have found two additional classes of materials which are unexpectedly effective as luminescent barometry photo emitters, or active agents. These include ruthenium complexes and combinations of the organic compounds pyrene and perylene. Pyrene and perylene work as emitters when used in combination. Optimally an equimolar mixture is preferred, but it is not critical or essential. Formulations based on the emitter mixture of pyrene and perylene are most useful for a limited amount of time, probably due to one or both of the emitter compounds subliming out of the binder. Low pressures accelerate sublimation which restrict the useful pressure range of pyrene/perylene coatings to above about 2 psia.
Applicants' new materials have the additional unexpected property of being suitable to excitation by visible blue light as well as by ultra violet light and may be excited and measured by known methods. These latter materials may be incorporated in the silicone polymers described by Kavandi et al. However, applicants have discovered that a new group of cross-linked rubbery siloxane polymers and polyacetylene (polypropyne) polymers produce coatings having unexpectedly superior properties as photoluminescent coatings. A variety of these materials are available commercially from suppliers such as General Electric, Dow Chemical Co. and HULS under a variety of trademarks such as GE RTV 108, GE RTV 118, Dow 734, Dow 732, Dow 3140, HULS PS078.9 (solid polypropyne resin), HULS PS079.5 (polypropyne 5% solution) and equivalent materials. While it is not certain why these binder polymers provide such unexpected improvement in sensitivity, it is believed they have an ability to permit more oxygen, and more rapid oxygen absorption, through the surface to provide a quenching effect to the luminescence and thus a more sensitive reading of the pressure on a particular element of the surface being mapped.
The development of a successful pressure sensitive paint formulation requires not only the synthesis of a suitable active ingredient, but also an appropriate binder material. Efficient quenching of the luminescence requires that the molecules of the active ingredient be uniformly dispersed in a highly oxygen-permeable binder. To withstand the forces acting on the pressure sensitive paint coating during wind tunnel testing, the binder must adhere well to the model surface. To avoid disturbing the air flow, the binder must also be thin and smooth. The present invention meets these requirements and produces a pressure sensitive paint of unexpected sensitivity.
A variety of extenders and fillers may be added to the pressure sensitive paint. In particular silica fillers may be used to extend the pressure sensitive paint. Typical materials include fumed silicas of the type available under the trademark CABOSIL from Cabot Corporation. Silica gels may also be used, in particular, the grades known as TLC and HPLC may be used. When using fillers it is preferred to use a fine particle size to avoid imparting excessive surface roughness to a test model, although this is not critical. In addition, we have found that an unexpected interaction occurs when silica gel is used in conjunction with propyne resins. The combination imparts greatly enhanced sensitivity to pressure sensitive paint formulations. Why the increase occurs is not certain, but it is believed that this specific combination provides greatly enhanced permeability to the coating and thus increases the oxygen quenching effect. We believe that the high surface area and the specific surface characteristics of the silica gel may permit the molecules of the active ingredient to remain well-dispersed in an unaggregated state, and thus more accessible to oxygen quenching.
It is thus an object of the invention to produce a pressure sensitive paint, for use in methods of luminescent barometry, having greater sensitivity in mapping pressure distributions over aerodynamic surfaces.
It is further an object of the invention to produce a pressure sensitive paint, for use in methods of luminescent barometry, having greater oxygen permeability through the matrix of the paint.
It is an object of the invention to produce a pressure sensitive paint, for use in methods of luminescent barometry, having novel photoluminescent active agents.
It is an object of the invention to produce a photoluminescent paint, for use in methods of luminescent barometry, using ruthenium complexes as photoluminescent active agents.
It is an object of the invention to produce a photoluminescent paint, for use in methods of luminescent barometry, using pyrene and perylene photoluminescent agents.
It is a further object of the invention to produce a photoluminescent paint, for use in methods of luminescent barometry, which can be activated by visible blue light.
It is an object of the invention to produce an improved photoluminescent paint, for use in methods of luminescent barometry, containing silica gel to enhance the sensitivity of the paint matrix to oxygen quenching.
It is an object of the invention to produce a pressure sensitive paint, for use in methods of luminescent barometry, which has a cross-linked rubbery siloxane resin matrix.
It is a further object of the invention to produce a pressure sensitive paint, for use in methods of luminescent barometry, which uses poly [1-(trimethylsilyl)propyne] as a binder.
These and further objects of the invention will be understood from the following Description of the Preferred Embodiments and the included Figures.
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The installation of heating wires in floors typically involves the use of installation strips or support meshing that hold the heating wire in a selected path until the floor is finished. For instance, a cementitious slurry is typically applied over the heating wire and support meshing or strips.
One of the issues related to the installation of heating wire in strips or support meshing is that it is labour-intensive. The installer must take the necessary precautions to avoid damaging the heating wire, and manipulate the wire with some level of dexterity to ensure the proper installation of the heating wire in the strips or support meshing. The installer may have to kneel down to perform the installation.
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A user interface is that by which a computer user interacts with a computer and its various programs called applications. A nearly universal format of user interface for personal computer systems and personal digital assistants (PDAs) is a visual interface—called a graphical user interface: GUI (pronounced goo' eee). Other user interfaces may be tactile or may be aural. Typically with graphical user interfaces, the user controls a graphical pointer such as a mouse, a track ball, a glidepad, or stylus to interact with a display of a graphical user interface. Depending upon the actions allowed by the application or operating system software, the user can select a feature of the graphical display such as an icon or an entry field by positioning the graphical pointer over the feature and making a selection utilizing the graphical pointing device. These features have come to be called widgets.
The actions available to a user following selection of a widget can depend upon a number of factors including the type of widget that was selected and the order of the selection in the current interaction scenario. For example, if the user selects a icon on the desktop or within a window with a single click of a mouse button, the user can typically relocate the icon within the graphical display utilizing the well-known drag-and-drop technique. Alternatively, if the selected widget is a menu bar choice, a dropdown menu may be displayed permitting the user to make a single selection from among the choices listing in the dropdown menu. In response to either the selection of a point outside of the dropdown menu indicating that the user does not wish to select any choice listed in the dropdown menu or the selection of a dropdown menu choice, the dropdown menu closes automatically.
Object-oriented programming (OOP) is becoming the normative computer programming paradigm because it allows programmers to approach their programming tasks more intuitively by using objects rather than procedures as the fundamental building blocks for creating computer programs. Objects are small reusable sections of program code that can be quickly and easily combined to create new and many different applications across a network irrespective of the computer processor's architecture and/or operating system. Conceptually, an object is an entity that is able to save information, referred to as its state, and offers a number of behaviors or functions to either examine or affect this state. An object may model the attributes or characteristics of the real-world object and, in many cases, may also model its behavior. For example, an OOP employee object may have certain attributes of a real employee, such as a name, an address, and an employee number, etc. and could respond as a real employee such that the employee object could provide the employee's address when asked for that information or provide the employee's status, e.g., “on vacation,” when asked for status information. Another example maybe a calendar object which may be used in several applications such as a scheduling application, a presentation application, and/or a data base application to calculate employee's vacation and pay, etc.
A fundamental concept in OOP is the class. A class is a template or prototype that defines a type of object and specifies the attributes and methods associated with objects or members of the class. Objects of the same class have the same definition for their operations and information structures. An object is created or instantiated at runtime, i.e., when the computer executes a statement in the program.
Encapsulation, inheritance and polymorphism are three important concepts that further differentiate OOP from procedural programming. Encapsulation means keeping the data structure and the methods/functions that process the data together in the same class. Inheritance is the ability to derive a new class from one or more existing classes. The new class, known as a subclass, inherits or incorporates all properties of a parent class including its attributes and its methods. The new class or subclass may be further defined to include additional properties. An example of inheritance might be that a new class square inherits all the attributes and methods of objects in the class rectangle, but the new class square can be modified so that the methods to calculate area or perimeter can be particularized using polymorphism. Polymorphism is that concept of OOP that allows the same name to be used in a parent class and an inherited or subclass but the subclass may provide a different version of a method with the same name the exists in the base class, such as calculation of the area of a square.
Often when writing graphical user interfaces for applications or application development tools, the user is prompted for a special kind of input. This special input may be a predefined value or a user-specified value. Designing a user interface for these special inputs requires special considerations. There needs to be an entry field to allow the user to enter a specific local value, such as a port number, userid or owner name. That entry field, moreover, should be disabled unless the user enters a value other than the inherited or special value.
Graphical user interfaces have presented options to enter predefined and user input data in several ways. A typical option for input on a graphical user interface is a checkbox. A checkbox with a label such as “Use default value” may be combined with an entry field. The programmer listens for that checkbox to be selected and, when selected, toggles the entry field between read-only, i.e., read the value in the checkbox, and write-capable, i.e., read that value entered by the user. In the case of the checkbox, the programmer has to toggle the contents of the entry field between the special value and the last-user-entered value. The disadvantage of the checkbox is that it requires additional programming effort, and more user-interface real estate is required to show both the checkbox and the entry field.
Another option is to use a combination input field known as an editable dropdown, which is an entry field where the user can type in a value or activate a dropdown list containing only one entry—the special value. When selected, the special value from the list replaces the contents of the entry field. The user then can either type a local value into the entry field or select the special value from the dropdown list. The dropdown list requires additional programming effort. The programmer has to disable error checking when the special value is selected and reenable error checking when the user starts typing. From the user point of view, this is not an intuitive use of dropdown list boxes, as these are typically used for a multiple selection design pattern, not a binary decision design pattern. The user expects to see multiple values in a list box, not a single value.
There are additional problems associated with both the checkbox and the dropdown approach. The checkbox approach requires a lot of real estate to visually show both the button with its label text, and the entry field. The dropdown list is difficult if the special value is a different data type than what the user is allowed to specify. For example, with a port number, the user entry will be restricted to numbers. Yet the special value “first available” is not a number, it is a string. Placing that string in the entry field of a dropdown list causes the error-checking code to flag it as invalid because it is not a positive integer value. Special case coding thus is required every time the case changes which becomes tricky for the programmer, especially if the special value string is translated into multiple languages. Furthermore, using a full-function dropdown to list a single choice is overkill for the problem. Typically dropdown lists contain multiple values from which to choose.
Just the fact there are multiple approaches to this common design problem indicates the need for a user interface widget designed and optimized for binary decision making wherein the decision may involve different data types. If used consistently, then user quickly learns that he is being asked to make a binary decision between a special value and user-entered value of his choice. This makes the product more usable and is less confusing to the user.
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Generally, the manufacturing process for the automotive body includes stamping, welding, coating and assembling. In the stamping process which is the first step of the manufacturing process, drawing, trimming and flanging are carried out by passing through 3 to 4 stamping dies. The formation defects such as fractures, buckling and the like which occur during the drawing step give influence to the later processes. As a result, the quality of the final products is deteriorated, and the productivity is lowered, thereby leading to the increase of the manufacturing cost. The drawing step of the stamping process, which plays the critical role in forming the automotive body will be described referring to the attached drawings, for the case where a single acting press is used. As shown in FIG. 1, a steel sheet 5 to be subjected to a formation is inserted into between a lower die 3 and an upper die 1 on which a draw bead 4 is installed. Then the upper die 1 is lowered, so that it should give a proper force to the steel sheet by the help of the reaction force of a cushion 6 which supports the lower die 3. At the same time, as shown in FIG. 2, the lower die 3 is lowered down to the depth of the panel to be formed. As the lower die 3 is lowered, the steel sheet 5 which is positioned between the upper die 1 and the lower die 3 passes through the draw bead 4 to be put into the upper die 1, so that the steel sheet should be formed in accordance with the shape of a punch 2, thereby completing the stamping process. However, as shown by the portion A of FIG. 2, fractures can occur on the wall of the formed panel during the drawing process. The occurrence of such fractures is very sensitively affected by the mechanical properties of the steel sheet, the design of the dies, and other stamping conditions.
The deformation which occurs to the steel sheet during the stamping process includes stretching and drawing deformations, and, in the former, the material is not permitted to be mobilized at the flange portion by the lock bead, while, in the latter, the mobilization of the material is accompanied in the flange portion. Meanwhile, the deformation mode in which the reduction of the thickness of the steel sheet occurs in connection with the fractures during the stamping process includes a bi-axial tensile deformation mode, and another deformation mode in which the deformation in one-direction is inhibited, and the deformation in the perpendicular direction exists. About 75-90% of the fractures which occur during the stamping process belong to a plane strain mode in which the deformation in one direction is zero. Therefore, in order to prevent fractures during the stamping process and to forecast the stamping formability, it is desirable to evaluate the stamping formability, i.e., the formability limit of the steel sheet under the plane strain mode.
There is a conventional method for evaluating the formability under the plane strain mode without considering the frictions between the die and the steel sheet. According to this conventional method, the steel sheet is formed into a tensile test piece having a shape such that the test specimen has multi-stepped widths. Then a tensile test is carried out to realize a plane strain mode, and then, the formability under the plane strain state is evaluated based on the tensile properties such as the elongation to the fracture. This conventional method cannot take into account the frictions occurring between the die and the steel sheet due to the surface condition of the steel sheet. Further, the plane strain state occurs locally on the central portion of the tensile test specimen, and a considerable time and caution are required in preparing the test specimen.
Meanwhile, there is a conventional method for evaluating the stretch formability under the plane strain mode, with the contact between the die and the steel sheet being taken into account. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, a rectangular test specimen 7 which has a constant width and has a length longer than a lock bead 8 is inserted into between a lower die 10 and an upper die 9 on which the lock bead 8 is installed. Then the circumferential edge of the test specimen is strongly clamped by means of the lock bead 8, so that the material should not flow into the upper die 9. Then a dome shaped punch 11 having a diameter of 101.6 mm is elevated to apply the stretch formation force to the test specimen 7. Thus, the limit dome height LDH at the instant of the fracture of the test specimen 7 is recorded, thereby assessing the stretch formability under the plane strain mode.
In this method, there is realized a geometrical restriction in which the test specimen 7 having a diameter larger than that of the dome shaped punch 11 and smaller than that of the lock bead 8 surrounds the peak portion B of the dome shaped punch 11. Further, there is obtained a plane strain state in which the deformation in the direction of the width of the test specimen 7 and around the fracture area C of the test specimen 7 is zero as shown in FIG. 4. According to this method, the plane strain state is realized only around the fracture area C, but the peak portion B of the punch does not represent the stretch formability under the plane strain mode in the stern standard of the bi-axial tensile state.
Further, in the case where there are differences in the surface roughness and other surface characteristics such as surface treatment among the test specimens, the width of the test specimens does not give constant values, and therefore, deviations are severe in the repeated tests for the height of the punch until a breaking occurs after the variation of the width. Further, in order to decide the width of the test specimen representing the plane strain mode, many rounds of repeated tests have to be carried out, and therefore, much time is consumed.
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There are available many devices designed to keep a cold beverage cold that involve some type of sealed insulating chamber containing a refrigerant fluid. While these devices are adequate for keeping a beverage cool, they usually are not able to keep a beverage hot due to either the type of refrigerant sealed within the insulating chamber, or the inability to heat the sealed refrigerant without damaging the device as a whole. Furthermore, even though the refrigerant fluid may be removable as indicated by prior art, the user is still unable to determine when the cooling property of the removable refrigerant has been exhausted.
Additionally, whether a cooling or warming device is desired, the difference in temperature between ambient room temperature and this device will cause condensation to form on the drinking vessel, which builds up on the surface the vessel is resting upon. Some devices attempt to collect and store this condensate, but when the drinking vessel is tilted upward to remove the last of the insulated beverage, the stored condensate leaks out unexpectedly onto the user and/or the supporting surface.
It is an object of this invention to be adaptable at keeping a beverage cool as well as keeping a beverage warm, depending upon the user's requirements. It is also an object of this invention to eliminate any condensate build-up from occurring on the supporting surface or dripping onto the user.
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The present invention relates in general to a firearm and preferably a revolver. More particularly, this invention pertains to an improved construction for the hand, strut and associated transfer bar or connector of the firearm.
In the prior art conventionally, both the transfer bar or connector and the hand are pivotally supported from the trigger usually at a top end of a trigger concealed within the frame of the firearm. A typical arrangement of this type is shown in a weapon of Dan Wesson Arms, Incorporated identified as their model 14-2 service revolver or 15-2 target revolver. Certain disadvantages have now been realized in connection with this conventional construction. For example, the transfer bar or connector must be constructed relatively long and usually has several bends in it as it must be accommodated in a relatively tight space in the frame. Also, with this conventional construction the width of the strut has to be reduced as to suitably accommodate the transfer bar. The reduction in the width of the strut is undesirable. Furthermore, with the conventional design a hand spring usually slides relative to the hand causing a possible wear problem.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved hand and transfer bar or connector construction for a firearm.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved hand and connector bar construction that provides a more compact overall firearm structure.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved firearm construction that eliminates any substantial sliding motion between the hand spring and the hand itself.
Still a further object of the present invention is to provide an improved firearm construction characterized by a transfer bar that is relatively simple in construction and that may be made substantially shorter in length than known construction of a transfer bar.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improved firearm construction characterized in particular by the improved construction of the hand and transfer bar or connector thus enabling use of a strut typically connected to the hammer having the same width as the top of the trigger.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an extremely compact arrangement for a firearm and one in which at least some of the components can be constructed in a relatively simple design.
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1. Field of the Disclosure
The present disclosure relates generally to communication networks and, more particularly, to software defined networking.
2. Description of the Related Art
Routers in a conventional network include control plane functionality and data plane functionality. The control plane functionality configures a flow table that indicates how to process incoming packets and the data plane functionality processes the incoming packets, e.g., based on rules defined in the flow table. Software defined networking (SDN) differs from conventional router networks in that the control plane functionality is implemented in a central controller used to control a plurality of switches that implement data plane functionality. Consolidating the control plane functionality for a group of switches into the central controller allows an SDN network to support dynamic resource allocation and may significantly reduce the costs associated with establishing and maintaining the SDN network when compared to a conventional network. SDN also allows for global optimization that is not possible with local routing protocols.
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Wireless networks provide users with voice and data information without the need for a wired line tethering the user to a certain location. A wireless network is typically composed of a mobile device, base stations, and a supporting infrastructure. The mobile device can be, for example, a cell phone, a PDA, or a computer with wireless capabilities. These mobile devices interact with base stations that transmit and receive data. The base stations can further be connected to a network infrastructure that connects to the public switched telephone network (PSTN), the Internet, and/or other communication networks.
While cellular wireless communication systems were originally designed to transmit voice communications, increasingly these networks have been modified to also support data communications, such as packet based data communications. Mobile IP, a form of packet based data communication, enables mobile devices to change where they are connecting to the Internet without changing their Internet Protocol (IP) address. Various agents assist in the transmission of packets from a mobile device to the Internet. A Home Agent performs the mobility management functions needed for IP communications on behalf of the mobile device. Mobile devices get the Home Agent address either through a static configuration, where the IP address of the Home Agent is hard-coded in the mobile device, or through a mobile IP registration process.
When a registration process is used, a server is responsible for assigning Home Agents to mobile devices. In either the static assignment or the server registration of a mobile device with a Home Agent, it is important that the assigned Home Agent is fully functional. Therefore, it is highly desirable to provide redundancy so that a fully functionally chassis, which may be a home agent, is always available for a mobile device.
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The present invention relates to a shower head for use preferably with a wall bar set. More particularly, the shower head improves the pivot ball joint wherein the shower head swivels around the pivot ball for better reliability and stability. The shower head incorporates a flat-faced seal design wherein the pivot ball and the seal are substantially flush along a plane, and the seal is substantially flush with a water chamber. Further, the pivot ball is generally surrounded by a ball holder for better reliability.
A shower head is a common fixture for directing the spray of water. One of the main features of a shower head is its ability to pivot about a point for directional spraying. In other words, a user can configure a shower head according to his or her preferences. After constant use, however, the shower head may be unable to move into any particular direction. It might be stuck in one specific position or be completely incapable of movement and remain limp. Further, the worn-out shower head may leak in the pivot ball joint itself. The joint can suffer from wear-and-tear over time due to use and construction. Thus, one consideration in constructing a shower head is the pivot ball joint itself.
An automatically adjustable shower head is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,275,843, wherein a body member is shown attached to the lower half of the pivot ball. The pivot ball and the O-ring are not substantially flush, because the pivot ball extends beyond a horizontal plane established by the O-ring. Additionally, the O-ring is circular in its cross-section thereby providing less contact surface, and thus no ability to create a flat seal.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,324,364 discloses an adjustable shower head for producing adjustable sprays. Again, the holder covers the lower half of the pivot ball. The housing covers the remaining exposed portions of the pivot ball. The pivot ball is sealed by a ring, but the seal is not flat. Rather, the lower portion of the pivot ball extends beyond the horizontal plane of the seal created by the ring abutted against the pivot ball.
A shower head comprising a backing plate, a diaphragm and a cover plate are generally disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,382,531 B1. The backing plate acts as a conduit for receiving and sending water, wherein the water is sent through the pivot ball. The pivot ball is attached to the backing plate. However, there is no such disclosure of a seal arrangement with the pivot ball.
The present invention solves the deficiencies stated in the prior art, while providing improvements as stated herein.
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1. Field of the Invention
The embodiments of the invention generally relate to the detection and analysis of systematic conditions occurring in devices manufactured according to the same ground rules and design and, more particularly, to a system and method that uses signature comparisons to detect and analyze systematic conditions occurring in such devices.
