text
stringlengths 2
806k
| meta
dict |
|---|---|
Intermediate product combinations for an internal trim part of vehicles and an internal trim part of this type, which have a plurality of components, are known from the general prior art. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an automatic global routing device, in a CAD system which designs and develops a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI) and a logic circuit by means of a computer, for automatically placement and routing component cells on LSI chips or printed boards so as to minimize the entire size or minimize a routing length and a global routing method therefor.
2. Description of the Related Art
Automatic placement and routing processing of this kind for placement and routing integrated circuit chips by an automatic routing device using a CAD system is executed in four steps, floor plan processing, placement processing, global routing processing and detailed routing processing.
In the following, conventional automatic placement and routing methods will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. First, at the floor plan processing, one places macro cells on an integrated circuit to be processed, and determines a region in which basic cells are to be placed as shown in FIG. 8(A) (Step 701 of FIG. 7). This floor plan processing is conducted semi-automatically. Next, determination is made whether routing processing is possible for the integrated circuit subjected to the floor plan processing (Step 702). When the determination is made that routing is impossible, the routine returns to Step 701 to execute the floor plan processing over again.
When the determination is made at Step 702 that routing is possible, one places desired basic cells at the basic cell placement region as shown in FIG. 8(B) (Step 703). Then, determination is made whether routing processing is possible for the integrated circuit subjected to the basic cell placement processing (Step 704). When the determination is made that routing is impossible, the routine returns to Step 703 to conduct the placement processing over again. When the determination is still made at Step 704 that routing is impossible even after further trials of the placement processing a preset number of times, the routine returns to Step 701 to start over with the floor plan processing.
When the determination is made at Step 704 that routing is possible, one divides the integrated circuit chip to be processed into rectangles (global routing cells) and determines a routing route of each net on a divisional unit basis as shown in FIG. 8(C) (Step 705). xe2x80x9cNetxe2x80x9d here represents a route from an output terminal of an arbitrary gate circuit to an input terminal of other gate circuit. For each net, net information indicating which terminals are to be connected is defined. Global routing processing at Step 705 is conducted based only on a wire capacitance of a global routing cell boundary (degree of wire congestion) as will be described later. Next, determination is made whether routing processing is possible for the integrated circuit subjected to the global routing processing (Step 706). When the determination is made that routing is impossible, the routine returns to Step 705 to conduct the global routing processing over again. When the determination is still made at Step 706 that routing is impossible even after further trials of the global routing processing a preset number of times, the routine returns to Step 703 to conduct the placement processing over again. Furthermore, when the determination is still made at Step 706 that routing is impossible even after further trial of the placement processing a preset number of times, the routine returns to Step 701 to start over with the floor plan processing.
When the determination is made at Step 706 that routing is possible, one determines a detailed routing route within each global routing cell as shown in FIG. 8(D) (Step 707). Then, one determines if there is a shorted net or an unrouted net (Step 708). When there is a shorted net or an unrouted net, the routine returns to Step 707 to conduct the detailed routing processing over again. If a shorted net or an unrouted net is still detected at Step 708 even after further trials of the detailed routing processing preset times, the routine returns to Step 705 to conduct the global routing processing over again. Further, when a shorted place or a place yet to be wired is still detected at Step 708 even after further executions of the global routing processing preset times, the routine returns to Step 703 to start over with the placement processing. Further, if a shorted place or a place yet to be wired is still detected at Step 708 even after further executions of the placement processing preset times, the routine returns to Step 701 to start over with the floor plan processing. Then, when there remains neither a shorted place nor a place yet to be wired (yes at Step 708), the automatic placement and routing processing is completed.
Next, with reference to FIG. 9, detailed description will be made of the global routing processing (FIG. 7, Step 705) and the following routing possibility/impossibility determination processing (FIG. 7, Step 706) at the conventional automatic placement and routing processing. Conventional global routing processing of this kind is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Laying-open (Kokai) No. Heisei 3-278446, entitled xe2x80x9cAutomatic Routing Method for Semiconductor Devicexe2x80x9d.
First, as shown in FIG. 10(A), divide a chip into rectangles (global routing cells) (Step 901). In FIG. 10(A), a black square represents a terminal, while a region denoted by slant lines represents a global route for the connection of terminals. xe2x80x9cGlobal routing cellxe2x80x9d is also called a unit routing region. In the figure, a boundary between adjacent global routing cells is called a xe2x80x9cglobal routing cell boundaryxe2x80x9d. More specifically, each global routing cell has four global routing boundaries in the upper, lower, right and left directions.
Next, calculate a wire capacitance which indicates how many wires can pass through each global routing cell boundary (Step 902). With reference to FIG. 11, a method of calculating a wire capacitance will be described. In FIG. 11, one specific global routing cell is denoted by solid lines and a routing track is denoted by a dotted line. Here, xe2x80x9crouting trackxe2x80x9d represents a passage on which routing can be made. xe2x80x9cWire capacitancexe2x80x9d is therefore equal to the number of routing tracks passing through a global routing cell boundary. In addition, a routing inhibited region is denoted as a block of slant lines. In practice, routing is made over a plurality of layers. In other words, routing tracks and routing inhibited regions exist individually on each layer in practice. In this example, description will be made of one-layer routing for the purpose of simplicity. In the example illustrated in FIG. 11, five routing tracks exist in the right-and-left direction and five routing tracks also exist in the up-and-down direction. In this case, if there exists no routing inhibited region within the global routing cell and on the global routing cell boundaries, a wire capacitance of each global routing cell boundary will be 5.
However, since a routing inhibited region exists in practice as illustrated in FIG. 11, a wire capacity of each global routing cell boundary will be 5 or less than 5 which is a value derived from the number of routing tacks. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the symbol xe2x80x9c∘xe2x80x9d on a global routing cell boundary denotes a passable track, and a wire capacity of the upper global routing cell boundary is 3, that of the lower global routing cell boundary is 4, that of the left-side global routing cell boundary is 5 and that of the right-side global routing cell boundary is 3. Here, according to the above literature, a wire capacity is obtained as the number of routing tracks allowing routing which is estimated based on a distribution of obstructions within the global routing cell (routing inhibited region). In the global routing processing, therefore, a routing route is selected such that a wire capacity will not exceed an estimated value at each global routing cell boundary.
Next, based on a wire capacity of a global routing cell boundary and already determined global routes, calculate a degree of congestion of wires which indicates how many wires can be actually passed through a global routing cell boundary (Step 903). With a global route set as shown in FIG. 10(A), a global routing cell boundary through which a wire passes is denoted by an arrow in FIG. 10(B) and a global routing cell through which a wire passes is denoted as a block of heavy solid lines. This calculation of a degree of wire congestion is made per one net yet to be wired, using the following expression:
[[degree of wire congestion]=[the number of passing global routes]xe2x88x92[wire capacity].
Therefore, the higher a value of the degree of wire congestion is, that is, the closer to zero the value is, the more wires are congest. Zero value of the degree of wires congestion indicates that no more routing is possible on the global routing cell boundary. With reference to FIGS. 12 and 13 in addition to FIG. 11, a method of calculating a degree of wire congestion will be described. FIG. 12 shows already determined global routes. In this example, two global routes pass through the upper global routing cell boundary, one passes through the lower global routing cell boundary, two pass through the left-side global routing cell boundary and three pass through the right-side global routing cell boundary. Calculation of a degree of wire congestion based on the wire capacities shown in FIG. 11 and the global routes shown in FIG. 12 results in that the degree of wire congestion on the upper global routing cell boundary will be xe2x88x921 (=2xe2x88x923) as shown in FIG. 13 because the number of passing global routes is two and the wire capacitance is 3. Similarly, the degree of wire congestion on the lower global routing cell boundary will be xe2x88x923 (=1xe2x88x924), that of the left-side global routing cell boundary will be xe2x88x923 (=2xe2x88x925)and that of the right-side global routing cell boundary will be 0 (=3xe2x88x923).
Next, based on the cost of distance, the cost of a degree of wire congestion on a global routing cell boundary, the cost of bend and other various kinds of costs, one determines a routing route minimizing these costs (Step 904). Then, Steps 903 and 904 will be repeated until there remains no more unrouted net (Step 905). In other words, determination of a route minimizing these costs is made through Steps 903, 904 and 905 taking wire capacitances into consideration until no unrouted net wired is left.
When no more nets remain to be wired (no at Step 905), determination is made whether there exists a global routing cell boundary at which the number of passing wires exceeds its wire capacitance (that is, a global routing cell boundary with a positive value of the degree of wire congestion) (Step 906). Here, when there exists a global routing cell boundary at which the number of passing wires exceeds its wire capacitance, one rips up a net which passes through the global routing cell boundary (Step 907) to return to Step 903. On the other hand, when there exists no global routing cell boundary at which the number of passing wires exceeds its wire capacitance, the global routing processing is completed.
The automatic placement and routing processing by a conventional automatic routing device, however, has the following drawback because global routing processing is conducted taking only a wire capacitance of a global routing cell boundary into consideration, that is, based only on a degree of wire congestion as mentioned above.
Consideration will be given of a global routing cell with three routing tracks existing in the right-and-left direction and three routing tracks also in the up-and-down direction as illustrated in FIG. 14(A). It is assumed that in this global routing cell, a region denoted by slant lines and including a point of intersection between the central routing track in the right-and-left direction and the central routing track in the up-and-down direction (hereinafter referred to as a central point of intersection) is a routing inhibited region. In such a case, wire capacitances of the respective global routing cell boundaries are all 3.
With this global routing cell, to pass three wires as a global route in the right-and-left direction as shown in FIG. 14(B) results in having such degrees of wire congestion on the global routing cell boundaries as shown in FIG. 14(C), none of which has a positive value (i.e., none of which has exceeded routing cell capacity). In other words, the number of nets passing through the global routing cell boundary does not exceed a wire capacitance. Determination is therefore made here that the routing in question is possible. However, since routing that passes through the central point of intersection is actually impossible because of the existence of the routing inhibited region, even if determination is made at the global routing processing that routing is possible, routing error will occur at the subsequent detailed routing processing as shown in FIG. 14(D). This is because two nets are shorted as illustrated in FIG. 14(D). As a result, the global routing processing or the preceding placement processing and floor plan processing must be conducted over again.
In brief, automatic routing and placement processing by a conventional automatic routing device has a disadvantage in taking much time because even when determination is made at global routing processing that routing is possible, it is highly probable that determination will be made at the detailed routing processing that such routing is impossible.
An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic routing device enabling reduction in time required for automatic placement and routing processing by lessening a probability that routing determined to be possible at global routing processing will be determined to be impossible at detailed routing processing.
According to the first aspect of the invention, automatic routing device for automatically conducting placement and routing of integrated circuits on an integrated circuit chip to be processed, comprises
first determination means for determining whether routing of a desired net is possible or not based on a wire capacitance at each global routing cell boundary formed by the division of the logic circuit chip into global routing cells, and
second determination means for determining whether routing of a desired net is possible or not based on a state of the use of a routing track grid in each global routing cell formed on the logic circuit chip.
In the preferred construction, the second determination means determines whether routing of the desired net is possible or not based on, out of grids as points of intersection between the routing tracks, the number of grids usable for routing.
In the preferred construction, the second determination means comprises number of usable grids calculating means for calculating, out of grids as points of intersection between the routing tracks, the number of grids usable for routing, number of grids to be used calculating means for calculating, based on a passing route of wires passing in the global routing cell, the number of grids to be used by the wires out of the grids, and routing possibility/impossibility determining means for determining whether routing of the desired net is possible or not based on a ratio of the number of grids usable for routing to the number of grids to be used by the wires.
In the preferred construction, the second determination means comprises number of usable grids calculating means for calculating, out of grids as points of intersection between the routing tracks, the number of grids usable for routing, number of grids to be used calculating means for calculating, based on a passing route of wires passing in the global routing cell, the number of grids to be used by the wires out of the grids, and determination means for comparing the number of grids usable for routing and the number of grids to be used by wires to determine that the routing is impossible when the number of grids to be used by wires is larger.
According to the second aspect of the invention, an automatic routing device for automatically conducting placement and routing of integrated circuits on an integrated circuit chip to be processed, comprises
floor plan determining means for conducting floor plan processing,
basic cell placement means for conducting basic cell placement processing,
global routing route determining means for conducting global routing processing, and
detailed routing route determining means for conducting detailed routing processing,
the global routing route determining means comprising
first determination means for determining whether routing of a desired net is possible or not based on a wire capacitance at each global routing cell boundary formed by the division of the logic circuit chip into global routing cells, and
second determination means for determining whether routing of a desired net is possible or not based on a state of the use of a routing grid track in each global routing cell formed on the logic circuit chip.
In the preferred construction, the second determination means determines whether routing of the desired net is possible or not based on, out of grids as points of intersection between the routing tracks, the number of grids usable for routing.
In the preferred construction, the second determination means comprises number of usable grids calculating means for calculating, out of grids as points of intersection between the routing tracks, the number of grids usable for routing, number of grids to be used calculating means for calculating, based on a passing route of wires passing in the global routing cell, the number of grids to be used by the wires out of the grids, and routing possibility/impossibility determining means for determining whether routing of the desired net is possible or not based on a ratio of the number of grids usable for routing to the number of grids to be used by the wires.
In another preferred construction, the second determination means comprises number of usable grids calculating means for calculating, out of grids as points of intersection between the routing tracks, the number of grids usable for routing, number of grids to be used calculating means for calculating, based on a passing route of wires passing in the global routing cell, the number of grids to be used by the wires out of the grids, and determination means for comparing the number of grids usable for routing and the number of grids to be used by wires to determine that the routing is impossible when the number of grids to be used by wires is larger.
According to the third aspect of the invention, an automatic routing method of automatically conducting placement and routing of integrated circuits on an integrated circuit chip to be processed, comprising the steps of:
conducting floor plan processing,
conducting basic cell placement processing,
conducting global routing processing, and
conducting detailed routing processing,
the global routing processing step comprising the steps of
dividing the logic circuit chip into global routing cells,
calculating a wire capacitance of each global routing cell boundary formed at the division step,
out of grids as points of intersection between routing tracks in each global routing cell formed at the division step, calculating the number of grids usable for routing,
based on a passing route of wires passing in the global routing cell, calculating the number of grids to be used by the wires out of the grids,
comparing the number of grids usable for routing calculated at the number of usable grids calculating step and the number of grids to be used by the wires calculated at the number of grids to be used calculating step,
determining a routing route of every net such that at least the cost of the degree of wire congestion calculated at the wire capacitance calculating step and the cost of grid use rate for routing calculated at the number of usable grids calculating step are minimum,
determining whether routing according to a routing route determined at the routing route determining step is possible or not based on the degree of wire congestion calculated at the wire capacitance calculating step, and
determining whether routing according to a routing route determined at the routing route determination step is possible or not based on a comparison result obtained at the number of grids comparing step.
In the preferred construction, the step of determining whether routing is possible or not based on a wire capacitance comprises the steps of:
determining whether there exists the global routing cell boundary through which a larger number of wires pass than the wire capacitance calculated at the wire capacitance calculating step, and when determination is made at the determination step that there exists the global routing cell boundary through which a larger number of wires pass than the wire capacitance, ripping up a net passing through the global routing cell boundary to return the processing to the route determination step.
In the preferred construction, the step of determining whether routing is possible or not based on a ratio of the number of grids usable for routing to the number of grids to be used for the wires comprises the steps of:
determining whether there exists the global routing cell in which the number of grids to be used for the wires is larger than the number of grids usable for routing, and
when determination is made at the determination step that there exists the global routing cell in which the number of grids to be used for the wires is larger than the number of grids usable for routing, ripping up a net passing through the global routing cell to return the processing to the route determination step.
In another preferred construction, the step of determining whether routing is possible or not based on a wire capacitance comprises the steps of:
determining whether there exists the global routing cell boundary through which a larger number of wires pass than the wire capacitance calculated at the wire capacitance calculating step, and
when determination is made at the determination step that there exists the global routing cell boundary through which a larger number of wires pass than the wire capacitance, ripping up a net passing through the global routing cell boundary to return the processing to the route determination step, and
the step of determining whether routing is possible or not based on a ratio of the number of grids usable for routing to the number of grids to be used for the wires comprises the steps of:
determining whether there exists the global routing cell in which the number of grids to be used for the wires is larger than the number of grids usable for routing, and
when determination is made at the determination step that there exists the global routing cell in which the number of grids to be used for the wires is larger than the number of grids usable for routing, ripping up a net passing through the global routing cell to return the processing to the route determination step.
According to another aspect of the invention, a computer readable memory storing a control program for controlling an automatic routing device which automatically places and wires integrated circuits on an integrated circuit chip to be processed,
the control program comprising the steps of:
conducting floor plan processing,
conducting basic cell placement processing,
conducting global routing processing, and
conducting detailed routing processing,
the global routing processing step comprising the steps of
dividing the logic circuit chip into global routing cells,
calculating a wire capacitance of each global routing cell boundary formed at the division step,
out of grids as points of intersection between routing tracks in each global routing cell formed at the division step, calculating the number of grids usable for routing,
based on a passing route of wires passing in the global routing cell, calculating the number of grids to be used by the wires out of the grids,
comparing the number of grids usable for routing calculated at the number of usable grids calculating step and the number of grids to be used by the wires calculated at the number of grids to be used calculating step,
determining a routing route of every net such that at least the cost of the wire capacitance calculated at the wire capacitance calculating step and the cost of the number of grids usable for routing calculated at the number of usable grids calculating step are minimum,
determining whether routing according to a routing route determined at the routing route determining step is possible or not based on the wire capacitance calculated at the wire capacitance calculating step, and
determining whether routing according to a routing route determined at the routing route determination step is possible or not based on a comparison result obtained at the number of grids comparing step.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the detailed description given herebelow. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
The invention relates to a method for locally removing coatings from components, in particular gas-turbine or aircraft-engine components which have one or more coatings at least in certain areas.
Components of internal combustion engines, such as gas turbines, have a wide variety of coatings. For removing such coatings, for example after damage during operation, so-called immersion methods are known. In these, the component is completely immersed in an electrochemical bath for removing coatings, so that not only the coated surfaces but all the surfaces of the component (base material, coatings etc.) are subjected to a material attack. A selective immersion of the coated areas of the component is often restricted by the component geometry, i.e. the lack of accessibility to the coating. The use of covers for the uncoated areas of the component leads to interfacial reactions due to restricted wettability, and consequently to an uncontrolled attack on the uncoated areas.
An object of the present invention is to provide a method with which components provided with coatings can have their coatings removed selectively or restricted to local areas. Moreover, a device for selectively or locally removing coatings from components is to be provided.
These and other objects and advantages are achieved by the method according to the invention in that a component having a coating on at least certain areas is provided, an absorbent medium is provided, the medium is supplied with a coating removal liquid and the medium containing the coating removal liquid is brought into contact with the area of the component from which the coating is to be removed.
Preferably, coatings can be removed from components without uncoated surfaces or the base material of the component being attacked by the coating removal liquid or stripping liquid. Desirably, the coatings are not removed completely, but only the damaged areas. If the component also has other coatings, not all the coatings have to be removed, but preferably just the damaged ones. This leads to savings of time and costs in the repair procedure. In addition, less coating removal liquid is required than in the case of the immersion method. Furthermore, no additional covers are required for areas of the component from which coatings are not to be removed. The local removal of coatings according to the invention has the effect that the base material underneath the coating and the base material in uncoated areas of the coating is not attacked, or only within the permissible limit values.
In another embodiment, absorbent cotton or a sponge or a porous material which may be ceramic or synthetic, for example synthetic fibrous material, may be provided as the medium. The medium absorbs the liquid and stores it, so that coatings are removed from the component when it comes into contact with the medium. It is a general prerequisite for this invention that the medium is resistant to the coating removal liquid. The medium is in this case continuously supplied with coating removal liquid.
The coating removal liquid can preferably be continuously supplied to the medium, for example by an inflow or drip feeding device and corresponding controller, whereby the area of the component from which the coating is to be removed is constantly wetted with coating removal liquid and has the effect of attacking or dissolving the coating. The constant flow, i.e. inflow and outflow, of the liquid ensures that the composition of the coating removal liquid which wets the area from which the coating is to be removed remains substantially the same.
The contact between the medium containing the coating removal liquid and the area of the component from which the coating is to be removed can be maintained over a period of time which may last from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the thickness and type of coating, and in particular may last for 12 to 48 hours.
The medium can preferably be held in a liquid-impermeable receptacle, the shape of which can be formed in a way corresponding to the shape of the component in its area from which the coating is to be removed. The receptacle is preferably formed in such a way that the medium between the receptacle and the area of the component from which the coating is to be removed is in close contact with the area of the component from which the coating is to be removed during the coating process.
The receptacle may have at least one inlet, by which the medium is supplied with coating removal liquid.
Depending on the type of coating, an acid or a caustic solution or salt solution may be provided as the coating removal liquid. The local removal of coating may take place chemically or electrochemically, so that a chemically active or electrochemically active coating removal liquid may be provided as the coating removal liquid.
The method may be used on metallic components, provided with a coating at least in certain areas, of stationary gas turbines or aircraft engines, such as for example a blade or an integrally bladed rotor carrier. A wide variety of coatings, such as coatings protecting against high-temperature corrosion or oxidation or coatings protecting against wear, such as blade tip claddings containing hard particles, can be selectively or locally removed in this way.
By heating the coating removal liquid above room temperature, the time period of the coating removal operation can be reduced, it being possible to achieve good results with shorter coating removal time periods at a temperature of the coating removal liquid above 40° C., and in particular in the range from 40 to 60° C.
The medium and the area of the component from which the coating is to be removed may be moved in relation to each other. In this way, fine residues on the coating can be removed or surfaces of the coating still to be removed can be exposed to improve the superficial reactions. Moreover, the area from which the coating is to be removed is wetted more uniformly with the coating removal liquid and its constant replacement is improved. This leads to a reduction of the coating removal time period.
In another embodiment, an object of the invention is achieved by way of at least one holding device for a component having a coating at least in certain areas, and at least one receiving device for an absorbent medium containing a coating removal liquid, the holding device and/or the receiving device being positionable in such a way that the medium containing the coating removal liquid makes contact with the area of the component from which the coating is to be removed.
The receiving device can preferably have at least one inlet for the coating removal liquid and at least one outlet for liquid, so that a constant composition of the coating removal liquid coming into contact with the areas from which coatings are to be removed is ensured.
Furthermore, the device can preferably have a number of receiving devices for the simultaneous removal of a number of coatings or coating areas of a component or a number of components. For example, in the case of an integrally bladed rotor carrier of a gas turbine, the blade tip claddings of a number of blades can be removed simultaneously, without the uncoated surfaces of the rotor carrier being attacked by the coating removal liquid. Similarly, the blade tip claddings of a number of individual blades of gas turbines can be removed by the corresponding number of receiving devices simultaneously.
In yet another embodiment involving an electrochemical coating removal method, the component may be anodically connected or subjected at times, for example at regular intervals, to anodic-cathodic pole reversal or pulsing. The pulsing/pole reversal may also take place over the entire coating removal time period. The pulsing/pole reversal allows specific atoms or molecules, such as for example hydrogen, to be deposited on the surface of the component area from which the coating is to be removed, where they react and speed up the coating removal process. Furthermore, in the case of electrochemical coating removal, the controlling of the current and voltage is adapted to the base material of the component and to the coating to be removed (type, thickness, size).
Further refinements of the invention are described in the subclaims. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
FIG. 1 illustrates a photolithography step involving a semiconductor wafer 2, having a light sensitive photo-resist 4 formed on it A mask 6 is positioned over the semiconductor wafer 2 and comprises a transparent plate 7 and opaque regions 8 on the underside of the plate 7 forming an image that is projected onto the photo-resist 4 during a photolithography step. The plate 7 is for example made of quartz, and the opaque regions 8 are formed for example of molybdenum silicide (MoSi). As represented in FIG. 1, light 10 is shone through the mask 6, and an image reducing lens 12 is used to make a reduction in the size of the image projected on the photo-resist 4, such that the dimensions of the image projected on the wafer are smaller than those of the mask. The mask layout is for example four times larger than the image formed on layer 4.
FIG. 2A illustrates in plan view the surface of the photo-resist 4. Dashed lines 202, 204 and 206 show mask pattern boundaries as reduced to correspond to the size of the projected patterns on the photo-resist 4, and solid lines 208, 210 and 212 show the actual patterns that are projected on the photo-resist layer 4, for example determined by simulation. The actual projected patterns are distorted with respect to the mask pattern edges. In particular, the rectangular regions are narrower, and tend to have curved corners or line end pull backs. This distortion results from some dispersion and interference on the light as it passes through the mask and through the optical arrangement between the mask and the wafer.
FIG. 2B illustrates, by dashed lines 214, 216 and 218, adjustments made to the boundaries of the mask patterns in order to result in more accurate patterns being formed on the wafer. The technique of adjusting the mask pattern boundaries in this way is known as optical proximity correction (OPC).
During OPC, a model for the transmission (amplitude and phase) of the light passing through the mask is used. The model for the transmission of light through the mask corresponds to the near-field amplitude and phase transmission just after the light has passed through the mask. The simulation of the image formed on the wafer takes into account other effects, such as the diffraction of the light and the aberrations introduced by the optical arrangement positioned between the mask and the wafer. A cut-off level is then applied to the simulated light intensities at the wafer level in order to determine the regions where the photo-resist will be developed.
As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the corrections to the patterns of the mask layout could comprise extending end regions to form “hammer heads”, and thereby correct the pull back on line ends of the projected image. Generally, narrow openings on the mask are also made wider, such that in the image that is formed they have the desired width. Furthermore, concave inner corners of the mask pattern can be corrected by repositioning the mask pattern boundaries towards the interior of the corners, as shown by the feature labelled 222 in FIG. 2B.
When approximating the light transmission through the mask, the Kirchhoff approximation can be used, according to which the electric field is assumed to have a constant value for all points of the mask within a region of the same polarity. This implies that the percentage of light transmitted through the mask at a mask pattern boundary is assumed to be in the form of a step, for example equal to 100% where the mask is transparent, falling to around 6% where the mask is opaque. The Kirchhoff approximation implies a “Thin Mask” approximation (TMA) according to which it is assumed that the opaque layer 8 of the mask is infinitely thin. In other words, whereas the opaque layer 8 has certain thickness, labelled e in FIG. 1, it is assumed that this thickness is negligible.
The Kirchhoff approximation is adequate for some technologies down to the CMOS 65 nm and even 45 nm technologies nodes having smallest feature sizes of 65 nm or 45 nm respectively. As the illumination light is at a wavelength of 193 nm, even with a four-times reduction system, the feature sizes of CMOS 32 nm technology and below are smaller than this wavelength. Therefore, the 3D mask effects that are ignored by the Kirchhoff or thin mask model are no longer negligible.
As an alternative to the Kirchhoff approximation, a Domain Decomposition Method (DDM) has been proposed. This technique involves calculating near-field transmission amplitude and phase for some edges of the mask layout, based on a rigorous EMF (electromagnetic field) simulation, to determine a more realistic model of the 3D mask effects, whilst avoiding performing the full rigorous EMF calculation over the entire layout.
As shown in FIG. 3, assuming that the opaque layer of a mask has facing edges 300 and 302, the DDM method involves determining a first near-field curve 304 corresponding to the near-field transmission across the first edge 300, and then a second near-field curve 306 corresponding to the near-field transmission across the second edge 302. The same curves are generated for phase, and these curves may then be applied to all the edges of the mask having corresponding orientations. Curves are also determined for the two edges perpendicular to edges 300 and 302, thereby taking into account the polarization of the incident light. For unpolarized light, the modulus of the transverse electric and magnetic components TE and TM are equal, whereas for polarized light, one component can have a stronger modulus than the other. The complex amplitudes of the near-fields generated from each edge of the mask layout are then summed in order to calculate the near-field across the whole mask.
A problem with the DDM method is that it is computationally very demanding both in terms of runtime and memory usage. Assuming that sufficient memory can be provided, for a reasonably large and complex mask design, it may take hundreds of hours to perform OPC based on this model of the mask transmission amplitude and phase, whereas a corresponding calculation based on the Kirchhoff model may take only a few hours to perform.
There is a technical problem in generating a mask layout sufficiently accurately to cope with new CMOS technologies, while greatly reducing the computation time and complexity when compared to the DDM method. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a display device capable of detecting an external contiguous object and to an electronic apparatus, and in particular to a display device with a touch detecting function capable of detecting an external contiguous object approaching the device from the outside based on a change in capacitance and to an electronic apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
Touch detection devices capable of detecting an external contiguous object, which are what is called touch panels, have been attracting attention in recent years. Touch panels are attached or integrated on display devices, such as liquid-crystal display devices, and are used for display devices with a touch detecting function. Display devices with a touch detecting function cause a display device to display various types of button images and the like. This enables input of information using the touch panel as a substitute for general mechanical buttons. Such display devices with a touch detecting function including a touch panel require no input device, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a keypad. As a result, display devices with a touch detecting function have been increasingly used for portable information terminals, such as mobile phones, besides for computers.
Some types of technologies for touch detection devices are known, including optical, resistive, and capacitive technologies, for example. By applying a capacitive touch detection device to a portable information terminal, it is possible to provide an apparatus having a relatively simple structure and requiring less power consumption. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication No. 2012-221485 (JP-A-2012-221485) discloses a capacitive touch panel.
In a display device with a touch detecting function, a display function and a touch detecting function are integrated with each other, so that an operation for touch detection may affect a display, for example. In contrast, with the display device with a touch detecting function disclosed in JP-A-2012-221485, influence on the display can be reduced even when a touch is detected. The display device with a touch detecting function disclosed in JP-A-2012-221485 includes a drive unit that selectively applies a direct current (DC) drive voltage VcomDC or an alternative current (AC) drive signal VcomAC to a drive electrode. In the display device with a touch detecting function, a display element is driven for display, a drive signal is applied to the drive electrode, and a signal corresponding to the drive signal is output from a touch detection electrode. Accordingly, two pieces of wiring for supplying the DC drive voltage VcomDC and the AC drive signal VcomAC to the drive electrode need to be routed in a picture frame area.
In the display device with a touch detecting function disclosed in JP-A-2012-221485, a resistance of the wiring that supplies the drive signal may affect a time constant of a waveform of the drive signal, and may affect accuracy in touch detection. Due to this, to reduce a connection resistance, a width of the wiring needs to be increased. However, when the width of the wiring is increased, the picture frame area that does not contribute to a display area may be enlarged.
The present invention is made in view of such a situation, and provides a display device with a touch detecting function and an electronic apparatus that can enhance the accuracy in touch detection or narrow the picture frame area. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Entities such as pharmaceutical companies and university research labs commonly use vacuum filtration sterilization of biological fluids such as cell culture media and buffer solutions. This typically involves what are referred to as bottle-top filters such as the three-piece example shown in FIG. 1. A bottle-top filter device 10 includes an upper unfiltered sample reservoir 11 which is removable and disposable. The sample reservoir 11 includes a filter 12 which typically includes a polyethersulfone (PES) or cellulose-based membrane for sterilized filtering of the sample liquid. The upper rim of the sample reservoir 11 may receive a removable cover that protects the sample liquid from contamination. On the bottom is a filtrate storage bottle 13 for collecting the liquid filtrate, and in between is a vacuum collar 14 with a vacuum port for manual coupling of a vacuum source. Vacuum is applied downstream of the filter 12 to create a pressure differential which draws the sample liquid through the filter into the storage bottle 13. The upper rim of the storage bottle 13 may be adapted to receive a cap to close the container after filtering once it is disconnected from the vacuum collar 14. These components are normally sold pre-sterilized.
Such products and processes have various inherent challenges. For example potential spills are a significant concern. A spill can disrupt production for up to an entire day and require use of a sanitizing laminar hood. The need for manual attachment of the vacuum source to the vacuum port of the vacuum collar 14 may lead to problems with instability and risk of spillage.
When vacuum filtration systems are used with cell cultures, another concern is foaming. Filtrate pulled through the filter is apt to fall into the storage bottle and splash. Splashing can cause foaming of the filtered sample, a condition that can have detrimental effects on the cell cultures. Splashing and foaming can be caused by a variety of factors including the velocity at which the filtrate passes through the filter and the distance that it must fall before hitting the storage bottle or filtrate level within the storage bottle. The greater the velocity and distance, the more the filtrate is likely to foam. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
With each passing year, the Internet becomes a greater and more permanent fixture in our daily lives. Once limited to communication between massive servers or other large machines associated with military or other government organizations, Internet connectivity eventually expanded to include academic institutions, home computers, mobile computers and telephones, e.g., “smartphones,” over time, in progressively faster connections having increased speed and reliability. Today, the number and types of machines that may access the Internet continue to increase, as a wide array of devices including but not limited to televisions, refrigerators, automobiles, home security systems and even wristwatches may now access the Internet through various wired or wireless means.
While the advancement of Internet technologies, and their expansion to more and more devices, systems or sensors, have enabled humans to efficiently and effectively receive, access, transmit and store information or data to and from a wider variety of platforms, the use of that information or data has remained the same. For example, a browser or an E-mail client operating on a smartphone or a wristwatch typically functions in the same manner as a browser or an E-mail client operating on a desktop computer or a laptop computer, i.e., by rendering interactive pages and receiving interactions with such pages from a user, albeit on a smaller screen.
Moreover, by its very nature, the proliferation of Internet-enabled devices has naturally increased the risk that sensitive information or data may be accessed by unauthorized users, either intentionally or inadvertently. Because information or data may pass between and among multiple computing devices, and along multiple connections, any of which may be subject to hacking or theft via one or more surreptitious means, protective measures must be taken when access to a network or one or more Internet-enabled devices is desired on a temporary basis. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
A complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor is a key component of many digital video cameras and other “high tech” devices. The CMOS image sensor is typically comprised of an upper stack that includes one or more layers of color filters and a microlens array, and a lower stack that includes interlevel dielectric layers, interlevel metal layers, and passivation layers that are formed on a substrate. The function of the microlens component is to focus incident light through a light column onto a sensing area (photodiode) at the base of the lower stack. The elementary unit of the image sensor is a pixel which is an addressable area element with intensity and color attributes related in large part to the spectral signal contrast obtained from the photon collection efficiency of the microlens array, light transmission through the color filters, microlenses, and other layers in the imaging path, and the spectral response and efficiency of the photodiode. A pixel converts incident radiation into a quantity of electrical charge that is related to the intensity of illumination. Output signals from a plurality of pixels are used by the image sensor device to generate a picture.
A plurality of pixels forms an array on the substrate wherein pixels sensitive to red light, blue light, or green light are evenly distributed. Ideally, all pixels of a certain color should afford the same output in terms of electrical charge when exposed to the same intensity of incident light. However, process variations during CMOS image sensor fabrication and other factors such as particle defects on the surface of the image sensor cause the output of certain pixels to vary either above or below the desired output range. If a large enough number of the pixels in the array fail to provide an acceptable output signal, the image sensor is rejected. Therefore, pixel arrays are typically tested while still on the chip and before the image sensor is incorporated into a larger device.
Testing is a major cost component of the final image sensor device because of the large number of pixels that must be tested, and the nature of the test which includes both optical and electrical methods. One important test is the so called photon transfer curve (PTC) test where the light sensitivity of an array of pixels in response to incident light is determined. The PTC characterizes the image sensor in many different ways. In order to calculate the read noise, the dynamic range, conversion gain, offset, offset fix pattern noise and the full well, it is necessary to grab frames with different exposure times at a certain illumination. The exposure time or integration time is usually named in number “s” of rows. One row exposure is equivalent to the number of pixels per row multiplied by clock frequency in microseconds. The illumination is chosen in a way such that the sensor reaches saturation (white image, maximum output level) at the longest exposure time.
During the PTC test, a measured amount of broad band light that is highly uniform over the entire exposure field is directed at the pixel array through a point light source. Each pixel has a photo gate (photodiode) at the bottom of its light column that is pre-charged to a certain voltage level. During the time that pixels are exposed, the light photons discharge the photo gate and the intensity of light incident on the photo gate is related to the amount of discharge. The remaining voltage is transferred to a storage node (capacitor) where the voltage stays until the “pixel information” (voltage level) is read out. The read out time is related to exposure time. Normally, the test involves 5 to 10 different illumination levels (different exposure times) and each illumination requires two frames wherein a frame is defined as a certain number of lines (rows) of pixels from an array that consists of “m” rows and “n” columns of pixels. A typical exposure rate of 30 frames per second and the wait times between light intensity changes dictate that the total PTC testing time is about 6 seconds per device. Note that the sequence of illumination, voltage transfer to storage, and read out of data to a frame grabber and ultimately to an image processor can be performed simultaneously for different frames.
A dark current test is also performed for each device. The dark current is the parasitic leakage of the storage node and testing involves resetting the photo gate to a dark state which is equivalent to a condition where there is no illumination of the pixel. Generally, the dark current test requires acquisition of a “dark” frame following each of the 5 to 10 different exposure levels. In other words, to calculate the dark current in nA/cm2, it is typical to have the same frames as for the PTC (fixed illumination, different exposure times). However, it is also necessary to grab one additional frame for each exposure time setting but without illumination. Thus, if 10×2 or 20 frames are needed for the PTC, an additional 10 frames would be required for a typical dark current test. The parasitic leakage may be significant for long read out times (long exposures).
Since common light sources are not programmable and fast switching, it is generally not feasible to vary the illumination (photon flux) during the frame. Moreover, changing the intensity of the light source from one exposure to the next is less accurate than changing the exposure level by varying the time for a fixed illumination. Changing the light intensity will result in intensity differences from one frame to the next of about 1% or less but that variability is enough to produce less accurate calculations than when intensity is kept constant and exposure time is varied. As a result, improvements in PTC and dark current test throughput are limited because of the multiple number of frames required in the standard test method. Therefore, a faster method of testing image sensors and one that has improved accuracy is needed to reduce the cost associated with device fabrication.
In U.S. Pat. No. 6,625,558, a method and apparatus that enable fast testing of light sensing integrated circuits are disclosed. The test involves a low voltage differential signal data transfer link from a test head to an image data interface card in a test signal processor computer. However, the method does not address the lengthy acquisition times necessary for pixel illumination and dark current tests.
A multiphase charge-coupled device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,963,952 and has a photosensitive volume bounded by SiO2 layers on the front and back. Dark noise is reduced by applying a different negative bias at the front and back.
An illuminator is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,737,637 wherein output light from a first integrating sphere is spatially divided and delivered to a plurality of second integrating spheres. The output lights from the second integrating spheres are directed onto active regions of respective image sensors as a means of reducing test time.
An image sensor is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,326,230 wherein photocharges accumulated in a photoactive region during a pixel integration period are transferred to a sense node during a charge transfer period and are transferred to a power supply node during a third period without passing through the sense node. Exposures may be performed in a rolling shutter mode where the exposure time is 4 rows. This mode involves exposing the first row of pixels, and then with a delay of one row, the second row is exposed. The third row is exposed with a delay of 2 rows and the fourth with a delay of 3 rows. When the fifth row is exposed (delay of 4 rows), the first row is no longer exposed and is read out. When the sixth row is exposed, the second row is read out, and so forth. Thus, each of the pixels per row sees a constant time of 4 rows of exposure.
In U.S. Patent Application Publication US2004/0263648, a method and apparatus are disclosed that identify and compensate for dark current effect in an imaging device. The method includes capturing and storing both dark and white reference images.
U.S. Patent Application Publication US2004/0095488 provides a method for testing pixels by exposing them to known quantities of radiation to correct for defective pixels. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device and a manufacturing method thereof, and, more particularly, to a semiconductor device including a silicon on insulator (SOI) device.
2. Description of the Related Art
An SOI device has a silicon substrate layer and a thin film silicon layer (hereinafter, referred to as an SOI layer) provided on the silicon substrate layer. The silicon substrate layer is separated from the thin film silicon layer by a buried oxide film layer (hereinafter, referred to as a BOX layer) in an insulated state. Consequently, it is possible to easily achieve insulative separation between neighboring elements. In addition, no parasitic thyristor is formed via the silicon substrate layer, with the result that it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a latch up phenomenon. When a transistor is mounted in the SOI layer on the BOX layer, it is possible to effectively restrain the occurrence of a so-called short channel effect. The short channel effect is a phenomenon in which power consumption increases with the downsizing of the transistor. Since the junction capacity of a transistor having an SOI structure is less than that of a transistor having a bulk structure, high-speed operation is possible in the SOI device. The transistor having the SOI structure is expected to exhibit many excellent properties and achieve higher speed and lower power consumption than a semiconductor element formed on a conventional bulk substrate. Attempts are being conducted to apply a wafer having the SOI structure (hereinafter, referred to as an SOI substrate) to an optical sensor, such as an ultraviolet (UV) sensor and an image sensor.
An optical sensor, such as a UV sensor and an image sensor, is mounted in a mobile device, such as a mobile phone. For this reason, the further reduction of a package size is needed. Therefore, a wafer level chip size package (W-CSP) having a through via is used as a package of such optical sensor. Since it is possible to form an external terminal at a back face (lower face), i.e., the surface opposite a light receiving surface, of the W-CSP having the through via, the external terminal can be arranged at a desired position without being affected by the light receiving area. This satisfies the demand for reduction of the package size.
When the W-CSP having the through via is applied to the SOI device, however, the following problems are caused. If the W-CSP is applied to the SOI device, the silicon substrate layer below the BOX layer is not connected to any external terminal, and the potential of the silicon substrate layer floats. When the potential of the silicon substrate layer is in a floating state, the operation of a circuit formed at the SOI layer may become unstable, with the result that the circuit may malfunction. Therefore, it is necessary to fix the potential of the silicon substrate layer by a suitable method.
An example of the method of fixing the potential of the silicon substrate layer of the SOI substrate is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Kokai (Laid-Open) No. 7-335811. This fixing method relies upon a chip that is loaded on a lead frame fixed at ground potential via a conductive adhesive.
Japanese Patent Application Kokai No. 11-354631 discloses a semiconductor device having a conductive layer. The conductive layer extends through the SOI layer and the BOX layer from the upper surface of the SOI layer, and connects to the silicon substrate layer. A substrate potential fixing electrode is formed at the surface of the SOI layer. The substrate potential fixing electrode is electrically connected to the conductive layer. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention concerns an ignition and combustion supporting burner for pulverized solid fossil fuel.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Combustion plant for pulverized solid fuels of known boilers for thermal power stations, or possibly furnaces, comprises in addition to the main burners ignition and combustion supporting burners the function of which is to provide for cold starting and to assist the main burners at low loads.
Because of the increasing proportion of electrical power produced by nuclear power stations, pulverized fossil fuel power stations are increasingly called upon to operate on a topping up basis at peak consumption times. This entails frequent starting and prolonged operation at low loads. Ignition and support burners normally use as fuel heavy oil or gas, more expensive than pulverized fossil fuel, so that this mode of operation significantly increases operating costs.
An object of the present invention is to provide an ignition and combustion supporting burner for pulverized fossil fuel which features lower operating costs than a fuel oil or gas ignition and support burner and which readily adapts to frequent stopping and prolonged operation at low load. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
A variety of methods for confinement of light and for localization and enhancement of electromagnetic field in nanostructures, for the purpose of enhancing various localized linear and nonlinear optical phenomena are known in the prior art (See, for example, A. Wokaun, 1984: M. Moskovits, 1985). Most attention in the prior art has been related to the phenomena of Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS), based on localization and confinement of light near the surfaces of substrates with nanoscale structure. SERS has proven to be a powerful analytical tool for ultra sensitive chemical and biochemical analysis (K. Kneipp et al., 1999).
One SERS-based structure that has been proposed employs an optical structure composed of a metal island film (MIF) over a smooth metal surface (H.-G. Binger et al., 1995, G. Bauer et al., 2003). A metal island film consists of a random two-dimensional array of metal particles, each of several (typically, 2-10) nm in largest size dimension. The shapes of the metal particles are also variable, so it is difficult to characterization the particles structurally. (The particles form a stochastic array of particles resembling oblate spheroids with all minor axis oriented normal to substrate surface, e.g., glass, quartz, or silicon.) For a variety of reasons that will become clear below.
