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10503005
| 2,004
|
Reaction column in a special combination with a natural circulation evaporator
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An arrangement for carrying out chemical reactions comprises at least one distillation column and/or at least one container and at least one circulation evaporator, which are connected to one another via connecting elements, liquid being taken off completely or partly from a tray or from a stacked packing bed or from a dumped packing bed or from a liquid collector of the distillation column or being fed as an external feed stream below the lower tube sheet of the circulation evaporator to said evaporator.
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Title:
Reaction column in a special combination with a natural circulation evaporator
Abstract:
An arrangement for carrying out chemical reactions comprises at least one distillation column and/or at least one container and at least one circulation evaporator, which are connected to one another via connecting elements, liquid being taken off completely or partly from a tray or from a stacked packing bed or from a dumped packing bed or from a liquid collector of the distillation column or being fed as an external feed stream below the lower tube sheet of the circulation evaporator to said evaporator.
Background:
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10992198
| 2,004
|
Combustion engine including fluidically-driven engine valve actuator
|
Engines and methods of controlling an engine may involve one or more fluidically driven actuators associated with engine intake and/or exhaust valves. In some examples, the actuators may be placed in flow communication with high pressure fluid from one source and/or low pressure fluid from another. Timing of valve closing/opening and use of an air supply system may enable engine operation according to a Miller cycle.
|
BACKGROUND An internal combustion engine may include one or more turbochargers for compressing a fluid, which is supplied to one or more combustion chambers within corresponding combustion cylinders. Each turbocharger typically includes a turbine driven by exhaust gases of the engine and a compressor driven by the turbine. The compressor receives the fluid to be compressed and supplies the compressed fluid to the combustion chambers. The fluid compressed by the compressor may be in the form of combustion air or an air/fuel mixture. An internal combustion engine may also include a supercharger arranged in series with a turbocharger compressor of an engine. U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,076 (Beck et al., issued Aug. 14, 2001) discloses a supercharger having a turbine that drives a compressor to increase the pressure of air flowing to a turbocharger compressor of an engine. While a turbocharger may utilize some energy from the engine exhaust, the series supercharger/turbocharger arrangement does not utilize energy from the turbocharger exhaust. Furthermore, the supercharger requires an additional energy source. Four stroke, diesel cycle internal combustion engines are well known. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that such engines typically operate through four distinct strokes of a piston reciprocating within a cylinder. In an intake stroke, the piston descends within the cylinder while an intake valve is open. Air is thereby able to enter the cylinder through the open intake valve. In a subsequent compression stroke, the piston reverses direction while the intake valve and an exhaust valve are closed, thereby compressing the air. This is followed by a combustion or power stroke where fuel is ignited, with the resulting force pushing the piston again in the descending direction while both valves are closed. Finally, the piston reverses direction with the exhaust valve open, thereby pushing the combustion gases out of the cylinder. One known disadvantage of such engine operation is that significant combustion gas energy is lost during the exhaust blowdown stage. The Miller cycle modifies a traditional Otto or Diesel cycle to, among other things, lower the effective compression ratio, which then increases the ratio of expansion to compression work by the piston and thereby improves mechanical efficiency. For the purpose of discussion, compression ratio is defined herein as a ratio of the engine cylinder capacity when a piston therein is at a bottom dead center position, to the engine cylinder capacity when the piston is at a top dead center position. While the reduction in effective engine compression ratio will allow for improved mechanical efficiency, it may also tend to reduce the total power output capacity of the engine. For example, if the engine intake valve were to be opened during the initial stages of the compression stroke, a certain volume of air may escape the engine cylinder and thereby not be available for combustion. The Miller cycle therefore may be enhanced by the use of a turbocharger. The turbocharger may force highly compressed air into the cylinder during the compression stroke to make up for such losses through the intake valve. In order to retain the power output capacity and air/fuel ratio of a previously turbocharged engine, it may be desired to compress the intake air to even higher pressure levels when operating the Miller cycle. A result stemming from the introduction of such turbocharged air, however, may be an increase in intake air temperature. Increased intake air temperature may lead to reduced intake air density and increased pollutant production such as nitrous oxide (NO x ), and engine knock. The highly compressed air from the turbocharger is therefore often cooled prior to introduction to the cylinder, as by an intercooler or the like, in order to maximize air density. Another possible difficulty sometimes encountered with Miller cycle engine operation, is that the intake valve, or exhaust valve, must be opened and held open against significant forces, such as, for example, forces resulting from inertial and valve spring loads. The present disclosure is directed to possibly addressing one or more of the drawbacks associated with some prior approaches.
|
Title:
Combustion engine including fluidically-driven engine valve actuator
Abstract:
Engines and methods of controlling an engine may involve one or more fluidically driven actuators associated with engine intake and/or exhaust valves. In some examples, the actuators may be placed in flow communication with high pressure fluid from one source and/or low pressure fluid from another. Timing of valve closing/opening and use of an air supply system may enable engine operation according to a Miller cycle.
Background:
BACKGROUND An internal combustion engine may include one or more turbochargers for compressing a fluid, which is supplied to one or more combustion chambers within corresponding combustion cylinders. Each turbocharger typically includes a turbine driven by exhaust gases of the engine and a compressor driven by the turbine. The compressor receives the fluid to be compressed and supplies the compressed fluid to the combustion chambers. The fluid compressed by the compressor may be in the form of combustion air or an air/fuel mixture. An internal combustion engine may also include a supercharger arranged in series with a turbocharger compressor of an engine. U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,076 (Beck et al., issued Aug. 14, 2001) discloses a supercharger having a turbine that drives a compressor to increase the pressure of air flowing to a turbocharger compressor of an engine. While a turbocharger may utilize some energy from the engine exhaust, the series supercharger/turbocharger arrangement does not utilize energy from the turbocharger exhaust. Furthermore, the supercharger requires an additional energy source. Four stroke, diesel cycle internal combustion engines are well known. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that such engines typically operate through four distinct strokes of a piston reciprocating within a cylinder. In an intake stroke, the piston descends within the cylinder while an intake valve is open. Air is thereby able to enter the cylinder through the open intake valve. In a subsequent compression stroke, the piston reverses direction while the intake valve and an exhaust valve are closed, thereby compressing the air. This is followed by a combustion or power stroke where fuel is ignited, with the resulting force pushing the piston again in the descending direction while both valves are closed. Finally, the piston reverses direction with the exhaust valve open, thereby pushing the combustion gases out of the cylinder. One known disadvantage of such engine operation is that significant combustion gas energy is lost during the exhaust blowdown stage. The Miller cycle modifies a traditional Otto or Diesel cycle to, among other things, lower the effective compression ratio, which then increases the ratio of expansion to compression work by the piston and thereby improves mechanical efficiency. For the purpose of discussion, compression ratio is defined herein as a ratio of the engine cylinder capacity when a piston therein is at a bottom dead center position, to the engine cylinder capacity when the piston is at a top dead center position. While the reduction in effective engine compression ratio will allow for improved mechanical efficiency, it may also tend to reduce the total power output capacity of the engine. For example, if the engine intake valve were to be opened during the initial stages of the compression stroke, a certain volume of air may escape the engine cylinder and thereby not be available for combustion. The Miller cycle therefore may be enhanced by the use of a turbocharger. The turbocharger may force highly compressed air into the cylinder during the compression stroke to make up for such losses through the intake valve. In order to retain the power output capacity and air/fuel ratio of a previously turbocharged engine, it may be desired to compress the intake air to even higher pressure levels when operating the Miller cycle. A result stemming from the introduction of such turbocharged air, however, may be an increase in intake air temperature. Increased intake air temperature may lead to reduced intake air density and increased pollutant production such as nitrous oxide (NO x ), and engine knock. The highly compressed air from the turbocharger is therefore often cooled prior to introduction to the cylinder, as by an intercooler or the like, in order to maximize air density. Another possible difficulty sometimes encountered with Miller cycle engine operation, is that the intake valve, or exhaust valve, must be opened and held open against significant forces, such as, for example, forces resulting from inertial and valve spring loads. The present disclosure is directed to possibly addressing one or more of the drawbacks associated with some prior approaches.
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10495885
| 2,004
|
Pyridine and pyrimidine derivatives
|
Compounds of formula (1) are described in which Ra and Rb is each independently a hydrogen atom or a group Rc, or Ra and Rb together form an oxo (═O) or thio (═S) group; X is a N atom or an optionally substituted CH group: Y is a —O— or —S— atom or —SO— or —SO2— group or an optionally substituted —CH2— or —NH— group with the proviso that when Ra and Rb together form an oxo (═O) or thio (═S) group Y is an optionally substituted —CH2— or —NH-group; L1 is a covalent bond or a linker atom or group; p is zero or the integer 1; Alk1 is an optionally substituted C1-10aliphatic or C1-10heteroaliphatic chain; n is zero the integer 1, 2 or 3 with the proviso that when n is zero Y is an optionally substituted —CH2— group: Ar is an optionally substituted C6-12aromatic or C1-9heteroaromatic group; m is zero or the integer 1, 2 or 3; q is zero or the integer 1 or 2; R1, Rc and Rd are hydrogen atoms or the substituents described in the patent specification; and the salts, solvates, hydrates and N-oxides thereof. The compounds are potent and selective inhibitors of p38 kinase and are useful in the treatment of immune or inflammatory disorders.
|
Title:
Pyridine and pyrimidine derivatives
Abstract:
Compounds of formula (1) are described in which Ra and Rb is each independently a hydrogen atom or a group Rc, or Ra and Rb together form an oxo (═O) or thio (═S) group; X is a N atom or an optionally substituted CH group: Y is a —O— or —S— atom or —SO— or —SO2— group or an optionally substituted —CH2— or —NH— group with the proviso that when Ra and Rb together form an oxo (═O) or thio (═S) group Y is an optionally substituted —CH2— or —NH-group; L1 is a covalent bond or a linker atom or group; p is zero or the integer 1; Alk1 is an optionally substituted C1-10aliphatic or C1-10heteroaliphatic chain; n is zero the integer 1, 2 or 3 with the proviso that when n is zero Y is an optionally substituted —CH2— group: Ar is an optionally substituted C6-12aromatic or C1-9heteroaromatic group; m is zero or the integer 1, 2 or 3; q is zero or the integer 1 or 2; R1, Rc and Rd are hydrogen atoms or the substituents described in the patent specification; and the salts, solvates, hydrates and N-oxides thereof. The compounds are potent and selective inhibitors of p38 kinase and are useful in the treatment of immune or inflammatory disorders.
Background:
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11002610
| 2,004
|
Dynamic command capacity allocation across multiple sessions and transports
|
A method for dynamically allocating a plurality of command processing resources is disclosed. The method generally includes the steps of (A) allocating the command processing resources from a first protocol layer to a first pool of a second protocol layer below the first protocol layer, (B) allocating at least some of the command processing resources from the first pool to a plurality of second pools and (C) sending a particular one of the command processing resources from one of the second pools to the first protocol layer for processing an operation.
|
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The small computer system interface (SCSI) storage protocol is being layered on a number of network-based transport protocols. The network-based transport protocols include Fibre Channel, Internet SCSI (iSCSI), and Infiniband. A monolithic driver, with the SCSI layer and the transport layer in the same driver, is currently used on storage devices providing a single transport protocol. A layered driver, with separate SCSI and transport layers, is currently used for storage devices providing multiple transport protocols. A layered driver can also be used for storage devices providing a single transport protocol. In direct connect storage devices, all command processing resources of the SCSI layer are used for the single system connecting to the storage device. In storage devices connected to storage area networks, the storage device can be shared by multiple systems. Regardless of driver type, the command processing resources of the SCSI layer are being shared across multiple transport layer connections. Current mechanisms allocate fixed resources to each transport layer session. The static allocation mechanism can be extended to support multiple transport layers. The use of a static allocation mechanism for command processing resources restricts the flexibility of a solution. Each session (i.e., where the session is a transport level construct) has an arbitrary maximum performance based on the statically allocated number of command processing resources. Each transport layer also has an aggregate maximum performance based on the statically allocated number of command processing resources and the number of sessions supported by the allocation. For example, consider a protocol layer that can support 16 independent communications services (i.e., 16 independent I_T Nexi for SCSI). In a static allocation, each transport protocol is given a maximum 8 of the transport level session constructs (i.e., for iSCSI a maximum of 8 sessions and for Fibre Channel a maximum of 8 connections). Thus, an arbitrary division exists between transports. Within the transport the allocation of resources between sessions may also be static. The present invention addresses the dynamic allocation of resources both across transports and within each transport.
|
Title:
Dynamic command capacity allocation across multiple sessions and transports
Abstract:
A method for dynamically allocating a plurality of command processing resources is disclosed. The method generally includes the steps of (A) allocating the command processing resources from a first protocol layer to a first pool of a second protocol layer below the first protocol layer, (B) allocating at least some of the command processing resources from the first pool to a plurality of second pools and (C) sending a particular one of the command processing resources from one of the second pools to the first protocol layer for processing an operation.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The small computer system interface (SCSI) storage protocol is being layered on a number of network-based transport protocols. The network-based transport protocols include Fibre Channel, Internet SCSI (iSCSI), and Infiniband. A monolithic driver, with the SCSI layer and the transport layer in the same driver, is currently used on storage devices providing a single transport protocol. A layered driver, with separate SCSI and transport layers, is currently used for storage devices providing multiple transport protocols. A layered driver can also be used for storage devices providing a single transport protocol. In direct connect storage devices, all command processing resources of the SCSI layer are used for the single system connecting to the storage device. In storage devices connected to storage area networks, the storage device can be shared by multiple systems. Regardless of driver type, the command processing resources of the SCSI layer are being shared across multiple transport layer connections. Current mechanisms allocate fixed resources to each transport layer session. The static allocation mechanism can be extended to support multiple transport layers. The use of a static allocation mechanism for command processing resources restricts the flexibility of a solution. Each session (i.e., where the session is a transport level construct) has an arbitrary maximum performance based on the statically allocated number of command processing resources. Each transport layer also has an aggregate maximum performance based on the statically allocated number of command processing resources and the number of sessions supported by the allocation. For example, consider a protocol layer that can support 16 independent communications services (i.e., 16 independent I_T Nexi for SCSI). In a static allocation, each transport protocol is given a maximum 8 of the transport level session constructs (i.e., for iSCSI a maximum of 8 sessions and for Fibre Channel a maximum of 8 connections). Thus, an arbitrary division exists between transports. Within the transport the allocation of resources between sessions may also be static. The present invention addresses the dynamic allocation of resources both across transports and within each transport.
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10951049
| 2,004
|
Coaxial type impedance matching device and impedance detecting method for plasma generation
|
A plasma generating method generates plasma in a treating chamber by controlling a high-frequency generating unit to generate a high-frequency signal and by feeding the high-frequency signal to the treating chamber through an impedance matching device. The plasma generating method includes controlling the impedance matching device, when the plasma is generated in the treating chamber, so as to satisfy a preset matching condition, and then controlling the high-frequency generating unit to generate and feed the high-frequency signal of the power generating the plasma, to the treating chamber.
|
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a plasma generating method for generating a plasma by inputting a high-frequency signal to a treating chamber through an impedance matching device, and also relates to a plasma apparatus and a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus for subjecting a predetermined treatment to an object by using the plasma generated. 2. Description of the Related Art Generally, with regard to a plasma apparatus, even when a treating chamber itself has the common structure, the input impedance of the treating chamber changes according to the kind of an object in the treating chamber. Therefore, even if individual matching elements of a matching device body are moved to matching positions predetermined by the experiments or the experiences, there may occur a situation in which the impedance between a high-frequency generating unit and the treating chamber 5 cannot be accurately matched. In this state, a high-frequency signal S is not efficiently fed to the treating chamber, and the plasma may not be ignited. In case the plasma is not ignited, moreover, it becomes difficult to execute the treatment of the object promptly. Also, when the impedance matching is conducted in the plasma apparatus according to the related art, the individual matching elements have to be moved to the matching positions by making the reflectivity come close to a reference value while repeating the feedback controls to control the positions of the individual matching elements individually. Therefore, the plasma apparatus according to the related art has a problem that it takes a long time to match the impedance. Moreover, the impedance matching actions have been ended at a time when the reflectivity reaches the reference value. This raises a problem that it is difficult to move the individual matching elements to the more complete matching positions although the individual matching elements have those complete positions.
|
Title:
Coaxial type impedance matching device and impedance detecting method for plasma generation
Abstract:
A plasma generating method generates plasma in a treating chamber by controlling a high-frequency generating unit to generate a high-frequency signal and by feeding the high-frequency signal to the treating chamber through an impedance matching device. The plasma generating method includes controlling the impedance matching device, when the plasma is generated in the treating chamber, so as to satisfy a preset matching condition, and then controlling the high-frequency generating unit to generate and feed the high-frequency signal of the power generating the plasma, to the treating chamber.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a plasma generating method for generating a plasma by inputting a high-frequency signal to a treating chamber through an impedance matching device, and also relates to a plasma apparatus and a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus for subjecting a predetermined treatment to an object by using the plasma generated. 2. Description of the Related Art Generally, with regard to a plasma apparatus, even when a treating chamber itself has the common structure, the input impedance of the treating chamber changes according to the kind of an object in the treating chamber. Therefore, even if individual matching elements of a matching device body are moved to matching positions predetermined by the experiments or the experiences, there may occur a situation in which the impedance between a high-frequency generating unit and the treating chamber 5 cannot be accurately matched. In this state, a high-frequency signal S is not efficiently fed to the treating chamber, and the plasma may not be ignited. In case the plasma is not ignited, moreover, it becomes difficult to execute the treatment of the object promptly. Also, when the impedance matching is conducted in the plasma apparatus according to the related art, the individual matching elements have to be moved to the matching positions by making the reflectivity come close to a reference value while repeating the feedback controls to control the positions of the individual matching elements individually. Therefore, the plasma apparatus according to the related art has a problem that it takes a long time to match the impedance. Moreover, the impedance matching actions have been ended at a time when the reflectivity reaches the reference value. This raises a problem that it is difficult to move the individual matching elements to the more complete matching positions although the individual matching elements have those complete positions.
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10986633
| 2,004
|
Mechanics chair with side tray
|
A creeper chair having a frame, a seat and at least one side platform flanking said seat. The platform includes a product-retaining holder in any combination of number, sizes and shapes to secure various products and supplies or tools to said platform.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Mechanics, car repair technicians and other personnel have used a number of creeper devices and rolling seats. Primarily such devices are used below a partially raised vehicle (e.g. a vehicle raised on jacks or driven onto raised wheel supports at the front). U.S. Pat. No. 4,895,380 discloses a creeper having an adjustable support platform mounted on a number of wheels. A portion of the elongate support surface is angularly adjustable, with the adjustable joint designed to allow adjustment even if a load is on the support surface. A headrest is included. U.S. Pat. No. 5,108,118 discloses a creeper having a tilt adjustable elongate support surface mounted on a number of wheels. A hooking wire structure allows tilt alignment. U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,744 is a multipurpose utility cart having a rigid platform and a pivotal support bracket that can angularly adjust a support cushion mounted on two arms. The arms are joined at one end to the support bracket. This allows the device to be used as a mechanics creeper when the cushion is lowered. When the support cushion is raised by angular adjustment of the arm position using the bracket, the device may be used as a mobile seat. U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,122 discloses a mechanics reclining chair mounted on a rectangular wheeled platform having a molded plastic chair affixed to the platform. The back is reclined by raising the front of the chair using a pair of struts mounted onto the frame. A drawer beneath the seat may be included. All of the above creeper devices are designed for working underneath a car, either exclusively or as one of the intended uses. For this reason the width of the wheeled device must be sufficiently narrower than the distance separating the inner surfaces of the tires such that sufficient clearance of the creeper between the vehicle tires is provided. Such devices are commonly less than shoulder width apart, and nothing extends from the sides of these creeper devices. While this allows a user to move past wheel stands, it limits the location for placement of tools or required materials. Such features make the disclosed creepers less useful for those who are not working underneath a car, but along the sides of the car. In these applications, the creeper device does not have to be only as wide as the wheelbase. For example, during auto detailing, e.g. automotive cleaning, polishing, waxing, etc. and also during standard or custom automotive painting work (including prep work), the creeper device is moved about the exterior of the automobile as the lower areas of the automobile are worked on. Another example could be interior house painting of lower wall and trim areas or any type of application that requires working on low areas. During the process of any of these examples it would be convenient if a number of different products, e.g. cleaners, polishes, waxes and paint) and supplies or tools were easily accessible. In addition, the storing of these various products and supplies or tools in a stable location on the creeper would prevent a worker from unintentionally knocking over a product, supply or tool while working on the lower areas of an automobile or other vehicle [or in other applications such as interior house painting or other applications that require working on low areas]. This is less of a problem for creepers used under vehicles, where the creeper is moved most commonly to a single location and fewer products which can be upturned are used. It is an object of the invention to provide a creeper that can be used during auto detailing standard or custom painting of an automobiles exterior (including prep work) and other similar work such as interior house painting of lower wall areas and trim or any application that requires working on lower areas, and allow multiple products and supplies to be securely held on the creeper.
|
Title:
Mechanics chair with side tray
Abstract:
A creeper chair having a frame, a seat and at least one side platform flanking said seat. The platform includes a product-retaining holder in any combination of number, sizes and shapes to secure various products and supplies or tools to said platform.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Mechanics, car repair technicians and other personnel have used a number of creeper devices and rolling seats. Primarily such devices are used below a partially raised vehicle (e.g. a vehicle raised on jacks or driven onto raised wheel supports at the front). U.S. Pat. No. 4,895,380 discloses a creeper having an adjustable support platform mounted on a number of wheels. A portion of the elongate support surface is angularly adjustable, with the adjustable joint designed to allow adjustment even if a load is on the support surface. A headrest is included. U.S. Pat. No. 5,108,118 discloses a creeper having a tilt adjustable elongate support surface mounted on a number of wheels. A hooking wire structure allows tilt alignment. U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,744 is a multipurpose utility cart having a rigid platform and a pivotal support bracket that can angularly adjust a support cushion mounted on two arms. The arms are joined at one end to the support bracket. This allows the device to be used as a mechanics creeper when the cushion is lowered. When the support cushion is raised by angular adjustment of the arm position using the bracket, the device may be used as a mobile seat. U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,122 discloses a mechanics reclining chair mounted on a rectangular wheeled platform having a molded plastic chair affixed to the platform. The back is reclined by raising the front of the chair using a pair of struts mounted onto the frame. A drawer beneath the seat may be included. All of the above creeper devices are designed for working underneath a car, either exclusively or as one of the intended uses. For this reason the width of the wheeled device must be sufficiently narrower than the distance separating the inner surfaces of the tires such that sufficient clearance of the creeper between the vehicle tires is provided. Such devices are commonly less than shoulder width apart, and nothing extends from the sides of these creeper devices. While this allows a user to move past wheel stands, it limits the location for placement of tools or required materials. Such features make the disclosed creepers less useful for those who are not working underneath a car, but along the sides of the car. In these applications, the creeper device does not have to be only as wide as the wheelbase. For example, during auto detailing, e.g. automotive cleaning, polishing, waxing, etc. and also during standard or custom automotive painting work (including prep work), the creeper device is moved about the exterior of the automobile as the lower areas of the automobile are worked on. Another example could be interior house painting of lower wall and trim areas or any type of application that requires working on low areas. During the process of any of these examples it would be convenient if a number of different products, e.g. cleaners, polishes, waxes and paint) and supplies or tools were easily accessible. In addition, the storing of these various products and supplies or tools in a stable location on the creeper would prevent a worker from unintentionally knocking over a product, supply or tool while working on the lower areas of an automobile or other vehicle [or in other applications such as interior house painting or other applications that require working on low areas]. This is less of a problem for creepers used under vehicles, where the creeper is moved most commonly to a single location and fewer products which can be upturned are used. It is an object of the invention to provide a creeper that can be used during auto detailing standard or custom painting of an automobiles exterior (including prep work) and other similar work such as interior house painting of lower wall areas and trim or any application that requires working on lower areas, and allow multiple products and supplies to be securely held on the creeper.
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10957318
| 2,004
|
Input buffer and method of operating the same
|
An improved input buffer providing configurable single-ended and differential signaling capability, comprising an input signal comparator, a first pad connected to one input of the comparator. An internal reference voltage source may be connected to one terminal of a first selection switch. The second terminal of the first selection switch is connected to the second input of the comparator and one terminal of a second selection switch is connected to the second input of the comparator. Further, a second input pad is connected to the second terminal of the second selection switch. The invention also includes a mode selector that enables the first selection switch and disables the second selection switch for providing single-ended operation using the internal reference voltage source, or enables the second selection switch and disables the first selection switch for enabling differential operation or single-ended operation using an external voltage reference.
|
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Integrated circuits require input/output buffers for driving signals to/from other parts of the integrated circuit. There are two basic modes of signaling namely, differential mode and single-ended mode. Single-ended signaling requires a reference voltage; variation around this reference voltage is registered as a high or low signal whereas in differential signaling the signal provides its own reference. Differential signaling provides advantages over single-ended signaling in terms of signal swing, noise immunity etc.; however, the choice of signaling mode depends upon the nature of the application. To support both types of signaling modes present day integrated circuits provide separate Input/Output (I/O) blocks. However, this approach requires, for instance, additional pins thereby increasing the size and cost of the integrated circuit. It is therefore desirable to enable I/O blocks of integrated circuits to support both modes of signaling.
|
Title:
Input buffer and method of operating the same
Abstract:
An improved input buffer providing configurable single-ended and differential signaling capability, comprising an input signal comparator, a first pad connected to one input of the comparator. An internal reference voltage source may be connected to one terminal of a first selection switch. The second terminal of the first selection switch is connected to the second input of the comparator and one terminal of a second selection switch is connected to the second input of the comparator. Further, a second input pad is connected to the second terminal of the second selection switch. The invention also includes a mode selector that enables the first selection switch and disables the second selection switch for providing single-ended operation using the internal reference voltage source, or enables the second selection switch and disables the first selection switch for enabling differential operation or single-ended operation using an external voltage reference.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Integrated circuits require input/output buffers for driving signals to/from other parts of the integrated circuit. There are two basic modes of signaling namely, differential mode and single-ended mode. Single-ended signaling requires a reference voltage; variation around this reference voltage is registered as a high or low signal whereas in differential signaling the signal provides its own reference. Differential signaling provides advantages over single-ended signaling in terms of signal swing, noise immunity etc.; however, the choice of signaling mode depends upon the nature of the application. To support both types of signaling modes present day integrated circuits provide separate Input/Output (I/O) blocks. However, this approach requires, for instance, additional pins thereby increasing the size and cost of the integrated circuit. It is therefore desirable to enable I/O blocks of integrated circuits to support both modes of signaling.
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11020294
| 2,004
|
Apparatus for preventing backflow of gas of scroll compressor
|
An apparatus for preventing backflow of a gas of a scroll compressor includes: a hermetic container provided with a discharge pipe through which a gas is discharged; a fixed scroll fixedly coupled in the hermetic container; an orbiting scroll orbiting in meshing engagement with the fixed scroll to compress gas together with the fixed scroll; and a backflow preventing means for preventing backflow of a gas discharged through the discharge pipe. Therefore, a gas compressed by an orbiting movement of the fixed scroll and the orbiting scroll is smoothly discharged to the discharge pipe through the hermetic container during operation of the compressor, and the gas discharged to the discharge pipe is prevented from backflowing into the hermetic container when the operation is stopped.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a scroll compressor, and particularly, to an apparatus for preventing backflow of a gas of a scroll compressor capable of preventing a gas, which has been discharged toward a condenser through a discharge pipe after compressed at a compression unit, from backflowing into a compressor, namely, into a hermetic container. 2. Description of the Background Art In general, a compressor converts electric energy into kinetic energy, and compresses a refrigerant gas by the kinetic energy. The compressor is a core factor which constitutes a freezing cycle system, and there are various kinds of compressors according to a compression mechanism, such as a rotary compressor, a scroll compressor, a reciprocal compressor and the like. Such compressors are utilized in a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a showcase and the like. The scroll compressor comprises a motor unit generating a rotary force; and a compression unit for sucking, compressing and discharging a gas as an orbiting scroll orbits in meshing engagement with a fixed scroll upon receiving a driving force of the motor unit. FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view mainly showing a compression unit of a general scroll compressor. As shown, the compression unit of the scroll compressor includes: a fixed scroll 30 mounted in a hermetic container 10 at a certain distance from a main frame 20 mounted in the hermetic container 10 ; an orbiting scroll 40 positioned between the fixed scroll 30 and the main frame 20 and orbiting in meshing engagement with the fixed scroll 30 ; an Oldham ring 50 positioned between the orbiting scroll 40 and the main frame 20 , for preventing a self-rotation of the orbiting scroll 40 ; a separation plate 11 coupled to the fixed scroll 30 and the hermetic container 10 , for separating the inside of the hermetic container 10 into a high pressure area (H) and a low pressure area (L); and a valve assembly 60 mounted at an upper surface of the fixed scroll 30 , for opening and closing a discharge hole 31 formed at the fixed scroll 30 . And the orbiting scroll 40 is connected to an eccentric portion 71 of a rotary shaft 70 inserted in the main frame 20 . A suction pipe 12 through which a gas is sucked is coupled to one side of the hermetic container 10 , where the low pressure area (L) is placed, and a discharge pipe 13 through which a gas is discharged is coupled to one side of the hermetic container 10 , where the high pressure area (H) is placed. Non-explained reference numeral 32 is a wrap of the fixed scroll 30 , which is protrudingly formed as an involute shape, 41 is a wrap of the orbiting scroll 40 , which is protrudingly formed as an involute shape, and ‘P’ is a compression pocket. The operation of the compression unit of the scroll compressor having such a structure will now be described. First, when the rotary shaft 70 rotates upon receiving a rotary force of the motor unit, the orbiting scroll 40 coupled to the eccentric portion 71 of the rotary shaft orbits about the center of the rotary shaft 70 . The orbiting scroll 40 orbits without making a self-rotation, thanks to the Oldham ring 50 . The wrap 41 of the orbiting scroll 40 orbits in meshing engagement with the wrap 32 of the fixed scroll 30 according to the orbiting movement of the orbiting scroll 40 , so that a plurality of compression pockets (P) formed by the wrap 41 of the orbiting scroll 40 and the wrap 32 of the fixed scroll 30 move toward the central portions of the fixed scroll 30 and the orbiting scroll 40 , and simultaneously change their volumes, thereby compressing a gas within the compression pockets. The gas compressed in the compression pockets (P) is discharged through the discharge hole 31 of the fixed scroll 30 . The high temperature high pressure gas discharged through the discharge hole 31 of the fixed scroll passes through the high pressure area (H) and then is discharged outside the hermetic container 10 through the discharge pipe 13 . The high temperature high pressure gas having been discharged through the discharge pipe 13 of the scroll compressor flows toward a condenser (not shown) connected to the discharge pipe 13 . Meanwhile, a freezing cycle system including the scroll compressor is commonly mounted at an air conditioner. In such a freezing cycle system, a high temperature high pressure refrigerant gas discharged from the compressor passes through a condenser, a capillary tube and an evaporator. However, the scroll compressor having such a structure is disadvantageous in that when the freezing cycle system stops operating, a gas which was discharged toward the condenser through the discharge pipe 13 coupled to the hermetic container 10 of the scroll compressor flows backward and is introduced into the hermetic container 10 . Thus, in reoperation of the scroll compressor, compression efficiency is degraded.
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Title:
Apparatus for preventing backflow of gas of scroll compressor
Abstract:
An apparatus for preventing backflow of a gas of a scroll compressor includes: a hermetic container provided with a discharge pipe through which a gas is discharged; a fixed scroll fixedly coupled in the hermetic container; an orbiting scroll orbiting in meshing engagement with the fixed scroll to compress gas together with the fixed scroll; and a backflow preventing means for preventing backflow of a gas discharged through the discharge pipe. Therefore, a gas compressed by an orbiting movement of the fixed scroll and the orbiting scroll is smoothly discharged to the discharge pipe through the hermetic container during operation of the compressor, and the gas discharged to the discharge pipe is prevented from backflowing into the hermetic container when the operation is stopped.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a scroll compressor, and particularly, to an apparatus for preventing backflow of a gas of a scroll compressor capable of preventing a gas, which has been discharged toward a condenser through a discharge pipe after compressed at a compression unit, from backflowing into a compressor, namely, into a hermetic container. 2. Description of the Background Art In general, a compressor converts electric energy into kinetic energy, and compresses a refrigerant gas by the kinetic energy. The compressor is a core factor which constitutes a freezing cycle system, and there are various kinds of compressors according to a compression mechanism, such as a rotary compressor, a scroll compressor, a reciprocal compressor and the like. Such compressors are utilized in a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a showcase and the like. The scroll compressor comprises a motor unit generating a rotary force; and a compression unit for sucking, compressing and discharging a gas as an orbiting scroll orbits in meshing engagement with a fixed scroll upon receiving a driving force of the motor unit. FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view mainly showing a compression unit of a general scroll compressor. As shown, the compression unit of the scroll compressor includes: a fixed scroll 30 mounted in a hermetic container 10 at a certain distance from a main frame 20 mounted in the hermetic container 10 ; an orbiting scroll 40 positioned between the fixed scroll 30 and the main frame 20 and orbiting in meshing engagement with the fixed scroll 30 ; an Oldham ring 50 positioned between the orbiting scroll 40 and the main frame 20 , for preventing a self-rotation of the orbiting scroll 40 ; a separation plate 11 coupled to the fixed scroll 30 and the hermetic container 10 , for separating the inside of the hermetic container 10 into a high pressure area (H) and a low pressure area (L); and a valve assembly 60 mounted at an upper surface of the fixed scroll 30 , for opening and closing a discharge hole 31 formed at the fixed scroll 30 . And the orbiting scroll 40 is connected to an eccentric portion 71 of a rotary shaft 70 inserted in the main frame 20 . A suction pipe 12 through which a gas is sucked is coupled to one side of the hermetic container 10 , where the low pressure area (L) is placed, and a discharge pipe 13 through which a gas is discharged is coupled to one side of the hermetic container 10 , where the high pressure area (H) is placed. Non-explained reference numeral 32 is a wrap of the fixed scroll 30 , which is protrudingly formed as an involute shape, 41 is a wrap of the orbiting scroll 40 , which is protrudingly formed as an involute shape, and ‘P’ is a compression pocket. The operation of the compression unit of the scroll compressor having such a structure will now be described. First, when the rotary shaft 70 rotates upon receiving a rotary force of the motor unit, the orbiting scroll 40 coupled to the eccentric portion 71 of the rotary shaft orbits about the center of the rotary shaft 70 . The orbiting scroll 40 orbits without making a self-rotation, thanks to the Oldham ring 50 . The wrap 41 of the orbiting scroll 40 orbits in meshing engagement with the wrap 32 of the fixed scroll 30 according to the orbiting movement of the orbiting scroll 40 , so that a plurality of compression pockets (P) formed by the wrap 41 of the orbiting scroll 40 and the wrap 32 of the fixed scroll 30 move toward the central portions of the fixed scroll 30 and the orbiting scroll 40 , and simultaneously change their volumes, thereby compressing a gas within the compression pockets. The gas compressed in the compression pockets (P) is discharged through the discharge hole 31 of the fixed scroll 30 . The high temperature high pressure gas discharged through the discharge hole 31 of the fixed scroll passes through the high pressure area (H) and then is discharged outside the hermetic container 10 through the discharge pipe 13 . The high temperature high pressure gas having been discharged through the discharge pipe 13 of the scroll compressor flows toward a condenser (not shown) connected to the discharge pipe 13 . Meanwhile, a freezing cycle system including the scroll compressor is commonly mounted at an air conditioner. In such a freezing cycle system, a high temperature high pressure refrigerant gas discharged from the compressor passes through a condenser, a capillary tube and an evaporator. However, the scroll compressor having such a structure is disadvantageous in that when the freezing cycle system stops operating, a gas which was discharged toward the condenser through the discharge pipe 13 coupled to the hermetic container 10 of the scroll compressor flows backward and is introduced into the hermetic container 10 . Thus, in reoperation of the scroll compressor, compression efficiency is degraded.
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11007423
| 2,004
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Process for preparing organosilicon compounds
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The present invention relates to a process for adding Si-bonded hydrogen to aliphatically unsaturated compounds containing carbon-carbon multiple bonds and ether oxygen atoms in the presence of carbinol groups, wherein the reaction mixture comprises, as a further component, at least one cyclic ether.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a process for preparing organosilicon compounds by hydrosilylation in the presence of a cyclic ether. 2. Background Art The addition reaction of unsaturated organic compounds to SiH containing silanes or siloxanes in the presence of a hydrosilylation catalyst has been known for decades and is probably one of the most frequently utilized reaction steps for the synthesis of organofunctional silicon compounds. However, numerous investigations have shown that the hydrosilylation reaction proceeds smoothly and without the formation of by products only in certain cases. Typical side reactions when SiH, carbinol and unsaturated ether functions are present are, for example, dehydrocondensation and acetal formation, which often lead to undesired viscosity increases, up to gelling of the reaction mixture. For the suppression of side reactions, the prior art discloses various approaches. While the use of basic inorganic compounds, for example alkali metal/alkaline earth metal carbonates, bicarbonates, borates, hydroxides and oxides and also NaH 2 PO 4 and/or Na 2 HPO 4 finds widespread application, U.S. Pat. No. 5,191,103 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,372,874 recommend the use of basic organic compounds in the form of (sterically hindered) amines or phosphines, and of alkylamines having OH, carbonyl or ether functionality. In contrast, U.S. Pat. No. 4,431,789 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,847,398 teach the addition of carboxylic acid salts as weak bases. A completely different approach is described by WO 2003037961 A2 and WO 2003037961 A1. In these publications, lactones, lactams and cyclic carbonates and carbamates are preferred as the hydrosilylation additive. A disadvantage of the processes previously mentioned is that the additives used are for the most part solids which are insoluble in the silicone phase. Especially in a continuous reaction, for example, in loop reactors, tubular reactors or microreactors, this leads to problems, or makes the addition of organic solvents for homogenizing the reaction mixture indispensible. However, the latter constitute an additional disadvantage from an economic point of view, since the removal of the solvent on completion of reaction necessitates a further process step, for example distillation and filtration. It is also known that reactions take place in a heterogeneous system only on the particle surface, so that, to achieve the desired effect, additive amounts in the percent range are necessary. However, the use of organic bases in the form of amines or phosphines is problematic in that they are known, even in very small amounts, to have an inhibiting action on the hydrosilylation reaction. Accordingly, when the abovementioned amine and phosphine systems are used, larger amounts of catalyst and higher reaction temperatures than usual are required. Incidentally, the situation is also similar for the carboxylic acid salts listed, which often lead to slowing of the hydrosilylation reaction and, in specific cases, even to a reduced selectivity. The most serious disadvantage of the additives specified in WO 2003037961 A2 and WO 2003037961 A1 is their generally poor compatibility with organosilicon compounds. For instance, especially cyclic carbonates and carbamates, and also lactams, are known to have only very sparing solubility in the silicone phase, so that it is necessary to use additive amounts of 1000 ppm and more. There is therefore a need for a simple and inexpensive process which allows for synthesis of organofunctional organosilicon compounds by hydrosilylation reactions while generating very low levels of by-products.
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Title:
Process for preparing organosilicon compounds
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a process for adding Si-bonded hydrogen to aliphatically unsaturated compounds containing carbon-carbon multiple bonds and ether oxygen atoms in the presence of carbinol groups, wherein the reaction mixture comprises, as a further component, at least one cyclic ether.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a process for preparing organosilicon compounds by hydrosilylation in the presence of a cyclic ether. 2. Background Art The addition reaction of unsaturated organic compounds to SiH containing silanes or siloxanes in the presence of a hydrosilylation catalyst has been known for decades and is probably one of the most frequently utilized reaction steps for the synthesis of organofunctional silicon compounds. However, numerous investigations have shown that the hydrosilylation reaction proceeds smoothly and without the formation of by products only in certain cases. Typical side reactions when SiH, carbinol and unsaturated ether functions are present are, for example, dehydrocondensation and acetal formation, which often lead to undesired viscosity increases, up to gelling of the reaction mixture. For the suppression of side reactions, the prior art discloses various approaches. While the use of basic inorganic compounds, for example alkali metal/alkaline earth metal carbonates, bicarbonates, borates, hydroxides and oxides and also NaH 2 PO 4 and/or Na 2 HPO 4 finds widespread application, U.S. Pat. No. 5,191,103 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,372,874 recommend the use of basic organic compounds in the form of (sterically hindered) amines or phosphines, and of alkylamines having OH, carbonyl or ether functionality. In contrast, U.S. Pat. No. 4,431,789 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,847,398 teach the addition of carboxylic acid salts as weak bases. A completely different approach is described by WO 2003037961 A2 and WO 2003037961 A1. In these publications, lactones, lactams and cyclic carbonates and carbamates are preferred as the hydrosilylation additive. A disadvantage of the processes previously mentioned is that the additives used are for the most part solids which are insoluble in the silicone phase. Especially in a continuous reaction, for example, in loop reactors, tubular reactors or microreactors, this leads to problems, or makes the addition of organic solvents for homogenizing the reaction mixture indispensible. However, the latter constitute an additional disadvantage from an economic point of view, since the removal of the solvent on completion of reaction necessitates a further process step, for example distillation and filtration. It is also known that reactions take place in a heterogeneous system only on the particle surface, so that, to achieve the desired effect, additive amounts in the percent range are necessary. However, the use of organic bases in the form of amines or phosphines is problematic in that they are known, even in very small amounts, to have an inhibiting action on the hydrosilylation reaction. Accordingly, when the abovementioned amine and phosphine systems are used, larger amounts of catalyst and higher reaction temperatures than usual are required. Incidentally, the situation is also similar for the carboxylic acid salts listed, which often lead to slowing of the hydrosilylation reaction and, in specific cases, even to a reduced selectivity. The most serious disadvantage of the additives specified in WO 2003037961 A2 and WO 2003037961 A1 is their generally poor compatibility with organosilicon compounds. For instance, especially cyclic carbonates and carbamates, and also lactams, are known to have only very sparing solubility in the silicone phase, so that it is necessary to use additive amounts of 1000 ppm and more. There is therefore a need for a simple and inexpensive process which allows for synthesis of organofunctional organosilicon compounds by hydrosilylation reactions while generating very low levels of by-products.
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10949386
| 2,004
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Semiconductor package, semiconductor device, electronic device, and method for producing semiconductor package
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An insulating layer (3) having an opening portion (3a) at a position conformable to an electrode pad (2) is formed. Next, a resin projection portion (4) is formed on the insulating layer (3). Thereafter, a resist film is formed which has opening portions made in regions conformable to the opening portion (3a), the resin projection portion (4) and the region sandwiched therebetween. A Cu plating layer (6) is formed by electrolytic copper plating, using the resist film as a mask.
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BACKGROUND ART In recent years, a development of small-sized semiconductor devices has been promoted. With this development, attention is paid to the miniaturization of the packages of these semiconductor devices. For instance, a variety of semiconductor packages have been proposed in the August issue (1998) and February issue (1999) of Nikkei Micro-device. Among these packages, especially a wafer level CSP using a semiconductor package called CSP has a high effect on the miniaturization of a package and a reduction in costs. This CSP is a package resin-sealed together with a wafer. FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing the structure of a conventional CSP. Incidentally, FIG. 9 shows the condition that the above CSP will be mounted on a printed circuit board and the vertically positional relation between the parts explained hereinafter is reversed with respect to those of FIG. 9 . In the conventional CSP, plural Al pads 52 are formed on a wafer 51 . Also a SiN layer 53 and a polyimide layer 54 which cover the Al pads 52 are formed on the entire surface of the wafer 51 . In the SiN layer 53 and the polyimide layer 54 , a via hole which reaches the Al pad 52 from the surface of the polyimide layer 54 is formed and a conductive layer 55 is embedded in the via hole. On the polyimide layer 54 , a rerouting layer 56 connected to the conductive layer 55 is formed. The rerouting layer 56 is formed of, for example, Cu. A sealing resin layer 57 coating the rerouting layer 56 is formed on the entire surface of the polyimide layer 54 . Inside the sealing resin layer 57 , a Cu post 58 which reaches the rerouting layer 56 from the surface of the sealing resin layer 57 is formed as a metal post. A barrier metal layer 59 is formed on the Cu post 58 and a solder ball 60 such as a solder is formed on the barrier metal layer 59 . Next, a method for producing the conventional CSP as mentioned above will be explained. FIGS. 10 ( a ) to ( e ) are sectional views showing the method for producing the conventional CSP in step order. Incidentally, the rerouting layer, the polyimide layer and the like are omitted in FIGS. 10 ( a ) to ( e ). Firstly, as shown in FIG. 10 ( a ), a wafer 61 with a flat surface is prepared. As shown in FIG. 10 ( b ), plural Cu posts 62 are formed on the wafer 61 by plating. Next, as shown in FIG. 10 ( c ), all Cu posts 62 are resin-sealed such that they are encased to form a sealing resin layer 63 . Then, as shown in FIG. 10 ( d ), the surface of the sealing resin layer 63 is polished to expose each Cu post 62 . Thereafter, as shown FIG. 10 ( e ), a solder ball 64 such as a solder is mounted on each Cu post 62 . The CSP as described above is thus formed. This CSP is made into a given size by dicing afterwards. Since a semiconductor package is in general different from a printed circuit board or the like in thermal expansion coefficient, a stress based on the difference in thermal expansion coefficient focuses on a terminal of the semiconductor package. However, in the above-mentioned CSP, the stress is easily dispersed by making the cylindrical Cu post 62 have a large height. However, in order to disperse the stress based on the difference in thermal expansion coefficient, it is necessary for a metal post., such as a Cu post, to have a height as large as about 100 μm from the rerouting layer. However, if a metal post having such a height is formed by plating, there is a problem that a remarkable long period of time is required. This further gives rise to the problems of increased production cost and a difficulty in control of the height of the metal post. In light of such problems, the present invention has been made. It is an object of the present invention to provide a semiconductor package, a semiconductor device and an electronic device which make it possible to disperse a stress produced when the package is mounted on a printed circuit board or the like and which can be produced for a short time, and a method for producing the semiconductor package.
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Title:
Semiconductor package, semiconductor device, electronic device, and method for producing semiconductor package
Abstract:
An insulating layer (3) having an opening portion (3a) at a position conformable to an electrode pad (2) is formed. Next, a resin projection portion (4) is formed on the insulating layer (3). Thereafter, a resist film is formed which has opening portions made in regions conformable to the opening portion (3a), the resin projection portion (4) and the region sandwiched therebetween. A Cu plating layer (6) is formed by electrolytic copper plating, using the resist film as a mask.
Background:
BACKGROUND ART In recent years, a development of small-sized semiconductor devices has been promoted. With this development, attention is paid to the miniaturization of the packages of these semiconductor devices. For instance, a variety of semiconductor packages have been proposed in the August issue (1998) and February issue (1999) of Nikkei Micro-device. Among these packages, especially a wafer level CSP using a semiconductor package called CSP has a high effect on the miniaturization of a package and a reduction in costs. This CSP is a package resin-sealed together with a wafer. FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing the structure of a conventional CSP. Incidentally, FIG. 9 shows the condition that the above CSP will be mounted on a printed circuit board and the vertically positional relation between the parts explained hereinafter is reversed with respect to those of FIG. 9 . In the conventional CSP, plural Al pads 52 are formed on a wafer 51 . Also a SiN layer 53 and a polyimide layer 54 which cover the Al pads 52 are formed on the entire surface of the wafer 51 . In the SiN layer 53 and the polyimide layer 54 , a via hole which reaches the Al pad 52 from the surface of the polyimide layer 54 is formed and a conductive layer 55 is embedded in the via hole. On the polyimide layer 54 , a rerouting layer 56 connected to the conductive layer 55 is formed. The rerouting layer 56 is formed of, for example, Cu. A sealing resin layer 57 coating the rerouting layer 56 is formed on the entire surface of the polyimide layer 54 . Inside the sealing resin layer 57 , a Cu post 58 which reaches the rerouting layer 56 from the surface of the sealing resin layer 57 is formed as a metal post. A barrier metal layer 59 is formed on the Cu post 58 and a solder ball 60 such as a solder is formed on the barrier metal layer 59 . Next, a method for producing the conventional CSP as mentioned above will be explained. FIGS. 10 ( a ) to ( e ) are sectional views showing the method for producing the conventional CSP in step order. Incidentally, the rerouting layer, the polyimide layer and the like are omitted in FIGS. 10 ( a ) to ( e ). Firstly, as shown in FIG. 10 ( a ), a wafer 61 with a flat surface is prepared. As shown in FIG. 10 ( b ), plural Cu posts 62 are formed on the wafer 61 by plating. Next, as shown in FIG. 10 ( c ), all Cu posts 62 are resin-sealed such that they are encased to form a sealing resin layer 63 . Then, as shown in FIG. 10 ( d ), the surface of the sealing resin layer 63 is polished to expose each Cu post 62 . Thereafter, as shown FIG. 10 ( e ), a solder ball 64 such as a solder is mounted on each Cu post 62 . The CSP as described above is thus formed. This CSP is made into a given size by dicing afterwards. Since a semiconductor package is in general different from a printed circuit board or the like in thermal expansion coefficient, a stress based on the difference in thermal expansion coefficient focuses on a terminal of the semiconductor package. However, in the above-mentioned CSP, the stress is easily dispersed by making the cylindrical Cu post 62 have a large height. However, in order to disperse the stress based on the difference in thermal expansion coefficient, it is necessary for a metal post., such as a Cu post, to have a height as large as about 100 μm from the rerouting layer. However, if a metal post having such a height is formed by plating, there is a problem that a remarkable long period of time is required. This further gives rise to the problems of increased production cost and a difficulty in control of the height of the metal post. In light of such problems, the present invention has been made. It is an object of the present invention to provide a semiconductor package, a semiconductor device and an electronic device which make it possible to disperse a stress produced when the package is mounted on a printed circuit board or the like and which can be produced for a short time, and a method for producing the semiconductor package.
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10877226
| 2,004
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Method for operating a motor vehicle
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In a method for operating a vehicle having a drive, a value of an internal torque to be supplied by the drive is determined from a positive propulsion torque requested by a user or a control and/or regulating system and the drive is triggered accordingly. Furthermore, the drive may supply a negative propulsion torque. A value of a negative propulsion torque requested by the user or by the control and/or regulating system is determined and then used to determine a value of a corresponding negative internal torque to be supplied by the drive and the drive may be triggered accordingly.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION In prior methods from the market for commercial vehicles, e.g., trucks driven by an internal combustion engine, the user of the vehicle may express a certain desire for power by operating an accelerator pedal. At a certain rotational speed, this power request corresponds to a certain propulsion torque at the output of a transmission of the internal combustion engine, which drives the commercial vehicle. On the basis of the transmission ratio, a clutch torque which must be available at the input of the transmission is calculated from the desired transmission output torque. Taking into account the internal friction of the internal combustion engine and the power tapped off by auxiliary units such as the fuel pump, the air conditioning system and so forth, the indicated torque or internal torque which must be generated by the combustion of fuel to supply the propulsion torque desired by the user is finally determined. This internal torque is essentially proportional to the amount of fuel injected, depending on the type of internal combustion engine and the operating state. To protect the operating brake (e.g., disk brakes) acting on the driving wheels, there is usually an additional “engine brake” on commercial vehicles. With this engine brake, a negative propulsion torque may be generated by the engine, e.g., for prolonged downhill traveling. Such an engine brake is usually operated by the driver via a two-step switch which turns the engine brake either on or off. However, automatic operation by a cruise control system which maintains a constant driving speed of the commercial vehicle without any intervention on the part of the driver is also possible.
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Title:
Method for operating a motor vehicle
Abstract:
In a method for operating a vehicle having a drive, a value of an internal torque to be supplied by the drive is determined from a positive propulsion torque requested by a user or a control and/or regulating system and the drive is triggered accordingly. Furthermore, the drive may supply a negative propulsion torque. A value of a negative propulsion torque requested by the user or by the control and/or regulating system is determined and then used to determine a value of a corresponding negative internal torque to be supplied by the drive and the drive may be triggered accordingly.
Background:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION In prior methods from the market for commercial vehicles, e.g., trucks driven by an internal combustion engine, the user of the vehicle may express a certain desire for power by operating an accelerator pedal. At a certain rotational speed, this power request corresponds to a certain propulsion torque at the output of a transmission of the internal combustion engine, which drives the commercial vehicle. On the basis of the transmission ratio, a clutch torque which must be available at the input of the transmission is calculated from the desired transmission output torque. Taking into account the internal friction of the internal combustion engine and the power tapped off by auxiliary units such as the fuel pump, the air conditioning system and so forth, the indicated torque or internal torque which must be generated by the combustion of fuel to supply the propulsion torque desired by the user is finally determined. This internal torque is essentially proportional to the amount of fuel injected, depending on the type of internal combustion engine and the operating state. To protect the operating brake (e.g., disk brakes) acting on the driving wheels, there is usually an additional “engine brake” on commercial vehicles. With this engine brake, a negative propulsion torque may be generated by the engine, e.g., for prolonged downhill traveling. Such an engine brake is usually operated by the driver via a two-step switch which turns the engine brake either on or off. However, automatic operation by a cruise control system which maintains a constant driving speed of the commercial vehicle without any intervention on the part of the driver is also possible.
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10814563
| 2,004
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Generic user interface testing framework with load-time libraries
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A system and method for providing a generic user interface testing framework, together with a mechanism such that libraries which are applicable to the desired application(s) can be qualified, and the test framework will load those libraries at execution time. With the ability to dynamically load only the desired libraries one is able to plug in new testing modules as needed, thus being able to accommodate new product qualification efforts with greater flexibility and efficiency.
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BACKGROUND Modern computing systems often utilize large-scale and/or complex software systems. Typical examples of these software systems include operating systems, application servers, and other complex software applications. A key factor in developing and successfully marketing a complex software application is maintaining the quality of that application through a process of quality control. This typically includes tracking and fixing any inconsistencies, faults, or “bugs” that arise in the software code during the development process. In most companies the quality control activity is the responsibility of a Quality Assurance (QA) team. Software fault analysis is often one of the more costly endeavors of the QA cycle of a product, both in terms of human and machine resources. Particularly on large and complex software products bugs can take hours or days to track down, often requiring 30%-40% of the QA teams efforts. Any system that can be used to speed up the bug identification and tracking process can lead to great improvements in development time and produce economic efficiencies for the company. Graphical User Interfaces (GUI's), or User Interfaces (UI's) pose a special problem of software testing in that the QA testing of such a UI must mimic the types of interaction a user might make with the interface. Automated UI test development systems, suites and tools have been developed, including for example the WinRunner test automation system marketed by Mercury Interactive, Inc. However, the typical approach of such automated UI test development tools requires that the operator have knowledge not just of the test-tool-specific scripting language and environment, but also the specific features and idioms of the vendor-specific tool environment. The learning curve fort these UI testing tools can be significant, and is often of use solely with that one tool. (It is not uncommon for new users to spend 6 months or more to “ramp up” on a given tool, i.e. learn how to install it, use it, and write code to run it so as to produce workable, sustainable, reusable UI automation code). If another type of tool is to be used, the tester must again deal with the learning curve of the new tool. Furthermore, with the typical test development tool one needs to install the vendor specific software to use it, incurring both capital outlay and (local) resource costs. This initial capital outlay (i.e. the cost of the tool) typically cannot be recovered if the original tool is subsequently replaced with a new tool.
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Title:
Generic user interface testing framework with load-time libraries
Abstract:
A system and method for providing a generic user interface testing framework, together with a mechanism such that libraries which are applicable to the desired application(s) can be qualified, and the test framework will load those libraries at execution time. With the ability to dynamically load only the desired libraries one is able to plug in new testing modules as needed, thus being able to accommodate new product qualification efforts with greater flexibility and efficiency.
Background:
BACKGROUND Modern computing systems often utilize large-scale and/or complex software systems. Typical examples of these software systems include operating systems, application servers, and other complex software applications. A key factor in developing and successfully marketing a complex software application is maintaining the quality of that application through a process of quality control. This typically includes tracking and fixing any inconsistencies, faults, or “bugs” that arise in the software code during the development process. In most companies the quality control activity is the responsibility of a Quality Assurance (QA) team. Software fault analysis is often one of the more costly endeavors of the QA cycle of a product, both in terms of human and machine resources. Particularly on large and complex software products bugs can take hours or days to track down, often requiring 30%-40% of the QA teams efforts. Any system that can be used to speed up the bug identification and tracking process can lead to great improvements in development time and produce economic efficiencies for the company. Graphical User Interfaces (GUI's), or User Interfaces (UI's) pose a special problem of software testing in that the QA testing of such a UI must mimic the types of interaction a user might make with the interface. Automated UI test development systems, suites and tools have been developed, including for example the WinRunner test automation system marketed by Mercury Interactive, Inc. However, the typical approach of such automated UI test development tools requires that the operator have knowledge not just of the test-tool-specific scripting language and environment, but also the specific features and idioms of the vendor-specific tool environment. The learning curve fort these UI testing tools can be significant, and is often of use solely with that one tool. (It is not uncommon for new users to spend 6 months or more to “ramp up” on a given tool, i.e. learn how to install it, use it, and write code to run it so as to produce workable, sustainable, reusable UI automation code). If another type of tool is to be used, the tester must again deal with the learning curve of the new tool. Furthermore, with the typical test development tool one needs to install the vendor specific software to use it, incurring both capital outlay and (local) resource costs. This initial capital outlay (i.e. the cost of the tool) typically cannot be recovered if the original tool is subsequently replaced with a new tool.
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11004142
| 2,004
|
Inhibitor of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta production
|
A method of inhibiting TNF-α or IL-1β expression with a compound of the following formula: wherein each of R1, R2, R3, and R4, independently, is H, alkyl, aryl, or alkylcarbonyl, or R1 and R2 together, or R3 and R4 together are —(CH2)n—, n being 1, 2, or 3. Also disclosed is a method of treating a TNF-α or IL-1β related disorder using such a compound.
|
BACKGROUND Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α), a mononuclear cytokine, is predominantly produced by monocytes and macrophages. It possesses various biological activities: (1) killing cancer cells or inhibiting growth of cancer cells, (2) enhancing phagocytosis of neutrophilic granulocyte, (3) killing infectious pathogens, and (4) increasing expression of adhesion molecules on vascular endothelial cells during inflammatory responses. Disorders related to expression of TNF-α include, but are not limited to, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, spondyloarthropathies, inflammatory bowel disease (including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), chronic heart failure, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, sarcoidosis, polymyositis/dermatomyositis, psoriasis, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndrome, acute myelogenous leukemia, Parkinson's disease, AIDS dementia complex, Alzheimer's disease, depression, sepsis, pyoderma gangrenosum, hematosepsis, septic shock, Behcet's syndrome, graft-versus-host disease, uveitis, Wegener's granulomatosis, Sjogren's syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, acute pancreatitis, periodontal disease, cachexia, central nervous system injury, cancer (e.g., lung carcinomas, esophagus carcinoma, gastric adenocarcinoma, and prostate carcinoma), viral respiratory disease, and obesity. See, e.g., Ogata H. et al Curr Pharm Des. 2003; 9(14): 1107-13; Moller D. R. et al J Intern Med. 2003; 253(1): 31-40; Taylor P. C. et al Curr Pharm Des. 2003; 9(14): 1095-106; Wilkinson N. et al Arch Dis Child. 2003; 88(3): 186-91; Nishimura F. et al J Periodontol. 2003; 74(1): 97-102; Weinberg J. M. et al Cutis. 2003; 71(1): 41-5; Burnham E. et al Crit Care Med. 2001; 29(3): 690-1; Sack M. et al Pharmacol Ther. 2002; 94(1-2): 123-35; Barnes P. J. et al Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol. 2002; 42:81-98; Mageed R. A. et al Lupus 2002; 11 (12): 850-5; Tsimberidou A. M. et al Expert Rev Anticancer Ther. 2002; 2(3): 277-86; Muller T. et al Curr Opin Investig Drugs. 2002; 3(12): 1763-7; Calandra T. et al Curr Clin Top Infect Dis. 2002; 22:1-23; Girolomoni G et al Curr Opin Investig Drugs. 2002; 3(11): 1590-5; Tutuncu Z. et al Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2002; 20(6 Suppl 28): S146-51; Braun J. et al Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2002; 16(4): 631-51; Barnes P. J. et al Novartis Found Symp. 2001; 234:255-67; discussion 267-72; Brady M. et al Baillieres Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 1999; 13(2): 265-89; Goldring M. B. et al Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2001; 1(5): 817-29; Mariette X. Rev Prat. 2003; 53(5): 507-11; Sharma R. et al Int J Cardiol. 2002; 85(1): 161-71; Wang C. X. et al Prog Neurobiol. 2002; 67(2): 161-72; Van Reeth K. et al Vet Immunol Immunopathol. 2002; 87(3-4): 161-8; Leonard B. E. et al Int J Dev Neurosci. 2001; 19(3): 305-12; and Hays S. J. et al Curr Pharm Des. 1998; 4(4): 335-48. Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), a cytokine secreted by cells such as monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells, mediates a wide range of immune and inflammatory responses. One can modulate IL-1β production to treat a variety of disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, hematosepsis, periodontal disease, chronic heart failure, polymyositis/dermatomyositis, acute pancreatitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Alzheimer's disease, osteoarthritis, bacterial infections, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndrome, uveitis, central nervous system injury, viral respiratory disease, asthma, depression, and scleroderma. See, e.g., Taylor P. C. et al Curr Pharm Des. 2003; 9(14): 1095-106; Dellinger R. P. et al Clin Infect Dis. 2003; 36(10): 1259-65; Takashiba S. et al J Periodontol. 2003; 74(1): 103-10; Diwan A. et al Curr Mol Med. 2003; 3(2): 161-82; Lundberg I. E. et al Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2002; 28(4): 799-822; Makhija R. et al J Hepatobiliary Pancreat Surg. 2002; 9(4): 401-10; Chung K. F. et al Eur Respir J Suppl. 2001; 34:50s-59s; Hallegua D. S. et al Ann Rheum Dis. 2002; 61(11): 960-7; Goldring M. B. et al Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2001; 1(5): 817-29; Mrak R. E. et al Neurobiol Aging. 2001; 22(6): 903-8; Brady M. et al Baillieres Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 1999; 13(2): 265-89; Van der Meer J. W. et al Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1998; 856:243-51; Rameshwar P. et al Acta Haematol. 2003; 109(1): 1-10; de Kozak Y et al Int Rev Immunol. 2002; 21(2-3): 231-53; Wang C. X. et al Prog Neurobiol. 2002; 67(2): 161-72; Van Reeth K. et al Vet Immunol Immunopathol. 2002; 87(3-4): 161-8; Stirling R. G et al Br Med Bull. 2000; 56(4): 1037-53; Leonard B. E. et al Int J Dev Neurosci. 2001; 19(3): 305-12; Allan S. M. et al Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2000; 917:84-93; and Cafagna D. et al Minerva Med. 1998; 89(5): 153-61.
|
Title:
Inhibitor of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta production
Abstract:
A method of inhibiting TNF-α or IL-1β expression with a compound of the following formula: wherein each of R1, R2, R3, and R4, independently, is H, alkyl, aryl, or alkylcarbonyl, or R1 and R2 together, or R3 and R4 together are —(CH2)n—, n being 1, 2, or 3. Also disclosed is a method of treating a TNF-α or IL-1β related disorder using such a compound.
Background:
BACKGROUND Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α), a mononuclear cytokine, is predominantly produced by monocytes and macrophages. It possesses various biological activities: (1) killing cancer cells or inhibiting growth of cancer cells, (2) enhancing phagocytosis of neutrophilic granulocyte, (3) killing infectious pathogens, and (4) increasing expression of adhesion molecules on vascular endothelial cells during inflammatory responses. Disorders related to expression of TNF-α include, but are not limited to, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, spondyloarthropathies, inflammatory bowel disease (including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), chronic heart failure, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, sarcoidosis, polymyositis/dermatomyositis, psoriasis, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndrome, acute myelogenous leukemia, Parkinson's disease, AIDS dementia complex, Alzheimer's disease, depression, sepsis, pyoderma gangrenosum, hematosepsis, septic shock, Behcet's syndrome, graft-versus-host disease, uveitis, Wegener's granulomatosis, Sjogren's syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, acute pancreatitis, periodontal disease, cachexia, central nervous system injury, cancer (e.g., lung carcinomas, esophagus carcinoma, gastric adenocarcinoma, and prostate carcinoma), viral respiratory disease, and obesity. See, e.g., Ogata H. et al Curr Pharm Des. 2003; 9(14): 1107-13; Moller D. R. et al J Intern Med. 2003; 253(1): 31-40; Taylor P. C. et al Curr Pharm Des. 2003; 9(14): 1095-106; Wilkinson N. et al Arch Dis Child. 2003; 88(3): 186-91; Nishimura F. et al J Periodontol. 2003; 74(1): 97-102; Weinberg J. M. et al Cutis. 2003; 71(1): 41-5; Burnham E. et al Crit Care Med. 2001; 29(3): 690-1; Sack M. et al Pharmacol Ther. 2002; 94(1-2): 123-35; Barnes P. J. et al Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol. 2002; 42:81-98; Mageed R. A. et al Lupus 2002; 11 (12): 850-5; Tsimberidou A. M. et al Expert Rev Anticancer Ther. 2002; 2(3): 277-86; Muller T. et al Curr Opin Investig Drugs. 2002; 3(12): 1763-7; Calandra T. et al Curr Clin Top Infect Dis. 2002; 22:1-23; Girolomoni G et al Curr Opin Investig Drugs. 2002; 3(11): 1590-5; Tutuncu Z. et al Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2002; 20(6 Suppl 28): S146-51; Braun J. et al Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2002; 16(4): 631-51; Barnes P. J. et al Novartis Found Symp. 2001; 234:255-67; discussion 267-72; Brady M. et al Baillieres Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 1999; 13(2): 265-89; Goldring M. B. et al Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2001; 1(5): 817-29; Mariette X. Rev Prat. 2003; 53(5): 507-11; Sharma R. et al Int J Cardiol. 2002; 85(1): 161-71; Wang C. X. et al Prog Neurobiol. 2002; 67(2): 161-72; Van Reeth K. et al Vet Immunol Immunopathol. 2002; 87(3-4): 161-8; Leonard B. E. et al Int J Dev Neurosci. 2001; 19(3): 305-12; and Hays S. J. et al Curr Pharm Des. 1998; 4(4): 335-48. Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), a cytokine secreted by cells such as monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells, mediates a wide range of immune and inflammatory responses. One can modulate IL-1β production to treat a variety of disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, hematosepsis, periodontal disease, chronic heart failure, polymyositis/dermatomyositis, acute pancreatitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Alzheimer's disease, osteoarthritis, bacterial infections, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndrome, uveitis, central nervous system injury, viral respiratory disease, asthma, depression, and scleroderma. See, e.g., Taylor P. C. et al Curr Pharm Des. 2003; 9(14): 1095-106; Dellinger R. P. et al Clin Infect Dis. 2003; 36(10): 1259-65; Takashiba S. et al J Periodontol. 2003; 74(1): 103-10; Diwan A. et al Curr Mol Med. 2003; 3(2): 161-82; Lundberg I. E. et al Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2002; 28(4): 799-822; Makhija R. et al J Hepatobiliary Pancreat Surg. 2002; 9(4): 401-10; Chung K. F. et al Eur Respir J Suppl. 2001; 34:50s-59s; Hallegua D. S. et al Ann Rheum Dis. 2002; 61(11): 960-7; Goldring M. B. et al Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2001; 1(5): 817-29; Mrak R. E. et al Neurobiol Aging. 2001; 22(6): 903-8; Brady M. et al Baillieres Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 1999; 13(2): 265-89; Van der Meer J. W. et al Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1998; 856:243-51; Rameshwar P. et al Acta Haematol. 2003; 109(1): 1-10; de Kozak Y et al Int Rev Immunol. 2002; 21(2-3): 231-53; Wang C. X. et al Prog Neurobiol. 2002; 67(2): 161-72; Van Reeth K. et al Vet Immunol Immunopathol. 2002; 87(3-4): 161-8; Stirling R. G et al Br Med Bull. 2000; 56(4): 1037-53; Leonard B. E. et al Int J Dev Neurosci. 2001; 19(3): 305-12; Allan S. M. et al Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2000; 917:84-93; and Cafagna D. et al Minerva Med. 1998; 89(5): 153-61.
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10915028
| 2,004
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Multiple engagement joint tethered fastener
|
A fastener first member connects to a second member by a flexible tether. A third member having multiple deflectable wings slides onto the second member. A first member male pin extends through a third member aperture to engage second member biasing elements, joining the first, second and third members.
|
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION For automotive applications, fasteners are used to join trim pieces to sections or metal body portions of the automobile. The requirements for these fasteners are that they be insertable into apertures of the automobile and meet requirements to both retain the trim piece as well as provide a minimum pullout retention force such that the trim piece can be removed to replace a damaged trim piece. In the event that an air bag has deployed which requires replacement of the air bag and/or the trim piece supporting the air bag, the fasteners need to be removable. Common fastener designs include directly opposed flexible wings which deflect inwardly upon insertion of the fastener and expand by spring force to hold the fastener within a rectangular slot in the automobile. These fasteners are typically intended to be at least semi-permanent. A drawback of commonly used fasteners is the lack of an accessible fastener joint to remove the fastener/trim piece for easy replacement following damage or an air bag deployment event. Further drawbacks of existing designs include additional parts such as screws, malfunction problems between screws and metal, installation or removal labor required, beauty-cap requirements, lack of color match, a driver tool over-powering the metal/screw, high tooling cost, improper fitup causing loose components, and lack of ability to disengage from the trim when housing a full size air curtain.
|
Title:
Multiple engagement joint tethered fastener
Abstract:
A fastener first member connects to a second member by a flexible tether. A third member having multiple deflectable wings slides onto the second member. A first member male pin extends through a third member aperture to engage second member biasing elements, joining the first, second and third members.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION For automotive applications, fasteners are used to join trim pieces to sections or metal body portions of the automobile. The requirements for these fasteners are that they be insertable into apertures of the automobile and meet requirements to both retain the trim piece as well as provide a minimum pullout retention force such that the trim piece can be removed to replace a damaged trim piece. In the event that an air bag has deployed which requires replacement of the air bag and/or the trim piece supporting the air bag, the fasteners need to be removable. Common fastener designs include directly opposed flexible wings which deflect inwardly upon insertion of the fastener and expand by spring force to hold the fastener within a rectangular slot in the automobile. These fasteners are typically intended to be at least semi-permanent. A drawback of commonly used fasteners is the lack of an accessible fastener joint to remove the fastener/trim piece for easy replacement following damage or an air bag deployment event. Further drawbacks of existing designs include additional parts such as screws, malfunction problems between screws and metal, installation or removal labor required, beauty-cap requirements, lack of color match, a driver tool over-powering the metal/screw, high tooling cost, improper fitup causing loose components, and lack of ability to disengage from the trim when housing a full size air curtain.
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10883871
| 2,004
|
Liquid crystal alignment using electron beam exposure
|
An apparatus (10, 10″) for producing an alignment surface on an associated substrate (12, 12″) of a liquid crystal display. An electron source (40) produces a collimated electron beam (50). A substrate support (20, 20″) supports the associated substrate (12, 12″) with a surface normal (80) of the substrate arranged at a preselected angle (α) relative to the collimated electron beam (50). The collimated electron beam (50) is rastered across the associated substrate (12, 12″) at the preselected angle (α) while the substrate moves through the electron beam.
|
BACKGROUND The present invention relates to the fabrication of liquid crystal devices. It particularly relates to liquid crystal displays having a liquid crystal layer disposed on an alignment layer that affects substantially the alignment of molecules in the liquid crystal layer. However, the invention will also find application in conjunction with other liquid crystal applications. Liquid crystals are used in numerous display devices, such as notebook computers, desktop monitors, cellular telephone displays, high definition television, and the like, and in other photonic devices such as optical multiplexing coupler, switches, data storage, and so forth. The liquid crystal display typically includes a thin liquid crystal layer sandwiched between a pair of substrates of glass or another substantially light transmissive material. At least one of the substrates must be transparent. The display usually also includes one or two optical polarizer layers that cooperate with the liquid crystal layer and with biasing electronics to locally optically modulate optical path length of the LC film that in turn determines the opacity or reflectance of the liquid crystal display and changes pixel intensity. In an active matrix liquid crystal display, independently addressable thin film transistors are fabricated on the substrate to serve as the biasing electronics. In backlit displays, a backlight is disposed behind the liquid crystal display, and the biasing electronics locally modulate opacity of the liquid crystal display to darken or brighten pixels. In reflective displays, the reflectance of the display is modulated. Color filters matched with primary color sub-pixels are included in color displays. Moreover, some liquid crystal displays employ a flexible substrate material such as a polymer film or flexiglass to provide a flexible display. Regardless of the specific configuration and the type of liquid crystal display, a common element is one or more alignment surfaces that bias molecules of the liquid crystal toward a selected spatial alignment or orientation. A well known approach to forming the alignment surface is the rubbing method, in which a polyimide or other polymeric film is deposited on the substrate and physically rubbed using a velvet cloth to produce a directional or anisotropic template for molecules of the liquid crystal. The rubbing method is convenient and widely used in the industry; however, the method has substantial disadvantages, including a high potential for contamination, mechanical defects and damage, static charge generation which can damage the transistors in active matrix displays, and difficulty of obtaining uniformity in rubbing strength over large areas. As the liquid crystal display industry moves toward larger area and higher resolution displays, there has been an increasing desire to develop an improved method for forming the alignment surface which does not involve physically contacting the substrate. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,770,826 issued to Chaudhari et al. discloses a non-contact method that uses a low energy ion beam to define the alignment surface. Other methods include deposition of a Langmuir-Blodgett film, oblique angle deposition of silicon oxide or other inorganic materials, exposure of a polymer film to polarized ultraviolet radiation, and plasma irradiation. While these methods improve upon the rubbing method by eliminating physical contact, they have a number of disadvantages. Direct formation of an alignment surface that is uniform over large areas by direct deposition of an anisotropic alignment layer is difficult, especially for substrate areas on the order of several square meters which are preferred for large-area displays and for high manufacturing throughput. The ion beam and plasma irradiation methods are both performed in a vacuum environment, which is difficult to achieve over a large-area substrate and reduces manufacturing throughput. Moreover, as these methods are performed prior to sealing of the liquid crystal film, they can introduce contamination that degrades the liquid crystal display. The present invention contemplates an improved apparatus and method which overcomes the aforementioned limitations and others. In place of rubbing, deposition, UV or plasma exposure, this method uses exposure to electron beam, which can be performed at ambient conditions. The exposure modifies the surface properties that causes the liquid crystal molecules to anchor at specific orientations with respect to the substrate.
|
Title:
Liquid crystal alignment using electron beam exposure
Abstract:
An apparatus (10, 10″) for producing an alignment surface on an associated substrate (12, 12″) of a liquid crystal display. An electron source (40) produces a collimated electron beam (50). A substrate support (20, 20″) supports the associated substrate (12, 12″) with a surface normal (80) of the substrate arranged at a preselected angle (α) relative to the collimated electron beam (50). The collimated electron beam (50) is rastered across the associated substrate (12, 12″) at the preselected angle (α) while the substrate moves through the electron beam.
Background:
BACKGROUND The present invention relates to the fabrication of liquid crystal devices. It particularly relates to liquid crystal displays having a liquid crystal layer disposed on an alignment layer that affects substantially the alignment of molecules in the liquid crystal layer. However, the invention will also find application in conjunction with other liquid crystal applications. Liquid crystals are used in numerous display devices, such as notebook computers, desktop monitors, cellular telephone displays, high definition television, and the like, and in other photonic devices such as optical multiplexing coupler, switches, data storage, and so forth. The liquid crystal display typically includes a thin liquid crystal layer sandwiched between a pair of substrates of glass or another substantially light transmissive material. At least one of the substrates must be transparent. The display usually also includes one or two optical polarizer layers that cooperate with the liquid crystal layer and with biasing electronics to locally optically modulate optical path length of the LC film that in turn determines the opacity or reflectance of the liquid crystal display and changes pixel intensity. In an active matrix liquid crystal display, independently addressable thin film transistors are fabricated on the substrate to serve as the biasing electronics. In backlit displays, a backlight is disposed behind the liquid crystal display, and the biasing electronics locally modulate opacity of the liquid crystal display to darken or brighten pixels. In reflective displays, the reflectance of the display is modulated. Color filters matched with primary color sub-pixels are included in color displays. Moreover, some liquid crystal displays employ a flexible substrate material such as a polymer film or flexiglass to provide a flexible display. Regardless of the specific configuration and the type of liquid crystal display, a common element is one or more alignment surfaces that bias molecules of the liquid crystal toward a selected spatial alignment or orientation. A well known approach to forming the alignment surface is the rubbing method, in which a polyimide or other polymeric film is deposited on the substrate and physically rubbed using a velvet cloth to produce a directional or anisotropic template for molecules of the liquid crystal. The rubbing method is convenient and widely used in the industry; however, the method has substantial disadvantages, including a high potential for contamination, mechanical defects and damage, static charge generation which can damage the transistors in active matrix displays, and difficulty of obtaining uniformity in rubbing strength over large areas. As the liquid crystal display industry moves toward larger area and higher resolution displays, there has been an increasing desire to develop an improved method for forming the alignment surface which does not involve physically contacting the substrate. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,770,826 issued to Chaudhari et al. discloses a non-contact method that uses a low energy ion beam to define the alignment surface. Other methods include deposition of a Langmuir-Blodgett film, oblique angle deposition of silicon oxide or other inorganic materials, exposure of a polymer film to polarized ultraviolet radiation, and plasma irradiation. While these methods improve upon the rubbing method by eliminating physical contact, they have a number of disadvantages. Direct formation of an alignment surface that is uniform over large areas by direct deposition of an anisotropic alignment layer is difficult, especially for substrate areas on the order of several square meters which are preferred for large-area displays and for high manufacturing throughput. The ion beam and plasma irradiation methods are both performed in a vacuum environment, which is difficult to achieve over a large-area substrate and reduces manufacturing throughput. Moreover, as these methods are performed prior to sealing of the liquid crystal film, they can introduce contamination that degrades the liquid crystal display. The present invention contemplates an improved apparatus and method which overcomes the aforementioned limitations and others. In place of rubbing, deposition, UV or plasma exposure, this method uses exposure to electron beam, which can be performed at ambient conditions. The exposure modifies the surface properties that causes the liquid crystal molecules to anchor at specific orientations with respect to the substrate.
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10795891
| 2,004
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Method, apparatus, and system for image guided bone cutting
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A system for cutting a bone at a desired location may include an image guided drill cylinder configured to receive either a drill bit to create a bore at a target location on the bone or a pin for insertion into the target location, and a cutting block having a plurality of adjustable guides, each defining a cutting path to guide a cutting instrument, a mounting location configured to attach to the bone at the target location, and a plurality of adjustors for adjusting the position of the guides relative to the target location. The system may further include a tracking instrument for providing image guidance of the adjustments to the positions of the guides.
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BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION As a result of many different physiological conditions, it is often necessary to replace joints in various parts of the body with prosthetic components. Surgical procedures for preparing bones to receive such components typically require precise shaping of portions of the bones. For example, during knee joint replacement surgery, precise resection of the ends of the femur and tibia is necessary to achieve a very close match between the surfaces remaining after removal of portions of the bones, and the mating surfaces of the prostheses. Without such precision mating, the reconstructed knee may result in misalignment (alignment that differs from optimal alignment corresponding to the patient's physical characteristics) of the femur and the tibia. Such misalignment may have a variety of undesirable consequences including discomfort to the patient, reduced mobility, and excessive wear on surfaces of the prostheses. Cutting guides are commonly used to aid the surgeon by providing a surface across which a cutting instrument is moved to create a planar cut through a bone. Such guides permit the surgeon to achieve increased accuracy as compared to free hand bone shaping. The accuracy of the planar cut, however, is dependent upon accurate placement of the cutting guide. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a system for achieving highly accurate placement of a cutting guide to ensure precision mating between the planar cuts made through a bone and the corresponding surfaces of the prosthetic component. The present method, apparatus, and system (hereinafter collectively referred to as “the present system”) provides, in one embodiment, a drill cylinder having a body that defines a central bore, and an element configured to be detected by an image guidance system to permit image guidance of the drill cylinder to predetermined, target locations on the bone. Using the image guided drill cylinder, the surgeon may monitor on a display the current position and alignment of the drill cylinder body as compared to the target locations, and create bores into the bone at the target locations by inserting a drill bit through the central bore of the body. Alternatively, the surgeon may insert pins through the central bore into the bone at the target locations. The present system further provides a cutting block having a frame, a guide adjustably connected to the frame, an adjustor connected to the frame, and mounting locations defined by the frame and configured to attach to the bone at the target locations. The mounting locations include either bores for receiving the pins that were inserted into the target locations, or pins for insertion into the bores that were created using the image guided drill cylinder. Accordingly, the cutting block can be accurately placed on the bone at the target locations, which in turn accurately places the guide. The guide defines a cutting path through which a cutting instrument is passed to create a planar cut in the bone. The position of the guide (and the cutting path) relative to the mounting locations is adjustable using the adjustor. Depending upon the embodiment, actuation of the adjuster causes linear or angular adjustment of the position and/or orientation of the cutting path relative to the mounting locations. Additionally, the present system may include a tracking instrument having an element configured to be detected by the image guidance system and an engagement portion configured to engage the cutting path to permit image guided adjustment of the cutting path. Thus, in addition to providing accurate placement of the cutting path using the image guide drill cylinder to locate the mounting locations of the cutting block, the present system enables the surgeon to achieve even greater accuracy by providing image guided adjustment of the cutting path when the cutting block is mounted to the bone. Additional features of the present system will become apparent and be further understood upon reading the detailed description provided below with reference to the following drawings.
|
Title:
Method, apparatus, and system for image guided bone cutting
Abstract:
A system for cutting a bone at a desired location may include an image guided drill cylinder configured to receive either a drill bit to create a bore at a target location on the bone or a pin for insertion into the target location, and a cutting block having a plurality of adjustable guides, each defining a cutting path to guide a cutting instrument, a mounting location configured to attach to the bone at the target location, and a plurality of adjustors for adjusting the position of the guides relative to the target location. The system may further include a tracking instrument for providing image guidance of the adjustments to the positions of the guides.
Background:
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION As a result of many different physiological conditions, it is often necessary to replace joints in various parts of the body with prosthetic components. Surgical procedures for preparing bones to receive such components typically require precise shaping of portions of the bones. For example, during knee joint replacement surgery, precise resection of the ends of the femur and tibia is necessary to achieve a very close match between the surfaces remaining after removal of portions of the bones, and the mating surfaces of the prostheses. Without such precision mating, the reconstructed knee may result in misalignment (alignment that differs from optimal alignment corresponding to the patient's physical characteristics) of the femur and the tibia. Such misalignment may have a variety of undesirable consequences including discomfort to the patient, reduced mobility, and excessive wear on surfaces of the prostheses. Cutting guides are commonly used to aid the surgeon by providing a surface across which a cutting instrument is moved to create a planar cut through a bone. Such guides permit the surgeon to achieve increased accuracy as compared to free hand bone shaping. The accuracy of the planar cut, however, is dependent upon accurate placement of the cutting guide. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a system for achieving highly accurate placement of a cutting guide to ensure precision mating between the planar cuts made through a bone and the corresponding surfaces of the prosthetic component. The present method, apparatus, and system (hereinafter collectively referred to as “the present system”) provides, in one embodiment, a drill cylinder having a body that defines a central bore, and an element configured to be detected by an image guidance system to permit image guidance of the drill cylinder to predetermined, target locations on the bone. Using the image guided drill cylinder, the surgeon may monitor on a display the current position and alignment of the drill cylinder body as compared to the target locations, and create bores into the bone at the target locations by inserting a drill bit through the central bore of the body. Alternatively, the surgeon may insert pins through the central bore into the bone at the target locations. The present system further provides a cutting block having a frame, a guide adjustably connected to the frame, an adjustor connected to the frame, and mounting locations defined by the frame and configured to attach to the bone at the target locations. The mounting locations include either bores for receiving the pins that were inserted into the target locations, or pins for insertion into the bores that were created using the image guided drill cylinder. Accordingly, the cutting block can be accurately placed on the bone at the target locations, which in turn accurately places the guide. The guide defines a cutting path through which a cutting instrument is passed to create a planar cut in the bone. The position of the guide (and the cutting path) relative to the mounting locations is adjustable using the adjustor. Depending upon the embodiment, actuation of the adjuster causes linear or angular adjustment of the position and/or orientation of the cutting path relative to the mounting locations. Additionally, the present system may include a tracking instrument having an element configured to be detected by the image guidance system and an engagement portion configured to engage the cutting path to permit image guided adjustment of the cutting path. Thus, in addition to providing accurate placement of the cutting path using the image guide drill cylinder to locate the mounting locations of the cutting block, the present system enables the surgeon to achieve even greater accuracy by providing image guided adjustment of the cutting path when the cutting block is mounted to the bone. Additional features of the present system will become apparent and be further understood upon reading the detailed description provided below with reference to the following drawings.
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10929604
| 2,004
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Sliding cascode circuit
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Described techniques extend (e.g., by a factor of 2) the dynamic range of voltage swing for amplifiers and other integrated circuits (e.g., buffers) that are fabricated using lower voltage rated semiconductor processes. Such processes include, for instance, thin gate oxide MOS, and other semiconductor processes that provide desirable features that are typically not associated with high voltage processes, such as increased radiation hardness, higher speed logic, and compactness. Thus, relatively large dynamic range is enabled for integrated circuits fabricated using feature-rich lower voltage rated semiconductor processes.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Typical amplifiers designs include single-FET amplifier stages and two-FET amplifier stages. Single-transistor designs are generally configured in one of three ways: common-source (common-emitter for bipolar transistors), common gate (common-base for bipolar transistors), and common drain or source follower (common-collector or emitter follower for bipolar transistors). A derivation on the common-source (common-emitter) configuration is referred to as a common-source (common-emitter) amplifier with source degeneration, which includes an emitter resistance that effectively lowers the gain of the amplifier. Two-transistor amplifier designs are generally configured as follows: common-drain-common-source (common-collector-common-emitter for bipolar transistors), common-drain-common-drain (common-collector-common-collector for bipolar transistors), common-source-common-gate or cascode (common-emitter-common-base for bipolar transistors), and the common-drain-common-gate (common-collector-common-base for bipolar transistors). Recall that “Darlington pair” is sometimes used to refer to specific common-drain-common-source (common-collector-common-emitter) and common-drain-common-drain (common-collector-common-collector) configurations. These single and/or two stage amplifier configurations can be used to form the stages of a multistage amplifier, with each stage providing various characteristics including input resistance, output resistance, voltage gain, and current gain. For instance, a typical cascode configuration (common-source-common-gate for FET amplifiers or common-emitter-common-base bipolar transistor amplifiers) has the input characteristics of a common source (common emitter) amplifier, and the output characteristics of a common gate (common base) amplifier. Such an amplifier configuration provides a very high output resistance, which generally enables high voltage gain. In addition, no high frequency feedback from the output back to the input occurs, and the input Miller capacitance effect is minimized due to the low voltage gain of the common source (common emitter) configuration. In any such configurations, the amplifiers can be implemented in monolithic form (as an integrated circuit) or with a number of discrete components (separate active and passive components, such as transistors, capacitors and resistors). The technology used to fabricate integrated circuits generally presents the circuit designer with a number of cost and process constraints for any one application. A primary cost constraint in the context of integrated circuits is the die area required to make an integrated circuit (IC) device. For example, an increased pin count of an IC package equates to increased package size, which increases cost per IC device. Process constraints, on the other hand, are more directly tied to the particular application in which the IC device is to be used. For instance, metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) FETs are commonly used in the realization of integrated circuits configured to provide amplification of analog signals. In some applications, both dynamic range of the amplifier and radiation hardness of the materials that make up the amplifier IC are desirable traits. Dynamic range is generally the voltage range in which an amplifier can operate while meeting the performance requirements of the circuit. Radiation hardness is the characteristic of a material that indicates the extent to which that material can withstand nuclear or other radiation. There is a trade, however, between dynamic range and radiation hardness. On one hand, the radiation hardness rating is higher (better) for integrated circuits made with thin gated oxide CMOS processes. On the other hand, the voltage range allowed by a FET fabricated with thin gated oxide CMOS processes is lower, relative to other IC processes. Typically, the trade is satisfied by favoring the higher voltage range, thereby necessitating the use of higher voltage range processes (as opposed to the favorable thinner gated oxide CMOS processes). A number of undesirable features are associated with these higher voltage range processes, such as reduced radiation hardness, larger layout die area, and slower speed. In addition, the range of the amplifier voltage swing is still limited by process ratings for a single FET. What is needed, therefore, are techniques for extending the dynamic range of voltage swing for amplifiers and other integrated circuits fabricated using lower voltage rated processes that provide desirable features such as increased radiation hardness, higher speed logic, and compactness.