2. Description of the Related Art
Device (e.g., chip, integrated circuit, circuit, network, etc.) processing includes establishing ground rules, designing the device, manufacturing a plurality of devices according to the established ground rules and design, and testing the manufactured devices prior to distribution to customers. Similarities between devices can similarly affect device behavior. That is, defects or other similar characteristics that are common to devices manufactured according to the same ground rules and the same design can cause those devices to achieve similar results under test (i.e., to behave or respond the same way under test). Given this relationship, it would be advantageous to provide a system and method that detects similarly behaving devices under test and analyzes these devices to determine the underlying similar characteristic which results in the similar behavior.
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Many kinds of polymer compositions have been used in the field of medical supplies. These compositions have not always exhibited anti-thrombogenic, anti-microbial, or other biocompatible characteristics when used in prosthetic and therapeutic apparatuses for handling or being in contact with blood or blood components or other bioresponse under conditions where clotting would tend to occur, such as artificial blood vessels, catheters, artificial hearts, fluid drainage, suction/aspiration and artificial kidneys.
When blood is brought in contact with metal, glass, plastic or other similar surfaces, it tends to clot in a short time unless certain precautions are taken. One common precaution currently in widespread use is the treatment of the surface with heparin or with heparin reacted with quaternary ammonium compounds. Such heparin compounds are known to have anti-coagulant effects when in contact with blood. The presence of the aforementioned heparin compounds on the surface imparts anti-thrombogenic characteristics. However, previously known heparinization or compositions have not been adequate because of the short time of anti-thrombogenic activity, at most a few days in vivo (I. S. Hersch, et al, J. Biomed., Mater. Res. Symposium I, 99-104 (1971); K. Amplatz, "A Simple Non-Thrombogenic Coating", Invest. Radiology, July, August, 1971, Vol. 6 or because the anti-thrombogenic characteristic was reduced to a very low level in order to make it resistant to removal by reacting it with quaternary ammonium polymers (U.S. Pat. No. 3,844,989).
It is therefore, an object of the present invention to provide novel anti-thrombogenic/polymer/heparin compound compositions or mixtures which prevent blood clotting for a relatively long period of time (over one month), and which have the same high degree of anti-thrombogenic characteristics as the non-polymerized heparin-quaternary ammonium compounds, and thus provide excellent properties for use as medical materials for coatings on artificial blood vessels, catheters, artificial hearts, artificial kidneys, etc.
Another object of the present invention is to provide novel anti-microbial surfaces which contain antibiotic agents which are entrained in the surface in such a way as to be gradually released in vivo to provide effective anti-microbial action over a longer time than was previously possible when using these agents. Typical agents useful in this embodiment of the invention include penicillins, cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, quinolones, sulfonoamides, tetracyclines, etc. While effective anti-microbial agent concentrations are achieved near the coated device surface, low systemic levels result, unlike where systemic antibiotic administration is required to combat infections caused by an implanted device.
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a data read circuit of a semiconductor device.
2. Description of the Related Art
The development of microtechnology of semiconductor elements in recent years has been accompanied by the increasing scale of the LSI that is composed of these semiconductor elements. This development has been particularly dramatic in the field of semiconductor memory devices. As examples, dynamic random access memory (DRAM) has been put into practical use as semiconductor memory devices having a capacity of 256 megabytes on one chip, as has static random access memory (SRAM) having a capacity of 18 megabytes on one chip.
Referring now to FIG. 1, which shows the construction of a multiport memory cell that employs a single-end mode, it can be seen that in these types of semiconductor memory devices, a reduction in the area of the memory cell is obtained through the use of the single-end mode in the bit lines for read. The single-end mode is a mode for transferring cell data by a single bit line.
FIG. .2 shows an example of the construction of multiport RAM. As shown in FIG. 2, the basic structure of the memory is constituted by providing multiport RAM with: memory cells that are arranged at the intersections of intersecting horizontal lines and vertical lines; word lines 420 ,421˜42n, 430, 431˜43n and 440, 441˜44n for individually selecting row addresses for each port; bit lines 45, 46, 47, and 48 for propagating data of the memory cells; precharging circuit 49 for precharging bit lines 45, 46, 47, and 48; write port column selector 50 for selecting column addresses; read port column selector 51; read circuit 53 at the read port for data that have been propagated on bit lines; data output circuit 55; write circuit 52 at the write port for propagating write data on bit lines; and data input circuit 54.
FIG. 3 shows a timing chart for reading data of the multiport RAM of FIG. 2. Referring now to FIG. 3, as shown in interval A, read bit line 48 that has been precharged by means of precharging circuit 49 is discharged by the data of the memory cell that is selected at timing t1 of the rise of word line 440. In some cases, this potential is determined to be low-level at timing t2 at which this potential falls below the theoretical threshold value of read circuit 53, read signal becoming high level at t3 and data output 18 becoming high level at timing t4. In other cases, the potential of bit line 48 is maintained without change and determined to be high level and data are supplied as output as shown in interval B.
FIG. 4 shows a timing chart for a case in which increase in capacitance of the bit line causes the discharge time to increase. Referring to FIG. 4, an increase in the number of rows of memory causes an increase in the capacitance of the bit line, and it can be seen that the time required for the discharge of bit line 48 (t2˜1) thus increases and the reading speed accordingly decreases.
In order to cope with large capacity, a configuration was adopted in the prior art for enabling high-speed reading in a memory having high capacity in which the memory was divided into a plurality of banks, addresses were selected in bank units, and the data that were read were transferred to the output circuit through a data bus.
Referring to FIG. 5, this configuration comprises: a plurality of memory banks 2 in which memory cells are arranged at each of the intersections of intersecting horizontal lines and vertical lines; row decoder 3 that is connected to each of the memory banks for selecting row addresses; column selector 58 for selecting column addresses; sense amplifier precharging circuit 59 for amplifying data that have been selected by column selector 58 and precharging bit lines; output circuit 60 for supplying the data as output; and data buses 56a and 56b for transferring data between output circuit 60 and sense amplifier precharging circuit 59.
A read operation of this scheme is next described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. 6. Word line 81 of a memory bank that has been selected with bit lines in a precharged state rises at timing t6, bit line 10a is discharged, and at timing t7, the output of the sense amplifier amplifies the data of word line 81. The amplified data are transferred as far as output circuit 60 by means of data buses 56a and 56b and then supplied as output at timing t8, whereby high-speed read is realized in the large-capacity memory. In other words, the division of the memory cell area of the large-capacity memory into a plurality of blocks is a requisite technique for accelerating the reading process.
Another example of accelerating the bit line speed is disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2892697. The semiconductor memory device disclosed in this publication realizes an increase in speed through the use of a differential sense amplifier, which is typically used in differential-mode bit lines, for amplifying the difference in potential between a reference signal and single-end mode bit lines.
As shown in FIG. 7, which shows the structure of single-port RAM cells, the differential mode refers to a mode in which cell data are propagated on two lines of positive and negative logic, as with the bit lines of single-port RAM.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. H10-134578 discloses the insertion on of a buffer circuit in the bit lines between the plurality of blocks into which a memory element unit has been divided for either amplifying and supplying the output or cutting off the output in accordance with the selection of elements of input-side blocks or output-side blocks.
As described in the foregoing explanation regarding a semiconductor memory device of the prior art, a method in which the memory is divided into a plurality of blocks necessitates column selectors for each memory bank unit, and further, a multiport memory necessitates a number of column selectors equal to the number of ports, and the area of the device therefore increases proportionally. Furthermore, column decoders for operating the column selectors are similarly required, and this requirement results in further increase in the chip area.
In addition, regions for the data bus lines for transferring data of each block are also required for each port, further increasing the chip area. In a memory that is frequently used in a multibit construction, such as in a multiport memory, the influence of the area of the data bus regions that are held in bit units is particularly significant.
In the example of Japanese Patent No. 2892697, which uses reference signals, and further, uses differential sense amplifiers, the amount of discharge of bit lines required to obtain the desired differential potential is approximately twice that of the differential scheme, and increasing speed when the capacitance is high is therefore problematic.
In the construction disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. H10-134578, moreover, an increase in the amount of capacitance that accumulates in bit lines slows the change in the output signal of the buffer circuit inserted between bit lines, hindering an increase in speed.
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electron emission device, and in particular, to an electron emission display that reduces a resistance by widening an effective width of driving electrodes, and improves a shape of the driving electrodes to achieve a high resolution display screen.
2. Description of Related Art
In general, an electron emission element can be classified, depending upon the kinds of electron sources, into a hot cathode type or a cold cathode type.
Among the cold cathode type of electron emission elements, there are a field emitter array (FEA) type, a surface conduction emission (SCE) type, a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) type, and a metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) type.
The FEA type of electron emission element includes electron emission regions, and cathode and gate electrodes that are used as the driving electrodes for controlling emission of electrons from electron emission regions. The electron emission regions are formed with a material having a low work function and/or a high aspect ratio. For instance, the electron emission regions are formed with a sharp-pointed tip structure that is formed with molybdenum (Mo) or silicon (Si), or a carbonaceous material such as carbon nanotube (CNT), graphite, and diamond-like carbon (DLC). With the usage of such a material for the electron emission regions, when an electric field is applied to the electron emission regions under a vacuum atmosphere (or vacuum state), electrons are easily emitted from the electron emission regions.
Arrays of electron emission elements are arranged on a first substrate to form an electron emission device. A light emission unit is formed on a second substrate with phosphor layers and an anode electrode, and is assembled with the first substrate to thereby form an electron emission display.
In the electron emission device, the plurality of driving electrodes functioning as the scanning and data electrodes are provided together with the electron emission regions to control the on/off of electron emission for respective pixels due to the operation of the electron emission regions and the driving electrodes, and also to control the amount of electrons emitted from the electron emission regions. The electrons emitted from the electron emission regions excite the phosphor layers to thereby emit light or display images.
With the above described electron emission device, an unstable driving voltage may be applied to an electrode (for convenience, hereinafter referred to as the “first electrode”) electrically connected to the electron emission regions to supply the electric currents required for the electron emission, or the voltage applied to the electron emission regions may be differentiated due to a voltage drop of the first electrode. In this case, the emission characteristics of the electron emission regions become non-uniform so that light emission uniformity per respective pixels is deteriorated.
Accordingly, in order to solve such a problem, as shown in FIG. 6, opening portions 13 are internally formed at first electrodes 11 to expose a surface of a first substrate 9, and isolation electrodes 15 are formed within respective opening portions 13. Resistance layers 17 are formed between the first electrodes 11 and the isolation electrodes 15 at both ends of the isolation electrodes 15 to make the emission characteristics of electron emission regions 19 more uniform.
However, with the above-described structure of the first electrodes 11, the widths d1 and d2 of the first electrodes 11, the widths d3 and d4 of the respective resistance layers 17, and the width d5 of the isolation electrodes 15 should be contained in the width direction of the first electrodes 11 within the pixel areas where the electron emission regions 19 are located. Therefore, the effective width of the first electrodes 11 that can practically serve for the electric current flow is only the sum of d1 and d2.
Accordingly, with the above-structured electron emission device, a voltage drop inevitably occurs due to the increase in resistance pursuant to the reduction in an effective width. In the case that the effective width is enlarged to lower the resistance, it is difficult to achieve a high resolution display screen due to the enlargement in the width of the first electrodes.
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Light strings having lights connected electrically in series are well known, especially around the holidays when such light strings are used for decorative purposes. Generally, the lights in the string are electrically in series, rather than in parallel. One particular drawback to these types of light strings is that when a light bulb is removed from the socket, the entire series is rendered inoperable. Each light bulb within its respective socket completes the electrical circuit, so when a light bulb is removed or becomes loose, a gap is created in the circuit and electricity is unable to continue to flow through the circuit. When a light bulb is inserted back into the socket or the loose bulb reseated, it completes the circuit, thus allowing electricity to flow uninterrupted.
A number of known light units and light strings attempt to address this issue of rendering a light set inoperable due to a missing or loose bulb. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,257,740 issued to Gibboney, Jr., discloses a basic light unit that allows current to flow in the absence of a bulb. More specifically, Gibboney, Jr. discloses a switch mechanism that comprises a pair of relatively long, centrally-located spring terminals in a light unit. Each spring terminal is connected to a wire terminal at an interior wall of the light unit and extends inwards to the center of the light unit. When a bulb is absent from the light unit, the two spring terminals are in contact with one another, allowing current to flow through the light unit and to other light units in a light set. When a specially-adapted bulb is inserted into the light unit, the bulb separates the two spring terminals, breaking the electrical contact point, routing current to the bulb filament. As such, Gibboney, Jr. teaches that when a bulb is removed, the contacts spring inward towards the center of the light unit, to where the bulb was previously located.
In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,609,814 issued to Ahroni, discloses a light unit with a centrally-located mechanical switch and shunt element adapted for use with a non-conventional flat-wire light set. However, most decorative light strings utilize a twisted-pair wiring convention for which the Ahroni design cannot easily be adapted.
One of the drawbacks to the light units discussed above and of other similar mechanical designs, is a lack of reliability. For example, over time, memory effects present in the spring terminals may cause switch failure. For designs such as those described above, the spring terminals may be relatively long, with long moment arms and with the spring terminals often being integral to the wire terminals. Because bulbs are removed infrequently from any individual light unit, the spring terminals tend to be in a compressed state for long periods of time. When a bulb is ultimately removed, or becomes loose, the spring terminals move towards their original position of contact, but the spring terminals may not move all the way back to the original contact position due to the extended period of time spent in the compressed, or tensioned, position.
In addition to memory effects, further unreliability comes from movement of the switch elements within the socket. When bulbs are inserted or removed, switch contacts and supports may be dislodged or otherwise moved from their original operational positions, causing the switch to fail.
Another drawback of such designs is the relatively large area of electricity conducting material exposed when a bulb is removed. When a bulb is removed, electricity flows through the centrally-located spring terminals which span the inside diameter of the light unit. If a foreign object is inserted into the light unit when the bulb is removed, but the light set powered, the risk of electric shock is great.
In addition to known mechanical solutions to the problem of missing or loose bulbs, electrical solutions also exist. For example, some light sets use a pair of back-to-back zener diodes located in a light unit and electrically in parallel with the bulb. When a bulb is dislodged from its socket, the voltage potential across the diodes is larger than the threshold voltage of the diodes, causing the diodes to conduct.
The primary drawback to light units utilizing such electrical solutions is the high cost of the electrical components. Other drawbacks include heating of the electrical elements in the socket, complexity of design, custom manufacturing requirements and rigid tolerances.
Therefore, what is needed in the industry is an improved light unit that not only allows current to flow through the light unit when a bulb is loose or removed, but also addresses the reliability, safety and cost issues as described above.
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This application claims the priority of German Patent Application No. 197 31 283.7, filed Jul. 21, 1997, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.
The invention relates to a diagnostic tester for electronic control devices in various types of motor vehicles and, more particularly, to a diagnostic tester which can be connected by a plug connection in any motor vehicle to a diagnostic plug connection connected with the control devices to be diagnosed. The connection is standardized mechanically with a predetermined number of plug contacts but not, however, in terms of the signal assignments of the plug contacts and the electrical properties of the signals to be transmitted.
Modern motor vehicles have a permanently installed diagnostic plug connection for connecting a diagnostic tester. The connection is connected on the side of the motor vehicle with the control devices to be diagnosed. The diagnostic plug connections in the various vehicle types are identical mechanically, especially as regards the specified number of plug contacts and as regards the shape of the diagnostic plug connection, on the basis of international standards for so-called on-board diagnostic systems for motor vehicles.
Many motor vehicle manufacturers currently make conventional use of the 16-pole PBD II plug according to SAE standard SAE-J-1962 as the diagnostic plug connection. This diagnostic plug connection is partially not standardized in terms of the way that the signal is applied to the plug contacts and in terms of the electrical properties of the signals to be transmitted. For example, electrical fault diagnosis signals can be applied through the conventional diagnostic bus leads in various vehicle types to different plug contacts of the diagnostic plug connection. In addition, the electrical properties of the signals to be transmitted, especially as a result of internal resistances, input switching thresholds, or output levels that differ in the vehicle, vary from vehicle to vehicle. This problem has been solved in the past by supplying a plurality of different kinds of adapter cables as plug connections between the motor vehicle and the diagnostic device for use with the diagnostic tester. The cables create the necessary electrical connections and adjustments in each case to the electrical properties for the various vehicle types. This solution is especially disadvantageous with respect to cost, logistics, and the probability of incorrect operation by confusing the adapter cables.
Hence, the goal of the present invention is to improve upon the diagnostic testers of the above-mentioned type such that the above disadvantages are eliminated.
This goal is achieved by a diagnostic tester for electronic control devices which can be connected by a plug connection in any motor vehicle to a diagnostic plug connection connected with the control devices to be diagnosed. The connection is standardized mechanically with a predetermined number of plug contacts but not, however, in terms of the signal assignments of the plug contacts and the electrical properties of the signals to be transmitted The plug connection is a universal plug connection that is identical for the various types of motor vehicles. The connection is mechanically adapted to the standardized diagnostic plug connection. An adapter unit is connected at the diagnostic tester side of the universal plug connection. The adapter unit automatically creates the necessary electrical connections between the plug contacts of the universal plug connection and the central processing unit CPU of the diagnostic device in accordance with the signal assignments of the plug contacts made for each type of motor vehicle. Advantageous improvements of the invention are also described herein.
The plurality of adapter cables is replaced in the diagnostic tester according to the present invention by a single universal plug connection for all types of motor vehicles. The function of the plurality of adapter cables is assumed by a signal adapter unit which automatically produces the necessary electrical connections and adjustments to the electrical properties of the signals to be transmitted. Advantageously, the signal adapter unit has for this purpose a module that can be reprogrammed in terms of its function and/or its pin assignments, said module being known for example as a so-called FPGA (field programmable gate arrays) module made by the Xilinx company. Since this module is basically unsuitable for processing motor vehicle signals, especially those at a high level, this module operates with drivers in the form of universal transmitter and/or receiver units. Preferably, a driver is assigned to each plug contact of the universal plug connection. The drivers can operate, for example, as receivers, transmitters, or as transmitters and receivers for bidirectional signals.
The operation of the driver can be configured by means of the reprogrammable module. Similarly, the electrical properties of the signals to be transmitted are preferably adapted by suitable configuration of the drivers by means of the reprogrammable module. Because the module can be reprogrammed in terms of its function and assignments, for example, similar signals in its information content that are assigned to certain inputs or outputs of the diagnostic tester or of its CPU can be applied to these inputs or outputs, even if these signals are being transmitted over different plug contacts of the diagnostic plug connection :and with different electrical properties (differences in signal level for example).
Preferably, the adapter unit, as the result of the application of certain input signals, recognizes which type of vehicle is to be diagnosed at the moment and then adapts automatically to the corresponding signal assignments of the plug contacts and to the electrical properties of the signals to be transmitted. Input signals of this kind for detecting a specific type of motor vehicle can, for example, be produced manually for example by operating a switch on the diagnostic tester or by means of a signal, transmitted through a specific plug contact from the motor vehicle, that is capable of distinguishing the types of motor vehicles.
A considerable cost savings is achieved with the diagnostic tester according too the present invention since the additional adapter contributes only insignificantly to the total price of the diagnostic tester, while the plurality of adapter cables can be eliminated. Ion addition, the operation of the diagnostic tester is simplified and the possibility of improper operation is eliminated by using a single universal plug connection and a partially fully automatic adapter.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
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Aqueous fluids, including wastewater produced by industrial enterprises, such as factories, as well restaurants, households and from many other sources, are likely to contain pollutants, such as oils, e.g., mineral and vegetable oils, and crude oil, are often discharged into oceans, seas or rivers which may cause serious ecological problems. When the seas or rivers are polluted with large amounts of oils, the oils are generally enclosed by oil fences to prevent them from dispersing, and then are recovered. Further, the oils are often adsorbed, solidified and recovered by use of oil-gelling agents. However, if the rivers run fast or the oceans and seas are turbulent, e.g., because of high tides or extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes, it is difficult to adsorb and solidify the oils. Accordingly, under such conditions, it may be difficult to contain and solidify the oils. As a result, oil slicks are formed which are washed up on the beaches and adversely affect seabirds and/or marine life.
On the other hand, in a water purification system for treating wastewater (such as industrial and domestic wastewaters) containing a small amount of oils dispersed therein, the wastewater is generally filtered through a filter to remove the oils. However, since the filter in the system has a tendency to clog with the oils, it is necessary to change the filter frequently. Hence, considerable cost and effort are required to maintain the system. Further, if the wastewater contains a large amount of oils, the oils and the water may separate to form upper and lower layers, respectively. If the wastewater containing such layers is filtered, the filter often clogs. To avoid the clogging it is necessary to perform time and effort consuming pretreatments of such wastewater. The pretreatments may include spreading, inorganic or organic adsorbents, such as silica and pearlite, or organic water purification agents comprising oleophilic polymers, on the wastewater before the filtration. However, it is difficult to collect and recover the organic adsorbents and polymers, and the inorganic adsorbents are generally poor in oil adsorbability.
JP-A 2000-176306 discusses a method of recovering oil floating on water surface. Heavy oil is recovered by dispersing a magnetic body and magnetically separated by a recovery apparatus mounted on a recovery ship. The magnetic body is provided with heightened affinity for the heavy oil by coating surface of a fine magnetite particle with a hydrophobic coating of stearic acid. The magnetic attractive force of the recovery apparatus to the magnetite affects the heavy oil through the stearic acid, and sea water and the heavy oil are efficiently separated by magnetic force.