The metal island film MIF is separated from a smooth metal layer by an intermediate spacer layer made from optically transparent dielectrical material, the thickness of which controls the strength of the interaction between the plasmons localized on the islands and the surface plasmons of smooth metal layer. The metal particles (islands) can be thought of as nanoscopic antennas, collecting the incident radiation and then transferring the energy into the nearby gap modes, that may be trapped into guided modes propagating in all directions in plane of surface (omnidirectional coupling). The ability of structure to absorb light at specific wavelength depends on the existence of an optimal spacer layer thickness that will maximize absorption in structure for specific wavelength close to that of excitation light (Leitner et al., Appl Opt 1993; W. R. Holland et al., 1983, T. Kune et al., 1995). For a variety of reasons that will become clear below, the maximum enhancement achievable with such MIF structures is limited to between about 106-108.
The phenomenon of interaction of localized plasmons (LP) with surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) in plasmon materials has been discovered and new method of excitation of SPP in plasmon resonant smooth films mediated by nanoparticles has been proposed (S. Hayashi et al., 1996). An interesting phenomenon associated with SPP excitation is the generation of a strong electromagnetic field near the metallic surface. It is a generally accepted mechanism that a strong electromagnetic field leads to enhancement of various linear and nonlinear optical processes near the surface via a mechanism of surface-enhanced spectroscopy (M. Moskovits, 1985; G. C. Schatz and R. P. Van Duyne, 2002). According to this mechanism, the enhancement of SERS signal is proportional to E4, where E is electromagnetic field near metal surface.
One typical application of this phenomenon is the surface enhanced Raman scattering of molecules adsorbed on metallic surfaces that support plasmon resonances at both the excitation and scattering wavelengths. Typical enhancement achieved by using electrolysis roughened silver or by using substrate prepared by nanosphere lithography (J. C. Hulteen et al., 1999) is in the range 106-108. In general, the degree of enhancement seen is not uniform across the sensor nor reproducible.
The inability to control parameters of MIF metal surface and intrinsic limitations in size of metal particles to less than 5 nm (V. Matyushin, A et al., 2004) precludes their use for SERS(H.-G. Binger et al., 1995) limits the sensitivity of such a system since MIF-metal substrate structures do not have strong enhancement of Raman signal. Therefore MIF-metal substrate have been reduced to practice only for enhancement of fluorescence in so called “resonant nanocluster biochip” technology (G. Bauer et al., 2003; T. Schalkhammer et al., 2003). | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
This application claims the priority of 196 28 333.7, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.
The present invention relates to a transfer device, and more particularly, to a transfer device for transfer of workpieces between press stations along a given transfer direction, comprising supporting and guiding devices which extend essentially along the transfer direction and which carry therebetween cross transverses equipped with gripping devices arranged to be engaged with and disengaged from the workpieces, and driving devices configured to act upon the gripping devices for swivelling the gripping devices about an axis of rotation transverse to the transfer direction.
In press systems having several press stations which are arranged behind one another along a parts passage route, transfer devices are provided which remove the corresponding sheet metal parts from the press stations and supply them in a timed manner to the respective press station which follows. Intermediate depositing devices are usually provided between the individual press stations so that the workpieces to be transported can temporarily be deposited thereon to permit a reduction of the transfer step width. For carrying out the transfer, a transfer device is used which grips the workpieces when the tool is open and, in a transfer movement during which a lifting movement is superimposed on a horizontal transfer movement, guides them out of the tool or inserts them therein. Thereby, a vertical lowering or depositing movement is superimposed on the transfer movement.
Particularly with workpieces which have complicated designs and/or workpieces which are to be placed in the tools obliquely, i.e., deviating from a horizontal plane, it may be necessary, during, for example, the guiding out of or guiding into the tool, to swivel the workpiece about a transverse axis. In the case of corresponding tool and workpiece shapes, this transfer may become necessary in order to avoid a collision between the sheet metal part and the tool during the transfer movement. The first machining station of press systems, optionally also a machining station which follows, is configured as a drawing station. The further machining may require an oblique position of the sheet metal part in the bottom tool. On one hand, for example, because of the high lift numbers, the lifting-out lift cannot be selected to be arbitrarily large. On the other hand, it is necessary to guide low-placed drawn surfaces which are bent by deep-drawing freely past above the form of the bottom tool.
A conventional transfer device is shown in EP-A-0 499 901 and includes two guide rails which extend in the transfer direction. The guide rails are arranged on the right and the left side next to the tools of the press stations, travelling carriages being disposed on these guide rails. The guide rails are connected with a lifting and lowering unit in order to carry out a targeted horizontal movement. The travelling carriages are connected with a transfer drive unit in order to be moved along the travelling rails in a targeted manner. Each cross traverse is arranged between two carriages and is rotatably on the end side disposed on the carriages. As gripping devices for gripping and holding sheet metal parts, the cross traverse carries a suction spider which has a number of suction feet which can be acted upon by a vacuum. In order to be able to swivel the suction spiders about a transverse axis, the corresponding cross traverse is connected on the end side by a coupling with a swivel lever which can be swivelled with a driving cylinder provided on the carriage.
In order to limit the usability of the transfer device not to applications in which rotational movements of the workpieces are required in only one or in a few stations, all carriages must be equipped with corresponding rotating units. This makes the construction more complicated and increases the weight of the transfer device and particularly of the carriages. Correspondingly high accelerating and braking forces are thus applied which is disadvantageous with respect to energy consumption. Furthermore, the known construction requires considerable space which reduces the permissible lifting height of the cross traverse transfer system. The known transfer device is unlike the ideal transfer design which could handle a plurality of workpieces so that it can also be set up for future tasks which cannot be predicted in detail.
JP 62-142431 describes a transfer device with a support carrying the suction spider and, as a whole, is rotatably disposed on a rotating unit. The rotating unit is held on a support which can be moved vertically up and down as well as horizontally.
If a corresponding transfer device is to have several such transverse supports, a rotating unit is required at each transverse support position irrespective of whether, for the concrete individual case and at the respective position, a swivel movement of the suction spider is actually required. This affects the constructive expenditures and the weight of the transfer device.
An object of the present invention is, therefore, to provide a transfer device which permits a high variability.
This object has been achieved in accordance with the present invention by a transfer device at least one of the cross traverses carries a bearing device on which the associated gripping device is operatively disposed to be swivelled about the axis of rotation, and this at least one cross traverse is configured to carry the driving device for swivelling the gripping device.
The cross traverses, which have a rigid construction per se, carry suction spiders which are each rotatably disposed thereon. The cross traverse also carries the driving device, such as a geared motor, hydraulic or pneumatic drives and the like which, as required, swivel the gripping devices. Thus, cross traverses with swivellable gripping devices can be provided at positions of the transfer device which constructionally correspond to those positions which are developed for cross traverses with non-swivellable gripping devices.
Regardless of whether the corresponding cross traverse carries swivellable gripping devices or not, the end-side suspension of the cross traverses has a uniform construction. No rotating units are required which act upon the ends of the cross traverses and which would have to be fixedly provided on the supporting and guiding devices, for example, on travelling carriages disposed on travelling rails. This permits the fast exchange of cross traverses with rotatable gripping devices for cross traverses with non-swivellable gripping device and viceversa. The constructive and economic expenditures are therefore reduced to the respective required extent for each application. Simultaneously, the transfer devices offers a high measure of variability and permits a fast adaptation to different, also future transfer tasks which presents no problems.
Because driving devices acting upon the gripping devices are to be provided only at such positions or cross traverses at which they are actually necessary, the mass of the transfer device which is to be accelerated and braked is not increased by unnecessary driving devices which are to be moved along. A fast transfer and a lowering of the driving/braking power are thereby permitted.
The swivellable bearing of the gripping devices on the cross traverse and the assignment of a driving device carried by the cross traverse to each gripping device provides the basis for the fact that gripping devices provided on one and the same cross traverse are divided into gripping units which are to be controlled or swivelled differently. For example, on one cross traverse, a first and second suction spider may be provided of which only one is swivelled or which are swivelled differently. Thus, sheet metal parts can be handled which are to be swivelled differently and which are to be transported through the press stations side-by-side. This may become necessary if two separate sheet metal parts which have different shapes are formed from one sheet bar.
As a result, the versatility of the transfer device according to the present invention even makes it possible that a sheet metal part which, as a cutout for forming a large opening in another sheet metal part, was separated from the latter can be synchronously conveyed together therewith and can be shaped into a separate part. It can be held, transported and changed into different tilting angles by a separate suction spider which is disposed on the same cross traverse as the suction spider for the surrounding larger part.
A coupling arrangement between the cross traverse and the gripping devices or a gripping unit formed of gripping devices, a bearing device and driving devices can, as required, permit the release of the gripping unit from the cross traverses so that the cross traverses can be retrofitted for a respective application. In particular, swivellable gripping devices/units can be exchanged for non-swivellable gripping devices/units.
The axis of rotation of the gripping devices is preferably situated within the cross traverse, and the center of gravity of the workpiece is situated below the cross traverse. Consequently, no significant torque is created by the force of the weight of the workpiece which would act upon the driving devices.
In a construction type which can be easily retrofitted manually, the bearing device includes at least one divided bearing unit which has two curved guiding surfaces on which the gripping devices are disposed by way of rollers. A gear wheel segment is used for the coupling with a geared motor serving as the driving device and can also be considered to be a bent toothed rack. This construction permits a particularly low height of the swivellable gripping unit which is no larger or hardly larger than that of the non-swivellable unit. This does not limit the permissible vertical lift of the transfer device. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
The present invention relates to a light emitting semiconductor element for emitting green or blue light.
Optical information technology has lately developed very rapidly with the increased production of laser discs and/or laser printers. Those devices have a semiconductor laser which emits red light as a light source. In order to achieve the high capacity recording, high speed reading, and/or high speed printing, the light source must be not only of a high power, but also short in wavelength. Although a short wavelength semiconductor has been proposed, a semiconductor laser which emits green or blue light (wavelength is 0.3-0.6 micron) has not yet been obtained. Further, a blue light emitting diode is necessary for providing full color display using light emitting diodes, however, no such diode has been obtained.
As for a short wavelength light emitting semiconductor element, in particular one which emits green and/or blue light, because of restriction of the energy gap, not only the II-IV group compound semiconductor like ZnS, ZnSe, and ZnTe, but also I-III-VI.sub.2 group (like Cu(GaAl)(SSe).sub.2 et al) compound semiconductor called chalcopyrite type, and/or II-IV-V.sub.2 group ((CdZn)(GeSi)P.sub.2 et al) compound semiconductor is promising.
FIG. 1 shows the relationships between the energy gap (horizontal axis) and the lattice constant (vertical axis) of II-VI group compound semiconductor, I-III-VI.sub.2 group compound semiconductor, II-IV-V.sub.2 group compound semiconductor, and mixed crystals of the same.
It is clear from FIG. 1 that ZnSSeTe in II-VI group can not provide a crystal composition in which an active layer and a clad layer are lattice-matched to a substrate as the energy gap difference is higher than 0.2 eV. Further, in case of hetero junction of ZnSe-ZnTe or ZnS-ZnTe, the bottom of the conduction band of ZnTe is higher than the bottom of the conduction band of ZnS or ZnSe, as shown in the energy-band diagram of FIGS. 2A and 2B. Therefore, in case of ZnSSeTe group, an electron is not effectively confined in an active layer, and no double hetero structure which operates stably has been obtained. Further, the II-VI group compound semiconductor crystal has a strong ionization tendency, and therefore, the control of conductivity by adding an impurity is difficult. Therefore, a current injection type light emitting diode using p-n junction has not been developed.
Thus, I-III-VI.sub.2 group chalcopyrite type compound semiconductor, and II-IV-V.sub.2 group chalcopyrite type compound semiconductor are considered promising, instead of a prior II-VI group compound semiconductor.
However, the chalcopyrite type semiconductor, which has a high energy gap, has the disadvantage that controlling the conductivity by adding an impurity is difficult, and a p-n junction is difficult to produce. This is the same as is in the case of ZnSSeTe group. Further, when a double hetero junction structure is produced, the semiconductors of the same group can not provide the large difference of the energy gap between an active layer and a clad layer.
Further, if we try to produce a chalcopyrite type active layer and II-IV group clad layer, the energy gap difference is not sufficient, and/or ZnSSeTe group cannot provide a p-n junction as described above.
Accordingly, a light emitting semiconductor device having an active layer by I-III-VI.sub.2 group or II-IV-V.sub.2 group chalcopyrite type compound semiconductor has been very difficult to produce.
As described above, prior compound semiconductors such as II-VI group, I-III-VI.sub.2 group, or II-IV-V.sub.2 group chalcopyrite type used for providing an active layer for green or blue light can not provide a suitable clad layer because of a deficiency in conductivity control by impurity, sufficient energy gap difference between an active layer and a clad layer, and lattice matching to a substrate. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a bus terminating circuit. More specifically, the present invention relates to a circuit for terminating a bus line between computer equipment which utilizes an SCSI interface (small computer system interface), for example, and a method for connecting or disconnecting terminating resistors to or from the bus line.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Conventionally, as standard interfaces for small sized computers, "GP-IB" which is mainly used in the field of automatic measurement, "RS-232C" which is mainly used in the field of communication, etc., were known. The interface is used by being incorporated in a host computer or by being added to a board as an option. The interface has electric or electronic specifications and an execution procedure both determined dependent on a required function, and the interface and the host computer are connected to each other through a bus line at portions where electrical levels become identical to each other.
An interface according to an SCSI standard also accesses an SCSI bus line via a host adapter. In an SCSI system, an apparatus such as the host computer sending a command is called an initiator and an apparatus such as a hard disk, printer or the like executing the command is called a target. However, in the SCSI system, according to circumstances, it is allowed that the initiator becomes a target and the target becomes an initiator inversely. The initiator and the target are connected to each other by the SCSI bus line. All the equipment existing on the SCSI bus line are called SCSI devices irrespective of whether they are initiators or targets. On the SCSI bus line, typically, eight SCSI devices at most can be connected.
Signals for the SCSI device are as shown in FIG. 1, for example. In FIG. 1, a reference numeral 1 denotes an initiator and a reference numeral 2 denotes a target. The SCSI bus line includes eighteen signal lines in total, composed of nine upper data signal lines (including one line for an odd parity bit) and nine lower control signal lines. On each of the signal lines, a binary signal "0" or "1" is transmitted.
One example of a connection between the initiator 1 and the target 2 is shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows a connection called a single ended type. As shown in FIG. 2, the initiator 1 and the target 2 are connected to each other through an SCSI bus line 3. A reference numeral 4a denotes a power source line to which a power source voltage Vcc (normally, 5 volts) is applied. A reference numeral 4b denotes a single signal line as shown in FIG. 1 and, although not shown, the SCSI bus line 3 actually includes eighteen(18) signal lines as described above. A reference numeral 4c denotes a ground line and, in fact, a plurality of ground lines are provided. The power source line 4a, signal lines 4b and ground lines 4c are put together and called the bus line 3.
A reference numeral 5 denotes a terminator which includes two terminating resisters 5a and 5b connected in series between the power source line 4a and the ground. The terminator 5 is provided for the purpose of impedance matching so that the binary signal can be transmitted as an accurate square wave on the SCSI bus line 3 between the initiator 1 and the target 2. Therefore, a series connection point A of the terminating resistor 5a and 5b is connected to the signal line 4b. Such a terminator 5 is provided in each SCSI device. In the SCSI system a number of terminators 5 corresponding to the number of signal lines are provided for each SCSI device. In addition, in a case of the single ended type shown as in FIG. 2, resistance values of the terminating resistor 5a and 5b are defined as 220 ohms and 330 ohms, respectively.
Next, one example of the SCSI system is shown in FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, reference numerals 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d respectively show the target 2 such as a printer, floppy disk, scanner, hard disk, etc. In a case where a plurality of SCSI devices are connected to each other as shown in FIG. 3, depending on the specification of the SCSI system, the terminating resistors of the devices (in the case of FIG. 3, the targets 2a, 2b and 2c) connected between the devices at both ends (in the case of FIG. 3, the initiator 1 and the target 2d) on the SCSI bus line 3 must be disconnected from the bus line 3. Conventionally, for connecting/disconnecting the terminating resistors, two methods were known, (i) a method where mechanical switches such DIP switches are provided at positions shown by the reference symbol A in FIG. 2 and are turned on or off, and (ii) a method where a connector or resistor module which incorporates the terminator 5 (in FIG. 2, the two terminating resistors 5a and 5b between positions denoted by reference symbols B and C) is attached or detached.
However, in the former method, a number of switch contacts corresponding to the number of the signal lines (eighteen in the case of FIG. 2) are needed. In addition, even when the switch (not shown) is turned-off, the terminating resistors 5a and 5b are always supplied with the power source voltage from the power source line 4a (FIG. 2), and therefore, an electric power of approximately 0.8 W is consumed in each device. Therefore, there was a disadvantage that electric power is wastefully consumed in the targets 2a, 2b and 2c shown in FIG. 3, just as power is consumed when the terminating resistors thereof are connected to the bus line.
In the latter method, unlike the former method, no electric power is consumed at the terminating resistors if the same are disconnected from the bus line; however, it requires maintenance to keep the connector incorporating the terminating resistors or the terminating resistor module. Therefore, conventionally, there was a problem that the above described connector or module may be missed. In addition, since the connector or module is manually attached to or detached from the device, in a recent situation where a plurality of devices must be connected in a complex arrangement, the work required for attachment or detachment of the connector or module is troublesome, and therefore, this troublesomeness becomes a large obstacle to changing the system.
Furthermore, in a case of the single ended type as shown in FIG. 2, the characteristic impedance of the signal line is generally less than 110 ohms, while the impedance of the terminator 5 viewed from the signal line 4b becomes 132 ohms. Therefore, a mismatch easily occurs, and therefore, to that extent, the bus line (cable) cannot be made longer and the transmission rate of a signal cannot be made greater.
Therefore, in order to solve such problems, the SCSI-2 system according to a revised version was proposed. One example of a bus line for the SCSI-2 system is shown in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, a reference numeral 5c denotes a terminating resistor which has a resistance value of 110 ohms. An input of a 3-terminal regulator 6 is connected to the power source line 4a, and the regulator 6 adjusts the power source voltage 5 to a level of approximately 2.85 volts which is supplied to the terminating resistor 5c from an output thereof. Between the power source line 4a and the ground line 4c, and between the series connection point of the regulator 6 and the terminating resistor 5c and the ground line 4c, capacitors 7 are connected. These capacitors 7 are provided for purpose of elimination of a noise and ripple on the power source line 4a and the output line of the regulator 6.
In the circuit for terminating the bus line 3 shown in FIG. 4, the above-described problems still remain with respect to the connection/disconnection of the terminating resistor.
Furthermore, there was a similar problem in the SCSI bus line of a differential type as shown in FIG. 5. The SCSI bus line 3 shown in FIG. 5 includes eighteen(18) first signal lines 4b and eighteen(18) second signal lines 4b'. Each second signal line 4b' transmits a signal which is the of a signal transmitted on a corresponding one of the first signal lines 4b. There is further single power source line 4a and one or more ground lines 4c. More specifically, by a driver 4c' and a receiver 4d which are complementarily combined with the first signal line 4b and the second signal line 4b', a signal level on the first signal line 4b and a signal level on the second signal line 4b' are inverted with respect to each other. Further, a terminator 5 includes three terminating resistors 5a, 5c and 5b connected in series between the power source line 4a and ground, and a series connection point A of the terminating resistors 5c and 5b is connected to the first signal line 4b and a series connection point A' of the terminating resistors 5a and 5c is connected to the second signal line 4b'. In the case of the differential type as shown in FIG. 5, the terminating resistors 5a, 5b and 5c are defined as 330 ohms, 330 ohms and 150 ohms, respectively. Then, by comparing a voltage level of the first signal line 4b and a voltage level of the second signal line 4b' with each other, "1" or "0" can be determined.
In the terminating circuit for the SCSI bus line 3 of the differential type as shown in FIG. 5, if the aforementioned connection/disconnection method (i) is utilized, mechanical switches are provided at positions shown by reference symbols A and A'. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 5, fifty-four(54) switches are required. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
This invention relates to apparatus for providing selectively a stream flow of a first liquid and a stream flow of a combination of the first liquid and a second liquid.
It has been recognized in the art that it is desirable to inject a fluid product into a fluid carrier, e.g. to inject a detergent into a flow of water, for a variety of reasons. See e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 3,698,644. Thus, in the commercial cleaining of floors, walls, tiled areas and the like, the selective insertion of a detergent into a flow of water for discharge through a single nozzle permits the soaping and rinsing of the work surface using a single tool.
Known apparatus for these purposes have been unsatisfactory for purposes of adjusting the amount of detergent per volume of primary liquid, have utilized two nozzles rather than a single nozzle thus rendering them susceptible to clogging, have utilized portalbe detergent containers which either limits the amount of detergent available or which makes the apparatus clumsy and difficult to handle, or have resulted in the contamination of fresh water systems by reason of the ability of a malfunction of the detergent valve to permit communication of the detergent with the fresh water supply. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a gap adjusting device which is disposed in a recording apparatus being provided with a recording head which performs recording on a recording medium, a platen which is disposed in opposition to the recording head and defines a gap between a head surface of the recording head and the recording medium, a carriage on which the recording head is mounted and which reciprocates in a main scanning direction, and a pair of carriage guide shafts which guide a reciprocating motion of the carriage, and a recording apparatus which was provided with the adjusting device.
Further, the invention relates to a liquid ejection apparatus such as an ink jet recording apparatus, which discharges (ejects) liquid such as ink from its head and performs recording on a recording medium (a medium to which liquid is ejected), and a gap adjusting device which is disposed in the liquid ejection apparatus.
Here, the liquid ejection apparatus is used as a meaning which is not apply only to a recording apparatus such as a printer, a copying machine and a facsimile, which uses an ink jet recording head and which discharges ink from the recording head to perform recording on a recording medium, but also to an apparatus which ejects liquid instead of ink, which corresponds to its application, to a medium to which liquid is ejected, which corresponds to the recording medium, from a liquid ejection head which corresponds to the recording head, to have the liquid attached to the medium to which liquid is ejected.
As liquid ejection heads other than the recording head, it is possible to mention a color material ejecting head which is used in manufacturing color filters such as liquid displays, an electrode material (electric conductive paint) ejecting head which is used in forming electrodes of an organic EL display and a surface light ejecting display (FED) etc., a living organic material ejecting head which is used in manufacturing bio-chips, a sample ejecting head as a precision pipet, and so on.
2. Description of the Related Art
Hereinafter, as one example of the ink jet recording apparatus or the liquid ejection apparatus, an ink jet printer is picked up and will be described. There exists an ink jet printer of such a configuration that a carriage, on which a recording head is mounted, is supported by a pair of carriage guide shafts which were disposed on a front surface side and a rear surface side of the carriage. In the ink jet printer of such the configuration, disposed is a paper gap adjusting device, which can automatically adjust a paper gap in accordance with a thickness of a recording medium, in order to correspond to papers with various thicknesses and a CD-R tray etc.
The paper gap defines a distance between a head surface of a recording head and a paper, and becomes an extremely important factor in performing recording of high precision. As a paper gap adjusting device, adopted is such a configuration that a height of a head surface of a recording head, which is mounted on a carriage, becomes variable by lifting and lowering the carriage by a predetermined stroke, to a platen which is disposed in a fixed state. Then, in order to lift and lower a pair of carriage guide shafts at identical timing, with an identical stroke, in synchronization, a paper gap adjusting device, which is of the following configuration, is adopted.
Firstly, there exists a paper gap adjusting device which was configured such that a driving force is supplied from a drive motor for paper feed, and motive power is transmitted through a rack and pinion mechanism and a link mechanism to a pair of carriage guide shafts. However, in a paper gap adjusting device with such the configuration, it becomes such a complex configuration that a rotary motion of the drive motor is converted into a linear motion, and further, converted again into a rotary motion through the link mechanism, and therefore, the number of components becomes large, and the apparatus grew in size. Particularly, in the rack and pinion mechanism and the link mechanism, an operation area of a linear motion portion becomes large-by any mechanisms, and therefore, it makes it difficult to design a layout for securing the operation area.
Secondly, as shown in Japanese Patent Publication No. JP-A-2002-67428, there exists a paper gap adjusting device, which was configured such that a carriage guide shaft is made as an eccentric shaft configuration, and thereby, it moves up and down along with rotation of the carriage guide shaft. However, in a paper gap adjusting device with such the configuration, in order to enlarge a changing amount of the paper gap, there is such a necessity that an eccentricity amount of the carriage guide shaft is enlarged (which leads up to increase of a shaft diameter of the carriage guide shaft), or a rotation angle of the carriage guide shaft is enlarged, and there is structural limitation of the carriage guide shaft.
Further in such the paper gap adjusting device, on the occasion that the pair of carriage guide shafts move up and down over rotating in an eccentric manner, a planet gear wheel train, which configures a motive force transmission mechanism between the carriage guide shafts, does not move up and down at the same time, and therefore, by that configuration as it is, there occurs phase lag in planet motion rotation due to a planet gear between the carriage guide shafts. Consequently, on the occasion of configuring the planet gear wheel train, a design in consideration of the above-described rotation phase lag due to a planet motion has been required.
In addition, when an eccentricity amount of the carriage guide shaft is enlarged, the carriage guide shaft moves in not only up and down directions, but also back and forth directions (a paper carrying direction or a sub scanning direction), and therefore, a land-in position of an ink droplet becomes out of alignment, and it becomes impossible to perform high precision recording. In addition, a paper gap relates closely to a rotation angle of the carriage guide shaft, and therefore, in order to ensure high precision position of a paper gap, strict rotation angle control of the carriage guide shaft was required. In addition, each of the above-described two type adjusting devices of a paper gap uses a drive motor for paper feed as a drive source, and therefore, a switching mechanism for a paper gap switching operation or a paper feed operation was required separately. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
The invention is intended to answer a long-felt need in the field of image recording. More specifically, the invention allows for selection of a media type, whether it be paper, film, or plate, or a different size media of the same type. Two media supply cassettes are mounted within an internal drum recorder, or the like. Selection of the media can be programmed to be automatic, or can be input by a user's command.
A general object of the invention is to select media from one of two supply cassettes that are mounted within an imaging system.
It is a general object of the invention to prevent waste of unexposed media.
A feature of the invention is a rewinding mechanism provided on the media supply cassettes. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
This invention is directed to the use of a nonflammable, nontoxic, chlorine free refrigerant mixture for use in very low temperature refrigeration systems.
Refrigeration systems have been in existence since the early 1900s, when reliable sealed refrigeration systems were developed. Since that time, improvements in refrigeration technology have proven their utility in both residential and industrial settings. In particular, low-temperature refrigeration systems currently provide essential industrial functions in biomedical applications, cryoelectronics, coating operations, and semiconductor manufacturing applications.
Providing refrigeration at temperatures below 223 K (−50 C.) have many important applications, especially in industrial manufacturing and test applications. This invention relates to refrigeration systems which provide refrigeration at temperatures between 223 K and 73 K (−50 C. and −200 C.). The temperatures encompassed in this range are variously referred to as low, ultra low and cryogenic. For purposes of this application the term “very low” or “very low temperature” will be used to mean the temperature range of 223 K and 73 K (−50 C. and −200 C.). In many manufacturing processes conducted under vacuum conditions, and integrated with a very low temperature refrigeration system, rapid heating is required for some elements. This heating process is a defrost cycle. The heating warms the evaporator and connecting refrigerant lines to room temperature. This enables these parts of the system to be accessed and vented to atmosphere without causing condensation of moisture from the air on these parts. The longer the overall defrost cycle and subsequent resumption of producing very low temperature temperatures, the lower the throughput of the manufacturing system. Enabling a quick defrost and a quick resumption of the cooling of the cryosurface (evaporator) in the vacuum chamber is beneficial to increase the throughput of the vacuum process.
There are many vacuum processes which have the need for such very low temperature cooling. The chief use is to provide water vapor cryopumping for vacuum systems. The very low temperature surface captures and holds water vapor molecules at a much higher rate than they are released. The net effect is to quickly and significantly lower the chamber's water vapor partial pressure. This process of water vapor cryopumping is very useful for many physical vapor deposition processes in the vacuum coating industry for electronic storage media, optical reflectors, metallized parts, semiconductor devices, etc. This process is also used for remove moisture from food products in freeze drying operations.
Another application involves thermal radiation shielding. In this application large panels are cooled to very low temperatures. These cooled panels intercept radiant heat from vacuum chamber surfaces and heaters. This can reduce the heat load on surfaces being cooled to lower temperatures than the panels. Yet another application is the removal of heat from objects being manufactured. In some applications the object is an aluminum disc for a computer hard drive, a silicon wafer for the manufacture of a semiconductor device, or the material such as glass or plastic for a flat panel display. In these cases the very low temperature provides a means for removing heat from these objects more rapidly, even though the object's final temperature at the end of the process step may be higher than room temperature. Further, some applications involving, hard disc drive media, silicon wafers, or flat panel display material, or other substrates, involve the deposition of material onto these objects. In such cases heat is released from the object as a result of the deposition and this heat must be removed while maintaining the object within prescribed temperatures. Cooling a surface like a platen is the typical means of removing heat from such objects. In all these cases an interface between the refrigeration system and the object to be cooled is proceeding in the evaporator where the refrigerant is removing heat from the object at very low temperatures.
Still other applications of very low temperatures include the storage of biological fluids and tissues, control of reaction rates for chemical processes and pharmaceutical processes.
Conventional refrigeration systems have historically utilized chlorinated refrigerants, which have been determined to be detrimental to the environment and are known to contribute to ozone depletion. Thus, increasingly restrictive environmental regulations have driven the refrigeration industry away from chlorinated fluorocarbons (CFCs) to hydrochloro fluorocarbons (HCFCs). Provisions of the Montreal Protocol require a phase out of HCFC's and a European Union law bans the use of HCFCs in refrigeration systems as of Jan. 1, 2001. Therefore the development of an alternate refrigerant mixture is required. Hydroflurocarbon (HFC) refrigerants are good candidates which are nonflammable, have low toxicity and are commercially available. The use of HFC's in commercial and residential applications is now well known. However, these applications do not require the typical HFC refrigerants to be used at very low temperature. Therefore their performance and behavior in a mixture at low temperature is not known.
When selecting replacement refrigerants, the use of nonflammable, nontoxic (permissible exposure limit greater than 400 ppm) is preferred.
Prior art very low temperature systems used flammable components to manage oil. The oils used in very low temperature systems using chlorinated refrigerants had good miscibility with the warmer boiling components which are capable of being liquefied at room temperature when pressurized. Colder boiling HFC refrigerants such as R-23 are not miscible with these oils and do not readily liquefy until colder parts of the refrigeration process. This immiscibility causes the compressor oil to separate and freezeout which leads to system failure due to blocked tubes, strainers, valves or throttle devices. To provide miscibility at these lower temperatures, ethane was added to the refrigerant mixture. Unfortunately, ethane is flammable and can limit customer acceptance and can invoke additional requirements for system controls, installation requirements and cost. Therefore, elimination of any flammable component is preferred.
In addition, use of a toxic refrigerant can limit customer acceptance and can invoke additional requirements for system controls, installation requirements and cost. A permissible exposure limit (PEL) is the maximum amount of concentration of a chemical that a worker may be exposed to under OSHA regulations. In the case of mixed refrigerants, a PEL of any component below 400 ppm is considered toxic and poses a health risk to any individual, such as a service technician, that may be exposed to the refrigerant. Therefore it is beneficial to use a refrigerant whose components have a PEL that is greater than 400 ppm.
Another requirement is to develop a mixture of refrigerants that will not freezeout from the refrigerant mixture. A “freezeout” condition in a refrigeration system is when one or more refrigerant components, or the compressor oil, becomes solid or extremely viscous to the point where it does not flow. During normal operation of a refrigeration system, the suction pressure decreases as the temperature decreases. If a freezeout condition occurs the suction pressure tends to drop even further creating positive feedback and further reducing the temperature, causing even more freezeout. What is needed is a way to prevent freezeout in an MR refrigeration system. HFC refrigerants available have warmer freezing points than the HCFC and CFC refrigerants that they replace. Since these refrigerants are rather new and since their use at very low temperatures is uncommon there is no body of information that can predict the freezeout behavior of mixtures containing these new refrigerants.
Another challenge when using hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) is that these refrigerants are immiscible in alkylbenzene oil and therefore, a polyolester (POE) (1998 ASHRAE Refrigeration Handbook, chapter 7, page 7.4, American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers) compressor oil is used to be compatible with the HFC refrigerants. Selection of the appropriate oil is essential for very low temperature systems because the oil must not only provide good compressor lubrication, they also must not separate and freezeout from the refrigerant at very low temperature.
Typically, in the refrigeration industry, a change in refrigerants requires a change in hardware elements such as the compressor or valves. As a result, a refrigerant change can cause expensive equipment retrofit and associated down time. What is needed is a way to use existing refrigeration equipment in combination with the recently developed HFC mixed refrigerants that are compatible with the existing hardware and materials. This is further complicated by the fact that very low temperature systems must operate in several different modes. Even the start up process on these systems can be challenging since many of the refrigerants that are liquid during steady state operation are in a gaseous state when the system is at room temperature. Further, severe operational changes such as providing rapid defrost require proper refrigerant blending for the system to operate without exceeding limits on operating temperatures or pressures. The individual developed blends in accordance with the invention are shown in Table I (FIG. 1) and indicated as Blend A, Blend B, etc. Also shown in the table are the model numbers of developed commercial products IGC Polycold Systems, Inc., San Rafael, Calif. which use these blends.
For example, a prior art refrigeration unit, used a mixture, containing R-123, R-22, R-23, R-170, R-14, and argon, which mixture has been successfully replaced with Blend A (Table I) to achieve the goal of providing equivalent refrigerant performance without using HCFC's and without using flammable or toxic refrigerants.
Further, in accordance with the invention, another component may be added to the above compositions provided that the ratios of the listed components (Table I) remain in the same proportions relative to each other. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
In recent years, the image recording material is predominated particularly by a material for forming a color image. More specifically, a recording material using an ink jet system, a recording material using a heat-sensitive transfer system, a recording material using an electro-photographic system, a silver halide light-sensitive material using a transfer system, a printing ink, a recording pen and the like are popularly used. Also, a color filter for recording/reproducing a color image is used in an image pick-up element such as CCD of photographing equipment, or in LCD or PDP of display. In these color image recording materials or color filters, three primary color dyes (dyes or pigments) by a so-called additive or subtractive color mixing method are used for reproducing or recording a full color image, however, a dye having absorption properties capable of realizing a preferred color reproduction region and having fastness capable of enduring various use and environmental conditions is not found at present and improvements are keenly demanded.
The ink jet recording method has been abruptly spread and is further growing because the material cost is low, high-speed recording can be obtained, noises are less generated at the recording and color recording is easy. The ink jet recording method includes a continuous system of continuously jetting out a liquid droplet and an on-demand system of jetting out a liquid droplet according to image information signals, and the ejection system therefore includes a system of ejecting a liquid droplet by generating bubbles in ink using heat, a system of using an ultrasonic wave, and a system of ejecting a liquid droplet by suction using an electrostatic force. The ink used for ink jetting includes an aqueous ink, an oily ink and a solid (fusion-type) ink.
The dye used in the ink for ink jetting is required to have good solubility or dispersibility in a solvent, enable high-density recording, provide good (color) hue, have fastness to light, heat and active gas in environment (for example, oxidative gas such as NOx and ozone, and SOx), exhibit excellent resistance against water and chemicals, ensure good fixing property to an image-receiving material to cause less blurring, give an ink having excellent storability, have no toxicity and high purity and be available at a low cost.
In particular, the dye is strongly demanded to have good cyan color and fastness to light, humidity and heat and when printed on an image-receiving material having an ink-accepting layer containing a porous white inorganic pigment particle, be resistant against oxidative gas such as ozone in the environment.
A representative skeleton of the cyan dye used for ink is a phthalocyanine or triphenylmethane structure. Representative examples of the phthalocyanine compound which has been reported and is used over the widest range include phthalocyanine derivatives classified into the following (1) to (6): (1) copper phthalocyanine compounds such as Direct Blue 86 and Direct blue 87 [for example, Cu-Pc-(SO3Na)m: a mixture of m=1 to 4] (hereinafter, Pc means a phthalocyanine skeleton); (2) Direct Blue 199 and phthalocyanine dyes described in JP-A-62-190273 (the term “JP-A” as used herein means an “unexamined published Japanese patent application”), JP-A-63-28690, JP-A-63-306075, JP-A-63-306076, JP-A-2-131983, JP-A-3-122171, JP-A-3-200883, JP-A-7-138511, etc. [for example, Cu-Pc-(SO3Na)m(SO2NH2)n: a mixture of m+n=1 to 4]; (3) phthalocyanine-base dyes described in JP-A-63-210175, JP-A-63-37176, JP-A-63-304071, JP-A-5-171085, WO00/08102, etc. [for example, Cu-Pc-(CO2H)m(CONR1R2)n: a mixture of m+n=0 to 4]; (4) phthalocyanine-base dyes described in JP-A-59-30874, JP-A-1-126381, JP-A-1-190770, JP-A-6-16982, JP-A-7-82499, JP-A-8-34942, JP-A-8-60053, JP-A-8-113745, JP-A-8-310116, JP-A-10-140063, JP-A-10-298463, JP-A-11-29729, JP-A-11-320921, EP-A-173476, EP-A-468649, EP-A-559309, EP-A-596383, German Patent 3,411,476, U.S. Pat. No. 6,086,955, WO99/13009, British Patent Publication 2,341,868A, etc. [for example, Cu-Pc-(SO3H)m(SO2NR1R2)n: a mixture of m+n=0 to 4, and m≠0]; (5) phthalocyanine-base dyes described in JP-A-60-208365, JP-A-61-2772, JP-A-6-57653, JP-A-8-60052, JP-A-8-295819, JP-A-10-130517, JP-A-11-72614, Japanese Unexamined Published International Application Nos. 11-515047 and 11-515048, EP-A-196901, WO95/29208, WO98/49239, W098/49240, W099/50363, W099/67334, etc. [for example, Cu-Pc-(SO3H)l(SO2NH2)m(SO2NR1R2)n: a mixture of 1+m+n=0 to 4]; and (6) phthalocyanine-base dyes described in JP-A-59-22967, JP-A-61-185576, JP-A-1-95093, JP-A-3-195783, EP-A-649881, WO00/08101, WO00/08103, etc. [for example, Cu-Pc-(SO2NR1R2)n: a mixture of n=1 to 5].
Phthalocyanine-base dyes widely used in general at present, represented by Direct Blue 87 and Direct Blue 199, are excellent in the light fastness as compared with generally known magenta dyes, yellow dyes and triphenylmethane-base cyanine dyes.
However, the phthalocyanine-base dyes provide a greenish (color) hue under acidic conditions and are improper for a cyan ink. In the case of using these dyes for a cyanine ink, these are most suitably used under conditions from neutral to alkaline. However, even if the ink is in the region from neutral to alkaline, when the material on which an image or the like is recorded is an acidic paper, the (color) hue of the printed matter may greatly change.
Furthermore, discoloration to a greenish (color) hue or decoloration occurs due to oxidative gases such as nitrogen oxide gas and ozone, which are often taken as a problem also from an environmental issue, and this simultaneously causes reduction in the printing density.
On the other hand, triphenylmethane-base dyes provide a good (color) hue but are very inferior in the light fastness, resistance against ozone gas and the like.
If the use field hereafter expands and the printed matter is widely used for exhibition such as advertisement, the case of being exposed to light or active gas in the environment increases and to cope with this, a dye and an ink composition having light fastness and excellent resistance against active gases (for example, oxidative gas such as NOx and ozone, and SOx) in the environment are more strongly demanded.
However, it is very difficult to find out a cyan dye (for example, phthalocyanine-base dye) and a cyan ink satisfying these requirements in a high level.
As for the ink for an ink jet recording system, an aqueous dye ink obtained by dissolving a water-soluble dye of various types in a liquid medium comprising water and a water-soluble organic solvent, an aqueous pigment ink obtained by dispersing a pigment of various types in a liquid medium comprising water and a water-soluble organic solvent, an oily dye ink obtained by dissolving an oil-soluble dye in an organic solvent, and the like are known. Among these inks, the aqueous ink obtained by dissolving an aqueous dye is excellent in the safety because the main solvent is water, enables good coloring of a color image and formation of a high-grade printed image because a dye is used, and also exhibits excellent ink storage stability. Therefore, this aqueous ink is predominating as an ink for ink jet recording.
The phthalocyanine-base dyes imparted with water solubility are heretofore disclosed, for example, in WO00/08102, JP-A-2000-303014 and JP-A-2000-313837, however, none of these dyes have succeeded in satisfying both the (color) hue and the fastness to light and oxidative gas. A cyan ink product fully satisfying the requirements on the market is not yet provided.
When a recorded image having a high optical density is formed, this is accompanied with a problem that as the image is dried, the dye crystal deposits on the surface of the recording material and the recorded image reflects light to cause a so-called bronze phenomenon of emitting metallic gloss. This phenomenon is considered to readily occur when the water solubility of dye is decreased so as to improve water resistance or an amino group of a hydrogen bond group is introduced into the dye structure, because the dye is elevated in the associating (aggregating) property. The generation of bronze phenomenon not only incurs decrease in the optical density of the recorded image but also causes great difference from the desired (color) hue of the recorded image. Therefore, it is one of important performances required of the ink for ink jetting to prevent the bronze phenomenon.
Known examples of the method for preventing the bronze phenomenon include a method of adding a specific nitrogen-containing compound (see, for example, JP-A-55-120676, JP-A-62-119280, JP-A-64-6072, JP-A-1-152176, JP-A-2-41369, JP-A-5-125311, JP-A-6-25575, JP-A-6-128515, JP-A-6-228476, JP-A-6-228483, JP-A-6-248212, JP-A-7-228810, JP-A-7-268261, JP-A-8-259865, JP-A-9-12944, JP-A-9-12946, JP-A-9-12949 and JP-A-10-36735) and a method of adding a specific titanium compound (see, JP-A-8-337745). The bronze phenomenon may be prevented from occurring by adding these compounds, however, there is a fear that the additives decrease various performances of ink and the quality of recorded image. For example, as described in JP-A-8-259865, when an alkanolamine is added to the ink, the bronze phenomenon can be prevented but by the addition only in a small amount, the pH of ink increases to 11 or more and the high pH ink not only adversely affects nozzles but also lacks in safety on erroneously contacting with a human body and moreover, decreases the printing grade or water resistance of the recorded image.
Other than these, examples of the method for improving the performance of ink for ink jetted by using an additive are described in JP-A-5-339532 and JP-A-2001-254040 where an anionic additive except for dyes, having lithium ion, quaternary ammonium ion or quaternary phosphonium ion as the counter cation is added and thereby, even when the counter ion of the dye is not such ion, an effect of preventing clogging is obtained because the solubility is improved. On the other hand, JP-A-7-26178 describes a technique where an alkali metal compound is added to ink and thereby, the production of an aggregate of dye is prevented, as a result, the viscosity of ink does not increase. However, in JP-A-1036735, it is pointed out that this improvement effect can be attained when the storage time is short, but when stored for a long period of time, the storage stability has a problem.
As such, various effects can be obtained by using additives, however, various performances can be hardly maintained if additives are used. Particularly, in the case where the solubility and aggregating property of dye must be taken account of, selection of the kind and amount of additive is difficult. In using an ionic additive, the effect thereof on the counter ion must also be taken into consideration. Accordingly, a substantial bronze phenomenon-inhibiting method not relying on additives is preferred.
Studies are being aggressively made with an attempt to improve various performances required of the ink for ink jetting by changing the counter ion for the ionic hydrophilic group of metal phthalocyanine compounds and examples thereof include JP-A-5-339532, JP-A-6-16982, JP-A-6-248212, JP-A-6-322286, JP-A-7-138511 and JP-A-10-130517.