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Title:
Sliding cascode circuit
Abstract:
Described techniques extend (e.g., by a factor of 2) the dynamic range of voltage swing for amplifiers and other integrated circuits (e.g., buffers) that are fabricated using lower voltage rated semiconductor processes. Such processes include, for instance, thin gate oxide MOS, and other semiconductor processes that provide desirable features that are typically not associated with high voltage processes, such as increased radiation hardness, higher speed logic, and compactness. Thus, relatively large dynamic range is enabled for integrated circuits fabricated using feature-rich lower voltage rated semiconductor processes.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Typical amplifiers designs include single-FET amplifier stages and two-FET amplifier stages. Single-transistor designs are generally configured in one of three ways: common-source (common-emitter for bipolar transistors), common gate (common-base for bipolar transistors), and common drain or source follower (common-collector or emitter follower for bipolar transistors). A derivation on the common-source (common-emitter) configuration is referred to as a common-source (common-emitter) amplifier with source degeneration, which includes an emitter resistance that effectively lowers the gain of the amplifier. Two-transistor amplifier designs are generally configured as follows: common-drain-common-source (common-collector-common-emitter for bipolar transistors), common-drain-common-drain (common-collector-common-collector for bipolar transistors), common-source-common-gate or cascode (common-emitter-common-base for bipolar transistors), and the common-drain-common-gate (common-collector-common-base for bipolar transistors). Recall that “Darlington pair” is sometimes used to refer to specific common-drain-common-source (common-collector-common-emitter) and common-drain-common-drain (common-collector-common-collector) configurations. These single and/or two stage amplifier configurations can be used to form the stages of a multistage amplifier, with each stage providing various characteristics including input resistance, output resistance, voltage gain, and current gain. For instance, a typical cascode configuration (common-source-common-gate for FET amplifiers or common-emitter-common-base bipolar transistor amplifiers) has the input characteristics of a common source (common emitter) amplifier, and the output characteristics of a common gate (common base) amplifier. Such an amplifier configuration provides a very high output resistance, which generally enables high voltage gain. In addition, no high frequency feedback from the output back to the input occurs, and the input Miller capacitance effect is minimized due to the low voltage gain of the common source (common emitter) configuration. In any such configurations, the amplifiers can be implemented in monolithic form (as an integrated circuit) or with a number of discrete components (separate active and passive components, such as transistors, capacitors and resistors). The technology used to fabricate integrated circuits generally presents the circuit designer with a number of cost and process constraints for any one application. A primary cost constraint in the context of integrated circuits is the die area required to make an integrated circuit (IC) device. For example, an increased pin count of an IC package equates to increased package size, which increases cost per IC device. Process constraints, on the other hand, are more directly tied to the particular application in which the IC device is to be used. For instance, metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) FETs are commonly used in the realization of integrated circuits configured to provide amplification of analog signals. In some applications, both dynamic range of the amplifier and radiation hardness of the materials that make up the amplifier IC are desirable traits. Dynamic range is generally the voltage range in which an amplifier can operate while meeting the performance requirements of the circuit. Radiation hardness is the characteristic of a material that indicates the extent to which that material can withstand nuclear or other radiation. There is a trade, however, between dynamic range and radiation hardness. On one hand, the radiation hardness rating is higher (better) for integrated circuits made with thin gated oxide CMOS processes. On the other hand, the voltage range allowed by a FET fabricated with thin gated oxide CMOS processes is lower, relative to other IC processes. Typically, the trade is satisfied by favoring the higher voltage range, thereby necessitating the use of higher voltage range processes (as opposed to the favorable thinner gated oxide CMOS processes). A number of undesirable features are associated with these higher voltage range processes, such as reduced radiation hardness, larger layout die area, and slower speed. In addition, the range of the amplifier voltage swing is still limited by process ratings for a single FET. What is needed, therefore, are techniques for extending the dynamic range of voltage swing for amplifiers and other integrated circuits fabricated using lower voltage rated processes that provide desirable features such as increased radiation hardness, higher speed logic, and compactness.
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10711141
| 2,004
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SUBSTRATE-TRIGGERED ESD CIRCUIT BY USING TRIPLE-WELL
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An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit formed on a P-type substrate has a first p+ diffusion region in the P-type substrate, a N-well in the P-type substrate, a first n+ diffusion region in the N-well, a P-well in the N-well, and an n-p-n bipolar junction transistor (BJT) in the P-well. An equivalent circuit between a base and an emitter of the BJT is a diode without connecting to any resistor in parallel.
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BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit, and more particularly to a substrate-triggered ESD protection circuit by using triple-well. 2. Description of the Prior Art With the continued scaling down of semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) devices, the present trend is moving towards production of semiconductor integrated circuits having very small sizes in the advanced sub-quarter-micron CMOS technologies. It is consequently increasingly important to build electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuits on the chip to protect the devices and circuits of the IC against ESD-related damage. The ESD robustness of commercial IC products is generally needed to be higher than 2 kV in the human-body-model (HBM) ESD stress. While withstanding ESD overstress, it is desired that the on-chip ESD protection circuits have relatively small dimensional requirements to save silicon area. With respect to this issue, heat dissipation issues become paramount. In the present, the efficiency and performance of the substrate-trigger ESD protection circuits is better than other type ESD protection circuits. Please refer to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 . FIG. 1 is a structure diagram of a substrate-triggered ESD protection circuit 10 according to the prior art. FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of the ESD protection circuit 10 shown in FIG. 1 . The ESD protection circuit 10 is formed on a P-type substrate 12 and comprises a resistor T, a capacitor C, an inverter 30 , a substrate resistor Rsub, a parasitic lateral n-p-n bipolar junction transistor (BJT) 36 , and a NMOS transistor 38 . The resistor R and the capacitor C are connected in series between a first power terminal V DD and a second power terminal V SS . The inverter 30 is connected to the first power terminal V DD and the second power terminal V SS . An input terminal of the inverter 30 is connected to the resistor R and the capacitor C, and an output terminal V B of the inverter 30 is connected to the substrate resistor Rsub and a base of the parasitic lateral n-p-n BJT 36 , where the substrate resistor Rsub is an equivalent resistor between the p+ diffusion region 14 and the second power terminal V SS . The NMOS 38 comprises a doped polysilicon gate 24 , a drain formed by an n+ diffusion region 16 , and a source formed by another n+ diffusion region 18 . The drain 16 is connected to the first power terminal V DD , and the gate 24 and the source 18 are connected to the second power terminal V SS . The parasitic lateral n-p-n BJT 36 underneath the NMOS transistor 38 is triggered by a trigger current conducting from the P+ diffusion region 14 to the first power terminal V SS . A plurality of hallow trench isolation (STI) structures 26 are used to isolate each NMOS transistor 38 from other electrical devices. Moreover, two N-wells 20 are formed under the sources 18 of the NMOS transistors 38 , and a p+ diffusion region 22 in the P-type substrate 12 is connected to the second power terminal V SS . As an ESD phenomenon of the ESD protection circuit 10 occurs, a positive pulse is applied to the first power terminal V DD . While the capacitor C is charged by the ESD, a voltage level of the input terminal of the inverter 30 is pulled up. The voltage level of the input terminal of the inverter 30 , hence, is at a low state when the ESD phenomenon begins. Therefore, the PMOS transistor 32 is turned on so that an ESD current flows from the PMOS 32 through the output terminal of the inverter 30 and the substrate resistor Rsub to the second power terminal V SS . Because of the current flowing through the substrate resistor Rsub, the voltage level of the output terminal of the inverter 30 is pulled up. While the voltage level of the output terminal of the inverter 30 is pulled up to a predetermined level, the parasitic lateral n-p-n BJT 36 is turned on so that another ESD path, i.e. form the parasitic lateral n-p-n BJT 36 to the second power terminal V SS , is generated. The inputted ESD, thus, can pass through the ESD path. However, when the ESD phenomenon of the ESD protection circuit 10 begins, the parasitic lateral n-p-n BJT 36 is not turned on until the voltage gap between the two ends of the substrate resistor Rsub exceeds the predetermined level, so the turn-on efficiency of the ESD protection circuit 10 is not ideal. Please refer to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 . FIG. 3 is a structure diagram of another substrate-triggered ESD protection circuit 50 according to the prior art. FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of the ESD protection circuit 50 shown in FIG. 4 . The ESD protection circuit 50 is formed on a P-type substrate 52 and comprises a resistor T, a capacitor C, two inverters 30 , a PMOS transistor 74 , and two parasitic lateral p-n-p BJTs 76 and 78 . Similar to the ESD protection circuit 10 , in the ESD protection circuit 50 , the resistor R and the capacitor C are connected in series between the first power terminal V DD and the second power terminal V SS . The inverters are connected to the first power terminal V DD and the second power terminal V SS . An input terminal of the left inverter 30 is connected to the resistor R and the capacitor C, and an output terminal V B of the right inverter 30 is connected to bases of the two parasitic lateral p-n-p BJTs 76 and 78 . The PMOS transistor 74 is formed in a N-well 54 and comprises a doped polysilicon gate 64 , a source formed by an p+ diffusion region 58 , and a drain formed by another p+ diffusion region 60 . The source 58 is connected to the first power terminal V DD , the gate 64 is connected to the output terminal V B of the right inverter 30 , and the drain 60 is connected to the second power terminal V SS . The parasitic lateral p-n-p BJT 76 is composed of the p+ diffusion region 58 , the N-well 54 , and the p+ diffusion region 60 , and the parasitic lateral p-n-p BJT 78 is composed of the p+ diffusion region 58 , the N-well 54 , and the P-type substrate 52 . A plurality of hallow trench isolation (STI) structures 66 are used to isolate each PMOS transistor 74 from other electrical devices. Moreover, a p+ diffusion region 62 in the P-type substrate 52 is connected to the second power terminal V SS . As an ESD phenomenon of the ESD protection circuit 50 occurs, a positive pulse is applied to the first power terminal V DD . While the capacitor C is charged by the ESD, a voltage level of the input terminal of the left inverter 30 is pulled up. Hence, when the ESD phenomenon begins, the voltage level of the input terminal of the left inverter 30 and the voltage level of the output terminal of the right inverter 30 are both at a high state. Meanwhile, the gate 64 of the PMOS transistor 74 and the bases of the two parasitic lateral p-n-p BJTs 76 and 78 are at a low state. Because the first power terminal VDD is applied by a positive ESD voltage, the channel of the PMOS transistor is turned on and a PN junction is formed between the p+ diffusion region 58 and the N-well 54 that results in turning on of the two parasitic lateral p-n-p BJTs 76 and 78 . Therefore, the ESD currents respectively flow from the first power terminal V DD through the channel of the PMOS transistor 74 and the two parasitic lateral p-n-p BJTs 76 and 78 to the second power terminal V SS . The PMOS transistor 74 and the two parasitic lateral p-n-p BJTs 76 and 78 are turned on immediately when the positive pulse is applied to the first power terminal V DD , so the turn-on efficiency of the ESD protection circuit 50 is better than that of the ESD protection circuit 10 . However, because the mobility of holes is less than the mobility of electrons, the discharge performance of the ESD protection circuit 50 is worse than that of the ESD protection circuit 10 .
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Title:
SUBSTRATE-TRIGGERED ESD CIRCUIT BY USING TRIPLE-WELL
Abstract:
An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit formed on a P-type substrate has a first p+ diffusion region in the P-type substrate, a N-well in the P-type substrate, a first n+ diffusion region in the N-well, a P-well in the N-well, and an n-p-n bipolar junction transistor (BJT) in the P-well. An equivalent circuit between a base and an emitter of the BJT is a diode without connecting to any resistor in parallel.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit, and more particularly to a substrate-triggered ESD protection circuit by using triple-well. 2. Description of the Prior Art With the continued scaling down of semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) devices, the present trend is moving towards production of semiconductor integrated circuits having very small sizes in the advanced sub-quarter-micron CMOS technologies. It is consequently increasingly important to build electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuits on the chip to protect the devices and circuits of the IC against ESD-related damage. The ESD robustness of commercial IC products is generally needed to be higher than 2 kV in the human-body-model (HBM) ESD stress. While withstanding ESD overstress, it is desired that the on-chip ESD protection circuits have relatively small dimensional requirements to save silicon area. With respect to this issue, heat dissipation issues become paramount. In the present, the efficiency and performance of the substrate-trigger ESD protection circuits is better than other type ESD protection circuits. Please refer to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 . FIG. 1 is a structure diagram of a substrate-triggered ESD protection circuit 10 according to the prior art. FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of the ESD protection circuit 10 shown in FIG. 1 . The ESD protection circuit 10 is formed on a P-type substrate 12 and comprises a resistor T, a capacitor C, an inverter 30 , a substrate resistor Rsub, a parasitic lateral n-p-n bipolar junction transistor (BJT) 36 , and a NMOS transistor 38 . The resistor R and the capacitor C are connected in series between a first power terminal V DD and a second power terminal V SS . The inverter 30 is connected to the first power terminal V DD and the second power terminal V SS . An input terminal of the inverter 30 is connected to the resistor R and the capacitor C, and an output terminal V B of the inverter 30 is connected to the substrate resistor Rsub and a base of the parasitic lateral n-p-n BJT 36 , where the substrate resistor Rsub is an equivalent resistor between the p+ diffusion region 14 and the second power terminal V SS . The NMOS 38 comprises a doped polysilicon gate 24 , a drain formed by an n+ diffusion region 16 , and a source formed by another n+ diffusion region 18 . The drain 16 is connected to the first power terminal V DD , and the gate 24 and the source 18 are connected to the second power terminal V SS . The parasitic lateral n-p-n BJT 36 underneath the NMOS transistor 38 is triggered by a trigger current conducting from the P+ diffusion region 14 to the first power terminal V SS . A plurality of hallow trench isolation (STI) structures 26 are used to isolate each NMOS transistor 38 from other electrical devices. Moreover, two N-wells 20 are formed under the sources 18 of the NMOS transistors 38 , and a p+ diffusion region 22 in the P-type substrate 12 is connected to the second power terminal V SS . As an ESD phenomenon of the ESD protection circuit 10 occurs, a positive pulse is applied to the first power terminal V DD . While the capacitor C is charged by the ESD, a voltage level of the input terminal of the inverter 30 is pulled up. The voltage level of the input terminal of the inverter 30 , hence, is at a low state when the ESD phenomenon begins. Therefore, the PMOS transistor 32 is turned on so that an ESD current flows from the PMOS 32 through the output terminal of the inverter 30 and the substrate resistor Rsub to the second power terminal V SS . Because of the current flowing through the substrate resistor Rsub, the voltage level of the output terminal of the inverter 30 is pulled up. While the voltage level of the output terminal of the inverter 30 is pulled up to a predetermined level, the parasitic lateral n-p-n BJT 36 is turned on so that another ESD path, i.e. form the parasitic lateral n-p-n BJT 36 to the second power terminal V SS , is generated. The inputted ESD, thus, can pass through the ESD path. However, when the ESD phenomenon of the ESD protection circuit 10 begins, the parasitic lateral n-p-n BJT 36 is not turned on until the voltage gap between the two ends of the substrate resistor Rsub exceeds the predetermined level, so the turn-on efficiency of the ESD protection circuit 10 is not ideal. Please refer to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 . FIG. 3 is a structure diagram of another substrate-triggered ESD protection circuit 50 according to the prior art. FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of the ESD protection circuit 50 shown in FIG. 4 . The ESD protection circuit 50 is formed on a P-type substrate 52 and comprises a resistor T, a capacitor C, two inverters 30 , a PMOS transistor 74 , and two parasitic lateral p-n-p BJTs 76 and 78 . Similar to the ESD protection circuit 10 , in the ESD protection circuit 50 , the resistor R and the capacitor C are connected in series between the first power terminal V DD and the second power terminal V SS . The inverters are connected to the first power terminal V DD and the second power terminal V SS . An input terminal of the left inverter 30 is connected to the resistor R and the capacitor C, and an output terminal V B of the right inverter 30 is connected to bases of the two parasitic lateral p-n-p BJTs 76 and 78 . The PMOS transistor 74 is formed in a N-well 54 and comprises a doped polysilicon gate 64 , a source formed by an p+ diffusion region 58 , and a drain formed by another p+ diffusion region 60 . The source 58 is connected to the first power terminal V DD , the gate 64 is connected to the output terminal V B of the right inverter 30 , and the drain 60 is connected to the second power terminal V SS . The parasitic lateral p-n-p BJT 76 is composed of the p+ diffusion region 58 , the N-well 54 , and the p+ diffusion region 60 , and the parasitic lateral p-n-p BJT 78 is composed of the p+ diffusion region 58 , the N-well 54 , and the P-type substrate 52 . A plurality of hallow trench isolation (STI) structures 66 are used to isolate each PMOS transistor 74 from other electrical devices. Moreover, a p+ diffusion region 62 in the P-type substrate 52 is connected to the second power terminal V SS . As an ESD phenomenon of the ESD protection circuit 50 occurs, a positive pulse is applied to the first power terminal V DD . While the capacitor C is charged by the ESD, a voltage level of the input terminal of the left inverter 30 is pulled up. Hence, when the ESD phenomenon begins, the voltage level of the input terminal of the left inverter 30 and the voltage level of the output terminal of the right inverter 30 are both at a high state. Meanwhile, the gate 64 of the PMOS transistor 74 and the bases of the two parasitic lateral p-n-p BJTs 76 and 78 are at a low state. Because the first power terminal VDD is applied by a positive ESD voltage, the channel of the PMOS transistor is turned on and a PN junction is formed between the p+ diffusion region 58 and the N-well 54 that results in turning on of the two parasitic lateral p-n-p BJTs 76 and 78 . Therefore, the ESD currents respectively flow from the first power terminal V DD through the channel of the PMOS transistor 74 and the two parasitic lateral p-n-p BJTs 76 and 78 to the second power terminal V SS . The PMOS transistor 74 and the two parasitic lateral p-n-p BJTs 76 and 78 are turned on immediately when the positive pulse is applied to the first power terminal V DD , so the turn-on efficiency of the ESD protection circuit 50 is better than that of the ESD protection circuit 10 . However, because the mobility of holes is less than the mobility of electrons, the discharge performance of the ESD protection circuit 50 is worse than that of the ESD protection circuit 10 .
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10934857
| 2,004
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Epitaxial structure and fabrication method of nitride semiconductor device
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A structure and a fabrication method for a nitride semiconductor device are provided so that the device has a lower defect density resulted from incompatible lattice constants between its constituent layers. The nitride semiconductor device contains a substrate, at least a first intermediate layer made of aluminum-gallium-indium-nitride (Al1-x-yGaxInyN) at least a second intermediate layer made of silicon-nitride (SiiNj) or magnesium-nitride (MgmNn), and a nitride epitaxial layer. The second intermediate layer is used to form a mask so that the subsequent epitaxial growth would have a smaller defect density and a better epitaxial quality.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the nitride semiconductor device, and in particular to the epitaxial structure and fabrication method of the nitride semiconductor device. 2. The Prior Arts According to prior arts, a conventional nitride semiconductor device such as a gallium-nitride (GaN) based light emitting diode (LED) has an epitaxial layer formed on top of a buffer layer, which in turn is formed on top of a substrate. Usually, the buffer layer within these conventional nitride semiconductor devices is formed by depositing aluminum-gallium-nitride (Al x Ga 1-x N, 1≧x≧0) or indium-gallium-nitride (In y Ga 1-y N, 1≧y≧0) under a low temperature (200-900° C.). The nitride epitaxial layer is then formed under a high temperature on the buffer layer. However, there is a huge difference between the substrate and the nitride epitaxial layer in terms of their lattice constants. This huge difference in the lattice structure causes the nitride epitaxial layer subsequently formed to have a defect density more than 10 10 /cm 3 . The nitride semiconductor device such as a GaN-based LED as fabricated has a poor resilience to electrostatic discharge, a short operation life, and inferior device characteristics. Accordingly, the present invention is directed to overcome the foregoing disadvantages of conventional nitride semiconductor devices according to prior arts.
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Title:
Epitaxial structure and fabrication method of nitride semiconductor device
Abstract:
A structure and a fabrication method for a nitride semiconductor device are provided so that the device has a lower defect density resulted from incompatible lattice constants between its constituent layers. The nitride semiconductor device contains a substrate, at least a first intermediate layer made of aluminum-gallium-indium-nitride (Al1-x-yGaxInyN) at least a second intermediate layer made of silicon-nitride (SiiNj) or magnesium-nitride (MgmNn), and a nitride epitaxial layer. The second intermediate layer is used to form a mask so that the subsequent epitaxial growth would have a smaller defect density and a better epitaxial quality.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the nitride semiconductor device, and in particular to the epitaxial structure and fabrication method of the nitride semiconductor device. 2. The Prior Arts According to prior arts, a conventional nitride semiconductor device such as a gallium-nitride (GaN) based light emitting diode (LED) has an epitaxial layer formed on top of a buffer layer, which in turn is formed on top of a substrate. Usually, the buffer layer within these conventional nitride semiconductor devices is formed by depositing aluminum-gallium-nitride (Al x Ga 1-x N, 1≧x≧0) or indium-gallium-nitride (In y Ga 1-y N, 1≧y≧0) under a low temperature (200-900° C.). The nitride epitaxial layer is then formed under a high temperature on the buffer layer. However, there is a huge difference between the substrate and the nitride epitaxial layer in terms of their lattice constants. This huge difference in the lattice structure causes the nitride epitaxial layer subsequently formed to have a defect density more than 10 10 /cm 3 . The nitride semiconductor device such as a GaN-based LED as fabricated has a poor resilience to electrostatic discharge, a short operation life, and inferior device characteristics. Accordingly, the present invention is directed to overcome the foregoing disadvantages of conventional nitride semiconductor devices according to prior arts.
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10912449
| 2,004
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Ink-jet recording ink, ink-jet recording ink set, ink cartridge, ink-jet printer, and ink-jet printing method
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An ink and ink set characterized in that both a combination of a specific wetting agent, penetrating agent, and water-soluble organic solvent and use of surfactant, particularly fluorine surfactant are enabled by using water dispersion in which polymer fine particles contain coloring material. Even when plain paper is printed at high speed by ink-jet recording by using this ink and ink set, the ink and ink set can realize a pigment ink for ink-jet recording, an ink set, an ink-jet recording method, ink cartridge, and recorder which have an excellent ejection stability and excellent preservability, and provide (1) good color tone, (2) high image density, (3) recorded image free of unsharpness near character or image and feathering and high in sharpness, (4) less boundary color bleedings between different colors, (5) image adaptable to both-side printing and causing less strike-throughs, and (6) image fastness such as water resistance and light resistance.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink-jet recording ink, an ink-jet recording ink set, an ink cartridge, an ink-jet printer, and an ink-jet printing method which use a pigment as a coloring material. Especially, the present invention relates to an ink-jet recording pigment ink and an ink-jet recording pigment ink set which can print on plain paper at high speed a high quality image with good color tone and good chroma, yield a high quality image with good color tone with a minute amount of character feathering and color bleeding, obtain an image excellent in rigidity such as waterproof and light resistance, be excellent in preservability, and excellent in ejection stability without causing head clogging in the printing. 2. Description of the Related Art From its advantages such as low noise, low running cost and the like, an ink-jet printer is remarkably pervaded, and a color printer capable of printing color image on plain paper is more and more placed on the market. It is, however, very difficult to meet all required properties including color reproducibility of an image, durability, light resistance, image dryness, character feathering, color boundary bleeding (for short, color bleeding), both-side printing property, ejection stability, and the like. With this, the ink used is selected based on a preferential property for a specific application. Especially, meeting the above required properties are difficult for the printer for high-speed plain paper printing. Generally, with its principle component of water, the ink for the ink-jet printing contains a coloring agent, and further contains a wetting agent such as glycerin and the like for clogging prevention. As the coloring agent, dye has been used in view of its excellent coloring property and stability. An image obtained by using a dye ink does not have good light resistance, waterproof, and the like. The waterproof is improved to a certain extent by improvement of ink-jet record paper having an ink absorbing layer, which improvement does not, however, apply sufficiently to the plain paper. Recently, for solving the above problems, a pigment ink using as coloring agent an organic pigment, carbon black and the like in place of the dye is taken into account. The pigment is insoluble in water. Thereby, the pigment can be used as an aqueous ink in which the pigment is mixed and dispersed with a dispersing agent for stable dispersion in water. Use of the pigment can bring about waterproof and light resistance, but cannot meet other properties at the same time. Especially, the high-speed printing of the plain paper cannot obtain high image density and high coloring property, failing to sufficiently meet the character feathering, the color bleeding, the both-side printing property and the like. The pigment ink has, compared with the dye ink, more problems in terms of the coloring property and stability. Especially, with improvement in high-image technology of OA (office automation) printers, the pigment ink is required to have printing quality, hue, chroma, gloss, preservability which are equivalent to those of the dye ink. However, a conventional pigment ink does not necessarily meet the above required properties. For example, it is generally known that especially a magenta ink and a cyan ink used for the pigment ink have respectively C. I. pigment red 122 and C. I. pigment blue 15:3. Compared with the dye ink, the pigment ink has a different color reproduction range. Moreover, the pigment ink carries out color toning for reducing hue error, in this case, however, the chroma is forced to be decreased, thus deteriorating the printing quality. On the contrary, the pigment itself is more and more improved for changing the hue not by the color toning. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 2000-17207 discloses a phthalocyanine pigment having a specific crystalline structure in which a cyan pigment is proposed which has a hue in the same color range as that of the cyan dye. The above proposal does not meet all the required properties in terms of cost and the like. JP-A No. 2000-239590 discloses an ink set using a pigment for coloring material of black ink and using a dye for coloring materials of yellow ink, magenta ink, and cyan ink. Although the above proposal is made in so many other disclosures, they are not sufficient for plain paper printing. In the ink-jet printing, a stable ejection of an ink droplet from a thin nozzle of an ink-jet recording head is needed. For meeting the above, it is necessary that dryness of an orifice of the ink-jet recording head does not cause solidification and the like of the ink. Use of a dispersing agent-contained ink for the ink-jet printing may sometimes cause clogging or ink's ejection failure which may be attributable to a resin and the like (of the dispersing agent) that is not dissolved again after adhering to the orifice and the like. Especially, a long-time stoppage of the printing is likely to cause the clogging of the nozzle and the like, moreover, the long-time stoppage may cause ink's accumulation (the ink with increased viscosity) in a nozzle cap or in a maintenance mechanism such as intake-tube and the like, thus losing function of the maintenance mechanism. A temporary stoppage of printing, or a temporary stoppage of using a nozzle that corresponds to a blanked document or a blanked image may cause a printing failure and the like which may be attributable to disoriented direction of injection of ink droplet (intermittent ejection failure). The above problems occurred so often. An aqueous pigment ink containing the dispersing agent is viscous and causes a resistance in a path to a nozzle's head end in the long-time continuous ejection and a high-speed printing, thus making the ejection unstable and making it difficult to achieve a smooth printing. JP-A No. 64-6074 and JP-A No. 01-31881 disclose a specific surfactant for the purpose of reducing surface tension of an ink using a pigment as a coloring agent. Each of JP-A No. 64-6074 and JP-A No. 01-31881 disclosing the specific surfactant, however, deteriorates printing quality due to character feathering, the color bleeding and the like, thus making it impossible to obtain ejection stability compatible with printing quality. JP-A No. 05-230409 and the like disclose a technology using a fluorine compound, in which the examples of using the pigment for the coloring agent are rare, failing to obtain a good property. For solving the above problems, JP-A No. 2000-212486 discloses an ink having specific agents and property such as pigment, pigment density, water-soluble dispersing agent, and penetrating agent; an ink containing polyhydric alcohol alkylether derivatives; and an ink set thereof. The ink disclosed in JP-A No. 2000-212486 has a super permeability, and thereby has a sufficient dryness even at a high-sped printing and has a secured ejection stability. The ink disclosed in JP-A No. 2000-212486 is, however, inferior to a dye ink in terms of image density, color reproducibility and the like when the plain paper is used. Although more improved in character feathering, color bleeding and both-side printing property than a conventional ink-jet print image, a print image disclosed in JP-A No. 2000-212486 is inferior to a print image of an electrophotographic method and the like used for plain paper printing on the market, thereby is in need of more improvement. For improving durability of the image, an ink is disclosed which contains a coloring agent-encapsulated resin dispersion which encapsulates a coloring agent in an insoluble-and-dispersing resin. However, the above ink does not obtain a sufficient image density when a carbon black is used as the coloring agent. A color organic pigment used as the coloring agent for a conventional ink is inferior to a dye ink in terms of image density, color reproducibility and the like on the plain paper. An ink set of the above coloring agent-encapsulated resin dispersion which set combines a black ink with a color ink cannot bring about a sufficient color boundary bleeding between black and yellow. Other dispersing methods include a self-dispersion type pigment ink which is capable of making a stable dispersion without a dispersing agent. In terms of a black pigment ink, JP-A No.05-186704 and JP-A No.08-3498 disclose so-called a self-dispersion type carbon black which is capable of making a stable dispersion without a dispersing agent by introducing a hydrophilic group to a surface of carbon. Moreover, in terms of a color pigment ink, JP-A No. 2000-513396 discloses a color pigment which is capable of making a stable dispersion without a dispersing agent. Combining the above self-dispersion type pigment inks is low in terms of chroma of a color image on plain paper, and deteriorated in terms of friction resistance on special gloss paper. Adding a resin emulsion for improving the friction resistance may decrease dispersion stability of the ink, thus losing ejection stability. Alternatively, JP-A No. 10-140064 discloses an ink set comprising a black ink and a color ink in which a black ink having a self-dispersion type carbon black and a color ink containing a coloring material whose polarity is opposite to that of a coloring material of the black ink. Furthermore, JP-A No. 2000-191972 discloses an ink set having coloring agent-encapsulated resin dispersion inks having different ionicities. A printed matter printed with the above ink sets are improved in terms of color bleeding, however, still failing to meet other properties of the plain paper.
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Title:
Ink-jet recording ink, ink-jet recording ink set, ink cartridge, ink-jet printer, and ink-jet printing method
Abstract:
An ink and ink set characterized in that both a combination of a specific wetting agent, penetrating agent, and water-soluble organic solvent and use of surfactant, particularly fluorine surfactant are enabled by using water dispersion in which polymer fine particles contain coloring material. Even when plain paper is printed at high speed by ink-jet recording by using this ink and ink set, the ink and ink set can realize a pigment ink for ink-jet recording, an ink set, an ink-jet recording method, ink cartridge, and recorder which have an excellent ejection stability and excellent preservability, and provide (1) good color tone, (2) high image density, (3) recorded image free of unsharpness near character or image and feathering and high in sharpness, (4) less boundary color bleedings between different colors, (5) image adaptable to both-side printing and causing less strike-throughs, and (6) image fastness such as water resistance and light resistance.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink-jet recording ink, an ink-jet recording ink set, an ink cartridge, an ink-jet printer, and an ink-jet printing method which use a pigment as a coloring material. Especially, the present invention relates to an ink-jet recording pigment ink and an ink-jet recording pigment ink set which can print on plain paper at high speed a high quality image with good color tone and good chroma, yield a high quality image with good color tone with a minute amount of character feathering and color bleeding, obtain an image excellent in rigidity such as waterproof and light resistance, be excellent in preservability, and excellent in ejection stability without causing head clogging in the printing. 2. Description of the Related Art From its advantages such as low noise, low running cost and the like, an ink-jet printer is remarkably pervaded, and a color printer capable of printing color image on plain paper is more and more placed on the market. It is, however, very difficult to meet all required properties including color reproducibility of an image, durability, light resistance, image dryness, character feathering, color boundary bleeding (for short, color bleeding), both-side printing property, ejection stability, and the like. With this, the ink used is selected based on a preferential property for a specific application. Especially, meeting the above required properties are difficult for the printer for high-speed plain paper printing. Generally, with its principle component of water, the ink for the ink-jet printing contains a coloring agent, and further contains a wetting agent such as glycerin and the like for clogging prevention. As the coloring agent, dye has been used in view of its excellent coloring property and stability. An image obtained by using a dye ink does not have good light resistance, waterproof, and the like. The waterproof is improved to a certain extent by improvement of ink-jet record paper having an ink absorbing layer, which improvement does not, however, apply sufficiently to the plain paper. Recently, for solving the above problems, a pigment ink using as coloring agent an organic pigment, carbon black and the like in place of the dye is taken into account. The pigment is insoluble in water. Thereby, the pigment can be used as an aqueous ink in which the pigment is mixed and dispersed with a dispersing agent for stable dispersion in water. Use of the pigment can bring about waterproof and light resistance, but cannot meet other properties at the same time. Especially, the high-speed printing of the plain paper cannot obtain high image density and high coloring property, failing to sufficiently meet the character feathering, the color bleeding, the both-side printing property and the like. The pigment ink has, compared with the dye ink, more problems in terms of the coloring property and stability. Especially, with improvement in high-image technology of OA (office automation) printers, the pigment ink is required to have printing quality, hue, chroma, gloss, preservability which are equivalent to those of the dye ink. However, a conventional pigment ink does not necessarily meet the above required properties. For example, it is generally known that especially a magenta ink and a cyan ink used for the pigment ink have respectively C. I. pigment red 122 and C. I. pigment blue 15:3. Compared with the dye ink, the pigment ink has a different color reproduction range. Moreover, the pigment ink carries out color toning for reducing hue error, in this case, however, the chroma is forced to be decreased, thus deteriorating the printing quality. On the contrary, the pigment itself is more and more improved for changing the hue not by the color toning. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 2000-17207 discloses a phthalocyanine pigment having a specific crystalline structure in which a cyan pigment is proposed which has a hue in the same color range as that of the cyan dye. The above proposal does not meet all the required properties in terms of cost and the like. JP-A No. 2000-239590 discloses an ink set using a pigment for coloring material of black ink and using a dye for coloring materials of yellow ink, magenta ink, and cyan ink. Although the above proposal is made in so many other disclosures, they are not sufficient for plain paper printing. In the ink-jet printing, a stable ejection of an ink droplet from a thin nozzle of an ink-jet recording head is needed. For meeting the above, it is necessary that dryness of an orifice of the ink-jet recording head does not cause solidification and the like of the ink. Use of a dispersing agent-contained ink for the ink-jet printing may sometimes cause clogging or ink's ejection failure which may be attributable to a resin and the like (of the dispersing agent) that is not dissolved again after adhering to the orifice and the like. Especially, a long-time stoppage of the printing is likely to cause the clogging of the nozzle and the like, moreover, the long-time stoppage may cause ink's accumulation (the ink with increased viscosity) in a nozzle cap or in a maintenance mechanism such as intake-tube and the like, thus losing function of the maintenance mechanism. A temporary stoppage of printing, or a temporary stoppage of using a nozzle that corresponds to a blanked document or a blanked image may cause a printing failure and the like which may be attributable to disoriented direction of injection of ink droplet (intermittent ejection failure). The above problems occurred so often. An aqueous pigment ink containing the dispersing agent is viscous and causes a resistance in a path to a nozzle's head end in the long-time continuous ejection and a high-speed printing, thus making the ejection unstable and making it difficult to achieve a smooth printing. JP-A No. 64-6074 and JP-A No. 01-31881 disclose a specific surfactant for the purpose of reducing surface tension of an ink using a pigment as a coloring agent. Each of JP-A No. 64-6074 and JP-A No. 01-31881 disclosing the specific surfactant, however, deteriorates printing quality due to character feathering, the color bleeding and the like, thus making it impossible to obtain ejection stability compatible with printing quality. JP-A No. 05-230409 and the like disclose a technology using a fluorine compound, in which the examples of using the pigment for the coloring agent are rare, failing to obtain a good property. For solving the above problems, JP-A No. 2000-212486 discloses an ink having specific agents and property such as pigment, pigment density, water-soluble dispersing agent, and penetrating agent; an ink containing polyhydric alcohol alkylether derivatives; and an ink set thereof. The ink disclosed in JP-A No. 2000-212486 has a super permeability, and thereby has a sufficient dryness even at a high-sped printing and has a secured ejection stability. The ink disclosed in JP-A No. 2000-212486 is, however, inferior to a dye ink in terms of image density, color reproducibility and the like when the plain paper is used. Although more improved in character feathering, color bleeding and both-side printing property than a conventional ink-jet print image, a print image disclosed in JP-A No. 2000-212486 is inferior to a print image of an electrophotographic method and the like used for plain paper printing on the market, thereby is in need of more improvement. For improving durability of the image, an ink is disclosed which contains a coloring agent-encapsulated resin dispersion which encapsulates a coloring agent in an insoluble-and-dispersing resin. However, the above ink does not obtain a sufficient image density when a carbon black is used as the coloring agent. A color organic pigment used as the coloring agent for a conventional ink is inferior to a dye ink in terms of image density, color reproducibility and the like on the plain paper. An ink set of the above coloring agent-encapsulated resin dispersion which set combines a black ink with a color ink cannot bring about a sufficient color boundary bleeding between black and yellow. Other dispersing methods include a self-dispersion type pigment ink which is capable of making a stable dispersion without a dispersing agent. In terms of a black pigment ink, JP-A No.05-186704 and JP-A No.08-3498 disclose so-called a self-dispersion type carbon black which is capable of making a stable dispersion without a dispersing agent by introducing a hydrophilic group to a surface of carbon. Moreover, in terms of a color pigment ink, JP-A No. 2000-513396 discloses a color pigment which is capable of making a stable dispersion without a dispersing agent. Combining the above self-dispersion type pigment inks is low in terms of chroma of a color image on plain paper, and deteriorated in terms of friction resistance on special gloss paper. Adding a resin emulsion for improving the friction resistance may decrease dispersion stability of the ink, thus losing ejection stability. Alternatively, JP-A No. 10-140064 discloses an ink set comprising a black ink and a color ink in which a black ink having a self-dispersion type carbon black and a color ink containing a coloring material whose polarity is opposite to that of a coloring material of the black ink. Furthermore, JP-A No. 2000-191972 discloses an ink set having coloring agent-encapsulated resin dispersion inks having different ionicities. A printed matter printed with the above ink sets are improved in terms of color bleeding, however, still failing to meet other properties of the plain paper.
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10879477
| 2,004
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Wireless broadband service
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A fixed broadband wireless data access service providing shared wide-band packet-switched data transport for high speed data access in areas where conventional ADSL service and fiber optic service are unavailable. The wireless data access service is a point-to-multipoint cellular-type network that connects customers to data service providers through the ATM backbone of an existing network. Customers connect to the ATM backbone and data service provider through a cellular grid in which a wireless base station in each cell communicates with the individual customer wireless equipment within its cell site coverage area. The base stations are connected to an ATM backbone switch through wireless and wireline backhaul links. The upstream and downstream bandwidths of the wireless broadband network are engineered in various symmetric and asymmetric configurations to provide a shared packet-switched connection that emulates an uninterrupted, direct wireline ADSL connection. The wireless broadband network employs a data protocol of shared access bandwidth and adaptive asymmetric data rates to support multiuser service sessions by wireless transmission. The wireless broadband network is not network protocol specific and can be applied to wireless asymmetric digital subscriber line service, wireless integrated service digital network over digital subscriber line service, wireless very high bit rate digital subscriber line service, or wireless symmetric or single-line digital subscriber line service.
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BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the field of switched telephony, and in particular, to wireless digital subscriber services, such as asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) services, that provide fixed broadband data access to remote locations. 2. Background of the Invention As electronic communication by businesses and private individuals has increased, the demand on network service providers for high speed, i.e., broadband, data transmission has steadily grown. Originally, service providers attempted to meet such demand with narrow band analog modems over traditional circuit-switched communication networks. However, these networks unnecessarily consumed resources because they set aside direct lines for data transmission even when no voice or data was being transmitted. Thus, to utilize network resources more efficiently than the circuit-switched communication networks, service providers are increasingly turning to packet-switched communication and broadband data services. Packet-switched communication utilizes network capacity only when transferring voice or data. Data is sliced into small packets of information that are transmitted when a circuit is available. Circuits are not dedicated to certain user applications, as a phone service would be in a circuit-switched network. Instead, circuits remain open and available to all on-line users whenever they have data packets to transmit. This allocation strategy keeps lines open and saves network resources until they are actually needed for communication. To accomplish this packet-switched broadband data communication, traditional network service providers typically use one of the following deployment options: (1) ADSL service using wired landlines (wireline ADSL); (2) integrated fiber in the loop (IFITL); or (3) ISDN, X.25, and other similar deployment services. In the prior art, the network service providers that own these wired telephone lines prefer wireline ADSL to deliver packet-switched data communication in service areas highly concentrated with customers because existing wire lines can be used, making ADSL inexpensive relative to the customer revenue produced in concentrated areas. However, broadband data rates over wire line facilities are distance dependent and require digital carrier systems for support once the length of wire line facilities exceed three miles from the central office. In contrast, in less concentrated and remote areas (e.g., rural areas), the smaller number of potential customers typically does not offer enough revenue to outweigh the costs to install and maintain the system. In addition, the longer deployment distances require more engineering efforts and capital investment in the improvement of line qualification to achieve expected transmission efficiency and quality. Therefore, potential customers in many locations typically do not have access to wireline ADSL service. IFITL deployment improves the efficiency and quality of transmission over greater distances as compared to the wireline ADSL. However, the cost of installing optical fiber lines is very high, such that the limited numbers of distant potential customers would rarely, if ever, justify the initial investment. Thus, there remains a need for a supplemental service that extends existing packet-switch data networks to less populated and remote areas that currently have no access. The deployment technique should be economical to install and should not suffer from reduced transmission quality over long distances. Further, the deployment method should enable network service providers to furnish remote customers with data access, while still realizing a profit.
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Title:
Wireless broadband service
Abstract:
A fixed broadband wireless data access service providing shared wide-band packet-switched data transport for high speed data access in areas where conventional ADSL service and fiber optic service are unavailable. The wireless data access service is a point-to-multipoint cellular-type network that connects customers to data service providers through the ATM backbone of an existing network. Customers connect to the ATM backbone and data service provider through a cellular grid in which a wireless base station in each cell communicates with the individual customer wireless equipment within its cell site coverage area. The base stations are connected to an ATM backbone switch through wireless and wireline backhaul links. The upstream and downstream bandwidths of the wireless broadband network are engineered in various symmetric and asymmetric configurations to provide a shared packet-switched connection that emulates an uninterrupted, direct wireline ADSL connection. The wireless broadband network employs a data protocol of shared access bandwidth and adaptive asymmetric data rates to support multiuser service sessions by wireless transmission. The wireless broadband network is not network protocol specific and can be applied to wireless asymmetric digital subscriber line service, wireless integrated service digital network over digital subscriber line service, wireless very high bit rate digital subscriber line service, or wireless symmetric or single-line digital subscriber line service.
Background:
BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the field of switched telephony, and in particular, to wireless digital subscriber services, such as asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) services, that provide fixed broadband data access to remote locations. 2. Background of the Invention As electronic communication by businesses and private individuals has increased, the demand on network service providers for high speed, i.e., broadband, data transmission has steadily grown. Originally, service providers attempted to meet such demand with narrow band analog modems over traditional circuit-switched communication networks. However, these networks unnecessarily consumed resources because they set aside direct lines for data transmission even when no voice or data was being transmitted. Thus, to utilize network resources more efficiently than the circuit-switched communication networks, service providers are increasingly turning to packet-switched communication and broadband data services. Packet-switched communication utilizes network capacity only when transferring voice or data. Data is sliced into small packets of information that are transmitted when a circuit is available. Circuits are not dedicated to certain user applications, as a phone service would be in a circuit-switched network. Instead, circuits remain open and available to all on-line users whenever they have data packets to transmit. This allocation strategy keeps lines open and saves network resources until they are actually needed for communication. To accomplish this packet-switched broadband data communication, traditional network service providers typically use one of the following deployment options: (1) ADSL service using wired landlines (wireline ADSL); (2) integrated fiber in the loop (IFITL); or (3) ISDN, X.25, and other similar deployment services. In the prior art, the network service providers that own these wired telephone lines prefer wireline ADSL to deliver packet-switched data communication in service areas highly concentrated with customers because existing wire lines can be used, making ADSL inexpensive relative to the customer revenue produced in concentrated areas. However, broadband data rates over wire line facilities are distance dependent and require digital carrier systems for support once the length of wire line facilities exceed three miles from the central office. In contrast, in less concentrated and remote areas (e.g., rural areas), the smaller number of potential customers typically does not offer enough revenue to outweigh the costs to install and maintain the system. In addition, the longer deployment distances require more engineering efforts and capital investment in the improvement of line qualification to achieve expected transmission efficiency and quality. Therefore, potential customers in many locations typically do not have access to wireline ADSL service. IFITL deployment improves the efficiency and quality of transmission over greater distances as compared to the wireline ADSL. However, the cost of installing optical fiber lines is very high, such that the limited numbers of distant potential customers would rarely, if ever, justify the initial investment. Thus, there remains a need for a supplemental service that extends existing packet-switch data networks to less populated and remote areas that currently have no access. The deployment technique should be economical to install and should not suffer from reduced transmission quality over long distances. Further, the deployment method should enable network service providers to furnish remote customers with data access, while still realizing a profit.
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10936938
| 2,004
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Phase change solvents for thermoplastic polymers
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Phase change solvents for thermoplastic polymers to provide blended compositions. Above the phase change temperature of the solvent, the phase change solvent solubilizes or intimately mixes with the thermoplastic polymer. Below the phase change temperature of the solvent, the phase change solvent solidifies or crystallizes within the thermoplastic matrix. The phase change behavior of these materials produce blended compositions that exhibit lowered shear viscosity and lowered processing temperature without substantially compromising mechanical properties of the thermoplastic polymer, such as hardness. The present invention also relates to a method of improving the processability of a thermoplastic polymer using the phase change solvent.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Plastic materials may be broadly divided into two main classes based on the material's response to heat, thermoplastics and thermosetting resins. Thermoplastic resins, when heated, soften or melt and flow as liquids and when cooled, they solidify. These changes on heating and cooling can be repeated several times without appreciable degradation. Virtually all thermoplastic products are made by melting thermoplastic compounds, shaping the molten plastic, and cooling it while maintaining the shape. In contrast, thermosetting resins are cured, hardened, or “set” into a permanent shape. Curing may be an irreversible process whereby permanent cross-linking occurs. Thus once molded, a thermoset product may not be reheated and molded again. The majority of resins produced are thermoplastics. Although a number of chemically different kinds of thermoplastics are commercially available, they may be divided into two broad classes: amorphous and crystalline. The latter may be characterized by melting and freezing points. Amorphous resins do not have melting points, but rather may be defined by a glass transition temperature, Tg. Common amorphous thermoplastics may include polystyrene, polycarbonates, poly(methyl methacrylate), and poly(vinyl chloride). Crystalline or partially crystalline thermoplastics are often described by melting temperature and a glass transition temperature. These materials may be processed above their melting points and then cooled to cause crystalline domains to form. Examples would include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and Nylon. Thermoplastic elastomers are block copolymers having one or more alkenylarene polymer blocks and one or more olefinic polymer blocks. The block copolymers are elastomeric in the sense that they typically have a three-dimensional, entangled (alternatively known as “physically crosslinked”) structure below the glass transition temperature (T g ) of the alkenylarene block such that they may exhibit elastic memories in response to external forces. The block copolymers are thermoplastic in the sense that they can be softened or melted above the glass or crystalline transition temperature of the alkenylarene block, processed, and cooled/solidified several times with little or no change in physical properties (assuming a minimum of oxidative degradation). Thermoplastics may be fabricated into useful shapes and articles using thermal and mechanical processes to manufacture plastic products, articles, films, fibers, or coatings, for example. A particular polymer may usually be chosen based on the mechanical, thermal, or visual properties desired in the product. For a particular fabrication process, e.g., extrusion, film blowing, molding, coating, and forming, the process variables (temperatures, flowrates, pressures, scrap, cost, etc.) may typically be selected such that the rheological properties of a polymer are adequate. However, the selections of polymer and process are highly related. In certain situations, the polymer may degrade at elevated temperatures or the equipment reliability may be unacceptable at high temperatures. Additionally, the rheological properties of some polymers may render certain processes or process conditions impossible or non-optimal, which may preclude these polymers from being employed regardless of their mechanical properties. Plasticizers or processing oils are often added to block copolymers to lower the viscosity and improve the processability of block copolymers. Other polymers may also be added to compatibilize the blends and/or improve the mechanical properties. Blends comprising block copolymers are reportedly described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,562,356; 4,704,110; 4,578,302; 5,503,919; 5,540,983; 6,117,176; and 6,187,425. However, the addition of plasticizers and/or processing oils may lower the mechanical properties of the block copolymer compositions. U.S. Pat. No. 4,131,581 to Coker relates to crystalline solvents for a polymer component that must be miscible with a viscosity reducing diluent. U.S. Pat. No. 5,945,485 to Struglinski et al. relates to viscosity modifier polybutadiene polymers, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,633,319 to Silvi et al. relates to compatibilized blends of polyetherimides and liquid crystalline polyesters, optionally with a minor proportion of a non-liquid crystalline polyester. The present inventors provide herein phase change solvents that may be able to reduce viscosity of a thermoplastic at high temperatures for processing while not substantially compromising the mechanical strength of the polymer at use temperatures.
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Title:
Phase change solvents for thermoplastic polymers
Abstract:
Phase change solvents for thermoplastic polymers to provide blended compositions. Above the phase change temperature of the solvent, the phase change solvent solubilizes or intimately mixes with the thermoplastic polymer. Below the phase change temperature of the solvent, the phase change solvent solidifies or crystallizes within the thermoplastic matrix. The phase change behavior of these materials produce blended compositions that exhibit lowered shear viscosity and lowered processing temperature without substantially compromising mechanical properties of the thermoplastic polymer, such as hardness. The present invention also relates to a method of improving the processability of a thermoplastic polymer using the phase change solvent.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Plastic materials may be broadly divided into two main classes based on the material's response to heat, thermoplastics and thermosetting resins. Thermoplastic resins, when heated, soften or melt and flow as liquids and when cooled, they solidify. These changes on heating and cooling can be repeated several times without appreciable degradation. Virtually all thermoplastic products are made by melting thermoplastic compounds, shaping the molten plastic, and cooling it while maintaining the shape. In contrast, thermosetting resins are cured, hardened, or “set” into a permanent shape. Curing may be an irreversible process whereby permanent cross-linking occurs. Thus once molded, a thermoset product may not be reheated and molded again. The majority of resins produced are thermoplastics. Although a number of chemically different kinds of thermoplastics are commercially available, they may be divided into two broad classes: amorphous and crystalline. The latter may be characterized by melting and freezing points. Amorphous resins do not have melting points, but rather may be defined by a glass transition temperature, Tg. Common amorphous thermoplastics may include polystyrene, polycarbonates, poly(methyl methacrylate), and poly(vinyl chloride). Crystalline or partially crystalline thermoplastics are often described by melting temperature and a glass transition temperature. These materials may be processed above their melting points and then cooled to cause crystalline domains to form. Examples would include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and Nylon. Thermoplastic elastomers are block copolymers having one or more alkenylarene polymer blocks and one or more olefinic polymer blocks. The block copolymers are elastomeric in the sense that they typically have a three-dimensional, entangled (alternatively known as “physically crosslinked”) structure below the glass transition temperature (T g ) of the alkenylarene block such that they may exhibit elastic memories in response to external forces. The block copolymers are thermoplastic in the sense that they can be softened or melted above the glass or crystalline transition temperature of the alkenylarene block, processed, and cooled/solidified several times with little or no change in physical properties (assuming a minimum of oxidative degradation). Thermoplastics may be fabricated into useful shapes and articles using thermal and mechanical processes to manufacture plastic products, articles, films, fibers, or coatings, for example. A particular polymer may usually be chosen based on the mechanical, thermal, or visual properties desired in the product. For a particular fabrication process, e.g., extrusion, film blowing, molding, coating, and forming, the process variables (temperatures, flowrates, pressures, scrap, cost, etc.) may typically be selected such that the rheological properties of a polymer are adequate. However, the selections of polymer and process are highly related. In certain situations, the polymer may degrade at elevated temperatures or the equipment reliability may be unacceptable at high temperatures. Additionally, the rheological properties of some polymers may render certain processes or process conditions impossible or non-optimal, which may preclude these polymers from being employed regardless of their mechanical properties. Plasticizers or processing oils are often added to block copolymers to lower the viscosity and improve the processability of block copolymers. Other polymers may also be added to compatibilize the blends and/or improve the mechanical properties. Blends comprising block copolymers are reportedly described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,562,356; 4,704,110; 4,578,302; 5,503,919; 5,540,983; 6,117,176; and 6,187,425. However, the addition of plasticizers and/or processing oils may lower the mechanical properties of the block copolymer compositions. U.S. Pat. No. 4,131,581 to Coker relates to crystalline solvents for a polymer component that must be miscible with a viscosity reducing diluent. U.S. Pat. No. 5,945,485 to Struglinski et al. relates to viscosity modifier polybutadiene polymers, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,633,319 to Silvi et al. relates to compatibilized blends of polyetherimides and liquid crystalline polyesters, optionally with a minor proportion of a non-liquid crystalline polyester. The present inventors provide herein phase change solvents that may be able to reduce viscosity of a thermoplastic at high temperatures for processing while not substantially compromising the mechanical strength of the polymer at use temperatures.
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11003383
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Semiconductor device
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An N type semiconductor layer is epitaxially grown on a P type semiconductor substrate of which one end is grounded, and an element isolation layer made of a P type diffusion layer is formed by means of diffusion around the N type semiconductor layer in order to electrically isolate the N type semiconductor layer. The metal layer which is located above the N type semiconductor layer and which forms a wire or a bonding pad is isolated from the N type semiconductor layer in which a diffusion layer or the like has been formed by an insulating film. An N type buried diffusion layer having an impurity concentration higher than that of the N type semiconductor layer is provided between the P type semiconductor substrate and the N type semiconductor layer. In addition, a P type semiconductor layer is formed by means of diffusion between the insulating film and the N type semiconductor layer plus the element isolation layer.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a semiconductor device which is applied to a crystal oscillating circuit or the like, and which is provided with a metal layer that becomes a wire or a bonding pad. 2. Prior Art In a conventional crystal oscillating circuit or the like, a wire or a bonding pad is formed as a metal region within the semiconductor device. FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of a crystal oscillating circuit. In FIG. 7 , symbol 10 indicates a semiconductor integrated circuit. Symbol 11 indicates a crystal oscillator. Symbol 12 indicates a variable capacitance diode. Symbols 23 , 24 and 25 indicate bonding pads. Symbols 20 , 37 , 38 and 39 indicate resistors. Symbols 21 and 22 indicate capacitors. Symbols 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 and 36 indicate parasitic capacitances. Symbol 40 indicates a transistor. This crystal oscillating circuit is formed of semiconductor integrated circuit 10 , crystal oscillator 11 and variable capacitance diode 12 which works on crystal oscillator 11 so as to make the oscillation frequency variable. Crystal oscillator 11 and variable capacitance diode 12 are connected to each other in series. Both ends of the series circuit of crystal oscillator 11 and variable capacitance diode 12 are connected to semiconductor integrated circuit 10 via bonding pads 23 and 25 , respectively. In addition, parasitic capacitances are added to the respective circuit elements of semiconductor integrated circuit 10 in a distributed manner. For example, parasitic capacitance 33 is added to bonding pad 23 , parasitic capacitance 34 is added to resistor 37 , parasitic capacitance 35 is added to resistor 38 , parasitic capacitance 36 is added to resistor 39 , parasitic capacitance 30 is added to resistor 20 , parasitic capacitance 31 is added to capacitor 21 , and parasitic capacitance 32 is added capacitor 22 . In FIG. 7 , bonding pads 23 , 24 and 25 are formed of metal layers, for example, and the structures of and the portions beneath these metal layers are the same. FIG. 8 shows the structure of and the portion beneath a metal layer. In addition, FIG. 9 shows the condition of a connection of parasitic capacitances that are added to the portion beneath a metal layer which forms a bonding pad. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional diagram showing a cross-section of a structure in the vicinity of a metal region of which the structure is the same for a wire and a bonding pad. In FIG. 8 , symbol 53 indicates a P type semiconductor substrate made of a P type silicon substrate. One end of this P type semiconductor substrate 53 is grounded. Symbol 51 indicates an N type semiconductor (silicon) layer that has been epitaxially grown on P type semiconductor substrate 53 . A diffusion layer for constructing a transistor in a crystal oscillating circuit, for example, is formed in this N type semiconductor layer 51 . Symbol 52 indicates an element isolation layer made of P type diffusion layers that have been diffused from both sides, upper and lower, of N type semiconductor layer 51 , in order to electrically isolate N type semiconductor layer 51 . Symbol 55 indicates a metal layer of which the main component is aluminum, and which forms a wire or a bonding pad. Symbol 50 indicates an insulating film for insulating metal layer 55 from N type semiconductor layer 51 where a diffusion layer or the like has been formed. Insulating film 50 is formed of a silicon nitride film having a thickness of 15 nm, for example. Symbol 54 indicates an N type buried diffusion layer of which the impurity concentration is higher than that of N type semiconductor layer 51 . After N type buried diffusion layer 54 has been formed on P type semiconductor substrate 53 , N type semiconductor layer 51 is epitaxially grown. N type buried diffusion layer 54 is formed in order to lower the resistance component of N type semiconductor layer 51 that has been epitaxially grown, and, at the same time, in order to increase the withstand voltage between N type semiconductor layer 51 and P type semiconductor layer (element isolation layer 52 plus P type semiconductor substrate 53 ). In the above described configuration, parasitic capacitances 30 to 36 are formed between capacitors 21 and 22 in FIG. 7 and the P type semiconductor substrate that forms semiconductor integrated circuit 10 in FIG. 7 , as well as between resistors 20 , 37 , 38 and 39 and the P type semiconductor substrate. Each parasitic capacitance 30 to 36 is, as shown in FIG. 9 , formed of a parasitic capacitance 60 (capacitance value C 1 ) between metal layer 55 that becomes a wire or a bonding pad and N type semiconductor layer 51 , and of a parasitic capacitance 61 (capacitance value C 2 ) in the junction between N type semiconductor layer 51 and P type semiconductor substrate 53 . Here, an imaginary electrode A is connected to metal layer 55 , and an imaginary electrode B is connected to N type semiconductor layer 51 . FIG. 9 is a diagram of an equivalent circuit, showing the condition of the connection of parasitic capacitances 60 and 61 , which occur between the respective layers of FIG. 8 . Parasitic capacitance 60 is a parasitic capacitance formed between metal layer 55 and N type semiconductor layer 51 , which respectively make contact with the two surfaces of insulating film 50 . Parasitic capacitance 61 is a parasitic capacitance formed between N type buried diffusion layer 54 plus N type semiconductor layer 51 and P type semiconductor substrate 53 plus element isolation layer 52 . An equivalent circuit of the portion between electrode A which is connected to metal layer 55 and P type semiconductor substrate 53 which is grounded has, as shown in FIG. 9 , the configuration where parasitic capacitance 60 and parasitic capacitance 61 are connected in series between electrode A and the ground. Electrode B is connected to the connected portion between parasitic capacitance 60 and parasitic capacitance 61 . Here, parasitic capacitance 60 is determined by the dielectric constant and the thickness of insulating film 50 , and by the area of the border, and has a fixed value. On the other hand, parasitic capacitance 61 is determined by the thickness and the area of a depletion layer on the surface that makes contact with the diffusion layer. The thickness of this depletion layer fluctuates depending on the value of the voltage which is applied across the two surfaces of this depletion layer, and thus, the value of parasitic capacitance 61 fluctuates in accordance with the value of this voltage. FIG. 10 shows the fluctuations of the voltages at electrodes A and B by taking the lapse of time from the time when a voltage is applied to electrode A of FIG. 9 along the lateral axis, and by taking the voltages at electrodes A and B of FIG. 9 along the longitudinal axis. In FIG. 10 , waveform A 1 shows the waveform of the voltage at electrode A of FIG. 9 . That is to say, waveform A 1 shows the waveform of the voltage at bonding pad 23 made of a metal layer in FIG. 7 . Waveform B 1 shows the waveform of the voltage at electrode B of FIG. 9 . That is to say, waveform B 1 shows the waveform of the voltage at the layer that corresponds to electrode B within the structure beneath resistor 38 in FIG. 7 . In the following, the waveforms of FIG. 10 are described in reference to the configuration of FIG. 7 . In FIG. 7 , when a voltage from the voltage source is applied to bonding pad 24 , the circuits that are connected to this bonding pad 24 operate, and a voltage that has been determined by the series of circuits is applied to resistor 38 . Waveform A 1 shows the waveform of the voltage that is applied to bonding pad 23 . That is to say, waveform A 1 shows the manner in which the voltage that is applied to bonding pad 23 is shifted to a constant voltage value in a period of time that is no longer than 0.01 second, and at the same time, the oscillation waveform of approximately 13 MHz that has been generated by crystal oscillator 11 is maintained. Waveform B 1 shows the waveform of the voltage at electrode B. That is to say, waveform B 1 shows the manner in which the voltage at electrode B 1 reaches a predetermined voltage value in a period of time that is no longer than 0.01 second, and after that, gradually decreases. The voltage of waveform B 1 decreases, and thereby, the value of parasitic capacitance 61 , which is shown in FIG. 9 , changes. The capacitance value between electrode A and the ground also fluctuates along with the fluctuation in the value of parasitic capacitance 61 . The fluctuation in the voltage of waveform B 1 is more concretely described in the following, in reference to FIG. 9 . When a voltage is applied to electrode A of FIG. 9 , parasitic capacitance 60 and parasitic capacitance 61 are rapidly charged, and a voltage which is gained by dividing the voltage across electrode A and the ground in accordance with the values of parasitic capacitances 60 and 61 is outputted to electrode B. However, a microscopic amount of diffusion current in accordance with the concentration of the junction in parasitic capacitance 61 flows out of the junction in the direction toward the ground from electrode B, and therefore, the potential of electrode B decreases, along with the flow of this charge. It generally takes a time period of at least ten seconds or more before the potential of electrode B is lowered to the ground. When the potential of electrode B decreases as described above in FIG. 9 , the capacitance value of parasitic capacitance 61 changes, and so does the capacitance value between electrode A and the ground. As a result of this, the capacitance value that has been parasitically added to resistor 38 in FIG. 7 also changes. The oscillation frequency of crystal oscillator 11 changes along with the change in the parasitic capacitance value that is added to resistor 38 . Next, the value of this parasitic capacitance and the fluctuation in the oscillation frequency are described. In an example where the parasitic capacitance value is found through calculation from the areas occupied by and the materials of the respective structures of the semiconductor integrated circuit, the value of parasitic capacitance 60 in FIG. 9 is, for example, 1.18 pF. In addition, as for the value of parasitic capacitance 61 , the value immediately after power on is, for example, 4 pF, while the value after ten seconds from power on changes to 5 pF. In this case, the capacitance value between electrode A and the ground is found in a manner where 0.9112 pF immediately after power on changes to 0.9547 pF after ten seconds. The ratio of this change in the capacitance value is 4.6%. On the other hand, the frequency of the oscillation waveform at bonding pad 23 in FIG. 7 is measured in the manner where the frequency value fluctuates by 0.3 ppm ten seconds after power on. In an oscillator that outputs the signal that becomes the reference in a cellular phone, for example, the allowable fluctuation range of the frequency is plus/minus 0.2 ppm. Accordingly, the above described 0.3 ppm is a value on the borders of the standard. In a conventional cellular phone, as shown in FIG. 7 , an oscillating circuit is formed of semiconductor integrated circuit 10 , crystal oscillator 11 and variable capacitance diode 12 . In order to connect semiconductor integrated circuit 10 to crystal oscillator 11 or the like, it is necessary to make connections to crystal oscillator 11 or the like via bonding pads 23 and 25 within semiconductor integrated circuit 10 . However, as shown in FIG. 9 , parasitic capacitances are added to the respective capacitors and resistors, and in addition, the values of the parasitic capacitances fluctuate along with a discharge. Such fluctuations in the parasitic values take a time period of no less than ten seconds after power on, and during this time, the oscillation frequency gradually changes in accordance with this fluctuation in the parasitic capacitance values. The range of the change in the frequency during this time period is 0.1 Hz to 10 Hz, and in some cases, this numeral value exceeds 0.3 ppm, which is an allowable value for the frequency fluctuation ten seconds after power on, and which is required for a cellular phone.
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Title:
Semiconductor device
Abstract:
An N type semiconductor layer is epitaxially grown on a P type semiconductor substrate of which one end is grounded, and an element isolation layer made of a P type diffusion layer is formed by means of diffusion around the N type semiconductor layer in order to electrically isolate the N type semiconductor layer. The metal layer which is located above the N type semiconductor layer and which forms a wire or a bonding pad is isolated from the N type semiconductor layer in which a diffusion layer or the like has been formed by an insulating film. An N type buried diffusion layer having an impurity concentration higher than that of the N type semiconductor layer is provided between the P type semiconductor substrate and the N type semiconductor layer. In addition, a P type semiconductor layer is formed by means of diffusion between the insulating film and the N type semiconductor layer plus the element isolation layer.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a semiconductor device which is applied to a crystal oscillating circuit or the like, and which is provided with a metal layer that becomes a wire or a bonding pad. 2. Prior Art In a conventional crystal oscillating circuit or the like, a wire or a bonding pad is formed as a metal region within the semiconductor device. FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of a crystal oscillating circuit. In FIG. 7 , symbol 10 indicates a semiconductor integrated circuit. Symbol 11 indicates a crystal oscillator. Symbol 12 indicates a variable capacitance diode. Symbols 23 , 24 and 25 indicate bonding pads. Symbols 20 , 37 , 38 and 39 indicate resistors. Symbols 21 and 22 indicate capacitors. Symbols 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 and 36 indicate parasitic capacitances. Symbol 40 indicates a transistor. This crystal oscillating circuit is formed of semiconductor integrated circuit 10 , crystal oscillator 11 and variable capacitance diode 12 which works on crystal oscillator 11 so as to make the oscillation frequency variable. Crystal oscillator 11 and variable capacitance diode 12 are connected to each other in series. Both ends of the series circuit of crystal oscillator 11 and variable capacitance diode 12 are connected to semiconductor integrated circuit 10 via bonding pads 23 and 25 , respectively. In addition, parasitic capacitances are added to the respective circuit elements of semiconductor integrated circuit 10 in a distributed manner. For example, parasitic capacitance 33 is added to bonding pad 23 , parasitic capacitance 34 is added to resistor 37 , parasitic capacitance 35 is added to resistor 38 , parasitic capacitance 36 is added to resistor 39 , parasitic capacitance 30 is added to resistor 20 , parasitic capacitance 31 is added to capacitor 21 , and parasitic capacitance 32 is added capacitor 22 . In FIG. 7 , bonding pads 23 , 24 and 25 are formed of metal layers, for example, and the structures of and the portions beneath these metal layers are the same. FIG. 8 shows the structure of and the portion beneath a metal layer. In addition, FIG. 9 shows the condition of a connection of parasitic capacitances that are added to the portion beneath a metal layer which forms a bonding pad. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional diagram showing a cross-section of a structure in the vicinity of a metal region of which the structure is the same for a wire and a bonding pad. In FIG. 8 , symbol 53 indicates a P type semiconductor substrate made of a P type silicon substrate. One end of this P type semiconductor substrate 53 is grounded. Symbol 51 indicates an N type semiconductor (silicon) layer that has been epitaxially grown on P type semiconductor substrate 53 . A diffusion layer for constructing a transistor in a crystal oscillating circuit, for example, is formed in this N type semiconductor layer 51 . Symbol 52 indicates an element isolation layer made of P type diffusion layers that have been diffused from both sides, upper and lower, of N type semiconductor layer 51 , in order to electrically isolate N type semiconductor layer 51 . Symbol 55 indicates a metal layer of which the main component is aluminum, and which forms a wire or a bonding pad. Symbol 50 indicates an insulating film for insulating metal layer 55 from N type semiconductor layer 51 where a diffusion layer or the like has been formed. Insulating film 50 is formed of a silicon nitride film having a thickness of 15 nm, for example. Symbol 54 indicates an N type buried diffusion layer of which the impurity concentration is higher than that of N type semiconductor layer 51 . After N type buried diffusion layer 54 has been formed on P type semiconductor substrate 53 , N type semiconductor layer 51 is epitaxially grown. N type buried diffusion layer 54 is formed in order to lower the resistance component of N type semiconductor layer 51 that has been epitaxially grown, and, at the same time, in order to increase the withstand voltage between N type semiconductor layer 51 and P type semiconductor layer (element isolation layer 52 plus P type semiconductor substrate 53 ). In the above described configuration, parasitic capacitances 30 to 36 are formed between capacitors 21 and 22 in FIG. 7 and the P type semiconductor substrate that forms semiconductor integrated circuit 10 in FIG. 7 , as well as between resistors 20 , 37 , 38 and 39 and the P type semiconductor substrate. Each parasitic capacitance 30 to 36 is, as shown in FIG. 9 , formed of a parasitic capacitance 60 (capacitance value C 1 ) between metal layer 55 that becomes a wire or a bonding pad and N type semiconductor layer 51 , and of a parasitic capacitance 61 (capacitance value C 2 ) in the junction between N type semiconductor layer 51 and P type semiconductor substrate 53 . Here, an imaginary electrode A is connected to metal layer 55 , and an imaginary electrode B is connected to N type semiconductor layer 51 . FIG. 9 is a diagram of an equivalent circuit, showing the condition of the connection of parasitic capacitances 60 and 61 , which occur between the respective layers of FIG. 8 . Parasitic capacitance 60 is a parasitic capacitance formed between metal layer 55 and N type semiconductor layer 51 , which respectively make contact with the two surfaces of insulating film 50 . Parasitic capacitance 61 is a parasitic capacitance formed between N type buried diffusion layer 54 plus N type semiconductor layer 51 and P type semiconductor substrate 53 plus element isolation layer 52 . An equivalent circuit of the portion between electrode A which is connected to metal layer 55 and P type semiconductor substrate 53 which is grounded has, as shown in FIG. 9 , the configuration where parasitic capacitance 60 and parasitic capacitance 61 are connected in series between electrode A and the ground. Electrode B is connected to the connected portion between parasitic capacitance 60 and parasitic capacitance 61 . Here, parasitic capacitance 60 is determined by the dielectric constant and the thickness of insulating film 50 , and by the area of the border, and has a fixed value. On the other hand, parasitic capacitance 61 is determined by the thickness and the area of a depletion layer on the surface that makes contact with the diffusion layer. The thickness of this depletion layer fluctuates depending on the value of the voltage which is applied across the two surfaces of this depletion layer, and thus, the value of parasitic capacitance 61 fluctuates in accordance with the value of this voltage. FIG. 10 shows the fluctuations of the voltages at electrodes A and B by taking the lapse of time from the time when a voltage is applied to electrode A of FIG. 9 along the lateral axis, and by taking the voltages at electrodes A and B of FIG. 9 along the longitudinal axis. In FIG. 10 , waveform A 1 shows the waveform of the voltage at electrode A of FIG. 9 . That is to say, waveform A 1 shows the waveform of the voltage at bonding pad 23 made of a metal layer in FIG. 7 . Waveform B 1 shows the waveform of the voltage at electrode B of FIG. 9 . That is to say, waveform B 1 shows the waveform of the voltage at the layer that corresponds to electrode B within the structure beneath resistor 38 in FIG. 7 . In the following, the waveforms of FIG. 10 are described in reference to the configuration of FIG. 7 . In FIG. 7 , when a voltage from the voltage source is applied to bonding pad 24 , the circuits that are connected to this bonding pad 24 operate, and a voltage that has been determined by the series of circuits is applied to resistor 38 . Waveform A 1 shows the waveform of the voltage that is applied to bonding pad 23 . That is to say, waveform A 1 shows the manner in which the voltage that is applied to bonding pad 23 is shifted to a constant voltage value in a period of time that is no longer than 0.01 second, and at the same time, the oscillation waveform of approximately 13 MHz that has been generated by crystal oscillator 11 is maintained. Waveform B 1 shows the waveform of the voltage at electrode B. That is to say, waveform B 1 shows the manner in which the voltage at electrode B 1 reaches a predetermined voltage value in a period of time that is no longer than 0.01 second, and after that, gradually decreases. The voltage of waveform B 1 decreases, and thereby, the value of parasitic capacitance 61 , which is shown in FIG. 9 , changes. The capacitance value between electrode A and the ground also fluctuates along with the fluctuation in the value of parasitic capacitance 61 . The fluctuation in the voltage of waveform B 1 is more concretely described in the following, in reference to FIG. 9 . When a voltage is applied to electrode A of FIG. 9 , parasitic capacitance 60 and parasitic capacitance 61 are rapidly charged, and a voltage which is gained by dividing the voltage across electrode A and the ground in accordance with the values of parasitic capacitances 60 and 61 is outputted to electrode B. However, a microscopic amount of diffusion current in accordance with the concentration of the junction in parasitic capacitance 61 flows out of the junction in the direction toward the ground from electrode B, and therefore, the potential of electrode B decreases, along with the flow of this charge. It generally takes a time period of at least ten seconds or more before the potential of electrode B is lowered to the ground. When the potential of electrode B decreases as described above in FIG. 9 , the capacitance value of parasitic capacitance 61 changes, and so does the capacitance value between electrode A and the ground. As a result of this, the capacitance value that has been parasitically added to resistor 38 in FIG. 7 also changes. The oscillation frequency of crystal oscillator 11 changes along with the change in the parasitic capacitance value that is added to resistor 38 . Next, the value of this parasitic capacitance and the fluctuation in the oscillation frequency are described. In an example where the parasitic capacitance value is found through calculation from the areas occupied by and the materials of the respective structures of the semiconductor integrated circuit, the value of parasitic capacitance 60 in FIG. 9 is, for example, 1.18 pF. In addition, as for the value of parasitic capacitance 61 , the value immediately after power on is, for example, 4 pF, while the value after ten seconds from power on changes to 5 pF. In this case, the capacitance value between electrode A and the ground is found in a manner where 0.9112 pF immediately after power on changes to 0.9547 pF after ten seconds. The ratio of this change in the capacitance value is 4.6%. On the other hand, the frequency of the oscillation waveform at bonding pad 23 in FIG. 7 is measured in the manner where the frequency value fluctuates by 0.3 ppm ten seconds after power on. In an oscillator that outputs the signal that becomes the reference in a cellular phone, for example, the allowable fluctuation range of the frequency is plus/minus 0.2 ppm. Accordingly, the above described 0.3 ppm is a value on the borders of the standard. In a conventional cellular phone, as shown in FIG. 7 , an oscillating circuit is formed of semiconductor integrated circuit 10 , crystal oscillator 11 and variable capacitance diode 12 . In order to connect semiconductor integrated circuit 10 to crystal oscillator 11 or the like, it is necessary to make connections to crystal oscillator 11 or the like via bonding pads 23 and 25 within semiconductor integrated circuit 10 . However, as shown in FIG. 9 , parasitic capacitances are added to the respective capacitors and resistors, and in addition, the values of the parasitic capacitances fluctuate along with a discharge. Such fluctuations in the parasitic values take a time period of no less than ten seconds after power on, and during this time, the oscillation frequency gradually changes in accordance with this fluctuation in the parasitic capacitance values. The range of the change in the frequency during this time period is 0.1 Hz to 10 Hz, and in some cases, this numeral value exceeds 0.3 ppm, which is an allowable value for the frequency fluctuation ten seconds after power on, and which is required for a cellular phone.
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10966294
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Compounds derived from polyanhydride resins with film-forming, UV-absorbing, and photostabilizing properties, compositions containing same, and methods of using the same
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Polymers containing one or more of a photostabilizing moiety attached to the polymer backbone, sunscreen compositions including a mixture of a photoactive compound and a polymer containing one or more of a a photostabilizing moiety attached to the polymer backbone are described herein. Also disclosed are methods for stabilizing a sunscreen composition and methods of filtering out ultra-violet light from a substrate by the addition of one or more of the foregoing polymers, and methods of waterproofing and forming a film with one or more of the foregoing polymer are described herein.
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BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Technology The invention relates to polymers, and methods to increase the UV-absorbance, water resistance, and photostability of a variety of compositions. More particularly, the invention relates to cyanodiphenylacrylate and/or cyanofluorenylidene acetate compounds and compositions containing the same, and methods of using them that include a method of protecting a material from ultra-violet radiation, a method of waterproofing, a method of forming a film, and a method of photostabilizing a photounstable compound. 2. Brief Description of Related Technology It is well known that ultraviolet radiation (light) having a wavelength from about 280 nm or 290 nm to about 320 nm (UV-B) is harmful to human skin, causing burns that are detrimental to the development of a good sun tan. UV-A radiation (about 320 nm to about 400 nm), while producing tanning of the skin, also can cause damage, particularly to very lightly-colored or sensitive skin, leading to reduction of skin elasticity and wrinkles. Therefore, a sunscreen composition for use on human skin preferably includes both a UV-A and a UV-B filter to prevent most of the sunlight within the full range of about 280 nm or 290 nm to about 400 nm from damaging human skin. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun or artificial sources can also cause harm to coatings containing photoactive substances, such as photoactive pigments and dyes, by breaking down chemical bonds in the structure of a component such as a polymer, a pigment, or a dye. This photodegradation can lead to color fading, loss of gloss, and loss of physical and protective properties of a coating. Photodegradation can take place in several steps which include one or more components of a coating absorbing UV radiation. The absorbed radiation can excite the absorbing molecules and raise them to a higher energy level, which can be very reactive. If the molecule cannot be relaxed, bond cleavage and the formation of free radicals will occur. These free radicals can attack one or more color molecules and/or a polymer backbone and form more free radicals. UV-A and UV-B filters can also be used to absorb UV radiation to protect a pigmented coating. The UV-B filters that are most widely used in the U.S. in commercial sunscreen compositions are paramethoxycinnamic acid esters, such as 2-ethylhexyl paramethoxycinnamate, commonly referred to as octyl methoxycinnamate or PARSOL MCX; octyl salicylate; and oxybenzone. The organic UV-A filters most commonly used in commercial sunscreen compositions are the dibenzoylmethane derivatives, particularly 4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4′-methoxydibenzoylmethane (also called avobenzone, sold under the brand name PARSOL 1789). Other dibenzoylmethane derivatives described as UV-A filters are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,489,057, 4,387,089 and 4,562,067, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. It is also well known that the above described UV-A filters, particularly the dibenzoylmethane derivatives, can suffer from rapid photochemical degradation, when used alone or when combined with the above-described most commercially used UV-B filters. Typically, the above-described UV-B filters are combined with the above described UV-A filters in a solution with other lipophilic or oily ingredients. This solution of oily ingredients, known to formulators of cosmetic products including sunscreens as the “oil phase,” is typically, but not necessarily, dispersed with the help of emulsifiers and stabilizers into an aqueous solution composed primarily of water, to make an emulsion which becomes a final cream or lotion form of a sunscreen composition. The performance of a photoactive compound or a combination of photoactive compounds in a sunscreen composition has been extremely difficult to predict based on the levels of photoactive compounds in the formulation, particularly when the formulation includes one or more photoactive compounds that suffer from relatively rapid photodegradation, such as avobenzone. Because of this, each formulation has required expensive laboratory testing to determine the UV absorbance, as a function of time (quantity) of exposure of the formulation to UV radiation. Moreover, a particularly difficult problem is presented when one photoactive compound in a sunscreen composition acts to increase the rate of photodegradation of another photoactive compound in the composition. This can be accomplished in a number or ways, including a bimolecular reaction between two photoactive compounds and a lowering of the threshold energy needed to raise a photoactive compound to its excited state. For example, when avobenzone is combined with octyl methoxycinnamate a bimolecular pathway leads to the rapid photodegradation of both the dibenzoylmethane derivative and the octyl methoxycinnamate. Methods and compositions for stabilizing photoactive compounds, such as dibenzoylmethane derivatives, with the use of octocrylene and fluorene are described in the commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,993,789, 6,113,931, 6,126,925, and 6,284,916, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Other methods of stabilizing a dibenzoylmethane derivative include the addition of an α-cyano-β,β-diphenylacrylate compound to a sunscreen composition including a dibenzoylmethane derivative. See, Deflandre et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,576,354 and Gonzenbach et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,033,649.
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Title:
Compounds derived from polyanhydride resins with film-forming, UV-absorbing, and photostabilizing properties, compositions containing same, and methods of using the same
Abstract:
Polymers containing one or more of a photostabilizing moiety attached to the polymer backbone, sunscreen compositions including a mixture of a photoactive compound and a polymer containing one or more of a a photostabilizing moiety attached to the polymer backbone are described herein. Also disclosed are methods for stabilizing a sunscreen composition and methods of filtering out ultra-violet light from a substrate by the addition of one or more of the foregoing polymers, and methods of waterproofing and forming a film with one or more of the foregoing polymer are described herein.
Background:
BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Technology The invention relates to polymers, and methods to increase the UV-absorbance, water resistance, and photostability of a variety of compositions. More particularly, the invention relates to cyanodiphenylacrylate and/or cyanofluorenylidene acetate compounds and compositions containing the same, and methods of using them that include a method of protecting a material from ultra-violet radiation, a method of waterproofing, a method of forming a film, and a method of photostabilizing a photounstable compound. 2. Brief Description of Related Technology It is well known that ultraviolet radiation (light) having a wavelength from about 280 nm or 290 nm to about 320 nm (UV-B) is harmful to human skin, causing burns that are detrimental to the development of a good sun tan. UV-A radiation (about 320 nm to about 400 nm), while producing tanning of the skin, also can cause damage, particularly to very lightly-colored or sensitive skin, leading to reduction of skin elasticity and wrinkles. Therefore, a sunscreen composition for use on human skin preferably includes both a UV-A and a UV-B filter to prevent most of the sunlight within the full range of about 280 nm or 290 nm to about 400 nm from damaging human skin. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun or artificial sources can also cause harm to coatings containing photoactive substances, such as photoactive pigments and dyes, by breaking down chemical bonds in the structure of a component such as a polymer, a pigment, or a dye. This photodegradation can lead to color fading, loss of gloss, and loss of physical and protective properties of a coating. Photodegradation can take place in several steps which include one or more components of a coating absorbing UV radiation. The absorbed radiation can excite the absorbing molecules and raise them to a higher energy level, which can be very reactive. If the molecule cannot be relaxed, bond cleavage and the formation of free radicals will occur. These free radicals can attack one or more color molecules and/or a polymer backbone and form more free radicals. UV-A and UV-B filters can also be used to absorb UV radiation to protect a pigmented coating. The UV-B filters that are most widely used in the U.S. in commercial sunscreen compositions are paramethoxycinnamic acid esters, such as 2-ethylhexyl paramethoxycinnamate, commonly referred to as octyl methoxycinnamate or PARSOL MCX; octyl salicylate; and oxybenzone. The organic UV-A filters most commonly used in commercial sunscreen compositions are the dibenzoylmethane derivatives, particularly 4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4′-methoxydibenzoylmethane (also called avobenzone, sold under the brand name PARSOL 1789). Other dibenzoylmethane derivatives described as UV-A filters are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,489,057, 4,387,089 and 4,562,067, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. It is also well known that the above described UV-A filters, particularly the dibenzoylmethane derivatives, can suffer from rapid photochemical degradation, when used alone or when combined with the above-described most commercially used UV-B filters. Typically, the above-described UV-B filters are combined with the above described UV-A filters in a solution with other lipophilic or oily ingredients. This solution of oily ingredients, known to formulators of cosmetic products including sunscreens as the “oil phase,” is typically, but not necessarily, dispersed with the help of emulsifiers and stabilizers into an aqueous solution composed primarily of water, to make an emulsion which becomes a final cream or lotion form of a sunscreen composition. The performance of a photoactive compound or a combination of photoactive compounds in a sunscreen composition has been extremely difficult to predict based on the levels of photoactive compounds in the formulation, particularly when the formulation includes one or more photoactive compounds that suffer from relatively rapid photodegradation, such as avobenzone. Because of this, each formulation has required expensive laboratory testing to determine the UV absorbance, as a function of time (quantity) of exposure of the formulation to UV radiation. Moreover, a particularly difficult problem is presented when one photoactive compound in a sunscreen composition acts to increase the rate of photodegradation of another photoactive compound in the composition. This can be accomplished in a number or ways, including a bimolecular reaction between two photoactive compounds and a lowering of the threshold energy needed to raise a photoactive compound to its excited state. For example, when avobenzone is combined with octyl methoxycinnamate a bimolecular pathway leads to the rapid photodegradation of both the dibenzoylmethane derivative and the octyl methoxycinnamate. Methods and compositions for stabilizing photoactive compounds, such as dibenzoylmethane derivatives, with the use of octocrylene and fluorene are described in the commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,993,789, 6,113,931, 6,126,925, and 6,284,916, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Other methods of stabilizing a dibenzoylmethane derivative include the addition of an α-cyano-β,β-diphenylacrylate compound to a sunscreen composition including a dibenzoylmethane derivative. See, Deflandre et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,576,354 and Gonzenbach et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,033,649.
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10972663
| 2,004
|
Method and system for providing a diverse supply of electrical energy
|
A method and system facilitates the provision of a diverse supply of electrical energy from wind energy. One or more qualified wind data regions are established within a geographic area. Each qualified wind data region meets or exceeds a wind velocity criteria over a requisite time period. Accessible transmission and distribution zones are established where a desired range of electrical energy is potentially distributable to electricity purchasers or consumers via existing distribution infrastructure. One or more candidate regions are determined based on the overlap of the regions and the zones. A selector selects preferential regions, for placement of conversion devices, from the candidate regions based on the preferential regions being spatially separated from one another by a minimum distance to provide an electrical power generation reliability exceeding a minimum target or percentage of reliability.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the prior art, certain engineering models have been used to establish technical viability in planning the location of wind turbines or wind farms. The engineering models may consider the topography of a region, the wind regime of the region, and the technical specifications of various commercially available wind turbines. However, the engineering models provide only a partial view of reality because other critical financial, geostatistical, and other information may influence the economic viability of a wind farm. Thus, a need exists for an accurate model to plan an economically viable location of a wind turbine or a wind farm.
|
Title:
Method and system for providing a diverse supply of electrical energy
Abstract:
A method and system facilitates the provision of a diverse supply of electrical energy from wind energy. One or more qualified wind data regions are established within a geographic area. Each qualified wind data region meets or exceeds a wind velocity criteria over a requisite time period. Accessible transmission and distribution zones are established where a desired range of electrical energy is potentially distributable to electricity purchasers or consumers via existing distribution infrastructure. One or more candidate regions are determined based on the overlap of the regions and the zones. A selector selects preferential regions, for placement of conversion devices, from the candidate regions based on the preferential regions being spatially separated from one another by a minimum distance to provide an electrical power generation reliability exceeding a minimum target or percentage of reliability.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the prior art, certain engineering models have been used to establish technical viability in planning the location of wind turbines or wind farms. The engineering models may consider the topography of a region, the wind regime of the region, and the technical specifications of various commercially available wind turbines. However, the engineering models provide only a partial view of reality because other critical financial, geostatistical, and other information may influence the economic viability of a wind farm. Thus, a need exists for an accurate model to plan an economically viable location of a wind turbine or a wind farm.
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10805371
| 2,004
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Enhancement to volume license keys
|
A method includes issuing a digital certificate to a licensee, the digital certificate identifying a licensed product and the licensee to enable the licensee to enable the licensed product. The method involves receiving a request to enable the licensed product from an entity, the request including the digital certificate and determining whether the entity is the licensee of the licensed product based on the digital certificate. A system includes a relational structure having associations among authorized entities and digital certificates within an organization. Each to digital certificate identifies a licensed product licensed to the organization. A certificate distribution module distributes the digital certificates to associated authorized entities.