Fujieda et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication 2010/0059448 discusses a water treatment composition and method of using it to treat water containing pollutants. The composition comprises magnetic particles, which include magnetic powder subjected to surface treatment with a particular organometallic compound. The composition can be rapidly separated by a magnetic force. The organometallic compound comprises a metal atom connected to an alkoxy group and an amphipathic organic group. The magnetic substance may be a material exhibiting ferromagnetism at room temperature, such as any ferromagnetic material, e.g., iron, iron alloy, magnetite and others. The sizes and shapes of the magnetic particles can be controlled, and the mean size is preferably 0.2 micrometer to 5 millimeters. The magnetic powder may comprise magnetic granules having surfaces subjected to hydrophobic treatment with alkoxysilane compounds, e.g., methyltrimethoxysilane, methyltriethoxysilane, phenyltrimethoxysilane and phenyltriethoxysilane. The water treatment composition, is used in a water treatment method to remove pollutants, such as organic pollutants or particularly oils, e.g., mineral oils, animal and vegetable fats and oils, hydrocarbons and aromatic oils.
Murai et al., US Patent Application Publication US 2009/0321363 discusses particles and a method for treating water with the particles similar to that of Fujieda. After the surfaces of the magnetic particles are treated with silane coupling agents containing amino groups, the amino groups are reacted with halogenated hydrocarbons having hydrocarbon chains (i.e., hydrophobic moieties). Normally, the mean size of the magnetic particles is 0.1 to 1000 μm.
Bradbury, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,476, discusses a method for removing pollutant ions from an aqueous solution, which comprises contacting the solution with particles of a composite magnetic resin which includes magnetic particles embedded in an organic polymeric matrix. The organic polymeric matrix either contains or has attached to it sites which are selective for the pollutant ions in the presence of other ions, which are not desired to be removed. In the next step, composite magnetic resin particles are separated by magnetic filtration from the solution. Then, the separated composite magnetic resin particles are subjected to regeneration using an appropriate regenerant solution, and are separated from the regenerant solution and recycled.
Etemad et al., US Patent Application Publication 2010-0051557 discusses a process for eliminating heavy metal cations from an aqueous medium. The process comprises two stages: in the first stage, iron oxide nanoparticles, such as magnetite, are suspended in an aqueous medium contaminated with the heavy metal cations, and in the second stage the solution is brought into contact with a ferromagnetic matrix (or a paramagnetic matrix) magnetized by an outside magnetic field. The heavy metal cations are deposited on the matrix under the imposed magnetic field and then separated from the matrix. The heavy metal cations are cadmium, lead and copper.
Prenger et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,596,182 discusses a process for removing heavy metals from water which includes the steps of introducing magnetite to a quantity of water containing heavy metal and mixing the magnetite with water, so at least a portion of the heavy metal is bound to the magnetite. The magnetite and the absorbed metal are removed from the water by application of a magnetic field, e.g. by flowing the water through a solid magnetized matrix, such as a steel wool, so that the magnetite magnetically binds to the solid matrix. Alternatively, the magnetized matrix is subject to an externally applied magnetic field. Once the magnetite and the heavy metal is bound to the matrix, it can be removed and disposed of. The magnetite may be formed in situ.
Rampersaud et al., US Patent Application Publication US 2010/0012880, discusses particles which may have a magnetic particle having a protective layer and a hydrophilic and a hydrophobic portion.
However, a need still exists in the art to overcome deficiencies and limitations of previously-existing methods.
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In various industries and organizations, the parties that provide and receive services may communicate with each other. Often times, communication is performed via paper or a non-electronic media. For example, the parties may communicate to each other via mail or fax.
With the advent of networks, such as the Internet, the parties may communicate with each other through electronic media. For example, one party may communicate information to another party via electronic mail (email). In another example, one party may maintain storage, and allow visiting parties to access the storage via a retrieving protocol, such as a File Transfer Protocol (FTP).
In certain industries, for example health care, certain precautions may be required when parties share information with each other. Some of these precautions may be mandated or required by federal laws or regulations. In particular, statutes may dictate that when information is passed from one party to another (i.e. a first health care provider to a second health care provider), that certain security and privacy concerns are maintained through protective techniques such as encryption to reduce the likelihood of security breaches and violations of privacy regulations through the disclosure of personal health information (PHI).
The Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) established the Direct Project which defines a standard protocol for secure messaging by email. The Direct protocol allows participants to send authenticated, secure messages containing encrypted health information to known, trusted recipients over the Internet. In essence, the Direct protocol creates a closed network where only verified and trusted participants may communicate with each other. The Direct protocol employs the use of secure Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) to facilitate the sending of messages from one party to another and requires special digital security certificates for the encryption/decryption.
Each provider that shares health information may be registered with a Health Information Service Provider (HISP) that is similar to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) but that specializes in Direct secure messaging (secure email). One HISP may service many health care entities. Additionally, several HISPs may be established, and communication between HISPs may be performed employing a closed network messaging protocol, such as Direct. Each health care entity may have a unique identifier granted by one of the HISPs, and use the identifiers to communicate with one another (for example, ‘[email protected]’).
An example of communicating with a closed network such as one that employs the Direct protocol is described below. The sender pushes the message from the sender's HISP to the receiver's HISP. In this case, the sender may be a general physician who wants to transmit health information to a specialist.
The sender's HISP may communicate securely with the receiver's HISP if the two HISPs have established a trust anchor by exchanging digital security certificates. The sender's HISP may refer to a routing information directory and push the message to the receiver's HISP accordingly.
In the final stage, the receiver's HISP may receive the encrypted message and provide the message in unencrypted form to the recipient. Thus, through communicating with closed messaging, such as employing the Direct protocol, a first health care provider may securely and electronically transmit health information to an authenticated second health care provider. In this way, due to the messaging occurring electronically, a more efficient delivery of health information is achieved in a secure way.
The above example describes a situation in which one physician is communicating with another physician. One of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate that the above described messaging may occur with various parties, such as clinics, patients, testing labs, and the like.
The Direct Project and Direct standard also allows for system endpoints (i.e. an automated sender or an automated receiver) such that the following communications are possible using Direct:
SenderReceiverPersonPersonPersonSystemSystemPersonSystemSystem
The legislated name under the Affordable Care Act for a Direct secure email address is “Electronic Service Information” or ESI. Utilization of Direct by healthcare providers is mandated under the Affordable Care Act for Meaningful Use Stage Two, which under the present Act is required by January 2014. As a result, Direct secure email accounts are becoming a widely available commodity as numerous vendors drive the costs out of operating a Direct HISP.
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus for removing a pulsive noise in an FM receiver. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus for removing effectively a pulsive noise included in a received signal in an FM receiver.
2. Description of the Prior Art
It has been well known that a pulsive noise, such as an ignition noise caused by an automobile, interferes with normal reception by an FM receiver. Since such a pulsive noise tends to phase modulate the FM signal, it cannot be removed by an amplitude limiter and is liable to be detected by a detector and to be transferred to the subsequent stage. Accordingly, it is necessary that such a pulsive noise be removed in a signal transmission path in the stage subsequent to the detector.
Hitherto, two method for removing such a pulsive noise have been proposed and put in practical use. One method is to provide a gating circuit between the detector and a stereo multiplex circuit such that the gating circuit is opened on the occasion of occurrence of a noise, thereby to remove the noise. The other method is to provide gating circuits in the two output signal lines for left and right signals, respectively, from a stereo multiplex circuit, such that these gating circuits are opened on the occasion of occurrence of the noise, thereby to remove the noise. These two methods each have advantages, but nevertheless have disadvantages that a pulse cannot be completely removed.
Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an improvement in a prior art method wherein a gating circuit is provided between a detector and a stereo multiplex circuit in an attempt to remove noise in a thorough manner.
Before entering into description of the inventive noise removing apparatus, a brief description will be made of a typical prior art noise removing apparatus with reference to FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 1, the reference numeral 1 denotes an input terminal where a detected output signal is applied, the reference numeral 2 denotes an input transistor, the reference numeral 3 denotes a gate adapted to be kept open for a predetermined time period after receipt of a pulsive noise, the reference numeral 4 denotes a holding capacitor, the reference numeral 5 denotes an output transistor, and reference numeral 6 denotes an output terminal. The gate 3 is closed while no pulsive noise exists, so that the detected output signal is transferred from the input terminal 1 through the input transistor 2, the gate 3 and the output transistor 5 to the output terminal 6. At that time, the holding capacitor 4 is kept charged by the detected output signal. If and when a pulsive noise is received, a noise detector (not shown) becomes operative to open the gate 3. Since the noise detector has been adapted to keep the gate 3 open for a predetermined time period upon detection of the noise, the output transistor 5 is kept supplied for that time period from the holding capacitor 4 with a signal of the signal level immediately before the gate 3 is opened. Thus, the pulsive noise is effectively removed and is not transferred to the subsequent stages.
However, such a noise removing apparatus has a disadvantage in that even the pilot signal is interrupted during the time period when the gate is opened. If the pilot signal is interrupted for a predetermined time period, the switching signal for the stereo multiplex circuit is not obtained in the subsequent stage. As a result, the stereo multiplex circuit is switched from the stereo operation to monaural operation. If and when the gate is closed, the stereo multiplex circuit is switched back from monaural operation to stereo operation. Such a noise removing apparatus suffers from the shortcomings that distortion and noise are caused at the time of such switching between the stereo and monaural operations. Another disadvantage is that while the gate is opened the output signal is retained in the pilot signal voltage and that state is demodulated by the stereo multiplex circuit, which causes a noise.
In order to solve the above described disadvantages, provision may be made wherein while the gate is opened the pilot signal is applied from a separate circuit. To that end, it has been proposed that an LC parallel resonance circuit is provided in series with the holding capacitor, whereby a pseudo pilot signal is supplied from the LC parallel resonance circuit during the time period when the gate is opened.
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This application relates to small molecules that bind to the HSP90 family of proteins, and to methods for making and using such small molecules.
The HSP90 family of proteins has four recognized members in mammalian cells: Hsp90 α and β, Grp94 and Trap-1. Hsp90 α and β exist in the cytosol and the nucleus in association with a number of other proteins. Hsp90 is the most abundant cellular chaperone, and has been shown in experimental systems to be required for ATP-dependent refolding of denatured or “unfolded”proteins. It has therefore been proposed to function as part of the cellular defense against stress. When cells are exposed to heat or other environmental stresses, the aggregation of unfolded proteins is prevented by pathways that catalyze their refolding or degradation. This process depends on the association of the unfolded protein in an ordered fashion with multiple chaperones (Hsp 60, 90 and 70 and p23), forming a “refoldosome” and ultimately the ATP-dependent release of the chaperones from the refolded protein.
Hsp90 may also play a role in maintaining the stability and function of mutated proteins. It seems to be required for expression of mutated p53 and v-src to a much greater extent than for their wild-type counterparts. It has been suggested that this occurs as a result of hsp90-mediated suppression of the phenotypes of mutations that lead to protein unfolding.
Hsp90 is also necessary to the conformational maturation of several key proteins involved in the growth response of the cell to extracellular factors. These include the steroid receptors as well as certain transmembrane kinases (i.e., Raf serine linase, v-src and Her2). The mechanism whereby hsp90 affects these proteins is not fully understood, but appears to be similar to its role in protein refolding. In the case of the progesterone receptor, it has been shown that binding and release of hsp90 from the receptor occurs in a cyclic fashion in concert with release of other chaperones and immunophilins and is required for high affinity binding of the steroid to the receptor. Thus, hsp90 could function as a physiologic regulator of signaling pathways, even in the absence of stress.
Hsp90 has also been shown to be overexpressed in multiple tumor types and as a function of oncogenic transformation. Whether it plays a necessary role in maintaining transformation is unknown, but it could have at least three functions in this regard. Cancer cells grow in an environment of hypoxia, low pH and low nutrient concentration. They also rapidly adapt to or are selected to become resistant to radiation and cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents. Thus, the general role of hsp90 in maintaining the stability of proteins under stress may be necessary for cell viability under these conditions. Secondly, cancer cells harbor mutated oncogenic proteins. Some of these are gain-of-function mutations which are necessary for the transformed phenotype. Hsp90 may be required for maintaining the folded, functionally-active conformation of these proteins. Thirdly, activation of signaling pathways mediated by steroid receptors, Raf and other hsp90 targets is necessary for the growth and survival of many tumors which thus probably also require functional hsp90.
These characteristics of hsp90 make it a viable target for therapeutic agents. HSP90 family members possess a unique pocket in their N-terminal region that is specific to and conserved among all hsp90s from bacteria to mammals, but which is not present in other molecular chaperones. The endogenous ligand for this pocket is not known, but it binds ATP and ADP with low affinity and has weak ATPase activity. In addition, the ansamycin antibiotics geldanamycin (GM) and herbimycin (HA) have been shown to bind to this conserved pocket. This binding affinity has been shown for all members of the HSP90 family. International Patent Publication No. WO98/51702, which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses the use of ansamycin antibiotics coupled to a targeting moiety to provide targeted delivery of the ansamycin leading to the degradation of proteins in and death of the targeted cells. International Patent Publication No. WO00/61578 relates to bifunctional molecules having two moieties which interact with the chaperone protein hsp90, including in particular homo- and heterodimers of ansamycin antibiotics. These bifunctional molecules act to promote degradation and/or inhibition of HER-family tyrosine kinases and are effective for treatment of cancers which overexpress Her-kinases.
While the use of geldanamycin and other ansamycin antibiotics and their derivatives provides for effective degradation of a number of kinases and other signaling proteins, they generally lack significant selectivity, and are instead effective to degrade a broad spectrum of proteins. This can increase the risk of undesirable side effects. Furthermore, anasmycin antibiotics are insoluble or at best poorly soluble in aqueous media. This complicates administration. Thus, there remains room for improvement of therapeutic agents that bring about the degradation of kinases and other signaling proteins via interaction with members of the HSP90 family of chaperone proteins.
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The present invention relates broadly to an amplifier apparatus, and in particular to a variable gain amplifier apparatus.
There are a number of undesirable conditions that may occur in amplifiers, produced by improper circuit design and by inherent limitations in the physical operation of the devices. In general, good circuit design can reduce all of the undesirable conditions, including those caused by physical limitations to the point where they are not noticeable.
If the output signal from an amplifier is not an exact replica of the input signal, distortion has occurred. In theory it is impossible for an amplifier to avoid introducing distortion. On the other hand, amplifiers have been designed in which the distortion is extremely small. Distortion is introduced by two factors in the amplifier. One factor is a nonlinear relation of the device between the input signal and the output signal. If the input signal is a sinusoidal signal, the output will be composed of harmonies of the input. The second factor is the frequency response of the amplifier. Since the gain of the amplifier is not the same for all frequencies, the amplification of each harmonic component of an input signal is not necessarily the same as that of the others. The output signal, since it is a superposition of the harmonic components, differs from the input signal. Distortion caused by nonlinearities in the amplifier and by the frequency response of the amplifier can be reduced by the proper use of feedback.
The noise encountered in amplifiers may in general, be classified into thermal noise and shot noise. Thermal noise is caused by the random motion of electrons inside resistors, conductors, tubes, and transistors. It has the characteristic of having uniform power per unit bandwidth. Furthermore, the noise power is directly proportional to the temperature when expressed in degrees Kelvin. Shot noise is the name given to the noise generated in transistors or vacuum tubes by the random emission of holes or electrons from the emitter or cathode. The random emission produces minute fluctuations in the average value of collector or plate current. These fluctuations produce a small noise voltage of the same order of magnitude as thermal noise (a few microvolts).
To analyze the effect of these noise sources upon the circuit and to design the optimum circuit, noise generators are used, and the analysis proceeds in a straightforward manner. Although noise voltages can become bothersome in audio amplifiers, the most common situation where they must be considered is the design of rf amplifiers, where quite often the signal to be amplified is not much larger than the rms value of the noise voltage.
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electric motor.
2. Description of Related Art
In some electric motors, a brush holder is placed between a motor main body side housing (a yoke housing) and a speed reducer side housing (gear housing). The brush holder includes a holder member and a base member. The holder member holds brushes. The base member includes a connector and is installed to the holder member. One such a motor is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-011076A. In this type of motor, in order to install the brush holder to the yoke housing, a positioning structure needs to be provided to axially position the holder member relative to the yoke housing. In the case of Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-011076A, a stepped portion is formed in an inner peripheral wall of the yoke, housing. One axial side part of the holder member is axially abutted against the stepped portion, and the other axial side part of the holder member is axially abutted against the base member. In this way, the holder member is axially positioned.
However, in the case of the above-described motor, the stepped portion, which is formed in the yoke housing, adds a complexity to the structure of the yoke housing. Thereby, it may hinder easy manufacturing of the yoke housing, and thereby an improvement is required with respect to this point.
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1. Technical Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a disposable self-opener for first opening a tubular bag cartridge and for subsequently squeezing the pasty compound contained therein from the cartridge. Such pasty compounds are used for sealing or gluing joints and have to be squeezed for that purpose through a nozzle onto the site of application. The pasty compound, whether a sealing compound or an adhesive, is packaged in small quantities in disposable plastic cartridges, which are designed in the form of cylinders, whereby the nozzle is mounted at the front end of the cylinder. A plunger can then be pushed into the cylinder from the back, so that the compound is squeezed out through the nozzle. In the case of larger packaging units, plastic one-way cartridges are not suitable because this would create excessively large amounts of waste. Furthermore, plastic is an unsuitable packaging material for many of such pasty products, because the products are poorly durable in plastics. However, an aluminum foil material, or merely a foil coated with aluminum or with aluminum vapors forms a reliable oxygen, light and moisture barrier and assures practically unlimited durability and thus an unlimited shelf life for the products to be packaged. Therefore, many of such pasty products, for example adhesive compound for gluing-in automobile glass panes, or sealing compounds of the type processed in large quantities especially in the field of construction, are commonly packaged in such foil material-like xe2x80x9csausagesxe2x80x9d so as to obtain so-called tubular bag cartridges. Exactly as is done with sausages, the two ends are sealed with metal clips. Such pasty compounds packaged like sausages are offered in xe2x80x9csausagexe2x80x9d sizes of about 10 mm to 100 mm diameter and up to about 50 cm length. To apply the content, such a xe2x80x9csausagexe2x80x9d is inserted in a dispenser device substantially forming a hollow cylinder. A nozzle with a self-opener positioned in front of it can be screwed onto the front side of said cylinder, and a plunger can then be inserted from the back side of said cylinder. Pressure is then directly applied to the foil material from the back end of the xe2x80x9csausagexe2x80x9d . In the disposable case, the nozzle is screwed onto a so-called self-opener, which in turn is inserted in a screw cap and subsequently screwed onto the cylinder end of the dispensing device. Before pasty compounds can be squeezed out, the sausage-like tubular bag cartridge has to be opened after it is inserted in the dispensing device. This occurs as the self-opener is being screwed on because it is also produced in the form of a disposable, plastic injection-molded part, provided on the inside with cutting edges, so that the foil on the front side of the packaging, i.e. at the end of the xe2x80x9csausagexe2x80x9d, is cut open as the self-opener is being screwed on. Under the pressure applied by the plunger, the pasty compound then squeezes through the slits so formed and displaces the foil material sideways. After the pasty compound has been consumed, the foil packaging is removed from the dispenser device and disposed of together with the self-opener and the nozzle.
2. Description of the Prior Art
With the self-openers known heretofore for cutting open the cartridge and mounting the nozzle, it was found to be a drawback that the metal clip of the sausage-like tubular bag cartridge and foil material suspended thereon may tear off under the influence of the flowing pasty compound, and may finally get caught in the opening of the nozzle, where it partly clogs the cross section of the nozzle. With such a partly clogged passage, the compound now exits in the form of a thin xe2x80x9cwormxe2x80x9d having, for example one fourth of the normal diameter. As this requires particularly high plunger pressure and the pressure is to some extent stored in the front part of the pasty compound, the discharge of the compound can no longer be precision-controlled. Once the pressure of the plunger has been relieved, a xe2x80x9cwormxe2x80x9d of pasty compound will continue to exit from the nozzle for a certain period of time. In other words, it is no longer possible to rapidly stop the discharge of the paste. In the worst case, the metal clip torn loose may even clog the nozzle, so that the remaining content of the tubular bag cartridge can no longer be squeezed out and is lost.
Therefore, the problem of the present invention is to create a disposable self-opener that overcomes the drawbacks specified above and permits safe opening of sausage-like tubular bag cartridges containing pasty products, as well as well-dosed and complete squeezing-out of such products by means of a customary dispensing device.
Said problem is solved by a disposable self-opener for opening a tubular bag cartridge and squeezing out a pasty compound therefrom. Said disposable self-opener is comprised of a conical tube shoulder with an orifice, which is produced by injection-molding plastic, whereby the self-opener can be inserted in an associated screw cap and thus screwed onto the end of a tube. On its inner side, the self-opener has gable-shaped pairs of cutting edges with the peak of the gable pointing in the screwing direction. Said self-opener is characterized in that a retainer basket for receiving the metal clip of the tubular bag cartridge to be opened is arranged on its inner side in the center.
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The field of art to which this invention pertains is the purification of a diolefin hydrocarbon stream containing trace quantities of acetylene compounds. The production of diolefins is well known and widely practiced to produce a wide variety of products and precursor products utilizing a variety of diolefin production processes including naphtha cracking processes and by-products from fluid catalytic cracking processes. Most of these diolefin production processes produce undesirable trace quantities of acetylene. One technique which is used purify diolefin streams selectively hydrogenates the acetylene while minimizing the destruction or hydrogenation of the diolefin compounds.