For example, in JP-A-57-202358, JP-A-63-81179, JP-A-63-317568 and Japanese Patents 2581769 and 3163176, lithium ion is referred to as preferred counter ion for the ionic hydrophilic group of metal phthalocyanine dyes and it is stated that this ion is effective for providing an ink having high concentration, storage stability and jetting stability. On the other hand, JP-A-7-82499 states that lithium ion is not preferred as the counter cation, because the water resistance of the recorded image decreases due to high water solubility of the dye. From these, it is seen that the performances required of the ink for ink jetting cannot be easily satisfied merely by changing the counter salt.
As described above, an ink capable of satisfying all of various performances required of the water-soluble ink for ink jetting is not yet found at present.
Problems to be Solved by the Invention:
The present invention has been made to solve those problems in conventional techniques and achieve the following objects. That is, the objects of the present invention are
(1) to provide a novel ink having absorption properties ensuring excellent color reproduction as a dye for three primary colors and at the same time, having sufficiently high fastness to light, heat, humidity and active gas in the environment;
(2) to provide an ink of giving a colored image or colored material excellent in the (color) hue and the fastness, for example, an ink composition for printing such as ink jetting;
(3) to provide an ink for ink jet recording and an ink jet recording method, which can form an image having good (color) hue by the use of a phthalocyanine compound derivative, having high fastness particularly against ozone gas and free of generation of a bronze phenomenon; and
(4) to provide a method for forming an image having fastness by using the above-described ink jet recording method and thereby improving the ozone gas discoloration resistance of the image recorded material.
Means to Solve the Problems:
As a result of extensive investigations on phthalocyanine derivatives of providing good (color) hue, generating no bronze phenomenon and ensuring fastness to light and gas (particularly ozone gas), the present inventors have found that the above-described objects can be attained by a phthalocyanine compound where the counter cation of the ionic hydrophilic group is lithium ion, particularly a phthalocyanine compound represented by the following formula (I), having (1) a specific spectral absorption curve and (2) a specific dye structure (specific substituents are introduced into specific substitution sites in a specific number of substituents), more particularly, a phthalocyanine compound represented by formula (II) or (III). | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Various programs utilize and store large quantities of data or information. Often these programs provide user interfaces that include indicia/controls that enable users to quickly access information. These indicia/controls are often hard-coded and therefore remain the same for all users and for all arrangements of data or information. In the case of a directory of contacts, for example, data related to the contacts may be arranged alphabetically under predetermined groupings of letters, which are often evenly spaced such as “A-C”, “D-F”, “G-I” . . . and so forth. Since this grouping is predetermined, the underlining data may not be evenly distributed across the groupings (e.g., for some users, there may be no contacts in the grouping of “G-I” and a large number of contacts in the grouping of “A-C”). | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
TNFα is the prototypical member of the Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) superfamily of proteins that share a primary function of regulating cell survival and cell death. One structural feature common to all known members of the TNF superfamily is the formation of trimeric complexes that bind to, and activate, specific TNF superfamily receptors. By way of example, TNFα exists in soluble and transmembrane forms and signals through two receptors, known as TNFR1 and TNFR2, with distinct functional endpoints.
Various products capable of modulating TNFα activity are already commercially available. All are approved for the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. All currently approved products are macromolecular and act by inhibiting the binding of human TNFα to its receptor. Typical macromolecular TNFα inhibitors include anti-TNFα antibodies and soluble TNFα receptor fusion proteins. Examples of commercially available anti-TNFα antibodies include fully human antibodies such as adalimumab (Humira®) and golimumab (Simponi®), chimeric antibodies such as infliximab (Remicade®), and pegylated Fab′ fragments such as certulizumab pegol (Cimzia®). An example of a commercially available soluble TNFα receptor fusion protein is etanercept (Enbrel®).
TNF superfamily members, including TNFα itself, are implicated in a variety of physiological and pathological functions that are believed to play a part in a range of conditions of significant medical importance (see, for example, M. G. Tansey & D. E. Szymkowski, Drug Discovery Today, 2009, 14, 1082-1088; and F. S. Carneiro et al., J. Sexual Medicine, 2010, 7, 3823-3834). | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Cestrum plant botanically known as Cestrum nocturnum and hereinafter referred to by the cultivar name ‘Gold Night’.
The new cultivar originated in a controlled breeding program in Guadalupe, Calif. during May 2010. The objective of the breeding program was the development of Cestrum cultivars having early continuous flowering and upright, well-branched habits.
The new Cestrum cultivar is the result of open-pollination. The female (seed) parent of the new cultivar is Cestrum nocturnum common species form, not patented, characterized by its light greenish-yellow colored flowers, medium green-colored foliage, and vigorous, upright growth habit. The male (pollen) parent of the new cultivar is unknown. The new cultivar was discovered and selected as a single flowering plant within the progeny of the above stated open-pollination during August 2011 in a controlled environment in Guadalupe, Calif.
Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar by terminal stem cuttings since December 2011 in Guadalupe, Calif. has demonstrated that the new cultivar reproduces true to type with all of the characteristics, as herein described, firmly fixed and retained through successive generations of such asexual propagation. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
This invention relates generally to the field of electronic devices and components. More specifically, this invention relates to a contact assembly for an electronic component, and to a method of manufacturing such an assembly.
A multitude of electronic components and devices use discrete contact assemblies for providing electrical and mechanical connection between the component and a circuit board. The use of such contact assemblies is common, for example, in sockets that allow components to be removably plugged into circuit boards. In such sockets, the assembly includes a terminal portion that is a conductive pin which is mechanically fastened or soldered to the circuit board. The contact portion is a resilient conductive member, situated in the interior of the socket, which provides a firm (but releasable) mechanical connection with an electrical lead of the component installed in the socket, while also providing a good, low-resistance electrical contact with the lead.
In contact assemblies of the prior art, the contacts are largely in one of two broad categories: solid conductor or multi-wire. The solid conductor type of contact comprises a resilient leaf or ribbon of conductive material which is cantilevered or bent to apply a spring force against the installed lead. The multi-wire contact comprises a strip formed of multiple wires laid side-by-side, and mounted in cantilevered fashion to provide a spring contact function.
The multi-wire form of contact has generally been preferred in low current applications, due largely to its lower contact resistance as compared with the solid conductor contact. This lower contact resistance is a result of the ability of the multi-wire contact to conform somewhat to the shape of the installed lead. Also, multi-wire contacts exhibit good durability, and do not easily acquire a "set" from repeated flexing. A disadvantage of prior art multi-wire contacts is their tendency to suffer a separation or "splaying" of the individual wires, with occasional instances of tangling among the wires.
Accordingly, there has been a long-felt but unsatisfied need in the art for a contact assembly that provides the low contact resistance associated with multi-wire contacts, without the tendency of such contacts to splay or tangle. It would further advance the state of the art to provide such a contact assembly which can also be inexpensively mass-produced. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
With the advent of digital convergence, it has become possible to facilitate communication between various devices that support different computing and information technologies. Such technologies may be related to multimedia content, communication networks, voice services, telephony services, data services, and/or location-based services. Such communication between the various devices may be based on shared resources and a synergistic interaction with each other.
In certain scenarios, such a digital convergence may facilitate a typical two-party command-response interaction between the various devices communicatively coupled with each other. In such a command-response interaction, a first party, such as a client, a slave, or an initiator, may initiate an interaction by issuance of a command in response to an input provided by a user. A second party, such as a server, a master, or a responder, may complete the interaction by providing an appropriate response to the issued command. However, in such scenarios, the interaction may be limited to a response that typically corresponds to the same domain as that of the issued command. Such an interaction may sound robotic, as it fails to mimic intelligent human-like responses from other domains. Consequently, such an interaction may not enable the various devices to eloquently converse with the user.
Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of described systems with some aspects of the present disclosure, as set forth in the remainder of the present application and with reference to the drawings. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Powered accumulating conveyors are utilized wherever sorting, handling, processing, or other considerations, require that the conveyed items either (1) be stopped, or (2) bunched up, before proceeding down the conveyor bed. Conventional accumulating conveyors, which may be a hundred or more feet in length, are usually divided into "zones" that are nominally thirty-six inches in length. Each zone has a mechanism, such as a sensor roller, a mechanical trigger, a pneumatic switch, a photodetector, etc. that engages, and disengages, the driving power to the rollers of the preceding zone. When an accumulation operation is initiated, an external signal (which may be provided manually by a human operator or automatically by a timer control, or a computer program) disengages the rollers of the last, or discharge, zone. When the next item travelling down the conveyor bed depresses the sensor in the discharge zone, the sensor disengages the drive mechanism in the preceding upstream zone. When an item contacts the sensor in the preceding upstream zone, the process is repeated, in a series of steps, in each preceding upstream zone.
To illustrate, U.S. Pat. No. 3,612,248, granted Oct. 12, 1971, to Charles W. Wallis, discloses an accumulating roller conveyor comprising a plurality of longitudinally spaced, transversely extending article carrying rollers 10 with a belt 11 positioned beneath the rollers. Pressure rollers 12 are normally held in position against the belt to press the belt against the article carrying rollers by expansible chambers (30) to which fluid is supplied. A fluidic switch (16) is provided along the path of the articles, and when an article is stopped in position overlying the switch, the fluidic switch functions to deflate the expansible Chamber, permitting the pressure rollers to move away from the belt, so that rotation of the article-carrying rollers is interrupted.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,768,630, granted Oct. 30, 1973 to R. A. Inwood et al, discloses a powered roller accumulator conveyor having a powered propelling member, such as belt 16, passing through a plurality of independent accumulating zones (zones A, B, C, etc.) arranged along the conveyor. The propelling member is shiftable between driving, and non-driving, positions (compare FIGS. 3 and 4), with respect to the powered rollers 14 by vertically. shiftable, supporting rollers 18, operated by pneumatically powered actuators, such as tube-like member 30 and support plate 32, that engage one end of shaft 20 for roller 18. Each actuator is controlled by a series of valves 100 connected to a source 122 of fluid pressure, as shown schematically in FIGS. 7 and 8.
In the accumulating position of FIG. 7, each actuator is connected through an article-detecting sensor-operated valve 44 to the source of fluid pressure. The plunger 66 of valve 44 is influenced by sensor roller 49 that pivots flange 58 relative to the plunger, when a parcel contacts the roller. The shank 99 of the plunger 66 cooperates with ball valve 86 to control the flow of fluid away from the actuator 30. Each sensing assembly 46 is biased upwardly by spring 62 above the plane of the pressure rollers to be contacted by each object moving along the accumulator conveyor, as shown in FIG. 2. In an override or discharge position, shuttle valves 100 associated with each actuator are series connected to the source of fluid pressure, through a main control valve (such as three-way valve 131). The valves and are operative to direct the flow of fluid from the sensor operated valve 44, to energize each of the actuators 30, in each of the zones, to shift all of the operating zones into driving position.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,840,110, granted Oct. 8, 1974, to R. P. Molt et al, discloses a live roller, zero pressure accumulation conveyor 11, including a drive shaft 16 and a plurality of axially aligned countershafts 20. Each countershaft is driven by the drive shaft through a clutch 25 for selective power transmission to individual groups of conveyor rollers 14. Each group of rollers has, at its downstream end, a trigger device 51 (FIGS. 8 and 9) which senses the presence of a conveyed article. The trigger devices, which are operatively associated with air valves 52, 53, operate to selectively engage, and disengage, the clutch associated therewith, to achieve, and maintain, the desired spicing between articles being transported on the conveyor. Preferably, dual trigger devices (51x; 51y) are used in a manner which requires coincident actuation of both trigger devices before the clutch associated with a given group of rollers is disengaged (note column 3, line 63--column 4, line 5).
U.S. Pat. No. 4,108,303, granted Aug. 22, 1978, to R. K. Vogt and M. A. Heit, discloses an accumulator conveyor that includes a plurality of article accumulating zones A-E extending between the infeed and discharge ends of the conveyor. Each zone of the conveyor includes at least one power transmission assembly 17. All of the assemblies are powered by a single flexible drive member, such as an endless chain 56a, 56b. Each power transmission assembly includes a fluid ram 36, with a flexible diaphragm 58, which cooperates with a power wheel 37 to move that power wheel into, and out of, driving engagement with the article propelling member(s), such as rollers 11, within the zone that it serves. Operation of the transmission assemblies is controlled by a fluid control circuit 80. The fluid control circuit is influenced by sensor devices 18, which provide sensor valve 33, with a mechanical signal indicating whether, or not, an article is present, or absent, from a particular zone; the signal activates, or deactivates, the transmission assemblies 17 within the zone. As shown in FIG. 1, each sensor device 18 includes a sensor roller 19, a bracket 20, and a spring 28 for urging the sensor device to an operative position slightly above the plane of the upper surface of the rollers and/or roller bed.
Other accumulator conveyors are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,109,783, granted Aug. 29, 1978, to Robert K. Vogt; in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,344,527 and 4,473,149, granted to Robert K. Vogt and Martin A. Heit, on Aug. 17, 1982 and Sep. 25, 1984, respectively. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
This invention relates to a recording card for displaying updatable magnetic information as a visible image. More particularly, the invention relates to a visible image magnetic card comprising a magnetic recording sheet, a display sheet, and a display cell which is sandwiched therebetween, with magnetic particles confined within the display cell. In this magnetic card, a magnetic latent image is formed in the area of the magnetic recording sheet which corresponds to the display cell and the magnetic particles are transported through the display cell such that they form a visible image in a pattern related to the latent image.
A magnetic card can, in general, be fabricated using comparatively inexpensive and highly reliable components in the record/reproduce system. In addition, the magnetic card has a comparatively large recording capacity, permits instantaneous recording, reproduction and erasure, can be reused. This offers convenience in carrying and handling, and the device may be manufactured at low cost. Because of these many advantages, the magnetic card is currently used for cash cards, credit cards, train ticket credit cards and other media for transferring information to and from automatic dispensing machines and office-automation equipment.
One problem with known magnetic cards is that the information recorded thereon is invisible. Separate printers, typically impact types are used to separately provide a visual image. A need therefore exists to develop a magnetic card that presents a desired part of the recorded information as a visible image in the form of letters or numbers and does not require separate printers.
In order to meet this need, the inventors have proposed a visible image magnetic card which consisted of a magnetic recording sheet, a transparent sheet, and a display cell sandwiched therebetween in which magnetic particles were confined in such a manner that they could migrate from one location to another. Such is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 852/1981. When a magnetic latent image is formed in the area of the magnetic recording sheet which corresponds to the display cell by magnetizing said area with a multi-track (e.g 7-track) head, the magnetic particles in the display cell are attracted to the image area, producing a visible contrast with the unmagnetized non-image area. The visible image may be updated by erasing it and then writing a new magnetic latent image. One problem with this technique is that the image is not sharp. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field
This invention relates to processing responses to a broadcast.
2. Description
From the early days of FM broadcast transmission, stations have included ancillary signals such as background music or reading services for the blind along with a main carrier signal. The idea of transmitting data along with the main carrier signal caught on, and now many broadcast radio services either transmit an ancillary data signal or are developing a method to do so. The most current and widely used data transmission standard is the United States Radio Broadcast Data Systems (“RBDS”) standard.
The RBDS standard, published by the National Radio Systems Committee and sponsored by the Electronics Industry Association and the National Association of Broadcasters, describes a system for broadcasting a variety of program-related information on a subcarrier of a standard FM broadcast channel. The RBDS standard teaches a system for transmitting station identification and location information, as well as time, traffic and miscellaneous other information.
The RBDS standard was designed to allow stations to send information such as call letters, station format, traffic alerts and scrolling text messages to compatible radios.
Many stations installed RBDS encoders through a program encouraged by the FCC in the early 1990's that provided encoders at no charge. Radio stations that did not participate in this “RBDS Roll-Out” can still obtain encoders at competitive prices.
RBDS encoders generate what is known as a “subcarrier” that modulates along with an FM station broadcast signal and can be demodulated by special decoders. The RBDS uses a subcarrier frequency of 57 khz. Commercially available RBDS encoders usually accept information via either serial or parallel data ports and format the information into the appropriate RBDS block type.
The RBDS data signal is a specially encoded text stream containing up to 32 repeating data “groups” transmitting at 1187.5 bits/second. The RBDS data signal does not require inclusion of all potential data group blocks of both repeating and unique data. One embodiment includes using one of several groups that are designed for data transmission functions.
An RBDS data group is composed of 4 blocks, each divided by checkwords used for error correction. Block 1 is a 4-digit Program Identification code (PI) which is derived from the transmitting station's call letters. Block 2 includes a 4-bit type code and a 1-bit group version code which identifies the type of information the data group contains. This block also contains a 1-bit code that identifies the transmitting station as one that broadcasts traffic information, followed by a 5-bit Program Type (PTY) code which describes the current program or format being broadcast by the station (Rock, Oldies, Talk, News, etc.). Information contained in Blocks 3 and 4 are dependent on the codes included in Block 2. Blocks 3 and 4 provide two 16-bit data slots where specific information can be sent to the special receiver.
For example, RBDS Group types 2A, use blocks 3 and 4 to transmit a 64-character text message known as RadioText (RT). This appears on RBDS-enabled radios as a scrolling message which some stations use to identify the song or program being broadcasted. Other group types use these blocks to identify alternate frequencies where the same programming can be available, in-house station text messages, or Emergency Alert System (EAS) communication messages. An extensive description of the RBDS standard is available through the National Association of Broadcasters and the National Radio Systems Committee.
A similar standard used in Europe is the European Radio Data System (RDS).
Broadcasters using the RBDS standard can distribute information to a large number of users. However, the standard does not allow individual users to respond to the broadcast information.
Currently, users listening to the radio or watching television may particularly like a song or program that they would like to purchase. While stations using RBDS/RDS may provide a user with the station call letters or the name of the song currently being broadcast, the user has no way to purchase the media at that point. Instead, the user must write down or remember the identifying information and then go to a store or online retailer to purchase the media. Not only is this inconvenient, but the user may forget the name of the song or not be able to find a store that sells the song. Additionally, the information provided by the radio station may not be enough to sufficiently identify the song. For example, the user may have the song title, but not the artist name, album name, or other necessary identifying information. Some material, such as editorial news broadcasts or live events, may not be available for purchase or may be difficult to find. Radio stations often have fund raising drives or listener surveys that require a listener to call the station or respond within a limited time. These same problems also apply to television and other forms of broadcast media. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
This invention is in the field of cutting or slotting devices for stone, marble and similar material. In particular, this invention concerns stone cutting or slotting apparatus that use a reciprocating cutting blade.
Cutting and removing stone from the earth is an ancient art. Within the last one and a half centuries, various motor-driven machines have been formulated to facilitate man's ability to extract large, single pieces of stone from the earth. The object of these various devices is often to increase the length of the cutting device so as to enable larger blocks of stone to be cut. In addition, a further object has been to cut the stone as quickly and easily as possible.
Some of the various apparatus of the prior art utilize a heavy chisel that is dropped onto the stone with a great force thereby cracking the stone. Other apparatus utilize a rotating belt having stone cutting elements mounted thereon. Still another such apparatus employs a rotating arbor mounted on a reciprocating frame. The patent to Slomito, U.S. Pat. No. 3,675,972, is indicative of such a stone slotting machine.
There is a need for a new improved machine for cutting slots into stone that has a sufficiently long cutting element to enable large blocks of stone to be cut. Moreover, the improved machine should be able to cut the stone in a variety of orientations. That is, the new machine should have the capability of making horizontal as well as vertical slots into the stone which is to be removed from the earth. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
The present invention relates to an improved hopper and agitator assembly for an ice dispenser, in which a pair of side by side rotary agitators are in the hopper.
In the food and beverage service industries, it is desirable to provide means for conveniently dispensing a quantity of ice, for example into a glass to facilitate service of ice water and cold beverages to customers. The means usually comprises an ice dispenser, which for commercial applications includes a hopper for storing a quantity of crushed, cracked, flaked or cubed ice, and an icemaker for manufacturing ice for the hopper. A thermostat in the hopper in proximity to the point of entry of ice sense the level of ice and controls operation of the icemaker, and an agitator means in the hopper agitates the mass of ice. An opening in the hopper enables ice to be removed from the hopper, for example by a dispensing mechanism that is actuable to permit a flow of ice through the opening, and the agitator means is operated during dispensing to assist in urging ice bodies therethrough. The agitator means also may be operated periodically for the purpose of preventing congealing or agglomeration of ice bodies in the hopper.
Dispensing mechanisms for hoppers may be of any desired type. Several systems are known for dispensing ice in predetermined quantities. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,226,269, for example, a vertically oriented delivery chute for ice has one or more control elements that are selectively insertable into the chute to correspondingly adjust the amount of ice delivered by a concurrent opening of a lower closure member of the chute. A storage hopper for ice is located above the chute, and contains an agitator for assisting in refilling the chute.
In some cases, gate type dispensers are used to dispense ice. Such dispensers usually comprise a gate that is movable to uncover a dispensing opening in a hopper for as long as it is desired to dispense ice through the opening, usually into a chute extending downwardly to an ice outlet from the chute. One particularly advantageous gate type dispenser is disclosed in Miller et al U.S. Pat. No. 4,346,824, assigned to the assignee of the present invention.
Ice dispensers that have a single dispensing mechanism can serve only one user at a time. Where a greater service rate is required, for example to simultaneously provide ice to two or more users, two or more such dispensers must be employed, which adds considerable expense to the operation. Consequently, ice dispensers have been developed that have a plurality of dispensing stations. A hopper of such a multiple station dispenser has a corresponding plurality of discharge openings, each of which opens into an associated chute for conveying ice to a station. A dispensing mechanism is associated with each opening and chute to control a flow of ice bodies therethrough, and may be located either at the opening or at a lower end of the chute.
Conventionally, such multiple station ice dispensers have a single rotary agitator in the hopper. The agitator has radially extending arms, and during a dispensing operation is rotated to urge ice bodies in the hopper through the hopper openings to assist in deliver of ice. Advantageously, the ends of the arms sweep closely past the opening to maximize the force with which ice bodies are urged through the openings. If the hopper is of generally square cross section, the agitator may be made to have a diameter sufficiently large that the ends of its arms will sweep sufficiently close to all of the openings, even when the openings are toward opposite ends of the hopper front side. However, if size limitations imposed on the ice dispenser are such that the length of the hopper across its front is relatively large in comparison with its width from front to back, then the maximum diameter of the agitator will be limited to be no greater than the width of the hopper, and therefore much less than the length of the hopper. Under this circumstance, the ends of the agitator arms will only be able to sweep closely past any openings located medially along the hopper front wall, but not closely past any toward opposite ends of the front wall. The agitator therefore will not be able to sufficiently assist movement of ice bodies through the openings at opposite ends of the front wall, and ice will not be uniformly delivered to all of the stations. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
The invention relates to curable compositions resulting from the hydrosilation of olefin-containing polymers with organosiloxane hydrides. The curable compositions may be cured to provide low surface energy cured compositions which may be provided in the form of a coating on a substrate.
Coatings having low surface energy are well known for use as automotive waxes, marine waxes and antifouling coatings. These coatings are useful because the low surface energy inhibits attachment of marine organisms and causes water to bead and to run off the surface of the coating. Silicone containing materials are known to provide low surface energy when incorporated into coatings. However, when low molecular weight silicone containing additives are used as the means of incorporating silicone into a coating, leaching of the silicone containing additive may result. Over time, this leaching leads to an increase in the surface energy of the coating and, consequently, a reduction in the performance of the coating. Silicone based polymers themselves are of little use since they typically lack the mar and abrasion resistance needed for these applications.
Theoretically, an ideal material for durable low surface energy coatings would have a strong polymer backbone with multiple silicone containing substituents grafted onto the polymer backbone at various points along its length. Gabor et al. report the hydrosilation of styrene-butadiene block co-polymers with organosiloxane monohydrides such as pentamethyldisiloxane or 1,1,1,3,3,5,5-heptamethyl trisiloxane. The resulting polymers have linear silicon-containing pendant chains (see, Gabor et al., Polym. Prepr. (ACS Div. Poly. Chem.), 1992, 33 (2), pp. 136-137). The short chain organosiloxanes monohydrides provide only a low level of silicone in the resulting polymers.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,703,163 (Baum) reports loop polymers having a polymeric backbone and a plurality of olefinic groups which have been converted to closed loops by reaction with difunctional organic compounds reactive with the olefinic groups. Although Baum incorporates a higher level of silicone into the resulting polymers, the synthetic scheme used to form loop polymers is preferably carried out at low percent solids. This limitation complicates commercial use of the resulting loop polymers as they must be recovered from a large amount of solvent in order to be useful in high solids coating formulations.
In view of the foregoing, there is a need for curable compositions having a high level of silicone chemically grafted onto a polymer backbone that can be manufactured at high solids without the formation of an solid mass and/or insoluble gel. A synthetic route that eliminates gel formation resulting from excessive crosslinking and yields a high percent solids curable composition is highly desirablc. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
The capacity of a wireless communication system depends on the capacity that the down-link links can support to a large extent. The traditional single-antenna transmission technology has been far unable to adapt to worse and worse wireless transmission environment. Advanced down-link transmission technology has played an important role in improving system performance and increasing capacity. Thus, various transmission technologies (related to time, multipath, space, and the like), which are able to obtain diversity gain, have been paid closer and closer attention and applied more and more in the recent years.
Two-antenna transmission diversity technology used for a base station (referred to as “Node B”) in a code division multiple access (CDMA) system is determined by 3GPP Rel'99 protocol standard. It mainly uses the characteristics that signal fading during signal transmission is not associated with the fact that different antennas are used if the antennas are spaced apart with a distance larger than 10 wavelength of a carrier wave. So, the signals transmitted by the respective antennas are typically combined by employing a maximum ratio, thereby preventing multipath signal fading and enhancing system performance.
One of the wide-band features of a wide-band code division multiple access (WCDMA) system is to use multipath diversity of wireless transmission channels. The transmission antenna with increased number of Node B can be equivalent to increasing the number of propagation multipaths, which enables to obtain a larger gain of multipath diversity. Different technologies of multiple-antenna transmission diversity have been proposed in recent years.
Space diversity gain can be provided by an antenna array. Based on the same statistic characteristics of a domain of up- and down-link channels, the capacity of a wireless communication system can also be increased by formation technology which forms a wave beam of a down-link antenna array, wherein an evaluated up-link destination object angle (DOA) is utilized. However, the diversity gain obtained therein is limited.
Multiple-antenna closed-loop diversity array requires lager spaces between antenna units, normally larger than ten times of the wavelength. The multiple-antenna closed-loop diversity array will occupy more space. Multiple-antenna closed-loop diversity array requires higher feedback bits. If the original feedback rate does not change, the channel fading becomes worsen with higher speed, and the performance will be deteriorated. Furthermore, although multiple-antenna closed-loop diversity array has an effect for resisting the multipath fast fading, it cannot provide antenna gain and suppress the multiple access interference signals effectively.
It is often required by the multiple-antenna closed-loop diversity array that a user equipment (UE) calculate not only the short period fast variation weight vectors, but also the long period slow variation beam weight vector sets in each time slot. In one aspect, the complexity of UE is increased excessively while more feedback bits are required for feeding back the long period slow variation beam weight vector sets, even though the low feedback rate may be used by the slow variation beam weight vector sets.
The technology for forming down-link beams of an antenna array is still not perfect. A representative down-link method is based on that the statistic characteristics of the up- and down-link channels are the same, and DOA evaluated in an up-link is used to transmit in a down-link. In a frequency division duplex (FDD) mode, the difference between operation frequencies of up- and down-links would require a correction or adaptation system. Moreover, although the above method has space diversity gain, it does not resolve the problem of multipath fast fading. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Terminals may be divided into a mobile terminal (mobile/portable terminal) and a stationary terminal according to whether the terminal may be moved. The mobile terminal may be divided into a handheld terminal and a vehicle mounted terminal according to whether the user may carry the mobile phone directly.
The functions of mobile terminals are diversified. For example, there are functions of data and voice communication, photographing and video shooting through a camera, voice recording, music file playback through a speaker system, and outputting an image or video to a display unit. Some terminals are equipped with an electronic game play function or a multimedia player function. In particular, modern mobile terminals may receive multicast signals that provide visual content such as broadcast, video or television programs.
As functions are diversified, terminals are implemented in the form of multimedia devices supporting composite functions such as photographing or video shooting, music or video file playback, playing games, receiving broadcast, and the like.
In order to support and enhance the functionality of such terminals, it may be considered to improve the structural and/or software parts of the terminal.
Meanwhile, in order to transmit a message, while viewing a picture image stored in a photo album, a messenger application needs to be executed and a photo image (i.e., a picture image or a photograph image) is to be transmitted to a conversation counterpart, causing user inconvenience. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Electrically driven vehicles are normally equipped with a battery that provides the necessary electric power for operating the vehicle. In this case, the battery may be constructed from a plurality of battery elements or battery cells that each provide a corresponding battery element voltage. One problem for batteries constructed from a plurality of battery elements is even loading of the battery elements during operation. Complex circuits can allow even loading of the battery elements.
Furthermore, changeover between different pairs of battery taps is a critical process that requires appropriate precautions in the circuit design and thereby gives rise to costs. Changeover causes switching losses and, on account of the limited changeover speed, requires complex protective circuitry for the switching elements (for example semiconductors) that channel off overvoltages and maintain the flow of current during changeover. In addition, changeover processes are a main reason for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) problems as a result of the transmission of electrical waves. Insulated gate electrode bipolar transistors (IGBT), in particular, have a slow switch-off response (what are known as tail currents) and enforce long switching gaps (idle times) in the changeover between multiple pairs of battery taps. In typical high voltage circuits in motor vehicles, which also include motor inverters, for example, switching losses exceed pure resistive losses or line losses in the semiconductors.
In a first approximation, the switching losses are made up of two components. A first component is approximately proportional to the current and voltage during changeover.
On account of the high voltage of several hundred volts (for example 400 V or 800 V), it is additionally possible for capacitive charge reversal effects, for example on the junction capacitances of the semiconductors, to lose significant weight owing to a quadratic dependency on the voltage. The switching losses can be determined by the following formula:
E switching loss = ∑ j ∈ Δs j 1 2 I ( j ) V m ( j ) ( t on + t off ) ︸ saturation losses + 1 2 ( C gd + C ds ) ( V m ( j ) ) 2 ︸ junction capacitances
DE 10 2011 077 664 A1, which is incorporated by reference herein, discloses an energy storage system having multiple series-connected storage devices and a device for evening the states of charge of the individual storage devices, which comprise at least one DC/DC voltage converter (DC/DC converter).
DE 10 2013 001 466 A1, which is incorporated by reference herein, discloses a battery having multiple battery cells, wherein each battery cell contains a discharge circuit and a supplementary circuit for opening a discharge switch when a critical limit voltage for the respective battery cell is undershot.
DE 10 2014 012 068 A1, which is incorporated by reference herein, discloses a method for heating a battery having a series circuit comprising a plurality of battery cells, wherein a start and an end of the series circuit are coupled via a capacitive store.
EP 2 506 390 A1, which is incorporated by reference herein, discloses a battery controller for a battery having multiple battery cells, wherein each battery cell has an associated circuit for voltage measurement that has a capacitor. The battery controller can change over between the individual battery cells depending on the state of charge.
EP 1 901 412 A2, which is incorporated by reference herein, discloses a battery management system for a battery having multiple battery cells, wherein each battery cell has an apparatus for charging and is charged or discharged depending on the state of charge.
EP 2 053 717 A2, which is incorporated by reference herein, discloses a discharge controller for a battery having multiple battery cells, wherein each battery cell has a discharge circuit and apparatuses for voltage measurement. In addition, a switching apparatus and a control unit are present between the various battery cells.
WO 2013 037 633 A2, which is incorporated by reference herein, discloses a method for equalizing charge differences between battery modules in a battery system. In this case, when the battery system is discharged, energy is stored in an intermediate-circuit capacitor and supplied therefrom to a battery module having a low state of charge.
As can be seen from the formula shown above, current and voltage on a semiconductor at a changeover time are definitive in determining switching losses. If one of these or both is/are negligibly small for individual switching elements at the switching time, switching losses can be effectively reduced, this allowing the switching losses to be kept down even at high switching rates. One object that the present invention addresses is at least a reduction in or even complete elimination of switching losses. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates in general to computer-implemented systems, and, in particular, to creation of customized trees.
2. Description of Related Art
In conventional systems, a file system may be represented with a tree. A tree is a hierarchical structure that shows the relationship of one object to another. Each object is represented as a node in the tree. For example, a folder object may “contain” (i.e., enclose) one or more folder objects, which contain one or more document objects. A user can access each object that is contained within another object by “drilling down” to that object. For example, to access a particular document object, the user first accesses the appropriate folder object that contains the document object.
However, in conventional systems, some of the objects in a tree are infrequently, or never, used by some users. In this case, the users may prefer not to see these particular objects. Instead, users may prefer to work with a small subset of the objects, rather than the entire tree. Additionally, in conventional systems, objects may not be ordered as a user desires. A user may wish to perform similar operations on several objects at the same time. The objects may, however, be located in disparate places across different branches of the tree. There is no convenient mechanism for conveniently viewing an arbitrary set of objects and operating on some or all of them while they are being viewed.
There is a need in the art for improved trees. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
The invention relates generally to the production of hollow bodies and more especially preforms for forming hollow bodies, by extrusion blow molding.
An apparatus for the production of hollow bodies from thermoplastic material, the wall of which comprises a laminate having at least first and second layers, by means of extrusion blow molding, may typically comprise an extrusion unit including at least one extruder and an extrusion head having a housing which contains a storage chamber for the plasticised material and has an annular discharge or extrusion opening leading from the storage chamber, for extrusion of a preform. To give a more detailed picture of an apparatus of that nature, reference may be made to DE-A-16 29 104 in which moreover the piston is provided in its peripheral surface with a groove-like recess extending parallel to the direction of movement of the piston. With the housing, the recess forms at least one receiving passage which is disposed opposite at least one opening in the housing of the extrusion head, for the intake of thermoplastic material into the extrusion head from the at least one extruder. The length of the groove-like recess approximately corresponds to the length of the stroke movement of the piston. As the design configuration of that apparatus is such that the passage for receiving the material from the extruder is disposed opposite to the inlet opening in the housing of the extrusion head, the plastic material which passes into the housing through the inlet opening firstly flows into the receiving passage in which it then flows towards an adjoining delivery duct and into the storage chamber.
However that apparatus suffers from the disadvantage that the plasticised material coming from the extruder flows through the receiving passage over the entire length thereof, only in one position of the piston, namely the position in which the piston is in its limit position of being towards the discharge opening of the extrusion head. In all other positions of the piston, a portion of the receiving passage which is delimited on its outside by the housing is disposed at the side of the inlet passage at which it cannot communicate with the above-mentioned delivery passage, with the result that the material which enters through the inlet opening in the extrusion head cannot flow through the above-mentioned portion of the receiving passage, which is taken out of operation by virtue of the positioning of the piston. It will be appreciated that the extent of that portion of the receiving passage varies with the actual position of the piston. That consideration is particularly disadvantageous when, due to the operating procedure involved, the piston performs a stroke movement in which the material entering through the inlet opening of the assembly does not pass through the receiving passage over the entire length thereof, in any end position of the movement of the piston. However, even under other conditions of operation, it is inevitable that, in each operating cycle, the receiving passage contains material which suffers stagnation, for a given period of time; it should be noted in this respect that the material which, at the beginning of the filling stroke movement performed by the piston, first passes into the portion of the receiving passage through which plasticised material no longer flows, is last to be displaced out of the receiving passage, in the following emptying stroke movement of the piston, by the fresh material which subsequently flows into the extrusion head through the inlet opening. This `first-in/last-out` situation for the material in the receiving passage can easily result in the material being processed suffering from a deterioration, even if the residence times of the stagnating material in the head are very short, particularly when the plastic materials involved are sensitive. Such a deterioration of the material used can in turn result in marked deteriorations in the quality of the finished products made from the preforms produced by means of the adversely affected material.
Similar considerations also apply in regard to another form of apparatus for producing hollow bodies from thermoplastic material, as disclosed in German published specification (DE-AS) No 21 61 356, in which the thermoplastic material is introduced into the extrusion head in the same fashion. The only difference in this apparatus, in comparison with that described above, is that the piston is of an annular configuration in cross-section, thus providing outer and inner peripheral surfaces.
Still another form of apparatus for producing hollow bodies from thermoplastic material, as disclosed in German published specification (DE-As) No 26 25 786, seeks to avoid the disadvantages of the two apparatuses referred to above. Therein the feed of thermoplastic material occurs axially into the piston which is also of an annular configuration, using telescopic tube members, the length of which is so selected that they are capable of bridging over and thus compensating for the stroke movements of the piston. However that arrangement suffers from the disadvantage that the relative movement as between the piston and the telescopic tube members means that the latter also produce a piston effect, and that can have a disadvantageous action in regard to the pressure and flow conditions within the extrusion head. Furthermore, that design configuration means that the extrusion head is comparatively long.
A still further apparatus for use in the production of hollow bodies from thermoplastic material by extrusion blow molding as disclosed in DE-A-36 35 334 comprises an extrusion head for the production of preforms, the wall of which comprises a laminate material. In that arrangement, the extruders for the supply of the materials for making the preforms are directly connected to the piston so that they are required to participate in the movements of the piston, thus involving an additional structural expenditure and also requiring comparatively large masses to be set in motion. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
The present invention relates to a wet deasher consisting of a trough filled with quench water. The trough is arranged underneath the ash hopper of a boiler, and is provided with a quench water feed as well as overflow. The trough accommodates ash conveying equipment. Cooling equipment through which the quench water is permanently circulated by means of a pump, is arranged between the overflow and the quench water feed. One or several packs of oblique, parallel plates is/are arranged within the trough before the overflow, according to German Patent Application No. P 28 30 380.20.
One embodiment of this wet deasher has, as cooling equipment, a separate tubular heat exchanger through which the quench water is circulated. After having passed the separator plates the quench water contains only a certain quantity of finest solids having a grain size of minus 0.1 mm and a sinking velocity which is much slower than 1 mm/min.
The design of the cooling equipment must ensure that the flow velocity of the quench water is higher than the sinking velocity of the particles and is so high as to prevent also deposition.
Furthermore the particles sinking by inevitable turbulences shall be returned directly to the pump without remaining in the cooling equipment. The present invention pursues the object of subjecting a wet deasher according to German Patent Application No. P 28 30 380.2 to a further development, so that these requirements are met and, moreover, the physical design of the wet deasher plant is simplified.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an arrangement of the foregoing character which is substantially simple in construction and may be economically fabricated.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an arrangement which may be easily maintained in service and which has a substantially long operating life. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
A FIR filter may be included in the general class of devices referred to as digital signal processors (DSP). This does not mean that the FIR can operate only on digital signals, however. A "digital signal" is a signal that conveys a discrete number of values. Contrast the "analog signal," i.e., a signal that conveys an infinite number of values. A signal having a digital form may be generated from an analog signal through sampling and quantizing the analog signal. Sampling an analog signal refers to "chopping" the signal into discrete time periods and capturing an amplitude value from the signal in selected ones of those periods. The captured value becomes the value of the digital signal during that sample period. Such a captured value is typically referred to as a sample. Quantizing refers to approximating a sample with a value that may be represented on a like digital signal. For example, a sample may lie between two values characterized upon the digital signal. The value nearest (in absolute value) to the sample may be used to represent the sample. Alternatively, the sample may be represented by the lower of the two values between which the sample lies. After quantization, a sample from an analog signal may be conveyed as a digital signal. This is the resultant signal upon which the FIR filter may operate.
Generally speaking, a DSP transforms an input digital signal to an output digital signal. For the FIR filter, the transformation involves filtering out undesired portions of the received digital signal. An original analog signal may be represented as a sum of a plurality of sinusoidal signals. Each sinusoidal signal oscillates at a particular and unique frequency. Filtering is used to remove certain frequencies from an input signal while leaving other frequencies intact.
A FIR filter is a device in which an input sample produces a finite number of output samples. After the finite number of samples expires, the FIR filter output is no longer affected by that particular input sample. Transversal filters, of which FIR filters may be a class, are filters in which a certain number of past samples are used along with the current sample to create each output sample.
FIR filters typically employ an instruction set and hardware design for programming of desired signal filtering. A program is a list of instructions which, when executed, performs a particular operation (i. e., a signal transformation). Programs executing on FIR filters often do so in "real-time". Real-time programs are programs that must execute within a certain time interval. Regardless of whether a program executes in a large period of time or a small period of time, the result of executing the program is the same. However, if real-time programs attempt to execute in an amount of time longer than the required time interval, then they no longer will compute the same result. Programs executing on a FIR filter are real-time programs in that the instructions are manipulating a sample of a digital signal during the interval preceding the receipt of the next sample. If the program cannot complete manipulating a sample before the next sample is provided, then the program will eventually begin to "lose" samples. A lost sample does not get processed, and therefore the output signal of the FIR filter no longer contains all of the information from the input signal provided to the FIR filter.
A FIR filter may be programmed to modify signals. The number of instructions required to do this is relatively fixed. A FIR filter must be capable of executing this relatively fixed number of instructions on any given sample before the next sample of the series is provided.
Besides considering a FIR filter's throughput, all design parameters are associated with a cost. One important cost factor is the silicon area needed to manufacture the FIR filter. Those which are manufactured on a relatively small silicon die are typically less expensive than those requiring a large silicon die. Therefore, an easily manufacturable, low cost FIR filter is desirable.
FIR filters often include memory devices, such as registers, ROM or RAM, to store instructions and samples. It is typical that more transistors are used to form the memory devices than those used to form other FIR filter circuitry. Sometimes the memory-to-other transistor ratio can exceed 2:1. Therefore, it is also important to minimize the size of the included memory devices. However, the size and location of the memory device directly affects throughput. Memory devices configured on the same silicon substrate as the FIR filter may be accessed significantly faster than memories configured on separate substrates. Therefore, large memory devices configured on the same silicon substrate as the FIR filter are desired.
Die area may be maintained while increasing the effective size of the instruction memory by decreasing the size of individual instructions. One method of decreasing the size of an instruction is to encode the information in as few bits as possible. Unfortunately, these instructions require complicated decoding circuitry to determine which of the instructions is currently being executed. Such decoding circuitry also may require a large silicon area or a large amount of time to execute, or both. A cost-effective, high performance instruction set solution is therefore needed to enhance existing FIR filters.
Some features of FIR filters that are important to the design engineer include phase characteristics, stability (although FIR filters are inherently stable), and coefficient quantization effects. To be addressed by the designer are concerns dealing with finite word length and filter performance. When compared with other filter options such as infinite impulse response (IIR) filters, only FIR filters have the capability of providing a linear phase response and are inherently stable, i.e., the output of a FIR filter is a weighted finite sum of previous inputs. Additionally, the FIR filter uses a much lower order than a generic Nyquist filter to implement the required shape factor. This carries a penalty of non-zero inter-symbol interference (ISI), however.
Coefficient quantization error occurs as a result of the need to approximate the ideal coefficient for the "finite precision" processors used in real systems. The net result due to approximated coefficients is a deviation from ideal in the frequency response.
Quantization error sources due to finite word length include:
a) input/output (I/O) quantization, PA1 b) filter coefficient quantization, PA1 c) uncorrelated roundoff (truncation) noise, PA1 d) correlated roundoff (truncation) noise, and PA1 e) dynamic range constraints. PA1 s=scaling factor PA1 x(n)=input PA1 y(n)=output PA1 reduces the throughput time. PA1 reduce the throughput "noise" by eliminating multiplication steps. PA1 improves the choice of available multiplier circuitry. PA1 reduces the number of operations for pre-multiplication to four. PA1 avoids re-calculation at high speeds because coefficients do not change value at high data rates. PA1 allows the use of a low-propagation-delay passgate multiplexer since data are further encoded in "hot one" mode.
Input noise associated with the analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion of continuous time input signals to discrete digital form and output noise associated with digital-to-analog conversion are inevitable in digital filters. Propagation of this noise is not inevitable, however.