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BACKGROUND Protecting software and other works from improper copying and use is a serious problem facing vendors of such property. Vendors of software products typically license their products to licensees of the products. The license has terms of use and often can only be activated or made fully functional when the licensee enters an alphanumeric license key, such as a hash license key, that “unlocks” the product, thereby enabling the product or the product's full feature set. A license may be issued to an individual user, or to an organization, such as a corporation, with many potential users. A license to an organization is often referred to as a volume license and the license key for a volume license a volume license key. Unfortunately, a traditional volume license key can be very difficult if not impossible to enforce for a number of reasons. One reason a traditional volume license key is difficult to enforce is that the license key does not provide a way to validate the identity of the user of the license key. For example, a hash license key consists of a series of letters and numbers that, when entered by the user, are decrypted with a hash algorithm to determine whether the hash license key is a valid license key. Anyone who obtains the hash license key and the identity of the associated product may be able to enter the license key at the vendor's web site, for example, and, since the hash license key is valid, thereby gain access to use the product. A hash license key can actually be quite easy to obtain. Licensees may intentionally or inadvertently divulge the license key. In a large corporate environment, for example, securing the license key may be particularly difficult. The corporation may be spread over a large geographic area and employ many users who could obtain access to the license key. Once a user obtains access to the license key, the user can pass it on to anyone (even unauthorized users) who will then be able to enable the licensed product with the license key. As a result, the licensee corporation may not be able to control who obtains license keys. Vendors to corporate licensees essentially take it on faith that the licensees will secure the license key from improper use. In addition, license key generators are tools that rapidly generate alphanumeric sequences. License key generators are readily available to many users. Unscrupulous users can use a license key generator to rapidly and repeatedly generate sequences and enter the sequences into the license key validation mechanism, which will enable the product when the right sequence is entered. Whether improper access to a licensed product is the result of inadvertence on the part of the licensee or unscrupulous behavior, a fundamental flaw in traditional license keys is their inability to identify the user trying to enable the licensed product. In an attempt to make traditional license keys more secure, vendors have made alphanumeric license keys longer. In general the longer the hash license key, the more secure the license key is. However, vendors also realize that licensees typically would rather not have to enter and keep track of extremely long alphanumeric sequences that make up license keys. To avoid imposing a large burden on customers, vendors typically limit the length of traditional license keys to relatively short lengths, making the license keys more easily determined by a license key generator. Therefore, licensed products are susceptible to improper access, despite traditional license key approaches toward preventing such improper access.
|
Title:
Enhancement to volume license keys
Abstract:
A method includes issuing a digital certificate to a licensee, the digital certificate identifying a licensed product and the licensee to enable the licensee to enable the licensed product. The method involves receiving a request to enable the licensed product from an entity, the request including the digital certificate and determining whether the entity is the licensee of the licensed product based on the digital certificate. A system includes a relational structure having associations among authorized entities and digital certificates within an organization. Each to digital certificate identifies a licensed product licensed to the organization. A certificate distribution module distributes the digital certificates to associated authorized entities.
Background:
BACKGROUND Protecting software and other works from improper copying and use is a serious problem facing vendors of such property. Vendors of software products typically license their products to licensees of the products. The license has terms of use and often can only be activated or made fully functional when the licensee enters an alphanumeric license key, such as a hash license key, that “unlocks” the product, thereby enabling the product or the product's full feature set. A license may be issued to an individual user, or to an organization, such as a corporation, with many potential users. A license to an organization is often referred to as a volume license and the license key for a volume license a volume license key. Unfortunately, a traditional volume license key can be very difficult if not impossible to enforce for a number of reasons. One reason a traditional volume license key is difficult to enforce is that the license key does not provide a way to validate the identity of the user of the license key. For example, a hash license key consists of a series of letters and numbers that, when entered by the user, are decrypted with a hash algorithm to determine whether the hash license key is a valid license key. Anyone who obtains the hash license key and the identity of the associated product may be able to enter the license key at the vendor's web site, for example, and, since the hash license key is valid, thereby gain access to use the product. A hash license key can actually be quite easy to obtain. Licensees may intentionally or inadvertently divulge the license key. In a large corporate environment, for example, securing the license key may be particularly difficult. The corporation may be spread over a large geographic area and employ many users who could obtain access to the license key. Once a user obtains access to the license key, the user can pass it on to anyone (even unauthorized users) who will then be able to enable the licensed product with the license key. As a result, the licensee corporation may not be able to control who obtains license keys. Vendors to corporate licensees essentially take it on faith that the licensees will secure the license key from improper use. In addition, license key generators are tools that rapidly generate alphanumeric sequences. License key generators are readily available to many users. Unscrupulous users can use a license key generator to rapidly and repeatedly generate sequences and enter the sequences into the license key validation mechanism, which will enable the product when the right sequence is entered. Whether improper access to a licensed product is the result of inadvertence on the part of the licensee or unscrupulous behavior, a fundamental flaw in traditional license keys is their inability to identify the user trying to enable the licensed product. In an attempt to make traditional license keys more secure, vendors have made alphanumeric license keys longer. In general the longer the hash license key, the more secure the license key is. However, vendors also realize that licensees typically would rather not have to enter and keep track of extremely long alphanumeric sequences that make up license keys. To avoid imposing a large burden on customers, vendors typically limit the length of traditional license keys to relatively short lengths, making the license keys more easily determined by a license key generator. Therefore, licensed products are susceptible to improper access, despite traditional license key approaches toward preventing such improper access.
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11005001
| 2,004
|
Identifying and locating eligible WIC items in a store
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A method, computer program product and system for identifying and locating items, e.g., eligible WIC items, in a store. A shopping device, such as one located on a shopping cart, may obtain a WIC participant's personalized food package that was stored on a smart card provided to the WIC participant. The shopping device may display the eligible WIC items in the WIC participant's personalized food package in terms of the layout of the store. The shopping device may be configured to guide the WIC participant, such as through arrows or word commands displayed on the shopping device, to the eligible WIC items. The shopping device may also be configured to display at the end of the shopping session those WIC eligible items that were not purchased. In this manner, a system that implements the WIC-EBT standard while also assisting the WIC participant in locating their WIC eligible items is provided.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION The United States Department of Agriculture administers a special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children, commonly referred to as “WIC”. The WIC program targets the low-income, nutritionally at risk population. In particular, the WIC program may assist pregnant women, infants up to their first birthday and children up to their fifth birthday. The WIC program provides many benefits to such women, infants and children, such as supplemental nutritious foods, nutrition education and counseling at WIC clinics and screening and referrals to other health, welfare and social services. The WIC program currently serves approximately 3.82 million children, 1.95 million infants and 1.86 million women at a cost of approximately 4.7 billion dollars. Currently, WIC participants may receive checks or vouchers to purchase specific foods each month that are designed to supplement their diets. The foods provided are high in one or more of the following nutrients: protein, calcium, iron and vitamins A and C. These are the nutrients frequently lacking in the diets of the program's target population. Different food packages are provided for different categories of participants. The WIC foods in a food package that are available to be purchased by a particular WIC participant may not be easily identified in a grocery store. Some of these WIC items may be identified, such as by a sticker with the label “WIC authorized”. However, these stickers may be not be self evident. For example, the WIC eligible items, along with their WIC eligible labels, may be stocked in high or low positions on a shelf and hence may not be easily identified. Furthermore, not all of the WIC eligible items may be marked. After the WIC participant placed the eligible WIC items that could be located in the grocery cart, the WIC participant may hand the cashier a paper voucher to purchase the items. There are various problems with using paper vouchers to purchase WIC items. For example, the cashier may assume incorrectly that the items purchased with the voucher were all eligible WIC items. Furthermore, using the paper voucher to purchase WIC items may result in long waits by retailers for reimbursement. Furthermore, the WIC participant may be uncomfortable to hand the cashier a WIC paper voucher due to the stigma associated with receiving food for free from a government program. Consequently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2002 promulgated a program, referred to as the “Electronic Benefits Transfer (“EBT”) program, designed to replace the time-consuming and error-prone paper voucher system that was costly to administer, often uncomfortable for participants to use, and could result in long waits by retailers for reimbursement. Pilot programs for implementing the EBT program are now occurring across the country. However, there are no current product locator systems that implement the WIC-EBT standard while also assisting the WIC participant in locating their WIC eligible items in the store. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a product locator system that implements the WIC-EBT standard while also assisting the WIC participant in locating their WIC eligible items in the store.
|
Title:
Identifying and locating eligible WIC items in a store
Abstract:
A method, computer program product and system for identifying and locating items, e.g., eligible WIC items, in a store. A shopping device, such as one located on a shopping cart, may obtain a WIC participant's personalized food package that was stored on a smart card provided to the WIC participant. The shopping device may display the eligible WIC items in the WIC participant's personalized food package in terms of the layout of the store. The shopping device may be configured to guide the WIC participant, such as through arrows or word commands displayed on the shopping device, to the eligible WIC items. The shopping device may also be configured to display at the end of the shopping session those WIC eligible items that were not purchased. In this manner, a system that implements the WIC-EBT standard while also assisting the WIC participant in locating their WIC eligible items is provided.
Background:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION The United States Department of Agriculture administers a special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children, commonly referred to as “WIC”. The WIC program targets the low-income, nutritionally at risk population. In particular, the WIC program may assist pregnant women, infants up to their first birthday and children up to their fifth birthday. The WIC program provides many benefits to such women, infants and children, such as supplemental nutritious foods, nutrition education and counseling at WIC clinics and screening and referrals to other health, welfare and social services. The WIC program currently serves approximately 3.82 million children, 1.95 million infants and 1.86 million women at a cost of approximately 4.7 billion dollars. Currently, WIC participants may receive checks or vouchers to purchase specific foods each month that are designed to supplement their diets. The foods provided are high in one or more of the following nutrients: protein, calcium, iron and vitamins A and C. These are the nutrients frequently lacking in the diets of the program's target population. Different food packages are provided for different categories of participants. The WIC foods in a food package that are available to be purchased by a particular WIC participant may not be easily identified in a grocery store. Some of these WIC items may be identified, such as by a sticker with the label “WIC authorized”. However, these stickers may be not be self evident. For example, the WIC eligible items, along with their WIC eligible labels, may be stocked in high or low positions on a shelf and hence may not be easily identified. Furthermore, not all of the WIC eligible items may be marked. After the WIC participant placed the eligible WIC items that could be located in the grocery cart, the WIC participant may hand the cashier a paper voucher to purchase the items. There are various problems with using paper vouchers to purchase WIC items. For example, the cashier may assume incorrectly that the items purchased with the voucher were all eligible WIC items. Furthermore, using the paper voucher to purchase WIC items may result in long waits by retailers for reimbursement. Furthermore, the WIC participant may be uncomfortable to hand the cashier a WIC paper voucher due to the stigma associated with receiving food for free from a government program. Consequently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2002 promulgated a program, referred to as the “Electronic Benefits Transfer (“EBT”) program, designed to replace the time-consuming and error-prone paper voucher system that was costly to administer, often uncomfortable for participants to use, and could result in long waits by retailers for reimbursement. Pilot programs for implementing the EBT program are now occurring across the country. However, there are no current product locator systems that implement the WIC-EBT standard while also assisting the WIC participant in locating their WIC eligible items in the store. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a product locator system that implements the WIC-EBT standard while also assisting the WIC participant in locating their WIC eligible items in the store.
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10896973
| 2,004
|
Starting gate and timing device
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A starting gate and timing device for foot races includes a frame and a plurality of levered restraints disposed across a track. Each of the levered restraints includes a barrier portion which is adapted to prevent a runner from crossing the start line before the barrier is moved out of the way. Each of the barrier portions also includes an audio speaker for alerting a runner of the start of a race. A scoreboard, timer and sensor are also provided for timing the race. A control system for controlling a start of a race is provided.
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BACKGROUND FOR THE INVENTION Starting devices for horse races, automotive races, motorcycle races, dog races and the like are well-known. However, such devices have not been generally accepted for track and field events. Nevertheless, it is presently believed that there may be a demand for an improved starting gate and timing device for track events, speed skating and the like. It is believed that there may be a commercial market for a starting gate and timing device according to the present invention for several reasons. For example, the starting gate and timing devices as disclosed herein will essentially eliminate false starts, and at the same time ensure each participant of an even start of an event. To be more specific, the starting gate and timing devices can be programmed to provide voice commands with consistent cadence and will allow participants to preview the cadence before an event. In addition, the starting gate and timing device disclosed herein allows a participant to concentrate on the start as opposed to watching for a puff of smoke from a starting pistol. Further the device as disclosed herein will eliminate disputes over the start of an event and provide accurate timing of one or more athletes in events where thousands of a second may be the difference between the winner and runner-up. It is also contemplated that the starting gate and timing device in accordance with the present invention may be used to provide a handicap system where the end of a race will provide a more exciting finish for the spectators. It is further believed that the starting gate and timing devices in accordance with the present invention can be manufactured in a portable and readily transportable form, at a reasonable cost and in a durable form.
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Title:
Starting gate and timing device
Abstract:
A starting gate and timing device for foot races includes a frame and a plurality of levered restraints disposed across a track. Each of the levered restraints includes a barrier portion which is adapted to prevent a runner from crossing the start line before the barrier is moved out of the way. Each of the barrier portions also includes an audio speaker for alerting a runner of the start of a race. A scoreboard, timer and sensor are also provided for timing the race. A control system for controlling a start of a race is provided.
Background:
BACKGROUND FOR THE INVENTION Starting devices for horse races, automotive races, motorcycle races, dog races and the like are well-known. However, such devices have not been generally accepted for track and field events. Nevertheless, it is presently believed that there may be a demand for an improved starting gate and timing device for track events, speed skating and the like. It is believed that there may be a commercial market for a starting gate and timing device according to the present invention for several reasons. For example, the starting gate and timing devices as disclosed herein will essentially eliminate false starts, and at the same time ensure each participant of an even start of an event. To be more specific, the starting gate and timing devices can be programmed to provide voice commands with consistent cadence and will allow participants to preview the cadence before an event. In addition, the starting gate and timing device disclosed herein allows a participant to concentrate on the start as opposed to watching for a puff of smoke from a starting pistol. Further the device as disclosed herein will eliminate disputes over the start of an event and provide accurate timing of one or more athletes in events where thousands of a second may be the difference between the winner and runner-up. It is also contemplated that the starting gate and timing device in accordance with the present invention may be used to provide a handicap system where the end of a race will provide a more exciting finish for the spectators. It is further believed that the starting gate and timing devices in accordance with the present invention can be manufactured in a portable and readily transportable form, at a reasonable cost and in a durable form.
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11017587
| 2,004
|
Ophthalmic surgical system with embedded product catalog
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An ophthalmic surgical system 10 includes an ophthalmic surgical console 12 and a plurality of surgical modules 14 for performing a plurality of surgical tasks. Surgical console 12 includes a memory 16. A display screen 18 forms a part of surgical console 12 for displaying a variety of surgical information, and the information contained within the memory 16. Display screen 18 displays a catalog of products stored in the memory 16 that may be purchased for use with the surgical console 12 and the plurality of surgical modules 14.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to ophthalmic surgical systems and more specifically, to ophthalmic surgical systems with display screens for displaying information stored in a memory of the system. 2 . Description of Related Art The present invention relates generally to the field of cataract surgery and more particularly, to surgical systems used for cataract removal as well as vitreoretinal surgery. With advances in ophthalmic surgical techniques and electronic and software technology, ophthalmic surgical equipment has become increasingly sophisticated and provides the surgeon with ever-increasing flexibility and capability. Most present day ophthalmic surgical systems essentially have a personal computer integrated as part of the surgical console. Sophisticated software associated with the computer and various surgical modules, which themselves may have computers, control many surgical parameters. The control software can be set to control a wide range of surgical instruments, settings, and operating parameters in order to accommodate a wide range of surgical techniques that may be employed by various surgeons or by the needs of a particular type of ophthalmic surgery. In addition, with the use of communications technology such as the internet or telephone lines, much information may be extracted from the surgical system or downloaded into the surgical system from a remote site, such as a manufacturer. Such remote activities may include maintenance and updating of the software for running the surgical system. Remote controlled tutorials on operating the surgical system may also be implemented using the communications link. Other possible capabilities of an ophthalmic surgical system are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,648,223 assigned to Alcon Inc. The '223 patent discloses the use of a bar code on a surgical pack, which may identify the contents of the pack and then set the surgical console operating parameters to coincide with the particular pack, which has been read by a bar code reader. The '223 patent also suggests that remote access provides the ability to update the software periodically, as well as providing service diagnosis. In addition, the '223 patent suggests that training and educational materials may be downloaded into the console, as well as pre-operative patient data. The '223 patent also suggests that the operation manual for the surgical system can be downloaded into the system and be updated periodically by the manufacturer. It would be advantageous to have an ophthalmic surgical system that allows the user to view a catalog of products available for use with the system, as well as information on how to order such products.
|
Title:
Ophthalmic surgical system with embedded product catalog
Abstract:
An ophthalmic surgical system 10 includes an ophthalmic surgical console 12 and a plurality of surgical modules 14 for performing a plurality of surgical tasks. Surgical console 12 includes a memory 16. A display screen 18 forms a part of surgical console 12 for displaying a variety of surgical information, and the information contained within the memory 16. Display screen 18 displays a catalog of products stored in the memory 16 that may be purchased for use with the surgical console 12 and the plurality of surgical modules 14.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to ophthalmic surgical systems and more specifically, to ophthalmic surgical systems with display screens for displaying information stored in a memory of the system. 2 . Description of Related Art The present invention relates generally to the field of cataract surgery and more particularly, to surgical systems used for cataract removal as well as vitreoretinal surgery. With advances in ophthalmic surgical techniques and electronic and software technology, ophthalmic surgical equipment has become increasingly sophisticated and provides the surgeon with ever-increasing flexibility and capability. Most present day ophthalmic surgical systems essentially have a personal computer integrated as part of the surgical console. Sophisticated software associated with the computer and various surgical modules, which themselves may have computers, control many surgical parameters. The control software can be set to control a wide range of surgical instruments, settings, and operating parameters in order to accommodate a wide range of surgical techniques that may be employed by various surgeons or by the needs of a particular type of ophthalmic surgery. In addition, with the use of communications technology such as the internet or telephone lines, much information may be extracted from the surgical system or downloaded into the surgical system from a remote site, such as a manufacturer. Such remote activities may include maintenance and updating of the software for running the surgical system. Remote controlled tutorials on operating the surgical system may also be implemented using the communications link. Other possible capabilities of an ophthalmic surgical system are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,648,223 assigned to Alcon Inc. The '223 patent discloses the use of a bar code on a surgical pack, which may identify the contents of the pack and then set the surgical console operating parameters to coincide with the particular pack, which has been read by a bar code reader. The '223 patent also suggests that remote access provides the ability to update the software periodically, as well as providing service diagnosis. In addition, the '223 patent suggests that training and educational materials may be downloaded into the console, as well as pre-operative patient data. The '223 patent also suggests that the operation manual for the surgical system can be downloaded into the system and be updated periodically by the manufacturer. It would be advantageous to have an ophthalmic surgical system that allows the user to view a catalog of products available for use with the system, as well as information on how to order such products.
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10777559
| 2,004
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Method and apparatus for generating a calibration target on a medium
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A method is disclosed for generating a calibration target on a medium. The method can include the operation of inserting the medium into a printer with a first orientation. A further operation can be printing a first calibration feature at a first lateral location on the medium. Another operation can be reinserting the medium into the printer with a second orientation rotated 180 degrees from the first orientation. A second calibration feature can be printed at a second lateral location on the medium.
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BACKGROUND Scanners have proven useful in allowing the electronic capture of images. Various types of scanners are known, including flatbed, drum, and handheld scanners. Some scanners include automatic document feeders to enable rapid and efficient scanning of multiple documents. Some characteristics [AH1] of a scanner, however, are most useful when appropriately calibrated. For example, scanning is most efficient when a region scanned corresponds closely to an actual extent of the object being scanned. Hence, it may be desirable to calibrate the characteristic corresponding to the lateral and longitudinal positioning of the scanning region relative the object being scanned. For example, in a scanner with an automatic document feeder, the lateral position or alignment of the document being scanned relative to the scan head depends on mechanical tolerances in the document feeder and the position of the scan head. The alignment may need to be calibrated at initial manufacturing. Furthermore, the alignment can change with time due to wear and drift of components or due to servicing of the scanner. Calibration of this alignment characteristic may therefore be desirable. Similarly, longitudinal positioning can depend on the relative timing of the document edges (leading and/or trailing) passing the scanning head. For example, in an automatic document feeder, there may be a media sensor separate from the scan head for triggering the start or end of scanning. Often, the media sensor is a mechanical or photoelectric detector. Timing between the media sensor and scan head may be dependent on the mechanical tolerances in the document feeder and the characteristics of the medium. For example, the rate at which media is fed through the document feeder will vary depending on mechanical wear and tolerances in the document feeder as well as the thickness, surface roughness, and other characteristics of the media. Calibration of these timing characteristics may also be desirable. Hence, it is often desirable to perform calibration on a scanner to correct for positioning and timing errors.
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Title:
Method and apparatus for generating a calibration target on a medium
Abstract:
A method is disclosed for generating a calibration target on a medium. The method can include the operation of inserting the medium into a printer with a first orientation. A further operation can be printing a first calibration feature at a first lateral location on the medium. Another operation can be reinserting the medium into the printer with a second orientation rotated 180 degrees from the first orientation. A second calibration feature can be printed at a second lateral location on the medium.
Background:
BACKGROUND Scanners have proven useful in allowing the electronic capture of images. Various types of scanners are known, including flatbed, drum, and handheld scanners. Some scanners include automatic document feeders to enable rapid and efficient scanning of multiple documents. Some characteristics [AH1] of a scanner, however, are most useful when appropriately calibrated. For example, scanning is most efficient when a region scanned corresponds closely to an actual extent of the object being scanned. Hence, it may be desirable to calibrate the characteristic corresponding to the lateral and longitudinal positioning of the scanning region relative the object being scanned. For example, in a scanner with an automatic document feeder, the lateral position or alignment of the document being scanned relative to the scan head depends on mechanical tolerances in the document feeder and the position of the scan head. The alignment may need to be calibrated at initial manufacturing. Furthermore, the alignment can change with time due to wear and drift of components or due to servicing of the scanner. Calibration of this alignment characteristic may therefore be desirable. Similarly, longitudinal positioning can depend on the relative timing of the document edges (leading and/or trailing) passing the scanning head. For example, in an automatic document feeder, there may be a media sensor separate from the scan head for triggering the start or end of scanning. Often, the media sensor is a mechanical or photoelectric detector. Timing between the media sensor and scan head may be dependent on the mechanical tolerances in the document feeder and the characteristics of the medium. For example, the rate at which media is fed through the document feeder will vary depending on mechanical wear and tolerances in the document feeder as well as the thickness, surface roughness, and other characteristics of the media. Calibration of these timing characteristics may also be desirable. Hence, it is often desirable to perform calibration on a scanner to correct for positioning and timing errors.
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10861898
| 2,004
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Electrolytic capacitor for use in an implantable medical device
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A capacitor structure comprises a shallow drawn encasement having first and second major sides and a peripheral wall coupled to the first and second sides. A cathode is disposed within the encasement proximate the first and second major sides, the cathode having a cathode lead. A central anode a having an anode lead is disposed within the encasement, and a bipolar, insulative feedthrough extends through the encasement through which electrical coupling may be made to the anode lead and the cathode lead.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION ICDs are devices that are typically implanted in a patient's chest to treat very fast, and potentially lethal, cardiac arrhythmias. These devices continuously monitor the heart's electrical signals and sense if, for example, the heart is beating dangerously fast. If this condition is detected, the ICD can deliver one or more electric shocks, within about five to ten seconds, to return the heart to a normal heart rhythm. These defibrillation electric shocks may range from a few micro-joules to very powerful shocks of approximately twenty-five joules to forty joules. Early generations of ICDs utilized high-voltage, cylindrical capacitors to generate and deliver defibrillation shocks. For example, standard wet slug tantalum capacitors generally have a cylindrically shaped conductive casing serving as the terminal for the cathode and a tantalum anode connected to a terminal lead electrically insulated from the casing. The opposite end of the casing is also typically provided with an insulator structure. One such capacitor is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,369,547 issued on Nov. 29, 1994 and entitled “Capacitor”. This patent disclosed an electrolytic capacitor that includes a metal container that functions as a cathode. A porous coating, including an oxide of a metal selected from the group consisting of ruthenium, iridium, nickel, rhodium, platinum, palladium, and osmium, is disposed proximate an inside surface of the container and is in electrical communication therewith. A central anode selected from the group consisting of tantalum, aluminum, niobium, zirconium, and titanium is spaced from the porous coating, and an electrolyte within the container contacts the porous coating and the anode. U.S. Pat. No. 5,737,181 issued on Apr. 7, 1998 and entitled “Capacitor” describes a capacitor that includes a cathode material of the type described in the above cited patent disposed on each of two opposed conducting plates. A metal anode (also of the type described in the above cited patent) is disposed between the cathode material coating and the conducting plates. U.S. Pat. No. 5,982,609 issued Nov. 9, 1999 and entitled “Capacitor” describes a capacitor that includes a cathode having a porous coating including an amorphous metal oxide of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of ruthenium, iridiumn, nickel, rhodium, rhenium, cobalt, tungsten, manganese, tantalum, molybdenum, lead, titanium, platinum, palladium, and osmium. An anode includes a metal selected from the group consisting of tantalum, aluminum, niobium, zirconium, and titanium. While the performance of these capacitors was acceptable for defibrillator applications, efforts to optimize the mechanical characteristics of the device have been limited by the constraints imposed by the cylindrical design. In an effort to overcome this, flat electrolytic capacitors were developed. U.S. Pat. No. 5,926,362 issued on Jul. 20, 1999 and entitled “Hermetically Sealed Capacitor” describes a deep-drawn sealed capacitor having a generally flat, planar geometry. The capacitor includes at least one electrode provided by a metallic substrate in contact with a capacitive material. The coated substrate may be deposited on a casing side-wall or connected to a side-wall. The capacitor has a flat planar shape and utilizes a deep-drawn casing comprised of spaced apart side-walls joined at their periphery by a surrounding intermediate wall. Cathode material is typically deposited on an interior side-wall of the conductive encasement which serves as one of the capacitor terminals; e.g. the cathode. The other capacitor terminal (the anode) is isolated from the encasement by an insulator/feedthrough structure comprised of, for example, a glass-to-metal seal. It is also known to deposit cathode material on a separate substrate that is placed in electrical communication with the case. In another embodiment, the cathode substrate is insulated from the case using insulators and a separate cathode feedthrough. A valve metal anode made from metal powder is pressed and sintered to form a porous structure, and a wire (e.g. tantalum) is imbedded into the anode during pressing to provide a terminal for joining to the feedthrough. A separator (e.g. polyolefin, a fluoropolymer, a laminated film, non-woven glass, glass fiber, porous ceramic, etc.) is provided between the anode and the cathode to prevent short circuits between the electrodes. Separator sheets are sealed either to a polymer ring that extends around the perimeter of the anode or to themselves. A separate weld ring and polymer insulator may be utilized for thermal beam protection as well as anode immobilization. Prior to encasement welding, a separator encased anode is joined to the feedthrough wire by, for example, laser welding. This joint is internal to the capacitor. The outer metal encasement structure is comprised essentially of two symmetrical half shells that overlap and are welded at their perimeter seam to form a hermetic seal. After welding, the capacitor is filled with electrolyte through a port in the encasement. The above described techniques present concerns relating to both device size and manufacturing complexity. The use of overlapping half-shields results in a doubling of the encasement thickness around the perimeter of the capacitor thus reducing the available interior space for the capacitor's anode. This results in larger capacitors. Space for the anode material is further reduced by the presence of the weld ring and space insulator. In addition, manufacturing processes become more complex and therefore more costly, especially in the case of a deep-drawn encasement. A further disadvantage of the known design involves the complexity of the anode terminal-to-feedthrough terminal weld joint. As was described, a tantalum anode lead is imbedded into the anode and is joined via laser welding to a terminal lead of the feedthrough. This is typically accomplished by forming a “J” or “U” shape with one or more of the leads, pressing the terminal end of these leads together, and laser welding the interface. In order to accomplish this, one must either perform this step prior to welding the feedthrough ferrule into the encasement or sufficient space must be provided in the capacitor anode structure to facilitate clamping and welding while the anode is in the case. This results in additional manufacturing complexity while the latter negatively impacts device size. As stated previously, a separator material is provided on the anode and may be sealed to itself to form an envelope. The anode is typically on the order of 0.1 inch thick. As a result, the sealing operation is complex, and significant separator material typically overhangs the anode. This overhang must be accommodated in the design and typically either reduces the size of the anode or increases the size of the capacitor. Furthermore, due to the proximity of thermally sensitive separator material to the encasement, the separator is in direct contact with the cathode/encasement structure. Weld parameters must therefore be carefully selected to prevent thermal damage of the separator material. When cathode material is deposited on a separate substrate, as described above, substrate thickness further reduces the space available for anode material or increases the size of the capacitor. In a case-neutral device (i.e. the capacitor encasement forms neither the anode terminal or the cathode terminal), the additional space necessary to incorporate separate feedthrough ferrules and insulators to insulator the cathode and the anode from the case further increases the size of the capacitor. Thus, while the development of flat electrolytic capacitors significantly reduces size and thickness, defibrillation capacitors are still the largest components in current ICDs making further downsizing a primary objective.
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Title:
Electrolytic capacitor for use in an implantable medical device
Abstract:
A capacitor structure comprises a shallow drawn encasement having first and second major sides and a peripheral wall coupled to the first and second sides. A cathode is disposed within the encasement proximate the first and second major sides, the cathode having a cathode lead. A central anode a having an anode lead is disposed within the encasement, and a bipolar, insulative feedthrough extends through the encasement through which electrical coupling may be made to the anode lead and the cathode lead.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION ICDs are devices that are typically implanted in a patient's chest to treat very fast, and potentially lethal, cardiac arrhythmias. These devices continuously monitor the heart's electrical signals and sense if, for example, the heart is beating dangerously fast. If this condition is detected, the ICD can deliver one or more electric shocks, within about five to ten seconds, to return the heart to a normal heart rhythm. These defibrillation electric shocks may range from a few micro-joules to very powerful shocks of approximately twenty-five joules to forty joules. Early generations of ICDs utilized high-voltage, cylindrical capacitors to generate and deliver defibrillation shocks. For example, standard wet slug tantalum capacitors generally have a cylindrically shaped conductive casing serving as the terminal for the cathode and a tantalum anode connected to a terminal lead electrically insulated from the casing. The opposite end of the casing is also typically provided with an insulator structure. One such capacitor is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,369,547 issued on Nov. 29, 1994 and entitled “Capacitor”. This patent disclosed an electrolytic capacitor that includes a metal container that functions as a cathode. A porous coating, including an oxide of a metal selected from the group consisting of ruthenium, iridium, nickel, rhodium, platinum, palladium, and osmium, is disposed proximate an inside surface of the container and is in electrical communication therewith. A central anode selected from the group consisting of tantalum, aluminum, niobium, zirconium, and titanium is spaced from the porous coating, and an electrolyte within the container contacts the porous coating and the anode. U.S. Pat. No. 5,737,181 issued on Apr. 7, 1998 and entitled “Capacitor” describes a capacitor that includes a cathode material of the type described in the above cited patent disposed on each of two opposed conducting plates. A metal anode (also of the type described in the above cited patent) is disposed between the cathode material coating and the conducting plates. U.S. Pat. No. 5,982,609 issued Nov. 9, 1999 and entitled “Capacitor” describes a capacitor that includes a cathode having a porous coating including an amorphous metal oxide of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of ruthenium, iridiumn, nickel, rhodium, rhenium, cobalt, tungsten, manganese, tantalum, molybdenum, lead, titanium, platinum, palladium, and osmium. An anode includes a metal selected from the group consisting of tantalum, aluminum, niobium, zirconium, and titanium. While the performance of these capacitors was acceptable for defibrillator applications, efforts to optimize the mechanical characteristics of the device have been limited by the constraints imposed by the cylindrical design. In an effort to overcome this, flat electrolytic capacitors were developed. U.S. Pat. No. 5,926,362 issued on Jul. 20, 1999 and entitled “Hermetically Sealed Capacitor” describes a deep-drawn sealed capacitor having a generally flat, planar geometry. The capacitor includes at least one electrode provided by a metallic substrate in contact with a capacitive material. The coated substrate may be deposited on a casing side-wall or connected to a side-wall. The capacitor has a flat planar shape and utilizes a deep-drawn casing comprised of spaced apart side-walls joined at their periphery by a surrounding intermediate wall. Cathode material is typically deposited on an interior side-wall of the conductive encasement which serves as one of the capacitor terminals; e.g. the cathode. The other capacitor terminal (the anode) is isolated from the encasement by an insulator/feedthrough structure comprised of, for example, a glass-to-metal seal. It is also known to deposit cathode material on a separate substrate that is placed in electrical communication with the case. In another embodiment, the cathode substrate is insulated from the case using insulators and a separate cathode feedthrough. A valve metal anode made from metal powder is pressed and sintered to form a porous structure, and a wire (e.g. tantalum) is imbedded into the anode during pressing to provide a terminal for joining to the feedthrough. A separator (e.g. polyolefin, a fluoropolymer, a laminated film, non-woven glass, glass fiber, porous ceramic, etc.) is provided between the anode and the cathode to prevent short circuits between the electrodes. Separator sheets are sealed either to a polymer ring that extends around the perimeter of the anode or to themselves. A separate weld ring and polymer insulator may be utilized for thermal beam protection as well as anode immobilization. Prior to encasement welding, a separator encased anode is joined to the feedthrough wire by, for example, laser welding. This joint is internal to the capacitor. The outer metal encasement structure is comprised essentially of two symmetrical half shells that overlap and are welded at their perimeter seam to form a hermetic seal. After welding, the capacitor is filled with electrolyte through a port in the encasement. The above described techniques present concerns relating to both device size and manufacturing complexity. The use of overlapping half-shields results in a doubling of the encasement thickness around the perimeter of the capacitor thus reducing the available interior space for the capacitor's anode. This results in larger capacitors. Space for the anode material is further reduced by the presence of the weld ring and space insulator. In addition, manufacturing processes become more complex and therefore more costly, especially in the case of a deep-drawn encasement. A further disadvantage of the known design involves the complexity of the anode terminal-to-feedthrough terminal weld joint. As was described, a tantalum anode lead is imbedded into the anode and is joined via laser welding to a terminal lead of the feedthrough. This is typically accomplished by forming a “J” or “U” shape with one or more of the leads, pressing the terminal end of these leads together, and laser welding the interface. In order to accomplish this, one must either perform this step prior to welding the feedthrough ferrule into the encasement or sufficient space must be provided in the capacitor anode structure to facilitate clamping and welding while the anode is in the case. This results in additional manufacturing complexity while the latter negatively impacts device size. As stated previously, a separator material is provided on the anode and may be sealed to itself to form an envelope. The anode is typically on the order of 0.1 inch thick. As a result, the sealing operation is complex, and significant separator material typically overhangs the anode. This overhang must be accommodated in the design and typically either reduces the size of the anode or increases the size of the capacitor. Furthermore, due to the proximity of thermally sensitive separator material to the encasement, the separator is in direct contact with the cathode/encasement structure. Weld parameters must therefore be carefully selected to prevent thermal damage of the separator material. When cathode material is deposited on a separate substrate, as described above, substrate thickness further reduces the space available for anode material or increases the size of the capacitor. In a case-neutral device (i.e. the capacitor encasement forms neither the anode terminal or the cathode terminal), the additional space necessary to incorporate separate feedthrough ferrules and insulators to insulator the cathode and the anode from the case further increases the size of the capacitor. Thus, while the development of flat electrolytic capacitors significantly reduces size and thickness, defibrillation capacitors are still the largest components in current ICDs making further downsizing a primary objective.
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10948574
| 2,004
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Method for fabricating a hole trench storage capacitor in a semiconductor substrate, and hole trench storage capacitor
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To fabricate a hole trench storage capacitor having an inner electrode, which is formed in a hole trench, and an outer electrode, which is formed in an electrode section, surrounding the hole trench in a lower section, of the semiconductor substrate, the inner electrode is continued above the substrate surface of the semiconductor substrate. Then, an additional layer, which widens the semiconductor substrate, is grown onto the substrate surface by an epitaxy process. A transition surface for contact-connection of the inner electrode and at least a part of an insulation collar is formed above the original substrate surface, thereby increasing the size of a surface area of the hole trench storage capacitor, which can be used for charge storage, while using the same aspect ratio for an etch used to form the hole trench.
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BACKGROUND Memory cells of dynamic random access memories (DRAMs) based on a 1T1C cell concept each comprise a storage capacitor for storing an electric charge, which characterizes a data content of the memory cell and a select transistor for addressing the storage capacitor. In trench capacitor designs, the storage capacitor is formed within a semiconductor substrate beneath a substrate surface. The select transistors are arranged oriented substantially next to one another at or on a substrate surface of the semiconductor substrate and are at least in part formed beneath the substrate surface. In each case, one select transistor is electrically conductively connected to one of the electrodes of the storage capacitor assigned to the select transistor. A conventional method for fabricating a storage capacitor using the trench capacitor concept and a storage capacitor fabricated using the method are shown in simplified form in FIGS. 1 to 4 . According to these figures, a protective layer 3 , which is composed of a lower partial protective layer 32 and an upper partial protective layer 31 , is applied to a substrate surface 10 of a semiconductor substrate 1 , for example, made from monocrystalline, weakly p-doped silicon. The lower partial protective layer 32 is an oxide layer (pad oxide), while the upper partial protective layer 31 is a silicon nitride layer (pad nitride). The upper partial protective layer 31 protects sections of the semiconductor substrate 1 , which it covers during subsequent process steps. The lower partial protective layer 32 assists with subsequent removal of the upper partial protective layer 31 . To form the storage capacitors 9 , a hole mask is produced over the protective layer 3 by a lithographic method. Hole trenches 2 are introduced into the semiconductor substrate 1 through the protective layer 3 with the aid of the hole mask. A maximum aspect ratio of a minimum width to the depth of the hole trenches 2 is predetermined by the manufacturing technology used and is typically approximately 1:50. The hole mask is removed. Outer electrodes 11 are formed in an electrode section 14 of the semiconductor substrate 1 surrounding lower sections of the hole trenches 2 , for example, by outdiffusion from a temporary filling of the hole trenches 2 with n-doped material. The hole trenches 2 are lined with a capacitor dielectric 5 . After a first polysilicon filling has been introduced into the hole trenches 2 , the polysilicon filling and the capacitor dielectric 5 are shaped back to below a top edge of the electrode section 14 . A first filling section 16 of the inner electrode 6 to be formed originates from the polysilicon filling. Above a top edge of the first filling section 61 , the hole trench 2 is lined with an insulation collar 4 . FIG. 1 shows two hole trenches 2 following the formation of the insulation collars 4 . The protective layer 3 formed from the pad oxide 32 and the pad nitride 31 rests on the substrate surface 10 of the weakly p-doped semiconductor substrate 1 . The hole trenches 2 extend through the protective layer 3 into the semiconductor substrate 1 . In the electrode section 14 of the semiconductor substrate 1 , the outer electrodes 11 are formed as n-doped regions, which each surround the lower section of the hole trenches 2 . In each case, a first filling section 61 of the inner electrode 6 to be formed is provided inside the hole trenches 2 in the lower section. The first filling section 61 is separated from the outer electrode 11 or from the semiconductor substrate 1 by the capacitor dielectric 5 . Above the first filling section 61 , the hole trenches 2 are each lined by the insulation collar 4 , which consists, for example, of silicon oxide produced from tetraethylorthosilane (TEOS oxide). A second polysilicon filling is introduced into the hole trenches 2 and etched back to below the substrate surface 10 . The etched-back polysilicon forms a second filling section 62 of the inner electrode 6 which is to be formed. FIG. 2 shows the second filling section 62 , which in each case adjoins the first filling section 61 in the interior of the hole trench 2 . Sections of the insulation collar 4 located above the second filling section 62 are removed. A top edge of the insulation collar 4 determines a bottom edge of a transition surface 7 , which is subsequently to be formed (buried strap interface). FIG. 3 shows the insulation collars 4 once the insulation collars 4 have been shaped back. These collars are in an insulation section 16 of the semiconductor substrate 1 and insulate the second filling section 62 of the inner electrodes to be formed from the surrounding semiconductor substrate 1 and from doped regions and diffusion zones that are subsequently formed in the semiconductor substrate 1 . A third polysilicon filling is introduced into the hole trenches 2 and shaped back to below the substrate surface 10 . In the process, the third polysilicon filling forms a third filling section 63 of the inner electrode 6 to be formed. Before the third polysilicon filling is introduced, a section of the semiconductor substrate 1 that is uncovered at a trench wall of the hole trench is optionally subject to a nitriding treatment in order to optimize the properties of the transition surface 7 to be formed. FIG. 4 illustrates the third filling section 63 adjoining the second filling section 62 . The height of the third filling section 63 defines a top edge of the transition surface 7 . The semiconductor substrate 1 is surface-nitrided in the region of the transition surface 7 and has a nitrided layer 71 . The transition surface 7 provides an electrically conductive connection between the inner electrode 6 , formed from the first, second and third filling sections 61 , 62 , 63 , of the storage capacitor 9 and a connection structure 91 formed in a connection section 15 of the semiconductor substrate 1 . The connection structure 91 is, for example, a first source/drain region (S/D junction) of a select transistor assigned to the storage capacitor 9 or a doped connection region formed by outdiffusion through the transition surface 7 . The insulation collar 4 and the transition surface 7 are each provided in the hole trench 2 beneath the substrate surface 10 . It is generally desired for the horizontal dimensions of memory cells having a storage capacitor to be reduced without any detrimental effect on the charge storage capacitance of the storage capacitor, or alternatively, for given horizontal dimensions to improve the charge storage options on the storage capacitor and increase the capacitance of the storage capacitor. For example, to increase the capacitance, it is known to increase the electrode surface area by the hole trenches below a level of the select transistors being widened in a bottle shape by a wet bottle etching process or by hemispherical structures being applied to the wall of the hole trenches (hemispherical silicon grain deposition). Furthermore, it is known to increase the capacitance of the storage capacitors by selecting a material of high permittivity (high k dielectric), for example, aluminum oxide or hafnium oxide. A method for fabricating a hole trench storage capacitor for a DRAM memory cell, which allows the hole trench storage capacitor to be formed with a higher capacitance, is desirable. A hole trench storage capacitor with a high capacitance is also desirable. Furthermore improved fabrication of the single-sided buried strap connection (SSBS) of the storage trench or hole trench storage capacitor to the associated select transistor is desirable.
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Title:
Method for fabricating a hole trench storage capacitor in a semiconductor substrate, and hole trench storage capacitor
Abstract:
To fabricate a hole trench storage capacitor having an inner electrode, which is formed in a hole trench, and an outer electrode, which is formed in an electrode section, surrounding the hole trench in a lower section, of the semiconductor substrate, the inner electrode is continued above the substrate surface of the semiconductor substrate. Then, an additional layer, which widens the semiconductor substrate, is grown onto the substrate surface by an epitaxy process. A transition surface for contact-connection of the inner electrode and at least a part of an insulation collar is formed above the original substrate surface, thereby increasing the size of a surface area of the hole trench storage capacitor, which can be used for charge storage, while using the same aspect ratio for an etch used to form the hole trench.
Background:
BACKGROUND Memory cells of dynamic random access memories (DRAMs) based on a 1T1C cell concept each comprise a storage capacitor for storing an electric charge, which characterizes a data content of the memory cell and a select transistor for addressing the storage capacitor. In trench capacitor designs, the storage capacitor is formed within a semiconductor substrate beneath a substrate surface. The select transistors are arranged oriented substantially next to one another at or on a substrate surface of the semiconductor substrate and are at least in part formed beneath the substrate surface. In each case, one select transistor is electrically conductively connected to one of the electrodes of the storage capacitor assigned to the select transistor. A conventional method for fabricating a storage capacitor using the trench capacitor concept and a storage capacitor fabricated using the method are shown in simplified form in FIGS. 1 to 4 . According to these figures, a protective layer 3 , which is composed of a lower partial protective layer 32 and an upper partial protective layer 31 , is applied to a substrate surface 10 of a semiconductor substrate 1 , for example, made from monocrystalline, weakly p-doped silicon. The lower partial protective layer 32 is an oxide layer (pad oxide), while the upper partial protective layer 31 is a silicon nitride layer (pad nitride). The upper partial protective layer 31 protects sections of the semiconductor substrate 1 , which it covers during subsequent process steps. The lower partial protective layer 32 assists with subsequent removal of the upper partial protective layer 31 . To form the storage capacitors 9 , a hole mask is produced over the protective layer 3 by a lithographic method. Hole trenches 2 are introduced into the semiconductor substrate 1 through the protective layer 3 with the aid of the hole mask. A maximum aspect ratio of a minimum width to the depth of the hole trenches 2 is predetermined by the manufacturing technology used and is typically approximately 1:50. The hole mask is removed. Outer electrodes 11 are formed in an electrode section 14 of the semiconductor substrate 1 surrounding lower sections of the hole trenches 2 , for example, by outdiffusion from a temporary filling of the hole trenches 2 with n-doped material. The hole trenches 2 are lined with a capacitor dielectric 5 . After a first polysilicon filling has been introduced into the hole trenches 2 , the polysilicon filling and the capacitor dielectric 5 are shaped back to below a top edge of the electrode section 14 . A first filling section 16 of the inner electrode 6 to be formed originates from the polysilicon filling. Above a top edge of the first filling section 61 , the hole trench 2 is lined with an insulation collar 4 . FIG. 1 shows two hole trenches 2 following the formation of the insulation collars 4 . The protective layer 3 formed from the pad oxide 32 and the pad nitride 31 rests on the substrate surface 10 of the weakly p-doped semiconductor substrate 1 . The hole trenches 2 extend through the protective layer 3 into the semiconductor substrate 1 . In the electrode section 14 of the semiconductor substrate 1 , the outer electrodes 11 are formed as n-doped regions, which each surround the lower section of the hole trenches 2 . In each case, a first filling section 61 of the inner electrode 6 to be formed is provided inside the hole trenches 2 in the lower section. The first filling section 61 is separated from the outer electrode 11 or from the semiconductor substrate 1 by the capacitor dielectric 5 . Above the first filling section 61 , the hole trenches 2 are each lined by the insulation collar 4 , which consists, for example, of silicon oxide produced from tetraethylorthosilane (TEOS oxide). A second polysilicon filling is introduced into the hole trenches 2 and etched back to below the substrate surface 10 . The etched-back polysilicon forms a second filling section 62 of the inner electrode 6 which is to be formed. FIG. 2 shows the second filling section 62 , which in each case adjoins the first filling section 61 in the interior of the hole trench 2 . Sections of the insulation collar 4 located above the second filling section 62 are removed. A top edge of the insulation collar 4 determines a bottom edge of a transition surface 7 , which is subsequently to be formed (buried strap interface). FIG. 3 shows the insulation collars 4 once the insulation collars 4 have been shaped back. These collars are in an insulation section 16 of the semiconductor substrate 1 and insulate the second filling section 62 of the inner electrodes to be formed from the surrounding semiconductor substrate 1 and from doped regions and diffusion zones that are subsequently formed in the semiconductor substrate 1 . A third polysilicon filling is introduced into the hole trenches 2 and shaped back to below the substrate surface 10 . In the process, the third polysilicon filling forms a third filling section 63 of the inner electrode 6 to be formed. Before the third polysilicon filling is introduced, a section of the semiconductor substrate 1 that is uncovered at a trench wall of the hole trench is optionally subject to a nitriding treatment in order to optimize the properties of the transition surface 7 to be formed. FIG. 4 illustrates the third filling section 63 adjoining the second filling section 62 . The height of the third filling section 63 defines a top edge of the transition surface 7 . The semiconductor substrate 1 is surface-nitrided in the region of the transition surface 7 and has a nitrided layer 71 . The transition surface 7 provides an electrically conductive connection between the inner electrode 6 , formed from the first, second and third filling sections 61 , 62 , 63 , of the storage capacitor 9 and a connection structure 91 formed in a connection section 15 of the semiconductor substrate 1 . The connection structure 91 is, for example, a first source/drain region (S/D junction) of a select transistor assigned to the storage capacitor 9 or a doped connection region formed by outdiffusion through the transition surface 7 . The insulation collar 4 and the transition surface 7 are each provided in the hole trench 2 beneath the substrate surface 10 . It is generally desired for the horizontal dimensions of memory cells having a storage capacitor to be reduced without any detrimental effect on the charge storage capacitance of the storage capacitor, or alternatively, for given horizontal dimensions to improve the charge storage options on the storage capacitor and increase the capacitance of the storage capacitor. For example, to increase the capacitance, it is known to increase the electrode surface area by the hole trenches below a level of the select transistors being widened in a bottle shape by a wet bottle etching process or by hemispherical structures being applied to the wall of the hole trenches (hemispherical silicon grain deposition). Furthermore, it is known to increase the capacitance of the storage capacitors by selecting a material of high permittivity (high k dielectric), for example, aluminum oxide or hafnium oxide. A method for fabricating a hole trench storage capacitor for a DRAM memory cell, which allows the hole trench storage capacitor to be formed with a higher capacitance, is desirable. A hole trench storage capacitor with a high capacitance is also desirable. Furthermore improved fabrication of the single-sided buried strap connection (SSBS) of the storage trench or hole trench storage capacitor to the associated select transistor is desirable.
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10927811
| 2,004
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Method of building persistent polyhierarchical classifications based on polyhierarchies of classification criteria
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A method for providing a polyhierarchical classification includes identifying properties of objects useful for distinguishing objects under classification. A plurality of criteria are identified for specializing the identified properties. A form is chosen for attributive expressions that describe classification categories. The attributive expressions are customizable and encode compositions of object properties in terms of attributes from the plurality of criteria. A domain of applicability is identified for each criterion that is representable by attributive expressions, and a dependence relationship between criteria is defined by the inclusion of attributes in the attributive expressions, where a selected criterion depends on another criterion if its domain of applicability includes at least one attribute by the other criterion. A generating polyhierarchy of criteria is automatically established by the dependence relationships between the criteria. The generating polyhierarchy of criteria implicitly defines an induced polyhierarchy of classification categories.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to construction and/or description of polyhierarchical classifications, and, in particular, to construction and/or description of computer-stored polyhierarchical multi-criteria classifications with intrinsic recognition of domains of classification criteria applicability and simultaneous (random) access to applicable classification criteria. 2. Description of the Related Art Classification of sets of arbitrary entities such as objects, relations, processes, concepts, subjects, etc, is a basic paradigm used by both the human mind and present-day information technologies for storage, retrieval, analysis and systematization of knowledge. The kernel principle of classification is decomposition of a classified set into a number of classes (categories) in accordance with a system of rules (criteria). If categories are ordered by a directed relationship, such as “abstract-concrete”, “general-specific”, or “parent-child” they form a polyhierarchical structure. The term “polyhierarchical structure” is intended to include both single and multiple inheritance relationships between categories. In other words, a category in a polyhierarchical structure may have one or more than one parent. Polyhierarchical classifications provide a dramatic increase of functionality as compared with classifications constructed without ordering categories by their abstraction level. In fact, the latter can be used only to store, search for, and retrieve information. In contrast, the former creates a well-developed formalism for manipulating systems of interrelated abstract entities, thus providing the ability to process information across different abstraction levels, create new languages, formalisms, concepts, and theories. Persistent polyhierarchical classifications include structures that are relatively stable. Persistence of a classification denotes that a set of categories and system, for example, of the “general-specific” relationships between them must be pre-designed and stored in a permanent descriptive repository. Further extensions and refinements of a persistent classification may include the introduction of new criteria, categories, and relationships. Previously developed parts of a persistent classification ordinarily remain unchanged when extending a classified set, adding new selection options to existing criteria, and introducing new criteria. Moreover, a run-time modification of a persistent classification is generally not permitted. This means, in particular, that the accessible search options including keywords and ranges of parameters are permanently stored in the descriptive repository. Persistent classifications are a foundation for collaborative development of general, reusable, and standardized systems. For example, hierarchies of classes, subjects, and aspects in object-oriented (‘OO’), subject-oriented (‘SO’), and aspect-oriented (‘AO’) programming, respectively, are persistent classifications. The classifications used in natural sciences, such as taxonomies of species, classifications of minerals, chemicals, astronomical objects, natural languages, fundamental particles, mathematical abstractions, and countless others are persistent as well. Classification schemes are used in the vast majority of modem computer-aided information systems such as electronic data repositories, computer modeling environments, expert systems, and many others. In particular, electronic data repositories are increasingly being used to store, search for, and retrieve data. These repositories are capable of storing and providing access to large volumes of information. The Internet is one factor that has contributed to the demand for electronic data repositories and to their proliferation. A large number of websites on the Internet, for example, allow users to search though data repositories and retrieve information free of charge. Several well-known examples include websites advertising vehicles available for purchase. These websites typically allow the user to search though the repository by entering search criteria, such as the make of the vehicle, the model, price range, color, and the like. Internet search engines are another example of an application that searches for, and retrieves information from an electronic repository. Other applications include catalogues and directories, online documentation, and components of operating systems, as well as countless others. In short, the ability to electronically search for and retrieve information has become essential in a number of different software and commercial environments. Data repositories are often very large in size. Managing, organizing, and classifying the data is essential in maximizing the usefulness of the repository. The usual approach is to organize and manage the repository using a multi-criteria classification scheme, which can be hierarchical and/or persistent depending on the desired functionality. A number of advanced applications work with sets of abstract entities rather than plain data. These applications may include OO, SO, and AO programming environments, as well as, component based software engineering (CBSE) systems, intelligent databases, content management and expert systems. Such applications explicitly use persistent hierarchies of classes, aspects, etc. as formal schemes for defining entities of different abstraction levels, describing relations between them, and manipulating abstract entities rather than specific objects. The use of hierarchical classifications provides a mechanism for logical operations, such as generalization, specialization, and composition of information. For example, the OO programming paradigm is based on class hierarchies formed by inheritance relationships. Under this approach, a child class includes the data (instance variables) and functions (class methods) of its parents, along with some additional ones. In other words, the child class is similar to its parents except for some additional features. This creates a so-called abstraction mechanism (i.e., a way of accessing a class object by reference to its abstract parent class with automatic data mapping and class method dispatch). Object-oriented hierarchies can be treated as multi-criteria classifications whose criteria are represented by sets of inheritance relationships sharing common parent classes. Modern approaches to multi-criteria classification schemes generally use representations in terms of trees, directed acyclic graphs (‘DAGs’), compositions of trees, or set based formulas. These approaches, however, do not provide efficient support for development, maintenance, and use of general persistent polyhierarchical classifications. Several disadvantages of present-day multi-criteria classification schemes are discussed below for the case of a simplified classification of automobiles. In FIG. 1 , an illustrative tree-structured hierarchical classification scheme 100 is presented, where boxes (nodes of the tree) denote categories. The tree structure 100 graphically presents one illustrative example of a system of parent-child relationships, described above. For example, node 104 is the parent to nodes 108 and 112 . Likewise, node 112 is the parent to nodes 116 , 120 , and 124 . The criteria in this example include manufacturer name, model year, engine type, internal combustion (IC) engine family, electric power source, fuel type, gasoline grade, and battery type. Some criteria are applicable to only specific kinds of cars, but not to other types of cars. For example, the “gasoline grade” criterion is applicable only for cars with IC engines requiring gasoline fuel. Likewise, the “battery type” criterion, in this illustrative example, is applicable only for electric cars with battery power sources. Such criteria can be called conditional criteria because their applicability depends on specific selections made under more general criteria. Information on available cars in a hypothetical electronic data repository may be organized and searched based on the criteria shown. For example, data entries related to Toyota cars manufactured in 2003 with internal combustion piston engines fueled with regular gasoline should be classified under node 128 , while data on electric Toyota cars manufactured in 2003 with Lithium Ion batteries should be classified under node 132 . To retrieve information on these cars, the corresponding attribute values (i.e., Toyota, 2003, IC engine, etc.) may be entered in succession. Unfortunately, the tree-structured hierarchical classification scheme 100 forces the developer to decide early on which criterion is most important. For example, in FIG. 1 , the most preferable (i.e., most significant) criterion in the classification scheme 100 is “manufacturer name”. The second and third most preferable criteria are “model year” and “engine type”, respectively. The developer is forced to rank the importance of the different criteria because tree hierarchies require strictly predefined sequence of selections. The applicable, but lower ranking criteria are not searchable until the higher ranking (i.e., more preferable criteria) are satisfied. For example, the classification 100 does not provide the capability to search for electric cars directly. Instead, the search begins with the most preferable criterion, the make of the car. After this selection, the search progresses with the next most preferable criterion, the model year, and so on. If information on all electric cars had to be retrieved, using this classification scheme, a variety of combinations of makes and model years must be browsed by moving logically up and down the tree 100 . This limitation is commonly referred to as the “predefined path” problem. Another disadvantage of tree-type hierarchies is the mutual exclusivity of subcategories corresponding to different selection options of a criterion. When a category of objects is specialized by a criterion, only one of the available options is selectable (i.e., different options are considered to be mutually exclusive). This may be confusing, for example, if a feature defined by a lower-ranking criterion is equally applicable for several options of higher-ranking criteria. For example, cars with internal combustion engines in the classification 100 are supplied with engine specifications like IC engine family, fuel type, etc. A practical classification scheme should include the same specifications for hybrid engine cars, since they are also equipped with IC engines. In other words, the sub-tree rooting from node 104 has to be duplicated starting from node 136 . If, for example, information was needed on all cars having a rotary internal combustion engine, the information is not capable of being retrieved in one step. Instead, the selection of engine type (e.g., internal combustion, hybrid, etc.) is made first, thus requiring separate searches of hybrid cards and regular cars with IC engines, and the results are then manually combined. This problem is made more confusing if access to a feature of interest required multiple selections for every combination of appropriate higher-ranking options. These disadvantages arise, at least in part, due to the conjunctive logical structure of tree hierarchies. Elementary specializations performed by selecting options by different criteria describe a set of traits connected by the logical operator ‘AND’. For example, node 124 , in FIG. 1 , describes a subcategory of cars “manufactured by Toyota” AND “made in 2003” AND “having internal combustion engines” AND “having piston IC engine” AND “fueled with gasoline”. A one-step search for cars with rotary engines would conceivably be possible by using the disjunctive formula “internal combustion” OR “hybrid” engine. However, tree hierarchical structures do not support disjunctive superposition of properties (i.e., they do not allow the developer to describe sets of traits combined by logical OR). Another disadvantage of tree-structured classifications relates to fast multiplication of sub-trees with increases in simultaneously applicable criteria. Continuing with the example of FIG. 1 , if the simplified classification 100 includes twenty manufacturer names and five model years, then the sub-tree starting from the criterion “engine type” would have to be repeated for all meaningful combinations of these options (about 100 times). If the classification includes three additional criteria: “brand” (10 options on average), “exterior category” (10 options), and “price range” (10 options), the total number of sub-trees duplicated increases up to about 100,000. Furthermore, a more comprehensive specialization of technical characteristics of piston engines (ICP) may require introduction of at least three more criteria: “ICP family”, “number of cylinders” and “cylinders volume range” with approximately 6 to 8 options each. In this case, the sub-tree starting from the criterion “fuel type” would be repeated 20,000,000 to 50,000,000 times. Finally, a full-scale commercial version of the car classification would implement about 70 criteria in total, and the respective tree structure would contain an astronomical number of nodes. A vast majority of these corresponding categories are intermediate abstract categories and empty leaf categories because there are only a limited number of different car models in the world. However, to support the appropriate sequences of transitions between categories and retrievals of respective criteria, in most cases, a large percentage of the intermediate nodes must be enumerated and stored. Therefore, such a structure would become unmanageable due to the amount of data stored in a repository or incorporated in a computer program to support the tree hierarchy. Directed acyclic graphs (‘DAGs’) that can be viewed as generalization of trees are one approach used to reduce the aforementioned predefined path problem. Similar to trees, DAGs represent hierarchical classifications as category sets strictly ordered by directed relationships, such as “abstract-concrete”, “general-specific”, “parent-child”, etc. However, in contrast to trees, DAGs allow each category to have more than one parent (i.e., DAGs utilize the so-called multiple inheritance concept). FIG. 2 illustrates a relatively small topmost fragment of a DAG representing the same sample classification of automobiles shown in FIG. 1 . Vertices of the graph 200 (boxes) and its edges (arrows) denote, respectively, classification categories and inheritance relationships between them. Due to simultaneous applicability of some criteria the shown polyhierarchical classification uses multiple inheritance. For example, the vertex 216 of the graph 200 has two parent vertices: 204 and 208 . Likewise, the vertex 228 is a common child of the vertices 216 , 220 , and 224 . When performing a search, multiple inheritance mechanism provides an opportunity to use any criterion applicable at the current level of specialization. A search may be started with any of thee criteria, “manufacturer name”, “model year”, or “engine type” applicable to all cars. After a selection, the search progresses with the remaining originally applicable criteria (if any), as well as with other criteria that may become applicable due to the selection just made, and so on. For example, if “internal combustion” of the criterion “engine type” is selected, the next selection available includes one of the remaining criteria “model year”, “manufacturer name”, or the new criterion “IC engine family” applicable to all the cars with IC engines. In contrast to trees, DAGs provide simultaneous (random) access to all currently applicable criteria, and a sequence of selections corresponds to a particular path on the graph. For example, the vertex 228 can be reached from the root “ALL CARS” by any of six paths: (→ 204 → 216 → 228 ), (→ 204 → 220 → 228 ), (→ 208 → 216 → 228 ), (→ 208 → 224 → 228 ), (→ 212 → 224 → 228 ), or (→ 212 → 220 → 228 ) corresponding to six respective criteria transpositions. Directed acyclic graph structured polyhierarchical classifications resolve the predefined path problem at the expense of an even more dramatic increase in the amount of descriptive data. To provide a full variety of possible selection sequences, all meaningful combination of options from different criteria, and all possible transitions between them must be represented by graph vertices and edges. To illustrate by example, a topmost sub-graph reflecting only five globally applicable criteria of the car classification: “manufacturer name”, “model year”, “brand”, “exterior category”, and “price range”, would contain 167,706 vertices and 768,355 edges. Due to the large amount of mandatory stored data, DAG representations are not relevant for a vast majority of practical applications. As described above for tree-type hierarchies, DAGs also include the disadvantage of the mutual exclusivity of different selection options of a criterion, discussed above. Thus, logical disjunctions of traits are not allowed when developing and using DAGs structured polyhierarchical classifications. Directed acyclic graphs introduce an additional limitation in relation to testing for the “parent-child” relationships between mutually distant categories. In FIG. 2 , for example, this problem is illustrated when testing whether vertex 228 is a distant child of vertex 232 . A DAG is usually stored in a computer as an array of vertices, where each vertex is supplied with lists of its immediate parents and children. Continuing with the example shown in FIG. 2 , to check whether vertex 228 is a distant child of vertex 232 , a first step is to determine whether the list of immediate parents of vertex 228 includes vertex 232 . If it does, then the latter is a parent of vertex 228 . If not, the next step is to check the immediate parents of vertices 216 , 220 , 224 for the presence of vertex 232 . If vertex 232 is found in one of these lists, then it is a grandparent of vertex 228 . Otherwise the test is continued with lists of immediate parents of the grandparent vertices, and so on. If vertex 232 is not found, the algorithm finally reaches the root vertex “ALL CARS”. In this case, it is concluded that vertex 232 is not a distant parent of vertex 228 . From this example, it is clear that the test requires a combinatorial search over all levels of intermediate parents; hence its cost exponentially grows with the increase of the number of levels. Therefore, a test for distant inheritance may consume an unacceptable large amount of computer resources when processing relatively large DAGs. To reduce the described problems with trees and DAGs, modern “synthetic” classification methods use compositions of multiple trees, changing the most preferable criteria for each tree. In particular, this approach may be implemented via the concept of “faceted classification”. FIG. 3 illustrates one application of facets to the sample classification of automobiles shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . In this example, instead of arranging classification categories into a single polyhierarchy, the method uses a number of facet hierarchies, each reflecting an independent and persistent classification aspect. The classification aspects represented by different facets are mutually exclusive and collectively form a description of object properties identifying classification categories. Mutual exclusivity of aspects means that a characteristic represented by a facet does not appear in another one. In this example, the sample classification 300 includes five facets: “manufacturer name”, “model year”, “engine type”, “fuel type”, and “battery type”. In contrast to trees and DAGs, a faceted classification does not define categories in advance. Instead, it combines the properties described by different facets using a number of loose but persistent relationships. For example, the category 124 of the tree classification 100 corresponds to a composition of the four categories 304 , 308 , 312 , and 316 , pertaining to different facets. These categories are called facet headings. When performing a search, a selection may be made from the facets in arbitrary order. For example, a selection may specify internal combustion engine (node 320 of the facet “engine type”), Toyota (node 304 of the facet “manufacturer name”), gasoline fuel (node 316 the facet “fuel type”), year 2003 (node 308 of the facet “model year”), piston engine (node 312 of the facet “engine type”), and so on. Each facet functions like an independent hierarchical classification (i.e., after each selection the process moves to the next applicable criterion, if any). At each step of specialization, a computer program supporting faceted classification retrieves the list of car models having the set of properties collectively defined by different facets. Unfortunately, faceted classifications include a number of limitations. For example, faceted classification methods require splitting a classification into a set of independent hierarchies, which hides domains of criteria applicability. In the illustrative example of FIG. 3 , the facet “fuel type” is applicable only to cars with internal combustion engines, while the facet “battery type” is applicable only to electric cars. The logical structure of the classification 300 itself does not include rules defining applicability of the facets in different contexts. To provide the classification with automatic recognition of domains of facets applicability, the developer is forced to supply the classification with additional descriptive data structures and/or managing programs. When developing a full-scale practical classification containing dozens or even hundreds of facets, these auxiliary descriptions and/or programs may become extraordinarily sophisticated. For example, to describe appropriate systems of facet interactions, modem Faceted Knowledge Representation (FKR) approaches, involve cumbersome mathematical constructions such as association and production rules, hierarchical relationships, roles and purposes of facets, meta-facets, and the like. These techniques are used to describe multi-level systems of relationships between finite sets of units characterized by their relations to other units but not by their internal properties, and, in particular, to establish domains of facet applicability. Advanced FKR methods are capable of representing sophisticated systems of relationships, but when implemented for constructing complex polyhierarchical classifications based solely on “general-specific” relations, they become inconvenient for practical implementations due to the large number of auxiliary data structures. Such an approach becomes exasperating for the developer because it requires manipulating highly abstract concepts, but does not offer a clear logical approach to building classification. In addition, faceted classifications do not automatically provide a persistent polyhierarchical structure of a classification. In fact, faceted classifications implement persistent inheritance relationships only within separate facets. The final classification categories are formed dynamically in run-time and are described by combinations of independently specified properties. If some facets are not globally applicable, a global polyhierarchical structure is not defined unless supplementary rules for defining compatibility and priority of headings from different facets are introduced. For example, it is not possible to check directly whether the category “Toyota cars fueled with gasoline”, defined by a composition of the headings 304 and 316 in FIG. 3 , is included in the category “Toyota cars having internal combustion engines”, defined by a composition of the headings 304 and 320 . Generally, extra rules for defining cross-facet inheritance relationships can be described using auxiliary data structures or program codes, mentioned above, but this would only move the problem from one part of a project to another. Because of the lack of global polyhierarchical structure, faceted classifications are ordinarily only implemented in plain data repositories supporting approximate interactive search and retrieve operations, which are usually supplemented with additional specialization techniques, such as search by keywords. They are not relevant for more advanced applications, such as supporting fully automatic classification of objects, search and retrieval of information, run-time logical operations on abstract categories, etc. without human control. Moreover, in practical cases, it can be difficult to appropriately separate classification aspects for representation by a set of independent hierarchies. One approach is to build a relatively small number of large multi-criteria facets. If, for example, the facets “fuel type” and “battery type” shown in FIG. 3 , were included as sub-hierarchies in the facet “engine type”, the classification 300 would automatically resolve domains of criteria applicability. However, in this case, the developer would encounter the same problems of predefined path and/or category multiplication typical for large trees and DAGs. Smaller facets generally improve flexibility of the classification. If, for example, the criteria “IC engine family” and “electric power sources” are extracted and represented as independent facets, they may then be suitable for use in wider contexts. This classification design, however, would result in further encumbering supplementary data structures or program codes defining applicability and consistency of facets in terms of roles or purposes of facets, meta-facets, etc. Therefore, a classification developer has to find an optimal design that reduces the complexity of both individual facets and rules of their interactions (i.e., satisfy two contradictory requirements). In practice, the solution to this problem may be difficult or nonexistent. As a result, many faceted classification tools do not include mechanisms for the control of applicability and consistency of facets, thus creating an opportunity for errors when developing and using the classification tool. Other techniques of tree or DAG compositions are unified by the concepts of “separation of concerns” (‘SOC’) and “multi-dimensional separation of concerns” (‘MDSOC’). These approaches are currently used for building software engineering environments for subject and aspect oriented programming (‘SOP’ and ‘AOP’, respectively) and subject oriented databases (‘SOD’). SOC, for example, has been developed as a supplementary tool for existing OO programming languages, such as C++, Java, and Smalltalk. In an attempt to solve the predefined path problem, these approaches introduce one or more additional tree-structured hierarchies, similar to the unified modeling language (‘UML’) class diagrams that provide crosscutting access to categories of the dominant class hierarchy. In other words, different trees representing areas of concern are built and associated with the dominant tree of classes. In one example, SOC allows a developer to build any number of overlapped trees associated with the same set of classes. A set of user-defined composition rules describes application-specific scenarios of the class method dispatch and data mapping. MDSOC supports composing concerns into tree-structured hyperslices considered hyperplanes in the hyperspace of concerns, thus allowing so-called “multiple classifications” based on compositions of concerns. SOC and MDSOC are specialized approaches intended solely for efficient non-invasive extension of object-oriented computer codes while keeping the advantages of the object-oriented inheritance mechanism. They cannot realistically be considered as general principles for constructing complicated polyhierarchical classifications with dynamically retrieving particular sub-hierarchies in run time. For instance, both concerns and hyperslices are typically tree-structured hierarchies. Generation of a new hyperslice is a static procedure since it requires additional programming, recompiling, and re-debugging the code. In addition, the composition rules used for defining hyperslices depend on specific features of the basic object-oriented environment and descriptions of particular software system units. Structure of the dominant object-oriented class hierarchy imposes restrictions on construction of auxiliary hierarchies since the latter must refer to the same classes, instance variables, and class methods. This problem is commonly referred to as “tyranny of dominant concern”. If a classification scheme uses some heuristic criteria that cannot be formally derived from the existing source code, module configurations, and the like, then a comprehensive description of additional composition rules has to be manually developed. In general cases, it is expected to be an arduous job that should require a great deal of professional expertise. Moreover, due to their narrow specialization, SOC and MDSOC use comprehensive descriptive structures, such as sets of sub-trees describing concerns and hyperslices, rules of class method dispatch, and the like, which are unnecessary for the classification purpose itself. Even after removing the object-oriented specific components and leaving only descriptions of inheritance relationships, dependencies would not allow SOC or MDSOC to be implemented for real-world polyhierarchical classifications due to the amount of programming work and computer resources required for development, storage, and maintenance. Another classification approach is based on using set-theoretic operations and logical formulae for building a classification in run-time. These approaches generally use the concept of “set based classification”. They are typically implemented in the so-called dynamic classification tools, as well as in the rough sets theory and granular computing methods intended for machine learning and data mining. A set based classification typically uses an information table containing attributive descriptions of properties of classified objects. FIG. 4 illustrates an information table 400 corresponding to the illustrative classification of automobiles shown in FIGS. 1, 2 , and 3 . A first field 404 of the table 400 lists classified car models, while the remaining eight fields specify car characteristics. Each of these eight fields corresponds to a criterion from the tree classification 100 shown in FIG. 1 . Table cells contain the attributes defining respective car characteristics, where each relevant attribute corresponds to one of the available selection options. The set of attributes from a table row exhaustively specifies a composition of characteristics definable by the eight-criteria classification. The attributes can be represented not only by enumerated identifiers but also by loose keywords or numerical parameters taking values from a continuous range. A search may be conducted that includes the selection of discrete attributes and ranges of attributive numerical parameters in arbitrary order. At each stage of selection, the repository management system retrieves a set of all objects having the specified subset of attributes. For example, using the table in FIG. 4 , a search can be narrowed step-by-step by successively selecting options, such as “fuel type=gasoline”, “model year=2003”, “IC engine family=rotary”, “manufacturer name=Mazda”, and so on. The search proceeds until the retrieved set of cars is reduced to an acceptable size. In this manner, set based classifications support random access to all the classification criteria, thus resolving the predefined path problem. Moreover, set based classifications permit retrieval of specific subsets defined by arbitrary compositions of set-theoretic operations, such as intersection, unification, and difference of subsets. When performing a search, compositions may be represented in terms of logical combinations of constraints imposed on the attributes. For example, the following illustrative formula may be used when searching the table 400 ((“fuel type=gasoline” AND “manufacturer name=Mazda”) OR (“fuel type=diesel” AND “manufacturer name=Toyota”)) AND (“model year>2000” OR NOT “IC engine family=rotary”). Unfortunately, set based classifications are a specialized approach not generally applicable for development of real-world polyhierarchical classifications. The approach does not imply the existence of a global persistent polyhierarchy. For example, when performing a search with a dynamic classification tool, each category is described by a user-specified logical formula without any relation to other categories. Rough sets and granular computing based systems automatically build hierarchies of the so-called decision rules expressed in terms of logical formulae. However, these hierarchies are intended solely for making particular conclusions based on statistical correlations between properties of available objects, rather than for building pre-designed multi-criteria categorizations. They are not persistent because their structure depends on available sets of objects listed in the information table. Moreover, because of tree structuring, the decision rule hierarchies restore both predefined path and category multiplication problems. Information tables do not use domains of criteria applicability. In a typical case, many criteria will only be applicable to a few of the objects, thus resulting in numerous empty or “N/A” cells. The more conditional (i.e. locally applicable) criteria that are used the greater the percentage of empty cells. As a result, when storing information on qualitatively diverse objects, information tables become very inefficient. Moreover, the lack of automatic control of criteria applicability creates an opportunity for errors during data input into the information table. In fact, when describing a new object with conventional classifications, a data entry person manually selects all the criteria applicable to the object and enter attributes for those criteria. In a real-world application, a classification can use dozens or even hundreds of criteria, while only a few of the criteria may be applicable to a particular object. Without the advantage of automatic recognition of criteria applicability, correct data input becomes unmanageable. For example, if a classification does not provide automatic recognition of criteria applicability, some applicable criteria may be missed, or attributes by non-applicable criteria may be mistakenly entered. Recently developed advanced search systems, such as Universal Knowledge Processor (‘UKP’) uses the ‘dynamic taxonomies’ technique (described in Italian Patent No.: 01303603), combine faceted and set based classification approaches. When interactively searching for information, the dynamic taxonomies provide a graphic user interface that allows for specializations to occur using different facets while concurrently performing set-theoretic operations between them. However, this approach inherits disadvantages of both set-based classifications, such as lack of a pre-designed global polyhierarchy and dependence on the amount of available data, and faceted classifications, such as predefined path and sub-tree multiplication problems. Its range of applicability is therefore limited. It cannot be used, for example, for non-interactive retrieval of information, manipulating abstract categories without reference to available objects, and describing diverse sets of objects. What is needed, therefore, is a more general approach to the construction of hierarchical classifications that may provide, for example, the following set of features: 1. Global polyhierarchical system of classification categories supporting intrinsic recognition of domains of criteria applicability and simultaneous (random) access to all the applicable criteria; 2. Persistence of the polyhierarchy and, in particular, invariance of its previously developed part with respect to extension of the classified set, addition of new selection options to existing criteria, and introduction of new classification criteria; 3. Compactness of descriptive data structures that provide the ability to avoid cumulative multiplication of explicitly enumerated and mandatory stored classification categories, as well as interrelations between them, or other descriptions; 4. Support for set-theoretic operations, including intersections, unifications, complements and differences of sub-categories; 5. Efficient realization of the algorithm of testing categories for distant inheritance relationships; and/or 6. Conceptual simplicity of the design process, as well as further unplanned extensions and refinements. The present invention is directed to overcoming, or at least reducing the effects of, one or more of the problems set forth above.