The selective hydrogenation of the acetylene compounds is generally conducted in the presence of a selective hydrogenation catalyst and hydrogen and conducted at an elevated pressure and temperature. Such selective hydrogenation catalysts are well known in the art and include, for example, a catalyst containing copper metal associated with one or more activator metals impregnated on an alumina support. During the acetylene hydrogenation polymers are formed and deposited on the catalyst thereby reducing the activity of the catalyst. One known method of regenerating spent or partially spent catalyst is to perform a controlled carbon bum and subsequent metal reduction to remove catalyst contaminants which are formed as an undesirable by-product of the acetylene hydrogenation. The carbon bum regeneration techniques necessarily require that the reaction zone containing the spent catalyst be taken off-line and that ancillary regeneration equipment be provided.
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The present invention relates generally to the field of lighting for signs and displays and in particular to a new and useful gas discharge tube color display generator having a digital and/or analog programmable control circuit used to regulate power to multiple gas discharge lamps. The system of the invention can be used to create varying gas lighting displays which are quickly and easily changed, stored, recalled and repeated.
Neon signs are widely used to advertise businesses with eye-catching colors and designs. This is especially true in cities like New York City and Las Vegas, Nevada.
As used herein, the term "neon sign" refers to several types of excited gas discharge tube displays. While neon is a common inert gas found in the discharge tubes of lighting displays, other inert gases as well as mercury vapor are also used in lighting displays. As used herein, "neon" and "gas discharge tube" are intended to encompass all of the gases and vapors known for use in lighting discharge tubes and tubes using any known gas or vapor, respectively, unless otherwise specified and is not intended to limit the invention to discharge tubes using only neon gas.
Neon lights can be made to produce different colors by changing the physical construction of the discharge tube. To cause a discharge tube to produce a particular color one or more of the following are changed: 1) the gas in the tube; 2) a phosphor coating on the tube; or 3) a filter on the tube. These three factors can be used alone or in combination to produce different colors.
A common type of display sign typically has a discharge tube mounted behind a translucent sheet of material which contains the design or color being illuminated. This type of display is generally static, in that the design of the sign cannot change. The discharge tubes used in this type of sign generally emit white light behind the sheet of material. Neon, fluorescent and incandescent lighting can all be used to illuminate this type of sign.
Another type of neon sign uses discharge tubes to provide an outline of a design. The discharge tubes usually contain a single gas, such as neon, argon, xenon, etc., which emits light in the visible spectrum when excited by electrical energy. Methods used to generate the different colors in the light spectrum in these types of signs are to use different gases in the discharge tubes and to use different phosphorescent coatings on the tubes. The color of the tube is not changeable once the tube has been filled with a single gas or coated with a particular phosphorescent coating. In some cases these signs exhibit movement by switching sections of the discharge tubes on and off, such as between two different arm positions on a display pointing to a business.
In each of these two cases, however, the color of the sign cannot be changed without changing the sign or the discharge tubes.
Changeable lighting displays, such as found on sports stadium scoreboards, use individual single color incandescent lightbulbs which are either lit or darkened to produce a picture when viewed from a distance. Some incandescent bulb displays show messages which are made to appear to move across the display area by rapidly switching the bulbs in sequence.
A luminous tube using noble gases to produce light of different hues is taught by U.S. Pat. No. 4,598,229. The tube has an outer tube and three or more inner tubes mounted inside the outer tube. The three inner tubes each have one cathode electrode, and a common anode electrode is provided in the outer tube. The same inert gas fills each of the three tubes. The inner tubes can each be coated with a different phosphorescent coating to provide a different primary light color when they are illuminated, that is, red, blue and green. From a distance, the tube will appear to be a single color which is the combination of the three colors of the inner tube. The color of light emitted by the tube can be changed by varying the current density to each cathode.
However, a lighting tube of this type is impractical if not impossible to effectively use in a lighting display designed for depicting free flowing shapes or driving tubes of extended length.
None of the known neon lighting systems has a control system which permits rapid changing and storing and recalling of the display and/or complex sequencing using different color combinations created using the control system.
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1. Technical Field
This document relates to devices and methods for the treatment of heart conditions. For example, this document relates to devices and methods for treating heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, including diastolic heart failure, by performing a pericardial modification procedure.
2. Background Information
The pericardium is a thin double-layered fluid filled sac that surrounds the heart and the roots of the aorta, vena cava, and the pulmonary artery. The outer sac is known as the fibrous pericardium. The inner sac is known as the serous pericardium. The serous pericardium consists of a visceral layer portion and a parietal layer portion (“parietal pericardium”). The visceral layer covers the heart and the great vessels. The parietal portion lines the outer fibrous pericardium.
The phrenic nerves course from the brain to the diaphragm. The phrenic nerves provide motor impulses to muscles of the diaphragm, thereby allowing for lung expansion to facilitate breathing. The right phrenic nerve passes underneath the muscles of the neck and bones of the shoulder to the base of the right lung, contacting the heart and the trachea. The left phrenic nerve follows a similar path, passing close to the heart before entering the diaphragm.
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Memory devices have been widely used in electronic products to provide high storage speed and low power consumption. For example, resistive random access memory (RRAM) device is one possible candidate for next generation non-volatile memory technology due to simple and complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) logic compatible process. Each memory cell in a RRAM device is a metal oxide material sandwiched between top and bottom electrodes. By applying appropriate voltage, the state of each memory cell can be changed from high resistance state (HRS) to low resistance state (LRS) or from LRS to HRS. The above switching mechanism is related to oxygen vacancy migration. The low and high resistance states are utilized to indicate a logical data “1” or “0”, thereby allowing for data storage.
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an optical apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the field of an optical apparatus such as a projector or a microscope, a structure for attaching a lens barrel to an optical apparatus body (hereinafter referred to as “apparatus body”) by means of plate claws is known. An example of such a structure is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. H4-307528. In the structure of an optical apparatus disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication Number H4-307528, three plate claws (outer circumferential convex parts) are formed at an apparatus-body-attachment part of a lens barrel. On the other hand, a single thread groove and cutout regions through which the plate claws can be inserted into the groove are formed in the apparatus body. A concave part is formed in the outside of each plate claw. In addition, inner circumferential convex parts are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the groove. After the raising of the lens barrel to put the plate claws into the groove of the apparatus body through the cutout regions respectively, the lens barrel is turned so that the plate claws move to deeper positions inside the groove. In this way, the lens barrel is attached to the apparatus body. When the lens barrel is turned, each of the inner circumferential convex parts that are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the groove is fitted into the concave part that is formed in the outside of the plate claw, thereby determining the position of the lens barrel around the optical axis.
However, the related-art optical apparatus that is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. H4-307528 has a disadvantage in that the shape of the lens barrel is inevitably complex because it is necessary to form the concave part in the plate claw for position determination, which results in increased production cost. As another disadvantage, since the cutout regions are formed at the apparatus-body side, a person who attaches the lens barrel to the apparatus body has to, for example, bend the upper part of the body for looking up the apparatus body from a lowered eye level to confirm the positions of the cutout regions. For this reason, the efficiency of lens barrel attachment is low.
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to flat panel flight instrument displays for use in aircraft.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is essential in the creation of graphical flight instruments for an aircraft that are to be used and relied upon by the flight crew that they be of ultra high reliability and integrity.
In prior art systems, the Pilot Flight Display (PFD), Navigation Display (ND) and Engine/Electrical Display (ICAS) systems of an aircraft receive sensor data/inputs on all relevant parameters—about 100 pieces of data, the majority in the standard ARINC 429 serial format. This data is input to an image rendering Symbol Generator and is checked for reasonableness and validity. The parameters are then appropriately scaled to useable formats, and the commands to create various informational alphanumeric and graphical images for reporting the relevant data on a display screen viewable by the flight crew are executed using the scaled parameters; these commands include graphical primitives such as points and lines, pointer, arc, polygon and fill commands, and alphanumeric characters. A typical display is produced by thousands of such commands that are executed on the order of 100 times every second. Each of these generated graphical primitives or primitive command elements must then be rotated, translated and their color (e.g., red, blue, green) modified or changed or varied in response to the data signal values received by the Symbol Generator. The creation, orienting and positioning of these graphical features for imaging on a screen display require thousands, and commonly tens or hundreds of thousands of lines of computer code. Once oriented and positioned, each primitive element is then rendered by calculating individual display field textels (points) and placing them into an 8 million byte pixel map in the video RAM, which is refreshed on the order of 100 times per second. The data fed to the graphical display screen must also be anti-aliased to smooth the generated image lines and thereby present to the flight crew a display that is both easy to read and interpret and which rapidly conveys the information that it is intended to represent. Anti-aliasing of display data, however, is extremely computationally intensive—typically 800 billion instructions/second—since it is necessary to compute the locus of points along each line, arc, etc. and the intensity levels of the adjacent pixels (i.e. those pixels adjacent to the computed data points) for smoothing of the graphical lines and images to be displayed. To avoid this high computational overhead many such displays use principally-vertical scales which do not require anti-aliasing of the image lines but which limit the ability of graphically-generated flight instruments to either graphically-depict (i.e. mimic) the conventional mechanical instruments with which the flight crew is familiar or present the flight instrument data in other convenient, legible, easily-utilized and readily understandable formats.
As noted in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,693,558, which overcomes many of the problems associated with the prior art, the rapidly evolving computer processing and graphics display generation technology from the PC industry provides low cost and exceptionally powerful computing engines, both in CPU's like the Intel Pentium 4 and in special purpose 256-bit parallel rendering engines and the like commercially available from a multiplicity of companies. The availability of increasingly more powerful computing engines facilitates the implementation of ever more capable and complex display systems, since these new systems are capable of executing many more instructions (i.e. lines of code) per second. However, the size of this code and the complexity of the displays, especially in these new large formats, raises in the avionics industry the problem of having to test all code intended for use on an aircraft to the exacting standards required by the FAA(Federal Aviation Administration) for flight critical airborne equipment in order to certify the new and improved processor and display subsystems for permitted use on aircraft. The hundreds of thousands of instructions that are executed by such equipment to format and display the critical flight data are required by the FAA to undergo exhaustive, carefully-documented testing that commonly takes 5000 man-months for even relatively modest changes to previously-certified systems. Moreover, the low-cost, high performance hardware that is widely available to the public from the PC industry cannot currently be used in conventional aircraft instrumentation systems because the design history and verification data for such hardware is not available from the manufacturer, and sufficient support data and testing has not been or will not be done by the manufacturer to demonstrate its operational reliability and design integrity.
Many of the prior art aircraft instrumentation displays use typically dedicated processors and graphics rendering chips that have been specifically designed for the particular application. FAA certification is based on a determination that both the hardware and the software of the display system have been thoroughly demonstrated, e.g. through extensive testing and documentation, to be operable in the intended aircraft flight deck environment and with the anticipated flight and environmental data without introducing unexpected errors or inaccuracies. This generally requires that the history or heritage of the processor or chip design must be fully documented to the FAA and that the hardware and software must be tested by validating data flow through every pathway in the chip using the entire range of data—i.e. every single value—that the chip would be expected to handle during normal use on the aircraft. This process requires many, many months of testing. As a result, a manufacturer that wishes to periodically improve, for example, the graphics processor of an aircraft image rendering computer would spend virtually all of its time testing the new or improved chips. Despite the fact that current, widely-available, relatively inexpensive, off-the-shelf graphics processor chips are improved and become significantly more powerful and capable every 6 months or so, the specialty aircraft instrumentation processor chips and software used in these specialized aircraft displays are for practical reasons very infrequently updated or changed to thereby avoid the constant re-testing for re-certification that the FAA would require to adequately demonstrate the validity and integrity of the display data that they output.
Accordingly, there always exists a need for an improved graphics display system for use in an aircraft and which can accommodate readily-upgradeable graphics display components and subsystems without adversely affecting existing FAA certification or requiring extensive recertification of the instrumentation display system. Many of these problems have been satisfied by the system disclosed in the referenced commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,693,558 (hereinafter “the 558 system”), in which a comparator processor is used in conjunction with a graphics rendering computer processor. The graphics rendering processor—from which the display presented to the flight crew is generated—is operative for generating, from data provided by a bank of sensors and other environmental and operating parameters and aircraft inputs, the various commands needed for rendering anti-aliased graphically-presented data images on a display screen. A separate comparator processor is provided for independently calculating a selected plurality of data point display locations and values from the same sensors and input data from which the rendering processor generates the images that are to be displayed to the flight crew. The comparator processor then compares its calculated select data point values and locations to be the corresponding data points that have been generated for display by the graphics rendering processor to determine whether such values and locations are the same and thereby test the reliability of the rendering processor generated graphical image for display. Since the comparator processor output data is intentionally insufficient for providing a complete rendered screen display but, rather, is utilized only as an integrity check on the data produced by the graphics rendering computer, no anti-aliasing functionality is required of the comparator processor. This, coupled with the preferred and intended operation of the comparator in the '558 system to calculate only a limited number of select data points used in the comparison, permits the use of a notably simplified comparator processor that requires far less processing power and fewer executable commands to provide its data processing and comparison functions than does the graphics rendering processor by which the image for display is generated. As a result, expeditious FAA certification of the comparator is attainable. The use of a comparator processor as a check on the integrity of the graphics rendering processor data also permits the ready substitution of upgraded rendering engine graphics processors as such components and systems become available without extensive, if any, subsequent testing and documentation to obtain FAA recertification since the associated comparator processor will generally remain unchanged. However, the '558 system requires separate integrity checking and graphics rendering processors as well as requiring comparator hardware.
Accordingly, there still exists a need for improvements in such systems as well as improved techniques for checking the integrity of complex images in such systems.
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1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to the field of elevator controls, and in particular, to illuminated call button and/or annunciator assemblies and circuits for elevators, which are subject to vibration during operation.
2. Description of Art
Switches and circuits for elevator controls can experience premature failure due to the vibration which is inherent in elevator operation. Switches and circuits for elevator controls can also experience premature failure due to the repeated mechanical stresses and the repetitive surge currents which develop as the call buttons, for example, are pressed and even sometimes punched, on a daily basis. Call buttons are deemed to include those buttons which are mounted outside the elevator doors, adjacent thereto, as well as those in the elevator cabs. When lighted indicators are required, but without a switching capacity, it is customary to use a call button assembly with a lamp but without switches. Such indicators are referred to as annunciators. Hereinafter reference will be made generally to call button/annunciator assemblies as encompassing all of these variations of the elevator call button.
Call button/annunciator assemblies have been constructed with smaller and smaller components over the years, following the general trend in electronics towards miniaturization. Smaller and smaller switch assemblies have been developed, which can result in lower costs of manufacture. Unfortunately, such smaller switch assemblies, particularly illuminated switch assemblies, are less resistant to the wear and tear of the vibration and the mechanical and electrical stresses.
Although some savings can be realized in cost and manufacture, the cost saving is illusory. As a practical matter, a service call by a trained technician is necessary to change a lamp in a call button/annunciator assembly. Even if the cost of the miniature or subminiature lamp, for example $1.50, is discounted altogether, the minimum charge for such a service call can be Fifty to Seventy dollars, on average.
Construction practices in the industry been undertaken which have reduced the initial cost of call button/annunciator assemblies by utilizing lamps which can be coupled directly to an AC mains source, albeit through one or more switches. This substantially increases the premature aging effects of surge currents each time the lamp is lit, particularly in high voltage installations, for example those over 60 volts, which constitute the majority of all installations. The effects of surge currents further reduce the operational lifetime of the lamp, necessitating more service calls. Tungsten filaments in lamps are subject to a phenomenon known as notching, which is the appearance of step-like or sawtooth irregularities, on all or part of the tungsten filament surface. The phenomenon is more pronounced in smaller lamps, which are manufactured with thinner filaments. Thinner filaments are also more prone to damage from mechanical stress or shock. Experience has shown that lamps are the weakest link in the maintenance chain from elevator call button/annuciator assemblies. Indicator assemblies employing neon lamps and light emitting diodes have proven unsatisfactory, being too dim and being incapable of emitting white light.
This invention deals with the real problem plaguing call button/annunciator assemblies for elevators, which is not reducing the initial cost of manufacture, but significantly extending the operational lifetime of such assemblies by reducing the frequency of service calls needed to change burned out lamps. Several measures are taught herein to extend the operational lifetime of lamps in elevator call button/annunciator assemblies. When these measures are undertaken, the operational lifetime of a lamp can be increased from a range of eight months to one year to a range of three to five years.
Firstly, these measures include the use of wedge-based lamps, which have been proven reliable in vibration environments in other fields. Secondly these measures include the use of larger lamps having larger and thicker filaments, which are less prone to notching or other damage from surge currents or mechanical stresses. Thirdly, these measures include incurring the added cost of a transformer for driving each lamp at a significantly lower than AC mains voltage level, and to enable use of a lamp which is rated for a higher voltage than the secondary output of the transformer, but lower than the AC mains voltage. As an example, a 120 volt mains supply, which would otherwise energized a lamp directly, is stepped down to a 24 volt secondary supply voltage by the transformer to drive a wedge-based lamp rated for operation at 28 volts. Fourthly, these measures include a modular push-button assembly for implementing an elevator call button/annunciator assembly, which is adapted to accommodate a larger bulb without significantly increasing the size of the assembly housing and to streamline production.
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The present invention relates to a display unit suitable for a display device used for the purpose of reading documents (so-called electronic paper) and its driving method.
In these years, in connection with popularization of the network, documents which were previously distributed in the form of printed materials have been delivered in the form of so-called electronic documents. Further, books and journals are also increasingly provided in the form of so-called electronic publishing. A conventional technique used to read such information is to read the information from a CRT (cathode ray tube) or a liquid crystal display of the computer. However, it is pointed out that it is impossible to use a luminescent type display such as the CRT for long hours of reading and the like since significant fatigue is incurred based on ergonomic reasons. It is said that a non-emissive type display such as the liquid crystal display is not also suitable for reading due to flicker specific to a fluorescent tube. Further, in either case, there is a problem that a reading place is limited to where the computer is installed.
In these years, though a reflective liquid crystal display which uses no back light has been practically used, a reflectance in the case of the liquid crystal is in the range from 30 to 40%. These figures mean significantly bad visibility compared to a reflectance of the printed papers (reflectance of 75% for OA sheets and paperback books; and reflectance of 52% for newspapers). In addition, since fatigue is easy to be incurred due to dazzle by a light reflector or the like, it is impossible to use this reflective LCD for long hours of reading.
Therefore, in order to solve these problems, so-called paperlike displays or electronic papers have been developed. Display methods used for them include an electrophoretic migration method, bicolor ball display method, an electrochromic method and the like. In a display with the electrophoretic migration method (electrophoretic image display: EPID), a white pigment, a black toner and the like are layered on the electrode by the action of electric field. A display with the bicolor ball display method (twisted ball display: TBD) comprises a sphere whose half is colored in white and whose another half is colored in black, and utilizes revolutions by the action of electric field. However, since in both methods, a clearance allowing fluids to gain entry is required and closest packing is impossible, high contrast is hard to be obtained. Further, there is a problem that the practical writing speed (within 1 sec) cannot be obtained unless a drive voltage is 100 V or more. Compared to the displays using these display methods, a display with the electrochromic method (electrochromic display: ECD) is superior to the displays with the foregoing methods in terms of high contrast, and already used practically as a display for, for example, photochromic glasses and timekeepers.
However, as for the electrochromic display, in the case where characters and images are displayed by combining fine picture elements with a simple matrix drive method, there is the danger that its display quality is lowered since its contrast is uniformised due to cross talks between picture elements. Therefore, it is said that an active matrix drive method which arranges active devices such as a transistor for every picture element is desirable. For example, conventionally, an electrochromic display layer is formed on a glass substrate (TFT substrate) wherein thin film transistors (TFT) for every picture element and wiring electrodes or the like are formed. However, in such conventional construction, there is a problem that the display qualities such as luminance and contrast are lowered since the electrochromic display layer is observed from the TFT substrate side so that areas occupied by the TFT and the wiring electrode and the like become shadow.
In light of the foregoing problems, it is an object of the invention to provide a display unit using the electrochromic method which can provide high quality displays and its driving method.
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The embodiments herein relate generally to a water chair, and more particularly, to a water chair with accessories attached thereto.
Existing stationary chairs and flotation devices to not allow for one chair to serve both purposes. Rather, existing products can either function as a stationary chair or as a flotation device. An existing water chair is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,307,527, the entire contents of which is herein incorporated by reference. However, this existing chair must rest along the perimeter of a pool to be held in a usable position. Thus, it is not designed to be used in other bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and the like.
Moreover, existing stationary or floating water chairs that are designed to allow a user to be partially submerged in water fail to include a mechanism for attaching a shading device, such as an umbrella thereto. Additional attachments, such as trays and misters also are not available for the existing water chairs. Existing misters are separate devices that require canisters or other structural features to hold the water, and such structural features can be heavy and cumbersome.
Therefore, what is needed is an improved water chair configured to function as both a stationary chair partially submerged in water and a free floating chair partially submerged in water, wherein attachments, such as a shading device, a tray, and a mister are built into the chair.
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to random access channel (RACH) procedure in a cellular communications network, and in particular to a method and apparatus for allocating a frequency parameter for random access preamble transmission. While it is described below in the context of a long term evolution (LTE) type cellular network for illustrative purposes and since it happens to be well suited to that context, those skilled in the art will recognise that the invention disclosed herein can also be applied to various other types of cellular networks.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
A universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) is a 3rd Generation (3G) asynchronous mobile communication system operating in Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) based on a European standard known as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), and general packet radio services (GPRS). The LTE of UMTS is under discussion by the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) that standardised UMTS.