Uncorrelated roundoff errors most often occur as a result of multiplication errors. For example, in attempting to maintain accuracy for signals that are multiplied, only a finite length can be stored and the remainder is truncated, resulting in "multiplication" noise being propagated. Obviously, any method that minimizes the number of multiplication steps will also reduce noise and increase inherent accuracy.
Correlated roundoff noise occurs when the products formed within a digital filter are truncated. These include the class of "overflow oscillations". Overflows are caused by additions resulting in large amplitude oscillations. Correlated roundoff also causes "limit-cycle effect" or small-amplitude oscillations. For systems with adequate coefficient word length and dynamic range, this latter problem is negligible. However, both overflow and limit-cycle effects force the digital filter into non-linear operation.
Constraints to dynamic range, such as scaling parameters, are used to prevent overflows and underflows of finite word length registers. For a FIR filter, an overflow of the output produces an error. If the input has a maximum amplitude of unity, then worst case output is: ##EQU1##
Where:
Guaranteeing y(n) is a fraction means that either the filter's gain or the input has to be scaled down by "s". Reducing gain implies scaling the filter coefficients to the point where a 16-bit coefficient, for example, would no longer be used efficiently. Another result of this scaling is to degrade frequency response due to high quantization errors. A better alternative is to scale the input signal. Although this results in a reduction in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), the scaling factor used is normally <2, which does not change the SNR drastically.
A typical example of a high-speed FIR with five or more coefficients is a Type II FIR. A Type II FIR is based on an array of costly Multiply and Add (MAC) accumulation stages. A conventional system using MAC is constrained to a minimum number of gates to achieve a given partial product accuracy. Digital implementation of an FIR filter is also limited by the maximum number of logic gates that can be inserted between reclocking stages established by the filter's clock cycle. Thus, for a given digital process, a minimum time to process is established by the propagation time through the critical path. To achieve very high speeds of processing, the critical path is filtered and broken into a number of shorter paths that can be addressed at higher clock speeds, i.e., processed within a short clock cycle.
Some conventional high-speed systems employing FIR filters use an analog FIR filter placed before an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter. This prevents the FIR filter's latency from accumulating in the sampled timing recovery loop. This method is inherently not well suited to digitally intensive designs.
Some existing designs always include the FIR filter in the timing recovery loop, increasing latency ab initio, and decreasing stability of the embedded loops, both the timing recovery and gain loops, for example.
Other designs bypass the FIR filter during acquisition but require the coefficients of the FIR filter to be symmetric in order to avoid a phase hit when switching back the FIR filter at the end of the acquisition period.
In magneto-resistive (MR) heads using FIR filters, with their inherent response nonlinearities, this constraint is becoming even more unacceptable. There are more modern methods that achieve a fully digital solution, such as Cirrus Logic's proprietary Interpolated Timing Recovery, but these are extremely complex while covering a disproportionately large area on a silicon chip, for example. In one design, discrete time analog values are entered in memory as are weights, some of which are set to zero to improve throughput, and do not pass through delay lines.
There have been several novel approaches to achieving performance improvement of FIR filters. One involves converting a digital signal to log values, thus avoiding the use of multipliers.
A second more traditional technique uses oversampling.
Yet another approach uses variations of multiplexing, i.e., a multiplexed data stream is input to a tapped delay line and the filter provides a multiplexed output of alternated samples.
For those data streams that have a high dynamic range, a method involving splitting the sampled input signal into two portions and addressing each separately in separate filters has been proposed. Of course, this doubles the number of operations and the hardware required.
To reduce hardware complexity and computational intensity for relatively low-speed applications, such as modems, cascaded arrangements of data registers receive digitally encoded data and sequentially clock the samples. Each data register has a data capacity >2 the code width of a digitized sample, permitting each channel to store both I and Q data. Because the data capacity need be >2 the input, the data rate of devices with which this can be used is relatively low.
Some of the above introduce additional complexity not required in the preferred embodiments of the present invention while others may not be suitable for high-speed applications.
The most straightforward digital FIR filters use the "signed 2's complement" numbering system. This numbering system is noted for its simplicity, and is more than adequate for low-speed FIR filters such as might be used for modems and the like. Other digital FIR filters use a Radix-4 numbering system, which, although offering some improvement, does not fully exploit a 6-bit binary data format. Finally, some architectures have used Radix-8 numbering for the sole purpose of encoding coefficients. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
U.S. Pat. No. 5,000,129 to Fukada et al, issued Mar. 19, 1991, for "Intake System For Internal Combustion Engine" discloses an air intake system for a V-block engine having a central surge tank disposed above the space between the left and right cylinder banks of the engine. This surge tank is operatively integrated with left and right side surge tanks extending above respective banks of cylinders. A communicating passage disposed between discrete side intake passages connects the central surge tank with the left and right surge tanks so that all of the tanks combine to serve as a single surge tank having a large volume for the suppression of intake air interference.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,133,308, issued Jul. 28, 1992, to Hitomi et al for "Intake System For Engine" discloses an intake system for a V-block internal combustion engine having a centralized junction chamber and a plurality of discrete intake passages connecting the junction chamber with respective cylinders of the engine. Rotary valves in the intake passages are operated by actuators responding to a controller that receives engine speed signals to close and open the valves for improving engine torque.
In contrast to the relatively complex structures and processes for regulating air flow found in the above citations and many prior constructions, the present invention provides a straight forward three plenum active intake manifold for an internal combustion engine operative in several alternate modes to produce an improved engine torque curve over the entire range of engine speeds while reducing induction noise and variances in pitch. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
One or more aspects of the present invention relate to methods of preparing silica aerogel powders, and more particularly, to methods of preparing silica aerogel powders having a short preparation time and of preventing heat and explosive reactions from being generated.
2. Description of the Related Art
Silica gel represented by SiO2.nH2O has SiO2 particles in which fine pores are connected to each other to constitute a rigid net structure. Each SiO2 particle is an amorphous particle that has high porosity of 90% or more and a specific surface area of 600 m2/g or more and is formed by solidifying a solvent such as water between SiO2 particles. Since silica gel has a wide surface area, silica gel has very high absorption with respect to alcohol or water, and thus silica gel may be used as a dehumidifier. Also, silica gel may be used as a heat insulating material, a catalyst carrier, an insulating material or the like. Likewise, even though silica gel is widely used in various fields, silica gel is very restrictively used. This is because there are a number of dangers related to preparation processes, and the preparation processes are complicated, thus increasing preparation costs.
Silica aerogel powders have been prepared by using a supercritical fluid extraction technique or an ambient pressure drying method. When silica aerogel powders are prepared by using a supercritical fluid extraction technique, preparation costs are increased, and there are dangers involved since much heat may be generated due to explosive reactions between materials (e.g., organosilane and inorganic acids). When silica aerogel powders are prepared by using an ambient pressure drying method, although the dangers related to the supercritical fluid extraction technique are removed, preparation costs may be increased by as much as the cost of removing the dangers, and a period of time taken for the preparation processes may be increased compared to the supercritical fluid extraction technique. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a thermo bypass valve, and more particularly, to a thermo bypass valve to sense a failure situation of a valve due to a leak of a thermal expansion material filled in the valve and prevent oil from overheating at the time of a failure situation and a method for controlling a failure of the thermo bypass valve.
Description of Related Art
In a vehicle, oil is supplied to lubricate an engine, in which the oil is supplied through oil passages which are formed in each lubrication part, a cylinder block, and a cylinder head in the engine to serve to reduce a friction of the entire engine, prevent the engine from wearing, and cool heat of a friction portion or heat of a piston.
Referring to FIG. 1, the engine oil stored in an oil pan 1 is pumped by an oil pump 2 when the engine is operated and is supplied to an oil filter 3 and supplied to a main gallery 4 formed in the cylinder block and the cylinder head via the oil filter 3 to perform a lubrication action and the engine oil which finishes the lubrication action again drops to the oil pan 1 at a lower portion of the cylinder block and is stored in the oil pan to repeat the above action.
Meanwhile, when a temperature of the oil suddenly rises, there is a need to cool the oil. In this case, the oil is cooled by passing through an oil cooler 6 through a thermostat valve 5 and then is pumped to the oil filter.
However, the failure situation of the valve which causes a wax (thermal expansion material) filled in a thermostat to be leaked due to various causes during an operation of the valve may occur. In this case, the piston does not move and thus the thermostat is not operated, such that the oil flows in the oil filter at all times independent of the temperature of the oil, thereby causing the engine oil to overheat.
Meanwhile, Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-2005-0038486 entitled “Bypass Structure of Engine Oil Filter Bracket Having Relief Valve in Response to Temperature” has been introduced.
However, there is a problem in that the above method hardly determines the failure situation of the valve.
The information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
This invention relates to lighting systems, and more specifically to systems intended to illuminate motion picture sets and sets of video productions.
The problem of finding the proper illumination for images goes back to the beginning of the visual arts. Long before the advent of photography artists were concerned, even obsessed, with the effect of light on the subjects of their artistic endeavors. Artists traveled over long distances to view the effects of natural light during different times of day, under different cloud conditions, in different latitudes.
During the early days of photography the low sensitivity of early photographic films required a fairly high lighting intensity. In the mid 19th century, OSCAR GUSTAVE REJLANDER, a Swedish painter turned photographer, is said to have used a cat as a primitive exposure meter by placing the cat next to his subject. By looking at the cat's eyes he could tell whether the lighting conditions were proper for photographing his subject.
The first use of artificial light in photography is attributed to L. Ibbetson, who, in 1839, used oxy-hydrogen light when photographing microscopic subjects.
Later photographers used magnesium powder as a source of illumination (flash powder). Magnesium ribbon later replaced powder, and was electrically ignited in flash bulbs. See, for instance, U.S. Pat. No. 3,319,058.
Professional still photography as well as motion picture photography have managed the intensity problem by simply adding more lights to illuminate the subject. Although modern technology has produced light-generating systems with adjustable luminous intensity, the method of adding lights still remains a popular method of controlling both the light intensity, and of illuminating separate parts of the subject differently.
Lighting in connection with photographic images soon became a matter of both intensity and hue. Colors filters became common to further control the appearance of the subject. An example of a motion picture camera with a built-in color conversion filter appears in U.S. Pat. No. 4,033,346.
The present invention incorporates a number of technological improvements into the art of lighting for motion picture and video production. The invention is in the form of an array of lighting modules, electrically interconnected by a wireless network, allowing, at a single location, the adjustment of the light intensity and hue of each module.
The present invention utilizes a single light engine, which contains multiple LEDs in an extremely compact form. This embodiment is much cheaper and easier to manufacture and use than the alternative, that is, the mounting of many individual LEDs.
Furthermore, this invention includes a vastly simplified form of wireless networking: Other lighting systems in the prior art have been networked, but these prior art systems usually involved cables, as well as the requirement for separate addressing of the other systems, and requiring complex protocols, such as DMX®. Other prior art lighting systems have been found which utilize wireless control. However, these prior art systems can be controlled one light at a time, and further require a dedicated remote to control each such light.
Finally, the rotary color adjustment of the present invention brings a new level of convenience and simplicity of operation to the technology. The prior art control systems have all required the management of multiple buttons, in a complex sequence, to attempt to control the lighting hue. Each module has the capability of adjusting both luminous intensity and hue. Despite their technological complexity, the modules are user-friendly, having analog-like concentric control knobs and push button switches. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Track lighting systems are a popular choice for a variety of lighting applications due to high versatility and multiple design options. Present track lighting systems generally employ track heads requiring a gimbal ring and/or holder for receiving the light source, such as a light bulb or lamp. FIG. 1 illustrates a typical light bulb or lamp for a track light fixture. The light bulb B emits light L from a first end E1. The light bulb B comprises a second end E2 having a base 10 for interfacing with a socket or holder of the fixture. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the base 10 is an Edison type base for screwing into a socket or holder of the track light fixture. Other lamp or light bulb bases are possible for track light fixtures, including GU 10 and GU 24 bases as well as end plugs. Existence of the lamp base necessarily requires the track light fixture to employ a holder or socket for electrically interfacing with the lamp for operation. FIG. 2 illustrates a prior track light fixture 20 wherein the lamp or light bulb 21 is screwed into or otherwise coupled to a holder or socket 22. FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of a prior track light fixture 30 wherein the lamp 31 is coupled to a holder or socket 32. The holder or socket 32 comprises an outer rim 32a and side supports 32b to provide an integrated appearance for the lamp 31. FIG. 4 illustrates a further embodiment of a prior track light fixture 40 wherein the lamp 41 is coupled to a holder or socket 42. Similar to FIG. 3, the holder or socket 42 comprises an outer rim 42a and body 42b to provide a monolithic, integrated appearance.
The lamp holder can be integrated into the track head in a number of ways. As provided in FIGS. 2-4, use of a gimbal is a common method of integrating the lamp holder and associated lamp into the track head. However, use of gimbals and other support structures can be cumbersome and aesthetically unpleasing. Gimbals and lamp holders can also increase track head manufacturing time and costs.
In alternative embodiments, track light fixtures have been developed that do not employ lamps or light bulbs. FIG. 5, for example, illustrates a track light fixture 50 wherein light emitting diodes (LEDs) 51 are integrated at the base of a cylindrical housing 52. The interior of the cylindrical housing 52 can comprise reflective surfaces 53. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the cylindrical housing 52 and associated LEDs 51 are coupled to a driver box 54. FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of an integrated LED track light fixture 60. The track light fixture 60 also comprises a cylindrical housing 62 having reflective interior surfaces 63. While being desirable for several applications, integrated LED track light fixtures cannot provide a lamp or light bulb shape/appearance and are often cost intensive to manufacture due to driver and associated LED circuitry requirements. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a sound field measurement device for determining the number of people and their positions in a sound field where an audio signal is outputted and for measuring the reverberation time of the sound field.
2. Description of the Background Art
When an audio signal is reproduced from a CD or a DVD in a room (e.g., a listening room, or an automobile cabin), there are usually one or more listeners in the room, i.e., in the sound field. Since the listeners are inevitably present at different positions (they cannot physically be present at exactly the same position), it would be desirable if the tone quality, the sense of sound field, the sense of sound localization, etc., can be adjusted optimally for the number and positions of the listeners. Since a human is by nature a sound absorber, the reverberation time of a sound field varies depending on the number of people present therein. The reverberation time also varies depending on the interior finish of the room. Therefore, the reverberation time should also be adjusted optimally. To do so, it is necessary to determine the number and positions of people in the sound field, and the reverberation time.
It is of course possible by using a special measurement device, but such a device is expensive, and it requires a complicated process and a high level of expertise to be able to use such a device. At present, such a device has not been in general use as a consumer product. Measurement of an in-cabin sound field performed in connection with the use of a car audio system has also been a service rendered by a professional at a specialty shop. In such a service, the measurement is done at a single position using a single microphone. Measurement at a plurality of positions needs to be done while moving the microphone from one position to another. Thus, if fixed microphones are to be used, one microphone is needed for each listener (or each seat).
In a conventional approach, the audio signal adjustment is done by detecting the passenger position using a passenger sensor or a seat position detector capable of physically detecting the position of an object, instead of using a microphone for detecting an acoustic signal (see, for example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication Nos. 2002-112400 and 7-222277).
In another conventional approach, passenger detection is done by using a microphone installed in a sound field. It is important in this conventional approach that the microphone is installed at a position such that sound outputted from a speaker toward the microphone is blocked by a passenger when seated, whereby the presence/absence of passengers is determined based on the level of the detection signal obtained by the microphone. Thus, the passenger detection is based primarily on the change in the direct sound portion of the sound outputted from the speaker (see, for example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2000-198412).
With the seat position detection, however, the presence/absence of a passenger cannot be detected. With the passenger sensor, which does not detect the change in the sound field itself, it is not possible to know how sound-absorbing a passenger is, how much the tone quality is changed, or how much the sound field is influenced by a piece of sound-absorbing luggage present in the automobile.
Moreover, one microphone is needed for each passenger, and only one microphone is used for the detection of each passenger. Therefore, if the microphone is installed at a position where it is strongly influenced by the sound field, there will be an increased error in the level of the signal detected by the microphone. Moreover, the determination is based only on the signal level, and no description is found as to the level fluctuation due to a change in the volume level of the sound outputted from the speaker. Furthermore, since the detection is based primarily on the direct sound, changes in the reverberation characteristics cannot be known. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a manufacturing method for producing golf clubs. More particularly this invention provides a method of designing and analyzing golf clubs through computer software to enhance the integral strength, elasticity, and quality of the resulting golf clubs.
2. Prior Art
Playing golf is a popular and suitable sport for people of all ages both for its mild exercise and many countless benefits. In order to be a proficient golfer, a high quality golf club set is important and thus golfers are constantly searching for a high quality club set. Many prior art golf clubs are formed by a club head A, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B having an aperture A1 formed at a top portion, and a shaft B. The inside diameter of the aperture A1 of the club head A is larger than the outside diameter of the shaft B so as to receive the shaft B therein. The shaft B is inserted into the head A through the aperture A1 and glue C is applied into the clearance between the aperture A1 and the shaft B to hold the head A and the shaft B together.
However, there are disadvantages with such prior art systems. Some disadvantages are as follows: (1) Glue C deteriorates over time or when temperature changes occur which causes the shaft B and the head A to loosen; and, (2) Glue C when inserted into the clearance between the aperture A1 and the shaft B for adherence of the club head A and the shaft B changes the quality of the golf club and affects the striking of a golf ball.
In the inventor, in view of this, has invented the present invention which improves the previously mentioned disadvantages. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
The present invention relates generally to wheels and more particularly to a safety device to prevent injury when changing tires on wheels. It is especially useful in preventing injuries due to a mis-matched tire and wheel combination when changing tires with a rim holding tire changer.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art of designing and manufacturing equipment used to change the tubeless tires mounted on the wheels, or rims, of cars, trucks and other vehicles that if such equipment is not used correctly and in accordance with instruction, tires can explode and create personal injury and property damage. Manufacturers of such equipment have for years attempted to address this problem with instruction, training manuals, warning decals and hands-on training on their equipment in an attempt to prevent hazards associated with improper use of their equipment. However, not withstanding the efforts made by manufacturers of such equipment to warn and train users, shop mechanics often ignore the training and warnings and use the equipment in a manner contrary to the instructions of the manufacturer. Occasionally, when the rim holding tire changers are used improperly, the results can be catastrophic--an exploded tubeless radial tire that can cause severe personal injury and even death.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,623,981 (Cunningham et al.) Safety Barrier For Rim Holding Tire Changers discloses an excellent device to prevent injury due to improper use of a rim holding tire changer. Improper use of equipment, however, is not the only cause of injuries and property damage. Under the best of conditions, a tire of the wrong size is, occasionally, placed on a rim, i.e. the tire and the rim are mis-matched. The resulting explosion, from an operator attempting to seat, or mount, a mis-matched tire, can be severe. Prior art only reduces the effects of the explosion; it does not reduce the likelihood that an explosion will occur. It is believed that this invention will reduce the likelihood of an explosion occurring.
The type of equipment for which Applicant's invention will be particularly useful is known generally in the industry as a rim holding tire changer. Examples of the type of equipment involved are the rim holding tire changers manufactured by Hennessy Industries, Inc., Applicant's assignee, and marketed under the trademarks "COATS.RTM." and "AMMCO.RTM." including the COATS.RTM. models 5030A and the model 5060A-E and 5060AX-EX. However, there are many manufacturers of such equipment, including FMC Corporation of Chicago, Ill., Corghi of Correggio, Italy and Sice of Correggio, Italy. Equipment of this type has been readily available in the market for many years, is the subject matter of numerous patents and has been described in a variety of publications, bulletins, brochures, operating and instruction manuals, and the like. One such machine is illustrated in the design patent issued to Applicant as co-inventor in U.S. Pat. No. Design 293,916.
The conditions in a tire changing facility are generally not conducive to accurately determining tire and rim sizes. Competition is fierce in the tire changing industry. Customers want tires changed quickly to reduce the time they must wait for their vehicles during service. Shops want tires changed quickly to increase profits; shops charge per job typically, not per hour. Operators, floor mechanics who change the tires, are driven at a harried pace. This leads, inevitably, to mistakes. Car lifts, moving cars, and other moving equipment and hoses create moving shadows, even with the use of modern lighting fixtures. Moving shadows make it difficult to make a quick determination of tire and wheel sizes. Dirt and grease further reduce the likelihood of accurate determinations of tire and rim sizes. Loud machinery makes concentration difficult as well. These and other factors make quick and accurate determination of tire and wheel sizes difficult, to say the least. Nothing in the prior art aids this determination. Lack of accurate size determination inevitably leads to accidents.
When accidents occur, lawsuits generally follow. Regardless of the efforts of the manufacturers to train users of their equipment in the proper use of rim holding tire changers, teach proper identification procedures, or improve working conditions, the cost of defending such claims can be enormous. In addition, there have been some occasions where damages have been awarded under product liability theories on the basis that the manufacturer of the equipment could have "done more" to protect the user of the equipment against injury.
The particular safety problem involved generally arises during the bead seating step of the tire changing process and in those occasions where there are mis-matched tires and wheels. In the automobile industry in the U.S., practically all rim contours conform to standards established by the Tire and Rim Association, Inc. FIG. 1 illustrates a tire T to be mounted on a rim R. FIG. 2 shows a cross section of a typical rim R, including an upper rim lip 10, a lower rim lip 20, an upper annular hump 30, and a lower annular hump 40. The rim R also, typically, includes a drop center 35, and a rim surface interior 45. The rim surface interior 45 faces outward toward the interior of the tire, and is covered when the tire is mounted on the rim. For ease of description, the upper and lower humps, 30 and 40, will be referred to generally as hump H, and the upper and lower lips, 10 and 20, will be referred to generally as lip L, unless otherwise specified. FIG. 3 shows a cross section of the tire T, including a tire interior, or chamber, 60, and a bead 70.
FIG. 2 also illustrates a typical asymmetrical rim contour for a drop center rim for 13", 14", 15", 16", 17", etceteras diameter tire designations. Symmetrical rim contours are also commonly used in the industry. The annular hump H serves as a safety feature to keep the inner perimeter of the tire from slipping into the drop center of the rim during certain operations of the vehicle. The hump H, which is employed in the majority of modern rim contours, creates a problem in the mounting of a new tire since the bead 70 of the tire T must ride over the hump H and the outside diameter of the hump H is greater than the inside diameter of the tire. To deal with this problem in the tire mounting process, the bead 70 of the tire must first be sealed against the hump H in order to fill the chamber 60 of the tire T with compressed air. As compressed air is injected into the chamber 60, the bead 70 will ride over the hump H and seat against the "j" contour of the perimeter of the rim. After the bead 70 is properly seated, the tire T can be inflated to the recommended pressure and the rim is ready to be attached to the hub of the car.
Danger occurs when the bead 70 binds against the hump H and does not ride over it to seat against the rim lip L. When this happens, contrary to instructions and warnings, mechanics tend to continue to force compressed air into the tire chamber far beyond the recommended pressure of approximately 40 psi for a standard automobile tire. As the pressure within the chamber 60 continues to build up, the mechanic often will peer over the tire to see if the bead 70 has seated against the rim lip L. When the bead 70 actually does ride over the hump H, the pressure within the chamber 60 of the tire can cause the bead 70 to accelerate at a tremendous rate and be impelled against the rim lip L. The force of the bead 70 against the rim lip L can cause the tire T, or the rim R, or both, to explode and if the mechanic is peering over the tire, the explosion occurs in his face and can cause tremendous injury, or even death.
The other occasion which can create the type of problem discussed above is when a mechanic attempts to mount a mis-matched tire/rim combination, i.e. mount the wrong sized tire on a rim.
Automobile tires are generally mounted on even sized wheels of 14", 15", 16", 17", etc. The automobile industry for a number of years used half-sized rims on small trucks such as pick-up trucks. Thus, the trucks would have rim diameters of 16.5", 17.5", etc. In the early 1980's, 16" tires on pick-up trucks became popular and the 16.5" tires lost favor because of extra expense, etc. However, in the older pick-up trucks, the customer would have a 16.5" rim and when he took his pick-up truck to a tire dealer to have a new set of tires mounted on his truck, occasionally a mechanic would pull a 16" tire from inventory and mount a 16" tire on a 16.5" rim (the 16" tire on a 16.5" rim is the predominant problem of mis-matched tires although the problem could occur in other sized rim/tire combinations such as the attempt to mount a 17" tire on a 17.5" rim, etc.).
Some common, or known, mis-matched combinations include the following dimensions: [13 in .vertline.365 mm]; [14 in .vertline.390 mm]; [14 in .vertline.14.5 in]; [15 in .vertline.15.5 in]; [16 in .vertline.16.5 in]; [17 in .vertline.17.5 in]; [19 in-19.5 in]; [22 in .vertline.22.5 ; in]; and [24 in .vertline.24.5 in]. Note that diameters measured in metric units can easily be mis-matched with diameters measured in inches. Additionally, mis-matches involving diameters such as [16.5 in .vertline.17 in] can occur. Possible mis-match combinations are only limited by the operators attentiveness, or lack of attentiveness. For example, a 22 inch diameter could be mis-matched with a 24 inch diameter. Since one cannot predict what possible mis-match combinations will occur, this invention can serve as a warning to prevent other possible mis-matches.
Mounting an even sized tire on a half-sized wheel simply is not possible.
Refer to FIG. 5 which illustrates an even sized tire T on a half-sized rim R.
The bead 70 of a 16" tire T will not seat properly on a 16.5" rim R, or wheel, and continuing to apply compressed air into the chamber 60 of a tire T will eventually result in an explosion of the tire or the tire and the wheel. The enlargement in FIG. 5 shows a 15 degree bead seat, rather than a 5 degree bead seat. If the mechanic is peering over the tire T to see if the bead 70 is properly seated, he will in all likelihood be severely injured. FIG. 6 illustrates a half-sized tire T on and even sized rim R. Again, proper bead 70 seating is not possible, tire explosion, however, is. The enlargement in FIG. 6 shows the gap between the rim interior surface 45 and the tire bead 70.
Prior art lacks a mechanism by which an operator may readily, under typical shop conditions, match a tire size to a rim size. What is needed is a way for an operator to readily distinguish between tires, and rims, of different sizes. After being subjected to noises caused by hammering, air guns, and other machinery, for eight hours in a light deficient and gas fume filled environment. Under the demands of such a fast paced job, an operator needs a clear, simple, conspicuous way to avoid mis-matching tires and rims. The operator needs a measure of safety lacking in the prior art; and the shops would like a way to lower costs associated with exploding tires. Applicant believes the present invention provides a simple and elegant solution to these problems. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Organizations today are subject to a variety of regulations related to computer systems within the organization. Often, organizations undergo regular auditing to verify compliance with these regulations. General guidelines have been established for systems within an organization. For example, the Control Objectives for Information and related Technology (COBIT) is a set of recommended practices (i.e., a framework) for information technology (IT) management created by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) and the IT Governance Institute (ITGI) in 1992. COBIT provides managers, auditors, and IT users with a set of generally accepted measures, indicators, processes, and recommended practices to assist them in improving the benefits derived from information technology and developing appropriate IT governance and control in an organization. For example, some practices specify the applications that are allowed to run or that each computer system has up to date antivirus software. Other regulations govern specific industries. For example, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1996 contains provisions that require health care providers to protect the privacy of patient information. These provisions extend to data stored on a health care provider's computer systems, and organizations often seek to verify the organization's compliance with such regulations.
Non-compliant systems are those computing systems within an organization that do not comply with one or more regulations placed in effect by the organization. There are two priorities that an organization typically has with respect to non-compliant computer systems. First, the organization wants to isolate non-compliant systems from compliant systems, to avoid spreading a problem or avoid unauthorized access to sensitive organizational data. For example, if a non-compliant computer system has a computer virus, the organization wants to avoid that virus spreading to other computer systems within the organization. Second, the organization wants to bring the non-compliant computer system back into compliance. This ensures that the user of the non-compliant computer system receives the level of service from the organization's IT resources that the user expects. For example, the user may expect to be able to access a corporate email server to check email, but for the security of other systems may be prevented from doing so if there is a problem with compliance.
Most compliance applications today focus on remotely auditing and detecting violations of the types of regulations or recommended practices noted above. These applications may routinely scan an organization's network from a central server to evaluate each computer system's compliance with a recommended practice. The applications often generate a report that IT personnel review and act upon. For example, the IT personnel may communicate with a user of a non-compliant computer system or block the non-compliant computer system from accessing certain resources (e.g., a corporate network). Existing systems provide a lot of information, but generate a correspondingly high burden on IT personnel that later consume the information and act upon it. For this reason, enterprises typically lack visibility into the effectiveness of their IT controls, which are designed to meet their business objectives and regulatory needs. Data that exists is often misaligned or disconnected from policies, regulations, and business and IT objectives.
In addition, the remote scanning process is limited by the bandwidth and computational resources of the central server, and does not scale well to large organizations (e.g., with thousands of computer systems). Even organizations that install agents on each computer system that maintain compliance (e.g., antivirus applications) are not completely safe. The agents reduce the burden on the central server, but can be installed and disabled by a user with high privilege. Agents that run on computer systems compete for memory and CPU when idle, which has a negative effect on the computer system's performance. Lastly, the longer the agent has been running on a computer system, the higher the chance of the agent being compromised and its data being manipulated. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
As is known, the art and science of three-dimensional (“3-D”) computer graphics concerns the generation, or rendering, of two-dimensional (“2-D”) images of 3-D objects for display or presentation onto a display device or monitor, such as a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) or a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). The object may be a simple geometry primitive such as a point, a line segment, a triangle, or a polygon. More complex objects can be rendered onto a display device by representing the objects with a series of connected planar polygons, such as, for example, by representing the objects as a series of connected planar triangles. All geometry primitives may eventually be described in terms of one vertex or a set of vertices, for example, coordinate (x, y, z) that defines a point, for example, the endpoint of a line segment, or a corner of a polygon.
To generate a data set for display as a 2-D projection representative of a 3-D primitive onto a computer monitor or other display device, the vertices of the primitive are processed through a series of operations, or processing stages in a graphics-rendering pipeline. A generic pipeline is merely a series of cascading processing units, or stages, wherein the output from a prior stage serves as the input for a subsequent stage. In the context of a graphics processor, these stages include, for example, pervertex operations, primitive assembly operations, pixel operations, texture assembly operations, rasterization operations, and fragment operations.
In a typical graphics display system, an image database (e.g., a command list) may store a description of the objects in the scene. The objects are described with a number of small polygons, which cover the surface of the object in the same manner that a number of small tiles can cover a wall or other surface. Each polygon is described as a list of vertex coordinates (X, Y, Z in “Model” coordinates) and some specification of material surface properties (i.e., color, texture, shininess, etc.), as well as possibly the normal vectors to the surface at each vertex. For three-dimensional objects with complex curved surfaces, the polygons in general must be triangles or quadrilaterals, and the latter can always be decomposed into pairs of triangles.
A transformation engine transforms the object coordinates in response to the angle of viewing selected by a user from user input. In addition, the user may specify the field of view, the size of the image to be produced, and the back end of the viewing volume so as to include or eliminate background as desired.
Once this viewing area has been selected, clipping logic eliminates the polygons (i.e., triangles) which are outside the viewing area and “clips” the polygons, which are partly inside and partly outside the viewing area. These clipped polygons will correspond to the portion of the polygon inside the viewing area with new edge(s) corresponding to the edge(s) of the viewing area. The polygon vertices are then transmitted to the next stage in coordinates corresponding to the viewing screen (in X, Y coordinates) with an associated depth for each vertex (the Z coordinate). In a typical system, the lighting model is next applied taking into account the light sources. The polygons with their color values are then transmitted to a rasterizer.
For each polygon, the rasterizer determines which pixel positions the polygon and attempts to write the associated color values and depth (Z value) into frame buffer cover. The rasterizer compares the depth values (Z) for the polygon being processed with the depth value of a pixel, which may already be written into the frame buffer. If the depth value of the new polygon pixel is smaller, indicating that it is in front of the polygon already written into the frame buffer, then its value will replace the value in the frame buffer because the new polygon will obscure the polygon previously processed and written into the frame buffer. This process is repeated until all of the polygons have been rasterized. At that point, a video controller displays the contents of a frame buffer on a display a scan line at a time in raster order.
With this general background provided, reference is now made to FIG. 1, which shows a functional flow diagram of certain components within a graphics pipeline in a computer graphics system. It will be appreciated that components within graphics pipelines may vary from system, and may also be illustrated in a variety of ways. As is known, a host computer 10 (or a graphics API running on a host computer) may generate a command list 12, which comprises a series of graphics commands and data for rendering an “environment” on a graphics display. Components within the graphics pipeline may operate on the data and commands within the command list 12 to render a screen in a graphics display.
In this regard, a parser 14 may retrieve data from the command list 12 and “parse” through the data to interpret commands and pass data defining graphics primitives along (or into) the graphics pipeline. In this regard, graphics primitives may be defined by location data (e.g., x, y, z, and w coordinates) as well as lighting and texture information. All of this information, for each primitive, may be retrieved by the parser 14 from the command list 12, and passed to a vertex shader 16. As is known, the vertex shader 16 may perform various transformations on the graphics data received from the command list. In this regard, the data may be transformed from World coordinates into Model View coordinates, into Projection coordinates, and ultimately into Screen coordinates. The functional processing performed by the vertex shader 16 is known and need not be described further herein. Thereafter, the graphics data may be passed onto rasterizer 18, which operates as summarized above.
Thereafter, a z-test 20 is performed on each pixel within the primitive being operated upon. As is known, comparing a current z-value (i.e., a z-value for a given pixel of the current primitive) in comparison with a stored z-value for the corresponding pixel location performs this z-test. The stored z-value provides the depth value for a previously rendered primitive for a given pixel location. If the current z-value indicates a depth that is closer to the viewer's eye than the stored z-value, then the current z-value will replace the stored z-value and the current graphic information (i.e., color) will replace the color information in the corresponding frame buffer pixel location (as determined by the pixel shader 22). If the current z-value is not closer to the current viewpoint than the stored z-value, then neither the frame buffer nor z-buffer contents need to be replaced, as a previously rendered pixel will be deemed to be in front of the current pixel.
Again, for pixels within primitives that are rendered and determined to be closer to the viewpoint than previously-stored pixels, information relating to the primitive is passed on to the pixel shader 22 which determines color information for each of the pixels within the primitive that are determined to be closer to the current viewpoint. Color information includes whether or not pixels are within a shadow. As known in the prior art, one method for determining shadowed regions in a scene is through the use of shadow volumes.
Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which illustrates a shadow volume approach of generating a shadow effect in a computer graphics system. The shadow volume 34, as is known, defines the space in the shadow of a particular occluder 32 for a particular light source 30. Each polygon facing a light source 30 is an occluder 32 and therefore generates a shadow volume 34. A pixel 38 that falls within a shadow volume is rendered as being located in a shadow. The shadow volume method determines whether a pixel 38, 39 falls within a shadow volume 34 by counting the number times the ray 35 between the pixel 38, 39 and the viewer 36 enter 33 and exit 37 shadow volumes 34. If the number of times a ray enters 33 shadow volumes 34 is the same as the number of times the ray exits 37 shadow volumes 34 then the pixel 38, 39 is not in a shadow. For example, the ray 35 from the viewer 36 to pixel A 38 has one entry 33 into the shadow volume 34 and no exits 37 from the shadow volume 34. Thus, pixel A 38 is in a shadow. Similarly, since the ray 35 from the viewer 36 to pixel B 39 enters 33 the shadow volume 34 one time and exits 37 the shadow volume 34 one time, pixel B 39 is not in a shadow.
Since the ray tracing technique is very time consuming, especially with multiple occluders and multiple light sources, the stencil shadow volume method simplifies the operation by performing a simple in/out counting method using the stencil buffer. Whether the pixel is in the shadow is determined by performing a z-test on the front-facing and back-facing polygons of shadow volumes relative to either the viewer or a maximum depth plane. For example, in one implementation of the stencil shadow volume approach, the stencil buffer value would be incremented if the front-facing polygon passes the z-test and the stencil buffer value would be decremented if the back-facing polygon passes the z-test. Thus, if the final stencil value is zero, the pixel is not in a shadow.
Referring now to FIG. 3, the stencil shadow volume method may begin by clearing the stencil buffer 40 and rendering the scene with diffuse colors 42. This rendering provides data for the color buffer and the depth buffer 43, also referred to as the z-buffer. The z-buffer and color buffer updates are turned off 44 except for the stencil value that may reside in the z-buffer. For each light, the shadow volume is generated for each occluder and the front-facing polygons of the shadow volume are rendered 46. The stencil buffer value is incremented 47 for each pixel on which a front-facing polygon is drawn. The same operation is performed with the back-facing polygons 48, except the stencil buffer value is decremented 49 for each pixel on which a back-facing polygon is drawn. The pass where the stencil value is incremented and decremented is referred to as the stencil shadow volume pass. Objects in the shadow will be those having a non-zero stencil value 50 and are rendered accordingly. Objects not in the shadow will have a stencil value 50 of zero and are rendered with specular color 52. The pass where the pixels outside a shadow are rendered with specular color is referred to as the specular color pass. Referring back to FIG. 1, once color information is computed by the pixel shader 22, the information is stored within the frame buffer 24.
Referring back to FIG. 2, for example, the stencil buffer value for pixel A 38 is incremented one time for the front-facing shadow volume polygon that would be rendered at the entry 33 and not decremented because there are no back-facing shadow volume polygons for pixel A 38. The non-zero value remaining in the stencil buffer for pixel A 38 indicates that pixel A 38 is in a shadow. Similarly, the stencil buffer value for pixel B 39 is incremented one time for the front-facing shadow volume polygon that would be rendered at the entry 33 and decremented one time for the back-facing shadow volume polygon that would be rendered at the exit 37. Since the stencil buffer value is zero, pixel B 39 is not in a shadow and would be rendered with specular color. Although the example in FIG. 2 has a single occluder and a single light source, the stencil shadow volume approach works for multiple shadows created by multiple occluders and multiple light sources.
Although computer graphics presently implement a compressed depth buffer (sometimes referred to as “ZL1”), to reduce the memory read traffic for the z-buffer, the current solution cannot perform the stencil operation very efficiently. This is especially true when the ZL1 tile (subtile) is accepted after a z-compare function. Since the stencil operation will happen even if the subtile passes the z-test, ZL1 has to change the subtile from the ACCEPT state to the RETEST state and pass it down to the z-buffer (sometimes referred to as “ZL2”). Currently the z-buffer and the stencil buffer (sometimes referred to as “SL2”) may be combined such that the format of the ZL2/SL2 buffer is thirty-two bits having a twenty-four bit z-value and eight bits of stencil value. In the ACCEPT state, the entire thirty-two bit z/stencil value has to be read just to use the eight bit stencil value. This results in significant inefficiencies in terms of memory bandwidth.
Although the foregoing has only briefly summarized the operation of the various processing components and techniques for generating shadows, persons skilled in the art recognize that processing the graphics data is quite intense. Consequently, it is desired to improve processing efficiency wherever possible. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a radio frequency receiver and particularly, but not exclusively, to an adjustable bandwidth filter for use in a radio frequency receiver for receiving particularly, but not exclusively, digital signals.
2. Description of the Related Art
Communication receivers for receiving digital signals, for example, digitized speech, are well known and frequently have an architecture in which a received signal is applied to an adjustable gain r.f. amplifier prior to a first frequency down conversion stage which produces an i.f. frequency. The i.f. frequency is filtered in, for example, a SAW filter and the filtered signal is applied to another frequency down conversion stage in which the i.f. signal is applied to nominally quadrature related mixers, the outputs of which are low-pass filtered and then applied to a digital signal processor (DSP). FIG. 1 illustrates a typical low-pass filter input-output characteristic in which the ordinate is amplitude in db and the abscissa is frequency f. The wanted signal band is indicated as f.sub.w and the unwanted higher band of frequencies is indicated as f.sub.uw. The receiver noise level is indicated by a horizontal broken line RNL. As is known in the art, in order to be able to determine the correct value of a digital signal, the amplitude of the input signal need only be several dbs above a level termed the Minimum Distinguishable Signal MDS. Accordingly, there is little point in designing filters to handle much bigger signals if the result is the consumption of a lot more current.
If the input signal applied to the low-pass filter should significantly exceed this MDS level, the filter will then be overdriven. Eliminating this problem could lead to an unwanted increase in current consumption due to the filter having to be designed to cope with a dynamic range of input signals which is much larger than is strictly necessary. Generally, this problem is countered by the DSP applying automatic gain control signals to the adjustable gain r.f. amplifier.
In the interests of current saving, the low-pass filters are thus generally designed to handle a limited dynamic range of wanted signals and to consume a low power. However, a problem arises when strong unwanted signals need to be blocked by the filters as there is no AGC applied by the DSP. The filters must be able to cope with such unwanted signals in a linear way. If the filters are designed to be capable of handling large unwanted signals, this could lead to a significant increase in power consumption, for example, 141 times more power would be required for handling an unwanted signal which is greater than the MDS level by 23 db, than for a signal just above that level.
Such low-pass filters are not infrequently voltage driven transconductor filters. However, if such filters comprise current driven transconductor filters then a much larger signal, for example, 14.5 db larger in the case of a Gaussian to 6 db filter, can occur in the stop-band than in the wanted band without the filter going non-linear. Even with this improvement, there is still a desire to cope with an even larger signal, for example, up to 23 db larger, in the stop-band, without the filter going non-linear and also to make the filter have an adjustable bandwidth to be able to selectively pass a narrow band signal which, for example, occurs in the Pan-European or GSM cellular telephone system, and a wider band signal which, for example, occurs in the Digital European Cordless Telephone (DECT) system. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Aromatic polycyanates which are thermosettable to polytriazines are known, for example, from U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,448,079; 3,553,244; 3,694,410; 3,740,348; 3,755,402; 4,094,852 and 4,097,455. Aromatic polycyanates containing one or more mesogenic moieties in the main chain of the molecule which are thermosettable to polytriazines are known from copending application Ser. No. 07/380,938 filed Jul. 17, 1989, now abandoned.
Although the aforementioned aromatic polycyanates containing one or more mesogenic moieties in the main chain of the molecule provide cured products having excellent physical properties, they are often very difficult to process due to their relatively high melting temperatures. Thus, for example, when the mesogenic moiety is a benzanilide group present in the main chain of the dicycanate of 4,4'-dihydroxybenzanilide, melt flow to a birefringent fluid is not observed until 184.degree. C. In the present invention, when the benzanilide group is attached as a side chain to the dicyanate, melt flow to a shear birefringent fluid is observed at 69.degree. C. Therefore, it would be desirable to have available aromatic polycyanates containing one or more mesogenic moieties attached as lateral substituent(s) to provide lower melting temperatures which would lead to easier processing.
The present invention provides a method for attachment of one or more mesogenic moieties to a polycyanate as lateral substituent(s). Incorporation of said mesogenic moieties can lead to a molecular level ordering of the polytriazine thermoset (cured) composition thereof much similar to that found in the thermoset (cured) aromatic polycyanates which have one or more mesogenic moieties in the main chain. However, due to their relatively lower melting temperatures, the polycyanates of the present invention in which the one or more mesogenic moieties are lateral substituents can provide improved processibility. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
A panic exit device (or panic device) operates by employing an inward force on a push bar to unlatch a latching mechanism from a latch strike. Panic devices commonly incorporate a latching mechanism mounted on the exterior of a door and a latch strike mounted on the exterior of a door jamb.
FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a "standard" door 10 (i.e., a door having standard 161 circular cut outs for receiving a door knob lock set and not adapted for a mortise lockset, which requires a rectangular cutout in the door trim) employing an internal latching mechanism. FIG. 1 shows the "the door" 10 with knobs 14 located on both sides. Turning either knob 14 will release a latch bolt 16 (FIG. 2) from the door jamb 22 and allow the door 10 to open.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the door and knobs of FIG. 1 as seen from plane line 2--2. As shown, the latching mechanism comprises the latch bolt 16, latch bolt tumbler 20, latch control arm 232 and latch control assembly 236. The latching mechanism is predominately located within a noticed portion of the door. The latch bolt 16 extends into a notched section of the door jamb 22 when the door is closed and latched. A deadlocking plunger (not shown) presses against the latch bolt strike 18 and remains substantially within the latch bolt tumbler 20 when the door is in a closed position. Turning either knob 14 causes the latch control assembly 236 to exert a pulling force on the latch control arm 232. This pulling force on the latch control arm 232 draws the latch bolt 16 and deadlocking plunger away from the door jamb 22 and into the latch bolt tumbler 20. With the latch bolt 16 and deadlocking plunger removed into the latch bolt tumbler 20, the door is free to move over the latch bolt strike 18 and swing open.
FIGS. 3 and 4 depict a prior art ("rim" type) panic device. FIG. 3 is a view, partially in section, illustrating the panic device mounted on a door 140. The latching mechanism (comprising a push rail 120, rail assembly 121, latch bolt linkage member 122, latch bolt 124 and latch bolt assembly cover 130) of the panic device is exterior to the door 140. The latch strike 126 is similarly mounted on the exterior of the door jamb 134. When the push rail 120 is pressed toward the door, the resulting movement of the latch bolt linkage member 122 causes the latch bolt 124 to unlatch from the latch bolt strike 126. This permits the door 140 to swing away from the door jamb 134.
FIG. 4 depicts a view from the perspective of one facing the push bar 120. The relative location of the door knob 128 located on the opposite side of the door is depicted with dashed lines. As illustrated, the push bar and the door knob have different vertical alignments, and both the latch bolt 124 and latch strike 126 are visible because they are mounted exteriorly to the door. The door knob 128 is mounted below the push bar 120 so that the door knob is aligned and can be interfaced with a receptacle in the latching mechanism contained in the latch bolt assembly cover 130. This interface between the door knob 128 and the latching mechanism internal to the latch bolt assembly cover 130 allows the latching and unlatching of the latch bolt to be controlled by turning the door knob.
Panic devices of the kind described above typically may be used only with doors and door frames which are specially manufactured or altered for use with a panic device. As discussed above, a door that has been prepared with cutouts generally has a hollow section in which the latching mechanism and door knob are mounted, and a standard door jamb similarly has a hollow section in which a latch strike is mounted. The hollow section and exterior cutouts on a door prepared for a standard two-knob assembly are larger and located at a different vertical height than the hollow section and exterior cutouts on doors prepared for receiving a panic device. The exterior cutouts and the hollow section of a standard two-knob door occupy areas to which fastening screws would be anchored if a conventional panic device were mounted to the door. The location of the exterior cutouts and the size of the hollow area of a standard door preclude a conventional panic device from being securely mounted to a standard two-knob door at the appropriate height. Furthermore, the hollow area of a door jamb is superfluous when an exterior mounted latch strike is mounted to the door frame. This incompatibility between panic devices and "161 doors" and door jambs makes the conversion between conventional latching mechanisms and panic devices an expensive task. When a conventional latching mechanism is replaced with a panic device, it is necessary to replace the entire door and refit the door jamb with a new latch bolt strike. Similarly, when a panic device is replaced with a standard, non-panic latching mechanism, it is necessary to replace the entire door and refit the door jam with a new door strike. Therefore, consumers who convert from a standard knob or handle arrangement of a "161 door" to a panic device, or vice versa, are forced to expend large amounts of time, labor, and money in the conversion. Furthermore, retailers of doors and door finishing parts must keep an inventory of very similar but incompatible stock. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains to a method for partially annealing the sidewall of a container, and more particularly to a method of thermally treating portions of a sidewall of a drawn or drawn and ironed container body to render the container sidewall capable of being bulged successfully.
2. Description of the Art
Various methods are known in the art for shaping articles, such as drawn metallic containers. U.S. Pat. No. 1,711,445, for example, discloses a method in which a plunger and compressed air cooperate to bulge container sidewalls against the face of an adjacent die. U.S. Pat. No. 2,787,973 pertains to a method for hydraulically expanding a container into tight contact with a surrounding mold. High voltage discharge forming of containers against a fixed mold is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,654,788. Also, electromagnetic forming, disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,383,890 and 3,599,461, involves the generation of a pulse of electromagnetic force against the sidewalls of an adjacent container to reform the container.
Additionally, the prior art teaches the use of induction heating for the purpose of annealing tubular articles prior to subsequent forming operations. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,413,432 discloses the induction heating of a metal tube prior to circumferentially enlarging the tube ends. U.S. Pat. No. 4,307,276 pertains to a method of uniformly heating long steel pipes by passing the pipes through one or more induction heating coils to heat treat the pipe.
Despite the prior art teachings in the area of container shaping, and in the area of annealing, there is no teaching of preferred methods of thermally treating selective areas of a container sidewall prior to shaping. In particular, there is a need for a method for partially annealing selective areas of the sidewall of a container to selectively reduce the yield strength and increase formability in such areas to permit successful subsequent bulging of such thermally treated areas. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) is an important source of pollen allergens in many areas of the world, especially in tropical and sub-tropical climates. These allergens have been studied by a number of means including IgE immunoblotting (Ford D., and Baldo, B. A. J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 79: 711-720 (1987); Shen H. D., et al., Clin. Allergy 18: 401-409 (1988), column chromatography (Orren, A., and Dowdle, S. Afr. Med. J 51: 586 (1977); Matthiesen et al., J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 81: 266 (Ab) (1988)), and immunoelectrophoresis (Matthiesen et al., supra, 1988).
The major allergen of Bermuda grass pollen allergen has been identified as a protein with a molecular weight (MW) in the range of 30-34 kD, binding IgE from sera of more than 76% of individuals allergic to Bermuda grass (Ford and Baldo, (1987) Supra; Shen et al, (1988) Supra, and has been designated Cyn d I (Kahn and Marsh, (1986) Mol. Immunol., 23:1281-1288; Marsh et al., (1988) Ann. Allergy, 60:499-504, Matthiesen et al, 1988, Supra). Cyn d I is a member of the Group I family of allergens (Kahn and Marsh, (1986) Supra, found in many taxonomically related grasses including ryegrass (Lol p I), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa p D) and Timothy grass (Phl p I) (Standring et al, 1987 Int. Archs Allergy Appl. Immun., 83, 96-103; Esch and Klapper, (1987) J. Allergy Clin. Immunol., 79:489-495; Matthiesen and Lowenstein (1991) Clin. Exp. Allergy, 21, 309-320. However, the allergens of Bermuda grass show limited antibody cross-reactivity with those of other grasses (March et al., Supra, Berstein et al. (1976) J. Allergy Clin. Immunol., 57:141-152. A number of studies have shown that Cyn d I differs from the Group I homologues of closely related grasses (Matthiesen and Lowenstein, (1991) Supra. The sequence of the first 27 amino acids at the N-terminus of Cyn d I has been determined. (Matthiesen et al, 1988, Supra; Matthiesen et al, (1990) Epitopes of A topic Allergens, Brussels, UCB Institute of Allergy, 9-13; Singh et al, Monographs in Allergy, (1990), 28:101-120; Matthiesen and Lowenstein, (1991), supra).
The presence of Bermuda grass pollen allergens in the environment causes hayfever and seasonal asthma in many individuals and continues to have significant socioeconomic impact on Western communities. While the available spectrum of drugs, including anti-histamines and steroids, have resulted in improvement in the treatment of allergic disease, they do have unfortunate side-effects associated with long term usage. Because of these problems, renewed interest has been shown in the immunotherapy of allergic disease. Immunotherapy involves the injection of potent allergen extracts to desensitize patients against allergic reactions (Bousquet, J. and Michel, F. B., (1989) Allergy and Clin Immol. News 1: 7-10. Unfortunately, the pollen preparations used as allergens are polyvalent and of poor quality. Consequently, crude extracts are frequently used at high concentrations and may trigger potentially lethal systemic reactions, including anaphylaxis. The product expressed from the cloned gene, fragments thereof, or synthetic peptides based on the sequence of the allergens provide a safer medium for therapy since they can be quality controlled, characterized and standardized, and they optimally do not bind IgE. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
The present invention relates to MEMS planar gyroscopes for sensing a rate of inertial rotation around at least one axis.
MEMS planar gyroscopes based on two counter oscillating masses are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,243,542. They are often referred to as Tuning-Fork-Gyroscopes (TFG). A TFG has two main vibration modes: an Excitation mode in which the two masses are counter oscillating in the device plane and constitute an in-plane primary resonator, and a Coriolis mode in which the two masses constitute a secondary resonator which responds to Coriolis forces. The secondary resonator can be either in-plane or out-of-plane. Coriolis forces result from interaction of the measured inertial rotation rate and the gyroscope primary resonator periodic velocity. The secondary mode—also referred to as the Coriolis mode—can be perpendicular to the device (gyroscope) plane, or out of this plane. The Coriolis forces which are indicative of the inertial rotation rate can be measured by two methods well known to those in the art: open loop operation based on sensing the amplitude and phase of the secondary resonator using a position pickoff, and closed-loop (force-balance) operation based on deriving from the position pickoff control signals that are used to generate forces which act on the secondary resonator and oppose the Coriolis forces. The present invention can be implemented using either method.
The motion of the two masses that constitute the Coriolis resonator in response to inertial rate are ideally equal and opposite, while their responses to external linear vibrations are the same. If this condition is met then the difference between their motions in response to external vibrations is zero (common mode) while the Coriolis induced motions (differential mode) are added.
In prior art TFG, each of the two masses in combination with their supporting springs constitutes an individual mechanical Coriolis sub resonator with some mutual mechanical coupling. As a result the resonant frequency of each sub resonator is principally determined by its respective mass and springs and to some extent by the other resonator. If, due to mechanical manufacturing tolerances, the resonant frequencies of the two masses are not perfectly matched, they will respond differently to linear vibration and the difference between their responses will result in an erroneous reading under vibration conditions—see for example U.S. Pat. No. 7,043,985.
Another disadvantage of prior art TFGs is that the vibrating structure is supported by more than a single anchor region, or point; typically 2 or 4 regions. For example, the TFG described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,043,985 and 5,349,855 are symmetrical in both X and Y axes but the vibrating structure is supported by 2 widely separated anchor regions. In both patents, the Coriolis sub resonators are only lightly coupled. Similarly, the TFG described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,243,542 and 6,571,630 are supported by 4 anchor regions.
The disadvantage of supporting the vibrating structure by more than a single anchor is that stress is induced in the TFG device layer in response to temperature, as a result of differential thermal expansion between the substrate layer (e.g. glass) and the Silicon vibrating structure attached to it. This stress is proportional to the difference in expansion coefficient and to the separation between the anchor points. Ideally this distance is zero, i.e., all anchor points converge to a single point.
A further disadvantage of prior art TFG is that the springs that support the vibrating masses serve both primary and secondary resonators and cannot be optimized separately—see below. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an optical beam scanning apparatus which can be used, for example, in office automation equipment, such as a laser printer or a laser facsimile, or a laser plotter which is adapted to drawing, for example, a pattern of a semiconductor circuit, or a laser testing device which is adapted to checking for breakage of a wiring of a printed circuit board, etc.
2. Description of Related Art
Such a known optical beam scanning apparatus is usually comprised of a rotatable polygonal mirror and an f-.theta. lens in combination.
It is also known to use a hologram instead of the combination of the polygonal mirror and the f-.theta. lens to reduce the number of components and ease the required mechanical precision. Generally speaking, a hologram which is made of a thin film of a few .mu.m is lighter and smaller than an optical lens, but has a wavefront conversion function or an aspherical lens function equivalent to or better than that of the optical lens.
In the optical beam scanning apparatus using the rotatable polygonal mirror and the f-.theta. lens to linearly scan an object with a laser beam, however, it is necessary not only to very precisely machine the rotatable polygonal mirror, but also to provide many lens groups including the f-.theta. lens which serves also as an optical system to correct the inclination of the lens surfaces, thus resulting in an increase in manufacturing cost.
For instance, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) Nos. 62-234118 and 1-244420 disclose an optical beam scanner using a hologram disc which is adapted to effect a precise linear scanning of a laser beam whose aberration is fully corrected and which has a high resolution. Such a known optical beam scanner using a hologram disc satisfies the requirements of precision needed for a scanning optical system of a laser printer to obtain high quality printing.
There has recently been a need for realization of less expensive optical beam scanners having higher resolution. As is well known, the hologram can be inexpensively mass-produced by copying the same and has a very high resolution, and accordingly, the hologram can satisfactorily respond to this need.
Japanese Patent Application Serial No. 3-62961 assigned to the same assignee as the present application discloses an optical beam scanner having a high resolution. In this related application and as shown in FIG. 8 herein, the optical beam scanner is comprised of one laser source 50 (e.g., LD), one rotatable hologram disc 51, and one stationary hologram plate 52. The stationary hologram plate 52 is located between the rotatable hologram disc 51 and a surface 53 (e.g., photosensitive drum) to be scanned (referred to as a scanning surface). The hologram disc 51 has an annular hologram area which is uniformly divided into a plurality of identical hologram facets. The laser beam incident upon the rotatable hologram disc 51 from the LD 50 through a collimating lens 55 is converted to a scanning laser beam by the hologram facets 51a and is then made incident upon the stationary hologram plate 52, so that the scanning beams which are reduced are emitted therefrom. The reduced scanning beams are converged onto the scanning surface 53 to be imaged at an extremely high resolution. Numeral 90 designates a synchronizing photodetector which receives a beam from the hologram disc 51 through the hologram plate 52 to issue a printing start signal every time lines to be printed change.
It is sometimes required that the resolution is switched within one scanning beam. For instance, in a laser printer, it is necessary to switch the resolution of one scanning beam to print figures and/or letters, etc., at different dpi's (dots per inch). Looking at FIG. 2, there are two different printing information areas of 480 dpi and 600 dpi contained in one page of papers to be printed.
In theory, it is possible to realize two different resolutions by providing two light sources having different resolutions in an optical beam scanner employing a rotatable polygonal mirror, or by providing two hologram discs in an optical beam scanner employing a hologram, respectively. This, however, requires two beam scanning optical systems and independent adjustments thereof to prevent a possible deviation of the scanning beams of the respective beam scanning optical systems, thus resulting in a complex and expensive scanner. In addition, it is next to impossible to independently adjust the two beam scanning optical systems.
Furthermore, in a known optical beam scanner, as mentioned above, it is possible to switch the resolution only between different pages. Namely, it is only possible to print an image, for example, at 480 dpi on one page and another image, for example, at 600 dpi on another page.
Accordingly, it is still impossible to switch the resolution on the same page. Namely, images cannot be printed at different dpi's on one page.
The primary object of the present invention is to provide a simple optical beam scanner having a high resolution, wherein the resolution of the scanning beam can be easily switched, even within the same page, without a complex mechanism. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Data compression is a technology widely applied in data storage and transmission. With respect to transmitted data, due to large amounts of redundant data, a network device at a transmitting end transmits data after compressing the data, which may effectively reduce data volume in the case of data transmission over a network and reduces transmission delay. Correspondingly, a network device at a receiving end needs to decompress received data.
At present, compression technologies used for data transmission may be categorized into two types. One is a compression technology based on LZ (Lempel-Ziv) algorithms, and the other is referred to as a data deduplication technology. With respect to the LZ compression technology, the transmitting end generally performs matching inside a data block by using a sliding window, so as to generate a compressed dictionary and performs compression, and the receiving end generates a corresponding dictionary and performs decompression. With respect to the data deduplication technology, large blocks of repeated data exist during data transmission, and the network device stores a large data block transmitted through the device and uses it as a dictionary entry. During subsequent data transmission, each time a repeated data block is detected, a short code index in the dictionary is used to replace the repeated data block. The receiving end restores the original data according to a received code index and stored dictionary entry.
If the data transmitted over the network is taken as a bit stream, the network device needs to properly segment a data stream that is transmitted through the device, and takes data segments as dictionary entries for data compression. The length of a data segment affects the utilization efficiency of the dictionary and a compression ratio. A too large length reduces the utilization efficiency of the dictionary and a too small length reduces the compression ratio.
If a segmentation method with a fixed number of bytes is used, when the data of a data segment changes, the boundaries of its following data segments all change so that the dictionary entries created according to the subsequent data segments cannot be effectively used. To solve such problem caused by fixed size segmentation, the prior art may use a content fingerprint (Fingerprint), and use a sliding window with the size of W to slide in the data stream to be processed. The sliding may be performed in a one-by-one byte manner or in a two-by-two bytes manner. During each sliding process, the content fingerprint of a data block in the window is calculated. When the content fingerprint satisfies a preset rule, the boundary along the sliding direction of the window is taken as a segmentation point; otherwise, sliding of the window is continued to calculate the content fingerprint until a segmentation point is determined.
During implementation of the present invention, the inventor finds at least the following problems in the prior art. With the above segmentation method, the length of the data segmentation may be too large, which may cause a reduction of the matching probability and reduce the utilization efficiency of the dictionary. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to transporting large towers. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system and method for transporting large monopole towers and tower sections, such as towers used to support commercial wind turbines, using one or more railcars.
2. Description of the Related Art
Large-scale wind turbines are used to generate electrical power. Such wind turbines consist of a tall tower with a generator nacelle rotatably coupled about the top of tower's vertical axis. A rotor hub extends out a horizontal axis of the nacelle. Two or more turbine blades are connected to the rotor hub at right angles to the horizontal axis. During operation, prevailing winds cause the turbine blades to rotate about the rotor hub's horizontal axis. The rotational forces are coupled to a generator within the nacelle, which produces electricity. The nacelle rotates about the vertical axis of the tower to maintain the wind turbine blades in proper orientation to the direction of the prevailing winds.
The various components of a large-scale wind turbine may be manufactured at different geographic locations, which may be anywhere in the world. For example, a manufacturer who wishes to assemble a wind turbine generator tower in the United States may have the towers manufactured in Korea, the nacelles manufactured in Denmark and the blades manufactured in Germany. These components must then be transported to the ultimate power generation site, assembled, erected, and placed into operation. Since the manufacturing operations may be spread across the world, transportation of the components to the generation site may utilize all modes of transportation, including ships, barges, trains and trucks. The various components are expensive to manufacture, and include delicate components that must be protected and handled properly during transportation. The transportation issues are exacerbated in that the components may be transported using plural modes during their journey. For example, a wind turbine tower manufactured in Korea may travel by ship across the ocean, then via railroad to a location in the geographic area of the generation site, and then finally by truck to the ultimate destination. Mounting fixtures are needed to adapt the particular component being transported to each mode of transportation.
The evolution of technology and the economies of scale have lead to the development and deployment of large-scale wind turbines with larger and larger proportions. The power generation capacity of a large-scale wind turbine is directly related to the length of the turbine blades, which define the swept area and power capacity of the turbine. The turbine blade proportions, in turn, are determinative of the tower height, as are the prevailing wind conditions. Tower height and wind loading establish the tower's strength requirement. Generally, wind turbine towers will taper from the base to the top, as this provides the requisite strength with the minimum of material and fabrication cost. Transportation and fabrication constraints commonly dictate that tall towers be separated into plural tower sections, which are finally assembled at the generation site. Transportation of long towers and tower section presents significant challenges to transportation engineers, particularly in the case of railroads, where the railroad profile is tightly limited and the trains must traverse curved sections and complex rail yards. Additionally, the requirement to fix towers and tower sections to railcars during transport, particularly given the tapered profile, creates the need for specialized fixtures, and the corresponding expense in their fabrication and utilization. Thus it can be appreciated that there is a need in the art for a system and method addressing the problems related to transportation of long and heavy towers and tower sections via rail. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
This invention relates to a semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same, and in particular, to a method of forming an interlayer insulating film of a MOSFET.
When a bias voltage is applied to a MOSFET, a threshold voltage, a mutual induction and an on-current are often variable with time. This phenomenon is generally called a hot carrier effect that reduces the reliability of a device.
Recently, the hot carrier effect often becomes remarkable when a gate length of the device is less than 1 .mu.m. This hot carrier effect becomes a serious restriction factor to miniaturize the MOSFET. In particular, a gate oxide film is often destroyed by the hot carrier effect. The destruction of the gate oxide film becomes a large problem to miniaturize the transistor, and will be thereinafter referred to as a hot carrier deterioration.
The hot carrier effect is mainly caused by Si--H combinations which become the cause of the hot carrier deterioration. More specifically, water (H.sub.2 O) diffuses into the gate oxide film to increase the Si--H combinations. This fact has been described in the 48th symposium lecture with respect to a semiconductor integrated circuit technique (water diffusion model for an increase effect of the hot carrier deterioration due to a nitride film passivation, P.134).
To avoid the above problem, a method has been suggested for preventing invasion of the water into a LSI by using the silicon nitride (SiN) film. In this event, the silicon nitride film has an excessively small diffusion factor against the water as a protection film of a parasitic-mold LSI.
A semiconductor device generally has silicon oxide films for device separation and diffusion layers or regions in a silicon substrate, and will be referred to as a first conventional reference. Further, the gate oxide film is deposited between the diffusion layers and on the silicon substrate. Further, a gate electrode is placed on the gate oxide film. Moreover, spacer oxide films are placed at both side surfaces of the gate electrode.
In this event, metal silicide layers each of which has a high melting point are formed on the surfaces of the diffusion layers and on the gate electrode, respectively. The metal silicide layer often becomes essential to miniaturize the semiconductor device. Further, a silicon oxide film is deposited to cover the silicon oxide films, diffusion layers and the gate electrode, as an interlayer insulating film.
Moreover, metal plugs are formed in the silicon oxide film so as to reach the silicide layers. Further, wiring patterns are formed on the upper surface of the metal plugs. Under this condition, the silicide layers are electrically connected to the wiring patterns via the metal plugs. Finally, the entire surface of the device is covered with the silicon nitride film as a passivation film.
When the silicon nitride film is deposited using the plasma CVD method, the silicon nitride film has a relatively small water-permeability in many cases. However, the problem with respect to the hot carrier deterioration can not be solved in the first conventional reference. Namely, active hydrogen radicals take place when the silicon nitride film is formed in a plasma atmosphere containing ammonia and silane. It has been reported that the hydrogen radicals diffuse the gate oxide film to increase the Si--H combinations which becomes the cause of the deterioration.
On the other hand, when an interlayer insulating film, such as the silicon oxide film, is formed by a SOG (spin on glass) film, the interlayer insulating film normally contains slight water. However, the SiN film does not pass the water through because the silicon nitride film has a relatively small water-permeability, as mentioned before. Consequently, the water in the interlayer insulating film mostly diffuses in the direction of the gate oxide film during a final heat treatment in foaming gas.
Thus, when the water diffuses toward the gate oxide film and the spacer oxide film, an electron trap (namely, water related trap) caused by the water in the oxide film. As a result, the hot carrier-resist is largely reduced. This fact has also been described in the above-mentioned 48th symposium lecture with respect to a semiconductor integrated circuit technique (the water diffusion model for the increasing effect of the hot carrier deterioration due to the nitride film passivation, P.134).
To avoid such a problem, another suggestion has been made about a semiconductor device in which the silicon nitride film is placed below the silicon oxide film (namely, the interlayer insulating film). Herein, the above semiconductor device will be referred to as a conventional second reference.
With such a structure, when the silicon nitride film is formed by the use of the thermal decomposition CVD method, the diffusion of the water is suppressed because the generation of the active hydrogen radicals is prevented during the formation of the silicon nitride film.
However, the thermal process temperature which is necessary for the thermal decomposition containing the ammonia and the silane is higher than the deposition temperature of the plasma method. Consequently, the heat resistance of the silicide layer becomes a problem. Namely, the short channel effect must be suppressed by preventing the diffusion of the impurities doped in the diffusion layer to achieve high integration.
When the connection surface of the diffusion layer contacts with the silicide layer, a leak current which is caused by crystal defects is increased, and as a result, the switching operation of the transistor becomes impossible. Therefore, the above silicide layer must be thinned in accordance with the shallow connection of the diffusion layer.
However, when the deposition temperature of the silicon nitride film exceeds the heat resistance of the silicide in case of the thin-film silicide which is necessary to miniaturize the transistor, the silicide layer is aggregated to form a discontinuos film. As a result, disconnection takes place, and the sheet resistance is largely increased. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Due to the increasing capacity and capability of personal computers, it has become popular to use a personal computer as a repository for multimedia content, such as songs, movies, etc. Particularly with music, the increased popularity of storing multimedia data (in the form of digital audio files having various formats such as MP3, AAC and AIFF) on a personal computer has resulted in a variety of products and services. For example, music players (e.g., MP3 player), such as the iPod® multimedia device, and media management applications, such as iTunes software, which as produced by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif., are popular products. With the ability to store large numbers and types of digital audio files in such portable music players, services (such as iTunes® Music Store provided by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.) have been developed that allow consumers to purchase music (and other digital multimedia data) in a form suitable for storage and playback using portable music players and personal computers. In so doing, many consumers use their personal computer as a primary vehicle for obtaining, storing, and accessing multimedia data.
Although the quality of multimedia playback by computers has improved dramatically in the last several years, these systems still lag behind typical entertainment devices (e.g., stereos, televisions, projection systems, etc.) in terms of performance, fidelity, and usability for the typical consumer. Therefore, in order to utilize the higher quality playback systems, it has become common to install home network systems whereby an individual's personal computer is linked (either wirelessly or wired) to a home entertainment system forming in the process a media system. The media system integrates several interfaces and feature sets into an integrated platform. In this way, the individual is able to listen, view or otherwise access this multimedia data stored on a personal computer using these various entertainment devices. For example, a wireless network interface (e.g., 802.11g based Airport Express® wireless network interface manufactured by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.) communicates wirelessly with other devices and to serve as a wireless base station or as a repeater (to increase the range of a pre-existing wireless network).
The network interface available on the personal computer can be used to link to any entertainment device, such as a stereo system, television, or home theatre system. This would allow, for example, streaming of multimedia data from a personal computer connected to the network interface (wired or wireless) to an entertainment device connected to the multimedia interface. Unfortunately, however, in order to control certain aspects of the playback of the multimedia data (such as changing a song, an entire playlist, or even controlling volume) a listener wishing to make such changes must be in physical contact with the personal computer in which the multimedia data being played is stored. For example, if a listener is in a living room listening to music being streamed to a living room based stereo by a computer wirelessly linked thereto located in an upstairs den, changing the song being played would require the listener to physically walk to the upstairs den where the computer was located and select the desired song.
One approach used to solve the problem of remote access and control is provided by a zone based system exemplified by Sonos Digital Music System manufactured by Sonos, Inc. of Santa Barbara, Calif. that utilizes distributed units (Sonos™ Zone Players) and a controller unit (Sonos™ Controller). Unfortunately, these units require substantial investment in equipment in order to provide the requisite zone based remote access and control. For example, Sonos Digital Music System requires a user to purchase, or otherwise acquire, a controller as well as one or more zone players depending upon the area.
Therefore, what is desired is a system that leverages existing devices (such as an iPod, AirPort Express, a Mac running iTunes) to provide the remote access and control that would otherwise require the purchase of specialized equipment such as zone controller units and zone players. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a wafer dicing/die bonding sheet for use in the dicing of silicon wafers and the bonding of chips to lead frames.
2. Background Art
In the prior art, semiconductor devices are generally manufactured by securing a large diameter silicon wafer to a dicing tape, dicing the wafer into semiconductor chips, peeling and removing the chips from the dicing tape, and bonding an individual chip to a lead frame with a curable liquid adhesive.
For simplifying the process and preventing contamination of semiconductor chips with fluid ingredient from the liquid adhesive, there is recently a need for a dicing/die bonding sheet in the form of a pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet that serves as both the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer of dicing tape and the die bonding agent. The dicing/die bonding sheet needs to develop an adhesive (or retentive) force to withstand the dicing operation and to adhere to the chip being taken away in the initial dicing step and needs to further develop a strong bond to the lead frame in the subsequent die bonding step.
JP-A 9-67558 discloses an adhesive for dicing/die bonding sheets comprising a polyimide resin. On account of a high glass transition temperature (Tg) and a high modulus of elasticity, the polyimide resins are insufficient to mitigate the thermal stress between bonded substrates of semiconductor parts. For reliability enhancement, there is a need for a dicing/die bonding sheet comprising an adhesive composition having a low modulus of elasticity enough for stress mitigation.
On the other hand, film adhesives using heat resistant polyimide resins have been proposed for use in die bonding or lead frame bonding. Most prior art polyimide base adhesives are thermoplastic and thus problematic in that they lose a bonding force at high temperatures as encountered when advanced lead-free solders are used. There is a desire to have a die bonding agent that has a low modulus of elasticity and does not lose a bonding force even at high temperatures during soldering or the like.
Japanese Patent No. 3,221,756 corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 5,677,393 describes a heat resistant adhesive film comprising a polyimide silicone having phenolic hydroxyl radicals and an epoxy resin. Since phenolic hydroxyl radicals are present at sterically packed positions, their reaction with the epoxy resin is hindered, resulting in insufficient cured properties and insufficient bond strength at high temperatures. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an arrangement for determining the sedimentation rate of blood cells, comprising a standardised graduated pipette of volume V.sub.1, having a lower free end and an upper end provided with a levelling device of volume V.sub.2 adapted to receive and retain any excess blood introduced in the pipette; a plastics plunger sealingly adapted to the outer surface of the pipette and having an active edge; and a tube having a closed bottom end, a height h and an inside diameter d, the tube being adapted to contain the blood to be analysed, the inside diameter d of the tube being generally the same as the outside diameter of said active edge of the plunger, such that the plunger is adapted to slide within said tube while sealingly engaging the wall thereof. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a display device capable of switching between a state in which an image is visible from one direction and a state in which the image is invisible from the one direction, while maintaining a state in which the image is visible from another specific direction. More particularly, the present invention relates to a display device suitable for a vehicle-mounted display device connected to a video signal output device (hereunder, referred to as “video device”) such as a navigation device or a DVD reproducing device.
2. Description of the Related Art
Vehicles are equipped with not only audio devices such as a radio and a CD player, but also video devices such as a navigation device, a television (TV) tuner, and a DVD reproducing device. Accordingly, the vehicles are also provided with display devices for displaying the images, such as a liquid crystal display panel and the like.
Currently, the vehicle-mounted display device tends to have a wider screen. In such a display device with the wide-screen, for instance, the screen is divided into two areas. In one of the areas is displayed a map image supplied by the navigation device, and in the other area is displayed images supplied by the TV tuner, the DVD reproducing device or the like. This kind of display device is capable of the so-called double-screen display (or multi-screen display).
However, for safety reasons, a driver is prohibited from watching the images of a movie, a TV and the like while the vehicle is traveling. For this reason, the currently used vehicle-mounted video device is designed so as not to display the images of the movie or the TV during the travel of the vehicle. Therefore, although a passenger riding in a front passenger seat is not prohibited from watching the movie, the TV and so on, he nevertheless is not able to watch them during the travel of the vehicle. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
The present invention relates to monopulse direction finding (DF) radar systems and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for electrically scanning an antenna array in a monopulse direction finding radar system to provide omniazimuthal coverage and unambiguous angle of arrival information.
Monopulse direction finding radar systems are well known in the art. Such systems use a simultaneous lobing technique wherein a pair of physically separated or offset overlapping antenna beams are utilized at the same time, instead of a single antenna beam which is monitored on a time shared basis. The overlapping antenna beams may be generated by two physically separate antennas or a single lens antenna illuminated by two adjacent feeds. Angle of arrival information is determined by measuring the relative phase or the relative amplitude of a single echo pulse received on each of the beams. The use of a monopulse system is highly desirable in certain applications, particularly in the electronic warfare art, because such a system is immune to pulse-to-pulse amplitude variations between received signals caused by scanning and/or propagation effects.
Scanning of the azimuth may be achieved in a monopulse system by a mechanically rotating pair of narrow beamwidth antennas. Ideally, the overlapping antenna beams would have a field of view limited to the direction in which same are pointed at any instant in time. As a practical matter, however, this is not the case because the antennas also have backlobes. A backlobe is a response to a signal in the direction which is the reverse or opposite of the direction in which the antenna is pointed. Backlobe responses are usually weaker than the response to a signal in the direction in which the antenna is pointed (forelobe response). However, sometimes the presence of a backlobe response makes an unambiguous angle of arrival determination difficult because it cannot be determined whether the received echo signal represents a strong signal picked up on a weak backlobe, or a weak signal picked up on the desired forelobe.
When the antennas are rotated by a mechanical drive, a two-channel rotary joint is required. However, rotary joints and other interconnections necessary in this instance often have narrow frequency responses, usually limited to an octave. Thus, wideband multi-octave antennas, covering a wide frequency reception range, cannot be readily used in mechanically driven scanning systems.
Two separate techniques have been utilized to eliminate the ambiguity in the angle of arrival determination and increase the range of frequency response in monopulse DF radar systems. The first technique combines a fixed omniazimuthal antenna and a rotating narrow beamwidth antenna, each connected to a different channel in a dual channel receiver. The gains of the channels are adjusted such that the response on the channel receiving the output of the omniazimuthal antenna is greater than the weakest backlobe of the narrow beamwidth antenna. A received signal to be processed to obtain the angle of arrival information is deemed acceptable only if the output of the channel connected to the narrow beamwidth antenna is greater than the output of the channel connected to the omniazimuthal antenna. In this manner, backlobe responses are inhibited.
This technique will theoretically permit unambiguous angle of arrival determinations. However, as a practical matter, the physical separation and differences in the characteristics between the two antennas causes unwanted variations in the channel responses. These variations in channel responses make the above method of backlobe suppression subject to error. Errors are present because it cannot be guaranteed that the output of the channel connected to the omniazimuthal antenna will always be less than the forelobe response, but greater than the backlobe response, of the channel connected to the narrow beamwidth antenna, for a signal in the direction in which the narrow beamwidth antenna is pointed. Thus, completely unambiguous angle of arrival determinations cannot be achieved with this technique.
The second technique for permitting unambiguous angle of arrival determinations utilizes four 90.degree. beamwidth stationary spiral antennas, geographically oriented to cover 360.degree., in four quadrants. Four reception channels are required, one for each antenna. Specific rules for signal acceptance are utilized for backlobe response suppression. When a signal is received on an antenna connected to one of the four associated receiver channels, it is determined if the signal is also present on either of the channels connected to antennas adjacent to the first antenna. If the signal is present on a channel connected to an adjacent antenna and is less in strength than the first, the signal is accepted and the monopulse ratio of strongest to adjacent next strongest is formed. However, if the signal is present on the antenna channel oriented in the opposite direction, the strength of the two signals is compared and since the channels are not adjacent, the channel with the strongest signal thereon is considered to be the desired channel. The adjacent next strongest signal is then sought to form the monopulse ratio. In this instance, the next strongest signal may be suppressed and the signal on the boresight channel processed, or both signals may be discarded and the determination made on the next pulse.
The four channel, four antenna system of signal detection is feasible when moderate DF accuracies are required. However, due to the wide beamwidths of the antennas and practical limitations on channel balancing in such a system, the degree of articulation (dB change per degree of azimuth coverage) and the sensitivity of the system are limited.
If better accuracy with omniazimuthal coverage is desired, without physical movement of the antennas, many more fixed antennas of narrower beamwidth, and an equal number of additional receiver channels, would be required. Narrower beamwidth antennas result in enhanced accuracy because of the increased dB per degree of azimuth coverage. Moreover, in a multi-channel system where there is a practical limit on the balance between the channels, system unbalance contributes less error for antennas of narrower beamwidth.
Thus, increasing the number of antennas and the number of receiver channels will permit unambiguous angle of arrival determination and improved accuracy, without decreasing the coverage or reducing frequency response. However, increasing the number of receiver channels is not a practical solution to the accuracy problem. The electronics required for a system having more than four balanced reception channels would be prohibitively expensive. Further, since DF systems are designed for use on mobile craft, most usually for airborne guidance systems and the like, the added space required by the extra electronics and the weight thereof would severely limit the applications for which such systems could be used.
It is, therefore, a prime object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for electrically scanning an antenna array in a monopulse DF radar system to provide omnidirectional coverage.
It is a second object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for electrically scanning an antenna array in a monopulse DF radar system wherein unambiguous angle of arrival information is obtained.
It is a third object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for electrically scanning an antenna array in a monopulse DF radar system wherein enhanced accuracy is achieved.
It is a fourth object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for electrically scanning an antenna array in a monopulse DF radar system wherein omniazimuthal coverage is achieved without mechanical rotation of antennas.
It is a fifth object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for electrically scanning an antenna array in a monopulse DF radar system wherein reception coverage is achieved over a multi-octave frequency range.
It is a sixth object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for electrically scanning an antenna array in a monopulse DF radar system wherein backlobe suppression is reliably achieved.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for electrically scanning an antenna array in a monopulse DF radar system wherein unity probability of intercept is achieved.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for electrically scanning an antenna array in a monopulse DF radar system wherein omnidirectional coverage is achieved simultaneously with backlobe suppression.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for electrically scanning an antenna array in a monopulse DF radar system wherein scanning of the antenna array is automatically controlled.
In accordance with the present invention, method and apparatus for electrically scanning the antenna array in a monopulse DF radar system is provided. The antenna array has a plurality of fixed narrow beamwidth antennas geographically oriented to provide omnidirectional coverage. From the antenna array, first and second sets of antennas are selected in sequence.
The first set of selected antennas includes a plurality of pairs of oppositely oriented antennas. The RF outputs of the antennas in each of the antenna pairs in the first selected set are combined in a power divider to obtain a combined output signal for each pair. The combined output signal for each pair is then connected to the input of a different one of several matched receiver channels. In each channel, the combined output signal connected thereto is filtered, detected and logarithmically amplified.
The logarithmic outputs from each receiver are tested to determine if adjacent antennas have received the strongest and next strongest signals. If they have, a monopulse ratio formed by subtracting the logarithmic outputs from the receiver channels connected to the antenna pairs receiving the strongest and next strongest signals, is accepted for further processing. This ratio, however, cannot alone determine the angle of arrival because each antenna pair in the first selected set, and, thus, the antenna pairs generating the strongest and next strongest signals, includes antennas which are oppositely oriented, that is, offset by 180.degree.. Thus, the monopulse ratio contains an 180.degree. ambiguity.
In order to resolve this ambiguity, a second set of antennas is selected to include the two antennas which comprised the pair in the first selected set which generated the strongest combined signal. Each antenna in the second selected set is connected to the input of a different receiver channel.
The logarithmic outputs of the receiver channels connected to the antennas of the second selected set are compared to determine which represents the forelobe response. The signal representing the backlobe response is suppressed. The quadrant in which the antenna producing the forelobe response is situated is noted.
When the ratio is converted into angle of arrival information, the information noted relating to the quadrant in which is situated the antenna demonstrating the forelobe response is used to resolve the ambiguity present in the previously formed monopulse ratio. In this manner, unambiguous angle of arrival information is obtained with omnidirectional coverage.
Selection of the antenna sets is achieved by an electronically controlled switching circuit. The switching circuit comprises first and second sets of interconnected electronically controllable switches. The first set includes eight single pole, double throw switches, each having an RF input and two RF outputs. The RF input of each switch in the first set is connected to a different one of the eight antennas. The RF outputs of the switches in the first set are operably connected to the inputs of a second set of switches comprising four single pole, triple throw switches. Each switch in the second set has three RF inputs and an RF output. The RF output of each switch in the second set is connected to the input of one of the receiver channels.
The switching circuit is electronically controlled by a scan control circuit which generates biasing signals to control the states of the switches. In this manner, the appropriate antennas for each set are selected. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a plastic part mainly composed of polyamide resin.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In recent years, many plastic parts have been used in automobiles to reduce their weight and labor for fabrication of their parts. Particularly, 6-nylon and 6,6-nylon are preferably used for plastic parts due to their excellent strengths and thermal resistances. However, it has been found that cracks are likely to occur in plastic parts made of 6-nylon, or 6,6-nylon, or glass fiber reinforced 6-nylon or 6,6-nylon, if they are in contact with calcium chloride included in deicing salts scattered on roads in winter. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Mobile communication devices, such as cellular telephones, communicate through networks provided by a carrier. Through the networks, the mobile communications devices are able to obtain content from various content providers. For example, users of cellular telephones can download audio clips (e.g., songs) to be played through the phone as a ringer. Other content can be similarly obtained, including games, software utilities, and images that serve as a background on the telephone's display. Various services can also be accessed, including text messaging, email services, news alerts, etc. Additionally, through the networks, users of mobile communications are able to access the Internet with Wireless Application Protocol (“WAP”) requests. Providers of such content, services, and websites naturally desire to provide content or services that their subscribers prefer. Details regarding web usage may provide insight into the subscriber, including for example, the sites visited, dates and time visited, and the like. There is, however, an unmet need to understand individual subscribers and differentiate them from one another. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Some semiconductor devices utilize semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) technology, in which a thin layer of a semiconductor (typically having a thickness of a few nanometers), such as silicon, is separated from a semiconductor substrate by a relatively thick electrically insulating layer (typically featuring a thickness of a few tens of nanometers). Integrated circuits using SOI technology offer certain advantages compared to traditional “bulk” technology for Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) integrated circuits. For example, SOI integrated circuits typically provide a lower power consumption for a same performance level.
SOI circuits may also feature a reduced stray capacitance, allowing an increase of commutation speeds. Furthermore, the latch-up phenomena encountered in bulk technology may be mitigated. Such circuits are commonly used in System on Chip (SoC) and Micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) applications. SOI circuits may also be less sensitive to ionizing radiations, making them more reliable than bulk-technology circuits in applications where radiation may induce operating problems (e.g., aerospace applications). SOI integrated circuits may include memory components such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), as well as logic gates.
One SOI implementation is for enhanced scaling in Ultra-thin Body and BOX (UTBB), or UTBOX, devices. UTBB cells may include an NMOS transistor and a PMOS transistor, both formed in the thin silicon layer which overlies the buried insulating oxide layer. One example UTBOX integrated circuit is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,482,070 to Flatresse et al., which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. The integrated circuit has cells placed in a cell row having a PMOS transmitter including a ground beneath the PMOS transmitter, and an n-doped well beneath the ground and configured to apply a potential thereto. An NMOS transmitter includes a ground beneath the NMOS transmitter, and a p-doped well beneath the ground and configured to apply a potential thereto.
Despite the existence of such configurations, further enhancements in SOI or UTBB devices may be desirable in some applications. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Transistors used for many liquid crystal display devices or many display devices such as flat panel displays typified by a light-emitting display device utilizing electroluminescence (EL) each include a semiconductor such as amorphous silicon, single crystal silicon, or polycrystalline silicon formed over a glass substrate.
Attention has been directed to a technique in which, instead of the above silicon semiconductor, an oxide exhibiting semiconductor characteristics (hereinafter referred to as an oxide semiconductor) is used for a transistor.
For example, a technique is disclosed in which a transistor is manufactured using an In—Ga—Zn oxide layer as an oxide semiconductor and the transistor is used as a switching element or the like of a pixel of a display device (see Patent Document 1). | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Tradespersons working at construction sites regularly use portable radios for entertainment and to obtain weather reports. However, these radios lack certain features that would be desirable for such use. Small radios often lack the power desirable for overcoming ambient noise of other workers or to carry the sound over long distances outdoors. Although “boom boxes” may have the desired power output, they lack the ruggedness and splash proofing that is desirable. Other features, such as the convenient use of rechargeable batteries, are missing as well.
The prior art relates to some of these shortcomings. U.S. Pat. No. 4,006,764 of Yamamoto et al. relates to a protection case that can be used to enclose a tape recorder or radio to protect it from water spray or dust without seriously impeding sound transmission. U.S. Pat. No. 4,709,201 of Schaefer et al. discloses a modular battery pack with an on/off switch and contacts arranged for various modes of operation. U.S. Pat. No. 4,225,970 of Jaramillo et al. relates to a splash proof portable two-way data terminal/radio. It describes the use of tongue-in-groove elastomeric gaskets in the housing assembly as well as air-permeable water resistant material to achieve its results.