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Title:
Method of building persistent polyhierarchical classifications based on polyhierarchies of classification criteria
Abstract:
A method for providing a polyhierarchical classification includes identifying properties of objects useful for distinguishing objects under classification. A plurality of criteria are identified for specializing the identified properties. A form is chosen for attributive expressions that describe classification categories. The attributive expressions are customizable and encode compositions of object properties in terms of attributes from the plurality of criteria. A domain of applicability is identified for each criterion that is representable by attributive expressions, and a dependence relationship between criteria is defined by the inclusion of attributes in the attributive expressions, where a selected criterion depends on another criterion if its domain of applicability includes at least one attribute by the other criterion. A generating polyhierarchy of criteria is automatically established by the dependence relationships between the criteria. The generating polyhierarchy of criteria implicitly defines an induced polyhierarchy of classification categories.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to construction and/or description of polyhierarchical classifications, and, in particular, to construction and/or description of computer-stored polyhierarchical multi-criteria classifications with intrinsic recognition of domains of classification criteria applicability and simultaneous (random) access to applicable classification criteria. 2. Description of the Related Art Classification of sets of arbitrary entities such as objects, relations, processes, concepts, subjects, etc, is a basic paradigm used by both the human mind and present-day information technologies for storage, retrieval, analysis and systematization of knowledge. The kernel principle of classification is decomposition of a classified set into a number of classes (categories) in accordance with a system of rules (criteria). If categories are ordered by a directed relationship, such as “abstract-concrete”, “general-specific”, or “parent-child” they form a polyhierarchical structure. The term “polyhierarchical structure” is intended to include both single and multiple inheritance relationships between categories. In other words, a category in a polyhierarchical structure may have one or more than one parent. Polyhierarchical classifications provide a dramatic increase of functionality as compared with classifications constructed without ordering categories by their abstraction level. In fact, the latter can be used only to store, search for, and retrieve information. In contrast, the former creates a well-developed formalism for manipulating systems of interrelated abstract entities, thus providing the ability to process information across different abstraction levels, create new languages, formalisms, concepts, and theories. Persistent polyhierarchical classifications include structures that are relatively stable. Persistence of a classification denotes that a set of categories and system, for example, of the “general-specific” relationships between them must be pre-designed and stored in a permanent descriptive repository. Further extensions and refinements of a persistent classification may include the introduction of new criteria, categories, and relationships. Previously developed parts of a persistent classification ordinarily remain unchanged when extending a classified set, adding new selection options to existing criteria, and introducing new criteria. Moreover, a run-time modification of a persistent classification is generally not permitted. This means, in particular, that the accessible search options including keywords and ranges of parameters are permanently stored in the descriptive repository. Persistent classifications are a foundation for collaborative development of general, reusable, and standardized systems. For example, hierarchies of classes, subjects, and aspects in object-oriented (‘OO’), subject-oriented (‘SO’), and aspect-oriented (‘AO’) programming, respectively, are persistent classifications. The classifications used in natural sciences, such as taxonomies of species, classifications of minerals, chemicals, astronomical objects, natural languages, fundamental particles, mathematical abstractions, and countless others are persistent as well. Classification schemes are used in the vast majority of modem computer-aided information systems such as electronic data repositories, computer modeling environments, expert systems, and many others. In particular, electronic data repositories are increasingly being used to store, search for, and retrieve data. These repositories are capable of storing and providing access to large volumes of information. The Internet is one factor that has contributed to the demand for electronic data repositories and to their proliferation. A large number of websites on the Internet, for example, allow users to search though data repositories and retrieve information free of charge. Several well-known examples include websites advertising vehicles available for purchase. These websites typically allow the user to search though the repository by entering search criteria, such as the make of the vehicle, the model, price range, color, and the like. Internet search engines are another example of an application that searches for, and retrieves information from an electronic repository. Other applications include catalogues and directories, online documentation, and components of operating systems, as well as countless others. In short, the ability to electronically search for and retrieve information has become essential in a number of different software and commercial environments. Data repositories are often very large in size. Managing, organizing, and classifying the data is essential in maximizing the usefulness of the repository. The usual approach is to organize and manage the repository using a multi-criteria classification scheme, which can be hierarchical and/or persistent depending on the desired functionality. A number of advanced applications work with sets of abstract entities rather than plain data. These applications may include OO, SO, and AO programming environments, as well as, component based software engineering (CBSE) systems, intelligent databases, content management and expert systems. Such applications explicitly use persistent hierarchies of classes, aspects, etc. as formal schemes for defining entities of different abstraction levels, describing relations between them, and manipulating abstract entities rather than specific objects. The use of hierarchical classifications provides a mechanism for logical operations, such as generalization, specialization, and composition of information. For example, the OO programming paradigm is based on class hierarchies formed by inheritance relationships. Under this approach, a child class includes the data (instance variables) and functions (class methods) of its parents, along with some additional ones. In other words, the child class is similar to its parents except for some additional features. This creates a so-called abstraction mechanism (i.e., a way of accessing a class object by reference to its abstract parent class with automatic data mapping and class method dispatch). Object-oriented hierarchies can be treated as multi-criteria classifications whose criteria are represented by sets of inheritance relationships sharing common parent classes. Modern approaches to multi-criteria classification schemes generally use representations in terms of trees, directed acyclic graphs (‘DAGs’), compositions of trees, or set based formulas. These approaches, however, do not provide efficient support for development, maintenance, and use of general persistent polyhierarchical classifications. Several disadvantages of present-day multi-criteria classification schemes are discussed below for the case of a simplified classification of automobiles. In FIG. 1 , an illustrative tree-structured hierarchical classification scheme 100 is presented, where boxes (nodes of the tree) denote categories. The tree structure 100 graphically presents one illustrative example of a system of parent-child relationships, described above. For example, node 104 is the parent to nodes 108 and 112 . Likewise, node 112 is the parent to nodes 116 , 120 , and 124 . The criteria in this example include manufacturer name, model year, engine type, internal combustion (IC) engine family, electric power source, fuel type, gasoline grade, and battery type. Some criteria are applicable to only specific kinds of cars, but not to other types of cars. For example, the “gasoline grade” criterion is applicable only for cars with IC engines requiring gasoline fuel. Likewise, the “battery type” criterion, in this illustrative example, is applicable only for electric cars with battery power sources. Such criteria can be called conditional criteria because their applicability depends on specific selections made under more general criteria. Information on available cars in a hypothetical electronic data repository may be organized and searched based on the criteria shown. For example, data entries related to Toyota cars manufactured in 2003 with internal combustion piston engines fueled with regular gasoline should be classified under node 128 , while data on electric Toyota cars manufactured in 2003 with Lithium Ion batteries should be classified under node 132 . To retrieve information on these cars, the corresponding attribute values (i.e., Toyota, 2003, IC engine, etc.) may be entered in succession. Unfortunately, the tree-structured hierarchical classification scheme 100 forces the developer to decide early on which criterion is most important. For example, in FIG. 1 , the most preferable (i.e., most significant) criterion in the classification scheme 100 is “manufacturer name”. The second and third most preferable criteria are “model year” and “engine type”, respectively. The developer is forced to rank the importance of the different criteria because tree hierarchies require strictly predefined sequence of selections. The applicable, but lower ranking criteria are not searchable until the higher ranking (i.e., more preferable criteria) are satisfied. For example, the classification 100 does not provide the capability to search for electric cars directly. Instead, the search begins with the most preferable criterion, the make of the car. After this selection, the search progresses with the next most preferable criterion, the model year, and so on. If information on all electric cars had to be retrieved, using this classification scheme, a variety of combinations of makes and model years must be browsed by moving logically up and down the tree 100 . This limitation is commonly referred to as the “predefined path” problem. Another disadvantage of tree-type hierarchies is the mutual exclusivity of subcategories corresponding to different selection options of a criterion. When a category of objects is specialized by a criterion, only one of the available options is selectable (i.e., different options are considered to be mutually exclusive). This may be confusing, for example, if a feature defined by a lower-ranking criterion is equally applicable for several options of higher-ranking criteria. For example, cars with internal combustion engines in the classification 100 are supplied with engine specifications like IC engine family, fuel type, etc. A practical classification scheme should include the same specifications for hybrid engine cars, since they are also equipped with IC engines. In other words, the sub-tree rooting from node 104 has to be duplicated starting from node 136 . If, for example, information was needed on all cars having a rotary internal combustion engine, the information is not capable of being retrieved in one step. Instead, the selection of engine type (e.g., internal combustion, hybrid, etc.) is made first, thus requiring separate searches of hybrid cards and regular cars with IC engines, and the results are then manually combined. This problem is made more confusing if access to a feature of interest required multiple selections for every combination of appropriate higher-ranking options. These disadvantages arise, at least in part, due to the conjunctive logical structure of tree hierarchies. Elementary specializations performed by selecting options by different criteria describe a set of traits connected by the logical operator ‘AND’. For example, node 124 , in FIG. 1 , describes a subcategory of cars “manufactured by Toyota” AND “made in 2003” AND “having internal combustion engines” AND “having piston IC engine” AND “fueled with gasoline”. A one-step search for cars with rotary engines would conceivably be possible by using the disjunctive formula “internal combustion” OR “hybrid” engine. However, tree hierarchical structures do not support disjunctive superposition of properties (i.e., they do not allow the developer to describe sets of traits combined by logical OR). Another disadvantage of tree-structured classifications relates to fast multiplication of sub-trees with increases in simultaneously applicable criteria. Continuing with the example of FIG. 1 , if the simplified classification 100 includes twenty manufacturer names and five model years, then the sub-tree starting from the criterion “engine type” would have to be repeated for all meaningful combinations of these options (about 100 times). If the classification includes three additional criteria: “brand” (10 options on average), “exterior category” (10 options), and “price range” (10 options), the total number of sub-trees duplicated increases up to about 100,000. Furthermore, a more comprehensive specialization of technical characteristics of piston engines (ICP) may require introduction of at least three more criteria: “ICP family”, “number of cylinders” and “cylinders volume range” with approximately 6 to 8 options each. In this case, the sub-tree starting from the criterion “fuel type” would be repeated 20,000,000 to 50,000,000 times. Finally, a full-scale commercial version of the car classification would implement about 70 criteria in total, and the respective tree structure would contain an astronomical number of nodes. A vast majority of these corresponding categories are intermediate abstract categories and empty leaf categories because there are only a limited number of different car models in the world. However, to support the appropriate sequences of transitions between categories and retrievals of respective criteria, in most cases, a large percentage of the intermediate nodes must be enumerated and stored. Therefore, such a structure would become unmanageable due to the amount of data stored in a repository or incorporated in a computer program to support the tree hierarchy. Directed acyclic graphs (‘DAGs’) that can be viewed as generalization of trees are one approach used to reduce the aforementioned predefined path problem. Similar to trees, DAGs represent hierarchical classifications as category sets strictly ordered by directed relationships, such as “abstract-concrete”, “general-specific”, “parent-child”, etc. However, in contrast to trees, DAGs allow each category to have more than one parent (i.e., DAGs utilize the so-called multiple inheritance concept). FIG. 2 illustrates a relatively small topmost fragment of a DAG representing the same sample classification of automobiles shown in FIG. 1 . Vertices of the graph 200 (boxes) and its edges (arrows) denote, respectively, classification categories and inheritance relationships between them. Due to simultaneous applicability of some criteria the shown polyhierarchical classification uses multiple inheritance. For example, the vertex 216 of the graph 200 has two parent vertices: 204 and 208 . Likewise, the vertex 228 is a common child of the vertices 216 , 220 , and 224 . When performing a search, multiple inheritance mechanism provides an opportunity to use any criterion applicable at the current level of specialization. A search may be started with any of thee criteria, “manufacturer name”, “model year”, or “engine type” applicable to all cars. After a selection, the search progresses with the remaining originally applicable criteria (if any), as well as with other criteria that may become applicable due to the selection just made, and so on. For example, if “internal combustion” of the criterion “engine type” is selected, the next selection available includes one of the remaining criteria “model year”, “manufacturer name”, or the new criterion “IC engine family” applicable to all the cars with IC engines. In contrast to trees, DAGs provide simultaneous (random) access to all currently applicable criteria, and a sequence of selections corresponds to a particular path on the graph. For example, the vertex 228 can be reached from the root “ALL CARS” by any of six paths: (→ 204 → 216 → 228 ), (→ 204 → 220 → 228 ), (→ 208 → 216 → 228 ), (→ 208 → 224 → 228 ), (→ 212 → 224 → 228 ), or (→ 212 → 220 → 228 ) corresponding to six respective criteria transpositions. Directed acyclic graph structured polyhierarchical classifications resolve the predefined path problem at the expense of an even more dramatic increase in the amount of descriptive data. To provide a full variety of possible selection sequences, all meaningful combination of options from different criteria, and all possible transitions between them must be represented by graph vertices and edges. To illustrate by example, a topmost sub-graph reflecting only five globally applicable criteria of the car classification: “manufacturer name”, “model year”, “brand”, “exterior category”, and “price range”, would contain 167,706 vertices and 768,355 edges. Due to the large amount of mandatory stored data, DAG representations are not relevant for a vast majority of practical applications. As described above for tree-type hierarchies, DAGs also include the disadvantage of the mutual exclusivity of different selection options of a criterion, discussed above. Thus, logical disjunctions of traits are not allowed when developing and using DAGs structured polyhierarchical classifications. Directed acyclic graphs introduce an additional limitation in relation to testing for the “parent-child” relationships between mutually distant categories. In FIG. 2 , for example, this problem is illustrated when testing whether vertex 228 is a distant child of vertex 232 . A DAG is usually stored in a computer as an array of vertices, where each vertex is supplied with lists of its immediate parents and children. Continuing with the example shown in FIG. 2 , to check whether vertex 228 is a distant child of vertex 232 , a first step is to determine whether the list of immediate parents of vertex 228 includes vertex 232 . If it does, then the latter is a parent of vertex 228 . If not, the next step is to check the immediate parents of vertices 216 , 220 , 224 for the presence of vertex 232 . If vertex 232 is found in one of these lists, then it is a grandparent of vertex 228 . Otherwise the test is continued with lists of immediate parents of the grandparent vertices, and so on. If vertex 232 is not found, the algorithm finally reaches the root vertex “ALL CARS”. In this case, it is concluded that vertex 232 is not a distant parent of vertex 228 . From this example, it is clear that the test requires a combinatorial search over all levels of intermediate parents; hence its cost exponentially grows with the increase of the number of levels. Therefore, a test for distant inheritance may consume an unacceptable large amount of computer resources when processing relatively large DAGs. To reduce the described problems with trees and DAGs, modern “synthetic” classification methods use compositions of multiple trees, changing the most preferable criteria for each tree. In particular, this approach may be implemented via the concept of “faceted classification”. FIG. 3 illustrates one application of facets to the sample classification of automobiles shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . In this example, instead of arranging classification categories into a single polyhierarchy, the method uses a number of facet hierarchies, each reflecting an independent and persistent classification aspect. The classification aspects represented by different facets are mutually exclusive and collectively form a description of object properties identifying classification categories. Mutual exclusivity of aspects means that a characteristic represented by a facet does not appear in another one. In this example, the sample classification 300 includes five facets: “manufacturer name”, “model year”, “engine type”, “fuel type”, and “battery type”. In contrast to trees and DAGs, a faceted classification does not define categories in advance. Instead, it combines the properties described by different facets using a number of loose but persistent relationships. For example, the category 124 of the tree classification 100 corresponds to a composition of the four categories 304 , 308 , 312 , and 316 , pertaining to different facets. These categories are called facet headings. When performing a search, a selection may be made from the facets in arbitrary order. For example, a selection may specify internal combustion engine (node 320 of the facet “engine type”), Toyota (node 304 of the facet “manufacturer name”), gasoline fuel (node 316 the facet “fuel type”), year 2003 (node 308 of the facet “model year”), piston engine (node 312 of the facet “engine type”), and so on. Each facet functions like an independent hierarchical classification (i.e., after each selection the process moves to the next applicable criterion, if any). At each step of specialization, a computer program supporting faceted classification retrieves the list of car models having the set of properties collectively defined by different facets. Unfortunately, faceted classifications include a number of limitations. For example, faceted classification methods require splitting a classification into a set of independent hierarchies, which hides domains of criteria applicability. In the illustrative example of FIG. 3 , the facet “fuel type” is applicable only to cars with internal combustion engines, while the facet “battery type” is applicable only to electric cars. The logical structure of the classification 300 itself does not include rules defining applicability of the facets in different contexts. To provide the classification with automatic recognition of domains of facets applicability, the developer is forced to supply the classification with additional descriptive data structures and/or managing programs. When developing a full-scale practical classification containing dozens or even hundreds of facets, these auxiliary descriptions and/or programs may become extraordinarily sophisticated. For example, to describe appropriate systems of facet interactions, modem Faceted Knowledge Representation (FKR) approaches, involve cumbersome mathematical constructions such as association and production rules, hierarchical relationships, roles and purposes of facets, meta-facets, and the like. These techniques are used to describe multi-level systems of relationships between finite sets of units characterized by their relations to other units but not by their internal properties, and, in particular, to establish domains of facet applicability. Advanced FKR methods are capable of representing sophisticated systems of relationships, but when implemented for constructing complex polyhierarchical classifications based solely on “general-specific” relations, they become inconvenient for practical implementations due to the large number of auxiliary data structures. Such an approach becomes exasperating for the developer because it requires manipulating highly abstract concepts, but does not offer a clear logical approach to building classification. In addition, faceted classifications do not automatically provide a persistent polyhierarchical structure of a classification. In fact, faceted classifications implement persistent inheritance relationships only within separate facets. The final classification categories are formed dynamically in run-time and are described by combinations of independently specified properties. If some facets are not globally applicable, a global polyhierarchical structure is not defined unless supplementary rules for defining compatibility and priority of headings from different facets are introduced. For example, it is not possible to check directly whether the category “Toyota cars fueled with gasoline”, defined by a composition of the headings 304 and 316 in FIG. 3 , is included in the category “Toyota cars having internal combustion engines”, defined by a composition of the headings 304 and 320 . Generally, extra rules for defining cross-facet inheritance relationships can be described using auxiliary data structures or program codes, mentioned above, but this would only move the problem from one part of a project to another. Because of the lack of global polyhierarchical structure, faceted classifications are ordinarily only implemented in plain data repositories supporting approximate interactive search and retrieve operations, which are usually supplemented with additional specialization techniques, such as search by keywords. They are not relevant for more advanced applications, such as supporting fully automatic classification of objects, search and retrieval of information, run-time logical operations on abstract categories, etc. without human control. Moreover, in practical cases, it can be difficult to appropriately separate classification aspects for representation by a set of independent hierarchies. One approach is to build a relatively small number of large multi-criteria facets. If, for example, the facets “fuel type” and “battery type” shown in FIG. 3 , were included as sub-hierarchies in the facet “engine type”, the classification 300 would automatically resolve domains of criteria applicability. However, in this case, the developer would encounter the same problems of predefined path and/or category multiplication typical for large trees and DAGs. Smaller facets generally improve flexibility of the classification. If, for example, the criteria “IC engine family” and “electric power sources” are extracted and represented as independent facets, they may then be suitable for use in wider contexts. This classification design, however, would result in further encumbering supplementary data structures or program codes defining applicability and consistency of facets in terms of roles or purposes of facets, meta-facets, etc. Therefore, a classification developer has to find an optimal design that reduces the complexity of both individual facets and rules of their interactions (i.e., satisfy two contradictory requirements). In practice, the solution to this problem may be difficult or nonexistent. As a result, many faceted classification tools do not include mechanisms for the control of applicability and consistency of facets, thus creating an opportunity for errors when developing and using the classification tool. Other techniques of tree or DAG compositions are unified by the concepts of “separation of concerns” (‘SOC’) and “multi-dimensional separation of concerns” (‘MDSOC’). These approaches are currently used for building software engineering environments for subject and aspect oriented programming (‘SOP’ and ‘AOP’, respectively) and subject oriented databases (‘SOD’). SOC, for example, has been developed as a supplementary tool for existing OO programming languages, such as C++, Java, and Smalltalk. In an attempt to solve the predefined path problem, these approaches introduce one or more additional tree-structured hierarchies, similar to the unified modeling language (‘UML’) class diagrams that provide crosscutting access to categories of the dominant class hierarchy. In other words, different trees representing areas of concern are built and associated with the dominant tree of classes. In one example, SOC allows a developer to build any number of overlapped trees associated with the same set of classes. A set of user-defined composition rules describes application-specific scenarios of the class method dispatch and data mapping. MDSOC supports composing concerns into tree-structured hyperslices considered hyperplanes in the hyperspace of concerns, thus allowing so-called “multiple classifications” based on compositions of concerns. SOC and MDSOC are specialized approaches intended solely for efficient non-invasive extension of object-oriented computer codes while keeping the advantages of the object-oriented inheritance mechanism. They cannot realistically be considered as general principles for constructing complicated polyhierarchical classifications with dynamically retrieving particular sub-hierarchies in run time. For instance, both concerns and hyperslices are typically tree-structured hierarchies. Generation of a new hyperslice is a static procedure since it requires additional programming, recompiling, and re-debugging the code. In addition, the composition rules used for defining hyperslices depend on specific features of the basic object-oriented environment and descriptions of particular software system units. Structure of the dominant object-oriented class hierarchy imposes restrictions on construction of auxiliary hierarchies since the latter must refer to the same classes, instance variables, and class methods. This problem is commonly referred to as “tyranny of dominant concern”. If a classification scheme uses some heuristic criteria that cannot be formally derived from the existing source code, module configurations, and the like, then a comprehensive description of additional composition rules has to be manually developed. In general cases, it is expected to be an arduous job that should require a great deal of professional expertise. Moreover, due to their narrow specialization, SOC and MDSOC use comprehensive descriptive structures, such as sets of sub-trees describing concerns and hyperslices, rules of class method dispatch, and the like, which are unnecessary for the classification purpose itself. Even after removing the object-oriented specific components and leaving only descriptions of inheritance relationships, dependencies would not allow SOC or MDSOC to be implemented for real-world polyhierarchical classifications due to the amount of programming work and computer resources required for development, storage, and maintenance. Another classification approach is based on using set-theoretic operations and logical formulae for building a classification in run-time. These approaches generally use the concept of “set based classification”. They are typically implemented in the so-called dynamic classification tools, as well as in the rough sets theory and granular computing methods intended for machine learning and data mining. A set based classification typically uses an information table containing attributive descriptions of properties of classified objects. FIG. 4 illustrates an information table 400 corresponding to the illustrative classification of automobiles shown in FIGS. 1, 2 , and 3 . A first field 404 of the table 400 lists classified car models, while the remaining eight fields specify car characteristics. Each of these eight fields corresponds to a criterion from the tree classification 100 shown in FIG. 1 . Table cells contain the attributes defining respective car characteristics, where each relevant attribute corresponds to one of the available selection options. The set of attributes from a table row exhaustively specifies a composition of characteristics definable by the eight-criteria classification. The attributes can be represented not only by enumerated identifiers but also by loose keywords or numerical parameters taking values from a continuous range. A search may be conducted that includes the selection of discrete attributes and ranges of attributive numerical parameters in arbitrary order. At each stage of selection, the repository management system retrieves a set of all objects having the specified subset of attributes. For example, using the table in FIG. 4 , a search can be narrowed step-by-step by successively selecting options, such as “fuel type=gasoline”, “model year=2003”, “IC engine family=rotary”, “manufacturer name=Mazda”, and so on. The search proceeds until the retrieved set of cars is reduced to an acceptable size. In this manner, set based classifications support random access to all the classification criteria, thus resolving the predefined path problem. Moreover, set based classifications permit retrieval of specific subsets defined by arbitrary compositions of set-theoretic operations, such as intersection, unification, and difference of subsets. When performing a search, compositions may be represented in terms of logical combinations of constraints imposed on the attributes. For example, the following illustrative formula may be used when searching the table 400 ((“fuel type=gasoline” AND “manufacturer name=Mazda”) OR (“fuel type=diesel” AND “manufacturer name=Toyota”)) AND (“model year>2000” OR NOT “IC engine family=rotary”). Unfortunately, set based classifications are a specialized approach not generally applicable for development of real-world polyhierarchical classifications. The approach does not imply the existence of a global persistent polyhierarchy. For example, when performing a search with a dynamic classification tool, each category is described by a user-specified logical formula without any relation to other categories. Rough sets and granular computing based systems automatically build hierarchies of the so-called decision rules expressed in terms of logical formulae. However, these hierarchies are intended solely for making particular conclusions based on statistical correlations between properties of available objects, rather than for building pre-designed multi-criteria categorizations. They are not persistent because their structure depends on available sets of objects listed in the information table. Moreover, because of tree structuring, the decision rule hierarchies restore both predefined path and category multiplication problems. Information tables do not use domains of criteria applicability. In a typical case, many criteria will only be applicable to a few of the objects, thus resulting in numerous empty or “N/A” cells. The more conditional (i.e. locally applicable) criteria that are used the greater the percentage of empty cells. As a result, when storing information on qualitatively diverse objects, information tables become very inefficient. Moreover, the lack of automatic control of criteria applicability creates an opportunity for errors during data input into the information table. In fact, when describing a new object with conventional classifications, a data entry person manually selects all the criteria applicable to the object and enter attributes for those criteria. In a real-world application, a classification can use dozens or even hundreds of criteria, while only a few of the criteria may be applicable to a particular object. Without the advantage of automatic recognition of criteria applicability, correct data input becomes unmanageable. For example, if a classification does not provide automatic recognition of criteria applicability, some applicable criteria may be missed, or attributes by non-applicable criteria may be mistakenly entered. Recently developed advanced search systems, such as Universal Knowledge Processor (‘UKP’) uses the ‘dynamic taxonomies’ technique (described in Italian Patent No.: 01303603), combine faceted and set based classification approaches. When interactively searching for information, the dynamic taxonomies provide a graphic user interface that allows for specializations to occur using different facets while concurrently performing set-theoretic operations between them. However, this approach inherits disadvantages of both set-based classifications, such as lack of a pre-designed global polyhierarchy and dependence on the amount of available data, and faceted classifications, such as predefined path and sub-tree multiplication problems. Its range of applicability is therefore limited. It cannot be used, for example, for non-interactive retrieval of information, manipulating abstract categories without reference to available objects, and describing diverse sets of objects. What is needed, therefore, is a more general approach to the construction of hierarchical classifications that may provide, for example, the following set of features: 1. Global polyhierarchical system of classification categories supporting intrinsic recognition of domains of criteria applicability and simultaneous (random) access to all the applicable criteria; 2. Persistence of the polyhierarchy and, in particular, invariance of its previously developed part with respect to extension of the classified set, addition of new selection options to existing criteria, and introduction of new classification criteria; 3. Compactness of descriptive data structures that provide the ability to avoid cumulative multiplication of explicitly enumerated and mandatory stored classification categories, as well as interrelations between them, or other descriptions; 4. Support for set-theoretic operations, including intersections, unifications, complements and differences of sub-categories; 5. Efficient realization of the algorithm of testing categories for distant inheritance relationships; and/or 6. Conceptual simplicity of the design process, as well as further unplanned extensions and refinements. The present invention is directed to overcoming, or at least reducing the effects of, one or more of the problems set forth above.
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10888654
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Systems and methods for categorizing charts
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A method for managing a project including displaying, to a user, a Gantt chart illustrating one or more project items of the project as one or more corresponding bars, alerting the user when one of the one or more project items has a status of warning or critical, selecting one of the one or more corresponding bars, and displaying additional information pertaining to the project item corresponding to the selected one of the one or more corresponding bars.
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BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for categorizing and, more specifically, to systems and methods for categorizing charts. 2. Description of the Related Art Project management is the process of planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling the development of a product, the production of a system or any other goal-oriented endeavor. By employing principals of project management, businesses can make project handling more efficient and increase transparency so that a business can more easily gauge the status of projects and have attention drawn to potential trouble areas that can threaten the timely success of the endeavor. Charts have traditionally played and continue to play an important role in project management. One example of a chart used in project management is a Gantt chart. A Gantt chart is often a horizontal bar chart developed as a production tool in 1917 by Henry L. Gantt. Gantt charts are often used in project management to provide a graphical illustration of a schedule that helps to plan, coordinate and track specific components and milestones of a project. In recent years, businesses have begun to use computer systems to aid in project management. Computers have the ability simplify the creation and editing of charts such as Gantt charts and tie the creation of such charts to pertinent information stored by a business. To enhance the effectiveness of computer systems performing business applications such as project management, users should be able to easily access computer resources. The emergence of the internet represents a new way for users to access remote computer resources. Through the use of web pages, a computer hosting computer resources can make these resources available to users across various platforms and throughout the world. Web pages are created and published by web page designers for subsequent viewing by users wishing to access the published web pages using their web browsers. Under this approach, users could browse, or surf, through sequences of prepared web pages until the user located the data the user was searching for. Under this approach, data could be displayed using illustrative graphics, such as jpegs. However, these graphics have been already generated and published to the web-server before the user could view them using the web browser. Today, there is a need for more interactive web sites. For example, businesses may wish to make computer services such as project management applications available to a broad class of users as a web-based application (web applications). Not surprisingly, web applications have been growing in popularity. Web applications are much more than prepared web sites, web applications allow users to interact with and exploit the functionality of computer resources remotely over computer networks such as the Internet. For example, applications that were traditionally installed and executed from a local computer, for example project management systems are commonly being installed and executed on remote servers. Users then interact with the remote applications through the web browser. By transforming applications, such as project management systems, to web applications, users should be able to view the text and graphics generated by the applications, such as, for example, Gantt charts, as they are created. This is a departure from conventional web sites that consisted mainly of pre-prepared web sites. Web applications should be able to generate and publish new web pages “on the fly” to meet the demands of modern interactive web pages and web-based applications.
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Title:
Systems and methods for categorizing charts
Abstract:
A method for managing a project including displaying, to a user, a Gantt chart illustrating one or more project items of the project as one or more corresponding bars, alerting the user when one of the one or more project items has a status of warning or critical, selecting one of the one or more corresponding bars, and displaying additional information pertaining to the project item corresponding to the selected one of the one or more corresponding bars.
Background:
BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for categorizing and, more specifically, to systems and methods for categorizing charts. 2. Description of the Related Art Project management is the process of planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling the development of a product, the production of a system or any other goal-oriented endeavor. By employing principals of project management, businesses can make project handling more efficient and increase transparency so that a business can more easily gauge the status of projects and have attention drawn to potential trouble areas that can threaten the timely success of the endeavor. Charts have traditionally played and continue to play an important role in project management. One example of a chart used in project management is a Gantt chart. A Gantt chart is often a horizontal bar chart developed as a production tool in 1917 by Henry L. Gantt. Gantt charts are often used in project management to provide a graphical illustration of a schedule that helps to plan, coordinate and track specific components and milestones of a project. In recent years, businesses have begun to use computer systems to aid in project management. Computers have the ability simplify the creation and editing of charts such as Gantt charts and tie the creation of such charts to pertinent information stored by a business. To enhance the effectiveness of computer systems performing business applications such as project management, users should be able to easily access computer resources. The emergence of the internet represents a new way for users to access remote computer resources. Through the use of web pages, a computer hosting computer resources can make these resources available to users across various platforms and throughout the world. Web pages are created and published by web page designers for subsequent viewing by users wishing to access the published web pages using their web browsers. Under this approach, users could browse, or surf, through sequences of prepared web pages until the user located the data the user was searching for. Under this approach, data could be displayed using illustrative graphics, such as jpegs. However, these graphics have been already generated and published to the web-server before the user could view them using the web browser. Today, there is a need for more interactive web sites. For example, businesses may wish to make computer services such as project management applications available to a broad class of users as a web-based application (web applications). Not surprisingly, web applications have been growing in popularity. Web applications are much more than prepared web sites, web applications allow users to interact with and exploit the functionality of computer resources remotely over computer networks such as the Internet. For example, applications that were traditionally installed and executed from a local computer, for example project management systems are commonly being installed and executed on remote servers. Users then interact with the remote applications through the web browser. By transforming applications, such as project management systems, to web applications, users should be able to view the text and graphics generated by the applications, such as, for example, Gantt charts, as they are created. This is a departure from conventional web sites that consisted mainly of pre-prepared web sites. Web applications should be able to generate and publish new web pages “on the fly” to meet the demands of modern interactive web pages and web-based applications.
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10868523
| 2,004
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Burst pulse circuit for signal lights and method
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A circuit is provided for over-driving a super-luminescent light emitting diode having a maximum forward continuous current rating. A power supply provides a pulse width modulated signal to an analog memory connected to the power supply and a pulse generator. The pulse generator includes a window comparator engaged with the analog memory, and is responsive to a portion of the pulse width modulated signal. A power driver that is controlled by the output of the pulse generator, is operably connected with the super-luminescent light emitting diode and with the power supply so as to energize the super-luminescent light emitting diode with a current that is above the maximum forward continuous current rating by between two and ten times that rated current. A signal is also provided along with a method of over-driving a super-luminescent light emitting diode. An inverter and timer are coupled to the pulse generator and an array of light emitting diodes that operate at time intervals determined by the timer that are wholly distinct from time intervals when the at least one super-luminescent light emitting diode is over-driven.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Flashing, i.e., intermittently or periodically illuminated, lights have long been used to provide visual warnings, and a considerable body of research has been compiled in the fields of physiology, psychology and engineering concerning human perception of flashing light (i.e. the ability of people to perceive and respond to flashing light). This field of study involves the study of psycho-visual or psycho-optical sensory phenomena. It is known in the art that certain factors may be applied to the provision of a flashing warning light for improving the visibility of a flashing light, that is, for making a flashing light visible at a greater distance, and for enhancing the probability that people will not only see the flashing light, but will also react consciously to it. For example, some studies have revealed that human visual perception of flashing light appears greatest when the light is flashed at a flash rate or frequency in the range of 3 to 10 flashes per second, with a flash duration of at least 0.05 seconds. For the flashing of a light to be perceived as discrete flashes, the flash rate or frequency must be below the so-called “flicker-fusion” frequency, that is the frequency above which a flashing light appears as a steady light (“persistence of vision”), this critical frequency being considered to be approximately 24-30 flashes per second. Flash rate or frequency is often described in terms of “flashes-per-second” (fps). Different flashing lights are known for providing visual alert or warning lights, and have employed incandescent lamps, rare gas discharge lamps and, more recently, light emitting diodes as illumination means, with some associated control circuitry. However, each of these prior art illumination means has had its disadvantages. In particular, prior art flashing light devices have not provided effective light output with low power consumption (i.e. high efficiency) at desirable high flash rates, and could not do so without severely sacrificing device power consumption and reliability of the light source. Thus a problem in the prior art has been the inability to provide a reliable warning light having high brilliance with low power operation, and that is suitable for use in portable lightweight battery powered equipment. For example, incandescent light sources have commonly been used in flashing warning lights. However, they often are not able to come to full brightness and to then cool off to extinction (i.e. turn on and off) within the higher optimum flash rate frequencies for attracting attention. Also, the flashing character of typical tungsten-filament lamps is degraded significantly above flash rates of about 9 fps. Furthermore, because of the inherent thermal inertia of incandescent light sources (once turned sufficiently on to emit light, there is a significant delay in extinction to the off state), such light sources cannot provide flashes of relatively short duration, nor can such light sources provide adequate on-off contrast when operated at higher flash rates. In addition, an incandescent flashing light with adequate intensity for outdoor use usually requires larger size batteries to compensate for the excessive power loss in the form of heat, thus rendering it impractical for applications requiring reasonably small size and light weight necessary for portability. As a consequence, incandescent light sources are not suitable for use as warning lights at those flash rates and flash duration periods to which human visual perception is most sensitive but are constrained to use at lower frequencies and longer flash periods. An alternative in the prior art has been rare gas discharge lamps, e. g., Xenon or Argon flash tube lamps and strobes. While such devices are capable of operation at higher flash rates they are also limited to extremely short flash durations which cannot be lengthened. Thus, such rare gas discharge light sources are incapable of longer flash duty cycle operation. Furthermore, rare gas discharge lamps are relatively expensive and must necessarily be energized with high voltages and currents, and thus flashing warning lights of this type require complex charging and discharging circuits and consume considerable power. In addition, a large amount of energy is required to produce the flashing action of a rare-gas lamp; thus tending to deplete ordinary batteries quickly if flashed at an optimal frequency of 3 to 12 Hz continuously such as that required by a warning light. As a consequence of these drawbacks, rare gas discharge light sources for extended flashing time are only feasible where a large power source is available, such as the utility power, or a power generator, but not in a portable application. Light-emitting diodes (LED's) are well known semiconductor devices in which an electrical current is passed through a diode junction and produces light emission in an active layer of semiconductor material at the junction. At least one facet of the device is coated with an anti-reflective material, through which light is emitted. Ordinary LED's are relatively durable mechanically and electrically and, heretofore have most readily lent themselves to low voltage-low current operation and electronic control for both flash rate frequency and duration. However such ordinary LED's as have previously been used as light sources in flashing warning lights were of insufficiently low light intensity output. Hence the use of such low luminosity light emitting sources in visual warning devices has been of limited effectiveness, being restricted to subdued light environments such as for indoor activities, or where the ambient or background light level is quite low so that sufficient contrast can be obtained with the relatively dim illumination intensity of ordinary LED's to render them visible against a background. Thus, ordinary LED flashers have found wide application in toys, jewelry and traffic directional systems where visibility requirements are not critical. One example may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,313,187, issued to Choi et al., where a one or more superluminescent light emitting diodes (SLEDS) are driven with an oscillatory square wave pulse drive signal varying between zero and about three V DC at a frequency between one Hz to twelve Hz, and having a pulse duty cycle between 5% to 10%. This arrangement periodically forward biases the SLED's into illumination, thus producing a brilliant rapidly flashing light. A low frequency oscillator stage is provided to generate an oscillatory square wave voltage signal V o which drives a power driver stage to produce the correspondingly oscillating drive voltage signal V d which is supplied to the SLED's. Significantly, the frequency and duty cycle of the drive pulse signal V d are chosen to produce enhanced SLED illumination brightness and to operate the SLED within its most efficient operating characteristics. An exemplary circuit is provided that utilizes an astable monovibrator employing two transistors operated in the saturation mode with positive feedback as the low frequency oscillator, and a third transistor that is driven as a saturated switch by the oscillator output V o . This acts as a power driver stage to switch battery current supplied to the SLED's as the drive voltage V d for flashing the SLED's on and off at the frequency and pulse duty cycle of V o . The pulse on time and off time and thus the flash frequency and duty cycle are determined by RC time constants of feedback circuits in the oscillator stage. Prior art devices, while adequate for their intended purpose, suffer from the common deficiencies associated with flashing light devices. In order to be both effective and practical, a portable warning light should satisfy several requirements. It must provide adequate visibility and attention-getting luminous intensity as well as, adequate on-off contrast ratio of the light source, flash rate/frequency, and flash duration/period. It should be highly controllable, providing relative ease of control of the light source for effective flash rate frequency and flash duration. It should be driven by a systems that offers extended operating battery life, which requires balancing the interdependent factors of power available, light output intensity, and permissible weight of the device. It should also be light weight, small size, and capable of being retrofit into existing signaling and warning equipment currently in the field. Thus, it remains desirable to provide a battery-powered flashing safety warning light which is simple and economical to manufacture and which is able to deliver effective illumination levels with high on-off contrast for high visibility and attention-getting performance while still providing long battery life.
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Title:
Burst pulse circuit for signal lights and method
Abstract:
A circuit is provided for over-driving a super-luminescent light emitting diode having a maximum forward continuous current rating. A power supply provides a pulse width modulated signal to an analog memory connected to the power supply and a pulse generator. The pulse generator includes a window comparator engaged with the analog memory, and is responsive to a portion of the pulse width modulated signal. A power driver that is controlled by the output of the pulse generator, is operably connected with the super-luminescent light emitting diode and with the power supply so as to energize the super-luminescent light emitting diode with a current that is above the maximum forward continuous current rating by between two and ten times that rated current. A signal is also provided along with a method of over-driving a super-luminescent light emitting diode. An inverter and timer are coupled to the pulse generator and an array of light emitting diodes that operate at time intervals determined by the timer that are wholly distinct from time intervals when the at least one super-luminescent light emitting diode is over-driven.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Flashing, i.e., intermittently or periodically illuminated, lights have long been used to provide visual warnings, and a considerable body of research has been compiled in the fields of physiology, psychology and engineering concerning human perception of flashing light (i.e. the ability of people to perceive and respond to flashing light). This field of study involves the study of psycho-visual or psycho-optical sensory phenomena. It is known in the art that certain factors may be applied to the provision of a flashing warning light for improving the visibility of a flashing light, that is, for making a flashing light visible at a greater distance, and for enhancing the probability that people will not only see the flashing light, but will also react consciously to it. For example, some studies have revealed that human visual perception of flashing light appears greatest when the light is flashed at a flash rate or frequency in the range of 3 to 10 flashes per second, with a flash duration of at least 0.05 seconds. For the flashing of a light to be perceived as discrete flashes, the flash rate or frequency must be below the so-called “flicker-fusion” frequency, that is the frequency above which a flashing light appears as a steady light (“persistence of vision”), this critical frequency being considered to be approximately 24-30 flashes per second. Flash rate or frequency is often described in terms of “flashes-per-second” (fps). Different flashing lights are known for providing visual alert or warning lights, and have employed incandescent lamps, rare gas discharge lamps and, more recently, light emitting diodes as illumination means, with some associated control circuitry. However, each of these prior art illumination means has had its disadvantages. In particular, prior art flashing light devices have not provided effective light output with low power consumption (i.e. high efficiency) at desirable high flash rates, and could not do so without severely sacrificing device power consumption and reliability of the light source. Thus a problem in the prior art has been the inability to provide a reliable warning light having high brilliance with low power operation, and that is suitable for use in portable lightweight battery powered equipment. For example, incandescent light sources have commonly been used in flashing warning lights. However, they often are not able to come to full brightness and to then cool off to extinction (i.e. turn on and off) within the higher optimum flash rate frequencies for attracting attention. Also, the flashing character of typical tungsten-filament lamps is degraded significantly above flash rates of about 9 fps. Furthermore, because of the inherent thermal inertia of incandescent light sources (once turned sufficiently on to emit light, there is a significant delay in extinction to the off state), such light sources cannot provide flashes of relatively short duration, nor can such light sources provide adequate on-off contrast when operated at higher flash rates. In addition, an incandescent flashing light with adequate intensity for outdoor use usually requires larger size batteries to compensate for the excessive power loss in the form of heat, thus rendering it impractical for applications requiring reasonably small size and light weight necessary for portability. As a consequence, incandescent light sources are not suitable for use as warning lights at those flash rates and flash duration periods to which human visual perception is most sensitive but are constrained to use at lower frequencies and longer flash periods. An alternative in the prior art has been rare gas discharge lamps, e. g., Xenon or Argon flash tube lamps and strobes. While such devices are capable of operation at higher flash rates they are also limited to extremely short flash durations which cannot be lengthened. Thus, such rare gas discharge light sources are incapable of longer flash duty cycle operation. Furthermore, rare gas discharge lamps are relatively expensive and must necessarily be energized with high voltages and currents, and thus flashing warning lights of this type require complex charging and discharging circuits and consume considerable power. In addition, a large amount of energy is required to produce the flashing action of a rare-gas lamp; thus tending to deplete ordinary batteries quickly if flashed at an optimal frequency of 3 to 12 Hz continuously such as that required by a warning light. As a consequence of these drawbacks, rare gas discharge light sources for extended flashing time are only feasible where a large power source is available, such as the utility power, or a power generator, but not in a portable application. Light-emitting diodes (LED's) are well known semiconductor devices in which an electrical current is passed through a diode junction and produces light emission in an active layer of semiconductor material at the junction. At least one facet of the device is coated with an anti-reflective material, through which light is emitted. Ordinary LED's are relatively durable mechanically and electrically and, heretofore have most readily lent themselves to low voltage-low current operation and electronic control for both flash rate frequency and duration. However such ordinary LED's as have previously been used as light sources in flashing warning lights were of insufficiently low light intensity output. Hence the use of such low luminosity light emitting sources in visual warning devices has been of limited effectiveness, being restricted to subdued light environments such as for indoor activities, or where the ambient or background light level is quite low so that sufficient contrast can be obtained with the relatively dim illumination intensity of ordinary LED's to render them visible against a background. Thus, ordinary LED flashers have found wide application in toys, jewelry and traffic directional systems where visibility requirements are not critical. One example may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,313,187, issued to Choi et al., where a one or more superluminescent light emitting diodes (SLEDS) are driven with an oscillatory square wave pulse drive signal varying between zero and about three V DC at a frequency between one Hz to twelve Hz, and having a pulse duty cycle between 5% to 10%. This arrangement periodically forward biases the SLED's into illumination, thus producing a brilliant rapidly flashing light. A low frequency oscillator stage is provided to generate an oscillatory square wave voltage signal V o which drives a power driver stage to produce the correspondingly oscillating drive voltage signal V d which is supplied to the SLED's. Significantly, the frequency and duty cycle of the drive pulse signal V d are chosen to produce enhanced SLED illumination brightness and to operate the SLED within its most efficient operating characteristics. An exemplary circuit is provided that utilizes an astable monovibrator employing two transistors operated in the saturation mode with positive feedback as the low frequency oscillator, and a third transistor that is driven as a saturated switch by the oscillator output V o . This acts as a power driver stage to switch battery current supplied to the SLED's as the drive voltage V d for flashing the SLED's on and off at the frequency and pulse duty cycle of V o . The pulse on time and off time and thus the flash frequency and duty cycle are determined by RC time constants of feedback circuits in the oscillator stage. Prior art devices, while adequate for their intended purpose, suffer from the common deficiencies associated with flashing light devices. In order to be both effective and practical, a portable warning light should satisfy several requirements. It must provide adequate visibility and attention-getting luminous intensity as well as, adequate on-off contrast ratio of the light source, flash rate/frequency, and flash duration/period. It should be highly controllable, providing relative ease of control of the light source for effective flash rate frequency and flash duration. It should be driven by a systems that offers extended operating battery life, which requires balancing the interdependent factors of power available, light output intensity, and permissible weight of the device. It should also be light weight, small size, and capable of being retrofit into existing signaling and warning equipment currently in the field. Thus, it remains desirable to provide a battery-powered flashing safety warning light which is simple and economical to manufacture and which is able to deliver effective illumination levels with high on-off contrast for high visibility and attention-getting performance while still providing long battery life.
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10881497
| 2,004
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Hydrocephalus shunt
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A hydrocephalus shunt has photocatalytic capabilities. The shunt is used to treat hydrocephalus by inserting into a human cranium a hydrocephalus shunt having a component having a surface. Thereafter, a reactive oxygen species is produced on the component surface. The component may be a catheter. The shunt may also include a light source.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Hydrocephalus is a condition afflicting patients who are unable to regulate cerebrospinal fluid flow through their body's own natural pathways. Produced by the ventricular system, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is normally absorbed by the body's venous system. In a patient suffering from hydrocephalus, the cerebrospinal fluid is not absorbed in this manner, but instead accumulates in the ventricles of the patient's brain. If left untreated, the increasing volume of fluid elevates the patient's intracranial pressure and can lead to serious medical conditions such as subdural hematoma, compression of the brain tissue, and impaired blood flow. The treatment of hydrocephalus has conventionally involved draining the excess fluid away from the ventricles and rerouting the cerebrospinal fluid to another area of the patient's body, such as the abdomen or vascular system. A drainage system, commonly referred to as a shunt, is often used to carry out the transfer of fluid. In order to install the shunt, typically a scalp incision is made and a small hole is drilled in the skull. A proximal, or ventricular, catheter is installed the ventricular cavity of the patient's brain, while a distal, or drainage, catheter is installed in that portion of the patient's body where the excess fluid is to be reintroduced. To regulate the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and maintain the proper pressure in the ventricles, a pump or one-way control valve can be placed between the proximal and distal catheters. Such valves can comprise a ball-in-cone mechanism as illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,886,948, 4,332,255, 4,387,715, 4,551,128, 4,595,390, 4,615,691, 4,772,257, and 5,928,182, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. When properly functioning, these shunt systems provide an effective manner of regulating CSF in hydrocephalus patients. After implantation and use over extended periods of time, these shunt systems tend to malfunction due to shunt occlusion. Frequently, the blockage occurs within the ventricular catheter. The obstruction can result from a number of problems, such as clotting, bloody CSF, excess protein content in the CSF, inflammatory or ependymal cells, brain debris, infection, or by choroid plexus or brain parenchyma in-growth through the openings of the ventricular catheter. Another potential cause of ventricular catheter occlusion is a condition known as slit ventricle syndrome in which the ventricular cavity collapses, thus blocking the openings of the ventricular catheter. If left untreated, the occlusion of the ventricular catheter can slow down and even prevent the ability of the shunt valve to refill, thereby rendering the shunt system ineffective. In the past, the remedy for a clogged proximal catheter was to surgically remove and replace the catheter, which involved a risk of damage to the brain tissue or hemorrhage. The current trend is to rehabilitate the catheter in place through less invasive means. This can be accomplished in a procedure generally known as shunt or ventricular catheter revision which involves reaming the clogged catheter in its implanted state until the blockage is removed to thereby reestablish CSF flow through the ventricular catheter. Many shunt valves, such as the ones described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,816,016 and 5,176,627, are provided with a domed silicone reservoir that enables access to the attached ventricular catheter so that the system can be flushed out for this very reason. The self-sealing silicone dome can be pierced with a small needle to gain entry to the attached catheter, without affecting the ability of the dome to re-seal after the needle has been withdrawn. In some domed valves with right angle access, i.e., where the ventricular catheter extends at a 90 degree angle to the drainage catheter, a surgeon can gain entry to the clogged ventricular catheter percutaneously by inserting a rigid endoscopic instrument such as an endoscopic cutting tool or endoscopic electrode through the dome of the valve and straight down to the attached catheter. Thereafter, the obstruction can be cleared by cutting, cauterizing, or coagulating using the endoscopic instrument. In addition, infection is a well known complication associated with hydrocephalus shunts. It is well known that infections occur in about 5% to about 10% of all hydrocephalus shunt implantations. It is believed that a majority of these infections occur via transmission from microbes upon the surgical gloves, the patient's skin, implants or instruments. Unlike routine systemic infections, infections associated with implants (“periprosthetic infections”) are particularly troublesome. First, it has been reported that certain biomaterials cause an abnormal and inferior immune response. In short, a portion of the immune response is provided by the release of superoxide ions, such as hydroxyl radicals, that are lethal to microbes. However, when a periprosthetic infection occurs, it has been reported that certain biomaterials cause abnormal neutrophil activity, resulting in an inferior non-productive immune response. Shanbhag, J. Biomed. Mar. Res., Vol. 26, 185-95, 1992. Second, it appears that the presence of the implant surface helps the microbes survive both the immune response and antibiotic treatment. In particular, microbes of concern attach to the implant surface and form a polymer-like glaze (or “biofilm”) between themselves and the local environment. This biofilm acts as an effective barrier to both neutrophils and antibiotics. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a hydrocephalus shunt adapted to prevent and/or treat occlusions and infections.
|
Title:
Hydrocephalus shunt
Abstract:
A hydrocephalus shunt has photocatalytic capabilities. The shunt is used to treat hydrocephalus by inserting into a human cranium a hydrocephalus shunt having a component having a surface. Thereafter, a reactive oxygen species is produced on the component surface. The component may be a catheter. The shunt may also include a light source.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Hydrocephalus is a condition afflicting patients who are unable to regulate cerebrospinal fluid flow through their body's own natural pathways. Produced by the ventricular system, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is normally absorbed by the body's venous system. In a patient suffering from hydrocephalus, the cerebrospinal fluid is not absorbed in this manner, but instead accumulates in the ventricles of the patient's brain. If left untreated, the increasing volume of fluid elevates the patient's intracranial pressure and can lead to serious medical conditions such as subdural hematoma, compression of the brain tissue, and impaired blood flow. The treatment of hydrocephalus has conventionally involved draining the excess fluid away from the ventricles and rerouting the cerebrospinal fluid to another area of the patient's body, such as the abdomen or vascular system. A drainage system, commonly referred to as a shunt, is often used to carry out the transfer of fluid. In order to install the shunt, typically a scalp incision is made and a small hole is drilled in the skull. A proximal, or ventricular, catheter is installed the ventricular cavity of the patient's brain, while a distal, or drainage, catheter is installed in that portion of the patient's body where the excess fluid is to be reintroduced. To regulate the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and maintain the proper pressure in the ventricles, a pump or one-way control valve can be placed between the proximal and distal catheters. Such valves can comprise a ball-in-cone mechanism as illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,886,948, 4,332,255, 4,387,715, 4,551,128, 4,595,390, 4,615,691, 4,772,257, and 5,928,182, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. When properly functioning, these shunt systems provide an effective manner of regulating CSF in hydrocephalus patients. After implantation and use over extended periods of time, these shunt systems tend to malfunction due to shunt occlusion. Frequently, the blockage occurs within the ventricular catheter. The obstruction can result from a number of problems, such as clotting, bloody CSF, excess protein content in the CSF, inflammatory or ependymal cells, brain debris, infection, or by choroid plexus or brain parenchyma in-growth through the openings of the ventricular catheter. Another potential cause of ventricular catheter occlusion is a condition known as slit ventricle syndrome in which the ventricular cavity collapses, thus blocking the openings of the ventricular catheter. If left untreated, the occlusion of the ventricular catheter can slow down and even prevent the ability of the shunt valve to refill, thereby rendering the shunt system ineffective. In the past, the remedy for a clogged proximal catheter was to surgically remove and replace the catheter, which involved a risk of damage to the brain tissue or hemorrhage. The current trend is to rehabilitate the catheter in place through less invasive means. This can be accomplished in a procedure generally known as shunt or ventricular catheter revision which involves reaming the clogged catheter in its implanted state until the blockage is removed to thereby reestablish CSF flow through the ventricular catheter. Many shunt valves, such as the ones described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,816,016 and 5,176,627, are provided with a domed silicone reservoir that enables access to the attached ventricular catheter so that the system can be flushed out for this very reason. The self-sealing silicone dome can be pierced with a small needle to gain entry to the attached catheter, without affecting the ability of the dome to re-seal after the needle has been withdrawn. In some domed valves with right angle access, i.e., where the ventricular catheter extends at a 90 degree angle to the drainage catheter, a surgeon can gain entry to the clogged ventricular catheter percutaneously by inserting a rigid endoscopic instrument such as an endoscopic cutting tool or endoscopic electrode through the dome of the valve and straight down to the attached catheter. Thereafter, the obstruction can be cleared by cutting, cauterizing, or coagulating using the endoscopic instrument. In addition, infection is a well known complication associated with hydrocephalus shunts. It is well known that infections occur in about 5% to about 10% of all hydrocephalus shunt implantations. It is believed that a majority of these infections occur via transmission from microbes upon the surgical gloves, the patient's skin, implants or instruments. Unlike routine systemic infections, infections associated with implants (“periprosthetic infections”) are particularly troublesome. First, it has been reported that certain biomaterials cause an abnormal and inferior immune response. In short, a portion of the immune response is provided by the release of superoxide ions, such as hydroxyl radicals, that are lethal to microbes. However, when a periprosthetic infection occurs, it has been reported that certain biomaterials cause abnormal neutrophil activity, resulting in an inferior non-productive immune response. Shanbhag, J. Biomed. Mar. Res., Vol. 26, 185-95, 1992. Second, it appears that the presence of the implant surface helps the microbes survive both the immune response and antibiotic treatment. In particular, microbes of concern attach to the implant surface and form a polymer-like glaze (or “biofilm”) between themselves and the local environment. This biofilm acts as an effective barrier to both neutrophils and antibiotics. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a hydrocephalus shunt adapted to prevent and/or treat occlusions and infections.
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11012363
| 2,004
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Apparatus and method for protecting user password within computer system
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A logon process to a computer is amended by providing an apparatus and routine which allow a user to verify that a request for the user to insert a password in a dialog box is issued by a legitimate program. As a consequence the invention improves computer system security and makes it much more difficult for rouge programs to gain access to critical and confidential user's information, such as password or the like.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Even though network security has been steadily improving there are still areas of susceptibility from which hackers can gain access to critical information and use it for malicious purposes. One area of susceptibility occurs during log on process. The critical information includes user's password or pass phrase. In a conventional log-on process a dialog box is presented on the monitor screen and a prompt for the user to insert a password. If the correct password is entered the user is granted permission to access the application and/or system. If an incorrect password is entered access is denied. Although, this process works well for its intended purpose it has a defect that provides an opportunity for hackers to gain access to a legitimate pass code and subsequently use it in a way detrimental to the owner. The defect is that there is an assumption that the request for password is initialed by a legitimate source; when in fact this may not be. Instead, the request for a password could well be issued by malicious software spoofing a dialog box and tricking a user to type in or otherwise provide private information. The prior art has recognized the need to protect password and has provided several methodology to do so. For example, Publish Patent Application No. US2004/0030914A, (Inventors: Edward Emille Kelley et al., Publish date: Feb. 12, 2004) describes a set of software processes to defeat the ability of malicious code to record password entered from a keyboard. A background program periodically runs on a client looking for keyboard—hooking programs not on an approved list or keyboard—hooking program known to be malicious modules. If such a keyboard—hooking program is detected it is deleted and the user is notified to take further action such as rebooting and changing the password. Publish Patent Application No. US2003/0226016A1 (Inventors: David Carroll Challener et al., Publish date: Dec. 4, 2003) describes a device to authenticate keystrokes inputted from a keyboard and not from a surreptitious entry of data through keystroke emulation. It should be noted none of the referenced prior art addresses the area of vulnerability (I.E. obtaining users' password) set forth above. As a consequence there is a need to provide protection that prevents malicious programs from acquiring users' password.
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Title:
Apparatus and method for protecting user password within computer system
Abstract:
A logon process to a computer is amended by providing an apparatus and routine which allow a user to verify that a request for the user to insert a password in a dialog box is issued by a legitimate program. As a consequence the invention improves computer system security and makes it much more difficult for rouge programs to gain access to critical and confidential user's information, such as password or the like.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Even though network security has been steadily improving there are still areas of susceptibility from which hackers can gain access to critical information and use it for malicious purposes. One area of susceptibility occurs during log on process. The critical information includes user's password or pass phrase. In a conventional log-on process a dialog box is presented on the monitor screen and a prompt for the user to insert a password. If the correct password is entered the user is granted permission to access the application and/or system. If an incorrect password is entered access is denied. Although, this process works well for its intended purpose it has a defect that provides an opportunity for hackers to gain access to a legitimate pass code and subsequently use it in a way detrimental to the owner. The defect is that there is an assumption that the request for password is initialed by a legitimate source; when in fact this may not be. Instead, the request for a password could well be issued by malicious software spoofing a dialog box and tricking a user to type in or otherwise provide private information. The prior art has recognized the need to protect password and has provided several methodology to do so. For example, Publish Patent Application No. US2004/0030914A, (Inventors: Edward Emille Kelley et al., Publish date: Feb. 12, 2004) describes a set of software processes to defeat the ability of malicious code to record password entered from a keyboard. A background program periodically runs on a client looking for keyboard—hooking programs not on an approved list or keyboard—hooking program known to be malicious modules. If such a keyboard—hooking program is detected it is deleted and the user is notified to take further action such as rebooting and changing the password. Publish Patent Application No. US2003/0226016A1 (Inventors: David Carroll Challener et al., Publish date: Dec. 4, 2003) describes a device to authenticate keystrokes inputted from a keyboard and not from a surreptitious entry of data through keystroke emulation. It should be noted none of the referenced prior art addresses the area of vulnerability (I.E. obtaining users' password) set forth above. As a consequence there is a need to provide protection that prevents malicious programs from acquiring users' password.
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11024916
| 2,004
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Composite barrier layer
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A composite barrier layer provides superior barrier qualities and superior adhesion properties to both dielectric materials and conductive materials as the composite barrier layer extends throughout the semiconductor device. The composite barrier layer may be formed in regions where it is disposed between two conductive layers and in regions where it is disposed between a conductive layer and a dielectric material. The composite barrier layer may consist of various pluralities of layers and the arrangement of layers that form the composite barrier layer may differ as the barrier layer extends throughout different sections of the device. Amorphous layers of the composite barrier layer are generally disposed to form boundaries with dielectric materials and crystalline layers are generally disposed to form boundaries with conductive materials such as interconnect materials.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Barrier layers are commonly used between conductive layers in all kinds of semiconductor devices. Barrier layers can prevent spiking between conductive layers, prevent electromigration failures and generally improve the contact between one conductor and another. Barrier layers are particularly useful and critical in high speed, highly integrated semiconductor devices that use copper as the interconnect material. The conductive interconnect materials of a semiconductor device contact each other through openings formed in insulative dielectric materials that otherwise insulate the various conductive interconnect layers from one another in non-contact regions. The majority of any conductive interconnect feature is therefore bounded by a dielectric, i.e., it forms an interface with the dielectric. When a barrier layer is used in conjunction with a conductive interconnect, it is formed either above or below (or both) the conductive interconnect layer and therefore forms an interface with the insulating dielectric in many areas, as well as an interface with another conductor in the critical contact area. A single barrier layer is therefore disposed between conductors in one area and between one of the conductors and a dielectric, in another area. For example, in single damascene or dual damascene technology, the barrier layer may be formed below the conductor that fills the damascene opening. The barrier layer therefore lines the sides of the opening, interfacing with a dielectric, and is also disposed between two conductors at the bottom of the opening where contact is made to a subjacent conductive material. Conventional barrier layers typically have strengths and shortcomings. For example, some barrier layers adhere well to conductive materials but do not adhere well to dielectric materials. Conversely, other barrier materials adhere well to dielectric materials but do not adhere well to conductive materials. Some barrier materials provide good barrier qualities with respect to some metals, but not others. In general, barrier layers may include superior or poor qualities with respect to electromigration suppression, contact resistance, wettability, step coverage, resistivity, and so on, depending on where they are used. The reason that a conventional barrier layer typically includes shortcomings in addition to desirable qualities is because conventional barrier layers are typically formed of one barrier material that may provide desirable barrier qualities with respect to some materials but not others. No one barrier material is perfect. For example, if the one barrier material provides superior adhesion to conductive layers, it may conversely provide poor adhesion qualities with respect to dielectric layers. While such an exemplary barrier layer may be a superior barrier material between conductive features, it would likely be deficient when disposed between the conductive material and a dielectric. It would therefore be desirable to provide a barrier layer, such as a composite barrier layer, having superior qualities for its chosen application. For example, it would be desirable to provide a barrier layer that provides superior barrier qualities and adheres well to all materials it interfaces with throughout the semiconductor device. This invention is directed to such a composite barrier layer.
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Title:
Composite barrier layer
Abstract:
A composite barrier layer provides superior barrier qualities and superior adhesion properties to both dielectric materials and conductive materials as the composite barrier layer extends throughout the semiconductor device. The composite barrier layer may be formed in regions where it is disposed between two conductive layers and in regions where it is disposed between a conductive layer and a dielectric material. The composite barrier layer may consist of various pluralities of layers and the arrangement of layers that form the composite barrier layer may differ as the barrier layer extends throughout different sections of the device. Amorphous layers of the composite barrier layer are generally disposed to form boundaries with dielectric materials and crystalline layers are generally disposed to form boundaries with conductive materials such as interconnect materials.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Barrier layers are commonly used between conductive layers in all kinds of semiconductor devices. Barrier layers can prevent spiking between conductive layers, prevent electromigration failures and generally improve the contact between one conductor and another. Barrier layers are particularly useful and critical in high speed, highly integrated semiconductor devices that use copper as the interconnect material. The conductive interconnect materials of a semiconductor device contact each other through openings formed in insulative dielectric materials that otherwise insulate the various conductive interconnect layers from one another in non-contact regions. The majority of any conductive interconnect feature is therefore bounded by a dielectric, i.e., it forms an interface with the dielectric. When a barrier layer is used in conjunction with a conductive interconnect, it is formed either above or below (or both) the conductive interconnect layer and therefore forms an interface with the insulating dielectric in many areas, as well as an interface with another conductor in the critical contact area. A single barrier layer is therefore disposed between conductors in one area and between one of the conductors and a dielectric, in another area. For example, in single damascene or dual damascene technology, the barrier layer may be formed below the conductor that fills the damascene opening. The barrier layer therefore lines the sides of the opening, interfacing with a dielectric, and is also disposed between two conductors at the bottom of the opening where contact is made to a subjacent conductive material. Conventional barrier layers typically have strengths and shortcomings. For example, some barrier layers adhere well to conductive materials but do not adhere well to dielectric materials. Conversely, other barrier materials adhere well to dielectric materials but do not adhere well to conductive materials. Some barrier materials provide good barrier qualities with respect to some metals, but not others. In general, barrier layers may include superior or poor qualities with respect to electromigration suppression, contact resistance, wettability, step coverage, resistivity, and so on, depending on where they are used. The reason that a conventional barrier layer typically includes shortcomings in addition to desirable qualities is because conventional barrier layers are typically formed of one barrier material that may provide desirable barrier qualities with respect to some materials but not others. No one barrier material is perfect. For example, if the one barrier material provides superior adhesion to conductive layers, it may conversely provide poor adhesion qualities with respect to dielectric layers. While such an exemplary barrier layer may be a superior barrier material between conductive features, it would likely be deficient when disposed between the conductive material and a dielectric. It would therefore be desirable to provide a barrier layer, such as a composite barrier layer, having superior qualities for its chosen application. For example, it would be desirable to provide a barrier layer that provides superior barrier qualities and adheres well to all materials it interfaces with throughout the semiconductor device. This invention is directed to such a composite barrier layer.
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11001824
| 2,004
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Plastic paint container having a cube-shaped body
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A square paint container having recesses formed therein for facilitating the pouring of paint from the container.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to containers, more specifically to containers for holding viscous fluids, such as paint. Conventionally, paint is packaged in a cylindrical metal container having an upper rim with an annular groove formed therein that frictionally receives an annular protrusion of a lid for closing the container. If the container is a one gallon container, the container is typically provided with a wire bail handle connected to mounting ears secured to a side wall of the container. While the foregoing construction of a conventional paint container has benefits, it has drawbacks as well. A screw driver must be used to pry the lid off the paint container. In addition, paint typically collects in the groove of the rim, which, when solidified, will cause difficulty in the re-application or removal of the lid at some later time. Also, small amounts of rust often form on the metal of the container and then fall into the paint in the container. Efforts have been made to address some of the foregoing deficiencies in conventional metal paint containers. For the most part, these efforts have failed to comprehensively address the foregoing and other deficiencies of conventional paint containers. Recently, however, published U.S. patent application Ser. No. U.S. 2001/0025865A1 to Bravo et al. (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,530,500) disclosed a square plastic paint container having an integral handle with a handle passage. The Bravo et al. container further includes a threaded lid, a bail handle and a raised pour spout. This construction provides numerous benefits over conventional paint containers. Some commercially available paint mixing machines, however, require a counterweight to be inserted into the handle passage of the Bravo et al. container to balance the container during mixing. The present invention is directed to a square plastic paint container that is facile to handle, but does not require a handle passage extending therethrough. In this manner, the need for a counterweight is eliminated. Additionally, the external dimension of a container without an integral handle and handle passage can be less for the same internal volume than a container having such a handle and passage.
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Title:
Plastic paint container having a cube-shaped body
Abstract:
A square paint container having recesses formed therein for facilitating the pouring of paint from the container.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to containers, more specifically to containers for holding viscous fluids, such as paint. Conventionally, paint is packaged in a cylindrical metal container having an upper rim with an annular groove formed therein that frictionally receives an annular protrusion of a lid for closing the container. If the container is a one gallon container, the container is typically provided with a wire bail handle connected to mounting ears secured to a side wall of the container. While the foregoing construction of a conventional paint container has benefits, it has drawbacks as well. A screw driver must be used to pry the lid off the paint container. In addition, paint typically collects in the groove of the rim, which, when solidified, will cause difficulty in the re-application or removal of the lid at some later time. Also, small amounts of rust often form on the metal of the container and then fall into the paint in the container. Efforts have been made to address some of the foregoing deficiencies in conventional metal paint containers. For the most part, these efforts have failed to comprehensively address the foregoing and other deficiencies of conventional paint containers. Recently, however, published U.S. patent application Ser. No. U.S. 2001/0025865A1 to Bravo et al. (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,530,500) disclosed a square plastic paint container having an integral handle with a handle passage. The Bravo et al. container further includes a threaded lid, a bail handle and a raised pour spout. This construction provides numerous benefits over conventional paint containers. Some commercially available paint mixing machines, however, require a counterweight to be inserted into the handle passage of the Bravo et al. container to balance the container during mixing. The present invention is directed to a square plastic paint container that is facile to handle, but does not require a handle passage extending therethrough. In this manner, the need for a counterweight is eliminated. Additionally, the external dimension of a container without an integral handle and handle passage can be less for the same internal volume than a container having such a handle and passage.
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11016975
| 2,004
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Methods of printing filter material to fabricate color filter
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Several methods of printing filter material on a substrate to fabricate a color filter are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes: a) providing a substrate with a framework forming a cell, b) providing a liquid filter material ejection system with an inkjet print head, a liquid filter material, and a table supporting the substrate, and c) ejecting liquid filter material drops in the cell from the inkjet print head using a drop size printing process. The drops include smaller and larger drops. A color filter for a display device is also provided. In one embodiment, the color filter includes: a substrate, a framework attached to the substrate forming a cell, and a cured filter material fixed to the cell. The cured filter material is formed by ejecting multiple sizes of liquid filter material drops from an inkjet print head using a drop size switching printing process.
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BACKGROUND The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods of printing filter material to fabricate a color filter. It finds particular application in conjunction with printing the red, green, and blue filter material to fabricate a color filter for a display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), and will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that the exemplary embodiments are also amenable to fabrication of color filters for other types of displays, display devices, and like applications. With the rapid growth of the information industry and continuous breakthroughs in the display technologies, a trend is becoming increasingly recognizable in that flat panel displays (FPD), which take up a much smaller space, are gradually taking the place of the traditional cathode ray tubes (CRT). Among the various flat panel displays, liquid crystal displays (LCD) have assumed a leading position, because of their light weight, small thickness, low driving voltage required, and low energy consumption. Another reason for the wide popularity of LCDs can also be attributed, at least in part, to the rapid development of the technologies that LCDs have been associated with. More recently, with the successful development of thin film transistors (TFT), LCDs now have acquired the capability of becoming a full-color display ready for a much broader consumer market. This development further enhances the already immense potential of LCDs. With both the multi-color and full-color LCDs, chroma control and brightness control are the two most essential elements. These elements are provided by a high-grey-level (black-and-white) LCD, color filter films, and backlight devices. A color filter commonly comprises three main components: a black-hued (i.e., black-colored) matrix, a color filter layer, and an overcoat. Currently, at least five methods have been disclosed in the prior art for making the color filter layer. These include: 1) dyeing, 2) etching, 3) pigment dispersion, 4) electrodeposition, and 5) printing. The dyeing method and the etching method primarily utilize an appropriate arrangement of dyes to prepare color filters. A wide variety of dyes have been taught in the prior art references many of which provide homogeneous chroma, high dyeability, and allow a wide selection of compatible resins for which desired color intensity and light transmissibility can be provided. U.S. Pat. No. 4,820,619, the content thereof is incorporated herein by reference, a photosensitive composition is disclosed for use in preparing a color filter which contains a copolymer of glycidyl (meth)acrylate or glycidyl (α-methyl)vinyl ether with a (meth)acrylic amide or ester having a quaternary ammonium salt structure, and an aromatic azide as a photosensitizer. U.S. Pat. No. 4,837,098, the content thereof is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a colored filter layer comprising three groups of filter picture elements having spectral characteristics respectively corresponding to red, green and blue. Each group of filter picture elements (R, G, B) are made of polyimide resin and dye contained therein. Because of the relatively inadequate light and heat resistances of the dyeing materials, the methods of dyeing and etching discussed above have been largely replaced by the pigment dispersion method and/or the electrodeposition method, both of which utilize pigments that exhibit superior light and heat resistances. In these methods, pigment particles are uniformly dispersed in a resin matrix. Typically, the pigment particles are controlled to have a particle size less than 0.2 μm so as to ensure reliable coloring characteristics. U.S. Pat. No. 5,085,973, the content thereof is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a color filter prepared by providing red, green, and blue image elements, each imaging element comprising a photosensitive resin and a pigment, and a black matrix on a transparent glass substrate. The photosensitive resin is formulated such that it comprises a polyfunctional acrylate monomer, an organic polymer binder and a photopolymerization initiator comprising a 2-mercapto-5-substituted thiadiazole compound, a phenyl ketone compound, and 2,4,5-triphenylimidazolyl dimer composed of two lophine residues combined to each other through intermediation of a single covalent bond. U.S. Pat. No. 4,786,148, the content thereof is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a color filter comprising a substrate and colored resin films, including blue, green and red resin films containing blue, green, red colorant particles, respectively. The average particle volumes of the blue, green and red colorants are set that the blue particles are greater than the green particles, which are further greater than the red particles. The pigment method is also disclosed in, for example, Japan Laid-Open Patent. Publication JP60-129739. With the pigment dispersion method, lithographic techniques can be utilized to improve resolution, increase the flexibility of pattern design, and form color filters that can be used in TFT-LCDs. However, the conventional pigment-related methods typically involve a relatively complex process, and they require at least three photomasks which must be precisely aligned to ensure good quality. Furthermore, because the pigment dispersion method involves a free radical reaction to form a thermoset resin, a protective layer is required so as to avoid contact with oxygen. U.S. Pat. No. 4,812,387, the content thereof is incorporated herein by reference, described an example of the electrodeposition coating process, by which a coating film is formed for filling the space between the color stripes for a color filter which is used for the colorization of a liquid crystal display. With the electrodeposition coating processes, a transparent electrode is prepared by patterning a transparent electrically conductive film (typically an indium-tin oxide (ITO)) which is deposited on a substrate and serves as an electrode, and an electric voltage is applied only to a portion of the patterned transparent electrode which is to be dyed in the same color. The substrate is then immersed in a coloring electrodeposition bath containing appropriate polymers and pigment dispersed in water, and a colored layer is formed by electrodeposition. Thereafter, electric voltage is applied only to another portion of the substrate which is to be dyed in a different color, and the substrate is then immersed in another colored electrodeposition bath for forming a different color layer via electrodeposition. This procedure is repeated until all the desired colored layers are formed. The disadvantages of the electrodeposition coating process are that it is necessary to perform a high precision patterning of the transparent electrode, and to pay meticulous attention during the subsequent process not to break the fine pattern, because otherwise, the subsequent coloring process will be rendered very difficult. The electrodeposition coating technique is limited in its applications because it requires a substrate with a stripe pattern of conductive (ITO) film (the stripe pattern consists of a plurality of segregated parallel lines) for implementation, and it typically cannot be used without the stripe patterns. Thus, the electrodeposition coating processes are suitable for the preparation of color filters for use in STN-LCDs, and have limited applications. Nippon Oil Company proposed an electrodeposition lithographic method (ED-litho) for making color filters which combined the electrodeposition (ED) coating method and the lithographic (litho) technique. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,214,542, the content thereof is incorporated herein by reference, Nippon Oil disclosed an electrodeposition lithographic method, which involves the steps of: (a) forming a photosensitive coating film on a transparent electrically conductive layer provided on an outermost surface of a substrate having an alignment film, (b) exposing the photosensitive coating film to light through a mask having patterns of at least three different degrees of light transmittances; (c) developing and removing a photosensitive coating film portion registering with one of the patterns of smallest and largest degrees of light transmittances to expose the transparent electrically conductive layer; (d) electrodepositing a colored coating on the exposed electrically conductive layer to form a colored layer thereon, and (e) repeating the step (d) for the respective patterns of different degrees of light transmittances in sequence of difference in light transmittances to form different colored layers, respectively. U.S. Pat. No. 5,214,541, the content thereof is incorporated herein by reference, discloses the additional step of transcribing the colored layers, the transparent electrically conductive layer, and the alignment film onto another substrate. The electrodeposition lithographic method requires developer solutions at least three different levels of concentrations so as to selectively remove the exposed photoresist at different stages of the development process, thus it allows only a relatively narrow process window within which tolerance is acceptable, and there exist only very limited options in selecting an appropriate photoresist. Additionally, only a limited number of options of photoresist-developer combinations can be utilized. This is especially true when a positive photoresist is used, in which only cationic electrodeposition resins can be used and anionic cannot be used. If an anionic electrodeposition resin is used, then the basic developer solution can easily remove those acidic colored resins that have been electrodeposited but have not been hardened. This problem is further complicated by the fact that the colored resin cannot be hardened by light or heat during the electrodeposition lithographic process so as to ameliorate the problem caused by the uncured colored resin. Therefore, when the electrodeposition lithographic method is used, a positive photoresist must be used in conjunction with a cationic electrodeposition resin. Only negative photoresists can be used with an anionic electrodeposition resin; however, it is well known that negative photoresists do not provide the same dimensional precision as positive photoresists, and the trend in the industry is using positive photoresists. It is also well-known to those skilled in the art pertaining to pigment chemistry that cationic colored electrodeposition resins exhibit far superior characteristics, including stability (against decolorization), ease of emulsification, pigment dispersability (especially at high pigment concentrations), as well as lower raw material cost than their anionic counterparts. Thus the electrodeposition lithographic method disclosed in the prior art, which, almost by default, requires the combination of positive photoresist and anionic colored electrodeposition resin, does not represent the best, or the most desired, choice. Among all the processes for preparing color filters, the printing process is the least expensive process. However, it suffers the problems of poor dimensional precision, uniformity, smoothness, and reliability, and is not well accepted by the industry for making high quality electronic products. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,242,139, the content thereof is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a process to fabricate a color filter for use in a liquid crystal or similar display by providing a means to successfully use an inkjet printing system to deposit colored inks in a predetermined position by using a physical barrier to prevent flow of the ink from the designated cell to which it is delivered. With respect to the ink-jet printing method, the physical barrier is described as a raised black mask placed onto a glass or polymeric sheet using a lithographic step or a high resolution printing step. However, for the ink-jet printing method to work effectively, the thickness of the black mask (i.e., black matrix) must be significantly thicker than is found in current LCDs.
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Title:
Methods of printing filter material to fabricate color filter
Abstract:
Several methods of printing filter material on a substrate to fabricate a color filter are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes: a) providing a substrate with a framework forming a cell, b) providing a liquid filter material ejection system with an inkjet print head, a liquid filter material, and a table supporting the substrate, and c) ejecting liquid filter material drops in the cell from the inkjet print head using a drop size printing process. The drops include smaller and larger drops. A color filter for a display device is also provided. In one embodiment, the color filter includes: a substrate, a framework attached to the substrate forming a cell, and a cured filter material fixed to the cell. The cured filter material is formed by ejecting multiple sizes of liquid filter material drops from an inkjet print head using a drop size switching printing process.
Background:
BACKGROUND The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods of printing filter material to fabricate a color filter. It finds particular application in conjunction with printing the red, green, and blue filter material to fabricate a color filter for a display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), and will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that the exemplary embodiments are also amenable to fabrication of color filters for other types of displays, display devices, and like applications. With the rapid growth of the information industry and continuous breakthroughs in the display technologies, a trend is becoming increasingly recognizable in that flat panel displays (FPD), which take up a much smaller space, are gradually taking the place of the traditional cathode ray tubes (CRT). Among the various flat panel displays, liquid crystal displays (LCD) have assumed a leading position, because of their light weight, small thickness, low driving voltage required, and low energy consumption. Another reason for the wide popularity of LCDs can also be attributed, at least in part, to the rapid development of the technologies that LCDs have been associated with. More recently, with the successful development of thin film transistors (TFT), LCDs now have acquired the capability of becoming a full-color display ready for a much broader consumer market. This development further enhances the already immense potential of LCDs. With both the multi-color and full-color LCDs, chroma control and brightness control are the two most essential elements. These elements are provided by a high-grey-level (black-and-white) LCD, color filter films, and backlight devices. A color filter commonly comprises three main components: a black-hued (i.e., black-colored) matrix, a color filter layer, and an overcoat. Currently, at least five methods have been disclosed in the prior art for making the color filter layer. These include: 1) dyeing, 2) etching, 3) pigment dispersion, 4) electrodeposition, and 5) printing. The dyeing method and the etching method primarily utilize an appropriate arrangement of dyes to prepare color filters. A wide variety of dyes have been taught in the prior art references many of which provide homogeneous chroma, high dyeability, and allow a wide selection of compatible resins for which desired color intensity and light transmissibility can be provided. U.S. Pat. No. 4,820,619, the content thereof is incorporated herein by reference, a photosensitive composition is disclosed for use in preparing a color filter which contains a copolymer of glycidyl (meth)acrylate or glycidyl (α-methyl)vinyl ether with a (meth)acrylic amide or ester having a quaternary ammonium salt structure, and an aromatic azide as a photosensitizer. U.S. Pat. No. 4,837,098, the content thereof is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a colored filter layer comprising three groups of filter picture elements having spectral characteristics respectively corresponding to red, green and blue. Each group of filter picture elements (R, G, B) are made of polyimide resin and dye contained therein. Because of the relatively inadequate light and heat resistances of the dyeing materials, the methods of dyeing and etching discussed above have been largely replaced by the pigment dispersion method and/or the electrodeposition method, both of which utilize pigments that exhibit superior light and heat resistances. In these methods, pigment particles are uniformly dispersed in a resin matrix. Typically, the pigment particles are controlled to have a particle size less than 0.2 μm so as to ensure reliable coloring characteristics. U.S. Pat. No. 5,085,973, the content thereof is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a color filter prepared by providing red, green, and blue image elements, each imaging element comprising a photosensitive resin and a pigment, and a black matrix on a transparent glass substrate. The photosensitive resin is formulated such that it comprises a polyfunctional acrylate monomer, an organic polymer binder and a photopolymerization initiator comprising a 2-mercapto-5-substituted thiadiazole compound, a phenyl ketone compound, and 2,4,5-triphenylimidazolyl dimer composed of two lophine residues combined to each other through intermediation of a single covalent bond. U.S. Pat. No. 4,786,148, the content thereof is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a color filter comprising a substrate and colored resin films, including blue, green and red resin films containing blue, green, red colorant particles, respectively. The average particle volumes of the blue, green and red colorants are set that the blue particles are greater than the green particles, which are further greater than the red particles. The pigment method is also disclosed in, for example, Japan Laid-Open Patent. Publication JP60-129739. With the pigment dispersion method, lithographic techniques can be utilized to improve resolution, increase the flexibility of pattern design, and form color filters that can be used in TFT-LCDs. However, the conventional pigment-related methods typically involve a relatively complex process, and they require at least three photomasks which must be precisely aligned to ensure good quality. Furthermore, because the pigment dispersion method involves a free radical reaction to form a thermoset resin, a protective layer is required so as to avoid contact with oxygen. U.S. Pat. No. 4,812,387, the content thereof is incorporated herein by reference, described an example of the electrodeposition coating process, by which a coating film is formed for filling the space between the color stripes for a color filter which is used for the colorization of a liquid crystal display. With the electrodeposition coating processes, a transparent electrode is prepared by patterning a transparent electrically conductive film (typically an indium-tin oxide (ITO)) which is deposited on a substrate and serves as an electrode, and an electric voltage is applied only to a portion of the patterned transparent electrode which is to be dyed in the same color. The substrate is then immersed in a coloring electrodeposition bath containing appropriate polymers and pigment dispersed in water, and a colored layer is formed by electrodeposition. Thereafter, electric voltage is applied only to another portion of the substrate which is to be dyed in a different color, and the substrate is then immersed in another colored electrodeposition bath for forming a different color layer via electrodeposition. This procedure is repeated until all the desired colored layers are formed. The disadvantages of the electrodeposition coating process are that it is necessary to perform a high precision patterning of the transparent electrode, and to pay meticulous attention during the subsequent process not to break the fine pattern, because otherwise, the subsequent coloring process will be rendered very difficult. The electrodeposition coating technique is limited in its applications because it requires a substrate with a stripe pattern of conductive (ITO) film (the stripe pattern consists of a plurality of segregated parallel lines) for implementation, and it typically cannot be used without the stripe patterns. Thus, the electrodeposition coating processes are suitable for the preparation of color filters for use in STN-LCDs, and have limited applications. Nippon Oil Company proposed an electrodeposition lithographic method (ED-litho) for making color filters which combined the electrodeposition (ED) coating method and the lithographic (litho) technique. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,214,542, the content thereof is incorporated herein by reference, Nippon Oil disclosed an electrodeposition lithographic method, which involves the steps of: (a) forming a photosensitive coating film on a transparent electrically conductive layer provided on an outermost surface of a substrate having an alignment film, (b) exposing the photosensitive coating film to light through a mask having patterns of at least three different degrees of light transmittances; (c) developing and removing a photosensitive coating film portion registering with one of the patterns of smallest and largest degrees of light transmittances to expose the transparent electrically conductive layer; (d) electrodepositing a colored coating on the exposed electrically conductive layer to form a colored layer thereon, and (e) repeating the step (d) for the respective patterns of different degrees of light transmittances in sequence of difference in light transmittances to form different colored layers, respectively. U.S. Pat. No. 5,214,541, the content thereof is incorporated herein by reference, discloses the additional step of transcribing the colored layers, the transparent electrically conductive layer, and the alignment film onto another substrate. The electrodeposition lithographic method requires developer solutions at least three different levels of concentrations so as to selectively remove the exposed photoresist at different stages of the development process, thus it allows only a relatively narrow process window within which tolerance is acceptable, and there exist only very limited options in selecting an appropriate photoresist. Additionally, only a limited number of options of photoresist-developer combinations can be utilized. This is especially true when a positive photoresist is used, in which only cationic electrodeposition resins can be used and anionic cannot be used. If an anionic electrodeposition resin is used, then the basic developer solution can easily remove those acidic colored resins that have been electrodeposited but have not been hardened. This problem is further complicated by the fact that the colored resin cannot be hardened by light or heat during the electrodeposition lithographic process so as to ameliorate the problem caused by the uncured colored resin. Therefore, when the electrodeposition lithographic method is used, a positive photoresist must be used in conjunction with a cationic electrodeposition resin. Only negative photoresists can be used with an anionic electrodeposition resin; however, it is well known that negative photoresists do not provide the same dimensional precision as positive photoresists, and the trend in the industry is using positive photoresists. It is also well-known to those skilled in the art pertaining to pigment chemistry that cationic colored electrodeposition resins exhibit far superior characteristics, including stability (against decolorization), ease of emulsification, pigment dispersability (especially at high pigment concentrations), as well as lower raw material cost than their anionic counterparts. Thus the electrodeposition lithographic method disclosed in the prior art, which, almost by default, requires the combination of positive photoresist and anionic colored electrodeposition resin, does not represent the best, or the most desired, choice. Among all the processes for preparing color filters, the printing process is the least expensive process. However, it suffers the problems of poor dimensional precision, uniformity, smoothness, and reliability, and is not well accepted by the industry for making high quality electronic products. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,242,139, the content thereof is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a process to fabricate a color filter for use in a liquid crystal or similar display by providing a means to successfully use an inkjet printing system to deposit colored inks in a predetermined position by using a physical barrier to prevent flow of the ink from the designated cell to which it is delivered. With respect to the ink-jet printing method, the physical barrier is described as a raised black mask placed onto a glass or polymeric sheet using a lithographic step or a high resolution printing step. However, for the ink-jet printing method to work effectively, the thickness of the black mask (i.e., black matrix) must be significantly thicker than is found in current LCDs.
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10916095
| 2,004
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RNA interference mediated inhibition of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) gene expression using short interfering nucleic acid (siNA)
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This invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating PCNA gene expression using short interfering nucleic acid (siNA) molecules. This invention also relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating the expression and activity of other genes involved in pathways of PCNA gene expression and/or activity by RNA interference (RNAi) using small nucleic acid molecules. In particular, the instant invention features small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering nucleic acid (siNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules and methods used to modulate the expression of PCNA genes. The small nucleic acid molecules are useful in the treatment of cancer or restenosis or other proliferative diseases, disorders, or conditions.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The following is a discussion of relevant art pertaining to RNAi. The discussion is provided only for understanding of the invention that follows. The summary is not an admission that any of the work described below is prior art to the claimed invention. RNA interference refers to the process of sequence-specific post-transcriptional gene silencing in animals mediated by short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) (Zamore et al., 2000, Cell, 101, 25-33; Fire et al., 1998 , Nature, 391, 806; Hamilton et al., 1999 , Science, 286, 950-951; Lin et al., 1999 , Nature, 402, 128-129; Sharp, 1999, Genes & Dev., 13: 139-141; and Strauss, 1999 , Science, 286, 886). The corresponding process in plants (Heifetz et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 99/61631) is commonly referred to as post-transcriptional gene silencing or RNA silencing and is also referred to as quelling in fungi. The process of post-transcriptional gene silencing is thought to be an evolutionarily-conserved cellular defense mechanism used to prevent the expression of foreign genes and is commonly shared by diverse flora and phyla (Fire et al., 1999 , Trends Genet., 15, 358). Such protection from foreign gene expression may have evolved in response to the production of double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) derived from viral infection or from the random integration of transposon elements into a host genome via a cellular response that specifically destroys homologous single-stranded RNA or viral genomic RNA. The presence of dsRNA in cells triggers the RNAi response through a mechanism that has yet to be fully characterized. This mechanism appears to be different from other known mechanisms involving double stranded RNA-specific ribonucleases, such as the interferon response that results from dsRNA-mediated activation of protein kinase PKR and 2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthetase resulting in non-specific cleavage of mRNA by ribonuclease L (see for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,107,094; 5,898,031; Clemens et al., 1997 , J. Interferon & Cytokine Res., 17, 503-524; Adah et al., 2001 , Curr. Med. Chem., 8, 1189). The presence of long dsRNAs in cells stimulates the activity of a ribonuclease III enzyme referred to as dicer (Bass, 2000, Cell, 101, 235; Zamore et al., 2000, Cell, 101, 25-33; Hammond et al., 2000, Nature, 404, 293). Dicer is involved in the processing of the dsRNA into short pieces of dsRNA known as short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) (Zamore et al., 2000, Cell, 101, 25-33; Bass, 2000, Cell, 101, 235; Berstein et al., 2001 , Nature, 409, 363). Short interfering RNAs derived from dicer activity are typically about 21 to about 23 nucleotides in length and comprise about 19 base pair duplexes (Zamore et al., 2000, Cell, 101, 25-33; Elbashir et al., 2001 , Genes Dev., 15, 188). Dicer has also been implicated in the excision of 21- and 22-nucleotide small temporal RNAs (stRNAs) from precursor RNA of conserved structure that are implicated in translational control (Hutvagner et al., 2001 , Science, 293, 834). The RNAi response also features an endonuclease complex, commonly referred to as an RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), which mediates cleavage of single-stranded RNA having sequence complementary to the antisense strand of the siRNA duplex. Cleavage of the target RNA takes place in the middle of the region complementary to the antisense strand of the siRNA duplex (Elbashir et al., 2001 , Genes Dev., 15, 188). RNAi has been studied in a variety of systems. Fire et al., 1998 , Nature, 391, 806, were the first to observe RNAi in C. elegans . Bahramian and Zarbl, 1999 , Molecular and Cellular Biology, 19, 274-283 and Wianny and Goetz, 1999 , Nature Cell Biol., 2, 70, describe RNAi mediated by dsRNA in mammalian systems. Hammond et al., 2000 , Nature, 404, 293, describe RNAi in Drosophila cells transfected with dsRNA. Elbashir et al., 2001 , Nature, 411, 494 and Tuschl et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 01/75164, describe RNAi induced by introduction of duplexes of synthetic 21-nucleotide RNAs in cultured mammalian cells including human embryonic kidney and HeLa cells. Recent work in Drosophila embryonic lysates (Elbashir et al., 2001 , EMBO J., 20, 6877 and Tuschl et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 01/75164) has revealed certain requirements for siRNA length, structure, chemical composition, and sequence that are essential to mediate efficient RNAi activity. These studies have shown that 21-nucleotide siRNA duplexes are most active when containing 3′-terminal dinucleotide overhangs. Furthermore, complete substitution of one or both siRNA strands with 2′-deoxy (2′-H) or 2′-O-methyl nucleotides abolishes RNAi activity, whereas substitution of the 3′-terminal siRNA overhang nucleotides with 2′-deoxy nucleotides (2′-H) was shown to be tolerated. Single mismatch sequences in the center of the siRNA duplex were also shown to abolish RNAi activity. In addition, these studies also indicate that the position of the cleavage site in the target RNA is defined by the 5′-end of the siRNA guide sequence rather than the 3′-end of the guide sequence (Elbashir et al., 2001 , EMBO J., 20, 6877). Other studies have indicated that a 5′-phosphate on the target-complementary strand of a siRNA duplex is required for siRNA activity and that ATP is utilized to maintain the 5′-phosphate moiety on the siRNA (Nykanen et al., 2001 , Cell, 107, 309). Studies have shown that replacing the 3′-terminal nucleotide overhanging segments of a 21-mer siRNA duplex having two-nucleotide 3′-overhangs with deoxyribonucleotides does not have an adverse effect on RNAi activity. Replacing up to four nucleotides on each end of the siRNA with deoxyribonucleotides has been reported to be well tolerated, whereas complete substitution with deoxyribonucleotides results in no RNAi activity (Elbashir et al., 2001, EMBO J., 20, 6877 and Tuschl et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 01/75164). In addition, Elbashir et al., supra, also report that substitution of siRNA with 2′-O-methyl nucleotides completely abolishes RNAi activity. Li et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 00/44914, and Beach et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 01/68836 preliminarily suggest that siRNA may include modifications to either the phosphate-sugar backbone or the nucleoside to include at least one of a nitrogen or sulfur heteroatom, however, neither application postulates to what extent such modifications would be tolerated in siRNA molecules, nor provides any further guidance or examples of such modified siRNA. Kreutzer et al., Canadian Patent Application No. 2,359,180, also describe certain chemical modifications for use in dsRNA constructs in order to counteract activation of double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase PKR, specifically 2′-amino or 2′-O-methyl nucleotides, and nucleotides containing a 2′-O or 4′-C methylene bridge. However, Kreutzer et al. similarly fails to provide examples or guidance as to what extent these modifications would be tolerated in dsRNA molecules. Parrish et al., 2000 , Molecular Cell, 6, 1077-1087, tested certain chemical modifications targeting the unc-22 gene in C. elegans using long (>25 nt) siRNA transcripts. The authors describe the introduction of thiophosphate residues into these siRNA transcripts by incorporating thiophosphate nucleotide analogs with T7 and T3 RNA polymerase and observed that RNAs with two phosphorothioate modified bases also had substantial decreases in effectiveness as RNAi. Further, Parrish et al. reported that phosphorothioate modification of more than two residues greatly destabilized the RNAs in vitro such that interference activities could not be assayed. Id. at 1081. The authors also tested certain modifications at the 2′-position of the nucleotide sugar in the long siRNA transcripts and found that substituting deoxynucleotides for ribonucleotides produced a substantial decrease in interference activity, especially in the case of Uridine to Thymidine and/or Cytidine to deoxy-Cytidine substitutions. Id. In addition, the authors tested certain base modifications, including substituting, in sense and antisense strands of the siRNA, 4-thiouracil, 5-bromouracil, 5-iodouracil, and 3-(aminoallyl)uracil for uracil, and inosine for guanosine. Whereas 4-thiouracil and 5-bromouracil substitution appeared to be tolerated, Parrish reported that inosine produced a substantial decrease in interference activity when incorporated in either strand. Parrish also reported that incorporation of 5-iodouracil and 3-(aminoallyl)uracil in the antisense strand resulted in a substantial decrease in RNAi activity as well. The use of longer dsRNA has been described. For example, Beach et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 01/68836, describes specific methods for attenuating gene expression using endogenously-derived dsRNA. Tuschl et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 01/75164, describe a Drosophila in vitro RNAi system and the use of specific siRNA molecules for certain functional genomic and certain therapeutic applications; although Tuschl, 2001 , Chem. Biochem., 2, 239-245, doubts that RNAi can be used to cure genetic diseases or viral infection due to the danger of activating interferon response. Li et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 00/44914, describe the use of specific long (141 bp-488 bp) enzymatically synthesized or vector expressed dsRNAs for attenuating the expression of certain target genes. Zernicka-Goetz et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 01/36646, describe certain methods for inhibiting the expression of particular genes in mammalian cells using certain long (550 bp-714 bp), enzymatically synthesized or vector expressed dsRNA molecules. Fire et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 99/32619, describe particular methods for introducing certain long dsRNA molecules into cells for use in inhibiting gene expression in nematodes. Plaetinck et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 00/01846, describe certain methods for identifying specific genes responsible for conferring a particular phenotype in a cell using specific long dsRNA molecules. Mello et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 01/29058, describe the identification of specific genes involved in dsRNA-mediated RNAi. Pachuck et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 00/63364, describe certain long (at least 200 nucleotide) dsRNA constructs. Deschamps Depaillette et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 99/07409, describe specific compositions consisting of particular dsRNA molecules combined with certain anti-viral agents. Waterhouse et al., International PCT Publication No. 99/53050 and 1998 , PNAS, 95, 13959-13964, describe certain methods for decreasing the phenotypic expression of a nucleic acid in plant cells using certain dsRNAs. Driscoll et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 01/49844, describe specific DNA expression constructs for use in facilitating gene silencing in targeted organisms. Others have reported on various RNAi and gene-silencing systems. For example, Parrish et al., 2000 , Molecular Cell, 6, 1077-1087, describe specific chemically-modified dsRNA constructs targeting the unc-22 gene of C. elegans . Grossniklaus, International PCT Publication No. WO 01/38551, describes certain methods for regulating polycomb gene expression in plants using certain dsRNAs. Churikov et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 01/42443, describe certain methods for modifying genetic characteristics of an organism using certain dsRNAs. Cogoni et al, International PCT Publication No. WO 01/53475, describe certain methods for isolating a Neurospora silencing gene and uses thereof. Reed et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 01/68836, describe certain methods for gene silencing in plants. Honer et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 01/70944, describe certain methods of drug screening using transgenic nematodes as Parkinson's Disease models using certain dsRNAs. Deak et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 01/72774, describe certain Drosophila -derived gene products that may be related to RNAi in Drosophila . Arndt et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 01/92513 describe certain methods for mediating gene suppression by using factors that enhance RNAi. Tuschl et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 02/44321, describe certain synthetic siRNA constructs. Pachuk et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 00/63364, and Satishchandran et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 01/04313, describe certain methods and compositions for inhibiting the function of certain polynucleotide sequences using certain long (over 250 bp), vector expressed dsRNAs. Echeverri et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 02/38805, describe certain C. elegans genes identified via RNAi. Kreutzer et al., International PCT Publications Nos. WO 02/055692, WO 02/055693, and EP 1144623 B1 describes certain methods for inhibiting gene expression using dsRNA. Graham et al., International PCT Publications Nos. WO 99/49029 and WO 01/70949, and AU 4037501 describe certain vector expressed siRNA molecules. Fire et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,506,559, describe certain methods for inhibiting gene expression in vitro using certain long dsRNA (299 bp-1033 bp) constructs that mediate RNAi. Martinez et al., 2002 , Cell, 110, 563-574, describe certain single stranded siRNA constructs, including certain 5′-phosphorylated single stranded siRNAs that mediate RNA interference in Hela cells. Harborth et al., 2003, Antisense & Nucleic Acid Drug Development, 13, 83-105, describe certain chemically and structurally modified siRNA molecules. Chiu and Rana, 2003, RNA, 9, 1034-1048, describe certain chemically and structurally modified siRNA molecules. Woolf et al., International PCT Publication Nos. WO 03/064626 and WO 03/064625 describe certain chemically modified dsRNA constructs.