3GPP LTE is a technology for enabling high-speed packet communications. Many schemes have been proposed for the LTE objective including those that aim to reduce user and provider costs, improve service quality, and expand and improve coverage and system capacity. 3G LTE requires reduced cost per bit, increased service availability, flexible use of a frequency band, a simple structure, an open interface, and adequate power consumption of a terminal as an upper-level requirement.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a network structure of an evolved universal mobile telecommunication system (E-UMTS). The E-UMTS may be also referred to as an LTE system. The communication network is widely deployed to provide a variety of communication services such as voice and packet data.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the E-UMTS network includes an evolved UMTS terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) and an evolved packet core (EPC) and one or more user equipments (UEs) 101. The E-UTRAN may include one or more evolved NodeBs (eNodeB, or eNB) 103, and a plurality of UEs 101 may be located in one cell. One or more E-UTRAN mobility management entity (MME)/system architecture evolution (SAE) gateways 105 may be positioned at the end of the network and connected to an external network.
As used herein, “downlink” refers to communication from an eNodeB 103 to a UE 101, and “uplink” refers to communication from the UE 101 to an eNodeB 103. UE 101 refers to communication equipment carried by a user and may be also be referred to as a mobile station (MS), a user terminal (UT), a subscriber station (SS) or a wireless device.
An eNodeB 103 provides end points of a user plane and a control plane to the UE 101. MME/SAE gateway 105 provides an end point of a session and mobility management function for UE 101. The eNodeB 103 and the MME/SAE gateway 105 may be connected via an S1 interface.
The eNodeB 103 is generally a fixed station that communicates with a UE 101, and may also be referred to as a base station (BS), a network entity or an access point. One eNodeB 103 may be deployed per cell. An interface for transmitting user traffic or control traffic may be used between eNodeBs 103.
The MME provides various functions including distribution of paging messages to eNodeBs 103, security control, idle state mobility control, SAE bearer control, and ciphering and integrity protection of non-access stratum (NAS) signalling. The SAE gateway host provides assorted functions including termination of U-plane packets for paging reasons, and switching of the U-plane to support UE mobility. For clarity, MME/SAE gateway 105 will be referred to herein simply as a “gateway,” but it is understood that this entity includes both an MME and an SAE gateway.
A plurality of nodes may be connected between the eNodeB 103 and the gateway 105 via the S1 interface. The eNodeBs 103 may be connected to each other via an X2 interface and neighbouring eNodeBs may have a meshed network structure that has the X2 interface.
FIG. 2(a) is a block diagram depicting an architecture of a typical E-UTRAN and a typical EPC. As illustrated, eNodeB 103 may perform functions of selection for gateway 105, routing toward the gateway during a radio resource control (RRC) activation, scheduling and transmitting of paging messages, scheduling and transmitting of broadcast channel (BCCH) information, dynamic allocation of resources to UEs 101 in both uplink and downlink, configuration and provisioning of eNodeB measurements, radio bearer control, radio admission control (RAC), and connection mobility control in LTE_ACTIVE state. In the EPC, and as noted above, gateway 105 may perform functions of paging origination, LTE-IDLE state management, ciphering of the user plane, system architecture evolution (SAE) bearer control, and ciphering and integrity protection of non-access stratum (NAS) signalling.
FIGS. 2(b) and 2(c) are block diagrams depicting the user-plane protocol and the control-plane protocol stack for the E-UMTS. As illustrated, the protocol layers may be divided into a first layer (L1), a second layer (L2) and a third layer (L3) based upon the three lower layers of an open system interconnection (OSI) standard model that is well-known in the art of communication systems.
The physical layer, the first layer (L1), provides an information transmission service to an upper layer by using a physical channel. The physical layer is connected with a medium access control (MAC) layer located at a higher level through a transport channel, and data between the MAC layer and the physical layer is transferred via the transport channel. Between different physical layers, namely, between physical layers of a transmission side and a reception side, data is transferred via the physical channel.
The MAC layer of Layer 2 (L2) provides services to a radio link control (RLC) layer (which is a higher layer) via a logical channel. The RLC layer of Layer 2 (L2) supports the transmission of data with reliability. It should be noted that the RLC layer illustrated in FIGS. 2(b) and 2(c) is depicted because if the RLC functions are implemented in and performed by the MAC layer, the RLC layer itself is not required. The packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer of Layer 2 (L2) performs a header compression function that reduces unnecessary control information such that data being transmitted by employing Internet protocol (IP) packets, such as IPv4 or IPv6, can be efficiently sent over a radio (wireless) interface that has a relatively small bandwidth.
A radio resource control (RRC) layer located at the lowest portion of the third layer (L3) is only defined in the control plane and controls logical channels, transport channels and the physical channels in relation to the configuration, reconfiguration, and release of the radio bearers (RBs). Here, the RB signifies a service provided by the second layer (L2) for data transmission between the terminal and the E-UTRAN.
As illustrated in FIG. 2(b), the RLC and MAC layers (terminated in an eNodeB 103 on the network side) may perform functions such as scheduling, automatic repeat request (ARQ), and hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ). The PDCP layer (terminated in eNodeB 103 on the network side) may perform the user plane functions such as header compression, integrity protection, and ciphering.
As illustrated in FIG. 2(c), the RLC and MAC layers (terminated in an eNodeB 103 on the network side) perform the same functions as for the control plane. As illustrated, the RRC layer (terminated in an eNodeB 103 on the network side) may perform functions such as broadcasting, paging, RRC connection management, RB control, mobility functions, and UE measurement reporting and controlling. The NAS control protocol (terminated in the MME of gateway 105 on the network side) may perform functions such as an SAE bearer management, authentication, LTE_IDLE mobility handling, paging origination in LTE_IDLE, and security control for the signalling between the gateway and UE 101.
The NAS control protocol may use three different states; first, a LTE_DETACHED state if there is no RRC entity; second, a LTE_IDLE state if there is no RRC connection while storing minimal UE information; and third, an LTE_ACTIVE state if the RRC connection is established. Also, the RRC state may be divided into two different states such as a RRC_IDLE and a RRC_CONNECTED.
In RRC_IDLE state, the UE 101 may receive broadcasts of system information and paging information while the UE 101 specifies a discontinuous reception (DRX) configured by NAS, and the UE has been allocated an identification (ID) which uniquely identifies the UE in a tracking area. Also, in RRC-IDLE state, no RRC context is stored in the eNodeB 103.
In RRC_CONNECTED state, the UE 101 has an E-UTRAN RRC connection and a context in the E-UTRAN, such that transmitting and/or receiving data to/from the network (eNodeB) becomes possible. Also, the UE 101 can report channel quality information and feedback information to the eNodeB 103.
In RRC_CONNECTED state, the E-UTRAN knows the cell to which the UE 101 belongs. Therefore, the network can transmit and/or receive data to/from the UE 101, the network can control mobility (handover) of the UE 101, and the network can perform cell measurements for a neighbouring cell.
In RRC_IDLE mode, the UE 101 specifies the paging discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle. Specifically, the UE 101 monitors a paging signal at a specific paging occasion of every UE specific paging DRX cycle.
The procedure where a UE sends a first message to a network is commonly referred to as initial access. In most systems the initial access is initiated by a UE transmitting a connection request message including the reason of the request, and receiving an answer from the network indicating the allocation of radio resources for the requested reason.
In 3GPP TS 25.331 there are several reasons, referred to as establishment causes, for sending a connection request message. Establishment causes include: originating conversational/streaming/interactive/background/subscribed traffic call, terminating conversational/streaming/interactive/background call, emergency call, inter radio access technology (RAT) cell re-selection, inter-RAT cell change order, registration, detach, originating high/low priority signalling, call re-establishment and terminating high/low priority signalling.
An “originating call” establishment indicates that the UE 101 wishes to setup a connection, for instance a speech connection. A “terminating call” establishment indicates that the UE 101 answers to paging. A “registration” establishment indicates that the user wants to register only to the network.
To initiate access to the network a random access procedure is used. The physical random access transmission is under the control of higher layer protocol which performs some important functions related to priority and load control. These procedures differ in detail but GSM, UMTS and LTE radio systems have some similarities between them.
In the random access procedure the UE 101 randomly selects an access resource and transmits a RACH preamble to the network. A preamble is a short signal that is sent before the transmission of the RACH connection request message. The UE 101 can repeatedly transmit the preamble by increasing the transmission power each time the preamble is sent until the network indicates the detection of the preamble. The message part can then be sent at the level of power equal of the last preamble transmission power plus an offset signalled by the network.
A random access channel (RACH) is a common physical channel dedicated to the random access procedure. Uplink transmissions are generally initiated through a RACH. A UE sending data on a RACH has not yet been identified by the target eNB. RACH is typically an uplink common channel used for transmitting control information and user data. It is applied in random access, and used for low-rate data transmissions from the higher layer. Such a channel is said to be contention-based since many users can attempt to access the same base station simultaneously, leading to collisions. A RACH channel can be used for several purposes. For example the RACH can be used to access the network, to request resources, to carry control information, to adjust the time offset of the uplink in order to obtain uplink synchronisation, to adjust the transmitted power, etc.
A random access procedure can be launched by the UE or the eNodeB. It may, for instance, be triggered by the following events: a UE switches from power-off to power-on and needs to be registered to the network. a UE is not time-synchronized with a eNodeB and starts transmitting data (for instance the user calls). a eNodeB starts transmitting data to the UE but they are not synchronized (for instance the user receives a call). a eNodeB measures a delay of the received signal from the UE (for instance the user is moving and has lost synchronization). a UE is moving from one cell to another and needs to be time-synchronized with a different target eNodeB than the serving eNodeB it is registered to (handover).
In LTE, the basic unit of time is a slot (generally of a duration of 0.5 ms). Two slots make up a subframe and ten subframes constitute a radio frame. A random access channel typically occupies 6 resource blocks in a subframe or set of consecutive subframes reserved for random access preamble transmissions. A RACH period can be configured to be, for example, 1 ms, 2 ms, 5 ms and 10 ms. FIG. 3 shows one possible mapping of the RACH within a resource grid.
FIG. 4 illustrates the sequences of messages and responses exchanged between a user equipment UE 101 and a base station eNB 103 in a typical RACH procedure.
Firstly the UE 101 retrieves information transmitted periodically from eNB 103 on a downlink broadcast channel (BCH) and selects a preamble signature, a RACH time slot and a frequency band. The preamble signature is chosen by the UE 101 from among a set of signatures known by the eNB 103. The UE 101 generates a single random access burst containing the chosen signature and transmits it to the eNB 103 over the selected time slot at the selected frequency in message 1.
The random access burst consists of a cyclic prefix, a preamble, and a guard time during which nothing is transmitted as illustrated in FIG. 5. CP denotes cyclic prefix, GT denotes guard time, RTD denotes round trip delay and TTI denotes transmission time interval.
The preamble is sent before a RACH connection request and indicates that the UE is about to transmit data. The random access burst is transmitted during one subframe. While the UE is not synchronized in the time domain, its random access burst may overlap with the next subframe and generate interference. A guard time may thus be added to combat interference. The guard time (GT) should be at least equal to the round-trip delay at the cell edge.
During the random access procedure, several users share the same channel. They are distinguishable by virtue of orthogonal sequences. These sequences are seen as the UE preamble signatures that can be transmitted simultaneously. A collision occurs whenever several users choose the same signature and send it within the same time and frequency resources.
The eNB 103 monitors the current RACH slot in an attempt to detect preambles transmitted from UEs in the corresponding cell.
On reception of a signal the eNB 103 correlates the received signal in the RACH sub-frame with all possible signatures. Detection of the preamble can be either performed in the time domain or in the frequency domain. A detection variable is computed for each signature. If the detection variable exceeds a certain threshold, the preamble is considered detected.
The eNB 103 sends a random access response to acknowledge the successfully detected preambles in message 2. This message is sent on a dedicated downlink channel and uses the detected signature. It contains a timing advance command, a power-control command. If the procedure is contention-free then the UE and the eNodeB are thereby aligned in the time domain.
If the UE 101 receives a response from the eNB 103 the UE 101 decodes the response and adapts its transmission timing, and its transmission power if the response contains power control information. The UE 101 then sends a resource request message—message 3—on a dedicated uplink channel. In this message, the UE requests bandwidth and time resources to transmit data and it also indicates a UE-specific identifier. If the UE requests resources, the UE 101 uses a specific ID in the message to resolve contentions. Then the UE monitors a specified downlink channel for response from the eNB. In the case of a positive resource grant, the subsequent transmissions are carried out as normal.
The eNB attempts to resolve any contentions. If the eNB 103 receives a resource request with a UE-specific signature the eNB 103 checks how many UEs were detected with the same signature and resolves any possible contentions. If the preamble sent by UE 101 was in collision with a preamble from another UE, the eNB 103 sends a contention resolution message—message 4—to give the command to UE 101 to re-start the RACH procedure. If on the other hand the UE 101 was not in collision, the eNB sends a resource assignment message—message 5. In this case the subsequent transmissions are carried out as usual. The eNB 103 identifies the UE 101 and assigns resources according to the scheduling rules applied.
In the random access response, message 2, the UE may receive an ACK signal from the eNB to indicate that a message can be sent, a NACK signal indicating that the preamble was detected but a message cannot to be sent, or no response indicating that the preamble was not detected.
In the case where UE 101 receives no response indicating that a preamble has not been detected at the first attempt the UE 101 waits for the next RACH slot to send another preamble. The preamble signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is relatively low compared to data SNR owing to the length of the zero-correlation sequences. Given that the random access channel does not generate much interference, the UE can afford to increase the transmission power by a few decibels (dB) at the second attempt to prevent consecutive failures (power ramping method). A too long delay is not desirable, especially in the case of handovers. The UE 101 repeatedly transmits the preamble by increasing the transmission power every time the preamble is sent until the network indicates the detection of the preamble. The procedure is exited after a certain number of failures. If a preamble is successfully transmitted the message part is generally sent at the level of power equal to the last preamble transmission power plus an offset signaled by the network.
One reason why a preamble may not be detected on a first attempt may be severe channel attenuation. If the next RACH slot occupies the same position in frequency domain then the channel is likely to fade again and the preamble undetected. Frequency hopping for RACH has been introduced to increase the detection performance of preamble retransmission by means of frequency diversity. drawback of frequency hopping is that it requires more overhead in broadcast information and may introduce delay in the case of handovers.
In order to simplify a random access frequency hopping pattern and to maximize the frequency diversity gain two PRACH frequency hopping regions, located either at the top or the bottom of the PUCCH (physical uplink control channel) bandwidth are typically employed. It has been agreed that PUCCH uses a reserved frequency regions for transmission. The PUCCH resources typically consist of number of resource blocks, at each edge of the transmission bandwidth, resulting in the frequency hopping at the slot boundary as illustrated in FIG. 5. In the case of initial access or handover (HO) a UE thus needs to determine which frequency position, at the top or at the bottom of the bandwidth, allows PRACH transmission.
Moreover, the number of resources assigned for PUCCH transmission within the cell can be even or odd. Consequently, in order to determine the PRACH allocation, the UE should receive system information concerning the uplink carrier bandwidth (or resource blocks) and the number of resources assigned for PUCCH transmission. In the case of a handover (HO) these parameters should be transmitted in a handover command message.
By positioning the PRACH frequency location next to the PUCCH frequency band, PUSCH (physical uplink shared channel) segmentation is minimized. However the PRACH frequency location changes according to the PUCCH assigned resources. The following parameters must be transmitted with PRACH parameters and explicitly signalled Uplink bandwidth NRBUL PUCCH-resource-size
An object of the present invention is to address at least one of the aforementioned problems and to improve the RACH procedure.
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a jet-molding unit adapted for use in attaching soles directly to uppers, the jet-molding unit having a mixing head equipped with a worm gear designed to be movable to enable automatic exchange of the worm gear by appropriate means.
2. The Prior Art
The shoe manufacturing industry generally defines the process of directly attaching soles to uppers as the automatic production of soles and the simultaneous attachment of the soles to the uppers. This procedure is suitably accomplished by jet molding. Materials used for forming the uppers can include, for example, leather, textiles, or synthetic polymeric substances and for the soles suitable materials include polyvinylchloride, nylon, polyurethane granulate, liquid components of polyurethane and thermoplastic rubbers. The materials used for the production of soles are generally injected into closed molds.
Devices for directly attaching soles to finished uppers are known in the art. Especially well known are turntable systems or so-called rotators which have, for example, eighteen molding stations installed on a work table and which, while rotating, are caused to move sequentially into the axis of the jet-molding unit which then moves to a molding point for jet molding the sole to the upper. For multi-colored soles or soles composed of more than one part, two jet-molding units are provided which are positioned about the periphery of the turntable and at an angle to one another.
The jet-molding unit is moved into the molding position by means of a conveying cylinder located in front of the jet-molding unit form. When the molding material from the molding channel can no longer flow back, the jet-molding unit is moved into its rearward position and, in a turntable system, the rotation of the turntable for another cyclical turn is then initiated.
A jet-molding unit comprises primarily a nozzle-type mouthpiece, a mixing head, a worm gear and pumps. The mixing head, in turn, comprises a casing and a worm gear with its worm gear mounting and worm gear bearings. The mixing head with worm gear mounting are fixedly attached in the jet-molding unit.
When processing liquid polyurethane, two components generally are used which are conveyed by means of a dosing pump. A separate valve is provided for each component on the mixing head. The two components are thoroughly mixed in a so-called mixing chamber in the mixing head by means of the worm gear. The mixing chamber is generally designed to be conical in front and cylindrical on the rear and the mixing worm gear has a corresponding shape. The worm gear rotates at about 15,000 to 18,000 rpm. The mixing gap between the external contour of the worm gear and the internal contour of the mixing chamber is adjustable in size from about 0.5 to 1.5 mm. The worm gear is subsequently adjusted horizontally in the mixing head so that the mixing gap is now reduced to be only 0.1 mm. The axial movement of the worm gear is caused by a worm gear thrust cylinder. Because of the high rpm ratio of the worm gear and because of the dynamic pressure which is created in the mixing chamber as a result of its conical shape, the components are thoroughly mixed inside the mixing chamber.
Thereafter, the component mixture is caused to move into the jet-molding form through the conveying effect of the worm gear. When the mixing process is completed, the valves close. The worm gear is self-cleaning in the cleansing position because of the strong centrifugal force.
The known, state-of-the-art jet-molding units, however, have the disadvantage of only permitting a manual replacement of the worm gear, where the worm gear, after the mouthpiece is unscrewed, is removed from the front of the mixing head. When polyurethane (PUR) is used as injection material a replacement of the worm gear may be necessary every 1.5 to 2 hours since the threads of the worm gear become clogged which adversely affects the proper mixing of the components. Moreover, the manual replacement of the worm gear takes considerable time and also requires the presence of an operator which keeps this manual process from being cost effective. Furthermore, use of an auxiliary tool in removal could cause damage to the worm gear.
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a transparent display apparatus and a method for controlling the same, and more particularly, to a transparent display apparatus and a method forgiving a stereoscopic effect to an image displayed on the transparent display apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
Transparent display apparatus allows the user to see both the image displayed from the display apparatus and the background view behind the display apparatus. Attempts have been made to provide such transparent display apparatus with a liquid-crystal display (LCD). However, the two polarizing plates included in the liquid-crystal display significantly reduced the transmittance rate through the display device. In addition, the back-light unit and/or various optical sheets, such as a diffuser sheet or a prism sheet, made it extremely difficult to obtain sufficient transparency through the LCD based transparent display device.
Display devices employing organic light-emitting diode (OLED) do not require such polarizing plates as the LCD display device. Also the back-light unit is not required as the OLED is a self-emissive device. For these reasons, the OLED based display device is considered as the promising component in implementing a transparent display apparatus.
A transparent display is a display that shows a view behind of a display through the display itself. When using the transparent display apparatus, the user recognizes the image as a front space and the view behind the display apparatus as a back space. That is, the user recognizes the depth of two different spaces. This makes the transparent display apparatus a suitable display device for displaying contents having stereoscopic effect, for example, augmented reality contents or any interactive contents incorporating the surrounding environment. On the other hand, when the amount of the external light through the display apparatus is greater than amount of the light of the image displayed by the device itself, the quality of the image is degraded. In other words, a contrast ratio and a color saturation of the image are reduced by the view, which is essentially the external light ray from the rear side of the transparent display apparatus, thereby making it difficult for the user to recognize the depth of the individual objects of the image. That is, the quality of the image is degraded in terms of stereoscopic effect.
Even with such improvement in transparency, there remains a challenge in providing a transparent display apparatus capable of providing improved user experience.
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The present invention relates to an ink ejection printing apparatus for an ink jet printer. Such a printer comprises an ink ejection nozzle in which is provided an ultrasonic vibrator. Application of ejection or drive pulses to the vibrator causes an ink jet ejected from the nozzle to be atomized into drops or droplets. The ink drops are electrically charged by an electrode. A deflection voltage is applied to deflection electrodes which deflect the charged droplets onto paper for printing. Where it is desired not to print a dot, no charging voltage is applied and the ink droplets are caught by a gutter. A prior art example of such an ink ejection printing apparatus is disclosed in IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin Vol. 16, No. 12, May 1974, Japanese patent publication No. 47-43450 and Japanese patent application disclosure No. 50-46450.