Other prior art include U.S. Pat. No. 5,572,592 of Muckelrath, which describes a field remote control radio transmitter/receiver which includes a weather resistant enclosure. U.S. Pat. No. 5,164,830 of Kim discloses a radio receiver which integrates a weather channel therein. U.S. Pat. No. 5,091,732 of Mileski and U.S. Pat. No. 4,761,813 of Gammel describe field oriented military radio systems. U.S. Pat. No. 4,961,994 of Cariou describes a waterproof coating material.
Shock-mounts for mounting delicate objects are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,395,619 and 4,395,619, both of Harigai and U.S. Pat. No. 4,586,115 of Zimmerman. Retractable electric cords are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,984,645 of Kresch. Moreover, portable radios are described in general in U.S. Pat. No. 4,913,318 of Forrester. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Heart failure is a growing public health problem in the United States. Currently, five million people suffer from heart failure (1) and despite considerable advances in pharmacological therapy, device technology and heart transplantation, mortality associated with heart failure increased by twenty percent from 1993 to 2003. Nearly one in three adults has hypertension in the United States (47). Seventy four percent who have congestive heart failure have blood pressure higher than 140/90 mmHg (1). The cause of heart failure is predominantly ischemic disease in non African-Americans but is related primarily to hypertension in African-Americans (48). Thus, hypertensive heart failure is still a clinical problem despite advances in anti-hypertensive agents.
Angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARB) are the clinical treatments for patients with heart failure (2). Because many of the signaling events associated with heart failure, including the rennin-angiotensin system, involve activation of protein kinase C (PKC) (3-5), it is of interest to determine whether PKC should be targeted for the development of new therapeutics.
The isozyme εPKC is of particular interest. Several studies report that the level and activity of εPKC increase in cardiac hypertrophy (3, 6). In transgenic mice, overexpression of the active form of εPKC induces eccentric hypertrophy and reduces cardiac functions, leading to heart failure (7, 8). In contrast, selective expression of an εPKC-activating peptide in cardiac myocytes induces concentric hypertrophy with improved cardiac function, while expression of an εPKC-inhibiting fragment results in eccentric hypertrophy and heart failure in a gene dose-dependent manner (9, 10). Finally, mice lacking εPKC have normal cardiac function (11). Thus, conflicting data on the role of εPKC in heart failure have been obtained using genetically manipulated mice and the possible effect of εPKC during heart development further complicates their interpretation. Selective pharmacological agents that regulate εPKC during the transition to heart failure may be better suited to determine the role of εPKC in heart failure.
Isozyme-selective εPKC inhibiting and activating peptides have been previously described (12). These regulators were developed based on the observation that the interaction of each PKC isozyme with its anchoring protein, the receptor for activated C-kinase (RACK), is required for its functions upon activation (13). The εPKC isozyme inhibiting peptide, εV1-2, corresponds to a sequence in the RACK-binding site on this isozyme, and the selective εPKC isozyme activating peptide, ΨεRACK, is derived from a sequence in εPKC that shares homology with its RACK (9, 12). These peptides are linked to membrane permeable peptides, TAT47-57, to enable their effective intracellular delivery (14, 15) and are therefore useful pharmacological tools.
Strategies and treatment methods to alter the progress of heart failure are desired in the art.
The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Alkyl polyglycosides have been known for many years, having been first synthesized in the early 1900 by Emile Fischer. Despite this, the products were of little commercial interest until much later.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,393,203 issued Jul. 12, 1983 to Mao et al, incorporated herein by reference, disclose that long chain fatty alcohols can be removed from alkyl polysaccharide products in thin film evaporators to achieve fatty alcohol levels of less than about 2% without excessive discoloration of the alkyl polysaccharide. This allowed for a more cosmetically acceptable product to be developed that is more surface active. The presence of the free fatty alcohol in the mixture, allows for a more water-soluble product, by removing the water insoluble alcohol.
One of the most significant patents is U.S. Pat. No. 5,003,057 issued Mar. 26, 1991 to McCurry et al incorporated herein by reference, provides for a process for preparing glycosides from a source of saccharide moiety and an alcohol in the presence of a hydrophobic acid catalyst is provided. An example of such a catalyst is dinonylnaphthalenemonosulfonic acid. The use of such catalysts provides a number of process advantages, which includes the reduced production of polar by-products. Preferred glycosides produced by the process are higher alkyl glycosides useful as surfactants.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,598,865 (Lew) discloses the production of higher alkyl (C−8-C25) glycosides from a monosaccharide or source thereof and a higher monohydric alcohol in the presence of a latent solvent (lower alcohols) and an acid catalyst selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, phosphorous acid, toluenesulfonic acid, and boron trifluoride.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,219,656 (Boettner) discloses a process for producing a higher alkyl glycoside by reacting glucose with methanol in the presence of a macroreticular-structured sulfonic acid resin, anhydrous and in the acid form, to produce methyl glycoside which is reacted without isolation with butanol to form butyl glycoside and which in turn is reacted with a higher alcohol to form a surface active higher alkyl glycoside.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,839,319 (Mansfield) discloses a process for producing alkyl glycosides by direct, acid catalyzed reaction of a higher alcohol and a saccharide. The acid catalysts are mineral acids such as hydrochloric and sulfuric, and sulfonic acid exchange resins
The compounds known before the current invention have been primarily used in industrial applications like detergents for dish wash. This is due in part to inherent drying that occurs when these materials are applied to the skin. Many people, one of which is Cognis, have introduced blends of alkyl polyglycosides and traditional surfactants to overcome these limitations. The blending of other alternative surfactants, while demonstrating a long felt need for improvement in the performance of the product, does not address underlying difficulties in the molecule.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,297,290 to Stockberger issued Oct. 27, 1981 teaches that sorbitan fatty acid esters can be prepared by forming anhydro sorbitol (a mixture of sorbitans, isosorbide, and unreacted sorbitol) by acid-catalyzed anhydrization, then reacting the resulting anhydro sorbitol with a fatty acid in the presence of a base at a temperature not exceeding about 215° C. Use of temperatures not over 215° C. results in products having substantially less color than those obtained at higher temperatures. It is these hydrophobic materials that are the raw material for synthesis of the emulsifiers of the present invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,556,653 to LaVay et al issued Jul. 7, 2009 entitled Polymeric silicone alkoxyglyceryl softeners teaches a class of polyesters that are lightly crosslinked polyesters made by reacting alkoxy glyceryl units (linked by the reaction of their hydroxyl groups) to the carboxyl group of dimer acid. As will become clear, lightly crosslinked as used herein relates to reactions in which there is an excess of hydroxyl groups on a molar basis to carboxylic groups on the dimer acid. The polymers and a contribute softness, lubricity and antistatic properties when applied to hair, skin, textile fiber and paper. This patent teaches that dimer acid can be used to crosslink polysorbates to make conditioners. This patent provides conditioners not emulsifiers, and lacks the critical element of alkyl polyglycoside and crosslinker.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,507,399 issued Mar. 24, 2009 to O'Lenick entitled Functionalized polymeric surfactants based upon alkyl polyglycosides teaches a series of multifunctional polyglycosides derivatives that are made by the polymerized by the reaction of 1,3 dichloro isopropanl and polyglycosides, together with a functionalizing agent that contains a sulfate, sulfonate, quaternary nitrogen, or a phosphate group. This patent lacks the critical element of the sorbitan ester to make an emulsifier.
All patents referenced above are incorporated herein by reference. None of the patents referenced above either alone or combination teach or suggest the making of the compounds of the present invention, namely combining the sorbitan ester with the alkylpolyglycoside and the crosslinker. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Many times, users are communicating via email and instant messaging (IM) concurrently. However, present electronic messaging (such as email) systems have become unwieldy when threads of email messages are exchanged between a large number of recipients. An “email thread” is a string of related emails—generally generated through replies or forwards of the emails. These threads of mail messages become difficult to follow and keep track of in a business environment. This leads to confusion and loss of productivity, resulting from email overload.
This limitation is partly due to the asynchronous nature inherent to email systems. Email systems are not a natural fit in this situation. For example, this could lead to one participant's response being out of sequence with other people's responses. This is especially pronounced when the frequency of responses and/or the number of participants responding to the original email increases dramatically over a short period of time.
There is a need for a solution for transforming a thread of mail messages, as described above, into a real-time e-meeting, or IM conversation, with all of the participants.
Instant messaging (IM) is a form of real-time communication between two or more people based upon typed text. The text is conveyed via computers connected over a network such as the Internet. Email is, of course, another form of electronic communication but in a more asynchronous manner in that email messages are generally delivered with a time delay in contrast to IM messages which are delivered relatively instantaneously.
Because people use both types of communication, sometimes at the same time, it would be useful for the two types of electronic communication to collaborate. It would further be useful for an email thread to be aggregated or otherwise collected and displayed on the displays of the recipients in the email thread. Further, it would be useful if the user's inbox was synchronous so that the user could choose a user interface button to invite all participants to review the thread in real time so that any participants who accept would see a synchronized inbox that is limited to the thread in question, but the remaining semantics of the Inbox are left intact (i.e., visualization, commands such as “Reply” and “Forward”, etc). There would be no need to transmit the data within the email since all participants already have it stored locally in their inbox.
Some systems provide ways to trace back from an IM message to an email thread. The chat transcript is then stored back to the email thread. However, they are limited to a one to one mapping only and don't provide any aggregation techniques for abstracting an email thread into one entity and providing it to the thread recipients while keeping the email messages and chat messages distinct.
In view of the foregoing, a need exists to overcome these problems by providing a system and method for a system and method for transforming a thread of email messages into a real-time e-meeting. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Action figure games typically require game boards for play. This can make the portability of the game more difficult.
The present invention is provided to solve this and other problems. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
To fully understand the invention, it is necessary to consider the anatomy and physiology of the sinus system. FIGS. 4-16, which show various steps of methods of the invention, also show important features of sinus anatomy. The maxillary sinus 21 lies lateral to the nasal cavity 38, inferior to the eye orbit 23 and superior to the palate or roof of the mouth. The medial wall of the maxillary sinus forms the lateral nasal wall 44 inferiorly. The frontal sinus 35 (FIG. 16) lies above the orbit and its floor is formed by the frontal bone and is contiguous with part of the orbital roof. The right and left frontal sinuses are divided by the interfrontal septum. The frontal sinus drains into the nasal cavity and its outflow tract is in the inferomedial sinus, which connects to the frontonasal duct 36. Frontonasal duct 36 empties into the nasal cavity through lateral nasal wall 44 under the middle turbinate 20.
The ethmoid sinus is divided into anterior and posterior ethmoid air cells 29 and 31. The ethmoid sinus consists of multiple spaces or cells divided by thin bony septae. The ethmoid sinus is contained in the ethmoid bone. The lateral wall of the ethmoid sinus composes the medial wall of the orbit. The medial wall of the ethmoid sinus composes the lateral wall 44 of the nasal cavity superiorly. Anterior ethmoid air cells 29 drain through lateral nasal wall 44 into the middle meatus 22 beneath middle turbinate 20.
The sphenoid sinus 39 is posterior to the ethmoid sinus 29 and 31. Sphenoid sinus 39 has a lateral wall that is adjacent to the optic nerve, carotid artery, and cavernous sinus. The floor of sphenoid sinus 39 lies above maxillary sinus 21 and pterygopalatine fossa. Lateral nasal wall 44 is partially covered by inferior 46, middle 20, and superior 17 turbinates.
Sinus physiology will now be considered. The mucosa of nasal cavity 38 contains secretory elements (mucosal glands and goblet cells) and a dense ciliary layer. The paranasal sinuses are covered by a similar mucosa, although the secretory cells and cilia may be sparser in the more remote areas of the sinuses. The secretory cells produce a large volume of mucus that is normally actively transported by the cilia (mucociliary transport) in a specific pattern (not a gravity dependant pattern) from the sinus through the opening between the sinus and the nasal cavity (sinus ostium). Cellular debris and bacteria are transported in the mucus from the sinus cavity through the ostium into the nose.
Inflammation of the sinus and nasal mucosa causes hyperemia, lymphatic swelling, stasis in the blood and lymphatic pathways and leads to increased secretion of mucus and reduced mucociliary transport. The inflammation may be caused by allergies, noxious agents, nasal polyps, and other factors. Over time there is a pathologic increase in inflammatory cells, ground substance, and fibers with a permanent disruption of mucociliary transport and lymphatic drainage. An obstruction of the narrow ducts and ostia between the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity develops, resulting in a vicious cycle of increased secretions, edema, and ultimately organized connective tissue and mucosal hyperplasia. Bacteria are not cleared from the sinuses and multiply in the fertile inflammatory environment worsening the chronic sinus inflammation (sinusitis).
Treatment with antibiotics, corticosteroids in nasal sprays or systemically, and antihistamines may result in resolution of sinusitis. However some patients become resistant to medical treatment and surgery becomes necessary.
Modern sinus surgery is usually performed endoscopically and is based on the principle of restoring patency of the sinus ducts and ostia by enlarging the opening and allowing mucociliary clearance of mucus from the sinus into the nose to resume. If mucociliary clearance is re-established, then the inflammatory changes in the sinus mucosa described above will resolve. In classic sinus surgery, an incision was made along the side of the nose in the medial canthus to access the ethmoid or sphenoid sinuses. This incision could be extended to beneath the medial half of the brow to also access the frontal sinus. An incision through the gums above the upper teeth and creation of a large bony opening in the maxilla with excision of large areas of sinus mucosa was used to perform maxillary sinus surgery. A large opening was created through the medial wall of the maxillary sinus into the nose in the inferior meatus (maxillary antrostomy) to allow postoperative drainage of the sinus.
The development of endoscopic sinus surgery allowed sinus surgery to be performed from an intranasal approach, thus eliminating the need for external incisions, the creation of very large bony openings, and reducing morbidity. However, endoscopic sinus surgery requires the excision of large areas of bone and nasal mucosa and has reported complications of blindness from damage to the optic nerve, double vision from damage to the orbit and medial rectus muscle, damage to the nasolacrimal duct resulting in tearing and dacryocstitis, leakage of central nervous system fluid and infection of the brain and meninges, loss of the sense of taste, and pain and neuralgia of the face and scalp, and infection of the skull base.
As shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,021,043 and 5,169,386, I have previously co-invented balloon catheters for use in the lacrimal system. In my application “Transnasal Method and Catheter for Lacrimal System,” filed herewith, I teach that a balloon catheter can be introduced transnasally to treat the lacrimal system.
A review of the prior art shows a number of patents (Katz U.S. Pat. No. 6,027,478; Brennan U.S. Pat. No. 4,883,465; Akiyama U.S. Pat. No. 4,102,342; Payton U.S. Pat. No. 4,338,941; Katz U.S. Pat. No. 5,454,817; Stangerup U.S. Pat. No. 5,546,964 and Shippert U.S. Pat. No. 5,827,224) which teach the use of expandable devices (usually a balloon) into the nasal cavity or sinuses. Most of these are for the treatment of nose bleeds or the control of bleeding.
A number of articles disclose the use of a balloon catheter in sinuses to hold fractured bones in place, stop bleeding by tamponade, prevent fluid from flowing out of the nose into the pharynx, or to maintain a low intranasal air pressure. In one case, a catheter was used to stent a duct after surgery; and the balloon was inflated in the sinus to deep the stent in position. However, there are no teachings in the prior are to use a balloon catheter to create a new opening from a sinus into the nose, to dilate an ostium or duct, or excise a sinus. A balloon was never used to directly treat sinus disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
A capo is a well-known assistance tool, used by a player of a stringed instrument to adjust a tone of the stringed instrument. The capo may be applied onto a plurality of stringed instruments, including a steel-string acoustic guitar, a classical guitar, an electric guitar, a banjo and more, which has a neck and a plurality of strings extending following a direction of the neck. The neck comprises a fingerboard portion next to the strings and a neck back next to the fingerboard. The fingerboard portion comprises slightly raised a plurality of frets on the fingerboard (that is, a front surface of the neck) and extending laterally. During using, the capo clamps the neck and keeps the strings leaning onto the fingerboard, especially onto one of the frets set following the direction of the fingerboard, to adjust a pitch generated by the strings through decreasing an effective length of the string.
Capos currently on market may be generally divided into a plurality of types including a toggle capo, a spring-clamp capo, a screw-on capo and a rolling capo.
The toggle capo (FIG. 1) is generally made by plastics, thus having a relatively worse quality, and easy to get broken.
The spring-clamp capo (FIG. 2) owns a design for easy and convenient use, and it may be operated by a single hand of the player, which owns a stable quality, and a constant flexibility. However, a clamping force of the capo may not be adjusted according to a different situation.
The screw-on capo (FIG. 3) is mainly made of a stainless steel material, the clamping force thereof may be adjusted through a spiral screw, to be loose or tight, however, it requires both hands of the player to operate an adjustment to reach a best usage state.
The rolling capo (FIG. 4) is also called a glider rolling capo. It has a character of being able to change a tune freely in a middle of playing, however, due to it is over flexible, an unstable performance may be leaded.
Therefore, the prior art needs to be improved and developed. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
The present invention relates generally to heating appliances such as toasters or toaster ovens, and more specifically to a shell structure for a heating appliance that includes an open end panel through which components may be inserted during assembly of the heating appliance.
A conventional heating appliance, such as a toaster or toaster oven, generally includes a shell formed from three separate panels. a bottom panel and two end panels. During manufacture of the toaster, these panels, along with a plurality of electrical and mechanical components, are assembled to construct the toaster. FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a conventional toaster 200 with its external case (not shown) removed to illustrate a shell 202. The toaster 200 is described merely as an example of a conventional toaster, and other similar prior art configurations will be understood by those skilled in the art. The shell 202 is formed from a bottom panel 204, a rear end panel 206 and a front end panel 208. Each end panel 206, 208 is attached to the bottom panel 204 through tabs (not shown) that are inserted in respective slots 210, 212 in the bottom panel, as shown for the end panel 208. A first outer heating element 214 and second outer heating element 216 are mounted between the end panels 206, 208, each heating element generating heat to toast food items during operation of the toaster. The heating elements 214, 216 include respective first terminals 217, 219 extending through corresponding apertures in the front end panel 208 and also typically includes a second terminal (not shown) extending through a corresponding aperture (not shown) in the rear end panel 206. Each of the electrical terminals is adapted to receive a respective power signal that is applied to circuitry (not shown) on the heating element 214, 216 to generate heat for toasting food items. To provide added mechanical support for the heating elements 214, 216, a stringer (not shown) is typically attached between the end panels 206, 208 along the top edge of each heating element. A center heating element 218 is positioned between the outer heating elements 214, 216, and generates heat to toast respective food items between the element 218 and the outer heating elements 214, 216. The center heating element 218 also typically includes a terminal 221 extending through an aperture in the front end panel 208 and a terminal (not shown) extending through an aperture (not shown) in the rear end panel 206. None of the electrical terminals 217, 219, 221 contact the front panel 208.
The toaster 200 further includes an outer bread guard 220 positioned inside the end panel 214, and an identical outer bread guard 222 positioned inside the side panel 216. Two inner bread guards 224 and 226 are positioned on both sides of the center heating element 218. Each of the bread guards 220-226 includes a horizontal member 228 and vertical members 230, as shown for the bread guard 220. A first bread cavity 232 is defined between the bread guards 220 and 224, and a second bread cavity 234 is defined between the bread guards 222 and 226. The bread guards 216-222 function to protect bread placed between the bread guards from the heating elements 214-218 during operation of the toaster 200.
A first bread tray (not shown) is contained within the first bread cavity 232 and functions to support a piece of bread as it is lowered into and raised from the bread cavity. A second bread tray (not shown) is similarly positioned within the second bread cavity 234 to support another piece of bread in that bread cavity. Each of the bread trays includes a lever 234 extending through slots 224 and 226, respectively, in the front end panel 208. The levers 234 are pushed down to lower the respective pieces of bread on the bread trays into the bread cavities 232, 234. As the bread trays are pushed down, the outer bread guards 220, 222 move toward the center of the corresponding bread cavity 232, 234, as shown for the bread guard 222. In this way, the bread guards 220-226 position the bread towards the centers of the bread cavities 232 and 234 so that the bread placed on the bread trays is positioned for optimum toasting. The toaster 200 further includes an electronic circuit 236 mounted on the bottom panel 204. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the circuit 236 is typically coupled to the terminals 217-221 and other components of the toaster 200 to control its operation.
During manufacture of the toaster 200, the heating elements 214, 216, and 218, bread guards 220-226, and a plurality of other electrical and mechanical components must be assembled. It is desirable to automate as much of the manufacturing process as possible in order to reduce the cost and increase the reliability of the toaster 200. With the conventional shell 202, however, automating the assembly process is difficult due, in part, to the order in which components must be assembled. For example, as previously described the heating elements 214-218 include respective terminals 217-221 that extend through apertures in the end panels 206, 208. As a result, to position the heating elements 214-218 between the panels 206, 208, one end panel is typically mounted to the bottom panel 204 and then the terminals inserted in the corresponding apertures in that end panel. The terminals at the opposite ends of the elements 214-218 are thereafter inserted in the corresponding apertures in the other end panel 206, 208 and this panel is attached to the bottom panel 204. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, this process is difficult to automate.
In addition to difficulties presented in automating manufacture, the conventional shell 202 is not very sturdy once assembled. This is due primarily to the end panels 206, 208 being fastened to the bottom panel 204 through tabs located at one end. While the end panels 206, 208 could be fastened more securely to the bottom panel 204 to make the shell 202 more sturdy, such as by welding the end panels to the bottom panel, this would increase the cost of manufacturing the toaster 200. Another difficulty presented by the conventional shell 202 is the positioning of the heating elements 214, 216 near the ends of the end panels 206, 208. When the heating elements 214, 216 become hot during operation, a significant amount of heat may be radiated outward away from the cavities 232, 234. This outward radiated heat may heat an external case (not shown) enclosing the shell 202 to an unacceptably high temperature. It is desirable for the external case to have xe2x80x9ccool touchxe2x80x9d sides, meaning that the sides of the case remain cool even during operation. A panel (not shown) may be placed between the heating elements 214, 216 and the external case, but this requires additional labor and parts, which increase the cost of the toaster 200.
There is a need for a shell structure for a heating appliance that is relatively sturdy, enables automated assembly of the toaster, and enables cool-touch sides to be easily constructed.
According to one aspect of the present invention, a shell for a heating appliance includes first and second side panels and front and rear end panels. The front end panel has first and second sub panels and each sub panel has a vertical edge. The vertical edges of the first and second sub panels are spaced apart to form an opening between the vertical edges that allows the insertion of components through the opening during assembly of the heating appliance. Each sub panel includes an aperture extending to the corresponding vertical edge. The aperture is adapted to receive a portion of one of the components that extends beyond an outer surface of the sub panel. Each side panel may include a mounting panel formed at a bottom edge of the side panel, the mounting panel being adapted to receive a portion of one of the components.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a first side heating element is attached on the inside of the first side panel and includes a terminal extending through the aperture in the first sub panel. A second side heating element is attached on the inside of the second side panel and includes a terminal extending through the aperture in the second sub panel. A center heating element is attached to the second end panel between the first and second side heat elements. The center heating element includes a terminal extending through an aperture in the second end panel. Each of the first and second side heating elements and the center heating element operates responsive to a power signal being applied on the corresponding terminal to generate heat.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method of manufacturing a toaster includes providing a shell having first and second side panels and first and second end panels. The first end panel has an opening. A first outer heating element is inserted through the opening and attached to the first side panel. A second outer heating element is inserted through the opening and attached to the second side panel. A center heating element is inserted through the opening and attached to the second end panel. Outer bread guards may also be inserted through the opening, each outer bread guard being attached adjacent a corresponding outer heating element.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, a unitary shell structure for a heating appliance includes first/and second side panels, a rear end panel, and first and second front end panels. All of the panels are integrally formed from a single piece of material, such as, for example, metal. Each of the first and second front end panels has a vertical edge, the vertical edges of the first and second front end panels being spaced apart to form an opening between the vertical edges that allows the insertion of components through the opening during assembly of the heating appliance. Each of the first and second front end panels includes an aperture extending to the corresponding vertical edge, the aperture being adapted to receive a portion of one of the components that extends beyond an outer surface of the front end panel. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field Of The Invention
The field of art to which this invention pertains is that of force applying mechanisms, and more specifically, to a rigid and deformable hydraulic seal particularly adaptable for use in hydraulic brake systems.
2. Description Of The Prior Art
The prior art is replete with automatic brake adjusting and reset devices that progressively advance the retracted position of the piston to compensate for brake wear. Examples of prior art include the inventor's own prior U.S. Pat. No. 3,376,959 which discloses the use of a typical fluid motor utilizing a piston and a rubbing O-ring type seal in addition to a separate automatic brake adjuster mechanism. U.S. Pat. No. 3,403,754 to Barrett et al. again shows the use of a piston rubbing against an elastomeric seal contained in the cylinder housing. Separate bellows-type return and adjustment means are also utilized. While these prior art devices appear to perform satisfactorily in the brake environment for which they were designed, they appear to be structurally complex, costly to manufacture and sometimes difficult to service.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,851,567 to Thompson discloses a brake mechanism that includes an actuator having a pair of spaced end portions, an endless side wall extending between the end portions and at least one inelastically deformable corrugation formed in the side wall that tends to flatten out inelastically when the actuator is forced to extend and thus increase the space between the end portions. However, this thin-walled bellows-like member also utilizes a substantially rigid internal reinforcing member and a layer of elastomeric material in addition to a resilient packing ring. This structure is both structurally and functionally complex. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Turbocharger systems increase the power and efficiency of internal combustion engines by providing the engine with intake fluid at higher than atmospheric pressure. Conventional turbocharger systems include a turbine driven by exhaust energy from the engine, and a compressor driven by the turbine. The compressor pressurizes fluid, previously at or near atmospheric pressure, for travel through a throttle valve and aftercooler and into an engine intake manifold.
Several problems have been experienced with previously known turbocharger configurations. For example, turbochargers generally take some time to gain speed and provide increased pressure when increased power demands are placed on the system. This generally is the result of rotational inertia of the turbocharger. Therefore, when the engine is operating under transient conditions that require a quick increase in power, a delay period occurs while the turbocharger accelerates, preventing the desired instantaneous increase in power. This also holds true when the engine is operating under conditions that require quick decreases in power and pressure.
One solution that has been employed to reduce such time lag is maintaining a reserve of pressurized air (“boost”) upstream of the throttle valve. This reserve of pressurized air may be released when increased power demands require a rapid increase of inlet air pressure. A compressed air recirculation loop is often implemented with the above mentioned solution to prevent the pressure of the reserve air from exceeding a desired threshold, above which the reserve pressure may adversely affect the performance of the engine or even result in engine damage.
An example of a compressed air recirculation loop can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,318,085 (the '085 patent) issued to Torna et al. on Nov. 20, 2001. The compressed air recirculation loop disclosed in the '085 patent is fluidly connected to an air intake of a compressor. In addition, the recirculation loop is fluidly connected to an engine inlet passage downstream of the compressor. The engine inlet passage includes a throttle valve for controlling the flow of air into the engine. Furthermore, a recirculation valve situated within the recirculation loop regulates the flow of pressurized air back to the intake of the compressor. A sensor situated downstream of the throttle valve senses the pressure of air entering the engine, while another sensor, associated with the throttle valve, senses the position of the throttle valve. The recirculation valve is actuated based on the pressure of the air entering the engine and the position of the throttle valve to maintain the pressure of the air entering the engine at a desired pressure.
Although the system disclosed in the '085 patent utilizes a compressed air recirculation loop, its effect on the transient response of the turbocharger may be limited. In particular the '085 system does not sense the boost pressure upstream of the throttle valve. This may allow the actual boost pressure to become less than a desired boost pressure. If the pressure becomes too low, there may not be enough reserve of pressurized air to meet the demands of an increased load acting on the engine.
The disclosed system is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to an exercise device and, in particular, to an improved climbing exercise machine.
2. Description of Relevant Art
Many persons in different levels of physical condition and types of athletic ability desire to improve their overall physical fitness and cardiovascular capability. Prior exercise devices provide a wide range of motions and activities for increasing physical fitness. For example, known exercise devices may strengthen and condition individual muscles or various muscle groups of the user. Prior exercise devices may also exercise the entire body simultaneously to increase the overall physical fitness of the user.
Prior exercise devices frequently simulate different motions such as walking, running and climbing. Climbing is particularly advantageous because it exercises the upper and lower body simultaneously, and it efficiently and effectively exercises all the major muscle groups of the body. Prior climbing devices emulate a climbing motion by having moveable handles and foot pedals which move in a generally predetermined pattern or range of motion. Such known devices typically include a generally vertically extending frame having two elongated reciprocating support members that are interconnected. The interconnection causes the support members to move in opposite directions such that when one support member moves downwardly, the other support member moves upwardly. Attached to each support member is a handle and foot pedal which extend outwardly from the frame member. The handles and foot pedal allows the user to control the movement of the exercise device and simulate the desired climbing motion.
In operation of prior climbing exercise devices, a user grasps the handles and places his or her feet onto the pedals. The user then exercises by pushing down on one pedal with one leg and pulling down with his or her arm on the handle on the same side of the device. This force causes the support member on that side of the exercise device to move downwardly. Because the handle and foot pedal are securely fixed to the elongated support member, the arm and leg of the user move in unison and they are always separated by a constant distance. The arm and leg of the user on the other side of the body moves upwardly because the support members are interconnected such that they move in opposite directions. Thus, while the arm and leg of the user is moving downwardly on one said of the body, the arm and leg on the other side of the body is moving upwardly. When one leg of the user is extended in an almost straight position, the user then pushes down on the opposite pedal and pulls down on the other handle to cause the other support member to begin traveling in a downward direction. This implements a basic climbing motion of the user.
The leg and arm on one side of the body is always moving at the same speed as the leg and arm on the other side of the body, but in opposite directions, because the support members are interconnected by an inelastic flexible member such as a chain. Additionally, the distance traveled by each arm and leg is exactly the same because they are interconnected by the elongated support members. This approach to vertical climbing is commonly referred to as a "homolateral pattern" because the arm and leg on one side of the body are moving in the same direction, and the arm and leg on the opposite side of the body are moving in the opposite direction.
Prior exercise devices include U.S. Pat. No. 5,040,785 issued to Charnitski, the same inventor of the present invention. The Charnitski patent discloses a climbing exercise device wherein the foot pedals and handles move in the same plane. In particular, a right handle and a right foot pedal extend from the right side of an elongated, vertically extending frame. A left handle and a left foot pedal extend from the left side of the frame. The handles and foot pedals are attached to four separate sliding trucks which are movably guided by rollers that move within two parallel tracks located in the frame. The handles are attached to the two upper trucks and the foot pedals are attached to the two lower trucks. The four trucks are interconnected by a chain and the trucks are arranged for side-by-side reciprocating movement in a direction parallel to one another. The handle and foot pedal on each side of the frame moves simultaneously because they are connected by the chain. The handle and foot pedal on one side of the frame also moves simultaneously with the handle and foot pedal on the other side of the frame, but in an opposite direction because the trucks are interconnected by the chain. Thus, the right handle and foot pedal moves in synchronized, unison movement with the left handle and foot pedal.
The Charnitski patent also discloses the chain interconnecting the upper and lower trucks may be crossed through a center opening such that the left handle truck and the right foot pedal truck, and the right handle truck and the left foot pedal truck, are directly connected by the chain. This creates a "cross crawl pattern" climbing exercise wherein the right arm and right leg extend away from one another as the left arm and left leg move towards one another, and vice versa. In this embodiment, the handles and foot pedals stay in the same plane during the entire range of motion, and the speed and distance traveled by each arm and leg of the user is exactly the same because the handles and foot pedals are securely interconnected by the chain.
Prior climbing devices move the arms and legs of the user the same distance in both the homolateral and cross crawl patterns because the handles and foot pedals are directly connected by a chain. Thus, for example, if the handle moves within a range of motion of 20 inches from its uppermost position to its lowermost position, the range of motion for the foot pedal is also 20 inches. This range of motion is the same for both arms and legs of the user because of the interconnecting chain. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
The action of the heart is known to depend on electrical signals within the heart tissue. Occasionally, these electrical signals do not function properly. The maze procedure is a surgical operation for patients with atrial fibrillation that is resistant to medical treatment. In this procedure, incisions are created in the right and left atria to produce an orderly passage of the electrical impulse from the SA node to the atrioventricular node. Blind passageways are also created to suppress reentry cycles. Currently, the lesions may still be created using a traditional cut and sew technique. The scar tissue resulting from the procedure results in a non-conductive lesion.
Ablation of cardiac conduction pathways in the region of tissue where the signals are malfunctioning is now being used to replace the surgical incisions. Ablation is used with other organ tissue, such as the lung, liver, prostate and uterus. Ablation of organic tissue, such as heart, lung or liver tissue, is a technique used in several surgical procedures, for both diagnosis and therapy. In one instance, electrodes at the tips of an electrophysiology ablation device allow the physician to measure electrical signals along the surface of the heart (mapping). In another instance, the physician may also ablate certain tissues using energy (such as radiofrequency energy) conducted to one or more ablation electrodes. Higher levels of energy are used to cut and remove tissue (electrosurgery). Lower levels of energy are used to cause cell damage but leave the structure intact so that electrical pathways are blocked within the tissue.
Sometimes ablation is necessary only at discrete positions along the tissue. This is the case, for example, when ablating accessory pathways, such as in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome or AV nodal reentrant tachycardias. At other times, however, ablation is desired along a line, called linear ablation. This is the case for atrial fibrillation, where the aim is to reduce the total mass of contiguous (electrically connected) atrial tissue below a threshold believed to be critical for sustaining multiple reentrant wavelets. Linear lesions are created between electrically non-conductive anatomic landmarks to reduce the contiguous atrial mass.
Linear ablation is currently accomplished in one of several ways. One way is to position the tip portion of the ablation device so that an ablation electrode is located at one end of the target site. This may be done, for example, with an electrode positioned on a “pen-like” device. Then energy is applied to the electrode to ablate the tissue adjacent to the electrode. The tip portion of the electrode is then slid along the tissue to a new position and then the ablation process is repeated. This is sometimes referred to as the “spot burn” technique. This technique is time-consuming (which is not good for the patient) and requires multiple accurate placements of the electrode (which may be difficult for the physician).
Another way of accomplishing linear ablation is to use an ablation device having a series of spaced-apart band or coil electrodes which, after the electrode portion of the ablation device has been properly positioned, are energized simultaneously or one at a time to create the desired lesion. If the electrodes are close enough together the lesions run together sufficiently to create a continuous linear lesion. While this technique eliminates some of the problems associated with the “spot burn” technique, some repositioning of the ablation device may be required to create an adequately long lesion. In addition, it may be difficult to obtain adequate tissue contact pressure for each electrode in a multi-electrode ablation device.
A variety of devices may be used to ablate tissue. Typically, such devices include a conductive tip, which serves as one electrode in an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit is completed via a grounding electrode that may also be on the device or may be coupled to the patient. By controlling the level of energy transmitted to the ablation electrode, the user is able to control the amount of heat generated for the purposes described above. The ablation site may also be irrigated to cool the electrode and create greater lesion depth.
In order to control the level of energy transmitted, the user must monitor the level of energy being transmitted from the electrode. Typical systems for monitoring ablation energy rely on temperature. A thermocouple element is located within the ablation device, generally near the electrode. This temperature-measuring element effectively measures the temperature of the electrode rather than the tissue being ablated. Particularly when the site is being irrigated with a conductive fluid, the temperature of the tissue may differ to some degree from the temperature of the ablation device.
Additionally, water (from within and around the tissue) is present at the ablation site. The heat required to raise the temperature of liquid water by 1° C. is 1.0 kcal/g. However, due to the unique chemical structure of the water molecule, additional heat is required for water to change phase from the liquid to gaseous phase. If the temperature at the ablation site exceeds 100° C., the water will change phase, boil and may result in an audible “steam pop” within the tissue. This pop may damage and even rupture the tissue. Irrigation cooling of the site shifts the location of the “steam pop” even deeper within the tissue, resulting in even greater damage than a superficial pop.
It has been observed that before a “steam pop”, there is a mechanical vibration within the tissue (suspected to be caused by the phase transition of water, which may create microbubbles within the tissue). This vibration transfers to the ablation device. A sensitive enough instrument and a sensitive enough user may perceive this vibration in time to halt ablation, for example, by turning off the energy being delivered to the ablation device. However, due to such reasons as slow human reaction, vibration damping from the device or vibration damping from the tissue, the user is often not able to halt or modify ablation in time to prevent damage.
Thus a means for sensing this vibration in time to halt or modify ablation would be desirable. In addition, a means of automatically halting ablation or modifying the amount of ablation energy being transmitted when this vibration occurs would also be desirable. Moreover, a means of alerting a user to halt or modify ablation would also be desirable. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Contaminants, such as mercury, may be removed from flue gases and from exhaust emitted from power plants by halogenated activated carbon sorbents and non-carbon sorbents. Methods to make halogenated activated carbon comprise halogenating an activated carbon sorbent and milling the halogenated activated carbon.
Halogens are typically in an aqueous solution during the halogenation process and/or milling process. Aqueous halogen solutions are corrosive and corrode moving parts of mills used to mill halogenated activated carbons. This adversely affects milling operations. For example, corroded mill parts do not function well and repeated replacements and maintenance issues slow down production. The effects on milling operations result in high costs associated with part replacement and time lost to shutting down of production lines for repair or maintenance.
In addition, present methods of making halogenated activated carbon sorbents do not produce uniformly halogenated sorbents. This greatly affects the contaminant removal efficiency of the halogenated sorbents. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
The field of the invention is that of home audiovisual networks of the type used to interconnect a plurality of audio and/or video analog and/or digital type terminals (also called devices) so that they exchange audiovisual signals.
These terminals belong, for example, to the following list of equipment (which is not exhaustive): television receivers (using satellite, RF channels, cable, xDSL and other means), television sets, video tape recorders, scanners, digital video cameras, digital cameras, DVD readers, computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), printers, etc.
The home audiovisual networks are, for example, of the high-bit-rate switched type comprising a small number of nodes, used especially for the real-time exchange of moving pictures for distribution within a dwelling.
The home audiovisual networks according to the invention comprise a plurality of nodes connected by a plurality of physical communication links. These links are for example of the type used for two-way data transfers according to the IEEE 1355 standard.
Audio and/or video terminals communicate with one another through the nodes to which they are connected. The nodes that form the skeleton of the network comprise especially: first interface means enabling the connection, through one or more links (for example according to the IEEE 1355 standard), of one or more other nodes; second interface means used for the connection of one or more analog terminals (namely terminals capable of receiving audiovisual signals in analog form); third interface means used for the connection (for example through a digital bus according to the IEEE 1394 standard) of one or more digital terminals (namely terminals capable of receiving audiovisual signals in digital form).
A home audiovisual network of this kind works as follows: a connection is set up, through a plurality of nodes, between a first terminal (or listener) that seeks to receive audiovisual signals and a second terminal (or talker) that can give it these signals.
Some elements of the terminology used hereinafter in the description shall now be specified.
The first terminal mentioned here above, namely the listener, is called a “destination terminal” and the node to which it is connected is called a “destination node” or “display unit”.
In the case of the second terminal mentioned here above, two cases may be distinguished.
In a first case, this second terminal is integrated into a node called a “source node”. Thus, it is assumed that the source node comprises means for the reception and/or reading of source signals (originating outside the network) and means for the transmission of these source signals, in the form of the above-mentioned audiovisual signals, to the destination node. In other words, the source node receives and/or reads source signals and introduces them into the home audiovisual network in the form of audiovisual signals. In this first case, the (source) node and the second terminal are one and the same.
The present invention can be applied preferably to the case where the source node includes a television receiver (for example in France a “TPS” (registered mark) receiver or “Canal Satellite” (registered mark) receiver). In this case, the source node is also called a “Tuner Unit”. It enables the direct introduction into the network, in digital form (generally encoded in the MPEG2 format) of source signals given by an operator and containing television programs.
In a second case, the second terminal called an “input terminal” is connected to a node called an “input node”. Unlike the first case, the (input) node and the second terminal are not one and the same. The input node does not have means for the reception and/or reading of source signals (originating outside the network). The input node receives audiovisual signals coming from the input terminal and introduces them into the home audiovisual network.
The term “input terminal” is understood to mean for example a camcorder, a digital camera, a digital output DVD reader or any analog device seen through an analog/digital converter.
More specifically, the invention relates a system for the transmission of audiovisual signals comprising several home audiovisual networks as mentioned here above.
The invention has many applications such as, for example, a system for the transmission of audiovisual signals within a building, where each household possesses (at least) one home audiovisual network (which is a private network).
Such a system must enable the sharing of at least one source node (for example a “tuner unit”) by the plurality of home audiovisual networks while, at the same time, complying with the rights of access to the audiovisual signals transmitted by the source node. In other words, each destination or listener terminal should be capable, provided that the user has the necessary authorization, of receiving audiovisual signals transmitted by the source node (through the destination node to which it is connected). Typically, the authorization consists of a subscription by the user with an operator (for example a television provider).
Such a system must also enable exchanges of audiovisual signals between home audiovisual networks. In other words, each listener or destination terminal of a home audiovisual network should be capable of receiving audiovisual signals (through the destination node to which it is connected), audiovisual signals transmitted by an input node (which must not be mistaken for a source node as explained here above).
Here below in the description, the term “pay-contents” is used to describe the audiovisual signals transmitted by a source node (for example a “tuner unit”). Furthermore, the term “user-contents” is used to describe the audiovisual signals transmitted by an input node (which receives audiovisual signals coming from an input terminal, for example a digital camera).
To date, there is no known system having these characteristics (namely source nodes shared by a plurality of home audiovisual networks and exchanges of audiovisual signals between home audiovisual networks).
A system of this kind must also enable the control of the reproduction (copying) and/or the broadcasting of audiovisual signals introduced by the source node or nodes shared by the plurality of home audiovisual networks.
It will be understood, for example, that an operator who supplies source signals containing television programs to a source node would want some (or even all) these programs to be incapable of being copied (i.e. pirated) by a user of the network who has a terminal, in this network, fitted out with means for recording on a data medium.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In a first known mechanism for the protection of audiovisual signals when they are digital type signals, a DTCP format encoding is applied to these signals (see detailed explanation here below with reference to the figures). This first known protection mechanism assumes the presence of DTCP format encoding means at one end and corresponding decoding means at the other end. Now DTCP format encoding or decoding means are very costly at present. It is therefore not possible to consider equipping each node of the network with such means.
In a second known protection means, audiovisual signals, when they are analog type signals, are partially scrambled in order to prevent them from being copied. An anti-copy scrambling of this kind is done for example according to the “Macrovision” (registered mark) standard (see detailed explanation here below with reference to the figures). This second known protection mechanism cannot, at present, be implemented and activated systematically in all the destination nodes of the home audiovisual network to which analog terminals are connected. Indeed, the user should be left with the possibility of copying certain audiovisual signals which are not subjected to any special protection. For example, he is allowed to make a video tape recording of a program broadcast on a public television station.
It can be seen therefore that the two known protection mechanisms described here above (DCTP and “Macrovision”) cannot be used alone or in combination to provide optimum protection to audiovisual signals at an acceptable cost. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to bone cement injection systems, and, in certain embodiments, provide systems and methods for on-demand control of bone cement viscosity for treating vertebral compression fractures and for preventing cement extravasation.
2. Description of the Related Art
Osteoporotic fractures are prevalent in the elderly, with an annual estimate of 1.5 million fractures in the United States alone. These include 750,000 vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) and 250,000 hip fractures. The annual cost of osteoporotic fractures in the United States has been estimated at $13.8 billion. The prevalence of VCFs in women age 50 and older has been estimated at about 26%. The prevalence increases with age, reaching approximately 40% among 80-year-old women. Medical advances aimed at slowing or arresting bone loss from aging have not provided solutions to this problem. Further, the population affected will grow steadily as life expectancy increases. Osteoporosis affects the entire skeleton but most commonly causes fractures in the spine and hip. Spinal or vertebral fractures also cause other serious side effects, with patients suffering from loss of height, deformity and persistent pain which can significantly impair mobility and quality of life. Fracture pain usually lasts 4 to 6 weeks, with intense pain at the fracture site. Chronic pain often occurs when one vertebral level is greatly collapsed or multiple levels are collapsed.