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Title:
RNA interference mediated inhibition of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) gene expression using short interfering nucleic acid (siNA)
Abstract:
This invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating PCNA gene expression using short interfering nucleic acid (siNA) molecules. This invention also relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating the expression and activity of other genes involved in pathways of PCNA gene expression and/or activity by RNA interference (RNAi) using small nucleic acid molecules. In particular, the instant invention features small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering nucleic acid (siNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules and methods used to modulate the expression of PCNA genes. The small nucleic acid molecules are useful in the treatment of cancer or restenosis or other proliferative diseases, disorders, or conditions.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The following is a discussion of relevant art pertaining to RNAi. The discussion is provided only for understanding of the invention that follows. The summary is not an admission that any of the work described below is prior art to the claimed invention. RNA interference refers to the process of sequence-specific post-transcriptional gene silencing in animals mediated by short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) (Zamore et al., 2000, Cell, 101, 25-33; Fire et al., 1998 , Nature, 391, 806; Hamilton et al., 1999 , Science, 286, 950-951; Lin et al., 1999 , Nature, 402, 128-129; Sharp, 1999, Genes & Dev., 13: 139-141; and Strauss, 1999 , Science, 286, 886). The corresponding process in plants (Heifetz et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 99/61631) is commonly referred to as post-transcriptional gene silencing or RNA silencing and is also referred to as quelling in fungi. The process of post-transcriptional gene silencing is thought to be an evolutionarily-conserved cellular defense mechanism used to prevent the expression of foreign genes and is commonly shared by diverse flora and phyla (Fire et al., 1999 , Trends Genet., 15, 358). Such protection from foreign gene expression may have evolved in response to the production of double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) derived from viral infection or from the random integration of transposon elements into a host genome via a cellular response that specifically destroys homologous single-stranded RNA or viral genomic RNA. The presence of dsRNA in cells triggers the RNAi response through a mechanism that has yet to be fully characterized. This mechanism appears to be different from other known mechanisms involving double stranded RNA-specific ribonucleases, such as the interferon response that results from dsRNA-mediated activation of protein kinase PKR and 2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthetase resulting in non-specific cleavage of mRNA by ribonuclease L (see for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,107,094; 5,898,031; Clemens et al., 1997 , J. Interferon & Cytokine Res., 17, 503-524; Adah et al., 2001 , Curr. Med. Chem., 8, 1189). The presence of long dsRNAs in cells stimulates the activity of a ribonuclease III enzyme referred to as dicer (Bass, 2000, Cell, 101, 235; Zamore et al., 2000, Cell, 101, 25-33; Hammond et al., 2000, Nature, 404, 293). Dicer is involved in the processing of the dsRNA into short pieces of dsRNA known as short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) (Zamore et al., 2000, Cell, 101, 25-33; Bass, 2000, Cell, 101, 235; Berstein et al., 2001 , Nature, 409, 363). Short interfering RNAs derived from dicer activity are typically about 21 to about 23 nucleotides in length and comprise about 19 base pair duplexes (Zamore et al., 2000, Cell, 101, 25-33; Elbashir et al., 2001 , Genes Dev., 15, 188). Dicer has also been implicated in the excision of 21- and 22-nucleotide small temporal RNAs (stRNAs) from precursor RNA of conserved structure that are implicated in translational control (Hutvagner et al., 2001 , Science, 293, 834). The RNAi response also features an endonuclease complex, commonly referred to as an RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), which mediates cleavage of single-stranded RNA having sequence complementary to the antisense strand of the siRNA duplex. Cleavage of the target RNA takes place in the middle of the region complementary to the antisense strand of the siRNA duplex (Elbashir et al., 2001 , Genes Dev., 15, 188). RNAi has been studied in a variety of systems. Fire et al., 1998 , Nature, 391, 806, were the first to observe RNAi in C. elegans . Bahramian and Zarbl, 1999 , Molecular and Cellular Biology, 19, 274-283 and Wianny and Goetz, 1999 , Nature Cell Biol., 2, 70, describe RNAi mediated by dsRNA in mammalian systems. Hammond et al., 2000 , Nature, 404, 293, describe RNAi in Drosophila cells transfected with dsRNA. Elbashir et al., 2001 , Nature, 411, 494 and Tuschl et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 01/75164, describe RNAi induced by introduction of duplexes of synthetic 21-nucleotide RNAs in cultured mammalian cells including human embryonic kidney and HeLa cells. Recent work in Drosophila embryonic lysates (Elbashir et al., 2001 , EMBO J., 20, 6877 and Tuschl et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 01/75164) has revealed certain requirements for siRNA length, structure, chemical composition, and sequence that are essential to mediate efficient RNAi activity. These studies have shown that 21-nucleotide siRNA duplexes are most active when containing 3′-terminal dinucleotide overhangs. Furthermore, complete substitution of one or both siRNA strands with 2′-deoxy (2′-H) or 2′-O-methyl nucleotides abolishes RNAi activity, whereas substitution of the 3′-terminal siRNA overhang nucleotides with 2′-deoxy nucleotides (2′-H) was shown to be tolerated. Single mismatch sequences in the center of the siRNA duplex were also shown to abolish RNAi activity. In addition, these studies also indicate that the position of the cleavage site in the target RNA is defined by the 5′-end of the siRNA guide sequence rather than the 3′-end of the guide sequence (Elbashir et al., 2001 , EMBO J., 20, 6877). Other studies have indicated that a 5′-phosphate on the target-complementary strand of a siRNA duplex is required for siRNA activity and that ATP is utilized to maintain the 5′-phosphate moiety on the siRNA (Nykanen et al., 2001 , Cell, 107, 309). Studies have shown that replacing the 3′-terminal nucleotide overhanging segments of a 21-mer siRNA duplex having two-nucleotide 3′-overhangs with deoxyribonucleotides does not have an adverse effect on RNAi activity. Replacing up to four nucleotides on each end of the siRNA with deoxyribonucleotides has been reported to be well tolerated, whereas complete substitution with deoxyribonucleotides results in no RNAi activity (Elbashir et al., 2001, EMBO J., 20, 6877 and Tuschl et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 01/75164). In addition, Elbashir et al., supra, also report that substitution of siRNA with 2′-O-methyl nucleotides completely abolishes RNAi activity. Li et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 00/44914, and Beach et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 01/68836 preliminarily suggest that siRNA may include modifications to either the phosphate-sugar backbone or the nucleoside to include at least one of a nitrogen or sulfur heteroatom, however, neither application postulates to what extent such modifications would be tolerated in siRNA molecules, nor provides any further guidance or examples of such modified siRNA. Kreutzer et al., Canadian Patent Application No. 2,359,180, also describe certain chemical modifications for use in dsRNA constructs in order to counteract activation of double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase PKR, specifically 2′-amino or 2′-O-methyl nucleotides, and nucleotides containing a 2′-O or 4′-C methylene bridge. However, Kreutzer et al. similarly fails to provide examples or guidance as to what extent these modifications would be tolerated in dsRNA molecules. Parrish et al., 2000 , Molecular Cell, 6, 1077-1087, tested certain chemical modifications targeting the unc-22 gene in C. elegans using long (>25 nt) siRNA transcripts. The authors describe the introduction of thiophosphate residues into these siRNA transcripts by incorporating thiophosphate nucleotide analogs with T7 and T3 RNA polymerase and observed that RNAs with two phosphorothioate modified bases also had substantial decreases in effectiveness as RNAi. Further, Parrish et al. reported that phosphorothioate modification of more than two residues greatly destabilized the RNAs in vitro such that interference activities could not be assayed. Id. at 1081. The authors also tested certain modifications at the 2′-position of the nucleotide sugar in the long siRNA transcripts and found that substituting deoxynucleotides for ribonucleotides produced a substantial decrease in interference activity, especially in the case of Uridine to Thymidine and/or Cytidine to deoxy-Cytidine substitutions. Id. In addition, the authors tested certain base modifications, including substituting, in sense and antisense strands of the siRNA, 4-thiouracil, 5-bromouracil, 5-iodouracil, and 3-(aminoallyl)uracil for uracil, and inosine for guanosine. Whereas 4-thiouracil and 5-bromouracil substitution appeared to be tolerated, Parrish reported that inosine produced a substantial decrease in interference activity when incorporated in either strand. Parrish also reported that incorporation of 5-iodouracil and 3-(aminoallyl)uracil in the antisense strand resulted in a substantial decrease in RNAi activity as well. The use of longer dsRNA has been described. For example, Beach et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 01/68836, describes specific methods for attenuating gene expression using endogenously-derived dsRNA. Tuschl et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 01/75164, describe a Drosophila in vitro RNAi system and the use of specific siRNA molecules for certain functional genomic and certain therapeutic applications; although Tuschl, 2001 , Chem. Biochem., 2, 239-245, doubts that RNAi can be used to cure genetic diseases or viral infection due to the danger of activating interferon response. Li et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 00/44914, describe the use of specific long (141 bp-488 bp) enzymatically synthesized or vector expressed dsRNAs for attenuating the expression of certain target genes. Zernicka-Goetz et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 01/36646, describe certain methods for inhibiting the expression of particular genes in mammalian cells using certain long (550 bp-714 bp), enzymatically synthesized or vector expressed dsRNA molecules. Fire et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 99/32619, describe particular methods for introducing certain long dsRNA molecules into cells for use in inhibiting gene expression in nematodes. Plaetinck et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 00/01846, describe certain methods for identifying specific genes responsible for conferring a particular phenotype in a cell using specific long dsRNA molecules. Mello et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 01/29058, describe the identification of specific genes involved in dsRNA-mediated RNAi. Pachuck et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 00/63364, describe certain long (at least 200 nucleotide) dsRNA constructs. Deschamps Depaillette et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 99/07409, describe specific compositions consisting of particular dsRNA molecules combined with certain anti-viral agents. Waterhouse et al., International PCT Publication No. 99/53050 and 1998 , PNAS, 95, 13959-13964, describe certain methods for decreasing the phenotypic expression of a nucleic acid in plant cells using certain dsRNAs. Driscoll et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 01/49844, describe specific DNA expression constructs for use in facilitating gene silencing in targeted organisms. Others have reported on various RNAi and gene-silencing systems. For example, Parrish et al., 2000 , Molecular Cell, 6, 1077-1087, describe specific chemically-modified dsRNA constructs targeting the unc-22 gene of C. elegans . Grossniklaus, International PCT Publication No. WO 01/38551, describes certain methods for regulating polycomb gene expression in plants using certain dsRNAs. Churikov et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 01/42443, describe certain methods for modifying genetic characteristics of an organism using certain dsRNAs. Cogoni et al, International PCT Publication No. WO 01/53475, describe certain methods for isolating a Neurospora silencing gene and uses thereof. Reed et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 01/68836, describe certain methods for gene silencing in plants. Honer et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 01/70944, describe certain methods of drug screening using transgenic nematodes as Parkinson's Disease models using certain dsRNAs. Deak et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 01/72774, describe certain Drosophila -derived gene products that may be related to RNAi in Drosophila . Arndt et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 01/92513 describe certain methods for mediating gene suppression by using factors that enhance RNAi. Tuschl et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 02/44321, describe certain synthetic siRNA constructs. Pachuk et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 00/63364, and Satishchandran et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 01/04313, describe certain methods and compositions for inhibiting the function of certain polynucleotide sequences using certain long (over 250 bp), vector expressed dsRNAs. Echeverri et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 02/38805, describe certain C. elegans genes identified via RNAi. Kreutzer et al., International PCT Publications Nos. WO 02/055692, WO 02/055693, and EP 1144623 B1 describes certain methods for inhibiting gene expression using dsRNA. Graham et al., International PCT Publications Nos. WO 99/49029 and WO 01/70949, and AU 4037501 describe certain vector expressed siRNA molecules. Fire et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,506,559, describe certain methods for inhibiting gene expression in vitro using certain long dsRNA (299 bp-1033 bp) constructs that mediate RNAi. Martinez et al., 2002 , Cell, 110, 563-574, describe certain single stranded siRNA constructs, including certain 5′-phosphorylated single stranded siRNAs that mediate RNA interference in Hela cells. Harborth et al., 2003, Antisense & Nucleic Acid Drug Development, 13, 83-105, describe certain chemically and structurally modified siRNA molecules. Chiu and Rana, 2003, RNA, 9, 1034-1048, describe certain chemically and structurally modified siRNA molecules. Woolf et al., International PCT Publication Nos. WO 03/064626 and WO 03/064625 describe certain chemically modified dsRNA constructs.
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10999075
| 2,004
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Guide roller in tape drive and method of controlling the same
|
A roller body receives a tape at a cylindrical surface. First and second flange members are located adjacent one and the other ends of the roller body for movement in the axial direction of the roller body, respectively. If one edge of the tape creases, the movement of the first flange member is restrained, so that a reference position can be set for the other edge of the tape in the first flange member. If the other edge of the tape creases, the movement of the second flange member is restrained, so that a reference position can be set for the one edge of the tape in the second flange member. In either case, the centerline can be prevented from shifting. Employment of the guide roller of this type in a tape drive allows a head to reliably follow a servo track on the tape.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a tape drive such as a magnetic recording tape drive. In particular, the present invention relates to a guide roller utilized to guide a tape. 2. Description of the Prior Art A pair of guide roller is often incorporated in a magnetic recording tape drive, for example. The guide roller includes a roller body supported on a support shaft. The guide roller is designed to receive a magnetic recording tape at an outer cylindrical surface. A lower flange member is located adjacent the lower end of the roller body. An upper flange member is located adjacent the upper end of the roller body. The upper flange member is allowed to move in the axial direction of the roller body. The lower and upper flange members are designed to extend farther than the roller body in the centrifugal direction from the longitudinal axis of the roller body. The lower flange member serves to define a reference position for the lower edge of the magnetic recording tape. The upper flange member is coupled to a restraint member fixed to the upper end of the support shaft, for example. An elastic member such as a coil spring is located between the upper flange member and the restraint member, for example. When the magnetic tape is driven in the magnetic recording tape drive, the elasticity of the coil spring forces the upper flange member to urge the magnetic recording tape against the lower flange member in the aforementioned guide roller. The magnetic recording tape is thus allowed to travel along the reference position on the lower flange member. In this case, if the lower edge of the magnetic recording tape creases, the width of the magnetic recording tape narrows. The upper flange member forces the creasing lower edge of the magnetic recording tape to align with the reference position of the lower flange member. As a result, the servo track deviates from a predetermined reference position on the magnetic recording tape. A so-called off-track occurs. A magnetic head cannot follow the servo track on the magnetic recording tape. A tracking control cannot be realized.
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Title:
Guide roller in tape drive and method of controlling the same
Abstract:
A roller body receives a tape at a cylindrical surface. First and second flange members are located adjacent one and the other ends of the roller body for movement in the axial direction of the roller body, respectively. If one edge of the tape creases, the movement of the first flange member is restrained, so that a reference position can be set for the other edge of the tape in the first flange member. If the other edge of the tape creases, the movement of the second flange member is restrained, so that a reference position can be set for the one edge of the tape in the second flange member. In either case, the centerline can be prevented from shifting. Employment of the guide roller of this type in a tape drive allows a head to reliably follow a servo track on the tape.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a tape drive such as a magnetic recording tape drive. In particular, the present invention relates to a guide roller utilized to guide a tape. 2. Description of the Prior Art A pair of guide roller is often incorporated in a magnetic recording tape drive, for example. The guide roller includes a roller body supported on a support shaft. The guide roller is designed to receive a magnetic recording tape at an outer cylindrical surface. A lower flange member is located adjacent the lower end of the roller body. An upper flange member is located adjacent the upper end of the roller body. The upper flange member is allowed to move in the axial direction of the roller body. The lower and upper flange members are designed to extend farther than the roller body in the centrifugal direction from the longitudinal axis of the roller body. The lower flange member serves to define a reference position for the lower edge of the magnetic recording tape. The upper flange member is coupled to a restraint member fixed to the upper end of the support shaft, for example. An elastic member such as a coil spring is located between the upper flange member and the restraint member, for example. When the magnetic tape is driven in the magnetic recording tape drive, the elasticity of the coil spring forces the upper flange member to urge the magnetic recording tape against the lower flange member in the aforementioned guide roller. The magnetic recording tape is thus allowed to travel along the reference position on the lower flange member. In this case, if the lower edge of the magnetic recording tape creases, the width of the magnetic recording tape narrows. The upper flange member forces the creasing lower edge of the magnetic recording tape to align with the reference position of the lower flange member. As a result, the servo track deviates from a predetermined reference position on the magnetic recording tape. A so-called off-track occurs. A magnetic head cannot follow the servo track on the magnetic recording tape. A tracking control cannot be realized.
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10890858
| 2,004
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Inventory management method and program product
|
A management server for managing inventory of articles and a terminal device for inquiring the condition of inventory are provided. The management server is provided with an inventory database and a database control portion for controlling input and output of data to and from the inventory database. The inventory database stores, as management information, information identifying articles and salespersons responsible for the articles as well as, for articles specified to be included in open inventory, information indicating that persons other than the salespersons responsible for the articles are permitted to sell the particular article. Furthermore, the management server accepts access by particular users from the terminal device to the management information on the articles included in ordinary inventory and also accepts access by users other than the particular users from the terminal device to the management information on the articles included in open inventory.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In a distribution process for articles, there are wholesalers and sellers operating between shipment of articles and delivery of the articles to consumers, and each of the wholesalers and sellers has inventory. When stock of inventory is held for a long time, it causes not only a delay in earning a profit but also increases inventory unit cost due to additional expenses such as warehouse storage charges, and as a result, profit may be reduced even if articles in stock are sold, and furthermore, even a loss may be caused. Accordingly, in order to realize efficient distribution of articles, it is desirable to prevent having stock at more than a necessary level, and therefore it is important to perform appropriate inventory management. Today, there are widespread inventory management systems using a computer, which contribute to improvement in the working efficiency for inventory management (for example, see the abstract of Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 5-120313). At wholesalers and sellers, inventory management is generally performed by each department or each salesperson. Therefore, even articles stocked for a long time are generally handled (sold, disposed of or continuously managed as inventory) by the responsible department or salesperson.
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Title:
Inventory management method and program product
Abstract:
A management server for managing inventory of articles and a terminal device for inquiring the condition of inventory are provided. The management server is provided with an inventory database and a database control portion for controlling input and output of data to and from the inventory database. The inventory database stores, as management information, information identifying articles and salespersons responsible for the articles as well as, for articles specified to be included in open inventory, information indicating that persons other than the salespersons responsible for the articles are permitted to sell the particular article. Furthermore, the management server accepts access by particular users from the terminal device to the management information on the articles included in ordinary inventory and also accepts access by users other than the particular users from the terminal device to the management information on the articles included in open inventory.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In a distribution process for articles, there are wholesalers and sellers operating between shipment of articles and delivery of the articles to consumers, and each of the wholesalers and sellers has inventory. When stock of inventory is held for a long time, it causes not only a delay in earning a profit but also increases inventory unit cost due to additional expenses such as warehouse storage charges, and as a result, profit may be reduced even if articles in stock are sold, and furthermore, even a loss may be caused. Accordingly, in order to realize efficient distribution of articles, it is desirable to prevent having stock at more than a necessary level, and therefore it is important to perform appropriate inventory management. Today, there are widespread inventory management systems using a computer, which contribute to improvement in the working efficiency for inventory management (for example, see the abstract of Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 5-120313). At wholesalers and sellers, inventory management is generally performed by each department or each salesperson. Therefore, even articles stocked for a long time are generally handled (sold, disposed of or continuously managed as inventory) by the responsible department or salesperson.
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11010318
| 2,004
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Beverage container identification clip
|
The beverage container identification clip attaches removably to the wraparound label of a thin wall plastic beverage container or bottle, and provides positive identification of the container for the owner. The device may also be secured to an insulated can cooler sleeve or the like. The clip includes a pair of arms or fingers pivotally attached to one another at one end, and urged together by a light spring. One arm is inserted between the label or sleeve and the container wall, with the label gripping the arm between the label and bottle wall. The other arm remains outside the label or sleeve, where it is exposed to view. Various forms of identification, e.g., a name, charm or other trinket, sports team or occupational logo or symbol, etc., may be applied directly to the visible arm, or attached to the pivotal or distal end of the exposed arm as desired.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to removably attachable identification badges, tags, and similar devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to various embodiments of a clip adapted for attachment to the wraparound label or sleeve conventionally applied to many types of beverage containers and bottles. The device enables the owner of the container to readily identify his or her container from a group of similar beverage containers. 2. Description of the Related Art The use of a distinctive identifying mark, tag, label, etc., to identify the owner of various articles, e.g., books, tools, clothing, and various loose articles and accessories, has been known for a considerable time. Permanent labels or the like, e.g., adhesively applied labels or merely writing the owner's name and/or other information on or in the article, are commonly used to identify the owner of relatively costly articles and/or articles having some longevity. However, the need for such identification often occurs with less expensive articles having relatively short life spans, e.g., disposable drink bottles and containers. There are many occasions where people are provided with identical drinks or containers, e.g., at catered luncheons and the like, or perhaps purchase identical articles at sports events and similar activities. At times it can be difficult for a person to track just which bottle or container belongs to him or her, particularly when several identical containers have been placed upon a picnic table or merely placed upon the ground while their owners participate in a game or other activity. As a result, many people will mark their drink container in some way, but most such attempts are not particularly suitable. Most conventional writing implements, e.g., pencils and ball point pens, are not capable of leaving a readily legible mark on the smooth surface of most such disposable bottles and containers. Even where a legible mark may be applied to the container, the hand of a person holding the container will generally cover such a mark, thus rendering the mark useless if the person does not notice it before picking up the container. Various attempts have been made in the past to provide devices for removable attachment to a bottle or similar container for identifying the contents or for displaying other information. An example of such is shown in European Patent No. 865,015, published on Sep. 16, 1998. This publication describes (according to the drawings and English abstract) various embodiments of a device which clips across the mouth or base of a wine bottle, and which contains a permanent or removable card or tag. The card or tag is used for noting information about the bottle, e.g., vintage, etc. In one embodiment, the device is attached over the mouth of the bottle, requiring the device to be removed before one can access the contents of the bottle. In another embodiment, the device is secured beneath the base of the bottle, where it cannot be seen when the bottle is resting in an upright position. None of the inventions and patents known to the present inventor, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Thus, a beverage container identification clip solving the aforementioned problems is desired.
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Title:
Beverage container identification clip
Abstract:
The beverage container identification clip attaches removably to the wraparound label of a thin wall plastic beverage container or bottle, and provides positive identification of the container for the owner. The device may also be secured to an insulated can cooler sleeve or the like. The clip includes a pair of arms or fingers pivotally attached to one another at one end, and urged together by a light spring. One arm is inserted between the label or sleeve and the container wall, with the label gripping the arm between the label and bottle wall. The other arm remains outside the label or sleeve, where it is exposed to view. Various forms of identification, e.g., a name, charm or other trinket, sports team or occupational logo or symbol, etc., may be applied directly to the visible arm, or attached to the pivotal or distal end of the exposed arm as desired.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to removably attachable identification badges, tags, and similar devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to various embodiments of a clip adapted for attachment to the wraparound label or sleeve conventionally applied to many types of beverage containers and bottles. The device enables the owner of the container to readily identify his or her container from a group of similar beverage containers. 2. Description of the Related Art The use of a distinctive identifying mark, tag, label, etc., to identify the owner of various articles, e.g., books, tools, clothing, and various loose articles and accessories, has been known for a considerable time. Permanent labels or the like, e.g., adhesively applied labels or merely writing the owner's name and/or other information on or in the article, are commonly used to identify the owner of relatively costly articles and/or articles having some longevity. However, the need for such identification often occurs with less expensive articles having relatively short life spans, e.g., disposable drink bottles and containers. There are many occasions where people are provided with identical drinks or containers, e.g., at catered luncheons and the like, or perhaps purchase identical articles at sports events and similar activities. At times it can be difficult for a person to track just which bottle or container belongs to him or her, particularly when several identical containers have been placed upon a picnic table or merely placed upon the ground while their owners participate in a game or other activity. As a result, many people will mark their drink container in some way, but most such attempts are not particularly suitable. Most conventional writing implements, e.g., pencils and ball point pens, are not capable of leaving a readily legible mark on the smooth surface of most such disposable bottles and containers. Even where a legible mark may be applied to the container, the hand of a person holding the container will generally cover such a mark, thus rendering the mark useless if the person does not notice it before picking up the container. Various attempts have been made in the past to provide devices for removable attachment to a bottle or similar container for identifying the contents or for displaying other information. An example of such is shown in European Patent No. 865,015, published on Sep. 16, 1998. This publication describes (according to the drawings and English abstract) various embodiments of a device which clips across the mouth or base of a wine bottle, and which contains a permanent or removable card or tag. The card or tag is used for noting information about the bottle, e.g., vintage, etc. In one embodiment, the device is attached over the mouth of the bottle, requiring the device to be removed before one can access the contents of the bottle. In another embodiment, the device is secured beneath the base of the bottle, where it cannot be seen when the bottle is resting in an upright position. None of the inventions and patents known to the present inventor, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Thus, a beverage container identification clip solving the aforementioned problems is desired.
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10918094
| 2,004
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Fused heteroaryl derivatives
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The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition which is useful as a phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitor and an antitumor agent, and it provides a novel bicyclic or tricyclic fused heteroaryl derivative or a salt thereof which possesses an excellent PI3K inhibiting activity and cancer cell growth inhibiting activity.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Phosphatidylinositol (hereinafter abbreviated as “PI”) is one of phospholipids in cell membranes. In recent years it has become clear that PI plays an important role also in intracellular signal transduction. It is well recognized in the art that especially PI (4,5) bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) is degraded into diacylglycerol and inositol (1,4,5) triphosphate by phospholipase C to induce activation of protein kinase C and intracellular calcium mobilization, respectively [M. J. Berridge et al., Nature, 312, 315 (1984); Y Nishizuka, Science, 225, 1365 (1984)]. Turning back to the late 1980s, PI3K was found to be an enzyme to phosphorylate the 3-position of the inositol ring of phosphatidylinositol [D. Whitman et al., Nature, 332, 664 (1988)]. PI3K was originally considered to be a single enzyme at the time when PI3K was discovered. Recently it was clarified that a plurality of subtypes are present in the PI3K. Three major classes of PI3Ks have now been identified on the basis of their in vitro substrate specificity [B. Vanhaesebroeck, Trend in Biol. Sci., 22, 267(1997)]. Substrates for class I PI3Ks are PI, PI(4)P and PI(4,5)P2. In these substrates, PI(4,5)P2 is the most advantageous substrate in cells. Class I PI3Ks are further divided into two groups, class Ia and class Ib, in terms of their activation mechanism. Class Ia PI3Ks, which include PI3K p110α, p110β and p110δ subtypes, are activated in the tyrosine kinase system. Class Ib PI3K is a p110γ subtype activated by a G protein-coupled receptor. PI and PI(4)P are known as substrates for class II PI3Ks but PI(4,5)P2 is not a substrate for the enzymes of this class. Class II PI3Ks include PI3K C2α, C2β and C2γ subtypes, which are characterized by containing C2 domains at the C terminus, implying that their activity will be regulated by calcium ions. The substrate for class III PI3Ks is PI only. A mechanism for activation of the class III PI3Ks is not clarified yet. Since each subtype has its own mechanism for the regulating activity, it is considered that the respective subtypes will be activated depending on their respective stimuli specific to each of them. In the PI3K subtypes, the class Ia subtype has been most extensively investigated to date. The three subtypes of class Ia are hetero dimers of a catalytic 110 kDa subunit and regulatory subunits of 85 kDa and 55 kDa. The regulatory subunits contain SH2 domains and bind to tyrosine residues phosphorylated by growth factor receptors with a tyrosine kinase activity or oncogene products thereby inducing the PI3K activity of the p110 catalytic subunit. Thus, the class Ia subtypes are considered to be associated with cell proliferation and carcinogenesis. Furthermore, the class Ia PI3K subtypes bind to activated ras oncogene to express their enzyme activity. It has been confirmed that the activated ras oncogene is found to be present in many cancers, suggesting a role of class Ia PI3Ks in carcinogenesis. As explained above, PI3K inhibitors are expected to be a novel type of medicaments useful against cell proliferation disorders, especially as carcinostatic agents. As for the PI3K inhibitor, wortmannin [H. Yano et al., J. Biol. Chem., 263, 16178 (1993)] and LY294002 [J. Vlahos et al., J. Biol. Chem., 269, 5241(1994)] which is represented by the formula below are known. However, development of PI3K inhibitors having a more potent cancer cell growth inhibiting activity is desired. Japanese Patent KOKAI (Laid-Open) No. 6-220059 discloses fused heteroaryl derivatives shown by formula (a) below which possess an activity of reducing the blood glucose level. Furthermore, compounds shown by formula (b) and formula (c) below are described in Indian J. Chem., Sect. B (1993), 32B (9), 965-8 and J. Heterocycl. Chem. (1992), 29 (7), 1693-702, respectively. In addition, Al-AzharBull. Sci. (1992), 3(2), 767-75 discloses a compound shown by formula (d) below. However, none of these prior art publications disclose or suggest the PI3K inhibiting activity. In formula (a) above, Z is O, S or ═N—R0, R1 is an amino which may be substituted, a heterocyclic group which may be substituted, etc.; R2 is cyano, an amino which may be substituted, or a heterocyclic group which may be substituted; and with respect to the remaining substituents, see the specification of the patent. In formula (b) and (c) above, R is a (substituted) amino or a (substituted) nitrogen-containing saturated heterocyclic group. Publication No. WO98/23613 discloses fused pyrimidine derivatives, such as 7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives, which having a tyrosine kinase receptor inhibiting activity and which are useful as carcinostatic agents, wherein the fused pyrimidine derivatives have at its fourth position a particular-heteroaryl-substituted amino, pheny-substituted amino, or indole-1-yl, and have no substituent at its second position. Following compounds are known among the compounds shown by general formula (I), whereas “A” ring is a ring shown by (b); (1) Ann. Pharm. Fr. (1974), 32(11), 575-9 discloses 4-(4-morpholinyl)-2-phenylpirido[2,3-d]pyrimidine as a compound having antiinflammatory and spasmolytic activities, (2) Chem. Pharm. Bull. (1976), 24(9), 2057-77 discloses 4-(4-morpholinyl)-2-phenylpirido[2,3-d]pyrimidine-7(1H)-one as a compound having a diuretic activity, (3) Khim.-Farm. Zh. (1993), 7(7), 16-19 and Khim. Geterotsiki. Soedin. (1971), 7(3), 418-20 disclose 4-(4-morpholinyl)-2-phenyl-6-quinazolinol and 6-methoxy-4-(4-morpholinyl)-2-phenylquinazoline as compounds having an antibiotic activity, (4) Publication No. WO2000/41697 discloses 2,4-diamino-6-phenyl-8-piperidinopyrimido[5,4-d]pyrimidine as a compound having celebral ischemia prevention and treatment effects, (5) Publication No. WO99/32460 discloses, as cardiovascular drugs, compounds of general formula (Ib) described hereinafter wherein B is a benzene ring, W is N, n is 2 or 3, existing R1's are all —OMe, and R4b is an unsubstituted phenyl or a phenyl substituted by 1 to 3 substituents which are selected from -a halogen, NO2, -a lower alkyl, —O-a lower alkyl, -a halogenated lower alkyl and —CONRaRc, (6) Publication No. BE841669 discloses, as antiparasitics, compounds of general formula (Ib) described hereinafter wherein B is a benzene ring, W is N, n is 1, R1 is -a halogen or -a lower alkyl, and R4b is -(an imidazolyl which may have one or more substituents), (7) Publication No. WO99/43682 discloses, as antianxiety agents, compounds of general formula (Ib) described hereinafter wherein B is a thiophene ring, and W is CH, (8) Japanese Patents KOKAI (Laid-Open) Nos. 62-10085 and 61-158983 disclose compounds of general formula (Ib) described hereinafter wherein B is an imidazole ring, and W is N, whereas the compounds have an antiinflammatory activity, a platelet aggregation inhibiting activity, etc., (9) U.S. Pat. No. 3,873,545 and Act Pol. Pharm. (1994), 51(4-5), 359-63 disclose compounds of general formula (Ib) described hereinafter wherein B is a pyridine ring, and R4b is an unsubstituted phenyl, an unsubstituted pyridyl, or -a lower alkylene-(a nitrogen-containing saturated heterocyclic group which may have one or more substituents), whereas the compounds have a spasmolytic, diuretic or hypotensive activity, (10) U.S. Pat. No. 2,940,972 discloses compounds of general formula (Ib) described hereinafter wherein B is a pyrazine ring, and R4b is an unsubstituted phenyl, or a benzyl, whereas the compounds have a coronary dilating or sedative activity, (11) U.S. Pat. No. 3,753,981 and German Patent Publication No. 2,140,280 disclose compounds of general formula (Ib) described hereinafter wherein B is a benzene ring, and R4b is a styryl or 2-(5-nitro-2-furyl)vinyl, whereas the compounds have an antiinflammatory or antibiotic activity, and (12) Eur. J. Med. Chem. (1996), 31(5), 417-425, discloses compounds of general formula (Ib) described hereinafter wherein B is a benzene ring, W is CH, and R2 and R3 are bonded together with an adjacent N atom to form -(piperidinyl which may have one or more substituents) or -(piperazinyl which may have one or more substituents), as compounds working as a benzodiazepine receptor ligand, U.S. Pat. No. 4,560,692 discloses them as those having a spasmolytic and ataractic activity, and Japanese Patents KOKAI (Laid-Open) No. 2-129169 discloses them as those having a lipoperoxidation inhibiting activity. Furthermore, compounds of general formula (Ib) described hereinafter wherein B is a pyridine ring and n is 0 are disclosed in Japanese Patent KOKAI (Laid-Open) No. 51-138689 (antiparasitics), Japanese Patent KOKAI (Laid-Open) No. 56-120768 (a dye component for thermosensitive recording materials), Antimicrob. Agents Chemother., (1975), 8 (2), 216-19 (an antibacterial activity), Cancer Res. (1975), 35 (12), 3611-17 (a mutagenic activity), CA 64: 19608c, Collect. Czech. Chem. Commun., (1994), 59 (6), 1463-6, U.S. Pat. No. 5,304,554 (an anti-HIV activity), Chem. Pharm. Bull., (1982), 30(6), 1974-9, and J. Heterocycl, Chem. (1980), 17(5), 1029-34. However, none of the prior publications teach or even suggest the PI3K inhibiting activity and carcinostatic activity.
|
Title:
Fused heteroaryl derivatives
Abstract:
The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition which is useful as a phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitor and an antitumor agent, and it provides a novel bicyclic or tricyclic fused heteroaryl derivative or a salt thereof which possesses an excellent PI3K inhibiting activity and cancer cell growth inhibiting activity.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Phosphatidylinositol (hereinafter abbreviated as “PI”) is one of phospholipids in cell membranes. In recent years it has become clear that PI plays an important role also in intracellular signal transduction. It is well recognized in the art that especially PI (4,5) bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) is degraded into diacylglycerol and inositol (1,4,5) triphosphate by phospholipase C to induce activation of protein kinase C and intracellular calcium mobilization, respectively [M. J. Berridge et al., Nature, 312, 315 (1984); Y Nishizuka, Science, 225, 1365 (1984)]. Turning back to the late 1980s, PI3K was found to be an enzyme to phosphorylate the 3-position of the inositol ring of phosphatidylinositol [D. Whitman et al., Nature, 332, 664 (1988)]. PI3K was originally considered to be a single enzyme at the time when PI3K was discovered. Recently it was clarified that a plurality of subtypes are present in the PI3K. Three major classes of PI3Ks have now been identified on the basis of their in vitro substrate specificity [B. Vanhaesebroeck, Trend in Biol. Sci., 22, 267(1997)]. Substrates for class I PI3Ks are PI, PI(4)P and PI(4,5)P2. In these substrates, PI(4,5)P2 is the most advantageous substrate in cells. Class I PI3Ks are further divided into two groups, class Ia and class Ib, in terms of their activation mechanism. Class Ia PI3Ks, which include PI3K p110α, p110β and p110δ subtypes, are activated in the tyrosine kinase system. Class Ib PI3K is a p110γ subtype activated by a G protein-coupled receptor. PI and PI(4)P are known as substrates for class II PI3Ks but PI(4,5)P2 is not a substrate for the enzymes of this class. Class II PI3Ks include PI3K C2α, C2β and C2γ subtypes, which are characterized by containing C2 domains at the C terminus, implying that their activity will be regulated by calcium ions. The substrate for class III PI3Ks is PI only. A mechanism for activation of the class III PI3Ks is not clarified yet. Since each subtype has its own mechanism for the regulating activity, it is considered that the respective subtypes will be activated depending on their respective stimuli specific to each of them. In the PI3K subtypes, the class Ia subtype has been most extensively investigated to date. The three subtypes of class Ia are hetero dimers of a catalytic 110 kDa subunit and regulatory subunits of 85 kDa and 55 kDa. The regulatory subunits contain SH2 domains and bind to tyrosine residues phosphorylated by growth factor receptors with a tyrosine kinase activity or oncogene products thereby inducing the PI3K activity of the p110 catalytic subunit. Thus, the class Ia subtypes are considered to be associated with cell proliferation and carcinogenesis. Furthermore, the class Ia PI3K subtypes bind to activated ras oncogene to express their enzyme activity. It has been confirmed that the activated ras oncogene is found to be present in many cancers, suggesting a role of class Ia PI3Ks in carcinogenesis. As explained above, PI3K inhibitors are expected to be a novel type of medicaments useful against cell proliferation disorders, especially as carcinostatic agents. As for the PI3K inhibitor, wortmannin [H. Yano et al., J. Biol. Chem., 263, 16178 (1993)] and LY294002 [J. Vlahos et al., J. Biol. Chem., 269, 5241(1994)] which is represented by the formula below are known. However, development of PI3K inhibitors having a more potent cancer cell growth inhibiting activity is desired. Japanese Patent KOKAI (Laid-Open) No. 6-220059 discloses fused heteroaryl derivatives shown by formula (a) below which possess an activity of reducing the blood glucose level. Furthermore, compounds shown by formula (b) and formula (c) below are described in Indian J. Chem., Sect. B (1993), 32B (9), 965-8 and J. Heterocycl. Chem. (1992), 29 (7), 1693-702, respectively. In addition, Al-AzharBull. Sci. (1992), 3(2), 767-75 discloses a compound shown by formula (d) below. However, none of these prior art publications disclose or suggest the PI3K inhibiting activity. In formula (a) above, Z is O, S or ═N—R0, R1 is an amino which may be substituted, a heterocyclic group which may be substituted, etc.; R2 is cyano, an amino which may be substituted, or a heterocyclic group which may be substituted; and with respect to the remaining substituents, see the specification of the patent. In formula (b) and (c) above, R is a (substituted) amino or a (substituted) nitrogen-containing saturated heterocyclic group. Publication No. WO98/23613 discloses fused pyrimidine derivatives, such as 7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives, which having a tyrosine kinase receptor inhibiting activity and which are useful as carcinostatic agents, wherein the fused pyrimidine derivatives have at its fourth position a particular-heteroaryl-substituted amino, pheny-substituted amino, or indole-1-yl, and have no substituent at its second position. Following compounds are known among the compounds shown by general formula (I), whereas “A” ring is a ring shown by (b); (1) Ann. Pharm. Fr. (1974), 32(11), 575-9 discloses 4-(4-morpholinyl)-2-phenylpirido[2,3-d]pyrimidine as a compound having antiinflammatory and spasmolytic activities, (2) Chem. Pharm. Bull. (1976), 24(9), 2057-77 discloses 4-(4-morpholinyl)-2-phenylpirido[2,3-d]pyrimidine-7(1H)-one as a compound having a diuretic activity, (3) Khim.-Farm. Zh. (1993), 7(7), 16-19 and Khim. Geterotsiki. Soedin. (1971), 7(3), 418-20 disclose 4-(4-morpholinyl)-2-phenyl-6-quinazolinol and 6-methoxy-4-(4-morpholinyl)-2-phenylquinazoline as compounds having an antibiotic activity, (4) Publication No. WO2000/41697 discloses 2,4-diamino-6-phenyl-8-piperidinopyrimido[5,4-d]pyrimidine as a compound having celebral ischemia prevention and treatment effects, (5) Publication No. WO99/32460 discloses, as cardiovascular drugs, compounds of general formula (Ib) described hereinafter wherein B is a benzene ring, W is N, n is 2 or 3, existing R1's are all —OMe, and R4b is an unsubstituted phenyl or a phenyl substituted by 1 to 3 substituents which are selected from -a halogen, NO2, -a lower alkyl, —O-a lower alkyl, -a halogenated lower alkyl and —CONRaRc, (6) Publication No. BE841669 discloses, as antiparasitics, compounds of general formula (Ib) described hereinafter wherein B is a benzene ring, W is N, n is 1, R1 is -a halogen or -a lower alkyl, and R4b is -(an imidazolyl which may have one or more substituents), (7) Publication No. WO99/43682 discloses, as antianxiety agents, compounds of general formula (Ib) described hereinafter wherein B is a thiophene ring, and W is CH, (8) Japanese Patents KOKAI (Laid-Open) Nos. 62-10085 and 61-158983 disclose compounds of general formula (Ib) described hereinafter wherein B is an imidazole ring, and W is N, whereas the compounds have an antiinflammatory activity, a platelet aggregation inhibiting activity, etc., (9) U.S. Pat. No. 3,873,545 and Act Pol. Pharm. (1994), 51(4-5), 359-63 disclose compounds of general formula (Ib) described hereinafter wherein B is a pyridine ring, and R4b is an unsubstituted phenyl, an unsubstituted pyridyl, or -a lower alkylene-(a nitrogen-containing saturated heterocyclic group which may have one or more substituents), whereas the compounds have a spasmolytic, diuretic or hypotensive activity, (10) U.S. Pat. No. 2,940,972 discloses compounds of general formula (Ib) described hereinafter wherein B is a pyrazine ring, and R4b is an unsubstituted phenyl, or a benzyl, whereas the compounds have a coronary dilating or sedative activity, (11) U.S. Pat. No. 3,753,981 and German Patent Publication No. 2,140,280 disclose compounds of general formula (Ib) described hereinafter wherein B is a benzene ring, and R4b is a styryl or 2-(5-nitro-2-furyl)vinyl, whereas the compounds have an antiinflammatory or antibiotic activity, and (12) Eur. J. Med. Chem. (1996), 31(5), 417-425, discloses compounds of general formula (Ib) described hereinafter wherein B is a benzene ring, W is CH, and R2 and R3 are bonded together with an adjacent N atom to form -(piperidinyl which may have one or more substituents) or -(piperazinyl which may have one or more substituents), as compounds working as a benzodiazepine receptor ligand, U.S. Pat. No. 4,560,692 discloses them as those having a spasmolytic and ataractic activity, and Japanese Patents KOKAI (Laid-Open) No. 2-129169 discloses them as those having a lipoperoxidation inhibiting activity. Furthermore, compounds of general formula (Ib) described hereinafter wherein B is a pyridine ring and n is 0 are disclosed in Japanese Patent KOKAI (Laid-Open) No. 51-138689 (antiparasitics), Japanese Patent KOKAI (Laid-Open) No. 56-120768 (a dye component for thermosensitive recording materials), Antimicrob. Agents Chemother., (1975), 8 (2), 216-19 (an antibacterial activity), Cancer Res. (1975), 35 (12), 3611-17 (a mutagenic activity), CA 64: 19608c, Collect. Czech. Chem. Commun., (1994), 59 (6), 1463-6, U.S. Pat. No. 5,304,554 (an anti-HIV activity), Chem. Pharm. Bull., (1982), 30(6), 1974-9, and J. Heterocycl, Chem. (1980), 17(5), 1029-34. However, none of the prior publications teach or even suggest the PI3K inhibiting activity and carcinostatic activity.
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10876240
| 2,004
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NEAR ZONE DETECTION IN RADAR LEVEL GAUGE SYSTEM
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A method for processing a time domain reflectometry (TDR) signal used to determine at least one process variable for a material in a tank, wherein said TDR signal has been generated by a radar level gauge system comprising a pulse generator, a probe extending into the tank for guiding the pulse, and a receiver for receiving said TDR signal, and wherein the TDR signal comprises at least a surface reflection pulse caused by an interface between different materials in the tank, and an interfering pulse caused by a transition between the pulse generator and the probe. The method comprises obtaining a first sampled TDR signal with an amplification such that the interfering pulse is unsaturated, determining a compensation pulse signal using a previously stored pulse shape and a current pulse position, subtracting said compensation pulse signal from the first sampled TDR signal, determining if a surface reflection occurs in a zone where said interfering pulse has a significant interfering effect on any surface reflection pulse occurring in this zone, and, if no surface reflection occurs in this zone, updating the current pulse position.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Such RLG systems typically include a pulse generator, a probe extending into the tank for guiding the signal, and a detector for receiving said TDR signal. The TDR signal typically comprises at least a surface reflection pulse caused by an interface between different materials in the tank, typically but not necessarily a liquid surface, and an interfering pulse caused by a transition between the pulse generator and the probe. In such RLG systems, the measurement process can be complicated or even made impossible, when the surface reflection pulse occurs in the beginning of the probe, where the influence of the interfering pulse is significant. This area of the measurement range is herein referred to as the “near zone”, and can be in the range of 0 m to 0.2-0.5 m depending on the type of pulse generator used. The problem can be accentuated by the fact that the interfering pulse has an opposite sign compared to the surface reflection, and therefore will cause an attenuation or complete cancellation of the surface reflection pulse if they occur too close to each other. As a result, RLG systems may exhibit a zone immediately below the top of the tank, where measurement results can be uncertain. Conventional RLG systems include various processing of the TDR signal, and some of these processing methods are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,973,637. However, none of these methods are suitable for improving near zone detection.
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Title:
NEAR ZONE DETECTION IN RADAR LEVEL GAUGE SYSTEM
Abstract:
A method for processing a time domain reflectometry (TDR) signal used to determine at least one process variable for a material in a tank, wherein said TDR signal has been generated by a radar level gauge system comprising a pulse generator, a probe extending into the tank for guiding the pulse, and a receiver for receiving said TDR signal, and wherein the TDR signal comprises at least a surface reflection pulse caused by an interface between different materials in the tank, and an interfering pulse caused by a transition between the pulse generator and the probe. The method comprises obtaining a first sampled TDR signal with an amplification such that the interfering pulse is unsaturated, determining a compensation pulse signal using a previously stored pulse shape and a current pulse position, subtracting said compensation pulse signal from the first sampled TDR signal, determining if a surface reflection occurs in a zone where said interfering pulse has a significant interfering effect on any surface reflection pulse occurring in this zone, and, if no surface reflection occurs in this zone, updating the current pulse position.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Such RLG systems typically include a pulse generator, a probe extending into the tank for guiding the signal, and a detector for receiving said TDR signal. The TDR signal typically comprises at least a surface reflection pulse caused by an interface between different materials in the tank, typically but not necessarily a liquid surface, and an interfering pulse caused by a transition between the pulse generator and the probe. In such RLG systems, the measurement process can be complicated or even made impossible, when the surface reflection pulse occurs in the beginning of the probe, where the influence of the interfering pulse is significant. This area of the measurement range is herein referred to as the “near zone”, and can be in the range of 0 m to 0.2-0.5 m depending on the type of pulse generator used. The problem can be accentuated by the fact that the interfering pulse has an opposite sign compared to the surface reflection, and therefore will cause an attenuation or complete cancellation of the surface reflection pulse if they occur too close to each other. As a result, RLG systems may exhibit a zone immediately below the top of the tank, where measurement results can be uncertain. Conventional RLG systems include various processing of the TDR signal, and some of these processing methods are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,973,637. However, none of these methods are suitable for improving near zone detection.
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10892325
| 2,004
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Vehicle information-communication method, vehicle information-communication system, vehicle and control center
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A control center transmits failure information transmission request information to a vehicle. The vehicle receives the failure information transmission request information transmitted from the control center. A navigation ECU and a gateway ECU obtain failure information from each ECU in cooperation with each other. At this time, the gateway ECU determines whether a data volume of the failure information is larger than a predetermined information volume. When it is determined that the data volume of the failure information is larger than the predetermined information volume, the gateway ECU divides the failure information into plural pieces, and outputs each piece of information. Also, the ECU does not output the failure information, which is output to a network built in the vehicle, to the navigation ECU, while a failure information obtaining device is connected. Meanwhile, the control center does not receive the failure information while the failure information obtaining device is connected.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to a method of communication between a vehicle and a control center, more specifically, a vehicle information-communication method for exchanging vehicle information of the vehicle; a vehicle information-communication system; a vehicle; and a control center. 2. Description of the Related Art As disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent-Laid Open Publication No. 62-94443, a vehicular diagnostic system has been known. The vehicular diagnostic system is provided with a self-diagnostic device which diagnoses a failure in a vehicle. When a failure is detected by the self-diagnostic device, the diagnostic result is transmitted to a control center. The control center estimates a cause of the failure based on the obtained diagnostic result, and transmits countermeasures corresponding to the estimated cause of the failure to the vehicle. In the above vehicular diagnostic system, the vehicle transmits the result of the self-diagnosis to the control center. A user of the vehicle then places the vehicle in an automobile dealer according to the countermeasures transmitted from the control center. In this case, when the vehicle is serviced at the automobile dealer, a failure diagnostic device may be connected to the vehicle, in order to investigate the cause of the failure in detail. When the failure diagnostic device is connected to the vehicle so as to investigate the cause of the failure, an artificially generated failure signal may be provided to the vehicle in order to investigate the cause of the failure. When such an artificially generated failure signal is provided to the vehicle, the vehicle may determine that a failure has occurred, using the self-diagnostic device, and transmit the result of the self-diagnosis to the control center. The result of the self-diagnosis thus transmitted is unnecessary information. Accordingly, communication costs and a load placed on a communication line due to the transmission of such unnecessary information should be suppressed.
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Title:
Vehicle information-communication method, vehicle information-communication system, vehicle and control center
Abstract:
A control center transmits failure information transmission request information to a vehicle. The vehicle receives the failure information transmission request information transmitted from the control center. A navigation ECU and a gateway ECU obtain failure information from each ECU in cooperation with each other. At this time, the gateway ECU determines whether a data volume of the failure information is larger than a predetermined information volume. When it is determined that the data volume of the failure information is larger than the predetermined information volume, the gateway ECU divides the failure information into plural pieces, and outputs each piece of information. Also, the ECU does not output the failure information, which is output to a network built in the vehicle, to the navigation ECU, while a failure information obtaining device is connected. Meanwhile, the control center does not receive the failure information while the failure information obtaining device is connected.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to a method of communication between a vehicle and a control center, more specifically, a vehicle information-communication method for exchanging vehicle information of the vehicle; a vehicle information-communication system; a vehicle; and a control center. 2. Description of the Related Art As disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent-Laid Open Publication No. 62-94443, a vehicular diagnostic system has been known. The vehicular diagnostic system is provided with a self-diagnostic device which diagnoses a failure in a vehicle. When a failure is detected by the self-diagnostic device, the diagnostic result is transmitted to a control center. The control center estimates a cause of the failure based on the obtained diagnostic result, and transmits countermeasures corresponding to the estimated cause of the failure to the vehicle. In the above vehicular diagnostic system, the vehicle transmits the result of the self-diagnosis to the control center. A user of the vehicle then places the vehicle in an automobile dealer according to the countermeasures transmitted from the control center. In this case, when the vehicle is serviced at the automobile dealer, a failure diagnostic device may be connected to the vehicle, in order to investigate the cause of the failure in detail. When the failure diagnostic device is connected to the vehicle so as to investigate the cause of the failure, an artificially generated failure signal may be provided to the vehicle in order to investigate the cause of the failure. When such an artificially generated failure signal is provided to the vehicle, the vehicle may determine that a failure has occurred, using the self-diagnostic device, and transmit the result of the self-diagnosis to the control center. The result of the self-diagnosis thus transmitted is unnecessary information. Accordingly, communication costs and a load placed on a communication line due to the transmission of such unnecessary information should be suppressed.
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10981704
| 2,004
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Portable information-processing device having a color changing case
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A portable information-processing device with a color changing case includes a transparent case covering the device that contains a layer of color-changing electroluminescent film. When the electroluminescent film is subject to different potential level signals, the color of the film changes, so that the color of the case of the portable information-processing device may be altered as desired to increase the visual diversity of the product.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION With the arrival of the information age, information-processing devices are widely used by the general public. The portable information-processing devices (such as notebook computers and the like) have a small size and are easy to carry, and are almost as powerful as the desktop computer, hence have been well received by users in recent years. These days when consumers buy products they often consider many factors. Besides functional requirements, price and practicality, visual appealing also is an important consideration. The present exterior design of the portable information-processing devices mostly adopts a metal alloy (such as an aluminum magnesium alloy) case to improve the value perception. In addition to enhancing the case structural strength, it also aims to increase the appeal to consumers. The metal case often is colored in black or silver. Although it can enhance the product value perception, the limited exterior color selection becomes a constraint of product diversity. On mobile communication devices (such as handsets), there are designs for replacing the cases. As the structure of the handset case is simple, users can replace the case of different colors as desired to rekindle their amusement without buying new handsets. Aside from increasing visual diversity of the product appearance, it provides rich choices for fashion-conscious consumers. However, on the portable information-processing devices, the structure of their cases is more complicated. Their cases generally are not designed for user DIY (Do-It-Yourself) disassembly or replacement. Hence how to make the exterior color of the portable information-processing device changeable to increase product visual diversity is an issue remaining to be resolved in the industry.
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Title:
Portable information-processing device having a color changing case
Abstract:
A portable information-processing device with a color changing case includes a transparent case covering the device that contains a layer of color-changing electroluminescent film. When the electroluminescent film is subject to different potential level signals, the color of the film changes, so that the color of the case of the portable information-processing device may be altered as desired to increase the visual diversity of the product.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION With the arrival of the information age, information-processing devices are widely used by the general public. The portable information-processing devices (such as notebook computers and the like) have a small size and are easy to carry, and are almost as powerful as the desktop computer, hence have been well received by users in recent years. These days when consumers buy products they often consider many factors. Besides functional requirements, price and practicality, visual appealing also is an important consideration. The present exterior design of the portable information-processing devices mostly adopts a metal alloy (such as an aluminum magnesium alloy) case to improve the value perception. In addition to enhancing the case structural strength, it also aims to increase the appeal to consumers. The metal case often is colored in black or silver. Although it can enhance the product value perception, the limited exterior color selection becomes a constraint of product diversity. On mobile communication devices (such as handsets), there are designs for replacing the cases. As the structure of the handset case is simple, users can replace the case of different colors as desired to rekindle their amusement without buying new handsets. Aside from increasing visual diversity of the product appearance, it provides rich choices for fashion-conscious consumers. However, on the portable information-processing devices, the structure of their cases is more complicated. Their cases generally are not designed for user DIY (Do-It-Yourself) disassembly or replacement. Hence how to make the exterior color of the portable information-processing device changeable to increase product visual diversity is an issue remaining to be resolved in the industry.
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10864742
| 2,004
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Communication method using mobile IPv6 in NAT-PT environment and storage medium thereof
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Disclosed is a communication method using the mobile IPv6 in the NAT-PT environment, and a recording medium storing the method. An NAT-PT (Network Address Translation—Protocol Translation) box as a substitute for an IPv4 node in the communication method performs an RR (Return Routability) process and a BU (Binding Update) process with an IPv6 node to allow data communication between the IPv4 node and the IPv6 node. Therefore, mobility support using the mobile IPv6 is provided in the network with the mixed IPv4 and IPv6.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION (a) Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication method using the mobile IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6). More specifically, the present invention relates to an NAT-PT applied communication method in the IPv6 network. (b) Description of the Related Art IP networking represented by mobile communication and the Internet has become the most popular issue in the IT industry. Mobile communication has been popularized because of fast distribution of wireless mobile communication nodes other than wired nodes, and it has been facing a new trend together with network unification movements on the basis of recently issued wireless LAN and IPs. Also, IP networking is expected to cause great demands of IP addresses because of unification of the IP-based networks, and accordingly, the IPv6 which is the next version of the IPv4 has been developed in preparation for the demands. Respective nodes are identified by IP addresses in the IP network, and the addresses are varied according to moving to anarea. Therefore, it is needed for a node to be able to move to another area without changing the IP address in the current communication process because of the characteristic of the IP network which communicates by using the IP addresses as identifiers of the respective nodes. Without this ability, the communication is disabled when the node leaves the area in which the node can perform communication with the IP address possessed by the node. The mobile IP technology has been proposed in order to solve the problem. When a communicating node (referred to as an MN (mobile node) hereinafter) moves to a new area, an IP address (referred to as a COA (care of address) hereinafter) appropriate for the new area is newly allocated to the MN in addition to the IP address currently in use. The biggest problem with introducing the IPv6 because of address exhaustion in the IPv 4 is that it is substantially impossible to exchange a lot of IPv4-based Internet nodes for the IPv6 nodes at once. Therefore, a technique for linking the IPv6 nodes and the IPv4 nodes and thereby preventing coexistence of the IPv6 and IPv4 nodes while transferring to the IPv6 nodes is required, which is the NAT-PT (Network Address Translation—Protocol Translation.) The NAT-PT belongs to conversion techniques executed by the NGTrans (Next Generation Transition) working group, based on the NAT (Network Address Translation) technique. A major purpose of the NAT-PT is to convert IPv 6 headers and IPv 4 headers and allow communication between IPv6 nodes and IPv4 nodes. In order to achieve this purpose, an NAT-PT box is provided between the IPv6 network and the IPv4 network, and it mutually converts IPv6 packets and IPv4 packets. The NAT-PT technique is performed normally in most conventional protocols, but it does not consider the environment of the mobile IPv6. The mobile IPv6 technique is to maintain communication without disconnection when an MN which performs IP communication on the IP network moves to another area. To achieve this, the MN receives and uses a new address available in another area each time it moves thereto, and the MN transmits and receives information on the newly allocated address (i.e., a COA) to/from a CN (correspondent node) in order to perform communication by using the COA. Also, the MN combines the COA and an HA (home address) originally possessed by the MN to use an IPv6 extended header in order to maintain the communication in the new area. However, in this case, the usage of the mobile IPv6 basically assumes that both nodes are IPv6 nodes with no consideration of usage of the NAT-PT applied network. Therefore, realization of the NAT-PT may have a problem when an IPv6 node attempts communication with an IPv4 node by using a mobile IP in the NAT-PT environment, since the communication between the IPv6 node and the IPv4 node is possible through the NAT-PT box but the CN communicated by each node is actually a different node even if it seems to use an IP of the same version through a header conversion. Accordingly, the mobile IPv6 mechanism cannot be normally operated unless the NAT-PT box which controls the conversion therebetween performs additional processes when the mobile IPv6 node follows the mobile IPv6 mechanism and is operated.
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Title:
Communication method using mobile IPv6 in NAT-PT environment and storage medium thereof
Abstract:
Disclosed is a communication method using the mobile IPv6 in the NAT-PT environment, and a recording medium storing the method. An NAT-PT (Network Address Translation—Protocol Translation) box as a substitute for an IPv4 node in the communication method performs an RR (Return Routability) process and a BU (Binding Update) process with an IPv6 node to allow data communication between the IPv4 node and the IPv6 node. Therefore, mobility support using the mobile IPv6 is provided in the network with the mixed IPv4 and IPv6.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION (a) Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication method using the mobile IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6). More specifically, the present invention relates to an NAT-PT applied communication method in the IPv6 network. (b) Description of the Related Art IP networking represented by mobile communication and the Internet has become the most popular issue in the IT industry. Mobile communication has been popularized because of fast distribution of wireless mobile communication nodes other than wired nodes, and it has been facing a new trend together with network unification movements on the basis of recently issued wireless LAN and IPs. Also, IP networking is expected to cause great demands of IP addresses because of unification of the IP-based networks, and accordingly, the IPv6 which is the next version of the IPv4 has been developed in preparation for the demands. Respective nodes are identified by IP addresses in the IP network, and the addresses are varied according to moving to anarea. Therefore, it is needed for a node to be able to move to another area without changing the IP address in the current communication process because of the characteristic of the IP network which communicates by using the IP addresses as identifiers of the respective nodes. Without this ability, the communication is disabled when the node leaves the area in which the node can perform communication with the IP address possessed by the node. The mobile IP technology has been proposed in order to solve the problem. When a communicating node (referred to as an MN (mobile node) hereinafter) moves to a new area, an IP address (referred to as a COA (care of address) hereinafter) appropriate for the new area is newly allocated to the MN in addition to the IP address currently in use. The biggest problem with introducing the IPv6 because of address exhaustion in the IPv 4 is that it is substantially impossible to exchange a lot of IPv4-based Internet nodes for the IPv6 nodes at once. Therefore, a technique for linking the IPv6 nodes and the IPv4 nodes and thereby preventing coexistence of the IPv6 and IPv4 nodes while transferring to the IPv6 nodes is required, which is the NAT-PT (Network Address Translation—Protocol Translation.) The NAT-PT belongs to conversion techniques executed by the NGTrans (Next Generation Transition) working group, based on the NAT (Network Address Translation) technique. A major purpose of the NAT-PT is to convert IPv 6 headers and IPv 4 headers and allow communication between IPv6 nodes and IPv4 nodes. In order to achieve this purpose, an NAT-PT box is provided between the IPv6 network and the IPv4 network, and it mutually converts IPv6 packets and IPv4 packets. The NAT-PT technique is performed normally in most conventional protocols, but it does not consider the environment of the mobile IPv6. The mobile IPv6 technique is to maintain communication without disconnection when an MN which performs IP communication on the IP network moves to another area. To achieve this, the MN receives and uses a new address available in another area each time it moves thereto, and the MN transmits and receives information on the newly allocated address (i.e., a COA) to/from a CN (correspondent node) in order to perform communication by using the COA. Also, the MN combines the COA and an HA (home address) originally possessed by the MN to use an IPv6 extended header in order to maintain the communication in the new area. However, in this case, the usage of the mobile IPv6 basically assumes that both nodes are IPv6 nodes with no consideration of usage of the NAT-PT applied network. Therefore, realization of the NAT-PT may have a problem when an IPv6 node attempts communication with an IPv4 node by using a mobile IP in the NAT-PT environment, since the communication between the IPv6 node and the IPv4 node is possible through the NAT-PT box but the CN communicated by each node is actually a different node even if it seems to use an IP of the same version through a header conversion. Accordingly, the mobile IPv6 mechanism cannot be normally operated unless the NAT-PT box which controls the conversion therebetween performs additional processes when the mobile IPv6 node follows the mobile IPv6 mechanism and is operated.
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10947801
| 2,004
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Method in the fabrication of a monolithically integrated high frequency circuit
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A method in the fabrication of an integrated high frequency circuit including a DMOS transistor device comprises the steps of providing a substrate, etching a trench in a region defined for an extended drain for the DMOS transistor, and doping a region below the trench and a region at a side of the trench to a first doping type by means of ion implantation in the etched open trench through a mask, wherein the ion implantation is effectuated in a direction, which is inclined at an angle to the normal of the surface of the substrate, to thereby create a partly lateral and partly vertical current path in the extended drain. The method comprises further the steps of filling the trench with an insulating material to form a shallow trench isolation region, and forming a gate, a channel region, a source, and a drain for the DMOS transistor.
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DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The ever-increasing market for microwave power amplifiers in PCS, CDMA, and WCDMA systems requires low cost, and ease of use technology that can provide high power and good linearity performance. LDMOS devices started to replace bipolar devices in base station applications 3-4 years ago and LDMOS has for multiple reasons become the leading technology for base station power amplifier applications. The LDMOS device has high gain and shows excellent back-off linearity. The breakdown voltage BV dss can be easily adjusted by the layout to fit different application voltages. The integration of LDMOS transistors into a radio frequency BiCMOS process without affecting other devices is disclosed in O. Bengtsson, A. Litwin, and J. Olsson: “Small-Signal and Power Evaluation of Novel BiCMOS-Compatible Short Channel LDMOS Technology”, IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, Vo. 51, No. 3, March 2003, and in the published U.S. patent application No. 20020055220 A1. This provides for low cost and more efficient linear integrated radio frequency power amplifiers with multiple amplification steps on the very same chip. To optimize the high frequency properties of an LDMOS transistor, the drain drift region should have a non-conform distribution of doping concentration along the current path, with highest concentration at the drain contact. An example of an advanced method to achieve this can be found in T. M. L. Lai et al., “Implementation of linear doping profiles for high voltage thin-film SOI devices”, Proceedings of the 7th International Symposium on Power Semiconductor Devices and ICs, ISPSD '95 (EEE Cat. No.95CH35785), 1995, pp. 315-20. In more conventional high frequency LDMOS transistors the drift region is divided in two segments, where the segment closest to the gate region is implanted with the lowest n-type dopant dose.
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Title:
Method in the fabrication of a monolithically integrated high frequency circuit
Abstract:
A method in the fabrication of an integrated high frequency circuit including a DMOS transistor device comprises the steps of providing a substrate, etching a trench in a region defined for an extended drain for the DMOS transistor, and doping a region below the trench and a region at a side of the trench to a first doping type by means of ion implantation in the etched open trench through a mask, wherein the ion implantation is effectuated in a direction, which is inclined at an angle to the normal of the surface of the substrate, to thereby create a partly lateral and partly vertical current path in the extended drain. The method comprises further the steps of filling the trench with an insulating material to form a shallow trench isolation region, and forming a gate, a channel region, a source, and a drain for the DMOS transistor.
Background:
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The ever-increasing market for microwave power amplifiers in PCS, CDMA, and WCDMA systems requires low cost, and ease of use technology that can provide high power and good linearity performance. LDMOS devices started to replace bipolar devices in base station applications 3-4 years ago and LDMOS has for multiple reasons become the leading technology for base station power amplifier applications. The LDMOS device has high gain and shows excellent back-off linearity. The breakdown voltage BV dss can be easily adjusted by the layout to fit different application voltages. The integration of LDMOS transistors into a radio frequency BiCMOS process without affecting other devices is disclosed in O. Bengtsson, A. Litwin, and J. Olsson: “Small-Signal and Power Evaluation of Novel BiCMOS-Compatible Short Channel LDMOS Technology”, IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, Vo. 51, No. 3, March 2003, and in the published U.S. patent application No. 20020055220 A1. This provides for low cost and more efficient linear integrated radio frequency power amplifiers with multiple amplification steps on the very same chip. To optimize the high frequency properties of an LDMOS transistor, the drain drift region should have a non-conform distribution of doping concentration along the current path, with highest concentration at the drain contact. An example of an advanced method to achieve this can be found in T. M. L. Lai et al., “Implementation of linear doping profiles for high voltage thin-film SOI devices”, Proceedings of the 7th International Symposium on Power Semiconductor Devices and ICs, ISPSD '95 (EEE Cat. No.95CH35785), 1995, pp. 315-20. In more conventional high frequency LDMOS transistors the drift region is divided in two segments, where the segment closest to the gate region is implanted with the lowest n-type dopant dose.
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10922663
| 2,004
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Automatic activation of medical processes
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Systems and methods involve automatic activation, de-activation or modification of therapies or other medical processes based on brain state. A medical system includes a sensor system having one or more sensors configured to sense signals related to the brain state of the patient. A brain state analyzer detects various brain states, including sleep stage and/or brain seizures. A controller uses the brain state detection information to control a medical system configured to perform at least one respiratory or cardiac process. Methods involve sensing signals related to brain state and determining the brain state of a patient based on the sensed signals. At least one respiratory or cardiac medical process is controlled based on the patient's brain state.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Disordered breathing refers to a wide spectrum of respiratory conditions that involve disruption of the normal respiratory cycle. Although disordered breathing typically occurs during sleep, the condition may also occur while the patient is awake. Unfortunately, disordered breathing is often undiagnosed. If left untreated, the effects of disordered breathing may result in serious health consequences for the patient. Various types of disordered respiration have been identified, including, for example, apnea, hypopnea, dyspnea, hyperpnea, tachypnea, and periodic breathing, including Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR). Apnea is a fairly common disorder characterized by periods of interrupted breathing. Apnea is typically classified based on its etiology. One type of apnea, denoted obstructive apnea, occurs when the patient's airway is obstructed by the collapse of soft tissue in the rear of the throat. Central apnea is caused by a derangement of the central nervous system control of respiration. The patient ceases to breathe when control signals from the brain to the respiratory muscles are absent or interrupted. Mixed apnea is a combination of the central and obstructive apnea types. Regardless of the type of apnea, people experiencing an apnea event stop breathing for a period of time. The cessation of breathing may occur repeatedly during sleep, sometimes hundreds of times a night and sometimes for a minute or longer. Periodic breathing is characterized by cyclic respiratory patterns that may exhibit rhythmic rises and falls in tidal volume. Cheyne-Stokes respiration is a specific form of periodic breathing wherein the tidal volume decreases to zero resulting in apneic intervals. The breathing interruptions of periodic breathing and CSR may be associated with central apnea, or may be obstructive in nature. CSR is frequently observed in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and is associated with an increased risk of accelerated CHF progression. Because of the cardiovascular implications, therapy for respiration-related sleep disorders is of particular interest. Disordered breathing affects a significant percentage of people. Sleep disordered breathing is particularly prevalent and is associated with excessive daytime sleepiness, systemic hypertension, increased risk of stroke, angina and myocardial infarction. Respiratory disruption may be particularly serious for patients concurrently suffering from cardiovascular deficiencies, such as congestive heart failure.
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Title:
Automatic activation of medical processes
Abstract:
Systems and methods involve automatic activation, de-activation or modification of therapies or other medical processes based on brain state. A medical system includes a sensor system having one or more sensors configured to sense signals related to the brain state of the patient. A brain state analyzer detects various brain states, including sleep stage and/or brain seizures. A controller uses the brain state detection information to control a medical system configured to perform at least one respiratory or cardiac process. Methods involve sensing signals related to brain state and determining the brain state of a patient based on the sensed signals. At least one respiratory or cardiac medical process is controlled based on the patient's brain state.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Disordered breathing refers to a wide spectrum of respiratory conditions that involve disruption of the normal respiratory cycle. Although disordered breathing typically occurs during sleep, the condition may also occur while the patient is awake. Unfortunately, disordered breathing is often undiagnosed. If left untreated, the effects of disordered breathing may result in serious health consequences for the patient. Various types of disordered respiration have been identified, including, for example, apnea, hypopnea, dyspnea, hyperpnea, tachypnea, and periodic breathing, including Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR). Apnea is a fairly common disorder characterized by periods of interrupted breathing. Apnea is typically classified based on its etiology. One type of apnea, denoted obstructive apnea, occurs when the patient's airway is obstructed by the collapse of soft tissue in the rear of the throat. Central apnea is caused by a derangement of the central nervous system control of respiration. The patient ceases to breathe when control signals from the brain to the respiratory muscles are absent or interrupted. Mixed apnea is a combination of the central and obstructive apnea types. Regardless of the type of apnea, people experiencing an apnea event stop breathing for a period of time. The cessation of breathing may occur repeatedly during sleep, sometimes hundreds of times a night and sometimes for a minute or longer. Periodic breathing is characterized by cyclic respiratory patterns that may exhibit rhythmic rises and falls in tidal volume. Cheyne-Stokes respiration is a specific form of periodic breathing wherein the tidal volume decreases to zero resulting in apneic intervals. The breathing interruptions of periodic breathing and CSR may be associated with central apnea, or may be obstructive in nature. CSR is frequently observed in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and is associated with an increased risk of accelerated CHF progression. Because of the cardiovascular implications, therapy for respiration-related sleep disorders is of particular interest. Disordered breathing affects a significant percentage of people. Sleep disordered breathing is particularly prevalent and is associated with excessive daytime sleepiness, systemic hypertension, increased risk of stroke, angina and myocardial infarction. Respiratory disruption may be particularly serious for patients concurrently suffering from cardiovascular deficiencies, such as congestive heart failure.
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10979129
| 2,004
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System and method for gate access control
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A system for providing stand-off biometric verification of a driver of a vehicle at a control gate while the vehicle is moving, including a pre-verification system and a post-verification systems. The pre-verification system is installed before an entrance of a facility and comprises an RFID vehicle tag reader, an RFID personal tag reader and a facial detection and recognition (verification) system. The RFID vehicle tag reader scans and reads an ID from an RFID vehicle tag of the vehicle that is trying to pass through the gate. The RFID personal tag reader reads an ID from an RFID personal tag carried by personnel who are driving in the vehicle. The facial detection and verification system scans and reads facial images for the driver. The post-verification system is installed on at least one of an entrance and an exit for post-verification to ensure that the vehicle that enters the entrance or leaves from the exit is the one that has been verified/denied at the control gate. In one embodiment, the post-verification system comprises an RFID personal tag reader and an RFID vehicle tag reader. In another embodiment, the post-verification system also comprises a facial detection and recognition system.
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BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to methods and systems for security identification, and more particularly, to methods and systems for personnel biometric verification. 2. Background of the Invention Gate security access control has recently been given increased attention as it provides basic safety protection for facilities and individuals who work in the facilities. In a typical gate security system for a large facility, personnel must show their ID cards and/or display authorization tags on their vehicles in order to gain access to the facility. In some cases, where a guard is not located at the gate, personnel can use a data card, such as an electronic data card, to release a gate to gain access to the facility. Once inside the facility, personnel must typically use the data card to open doors to enter into specific secured areas. One well known type of security access control system is based on radio frequency identification (RFID), which is illustrated in FIG. 1 . RFID system 10 comprises three basic elements: an antenna or coil I 1 , a transceiver 12 (with decoder), and a transponder (i.e., an RFID tag) 13 electronically programmed with unique identification information. Antenna 11 emits radio frequency signals to activate tag 13 and read and write data to it, and functions as a conduit between tag 13 and transceiver 12 . Antenna 11 can take on various shapes and sizes. For example, antenna 11 can be built into a door frame to receive tag data from persons or things passing through the door, or mounted on structures such as an interstate toll booth to monitor the traffic passing on a highway. Antenna 11 is often packaged with transceiver 12 and decoder (not shown) to function as a reader (or interrogator), which can be configured either as a handheld or a fixed-mount device. The reader emits radio waves in a range of one inch to 100 feet or more, thereby establishing a predetermined electromagnetic zone. When an RFID tag passes through the electromagnetic zone, it detects the reader's activation signals. The reader then decodes the data encoded in the tag's integrated circuit and the data is passed to a host computer 15 via an RF module 16 for processing. Generally, RFID tags 13 can be either active or passive. Active RFID tags are powered by an internal battery and are typically readable and rewriteable. In a typical read/write RFID system, an active RFID tag delivers a set of instructions to a machine, and the machine then acts upon those instructions. In contrast, passive RFID tags operate without a separate power source and obtain power generated from the reader. A significant advantage of RFID systems is the non-contact and non-line-of-sight nature of the technology. In operation, when a person or subject carrying an RFID tag passes through a checkpoint, an RFID reader reads and decodes data stored in the RFID tag and sends the decoded data to a computer for processing. RFID tags can be read through a variety of substances such as snow, fog, ice, paint, and other visually and environmentally challenging conditions. RFID tags can also be read under challenging circumstances such as when RFID-tagged vehicles pass points at relatively high speeds. RFID systems have been used to control facility access through a gate. In such a case, individuals carry an RFID tag (also referred to herein as a “personal tag”) or display an RFID tag in their vehicle (also referred to herein as a “vehicle tag”). A reader composed of an RF transceiver and an antenna is installed at or near the gate so that when the individual and/or the vehicle is close to the gate, the RFID reader reads the data embedded in the RFID tags and sends the data to a computer for verification. If the data from the tag indicate that the individual or the vehicle is permitted entry, the gate will open to allow the individual or vehicle to enter. On the other hand, if the data shows that the individual or vehicle is not permitted entry, the gate will remain closed. In some cases, a guard will stop the vehicle to acquire more information from the individual or driver of the vehicle. Reliance solely on an RFID system for identification, however, does not provide adequate security. Since the computer only matches the RFID tag with data stored in a database, it is possible that the person who is carrying a valid RFID tag is, in fact, not authorized to gain access. Also an unauthorized person, who by some means, obtains a valid RFID tag, will be granted access. Thus, a more advanced identification system is required. Biometric verification is now being employed more frequently to verify personnel identification. Such systems typically comprise a database storing personal biometric information, such as facial templates or features, finger prints, hand geometry, iris prints, thermograms, skin colors of personnel, and others, or any combination of these. In a typical face identification imaging biometric system, the system takes an image or an image sequence of a person and then performs a “one-to-many” verification database search against the images stored in the database; this is done using 2D or 3D image processing technology. However, such a one-to-many search is very slow and often unreliable. Furthermore, present biometric verification systems typically require facial verification in a benign lighting and background environment with no relative facial movement. That is, the person who is requesting access must either stay still or move in a prescribed fashion while the system takes his/her image, or the individual must present their fingers or iris in direct contact to a biometric reader. This presentation requires direct contact and increases the overall time needed for completing the biometric verification task. As higher levels of security and automation are increasingly demanded, an overall security system must be provided to adequately improve a facility's security posture. The security system must minimize negative effects to work efficiency and quality of work life. Due to the disadvantages of excessively long waiting times and unreliable results mentioned above, currently employed Facial Recognition Systems (FRS) and RFID systems cannot yet uniquely satisfy fast and accurate biometric verification requirements. Thus, a method and system that can more efficiently and rapidly identify personnel and/or vehicles is required.
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Title:
System and method for gate access control
Abstract:
A system for providing stand-off biometric verification of a driver of a vehicle at a control gate while the vehicle is moving, including a pre-verification system and a post-verification systems. The pre-verification system is installed before an entrance of a facility and comprises an RFID vehicle tag reader, an RFID personal tag reader and a facial detection and recognition (verification) system. The RFID vehicle tag reader scans and reads an ID from an RFID vehicle tag of the vehicle that is trying to pass through the gate. The RFID personal tag reader reads an ID from an RFID personal tag carried by personnel who are driving in the vehicle. The facial detection and verification system scans and reads facial images for the driver. The post-verification system is installed on at least one of an entrance and an exit for post-verification to ensure that the vehicle that enters the entrance or leaves from the exit is the one that has been verified/denied at the control gate. In one embodiment, the post-verification system comprises an RFID personal tag reader and an RFID vehicle tag reader. In another embodiment, the post-verification system also comprises a facial detection and recognition system.
Background:
BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to methods and systems for security identification, and more particularly, to methods and systems for personnel biometric verification. 2. Background of the Invention Gate security access control has recently been given increased attention as it provides basic safety protection for facilities and individuals who work in the facilities. In a typical gate security system for a large facility, personnel must show their ID cards and/or display authorization tags on their vehicles in order to gain access to the facility. In some cases, where a guard is not located at the gate, personnel can use a data card, such as an electronic data card, to release a gate to gain access to the facility. Once inside the facility, personnel must typically use the data card to open doors to enter into specific secured areas. One well known type of security access control system is based on radio frequency identification (RFID), which is illustrated in FIG. 1 . RFID system 10 comprises three basic elements: an antenna or coil I 1 , a transceiver 12 (with decoder), and a transponder (i.e., an RFID tag) 13 electronically programmed with unique identification information. Antenna 11 emits radio frequency signals to activate tag 13 and read and write data to it, and functions as a conduit between tag 13 and transceiver 12 . Antenna 11 can take on various shapes and sizes. For example, antenna 11 can be built into a door frame to receive tag data from persons or things passing through the door, or mounted on structures such as an interstate toll booth to monitor the traffic passing on a highway. Antenna 11 is often packaged with transceiver 12 and decoder (not shown) to function as a reader (or interrogator), which can be configured either as a handheld or a fixed-mount device. The reader emits radio waves in a range of one inch to 100 feet or more, thereby establishing a predetermined electromagnetic zone. When an RFID tag passes through the electromagnetic zone, it detects the reader's activation signals. The reader then decodes the data encoded in the tag's integrated circuit and the data is passed to a host computer 15 via an RF module 16 for processing. Generally, RFID tags 13 can be either active or passive. Active RFID tags are powered by an internal battery and are typically readable and rewriteable. In a typical read/write RFID system, an active RFID tag delivers a set of instructions to a machine, and the machine then acts upon those instructions. In contrast, passive RFID tags operate without a separate power source and obtain power generated from the reader. A significant advantage of RFID systems is the non-contact and non-line-of-sight nature of the technology. In operation, when a person or subject carrying an RFID tag passes through a checkpoint, an RFID reader reads and decodes data stored in the RFID tag and sends the decoded data to a computer for processing. RFID tags can be read through a variety of substances such as snow, fog, ice, paint, and other visually and environmentally challenging conditions. RFID tags can also be read under challenging circumstances such as when RFID-tagged vehicles pass points at relatively high speeds. RFID systems have been used to control facility access through a gate. In such a case, individuals carry an RFID tag (also referred to herein as a “personal tag”) or display an RFID tag in their vehicle (also referred to herein as a “vehicle tag”). A reader composed of an RF transceiver and an antenna is installed at or near the gate so that when the individual and/or the vehicle is close to the gate, the RFID reader reads the data embedded in the RFID tags and sends the data to a computer for verification. If the data from the tag indicate that the individual or the vehicle is permitted entry, the gate will open to allow the individual or vehicle to enter. On the other hand, if the data shows that the individual or vehicle is not permitted entry, the gate will remain closed. In some cases, a guard will stop the vehicle to acquire more information from the individual or driver of the vehicle. Reliance solely on an RFID system for identification, however, does not provide adequate security. Since the computer only matches the RFID tag with data stored in a database, it is possible that the person who is carrying a valid RFID tag is, in fact, not authorized to gain access. Also an unauthorized person, who by some means, obtains a valid RFID tag, will be granted access. Thus, a more advanced identification system is required. Biometric verification is now being employed more frequently to verify personnel identification. Such systems typically comprise a database storing personal biometric information, such as facial templates or features, finger prints, hand geometry, iris prints, thermograms, skin colors of personnel, and others, or any combination of these. In a typical face identification imaging biometric system, the system takes an image or an image sequence of a person and then performs a “one-to-many” verification database search against the images stored in the database; this is done using 2D or 3D image processing technology. However, such a one-to-many search is very slow and often unreliable. Furthermore, present biometric verification systems typically require facial verification in a benign lighting and background environment with no relative facial movement. That is, the person who is requesting access must either stay still or move in a prescribed fashion while the system takes his/her image, or the individual must present their fingers or iris in direct contact to a biometric reader. This presentation requires direct contact and increases the overall time needed for completing the biometric verification task. As higher levels of security and automation are increasingly demanded, an overall security system must be provided to adequately improve a facility's security posture. The security system must minimize negative effects to work efficiency and quality of work life. Due to the disadvantages of excessively long waiting times and unreliable results mentioned above, currently employed Facial Recognition Systems (FRS) and RFID systems cannot yet uniquely satisfy fast and accurate biometric verification requirements. Thus, a method and system that can more efficiently and rapidly identify personnel and/or vehicles is required.
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10755991
| 2,004
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System and method for creation of operative notes for use in surgical facilities
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Disclosed is a computer program and method of generating operative notes by a surgeon after a surgical procedure. The software and method include the steps of 1) displaying a list of patient cases for which operative notes need to be created, 2) displaying a procedure performed for one of the patient cases, 3) displaying a list of sections for an operative note and text that comprises a selected section from of the list of sections of the operative note, 4) inserting predetermined text into the operative note having indicia indicating where the surgeon must modify the operative note to include information specific to the patient upon which the surgical procedure has been performed, and 5) providing means for successively identifying the indicia where text must be inserted into the operative note.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Operative notes are statements that detail a procedure performed by a surgeon. Generally, the operative note is very comprehensive and identifies all procedures performed by the surgeon. Operative notes are necessary for both the purpose of record keeping and for billing of insurance providers. Therefore, the quicker the operative notes are completed, the quicker the insurance carrier can be billed for the services provided by a surgeon and surgery center. Particularly for ambulatory surgery centers, a surgeon normally performs a limited set of procedures numerous times. As such, the operative notes for the procedures do not vary substantially from patient to patient. Many times only a few items of text within the operative note are unique to the patient upon which the surgical procedure was performed. In the past, surgeons have dictated operative notes detailing the surgical procedures performed. As a result, the surgeon or surgical center was required to hire or outsource the services of a transcriptionist to produce an operative report from a surgeon's recorded dictation, an option which can run into thousands or tens of thousands of dollars annually for even a small-sized facility. Another difficulty with generating operative notes is that each surgeon will have his or her own preferred text that is entered into the operative note. As such, different surgeons do not use the same text for their operative notes. Therefore, any solution to minimize the expense of generating operative notes must take this fact into account. Another difficulty with generating operative notes is complying with the strict privacy laws concerning patient information. These privacy laws prevent disclosure of confidential medical information to third parties. Because non-treating physicians are third parties for the purposes of privacy laws, physicians must be prevented from viewing patient information for other physicians' patients.
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Title:
System and method for creation of operative notes for use in surgical facilities
Abstract:
Disclosed is a computer program and method of generating operative notes by a surgeon after a surgical procedure. The software and method include the steps of 1) displaying a list of patient cases for which operative notes need to be created, 2) displaying a procedure performed for one of the patient cases, 3) displaying a list of sections for an operative note and text that comprises a selected section from of the list of sections of the operative note, 4) inserting predetermined text into the operative note having indicia indicating where the surgeon must modify the operative note to include information specific to the patient upon which the surgical procedure has been performed, and 5) providing means for successively identifying the indicia where text must be inserted into the operative note.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Operative notes are statements that detail a procedure performed by a surgeon. Generally, the operative note is very comprehensive and identifies all procedures performed by the surgeon. Operative notes are necessary for both the purpose of record keeping and for billing of insurance providers. Therefore, the quicker the operative notes are completed, the quicker the insurance carrier can be billed for the services provided by a surgeon and surgery center. Particularly for ambulatory surgery centers, a surgeon normally performs a limited set of procedures numerous times. As such, the operative notes for the procedures do not vary substantially from patient to patient. Many times only a few items of text within the operative note are unique to the patient upon which the surgical procedure was performed. In the past, surgeons have dictated operative notes detailing the surgical procedures performed. As a result, the surgeon or surgical center was required to hire or outsource the services of a transcriptionist to produce an operative report from a surgeon's recorded dictation, an option which can run into thousands or tens of thousands of dollars annually for even a small-sized facility. Another difficulty with generating operative notes is that each surgeon will have his or her own preferred text that is entered into the operative note. As such, different surgeons do not use the same text for their operative notes. Therefore, any solution to minimize the expense of generating operative notes must take this fact into account. Another difficulty with generating operative notes is complying with the strict privacy laws concerning patient information. These privacy laws prevent disclosure of confidential medical information to third parties. Because non-treating physicians are third parties for the purposes of privacy laws, physicians must be prevented from viewing patient information for other physicians' patients.
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10840015
| 2,004
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Clock capture in clock synchronization circuitry
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Clock capturing synchronization circuitry first generates a synchronized clock signal from a reference clock signal, then captures the synchronized clock signal, and continues to output a synchronized clock signal after the reference clock signal is removed. The clock capturing synchronization circuitry also reduces input referred jitter in the synchronized clock signal.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to the “capture” of a synchronized clock signal in clock synchronization circuitry. More particularly, this invention relates to clock synchronization circuitry that temporarily provides a synchronized clock output signal without a reference clock input signal. This invention also relates to clock synchronization circuitry that provides a synchronized clock output signal with little or no jitter caused by the reference clock input signal. Clock synchronization circuitry is used to generate a synchronized clock signal based on a reference clock signal. The synchronized clock signal is ideally in phase with the reference clock signal. One type of clock synchronization circuit is a delay-locked loop (DLL). A DLL uses a variable delay circuit to add phase delay to the input reference clock signal before it is output from the DLL. The DLL uses a phase detector to measure the phase difference between the output of the DLL and the reference clock and to adjust the variable delay to minimize the phase difference. Another type of clock synchronization circuit is a synchronous mirror delay (SMD). The SMD uses a matched pair of delay arrays, a forward delay array and a backward delay array, to output a delayed clock signal synchronized to the input reference clock signal. The reference clock signal is input into the forward delay array. After a set number of clock cycles, a mirror control circuit is triggered to transfer the clock signal from the forward delay array to the same delay stage of the backward delay array. The clock signal spends the same amount of time in the backward delay array as it does in the forward delay array before being output by the SMD. The total delay through both delay arrays synchronizes the output clock signal to the reference clock signal. Yet another type of clock synchronization circuit is a measure-controlled delay (MCD). In an MCD, the input reference clock signal is provided to two delay arrays, a measure delay array and a forward delay array. After a set number of clock cycles, a measure circuit is triggered to (1) measure the progress of the clock signal propagating through the measure delay array and (2) output the clock signal from the forward delay array at the same delay point as measured in the measure delay array. In high speed memory devices, these types of clock synchronization circuits may be used to control the precise timing of memory access. Each of these circuits requires an input reference signal in order to generate the synchronized clock signal. During a power-down state, turning off as much circuitry as possible reduces power consumption. However, the reference signal, its associated clock distribution circuitry, and the clock synchronization circuitry are not typically turned off during a power-down state. This is so because many clock cycles are needed to output a valid synchronized clock signal after exiting a power-down state, and high speed memory devices require the presence of synchronized clock signals immediately upon exiting the power-down state. In view of the forgoing, it would be desirable to be able to provide clock synchronization circuitry that continues to output a synchronized clock signal after the input reference clock signal is removed. Thus, for example, during a power-down state, the reference clock signal distribution circuitry may be powered-down. The output of synchronization circuitry may also be susceptible to the jitter of the input signal. Jitter is short-term random variations in the timing of a periodic signal. In a clocked system, these random variations in the timing of a clock signal may cause timing errors. In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to be able to provide clock synchronization circuitry that reduces input referred jitter in the synchronized clock signal.