One problem in a system of the present type is to synchronize application of the charging pulses applied to the charging electrode with the position of the ink drops. The charge will be optimum only if the charging pulses are applied to the charging electrode at the time the ink drops are adjacent to the electrode. Synchronism can be achieved by providing a sensing electrode downstream of the charging electrode for sensing the amount of charge on the ink drops and varying the phase between ink ejection pulses and charging pulses until a desired charge value is achieved. This is known as a phase sweep operation and is disclosed in Japanese patent publication No. 47-43450 and Japanese patent application disclosure No. 50-60131.
Another problem is in adjusting the amount of deflection of the ink jet to an optimum value. If the deflection is too great or too small, the printed image will be distorted, particularly enlarged or reduced in relation to the main scan feed pitch. This can, in extreme cases, produce an unintelligible image. The problem is compounded by the fact that the deflection is a function of a number of variables, including the charge on the ink drops, the mass of the ink drops, the deflection voltage, the spacing between the deflection electrodes and the ejection velocity of the drops. Mere adjustment of the ink drop charge using the phase sweep operation cannot result in a predetermined amount of deflection since the deflection also depends on the other variables.
Another problem involves the viscosity of the ink. If the viscosity of the ink is too high, the printing density, or the darkness of the printed characters or pattern will be too high and vice-versa. The ink viscosity varies in accordance with changes in various parameters such as temperature, the length of time the ink has been stored in a reservoir and the like. The viscosity increases with storage time due to solvent evaporation and general degeneration of the ink. The viscosity of the ink causes changes in the ink ejection velocity and drop or particle size. In a demand type ink ejection system, if the viscosity of the ink is not proper, the ink will trickle down from the outlet of the nozzle and greatly degrade the printing quality.
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The present invention relates to a data transmission and receiving apparatus and method for sending and receiving data recorded to a recording medium such as an optical disc or magnetic tape by way of a digital interface.
The IEEE 1394 system has attracted attention recently as a serial transmission method for digital data. Not only can the IEEE 1394 system be used in place of the conventional SCSI standard for computer data transmissions, it can also be used for transmitting AV data. This is because two communications methods are defined in the IEEE 1394 system: asynchronous communication and isochronous communication. Isochronous communication is a data transmission method that can be used for transmitting data requiring real-time performance such as AV data. In isochronous communication the bandwidth required for data transmission is obtained before transmission starts. Data is then transmitted using that bandwidth. The real-time characteristic of the data transmission is thereby assured. Asynchronous communication, on the other hand, is a transmission method used for transmitting data that does not require real-time performance, such as transmitting computer data. This can be thought of as equivalent to transmission methods such as the conventional SCSI transmission method.
Various methods have been proposed as high level transmission protocols under the IEEE 1394 system, and one of these can be referred to as the AV protocol. The AV protocol is being standardized as IEC 61883, which defines sending and receiving AV data requiring real-time performance using isochronous communication, and sending and receiving control commands asserted to devices using asynchronous communication.
The AV/C command set is one of the above-noted control command systems. Control commands for VCRs, for example, are defined in the AV/C command set. A method for expressing information stored by the device (such as the device state and recording medium descriptor) using a list structure is also defined in the AV/C command set.
As an example of the prior art, this method is described below with reference to FIG. 13.
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the list structure defined by the AV/C command set. As shown in the figure, list A 2001 consists of a list header 2002 and zero or more (N shown in the figure) objects 2003. Information relating to list A 2001 overall is written to the list header 2002. The objects 2003 are equivalent, for example, to a unit such as an audio track recorded to a disk; a descriptor relating to each audio track, for example, is written to an object 2003. In addition, a structure with the same concept as the directory of a computer file system can also be used as an object, and can be used to express a list having a hierarchical structure. In FIG. 13 object #3 of list A 2001 is shown as an object indicating a directory, in this example having a list B 2101 as a list for a level under object #3 in list A 2001. This list B 2101 has a list header 2102 and objects 2103 similarly to list A 2001.
These lists are generated inside the device, and can be accessed by an external device by way of IEEE 1394 so that the external device can obtain the information stored by the other device.
When an object contains a descriptor for AV data, for example, AV data recorded to a recording medium can be reproduced by specifying the object ID and sending a play command, for example, to the device. Moreover, if a list is specified and a play command is sent to the device, AV data is reproduced in the order written in the list.
A variety of information can be written using this list structure. For example, devices that use AV discs can write the content recorded to the disc, and the sequence for program playback. The sequence for program playback can also be specified from an external device by accessing the list describing the program playback sequence from an external device.
An example of a title or text file access sequence in a conventional data transmission and receiving apparatus is described below with reference to FIG. 14.
FIG. 14 shows a list structure for a case in which the list shown in FIG. 13 is applied to an optical disc to is recorded an audio track, audio title, or text, for example. FIG. 14 shows a typical content list 1301, audio list 1311, and title list 1351 structure. In this example audio data for two songs, song A and song B, is recorded to the optical disc. In the audio data descriptor, the title information is represented by title list 1351 separately from the content list 1301.
The content list 1301 is a list of the overall content recorded to the optical disc. The content list 1301 contains a first object 1303 and second object 1304. First object 1303 and second object 1304 are objects for presenting a directory; first object 1303 has audio list 1311, and second object 1304 has text file list 1331, as lists one level lower.
Audio list 1311 consists of list header 1312, first object 1313, and second object 1314. In this case, first object 1313 and second object 1314 correspond respectively to the descriptor for songs A and B (not the audio data itself). In addition, the list header 1312 comprises number of songs (number of objects) 1321. In this case the number of songs is two. The first object 1313 and second object 1314 respectively comprise the playback time 1322 and 1324 of each song, and a pointer 1323 and 1325 to each song title.
The text file list 1331 comprises list header 1332, first object 1333, second object 1334, and third object 1335, and stores a text file descriptor. A descriptor relating to a text file includes, for example, the content written to that text file (an identifier indicating a lyrics file or artist information file, for example), the file size, and file creation date and time. In this example the first object 1333 corresponds to a text file representing the entire optical disc, for example, a text file descriptor (not the text file data itself) such as the artist information when the disc records only audio data from a single artist. The second object 1334 and third object 1335 correspond respectively to a text file descriptor (not the text file data itself) for songs A and B. In this case these store a file descriptor relating to a lyrics file and artist information file.
Each object of title list 1351 records the title data itself. In this case it is assumed that a disc title representing the overall audio list is written to first object 1333, the title of song A is written to second object 1354, and the title of song B is written to third object 1355. Link information (an ID for second object 1354) to the second object 1354 of title list 1351 is written in the pointer 1323 to the title in the first object 1313, that is, the object indicating song A in the audio list 1311. Likewise, link information (an ID for the third object 1355) to the third object 1355 of title list 1351 is written in the pointer 1325 to the title in the second object 1314 that is the object indicating song B.
By thus using a list structure with a general format, an external device can access data stored by a data transmission and receiving apparatus by way of a digital interface without knowing the device-specific data storage structure.
For example, when an external device wants to access a disc title in a data transmission and receiving apparatus, it accesses title list 1351 and reads first object 1333. In this case, the first object in the title list is predefined as a disc title. In addition, to access the title of song A, it reads content list 1301, obtains the ID for the audio list, reads the audio list, obtains the pointer 1323 to the title of song A, and based on this accesses the second object 1334 of title list 1351. In this case, if the audio list object can be accessed, the method of accessing the corresponding title information is known mechanically. Furthermore, the second object in the text file list 1331 is accessed to access the text file descriptor corresponding to song A (the first object in the audio list). In this case, too, the second object of text file list 1331 is a descriptor for the text file corresponding to song A (the first object of the audio list) is predefined as the second object of the text file list 1331.
It is therefore possible to access a title or text file descriptor as described above.
(Technical problem to be resolved)
When accessing text files and text information that is attribute data of the AV data from an external device with the above described conventional method, the procedures for accessing text data and text files differ when accessing is by way of following links from an AV data descriptor, and access from an external device is difficult.
More specifically, in the case of a title there is a title information pointer in the AV data descriptor and the title is accessed by following the pointer, but a text file is accessed directly. Moreover, descriptors for individual pieces of song data are written from the first piece in an AV data file object, but with a text file object the first descriptor is for text relating to the entire disc, and the sequence in which descriptors are written is not uniform. As a result, the method of accessing a disc title not corresponding to the individual AV objects is also different from that for titles corresponding to individual AV objects.
Furthermore, with the above noted method, when an external device writes a new title or other information when accessing a text file or text information that is attribute data for AV data, the external device must determine the write location, and the process is complicated.
More specifically, because a title information pointer is in the AV data descriptor, a title can be accessed by following the pointer, but text files are accessed directly. Moreover, the write sequence for AV data file objects and text file objects is nonuniform, and the method of accessing a disc title not corresponding to an individual AV object is also different from a title corresponding to an individual AV object. As a result, a different location must be determined for each write, and the process becomes complicated.
Furthermore, with the above noted conventional method, when AV data is deleted, the external device must delete other objects linked from the object corresponding to the deleted AV data, and the process is complex.
Furthermore, with the above described conventional method, when AV data recorded to a recording medium is divided by a command from an external device, the external device must generate an object for the descriptor corresponding to the newly generated AV data, and the process is complex.
The above described conventional method thus has numerous problems.
The present invention resolves the aforementioned problems of the prior art, and has as an object to provide a data transmission and receiving apparatus and method that can unify the access procedure for text information and text files when accessing by following links from an AV data descriptor when accessing a text file or text information that is attribute data of the AV data from an external device.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a data transmission and receiving apparatus and method whereby it is not necessary for the external device to determine the write location when the external device newly writes title or other information when accessing a text file or text information that is attribute data of the AV data from the external device.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a data transmission and receiving apparatus and method whereby it is not necessary for the external device to delete another object linked from an object corresponding to deleted AV data when AV data is deleted.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a data transmission and receiving apparatus and method whereby it is not necessary for the external device to generate a descriptor object for newly generated AV data when AV data recorded to a recording medium is divided by a command from the external device.
(Method of resolving the problem)
To achieve the above object, the present invention, when mutually converting a list and first descriptor that is descriptor for a content block recorded to a recording medium, groups the first descriptor into a third descriptor expressed independently of the content block and a fourth descriptor other than the third descriptor; generates a first list indicating the fourth descriptor and a second list block indicating the third descriptor; writes a reference to the content block in the third descriptor to the list header of the second list block; and writes link information to a reference to the content block in the third descriptor to the list header of the first list.
As a result, the procedure for accessing a reference to the content block in the third descriptor can be made easy.
(Improvement over the prior art)
In this way, in a data transmission and receiving apparatus and method according to the present invention, a recording medium descriptor is expressed using a list structure when accessing by way of a digital interface a recording medium to which is recorded AV data or text data such as titles for the AV data. For the list structure, a list is generated for the AV data descriptor and text data descriptor, and a pointer to a list of related text data descriptor is written to the AV data list object. As a result, text information that is attribute data of the AV data can be accessed from an external device by following links from the AV data descriptor, and simplified access from an external device can be promoted.
Furthermore, a recording medium descriptor is expressed using a list structure with the present invention when accessing by way of an intervening digital interface a recording medium to which is recorded AV data, text data such as a title for the AV data, and a text file such as lyrics for the AV data. For the list structure, an individual list is generated for the AV data descriptor, text data, descriptor for the text file representing the AV data overall, and descriptor for other text files, and a pointer to a list of related text data and text file descriptors is written to the AV data list object. It is thus possible to access text files and text information that are attribute data of the AV data from an external device by following links from the AV data descriptor. In addition, because a descriptor for a text file representing all of the AV data is stored in a separate file, and the list storing a descriptor for the text information associated with the individual AV data and other text files is written with the same structure as the list in which an AV data descriptor is stored, text information and text files can be accessed from an external device using the same procedure, and access from an external device can be simplified.
Furthermore, with the present invention, a recording medium descriptor is expressed using a list structure when accessing by way of a digital interface a recording medium to which is recorded AV data, text data such as titles for the AV data, or a text file such as lyrics for the AV data. For the list structure, an individual list is generated for the AV data descriptor, text data, and a text file descriptor, and a pointer to a list of related text data and text file descriptors is written to the AV data list object. If text data corresponding to the AV data is not recorded to the recording medium at this time, the objects in the lists for the text data, etc., are left empty. As a result, text files and text information that are attribute data of the AV data can be accessed from an external device by following links from the AV data descriptor. In addition, because text information and text files are written using the same structure, text information and text files can be accessed from an external device using the same procedure, and access from an external device can be simplified. Furthermore, because empty objects are generated even if the title or other text information is not recorded to the recording medium at this time, the write location can be determined in advance when an external device newly writes a title or other information.
Furthermore, with the present invention, a recording medium descriptor is expressed with a list structure when accessing by way of a digital interface a recording medium to which is recorded AV data, text data such as titles for the AV data, or a text file such as lyrics for the AV data. For the list structure, an individual list is generated for the AV data descriptor, text data, and a text file descriptor, and a pointer to a list of related text data and text file descriptors is written to the AV data list object. Then, when AV data is deleted, the object(s) in the title list and object(s) in the text file linked from the object corresponding to the deleted AV data are deleted at the same time. As a result, text files and text information that are attribute data of the AV data can be accessed from an external device by following links from the AV data descriptor. In addition, because text information and text files are written using the same structure, text information and text files can be accessed from an external device using the same procedure, and access from an external device can be simplified. Furthermore, when AV data is deleted in this case, it is not necessary for the external device to delete a descriptor corresponding to the deleted AV data or descriptor (text information or text file) because objects in the title list and objects in the text files linked from the object corresponding to the deleted AV data are deleted at the same time, and uniform list management can be facilitated. In addition, content recorded to the recording medium can be immediately reflected in the list.
Furthermore, with the present invention, a recording medium descriptor is expressed using a list structure when accessing by way of a digital interface a recording medium to which is recorded AV data, text data such as titles for the AV data, or a text file such as lyrics for the AV data. For the list structure, an individual list is generated for the AV data descriptor, text data, and a text file descriptor, and a pointer to a list of related text data and text file descriptors is written to the AV data list object. Then, when AV data is divided, a descriptor for the text data and text file corresponding to the divided newly generated AV data is added to the text data and text file descriptor list as a new object. Then, link information to the newly generated text data and text file descriptor object is written to the object corresponding to the newly generated AV data. As a result, text files and text information that are attribute data of the AV data can be accessed from an external device by following links from the AV data descriptor. In addition, because text information and text files are written using the same structure, text information and text files can be accessed from an external device using the same procedure, and access from an external device can be simplified. Furthermore, when AV data is divided, an object in the title list and an object in the text file are generated for the divided newly generated AV data, and a link is made from the newly generated AV data object. Therefore, even when AV data recorded to a recording medium is divided by a command from an external device, it is not necessary for the external device to generate a descriptor for the newly generated AV data or objects corresponding to the descriptor (text information and text file), and uniform list management and simplified processing can be promoted.
Furthermore, with the present invention, a recording medium descriptor is expressed with a list structure when accessing by way of a digital interface a recording medium to which AV data and still image data, for example, are recorded. For the list structure, individual lists are generated for the descriptors of the AV data, still image data representing the disc, and other still image data. Furthermore, when a playback command specifying an AV data list is sent from an external device, playback starts from the AV data corresponding to the first object at the beginning of the AV data list. As a result, because data blocks not associated with AV data are managed using the same method described in the second embodiment for data associated with AV data, list structure uniformity can be promoted, and simplified access can be facilitated when this data or descriptor for this data is accessed from an external device. Furthermore, synchronized playback of AV data, data associated therewith, and data not associated therewith can be easily accomplished because the list formats are the same.
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(a) Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an audio-visual teaching machine to be used together with a teaching card indicating on one side surface a plurality of independent visual informations and having on the other side surface a plurality of audio informations related respectively with said visual informations.
(b) Description of the Prior Art
There is already known an audio-visual teaching machine wherein one picture, for example, of an animal and an English word or the like corresponding to it are indicated on a card and, when the card is inserted in a predetermined position in a magnetic reproducing device, the card will be automatically fed to reproduce a pronunciation of the word or a voice explaining the picture to thereby teach an infant. However, in this known machine, only one teaching content is indicated on one card. The audio reproduction of the teaching content is effected by the linear movement of the card and therefore, in the case of repeat teaching of the same content, the card will have to be refitted. The card inserting operation as a whole becomes so frequent that the operation of the machine for teaching an infant becomes awkward.
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Communications and information technology equipment is commonly designed for mounting to racks and for housing within enclosures (often included in the term “rack”). Equipment racks are used to contain and to arrange communications and information technology equipment, such as servers, CPUs, internetworking equipment and storage devices, in small wiring closets as well as equipment rooms and large data centers. An equipment rack can be an open configuration and can be housed within a rack enclosure, although the enclosure may be included when referring to a rack. A standard rack typically includes front-mounting rails to which multiple units of equipment, such as servers and CPUs, are mounted and stacked vertically within the rack. The equipment capacity of a standard rack relates to the height of the mounting rails. The height is set at a standard increment of 1.75 inches, which is expressed as “U” units or the “U” height capacity of a rack. A typical U height or value of a rack is 42 U, and an exemplary industry standard rack is about six to six-and-a-half feet high, by about 24 inches wide, by about 40 inches deep. A standard rack at any given time can be sparsely or densely populated with a variety of different components as well as with components from different manufacturers.
Most rack-mounted communications and information technology equipment consumes electrical power and generates heat. Heat produced by rack-mounted equipment can have adverse effects on the performance, reliability and useful life of the equipment components. In particular, rack-mounted equipment housed within an enclosure is particularly vulnerable to heat build-up and hot spots produced within the confines of the enclosure during operation. The amount of heat generated by a rack of equipment is dependent on the amount of electrical power drawn by equipment in the rack during operation. Heat output of a rack can vary from a few watts per U of rack capacity up to about 950 watts per U (with this upper end continuing to rise), depending on the number and the type of components mounted to the rack. Also, users of communications and information technology equipment add, remove, and rearrange rack-mounted components as their needs change and new needs develop. The amount of heat a given rack or enclosure can generate, therefore, can vary considerably from a few tens of watts up to about 40,000 watts, and this upper end continues to increase.
Rack-mounted equipment typically cools itself by drawing air along a front side or air inlet side of a rack, drawing air through its components, and subsequently exhausting air from a rear or vent side of the rack. Airflow requirements to provide sufficient air for cooling can vary considerably as a result of different numbers and types of rack-mounted components and different configurations of racks and enclosures.
Equipment rooms and data centers are typically equipped with an air conditioning or cooling system that supplies and circulates cool air to racks. Many air conditioning or cooling systems, such as the system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,494,050, use an equipment room or data center that has a raised floor construction to facilitate air conditioning and circulation functions. These systems typically use open floor tiles and floor grills or vents to deliver cool air from an air passageway disposed below the raised floor of an equipment room. Open floor tiles and floor grills or vents are typically located in front of equipment racks, and along aisles between rows of racks arranged side-by-side.
The cooling systems and methods that use a raised floor construction typically do not efficiently meet the cooling requirements of rack-mounted equipment. In particular, racks that include high-power equipment having a thermal exhaust air output above 5,000 watts and up to 14,000 watts present a particular challenge for such systems and methods. A raised floor construction typically provides an open floor tile or a floor grill or vent having a venting area of about 12 by 12 inches and is configured to deliver from about 200 cfm to about 500 cfm of cool air. A rack of high-power equipment drawing up to 10,000 watts and requiring an air flow of approximately 1,800 cfm, therefore, would need about 3.5 to about 5 open floor tiles, grills or vents disposed around the rack's perimeter to supply sufficient cool air to meet its cooling requirements, with a 14 kW rack using up to about 2,240 CFM or about 4.5 to about 11.2 floor tiles. Such a floor configuration would be difficult to achieve in equipment rooms crowded with racks, and impossible to implement if racks are arranged side-by-side in rows. Air cooling systems and methods that incorporate raised floor configurations, thus, are typically only used with racks spaced apart to provide sufficient floor area to accommodate multiple open floor tiles, grills or vents. For typical rack spacing, this places a limit on the density of equipment that can be achieved. When a raised floor is not used, distributing cool air from one or more centralized air conditioning systems is even more difficult, as the cool air typically is distributed across a room containing rows of racks.
Equipment rooms and data centers are often reconfigured to meet new and/or different equipment needs that require individual racks to be relocated and/or replaced. In this context, raised floor air cooling systems and methods are inflexible and can typically only be reconfigured and/or retrofitted to service rearranged, relocated and/or newly installed equipment racks at considerable cost. Raised floor configurations cannot easily and inexpensively accommodate the manner by which users typically deploy equipment racks and reconfigure equipment rooms and data centers to meet their new or changing needs.
In addition, cooling systems and methods that use raised floor construction lack physical flexibility and portability to operatively account for a wide variation in electrical power consumption between different racks in an equipment room, and, in particular, between racks and enclosures located in the same row. Cooling systems and methods that rely upon raised floor air passageways and open floor tiles, grills or vents to supply cool air may not be able to easily and inexpensively vary or concentrate cool air to those high power racks that consume relatively large amounts of electrical power and have a high thermal air exhaust output. In addition, newly installed equipment may draw more electrical power than replaced or existing equipment that may lead to thermal problem areas in functioning equipment rooms.
Further, with existing air conditioning solutions, hot spots can develop in a room due to a lack of proper recirculation of exhaust air from racks to the return side of a room air conditioner. This can cause racks to undesirably draw warm air into the racks. To attempt to overcome air circulation problems, many room air conditioners are designed to provide very cool air of approximately 58° F. and receive return air having a typical temperature of approximately 78° F. With an output air temperature of 58° F., it is often necessary to add a humidification system to increase moisture in the air in a data center due to the high level of dehumidification created as a byproduct of over cooling the air. Such humidification systems can be expensive to install and operate.