Postmenopausal women are predisposed to fractures, such as in the vertebrae, due to a decrease in bone mineral density that accompanies postmenopausal osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a pathologic state that literally means “porous bones”. Skeletal bones are made up of a thick cortical shell and a strong inner meshwork, or cancellous bone, with collagen, calcium salts, and other minerals. Cancellous bone is similar to a honeycomb, with blood vessels and bone marrow in the spaces. Osteoporosis describes a condition of decreased bone mass that leads to fragile bones which are at an increased risk for fractures. In an osteoporosis bone, the sponge-like cancellous bone has pores or voids that increase in dimension making the bone very fragile. In young, healthy bone tissue, bone breakdown occurs continually as the result of osteoclast activity, but the breakdown is balanced by new bone formation by osteoblasts. In an elderly patient, bone resorption can surpass bone formation thus resulting in deterioration of bone density. Osteoporosis occurs largely without symptoms until a fracture occurs.
Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are recently developed techniques for treating vertebral compression fractures. Percutaneous vertebroplasty was first reported by a French group in 1987 for the treatment of painful hemangiomas. In the 1990's, percutaneous vertebroplasty was extended to indications including osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, traumatic compression fractures, and painful vertebral metastasis. Vertebroplasty is the percutaneous injection of PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) into a fractured vertebral body via a trocar and cannula. The targeted vertebra is identified under fluoroscopy. A needle is introduced into the vertebral body under fluoroscopic control, to allow direct visualization. A bilateral transpedicular (through the pedicle of the vertebra) approach is typical but the procedure can be done unilaterally. The bilateral transpedicular approach allows for more uniform PMMA infill of the vertebra.
In a bilateral approach, approximately 1 to 4 ml of PMMA is used on each side of the vertebra. Since the PMMA needs to be forced into the cancellous bone, the techniques require high pressures and fairly low viscosity cement. Since the cortical bone of the targeted vertebra may have a recent fracture, there is also the potential for PMMA leakage. The PMMA cement contains radiopaque materials so that, when injected under live fluoroscopy, cement localization and leakage can be observed. The visualization of PMMA injection and extravasation are critical to the technique, enabling the physician to terminate PMMA injection when leakage is evident. The cement is injected using syringes to allow the physician manual control of injection pressure.
Kyphoplasty is a modification of percutaneous vertebroplasty. Kyphoplasty involves a preliminary step including the percutaneous placement of an inflatable balloon tamp in the vertebral body. Inflation of the balloon creates a cavity in the bone prior to cement injection. The proponents of percutaneous kyphoplasty have suggested that high pressure balloon-tamp inflation can at least partially restore vertebral body height. In kyphoplasty, some physicians state that PMMA can be injected at a lower pressure into the collapsed vertebra since a cavity exists, when compared to conventional vertebroplasty.
The principal indications for any form of vertebroplasty are osteoporotic vertebral collapse with debilitating pain. Radiography and computed tomography are performed in the days preceding treatment to determine the extent of vertebral collapse, the presence of epidural or foraminal stenosis caused by bone fragment retropulsion, the presence of cortical destruction or fracture and the visibility and degree of involvement of the pedicles.
Leakage of PMMA during vertebroplasty can result in very serious complications, including compression of adjacent structures that may necessitate emergency decompressive surgery. See “Anatomical and Pathological Considerations in Percutaneous Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty: A Reappraisal of the Vertebral Venous System”, Groen, R. et al, Spine Vol. 29, No. 13, pp 1465-1471 2004. Leakage or extravasation of PMMA is a critical issue and can be divided into paravertebral leakage, venous infiltration, epidural leakage, and intradiscal leakage. The exothermic reaction of PMMA carries potential catastrophic consequences if thermal damage extends to the dural sac, cord, and nerve roots. Surgical evacuation of leaked cement in the spinal canal has been reported. It has been found that leakage of PMMA is related to various clinical factors such as the vertebral compression pattern, the extent of the cortical fracture, bone mineral density, the interval from injury to operation, the amount of PMMA injected, and the location of the injector tip. In one recent study, close to 50% of vertebroplasty cases resulted in leakage of PMMA from the vertebral bodies. See Hyun-Woo Do et al, “The Analysis of Polymethylmethacrylate Leakage after Vertebroplasty for Vertebral Body Compression Fractures”, J. of Korean Neurosurg. Soc. Vol. 35, No. 5 (5/2004) pp. 478-82.
Another recent study was directed to the incidence of new VCFs adjacent to the vertebral bodies that were initially treated. Vertebroplasty patients often return with new pain caused by a new vertebral body fracture. Leakage of cement into an adjacent disc space during vertebroplasty increases the risk of a new fracture of adjacent vertebral bodies. See Am. J. Neuroradiol. 2004 February; 25(2):175-80. The study found that about 58% of vertebral bodies adjacent to a disc with cement leakage fractured during the follow-up period compared with about 12% of vertebral bodies adjacent to a disc without cement leakage.
Another life-threatening complication of vertebroplasty is pulmonary embolism. See Bernhard, J. et al, “Asymptomatic diffuse pulmonary embolism caused by acrylic cement: an unusual complication of percutaneous vertebroplasty”, Ann. Rheum. Dis. 2003; 62:85-86. The vapors from PMMA preparation and injection also are cause for concern. See Kirby, B, et al., “Acute bronchospasm due to exposure to polymethylmethacrylate vapors during percutaneous vertebroplasty”, Am. J. Roentgenol. 2003; 180:543-544.
In both higher pressure cement injection (vertebroplasty) and balloon-tamped cementing procedures (kyphoplasty), the methods do not provide for well controlled augmentation of vertebral body height. The direct injection of bone cement simply follows the path of least resistance within the fractured bone. The expansion of a balloon applies also compacting forces along lines of least resistance in the collapsed cancellous bone. Thus, the reduction of a vertebral compression fracture is not optimized or controlled in high pressure balloons as forces of balloon expansion occur in multiple directions.
In a kyphoplasty procedure, the physician often uses very high pressures (e.g., up to about 200 or 300 psi) to inflate the balloon, which may crush and compact cancellous bone. Expansion of the balloon under high pressures close to cortical bone can also fracture the cortical bone, typically the endplates, which can cause regional damage to the cortical bone with the risk of cortical bone necrosis. Such cortical bone damage is highly undesirable as the endplate and adjacent structures provide nutrients for the disc.
Kyphoplasty also does not provide a distraction mechanism capable of 100% vertebral height restoration. Further, the kyphoplasty balloons under very high pressure typically apply forces to vertebral endplates within a central region of the cortical bone that may be weak, rather than distributing forces over the endplate. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a wrench, and more particularly to a wrench having a greater driving strength.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A typical wrench is shown in FIG. 3 and comprises a head portion 41 having an engaging surface 43 formed therein for engaging with an engaging surface 51 of a bolt or a socket 50, normally, the engaging surfaces 43, 51 include a hexagonal cross section, such that, when the socket 50 is engaged with the engaging surface 43 of the head portion 41 and during the driving operations of the wrench, only six points are contacted and engaged between the engaging surfaces 43, 51. Accordingly, after long term of usage, the engaging points of the engaging surface 51 of the socket 50 will be easily damaged.
The present invention has arisen to mitigate and/or obviate the afore-described disadvantages of the conventional wrenches. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Technical Field
The present invention generally relates to detecting the use of software, and more specifically, to the dynamic detection of an intrusive anomalous use of computer software.
2. Description of the Related Art
The literature and media abound with reports of successful violations of computer system security by both external attackers and internal users. These breaches occur through physical attacks, social engineering attacks, and attacks on the system. In a system attack, the intruder subverts or bypasses the security mechanisms of the system in order to gain unauthorized access to the system or to increase current access privileges. These attacks are successful when the attacker is able to cause the system software to execute in a manner that is typically inconsistent with the software specification and thus leads to a breach in security.
Intrusion detection systems monitor some traces of user activity to determine if an intrusion has occurred. The traces of activity can be collated from audit trails or logs, network monitoring or a combination of both. Once the data regarding a relevant aspect of the behavior of the system are collected, the classification stage starts. Intrusion detection classification techniques can be broadly catalogued in the two main groups: misuse intrusion detection, and anomaly intrusion detection. The first type of classification technique searches for occurrences of known attacks having particular signatures, and the second type searches for a departure from normality. Some of the newest intrusion detection tools incorporate both approaches.
Some recent systems have employed dynamic software measurement techniques, but they either make a decision instantaneously (at every measurement), or they aggregate measurements (either by time or by number of observations) and perform analyses on aggregates. Techniques that make a decision at every measurement point should be very fast, because they can potentially be called thousands of times per second. This performance constraint severely limits the detection accuracy of such techniques. On the other hand, techniques that only consider aggregated system behavior can have a significant latency between the time of intrusion and the time of detection due to the aggregation delay.
There remains a need for improved techniques. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device manufacturing system and a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device. In particular, the present invention relates to methods for controlling manufacturing apparatuses, a method for simulating a semiconductor device manufacturing process in which the foregoing methods are used, and a simulation apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
Heretofore, using semiconductor device manufacturing apparatuses, semiconductor devices including DRAMs have been manufactured by repeating substrate step formation, well formation, isolation, transistor formation, bit line formation, capacitor formation, and wiring formation. Such a semiconductor manufacturing process has been constituted by appropriately combining a lithography process, an etching process, heat treatment (oxidation, anneal, diffusion), an ion implantation process, a thin film formation process (CVD, sputtering, deposition), a cleaning process (resist removal, cleaning with solvent), a testing process, and the like.
In general, substrates are carried in and out of processing rooms while the atmospheres of various processing rooms are maintained and controlled, thus conducting processing in the room. In a Know system, measurement testing data obtained by inspecting an in-process or processed substrate is transferred to a central control system, in which the histories of substrates and processing rooms are managed and recorded, and in which self-diagnosis of each processing room and manufacturing apparatus is performed to output appropriate instructions for the manufacturing process written in International Laid open WO96/25760 (from page 36, line 25 to page 37, line 2).
FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of a known semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus 1. The semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus 1 has an oxidation heat element 4 for conducting a hot process, an oxidation heat element controller 2 for controlling this oxidation heat element 4, and an oxide film thickness controller 3 which is connected to the oxidation heat element 4 and the oxidation heat element controller 2 and which performs process control.
This oxide film thickness controller 3 has an oxide film thickness calculation section 6 for calculating an oxide film thickness, and a calculated film thickness judgment section 7 judging or determining a calculated film thickness. When a predetermined semiconductor manufacturing process utilizing a thermochemical reaction is performed, the oxide film thickness controller 3 initiates the semiconductor manufacturing process based on process execution initial settings previously set, measures and analyzes the state of the atmosphere of a predetermined system in which the thermochemical reaction is proceeding and the change in the atmosphere at predetermined time intervals, and transmits this analysis result back to the semiconductor manufacturing process written, in Japanese Patent Laid open No. 2002-299336 (column 11, lines 5 to 48, FIG. 1). | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electrode structure for polymer electrolyte fuel cells, and polymer electrolyte fuel cell using the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
The environmental problems, e.g., global warming, resulting from consumption of fossil fuels are becoming more serious, while oil resources are being depleted. Therefore, fuel cells have been attracting attention as clean power sources for motors, which release no carbon dioxide. They have been extensively developed, and commercialized in some areas. When a fuel cell is mounted in an automobile or the like, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell including a polymer electrolyte membrane is suitably used, because of its capacity to produce a high voltage and large electric current.
As an electrode structures for polymer electrolyte fuel cell, one comprising a pair of electrode catalyst layers composed of a catalyst of platinum or the like supported by a catalyst carrier of carbon black or the like and monolithically formed by an ion-conductive polymer binder, and an ion-conductive polymer electrolyte membrane placed between these electrode catalyst layers in which each electrode catalyst layer is coated with a diffusion layer (see, e.g., by Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-223136). The electrode structure constitutes a polymer electrolyte fuel cell with a separator, which also works as a gas passage, laminated on each of the electrode catalyst layers.
In the polymer electrolyte fuel cell, a reducing gas, e.g., hydrogen or methanol, is introduced into one electrode catalyst layer working as the fuel electrode via the diffusion layer, and an oxidizing gas, e.g., air or oxygen, is introduced into the other electrode catalyst layer working as the oxygen electrode also via the diffusion layer. This structure produces proton from the reducing gas on the fuel electrode by the actions of the catalyst in the electrode catalyst layer. The proton moves towards the electrode catalyst layer on the oxygen electrode side via the polymer electrolyte membrane, to react with the oxidizing gas introduced on the oxygen electrode to produce water in the electrode catalyst layer on the oxygen electrode side by the actions of the catalyst contained in the catalyst layer. Therefore, a current can be produced by connecting the fuel electrode and oxygen electrode to each other by a cable.
For the polymer electrolyte membrane in the electrode structure, perfluoroalkylenesulfonic acid polymer compounds (e.g., Du Pont's Nafion (trade name)) have been widely used. The perfluoroalkylenesulfonic acid polymer compound exhibits good proton conductivity and chemical resistance as a fluorine-based resin, because it is sulfonated.
However, perfluoroalkylenesulfonic acid polymer compound involves some disadvantages. It is very expensive, and low in creep resistance at high temperature and hence difficult to stably retain its shape. Another disadvantage results from its high gas permeability, which may deteriorate its durability, in particular under high temperature/low humidity conditions, because oxygen may cross-leaks from the cathode side to react in the vicinity of the catalyst on the anode side to produce hydrogen peroxide as a by-product, which will accelerate deterioration of the membrane. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to weight lifting machines and devices, more particularly to a self-spotting weight lifting machine where the weightlifter can lift weights until weary and be able to release the weights without dropping them.
2. Description of the Related Art
Weightlifting is well known in the art, and is a recognized Olympic sport. Additionally, weightlifting provides muscular development especially for the upper body and long muscles of the legs. Weightlifting gyms have become very popular places for activity and socializing as physical exercise generally forms a portion of most persons' days.
When lifting weights, much of the muscle development occurs once the muscles have been warmed up, and become weary from the weightlifting activity. This is particularly true for bodybuilders who lift small weights a great number of times in order to achieve better definition of particular muscle groups. Power lifters generally focus upon the amount of weight that they can lift, and also engage in “repetitions” where a weight of a certain amount is lifted a number of times repeatedly.
In most of these activities, barbells or dumbbells are used. Because the weightlifting activity generally brings the weightlifter to the limit of his or her endurance, it is common to have a second person, called a “spotter,” to help the person at the end of the repeated lifting cycle where the weightlifter's endurance begins to fail. The spotter is there to help the weightlifter lift the weight back onto a weight stand (that holds the weight) should the weightlifter be unable to return the weight to the stand. This is an important safety function, as the weight could either drop to the floor or the weightlifter, possibly injuring the weightlifter. The possibility of the latter case can arise when the weightlifter is reclined on a bench and lifting a barbell upwardly in a manner that, due to the weightlifter's reclining position, is directly over the weightlifter. When the weightlifter cannot return the weight to the stand, the barbell then descends by gravity onto the weightlifter. This can be particularly difficult if the barbell should engage the weightlifter's throat or windpipe. Generally, the weightlifter in distress would then turn the barbell to allow it to drop to the floor. However, this is a situation to be avoided, as it shows a lack of control and may injure the equipment as well as third persons.
Consequently, it is a shortcoming present in the art as there are a few, if any, exercise machines or exercise devices that allow the weightlifter to operate on his or her own without demanding the attention and time of a spotter.
There have been previous attempts made in the art with respect to self-spotting weightlifting devices.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,973,050 issued to Santoro on Nov. 27, 1990 for a Pulleyless Weightlifting Apparatus is directed to an apparatus for facilitating free weight exercises so as to prevent injury using barbells or dumbbells. The exercise apparatus 10 has a pair of bases 60, 62 supporting posts 34, 37 containing counterweights 72, 75 that are connected to cables 44, 47 that have connectors at the opposite end for connecting a barbell or dumbbells. The posts have a plurality of apertures for receiving stop pins 8 to limit the travel of the counterweights and also receive hooks 5 for supporting the barbell at a selected location. The weight lifting apparatus allows unrestricted movement of the weight bar or dumbbells, but provides safety to the user, but in a manner differing structurally from the present invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,407,403 issued to Coleman on Apr. 18, 1995 for a Forcer Repetition Assist Device is directed to a mechanical weight lifting partner that can be proprogrammed for operational parameters to allow predetermined weight lifting performance with the training partner being transparent to the user unless parameters are exceeded and assistance is necessary. The apparatus 1 has a vertical unit 92 that contains a control unit 58 containing a microprocessor-based control unit 58 that controls a motor controller that is coupled to a system containing a motor 56, clutch 52, encoder 35, as well as a roller chain drive with sprockets and a cable system. The apparatus is programmed through a keypad 72 so that with a barbell 2 or dumbbells 6, 12 connected to cable 22, exercises can be performed without the apparatus being involved unless the encoder determines that rates are being exceeded, then clutch is engaged and assistance is provided to the weight lifter.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,788,616 issued to Polidi on Aug. 4, 1998 for a Mechanical Weightlifting Machine is directed to a mechanical weight lifting machine that serves as a human spotter. The mechanical spotter 10 has a support frame 18 with a vertical support structure 25. An articulating mechanism 32 is provided that can selectively be used with dumbbells or a barbell. The articulating unit has a counterweight 44 that can be adjusted to balance out the weight of the machine so no resistance is felt by the user in raising or lowering free weights, if desired. Drive motor 60 and a foot control 58 are provided for weight adjustment. Rods 40 are suspended from the articulating unit with lower ends 42 that can be connected to a dumbbell or barbell. The downward swing of the weights are limited by stops 72 and the support frame includes a pair of weight rests 74. The disclosed structure does not allow for pivotal displacement in the horizontal plane.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,897 issued to Olson et al. on Oct. 26, 1999 for a Multi-Purpose, Natural-Motion Exercise Machine is directed to a multipurpose natural motion exercise machine permitting safe free-ranging motion. The machine has handlebars 26 that are supported on a bearing sleeve 20 that rides on horizontal shaft 16. Shaft 16 is coupled to main bearing sleeve 14 that rides on main shaft 12. Vertical bearing sleeve 14 has a weight bar 30 upon which a desired amount of weights are placed. A safety catch 38 is placed on the vertical shaft to limit the downward motion of the handles and a safety catch 36 is installed on the horizontal shaft 16. The user can provide repetitions of weight lifting using natural elliptical motions provided by bearing slides.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,998,723 issued to Santoro on Mar. 12, 1991 for a Cable Suspended Dumbell [sic] and Barbell Weightlifting Apparatus is directed to a cable suspended dumbbell and barbell weightlifting apparatus that provides safety to the user. The exercise apparatus 10 can support dumbbells 54 or a barbell 80 on the end of the two cables 58 that can be adjusted to a pre-selected height by positioning slider assemblies 44, 46 on guide track support members 40 and inserting key stops 32 through holes 60 in the guide track.
It can be seen that the art would be advanced by a self-spotting exercise device that would allow weightlifters to lift weights without risking injury or dropping the weights, as well as requiring the services of a spotter. This would further allow individuals to exercise with weights independently of others, as well as providing a safe means by which to do so. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
The present invention relates to a heat mode imaging element for preparing a lithographic printing plate comprising an IR sensitive top layer.
More specifically the invention is related to a heat mode imaging element for preparing a lithographic printing plate with a better vertical transport.
Lithography is the process of printing from specially prepared surfaces, some areas of which are capable of accepting lithographic ink, whereas other areas, when moistened with water, will not accept the ink. The areas which accept ink form the printing image areas and the ink-rejecting areas form the background areas.
In the art of photolithography, a photographic material is made imagewise receptive to oily or greasy inks in the photo-exposed (negative-working) or in the non-exposed areas (positive-working) on a hydrophilic background.
In the production of common lithographic printing plates, also called surface litho plates or planographic printing plates, a support that has affinity to water or obtains such affinity by chemical treatment is coated with a thin layer of a photosensitive composition. Coatings for that purpose include light-sensitive polymer layers containing diazo compounds, dichromate-sensitized hydrophilic colloids and a large variety of synthetic photopolymers. Particularly diazo-sensitized systems are widely used.
Upon imagewise exposure of the light-sensitive layer the exposed image areas become insoluble and the unexposed areas remain soluble. The plate is then developed with a suitable liquid to remove the diazonium salt or diazo resin in the unexposed areas.
Alternatively, printing plates are known that include a photosensitive coating that upon image-wise exposure is rendered soluble at the exposed areas. Subsequent development then removes the exposed areas. A typical example of such photosensitive coating is a quinone-diazide based coating.
Typically, the above described photographic materials from which the printing plates are made are camera-exposed through a photographic film that contains the image that is to be reproduced in a lithographic printing process. Such method of working is cumbersome and labor intensive. However, on the other hand, the printing plates thus obtained are of superior lithographic quality.
Attempts have thus been made to eliminate the need for a photographic film in the above process and in particular to obtain a printing plate directly from computer data representing the image to be reproduced. However the photosensitive coating is not sensitive enough to be directly exposed with a laser. Therefor it has been proposed to coat a silver halide layer on top of the photosensitive coating. The silver halide may then directly be exposed by means of a laser under the control of a computer. Subsequently, the silver halide layer is developed leaving a silver image on top of the photosensitive coating. That silver image then serves as a mask in an overall exposure of the photosensitive coating. After the overall exposure the silver image is removed and the photosensitive coating is developed. Such method is disclosed in for example JP-A-60-61 752 but has the disadvantage that a complex development and associated developing liquids are needed.
GB-1 492 070 discloses a method wherein a metal layer or a layer containing carbon black is provided on a photosensitive coating. This metal layer is then ablated by means of a laser so that an image mask on the photosensitive layer is obtained. The photosensitive layer is then overall exposed by UV-light through the image mask. After removal of the image mask, the photosensitive layer is developed to obtain a printing plate. This method however still has the disadvantage that the image mask has to be removed prior to development of the photosensitive layer by a cumbersome processing.
Furthermore methods are known for making printing plates involving the use of imaging elements that are heat-sensitive rather than photosensitive. A particular disadvantage of photosensitive imaging elements such as described above for making a printing plate is that they have to be shielded from the light. Furthermore they have a problem of sensitivity in view of the storage stability and they show a lower resolution. The trend towards heat mode printing plate precursors is clearly seen on the market.
For example, Research Disclosure no. 33303 of January 1992 discloses a heat mode imaging element comprising on a support a cross-linked hydrophilic layer containing thermoplastic polymer particles and an infrared absorbing pigment such as e.g. carbon black. By image-wise exposure to an infrared laser, the thermoplastic polymer particles are image-wise coagulated thereby rendering the surface of the imaging element at these areas ink-acceptant without any further development. A disadvantage of this method is that the printing plate obtained is easily damaged since the non-printing areas may become ink accepting when some pressure is applied thereto. Moreover, under critical conditions, the lithographic performance of such a printing plate may be poor and accordingly such printing plate has little lithographic printing latitude.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,708,925 discloses imaging elements including a photosensitive composition comprising an alkali-soluble novolac resin and an onium-salt. This composition may optionally contain an IR-sensitizer. After image-wise exposing said imaging element to UVxe2x80x94visiblexe2x80x94or IR-radiation followed by a development step with an aqueous alkali liquid there is obtained a positive or negative working printing plate. The printing results of a lithographic plate obtained by irradiating and developing said imaging element are poor.
EP-A-625 728 discloses an imaging element comprising a layer which is sensitive to UV- and IR-irradiation and which may be positive or negative working. This layer comprises a resole resin, a novolac resin, a latent Bronsted acid and an IR-absorbing substance. The printing results of a lithographic plate obtained by irradiating and developing said imaging element are poor.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,340,699 is almost identical with EP-A-625 728 but discloses the method for obtaining a negative working IR-laser recording imaging element. The IR-sensitive layer comprises a resole resin, a novolac resin, a latent Bronsted acid and an IR-absorbing substance. The printing results of a lithographic plate obtained by irradiating and developing said imaging element are poor.
Furthermore EP-A-678 380 discloses a method wherein a protective layer is provided on a grained metal support underlying a laser-ablatable surface layer. Upon image-wise exposure the surface layer is fully ablated as well as some parts of the protective layer. The printing plate is then treated with a cleaning solution to remove the residu of the protective layer and thereby exposing the hydrophilic surface layer.
EP-A-823 327 discloses a positive photosensitive composition showing a difference in solubility in an alkali developer as between an exposed portion and a non-exposed portion, which comprises, as components inducing the difference in solubility, (a) a photo-thermal conversion material, and (b) a high molecular compound, of which the solubility in an alkali developer is changeable mainly by a change other than a chemical change.
EP-A-830 941 discloses a heat mode recording material comprising on a flexible support having an oleophilic surface (i) a recording layer containing a light-to-heat converting substance capable of converting radiation into heat and (ii) an oleophobic surface layer, wherein said oleophobic surface layer and said recording layer mazy be the same layer, characterized in that the kinetic coefficient of friction of said material over the other side of said material is not more than 2.6.
FR-A-1 561 957 discloses a metod for recording or reproducing information, characterized in that it comprises the step consistant of exposing, under the form of information, a recording material sensitive to electromagnetic radiation, this recording material comprising at least a recording layer comprising a binder and a liquid and/or a solid dispersed in said binder, the liquid and/or the solid being more hydrophobic than the binder and forming at least partially with the binder , when heated, a compatible mixture, whereof the transparency for light is increased versus the dispersion before heating, this recording material comprising also a compound which can transform light into heat.
EP-A-97 200 588.8 discloses a heat mode imaging element for making lithographic printing plates comprising on a lithographic base having a hydrophilic surface an intermediate layer comprising a polymer, soluble in an aqueous alkaline solution and a top layer that is sensitive to IR-radiation wherein said top layer upon exposure to IR-radiation has a decreased or increased capacity for being penetrated and/or solubilised by an aqueous alkaline solution.
EP-A-97 203 129.8 and EP-A-97 203 132.2 disclose a heat mode imaging element consisting of a lithographic base with a hydrophilic surface and a top layer which top layer is sensitive to IR-radiation, comprises a polymer, soluble in an aqueous alkaline solution and is unpenetrable for an alkaline developer containing SiO2 as silicates.
Said last three heat-mode imaging element have the disadvantage that their vertical transport is not faultless in the production, the confection, in imaging apparatus, in processors and in other plate-manipulation equipment. A solution for said problem would be appreciated.
It is an object of the invention to provide a heat mode imaging element for making a lithographic printing plate with a wide lattitude of development.
It is an object of the invention to provide a heat mode imaging element for making a lithographic printing plate with a high resolution.
It is further an object of the present invention to provide a heat mode imaging element for making a lithographic printing plate with improved vertical transport characteristics.
Further objects of the present invention will become clear from the description hereinafter.
According to the present invention there is provided a heat mode imaging element for making a lithographic printing plate having on a lithographic base with a hydrophilic surface a first layer including a polymer, soluble in an aqueous alkaline solution and a top layer on the same side of the lithographic base as the first layer which top layer is IR-sensitive and unpenetrable for an alkaline developer wherein said first layer and said top layer may be one and the same layer; characterized in that said top layer contains a compound that increases the dynamic friction coefficient of the top layer to between 0.40 and 0.80.
The top layer is also called the second layer.
The dynamic or kinetic coefficient of friction (xcexck) is measured according to the norm ASTM D1894 whereby the heat mode recording materials are so placed that the front side of the materialis in contact with stainless steel. With front side is meant that side of the material in regard to the flexible support that carries the top layer.
A suitable compound which can be used to increases the dynamic friction coefficient to between 0.40 and 0.80 is a copolymer of polytetrafluoroethylene-polyethylene. Other suitable compounds are water insoluble inorganic compound having a three-dimensional structure with siloxane bonds extending three-dimensionally and with silicon atoms bonded to one organic group e.g. a methyl group. Said latter substances are commercially sold under the name of TOSPEARL(trademark) (registered trade name of Toshiba, Japan). Other suitable compounds are silica particles, hydrophobic ceramics, which preferably are mixed with supplementary silica particles or orthosilicates, barium sulphate and silicon-matting particles. The average diameter of said particles is preferably in the range from 0.3 xcexcm to 50 xcexcm. Said compounds are preferably used in an amount between 10 and 800 mg/m2, more preferably in an amount between 20 and 400 mg/m2.
In a first embodiment the first layer and the top layer are different. In said embodiment there is provided a heat mode imaging element for making lithographic printing plates having on a lithographic base with a hydrophilic surface a first layer including a polymer, soluble in an aqueous alkaline solution and a top layer on the same side of the lithographic base as the first layer which top layer is sensitive to IR-radiation and which is unpenetrable for an alkaline developer.
The top layer, in accordance with the present invention comprises an IR-dye or pigment and a binder resin. A mixture of IR-dyes or pigments may be used, but it is preferred to use only one IR-dye or pigment. Preferably said IR-dyes are IR-cyanines dyes. Particularly useful IR-cyanine dyes are cyanines dyes with at least two acid groups, more preferably with at least two sulphonic groups. Still more preferably are cyanines dyes with two indolenine and at least two sulphonic acid groups. Most preferably is compound I with the structure as indicated
Particularly useful IR-absorbing pigments are carbon black, metal carbides, borides, nitrides, carbonitrides, bronze-structured oxides and oxides structurally related to the bronze family but lacking the A component e.g. WO2.9. It is also possible to use conductive polymer dispersion such as polypyrrole or polyaniline-based conductive polymer dispersions. The lithographic performance and in particular the print endurance obtained depends on the heat-sensitivity of the imaging element. In this respect it has been found that carbon black yields very good and favorable results.
The IR-absorbing dyes or pigments are present preferably in an amount between 1 and 99 parts, more preferably between 50 and 95 parts by weight of the total amount of said IR-sensitive top layer.
The top layer may preferably comprise as binder a water insoluble polymer such as a cellulose ester, a copolymer of vinylidene chloride and acrylonitrile, poly(meth)acrylates, polyvinyl chloride, silicone resins, etc. Preferred as binder is nitrocellulose resin.
The total amount of the top layer preferably ranges from 0.05 to 10 g/m2, more preferably from 0.1 to 2 g/m2.
In the top layer a difference in the capacity of being penetrated and/or solubilised by the aqueous alkaline solution is generated upon image-wise exposure for an alkaline developer according to the invention.
In the present invention the said capacity is increased upon image-wise IR exposure to such degree that the imaged parts will be cleaned out during development without solubilising and/or damaging the non-imaged parts.
The development with the aqueous alkaline solution is preferably done within an interval of 5 to 120 seconds.
Between the top layer and the lithographic base the present invention comprises a first layer soluble in an aqueous alkaline developing solution with preferentially a pH between 7.5 and 14. Said layer is preferably contiguous to the top layer but other layers may be present between the top layer and the first layer. The alkali soluble binders used in this layer are preferably hydrophobic binders as used in conventional positive or negative working PS-plates e.g. novolac polymers, polymers containing hydroxystyrene units, carboxy substituted polymers etc. Typical examples of these polymers are descibed in DE-A-4 007 428, DE-A-4 027 301 and DE-A-4 445 820. The hydrophobic binder used in connection with the present invention is further characterised by insolubility in water and partial solubility/swellability in an alkaline solution and/or partial solubility in water when combined with a cosolvent.
Furthermore this aqueous alkali soluble layer is preferably a visible light- and UV-light desensitised layer. Said layer is preferably thermally hardenable. This preferably visible light- and UV-desensitised layer does not comprise photosensitive ingredients such as diazo compounds, photoacids, photoinitiators, quinone diazides, sensitisers etc. which absorb in the wavelength range of 250 nm to 650 nm. In this way a daylight stable printing plate may be obtained.
Said first layer preferably also includes a low molecular acid, preferably a carboxylic acid, still more preferably a benzoic acid, most preferably 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid or a benzophenone.
The ratio between the total amount of low molecular acid or benzophenone and polymer in the first layer preferably ranges from 2:98 to 40:60, more preferably from 5:95 to 20:80. The total amount of said first layer preferably ranges from 0.1 to 10 g/m2, more preferably from 0.3 to 2 g/m2.
In the imaging element according to the present invention, the lithographic base may be an anodised aluminum for all embodiments. A particularly preferred lithographic base is an electrochemically grained and anodised aluminum support. The anodised aluminum support may be treated to improve the hydrophilic properties of its surface. For example, the aluminum support may be silicated by treating its surface with sodium silicate solution at elevated temperature, e.g. 95xc2x0 C. Alternatively, a phosphate treatment may be applied which involves treating the aluminum oxide surface with a phosphate solution that may further contain an inorganic fluoride. Further, the aluminum oxide surface may be rinsed with a citric acid or citrate solution. This treatment may be carried out at room temperature or may be carried out at a slightly elevated temperature of about 30 to 50xc2x0 C. A further interesting treatment involves rinsing the aluminum oxide surface with a bicarbonate solution. Still further, the aluminum oxide surface may be treated with polyvinylphosphonic acid, polyvinylmethylphosphonic acid, phosphoric acid esters of polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylsulphonic acid, polyvinylbenzenesulphonic acid, sulphuric acid esters of polyvinyl alcohol, and acetals of polyvinyl alcohols formed by reaction with a sulphonated aliphatic aldehyde. It is further evident that one or more of these post treatments may be carried out alone or in combination. More detailed descriptions of these treatments are given in GB-A-1 084 070, DE-A-4 423 140, DE-A-4 417 907, EP-A-659 909, EP-A-537 633, DE-A-4 001 466, EP-A-292 801, EP-A-291 760 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,458,005.
According to another mode in connection with the present invention, the lithographic base having a hydrophilic surface comprises a flexible support, such as e.g. paper or plastic film, provided with a cross-linked hydrophilic layer for all embodiments. A particularly suitable cross-linked hydrophilic layer may be obtained from a hydrophilic binder cross-linked with a cross-linking agent such as formaldehyde, glyoxal, polyisocyanate or a hydrolysed tetra-alkylorthosilicate. The latter is particularly preferred.
As hydrophilic binder there may be used hydrophilic (co)polymers such as for example, homopolymers and copolymers of vinyl alcohol, acrylamide, methylol acrylamide, methylol methacrylamide, acrylate acid, methacrylate acid, hydroxyethyl acrylate, hydroxyethyl methacrylate or maleic anhydride/vinylmethylether copolymers. The hydrophilicity of the (co)polymer or (co)polymer mixture used is preferably the same as or higher than the hydrophilicity of polyvinyl acetate hydrolyzed to at least an extent of 60 percent by weight, preferably 80 percent by weight.
The amount of crosslinking agent, in particular of tetraalkyl orthosilicate, is preferably at least 0.2 parts by weight per part by weight of hydrophilic binder, more preferably between 0.5 and 5 parts by weight, most preferably between 1.0 parts by weight and 3 parts by weight.
A cross-linked hydrophilic layer in a lithographic base used in accordance with the present embodiment preferably also contains substances that increase the mechanical strength and the porosity of the layer. For this purpose colloidal silica may be used. The colloidal silica employed may be in the form of any commercially available water-dispersion of colloidal silica for example having an average particle size up to 40 nm, e.g. 20 nm. In addition inert particles of larger size than the colloidal silica may be added e.g. silica prepared according to Stxc3x6ber as described in J. Colloid and Interface Sci., Vol. 26, 1968, pages 62 to 69 or alumina particles or particles having an average diameter of at least 100 nm which are particles of titanium dioxide or other heavy metal oxides. By incorporating these particles the surface of the cross-linked hydrophilic layer is given a uniform rough texture consisting of microscopic hills and valleys, which serve as storage places for water in background areas.
The thickness of a cross-linked hydrophilic layer in a lithographic base in accordance with this embodiment may vary in the range of 0.2 to 25 xcexcm and is preferably 1 to 10 xcexcm.
Particular examples of suitable cross-linked hydrophilic layers for use in accordance with the present invention are disclosed in EP-A-601 240, GB-P-1 419 512, FR-P-2 300 354, U.S. Pat. No. 3,971,660, U.S. Pat. No. 4,284,705 and EP-A-514 490.
As flexible support of a lithographic base in connection with the present embodiment it is particularly preferred to use a plastic film e.g. substrated polyethylene terephthalate film, substrated polyethylene naphthalate film, cellulose acetate film, polystyrene film, polycarbonate film etc . . . The plastic film support may be opaque or transparent.
It is particularly preferred to use a polyester film support to which an adhesion improving layer has been provided. Particularly suitable adhesion improving layers for use in accordance with the present invention comprise a hydrophilic binder and colloidal silica as disclosed in EP-A-619 524, EP-A-620 502 and EP-A-619 525. Preferably, the amount of silica in the adhesion improving layer is between 200 mg per m2 and 750 mg per m2. Further, the ratio of silica to hydrophilic binder is preferably more than 1 and the surface area of the colloidal silica is preferably at least 300 m2 per gram, more preferably at least 500 m2 per gram.
In a second embodiment the first layer and the second layer are the same. In said embodiment there is provided a heat mode imaging element for making lithographic printing plates having on a lithographic base with a hydrophilic surface a top layer which top layer is sensitive to IR-radiation, comprises a polymer, soluble in an aqueous alkaline solution and is unpenetrable for an alkaline developer.
The IR-sensitive layer, in accordance with the present invention comprises an IR-dye or pigment and a polymer, soluble in an aqueous alkaline solution. A mixture of IR-dyes or pigments may be used, but it is preferred to use only one IR-dye or pigment. Suitable IR-dyes and pigments are those mentioned above in the first embodiment of the present invention.
The IR-dyes are present preferably in an amount between 1 and 60 parts, more preferably between 3 and 50 parts by weight of the total amount of said IR-sensitive top layer.
The alkali soluble polymers used in this layer are preferably hydrophobic and ink accepting polymers as used in conventional positive or negative working PS-plates e.g. carboxy substituted polymers etc. More preferably is a phenolic resin such as a hydroxystyrene units containing polymer or a novolac polymer. Most preferred is a novolac polymer. Typical examples of these polymers are descibed in DE-A-4 007 428, DE-A-4 027 301 and DE-A-4 445 820. The hydrophobic polymer used in connection with the present invention is further characterised by insolubility in water and at least partial solubility/swellability in an alkaline solution and/or at least partial solubility in water when combined with a cosolvent.
Furthermore this IR-sensitive layer is preferably a visible light- and UV-light desensitised layer. Still further said layer is preferably thermally hardenable. This preferably visible lightxe2x80x94and UV-light desensitised layer does not comprise photosensitive ingredients such as diazo compounds, photoacids, photoinitiators, quinone diazides, sensitisers etc. which absorb in the wavelength range of 250 nm to 650 nm. In this way a daylight stable printing plate may be obtained.
Said IR-sensitive layer preferably also includes a low molecular acid, more preferably a carboxylic acid, still more preferably a benzoic acid, most preferably 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid or a benzofenone, more preferably trihydroxybenzofenone.
The ratio between the total amount of low molecular acid or benzofenone and polymer in the IR-sensitive layer preferably ranges from 2:98 to 40:60, more preferably from 5:95 to 30:70. The total amount of said IR-sensitive layer preferably ranges from 0.1 to 10 g/m2, more preferably from 0.3 to 2 g/m2.
In the IR-sensitive layer a difference in the capacity of being penetrated and/or solubilised by the alkaline developer is generated upon image-wise exposure for an alkaline developer according to the invention.
To prepare a lithographic plate, the heat-mode imaging element is image-wise exposed and developed.
Image-wise exposure in connection with the present invention is an image-wise scanning exposure involving the use of a laser that operates in the infrared or near-infrared, i.e. wavelength range of 700-1500 nm. Most preferred are laser diodes emitting in the near-infrared. Exposure of the imaging element may be performed with lasers with a short as well as with lasers with a long pixel dwell time. Preferred are lasers with a pixel dwell time between 0.005 xcexcs and 20 xcexcs.
After the image-wise exposure the heat mode imaging element is developed by rinsing it with an aqueous alkaline solution. The aqueous alkaline solutions used in the present invention are those that are used for developing conventional positive working presensitised printing plates, preferably containing SiO2 as silicates and having preferably a pH between 11.5 and 14. Thus the imaged parts of the top layer that were rendered more penetrable for the aqueous alkaline solution upon exposure are cleaned-out whereby a positive working printing plate is obtained.
In the present invention, the composition of the developer used is also very important.
Therefore, to perform development processing stably for a long time period particularly important are qualities such as strength of alkali and the concentration of silicates in the developer. Under such circumstances, the present inventors have found that a rapid high temperature processing can be performed, that the amount of the replenisher to be supplemented is low and that a stable development processing can be performed over a long time period of the order of not less than 3 months without exchanging the developer only when the developer having the foregoing composition is used.
The developers and replenishers for developer used in the invention are preferably aqueous solutions mainly composed of alkali metal silicates and alkali metal hydroxides represented by MOH or their oxyde, represented by M2O, wherein said developer comprises SiO2 and M2O in a molar ratio of 0.5 to 1.5 and a concentration of SiO2 of 0.5 to 5% by weight. As such alkali metal silicates, preferably used are, for instance, sodium silicate, potassium silicate, lithium silicate and sodium metasilicate. On the other hand, as such alkali metal hydroxides, preferred are sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and lithium hydroxide.
The developers used in the invention may simultaneously contain other alkaline agents. Examples of such other alkaline agents include such inorganic alkaline agents as ammonium hydroxide, sodium tertiary phosphate, sodium secondary phosphate, potassium tertiary phosphate, potassium secondary phosphate, ammonium tertiary phosphate, ammonium secondary phosphate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate and ammonium carbonate; and such organic alkaline agents as mono-, di- or triethanolamine, mono-, di- or trimethylamine, mono-, di- or triethylamine, mono- or di- isopropylamine, n-butylamine, mono-, di- or triisopropanolamine, ethyleneimine, ethylenediimine and tetramethylammonium hydroxide.
In the present invention, particularly important is the molar ratio in the developer of [SiO2]/[M2O], which is generally 0.6 to 1.5, preferably 0.7 to 1.3. This is because if the molar ratio is less than 0.6, great scattering of activity is observed, while if it exceeds 1.5, it becomes difficult to perform rapid development and the dissolving out or removal of the light-sensitive layer on non-image areas is liable to be incomplete. In addition, the concentration of SiO2 in the developer and replenisher preferably ranges from 1 to 4% by weight. Such limitation of the concentration of SiO2 makes it possible to stably provide lithographic printing plates having good finishing qualities even when a large amount of plates according to the invention are processed for a long time period.
In a particular preferred embodiment, an aqueous solution of an alkali metal silicate having a molar ratio [SiO2]/[M2O], which ranges from 1.0 to 1.5 and a concentration of SiO2 of 1 to 4% by weight is used as a developer. In such case, it is a matter of course that a replenisher having alkali strength equal to or more than that of the developer is employed. In order to decrease the amount of the replenisher to be supplied, it is advantageous that a molar ratio, [SiO2]/[M2O], of the replenisher is equal to or smaller than that of the developer, or that a concentration of SiO2 is high if the molar ratio of the developer is equal to that of the replenisher.
In the developers and the replenishers used in the invention, it is possible to simultaneously use organic solvents having solubility in water at 20xc2x0 C. of not more than 10% by weight according to need. Examples of such organic solvents are such carboxilic acid esters as ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, butyl acetate, amyl acetate, benzyl acetate, ethylene glycol monobutyl acetate, butyl lactate and butyl levulinate; such ketones as ethyl butyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone and cyclohexanone; such alcohols as ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylene glycol benzyl ether, ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, benzyl alcohol, methylphenylcarbinol, n-amyl alcohol and methylamyl alcohol; such alkyl-substituted aromatic hydrocarbons as xylene; and such halogenated hydrocarbons as methylene dichloride and monochlorobenzene. These organic solvents may be used alone or in combination. Particularly preferred is benzyl alcohol in the invention. These organic solvents are added to the developer or replenisher therefor generally in an amount of not more than 5% by weight and preferably not more than 4% by weight.