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Title:
Clock capture in clock synchronization circuitry
Abstract:
Clock capturing synchronization circuitry first generates a synchronized clock signal from a reference clock signal, then captures the synchronized clock signal, and continues to output a synchronized clock signal after the reference clock signal is removed. The clock capturing synchronization circuitry also reduces input referred jitter in the synchronized clock signal.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to the “capture” of a synchronized clock signal in clock synchronization circuitry. More particularly, this invention relates to clock synchronization circuitry that temporarily provides a synchronized clock output signal without a reference clock input signal. This invention also relates to clock synchronization circuitry that provides a synchronized clock output signal with little or no jitter caused by the reference clock input signal. Clock synchronization circuitry is used to generate a synchronized clock signal based on a reference clock signal. The synchronized clock signal is ideally in phase with the reference clock signal. One type of clock synchronization circuit is a delay-locked loop (DLL). A DLL uses a variable delay circuit to add phase delay to the input reference clock signal before it is output from the DLL. The DLL uses a phase detector to measure the phase difference between the output of the DLL and the reference clock and to adjust the variable delay to minimize the phase difference. Another type of clock synchronization circuit is a synchronous mirror delay (SMD). The SMD uses a matched pair of delay arrays, a forward delay array and a backward delay array, to output a delayed clock signal synchronized to the input reference clock signal. The reference clock signal is input into the forward delay array. After a set number of clock cycles, a mirror control circuit is triggered to transfer the clock signal from the forward delay array to the same delay stage of the backward delay array. The clock signal spends the same amount of time in the backward delay array as it does in the forward delay array before being output by the SMD. The total delay through both delay arrays synchronizes the output clock signal to the reference clock signal. Yet another type of clock synchronization circuit is a measure-controlled delay (MCD). In an MCD, the input reference clock signal is provided to two delay arrays, a measure delay array and a forward delay array. After a set number of clock cycles, a measure circuit is triggered to (1) measure the progress of the clock signal propagating through the measure delay array and (2) output the clock signal from the forward delay array at the same delay point as measured in the measure delay array. In high speed memory devices, these types of clock synchronization circuits may be used to control the precise timing of memory access. Each of these circuits requires an input reference signal in order to generate the synchronized clock signal. During a power-down state, turning off as much circuitry as possible reduces power consumption. However, the reference signal, its associated clock distribution circuitry, and the clock synchronization circuitry are not typically turned off during a power-down state. This is so because many clock cycles are needed to output a valid synchronized clock signal after exiting a power-down state, and high speed memory devices require the presence of synchronized clock signals immediately upon exiting the power-down state. In view of the forgoing, it would be desirable to be able to provide clock synchronization circuitry that continues to output a synchronized clock signal after the input reference clock signal is removed. Thus, for example, during a power-down state, the reference clock signal distribution circuitry may be powered-down. The output of synchronization circuitry may also be susceptible to the jitter of the input signal. Jitter is short-term random variations in the timing of a periodic signal. In a clocked system, these random variations in the timing of a clock signal may cause timing errors. In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to be able to provide clock synchronization circuitry that reduces input referred jitter in the synchronized clock signal.
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10783939
| 2,004
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Fire call TM board game
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A board game with a firefighter theme. Players navigate the board picking up fire equipment along the way which are used to answer fire calls. Players who successfully answer a fire call obtain a district. The goal of the game is to obtain the most districts. Players can change ranks from lowest (Firefighter) to highest (Fire Chief) where fire calls are more easily answered by those players of higher rank. Players also may enter the hospital, have their equipment sent to the garage and experience other positive and negative results as the game progresses based on the squares on which they land and the cards which they draw.
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Title:
Fire call TM board game
Abstract:
A board game with a firefighter theme. Players navigate the board picking up fire equipment along the way which are used to answer fire calls. Players who successfully answer a fire call obtain a district. The goal of the game is to obtain the most districts. Players can change ranks from lowest (Firefighter) to highest (Fire Chief) where fire calls are more easily answered by those players of higher rank. Players also may enter the hospital, have their equipment sent to the garage and experience other positive and negative results as the game progresses based on the squares on which they land and the cards which they draw.
Background:
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10499802
| 2,004
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Macrocellular acoustic foam containing particulate additive
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A cellular thermoplastic polyolefin foam comprising at least one particulate additive in admixture with a polymer matrix is disclosed, along with a process and foamable gel for manufacturing the same, wherein the polyolefin matrix comprises at least one polymer resin graft-modified with at least one polar group selected from the group consisting of acid, acid ester, and acid anhydride, and salts thereof. The invention facilitates the manufacture of macrocellular foams useful for acoustic absorption having increased amounts of particulate additives that provide certain desired properties difficult to achieve without the particulate additives, such as improved flame retardancy.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Foams and foamed articles often find utility in acoustic systems for sound absorption and insulation. Such foams, when developed for different market segments (appliance, automotive, industrial, building and construction, etc) often need to meet certain acoustic performance requirements and there is also a desire to add certain particulate additives to foams to obtain certain desired properties. An example of such particulate additives are fire retardants and fire retardant adjuvants to meet certain fire-test-response characteristics (ASTM E176). Unfortunately, the typical particulate additives, when added to the polymer resin formulation, often cause a number of problems during the manufacture of the foam that have an adverse affect on obtaining acoustically active macrocellular foams. They often act as nucleating agents in the foaming process and provide additional nucleation sites, resulting in the formation of a large number of small cells with variable properties. Unfortunately, foams having an average cell size less than 1.5 millimeter (mm) are often not as desirable as foams having a larger average cell size in certain end use applications, such as acoustic absorption. U.S. Pat. No. 4,277,569 teaches the preparation of flame retardant polyolefin foams for thermal insulation and padding. However, that patent does not describe macrocellular foams or flame retardant macrocellular foams for acoustic applications or their preparation. Japanese Laid Open Patent Application No. 10-204200 describes olefin resin foams for use in vacuum molding made from 100 parts by weight of an olefin type resin comprising 30 to 90 percent by weight propylene type resin and 70 to 10 percent by weight ethylene type resin, 1 to 100 parts by weight of a brominated compound and 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of antimony trioxide having an average particle size of 0.4 microns or smaller. Macrocellular foams useful for acoustic applications are not described. WO 00/15697 describes a macrocellular acoustically active foam which may be surface treated with a solution containing certain fire retardant materials. While that procedure is able to confer fire retardancy, it requires the extra steps of treating the foam after extrusion and perforation and then drying the foam to remove the liquid media used to apply the fire retardant. Therefore, a significant market need still exists for a large cell, acoustically active foam containing particulate additives. This need is not only generally applicable to polymer foams, but is also particularly acute in the area of thermoplastic foams (that is, foams that are substantially uncrosslinked and capable of being remelted) and foams that also resist water absorption such that they may be used in humid or wet environments without losing performance or potentiating corrosion or microbial growth problems. These, and other problems as described below, are solved by the present invention.
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Title:
Macrocellular acoustic foam containing particulate additive
Abstract:
A cellular thermoplastic polyolefin foam comprising at least one particulate additive in admixture with a polymer matrix is disclosed, along with a process and foamable gel for manufacturing the same, wherein the polyolefin matrix comprises at least one polymer resin graft-modified with at least one polar group selected from the group consisting of acid, acid ester, and acid anhydride, and salts thereof. The invention facilitates the manufacture of macrocellular foams useful for acoustic absorption having increased amounts of particulate additives that provide certain desired properties difficult to achieve without the particulate additives, such as improved flame retardancy.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Foams and foamed articles often find utility in acoustic systems for sound absorption and insulation. Such foams, when developed for different market segments (appliance, automotive, industrial, building and construction, etc) often need to meet certain acoustic performance requirements and there is also a desire to add certain particulate additives to foams to obtain certain desired properties. An example of such particulate additives are fire retardants and fire retardant adjuvants to meet certain fire-test-response characteristics (ASTM E176). Unfortunately, the typical particulate additives, when added to the polymer resin formulation, often cause a number of problems during the manufacture of the foam that have an adverse affect on obtaining acoustically active macrocellular foams. They often act as nucleating agents in the foaming process and provide additional nucleation sites, resulting in the formation of a large number of small cells with variable properties. Unfortunately, foams having an average cell size less than 1.5 millimeter (mm) are often not as desirable as foams having a larger average cell size in certain end use applications, such as acoustic absorption. U.S. Pat. No. 4,277,569 teaches the preparation of flame retardant polyolefin foams for thermal insulation and padding. However, that patent does not describe macrocellular foams or flame retardant macrocellular foams for acoustic applications or their preparation. Japanese Laid Open Patent Application No. 10-204200 describes olefin resin foams for use in vacuum molding made from 100 parts by weight of an olefin type resin comprising 30 to 90 percent by weight propylene type resin and 70 to 10 percent by weight ethylene type resin, 1 to 100 parts by weight of a brominated compound and 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of antimony trioxide having an average particle size of 0.4 microns or smaller. Macrocellular foams useful for acoustic applications are not described. WO 00/15697 describes a macrocellular acoustically active foam which may be surface treated with a solution containing certain fire retardant materials. While that procedure is able to confer fire retardancy, it requires the extra steps of treating the foam after extrusion and perforation and then drying the foam to remove the liquid media used to apply the fire retardant. Therefore, a significant market need still exists for a large cell, acoustically active foam containing particulate additives. This need is not only generally applicable to polymer foams, but is also particularly acute in the area of thermoplastic foams (that is, foams that are substantially uncrosslinked and capable of being remelted) and foams that also resist water absorption such that they may be used in humid or wet environments without losing performance or potentiating corrosion or microbial growth problems. These, and other problems as described below, are solved by the present invention.
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10503892
| 2,004
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Ink-jet recording sheets
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An ink-jet recording sheet is composed of a base material and at least one ink-receiving layer arranged on at least one side of the base material. The ink-receiving layer comprises a water-soluble resin and/or a water-dispersible resin as a binder, an inorganic pigment, thiourea or a specific derivative thereof, an acrylamide-diallylamine hydrochloride copolymer and/or a polyallylamine acetate, and a boron compound. The inorganic pigment, the thiourea or specific derivative thereof, the acrylamide-diallylamine hydrochloride copolymer and/or polyallylamine acetate and the boron compound satisfy the following equations (1) and (2): 4 (B+C+D)≦A /. . . Equation (1), and (b/D):C=0:15 to 15:0.1 . . . Equation (2)wherein A, B, C, and D represent weight proportions of the inorganic pigment, the thiourea or specific derivative thereof, the acrylamide-diallylamine hydrochloride copolymer and/or polyallylamine acetate and the boron compound, respectively.
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BACKGROUND ART Ink-jet recording is a recording technique that performs recording of an image, characters or the like by causing tiny droplets of ink to fly in accordance with one of various operation principles and then allowing them to deposit on a recording medium such as paper. Ink-jet recording features high-speed printing performance, low operating noise, applicability for the recording of a wide variety of characters and patterns, easy multi-color printing, and obviation of development and image fixing. In particular, an image formed by multi-color ink-jet recording can provide a record which is no way inferior to an image printed by multi-color printing making use of a form-plate-dependent printing technique or by a color photographic technique. Ink-jet recording has a still further merit in that, when the number of copies or prints to be made is small, ink-jet recording requires lower printing cost than an ordinary printing technique or photographic technique. Ink-jet recording is, therefore, rapidly finding wide-spread utility as image recorders for various information equipment in recent years. For example, ink-jet recording is finding increasing utility in a wide variety of fields in which recording of full-color images is required, for example, output of image designs in design business, production of color block copies in a printing field where the quality of photographic images is required, and production of billboards and catalogs which are frequently updated. In such ink-jet recording, improvements have been made in recorders and recording methods to improve recording characteristics, for example, to achieve high-speed recording, high-definition recording and full-color recording. Keeping in step with such improvements, an increasing demand has also arisen for recording media of still higher characteristics. Described specifically, characteristics the demands for which have arisen with respect to recording media to obtain record images at high resolution and high quality comparable with those of silver halide pictures include: (1) printed dots can have high density and can produce vivid and bright tones, (2) high contrast can be produced, (3) ink absorption property is so high that, even when printed dots overlap, ink does not run off or bleed, (4) spreading or diffusion of ink in horizontal direction does not occur beyond necessity and printed dots have a shape close to a true circle, and (5) dots are smooth along their peripheries and are well defined. To meet these requirements, certain proposals have been made to date. For example, JP 52-53012 A discloses ink-jet recording paper of the ordinary plain paper type equipped with ink absorption property increased by applying a surface-processing coating formulation as a thin layer to a base paper stock of low sizing. JP 55-51583 A, JP 59-230787 A and JP 64-11877 A each discloses an ink-jet recording medium of the coated type obtained by applying a coating formulation, which comprises a silicon-containing pigment such as silica and a water-based binder, to a base material to improve the shape and density of dots or tone reproducibility in which the above-described ink-jet recording paper of the ordinary plain paper type had been considered to be poor. Further, to obtain surface gloss comparable with that available from silver halide pictures, it has been attempted to apply cast-coating to an ink-receiving layer or to use a superabsorbent polymer in an ink-receiving layer. These attempts are, however, accompanied by drawbacks in that the former cannot provide sufficient gloss and the latter is slower in ink absorption speed than ink-receiving layers formed of fine particles of an inorganic pigment such as silica. Proposed as ink-jet recording sheets increased in ink absorption property, gloss and transparency were ink-jet recording sheets each of which had been obtained by applying a fine alumina hydrate together with a water-soluble binder to a base material. For example, JP 60-232990 A discloses recording paper provided with a coating layer which contains porous cationic alumina hydrate. On the other hand, JP-276670 A, JP 6-48016 A, JP 6-55829 A, JP 7-76161 A, JP 8-22608 A, JP 10-44585 A, JP 11-34484 A and JP 2000-239578 A disclose recording sheets containing an alumina hydrate of the pseudo-boehmite structure. In particular, JP 7-76161 A and JP 2000-239578 A disclose recording sheets, each of which contains an alumina sol of the pseudo-boehmite structure and boric acid or a borate salt. In recording media containing such an inorganic pigment, however, recorded images were caused to fade by light, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides or ozone in the air, or the like in some instances and under specific conditions, non-printed areas and white backgrounds underwent yellowing. To avoid these problems, ink-jet recording sheets with various antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers, light stabilizers and/or the like contained therein have been proposed. For example, JP 57-74192 A, JP 57-87989 A and JP 60-72785 A each discloses ink-jet recording paper which contains a phenolic antioxidant and an ultraviolet absorber of the benzophenone or benzotriazole type. JP 61-146591 A proposes an ink-jet recording sheet which contains a hindered amine compound, JP 61-154989 A proposes an ink-jet recording sheet which contains a hydrazide compound, JP 1-18684 A proposes an ink-jet recording sheet which contains an undecane compound, JP 1-115677 A proposes an ink-jet recording sheet which contains a thioether compound, JP 6-286297 A discloses an ink-jet recording sheet which contains a linear polycarboxylic acid, and JP 6-316145 A proposes an ink-jet recording sheet which contains an organic acid having an aromatic nucleus. Further, JP 4-34953 B and JP 7-314883 A each discloses an ink-jet recording sheet containing a thiourea derivative, a thiosemicarbazide derivative, a thiocarbohydrazide derivative or the like. On the other hand, JP 8-25796 A discloses an ink-jet recording sheet which contains one of a thiourea derivative, a thiosemicarbazide derivative and a thiocarbohydrazide derivative and one of iodine, an iodine compound, a dithiocarbamic acid, a thiocyanate salt and a thiocyanate ester. It is, however, the current circumstances that no sufficient effect has been obtained yet from such conventional approaches are not practical, for example, in that dye migration takes place to result in bleeding of an image when exposed to an environment of high temperature and high humidity. As methods for preventing migration of dyes after printing, many methods have been disclosed including addition of a cationic polymer having tertiary or quaternary ammonium salt groups in an ink-receiving layer and addition of a sizing agent such as an alkylketene dimer or alkenyl succinic anhydride in an ink-receiving layer. However, combined use of the above-mentioned antioxidant, light stabilizer or ultraviolet absorber with a cationic polymer or sizing agent involves many problems in that the migration preventing effect is lost and fading of an image is no longer prevented effectively but on the contrary, may be aggravated. It has, therefore, been difficult to prevent dye migration and image fading and discoloration at the same time. With the foregoing current circumstances in view, the present invention has as an object the provision of an ink-jet recording sheet which provides high image density, exhibits good tone and ink absorption property, and is inhibited in image fading and discoloration by storage over extended time and also in migration of a dye-containing ink.
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Title:
Ink-jet recording sheets
Abstract:
An ink-jet recording sheet is composed of a base material and at least one ink-receiving layer arranged on at least one side of the base material. The ink-receiving layer comprises a water-soluble resin and/or a water-dispersible resin as a binder, an inorganic pigment, thiourea or a specific derivative thereof, an acrylamide-diallylamine hydrochloride copolymer and/or a polyallylamine acetate, and a boron compound. The inorganic pigment, the thiourea or specific derivative thereof, the acrylamide-diallylamine hydrochloride copolymer and/or polyallylamine acetate and the boron compound satisfy the following equations (1) and (2): 4 (B+C+D)≦A /. . . Equation (1), and (b/D):C=0:15 to 15:0.1 . . . Equation (2)wherein A, B, C, and D represent weight proportions of the inorganic pigment, the thiourea or specific derivative thereof, the acrylamide-diallylamine hydrochloride copolymer and/or polyallylamine acetate and the boron compound, respectively.
Background:
BACKGROUND ART Ink-jet recording is a recording technique that performs recording of an image, characters or the like by causing tiny droplets of ink to fly in accordance with one of various operation principles and then allowing them to deposit on a recording medium such as paper. Ink-jet recording features high-speed printing performance, low operating noise, applicability for the recording of a wide variety of characters and patterns, easy multi-color printing, and obviation of development and image fixing. In particular, an image formed by multi-color ink-jet recording can provide a record which is no way inferior to an image printed by multi-color printing making use of a form-plate-dependent printing technique or by a color photographic technique. Ink-jet recording has a still further merit in that, when the number of copies or prints to be made is small, ink-jet recording requires lower printing cost than an ordinary printing technique or photographic technique. Ink-jet recording is, therefore, rapidly finding wide-spread utility as image recorders for various information equipment in recent years. For example, ink-jet recording is finding increasing utility in a wide variety of fields in which recording of full-color images is required, for example, output of image designs in design business, production of color block copies in a printing field where the quality of photographic images is required, and production of billboards and catalogs which are frequently updated. In such ink-jet recording, improvements have been made in recorders and recording methods to improve recording characteristics, for example, to achieve high-speed recording, high-definition recording and full-color recording. Keeping in step with such improvements, an increasing demand has also arisen for recording media of still higher characteristics. Described specifically, characteristics the demands for which have arisen with respect to recording media to obtain record images at high resolution and high quality comparable with those of silver halide pictures include: (1) printed dots can have high density and can produce vivid and bright tones, (2) high contrast can be produced, (3) ink absorption property is so high that, even when printed dots overlap, ink does not run off or bleed, (4) spreading or diffusion of ink in horizontal direction does not occur beyond necessity and printed dots have a shape close to a true circle, and (5) dots are smooth along their peripheries and are well defined. To meet these requirements, certain proposals have been made to date. For example, JP 52-53012 A discloses ink-jet recording paper of the ordinary plain paper type equipped with ink absorption property increased by applying a surface-processing coating formulation as a thin layer to a base paper stock of low sizing. JP 55-51583 A, JP 59-230787 A and JP 64-11877 A each discloses an ink-jet recording medium of the coated type obtained by applying a coating formulation, which comprises a silicon-containing pigment such as silica and a water-based binder, to a base material to improve the shape and density of dots or tone reproducibility in which the above-described ink-jet recording paper of the ordinary plain paper type had been considered to be poor. Further, to obtain surface gloss comparable with that available from silver halide pictures, it has been attempted to apply cast-coating to an ink-receiving layer or to use a superabsorbent polymer in an ink-receiving layer. These attempts are, however, accompanied by drawbacks in that the former cannot provide sufficient gloss and the latter is slower in ink absorption speed than ink-receiving layers formed of fine particles of an inorganic pigment such as silica. Proposed as ink-jet recording sheets increased in ink absorption property, gloss and transparency were ink-jet recording sheets each of which had been obtained by applying a fine alumina hydrate together with a water-soluble binder to a base material. For example, JP 60-232990 A discloses recording paper provided with a coating layer which contains porous cationic alumina hydrate. On the other hand, JP-276670 A, JP 6-48016 A, JP 6-55829 A, JP 7-76161 A, JP 8-22608 A, JP 10-44585 A, JP 11-34484 A and JP 2000-239578 A disclose recording sheets containing an alumina hydrate of the pseudo-boehmite structure. In particular, JP 7-76161 A and JP 2000-239578 A disclose recording sheets, each of which contains an alumina sol of the pseudo-boehmite structure and boric acid or a borate salt. In recording media containing such an inorganic pigment, however, recorded images were caused to fade by light, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides or ozone in the air, or the like in some instances and under specific conditions, non-printed areas and white backgrounds underwent yellowing. To avoid these problems, ink-jet recording sheets with various antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers, light stabilizers and/or the like contained therein have been proposed. For example, JP 57-74192 A, JP 57-87989 A and JP 60-72785 A each discloses ink-jet recording paper which contains a phenolic antioxidant and an ultraviolet absorber of the benzophenone or benzotriazole type. JP 61-146591 A proposes an ink-jet recording sheet which contains a hindered amine compound, JP 61-154989 A proposes an ink-jet recording sheet which contains a hydrazide compound, JP 1-18684 A proposes an ink-jet recording sheet which contains an undecane compound, JP 1-115677 A proposes an ink-jet recording sheet which contains a thioether compound, JP 6-286297 A discloses an ink-jet recording sheet which contains a linear polycarboxylic acid, and JP 6-316145 A proposes an ink-jet recording sheet which contains an organic acid having an aromatic nucleus. Further, JP 4-34953 B and JP 7-314883 A each discloses an ink-jet recording sheet containing a thiourea derivative, a thiosemicarbazide derivative, a thiocarbohydrazide derivative or the like. On the other hand, JP 8-25796 A discloses an ink-jet recording sheet which contains one of a thiourea derivative, a thiosemicarbazide derivative and a thiocarbohydrazide derivative and one of iodine, an iodine compound, a dithiocarbamic acid, a thiocyanate salt and a thiocyanate ester. It is, however, the current circumstances that no sufficient effect has been obtained yet from such conventional approaches are not practical, for example, in that dye migration takes place to result in bleeding of an image when exposed to an environment of high temperature and high humidity. As methods for preventing migration of dyes after printing, many methods have been disclosed including addition of a cationic polymer having tertiary or quaternary ammonium salt groups in an ink-receiving layer and addition of a sizing agent such as an alkylketene dimer or alkenyl succinic anhydride in an ink-receiving layer. However, combined use of the above-mentioned antioxidant, light stabilizer or ultraviolet absorber with a cationic polymer or sizing agent involves many problems in that the migration preventing effect is lost and fading of an image is no longer prevented effectively but on the contrary, may be aggravated. It has, therefore, been difficult to prevent dye migration and image fading and discoloration at the same time. With the foregoing current circumstances in view, the present invention has as an object the provision of an ink-jet recording sheet which provides high image density, exhibits good tone and ink absorption property, and is inhibited in image fading and discoloration by storage over extended time and also in migration of a dye-containing ink.
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11001201
| 2,004
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Content-driven information lifecycle management
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A method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for managing a lifecycle of an object are disclosed. In an embodiment, this comprises analyzing the content of the object and associating the object to an information lifecycle management policy based on the content analysis and metadata. Metadata may be generated based on the content analysis, and used in setting the information lifecycle management policy. A date of disposition may be associated with the object, and actions in the ILM policy taken on the date of disposition.
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BACKGROUND Businesses and other enterprises generate large amounts of information, which must be stored in a cost-effective manner while ensuring acceptable levels of availability, security, and accessibility. Different types of data have different storage requirements. Stored information is currently managed through a set of manual, automatic, or semi-automatic policies, procedures, and practices. These methods are applied in a variety of ways to a variety of data and data storage systems. For example, the methods can be applied to a specific volume, storage array, object, file, folder, database, or file/data types. When an ILM (Information Lifecycle Management) managed system sets the retention period, storage prioritization, deletion date, etc. of a specific file or object, it typically does so based on one or more criteria, such as date of the file's creation, type of file, location of the file, date of the file's last use, etc. However, such criteria are generally quite coarse and fail to give enough information to accurately characterize the proper treatment of the file or object. Thus, the ability of a system to automatically or autonomously determine ILM settings for specific data is limited. As a result, some files or objects are not handled efficiently or in the desired manner. For example, some files may be discarded or moved to off-line storage when it is desirable to retain them, while other files are retained when it is desirable to discard them or move them to off-line storage. There is a need, therefore, for an improved method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for managing the lifecycle of files and other objects in a storage system.
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Title:
Content-driven information lifecycle management
Abstract:
A method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for managing a lifecycle of an object are disclosed. In an embodiment, this comprises analyzing the content of the object and associating the object to an information lifecycle management policy based on the content analysis and metadata. Metadata may be generated based on the content analysis, and used in setting the information lifecycle management policy. A date of disposition may be associated with the object, and actions in the ILM policy taken on the date of disposition.
Background:
BACKGROUND Businesses and other enterprises generate large amounts of information, which must be stored in a cost-effective manner while ensuring acceptable levels of availability, security, and accessibility. Different types of data have different storage requirements. Stored information is currently managed through a set of manual, automatic, or semi-automatic policies, procedures, and practices. These methods are applied in a variety of ways to a variety of data and data storage systems. For example, the methods can be applied to a specific volume, storage array, object, file, folder, database, or file/data types. When an ILM (Information Lifecycle Management) managed system sets the retention period, storage prioritization, deletion date, etc. of a specific file or object, it typically does so based on one or more criteria, such as date of the file's creation, type of file, location of the file, date of the file's last use, etc. However, such criteria are generally quite coarse and fail to give enough information to accurately characterize the proper treatment of the file or object. Thus, the ability of a system to automatically or autonomously determine ILM settings for specific data is limited. As a result, some files or objects are not handled efficiently or in the desired manner. For example, some files may be discarded or moved to off-line storage when it is desirable to retain them, while other files are retained when it is desirable to discard them or move them to off-line storage. There is a need, therefore, for an improved method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for managing the lifecycle of files and other objects in a storage system.
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10858898
| 2,004
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Method of implanting a fluid injection port
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A method for implanting an injection port within a patient. The method involves providing a port having a housing with a closed distal end, a open proximal end, a fluid reservoir therebetween, a needle penetrable septum attached to the housing about the opening, and at least one attachment mechanism mounted to the housing at a pivot point along an outer periphery of the housing. The attachment mechanism is an arcuate hook pivotable with respect to the housing, the arcuate hook having a length extending substantially at least 180° about the pivot point. The method further involves placing the distal end of the port adjacent tissue, and rotating the arcuate hook at least 180 degrees so that a free end of the hook extends into tissue and back out again.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The percentage of the world's population suffering from morbid obesity is steadily increasing. Severely obese persons are susceptible to increased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, pulmonary disease, and accidents. Because of the effect of morbid obesity to the life of the patient, methods of treating morbid obesity are being researched. Numerous non-operative therapies for morbid obesity have been tried with virtually no permanent success. Dietary counseling, behavior modification, wiring a patient's jaws shut, and pharmacological methods have all been tried, and failed to correct the condition. Mechanical apparatuses for insertion into the body through non-surgical means, such as the use of gastric balloons to fill the stomach have also been employed in the treatment of the condition. Such devices cannot be employed over a long term, however, as they often cause severe irritation, necessitating their periodic removal and hence interruption of treatment. Thus, the medical community has evolved surgical approaches for treatment of morbid obesity. Most surgical procedures for treatment of morbid obesity may generally be classified as either being directed toward the prevention of absorption of food (malabsorption), or restriction of stomach to make the patient feel full (gastric restriction) The most common malabsorption and gastric restriction technique is the gastric bypass. In variations of this technique, the stomach is horizontally divided into two isolated pouches, with the upper pouch having a small food capacity. The upper pouch is connected to the small intestine, or jejunum, through a small stoma, which restricts the processing of food by the greatly reduced useable stomach. Since food bypass much of the intestines, the amount of absorption of food is greatly reduced. There are many disadvantages to the above procedure. Typically the above mentioned procedure is performed in an open surgical environment. Current minimally invasive techniques are difficult for surgeons to master, and have many additional drawbacks. Also, there is a high level of patient uneasiness with the idea of such a drastic procedure which is not easily reversible. In addition, all malabsorption techniques carry ongoing risks and side effects to the patient, including malnutrition and dumping syndrome. Consequently, many patients and physicians prefer to undergo a gastric restriction procedure for the treatment of morbid obesity. One of the most common procedures involves the implantation of an adjustable gastric band. Examples of an adjustable gastric band can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,592,339 issued to Kuzmak; RE 36176 issued to Kuzmak; U.S. Pat. No. 5,226,429 issued to Kuzmak; U.S. Pat. No. 6,102,922 issued to Jacobson and U.S. Pat. No. 5,601,604 issued to Vincent, all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. In accordance with current practice, a gastric band is operatively placed to encircle the stomach. This divides the stomach into two parts with a stoma in-between. An upper portion, or a pouch, which is relatively small, and a lower portion which is relatively large. The small partitioned portion of the stomach effectively becomes the patients new stomach, requiring very little food to make the patient feel full. Once positioned around the stomach, the ends of the gastric band are fastened to one another and the band is held securely in place by folding a portion of the gastric wall over the band and closing the folded tissue with sutures placed therethrough thereby preventing the band from slipping and the encircled stoma from expanding. Gastric bands typically include a flexible substantially non-extensible portion having an expandable, inflatable portion attached thereto. The inflatable portion is in fluid communication with a remote injection site, or port. Injection or removal of an inflation fluid into or from the interior of the inflatable portion is used to adjust the size of the stoma either during or following implantation. By enlarging the stoma, the patient can eat more food without feeling as full, but will not lose weight as fast. By reducing the size of the stoma, the opposite happens. Physicians regularly adjust the size of stoma to adjust the rate of weight loss. For most fluid injection ports for the above described bands are attached underneath the skin to the fascia of a patient. Such ports are often provided with suture holes and the port is sutured to the tissue. However, alternative means of attaching the port to the patient, such as using integral hooks, can be used as well. Such other means for attaching the port to a patient are described in commonly assigned and copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/741,785 filed Dec. 19, 2003; 60/478,763 filed Dec. 19, 2003; Ser. No. 10/741,868 filed Dec. 30, 2003; all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
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Title:
Method of implanting a fluid injection port
Abstract:
A method for implanting an injection port within a patient. The method involves providing a port having a housing with a closed distal end, a open proximal end, a fluid reservoir therebetween, a needle penetrable septum attached to the housing about the opening, and at least one attachment mechanism mounted to the housing at a pivot point along an outer periphery of the housing. The attachment mechanism is an arcuate hook pivotable with respect to the housing, the arcuate hook having a length extending substantially at least 180° about the pivot point. The method further involves placing the distal end of the port adjacent tissue, and rotating the arcuate hook at least 180 degrees so that a free end of the hook extends into tissue and back out again.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The percentage of the world's population suffering from morbid obesity is steadily increasing. Severely obese persons are susceptible to increased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, pulmonary disease, and accidents. Because of the effect of morbid obesity to the life of the patient, methods of treating morbid obesity are being researched. Numerous non-operative therapies for morbid obesity have been tried with virtually no permanent success. Dietary counseling, behavior modification, wiring a patient's jaws shut, and pharmacological methods have all been tried, and failed to correct the condition. Mechanical apparatuses for insertion into the body through non-surgical means, such as the use of gastric balloons to fill the stomach have also been employed in the treatment of the condition. Such devices cannot be employed over a long term, however, as they often cause severe irritation, necessitating their periodic removal and hence interruption of treatment. Thus, the medical community has evolved surgical approaches for treatment of morbid obesity. Most surgical procedures for treatment of morbid obesity may generally be classified as either being directed toward the prevention of absorption of food (malabsorption), or restriction of stomach to make the patient feel full (gastric restriction) The most common malabsorption and gastric restriction technique is the gastric bypass. In variations of this technique, the stomach is horizontally divided into two isolated pouches, with the upper pouch having a small food capacity. The upper pouch is connected to the small intestine, or jejunum, through a small stoma, which restricts the processing of food by the greatly reduced useable stomach. Since food bypass much of the intestines, the amount of absorption of food is greatly reduced. There are many disadvantages to the above procedure. Typically the above mentioned procedure is performed in an open surgical environment. Current minimally invasive techniques are difficult for surgeons to master, and have many additional drawbacks. Also, there is a high level of patient uneasiness with the idea of such a drastic procedure which is not easily reversible. In addition, all malabsorption techniques carry ongoing risks and side effects to the patient, including malnutrition and dumping syndrome. Consequently, many patients and physicians prefer to undergo a gastric restriction procedure for the treatment of morbid obesity. One of the most common procedures involves the implantation of an adjustable gastric band. Examples of an adjustable gastric band can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,592,339 issued to Kuzmak; RE 36176 issued to Kuzmak; U.S. Pat. No. 5,226,429 issued to Kuzmak; U.S. Pat. No. 6,102,922 issued to Jacobson and U.S. Pat. No. 5,601,604 issued to Vincent, all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. In accordance with current practice, a gastric band is operatively placed to encircle the stomach. This divides the stomach into two parts with a stoma in-between. An upper portion, or a pouch, which is relatively small, and a lower portion which is relatively large. The small partitioned portion of the stomach effectively becomes the patients new stomach, requiring very little food to make the patient feel full. Once positioned around the stomach, the ends of the gastric band are fastened to one another and the band is held securely in place by folding a portion of the gastric wall over the band and closing the folded tissue with sutures placed therethrough thereby preventing the band from slipping and the encircled stoma from expanding. Gastric bands typically include a flexible substantially non-extensible portion having an expandable, inflatable portion attached thereto. The inflatable portion is in fluid communication with a remote injection site, or port. Injection or removal of an inflation fluid into or from the interior of the inflatable portion is used to adjust the size of the stoma either during or following implantation. By enlarging the stoma, the patient can eat more food without feeling as full, but will not lose weight as fast. By reducing the size of the stoma, the opposite happens. Physicians regularly adjust the size of stoma to adjust the rate of weight loss. For most fluid injection ports for the above described bands are attached underneath the skin to the fascia of a patient. Such ports are often provided with suture holes and the port is sutured to the tissue. However, alternative means of attaching the port to the patient, such as using integral hooks, can be used as well. Such other means for attaching the port to a patient are described in commonly assigned and copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/741,785 filed Dec. 19, 2003; 60/478,763 filed Dec. 19, 2003; Ser. No. 10/741,868 filed Dec. 30, 2003; all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
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10492691
| 2,004
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Method for implementing an operating and observation system for the field devices
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The invention relates to a method for implementing an operating and observation system for field devices (FG1-FGN) A server device (HS1-HSN) is provided in each field device and the field devices are connected to a proxy server device (1). Said proxy server device is connected to a user device (N1-NN) on which a browser device is installed. The proxy server device interrogates the field devices in order to automatically identify the field devices which are connected to the proxy server device, and allocates a network address to each field device. A basic information message is produced by the proxy server device, said information message comprising specific electronic information about each field device, based on the results of the interrogation thereof. The respective electronic information comprises link information concerning the respective server device of each field device, such that after the basic information message has been transmitted to the user device, respective device information messages are emitted in a graphical manner, by means of the browser device, for the observation/operation of the field devices. Said device information messages can be requested from the respective server devices of the field devices.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field devices are used as part of the automation of various industrial processes, for example for monitoring a production or manufacturing process or a processing process. The field devices may be the production plants themselves or devices for monitoring, preferably for controlling and/or regulating on the basis of detected field data, the industrial production means or plants used. When operating the field devices in use, it is fundamentally possible to distinguish between two kinds of operation. First, the field devices can be actuated in situ by actuating the control elements provided. In this case, the operator needs to be with the field device or to travel to the plant in question. Secondly, remote operation of field devices from monitoring and maintenance centers is part of the known prior art. Standard terminal programs used for operating the field devices in this context provide the operator with only very little convenience and generally permit only simple control actions. Particularly information in graphically processed form, for example measurement data, cannot be displayed to the operator. Complex control programs have therefore been developed for remotely operating the field devices. Such complex control programs need to be installed on the respective field device and thus take up memory areas which are no longer available for the device application. In addition, every operator needs the control program required for the respective field device. In the case of field devices from different manufacturers or field devices from the same manufacturer with different releases, a large number of programs or program versions can become necessary relatively quickly. In connection with the known control methods, considerable complexity arises in the parameterization of the field devices, which needs to be done before the known operating/observation systems are started up. Field devices are usually delivered with a standard parameter setting. These standard parameters can be changed in situ on the device by a user/operator, in which case even changing a few parameters results in loss of the overview of standard parameters and changed parameters on account of the often limited display options on the device. Complex PC control programs providing clear graphical processing of the parameters/parameter groups and storage/archiving of the parameters have the drawback that the overview is quickly lost on account of device and/or program versions. This problem becomes particularly acute when a user is using various such devices which each require other control programs or other versions of the same control program.
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Title:
Method for implementing an operating and observation system for the field devices
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method for implementing an operating and observation system for field devices (FG1-FGN) A server device (HS1-HSN) is provided in each field device and the field devices are connected to a proxy server device (1). Said proxy server device is connected to a user device (N1-NN) on which a browser device is installed. The proxy server device interrogates the field devices in order to automatically identify the field devices which are connected to the proxy server device, and allocates a network address to each field device. A basic information message is produced by the proxy server device, said information message comprising specific electronic information about each field device, based on the results of the interrogation thereof. The respective electronic information comprises link information concerning the respective server device of each field device, such that after the basic information message has been transmitted to the user device, respective device information messages are emitted in a graphical manner, by means of the browser device, for the observation/operation of the field devices. Said device information messages can be requested from the respective server devices of the field devices.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field devices are used as part of the automation of various industrial processes, for example for monitoring a production or manufacturing process or a processing process. The field devices may be the production plants themselves or devices for monitoring, preferably for controlling and/or regulating on the basis of detected field data, the industrial production means or plants used. When operating the field devices in use, it is fundamentally possible to distinguish between two kinds of operation. First, the field devices can be actuated in situ by actuating the control elements provided. In this case, the operator needs to be with the field device or to travel to the plant in question. Secondly, remote operation of field devices from monitoring and maintenance centers is part of the known prior art. Standard terminal programs used for operating the field devices in this context provide the operator with only very little convenience and generally permit only simple control actions. Particularly information in graphically processed form, for example measurement data, cannot be displayed to the operator. Complex control programs have therefore been developed for remotely operating the field devices. Such complex control programs need to be installed on the respective field device and thus take up memory areas which are no longer available for the device application. In addition, every operator needs the control program required for the respective field device. In the case of field devices from different manufacturers or field devices from the same manufacturer with different releases, a large number of programs or program versions can become necessary relatively quickly. In connection with the known control methods, considerable complexity arises in the parameterization of the field devices, which needs to be done before the known operating/observation systems are started up. Field devices are usually delivered with a standard parameter setting. These standard parameters can be changed in situ on the device by a user/operator, in which case even changing a few parameters results in loss of the overview of standard parameters and changed parameters on account of the often limited display options on the device. Complex PC control programs providing clear graphical processing of the parameters/parameter groups and storage/archiving of the parameters have the drawback that the overview is quickly lost on account of device and/or program versions. This problem becomes particularly acute when a user is using various such devices which each require other control programs or other versions of the same control program.
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10486215
| 2,004
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Low density fibre-reinforced cement composition
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A fibre-reinforced, low density cement system for the control of lost circulation during the drilling of subterranean wells, generally comprising a cement particle mixture having a specific granulometric characterization and alkaline resistant fibres, such as fibres composed of glass having a high zirconia concentration or organic fibres composed of a phenolic polymer or other polymeric system.
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Title:
Low density fibre-reinforced cement composition
Abstract:
A fibre-reinforced, low density cement system for the control of lost circulation during the drilling of subterranean wells, generally comprising a cement particle mixture having a specific granulometric characterization and alkaline resistant fibres, such as fibres composed of glass having a high zirconia concentration or organic fibres composed of a phenolic polymer or other polymeric system.
Background:
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10971333
| 2,004
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INFORMATION RECORDING-DISPLAYING CARD, IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD USING SAME, AND IMAGE PROCESSOR
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An information recording-displaying card, includes: core sheet; and over sheet bonded to core sheet, including: a support including an amorphous polyester resin, and a reversible thermosensitive recording layer on the support, including: an electron-donating coloring compound, and an electron-accepting compound. The reversible thermosensitive recording layer is capable of forming coloring state and decolorizing state, with difference in at least one of the following: heating temperature, and cooling rate after heating. The over sheet is embossable in upper portion thereof, functions as image displaying section, and meets the following conditions (A), (B) and (C): (A) (over sheet's upper limit temperature for erasing−30° C.)>(over sheet's temperature of storage elasticity E′ (1.0 E+08) Pa), (B) 10 μm or less of surface waviness WCM, and (C) 1.0 E+02 Pa≦(storage elasticity E′ of reversible thermosensitive over sheet at 180° C.)≦5.0 E+07 Pa.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information recording-displaying card capable of displaying visibly and rewriting information by heating, an over sheet used for the information recording-displaying card, an image processing method, an image processor, and a method of manufacturing the information recording-displaying card. 2. Description of the Related Art Information recording card such as a membership card, an ID card, a credit card, a cash card, an IC card and the like partly has an information storing section such as a magnetic tape, an IC chip and the like. This information storing section can record an individual secret information, especially such as money and the like. Due to its compactness and convenience, the information recording card is widespread in many countries in modern society. The information recording card carries out reading and rewriting of the recorded information with a special unit, although leaving a shortcoming that the card owner cannot visually (directly) verify the recorded information. On the other hand, developed and used recently in the market is a rewritable card capable of carrying out a temporary image forming, and capable of erasing the image when the image is not necessary. More specifically, the above rewritable card is the one that can visually display the information on its surface and can rewrite the information. Some rewritable cards are provided with a magnetic information storing function. The above function of the rewritable card, namely, displaying visually and rewriting the information as an image can be expressed by forming the following states: Between an electron-donating compound (so-called a leuco dye) and an acid/base compound, a coloring state and a decolorizing state are relatively formed with a difference in one of the following: i) a heating temperature, and ii) a cooling rate after a heating. Hereinabove, the electron-donating compound has a lactone ring in its molecular structure and may assume the coloring by making a structural change attributable to the lactone ring opened by an electron discharge, while the acid/base compound functions as a developing-reducing reagent. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 2-188293 and JP-A No. 2-188294 disclose a rewritable card made of a reversible recording material having such a structure that a reversible thermosensitive recording layer is disposed on a support. Herein, a resin base material for the reversible thermosensitive recording layer contains, as main materials thereof, the electron-donating compound and the developing-reducing reagent which are described above. More specifically, the above reversible thermosensitive recording material uses a difference in reaction rate between the acid and the base, to thereby repeat the colorings and the decolorizings. JP-A No. 5-124360 and JP-A No. 6-210954 disclose a reversible thermosensitive recording material having a resin base material containing i) a leuco dye and ii) an electron-accepting compound having a long-chain alkyl group as a developing agent. The developing agent with the long-chain alkyl structure has a cohesive force, and contacts the leuco dye or is separated from the leuco dye, thus repeating the colorings and decolorizings. Since sufficiently compensating for the conventional shortcoming of the information recording card described above, the reversible thermosensitive recording material having the functions of displaying visually and rewriting the information attracts attention. With this, such a card is developed and recently begins to be used in the market as has a first function (as an image displaying section) of displaying visually and rewriting information and a second function (as an information storing section) of recording and rewriting the information. Hereinafter, the above card is to be referred to as “information recording-displaying card.” The above information recording-displaying card, basically, uses i) an over sheet such as a reversible thermosensitive recording material in which at least a reversible thermosensitive recording layer is disposed on a support, and ii) a core sheet having a function as the conventional information recording card. The above information recording-displaying card can be formed by overlapping the over sheet's support side with the core sheet, followed by a thermo-compression bonding and the like. The image displaying function of the above information recording-displaying card is carried out by the over sheet. On the other hand, the image storing function of the above information recording-displaying card may vary with types of the card. More specifically about this: The information storing function by a magnetic material such as a magnetic tape can be carried out by the over sheet or the core sheet. However, the information storing function by an IC chip, antenna coil, a magnetic stripe and the like is, in general, disposed in a thick core sheet. Some information recording-displaying cards are thin and others are thick. Since the over sheet is thin, the thickness of the information recording-displaying card is ordinarily dependent on the thickness of the core sheet. The information recording-displaying card recently beginning to be used in the market is made of a combination of the following i) and ii): i) a reversible thermosensitive over sheet using, as a support, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, and ii) a core sheet having, as a raw material, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin, polyvinyl chloride resin such as copolymer of vinyl chloride and vinyl acetate, or polycarbonate resin. The above materials are widely used for the following reasons: The polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film used for the support of the over sheet is highly resistant to a solution which is made by dissolving a composition (especially, constituting the reversible recording layer) in a solvent. The polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin used as the core sheet material is excellent in physical property, mechanical property, embossability (at character section), and the like. The above polyvinyl chloride resin is also proper as the support of the over sheet, so as to obtain an image eraseability, in view of expressing, to a certain extent, a flexibility by heat. Though being excellent as the card's raw material, the above polyvinyl chloride may, from some viewpoints, cause a hydrogen chloride gas when incinerated after being used and then scrapped, thus damaging an incinerator and reducing lifetime thereof. Mover, movement of eliminating the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin is becoming more and more active in various countries, although relation between the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and dioxine is not clarified. The polyvinyl chloride resin is used for the information recording-displaying card as well as the conventional information recording card, in other words, has high publicity. With the above background, other material replaceable with the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is desired also domestically. For use as the raw material for the information recording-displaying card, a thermoplastic resin is being studied that does not contain halogen. Examples of the above thermoplastic resin include polyethylene resin, polypropyrene resin, polyester resin, polycarbonate resin, polyacrylic resin, and the like. Among the above, the card's base material made of polycarbonate resin and the like is highly resistant to heat, thereby, is unlikely to cause deformation attributable to heat, becoming an excellent material in terms of durability. The information recording-displaying card using the polycarbonate resin and the like is, therefore, appearing in the market. However, being low in deformability, the polycarbonate resin is low in embossability. The reversible thermosensitive recording material for writing-erasing by using a thermal head may lose head matching property with the thermal head contacting the information recording-displaying card, thus reducing sensitivity, leading especially to deteriorated eraseability, which is a shortcoming. A raw material replaceable with the polyvinyl chloride resin is conventionally not found. On the other hand, a unity which is the over sheet bonded with the core sheet is to be embossed. The thus formed “emboss marking” is to be marked on the information recording-displaying card, to thereby make personal information identifiable, which is important in terms of convenience and usefulness. Especially, a thick card such as the credit card, the bank card and the like is to be provided with the “emboss marking,” which is indispensable in the modern society. In sum, the embossing is more and more required from users and various industries. The above “emboss marking” is mainly used for card number, expiration, owner's name and the like, and has such a function as to be copied with a roller, by interposing the card into a copy voucher for reckoning at a store and the like. The above use of the “emboss marking” is prevalent domestically and overseas. The polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film used for the support of the over sheet is so rigid as to have low deformation by an applied pressure, thereby, has an extremely low embossability. With this, even when the polyvinyl chloride resin used for the core sheet has a good embossability and the embossing is carried out from upside of the over sheet, the over sheet using the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film may cause an insufficient “emboss marking.” Moreover, the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film becoming too thick may cause breaking of the card in the embossing. Especially, a thick card with the above non-contact IC chip, antenna coil, magnetic stripe and the like embedded therein cannot sufficiently absorb irregularity thereof, thereby making it impossible to flatten the card's surface. With this, the above thick card cannot smoothly carry out rewriting of the recording by the thermal head and the like, therefore, as the case may be, forcibly increases printing pressure and temperature. As a result, the above thick card may have failures such as having scratches, having remaining gouge, causing deformation, and the like, thus limiting application and manufacturing methods, and thereby finding difficulty in using manufacturing steps of the general-purpose card. The information recording-displaying card which is recently beginning to be used in the market has the following structure. The embossing is carried out in an embossable space formed on the core sheet's surface which space is free from the over sheet. In this structure, the over sheet bonded to the core sheet is smaller in size than the core sheet's surface. The above over sheet is to be bonded to the core sheet such that the “emboss marking” can be disposed in the embossable space free from the over sheet. The above method is limited in terms of manufacturing since, for example, the over sheet reduced in size is to be accurately bonded to the core sheet, moreover, the above method is limited in terms of an area for the over sheet's image display function, which are shortcomings. In sum, the embossing cannot be carried out for a unity having the over sheet bonded to the entire face of the core sheet, making an information recording-displaying card without the “emboss marking.” The reversible thermosensitive recording material used as the over sheet is “thermosensitive” which is a special material. In each of the steps including i) overlapping the over sheet (having the above special property) on the core sheet, ii) uniting the over sheet with the core sheet by pressing-heating, and iii) completing the embossing, it may be difficult to manufacture the information recording-displaying card without influencing the above special property, namely, “reversible thermosensitivity.” Moreover, the polyethylene terephthalate film used as the support of the over sheet is made of a material which is higher in heat resistance and smaller in heat deformation than the polycarbonate resin. Therefore, applying a thermal head as a heating unit to a surface of the above over sheet of the information recording-displaying card beginning to be used in the market may cause very little deformation by the heat. This may make the adhesion between the thermal head's face and the over sheer's surface insufficient, thus losing head matching at the heat application and thereby decreasing the sensitivity. With this, especially the eraseability may become low, namely, an insufficient image eraseability is caused, which is a shortcoming. The present inventors have studied the known data related to the above type of the information recording-displaying card, as a result, to find that any of the known data are free from description of the embossability, and image eraseability involved with the embossability. Described below are specific examples of the information recording-displaying cards disclosed in cited patent documents. Firstly, for example, JP-A No. 2001-341427 (page 2 to page 4, example 1) discloses an over sheet which is a reversible recording film having the following structure. A print layer, a transparent support having light transmission of 50% or more, a reversible recording layer, and a protective layer are disposed on a support. A thick information recording-displaying card is disclosed having the support side united with a core sheet by using an adhesive. However, JP-A No. 2001-341427 (page 2 to page 4, example 1) does not describe embossability at all. Material usable for the above support and the above transparent support are described (likewise between the two) as follows: “a plastic film is applicable thereto which is rigid, namely, excellent in heat resistance, tensile strength and the like,” and “selectable thickness in a range from 8.5 μm to 300 μm, preferably 8.5 μm to about 250 μm.” Specific examples of the material include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) film, polyimide (PI) film, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) film, and the like. Moreover, the transparent support is made of materials such as vinyl chloride film, PET-G film, and polycarbonate and the like. JP-A No. 2001-341427 (page 2 to page 4, example 1) describes that the above films exemplified are made of plastic which is rigid, namely, excellent in tensile strength and the like. In view of embossability, however, JP-A No. 2001-341427 (page 2 to page 4, example 1) includes those evidently not embossable, judging from the description of an unrigid film and too rigid a film, and the description of a small thermal deformation and a large thermal deformation. In view of thickness, an example 1 in JP-A No. 2001-341427 (page 2 to page 4, example 1) does not describe thickness of polyethylene terephthalate film used as the support but describes that the transparent support uses a transparent polyethylene terephthalate film having thickness of 25 μm, which is too thick for the embossing of the over sheet. Moreover, the over sheet itself that is formed according to this example 1 of JP-A No. 2001-341427 (page 2 to page 4, example 1) has the polyethylene terephthalate film as the support and as the transparent support, thus losing the head matching at the heat application and thereby decreasing the sensitivity. With this, especially the image eraseability may become low. As a core sheet material, JP-A No. 2001-341427 (page 2 to page 4, example 1) describes examples including vinyl chloride resin, PET-G typical of polyester resin, polycarbonate resin, which are used alone or in combination. No description of the embossability in JP-A No. 2001-341427 (page 2 to page 4, example 1) proves impossibility of the embossing. For the next example, JP-A No. 2000-137782 (example 1 and example 2) discloses a card's base material (core sheet) which is a thermoplastic resin sheet having low crystal property of 5% or less. A thick information recording-displaying card is disclosed which is a unity of the above card's base material (core sheet) bonded with a reversible thermosensitive recording tape (over sheet). The reversible thermosensitive recording tape hereinabove is provided with a reversible thermosensitive recording layer (containing a leuco compound and a developing agent) on a transparent PET film. JP-A No. 2000-137782 (example 1 and example 2) is, however, free from any description of embossing. Judging from the thick PET film (25 μm in thickness in an example 1, and 38 μm thick in an example 2), the information recording-displaying card is not embossable and has a poor eraseability. For the next example, JP-A No. 11-154210 (example) discloses i) a sheet (core sheet) incorporating therein an IC chip module, and ii) a reversible thermosensitive recording sheet (over sheet) provided with a reversible thermosensitive recording layer (containing a leuco dye and a developing agent) on a film, which two sheets are opposed to each other. To a gap between the core sheet and the over sheet, a resin is injected and thereby the two sheets are bonded with each other, thus forming an IC card (thick information recording-displaying card). However, JP-A No. 11-154210 (example) is free from any description of embossing. For the next example, JP-A No. 2001-88443 (example) discloses a recording medium used for mass production adopting a Kanban (signboard) method, which recording medium has a base material, a reversible thermosensitive recording layer (containing a leuco compound and a developing agent) on the base material, and a protective layer. Various types of plastic films are exemplified as the base material. A white PET which is the base material in each example has a thickness of 188 μm, 250 μm and 350 μm, proving no attention is paid to embossing. JP-A No. 2000-137782 (example 1 and example 2), JP-A No. 11-154210 (example) and JP-A No. 2001-88443 (example) described above disclose various specific examples of materials for the support constituting the over sheet, and materials for raw materials constituting the core sheet. In view of the embossing, like JP-A No. 2001-341427 (page 2 to page 4, example 1), some materials thus exemplified may cause a small thermal deformation and other materials thus exemplified may cause a large thermal deformation, i.e., including those embossable and not embossable. Summarizing the above, the information recording-displaying card beginning to be used in the market is not embossable on the over sheet's face. For the embossing, therefore, the image display area is reduced, making the image eraseability insufficient and causing environmental pollution in the scrapping and disposal. The information recording-displaying card disclosed in the known data is not studied in view of the embossing or the image eraseability involved with the embossability. Moreover, no proposal is made in the above known data for solving the environmental pollution in the scrapping and disposal. For bringing about a sufficient embossability to the information recording-displaying card, each of the over sheet and the core sheet constituting the information recording-displaying card, and the unity of the over sheet and the core sheet are to have the embossability. The conventionally known product and the conventionally known data are free from the above viewpoint. By patent documents and the like, various proposals are conventionally made in terms of the reversible thermosensitive recording material. The embossability is, however, not suggested or raised at all in the above patent documents and the like. Not to mention, the embossability of an over sheet of an information recording-displaying card is not suggested or raised at all. In sum, securing embossability in this technical field and improving the image eraseability involved with the embossability are new issues. In terms of the embossability, for example, JP-A No. 11-240262 (claims) discloses a heated transfer card having an acceptor layer disposed on a card's base material. More specifically, a dye in JP-A No. 11-240262 (claims) is contained in a heat transfer film in the field of heating-melting transfer recording or a sublimating transfer recording, instead of the reversible thermosensitive recording. The dye is to be melted or sublimated by a heat, and then is received or fixed by the acceptor layer. The proposal in JP-A No. 11-240262 (claims) uses a special polyester for the card's base material, and a polyester copolymer is used for the acceptor layer which copolymer is made by copolymerizing a reactive silicone polymer. With the above, the moldability such as embossability of the heated transfer card is improved. As a matter of course, however, no description is made of accomplishment of the embossability without influencing the special property (namely, “reversible thermosensitivity”) which is the image eraseability of the over sheet. By patent documents and the like, many proposals are conventionally made in terms of the reversible thermosensitive recording material. The embossability is, however, not suggested or raised at all in the above patent documents and the like. Not to mention, the embossability of an over sheet of an information recording-displaying card is not suggested or raised at all. In sum, securing the embossability in this technical field and improving the repetition durability involved with the embossability are new issues. Objects and Advantages It is an object of the present invention to provide an information recording-displaying card that is excellent in embossability and displayed-image eraseability, easy to scrap and dispose, and is free from causing an environmental pollution in the scrapping and disposal. It is anther object of the present invention to provide an image processing method and an image processor for forming an image and erasing the image by using an over sheet and the information recording-displaying card each of which is made of a reversible thermosensitive recording material that is excellent in embossability and displayed-image eraseability. It is still another object of the present invention to provide a method of manufacturing the information recording-displaying card.
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Title:
INFORMATION RECORDING-DISPLAYING CARD, IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD USING SAME, AND IMAGE PROCESSOR
Abstract:
An information recording-displaying card, includes: core sheet; and over sheet bonded to core sheet, including: a support including an amorphous polyester resin, and a reversible thermosensitive recording layer on the support, including: an electron-donating coloring compound, and an electron-accepting compound. The reversible thermosensitive recording layer is capable of forming coloring state and decolorizing state, with difference in at least one of the following: heating temperature, and cooling rate after heating. The over sheet is embossable in upper portion thereof, functions as image displaying section, and meets the following conditions (A), (B) and (C): (A) (over sheet's upper limit temperature for erasing−30° C.)>(over sheet's temperature of storage elasticity E′ (1.0 E+08) Pa), (B) 10 μm or less of surface waviness WCM, and (C) 1.0 E+02 Pa≦(storage elasticity E′ of reversible thermosensitive over sheet at 180° C.)≦5.0 E+07 Pa.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information recording-displaying card capable of displaying visibly and rewriting information by heating, an over sheet used for the information recording-displaying card, an image processing method, an image processor, and a method of manufacturing the information recording-displaying card. 2. Description of the Related Art Information recording card such as a membership card, an ID card, a credit card, a cash card, an IC card and the like partly has an information storing section such as a magnetic tape, an IC chip and the like. This information storing section can record an individual secret information, especially such as money and the like. Due to its compactness and convenience, the information recording card is widespread in many countries in modern society. The information recording card carries out reading and rewriting of the recorded information with a special unit, although leaving a shortcoming that the card owner cannot visually (directly) verify the recorded information. On the other hand, developed and used recently in the market is a rewritable card capable of carrying out a temporary image forming, and capable of erasing the image when the image is not necessary. More specifically, the above rewritable card is the one that can visually display the information on its surface and can rewrite the information. Some rewritable cards are provided with a magnetic information storing function. The above function of the rewritable card, namely, displaying visually and rewriting the information as an image can be expressed by forming the following states: Between an electron-donating compound (so-called a leuco dye) and an acid/base compound, a coloring state and a decolorizing state are relatively formed with a difference in one of the following: i) a heating temperature, and ii) a cooling rate after a heating. Hereinabove, the electron-donating compound has a lactone ring in its molecular structure and may assume the coloring by making a structural change attributable to the lactone ring opened by an electron discharge, while the acid/base compound functions as a developing-reducing reagent. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 2-188293 and JP-A No. 2-188294 disclose a rewritable card made of a reversible recording material having such a structure that a reversible thermosensitive recording layer is disposed on a support. Herein, a resin base material for the reversible thermosensitive recording layer contains, as main materials thereof, the electron-donating compound and the developing-reducing reagent which are described above. More specifically, the above reversible thermosensitive recording material uses a difference in reaction rate between the acid and the base, to thereby repeat the colorings and the decolorizings. JP-A No. 5-124360 and JP-A No. 6-210954 disclose a reversible thermosensitive recording material having a resin base material containing i) a leuco dye and ii) an electron-accepting compound having a long-chain alkyl group as a developing agent. The developing agent with the long-chain alkyl structure has a cohesive force, and contacts the leuco dye or is separated from the leuco dye, thus repeating the colorings and decolorizings. Since sufficiently compensating for the conventional shortcoming of the information recording card described above, the reversible thermosensitive recording material having the functions of displaying visually and rewriting the information attracts attention. With this, such a card is developed and recently begins to be used in the market as has a first function (as an image displaying section) of displaying visually and rewriting information and a second function (as an information storing section) of recording and rewriting the information. Hereinafter, the above card is to be referred to as “information recording-displaying card.” The above information recording-displaying card, basically, uses i) an over sheet such as a reversible thermosensitive recording material in which at least a reversible thermosensitive recording layer is disposed on a support, and ii) a core sheet having a function as the conventional information recording card. The above information recording-displaying card can be formed by overlapping the over sheet's support side with the core sheet, followed by a thermo-compression bonding and the like. The image displaying function of the above information recording-displaying card is carried out by the over sheet. On the other hand, the image storing function of the above information recording-displaying card may vary with types of the card. More specifically about this: The information storing function by a magnetic material such as a magnetic tape can be carried out by the over sheet or the core sheet. However, the information storing function by an IC chip, antenna coil, a magnetic stripe and the like is, in general, disposed in a thick core sheet. Some information recording-displaying cards are thin and others are thick. Since the over sheet is thin, the thickness of the information recording-displaying card is ordinarily dependent on the thickness of the core sheet. The information recording-displaying card recently beginning to be used in the market is made of a combination of the following i) and ii): i) a reversible thermosensitive over sheet using, as a support, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, and ii) a core sheet having, as a raw material, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin, polyvinyl chloride resin such as copolymer of vinyl chloride and vinyl acetate, or polycarbonate resin. The above materials are widely used for the following reasons: The polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film used for the support of the over sheet is highly resistant to a solution which is made by dissolving a composition (especially, constituting the reversible recording layer) in a solvent. The polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin used as the core sheet material is excellent in physical property, mechanical property, embossability (at character section), and the like. The above polyvinyl chloride resin is also proper as the support of the over sheet, so as to obtain an image eraseability, in view of expressing, to a certain extent, a flexibility by heat. Though being excellent as the card's raw material, the above polyvinyl chloride may, from some viewpoints, cause a hydrogen chloride gas when incinerated after being used and then scrapped, thus damaging an incinerator and reducing lifetime thereof. Mover, movement of eliminating the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin is becoming more and more active in various countries, although relation between the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and dioxine is not clarified. The polyvinyl chloride resin is used for the information recording-displaying card as well as the conventional information recording card, in other words, has high publicity. With the above background, other material replaceable with the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is desired also domestically. For use as the raw material for the information recording-displaying card, a thermoplastic resin is being studied that does not contain halogen. Examples of the above thermoplastic resin include polyethylene resin, polypropyrene resin, polyester resin, polycarbonate resin, polyacrylic resin, and the like. Among the above, the card's base material made of polycarbonate resin and the like is highly resistant to heat, thereby, is unlikely to cause deformation attributable to heat, becoming an excellent material in terms of durability. The information recording-displaying card using the polycarbonate resin and the like is, therefore, appearing in the market. However, being low in deformability, the polycarbonate resin is low in embossability. The reversible thermosensitive recording material for writing-erasing by using a thermal head may lose head matching property with the thermal head contacting the information recording-displaying card, thus reducing sensitivity, leading especially to deteriorated eraseability, which is a shortcoming. A raw material replaceable with the polyvinyl chloride resin is conventionally not found. On the other hand, a unity which is the over sheet bonded with the core sheet is to be embossed. The thus formed “emboss marking” is to be marked on the information recording-displaying card, to thereby make personal information identifiable, which is important in terms of convenience and usefulness. Especially, a thick card such as the credit card, the bank card and the like is to be provided with the “emboss marking,” which is indispensable in the modern society. In sum, the embossing is more and more required from users and various industries. The above “emboss marking” is mainly used for card number, expiration, owner's name and the like, and has such a function as to be copied with a roller, by interposing the card into a copy voucher for reckoning at a store and the like. The above use of the “emboss marking” is prevalent domestically and overseas. The polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film used for the support of the over sheet is so rigid as to have low deformation by an applied pressure, thereby, has an extremely low embossability. With this, even when the polyvinyl chloride resin used for the core sheet has a good embossability and the embossing is carried out from upside of the over sheet, the over sheet using the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film may cause an insufficient “emboss marking.” Moreover, the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film becoming too thick may cause breaking of the card in the embossing. Especially, a thick card with the above non-contact IC chip, antenna coil, magnetic stripe and the like embedded therein cannot sufficiently absorb irregularity thereof, thereby making it impossible to flatten the card's surface. With this, the above thick card cannot smoothly carry out rewriting of the recording by the thermal head and the like, therefore, as the case may be, forcibly increases printing pressure and temperature. As a result, the above thick card may have failures such as having scratches, having remaining gouge, causing deformation, and the like, thus limiting application and manufacturing methods, and thereby finding difficulty in using manufacturing steps of the general-purpose card. The information recording-displaying card which is recently beginning to be used in the market has the following structure. The embossing is carried out in an embossable space formed on the core sheet's surface which space is free from the over sheet. In this structure, the over sheet bonded to the core sheet is smaller in size than the core sheet's surface. The above over sheet is to be bonded to the core sheet such that the “emboss marking” can be disposed in the embossable space free from the over sheet. The above method is limited in terms of manufacturing since, for example, the over sheet reduced in size is to be accurately bonded to the core sheet, moreover, the above method is limited in terms of an area for the over sheet's image display function, which are shortcomings. In sum, the embossing cannot be carried out for a unity having the over sheet bonded to the entire face of the core sheet, making an information recording-displaying card without the “emboss marking.” The reversible thermosensitive recording material used as the over sheet is “thermosensitive” which is a special material. In each of the steps including i) overlapping the over sheet (having the above special property) on the core sheet, ii) uniting the over sheet with the core sheet by pressing-heating, and iii) completing the embossing, it may be difficult to manufacture the information recording-displaying card without influencing the above special property, namely, “reversible thermosensitivity.” Moreover, the polyethylene terephthalate film used as the support of the over sheet is made of a material which is higher in heat resistance and smaller in heat deformation than the polycarbonate resin. Therefore, applying a thermal head as a heating unit to a surface of the above over sheet of the information recording-displaying card beginning to be used in the market may cause very little deformation by the heat. This may make the adhesion between the thermal head's face and the over sheer's surface insufficient, thus losing head matching at the heat application and thereby decreasing the sensitivity. With this, especially the eraseability may become low, namely, an insufficient image eraseability is caused, which is a shortcoming. The present inventors have studied the known data related to the above type of the information recording-displaying card, as a result, to find that any of the known data are free from description of the embossability, and image eraseability involved with the embossability. Described below are specific examples of the information recording-displaying cards disclosed in cited patent documents. Firstly, for example, JP-A No. 2001-341427 (page 2 to page 4, example 1) discloses an over sheet which is a reversible recording film having the following structure. A print layer, a transparent support having light transmission of 50% or more, a reversible recording layer, and a protective layer are disposed on a support. A thick information recording-displaying card is disclosed having the support side united with a core sheet by using an adhesive. However, JP-A No. 2001-341427 (page 2 to page 4, example 1) does not describe embossability at all. Material usable for the above support and the above transparent support are described (likewise between the two) as follows: “a plastic film is applicable thereto which is rigid, namely, excellent in heat resistance, tensile strength and the like,” and “selectable thickness in a range from 8.5 μm to 300 μm, preferably 8.5 μm to about 250 μm.” Specific examples of the material include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) film, polyimide (PI) film, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) film, and the like. Moreover, the transparent support is made of materials such as vinyl chloride film, PET-G film, and polycarbonate and the like. JP-A No. 2001-341427 (page 2 to page 4, example 1) describes that the above films exemplified are made of plastic which is rigid, namely, excellent in tensile strength and the like. In view of embossability, however, JP-A No. 2001-341427 (page 2 to page 4, example 1) includes those evidently not embossable, judging from the description of an unrigid film and too rigid a film, and the description of a small thermal deformation and a large thermal deformation. In view of thickness, an example 1 in JP-A No. 2001-341427 (page 2 to page 4, example 1) does not describe thickness of polyethylene terephthalate film used as the support but describes that the transparent support uses a transparent polyethylene terephthalate film having thickness of 25 μm, which is too thick for the embossing of the over sheet. Moreover, the over sheet itself that is formed according to this example 1 of JP-A No. 2001-341427 (page 2 to page 4, example 1) has the polyethylene terephthalate film as the support and as the transparent support, thus losing the head matching at the heat application and thereby decreasing the sensitivity. With this, especially the image eraseability may become low. As a core sheet material, JP-A No. 2001-341427 (page 2 to page 4, example 1) describes examples including vinyl chloride resin, PET-G typical of polyester resin, polycarbonate resin, which are used alone or in combination. No description of the embossability in JP-A No. 2001-341427 (page 2 to page 4, example 1) proves impossibility of the embossing. For the next example, JP-A No. 2000-137782 (example 1 and example 2) discloses a card's base material (core sheet) which is a thermoplastic resin sheet having low crystal property of 5% or less. A thick information recording-displaying card is disclosed which is a unity of the above card's base material (core sheet) bonded with a reversible thermosensitive recording tape (over sheet). The reversible thermosensitive recording tape hereinabove is provided with a reversible thermosensitive recording layer (containing a leuco compound and a developing agent) on a transparent PET film. JP-A No. 2000-137782 (example 1 and example 2) is, however, free from any description of embossing. Judging from the thick PET film (25 μm in thickness in an example 1, and 38 μm thick in an example 2), the information recording-displaying card is not embossable and has a poor eraseability. For the next example, JP-A No. 11-154210 (example) discloses i) a sheet (core sheet) incorporating therein an IC chip module, and ii) a reversible thermosensitive recording sheet (over sheet) provided with a reversible thermosensitive recording layer (containing a leuco dye and a developing agent) on a film, which two sheets are opposed to each other. To a gap between the core sheet and the over sheet, a resin is injected and thereby the two sheets are bonded with each other, thus forming an IC card (thick information recording-displaying card). However, JP-A No. 11-154210 (example) is free from any description of embossing. For the next example, JP-A No. 2001-88443 (example) discloses a recording medium used for mass production adopting a Kanban (signboard) method, which recording medium has a base material, a reversible thermosensitive recording layer (containing a leuco compound and a developing agent) on the base material, and a protective layer. Various types of plastic films are exemplified as the base material. A white PET which is the base material in each example has a thickness of 188 μm, 250 μm and 350 μm, proving no attention is paid to embossing. JP-A No. 2000-137782 (example 1 and example 2), JP-A No. 11-154210 (example) and JP-A No. 2001-88443 (example) described above disclose various specific examples of materials for the support constituting the over sheet, and materials for raw materials constituting the core sheet. In view of the embossing, like JP-A No. 2001-341427 (page 2 to page 4, example 1), some materials thus exemplified may cause a small thermal deformation and other materials thus exemplified may cause a large thermal deformation, i.e., including those embossable and not embossable. Summarizing the above, the information recording-displaying card beginning to be used in the market is not embossable on the over sheet's face. For the embossing, therefore, the image display area is reduced, making the image eraseability insufficient and causing environmental pollution in the scrapping and disposal. The information recording-displaying card disclosed in the known data is not studied in view of the embossing or the image eraseability involved with the embossability. Moreover, no proposal is made in the above known data for solving the environmental pollution in the scrapping and disposal. For bringing about a sufficient embossability to the information recording-displaying card, each of the over sheet and the core sheet constituting the information recording-displaying card, and the unity of the over sheet and the core sheet are to have the embossability. The conventionally known product and the conventionally known data are free from the above viewpoint. By patent documents and the like, various proposals are conventionally made in terms of the reversible thermosensitive recording material. The embossability is, however, not suggested or raised at all in the above patent documents and the like. Not to mention, the embossability of an over sheet of an information recording-displaying card is not suggested or raised at all. In sum, securing embossability in this technical field and improving the image eraseability involved with the embossability are new issues. In terms of the embossability, for example, JP-A No. 11-240262 (claims) discloses a heated transfer card having an acceptor layer disposed on a card's base material. More specifically, a dye in JP-A No. 11-240262 (claims) is contained in a heat transfer film in the field of heating-melting transfer recording or a sublimating transfer recording, instead of the reversible thermosensitive recording. The dye is to be melted or sublimated by a heat, and then is received or fixed by the acceptor layer. The proposal in JP-A No. 11-240262 (claims) uses a special polyester for the card's base material, and a polyester copolymer is used for the acceptor layer which copolymer is made by copolymerizing a reactive silicone polymer. With the above, the moldability such as embossability of the heated transfer card is improved. As a matter of course, however, no description is made of accomplishment of the embossability without influencing the special property (namely, “reversible thermosensitivity”) which is the image eraseability of the over sheet. By patent documents and the like, many proposals are conventionally made in terms of the reversible thermosensitive recording material. The embossability is, however, not suggested or raised at all in the above patent documents and the like. Not to mention, the embossability of an over sheet of an information recording-displaying card is not suggested or raised at all. In sum, securing the embossability in this technical field and improving the repetition durability involved with the embossability are new issues. Objects and Advantages It is an object of the present invention to provide an information recording-displaying card that is excellent in embossability and displayed-image eraseability, easy to scrap and dispose, and is free from causing an environmental pollution in the scrapping and disposal. It is anther object of the present invention to provide an image processing method and an image processor for forming an image and erasing the image by using an over sheet and the information recording-displaying card each of which is made of a reversible thermosensitive recording material that is excellent in embossability and displayed-image eraseability. It is still another object of the present invention to provide a method of manufacturing the information recording-displaying card.
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11006365
| 2,004
|
Three-dimensional laminate
|
Disclosed are both a decorative laminate and a method for making the decorative laminate. The decorative laminate includes a laminated layer having particulates trapped within a film. The trapped particulates impart the appearance of three-dimensional depth to the decorative laminate. Additionally, a second laminated film having a printed pattern can be laminated to the decorative laminate. The decorative laminate may be formed by laminating a freestanding decorative film composite comprising a particulate embedded film and a print component to a substrate.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Sheets of resinous compositions have found widespread use as decorative and wear resistant coverings for a wide range of products. For example, decorative coverings can include coverings for flooring, walls, ceilings, desks, tables and countertops. Additionally, such resinous compositions can be incorporated into surface layers on leather, fabrics, paper, wood, metal and glass, or used in upholstery, drapery, and clothing materials. Sheet materials can also be made with chips or other particulate material. Generally sheets made with particulate matter fall into two classifications: cushioned or non-cushioned. Cushioned sheets include a substantially continuous layer of foam and are usually made by incorporating solid particulate material into a plastisol coating on top of the foam, followed by gelling and fusing the coating. Non-cushioned sheets do not contain a foam layer and are usually made from sintering or calendering particulate material. Many processes are known for embedding various particles into a clear PVC plastisol for making decorative patterns. For example, some processes involve the deposition of particles of colored polyvinyl chloride (PVC) having a high carbonate filler or vinyl concentration. Others are arranged to create geometric structures. The particles are placed on the face of the decorative sheet and are then covered by applying a clear plastisol, which can be transparent, translucent or opaque. The plastisol serves as the binding agent between the particles and the decorative sheet. Additional examples include using flat chips with a higher softening point than a surrounding matrix and then pressing the chips into the matrix without distorting them. Further methods include consolidating chips into a plastisol by pushing cool chips into a relatively hot plastisol and then heating the resulting structure. Chips may also be placed on the surface of a plastisol and allowed to sink near the surface, or chips may be dropped onto a tacky adhesive and then covered with a transparent or translucent liquid thermoplastic film. Each of these processes requires the step of placing the decorative particulates directly onto the matrix of the covering and then cementing them in place. When forming a decorative laminate it is most cost effective to apply layers as laminated sheets and not as layers that are built up through deposition. Thus, there is a need for creating a particulate embedded laminate that does not require the added step of depositing particulates directly onto the laminate and then cementing them in place.
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Title:
Three-dimensional laminate
Abstract:
Disclosed are both a decorative laminate and a method for making the decorative laminate. The decorative laminate includes a laminated layer having particulates trapped within a film. The trapped particulates impart the appearance of three-dimensional depth to the decorative laminate. Additionally, a second laminated film having a printed pattern can be laminated to the decorative laminate. The decorative laminate may be formed by laminating a freestanding decorative film composite comprising a particulate embedded film and a print component to a substrate.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Sheets of resinous compositions have found widespread use as decorative and wear resistant coverings for a wide range of products. For example, decorative coverings can include coverings for flooring, walls, ceilings, desks, tables and countertops. Additionally, such resinous compositions can be incorporated into surface layers on leather, fabrics, paper, wood, metal and glass, or used in upholstery, drapery, and clothing materials. Sheet materials can also be made with chips or other particulate material. Generally sheets made with particulate matter fall into two classifications: cushioned or non-cushioned. Cushioned sheets include a substantially continuous layer of foam and are usually made by incorporating solid particulate material into a plastisol coating on top of the foam, followed by gelling and fusing the coating. Non-cushioned sheets do not contain a foam layer and are usually made from sintering or calendering particulate material. Many processes are known for embedding various particles into a clear PVC plastisol for making decorative patterns. For example, some processes involve the deposition of particles of colored polyvinyl chloride (PVC) having a high carbonate filler or vinyl concentration. Others are arranged to create geometric structures. The particles are placed on the face of the decorative sheet and are then covered by applying a clear plastisol, which can be transparent, translucent or opaque. The plastisol serves as the binding agent between the particles and the decorative sheet. Additional examples include using flat chips with a higher softening point than a surrounding matrix and then pressing the chips into the matrix without distorting them. Further methods include consolidating chips into a plastisol by pushing cool chips into a relatively hot plastisol and then heating the resulting structure. Chips may also be placed on the surface of a plastisol and allowed to sink near the surface, or chips may be dropped onto a tacky adhesive and then covered with a transparent or translucent liquid thermoplastic film. Each of these processes requires the step of placing the decorative particulates directly onto the matrix of the covering and then cementing them in place. When forming a decorative laminate it is most cost effective to apply layers as laminated sheets and not as layers that are built up through deposition. Thus, there is a need for creating a particulate embedded laminate that does not require the added step of depositing particulates directly onto the laminate and then cementing them in place.
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10814191
| 2,004
|
On-screen display device
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An on-screen display device that can effectively utilize a video RAM area. This on-screen display device includes a video RAM that holds character data of desired characters that are to be displayed; a display character setting unit for locating the number of bits as many as the remainder that is obtained by dividing character data corresponding to one character by the number of bits that can be read at one-time access from the video RAM, collectively by one line in the video RAM; buffers for storing a part of character data of the respective characters; a character generator ROM for outputting font data corresponding to the character codes; and a display control unit for reading character data from the video RAM via the buffers at the display of the characters, and reading the font data that are created by the character generator ROM, thereby outputting an on-screen output signal.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Televisions or videocassette recorders is provided with an on-screen function of displaying information that indicates the state of the device, such as the channel or the programming of recording, on the television screen. Initially, a conventional on-screen display device will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 ( a ) and 9 ( b ). FIG. 9 ( a ) is a diagram illustrating a structure of the conventional on-screen display device. In FIG. 9 ( a ), a display character setting unit 100 writes character data that comprise a character code of a desired character to be displayed (hereinafter, referred to as display character) and an attribute code that indicates modification information such as the color of the display character or the background thereof, at a predetermined position in a video RAM 200 . The video RAM 200 has addresses corresponding to respective positions on the display on which the display characters are displayed. FIG. 9 ( b ) shows an address map of the conventional video RAM 200 . On one screen of the display, 12 lines of 24 characters can be displayed. In addition, the character data is composed of 9 bits, 8 bits of which are a character code indicating up to 256 types of characters, and 1 bit of which is an attribute code. A display control unit 300 reads character data from the video RAM 200 before starting to display characters of desired positions and outputs the character data to the buffer 500 . In addition, the display control unit 300 reads font data corresponding to the character code included in the character data that is read from the buffer 500 , from a character generator ROM 400 , and generates an on-screen output signal using the font data. In the character generator ROM 400 , plural kinds of font data are stored. In the buffer 500 , the character data that are read from the video RAM 200 are stored. The operation of the on-screen display device that is constructed as described above will be described. First, the display character setting unit 100 writes character data corresponding to one screen, which comprise character codes and attribute codes of characters to be displayed, at addresses in the video RAM 200 corresponding to positions on the display at which the characters are to be displayed, as indicated by the address map of the video RAM in FIG. 9 ( b ). Then, the display control unit 300 reads the character data that have been written in the video RAM 200 at a predetermined timing, and stores the data in the buffer 500 . Thereafter, the display control unit 300 reads font data stored at addresses that are indicated by the character codes included in the character data outputted from the buffer 500 , from the character generator ROM 400 . Then, the display control unit 300 outputs an on-screen output signal on the basis of the font data read from the character generator ROM 400 and the attribute codes included in the character data that are read from the video RAM 200 . In this way, characters to which desired character modification has been performed can be displayed on the display. In order to further add the character modification (coloring of the display character itself, the color of the background, and the like), details of the character modification are previously stored in the video RAM 200 (see Japanese Published Patent Application No. Hei.9-54575). In the conventional on-screen display device, however, when the bit length of character data is larger than the bit length of data in the RAM that is accessed, an empty space is generated in an area of the video RAM for holding the character data, and accordingly the video RAM area cannot be used effectively. Particularly in a case of utilizing the video RAM area also as the RAM area of the CPU (see Japanese Published Patent Application No. Hei.11-102352), the video RAM area would not be used although it is capable of storing data. More specifically, when the bit length of data that is accessed in the RAM of the CPU is 8 bits and the character data is composed of 9 bits as shown in FIG. 9 ( b ), 7 bits in an address for storing the attribute code are not employed.
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Title:
On-screen display device
Abstract:
An on-screen display device that can effectively utilize a video RAM area. This on-screen display device includes a video RAM that holds character data of desired characters that are to be displayed; a display character setting unit for locating the number of bits as many as the remainder that is obtained by dividing character data corresponding to one character by the number of bits that can be read at one-time access from the video RAM, collectively by one line in the video RAM; buffers for storing a part of character data of the respective characters; a character generator ROM for outputting font data corresponding to the character codes; and a display control unit for reading character data from the video RAM via the buffers at the display of the characters, and reading the font data that are created by the character generator ROM, thereby outputting an on-screen output signal.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Televisions or videocassette recorders is provided with an on-screen function of displaying information that indicates the state of the device, such as the channel or the programming of recording, on the television screen. Initially, a conventional on-screen display device will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 ( a ) and 9 ( b ). FIG. 9 ( a ) is a diagram illustrating a structure of the conventional on-screen display device. In FIG. 9 ( a ), a display character setting unit 100 writes character data that comprise a character code of a desired character to be displayed (hereinafter, referred to as display character) and an attribute code that indicates modification information such as the color of the display character or the background thereof, at a predetermined position in a video RAM 200 . The video RAM 200 has addresses corresponding to respective positions on the display on which the display characters are displayed. FIG. 9 ( b ) shows an address map of the conventional video RAM 200 . On one screen of the display, 12 lines of 24 characters can be displayed. In addition, the character data is composed of 9 bits, 8 bits of which are a character code indicating up to 256 types of characters, and 1 bit of which is an attribute code. A display control unit 300 reads character data from the video RAM 200 before starting to display characters of desired positions and outputs the character data to the buffer 500 . In addition, the display control unit 300 reads font data corresponding to the character code included in the character data that is read from the buffer 500 , from a character generator ROM 400 , and generates an on-screen output signal using the font data. In the character generator ROM 400 , plural kinds of font data are stored. In the buffer 500 , the character data that are read from the video RAM 200 are stored. The operation of the on-screen display device that is constructed as described above will be described. First, the display character setting unit 100 writes character data corresponding to one screen, which comprise character codes and attribute codes of characters to be displayed, at addresses in the video RAM 200 corresponding to positions on the display at which the characters are to be displayed, as indicated by the address map of the video RAM in FIG. 9 ( b ). Then, the display control unit 300 reads the character data that have been written in the video RAM 200 at a predetermined timing, and stores the data in the buffer 500 . Thereafter, the display control unit 300 reads font data stored at addresses that are indicated by the character codes included in the character data outputted from the buffer 500 , from the character generator ROM 400 . Then, the display control unit 300 outputs an on-screen output signal on the basis of the font data read from the character generator ROM 400 and the attribute codes included in the character data that are read from the video RAM 200 . In this way, characters to which desired character modification has been performed can be displayed on the display. In order to further add the character modification (coloring of the display character itself, the color of the background, and the like), details of the character modification are previously stored in the video RAM 200 (see Japanese Published Patent Application No. Hei.9-54575). In the conventional on-screen display device, however, when the bit length of character data is larger than the bit length of data in the RAM that is accessed, an empty space is generated in an area of the video RAM for holding the character data, and accordingly the video RAM area cannot be used effectively. Particularly in a case of utilizing the video RAM area also as the RAM area of the CPU (see Japanese Published Patent Application No. Hei.11-102352), the video RAM area would not be used although it is capable of storing data. More specifically, when the bit length of data that is accessed in the RAM of the CPU is 8 bits and the character data is composed of 9 bits as shown in FIG. 9 ( b ), 7 bits in an address for storing the attribute code are not employed.
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10862294
| 2,004
|
Weight plate
|
An improved weight plate includes a planar body having a central opening for receiving a barbell or dumbbell bar therethrough. The weight plate includes oppositely facing flange members extending partially about the perimeter of the weight plate. The opposed ends of the flange members are spaced from each other and define a gap therebetween. The flange members extend perpendicularly from both sides of the weight plate planar body about the perimeter thereof. The weight plate includes at least one opening formed adjacent the perimeter of the weight plate. The opening is adapted to receive one or more fingers of an average human hand for securely grasping and lifting the weight plate. Adjacent weight plates mounted on a barbell bar are adapted for interlocking engagement.
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BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention relates generally to physical fitness equipment, particularly to weight plates which may be used during weight lifting. The physical fitness industry has seen tremendous growth during the past couple of decades. A wide array of exercise apparatus is available to meet the needs of a growing population of consumers engaged in physical fitness activities. Some of the new exercise apparatus include high tech interactive features which can display sophisticated graphics and information for engaging and holding the attention of the user while he exercises. Little has changed however in the area of free weight exercises. Free weight exercises generally require weight plates for use with barbells and dumbbells. The weight plates are typically disc-shaped and include a center opening for receiving a barbell or dumbbell bar through the opening. Generally, a retention collar mounted onto the barbell or dumbbell bar retains the weight plate on the bar. In some instances, particularly for dumbbells, the weight plates may be fixed to the weight bar. One major problem with free weight lifting and a cause of many accidental injuries is that it is difficult to pick up a weight plate, particularly disc-shaped plates having flat sides. Most users can typically handle the lighter weights of 5 or 10 pounds without too much difficulty. But as the size and weight of the weight plate increases one must be very careful to avoid injury. The problem, simply stated, is that a flat sided weight plate does not have a convenient hand hold to be grasped by the user for lifting it off a flat surface, such as a floor or a stack of weight plates. Lifting a typical weight plate off of a flat surface requires that the user apply sufficient radial and frictional force on the periphery or outer perimeter of the disc-shaped plate to lift at least one side of the plate a sufficient distance off the flat surface to permit the user to place his fingers around the periphery and onto one of the flat surfaces of the plate. Of course, the heavier the weight plate, the more difficult the lifting maneuver becomes. Lifting a weight plate employing the generally accepted method described above can cause injury by slipping out of the grasp of the user and falling on toes or finger tips. Some weight plates include a flat surface on one side and an upstanding circumferential flange about the periphery of the opposite or second flat side of the plate. This provides a raised surface which may be gripped for lifting the weight plate when it is lying on its flat side. The same problem is encountered, however, when an individual attempts to lift the weight by the circumferential flange. A sufficient radial and frictional force must still be applied to lift the plate on its peripheral edge so that the individual can grip the plate by wrapping his fingers and thumb about the upstanding flange and outer edge of the weight plate. The problems noted above are not encountered solely when exercising with free weights. Many exercise apparatus require that weight plates be added or removed to vary the resistance provided by the exercise apparatus. The typical weight plate is not only difficult to lift off a flat surface as noted above, but also difficult to hold and raise it up, perhaps to chest level, to mount the weight plate on an exercise apparatus. Likewise, removing a weight plate from a relatively high position on an exercise apparatus is also difficult and if not done with care may result in injury to the individual removing the weight plate. Another problem associated with weight plates having a circumferential upstanding flange on one or both sides of the weight plate, is that the weight plates mounted on the weight bar are not in facing contact. The weight plates typically contact each other only at the flanges and are free to rotate about the weight bar relative to each other. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a weight plate which may be securely gripped and moved from one location to another without regard to its position relative to a flat support surface or the like. It is another object of the present invention to provide a weight plate that includes at least one notch formed in a perimeter flange providing access for engaging a flat surface of the weight plate and applying an axial force to lift the weight plate off a flat support surface. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a weight plate having at least one opening formed in the weight plate body near the circumferential edge thereof. The openings is sized to permit an individual's fingers to extend through the opening with the thumb wrapped around the edge of the weight plate for lifting the weight plate. It is still another object of the present invention to provide a weight plate adapted for interlocking engagement with an adjacent weight plate mounted on a weight bar.