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This invention relates to heat transfer sheets and more particularly is intended to provide a heat transfer sheet capable of easily producing a recorded image of excellent fastnesses onto a heat transferable material.
Various heat transfer methods have been known in the art, among which the sublimating transfer method has been and is being practiced. In this method a sublimating dye is used as the recording agent, which is carried on a substrate sheet such as paper, etc. to provide a heat transfer sheet, which is then superposed on a heat transferable material dyeable with a sublimating dye such as a fabric made of polyester, and heat energy is imparted in a pattern from the back surface of the heat transfer sheet to cause the sublimating dye to migrate to the heat transferable material.
In the case of this sublimating transfer method, in the sublimating printing method in which the heat transfer material is, for example, a fabric made of polyester, the heat transferable material itself is also heated by the heat energy imparted since heat energy is imparted for a relatively longer time, whereby relatively good migration of the dye can be accomplished.
However, with the progress of the recording method, by the use of, for example, a transferable material having a dye receiving layer provided on a polyester sheet or paper and by the use of a thermal head at high speed when fine letters or figures or photographic images are to be formed on these transferable materials, heat energy must be imparted within an extremely short time of the order of seconds or less, and the sublimatable dye and the transferable material cannot be heated sufficiently within such a short time, whereby an image with sufficient density cannot be formed.
Accordingly, in order to correspond to such high speed recording, sublimating dyes of excellent sublimatability have been developed. However, dyes of excellent sublimatability generally have smaller molecular weights, and therefore there arise problems such as migration of the dyes in the heat transferable material after transfer and bleeding of the dyes onto the surface, whereby the images formed with much effort may be distorted or become unclear or may contaminate surrounding articles.
When a sublimating dye with relatively greater molecular weight is used for avoiding such problems, an image with satisfactory density could not be formed because of inferior sublimation speed according to the high speed recording method as described above.
Accordingly, in the method of heat transfer by the use of the sublimating dye, there has been a great demand under the present situation for development of a heat transfer sheet which can produce a clear image with sufficient density and an image formed exhibiting various fastnesses.
We have carried out intensive studies in order to respond to the strong demand in the field of the art as described above. As a result, in the light of the art of the sublimating printing method of fabrics made of polyester, etc., in which due to non-smoothness of the surface of the fabric, the heat transfer sheet and the fabric which is the heat transferable sheet are not sufficiently contacted, and therefore the dye to be used is essentially required to be sublimatable or gasifiable (namely migratable through the space existing between the heat transfer sheet and the fabric), it has been found that in the case of using a polyester sheet or surface processed paper, etc., with smooth surface as the heat transferable material, the heat transfer sheet and the heat transferable material can sufficiently contact each other, whereby only the sublimatability or gasifiability of the dye is not an absolutely necessary condition, but the property of the dye migratable through heat between the closely contacted interface of both is also extremely important, and such heat migratability at the interface is greatly influenced by the chemical structure of the dye used, the substituent or its position. Thus, it has been found that even a dye with a high molecular weight as generally accepted in the prior art as unuseable has good heat migratability by selecting a dye having an appropriate molecular structure. And by the use of a heat transfer sheet having such a dye carried thereon, it has been found that the dye used can be caused to migrate easily to the heat transferable material to form a recorded image with high density and various excellent fastnesses.
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The present invention relates to a display unit which can superpose a plurality of objects to be viewed which are located at positions having different distances (depths) as viewed from the viewer, with one another and which can display the thus superposed image, to a method of displaying an image which gives a depth feel (three-dimensional effect) and to equipments incorporating thereof.
There have been used direct-view display units for displaying images data, incorporating a display element such as a CRT (cathode ray tube), a plasma display panel, a liquid crystal display element or an organic electroluminescence display element, and a projection display unit for enlarging an optical image formed on a small-sized display element and then displaying the enlarged image on a screen.
Any of these display units displays a two-dimensional image on the basis of two-dimensional image data. It is noted that a display element for displaying a two-dimensional image and a display unit incorporating the same will be denoted as “two-dimensional display element” and “two-dimensional display unit”, respectively.
Of the above-mentioned display units, display units each incorporating a liquid crystal display element which is thin and light-weight, are widely used as in large-sized screen television sets, monitors for personal computers, mobile telephones, game machines including pin ball game machines and pin-ball type slot machines and the like.
By the way, there have been heretofore presented a display unit in which a plurality of two-dimensional display elements or screens of a plurality of two displays are arranged at positions having different depthwise distances as viewed from a viewer, and images thereon are optically superposed with one another and are then displayed in order to allow the viewer to sense depthwise feeling or three-dimensional effects. Such a display unit has a high expressive power in comparison with a display unit which can only display two-dimensional images, and can exhibit a more realistic image.
A typical one of these display units has such a configuration that a plurality of two dimensional display elements and a half-mirror are provided, and a screen of one of these display elements which is viewed, passing through the half-mirror, and a screen of another of the display elements which is viewed, being reflected by the half-mirror, are located at positions having different depthwise distances. Referring to FIG. 43 which is a schematic sectional view illustrating the above-mentioned conventional display unit which comprises two display elements and a half mirror, liquid crystal display elements are used as the two-dimensional display elements, and an image beam (which will be hereinbelow referred to as “far distance image beam”) from a display element located at a position having a far depthwise distance (which will be hereinbelow referred to as “a far distance display element”), as viewed from the viewer, is viewed, passing through the half-mirror while an image beam (which will be hereinbelow referred to as “near distance image beam”) from a display element located at a position having a near depthwise distance (which will be referred to as “near distance image display element”), as viewed from the viewer, is viewed, being reflected by the half-mirror. In this configuration, images which are displayed on the screens having different depthwise distances as viewed from the viewer, are optically synthesized with each other by the half-mirror, and are therefore viewed in a superposed condition.
In the above-mentioned configuration, there are required two two-dimensional elements in such a case that two screens are located at different depthwise distances. That is, in this configuration, a plurality of two-dimensional display elements are required by a number equal to that of screens located at different depthwise distances, and as a result, there is presented such disadvantages that a number of components is increased, and the display unit becomes large-sized. In particular, in such a case that thin display elements such as liquid crystal display elements or organic electroluminescence display elements are used as two-dimensional display elements, their features such that they are thin cannot be fully and practically used.
Further, in the conventional technologies in which the far-distance image beam and the near-distance image beam are synthesized through the half-mirror, the half-mirrors has in general a transmission factor T % and a reflection factor R % which are in total 100% at a maximum. Thus, R % and T % of the far distance image beam and the near distance image beam emitted from the respective display elements cannot be seen by the viewer, that is, they become a beam loss. Thus, there has been raised such a problem that the image beams which can be seen by the viewer are reduced to values not greater than their halves.
JP-A-2003-57595 discloses a display unit which is composed of a plurality of reflection type holographic diffusion plates located at different depthwise positions as viewed from a viewer, and a plurality of projectors for projecting two dimensional images respectively onto the reflection type diffusion plates. The reflection type holographic diffusion plates reflect and scatter light rays in set predetermined directions, that is, light beams from the corresponding projectors, but transmit therethrough light beams in the other directions, such as light beams reflected and scattered from the reflection type holographic diffusion plates located therebehind. Thus, images projected onto the plurality of reflection type holographic diffusion plates located at positions having different depthwise distances can be seen in a superposed condition.
In this case, unless the reflection type holographic diffusion plate has a transmission factor of 100%, the image beam projected onto a reflection type holographic diffusion plate which is located at a position having a depthwise far distance causes a loss before it reaches the viewer.
Further, since it is required to arrange the plurality of reflection type holographic diffusion plates being spaced from one another corresponding to depthwise distances by which the viewer views the images, the device becomes thicker in the depthwise direction. Further, the projectors are required by a number equal to that of the plurality of reflection type holographic diffusion plates, and as a result the number of components is increased, thereby the size of the device becomes larger.
It is noted that JP-A-2003-57595 and JP-A-2000-214413 disclose display methods which allow the viewer to perceive three-dimensional stereoscopic images. In these methods, two-dimensional stereoscopic images (pictures) formed on screens of a plurality of display elements having different depthwise distances as viewed from the viewer, are displayed being superposed with one another when the viewer views these images at a position on a line connecting between the left and right eyes of the viewer. Further, the brightness is adjusted in accordance with depthwise positions of objects to be displayed, that is, distances from the viewer to objects to be displayed while brightness of the two-dimensional images (pictures) displayed on the screens having different depthwise distances as viewed by the viewer is maintained to be constant thereby it is possible to allow the viewer to perceive a three-dimensional stereoscopic image.
The above-mentioned methods can restrain contradictions among physiological factors of stereoscopic vision, and accordingly, these methods can be expected as new three-dimensional display methods which can also reduce the amount of information. However, the position of the viewer where a three-dimensional stereoscopic image can be satisfactorily viewed would be limited. That is, should the view point of the viewer be changed largely, a three-dimensional stereoscopic view could not be viewed.
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Processes for preparing polyol fatty acid polyesters, including processes that utilize solvent-free transesterification reactions, have been described in U.S. Pat. No.: 3,963,699, Rizzi et al., issued Jun. 15, 1976; U.S. Pat. No. 4,517,360, Volpenhein, issued May 14, 1985; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,518,772, Volpenhein, issued May 21, 1985. Additional patents describing processes for preparing lower and higher esters of polyols include U.S. Pat. No.: 2,893,990, Hass et al., issued Jul. 7, 1959; U.S. Pat. No. 3,251,827, Schnell et al., issued May 17, 1966, which discloses that the particle size of the sugar should be kept small to avoid formation of higher esters; U.S. Pat. No. 3,558,597, Brachel et al., issued Jan. 26, 1971; U.S. Pat. No. 3,644,333, Osipow et al., issued Feb. 22, 1972; U.S. Pat. No. 3,792,041, Yamagishi et al., issued Feb. 12, 1974, which discloses making a solution of sucrose and fatty acid soap in water and adding the fatty acid ester and catalyst before elevating the temperature to drive off the water; U.S. Pat. No. 4,032,702, James, issued Jun. 28, 1977, which discloses using lower esters of sucrose as emulsifiers in the preparation of lower esters and the use of soap as a catalyst for such reactions; U.S. Pat. No. 4,298,730, Galleymore et al., issued Nov. 3, 1981, which also discloses the use of soap as an emulsifier and catalyst; U.S. Pat. No. 4,334,061, Bossier et al., issued Jun. 8, 1982, which discloses the use of a water washing step to purify the polyol polyester and incidentally discloses the use of inert gas sparging to remove lower alcohol from the reaction between sucrose and lower alkyl ester of fatty acid to speed the reaction and the removal of unreacted sucrose from an initial stage of a batch reaction for no indicated reason; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,877,871, Klemann et al., issued Oct. 31, 1989. PCT publication WO 92/04361 published Mar. 19, 1992 discloses a process for obtaining highly esterified polyol fatty acid polyesters having reduced levels of difatty ketones and beta-ketoesters, which publication is incorporated herein by reference.
It can be desirable to reduce the level of partially esterified polyol in a reaction product comprising polyol polyesters. Typically, the level of partially esterified polyol esters are reduced by reacting the higher level polyol polyesters to even higher levels. For instance, in the case of sucrose fatty acid polyesters, the level of hexa, penta, and other lower esters is typically reduced by increasing the level of sucrose octaester. This has the disadvantage that higher levels of sucrose octaester are typically associated with high levels of other byproducts, such as difatty ketones and beta-ketoesters. In addition, higher level of octaester production typically result in higher production costs.
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The present invention concerns a device for fastening a frame in a through-hole extending between two opposite faces of a panel such as in particular a working plane, said frame consisting of a peripheral wall having an edge top and a bottom edge, said peripheral wall being capable of coating the panel structure delimiting said through-hole, and its upper edge being provided with an edge adapted to rest against a first face of the panel around said through-hole.
It is common to equip a panel, of the work area type, with an orifice for access from the top of the work area to the space located below its underside, so as to provide a passageway through which for example it is possible to connect the connecting cables of electrical appliances arranged on the work area to sockets or connectors underneath the work area.
Whether for functional purposes or simply for aesthetic purposes, such a through-hole is generally coated with a frame formed of a peripheral wall equipped with a flange resting on the upper face of the work plan, around the through-hole, and masking the panel structure around the through-hole. Optionally, such a framework can also be a support for a sealing means of at least part of the through-hole, such as for example a pivoting or sliding access door.
Conventionally, the frame can be simply mounted with a tight fit in said through-hole, without using any additional connecting element, its correct positioning is achieved when the flange bears against the top side of the workplan. Such a solution is for example known from document EP 2 251 949 A2. It is advantageous because of its structural simplicity and the fact that it does not require any particular dexterity on the part of a user, since it suffices to fit the frame in said through-hole until the flange is in support against the workplan. However, it is not fully satisfactory, especially when implemented in the case of a framework acting as support for a sealing means.
Indeed, in this case, such a framework is generally subjected to frequent handling that can quickly lead to its untimely disengagement from said through-hole, which requires an intervention to reposition properly. On the other hand, due to possible manufacturing defects, or due to the use of materials having a certain deformability, the fit between the through-hole and the frame is not always perfect, which can result in looseness between said frame and said through-hole, damaging both the quality of the socket as well as the aesthetic appearance of the assembly.
The objective of the present invention is therefore to provide a device for fixing a part in a through-hole extending between two opposite faces of a panel such, as in particular, a work plan, ensuring both the stability of the assembly between the frame and the through-hole, preventing any unexpected dislocation, and guaranteeing the perfect positioning of the frame in the through-hole for a flawless appearance.
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Software defined network (SDN) technology may provide a framework for network communications, and realize centralized control and distributed forwarding for network devices. As to the SDN technology, its network functionality may be divided into two parts, i.e., controllers and datapaths, which may interact with each other via a secure channel. The controller may offer a central management for the network devices (such as virtual machines) under its control, and regulate the forwarding of the datapaths.
There are various different types of implementation for the SDN technology, and OpenFlow technology is an example of them. The OpenFlow technology may expand the packet forwarding based on Media Access Control (MAC) and the route forwarding based on Internet Protocol (IP) to the flow forwarding described by multiple fields of a packet header. In the meantime, the OpenFlow technology may decouple a control plane from forwarding devices, and transfer a role of decision making for forwarding from a forwarding device (such as a switch) to a centralized controller.
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to vehicle seamless interior panels for concealing and deploying an airbag.
2. Background Art
Airbags are widely known throughout the vehicle industry. Currently, a number of designs exist in which airbags are configured for deployment in vehicle compartments. Deployment of airbags through interior panels of a vehicle is also widely known. An airbag for an occupant in a passenger compartment of a vehicle is typically designed to deploy through a front interior panel of the vehicle. Typically, a hinged portion or a door portion of an interior panel allows an airbag to deploy therethrough during an impact of the vehicle, providing support and cushion to the occupant.
However, designers of interior panels and airbags have been challenged with providing effective deployment of an airbag while providing a pleasing aesthetic appearance on an interior panel through which the airbag may deploy. Designers of interior panels have also been challenged to provide such interior panels in a cost effective manner. An interior panel may generally have a retainer portion and a door portion through which an airbag may deploy. In several designs, the retainer portion circumscribes the door portion which comprises a substantial portion of the panel. In these designs, the interior panel has a visible seam having low resistence to normal or shear stress to allow deployment of an airbag therethrough. This seam clearly distinguishes the door portion from the retainer portion of the panel. Manufacturers of interior panels have met the challenge with limited success in providing an interior panel as described above with a non-visible seam.
Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a cost effective interior panel as described above having a non-visible seam, and a method of manufacturing such a panel.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle seamless interior panel for concealing an airbag. The panel comprises a first panel portion and a second panel portion. The first panel portion is adapted to lay sufficiently adjacent to the airbag to form a door through which the airbag may deploy. The first panel portion has an appearance finish. The second panel portion integrally circumscribes the first panel portion to form a retainer of the panel. The second panel portion has an appearance finish compatible to the appearance finish of the first panel portion such that no seam is visible. The first panel portion is molded together with the second panel portion. The first panel portion is formed of a material different than the material of the second panel portion.
In another embodiment of the present invention a vehicle door panel has a seamless airbag door for deploying an airbag. The panel comprises a retainer portion and a door portion. The retainer portion is disposed adjacent the airbag and has an opening to define a void over the airbag. The retainer portion has an appearance finish. The door portion is disposed within the void integrally circumscribed by the retainer portion to define the seamless airbag door through which the airbag deploys. The door portion has an appearance finish compatible to the appearance finish of the retainer portion such that no seam is visible. The door portion is molded together with the retainer portion and is formed of a material different than the material of the retainer portion.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a method of making a vehicle seamless panel for concealing an airbag. The method includes providing a first mold member and a second mold member having a first portion and a second portion. The first mold member and the first portion cooperates to define a first closed mold cavity configured to form a retainer portion of the panel to be disposed adjacent the airbag. The retainer portion has an opening to define a void over the airbag. The first mold member and the second portion cooperates to define a second closed mold cavity configured to hold the molded retainer portion and to form a door portion of the panel to be disposed within the void. The door portion is integrally circumscribed by the retainer portion. The method further includes moving the first portion into contact with the first mold member to cooperate with the first mold member to form the first closed mold cavity and injecting a first material into the first closed mold cavity to form the retainer portion of the panel. The method further includes moving the second portion into contact with the first mold member to cooperate with the first mold member to form the second closed mold cavity and injecting a second material into the second closed mold cavity to form the door portion of the panel.
It is an object of the present invention to provide another method of making a vehicle seamless panel for concealing an airbag. The method provides a first mold member and a second mold member wherein the second mold member has a movable part operative to selectively vary the configuration of a mold cavity formed by the first and second mold member when the part is moved between first and second position. The first mold member cooperates with the second mold member with the movable part in the first position to define a first closed mold cavity configured to form a retainer portion of the panel to be disposed adjacent the airbag. The retainer portion has an opening to define a void over the airbag. The first mold member cooperates with the second mold member when the part is placed in the second position to define a second closed mold cavity configured to hold the molded retainer portion and to form a door portion of the panel to be disposed within the opening integrally circumscribed by the retainer portion. The method further comprises placing the part of the second mold member in the first position to cooperate with the first mold member to provide the first closed mold cavity and injecting the first material into the first closed mold cavity to form the retainer portion of the panel. The method further includes moving the part of the second mold member to the second position to cooperate with the first mold member to provide the second mold cavity and injecting a second material into the second closed mold cavity to form the door portion of the panel.
The above objects and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
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Field of the Invention
An embodiment relates to a sheet feeder, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming system.
Description of the Related Art
An image forming apparatus, such as a printer, includes a sheet feeder that feeds and conveys a sheet contained in a sheet containing unit to a conveyance roller disposed downstream of the sheet containing unit. In the sheet feeder, a plurality of sheets fed by a pickup roller is separated into a preceding sheet and a succeeding sheet by a feed roller and a separation roller. When the preceding sheet reaches the conveyance roller, the sheet feeder stops the pickup roller and the feed roller and allows the conveyance roller to draw the preceding sheet (refer to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-167494). This prevents the succeeding sheet from being conveyed downward of a separation nip in a sheet conveyance path.
While the preceding sheet is drawn by the conveyance roller, a backward tension is applied to the preceding sheet. The backward tension is caused by torque (separation resistance) produced by a torque limiter attached to the separation roller. The backward tension is released immediately when a trailing edge of the sheet comes out of the separation nip. Consequently, the sheet may vibrate to cause a sudden noise. Recently, there have been growing expectations for noise reduction in sheet feeders and image forming apparatuses. Demand for reduced sudden noise levels is increasing in the market.
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Field of Disclosed Subject Matter
The disclosed subject matter is directed to systems and methods for delivering one or more medical devices, for example an implant, and more specifically, a braided implant. The braided implant, for example a stent or scaffold, can be disposed within a delivery system having an actuation assembly configured to deliver the braided implant using a reciprocating motion.
Description of Related Art
Conventional self-expanding stent delivery systems can include a handle housing portion and an elongated shaft, wherein the stent is disposed within a delivery portion at the distal end of the shaft. To deploy the stent, an outer sheath is retracted relative to the stent, whereby the stent is released from its delivery configuration. In certain systems, an inner member having a pushing mechanism disposed proximate to its distal end can be used to push the stent from the outer sheath, while the outer sheath is retracted.
However, there remains a need for a system and method for more accurately delivering an implant using a relatively simple motion and ease of use.
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1. Field:
This disclosure is concerned generally with intravenous nutrition and specifically with the use of lipid combinations which, on hydrolysis, yield controlled amounts of both long and medium chain fatty acids.
2. Prior Art:
Among the most important goals of nutritional support during severe injury or sepsis are a reduction in net protein catabolism and an increase in protein synthesis, especially in those tissues concerned with wound healing and host defense mechanisms.
Usually during severe stress, regardless of the initiating cause, there is an important mobilization of amino nitrogen from skeletal muscle and connective tissue to support the synthesis of visceral and acute phase secretory proteins. This metabolic response results in the acceleration of protein degradation and an elevation of energy expenditure or, as used herein, hypercatabolism. In addition, muscle protein catabolism provides the precursors for oxidation of branched chain amino acids and the synthesis and release of alanine for hepatic metabolism as a gluconeogenic substrate. Urinary nitrogen excretion is often elevated and the organism suffers negative nitrogen balance. If the stress is persistent, the nitrogen losses will eventually deplete the body's protein pool and this hypercatabolism will compromise critical functions resulting in a progressive deterioration of lean body mass and multiple organ failure. There is no doubt about the importance of dietary amino acid administration during severe injury. But because of the close relationship between protein and energy metabolism, caloried intake can also modify the utilization of amino acids, spare nitrogen and support protein synthesis.