The developers and replenishers used in the present invention may simultaneously contain a surfactant for the purpose of improving developing properties thereof. Examples of such surfactants include salts of higher alcohol (C8xcx9cC22) sulfuric acid esters such as sodium salt of lauryl alcohol sulfate, sodium salt of octyl alcohol sulfate, ammonium salt of lauryl alcohol sulfate, TEEPOL B-81(trademark) (trade mark, available from Shell Chemicals Co., Ltd.) and disodium alkyl sulfates; salts of aliphatic alcohol phosphoric acid esters such as sodium salt of cetyl alcohol phosphate; alkyl aryl sulfonic acid salts such as sodium salt of dodecylbenzene sulfonate, sodium salt of isopropylnaphthalene sulfonate,sodium salt of dinaphthalene disulfonate and sodium salt of metanitrobenzene sulfonate; sulfonic acid salts of alkylamides such as C17H33CON(CH3)CH2CH2SO3Na and sulfonic acid salts of dibasic aliphatic acid esters such as sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate and sodium dihexyl sulfosuccinate. These surfactants may be used alone or in combination. Particularly preferred are sulfonic acid salts. These surfactants may be used in an amount of generally not more than 5% by weight and preferably not more than 3% by weight.
In order to enhance developing stability of the developers and replenishers used in the invention, the following compounds may simultaneously be used.
Examples of such compounds are neutral salts such as NaCl, KCl and KBr as disclosed in JN-A-58-75 152; chelating agents such as EDTA and NTA as disclosed in JN-A-58-190 952 (U.S. Pat. No. 4,469,776), complexes such as [Co(NH3)6]Cl3 as disclosed in JN-A-59-121 336 (U.S. Pat. No. 4,606,995); ionizable compounds of elements of the group IIa, IIIa or IIIb of the Periodic Table such as those disclosed in JN-A-55-25 100; anionic or amphoteric surfactants such as sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate and N-tetradecyl-N,N-dihydroxythyl betaine as disclosed in JN-A-50-51 324; tetramethyldecyne diol as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,374-ionic surfactants as disclosed in JN-A-60-213 943; cationic polymers such as methyl chloride quaternary products of p-dimethylaminomethyl polystyrene as disclosed in JN-A-55-95 946; amphoteric polyelectrolytes such as copolymer of vinylbenzyl trimethylammonium chloride and sodium acrylate as disclosed in JN-A-56-142 528; reducing inorganic salts such as sodium sulfite as disclosed in JN-A-57-192 952 (U.S. Pat. No. 4,467,027) and alkaline-soluble mercapto compounds or thioether compounds such as thiosalicylic acid, cysteine and thioglycolic acid; inorganic lithium compounds such as lithium chloride as disclosed in JN-A-58-59 444; organic lithium compounds such as lithium benzoate as disclosed in JN-A-50 34 442; organometallic surfactants containing Si, Ti or the like as disclosed in JN-A-59-75 255; organoboron compounds as disclosed in JN-A-59-84 241 (U.S. Pat. No. 4,500,625); quaternary ammonium salts such as tetraalkylammonium oxides as disclosed in EP-A-101 010; and bactericides such as sodium dehydroacetate as disclosed in JN-A-63-226 657.
In the method for development processing of the present invention, any known means of supplementing a replenisher for developer may be employed. Examples of such methods preferably used are a method for intermittently or continuously supplementing a replenisher as a function of the amount of PS plates processed and time as disclosed in JN-A-55-115 039 (GB-A-2 046 931), a method comprising disposing a sensor for detecting the degree of light-sensitive layer dissolved out in the middle portion of a developing zone and supplementing the replenisher in proportion to the detected degree of the light-sensitive layer dissolved out as disclosed in JN-A-58-95 349 (U.S. Pat. No. 4,537,496); a method comprising determining the impedance value of a developer and processing the detected impedance value by a computer to perform supplementation of a replenisher as disclosed in GB-A-2 208 249.
The printing plate of the present invention can also be used in the printing process as a seamless sleeve printing plate. In this option the printing plate is soldered in a cylindrical form by means of a laser. This cylindrical printing plate which has as diameter the diameter of the print cylinder is slided on the print cylinder instead of applying in a classical way a classically formed printing plate. More details on sleeves are given in xe2x80x9cGrafisch Nieuwsxe2x80x9d ed. Keesing, 15, 1995, page 4 to 6.
After the development of an image-wise exposed imaging element with an aqueous alkaline solution and drying, the obtained plate can be used as a printing plate as such. However, to improve durability it is still possible to bake said plate at a temperature between 200xc2x0 C. and 300xc2x0 C. for a period of 30 seconds to 5 minutes. Also the imaging element can be subjected to an overall post-exposure to UV-radiation to harden the image in order to increase the run lenght of the printing plate. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
The invention relates to a reed contact unit for electric switching functions.
To realize various electric switching functions, notably in the electrical system of an automobile, a plurality of contact elements are used. Their design is normally relatively simple, in order to minimize production costs. Such switching contact elements consist essentially of a contact blank whose base is fixedly molded in plastic. Coincident openings in the base part of the contact blank and in the frame part surrounding it make it possible to fasten the switching contact element to another component. Provided on the base of the contact blank are one or several contact arms extending away from it and formed integral with the base of the contact blank. The contact arms jut out of the base of the contact blank freely and without protection. In the mass production of such switching contact elements, these are placed in bulk into a container; and, the contact arms of the many jumbled contact elements get tangled. This results in bent contact arms, which requires mostly a manual touchup or makes them unusable.
The contact arms are frequently divided in reed contact pairs separated by a clearance, increasing the risk of tangling and bending of the reed contacts or contact arms further. This results in more switching elements being unusable for further assembly.
The reed contacts or contact arms are, prior to their assembly or molding, normally subjected to a bending operation so as to make a sound contact surface available for the mating component. These bends on the reed contacts or contact arms also contribute considerably to the tangling of the switching contact elements or to their being no longer usable.
Therefore, the objective underlying the invention is to create a reed contact unit of the initially named type where bending and damage to the contact arms, notably in the bulk usage of the reed contact unit, are avoided while their handling is improved. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
The present invention relates to a focusing position adjusting mechanism for an interchangeable lens barrel of a type used primarily for single-lens reflex cameras.
A variety of focusing position adjusting mechanisms used in interchangeable lens barrels have been proposed, differing in design according to the type of lens drive systems. In a lens of a type in which focusing adjustment is carried out by adjusting the position of a focusing lens, the lens drive member is composed of a first member including a stopper member for regulating the infinity photographing position and the closest photographing position, and a second member having a helicoid and cam hole for driving the lens. The force of engagement between the first and second member is decreased to change the relative positions thereof in a circumferential direction to thereby adjust the focusing position. After adjustment, the force of engagement is decreased again, and the members are fixed.
When, in the above-described conventional mechanism, the members are fixed after adjustment, the members are deformed slightly, lowered especially in circularity, as a result of which it becomes difficult to smoothly move the focusing lens. In order to eliminate this difficulty, the two drive members must be increased in mechanical strength. Furthermore, in order to minimize the application of a radial load to the members, the structure of the mechanism must be such that the members are tightened thrustwise by a tightening force. Therefore, the conventional mechanism has little degree of freedom in design, and is a cause of the lens barrel being bulky. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
In a system with a storage hierarchy, selected blocks of data from main storage are stored in a local buffer or cache memory for fast access by the processing units or processors. When the processor requests new data, the system first checks the cache memory to determine whether it is available. If the data is available in the cache memory, the data is provided to the processor. In the event the data is not available in the cache memory, the data is retrieved from the main memory, which is on a lower level in the storage hierarchy.
To supply some modern processors with instructions and data for this operation, cache memories are sometimes used which are capable of extremely rapid information retrieval and transmission. Such cache memories are available, usually in the form of Random Access Memories (RAM). Such fast memories, however, are generally on the order of a few thousand bytes. Since only a very few blocks of data can be stored in memories of that size, the main memory is of a larger byte size, but with slower access and retrieval time. The lower level main memory includes larger RAMs with slower retrieval speeds, bubble memories, disc memories of various types and other memories.
Two principles insure that use of a cache memory will be successful. The first principle is spatial locality. When a given program is run, the instructions the program uses and the related data tend to be stored in close proximity with one another. Thus, a relatively small block of instructions and data can perform a large portion of the program. The second principle is temporal locality which states that once a given instruction or set of instructions is accessed, it is likely that it will be accessed again in the near future. Again, this tends to make the accessibility of a small group of instructions and data extremely useful.
A commonly used method to optimize computer operations is to couple a cache memory directly to the central processing unit (CPU) and to couple other larger memories to both the cache memory and the CPU as lower level memories. In this manner, the cache memory can supply the CPU with the data needed at a rate which will allow fast CPU operation. Lower level memories fill data into the cache memory, thereby keeping it full. If a required block of data is not in the cache memory when the CPU requires it, the data block can be obtained from lower level memory. In other words, if a miss to cache memory occurs, the data is obtained from the lower level memory.
A cache memory can be accessed in at least two ways. The first, physical addressing, is when data in the cache memory is accessed using a physical address which specifies the actual location of the data. The second way is virtual addressing in which the data in the cache memory is referenced through a virtual address. In order to retrieve data from a physically addressed cache memory, the virtual addresses must be translated to the physical addresses using a structure called a virtual to physical translation buffer. Both physically and virtually addressed cache memories are in current use in computer design.
The use of virtual addresses for data access from a cache imposes requirements that are not found in physically addressed cache memories. For example, a physical address to virtual cache index translation mechanism (backmap) must be provided. The backmap is used by the physically addressed portion of the system to locate data which is stored in the virtually addressed cache.
Caches work most efficiently when they are as full with data as possible. This is because fewer attempts to find the data in the cache memory will result in misses which require retrieval from the lower level memories. Therefore, it is desirable to minimize flushing of the cache memory to the smallest number of data blocks possible. Refilling of the cache with new data should be done quickly and efficiently.
When data in the cache memory is modified by other devices such as other processors, the data within the cache memory must be invalidated since it is no longer current. Accordingly, a data block in the virtually addressed cache is typically invalidated when it contains the data that is being modified by the devices in the system. Subsequently, when data is filled into the cache memory, a corresponding entry must be provided in the backmap.
Another problem with the use of virtual addressing is the presence of synonyms in the cache memory. Synonyms are data entries with the same physical address but with different virtual addresses. The presence of synonyms disrupts efficient retrieval of data from cache memory. The process of detecting synonyms may be time-consuming and require complicated logic. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field
Exemplary embodiments described herein relate to a fetus modeling method and an image processing apparatus therefor, and more particularly, to a method for generating a fetal shape model by modeling a fetal shape included in a predetermined image and an image processing apparatus therefor.
2. Description of the Related Art
Various medical technologies are used to diagnose a fetal state.
As a representative example, a medical practitioner captures an ultrasound image of a fetus and diagnoses a state of the fetus by using the acquired ultrasound image. An ultrasound system has non-invasive and nondestructive characteristics and thus is widely used in a medical field for obtaining information inside an object. The ultrasound system may provide a high-resolution image of the inside of an object to a medical practitioner in real-time without performing a surgical operation for directly incising and observing the object. Thus, the ultrasound system is widely used to diagnose a state of a fetus.
To diagnose a state of a fetus, visual reading of an image and measurement of biometric data may be used. As medical images for diagnosing a state of a fetus, ultrasound images, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images, three-dimensional camera images, and other suitable types of images may be used.
Measuring biometric data by using a medical image obtained by capturing an image of a fetus is manually achieved by a clinical expert, such as a medical practitioner. Thus, a deviation of a measurement error may increase based on corresponding levels of skills of clinical experts. In addition, due to the manual measurement operation, an examination procedure for diagnosing a state of a fetus cannot be standardized.
Thus, a method for modeling a fetal shape and an image processing apparatus therefor need to be provided in order to reduce a deviation of a measurement error, which may occur due to manual measurement, and to facilitate a convenient diagnosis of a state of a fetus. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Digital video capabilities can be incorporated into a wide range of devices, including digital televisions, digital direct broadcast systems, wireless broadcast systems, personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptop or desktop computers, digital cameras, digital recording devices, digital media players, video gaming devices, video game consoles, cellular or satellite radio telephones, video teleconferencing devices, and the like. Digital video devices implement video compression techniques, such as those described in the standards defined by MPEG-2, MPEG-4, ITU-T H.263, ITU-T H.264/MPEG-4, Part 10, Advanced Video Coding (AVC), the High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) standard presently under development, and extensions of such standards, to transmit, receive and store digital video information more efficiently.
Video compression techniques include spatial prediction and/or temporal prediction to reduce or remove redundancy inherent in video sequences. For block-based video coding, a video frame or slice may be partitioned into blocks. A video frame alternatively may be referred to as a picture. Each block can be further partitioned. Blocks in an intra-coded (I) frame or slice are encoded using spatial prediction with respect to reference samples in neighboring blocks in the same frame or slice. Blocks in an inter-coded (P or B) frame or slice may use spatial prediction with respect to reference samples in neighboring blocks in the same frame or slice or temporal prediction with respect to reference samples in other reference frames. Spatial or temporal prediction results in a predictive block for a block to be coded. Residual data represents pixel differences between the original block to be coded, i.e., the coded block, and the predictive block.
An inter-coded block is encoded according to a motion vector that points to a block of reference samples forming the predictive block, and the residual data indicating the difference between the coded block and the predictive block. An intra-coded block is encoded according to an intra-coding mode and the residual data. For further compression, the residual data may be transformed from the pixel domain to a transform domain, resulting in residual transform coefficients, which then may be quantized. The quantized transform coefficients, initially arranged in a two-dimensional array, may be scanned in a particular order to produce a one-dimensional vector of transform coefficients for entropy coding. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a new cryostat system and, more particularly, to a cryostat system for cooling a surface to which a device to be cooled is attachable, with superfluid helium, without the need to store superfluid helium.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There are many experiments, including some performed in space explorations in which cooling of devices down to very low temperatures on the order of 2.degree.K or less is required for relatively long periods of time. For example, a spacecraft mission for mapping the celestial sphere in the far-infrared has been proposed. For such a mission, the infrared (IR) detector has to be maintained at about 2.degree.K or less for long periods of time, on the order of six months. The cooling medium, generally referred to as the cryogen, which comes to mind for such an application is superfluid helium, often designated as HeII. As is known helium is present in the superfluid state at the temperature of its .lambda.-point which is 2.18.degree.K and below. Thus, from a temperature point of view HeII is a very desirable cryogen for temperatures of 2.18.degree.K and less, such as 2.degree.K or less.
One well known property of superfluid helium is that it flows through the smallest crack or flaw in metal structures, making its storage for use over extended periods most difficult. Also, very little is known about its behavior in the zero gravity environment of space. It is however believed that the problem of storing it in large quantities in space will be compounded by its superfluidity. For space exploration the superfluid helium will have to be stored in a tank generally referred to as a dewar which will be surrounded by a vacuum shield to minimize the increase in the helium temperature due to heat radiation. The large quantity of superfluid helium would tend to slosh around in the dewar thereby making accurate attitude controls of the spacecraft most difficult. Also the superfluid helium would tend to flow through the smallest flaws in the dewar into the vacuum shield thereby affecting the vacuum which will in turn reduce the shielding of the dewar from radiated heat.
Thus, a need exists for a cryostat system to cool one or more objects to very low temperatures on the order of 2.degree.K or less without having to store a large quantity of superfluid helium. A further desirable feature of the cryostat system is to be able to store a large quantity of helium, in other than the superfluid state, to cool different objects located at different locations on a spacecraft to the same or different controllable temperatures on the order of 2.degree.K or less over an extended period of time and to make maximum efficient use of the helium for other than object-cooling purposes. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a solid-state image taking apparatus which can be used as, for example, a television camera.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Typical CCD (charge-coupled device) image sensors have a two-dimensional array of photodiodes corresponding to pixels respectively. Each of the photodiodes generates signal charges in response to light applied thereto. The amount of signal charges generated by the photodiode varies as a function of the intensity of the applied light. Each of the photodiodes is saturated when the intensity of the applied light exceeds a given level. The dynamic range of such a CCD image sensor is determined by the saturation of the photodiodes. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
There is a disparity between the recommended location of loudspeakers for an audio reproduction system and the locations of loudspeakers that are practically possible in a given environment. Restrictions on loudspeaker placement in a domestic environment typically occur due to room shape and furniture arrangement. In an automotive environment, loudspeaker placement is usually determined by availability of space rather than optimised listening. Consequently, it may be desirable to modify signals from a pre-recorded media in order to improve on the staging and imaging characteristics of a system that has been configured incorrectly.
There is an increasing number of audio formats employing a number of different channel configurations. Until recently, only one-channel and two-channel media were available to consumers. However, the introduction of distribution media such as DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, and Super-Audio CD has made multichannel audio commonplace in domestic and automotive systems. This has meant, in many cases that there is a mismatch between the number of loudspeakers in a listening environment and the number of channels in the media. For example, it frequently occurs that a listener has only two loudspeakers but 5 channels of audio on a medium. The converse case also exists where it is desirable to play two-channel program material distributed over more than two loudspeakers. Consequently algorithms are constantly being developed in order to adapt media from one format to another. Downmix algorithms reduce the number of audio channels and upmix algorithms increase the number.
Standard recommendations for domestic and automotive sound reproduction systems state that all loudspeakers should not only be placed correctly but have matched characteristics (i.e. ITU-R BS-775). However, in typical situations, this ideal requirement is rarely met. For example, in a domestic environment, it is often the case that the built-in audio system of a television is used for the centre channel of a surround sound system. This speaker rarely matches the larger, exterior loudspeakers used for the front left and right channels. In addition, it is typical for the surround speakers to be smaller as well. Consequently, the audio signals produced by these different loudspeakers differ too much for a cohesive sound field to be created in the listening environment. Therefore, it is desirable that these differences be minimised in order to give the impression of matched loudspeaker characteristics.
The tuning of high-end automotive audio systems is increasingly concentrating on the imaging characteristics and “sound staging.” It is a challenge to achieve staging similar to that intended by the recording engineer (as is possible in a domestic situation) due to the locations of the various loudspeakers in the car. It is therefore desirable that an automatic method of choosing delay and gain parameters for the various loudspeaker drivers in an automotive environment be developed to provide a “starting point” for tuning of the car's playback system. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the packaging of electronic components. More particularly, the present invention relates to a stacked electronic component package and method for fabricating the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
To reduce the size of electronic component packages, electronic components such as semiconductor dies were stacked one upon another within a stacked electronic component package. To space the upper electronic component above the lower bond wires connected to the bond pads of the lower electronic component, a spacer was used.
The spacer was mounted to the upper surface of the lower electronic component inward of the bond pads on the upper surface of the lower electronic component. The lower bond wires were connected to the bond pads on the upper surface of the lower electronic component. The lower surface of the upper electronic component was mounted to the spacer, which spaced the lower surface of the upper electronic component away from the upper surface of the lower electronic component and the lower bond wires.
A spacer made of silicon, i.e., a silicon spacer, was used. As a silicon spacer is nonadhesive, use of the silicon spacer required an upper and lower adhesive. The lower adhesive mounted the lower surface of the silicon spacer to the upper surface of the lower electronic component inward of the bond pads of the lower electronic component. The upper adhesive, e.g., a film adhesive, was applied to the entire lower surface of the upper electronic component. The upper electronic component having the upper adhesive applied to the entire lower surface of the upper electronic component was then mounted to the silicon spacer.
An alternative to the silicon spacer was a double-sided film spacer. A double-sided film spacer had adhesive on both the upper and lower surfaces of the double-sided film spacer. This allowed the double-sided film spacer to be mounted directly to the upper surface of the lower electronic component inward of the bond pads of the lower electronic component and the upper electronic component to be directly mounted to the double-sided film spacer with or without the application of additional adhesives. This simplified manufacturing resulting in a lower manufacturing cost of the stacked electronic component package. Further, a double-sided film spacer was less expensive than a silicon spacer again resulting in a lower manufacturing cost of the stacked electronic component package.
One problem associated with both the silicon spacer and the double-sided film spacer was that the spacer was mounted directly to the upper surface of the lower electronic component inward of the bond pads of the lower electronic component. Accordingly, the upper electronic component was unsupported above the bond pads and bond wires of the lower electronic component. This increased the stress on the upper electronic component, e.g., during wirebonding, and thus increased the chance of cracking the upper electronic component. Further, both the silicon spacer and the double-sided film spacer were relatively thick resulting in a relatively tall stacked electronic component package. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
U.S. Pat. No. 3,685,345 issued in 1972 to H. L. Wise describes a soil-gas sampling device and method therefor. The Wise device requires that a bore be drilled in the ground, and thereafter it be sealingly plugged with a suitable cover, to prevent air infiltration in the bore. An inlet pipe and an outlet sampling pipe extend through the cover into the ground bore, both pipes being connected to a pump. A circulation fluid (or fluid vector) is pumped through the inlet pipe, so that it comes into repetitive contacts with the bottom portion of the surrounding earth formation. The outlet pipe recovers an equal amount of fluid, and concentration data concerning a selected fluid may be acquired from the outlet fluid thus retrieved, by known means.
Wise teaches that the relevant information concerning the soil condition will be obtained when the rate of change of the concentration of the selected fluid repetitively exposed is low relative to its rate of change in the early stages of the fluid circulation. Thus, Wise offers a method for testing soil in which the concentration of the fluid in the earth formation is evaluated by means of a fluid vector.
An important disadvantage of the Wise method is that a bore has to be drilled into the ground for the testing to be accomplished. This step prolongs the whole operation significantly, and the total boring time may become very significant where many fluid concentration readings have to be accomplished in a single site. Moreover, if the site would have to be tested deeper into the soil, then the boring operation would become proportionally longer.
Another important disadvantage of the Wise method is that the results obtained thereby give the concentration of the selected fluid in the soil. This is disadvantageous especially if the Wise method was to be used to evalutate a soil contaminated by an hydrocarbon or a chlorinated solvent. The concentration of a selected fluid in the soil does not necessarily give a direct relationship with the concentration of the contaminant in the area. Fluid contaminants migrate in porous soil, which can lead to erroneous positive contamination results. This migration is influenced by many parameters such as the nature of the soil (its porosity, organic content, moisture content, . . . ) and the nature of the contaminant. Indeed, the relative presence in a sample of the volatile or gazeous contaminant does not necessarily indicate its proximity to the pollution since migration can and does occur. The spreading or extension of the contamination near underground fuel supply tanks, for example, cannot be determined efficiently by the Wise method, which will provide the concentration of the vapor or gazeous contaminant fluid in the soil by means of the circulation of its vector fluid. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Human embryonic stem (ES) cells are pluripotent cells derived from the inner cell mass of pre-implantation embryos (Thomson, J. A., et al., Science 282:1145-1147, 1998). Similar to mouse ES cells, they can be expanded to large numbers while maintaining their potential to differentiate into various somatic cell types of all three germ layers (Thomson, J. A., et al., supra, 1998; Reubinoff, B. E., et al., Nat. Biotech. 18:399, 2000; Thomson, J. A. and Odorico, J. S., Trends Biotech 18:53-57, 2000; Amit, M., et al., Dev. Biol. 227:271-278, 2000). The in vitro differentiation of ES cells provides new perspectives for studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms of early development and the generation of donor cells for transplantation therapies. Indeed, mouse ES cells have been found to differentiate in vitro to many clinically relevant cell types, including hematopoietic cells (Wiles, M. V. and Keller, G., Development 111:259-267, 1991), cardiomyocytes (Klug, M. G., et al., J. Clin. Invest. 98:216-224, 1996), insulin-secreting cells (Soria, B., et al., Diabetes 49:157-162, 2000), and neurons and glia (Bain, G., et al., Dev. Biol. 168:342-357, 1995; Okabe, S., et al., Mech. Dev. 59:89-102, 1996; Mujtaba, T., et al., Dev. Biol. 214:113-127, 1999; Brustle, O., et al., Science 285:754-756, 1999). Following transplantation into the rodent central nervous system (CNS), ES cell-derived neural precursors have been shown to integrate into the host tissue and, in some cases, yield functional improvement (McDonald, J. W., et al., Nat. Med. 5:1410-1412, 1999). A clinical application of human ES cells would require the generation of highly purified donor cells for specific tissues and organs.
Needed in the art is a simple, yet efficient, strategy for the isolation of transplantable neural and motor neuron precursors from differentiating human ES cell cultures. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Flexible polyurethane foams are resin parts having excellent rebound properties and are widely used as seat cushions or the like in vehicles such as automobiles.
Vehicle seat cushions are required to have excellent durability and small changes in cushion elasticity, hardness and thickness after a long term of use. The vehicle seats also require appropriate hardness and elasticity to provide comfortable sitting (static comfort) and vibration absorbing properties to reduce vibrations from the road and to achieve comfortable ride (dynamic comfort). These properties of the vehicle seats are closely associated to the fatigue in long drive and significantly affect human safety.
On the other hand, from the viewpoint of the reduction of environmental load, there have been demands for plant-derived resins from plant resources as alternatives for the petroleum-derived resins from petroleum resources. Plants grow by photosynthesis absorbing CO2 in the atmosphere. The plant-derived resins obtained from such plant materials are therefore carbon neutral. In detail, the CO2 emissions by combustion of these resins are not added to the CO2 amount in the air. The plant-derived resins are therefore attractive materials that can contribute to the reduction of environmental load. Further, the prevention of the depletion of limited petroleum resources will increase its importance in the future, and active use of plant resources will be very effective means for that purpose.
Patent Literatures 1 and 2 propose flexible polyurethane foams used in vehicle seat cushions that are produced from plant resources such as starch, molasses, rice bran and castor oil.
However, existing polyurethane foams from plant resources generally do not have appropriate hardness, impact resilience and durability with good balance. In particular, producing foams having high impact resilience is difficult.
Patent Literature 3 then discloses a plant-derived polyurethane foaming composition comprising a combination of a plant-derived polyol and a low-monool polyol, and a polyurethane foam as a vehicle seat cushion material that has appropriate impact resilience, hardness and durability with good balance.
However, the impact resilience of the polyurethane foams according to Patent Literature 3 is as low as about 60%, and cushioning properties and touch are still unsatisfactory. Further improvements are necessary to meet market demands for vehicle seat comfort. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Factor VIII (“FVIII”) is a blood plasma glycoprotein of about 280 kDa molecular mass. It is involved in the cascade of coagulation reactions that lead to blood clotting. The most common bleeding disorder is caused by a deficiency of functional Factor VIII, called haemophilia A. It is treated with replacement of Factor VIII, either plasma derived or recombinant. Factor VIII is used for acute and prophylactic treatment of bleedings in haemophilia A patients.
The amino acid sequence of Factor VIII is organized into three structural domains: a triplicated A domain of 330 amino acids, a single B domain of 980 amino acids, and a duplicated C domain of 150 amino acids. The B domain has no homology to other proteins and provides 18 of the 25 potential asparagine(N)-linked glycosylation sites of this protein. The B domain has apparently no function in coagulation. B-domain deleted Factor VIII molecules have unchanged procoagulant activity compared to full-length Factor VIII. Some recombinant Factor VIII (rFVIII) preparations are B-domain deleted.
In plasma, Factor VIII is stabilized by association with Von Willebrand Factor protein (“vWF”), which appears to inhibit clearance of Factor VIII e.g. by proteolysis or receptor-mediated clearance via the LRP-receptor. In circulation, Von Willebrand Factor is present in a 50-fold molar excess relative to Factor VIII under normal physiological conditions.
Von Willebrand Factor is a multimeric adhesive glycoprotein present in the plasma of mammals, which has multiple physiological functions. During primary hemostasis, Von Willebrand Factor acts as a mediator between specific receptors on the platelet surface and components of the extracellular matrix such as collagen. Moreover, Von Willebrand Factor serves as a carrier and stabilizing protein for procoagulant Factor VIII. Von Willebrand Factor is synthesized in endothelial cells and megakaryocytes as a 2813 amino acid precursor molecule. The precursor polypeptide, pre-pro-Von Willebrand Factor, consists of a 22-residue signal peptide, a 741-residue pro-peptide and the 2050-residue polypeptide found in mature plasma Von Willebrand Factor (Fischer et al., FEBS Lett. 351: 345-348, 1994). Upon secretion into plasma, Von Willebrand Factor circulates in the form of various species with different molecular sizes. These Von Willebrand Factor molecules consist of oligo- and multimers of the mature subunit of 2050 amino acid residues. Von Willebrand Factor can be usually found in plasma as multimers ranging in size approximately from 500 to 20.000 kDa (Furlan, Ann Hematol. 1996 June; 72(6):341-8).
The average in vivo half-life of human Factor VIII in the human circulation is approximately 12 hours. Von Willebrand Factor might decrease possible immunoreactions against Factor VIII when in complex with Factor VIII by shielding FVIII from known potential inhibitor antibody sites on the heavy chain (A2 domain) and the light chain (A3/C2 domain) (Ragni, 3 Thromb. Haemost. 10: 2324-2327, 2012) or on other potential antibody inhibitor sites on the Factor VIII molecule.
A further bleeding disorder in humans is Von Willebrand's disease (vWD). Depending on the severity of the bleeding symptoms, vWD can be treated by replacement therapy with concentrates containing Von Willebrand Factor, in general derived from plasma but recombinant Von Willebrand Factor also is under development. Von Willebrand Factor is known to stabilize Factor VIII in vivo and, thus, plays a crucial role to regulate plasma levels of Factor VIII and as a consequence is a central factor to control primary and secondary haemostasis.
Until today, the standard treatment of Haemophilia A and vWD involves frequent intravenous infusions of preparations of Factor VIII and Factor VIII/Von Willebrand Factor concentrates. These replacement therapies are generally effective, however, for example in severe haemophilia A patients undergoing prophylactic treatment Factor VIII has to be administered intravenously (i.v.) about 3 times per week due to the short plasma half life of Factor VIII of about 12 hours. Already by achieving Factor VIII levels above 1% of normal human plasma corresponding to a raise of Factor VIII levels by 0.01 U/ml, severe haemophilia A is turned into moderate haemophilia A. In prophylactic therapy, the dosing regime is designed such that the levels of Factor VIII activity do not fall below levels of 2-3% of the Factor VIII activity of non-haemophiliacs.
The administration of a Factor VIII via intravenous administration (i.v.) is cumbersome, associated with pain and entails the risk of an infection especially as this is mostly done in home treatment by the patients themselves or by the parents of children being diagnosed for haemophilia A. In addition, frequent intravenous injections inevitably result in scar formation, interfering with future infusions. Still, i.v. treatment might be needed in emergency situation or surgery, i.e. when a high Factor VIII-level is needed immediately.
Subcutaneous administration (s.c.) has been proposed for Factor VIII, e.g. in WO 95/01804 A1 and WO 95/026750 A1. However, very high doses of Factor VIII had to be administered to achieve an acceptable bioavailability.
Another approach to improve the bioavailability upon non-intravenous administration has been to use albumin-fused Factor VIII (WO 2011/020866 A2).
WO 2013/057167 A1 proposes to administer Factor VIII in combination with sulphated glycosaminoglycans via non-intravenous administration, optionally together with Von Willebrand Factor.
WO 2008/151817 A1 describes the general use of uncleaved Von Willebrand Factor multimers for stabilisation of Factor VIII, plasma derived or recombinant (full-length and deletion mutants) intended for extravascular treatment.
WO 2013/160005 A1 describes the general use of recombinant Von Willebrand Factor or recombinant Von Willebrand Factor-fragments to improve bioavailability after s.c. treatment for very specific Factor VIII molecules, wherein the said Factor VIII molecules comprise a truncated B domain at a size of 100-400 amino acids. According to WO 2013/160005 A1 Factor VIII molecules with truncated B domains between 100 and 400 amino acids have a higher Factor VIII bioavailability compared to Factor VIII having the entire B domain or B domain truncated Factor VIII molecules having no or only a few amino acids.
There is still a need for Factor VIII preparations showing improved bioavailability, stability and/or lower risk for antibody generation thereby avoiding drawbacks of prior art.
It is the object of the present invention to provide alternative Factor VIII preparations. Preferably, these preparations should show improved stability, improved bioavailability and/or reduced risk for immunological reactions.
In one embodiment, this object is achieved by a composition comprising a complex of Factor VIII and one or more Von Willebrand Factor peptides, wherein the Von Willebrand Factor peptides comprise at least the amino acids 764 to 1035 and 1691 to 1905 of SEQ ID No. 1 but not amino acids 2255 to 2645 of SEQ ID NO 1.
According to the present invention, a Factor VIII preparation comprising Von Willebrand Factor peptides is provided. Factor VIII form a complex with the comprising Von Willebrand Factor peptides.
Factor VIII as used herein covers full-length Factor VIII, B domain deleted Factor VIII or a Factor VIII wherein the B domain has been replaced by an artificial linker or a fragment of the natural B domain or a combination of both, i.e. the B-domain has a different size compared to full-length Factor VIII. It also covers Factor VIII with a limited number of modifications having insertion, deletion or substitutions, especially Factor VIII adapted to haplotypes as described in K. R. Viel, et al. New England J Med 2009; 360:1618-1627. Preferably, the sequence homology to Factor VIII (as defined in amino acids 20-2351 of P00451 of SwissProt Jul. 21, 1986) but disregarding the homology in the B-Domain of 99% according to FASTA as implemented in FASTA version 36, based on W. R. Pearson (1996) “Effective protein sequence comparison” Meth. Enzymol. 266:227-258. In other words, when calculating a sequence homology, the B-domain is not included in the comparison of both proteins. Also covered is modified Factor VIII, like HES-Factor VIII or PEG Factor VIII or Factor VIII Fc fusion proteins and Factor VIII albumin fusion proteins as described in Oldenburg, Haemophilia (2014), 20 (Suppl. 4), 23-28.
The Factor VIII of the present invention may be plasma derived or recombinant Factor VIII. When recombinant Factor VIII is used, it is preferably expressed in a human cell line to mimic human glycosylation pattern (Casademunt, Eur J Haematol. 2012; 89:165-76) or as described in WO 2010/020690.
Von Willebrand Factor peptides as used herein are peptides comprising at least amino acids 764 to 1035 of SEQ ID No. 1 and 1691 to 1905 of SEQ ID No. 1 in a single amino acid chain. These amino acids may be part of a longer sequence comprising both of these sequences together. In other words, the Von Willebrand peptides of the invention comprise both SEQ ID No. 5 and SEQ ID No. 6. They may comprise further parts of Von Willebrand Factor, excluding all the amino acids 2255 to 2645 (SEQ ID No. 7). The Von Willebrand peptides may comprise other sequences that are part of SEQ ID No. 1 or sequences that are not part of SEQ ID No. 1, e.g. amino acid linkers or the like. Preferably, the total amount of amino acids that are not part of SEQ ID No. 1 is not more than 50, not more than 20 or not more than 10 amino acids.
One important aspect of the invention is that amino acids 2255 to 2645 of SEQ ID No. 1 are not part of the Von Willebrand Factor peptides. In other words, the Von Willebrand Factor peptides do not comprise any sequence that has at least 90% homology to SEQ ID No. 7 according to FASTA, described below.
SEQ ID No. 1 is sequence P04275 of Swiss Prot database as of Jan. 11, 2011.
The Von Willebrand Factor peptides in the composition of the present invention may be peptides having the same sequence or may be a mixture of peptides having sequences as defined above.
Typically a molecular ratio of Factor VIII and Von Willebrand Factor peptides will be between 1:1 and 1:20, preferably 1:2 to 1:10. If the Von Willebrand factor peptides are in the form of dimers or multimers, the molecular ratio is calculated on a single amino acid chain, i.e. a complex of a Factor VIII molecule with a dimer of Von Willebrand factor peptides will have a ratio of 1:2.
A complex, as used herein refers to a non-covalent binding of Factor VIII to one or more Von Willebrand Factor peptides.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the Von Willebrand Factor peptides are fragments of Von Willebrand Factor, i.e. N-terminal and/or C-terminal truncated forms of Von Willebrand Factor.
In one embodiment, the fragments comprise amino acids 764 to 1905 of SEQ ID No. 1.
A further embodiment of the invention is a composition comprising a complex of Factor VIII and one or more Von Willebrand Factor peptides that are fragments of Von Willebrand Factor and have an amino acid sequence that corresponds to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO 1 starting form amino acid 764 and ending between amino acid 1905 and 2153 with up to 20, or up to 10 modifications selected from amino acid deletions, amino acid insertions or amino acid substitutions.
Preferred Von Willebrand Factor peptides are:
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1905 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1906 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1907 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1908 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1909 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1910 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1911 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1912 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1913 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1914 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1915 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1916 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1917 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1918 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1919 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1920 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1921 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1922 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1923 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1924 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1925 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1926 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1927 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1928 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1929 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1930 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1931 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1932 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1933 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1934 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1935 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1936 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1937 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1938 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1939 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1940 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1941 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1942 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1943 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1944 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1945 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1946 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1947 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1948 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1949 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1950 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1951 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1952 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1953 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1954 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1955 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1956 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1957 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1958 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1959 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1960 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1961 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1962 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1963 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1964 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1965 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1966 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1967 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1968 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1969 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1970 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1971 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1972 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1973 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1974 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1975 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1976 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1977 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1978 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1979 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1980 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1981 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1982 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1983 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1984 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1985 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1986 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1987 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1988 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1989 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1990 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1991 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1992 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1993 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1994 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1995 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1996 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1997 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1998 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 1999 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2000 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2001 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2002 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2003 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2004 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2005 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2006 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2007 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2008 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2009 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2010 of SEQ ID No. 1.
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2011 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2012 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2013 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2014 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2015 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2016 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2017 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2018 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2019 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2020 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2021 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2022 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2023 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2024 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2025 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2026 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2027 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2028 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2029 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2030 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2031 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2032 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2033 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2034 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2035 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2036 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2037 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2038 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2039 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2040 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2041 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2042 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2043 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2044 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2045 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2046 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2047 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2048 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2049 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2050 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2051 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2052 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2053 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2054 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2055 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2056 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2057 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2058 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2059 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2060 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2061 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2062 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2063 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2064 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2065 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2066 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2067 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2068 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2069 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2070 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2071 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2072 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2073 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2074 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2075 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2076 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2077 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2078 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2079 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2080 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2081 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2082 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2083 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2084 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2085 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2086 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2087 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2088 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2089 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2090 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2091 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2092 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2093 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2094 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2095 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2096 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2097 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2098 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2099 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2100 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2101 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2102 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2103 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2104 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2105 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2106 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2107 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2108 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2109 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2110 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2111 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2112 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2113 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2114 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2115 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2116 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2117 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2118 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2119 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2120 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2121 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2122 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2123 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2124 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2125 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2126 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2127 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2128 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2129 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2130 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2131 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2132 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2133 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2134 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2135 of SEQ ID No. 1.
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2136 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2137 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2138 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2139 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2140 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2141 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2142 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2143 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2144 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2145 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2146 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2147 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2148 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2149 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2150 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2151 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2152 of SEQ ID No. 1
Peptides having the sequence 764 to 2153 of SEQ ID No. 1
A further embodiment of the invention is a composition comprising a complex of Factor VIII with one or more Von Willebrand Factor peptides, wherein the Von Willebrand factor peptides are fragments of Von Willebrand Factor the complex of Factor VIII and the fragments of Von Willebrand Factor show a reduced binding to phospholipid membranes compared to Factor VIII alone the complex of Factor VIII and the fragments of Von Willebrand Factor show a reduced binding to collagen III compared to the complex of Factor VIII and full length Von Willebrand Factor the complex of Factor VIII and the fragments of Von Willebrand Factor show a reduced binding to heparin compared to the complex of Factor VIII and full length Von Willebrand Factor.
Preferably, the Von Willebrand Factor peptides have a molecular weight <500 kD, preferably <400 kD. As the Von Willebrand Factor often forms oligomers or multimers, also the peptides of the present invention may be in the form of multimers or oligomers.
In a preferred embodiment the peptides of the present invention have at least one property selected from the group consisting of (i) an affinity binding constant for heparin of KD>1 nM, preferably ≥2.43 nM (ii) an affinity binding constant for collagen III of KD>5 nM, preferably ≥17.02 nM (iii) an affinity binding constant for Factor VIII of KD<100 nM or <10 nM, preferably ≤6.19 nM and (iv) an inhibition of Factor VIII phospolipid binding of at least 70%, preferably at least 80% or at least 90%.
The Von Willebrand factor peptides of the invention show preferably a reduced binding to heparin, a lower affinity for collagen (like collagen III), a lower affinity to phospholipids but still a high binding to Factor VIII.
Surprisingly, low binding to phospolipids and collagen improves release rate in case of non-intravenous administration, especially subcutaneous.
The measurement of the respective affinity binding constants is described in the experimental part.
In one embodiment, the Von Willebrand Factor peptides are derived from Von Willebrand Factor by proteolytic or chemical cleavage. If proteolytic cleavage is used, S. aureus V-8 protease is especially preferred.
Preferably, the composition of the present invention has at least one of the following properties: (i) the Von Willebrand Factor peptides shield Factor VIII from antibody binding to minimize inhibitor formation in a patient (ii) stabilises Factor VIII to provide a remaining Factor VIII activity of at least 90% after storage for 12 month in a frozen liquid form at −70° C. (iii) stabilises Factor VIII to provide a remaining Factor VIII activity of at least 90% after storage for 24 month in a freeze-dried form at 5° C. (iv) stabilises Factor VIII to provide a remaining Factor VIII activity of at least 90% after storage for 12 month in a freeze-dried form at 25° C. (v) prolonges half-life of Factor VIII in-vivo by at least 20% and (vi) reduces inhibitor formation in previously untreated patients to less than 20%, preferably less than 10% after treatment with the composition for 6 months.
Surprisingly, the Von Willebrand Factor peptides seem to increase stability of Factor upon storage (shelf-life) and/or reduce inhibitor formation in patients. Inhibitor formation is one of the major problems in the treatment of chronic bleeding disorders.
The composition of the present invention is especially useful in the treatment or prevention of a bleeding disorder.
Therefore, a further embodiment of the invention is a method of treating a bleeding disorder comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of the composition of the present invention.
The amount depends on the disease or condition to be treated and may be selected by a person skilled in the art. For long term treatment, amounts of 20 to 40 IU/kg bodyweight per application are typically suitable. In an emergency situation, the amount may be about 10 to 50 IU/kg bodyweight.
The composition of the invention may be applied by intravenous administration or non-intravenous administration. The non-intravenous administration may be a subcutaneous injection, an intradermal injection or an intramuscular administration.
One advantage of the method of the present invention is the possibility to use nano filtration for virus removal. Von Willebrand Factor, because of its size, may not be nanofiltrated with a nanofilter with a small pore size to remove viruses. Because the Von Willebrand Factor peptides are much smaller in size than the full length Von Willebrand Factor molecule, nanofiltration with small pore sizes becomes possible. Nanofiltration is done at a pore size and conditions that reduces the concentration of one of the smallest known viruses porcine parvovirus by a least a factor of 100 (2 log), preferably by at least a factor 1000 (3 log) and most preferably to a concentration below detection limit of the parvovirus assay, optionally using one or more nanofilters in series. For this test, porcine parvovirus is spiked in a sample and analysed after filtration.
Therefore, a further embodiment of the invention is a method for virus reduction comprising the step of nanofiltrating the Von Willebrand Factor peptides prior or after a combination with Factor VIII, whereby porcine parvovirus would be reduced by at least 2 log.
A preferred puffer for administration of the composition of the invention comprises melizitose, preferably in an amount of up to 1,000 mM particularly from about 10 mM to about 200 mM, in particular from about 10 mM to about 100 mM.
A further embodiment of the invention is a method of preparing Von Willebrand Factor peptides comprising the following steps: Incubating Von Willebrand Factor with S. aureus V-8 protease for 2 to 16 hours at an enzyme to Von Willebrand Factor weight/weight ratio of 1:5 to 1:100 Binding and purifying on an anion exchanger and collecting the desired purified vWF peptides in a fraction coming from the anion exchanger by applying an increased amount of salt concentration. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.