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Title:
Weight plate
Abstract:
An improved weight plate includes a planar body having a central opening for receiving a barbell or dumbbell bar therethrough. The weight plate includes oppositely facing flange members extending partially about the perimeter of the weight plate. The opposed ends of the flange members are spaced from each other and define a gap therebetween. The flange members extend perpendicularly from both sides of the weight plate planar body about the perimeter thereof. The weight plate includes at least one opening formed adjacent the perimeter of the weight plate. The opening is adapted to receive one or more fingers of an average human hand for securely grasping and lifting the weight plate. Adjacent weight plates mounted on a barbell bar are adapted for interlocking engagement.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention relates generally to physical fitness equipment, particularly to weight plates which may be used during weight lifting. The physical fitness industry has seen tremendous growth during the past couple of decades. A wide array of exercise apparatus is available to meet the needs of a growing population of consumers engaged in physical fitness activities. Some of the new exercise apparatus include high tech interactive features which can display sophisticated graphics and information for engaging and holding the attention of the user while he exercises. Little has changed however in the area of free weight exercises. Free weight exercises generally require weight plates for use with barbells and dumbbells. The weight plates are typically disc-shaped and include a center opening for receiving a barbell or dumbbell bar through the opening. Generally, a retention collar mounted onto the barbell or dumbbell bar retains the weight plate on the bar. In some instances, particularly for dumbbells, the weight plates may be fixed to the weight bar. One major problem with free weight lifting and a cause of many accidental injuries is that it is difficult to pick up a weight plate, particularly disc-shaped plates having flat sides. Most users can typically handle the lighter weights of 5 or 10 pounds without too much difficulty. But as the size and weight of the weight plate increases one must be very careful to avoid injury. The problem, simply stated, is that a flat sided weight plate does not have a convenient hand hold to be grasped by the user for lifting it off a flat surface, such as a floor or a stack of weight plates. Lifting a typical weight plate off of a flat surface requires that the user apply sufficient radial and frictional force on the periphery or outer perimeter of the disc-shaped plate to lift at least one side of the plate a sufficient distance off the flat surface to permit the user to place his fingers around the periphery and onto one of the flat surfaces of the plate. Of course, the heavier the weight plate, the more difficult the lifting maneuver becomes. Lifting a weight plate employing the generally accepted method described above can cause injury by slipping out of the grasp of the user and falling on toes or finger tips. Some weight plates include a flat surface on one side and an upstanding circumferential flange about the periphery of the opposite or second flat side of the plate. This provides a raised surface which may be gripped for lifting the weight plate when it is lying on its flat side. The same problem is encountered, however, when an individual attempts to lift the weight by the circumferential flange. A sufficient radial and frictional force must still be applied to lift the plate on its peripheral edge so that the individual can grip the plate by wrapping his fingers and thumb about the upstanding flange and outer edge of the weight plate. The problems noted above are not encountered solely when exercising with free weights. Many exercise apparatus require that weight plates be added or removed to vary the resistance provided by the exercise apparatus. The typical weight plate is not only difficult to lift off a flat surface as noted above, but also difficult to hold and raise it up, perhaps to chest level, to mount the weight plate on an exercise apparatus. Likewise, removing a weight plate from a relatively high position on an exercise apparatus is also difficult and if not done with care may result in injury to the individual removing the weight plate. Another problem associated with weight plates having a circumferential upstanding flange on one or both sides of the weight plate, is that the weight plates mounted on the weight bar are not in facing contact. The weight plates typically contact each other only at the flanges and are free to rotate about the weight bar relative to each other. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a weight plate which may be securely gripped and moved from one location to another without regard to its position relative to a flat support surface or the like. It is another object of the present invention to provide a weight plate that includes at least one notch formed in a perimeter flange providing access for engaging a flat surface of the weight plate and applying an axial force to lift the weight plate off a flat support surface. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a weight plate having at least one opening formed in the weight plate body near the circumferential edge thereof. The openings is sized to permit an individual's fingers to extend through the opening with the thumb wrapped around the edge of the weight plate for lifting the weight plate. It is still another object of the present invention to provide a weight plate adapted for interlocking engagement with an adjacent weight plate mounted on a weight bar.
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10754322
| 2,004
|
System, method, apparatus for repeating last line to scalar
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Presented herein are video decoding system(s), method(s), and apparatus for repeating a last line to a scalar or compositor or capture. A first parameter is provided to a first register indicating that a picture comprises a first number of lines, and a second parameter is provided to a second register, indicating that the picture comprises a second number of lines.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION An MPEG decoder system is usually implemented as an off the shelf integrated circuit that is fused onto a mother board. Other end product functionalities are usually implemented as other board-level products. Because the decoding and other functionalities are usually manufactured separately, it is important to debug, test, and verify the video control functionality. Testing the video functionality can involve application of particular video control functions, e.g., reverse, fast forward, etc. However, given the number of frames per second, it is difficult for the human eye to determine the ordering of pictures displayed during testing. Additionally, the testing can include the display of particular line patterns. However, a single line pattern may not appear large enough on a display for visual inspection. By repeating the line pattern for a number of lines, the test pattern can be observed as a set of vertical bars. The repeated line pattern can be displayed by generation of a frame comprising the repeated lines. However, generation of the repeated lines disadvantageously consumes the bandwidth of the decoder system. Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such systems with embodiments presented in the remainder of the present application with references to the drawings.
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Title:
System, method, apparatus for repeating last line to scalar
Abstract:
Presented herein are video decoding system(s), method(s), and apparatus for repeating a last line to a scalar or compositor or capture. A first parameter is provided to a first register indicating that a picture comprises a first number of lines, and a second parameter is provided to a second register, indicating that the picture comprises a second number of lines.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION An MPEG decoder system is usually implemented as an off the shelf integrated circuit that is fused onto a mother board. Other end product functionalities are usually implemented as other board-level products. Because the decoding and other functionalities are usually manufactured separately, it is important to debug, test, and verify the video control functionality. Testing the video functionality can involve application of particular video control functions, e.g., reverse, fast forward, etc. However, given the number of frames per second, it is difficult for the human eye to determine the ordering of pictures displayed during testing. Additionally, the testing can include the display of particular line patterns. However, a single line pattern may not appear large enough on a display for visual inspection. By repeating the line pattern for a number of lines, the test pattern can be observed as a set of vertical bars. The repeated line pattern can be displayed by generation of a frame comprising the repeated lines. However, generation of the repeated lines disadvantageously consumes the bandwidth of the decoder system. Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such systems with embodiments presented in the remainder of the present application with references to the drawings.
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10768762
| 2,004
|
Medical device having a smooth, hardened surface
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The surface of a medical device is treated by exposure to a gas at a pressure less than atmospheric pressure to produce a hardened, minimally abrasive surface layer substantially comprising chromium nitride.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to medical devices and, more particularly, to a medical device comprising a cobalt-chromium alloy and having a hardened, wear resistant surface of minimal abrasiveness. To be suitable for use in a medical device, a material must exhibit the appropriate functional properties, mainly mechanical properties, for the particular application and must be biocompatible. Biocompatibility is the ability of a material to perform with an appropriate host response in a particular application. For example, in the complex environment of the human body, metal alloys are subject to electrochemical corrosion with the bodily fluids acting as an electrolyte and, to be biocompatible, a metal alloy used in an implantable medical device must exhibit very low corrosion over the projected lifetime of the device. Metal particles released by corrosion may be concentrated locally or distributed systemically and it is important that the type and amount of material released does not pose a danger to the patient. Cobalt-chromium based alloys, developed for the aerospace industry, are used in many medical device applications, including implantable medical devices, because of their strength, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. For example, cobalt-chromium alloys, typified by alloys conforming to ASTM standard specifications, such as, ASTM F-75-01, STANDARD SPECIFICATION FOR COBALT-28 CHROMIUM-6 MOLYBDENUM ALLOY CASTINGS AND CASTING ALLOY FOR SURGICAL IMPLANTS, and ASTM-799, STANDARD SPECIFICATION FOR COBALT-28 CHROMIUM-6 MOLYBDENUM ALLOY FORGINGS FOR SURGICAL IMPLANTS, are often used as components of modular prosthetic devices such as prosthetic hip and knee joints. A prosthetic joint typically includes paired load bearing surfaces, commonly comprising a first surface of a metal alloy component paired with a second surface comprising a metal, a polymer, a ceramic, bone, or bone cement. When load bearing surfaces move relative to each other, such as during articulation of a prosthetic joint, friction can cause the surfaces to spall. The wear debris, known medically as third bodies, originating from the load bearing surfaces of an implanted medical device can initiate a histiocytic reaction in which the body's immune system is activated to release enzymes to dissolve the particles of debris. However, because the wear debris is usually a relatively hard material, such as a metal or polycarbon compound, the enzymes either fail to dissolve the debris or dissolve the debris only with the passage of considerable time. On the other hand, the enzymes do react with tissue and bone and may weaken or dissolve the bone supporting or adjacent to the medical device. In the case of a prosthetic joint, weakening of the bone or osteolysis may shorten the life of the device and may eventually render the supporting bone unusable. Further, surface erosion can eventually lead to failure of the load-bearing surfaces, requiring replacement or repair of the surfaces. In the case of implanted medical devices, replacement or repair entails expensive and risky surgery. Cobalt-chromium alloy surfaces can be hardened by several methods to reduce wear. By way of examples, the surface of a cobalt-chromium alloy may be hardened by depositing a titanium nitride coating on the surface, or by ion implantation of the cobalt-chromium matrix. Surface hardening methods also include gas nitriding, chemical salt bath nitriding, plasma or ion nitriding, and ion implantation. Cobalt-chromium based alloys can also be strengthened by adding nitrogen to the alloy in the molten state or by diffusing nitrogen into the alloy in the solid state. Specifically, forming gas comprising 15% hydrogen and 85% nitrogen, in combination with either ammonia or argon, may be used to diffuse nitrogen into a cobalt-chromium alloy. However, such processes change the chemistry of the alloy by significantly increasing the nitrogen present throughout the alloy and it has been found that when nitrogen is added in this manner, the fracture toughness of the alloy is reduced significantly. Further, hydrogen produced by the dissociation of ammonia can result in hydrogen embrittlement and the process can also cause decarburization, the loss of carbon from the surface of the alloy, which can reduce the hardness of the material. Shetty et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,308,412, disclose a method of surface hardening cobalt-chromium based alloys wherein a surface of the alloy is exposed to pure molecular nitrogen gas or ionized nitrogen under a positive pressure at a temperature preferably about 1400° F. for approximately 48 hours. The result is a hardened diffusion layer bounded by the surface and a substrate of cobalt-chromium alloy. This process enhances the hardness and wear resistance of the surface of the cobalt-chromium alloy with minimal reduction in fatigue resistance. According to the disclosure, exposing the surface to pure nitrogen at 1-2 psig. positive pressure and at a temperature in the specified range prevents the formation of a chromium nitride compound layer on the surface which would increase surface roughness and reduce wear resistance. While surface hardening can substantially reduce wear of a cobalt-chromium load bearing surface, the paired load bearing surface is commonly a dissimilar material, such as a polymer, a ceramic, bone, or bone cement which is also subject to wear. For example, a substantial majority of total hip and knee replacements have incorporated either a conventional or highly cross-linked ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene (UHMWPE or UHMWXLPE) for the second of the paired load bearing surfaces because of the low coefficient of friction between polyethylene and cobalt-chromium surfaces. While hardening the cobalt-chromium load bearing surface protects the surface and reduces the amount of cobalt-chromium wear debris, spalling of the corresponding polyethylene load bearing surface of an articulating joint can generate large numbers of submicron-sized polyethylene wear particles that float in the vicinity of the medical device producing an inflammatory response by the immune system. A number of investigations have been initiated seeking to improve the wear resistance of polyethylene or to find an alternative to polyethylene. However, the combination of polyethylene and cobalt-chromium continues to be a material combination of choice for prosthetic joints and other medical devices and the wear debris produced by relative movement a hardened cobalt-chromium load bearing surface and a paired second load bearing surface of polyethylene or another material remains a significant problem related to implanted medical devices. What is desired, therefore, is a medical device comprising a cobalt-chromium alloy that has a high strength, wear resistant surface that minimizes erosion of a second, paired, load bearing surface.
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Title:
Medical device having a smooth, hardened surface
Abstract:
The surface of a medical device is treated by exposure to a gas at a pressure less than atmospheric pressure to produce a hardened, minimally abrasive surface layer substantially comprising chromium nitride.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to medical devices and, more particularly, to a medical device comprising a cobalt-chromium alloy and having a hardened, wear resistant surface of minimal abrasiveness. To be suitable for use in a medical device, a material must exhibit the appropriate functional properties, mainly mechanical properties, for the particular application and must be biocompatible. Biocompatibility is the ability of a material to perform with an appropriate host response in a particular application. For example, in the complex environment of the human body, metal alloys are subject to electrochemical corrosion with the bodily fluids acting as an electrolyte and, to be biocompatible, a metal alloy used in an implantable medical device must exhibit very low corrosion over the projected lifetime of the device. Metal particles released by corrosion may be concentrated locally or distributed systemically and it is important that the type and amount of material released does not pose a danger to the patient. Cobalt-chromium based alloys, developed for the aerospace industry, are used in many medical device applications, including implantable medical devices, because of their strength, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. For example, cobalt-chromium alloys, typified by alloys conforming to ASTM standard specifications, such as, ASTM F-75-01, STANDARD SPECIFICATION FOR COBALT-28 CHROMIUM-6 MOLYBDENUM ALLOY CASTINGS AND CASTING ALLOY FOR SURGICAL IMPLANTS, and ASTM-799, STANDARD SPECIFICATION FOR COBALT-28 CHROMIUM-6 MOLYBDENUM ALLOY FORGINGS FOR SURGICAL IMPLANTS, are often used as components of modular prosthetic devices such as prosthetic hip and knee joints. A prosthetic joint typically includes paired load bearing surfaces, commonly comprising a first surface of a metal alloy component paired with a second surface comprising a metal, a polymer, a ceramic, bone, or bone cement. When load bearing surfaces move relative to each other, such as during articulation of a prosthetic joint, friction can cause the surfaces to spall. The wear debris, known medically as third bodies, originating from the load bearing surfaces of an implanted medical device can initiate a histiocytic reaction in which the body's immune system is activated to release enzymes to dissolve the particles of debris. However, because the wear debris is usually a relatively hard material, such as a metal or polycarbon compound, the enzymes either fail to dissolve the debris or dissolve the debris only with the passage of considerable time. On the other hand, the enzymes do react with tissue and bone and may weaken or dissolve the bone supporting or adjacent to the medical device. In the case of a prosthetic joint, weakening of the bone or osteolysis may shorten the life of the device and may eventually render the supporting bone unusable. Further, surface erosion can eventually lead to failure of the load-bearing surfaces, requiring replacement or repair of the surfaces. In the case of implanted medical devices, replacement or repair entails expensive and risky surgery. Cobalt-chromium alloy surfaces can be hardened by several methods to reduce wear. By way of examples, the surface of a cobalt-chromium alloy may be hardened by depositing a titanium nitride coating on the surface, or by ion implantation of the cobalt-chromium matrix. Surface hardening methods also include gas nitriding, chemical salt bath nitriding, plasma or ion nitriding, and ion implantation. Cobalt-chromium based alloys can also be strengthened by adding nitrogen to the alloy in the molten state or by diffusing nitrogen into the alloy in the solid state. Specifically, forming gas comprising 15% hydrogen and 85% nitrogen, in combination with either ammonia or argon, may be used to diffuse nitrogen into a cobalt-chromium alloy. However, such processes change the chemistry of the alloy by significantly increasing the nitrogen present throughout the alloy and it has been found that when nitrogen is added in this manner, the fracture toughness of the alloy is reduced significantly. Further, hydrogen produced by the dissociation of ammonia can result in hydrogen embrittlement and the process can also cause decarburization, the loss of carbon from the surface of the alloy, which can reduce the hardness of the material. Shetty et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,308,412, disclose a method of surface hardening cobalt-chromium based alloys wherein a surface of the alloy is exposed to pure molecular nitrogen gas or ionized nitrogen under a positive pressure at a temperature preferably about 1400° F. for approximately 48 hours. The result is a hardened diffusion layer bounded by the surface and a substrate of cobalt-chromium alloy. This process enhances the hardness and wear resistance of the surface of the cobalt-chromium alloy with minimal reduction in fatigue resistance. According to the disclosure, exposing the surface to pure nitrogen at 1-2 psig. positive pressure and at a temperature in the specified range prevents the formation of a chromium nitride compound layer on the surface which would increase surface roughness and reduce wear resistance. While surface hardening can substantially reduce wear of a cobalt-chromium load bearing surface, the paired load bearing surface is commonly a dissimilar material, such as a polymer, a ceramic, bone, or bone cement which is also subject to wear. For example, a substantial majority of total hip and knee replacements have incorporated either a conventional or highly cross-linked ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene (UHMWPE or UHMWXLPE) for the second of the paired load bearing surfaces because of the low coefficient of friction between polyethylene and cobalt-chromium surfaces. While hardening the cobalt-chromium load bearing surface protects the surface and reduces the amount of cobalt-chromium wear debris, spalling of the corresponding polyethylene load bearing surface of an articulating joint can generate large numbers of submicron-sized polyethylene wear particles that float in the vicinity of the medical device producing an inflammatory response by the immune system. A number of investigations have been initiated seeking to improve the wear resistance of polyethylene or to find an alternative to polyethylene. However, the combination of polyethylene and cobalt-chromium continues to be a material combination of choice for prosthetic joints and other medical devices and the wear debris produced by relative movement a hardened cobalt-chromium load bearing surface and a paired second load bearing surface of polyethylene or another material remains a significant problem related to implanted medical devices. What is desired, therefore, is a medical device comprising a cobalt-chromium alloy that has a high strength, wear resistant surface that minimizes erosion of a second, paired, load bearing surface.
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10967811
| 2,004
|
Theft deterrent system
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Apparatus for dispensing products is disclosed. Certain embodiments of the apparatus include a housing adapted to store a plurality of products, at least one product dispensing mechanism within the housing, at least one theft deterrent mechanism for securing products within the housing, a power source within the housing, an electric motor within the housing for activating the product dispensing mechanism, and an operable control button mounted on the exterior of the housing and electronically connected to the power source and the motor so that activation of the button operates the motor. The apparatus may include a time delay to prevent multiple dispensing within a particular time period. The apparatus may include a sound producing mechanism to alert others of the dispensing of a product.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention relates generally to theft deterrent devices for dispensing products. More specifically, the invention relates to dispensing devices that incorporate theft deterrent measures, such time delays and sound. 2. General Background Theft of small items in retail stores is an all too common problem. Items that are in high demand by thieves include over-the-counter (OTC) products such as analgesics and cough and cold medications, razor blades, camera film, batteries, videos, DVDs, smoking cessation products and infant formula. Shelf sweeping is a particular problem for small items. Shelf sweeping occurs when individuals or groups remove all the shelf stock and exit the store, similar to a “smash and grab” shoplifting technique. Shelf sweeping relies on excessive quantities of product being available on the shelf. Retailers must keep substantial inventory on shelf or incur the cost of constantly restocking. In addition to preventing theft, retail stores may want to limit the purchase of certain items. For example, to make methamphetamine, large quantities of cold medication are needed. Pseudoephedrine, the sole active ingredient in many cold medicines and decongestants, is also a key ingredient in methamphetamine, a powerful and highly addictive stimulant. Retailers are constantly challenged to balance the needs of legitimate consumers' access to high theft items with measures to minimize the incidence of theft. It has long been known to place items such as cigarettes, sodas and newspapers in vending machines. Such machines require complete self-service by the customer. The customer places money into the vending machine and the machine dispenses the desired item. Typical vending machines, however, do not allow for variation in product size and can only vend the particular item that they were designed for. Additionally, typical vending machines may be inconsistent with the way that people currently purchase items; many people prefer to use credit or debit cards instead of cash. Vending machines also occupy a great deal of space. Finally, typical vending machines do not employ any mechanism to prevent a purchaser from quickly dispensing all the items in the vending machine. Because theft has become so rampant in certain product categories, such as razors and infant formula, many retail stores are taking the products off the shelves and placing them behind the counter or under lock and key. Customers must request the products in order to make a purchase. This requires additional labor costs to provide individual service to customers who would normally not require it. It also makes it difficult for customers to compare products. Furthermore, it may be impossible where the space behind the counter is limited and is needed for prescription medications. In some cases, products are simply unavailable due to high pilferage rates. Therefore, a device or dispensing apparatus that minimizes the incidence of product theft is needed. A common problem at pharmacies and grocery stores is ensuring that consumers have access to cold medication, but at the same time deterring theft or multiple purchases for the production of drugs. A solution to the problem of sweeping is to limit the amount of cold medicine each customer is allowed to purchase. However, this requires additional labor and is not feasible where many stores now allow customers the option to check themselves out without the help of a cashier. Furthermore, this solution also keeps lawful products out of the hands of lawful consumers. Finally, legislation may be required to in order to limit such purchases. A device or dispensing apparatus that minimizes the likelihood of sweeping or unusually high numbers of multiple purchases is needed. Such a device or dispensing apparatus should also be able to fit within common grocery, drug store or other retail environment shelves. It is also desirable that the device or dispensing apparatus effectively display the products so consumers can easily identify the products. It is also preferable that the dispensing apparatus be easy to use.
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Title:
Theft deterrent system
Abstract:
Apparatus for dispensing products is disclosed. Certain embodiments of the apparatus include a housing adapted to store a plurality of products, at least one product dispensing mechanism within the housing, at least one theft deterrent mechanism for securing products within the housing, a power source within the housing, an electric motor within the housing for activating the product dispensing mechanism, and an operable control button mounted on the exterior of the housing and electronically connected to the power source and the motor so that activation of the button operates the motor. The apparatus may include a time delay to prevent multiple dispensing within a particular time period. The apparatus may include a sound producing mechanism to alert others of the dispensing of a product.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention relates generally to theft deterrent devices for dispensing products. More specifically, the invention relates to dispensing devices that incorporate theft deterrent measures, such time delays and sound. 2. General Background Theft of small items in retail stores is an all too common problem. Items that are in high demand by thieves include over-the-counter (OTC) products such as analgesics and cough and cold medications, razor blades, camera film, batteries, videos, DVDs, smoking cessation products and infant formula. Shelf sweeping is a particular problem for small items. Shelf sweeping occurs when individuals or groups remove all the shelf stock and exit the store, similar to a “smash and grab” shoplifting technique. Shelf sweeping relies on excessive quantities of product being available on the shelf. Retailers must keep substantial inventory on shelf or incur the cost of constantly restocking. In addition to preventing theft, retail stores may want to limit the purchase of certain items. For example, to make methamphetamine, large quantities of cold medication are needed. Pseudoephedrine, the sole active ingredient in many cold medicines and decongestants, is also a key ingredient in methamphetamine, a powerful and highly addictive stimulant. Retailers are constantly challenged to balance the needs of legitimate consumers' access to high theft items with measures to minimize the incidence of theft. It has long been known to place items such as cigarettes, sodas and newspapers in vending machines. Such machines require complete self-service by the customer. The customer places money into the vending machine and the machine dispenses the desired item. Typical vending machines, however, do not allow for variation in product size and can only vend the particular item that they were designed for. Additionally, typical vending machines may be inconsistent with the way that people currently purchase items; many people prefer to use credit or debit cards instead of cash. Vending machines also occupy a great deal of space. Finally, typical vending machines do not employ any mechanism to prevent a purchaser from quickly dispensing all the items in the vending machine. Because theft has become so rampant in certain product categories, such as razors and infant formula, many retail stores are taking the products off the shelves and placing them behind the counter or under lock and key. Customers must request the products in order to make a purchase. This requires additional labor costs to provide individual service to customers who would normally not require it. It also makes it difficult for customers to compare products. Furthermore, it may be impossible where the space behind the counter is limited and is needed for prescription medications. In some cases, products are simply unavailable due to high pilferage rates. Therefore, a device or dispensing apparatus that minimizes the incidence of product theft is needed. A common problem at pharmacies and grocery stores is ensuring that consumers have access to cold medication, but at the same time deterring theft or multiple purchases for the production of drugs. A solution to the problem of sweeping is to limit the amount of cold medicine each customer is allowed to purchase. However, this requires additional labor and is not feasible where many stores now allow customers the option to check themselves out without the help of a cashier. Furthermore, this solution also keeps lawful products out of the hands of lawful consumers. Finally, legislation may be required to in order to limit such purchases. A device or dispensing apparatus that minimizes the likelihood of sweeping or unusually high numbers of multiple purchases is needed. Such a device or dispensing apparatus should also be able to fit within common grocery, drug store or other retail environment shelves. It is also desirable that the device or dispensing apparatus effectively display the products so consumers can easily identify the products. It is also preferable that the dispensing apparatus be easy to use.
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10958855
| 2,004
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Method for introducing an additive into a flowing medium stream
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The method for introducing an additive into a flowing stream of media pulses discrete quantities of the additive into the stream at a pressure higher than the pressure of the stream and at set time periods to cause the pulses to penetrate into the stream. Use is made of a nozzle that can introduce the additive in flow and counterflow to the stream of media.
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BACKGROUND U.S. Pat. No. 4,474,717 describes a process of injecting a small portion of plastics without introducing inert gas (preloading) followed by sectional introduction of inert gas using frequencies from 4 to 100 cycles per second and a pressure of 300-1500 psi (2 to 10 MPa) into the continuous passing plastic material. The result is a multi-layered inside foamed structure. The present invention expands this method by applying injection technology used in the combustion engine technology and reaching a more intensive penetration by higher pressure (40 to 200 MPa), higher frequency (100 to 1000 hz) and more exact dosing by controlled width of the pulses, frequency of the pulses and regulation of pressure using this technology. Various designs of nozzle and channels utilizing hydro-mechanical principles can be achieved for metal, bulk materials and highly viscous melts. EP161614 shows a device for the injection of certain amount of medium into a fluid stream. The adding of the additives happens by a charging pump which is activated by the flowing medium. Energetic mixing is not possible because of the small pressure difference, U.S. Pat. No. 5,913,324 describes a device for adding additives into a liquid stream of high viscosity using a supply member standing transversely to the direction of flow. Dosing occurs in a side stream and independently of the main stream. Devices for adding additives after a plasticizing unit are described in EP 0 432 336, WO89053226 (blowing in of air), U.S. Pat. No. 4,931,236 (spraying in of air/gas to obtain a hose with a foamed layer), and DEI 948454, BAYER, 1971 (injection of a chemical gas producer). Use of a nozzle for the application of glue by pulsation is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,521. As described, a nozzle-needle is activated by a pneumatic cylinder to move up and down, so that glue pours out in a pulsing way. It has been known in burner systems, airless jet systems and spraying systems (atomizers) to add liquid or gas by pulsation. The present invention distinguishes from these applications by using a higher pressure of the liquid than 40 MPa and high energetic atomizing. This pressure is not possible with the nozzles used at this time. Only by electrical activated hydraulic servo valves in common rail technology can these pulsations be realized.
|
Title:
Method for introducing an additive into a flowing medium stream
Abstract:
The method for introducing an additive into a flowing stream of media pulses discrete quantities of the additive into the stream at a pressure higher than the pressure of the stream and at set time periods to cause the pulses to penetrate into the stream. Use is made of a nozzle that can introduce the additive in flow and counterflow to the stream of media.
Background:
BACKGROUND U.S. Pat. No. 4,474,717 describes a process of injecting a small portion of plastics without introducing inert gas (preloading) followed by sectional introduction of inert gas using frequencies from 4 to 100 cycles per second and a pressure of 300-1500 psi (2 to 10 MPa) into the continuous passing plastic material. The result is a multi-layered inside foamed structure. The present invention expands this method by applying injection technology used in the combustion engine technology and reaching a more intensive penetration by higher pressure (40 to 200 MPa), higher frequency (100 to 1000 hz) and more exact dosing by controlled width of the pulses, frequency of the pulses and regulation of pressure using this technology. Various designs of nozzle and channels utilizing hydro-mechanical principles can be achieved for metal, bulk materials and highly viscous melts. EP161614 shows a device for the injection of certain amount of medium into a fluid stream. The adding of the additives happens by a charging pump which is activated by the flowing medium. Energetic mixing is not possible because of the small pressure difference, U.S. Pat. No. 5,913,324 describes a device for adding additives into a liquid stream of high viscosity using a supply member standing transversely to the direction of flow. Dosing occurs in a side stream and independently of the main stream. Devices for adding additives after a plasticizing unit are described in EP 0 432 336, WO89053226 (blowing in of air), U.S. Pat. No. 4,931,236 (spraying in of air/gas to obtain a hose with a foamed layer), and DEI 948454, BAYER, 1971 (injection of a chemical gas producer). Use of a nozzle for the application of glue by pulsation is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,521. As described, a nozzle-needle is activated by a pneumatic cylinder to move up and down, so that glue pours out in a pulsing way. It has been known in burner systems, airless jet systems and spraying systems (atomizers) to add liquid or gas by pulsation. The present invention distinguishes from these applications by using a higher pressure of the liquid than 40 MPa and high energetic atomizing. This pressure is not possible with the nozzles used at this time. Only by electrical activated hydraulic servo valves in common rail technology can these pulsations be realized.
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10814676
| 2,004
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Optical fiber amplifier
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Optical fiber amplifier with wide input power dynamic range is employed to make a first gain block and an optical fiber pumped by Raman pump have opposite spectral gain profiles each other, thereby obtaining flat output gain profile. The optical fiber amplifier includes: a first and a second gain blocks, wherein each gain block has a gain medium and at least one optical pump; an optical fiber disposed between the first and the second gain blocks; a Raman pump for generating a pumping light; and a coupling means for coupling the pumping light to the optical fiber.
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an optical communication system device; and, more particularly, to an optical fiber amplifier having a wide input power dynamic range for use in a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) optical transmission system.
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Title:
Optical fiber amplifier
Abstract:
Optical fiber amplifier with wide input power dynamic range is employed to make a first gain block and an optical fiber pumped by Raman pump have opposite spectral gain profiles each other, thereby obtaining flat output gain profile. The optical fiber amplifier includes: a first and a second gain blocks, wherein each gain block has a gain medium and at least one optical pump; an optical fiber disposed between the first and the second gain blocks; a Raman pump for generating a pumping light; and a coupling means for coupling the pumping light to the optical fiber.
Background:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an optical communication system device; and, more particularly, to an optical fiber amplifier having a wide input power dynamic range for use in a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) optical transmission system.
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11012874
| 2,004
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Generation, distribution and verification of tokens using a secure hash algorithm
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Methods, systems, and apparatus for generation, distribution and verification of tokens are described. In an implementation, a method is described in which a value of an offer is determined and a token for representing the offer is generated. The token has a number of characters based on the determination of the value of the offer.
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BACKGROUND The number of goods and services that are available via online commerce (i.e., e-commerce) is ever increasing. For example, consumers may interact with a wide variety of web sites over the Internet to purchase books, software, music, content subscriptions (e.g., streaming audio and video), and so forth. To increase traffic to web sites which provide these goods and services, the web sites may distribute offers for access to the goods and services, such as “10% off all purchases”, “free shipping”, and so on. In another instance, “special” offers may be provided to consumers for continued loyalty, such as by providing a free gift after the purchase of a predetermined number of goods or services. To protect these offers from attack and unauthorized distribution, tokens may be used to represent these offers for communication to the respective web sites. Thus, the tokens may be used to represent monetary values in online commerce systems. Tokens may take a variety of forms, such as by a string of characters that is entered by a user to represent the monetary value. However, like other forms of online communication, tokens may be attacked by malicious parties to gain unauthorized access to the offer. Therefore, there is a continuing need for methods, systems, and apparatus for generation, distribution and verification of tokens such that the tokens are protected from malicious parties.
|
Title:
Generation, distribution and verification of tokens using a secure hash algorithm
Abstract:
Methods, systems, and apparatus for generation, distribution and verification of tokens are described. In an implementation, a method is described in which a value of an offer is determined and a token for representing the offer is generated. The token has a number of characters based on the determination of the value of the offer.
Background:
BACKGROUND The number of goods and services that are available via online commerce (i.e., e-commerce) is ever increasing. For example, consumers may interact with a wide variety of web sites over the Internet to purchase books, software, music, content subscriptions (e.g., streaming audio and video), and so forth. To increase traffic to web sites which provide these goods and services, the web sites may distribute offers for access to the goods and services, such as “10% off all purchases”, “free shipping”, and so on. In another instance, “special” offers may be provided to consumers for continued loyalty, such as by providing a free gift after the purchase of a predetermined number of goods or services. To protect these offers from attack and unauthorized distribution, tokens may be used to represent these offers for communication to the respective web sites. Thus, the tokens may be used to represent monetary values in online commerce systems. Tokens may take a variety of forms, such as by a string of characters that is entered by a user to represent the monetary value. However, like other forms of online communication, tokens may be attacked by malicious parties to gain unauthorized access to the offer. Therefore, there is a continuing need for methods, systems, and apparatus for generation, distribution and verification of tokens such that the tokens are protected from malicious parties.
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10902095
| 2,004
|
SIGNAL TRANSMISSION CIRCUIT
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The signal transmission circuit is provided, said signal transmission circuit being capable of stable operations even with a source power of low voltage and a fast operation. The signal transmission circuit comprises plural stages of circuit in each of which the pulse voltage according to the driving pulse is sequentially outputted. The circuit of each stage includes: the output transistor T12 for outputting the pulse voltage to the source, according to the driving pulse; the bootstrap capacitor C1 connected between the gate and the source of the output transistor; the first charging transistor T11 for charging the bootstrap capacitor; the first and the second discharging transistor T13 and T14 for discharging the electric charge of the bootstrap capacitor; and the logical circuit which (i) turns on the first and the second discharging transistor, according to the driving pulse for each circuit of the other stages, and (ii) turns off the first and the second discharging transistor, according to the gate signal of the charging transistor.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION (1) Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a signal transmission circuit, so-called shift register, in particular, to the shift register for driving Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) image sensor. (2) Description of the Related Art FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing a structure example of a conventional signal transmission circuit, and describes the four stages of the circuit comprising multiple stages (refer to Japanese Patent publication No. H3-75960 ( FIG. 3 )). This signal transmission circuit comprises the output transistor to the next stage T 12 , T 22 , T 32 and T 42 , the bootstrap capacitor C 1 , C 2 , C 3 and C 4 , the bootstrap capacitor charging transistor T 11 , T 21 , T 31 and T 41 , the first discharging transistor T 13 , T 23 , T 33 and T 43 and the second discharging transistor T 14 , T 24 , T 34 and T 44 . Each element of this signal transmission circuit is provided with, at least, one or more than one of the source voltage VDD, the driving pulses V 1 and V 2 and the start pulse VST. The operations performed by the conventional signal transmission circuit of such structure as described above will be explained as following. When the start pulse VST rises to the logical “High” level, the bootstrap capacitor charging transistor T 11 of the first stage turns on. Thus, the electric charge is charged in the bootstrap capacitor C 1 until the electric voltage becomes (the source voltage VDD—the threshold voltage Vt1 of the transistor T 11 ). When the charging voltage of the bootstrap capacitor C 1 exceeds the threshold voltage of the output transistor T 12 , the output transistor T 12 of the first stage turns on. Then, after the driving pulse V 1 of the logical “High” level is inputted into the drain of the output transistor T 12 , the voltage of the driving pulse V 1 and the potential difference between the both ends of the bootstrap capacitor C 1 are added and applied to the gate of the output transistor T 12 . When the gate potential (the node N 11 ) of the output transistor T 12 rises higher than the potential of the driving pulse V 1 , the driving pulse V 1 gets outputted as the output pulse OUT 1 from the node N 12 . At the same time, when (i) the voltage of the node N 12 is applied to the gate of the bootstrap capacitor charging transistor T 21 of the second stage, (ii) the transistor T 21 turns on, and (iii) the bootstrap capacitor C 2 is charged to the source voltage VDD while the charging voltage does not fall for the threshold voltage Vt2 of the transistor T 21 . When the charging voltage of the bootstrap capacitor C 2 exceeds the threshold voltage of the output transistor T 22 , the output transistor T 22 of the second stage turns on. Then, after the driving pulse V 2 of the logical “High” level is inputted into the drain of the output transistor T 22 , the potential of the driving pulse V 2 and the potential difference between the both ends of the bootstrap capacitor C 2 are added and applied to the gate of the output transistor. When the gate voltage (the node N 21 ) of the transistor T 22 rises higher than the potential of the driving pulse V 2 , the driving pulse V 2 is outputted as the output pulse OUT 2 from the node N 22 . At the same time, when the voltage of the node N 22 is applied to the gate of the bootstrap capacitor charging transistor T 31 of the third stage, the transistor T 31 turns on. Thus, the bootstrap capacitor C 3 is charged to the source voltage VDD without falling for the threshold voltage Vt3 of the transistor T 32 . When the charging voltage of the bootstrap capacitor C 3 exceeds the threshold voltage of the output transistor T 32 , the output transistor T 32 of the third stage turns on. Such operations as described above are repeated, and the signal transmission circuit further sequentially outputs the output pulse Out 3 and Out 4 . FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing a structure example of a conventional error operation preventative signal transmission circuit. In this improved signal transmission circuit, the source voltage is certainly applied to the gate of the bootstrap capacitor charging transistor, while in the conventional signal transmission circuit shown in FIG. 1 , only the lower voltage than the source voltage VDD was applied to the gate of the bootstrap capacitor charging transistor. This error operation preventative signal transmission circuit prevents (i) the voltages of the nodes N 11 , N 21 , N 31 and N 41 from gradually falling and (ii) the output pulses from stopping at several stages forward. The error operation preventative signal transmission circuit shown in FIG. 2 is different from the signal transmission circuit shown in FIG. 1 , and it further comprises the first error operation preventative transistor T 35 and T 45 , respectively for the circuit of the third and the fourth stages. As for the transistor T 35 , (i) the gate is connected to the source (the node N 12 ) of the output transistor T 12 , (ii) the drain is connected to the source (the node N 31 ) of the bootstrap capacitor charging transistor T 31 , and (iii) the source is earthed. As for the transistor T 45 , (i) the gate is connected to the source (the node N 22 ) of the output transistor T 22 , (ii) the drain is connected to the source (the node N 41 ) of the bootstrap capacitor charging transistor T 41 , and (iii) the source is earthed. In addition, the error operation preventative signal transmission circuit shown in FIG. 2 is different from the signal transmission circuit shown in FIG. 1 in that the gate of the second discharging transistor of each stage is connected to the source of the output transistor of the next stage. For example, the gate of the second discharging transistor T 14 of the first stage is connected to the source of the output transistor T 22 of the second stage. The operations performed by the error operation preventative signal transmission circuit will be explained as following. FIG. 3 is a time chart showing the pulse voltage of each unit in the conventional signal transmission circuit using only NMOS. This circuit is a 3V type circuit, wherein the voltage amplitude of the driving pulses V 1 and V 2 and the source voltage VDD are 3V. However, the voltage amplitude of the start pulse VST is 5V. Here, the reason why only the source voltage of the start pulse VST is 5V is because only in the bootstrap capacitor charging transistor T 11 of the first stage where the start pulse VST is inputted, the high voltage from the previous stage cannot be provided. Therefore, only the start pulse VST drives the transistor T 11 with the voltage amplitude of 5V which is higher than 3V of the driving pulses V 1 and V 2 ; prevents the voltage from falling in the transistor T 11 ; and enables the bootstrap capacitor C 1 to charge up to 3V of the source voltage VDD. In FIG. 3 at the time T0, when the start pulse VST rises to 5V, the bootstrap capacitor charging transistor T 11 of the first stage turns on; and the bootstrap capacitor C 1 is charged toward the source voltage VDD. Here, even if the bootstrap capacitor charging transistor T 11 is an enhancement type NMOS, without the influence of the threshold voltage Vt1 of the transistor T 11 , the voltage VN 11 of the node N 11 where the gate of the output transistor T 12 is connected is charged up to 3V of the source voltage VDD; and the output transistor T 12 turns on. At the time T1, when the driving pulse V 1 of 3V is inputted into the drain of the output transistor T 12 , the voltage HB 1 is applied to the gate (the node N 11 ) of the output transistor T 12 , said voltage HB 1 being the combination of the driving pulse V 1 of 3V and the potential difference between the both ends of the bootstrap capacitor C 1 (3V-Vt1); and the pulse of the amplitude H 1 is outputted from the node N 12 . At the same time, the voltage HB 1 of the node N 11 is applied to the gate of the bootstrap capacitor charging transistor T 21 of the second stage; the transistor T 21 turns on; and the bootstrap capacitor C 2 is charged to the source voltage VDD without falling for the threshold voltage of the transistor T 21 . When the charging voltage of the bootstrap capacitor C 2 (the node N 21 ) exceeds the threshold voltage of the output transistor T 22 , the output transistor T 22 of the second stage turns on. Simultaneously, the voltage of the node N 21 is applied to the gate of the bootstrap capacitor charging transistor T 31 of the third stage. Thus, the transistor T 31 turns on, and the bootstrap capacitor C 3 is charged to the voltage (3V-Vt3) lowered for the threshold voltage Vt3 of the transistor T 31 . In this state, in the case the driving pulse V 1 is 3V which is a logical “High” level, when the driving pulse V 1 is outputted to the output node N 12 of the first stage, the pulse of the amplitude less than the driving pulse of V 1 is also outputted to the output node N 32 of the third stage. To solve this problem, the plus terminal of the bootstrap capacitor C 3 is set close to the earth voltage; and in order for the output transistor T 32 of the third stage to turn off, the error operation preventative transistor T 35 is connected between the plus terminal of the bootstrap capacitor C 3 and the earth voltage. In other words, the drain of the error operation preventative transistor T 35 is connected to the plus terminal of the bootstrap capacitor C 3 ; the source of T 35 is connected to the earth voltage; and the gate is connected to the output node N 12 of the first stage. Also, when the driving pulse V 1 is appearing in the output node N 12 of the first stage, the error operation preventative transistor T 35 is turned on; the potential of the node N 31 is set close to the earth voltage; thereby the driving pulse V 1 is prevented from appearing in the output node N 32 of the third stage. In the same manner, the plus terminal of the bootstrap capacitor C 4 is connected to the drain of the error operation preventative transistor T 45 ; the earth voltage is connected to the source of the T 45 ; the gate of T 45 is connected to the output node N 22 of the two stages forward; thus, the error operation is prevented through all the stages. However, in the processes of a low-voltage driving and a fast operation, it is necessary to set the threshold voltage low for the output transistor such as the output transistor T 32 . In the error operation preventative method wherein only the plus terminal of the bootstrap capacitor C 3 is set close to the earth voltage, the output transistor such as the output transistor T 32 turns on; and the voltage with the amplitude lower than V 1 and V 2 of the driving pulse is outputted to the node N 32 and all the nodes of the backward stages corresponding to the node N 32 . Therefore, the pulse output occurs in other places than the designated places for the pulse output, and the signal transmission circuit does not operate normally. For example, at the time T1, the error operation preventative transistor T 35 has “ON” electrical resistance; the potential of the node N 31 does not completely become 0; thus the output transistor T 32 turns on. In the future processes of the low-voltage driving and the fast operation of the circuit, this error operation will appear prominently.
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Title:
SIGNAL TRANSMISSION CIRCUIT
Abstract:
The signal transmission circuit is provided, said signal transmission circuit being capable of stable operations even with a source power of low voltage and a fast operation. The signal transmission circuit comprises plural stages of circuit in each of which the pulse voltage according to the driving pulse is sequentially outputted. The circuit of each stage includes: the output transistor T12 for outputting the pulse voltage to the source, according to the driving pulse; the bootstrap capacitor C1 connected between the gate and the source of the output transistor; the first charging transistor T11 for charging the bootstrap capacitor; the first and the second discharging transistor T13 and T14 for discharging the electric charge of the bootstrap capacitor; and the logical circuit which (i) turns on the first and the second discharging transistor, according to the driving pulse for each circuit of the other stages, and (ii) turns off the first and the second discharging transistor, according to the gate signal of the charging transistor.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION (1) Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a signal transmission circuit, so-called shift register, in particular, to the shift register for driving Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) image sensor. (2) Description of the Related Art FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing a structure example of a conventional signal transmission circuit, and describes the four stages of the circuit comprising multiple stages (refer to Japanese Patent publication No. H3-75960 ( FIG. 3 )). This signal transmission circuit comprises the output transistor to the next stage T 12 , T 22 , T 32 and T 42 , the bootstrap capacitor C 1 , C 2 , C 3 and C 4 , the bootstrap capacitor charging transistor T 11 , T 21 , T 31 and T 41 , the first discharging transistor T 13 , T 23 , T 33 and T 43 and the second discharging transistor T 14 , T 24 , T 34 and T 44 . Each element of this signal transmission circuit is provided with, at least, one or more than one of the source voltage VDD, the driving pulses V 1 and V 2 and the start pulse VST. The operations performed by the conventional signal transmission circuit of such structure as described above will be explained as following. When the start pulse VST rises to the logical “High” level, the bootstrap capacitor charging transistor T 11 of the first stage turns on. Thus, the electric charge is charged in the bootstrap capacitor C 1 until the electric voltage becomes (the source voltage VDD—the threshold voltage Vt1 of the transistor T 11 ). When the charging voltage of the bootstrap capacitor C 1 exceeds the threshold voltage of the output transistor T 12 , the output transistor T 12 of the first stage turns on. Then, after the driving pulse V 1 of the logical “High” level is inputted into the drain of the output transistor T 12 , the voltage of the driving pulse V 1 and the potential difference between the both ends of the bootstrap capacitor C 1 are added and applied to the gate of the output transistor T 12 . When the gate potential (the node N 11 ) of the output transistor T 12 rises higher than the potential of the driving pulse V 1 , the driving pulse V 1 gets outputted as the output pulse OUT 1 from the node N 12 . At the same time, when (i) the voltage of the node N 12 is applied to the gate of the bootstrap capacitor charging transistor T 21 of the second stage, (ii) the transistor T 21 turns on, and (iii) the bootstrap capacitor C 2 is charged to the source voltage VDD while the charging voltage does not fall for the threshold voltage Vt2 of the transistor T 21 . When the charging voltage of the bootstrap capacitor C 2 exceeds the threshold voltage of the output transistor T 22 , the output transistor T 22 of the second stage turns on. Then, after the driving pulse V 2 of the logical “High” level is inputted into the drain of the output transistor T 22 , the potential of the driving pulse V 2 and the potential difference between the both ends of the bootstrap capacitor C 2 are added and applied to the gate of the output transistor. When the gate voltage (the node N 21 ) of the transistor T 22 rises higher than the potential of the driving pulse V 2 , the driving pulse V 2 is outputted as the output pulse OUT 2 from the node N 22 . At the same time, when the voltage of the node N 22 is applied to the gate of the bootstrap capacitor charging transistor T 31 of the third stage, the transistor T 31 turns on. Thus, the bootstrap capacitor C 3 is charged to the source voltage VDD without falling for the threshold voltage Vt3 of the transistor T 32 . When the charging voltage of the bootstrap capacitor C 3 exceeds the threshold voltage of the output transistor T 32 , the output transistor T 32 of the third stage turns on. Such operations as described above are repeated, and the signal transmission circuit further sequentially outputs the output pulse Out 3 and Out 4 . FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing a structure example of a conventional error operation preventative signal transmission circuit. In this improved signal transmission circuit, the source voltage is certainly applied to the gate of the bootstrap capacitor charging transistor, while in the conventional signal transmission circuit shown in FIG. 1 , only the lower voltage than the source voltage VDD was applied to the gate of the bootstrap capacitor charging transistor. This error operation preventative signal transmission circuit prevents (i) the voltages of the nodes N 11 , N 21 , N 31 and N 41 from gradually falling and (ii) the output pulses from stopping at several stages forward. The error operation preventative signal transmission circuit shown in FIG. 2 is different from the signal transmission circuit shown in FIG. 1 , and it further comprises the first error operation preventative transistor T 35 and T 45 , respectively for the circuit of the third and the fourth stages. As for the transistor T 35 , (i) the gate is connected to the source (the node N 12 ) of the output transistor T 12 , (ii) the drain is connected to the source (the node N 31 ) of the bootstrap capacitor charging transistor T 31 , and (iii) the source is earthed. As for the transistor T 45 , (i) the gate is connected to the source (the node N 22 ) of the output transistor T 22 , (ii) the drain is connected to the source (the node N 41 ) of the bootstrap capacitor charging transistor T 41 , and (iii) the source is earthed. In addition, the error operation preventative signal transmission circuit shown in FIG. 2 is different from the signal transmission circuit shown in FIG. 1 in that the gate of the second discharging transistor of each stage is connected to the source of the output transistor of the next stage. For example, the gate of the second discharging transistor T 14 of the first stage is connected to the source of the output transistor T 22 of the second stage. The operations performed by the error operation preventative signal transmission circuit will be explained as following. FIG. 3 is a time chart showing the pulse voltage of each unit in the conventional signal transmission circuit using only NMOS. This circuit is a 3V type circuit, wherein the voltage amplitude of the driving pulses V 1 and V 2 and the source voltage VDD are 3V. However, the voltage amplitude of the start pulse VST is 5V. Here, the reason why only the source voltage of the start pulse VST is 5V is because only in the bootstrap capacitor charging transistor T 11 of the first stage where the start pulse VST is inputted, the high voltage from the previous stage cannot be provided. Therefore, only the start pulse VST drives the transistor T 11 with the voltage amplitude of 5V which is higher than 3V of the driving pulses V 1 and V 2 ; prevents the voltage from falling in the transistor T 11 ; and enables the bootstrap capacitor C 1 to charge up to 3V of the source voltage VDD. In FIG. 3 at the time T0, when the start pulse VST rises to 5V, the bootstrap capacitor charging transistor T 11 of the first stage turns on; and the bootstrap capacitor C 1 is charged toward the source voltage VDD. Here, even if the bootstrap capacitor charging transistor T 11 is an enhancement type NMOS, without the influence of the threshold voltage Vt1 of the transistor T 11 , the voltage VN 11 of the node N 11 where the gate of the output transistor T 12 is connected is charged up to 3V of the source voltage VDD; and the output transistor T 12 turns on. At the time T1, when the driving pulse V 1 of 3V is inputted into the drain of the output transistor T 12 , the voltage HB 1 is applied to the gate (the node N 11 ) of the output transistor T 12 , said voltage HB 1 being the combination of the driving pulse V 1 of 3V and the potential difference between the both ends of the bootstrap capacitor C 1 (3V-Vt1); and the pulse of the amplitude H 1 is outputted from the node N 12 . At the same time, the voltage HB 1 of the node N 11 is applied to the gate of the bootstrap capacitor charging transistor T 21 of the second stage; the transistor T 21 turns on; and the bootstrap capacitor C 2 is charged to the source voltage VDD without falling for the threshold voltage of the transistor T 21 . When the charging voltage of the bootstrap capacitor C 2 (the node N 21 ) exceeds the threshold voltage of the output transistor T 22 , the output transistor T 22 of the second stage turns on. Simultaneously, the voltage of the node N 21 is applied to the gate of the bootstrap capacitor charging transistor T 31 of the third stage. Thus, the transistor T 31 turns on, and the bootstrap capacitor C 3 is charged to the voltage (3V-Vt3) lowered for the threshold voltage Vt3 of the transistor T 31 . In this state, in the case the driving pulse V 1 is 3V which is a logical “High” level, when the driving pulse V 1 is outputted to the output node N 12 of the first stage, the pulse of the amplitude less than the driving pulse of V 1 is also outputted to the output node N 32 of the third stage. To solve this problem, the plus terminal of the bootstrap capacitor C 3 is set close to the earth voltage; and in order for the output transistor T 32 of the third stage to turn off, the error operation preventative transistor T 35 is connected between the plus terminal of the bootstrap capacitor C 3 and the earth voltage. In other words, the drain of the error operation preventative transistor T 35 is connected to the plus terminal of the bootstrap capacitor C 3 ; the source of T 35 is connected to the earth voltage; and the gate is connected to the output node N 12 of the first stage. Also, when the driving pulse V 1 is appearing in the output node N 12 of the first stage, the error operation preventative transistor T 35 is turned on; the potential of the node N 31 is set close to the earth voltage; thereby the driving pulse V 1 is prevented from appearing in the output node N 32 of the third stage. In the same manner, the plus terminal of the bootstrap capacitor C 4 is connected to the drain of the error operation preventative transistor T 45 ; the earth voltage is connected to the source of the T 45 ; the gate of T 45 is connected to the output node N 22 of the two stages forward; thus, the error operation is prevented through all the stages. However, in the processes of a low-voltage driving and a fast operation, it is necessary to set the threshold voltage low for the output transistor such as the output transistor T 32 . In the error operation preventative method wherein only the plus terminal of the bootstrap capacitor C 3 is set close to the earth voltage, the output transistor such as the output transistor T 32 turns on; and the voltage with the amplitude lower than V 1 and V 2 of the driving pulse is outputted to the node N 32 and all the nodes of the backward stages corresponding to the node N 32 . Therefore, the pulse output occurs in other places than the designated places for the pulse output, and the signal transmission circuit does not operate normally. For example, at the time T1, the error operation preventative transistor T 35 has “ON” electrical resistance; the potential of the node N 31 does not completely become 0; thus the output transistor T 32 turns on. In the future processes of the low-voltage driving and the fast operation of the circuit, this error operation will appear prominently.
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10958859
| 2,004
|
Threading and communication architecture for a graphical user interface
|
A system and method to facilitate communication between a user interface and an associated process is disclosed. A first thread is associated with the user interface and a second thread is associated with the process for implementing requests by the user interface. At least one state buffer is operable to store state data for controlling ownership to the state buffer by the first and second threads for communicating data between the first and second threads. The architecture may be used in connection with a debugging system, such as to facilitate responsive interaction between the GUI and the associated debugging system.
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BACKGROUND A graphical user interface (GUI) typically is associated with a process (or an engine) that executes computer-executable instructions in response to requests and/or information provided by the GUI. In certain types of applications, the GUI may appear non-responsive to a user while the process is executing a request, which may occur due to blocking by the process. Blocking often is due to the particular communication architecture employed to enable interactions between the GUI and the associated application. For example, it is common to employ a single threaded system in which blocking may occur while each request or command from the GUI is being processed. This creates an environment that tends to be insufficiently responsive to user commands, resulting in undesirable delays. One particular application in which GUI responsiveness is desired regardless of the state of the process is a debugging system. A debugging system provides a tool for debugging various types of software systems. For example, programmers may employ a debugging system for kernel debugging, such as may be associated with device driver code as well as other, more general, program debugging. Some debugging systems are implemented to debug single target software whereas others may allow multiple users to concurrently debug a common software target. A user may interact with a GUI of the debugging system to enter commands and see status information on an associated display. Users of debugging systems, most of whom are programmers, demand and/or expect responsiveness of the debugging system.
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Title:
Threading and communication architecture for a graphical user interface
Abstract:
A system and method to facilitate communication between a user interface and an associated process is disclosed. A first thread is associated with the user interface and a second thread is associated with the process for implementing requests by the user interface. At least one state buffer is operable to store state data for controlling ownership to the state buffer by the first and second threads for communicating data between the first and second threads. The architecture may be used in connection with a debugging system, such as to facilitate responsive interaction between the GUI and the associated debugging system.
Background:
BACKGROUND A graphical user interface (GUI) typically is associated with a process (or an engine) that executes computer-executable instructions in response to requests and/or information provided by the GUI. In certain types of applications, the GUI may appear non-responsive to a user while the process is executing a request, which may occur due to blocking by the process. Blocking often is due to the particular communication architecture employed to enable interactions between the GUI and the associated application. For example, it is common to employ a single threaded system in which blocking may occur while each request or command from the GUI is being processed. This creates an environment that tends to be insufficiently responsive to user commands, resulting in undesirable delays. One particular application in which GUI responsiveness is desired regardless of the state of the process is a debugging system. A debugging system provides a tool for debugging various types of software systems. For example, programmers may employ a debugging system for kernel debugging, such as may be associated with device driver code as well as other, more general, program debugging. Some debugging systems are implemented to debug single target software whereas others may allow multiple users to concurrently debug a common software target. A user may interact with a GUI of the debugging system to enter commands and see status information on an associated display. Users of debugging systems, most of whom are programmers, demand and/or expect responsiveness of the debugging system.
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10874441
| 2,004
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Abnormal cannabidiols as agents for lowering intraocular pressure
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The invention relates to the use of Abnormal Cannabidiols as potent ocular hypotensives, and are particularly suitable for the management of glaucoma. In particular said compounds are represented by formula I or formula or formula III
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Ocular hypotensive agents are useful in the treatment of a number of various ocular hypertensive conditions, such as post-surgical and post-laser trabeculectomy ocular hypertensive episodes, glaucoma, and as presurgical adjuncts. Glaucoma is a disease of the eye characterized by increased intraocular pressure. On the basis of its etiology, glaucoma has been classified as primary or secondary. For example, primary glaucoma in adults (congenital glaucoma) may be either open-angle or acute or chronic angle-closure. Secondary glaucoma results from pre-existing ocular diseases such as uveitis, intraocular tumor or an enlarged cataract. The underlying causes of primary glaucoma are not yet known. The increased intraocular tension is due to the obstruction of aqueous humor outflow. In chronic open-angle glaucoma, the anterior chamber and its anatomic structures appear normal, but drainage of the aqueous humor is impeded. In acute or chronic angle-closure, the anterior chamber is shallow, the filtration angle is narrowed, and the iris may obstruct the trabecular meshwork at the entrance of the canal of Schlemm. Dilation of the pupil may push the root of the iris forward against the angle, and may produce pupilary block and thus precipitate an acute attack. Eyes with narrow anterior chamber angles are predisposed to acute angle-closure glaucoma attacks of various degrees of severity. Secondary glaucoma is caused by any interference with the flow of aqueous humor from the posterior chamber into the anterior chamber and subsequently, into the canal of Schlemm. Inflammatory disease of the anterior segment may prevent aqueous escape by causing complete posterior synechia in iris bombe, and may plug the drainage channel with exudates. Other common causes are intraocular tumors, enlarged cataracts, central retinal vein occlusion, trauma to the eye, operative procedures and intraocular hemorrhage. Considering all types together, glaucoma occurs in about 2% of all persons over the age of 40 and may be asymptotic for years before progressing to rapid loss of vision. In cases where surgery is not indicated, topical α-adrenoreceptor antagonists have traditionally been the drugs of choice for treating glaucoma. Certain Abnormal Cannabidiols are disclosed in Howlett et al, “International Union of Pharmacology. XXVII. Classification of Cannabinoid Receptors”, Pharmacological Reviews 54: 161-202, 2002.
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Title:
Abnormal cannabidiols as agents for lowering intraocular pressure
Abstract:
The invention relates to the use of Abnormal Cannabidiols as potent ocular hypotensives, and are particularly suitable for the management of glaucoma. In particular said compounds are represented by formula I or formula or formula III
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Ocular hypotensive agents are useful in the treatment of a number of various ocular hypertensive conditions, such as post-surgical and post-laser trabeculectomy ocular hypertensive episodes, glaucoma, and as presurgical adjuncts. Glaucoma is a disease of the eye characterized by increased intraocular pressure. On the basis of its etiology, glaucoma has been classified as primary or secondary. For example, primary glaucoma in adults (congenital glaucoma) may be either open-angle or acute or chronic angle-closure. Secondary glaucoma results from pre-existing ocular diseases such as uveitis, intraocular tumor or an enlarged cataract. The underlying causes of primary glaucoma are not yet known. The increased intraocular tension is due to the obstruction of aqueous humor outflow. In chronic open-angle glaucoma, the anterior chamber and its anatomic structures appear normal, but drainage of the aqueous humor is impeded. In acute or chronic angle-closure, the anterior chamber is shallow, the filtration angle is narrowed, and the iris may obstruct the trabecular meshwork at the entrance of the canal of Schlemm. Dilation of the pupil may push the root of the iris forward against the angle, and may produce pupilary block and thus precipitate an acute attack. Eyes with narrow anterior chamber angles are predisposed to acute angle-closure glaucoma attacks of various degrees of severity. Secondary glaucoma is caused by any interference with the flow of aqueous humor from the posterior chamber into the anterior chamber and subsequently, into the canal of Schlemm. Inflammatory disease of the anterior segment may prevent aqueous escape by causing complete posterior synechia in iris bombe, and may plug the drainage channel with exudates. Other common causes are intraocular tumors, enlarged cataracts, central retinal vein occlusion, trauma to the eye, operative procedures and intraocular hemorrhage. Considering all types together, glaucoma occurs in about 2% of all persons over the age of 40 and may be asymptotic for years before progressing to rapid loss of vision. In cases where surgery is not indicated, topical α-adrenoreceptor antagonists have traditionally been the drugs of choice for treating glaucoma. Certain Abnormal Cannabidiols are disclosed in Howlett et al, “International Union of Pharmacology. XXVII. Classification of Cannabinoid Receptors”, Pharmacological Reviews 54: 161-202, 2002.
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11025575
| 2,004
|
System and method for determining a resistance level for training a muscle group for maximum power generation
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An apparatus and method evaluate the power of a muscle group of a user by measuring velocities of an engagement assembly coupled to a resistance element and moved by the user at a highest achievable velocity through a selected number of exercise strokes at each of two resistance levels. A first velocity is determined at a first resistance level. A second velocity is determined at a second resistance level. The first and second velocities are used in combination with the two resistance levels to determine a relationship between the velocity and the resistance level for a particular user. The resistance level where the resistance level and the velocity correspond to an overall maximum power is determined and is displayed for the user so that the user may use the optimum resistance level for training for maximum power generation.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is applicable to the fields of fitness, exercise, physical rehabilitation, sports medicine and extremity testing and is directed to methods and apparatuses useable in such fields. 2. Description of the Related Art Numerous devices have been developed to increase the strength, agility and quickness of athletes and other persons. In addition to enhancing the performance of athletes, such devices are used to improve or maintain the fitness and health of non-athletes, both to enhance the lifestyles of non-athletes and to potentially increase their respective life spans. Such devices range from basic equipment such as barbells, dumbbells, and the like, to increasingly more complex equipment such as universal gyms which enable a user to quickly modify the weights or resistances being used to exercise the user's muscles. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,257,593, 5,526,692 and 5,336,145 to Dennis L. Keiser and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. U.S. 2002/0024590 A1, which describe exercising apparatuses and related devices using pneumatic devices to provide controllable resistances, and which are incorporated by reference herein. In particular, such pneumatic exercising apparatuses advantageously reduce or eliminate the inertial effects of conventional weights wherein the force required to start moving a weight and the tendency of the weights to continue moving cause the forces required during each exercising stroke to vary throughout the stroke. Such pneumatic apparatuses provide a generally constant resistance throughout the exercising stroke. In addition to being used for the development of strength, agility and quickness, exercising apparatuses can be used to measure strength, agility and quickness of a person. For example, a person's ability to lift weights against the force of gravity or a corresponding ability to move against a resistance can be measured at different times to determine whether such characteristics are improving in response to an exercise program or in response to therapy. Such measurements can also be used for evaluation purposes to determine whether one or more muscles or muscle groups are not performing adequately so that a therapist or a fitness trainer, for example, can develop a program of therapy or training more specifically directed to the inadequately performing muscles. Historically, measurement and evaluation of muscular performance have concentrated on measuring the strength of a muscle or muscle group (e.g., measuring the amount of weight that can be lifted). However, it has been determined that strength alone does not accurately represent the performance of muscles. A person's muscles may be able to lift an adequate amount of weight, but may be too slow to be useful for many purposes. For example, an athlete putting the shot at a track and field contest must have the strength to easily move the sixteen-pound shot; however, the strength must be coupled with sufficient speed to cause the shot to be propelled with enough velocity to travel in excess of 70 feet (e.g., 70 feet, 11.25 inches by Randy Barnes at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics). In contrast, some activities require the ability to move very heavy objects at much lower velocities. Thus, although the power requirements may be similar for two activities, the forces and velocities at which the maximum power is required may be different for the two activities. From the foregoing it should be understood that a more meaningful measurement of the performance of a person's muscles is a measurement of power (e.g., a measurement of the force applied by the muscles times the velocity of the movement). The average power over an exercise stroke, for example, can be accomplished by timing the duration of the stroke and measuring the distance traveled to determine the average velocity, and then multiplying the average velocity by the force (e.g., the weight moved or the resistance overcome by the muscles). However, because of the structure of most appendages in a person's body, the speed of an exercise stroke will vary throughout the stroke as the appendage varies from full extension to full contraction and the leverage of the muscles against the moving portion of the appendage changes. During the course of an exercise or other physical development program an athlete or other user strives to continue improving his or her own capabilities with respect to strength and power. In a conventional training regimen, the user maintains a written log of the exercises performed on a given date, including, for example, the settings of the various exercise machines, the number of sets performed and the number of repetitions per set. Such written logs are often incomplete and may include mistakes in the entries of the data, either when writing the data or in remembering the number of sets and repetitions to record at each machine setting. Furthermore, in order to provide a meaningful summary of the exercises performed, it is necessary to transfer the information from the written log to another media (e.g., to storage media in a computer).
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Title:
System and method for determining a resistance level for training a muscle group for maximum power generation
Abstract:
An apparatus and method evaluate the power of a muscle group of a user by measuring velocities of an engagement assembly coupled to a resistance element and moved by the user at a highest achievable velocity through a selected number of exercise strokes at each of two resistance levels. A first velocity is determined at a first resistance level. A second velocity is determined at a second resistance level. The first and second velocities are used in combination with the two resistance levels to determine a relationship between the velocity and the resistance level for a particular user. The resistance level where the resistance level and the velocity correspond to an overall maximum power is determined and is displayed for the user so that the user may use the optimum resistance level for training for maximum power generation.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is applicable to the fields of fitness, exercise, physical rehabilitation, sports medicine and extremity testing and is directed to methods and apparatuses useable in such fields. 2. Description of the Related Art Numerous devices have been developed to increase the strength, agility and quickness of athletes and other persons. In addition to enhancing the performance of athletes, such devices are used to improve or maintain the fitness and health of non-athletes, both to enhance the lifestyles of non-athletes and to potentially increase their respective life spans. Such devices range from basic equipment such as barbells, dumbbells, and the like, to increasingly more complex equipment such as universal gyms which enable a user to quickly modify the weights or resistances being used to exercise the user's muscles. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,257,593, 5,526,692 and 5,336,145 to Dennis L. Keiser and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. U.S. 2002/0024590 A1, which describe exercising apparatuses and related devices using pneumatic devices to provide controllable resistances, and which are incorporated by reference herein. In particular, such pneumatic exercising apparatuses advantageously reduce or eliminate the inertial effects of conventional weights wherein the force required to start moving a weight and the tendency of the weights to continue moving cause the forces required during each exercising stroke to vary throughout the stroke. Such pneumatic apparatuses provide a generally constant resistance throughout the exercising stroke. In addition to being used for the development of strength, agility and quickness, exercising apparatuses can be used to measure strength, agility and quickness of a person. For example, a person's ability to lift weights against the force of gravity or a corresponding ability to move against a resistance can be measured at different times to determine whether such characteristics are improving in response to an exercise program or in response to therapy. Such measurements can also be used for evaluation purposes to determine whether one or more muscles or muscle groups are not performing adequately so that a therapist or a fitness trainer, for example, can develop a program of therapy or training more specifically directed to the inadequately performing muscles. Historically, measurement and evaluation of muscular performance have concentrated on measuring the strength of a muscle or muscle group (e.g., measuring the amount of weight that can be lifted). However, it has been determined that strength alone does not accurately represent the performance of muscles. A person's muscles may be able to lift an adequate amount of weight, but may be too slow to be useful for many purposes. For example, an athlete putting the shot at a track and field contest must have the strength to easily move the sixteen-pound shot; however, the strength must be coupled with sufficient speed to cause the shot to be propelled with enough velocity to travel in excess of 70 feet (e.g., 70 feet, 11.25 inches by Randy Barnes at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics). In contrast, some activities require the ability to move very heavy objects at much lower velocities. Thus, although the power requirements may be similar for two activities, the forces and velocities at which the maximum power is required may be different for the two activities. From the foregoing it should be understood that a more meaningful measurement of the performance of a person's muscles is a measurement of power (e.g., a measurement of the force applied by the muscles times the velocity of the movement). The average power over an exercise stroke, for example, can be accomplished by timing the duration of the stroke and measuring the distance traveled to determine the average velocity, and then multiplying the average velocity by the force (e.g., the weight moved or the resistance overcome by the muscles). However, because of the structure of most appendages in a person's body, the speed of an exercise stroke will vary throughout the stroke as the appendage varies from full extension to full contraction and the leverage of the muscles against the moving portion of the appendage changes. During the course of an exercise or other physical development program an athlete or other user strives to continue improving his or her own capabilities with respect to strength and power. In a conventional training regimen, the user maintains a written log of the exercises performed on a given date, including, for example, the settings of the various exercise machines, the number of sets performed and the number of repetitions per set. Such written logs are often incomplete and may include mistakes in the entries of the data, either when writing the data or in remembering the number of sets and repetitions to record at each machine setting. Furthermore, in order to provide a meaningful summary of the exercises performed, it is necessary to transfer the information from the written log to another media (e.g., to storage media in a computer).
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10814330
| 2,004
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Method and apparatus for securely establishing L3-SVC connections
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A system and method are provided for securely establishing Layer-3 SVCs or SPVCs across an ATM network. An originating multiservice switch that generates the connection setup message for the Layer-3 connection includes security information within the setup message, such as a Closed User Group Interlock Code. When the destination multiservice switch receives the setup message, it extracts the embedded security information and compares it with stored security information corresponding to the connection. The correspondence may be determined from the destination user. If the embedded security information matches the stored security information, the destination multiservice switch allows the connection to be established.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Internet Protocol (IP) traffic can be carried over an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) network using Switched Virtual Circuits (SVCs) or Soft Permanent Virtual Circuits (SPVCs). Conventionally, ATM switches are used to provide Customer Premises Equipment devices (CPEs) with access to the ATM network. If a CPE wishes to use multiple IP services, such as by using a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), then use of ATM switches and conventional ATM signaling requires a separate SVC or SPVC to be used for each such IP service. Each SVC or SPVC uses resources within the ATM network, and also uses resources (such as output ports) of a CPE modem used by the CPE to access the ATM network (usually through a DSL access modem). U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/417,116, entitled “SVC/SPVC with L3 IP Forwarding”, filed on Apr. 17, 2003 and incorporated by reference herein, teaches a method of carrying IP traffic over an ATM network in which only a single SVC or SPVC is used to carry IP traffic from multiple sources, such as from multiple users beyond a DSL access modem (DSLAM). Multiservice switches are used to provide the CPEs with access to the ATM network. By modifying the ATM signaling, IP forwarding within the multiservice switches can be used. Traffic from multiple services, either from a single CPE or from multiple CPEs sharing a DSLAM, accesses the ATM network through a single IP interface at the multiservice switch. The multiservice switch forwards the IP packets across its switch fabric to an egress port of the multiservice switch. The egress port is one endpoint of a single SPVC or SVC used to carry all traffic from the multiple services. The other endpoint of the SPVC or SVC is an ingress port of the destination multiservice switch. The destination multiservice switch extracts the IP packets arriving over the SPVC or SVC, and forwards them using IP forwarding to one or more IP interfaces at the destination multiservice switch, each of which leads to a service. While the method and system taught by U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/417,116 allows efficient use of resources when transporting IP traffic over an ATM network, the system is inherently insecure. In conventional ATM networks, Closed User Groups (CUGs) can be used to provide security, as described in ITU-T, “Stage 3 Description for Community of Interest Supplementary Services using B-ISDN Digital Subscriber Signaling System No. 2 (DSS2)”, Section 1, Draft ITU-T Recommendation Q.2955.1. However, conventional use of CUGs with Layer-3 SVCs or Layer-3 SPVCs is not currently supported, partly because a user location to associate with a CUG is not easily identifiable during creation of Layer-3 SVCs and Layer-3 SPVCs. Similarly, Layer-3 forwarding SVCs and SPVCs do not support other conventional security features.
|
Title:
Method and apparatus for securely establishing L3-SVC connections
Abstract:
A system and method are provided for securely establishing Layer-3 SVCs or SPVCs across an ATM network. An originating multiservice switch that generates the connection setup message for the Layer-3 connection includes security information within the setup message, such as a Closed User Group Interlock Code. When the destination multiservice switch receives the setup message, it extracts the embedded security information and compares it with stored security information corresponding to the connection. The correspondence may be determined from the destination user. If the embedded security information matches the stored security information, the destination multiservice switch allows the connection to be established.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Internet Protocol (IP) traffic can be carried over an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) network using Switched Virtual Circuits (SVCs) or Soft Permanent Virtual Circuits (SPVCs). Conventionally, ATM switches are used to provide Customer Premises Equipment devices (CPEs) with access to the ATM network. If a CPE wishes to use multiple IP services, such as by using a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), then use of ATM switches and conventional ATM signaling requires a separate SVC or SPVC to be used for each such IP service. Each SVC or SPVC uses resources within the ATM network, and also uses resources (such as output ports) of a CPE modem used by the CPE to access the ATM network (usually through a DSL access modem). U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/417,116, entitled “SVC/SPVC with L3 IP Forwarding”, filed on Apr. 17, 2003 and incorporated by reference herein, teaches a method of carrying IP traffic over an ATM network in which only a single SVC or SPVC is used to carry IP traffic from multiple sources, such as from multiple users beyond a DSL access modem (DSLAM). Multiservice switches are used to provide the CPEs with access to the ATM network. By modifying the ATM signaling, IP forwarding within the multiservice switches can be used. Traffic from multiple services, either from a single CPE or from multiple CPEs sharing a DSLAM, accesses the ATM network through a single IP interface at the multiservice switch. The multiservice switch forwards the IP packets across its switch fabric to an egress port of the multiservice switch. The egress port is one endpoint of a single SPVC or SVC used to carry all traffic from the multiple services. The other endpoint of the SPVC or SVC is an ingress port of the destination multiservice switch. The destination multiservice switch extracts the IP packets arriving over the SPVC or SVC, and forwards them using IP forwarding to one or more IP interfaces at the destination multiservice switch, each of which leads to a service. While the method and system taught by U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/417,116 allows efficient use of resources when transporting IP traffic over an ATM network, the system is inherently insecure. In conventional ATM networks, Closed User Groups (CUGs) can be used to provide security, as described in ITU-T, “Stage 3 Description for Community of Interest Supplementary Services using B-ISDN Digital Subscriber Signaling System No. 2 (DSS2)”, Section 1, Draft ITU-T Recommendation Q.2955.1. However, conventional use of CUGs with Layer-3 SVCs or Layer-3 SPVCs is not currently supported, partly because a user location to associate with a CUG is not easily identifiable during creation of Layer-3 SVCs and Layer-3 SPVCs. Similarly, Layer-3 forwarding SVCs and SPVCs do not support other conventional security features.
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11003523
| 2,004
|
Disk drive unit, ramp tool for assembling disk drive unit and an assembly method of disk drive unit using the same
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A disk drive unit includes a first cover having a first part of magnet component and a head stack assembly mounted on the first cover; and a second cover assembled with the first cover, which having a second part of magnet component, a spindle motor and at least one disks. The invention also discloses a ramp tool used for assembling the disk drive which has its disk and HSA assembled in two different halves, which includes a tool body; and a holding means extending from the tool body to hold a lift tab of a head stack assembly in a loading status. The invention also disclose a method of assembling such as disk drive unit.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Referring to FIG. 1 , a traditional disk drive 20 has a bottom part and a top cover 29 which are combined with each other. The bottom part comprises a head stack assembly (HSA) 17 with a slider (not shown), a disk 11 , and a ramp 15 mounted on a bottom cover 19 . The disk 11 is mounted on a spindle motor 31 which causes the disk 11 to spin, and a voice-coil motor 13 is provided for controlling the motion of the HSA 17 and thus controlling the slider thereon to move from track to track across the surface of the disk 11 to read data from or write data to the disk 11 . The ramp 15 transitions the slider off-of and back-onto a flying area above the surface of the rotating disk 11 , which typically interacts with a lift tab at an end of the HSA 17 . However, the rework of the HSA 17 of the traditional disk drive 20 , especially the slider, is not convenient because it must remove the HSA 17 from the bottom cover 19 before rework. In order to simplify the rework of the HSA 17 , it attempts to mount the HSA 17 on the top cover 29 . In this way, it is not required to remove the HSA 17 from the top cover 29 when reworking the HSA 17 , especially the slider, but only need to separate the top cover 29 with the bottom part. But if the HSA 17 is mounted on the top cover 29 , it is difficult to load the lift tab of the HSA 17 on the ramp 15 to get an initial status when assembling the top cover 29 with the bottom part because there exists a free angle between the suspension at a free status and a loading status, which results in a difference therebetween at a horizontal direction. It is therefore desirable to provide a disk drive unit with its disk and HSA assembled in two different halves, a ramp tool for assembling such disk drive units and an assembly method of disk drive unit using the ramp tool to solve the above-mentioned problems.
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Title:
Disk drive unit, ramp tool for assembling disk drive unit and an assembly method of disk drive unit using the same
Abstract:
A disk drive unit includes a first cover having a first part of magnet component and a head stack assembly mounted on the first cover; and a second cover assembled with the first cover, which having a second part of magnet component, a spindle motor and at least one disks. The invention also discloses a ramp tool used for assembling the disk drive which has its disk and HSA assembled in two different halves, which includes a tool body; and a holding means extending from the tool body to hold a lift tab of a head stack assembly in a loading status. The invention also disclose a method of assembling such as disk drive unit.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Referring to FIG. 1 , a traditional disk drive 20 has a bottom part and a top cover 29 which are combined with each other. The bottom part comprises a head stack assembly (HSA) 17 with a slider (not shown), a disk 11 , and a ramp 15 mounted on a bottom cover 19 . The disk 11 is mounted on a spindle motor 31 which causes the disk 11 to spin, and a voice-coil motor 13 is provided for controlling the motion of the HSA 17 and thus controlling the slider thereon to move from track to track across the surface of the disk 11 to read data from or write data to the disk 11 . The ramp 15 transitions the slider off-of and back-onto a flying area above the surface of the rotating disk 11 , which typically interacts with a lift tab at an end of the HSA 17 . However, the rework of the HSA 17 of the traditional disk drive 20 , especially the slider, is not convenient because it must remove the HSA 17 from the bottom cover 19 before rework. In order to simplify the rework of the HSA 17 , it attempts to mount the HSA 17 on the top cover 29 . In this way, it is not required to remove the HSA 17 from the top cover 29 when reworking the HSA 17 , especially the slider, but only need to separate the top cover 29 with the bottom part. But if the HSA 17 is mounted on the top cover 29 , it is difficult to load the lift tab of the HSA 17 on the ramp 15 to get an initial status when assembling the top cover 29 with the bottom part because there exists a free angle between the suspension at a free status and a loading status, which results in a difference therebetween at a horizontal direction. It is therefore desirable to provide a disk drive unit with its disk and HSA assembled in two different halves, a ramp tool for assembling such disk drive units and an assembly method of disk drive unit using the ramp tool to solve the above-mentioned problems.
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10957581
| 2,004
|
Method for storing and comparing computer generated lines
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A method is provided for creating a quadrant array by using two consecutive points in an array of x, y coordinate values generated by movements of a computer mouse or a digitizer tablet. The quadrant array is then saved in computer storage for later verification with a sample quadrant array by using a comparison function.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to storing collected data points from any computer pointing device, such as a mouse or a digitizer tablet, in a specific format, and more specifically, the comparison of two continuous lines generated by a mouse or a digitizer tablet. The process of visually comparing two continuous lines for equality is well-established. For example, a person is asked to write a continuous line on one sheet of paper and then is asked to write the same continuous line on a second sheet of paper. By visually comparing the two continuous lines, it can be concluded either the two lines are similar or not similar. The visual comparison is time consuming and can result in comparison errors due to human factors, such as vision problems. The two continuous lines can be electronically generated and compared using an automated computer based verification system. An automated computer based verification system requires a computer mouse or a digitizer tablet to collect data points. A computer mouse and a digitizer tablet are known for data input applications. Typically, a mouse or a digitizer tablet is used for capturing primarily spatial and sequential information. When a mouse is moved or something is written on a digitizer tablet, the output is a parametric representation of the movement; that is, the writing is represented as a series of x, y coordinate values as a function of time. This feature may be applied to other gathering functions. The accuracy of an automated computer based verification system relies on the mathematical algorithms and methods of comparing two continuous lines. Today, there are many companies who have developed their own automated computer based verification system, but these systems make mistakes in recognizing the differences between two continuous lines. What is needed is a method for collecting the parametric representation of the movement of the computer mouse or digitizer tablet at certain time intervals and using the collected parametric representation to generate certain differentiating factors to provide a highly reliable technique for comparing two continuous lines.
|
Title:
Method for storing and comparing computer generated lines
Abstract:
A method is provided for creating a quadrant array by using two consecutive points in an array of x, y coordinate values generated by movements of a computer mouse or a digitizer tablet. The quadrant array is then saved in computer storage for later verification with a sample quadrant array by using a comparison function.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to storing collected data points from any computer pointing device, such as a mouse or a digitizer tablet, in a specific format, and more specifically, the comparison of two continuous lines generated by a mouse or a digitizer tablet. The process of visually comparing two continuous lines for equality is well-established. For example, a person is asked to write a continuous line on one sheet of paper and then is asked to write the same continuous line on a second sheet of paper. By visually comparing the two continuous lines, it can be concluded either the two lines are similar or not similar. The visual comparison is time consuming and can result in comparison errors due to human factors, such as vision problems. The two continuous lines can be electronically generated and compared using an automated computer based verification system. An automated computer based verification system requires a computer mouse or a digitizer tablet to collect data points. A computer mouse and a digitizer tablet are known for data input applications. Typically, a mouse or a digitizer tablet is used for capturing primarily spatial and sequential information. When a mouse is moved or something is written on a digitizer tablet, the output is a parametric representation of the movement; that is, the writing is represented as a series of x, y coordinate values as a function of time. This feature may be applied to other gathering functions. The accuracy of an automated computer based verification system relies on the mathematical algorithms and methods of comparing two continuous lines. Today, there are many companies who have developed their own automated computer based verification system, but these systems make mistakes in recognizing the differences between two continuous lines. What is needed is a method for collecting the parametric representation of the movement of the computer mouse or digitizer tablet at certain time intervals and using the collected parametric representation to generate certain differentiating factors to provide a highly reliable technique for comparing two continuous lines.
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10883729
| 2,004
|
Hydrostatic transaxle
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An integrated hydraulic transaxle (IHT) comprises a hydrostatic transmission (HST), an axle driven by the HST, and a housing incorporating the HST and the axle. The HST includes a variable displacement hydraulic pump driven by a prime mover, and a hydraulic motor fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump has a trunnion type movable swash plate. The internal displacement of the hydraulic motor is larger than the internal displacement of the hydraulic pump so as to increase the hydraulic deceleration activity of the HST. In the IHT, a mechanical deceleration drive train is interposed between the hydraulic motor and the axle. The mechanical deceleration activity of the mechanical deceleration drive train is reduced so far as the increase of the hydraulic deceleration activity of the HST.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to an integrated hydraulic transaxle (IHT); i.e., IHT incorporating a hydrostatic transmission (HST) and an axle, and preferably, a mechanical deceleration drive train interposed between the HST and the axle. 2. Related Art There is a well-known conventional hydraulic transaxle, i.e., IHT, which has a transmission casing integrally incorporating an HST, an axle, and a mechanical deceleration drive train (gearing) interposed between the HST and the axle. The HST comprises a hydraulic pump and motor fluidly connected to each other, wherein the hydraulic pump and/or motor has a movable swash plate for changing its displacement. Reduction of the deceleration ratio of a mechanical deceleration drive train in an IHT is advantageous in minimizing and simplifying the IHT and reducing noise generated from the IHT. If the deceleration ratio of the mechanical deceleration drive train in an IHT is reduced, the HST is requested to increase its deceleration ratio between the hydraulic pump and motor so as to compensate for the reduction of deceleration ratio of the mechanical deceleration drive train. U.S. Pat. No. 5,201,692, for example, discloses a conventional IHT having an HST, in which the internal displacement of hydraulic pump is smaller than the internal displacement of hydraulic motor so as to increase the deceleration ratio of the HST. In a usual HST, internal displacements of the pump and motor are equal to each other so that the maximum rotary speeds of the pump and motor are equal to each other. In this state, reciprocation of pistons in a cylinder block of the pump is synchronous to reciprocation of pistons in a cylinder block of the motor, thereby generating large vibration and noise. In the HST disclosed in the document, the difference of internal displacement between the hydraulic pump and the motor, such as not to synchronize the rotational frequency of the pump to that of the motor, is also advantageous to reduce vibration and noise. In the IHT disclosed in the above document, the axial piston type hydraulic pump is provided with a cradle type movable swash plate. The cradle type movable swash plate has an arcuately convex surface slidably fitting to an arcuately concave inner surface of the IHT housing or a retainer fitted therealong. The concave surface of the IHT housing or the retainer must be so long as to ensure the sufficient slide range of the swash plate, thereby expanding the IHT housing. Further, the concave surface must be processed to resist strain, thereby increasing the manufacturing cost of the IHT. The fitting of surfaces between the swash plate and the IHT housing is subject to contamination and causes frictional resistance to reduce the efficiency of operational force for moving the swash plate. Thus, the disclosed IHT involves some obstacles in the way of being reduced in size and costs while ensuring its durability. Furthermore, in the IHT disclosed in the above document, the hydraulic motor extends a motor shaft relatively rotatably penetrating a center section on which the hydraulic pump and motor are mounted and fluidly connected to each other through a closed fluid circuit therein. The peripheral surface area of the motor shaft slidably rotatably contacting the center section or a thrust bearing therebetween is considerably large so as to reduce the efficiency of transmitting power from the hydraulic motor to the motor shaft. Such a loss of transmission efficiency is disadvantageous to minimize the HST because the HST must have such a large displacement as to absorb the loss.
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Title:
Hydrostatic transaxle
Abstract:
An integrated hydraulic transaxle (IHT) comprises a hydrostatic transmission (HST), an axle driven by the HST, and a housing incorporating the HST and the axle. The HST includes a variable displacement hydraulic pump driven by a prime mover, and a hydraulic motor fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump has a trunnion type movable swash plate. The internal displacement of the hydraulic motor is larger than the internal displacement of the hydraulic pump so as to increase the hydraulic deceleration activity of the HST. In the IHT, a mechanical deceleration drive train is interposed between the hydraulic motor and the axle. The mechanical deceleration activity of the mechanical deceleration drive train is reduced so far as the increase of the hydraulic deceleration activity of the HST.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to an integrated hydraulic transaxle (IHT); i.e., IHT incorporating a hydrostatic transmission (HST) and an axle, and preferably, a mechanical deceleration drive train interposed between the HST and the axle. 2. Related Art There is a well-known conventional hydraulic transaxle, i.e., IHT, which has a transmission casing integrally incorporating an HST, an axle, and a mechanical deceleration drive train (gearing) interposed between the HST and the axle. The HST comprises a hydraulic pump and motor fluidly connected to each other, wherein the hydraulic pump and/or motor has a movable swash plate for changing its displacement. Reduction of the deceleration ratio of a mechanical deceleration drive train in an IHT is advantageous in minimizing and simplifying the IHT and reducing noise generated from the IHT. If the deceleration ratio of the mechanical deceleration drive train in an IHT is reduced, the HST is requested to increase its deceleration ratio between the hydraulic pump and motor so as to compensate for the reduction of deceleration ratio of the mechanical deceleration drive train. U.S. Pat. No. 5,201,692, for example, discloses a conventional IHT having an HST, in which the internal displacement of hydraulic pump is smaller than the internal displacement of hydraulic motor so as to increase the deceleration ratio of the HST. In a usual HST, internal displacements of the pump and motor are equal to each other so that the maximum rotary speeds of the pump and motor are equal to each other. In this state, reciprocation of pistons in a cylinder block of the pump is synchronous to reciprocation of pistons in a cylinder block of the motor, thereby generating large vibration and noise. In the HST disclosed in the document, the difference of internal displacement between the hydraulic pump and the motor, such as not to synchronize the rotational frequency of the pump to that of the motor, is also advantageous to reduce vibration and noise. In the IHT disclosed in the above document, the axial piston type hydraulic pump is provided with a cradle type movable swash plate. The cradle type movable swash plate has an arcuately convex surface slidably fitting to an arcuately concave inner surface of the IHT housing or a retainer fitted therealong. The concave surface of the IHT housing or the retainer must be so long as to ensure the sufficient slide range of the swash plate, thereby expanding the IHT housing. Further, the concave surface must be processed to resist strain, thereby increasing the manufacturing cost of the IHT. The fitting of surfaces between the swash plate and the IHT housing is subject to contamination and causes frictional resistance to reduce the efficiency of operational force for moving the swash plate. Thus, the disclosed IHT involves some obstacles in the way of being reduced in size and costs while ensuring its durability. Furthermore, in the IHT disclosed in the above document, the hydraulic motor extends a motor shaft relatively rotatably penetrating a center section on which the hydraulic pump and motor are mounted and fluidly connected to each other through a closed fluid circuit therein. The peripheral surface area of the motor shaft slidably rotatably contacting the center section or a thrust bearing therebetween is considerably large so as to reduce the efficiency of transmitting power from the hydraulic motor to the motor shaft. Such a loss of transmission efficiency is disadvantageous to minimize the HST because the HST must have such a large displacement as to absorb the loss.