The sources of non-protein calories commonly used in total parenteral nutrition are dextrose solutions and long chain fatty acid triglyceride (LCT) emulsions composed of either soybean or safflower oil. However, there is increasing concern about the undesirable effects of excessive dextrose administration in critically ill patients. Insulin resistance limits glucose oxidation and promotes lipid biosynthesis increasing the production of CO.sub.2 and the risks of developing fatty liver. On the other hand some controversy persists concerning the utilization of long chain fatty acids during severe stress. Some investigators have suggested that the nitrogen sparing capacity of long chain triglyceride emulsions are due solely to the glycerol that the emulsions contain. In severe stress long chain fatty acids may have a reduced capacity to enter the mitochondria for .beta.-oxidation, some investigators have reported a reduction in muscle carnitine levels which assists their entry into the mitochondria.
In addition, intravenous diets in which long chain triglyceride emulsions contribute over 50% of nonprotein calorie intake have been associated with anergy to cutaneous antigens and T-lymphocyte dysfunction. Furthermore, critically ill patients receiving such diets are at increased risk of developing secondary complications.
These considerations have promoted the search for nonconventional energy sources that can be more easily utilized in injury. Medium chain triglycerides (MCT) formed from saturated fatty acid with chain lengths of 6-14 carbons have a unique metabolism that may be of importance during injury. They are metabolized more rapidly than long chain triglycerides because they do not require carnitine to enter into the mitochondria where they are used for .beta.-oxidation. Moreover, the deposition as fat is less during medium chain triglyceride infusions than during long chain triglyceride administration because they require an initial elongation to 16-18 carbon length chains. Their rapid utilization as an energy substrate and frequent generation of ketone bodies may represent an important mechanism to spare nitrogen and support protein synthesis during injury. Proposed enteral and parenteral applications for MCTs have been described by A. C. Bach and V. K. Babayan in "Medium-Chain Triglycerides: an Update", Am. J. Clin. Nutrition 36, pp. 950-962, November, 1982. Parenteral applicatons of MCT/LCT mixtures have been described by D. Sailer and M. Muller in "Medium Chain Triglycerides in Parenteral Nutrition", J. Parent. and Ent. Nutr., Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 115-119 (1981). Toxicity to intravenous administration of large quantities of MCT has been reported. Intravenous administration in dogs has produced somnolence, vomiting, coma and death. Similar findings have also been observed in fed, but not fasted rats. The effects of such nutrition on the hypercatabolic mammal, however, have not been investigated in great detail to date. As used herein, the term hypercatabolic refers to a state of elevated energy expenditure in a mammal which, if uncorrected, results in detrimental protein catabolism. Such state may be caused by a variety of life-threatening conditions including surgical injury, trauma, infection and the like.
As disclosed below, we have examined various calorie sources for total parenteral nutrition (TPN) in burned rats. We have examined the significance of infusing in addition to a basal intake of dextrose and amino acids, 33% more calories as either dextrose or a commercially available long chain triglyceride emulsion (soybean oil), medium chain triglyceride emulsion or a structured lipid emulsion composed of 60% medium chain and 40% long chain triglycerides. We evaluated the effect of these diets on changes in body weight, nitrogen balance, lever nitrogen, serum glucose, .beta.-hydroxybutyrate, lactate and albumin concentrations. Whole body leucine kinetics and protein fractional synthetic rate in muscle and liver were determined by using a constant intravenous infusion of L-[1-.sup.14 C]leucine as a tracer. Quite surprisingly, we found that when certain lipid sources were included in the TPN studies, the mammals studies were significantly more anabolic than animals receiving the other intravenous diets. As measured by nitrogen and net leucine balance, rats infused with one of our controlled lipid sources were in significant positive balance. Using the same controlled lipid, the highest hepatic protein synthesis was obtained and, in addition, it was found that more than 60% of the test animals' total caloric requirements could be satisfied with that lipid source without impairment of the function of the animal's reticuloendothelial system (RES). Details of the controlled lipid sources and their uses are described below.
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Airfoils are known and used in machines, such as gas turbine engines. In an engine, an airfoil may be made of any of various different types of materials, depending upon the operating conditions that the airfoil will be exposed to. Airfoils in relatively cool portions of the engine, such as the fan and compressor sections, can utilize different materials than in relatively hot portions of the engine, such as the turbine section. As an example, certain aluminum or titanium alloys can be used in cooler portions of the engine. For aluminum alloys, there are a wide variety of compositions, each with specific processing limitations that must be met in order to obtain the optimal properties of the alloy. As an example, exposure to elevated processing temperatures can over-age the aluminum alloy and thereby debit the strength and other properties. Given the shape and design requirements of an airfoil, and the processing limitations of aluminum alloys, it has not been possible to use certain aluminum alloys for airfoils.
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The eyes are an important, but often overlooked part of the body. Despite the preventable nature of some vision impairments, many people do not receive recommended regular screenings and exams and therefore may be subject to and/or contract common visional problems such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataract, and age related macular degeneration. These common vision problems often do not provide any early warning signs. If some basic eye care is taken and routine examination is carried out, eye problems can be detected at early stage and corrective measures can be taken to minimize vision loss and help a person see his or her best. Such healthy vision can help keep people safe when behind the wheel, participating in sports, and/or working with computers in the office or power tools in their yard or around their home.
Nowadays, people of all age group extensively use electronic devices such as laptops, computers, tablets, cell phones for extended time periods ranging from 4 to 10 hours, which emit blue light of varying intensity. Even children use electronic devices with screens or displays, such as televisions, tablets, video games, other entertainment equipment for prolonged time during day as well as during night hours, even before going to bed. People are also exposed to sun rays and other light sources in routine life such as traffic signals, road lights, cinema theatre or cricket ground lights which cause visual fatigue, stress and discomfort, thus affecting overall visual performance over time period. Exposure to blue light from electronic devices at night time also affects quality of sleep and puts extra stress on visual function, while carrying out visual activities at work place.
Many people who use computers for extended time periods such as 8 to 10 hours a day complain of eye strain. They also experience symptoms such as eye discomfort, headaches, soreness, tiredness, burning or itchiness in the eyes, and/or watery or dry eyes, thus further aggravating the problems in the form of difficulty in focusing, blurred or double vision, and/or increased photosensitivity to eyes. Medical intervention is then needed to treat these conditions and even though many treatment options like lubricating eye drops, antibiotic drops, ointments, and related eye care drugs are available, ophthalmologists still prefer the option of advising their patients to avoid prolonged use of electronic devices and take some basic care such as washing eyes in between the use or having some eye exercises to avoid visual strain. Proper diet comprised of fruits, green vegetables, egg yolks, and raw salads is also advised in order to provide precursors of vitamin A, which is supposed to be beneficial along with omega-3 fatty acids and other antioxidants, for protecting vision health (Ref- Dr. Yves Sauvé—Article-Nutrition and Vision Health).
Many references report use of natural supplements for treatment of visual health.
US20110052511A1 relates to compositions, preferably an orally applicable composition, having an effective amount of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of β-carotene, lutein, lycopene and β-cryptoxanthin and mixtures thereof and combinations thereof with CoQ-10 as active ingredient(s), characterized in that the amount is effective for maintaining the energy metabolism, the energy flow and/or the energy production in skin or of skin of animals including humans, for maintaining the respiratory function of the skin of animals including humans, for energizing the skin, maintaining and supporting the radiance and natural glow of the skin of the animals including humans and for promoting a healthy appearance of the skin of the animals including humans and for preventing UV-A radiation-induced mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutagenesis in skin of the animals including humans.
US20130296442A1 relates to improvement of visual performance, particularly of visual performance in darkness, by administration of a colorant that is capable of being incorporated into eye tissue and/or causing yellowing of eye tissue, especially carotenoids, such as lutein and zeaxanthin. The reference aims to improve visual performance in darkness and not in exposure of light.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,603,522B2 relates to a method for stabilizing visual acuity loss in people having early age related macular degeneration by administering a daily dosage of not less than approximately 420 mg and not more than approximately 600 mg of vitamin C, not less than approximately 400 IU and not more than approximately 540 IU of vitamin E, approximately 0.04 mg to 40 mg of lutein-zeaxanthine combination, not less than approximately 60 mg and not more than approximately 100 mg of zinc and at least 1.6 mg and not more than approximately 2.4 mg of copper.
WO2013043366A1 relates to use of composition of lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, astaxanthin, vitamin C, and vitamin E for improving visual function and eye health in an animal. Though the patent document relates to improvement of visual performance, it does not demonstrate the eye-brain coordination to reduce the eye fatigue and eye strain under specific conditions or with a high energy source.
CN101757299A relates to a composition for relieving visual fatigue, wherein the composition includes components in parts by weight: 22-28 parts of eyebright, 20-26 parts of xanthan, 14-18 parts of huckleberry, 15-20 parts of ginkgo leaves, 16-22 parts of grape pips, 1-5 parts of zinc lactate and 1-5 parts of vitamin A. Particularly, a composition has effects of preventing, improving and treating blurred vision, dry eye syndrome, swollen pain of eyes, photophobia and the like.
WO 2013009378 A1 (University of Georgia) relates to a method of enhancing a subject's macular pigment optical density by administering to the subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of one or more xanthophyll carotenoids. Preferably, the xanthophyll carotenoids are selected from the group consisting of lutein (L), zeaxanthin (Z), and meso-zeaxanthin (MZ), and enantiomers, metabolites, esters, pharmaceutically acceptable salts and derivatives thereof. In certain embodiments, the xanthophyll carotenoids such as lutein (L), zeaxanthin (Z), and mesozeaxanthin (MZ) are each in substantially pure enantiomeric form.
PCT application WO2015175478 relates to a dietary supplement composition which is formulated in a therapeutically effective amount to treat the eye of an individual having an eye impairment, including dry eyes. It includes a mixture of a phospholipid and a seed oil extract, astaxanthin, and at least one carotenoid selected from the group consisting of lutein, trans-zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin. It is formulated into a single dosage capsule.
Patent publication US20130231297 describes an orally administered composition for improving visual performance, said composition comprising a combination of astaxanthin, saffron, lutein, zeaxanthin and European black currant extract, in amounts effective to reduce eye fatigue or enhance at least one of visual acuity, contrast acuity, glare relief and recovery, and high intensity blue light filtration.
PCT patent publication WO2015175478 relates to a dietary supplement composition which is formulated in a therapeutically effective amount to treat the eye of an individual having eye impairment, including dry eyes. It includes a mixture of a phospholipid and a seed oil extract, astaxanthin, and at least one carotenoid selected from the group consisting of lutein, trans-zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin. It is formulated into a single dosage capsule.
US20130231297 describes an orally administered composition for improving visual performance, said composition comprising a combination of astaxanthin, saffron, lutein, zeaxanthin and European black currant extract, in amounts effective to enhance visual acuity.
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The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for recording keyboard music for re-creation on a similar keyboard instrument by actuation of the keys and, more particularly, to the provision of means for stretching the recorded notes before recording and playback on electronic keyboard instruments. As disclosed in Vincent U.S. Pat. No. 3,905,267, and Englund U.S. Pat. No. 3,604,299, digitally recorded key switch actuations are stretched by pulse stretching circuitry subsequent to the recording on magnetic tape and requires a pulse stretcher for each note of the keyboard.
In accordance with the present invention, the frames of key switch actuations, the key data from a key switch multiplexer, are applied to a pair of serially connected 128-bit shift registers. The output of the first shift register is supplied to the second shift register and to an OR gate along with the output of the second shift register so that every key switch closure or actuation extends over two time frames and is, in effect, a note stretcher. This note stretching removes the very sharp and mechanical sound from short notes.
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The present invention broadly relates to the furniture art and, more specifically, concerns a new and improved construction of supporting or support plate arrangement for adjusting the inclination of at least one part of the repose or lying surface of a piece of furniture upon which a person can recline or lie.
In the description to follow such piece of furniture will be sometimes conveniently referred to simply as reclining furniture.
As a general rule such support or supporting plate arrangements for adjusting the head end of reclining furniture are hingedly connected both at the frame as well as also at the reclining surface part or portion which is to be adjusted, typically a lower mattress. They are actuated in that the adjustable part is raised or lowered.
In principle such prior art supporting plate arrangement or support plate also can be used for the elevational adjustment of the foot end of the furniture, i.e., as a so-called foot elevational support. However, this results in the limitation that the pivotable lower mattress portion cannot be further raised than permitted by the maximum spreading apart of the support plate owing to the pivotal connection of the lower mattress portion with the support plate. Due to the open gap or space which is thus formed between the frame and the lower mattress access to a storage cabinet or compartment for the storage of the bed linen, sheets, blankets or the like-- hereinafter conveniently referred to as the bedding--arranged below the lower mattress is hardly possible or at best with extreme difficulty. To overcome this drawback it has already been proposed that the support plate not be connected with the pivotal lower mattress portion so that it can be upwardly pivoted. However, this in turn is associated with the disadvantage that the employed support plate no longer can be actuated by raising and lowering the adjustable lower mattress portion. This becomes even more problematic due to the fact that, as a general rule, there are required two support plates in order to obtain the requisite stability of the support. Hence, it is necessary to individually regulate both of the support plates when the lower mattress portion is raised. Moreover, the conventionally employed support plates which are intended for use with the head portions are not designed in such a manner that there can be realized satisfactory stability with a free articulated lever arm, so that additional means are required in order to guide the free lever ends such as to prevent lateral outward deflection. This again constricts the access opening to the bedding storage compartment or cabinet.
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Medical device manufacturers are continually increasing the processing capabilities of patient monitors, specifically of patient monitors that process signals based on attenuation of light by patient tissue. In general, such patient monitoring systems include one or more optical sensors that irradiate tissue of a patient and one or more photodetectors that detect the radiation after attenuation thereof by the tissue. The sensor communicates the detected signal to a patient monitor, where the monitor often removes noise and preprocesses the signal. Advanced signal processors then perform time domain and/or frequency domain processing to determine measurements of blood constituents and other physiological parameters of the patient.
Manufacturers have advanced basic pulse oximeters that determine measurements for blood oxygen saturation (“SpO2”), pulse rate (“PR”) and pethysmographic information, to read-through-motion oximeters, to co-oximeters that determine measurements of many constituents of circulating blood. For example, Masimo Corporation of Irvine Calif. (“Masimo”) manufactures pulse oximetry systems including Masimo SET® low noise optical sensors and read through motion pulse oximetry monitors for measuring Sp02, PR, perfusion index (“PI”) and others. Masimo sensors include any of LNOP®, LNCS®, SofTouch™ and Blue™ adhesive or reusable sensors. Masimo oximetry monitors include any of Rad-8®, Rad-5®, Rad®-5v or SatShare® monitors.
Many innovations improving the measurement of blood constituents are described in at least U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,770,028; 6,658,276; 6,157,850; 6,002,952; 5,769,785 and 5,758,644, which are assigned to Masimo and are incorporated by reference herein. Corresponding low noise optical sensors are disclosed in at least U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,985,764; 6,088,607; 5,782,757 and 5,638,818, assigned to Masimo and hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference herein.
Masimo also manufactures more advanced co-oximeters including Masimo Rainbow® SET, which provides measurements in addition to Sp02, such as total hemoglobin (SpHb™), oxygen content (SpCO™), methemoglobin (SpMet®), carboxyhemoglobin (SpCO®) and PVI®. Advanced blood parameter sensors include Masimo Rainbow® adhesive, ReSposable™ and reusable sensors. Masimo's advanced blood parameter monitors include Masimo Radical-7™, Rad87™, and Rad57™ monitors as well as Pronto and Pronto-7 spot check monitors.
Innovations relating to these more advanced blood parameter measurement systems are described in at least U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,647,083; 7,729,733; U.S. Pat. Pub. Nos. 2006/0211925; and 2006/0238358, assigned to Cercacor Laboratories of Irvine, Calif. (“Cercacor”) and hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference herein.
Such advanced pulse oximeters, low noise sensors and advanced blood parameter systems have gained rapid acceptance in a wide variety of medical applications, including surgical wards, intensive care and neonatal units, general wards, home care, physical training, and virtually all types of monitoring scenarios.
Advanced pulse oximetry is described in at least U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,770,028; 6,658,276; 6,157,850; 6,002,952; 5,769,785 and 5,758,644, which are assigned to Masimo Corporation (“Masimo”) of Irvine, Calif. and are incorporated in their entirety by reference herein. Corresponding low noise optical sensors are disclosed in at least U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,985,764; 6,813,511; 6,792,300; 6,256,523; 6,088,607; 5,782,757 and 5,638,818, which are also assigned to Masimo and are also incorporated in their entirety by reference herein. Advanced pulse oximetry systems including Masimo SET® low noise optical sensors and read through motion pulse oximetry monitors for measuring SpO2, pulse rate (PR) and perfusion index (PI) are available from Masimo. Optical sensors include any of Masimo LNOP®, LNCS®, SofTouch™ and BIue™ adhesive or reusable sensors. Pulse oximetry monitors include any of Masimo Rad-8®, Rad-5®, Rad®-5v or SatShare® monitors.
Advanced blood parameter measurement systems are described in at least U.S. Pat. No. 7,647,083, filed Mar. 1, 2006, titled Multiple Wavelength Sensor Equalization; U.S. Pat. No. 7,729,733, filed Mar. 1, 2006, titled Configurable Physiological Measurement System; U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2006/0211925, filed Mar. 1, 2006, titled Physiological Parameter Confidence Measure and U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2006/0238358, filed Mar. 1, 2006, titled Noninvasive Multi-Parameter Patient Monitor, all assigned to Cercacor Laboratories, Inc., Irvine, Calif. (Cercacor) and all incorporated in their entirety by reference herein. An advanced parameter measurement system that includes acoustic monitoring is described in U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2010/0274099, filed Dec. 21, 2009, titled Acoustic Sensor Assembly, assigned to Masimo and incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.
Advanced blood parameter measurement systems include Masimo Rainbow® SET, which provides measurements in addition to SpO2, such as total hemoglobin (SpHb™), oxygen content (SpOC™), methemoglobin (SpMet®), carboxyhemoglobin (SpCO®) and PVI®. Advanced blood parameter sensors include Masimo Rainbow® adhesive, ReSposable™ and reusable sensors. Advanced blood parameter monitors include Masimo Radical-7™, Rad87™ and Rad57™ monitors, all available from Masimo. Advanced parameter measurement systems may also include acoustic monitoring such as acoustic respiration rate (RRa™) using a Rainbow Acoustic Sensor™ and Rad87™ monitor, available from Masimo. Such advanced pulse oximeters, low noise sensors and advanced parameter systems have gained rapid acceptance in a wide variety of medical applications, including surgical wards, intensive care and neonatal units, general wards, home care, physical training, and virtually all types of monitoring scenarios.
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{
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
}
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnosis device and a method of diagnosing by using the same, and more particularly, to an ultrasonic diagnosis device that enables a user to further facilitate ultrasonic diagnosis and a method of diagnosing by using the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
An ultrasonic diagnosis device irradiates ultrasonic signals generated by transducers of a probe to a target object and receives echo signals reflected from the target object, thereby obtaining images regarding the interior of the target object (e.g., tomography of soft tissues or blood flow). In particular, an ultrasonic diagnosis device may be used for medical purposes including observation of the interior of a target object, detection of foreign substances, and diagnosis of damage. Such an ultrasonic diagnosis device may display information regarding a target object in real-time. Furthermore, an ultrasonic diagnosis device causes no radioactive exposure like X-rays, and thus, is very safe. Therefore, an ultrasonic diagnosis device is widely used together with other types of imaging diagnosis devices.
Technologies for remotely performing ultrasonic diagnosis have been recently developed. In general, such remote diagnosis is performed by enabling an experienced person who is accustomed to the ultrasonic diagnosis to assist a non-experienced person who is not accustomed to the ultrasonic diagnosis in performing the ultrasonic diagnosis.
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{
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
}
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1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a brake master cylinder, and more particularly to a brake master cylinder having a body made of resin material.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Conventionally, a brake master cylinder having a body of resin material has been proposed to lighten the weight of a vehicle. Since the body is made of resin material, there is the possibility that the inside wall of the resin body may be damaged by the sliding movement of a piston positioned within the body. This results in a reduction in the sealing effect and in leakage of fluid.
In order to reduce the above drawbacks, a metal tube has been further proposed to be positioned within the inside wall of the resin body as disclosed in the British Patent Specification No. 1,051,512. The resin body is formed by a molding member in the form of a sleeve-like portion positioned around the metal tube and having a plurality of grooves to thereby securely position the metal tube within the resin body. However, in this prior brake master cylinder, the cost in manufacturing the metal tube is relatively high since the metal tube extends for the whole length of the inside wall of the body and the plurality of grooves have to be formed therein. Furthermore, a gap may occur between the resin body and the metal tube due to the difference in the rate of thermal expansion therebetween especially when the brake master cylinder is at a high temperature. This results in leakage of fluid. If the inside wall of the metal tube is damaged by twisting of the piston or the like, there also is a disadvantage that both the body and metal tube have to be exchanged because the metal tube is integrally formed with the body.
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{
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
}
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