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10989157
| 2,004
|
Iris apparatus and operating method thereof
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The present invention discloses an iris apparatus and an operation method thereof, which iris apparatus can be used in an electrical micro-optic module or compact camera module. The iris apparatus is composed of a shifting board comprising one or at least two apertures thereon. By moving the shifting board, a required aperture can be transported to correct location so as to pass through or filter a path of light.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION (A) Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an iris apparatus to adjust an aperture value and to add extra filters, in particular, to an iris apparatus for a compact camera module (CCM) or electrical micro-optic module. (B) Description of Related Art For ordinary cameras (including digital cameras), iris structures used in adjusting an aperture value are composed by a plurality of fin plates (usually 6), which are arranged in a circle so as to control the aperture value by centrifugal or centripetal movements of the plates. However, assembly of such a structure is complicated and light penetrating between plates is also a big problem of the prior art structure. According to aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art, many innovated iris (aperture) structures have been invented, such as TW 582,565, which is an iris structure based on LCD. By adjusting the color and pattern of the LCD, light entering the CCM (which means aperture and shutter) can be properly adjusted. However, not only the slow refresh rate of LCD makes it unqualified as a commercial shutter, LCD also consumes a significant portion of total power consumed in a digital camera, and apparently, adding another LCD is not a good idea. The present invention presents an innovated structure for the iris structure in photograph systems, which solves the drawbacks of the prior art.
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Title:
Iris apparatus and operating method thereof
Abstract:
The present invention discloses an iris apparatus and an operation method thereof, which iris apparatus can be used in an electrical micro-optic module or compact camera module. The iris apparatus is composed of a shifting board comprising one or at least two apertures thereon. By moving the shifting board, a required aperture can be transported to correct location so as to pass through or filter a path of light.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION (A) Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an iris apparatus to adjust an aperture value and to add extra filters, in particular, to an iris apparatus for a compact camera module (CCM) or electrical micro-optic module. (B) Description of Related Art For ordinary cameras (including digital cameras), iris structures used in adjusting an aperture value are composed by a plurality of fin plates (usually 6), which are arranged in a circle so as to control the aperture value by centrifugal or centripetal movements of the plates. However, assembly of such a structure is complicated and light penetrating between plates is also a big problem of the prior art structure. According to aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art, many innovated iris (aperture) structures have been invented, such as TW 582,565, which is an iris structure based on LCD. By adjusting the color and pattern of the LCD, light entering the CCM (which means aperture and shutter) can be properly adjusted. However, not only the slow refresh rate of LCD makes it unqualified as a commercial shutter, LCD also consumes a significant portion of total power consumed in a digital camera, and apparently, adding another LCD is not a good idea. The present invention presents an innovated structure for the iris structure in photograph systems, which solves the drawbacks of the prior art.
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10973452
| 2,004
|
Hair growth inhibitor and depilation accelerator
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The present invention relates to a hair growth inhibitor and a depilation accelerator, each comprising a crude drug selected from Bupleuri Radix, Perillae Herba, Rhei Rhizoma and Akebiae Caulis, or an extract thereof. This inhibitor or accelerator makes it possible to inhibit the growth of body hair or promote depilation, respectively, thereby reducing the frequency of hair removal treatment. Moreover, it makes the hair body finer, thereby facilitating the removal of the hair from feet or arms.
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BACKGROUND ART The body hair of mammals serves to biologically protect important organs such as head, chest, arms and feet. In recent years, however, the body hair, particularly, that of arms and feet tends to be regarded undesirable from the aesthetic viewpoint. To meet such a tendency, a variety of body hair removing methods, such as mechanical removing method using a shaver, hair-tweezers or the like and, a method of rooting up the hair by using a depilatory and a method making use of the chemical action of a hair removing agent. These hair removing methods however give a physical or chemical stimulus to the skin and are usually accompanied with a pain or discomfort. Although there is a little difference in durability among the methods, their effects do not last permanently, which requires further hair removal treatment after the passage of a predetermined time. There is accordingly a demand for reducing the frequency of the hair removal treatment. An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a hair growth inhibitor and a depilation accelerator capable of suppressing hair growth and accelerating depilation, respectively, thereby reducing the frequency of the body hair removal treatment.
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Title:
Hair growth inhibitor and depilation accelerator
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a hair growth inhibitor and a depilation accelerator, each comprising a crude drug selected from Bupleuri Radix, Perillae Herba, Rhei Rhizoma and Akebiae Caulis, or an extract thereof. This inhibitor or accelerator makes it possible to inhibit the growth of body hair or promote depilation, respectively, thereby reducing the frequency of hair removal treatment. Moreover, it makes the hair body finer, thereby facilitating the removal of the hair from feet or arms.
Background:
BACKGROUND ART The body hair of mammals serves to biologically protect important organs such as head, chest, arms and feet. In recent years, however, the body hair, particularly, that of arms and feet tends to be regarded undesirable from the aesthetic viewpoint. To meet such a tendency, a variety of body hair removing methods, such as mechanical removing method using a shaver, hair-tweezers or the like and, a method of rooting up the hair by using a depilatory and a method making use of the chemical action of a hair removing agent. These hair removing methods however give a physical or chemical stimulus to the skin and are usually accompanied with a pain or discomfort. Although there is a little difference in durability among the methods, their effects do not last permanently, which requires further hair removal treatment after the passage of a predetermined time. There is accordingly a demand for reducing the frequency of the hair removal treatment. An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a hair growth inhibitor and a depilation accelerator capable of suppressing hair growth and accelerating depilation, respectively, thereby reducing the frequency of the body hair removal treatment.
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10862518
| 2,004
|
Technique for forming transistors having raised drain and source regions with different heights
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The height of epitaxially grown semiconductor regions in extremely scaled semiconductor devices may be adjusted individually for different device regions in that two or more epitaxial growth steps may be carried out, wherein an epitaxial growth mask selectively suppresses the formation of a semiconductor region in a specified device region. In other embodiments, a common epitaxial growth process may be used for two or more different device regions and subsequently a selective oxidation process may be performed on selected device regions so as to precisely reduce the height of the previously epitaxially grown semiconductor regions in the selected areas.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to the fabrication of integrated circuits, and, more particularly, to the formation of locally raised semiconductor regions, such as raised drain and source regions of field effect transistors having extremely shallow PN junctions. 2. Description of the Related Art The fabrication of integrated circuits requires the formation of a large number of circuit elements on a given chip area according to a specified circuit layout. Generally, a plurality of process technologies are currently practiced, wherein for logic circuitry, such as microprocessors, storage chips and the like, CMOS technology is currently the most promising approach due to the superior characteristics in view of operating speed and/or power consumption. During the fabrication of complex integrated circuits using the CMOS technology, millions of complementary transistors, i.e., N-channel transistors and P-channel transistors, are formed on an appropriate substrate. Typically, a MOS transistor, irrespective of whether an N-channel transistor or a P-channel transistor is considered, comprises so-called PN-junctions that are formed at an interface of highly doped drain and source regions with an inversely doped channel region disposed between the drain region and the source region. The conductivity of the channel region is controlled by a gate electrode formed above the channel region and separated therefrom by a thin insulating layer. The conductivity of the channel region depends on the dopant concentration, the mobility of the majority charge carriers, and, for a given extension of the channel region in the transistor width direction, the distance between the source and drain region, which is also referred to as channel length. Hence, in combination with the capability of rapidly creating a conductive channel below the insulating layer upon application of a specified control voltage to the gate electrode, the conductivity of the channel region substantially determines the characteristics of the MOS transistors. For this reason, the channel length represents a dominant design criterion and a size reduction thereof provides increased operating speed of the integrated circuits. The shrinkage of the transistor dimensions, however, entails a plurality of issues associated therewith which have to be addressed so as to not unduly offset the advantages obtained by steadily decreasing the channel length of MOS transistors. One problem in this respect is the requirement of extremely shallow PN junctions. That is, the depth of the source and drain regions with respect to an interface formed by the gate insulating layer and the channel region has to be decreased as the channel length is reduced so as to maintain the required controllability of the conductive channel. The depth of the source and drain regions substantially determines the sheet resistance thereof, which may not be arbitrarily reduced by correspondingly increasing the dopant concentration in the source and drain regions, since an extremely high dopant concentration may give rise to increased leakage currents. Furthermore, the dopants implanted into these regions at very high concentrations may not be completely activated by conventional rapid thermal anneal cycles without negatively affecting the overall dopant profile within the source and drain regions. That is, for a desired channel length, defined by the PN junctions, an increased dopant concentration requires higher temperatures and/or a prolonged duration of the corresponding anneal cycles, thereby, however, influencing the dopant profile forming the PN junctions by the inevitable thermal diffusion of the dopants, which finally may lead to a non-acceptable variation of the finally achieved channel length. In an attempt to further reduce the sheet resistance of the drain and source regions, the conductivity thereof is frequently increased by forming a metal silicide of superior conductivity compared to a highly doped silicon. However, since the penetration depth of the metal silicide is restricted by the depth of the PN junctions, the improvement in conductivity in these regions is therefore coupled to the depth of the corresponding PN junctions. Moreover, in many CMOS technologies, a corresponding metal silicide is simultaneously formed on the gate electrode, wherein a shallow junction depth therefore also creates a very shallow metal silicide in the gate electrode, thereby providing only limited improvement in gaining superior gate electrode conductivity. In one approach, extremely shallow source and drain regions may be formed by raising the source and drain regions above the gate insulation layer/channel region interface and maintaining the drain-source dopant concentration at an acceptable level while providing the possibility of forming highly conductive metal silicide regions without being restricted by the actual depth of the PN junctions due to the increased size of the raised drain and source regions. With reference to FIGS. 1 a - 1 d , a typical conventional process flow for forming raised drain and source regions will now be described in more detail. FIG. 1 a schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a field effect transistor 100 at an early manufacturing stage. The transistor 100 comprises the substrate 101 , for instance a bulk silicon substrate or a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate including a buried insulating layer. Above the substrate 101 , a substantially crystalline layer 102 is formed with a thickness that is appropriate for forming PN junctions and a channel region therein. For instance, the transistor 100 may represent an SOI transistor with a thickness of the silicon layer 102 in the range of approximately 20-100 nm. A gate electrode 103 , comprised of polysilicon, is formed above the silicon layer 102 and is separated therefrom by a gate insulation layer 104 . The gate insulation layer 104 may be formed in sophisticated devices by a nitrogen-containing silicon dioxide layer with a thickness of approximately 0.6-4 nm. The residue 105 of an anti-reflective coating covers a top surface 103 a of the gate electrode 103 , while the sidewalls 103 b thereof, as well as the remaining surface of the silicon layer 102 , are covered by an oxide liner 106 . The transistor 100 as shown in FIG. 1 a may be formed in accordance with the following process flow. The substrate 101 may be obtained by a manufacturer of respective substrates in the form of a silicon bulk substrate or in the form of an SOI substrate, wherein the SOI substrate may comprise a crystalline silicon layer that may be formed in accordance with well-established wafer bonding techniques. The silicon layer 102 having the appropriate thickness may then be formed by corresponding process techniques, such as chemical mechanical polishing, to thin a given silicon layer of an SOI substrate to a desired thickness and/or by epitaxial growth of silicon on the exposed surface of the SOI substrate or the bulk substrate. The epitaxial growth technique of a semiconductor material is a deposition technique in which the deposited material layer forms a crystalline structure in conformity with the crystalline structure of the underlying material as long as the deposited material is able to form a lattice that is sufficiently similar in structure and lattice spacing to the lattice of the underlying material. After the formation of the silicon layer 102 , an insulating layer is formed having a thickness and a composition that are appropriate for forming the gate insulation layer 104 . To this end, sophisticated oxidation and/or deposition techniques may be used as are well established in the art. Thereafter, a polysilicon layer of appropriate thickness is deposited by low pressure chemical vapor deposition. Next, an anti-reflective coating, for instance comprised of silicon oxynitride, and a resist layer are deposited and are patterned by sophisticated photolithography so as to form an etch mask for a subsequent anisotropic etch process for patterning the gate electrode 103 from the deposited polysilicon layer. Thereafter, the gate insulation layer 104 may be patterned and subsequently the oxide liner 106 may be formed by an appropriately designed oxidation process. FIG. 1 b schematically shows the transistor 100 having formed thereon sidewall spacer elements 107 comprised of a material, such as silicon nitride, that exhibits a moderately high etch selectivity with respect to the underlying oxide liner 106 so that the spacers 107 may be readily removed after a selective epitaxial growth process. The sidewall spacers 107 may be formed by well-established techniques including the deposition, for instance, by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, of a silicon nitride layer of a specified thickness and a subsequent anisotropic etch process, which reliably stops on and in the liner oxide 106 , thereby leaving the spacers 107 . A width 107 a of the spacer 107 is readily controllable by appropriately adjusting the thickness of the silicon nitride layer. Hence, a lateral extension of epitaxial growth regions adjacent to the gate electrode 103 is substantially determined by the spacer width 107 a. FIG. 1 c schematically shows the device 100 with selectively grown silicon regions 108 above the silicon layer 102 , wherein a lateral distance of the regions 108 from the gate electrode 103 substantially corresponds to the spacer width 107 a ( FIG. 1 b ) plus the minimal thickness of the liner oxide 106 . The transistor 100 as shown in FIG. 1 c may be obtained by the following processes. Starting from the device as shown in FIG. 1 b , the liner oxide 106 is selectively etched so as to expose the silicon layer 102 at portions that are not covered by the spacers 107 , the gate electrode 103 and any isolation structures (not shown). Before and/or after the removal of the liner oxide 106 , well-established cleaning procedures may be carried out so as to remove oxide residues and other contaminants that may have accumulated in a surface region of the silicon layer 102 . Thereafter, silicon is selectively grown on exposed portions of the silicon layer 102 , thereby forming the silicon regions 108 with a specified thickness in conformity with design requirements. Thereafter, the spacer 107 is removed by a selective etch process, for instance, by using hot phosphoric acid, which exhibits an excellent etch selectivity to silicon dioxide and silicon. During this etch process, the residue 105 on top of the gate electrode 103 may also be removed. Thereafter, a conventional process sequence may be performed, as is the case for transistor devices without having the additional selectively grown silicon regions 108 . That is, an appropriate number of sidewall spacers may be formed, followed by appropriately designed implantation sequences, so as to establish a required dopant profile in the silicon layer 102 . FIG. 1 d schematically shows the transistor 100 after the above mentioned transistor formation process using, for instance, three different sidewall spacers. In FIG. 1 d , a first sidewall spacer 109 , for instance comprised of silicon dioxide, is located adjacent to the oxide liner 106 and has an appropriate thickness for profiling the dopant concentration in the vicinity of the gate electrode 103 during a subsequent implantation sequence. A second spacer 110 is located next to the first spacer 109 and separated therefrom by an additional liner 106 a , followed by an oxide line 111 and a third spacer 112 . The width of these spacers 109 and 112 is appropriately selected so as to obtain the desired dopant extension regions 113 and the drain and source regions 114 , thereby defining a channel region 115 between the extensions 113 with a specified channel length 116 . During the formation of the spacer 109 , if comprised of silicon dioxide, the liner 106 is typically etched off the surface portion of the semiconductor layer 102 . Therefore, usually the additional liner 106 a is deposited prior to the formation of the spacer 110 . If the first spacer 109 is comprised of silicon nitride, the liner 106 is preserved during the anisotropic etch for forming the spacer 109 , however, possibly with an inhomogeneous thickness owing to the etch induced damage. Therefore, the liner 106 may be removed and the additional liner 106 a may also be deposited in this case. Generally, the formation of the spacers 109 , 110 and 112 may be accomplished by well-established spacer technologies, such as described with reference to the spacer 107 , wherein the corresponding spacer width may be controlled by the corresponding deposition thicknesses of the respective spacer layers, for instance comprised of silicon nitride, wherein the first spacer 109 and the oxide liner 111 provide the required etch selectivity in anisotropically patterning the spacers. As a result, the above-described process flow enables the formation of required shallow PN junctions in the form of the extensions 113 , while nevertheless providing a low contact resistance to the drain and source regions 114 by providing the additional selectively grown silicon regions 108 , which may be used to receive a highly conductive metal silicide, wherein the silicidation process does not adversely affect the extensions 113 , nor is the silicidation process restricted by the depth of the extensions 113 and the drain and source regions 114 . Although the process flow described above provides significant improvements in forming raised drain and source regions, there is still room for improvements with regard to process flexibility so as to enhance the device performance. For example, during the form ation of the drain and source regions 114 by ion implantation, typically the gate electrode 103 is also heavily doped, thereby increasing the conductivity thereof. In P-channel transistors, boron is frequently used as a dopant, which, however, exhibits a high diffusivity during anneal processes. For this reason, the maximum implantation energy for doping the source and drain regions 114 may not be selected as high as it would be desirable in view of obtaining a desired penetration depth in the drain and source regions 114 , but instead the integrity of the gate insulation layer 104 and possibly of the channel region 115 with respect to diffusing and/or penetrating boron ions has to be taken into consideration when selecting the implantation parameters, thereby possibly compromising the drain and source characteristics. In view of these problems, a need exists for a technique that enables the formation of locally raised semiconductor regions, wherein an enhanced flexibility, for instance with respect to the height and/or the dopant concentration of the epitaxial growth regions, is obtained.
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Title:
Technique for forming transistors having raised drain and source regions with different heights
Abstract:
The height of epitaxially grown semiconductor regions in extremely scaled semiconductor devices may be adjusted individually for different device regions in that two or more epitaxial growth steps may be carried out, wherein an epitaxial growth mask selectively suppresses the formation of a semiconductor region in a specified device region. In other embodiments, a common epitaxial growth process may be used for two or more different device regions and subsequently a selective oxidation process may be performed on selected device regions so as to precisely reduce the height of the previously epitaxially grown semiconductor regions in the selected areas.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to the fabrication of integrated circuits, and, more particularly, to the formation of locally raised semiconductor regions, such as raised drain and source regions of field effect transistors having extremely shallow PN junctions. 2. Description of the Related Art The fabrication of integrated circuits requires the formation of a large number of circuit elements on a given chip area according to a specified circuit layout. Generally, a plurality of process technologies are currently practiced, wherein for logic circuitry, such as microprocessors, storage chips and the like, CMOS technology is currently the most promising approach due to the superior characteristics in view of operating speed and/or power consumption. During the fabrication of complex integrated circuits using the CMOS technology, millions of complementary transistors, i.e., N-channel transistors and P-channel transistors, are formed on an appropriate substrate. Typically, a MOS transistor, irrespective of whether an N-channel transistor or a P-channel transistor is considered, comprises so-called PN-junctions that are formed at an interface of highly doped drain and source regions with an inversely doped channel region disposed between the drain region and the source region. The conductivity of the channel region is controlled by a gate electrode formed above the channel region and separated therefrom by a thin insulating layer. The conductivity of the channel region depends on the dopant concentration, the mobility of the majority charge carriers, and, for a given extension of the channel region in the transistor width direction, the distance between the source and drain region, which is also referred to as channel length. Hence, in combination with the capability of rapidly creating a conductive channel below the insulating layer upon application of a specified control voltage to the gate electrode, the conductivity of the channel region substantially determines the characteristics of the MOS transistors. For this reason, the channel length represents a dominant design criterion and a size reduction thereof provides increased operating speed of the integrated circuits. The shrinkage of the transistor dimensions, however, entails a plurality of issues associated therewith which have to be addressed so as to not unduly offset the advantages obtained by steadily decreasing the channel length of MOS transistors. One problem in this respect is the requirement of extremely shallow PN junctions. That is, the depth of the source and drain regions with respect to an interface formed by the gate insulating layer and the channel region has to be decreased as the channel length is reduced so as to maintain the required controllability of the conductive channel. The depth of the source and drain regions substantially determines the sheet resistance thereof, which may not be arbitrarily reduced by correspondingly increasing the dopant concentration in the source and drain regions, since an extremely high dopant concentration may give rise to increased leakage currents. Furthermore, the dopants implanted into these regions at very high concentrations may not be completely activated by conventional rapid thermal anneal cycles without negatively affecting the overall dopant profile within the source and drain regions. That is, for a desired channel length, defined by the PN junctions, an increased dopant concentration requires higher temperatures and/or a prolonged duration of the corresponding anneal cycles, thereby, however, influencing the dopant profile forming the PN junctions by the inevitable thermal diffusion of the dopants, which finally may lead to a non-acceptable variation of the finally achieved channel length. In an attempt to further reduce the sheet resistance of the drain and source regions, the conductivity thereof is frequently increased by forming a metal silicide of superior conductivity compared to a highly doped silicon. However, since the penetration depth of the metal silicide is restricted by the depth of the PN junctions, the improvement in conductivity in these regions is therefore coupled to the depth of the corresponding PN junctions. Moreover, in many CMOS technologies, a corresponding metal silicide is simultaneously formed on the gate electrode, wherein a shallow junction depth therefore also creates a very shallow metal silicide in the gate electrode, thereby providing only limited improvement in gaining superior gate electrode conductivity. In one approach, extremely shallow source and drain regions may be formed by raising the source and drain regions above the gate insulation layer/channel region interface and maintaining the drain-source dopant concentration at an acceptable level while providing the possibility of forming highly conductive metal silicide regions without being restricted by the actual depth of the PN junctions due to the increased size of the raised drain and source regions. With reference to FIGS. 1 a - 1 d , a typical conventional process flow for forming raised drain and source regions will now be described in more detail. FIG. 1 a schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a field effect transistor 100 at an early manufacturing stage. The transistor 100 comprises the substrate 101 , for instance a bulk silicon substrate or a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate including a buried insulating layer. Above the substrate 101 , a substantially crystalline layer 102 is formed with a thickness that is appropriate for forming PN junctions and a channel region therein. For instance, the transistor 100 may represent an SOI transistor with a thickness of the silicon layer 102 in the range of approximately 20-100 nm. A gate electrode 103 , comprised of polysilicon, is formed above the silicon layer 102 and is separated therefrom by a gate insulation layer 104 . The gate insulation layer 104 may be formed in sophisticated devices by a nitrogen-containing silicon dioxide layer with a thickness of approximately 0.6-4 nm. The residue 105 of an anti-reflective coating covers a top surface 103 a of the gate electrode 103 , while the sidewalls 103 b thereof, as well as the remaining surface of the silicon layer 102 , are covered by an oxide liner 106 . The transistor 100 as shown in FIG. 1 a may be formed in accordance with the following process flow. The substrate 101 may be obtained by a manufacturer of respective substrates in the form of a silicon bulk substrate or in the form of an SOI substrate, wherein the SOI substrate may comprise a crystalline silicon layer that may be formed in accordance with well-established wafer bonding techniques. The silicon layer 102 having the appropriate thickness may then be formed by corresponding process techniques, such as chemical mechanical polishing, to thin a given silicon layer of an SOI substrate to a desired thickness and/or by epitaxial growth of silicon on the exposed surface of the SOI substrate or the bulk substrate. The epitaxial growth technique of a semiconductor material is a deposition technique in which the deposited material layer forms a crystalline structure in conformity with the crystalline structure of the underlying material as long as the deposited material is able to form a lattice that is sufficiently similar in structure and lattice spacing to the lattice of the underlying material. After the formation of the silicon layer 102 , an insulating layer is formed having a thickness and a composition that are appropriate for forming the gate insulation layer 104 . To this end, sophisticated oxidation and/or deposition techniques may be used as are well established in the art. Thereafter, a polysilicon layer of appropriate thickness is deposited by low pressure chemical vapor deposition. Next, an anti-reflective coating, for instance comprised of silicon oxynitride, and a resist layer are deposited and are patterned by sophisticated photolithography so as to form an etch mask for a subsequent anisotropic etch process for patterning the gate electrode 103 from the deposited polysilicon layer. Thereafter, the gate insulation layer 104 may be patterned and subsequently the oxide liner 106 may be formed by an appropriately designed oxidation process. FIG. 1 b schematically shows the transistor 100 having formed thereon sidewall spacer elements 107 comprised of a material, such as silicon nitride, that exhibits a moderately high etch selectivity with respect to the underlying oxide liner 106 so that the spacers 107 may be readily removed after a selective epitaxial growth process. The sidewall spacers 107 may be formed by well-established techniques including the deposition, for instance, by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, of a silicon nitride layer of a specified thickness and a subsequent anisotropic etch process, which reliably stops on and in the liner oxide 106 , thereby leaving the spacers 107 . A width 107 a of the spacer 107 is readily controllable by appropriately adjusting the thickness of the silicon nitride layer. Hence, a lateral extension of epitaxial growth regions adjacent to the gate electrode 103 is substantially determined by the spacer width 107 a. FIG. 1 c schematically shows the device 100 with selectively grown silicon regions 108 above the silicon layer 102 , wherein a lateral distance of the regions 108 from the gate electrode 103 substantially corresponds to the spacer width 107 a ( FIG. 1 b ) plus the minimal thickness of the liner oxide 106 . The transistor 100 as shown in FIG. 1 c may be obtained by the following processes. Starting from the device as shown in FIG. 1 b , the liner oxide 106 is selectively etched so as to expose the silicon layer 102 at portions that are not covered by the spacers 107 , the gate electrode 103 and any isolation structures (not shown). Before and/or after the removal of the liner oxide 106 , well-established cleaning procedures may be carried out so as to remove oxide residues and other contaminants that may have accumulated in a surface region of the silicon layer 102 . Thereafter, silicon is selectively grown on exposed portions of the silicon layer 102 , thereby forming the silicon regions 108 with a specified thickness in conformity with design requirements. Thereafter, the spacer 107 is removed by a selective etch process, for instance, by using hot phosphoric acid, which exhibits an excellent etch selectivity to silicon dioxide and silicon. During this etch process, the residue 105 on top of the gate electrode 103 may also be removed. Thereafter, a conventional process sequence may be performed, as is the case for transistor devices without having the additional selectively grown silicon regions 108 . That is, an appropriate number of sidewall spacers may be formed, followed by appropriately designed implantation sequences, so as to establish a required dopant profile in the silicon layer 102 . FIG. 1 d schematically shows the transistor 100 after the above mentioned transistor formation process using, for instance, three different sidewall spacers. In FIG. 1 d , a first sidewall spacer 109 , for instance comprised of silicon dioxide, is located adjacent to the oxide liner 106 and has an appropriate thickness for profiling the dopant concentration in the vicinity of the gate electrode 103 during a subsequent implantation sequence. A second spacer 110 is located next to the first spacer 109 and separated therefrom by an additional liner 106 a , followed by an oxide line 111 and a third spacer 112 . The width of these spacers 109 and 112 is appropriately selected so as to obtain the desired dopant extension regions 113 and the drain and source regions 114 , thereby defining a channel region 115 between the extensions 113 with a specified channel length 116 . During the formation of the spacer 109 , if comprised of silicon dioxide, the liner 106 is typically etched off the surface portion of the semiconductor layer 102 . Therefore, usually the additional liner 106 a is deposited prior to the formation of the spacer 110 . If the first spacer 109 is comprised of silicon nitride, the liner 106 is preserved during the anisotropic etch for forming the spacer 109 , however, possibly with an inhomogeneous thickness owing to the etch induced damage. Therefore, the liner 106 may be removed and the additional liner 106 a may also be deposited in this case. Generally, the formation of the spacers 109 , 110 and 112 may be accomplished by well-established spacer technologies, such as described with reference to the spacer 107 , wherein the corresponding spacer width may be controlled by the corresponding deposition thicknesses of the respective spacer layers, for instance comprised of silicon nitride, wherein the first spacer 109 and the oxide liner 111 provide the required etch selectivity in anisotropically patterning the spacers. As a result, the above-described process flow enables the formation of required shallow PN junctions in the form of the extensions 113 , while nevertheless providing a low contact resistance to the drain and source regions 114 by providing the additional selectively grown silicon regions 108 , which may be used to receive a highly conductive metal silicide, wherein the silicidation process does not adversely affect the extensions 113 , nor is the silicidation process restricted by the depth of the extensions 113 and the drain and source regions 114 . Although the process flow described above provides significant improvements in forming raised drain and source regions, there is still room for improvements with regard to process flexibility so as to enhance the device performance. For example, during the form ation of the drain and source regions 114 by ion implantation, typically the gate electrode 103 is also heavily doped, thereby increasing the conductivity thereof. In P-channel transistors, boron is frequently used as a dopant, which, however, exhibits a high diffusivity during anneal processes. For this reason, the maximum implantation energy for doping the source and drain regions 114 may not be selected as high as it would be desirable in view of obtaining a desired penetration depth in the drain and source regions 114 , but instead the integrity of the gate insulation layer 104 and possibly of the channel region 115 with respect to diffusing and/or penetrating boron ions has to be taken into consideration when selecting the implantation parameters, thereby possibly compromising the drain and source characteristics. In view of these problems, a need exists for a technique that enables the formation of locally raised semiconductor regions, wherein an enhanced flexibility, for instance with respect to the height and/or the dopant concentration of the epitaxial growth regions, is obtained.
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10877485
| 2,004
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Silent loading of executable code
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An electronic device includes at least one processor and a first memory coupled to the at least one processor. The memory contains instructions that when executed by the processor, causes the at least one processor to receive a power down event command. When the power down event command is received, an alternate executable program is loaded into a second memory and the electronic device is placed in a stand by mode. A device operation method includes receiving a power down event command while executing a first executable program. Upon receiving the power down event command, loading an alternate executable program, and enter a standby mode. When a power on command is received, resume operation from the standby mode under the control of the alternate executable program.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Electronic devices, for example, laptop computers, desktop computers, personal digital assistants (PDA's), Internet appliances; embedded devices, for example, routers and set top boxes, wireless communication devices, for example, cellular telephones and similar devices typically include a controller, for example, a central processing unit and memory which contains core system software code that is operable to initialize and configure the underlying subsystems, for example, display controller, I/O controller and other suitable subsystems of the electronic device. After the subsystems have been initialized and configured, electronic device control is transferred to a suitable operating system. After device control transfer, the operating system may call and execute any number of application programs, for example, word processing programs, MP3 players, image generation and manipulation programs, browsers and other suitable programs and combinations thereof. When an electronic device is first powered on for example, by a user turning on or resetting the device, or the receipt of a resume or other activation or initialization command, the operating system is initially loaded. Loading the operating system can take on the order of up to two minutes. In order for the electronic device to be useful, application programs must be loaded into memory by the operating system. Application program loading increases the delay the user experiences between powering on and actually using the electronic device. The total delay may be up to four minutes; which is unacceptable to most users.
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Title:
Silent loading of executable code
Abstract:
An electronic device includes at least one processor and a first memory coupled to the at least one processor. The memory contains instructions that when executed by the processor, causes the at least one processor to receive a power down event command. When the power down event command is received, an alternate executable program is loaded into a second memory and the electronic device is placed in a stand by mode. A device operation method includes receiving a power down event command while executing a first executable program. Upon receiving the power down event command, loading an alternate executable program, and enter a standby mode. When a power on command is received, resume operation from the standby mode under the control of the alternate executable program.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Electronic devices, for example, laptop computers, desktop computers, personal digital assistants (PDA's), Internet appliances; embedded devices, for example, routers and set top boxes, wireless communication devices, for example, cellular telephones and similar devices typically include a controller, for example, a central processing unit and memory which contains core system software code that is operable to initialize and configure the underlying subsystems, for example, display controller, I/O controller and other suitable subsystems of the electronic device. After the subsystems have been initialized and configured, electronic device control is transferred to a suitable operating system. After device control transfer, the operating system may call and execute any number of application programs, for example, word processing programs, MP3 players, image generation and manipulation programs, browsers and other suitable programs and combinations thereof. When an electronic device is first powered on for example, by a user turning on or resetting the device, or the receipt of a resume or other activation or initialization command, the operating system is initially loaded. Loading the operating system can take on the order of up to two minutes. In order for the electronic device to be useful, application programs must be loaded into memory by the operating system. Application program loading increases the delay the user experiences between powering on and actually using the electronic device. The total delay may be up to four minutes; which is unacceptable to most users.
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10971126
| 2,004
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Implant with a ceramic coating, and method for ceramic coating of an implant
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Implant (1) with a base body having at least one bone contact surface (K) and at least one soft tissue contact surface (W), characterized in that the soft tissue contact surface (W) and/or a transition area (U) from bone contact surface (K) to soft tissue contact surface (W) have/has at least partially a ceramic coating (2), and in that the bone contact surface (K) has areas not provided with a ceramic coating (2).
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Title:
Implant with a ceramic coating, and method for ceramic coating of an implant
Abstract:
Implant (1) with a base body having at least one bone contact surface (K) and at least one soft tissue contact surface (W), characterized in that the soft tissue contact surface (W) and/or a transition area (U) from bone contact surface (K) to soft tissue contact surface (W) have/has at least partially a ceramic coating (2), and in that the bone contact surface (K) has areas not provided with a ceramic coating (2).
Background:
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10790824
| 2,004
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Liquid crystal display panel and driving method therefor
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A liquid crystal display panel includes an active matrix substrate having a plurality of thin film transistors. The active matrix substrate comprises a plurality of parallel scanning lines and a plurality of parallel data lines, which cross mutually and form a plurality of pixels. Each of the pixels includes the first thin film transistor, the second thin film transistor, a control electrode (CE) and a pixel electrode. The first electrode of the first thin film transistor is connected to the data line; the second electrode of it is connected to the pixel electrode; the gate electrode of it is connected to the scanning line. The first electrode of the second thin film transistor is connected to another adjacent data line; the second electrode of it is connected to the control electrode, and the gate of it is connected to another adjacent scanning line. The scanning signals driving the pixel allows the control electrode and the pixel electrode to be written into their potentials during two horizontal scanning periods or during a vertical scanning period respectively.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The prevented invention relates to a liquid crystal display panel and a driving method therefor, especially relates to a liquid crystal display panel and its driving method, which makes the potential of a control electrode higher than the potential of a pixel electrode by increasing the number of thin film transistors. 2. Description of the Related Art With the wide applications of liquid crystal display (LCD) panels, users have more and more demands about the quality of the LCD panel, such as high brightness, high contrast, high resolution, high color saturation and fast response time. Especially as the panel size increases, the LCD panels have generally been applied to household flat displays, such as liquid crystal (LC) TV sets, which have become an important application of the LCD panels. Most of the general, traditional LCD panels have narrow view angles so the normal images displayed by them only can be viewed directly in front of the display area. If we watch the display area from an oblique view angle, color distortion occurs in what we watch, and even gray inversion occurs. That is, what appears black is actually white and what appears white is actually black. Therefore, how to widen the view angle is an important subject for the LCD manufacturers. Among various methods for widening the view angle, an LC Vertical Alignment (VA) technique is still one of the most popular techniques in the current LCD market. However, because liquid crystal molecules are aligned in the same direction (mono-domain vertical alignment), we also cannot see a normal image from the view angle perpendicular to or symmetric to the direction. No matter when the liquid crystal molecules are realigned in a different direction after the electrical field existing therein changes, the view angle is also limited to the parallel direction of the liquid crystal molecules. Therefore, a multi-domain VA technique was put forth to improve the drawback of the prior art, hence the quality of various view angles is assured. Japanese Fujitsu Corporation once tried to form ridges or bumps on the color filter, and use the oblique boundary generated by bumps to control the alignment of the tilt direction of liquid crystal molecules automatically align tilt direction according to where region their belong to. But because the existence of the bumps results in that the precise alignment between a color filter and an active matrix substrate is necessary, and an additional over coating is necessarily formed on the color filter, the yield of this LCD panel becomes worse and the cost thereof increases. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional diagram of a conventional LCD display panel with a bias-bending vertical alignment (BBVA) type. The LCD panel 110 comprises a color filter 11 , a liquid crystal layer 12 and an active matrix substrate 13 . The color filter 11 and active matrix substrate 13 have a transparent substrate 111 and 131 respectively. A main electric field exists between the common electrode 112 formed on the color filter 11 and the pixel electrode 134 formed on the active matrix substrate 13 , and a pair of symmetrically oblique electric fields exists between a control electrode 133 and the pixel electrode 134 together formed on the active matrix substrate 13 to make liquid crystal molecules 121 have oblique positions. There is another insulation layer 132 interposed between the control electrode 133 and the pixel electrode 134 . But when V CE <V com <V P is satisfied, a declination line is brought into existence in the center of an area B, wherein V CE , V com and V P represent the potentials of the control electrode, common electrode and pixel electrode respectively. The existence of the declination line result in that the liquid crystal layer 12 has a lower transmission ratio, a longer response time and an unstable status. In order to avoid the occurrence of these negative phenomena, it is expect that the following criteria should be satisfied during polarity inversion: Criterion 1: If the current pixel is a positive frame, then V CE >V P >V com ; and Criterion 2: If the current pixel is a negative frame, then V CE <V P <V com . FIG. 2 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel proposed by Korean Samsung Electronics Cooperation. The circuit of pixel 20 can satisfy aforesaid criteria to eliminate declination lines. One electrode of the first thin film transistor T 1 ″ is connected to a data line 262 , and the gate electrode of it is driven by the scanning line 252 . When the first thin film transistor T 1 ″ is turned on, the data signal of the data line 262 is written into a pixel electrode 24 . One electrode of the second thin film transistor T 2 ″ is connected to a data line 261 , and the gate electrode of it is driven by a scanning line 251 . When the second thin film transistor T 2 ″ is turned on, the data signal of the data line 261 is written into a control electrode 23 . One electrode of the third thin film transistor T 3 ″ is connected to the data line 262 , and the gate electrode of it is driven by the scanning line 251 . When the third thin film transistor T 3 ″ is turned on, the data signal of the data 262 is written into the pixel electrode 24 . In the pixel 20 , a liquid crystal capacitor C 1 ″ exists between the pixel electrode 24 and common electrode 27 , a Bias-Bending capacitor C 2 ″ exists between the control electrode 23 and pixel electrode 24 , and a capacitor C 3 ″ exists between the control electrode 23 and the common electrode 27 . Therefore, we obtain the following formula: V CE = C 2 ″ C 2 ″ + C 3 ″ ( V d1 + V d3 ) + V d2 , wherein V d1 , V d2 and V d3 respectively represents the potentials of pixels, dividedly placed on coordinate (n, m), coordinate (n−1, m−1) and coordinate (n−1, m), to which the data signals are respectively applied. Meantime, we obtain an equation V CE −V P =V d2 +V d3 to satisfy Criteria 1 and 2. However, because each of the pixels 20 includes three thin film transistors, only if one of the thin film transistors is damaged, the pixel is considered to be malfunctioning. Therefore, the manufacture yield of this LCD cannot meet an acceptable standard currently. On the other hand, the number of the thin film transistors connected to a same scanning line is too much so as to result in a severe RC delay on the scan signal. The foresaid problems have to be further resolved.
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Title:
Liquid crystal display panel and driving method therefor
Abstract:
A liquid crystal display panel includes an active matrix substrate having a plurality of thin film transistors. The active matrix substrate comprises a plurality of parallel scanning lines and a plurality of parallel data lines, which cross mutually and form a plurality of pixels. Each of the pixels includes the first thin film transistor, the second thin film transistor, a control electrode (CE) and a pixel electrode. The first electrode of the first thin film transistor is connected to the data line; the second electrode of it is connected to the pixel electrode; the gate electrode of it is connected to the scanning line. The first electrode of the second thin film transistor is connected to another adjacent data line; the second electrode of it is connected to the control electrode, and the gate of it is connected to another adjacent scanning line. The scanning signals driving the pixel allows the control electrode and the pixel electrode to be written into their potentials during two horizontal scanning periods or during a vertical scanning period respectively.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The prevented invention relates to a liquid crystal display panel and a driving method therefor, especially relates to a liquid crystal display panel and its driving method, which makes the potential of a control electrode higher than the potential of a pixel electrode by increasing the number of thin film transistors. 2. Description of the Related Art With the wide applications of liquid crystal display (LCD) panels, users have more and more demands about the quality of the LCD panel, such as high brightness, high contrast, high resolution, high color saturation and fast response time. Especially as the panel size increases, the LCD panels have generally been applied to household flat displays, such as liquid crystal (LC) TV sets, which have become an important application of the LCD panels. Most of the general, traditional LCD panels have narrow view angles so the normal images displayed by them only can be viewed directly in front of the display area. If we watch the display area from an oblique view angle, color distortion occurs in what we watch, and even gray inversion occurs. That is, what appears black is actually white and what appears white is actually black. Therefore, how to widen the view angle is an important subject for the LCD manufacturers. Among various methods for widening the view angle, an LC Vertical Alignment (VA) technique is still one of the most popular techniques in the current LCD market. However, because liquid crystal molecules are aligned in the same direction (mono-domain vertical alignment), we also cannot see a normal image from the view angle perpendicular to or symmetric to the direction. No matter when the liquid crystal molecules are realigned in a different direction after the electrical field existing therein changes, the view angle is also limited to the parallel direction of the liquid crystal molecules. Therefore, a multi-domain VA technique was put forth to improve the drawback of the prior art, hence the quality of various view angles is assured. Japanese Fujitsu Corporation once tried to form ridges or bumps on the color filter, and use the oblique boundary generated by bumps to control the alignment of the tilt direction of liquid crystal molecules automatically align tilt direction according to where region their belong to. But because the existence of the bumps results in that the precise alignment between a color filter and an active matrix substrate is necessary, and an additional over coating is necessarily formed on the color filter, the yield of this LCD panel becomes worse and the cost thereof increases. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional diagram of a conventional LCD display panel with a bias-bending vertical alignment (BBVA) type. The LCD panel 110 comprises a color filter 11 , a liquid crystal layer 12 and an active matrix substrate 13 . The color filter 11 and active matrix substrate 13 have a transparent substrate 111 and 131 respectively. A main electric field exists between the common electrode 112 formed on the color filter 11 and the pixel electrode 134 formed on the active matrix substrate 13 , and a pair of symmetrically oblique electric fields exists between a control electrode 133 and the pixel electrode 134 together formed on the active matrix substrate 13 to make liquid crystal molecules 121 have oblique positions. There is another insulation layer 132 interposed between the control electrode 133 and the pixel electrode 134 . But when V CE <V com <V P is satisfied, a declination line is brought into existence in the center of an area B, wherein V CE , V com and V P represent the potentials of the control electrode, common electrode and pixel electrode respectively. The existence of the declination line result in that the liquid crystal layer 12 has a lower transmission ratio, a longer response time and an unstable status. In order to avoid the occurrence of these negative phenomena, it is expect that the following criteria should be satisfied during polarity inversion: Criterion 1: If the current pixel is a positive frame, then V CE >V P >V com ; and Criterion 2: If the current pixel is a negative frame, then V CE <V P <V com . FIG. 2 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel proposed by Korean Samsung Electronics Cooperation. The circuit of pixel 20 can satisfy aforesaid criteria to eliminate declination lines. One electrode of the first thin film transistor T 1 ″ is connected to a data line 262 , and the gate electrode of it is driven by the scanning line 252 . When the first thin film transistor T 1 ″ is turned on, the data signal of the data line 262 is written into a pixel electrode 24 . One electrode of the second thin film transistor T 2 ″ is connected to a data line 261 , and the gate electrode of it is driven by a scanning line 251 . When the second thin film transistor T 2 ″ is turned on, the data signal of the data line 261 is written into a control electrode 23 . One electrode of the third thin film transistor T 3 ″ is connected to the data line 262 , and the gate electrode of it is driven by the scanning line 251 . When the third thin film transistor T 3 ″ is turned on, the data signal of the data 262 is written into the pixel electrode 24 . In the pixel 20 , a liquid crystal capacitor C 1 ″ exists between the pixel electrode 24 and common electrode 27 , a Bias-Bending capacitor C 2 ″ exists between the control electrode 23 and pixel electrode 24 , and a capacitor C 3 ″ exists between the control electrode 23 and the common electrode 27 . Therefore, we obtain the following formula: V CE = C 2 ″ C 2 ″ + C 3 ″ ( V d1 + V d3 ) + V d2 , wherein V d1 , V d2 and V d3 respectively represents the potentials of pixels, dividedly placed on coordinate (n, m), coordinate (n−1, m−1) and coordinate (n−1, m), to which the data signals are respectively applied. Meantime, we obtain an equation V CE −V P =V d2 +V d3 to satisfy Criteria 1 and 2. However, because each of the pixels 20 includes three thin film transistors, only if one of the thin film transistors is damaged, the pixel is considered to be malfunctioning. Therefore, the manufacture yield of this LCD cannot meet an acceptable standard currently. On the other hand, the number of the thin film transistors connected to a same scanning line is too much so as to result in a severe RC delay on the scan signal. The foresaid problems have to be further resolved.
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10954422
| 2,004
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Labeling apparatus and method for disk storage media
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A label printer system includes a disk storage medium including a thermally-sensitive layer formed on at least a portion of an upper surface. A rotational drive rotates the disk storage medium and a transverse drive moves a laser substantially transversely with respect to the disk storage medium. A memory includes a symbol set and a label printer driver. A processor uses the label printer driver to control the rotational drive and the transverse drive in order to thermally write the symbol set to the thermally-sensitive layer of the disk storage medium, using the laser.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Increasingly large amounts of information are stored on various types of storage media. The popularity of larger and larger capacity storage media is growing due to increasing computer use. Therefore, many types of large data storage needs exist. Examples of situations where computer users need or desire large storage media are for holding database records, software programs, graphics, audio, video, etc. This increasing demand for digital storage media has resulted in the popularity of optical storage media, such as compact disks (CDs) and digital video disks or digital versatile disks (DVDs). This need for data storage corresponds with a need for labeling of disk contents. The explosion of user writable optical media, such as writable CDs and the recent emergence of writable DVDs, has resulted in large quantities of user created disks. In the prior art there are several approaches to disk labeling. The first and simplest prior art labeling approach is marking on the disk with a pen or marker. However, while being simple and fast, it has several drawbacks. It could damage the disk and it may increase the likelihood of read errors during use of the disk. In addition, the hand marking approach cannot record detailed or large amounts of information, is not as visually pleasing, generally does not allow for graphics, and may smudge and degrade over time. A second approach to labeling is an adhesive label that may be independently created and stuck to the disk. The drawbacks of this approach is that extra effort is required by the person making such a label. Moreover, the creation of the label may be easily put off and forgotten because it may require too much effort to always be done at the time of disk creation recording. Moreover, it requires extra effort if additional information is later recorded onto the disk. A third approach is a digital label approach wherein digital data is internally stored as part of the information on the disk and not on an external label. This may allow permanent marking and may allow for larger quantities of data. However, the drawbacks are that a person or user cannot visually read the label and must insert the disk into a disk drive to read the label. A fourth approach is an approach illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,074,031 to Kahle, wherein a bubble jet or inkjet label printer is built into a disk drive. Although this allows a user to put large quantities of data on the label and allows it to be printed In a professional and neat manner, there are still several drawbacks. One drawback is that it is expensive. This prior art approach adds to the cost of a disk drive and requires frequent re-supply of materials such as ink or ink cartridges. Furthermore, it will increase the size of the disk drive. Another drawback is that the ink from the label printer may get into the drive mechanism and may foul the read and writing lasers of the disk drive. Yet another drawback is a recurring effort of maintaining and resupplying ink to the label printer. Yet another drawback is that heat in the drive mechanism may dry out the ink. Therefore, there remains a need in the art for improvements to computer disk media labeling.
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Title:
Labeling apparatus and method for disk storage media
Abstract:
A label printer system includes a disk storage medium including a thermally-sensitive layer formed on at least a portion of an upper surface. A rotational drive rotates the disk storage medium and a transverse drive moves a laser substantially transversely with respect to the disk storage medium. A memory includes a symbol set and a label printer driver. A processor uses the label printer driver to control the rotational drive and the transverse drive in order to thermally write the symbol set to the thermally-sensitive layer of the disk storage medium, using the laser.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Increasingly large amounts of information are stored on various types of storage media. The popularity of larger and larger capacity storage media is growing due to increasing computer use. Therefore, many types of large data storage needs exist. Examples of situations where computer users need or desire large storage media are for holding database records, software programs, graphics, audio, video, etc. This increasing demand for digital storage media has resulted in the popularity of optical storage media, such as compact disks (CDs) and digital video disks or digital versatile disks (DVDs). This need for data storage corresponds with a need for labeling of disk contents. The explosion of user writable optical media, such as writable CDs and the recent emergence of writable DVDs, has resulted in large quantities of user created disks. In the prior art there are several approaches to disk labeling. The first and simplest prior art labeling approach is marking on the disk with a pen or marker. However, while being simple and fast, it has several drawbacks. It could damage the disk and it may increase the likelihood of read errors during use of the disk. In addition, the hand marking approach cannot record detailed or large amounts of information, is not as visually pleasing, generally does not allow for graphics, and may smudge and degrade over time. A second approach to labeling is an adhesive label that may be independently created and stuck to the disk. The drawbacks of this approach is that extra effort is required by the person making such a label. Moreover, the creation of the label may be easily put off and forgotten because it may require too much effort to always be done at the time of disk creation recording. Moreover, it requires extra effort if additional information is later recorded onto the disk. A third approach is a digital label approach wherein digital data is internally stored as part of the information on the disk and not on an external label. This may allow permanent marking and may allow for larger quantities of data. However, the drawbacks are that a person or user cannot visually read the label and must insert the disk into a disk drive to read the label. A fourth approach is an approach illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,074,031 to Kahle, wherein a bubble jet or inkjet label printer is built into a disk drive. Although this allows a user to put large quantities of data on the label and allows it to be printed In a professional and neat manner, there are still several drawbacks. One drawback is that it is expensive. This prior art approach adds to the cost of a disk drive and requires frequent re-supply of materials such as ink or ink cartridges. Furthermore, it will increase the size of the disk drive. Another drawback is that the ink from the label printer may get into the drive mechanism and may foul the read and writing lasers of the disk drive. Yet another drawback is a recurring effort of maintaining and resupplying ink to the label printer. Yet another drawback is that heat in the drive mechanism may dry out the ink. Therefore, there remains a need in the art for improvements to computer disk media labeling.
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11013901
| 2,004
|
Refrigerant compositions comprising 1-ethoxy-1,1,2,2,3,4,4,4-nonafluorobutane and a hydrofluorocarbon and uses thereof
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Disclosed herein are 1-ethoxy-1,1, 2,2,3,3,4,4,4-nonafluorobutane refrigerant or heat transfer fluid compositions further comprising at least one hydrofluorocarbon, which are useful in refrigeration or air conditioning apparatus or as heat transfer fluids. The compositions of the present invention are also useful in centrifugal compressor apparatus that employ two-stage or other multi-stage centrifugal compressors or single slab single pass heat exchangers.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to fluoroether compositions for use in refrigeration and air conditioning apparatus comprising fluoroether and at least one hydrofluorocarbon. Further, the present invention relates to these compositions for use in refrigeration and air-conditioning apparatus employing a centrifugal compressor. The compositions of the present invention may be azeotropic or near azeotropic in nature and are useful in processes for producing refrigeration or heat or as heat transfer fluids. 2. Description of Related Art The refrigeration industry has been working for the past few decades to find replacement refrigerants for the ozone depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) being phased out as a result of the Montreal Protocol. The solution for most refrigerant producers has been the commercialization of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refriderants. The new HFC refrigerants, HFC-134a being the most widely used at this time, have zero ozone depletion potential and thus are not affected by the current regulatory phase out as a result of the Montreal Protocol. Further environmental regulations may ultimately cause global phase out of certain HFC refrigerants. Currently, the automobile industry is facing regulations relating to global warming potential for refrigerants used in mobile air-conditioning. Therefore, there is a great current need to identify new refrigerants with reduced global warming potential for the automobile air-conditioning market. Should the regulations be more broadly applied in the future, an even greater need will be felt for refrigerants that can be used in all areas of the refrigeration and air- conditioning industry. Currently proposed replacement refrigerants for HFC-134a include HFC-152a, pure hydrocarbons such as butane or propane, or “natural” refrigerants such as CO 2 or ammonia. Many of these suggested replacements are toxic, flammable, and/or have low energy efficiency. Therefore, new alternatives are constantly being sought. The object of the present invention is to provide novel refrigerant compositions and heat transfer fluids that provide unique characteristics to meet the demands of low or zero ozone depletion potential and lower global warming potential as compared to current refrigerants.
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Title:
Refrigerant compositions comprising 1-ethoxy-1,1,2,2,3,4,4,4-nonafluorobutane and a hydrofluorocarbon and uses thereof
Abstract:
Disclosed herein are 1-ethoxy-1,1, 2,2,3,3,4,4,4-nonafluorobutane refrigerant or heat transfer fluid compositions further comprising at least one hydrofluorocarbon, which are useful in refrigeration or air conditioning apparatus or as heat transfer fluids. The compositions of the present invention are also useful in centrifugal compressor apparatus that employ two-stage or other multi-stage centrifugal compressors or single slab single pass heat exchangers.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to fluoroether compositions for use in refrigeration and air conditioning apparatus comprising fluoroether and at least one hydrofluorocarbon. Further, the present invention relates to these compositions for use in refrigeration and air-conditioning apparatus employing a centrifugal compressor. The compositions of the present invention may be azeotropic or near azeotropic in nature and are useful in processes for producing refrigeration or heat or as heat transfer fluids. 2. Description of Related Art The refrigeration industry has been working for the past few decades to find replacement refrigerants for the ozone depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) being phased out as a result of the Montreal Protocol. The solution for most refrigerant producers has been the commercialization of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refriderants. The new HFC refrigerants, HFC-134a being the most widely used at this time, have zero ozone depletion potential and thus are not affected by the current regulatory phase out as a result of the Montreal Protocol. Further environmental regulations may ultimately cause global phase out of certain HFC refrigerants. Currently, the automobile industry is facing regulations relating to global warming potential for refrigerants used in mobile air-conditioning. Therefore, there is a great current need to identify new refrigerants with reduced global warming potential for the automobile air-conditioning market. Should the regulations be more broadly applied in the future, an even greater need will be felt for refrigerants that can be used in all areas of the refrigeration and air- conditioning industry. Currently proposed replacement refrigerants for HFC-134a include HFC-152a, pure hydrocarbons such as butane or propane, or “natural” refrigerants such as CO 2 or ammonia. Many of these suggested replacements are toxic, flammable, and/or have low energy efficiency. Therefore, new alternatives are constantly being sought. The object of the present invention is to provide novel refrigerant compositions and heat transfer fluids that provide unique characteristics to meet the demands of low or zero ozone depletion potential and lower global warming potential as compared to current refrigerants.
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10912349
| 2,004
|
Casing structure for torque transmission device
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A casing structure for a torque transmission device is provided with a ring gear for receiving and transmitting torque with an external member so as to rotate around an axis and a casing rotating with the ring gear. The ring gear is provided with tapped holes. The casing is provided with a main casing having first through holes and a cover having second through holes. Bolts are respectively inserted through the first and second through holes and tightened in the tapped holes so that the casing is fixed to the ring gear. A diameter of the first through holes differs from a diameter of the second through holes.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a casing structure for a torque transmission device such as a differential and a transfer case for a vehicle. 2. Description of the Related Art As is known, vehicles are equipped with various torque transmission devices such as a differential and a transfer case for transmitting torque generated by en engine to axles. Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. H09-89086 discloses a differential of a bevel gear type. The differential is capable of transferring torque given to a rotating differential case to a pair of side gears though allowing differential rotation therebetween by means of a differential gear set of a bevel type, which is provided with a pinion gear supported by a pinion shaft engaged with the side gears. Two parts of a main casing and a cover compose the differential case and are respectively provided with flanges for fixation. A ring gear for receiving torque from an engine and the flanges are conjointly fixed with each other by means of bolts.
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Title:
Casing structure for torque transmission device
Abstract:
A casing structure for a torque transmission device is provided with a ring gear for receiving and transmitting torque with an external member so as to rotate around an axis and a casing rotating with the ring gear. The ring gear is provided with tapped holes. The casing is provided with a main casing having first through holes and a cover having second through holes. Bolts are respectively inserted through the first and second through holes and tightened in the tapped holes so that the casing is fixed to the ring gear. A diameter of the first through holes differs from a diameter of the second through holes.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a casing structure for a torque transmission device such as a differential and a transfer case for a vehicle. 2. Description of the Related Art As is known, vehicles are equipped with various torque transmission devices such as a differential and a transfer case for transmitting torque generated by en engine to axles. Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. H09-89086 discloses a differential of a bevel gear type. The differential is capable of transferring torque given to a rotating differential case to a pair of side gears though allowing differential rotation therebetween by means of a differential gear set of a bevel type, which is provided with a pinion gear supported by a pinion shaft engaged with the side gears. Two parts of a main casing and a cover compose the differential case and are respectively provided with flanges for fixation. A ring gear for receiving torque from an engine and the flanges are conjointly fixed with each other by means of bolts.
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10849397
| 2,004
|
Portable electronic device physical security
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An apparatus for attaching to a first wall that defines a security aperture. The apparatus comprises a housing defining a longitudinal axis and a locking flange extending from the housing on a shaft and having a profile that is complimentary to the security aperture, such that the locking flange has a first orientation relative to the security aperture for insertion into and removal from the security aperture, and a second orientation relative to the security aperture for retention within the security aperture. The locking flange is transformable between the first orientation and the second orientation. The apparatus further includes a locking member that is coupled to the housing and is cooperative with the locking flange for inhibiting transformation of the locking flange from the second orientation to the first orientation. The apparatus further comprises at least one leg that is parallel to the first wall. The leg is coupled to the housing with a first coupler that is movable relative to the housing between an open position and a closed position.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to physical security for portable devices, and more specifically to physical security of portable electronic devices having a hinged member that overlies one or more operational interface elements. Computer physical security devices are well known. Many portable devices such as, for example, laptop computers and other portable electronic devices are manufactured having a portion of a housing wall provided with a specially designed security slot. Specifications for this slot have been promulgated by the assignee of the present invention as a standard. This standard may be found at Kensington's web page at http://www.kensington.com/developers/dev — 1199.html, and is hereby expressly incorporated by reference for all purposes. It is well known to provide physical locking devices designed to interface to this specially designed security slot. An exemplary product is the Kensington MICROSAVER® physical security product, as well as other preferred embodiments embodied in several issued US Patents, including U.S. Pat. No. 5,327,752, issued Jul. 12, 1994—entitled “Computer Equipment Lock”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,381,685, issued Jan. 17, 1995—entitled “Computer Physical Security Device”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,000,251, issued Dec. 14, 1999—entitled “Computer Physical Security Device”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,502,989, issued Apr. 2, 1996—entitled “Computer Physical Security Device”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,493,878, issued Feb. 27, 1996—entitled “Computer Physical Security Device”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,155,088, issued Dec. 5, 2000—entitled “Computer Physical Security Device”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,000,252, issued Dec. 14, 1999—entitled “Computer Physical Security Device”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,112,562, issued Sep. 5, 2000—entitled “Computer Physical Security Device”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,557, issued Dec. 28, 1999—entitled “Computer Physical Security Device”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,112,561, issued Sep. 5, 2000—entitled “Security Device for a Portable Computer”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,787,739, issued Aug. 4, 1998—entitled “Security Hole Fastening Device”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,038,891, issued Mar. 21, 2000—entitled “Security Hole Fastening Device” and patent application Ser. No. 09/426,066, filed Oct. 22, 1999—entitled “Cable Locking Device”; 60/128,988, filed Apr. 12, 1999—entitled “Security Hole Fastening Device”; Ser. No. 09/532,382, filed Mar. 22, 2000—entitled “Slot Adapter” and Ser. No. 09/813,924—entitled “Physical Security Device and Method for Portable Device” for example, all hereby expressly incorporated by reference for all purposes. These products are effective at deterring unauthorized movement of the portable device to which it is secured by localizing the portable device to a relatively immoveable object. The materials of the lock are designed so that the housing must be damaged in order to separate the lock from the portable device. By this expedient, unauthorized movement of the portable device is inhibited for several reasons. These reasons include a reluctance of a party to be observed damaging the housing as it would be obvious to observers that such party was unauthorized to tamper with the portable device. In addition, successfully separating the lock from the portable device in this fashion creates a damaged housing near the defeated security slot that is difficult, if not impossible, to repair, evidencing unauthorized possession of the portable device. The products embodied in these incorporated patents serve as effective devices to inhibit the unauthorized movement of a portable electronic device beyond a predetermined distance from an object to which the portable electronic device is localized. Commonly, a flexible cable localizes an attachment mechanism to an object other than the portable electronic device, thereby limiting movement away from the object. The attachment mechanism has a moveable locking member that engages a security slot defined in a wall of the portable device. The locking member, in an engagement configuration, cooperates with the security slot, the housing and possibly other elements of the attachment mechanism to inhibit reconfiguration of the locking member to a disengagement configuration in which the locking member may be disengaged from the security slot. These solutions achieve a primary goal of such devices, namely to inhibit the unauthorized movement of the portable electronic device. For portable electronic devices that are secured in public or semi public areas, simple security against unauthorized movement is not sufficient to inhibit unauthorized use of the device while it is securely localized. The prior art provides physical security solutions that do inhibit use of a portable electronic device while securing the device to a location. One such solution is a carrying case that completely surrounds the portable device and prevents any access or use of the device. A security device may simultaneously maintain the carrying case (with portable device inside) closed, and localized to an object. While this achieves the simultaneous goals of limiting access to the portable electronic device and inhibiting its movement, this solution is undesirable in situations in which a user desires convenient access to the portable electronic device. One such application is use of a laptop in a library or other public resource room. The user desires to access the laptop to records notes, for example, but inhibit operation and movement of the laptop while the user moves about the library. The user desires to quickly re access the laptop upon returning to the laptop's location. The carrying case solution is too cumbersome for all users in similar situations.
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Title:
Portable electronic device physical security
Abstract:
An apparatus for attaching to a first wall that defines a security aperture. The apparatus comprises a housing defining a longitudinal axis and a locking flange extending from the housing on a shaft and having a profile that is complimentary to the security aperture, such that the locking flange has a first orientation relative to the security aperture for insertion into and removal from the security aperture, and a second orientation relative to the security aperture for retention within the security aperture. The locking flange is transformable between the first orientation and the second orientation. The apparatus further includes a locking member that is coupled to the housing and is cooperative with the locking flange for inhibiting transformation of the locking flange from the second orientation to the first orientation. The apparatus further comprises at least one leg that is parallel to the first wall. The leg is coupled to the housing with a first coupler that is movable relative to the housing between an open position and a closed position.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to physical security for portable devices, and more specifically to physical security of portable electronic devices having a hinged member that overlies one or more operational interface elements. Computer physical security devices are well known. Many portable devices such as, for example, laptop computers and other portable electronic devices are manufactured having a portion of a housing wall provided with a specially designed security slot. Specifications for this slot have been promulgated by the assignee of the present invention as a standard. This standard may be found at Kensington's web page at http://www.kensington.com/developers/dev — 1199.html, and is hereby expressly incorporated by reference for all purposes. It is well known to provide physical locking devices designed to interface to this specially designed security slot. An exemplary product is the Kensington MICROSAVER® physical security product, as well as other preferred embodiments embodied in several issued US Patents, including U.S. Pat. No. 5,327,752, issued Jul. 12, 1994—entitled “Computer Equipment Lock”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,381,685, issued Jan. 17, 1995—entitled “Computer Physical Security Device”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,000,251, issued Dec. 14, 1999—entitled “Computer Physical Security Device”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,502,989, issued Apr. 2, 1996—entitled “Computer Physical Security Device”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,493,878, issued Feb. 27, 1996—entitled “Computer Physical Security Device”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,155,088, issued Dec. 5, 2000—entitled “Computer Physical Security Device”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,000,252, issued Dec. 14, 1999—entitled “Computer Physical Security Device”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,112,562, issued Sep. 5, 2000—entitled “Computer Physical Security Device”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,557, issued Dec. 28, 1999—entitled “Computer Physical Security Device”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,112,561, issued Sep. 5, 2000—entitled “Security Device for a Portable Computer”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,787,739, issued Aug. 4, 1998—entitled “Security Hole Fastening Device”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,038,891, issued Mar. 21, 2000—entitled “Security Hole Fastening Device” and patent application Ser. No. 09/426,066, filed Oct. 22, 1999—entitled “Cable Locking Device”; 60/128,988, filed Apr. 12, 1999—entitled “Security Hole Fastening Device”; Ser. No. 09/532,382, filed Mar. 22, 2000—entitled “Slot Adapter” and Ser. No. 09/813,924—entitled “Physical Security Device and Method for Portable Device” for example, all hereby expressly incorporated by reference for all purposes. These products are effective at deterring unauthorized movement of the portable device to which it is secured by localizing the portable device to a relatively immoveable object. The materials of the lock are designed so that the housing must be damaged in order to separate the lock from the portable device. By this expedient, unauthorized movement of the portable device is inhibited for several reasons. These reasons include a reluctance of a party to be observed damaging the housing as it would be obvious to observers that such party was unauthorized to tamper with the portable device. In addition, successfully separating the lock from the portable device in this fashion creates a damaged housing near the defeated security slot that is difficult, if not impossible, to repair, evidencing unauthorized possession of the portable device. The products embodied in these incorporated patents serve as effective devices to inhibit the unauthorized movement of a portable electronic device beyond a predetermined distance from an object to which the portable electronic device is localized. Commonly, a flexible cable localizes an attachment mechanism to an object other than the portable electronic device, thereby limiting movement away from the object. The attachment mechanism has a moveable locking member that engages a security slot defined in a wall of the portable device. The locking member, in an engagement configuration, cooperates with the security slot, the housing and possibly other elements of the attachment mechanism to inhibit reconfiguration of the locking member to a disengagement configuration in which the locking member may be disengaged from the security slot. These solutions achieve a primary goal of such devices, namely to inhibit the unauthorized movement of the portable electronic device. For portable electronic devices that are secured in public or semi public areas, simple security against unauthorized movement is not sufficient to inhibit unauthorized use of the device while it is securely localized. The prior art provides physical security solutions that do inhibit use of a portable electronic device while securing the device to a location. One such solution is a carrying case that completely surrounds the portable device and prevents any access or use of the device. A security device may simultaneously maintain the carrying case (with portable device inside) closed, and localized to an object. While this achieves the simultaneous goals of limiting access to the portable electronic device and inhibiting its movement, this solution is undesirable in situations in which a user desires convenient access to the portable electronic device. One such application is use of a laptop in a library or other public resource room. The user desires to access the laptop to records notes, for example, but inhibit operation and movement of the laptop while the user moves about the library. The user desires to quickly re access the laptop upon returning to the laptop's location. The carrying case solution is too cumbersome for all users in similar situations.
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10917248
| 2,004
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Compounds for treatment of copper overload
|
The present invention provides compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods that can be used to treat pathologies that are due to copper overload or to the presence of reactive oxygen species.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Copper overload is observed in various human conditions including cholestatic disorders, chronic ingestion of copper contaminated water, and in Wilson's disease. Similar conditions exist in veterinary medicine, including the susceptibility of sheep and various breeds of dogs, such as the Bedlington Terrier, to copper accumulation. Wilson's disease is a genetic disorder that affects about one in 50,000 to 100,000 people worldwide. The disorder is due to abnormal changes (mutations) in a gene that is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. The disease gene responsible for Wilson's disease, known as the ATP7B gene, is located on the long arm (q) of chromosome 13 (13q14.3). The protein encoded by this gene plays a role in the transport of copper (copper-transporting ATPase). Wilson's disease, commonly known as hepatolenticular degeneration is a systemic disorder of copper metabolism. Patients with this disease suffer from copper accumulation in the liver. The liver eventually becomes overburdened from excessive copper storage and ultimately copper is released from the liver into other organs, particularly, the brain, eyes and the kidneys. Accumulation of copper in the liver causes acute or chronic inflammation of the liver (hepatitis) or severe liver disease due to progressive loss of liver function (cirrhosis). Common symptoms of copper accumulation in the liver include loss of appetite (anorexia), fatigue, weakness/weight loss, abdominal swelling/yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes (jaundice). This disorder may also cause enlargement of the liver (hepatomegaly), spleen (splenomegaly) or in some cases, both (hepatosplenomegaly). Neurologic disorders persist in individuals suffering from Wilson's disease. Neurologic symptoms include tremor of the head, arms/legs, slowness of movements (bradykinesia), particularly, those of the tongue, lips and jaw. Patients with Wilson's disease suffer from psychiatric problems. These symptoms include increasing agitation, irritability, drastic mood swings, depression accompanied by bizarre behaviors. Therapy in individuals with copper overload pathologies such as Wilson's disease aims at efficacious removal of excessive copper from the body to prevent ongoing copper accumulation and deposition. This means that drug therapy must be continued throughout life. Lack of treatment or disruption of drug therapy often results in life threatening complications or irreversible organ damage. Current therapy for copper accumulation utilizes the chelating agent, D-penicillamine. D-penicillamine reduces copper toxicity by binding to copper in the body, making it water-soluble so it can be excreted in the urine. Because D-penicillamine is a hydrolytic product of penicillin, it has been associated with the induction of hypersensitivity reactions. D-penicillamine reduces the amount of copper in the body, but it does not affect the increased levels of reactive oxygen species caused by the copper. Reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), such as hydroxyl (OH•), peroxyl radicals (ROO•), superoxide anion (O 2 •) and the peroxy nitrite anion (NO•), are constantly produced as a result of metabolic reactions in living systems. RNS and ROS that are associated with an increased amount of copper in the body attack critical biomolecules, such as lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and the unsaturated fatty acids of biomembranes. These attacks result in lipid peroxidation and consequently cause the destruction of proteins and DNA. Various disorders and diseases in humans/animals such as cancers, brain disorders, platelet aggregation and atherosclerosis are associated with elevated levels of ROS/RNS. Antioxidants are scavenging agents that typically react with ROS/RNS and effectively interrupt the propagation of new free radical species. While in vitro studies have shown that potent antioxidants protect against the oxidative stress induced by increased copper levels, the usefulness of antioxidants in copper toxicosis therapy is not well known. Therefore, a continuing need exists for effective therapies for copper overload conditions such as Wilson's disease.
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Title:
Compounds for treatment of copper overload
Abstract:
The present invention provides compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods that can be used to treat pathologies that are due to copper overload or to the presence of reactive oxygen species.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Copper overload is observed in various human conditions including cholestatic disorders, chronic ingestion of copper contaminated water, and in Wilson's disease. Similar conditions exist in veterinary medicine, including the susceptibility of sheep and various breeds of dogs, such as the Bedlington Terrier, to copper accumulation. Wilson's disease is a genetic disorder that affects about one in 50,000 to 100,000 people worldwide. The disorder is due to abnormal changes (mutations) in a gene that is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. The disease gene responsible for Wilson's disease, known as the ATP7B gene, is located on the long arm (q) of chromosome 13 (13q14.3). The protein encoded by this gene plays a role in the transport of copper (copper-transporting ATPase). Wilson's disease, commonly known as hepatolenticular degeneration is a systemic disorder of copper metabolism. Patients with this disease suffer from copper accumulation in the liver. The liver eventually becomes overburdened from excessive copper storage and ultimately copper is released from the liver into other organs, particularly, the brain, eyes and the kidneys. Accumulation of copper in the liver causes acute or chronic inflammation of the liver (hepatitis) or severe liver disease due to progressive loss of liver function (cirrhosis). Common symptoms of copper accumulation in the liver include loss of appetite (anorexia), fatigue, weakness/weight loss, abdominal swelling/yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes (jaundice). This disorder may also cause enlargement of the liver (hepatomegaly), spleen (splenomegaly) or in some cases, both (hepatosplenomegaly). Neurologic disorders persist in individuals suffering from Wilson's disease. Neurologic symptoms include tremor of the head, arms/legs, slowness of movements (bradykinesia), particularly, those of the tongue, lips and jaw. Patients with Wilson's disease suffer from psychiatric problems. These symptoms include increasing agitation, irritability, drastic mood swings, depression accompanied by bizarre behaviors. Therapy in individuals with copper overload pathologies such as Wilson's disease aims at efficacious removal of excessive copper from the body to prevent ongoing copper accumulation and deposition. This means that drug therapy must be continued throughout life. Lack of treatment or disruption of drug therapy often results in life threatening complications or irreversible organ damage. Current therapy for copper accumulation utilizes the chelating agent, D-penicillamine. D-penicillamine reduces copper toxicity by binding to copper in the body, making it water-soluble so it can be excreted in the urine. Because D-penicillamine is a hydrolytic product of penicillin, it has been associated with the induction of hypersensitivity reactions. D-penicillamine reduces the amount of copper in the body, but it does not affect the increased levels of reactive oxygen species caused by the copper. Reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), such as hydroxyl (OH•), peroxyl radicals (ROO•), superoxide anion (O 2 •) and the peroxy nitrite anion (NO•), are constantly produced as a result of metabolic reactions in living systems. RNS and ROS that are associated with an increased amount of copper in the body attack critical biomolecules, such as lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and the unsaturated fatty acids of biomembranes. These attacks result in lipid peroxidation and consequently cause the destruction of proteins and DNA. Various disorders and diseases in humans/animals such as cancers, brain disorders, platelet aggregation and atherosclerosis are associated with elevated levels of ROS/RNS. Antioxidants are scavenging agents that typically react with ROS/RNS and effectively interrupt the propagation of new free radical species. While in vitro studies have shown that potent antioxidants protect against the oxidative stress induced by increased copper levels, the usefulness of antioxidants in copper toxicosis therapy is not well known. Therefore, a continuing need exists for effective therapies for copper overload conditions such as Wilson's disease.
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10508855
| 2,004
|
Switching device
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An electrical switching device including at least one ingoing conductor at least a first and a second outgoing conductor, and an arrangement for connecting and disconnecting the conductors by means of an axial movement. The arrangement includes an axially movable element, which is movable between a first and a second position. The device is arranged such that when the axially movable element is in the first position, the ingoing conductor and the first outgoing conductor are electrically connected, and the ingoing conductor and the second outgoing conductor (3) are disconnected. When the axially movable element is in the second position, the ingoing conductor and the first outgoing conductor are disconnected, and the ingoing conductor and the second outgoing conductor are electrically connected.
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an electrical switching device having at least one ingoing conductor and at least two outgoing electrical conductors and an arrangement for electrically connecting and disconnecting the conductors by means of an axial movement. A switching device according to the invention can be used in single-phase or multiphase, at medium or high voltage applications, and is suitable for power distribution systems for sub-sea applications as well as land-based applications. As an example of the former, the switching device according to the invention may be used in connection with power supply of sub-sea electrical equipment or apparatus, such as electrical submerged pumps. A typical electrical rating of the switching device is three-phase power through-put in the range of 1-11 kV and 50-500 A. The present invention further relates to the use of the switching device according to the invention for sub-sea electrical power distribution and routing, in general. The present invention further relates to a method for alternately connecting and disconnecting at least one ingoing conductor to at least two outgoing electrical conductors.
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Title:
Switching device
Abstract:
An electrical switching device including at least one ingoing conductor at least a first and a second outgoing conductor, and an arrangement for connecting and disconnecting the conductors by means of an axial movement. The arrangement includes an axially movable element, which is movable between a first and a second position. The device is arranged such that when the axially movable element is in the first position, the ingoing conductor and the first outgoing conductor are electrically connected, and the ingoing conductor and the second outgoing conductor (3) are disconnected. When the axially movable element is in the second position, the ingoing conductor and the first outgoing conductor are disconnected, and the ingoing conductor and the second outgoing conductor are electrically connected.
Background:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an electrical switching device having at least one ingoing conductor and at least two outgoing electrical conductors and an arrangement for electrically connecting and disconnecting the conductors by means of an axial movement. A switching device according to the invention can be used in single-phase or multiphase, at medium or high voltage applications, and is suitable for power distribution systems for sub-sea applications as well as land-based applications. As an example of the former, the switching device according to the invention may be used in connection with power supply of sub-sea electrical equipment or apparatus, such as electrical submerged pumps. A typical electrical rating of the switching device is three-phase power through-put in the range of 1-11 kV and 50-500 A. The present invention further relates to the use of the switching device according to the invention for sub-sea electrical power distribution and routing, in general. The present invention further relates to a method for alternately connecting and disconnecting at least one ingoing conductor to at least two outgoing electrical conductors.
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10797908
| 2,004
|
Automotive grille
|
An improved automotive grille and an improved method of making the automotive grille are provided. The automotive grille includes durable leading edge portions that are secured to decorative portions of the grille using a complimentary guide and channel approach. This manner of construction improves the durability and environmental tolerance of the grille components while at the same time improving the decorative appearance of the grille.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The preferred embodiments of the present invention relate to automotive grilles. 2. Description of the Related Art Automotive grilles are used as a barrier to protect an automobile's radiator as well as serve as a decorative feature. The grille generally serves as a source of ventilation to the radiator. The grille also provides decorative features which improve the look and style of an automobile. The grilles protect the radiator from a number of objects, such as bugs, rocks, and road debris, which may damage the radiator and the grille. The grilles are often pitted or dented by the impact of these objects, resulting in an undesirable decorative finish. Furthermore, the grilles may be subject to significant impact forces during collisions. Moreover, certain materials and methods of making the grille result in rusting of various parts of the grille or flaking off of coating materials. Rusting adversely affects the decorative finish of the grill and contributes to decreased strength over an extended period of time. Flaking off of the powder coating also reduces the quality of the decorative finish of the grille, and provides no barrier to the grille base material. Various conventional grille designs incorporate a decorative leading edge. To achieve the decorative appearance of the leading edge, a powder coating, or other similar coating may be applied to the entire grille, and the leading edge of the grille may be polished thereby removing the powder coating on the leading edge to obtain the decorative finish. Other automotive grilles are fabricated from a high-impact plastic and then coated with a metallic coating, such as chrome plating. There are several problems associated with the aforementioned techniques for obtaining a decorative finish arising, in part, from polishing the grille after powder coating and applying a metallic coating. For example, the aluminum may become tarnished, and moisture can get beneath the powder coating at the edges, resulting in flaking off of the powder coating or metallic coating and rusting. Additionally, it may be desirable to fabricate the leading edge out of a relatively durable material designed to retain its decorative appearance, however, difficulties may arise in securing the leading edge to other grille components. Accordingly, an improved automotive grille is required having the decorative features of a conventional grille, but also overcoming the problems associated with conventional manufacturing techniques.
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Title:
Automotive grille
Abstract:
An improved automotive grille and an improved method of making the automotive grille are provided. The automotive grille includes durable leading edge portions that are secured to decorative portions of the grille using a complimentary guide and channel approach. This manner of construction improves the durability and environmental tolerance of the grille components while at the same time improving the decorative appearance of the grille.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The preferred embodiments of the present invention relate to automotive grilles. 2. Description of the Related Art Automotive grilles are used as a barrier to protect an automobile's radiator as well as serve as a decorative feature. The grille generally serves as a source of ventilation to the radiator. The grille also provides decorative features which improve the look and style of an automobile. The grilles protect the radiator from a number of objects, such as bugs, rocks, and road debris, which may damage the radiator and the grille. The grilles are often pitted or dented by the impact of these objects, resulting in an undesirable decorative finish. Furthermore, the grilles may be subject to significant impact forces during collisions. Moreover, certain materials and methods of making the grille result in rusting of various parts of the grille or flaking off of coating materials. Rusting adversely affects the decorative finish of the grill and contributes to decreased strength over an extended period of time. Flaking off of the powder coating also reduces the quality of the decorative finish of the grille, and provides no barrier to the grille base material. Various conventional grille designs incorporate a decorative leading edge. To achieve the decorative appearance of the leading edge, a powder coating, or other similar coating may be applied to the entire grille, and the leading edge of the grille may be polished thereby removing the powder coating on the leading edge to obtain the decorative finish. Other automotive grilles are fabricated from a high-impact plastic and then coated with a metallic coating, such as chrome plating. There are several problems associated with the aforementioned techniques for obtaining a decorative finish arising, in part, from polishing the grille after powder coating and applying a metallic coating. For example, the aluminum may become tarnished, and moisture can get beneath the powder coating at the edges, resulting in flaking off of the powder coating or metallic coating and rusting. Additionally, it may be desirable to fabricate the leading edge out of a relatively durable material designed to retain its decorative appearance, however, difficulties may arise in securing the leading edge to other grille components. Accordingly, an improved automotive grille is required having the decorative features of a conventional grille, but also overcoming the problems associated with conventional manufacturing techniques.
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10899326
| 2,004
|
System and method for treatment of acidic wastewater
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A wastewater treatment system comprising separation unit operations inhibits or promotes the formation and precipitation of species by controlling the pH of wastewater to be treated entering into the separation unit operations. The separation unit operations include first and second reverse osmosis devices. The first reverse osmosis device treats wastewater having pH that is less than about 3.5 and the second reverse osmosis device treats wastewater, from the first reverse osmosis device, having a pH that is about 6 or higher.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to treatment of acidic industrial wastewater and, more particularly, to minimizing precipitation in reverse osmosis systems utilized to treat wastewater. 2. Discussion of the Related Art Wastewater associated with phosphate manufacturing operations is typically acidic and typically has fluoride, ammonia, silica, sulfate, calcium, heavy metal and phosphate species. Various techniques have been utilized to reduce the level of such contaminants before wastewater can be discharged. For example, the double liming process, followed by air stripping, is a technique that is typically used. It utilizes lime addition in two stages, to promote precipitation of fluoride species and phosphate species, followed by high pH, air stripping to remove ammonia. In another technique, wastewater has been treated by techniques involving chemical precipitation followed by reverse osmosis. Like the double liming process, such techniques raise the pH of influent wastewater to promote precipitation and solids separation before the reverse osmosis step. The high chemical costs typically associated with raising the pH of the wastewater make such processes economically unattractive.
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Title:
System and method for treatment of acidic wastewater
Abstract:
A wastewater treatment system comprising separation unit operations inhibits or promotes the formation and precipitation of species by controlling the pH of wastewater to be treated entering into the separation unit operations. The separation unit operations include first and second reverse osmosis devices. The first reverse osmosis device treats wastewater having pH that is less than about 3.5 and the second reverse osmosis device treats wastewater, from the first reverse osmosis device, having a pH that is about 6 or higher.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to treatment of acidic industrial wastewater and, more particularly, to minimizing precipitation in reverse osmosis systems utilized to treat wastewater. 2. Discussion of the Related Art Wastewater associated with phosphate manufacturing operations is typically acidic and typically has fluoride, ammonia, silica, sulfate, calcium, heavy metal and phosphate species. Various techniques have been utilized to reduce the level of such contaminants before wastewater can be discharged. For example, the double liming process, followed by air stripping, is a technique that is typically used. It utilizes lime addition in two stages, to promote precipitation of fluoride species and phosphate species, followed by high pH, air stripping to remove ammonia. In another technique, wastewater has been treated by techniques involving chemical precipitation followed by reverse osmosis. Like the double liming process, such techniques raise the pH of influent wastewater to promote precipitation and solids separation before the reverse osmosis step. The high chemical costs typically associated with raising the pH of the wastewater make such processes economically unattractive.
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10978026
| 2,004
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Method for adjusting metabolic related parameters according to a subject's body weight
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A method is provided for correcting reference parameters based on weight variations of a subject. The parameters that can be corrected may be metabolic rate, metabolic equivalent (MET), dehydration rate, drug dosage, exercise intensity, calorie usage, work level, and oxygen consumption. A corrected parameter for a subject can be determined by the factor P r ( wt s ) x y to obtain a corrected parameter (Ps). In the factor, wts is the weight of the subject, x is preferably ⅓, Pr is the reference parameter to be corrected, and y is preferably (wtr)z, wherein wtr is the reference weight and z is preferably ⅓.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the field of physiology, for certain exercise activities certain parameters (e.g. oxygen consumption) may be measured to provide an indication of how hard a person is working. For example, by determining a maximal oxygen consumption level that a person is able to do, and then measuring a person's actual oxygen consumption level, an indication can be given of what percentage of a person's maximum possible level they are currently working at. Certain tests (e.g. firefighter exams) may also measure selected parameters to determine an individual's performance level, and certain minimum performance levels may be required in order for an individual to pass the test. Such minimum required levels may be adjusted for different individuals (e.g. larger individuals are expected to be able to do more work). One conventional method for expressing maximal oxygen uptake between different people is (mL oxygen consumed)/(kg body weight) wherein a 1:1 ratio between oxygen consumption and body weight is assumed to exist. In other words, as body weight increases, the maximal oxygen uptake is assumed to increase at an equal proportion. While this formula is relatively simple and easy to calculate, there are some indications that it may unfairly expect larger people to be able to do proportionally more work than they are able. At least one other known formula utilizes a more complex calculation to determine an estimate of maximal oxygen uptake. This more complex formula is (mL oxygen)/min/kg 2/3 , which is disclosed by Astrand P. O. and Rodahl D. in Textbook of Work Physiology: Physiological Bases of Exercise , McGraw-Hill, 1977, for calculating maximal oxygen consumption. This formula seeks to account for the decreasing rate of rise in oxygen consumption as body mass increases. The present invention is directed to an improved method that allows selected parameters to be adjusted in a simple and accurate way which takes into account the body weight of a subject.
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Title:
Method for adjusting metabolic related parameters according to a subject's body weight
Abstract:
A method is provided for correcting reference parameters based on weight variations of a subject. The parameters that can be corrected may be metabolic rate, metabolic equivalent (MET), dehydration rate, drug dosage, exercise intensity, calorie usage, work level, and oxygen consumption. A corrected parameter for a subject can be determined by the factor P r ( wt s ) x y to obtain a corrected parameter (Ps). In the factor, wts is the weight of the subject, x is preferably ⅓, Pr is the reference parameter to be corrected, and y is preferably (wtr)z, wherein wtr is the reference weight and z is preferably ⅓.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the field of physiology, for certain exercise activities certain parameters (e.g. oxygen consumption) may be measured to provide an indication of how hard a person is working. For example, by determining a maximal oxygen consumption level that a person is able to do, and then measuring a person's actual oxygen consumption level, an indication can be given of what percentage of a person's maximum possible level they are currently working at. Certain tests (e.g. firefighter exams) may also measure selected parameters to determine an individual's performance level, and certain minimum performance levels may be required in order for an individual to pass the test. Such minimum required levels may be adjusted for different individuals (e.g. larger individuals are expected to be able to do more work). One conventional method for expressing maximal oxygen uptake between different people is (mL oxygen consumed)/(kg body weight) wherein a 1:1 ratio between oxygen consumption and body weight is assumed to exist. In other words, as body weight increases, the maximal oxygen uptake is assumed to increase at an equal proportion. While this formula is relatively simple and easy to calculate, there are some indications that it may unfairly expect larger people to be able to do proportionally more work than they are able. At least one other known formula utilizes a more complex calculation to determine an estimate of maximal oxygen uptake. This more complex formula is (mL oxygen)/min/kg 2/3 , which is disclosed by Astrand P. O. and Rodahl D. in Textbook of Work Physiology: Physiological Bases of Exercise , McGraw-Hill, 1977, for calculating maximal oxygen consumption. This formula seeks to account for the decreasing rate of rise in oxygen consumption as body mass increases. The present invention is directed to an improved method that allows selected parameters to be adjusted in a simple and accurate way which takes into account the body weight of a subject.
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10790327
| 2,004
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Endoscope image pick-up apparatus
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An image pick-up unit inserted in the body picks up an image of the body, and transmits by radio the image to an extra-corporeal unit which is arranged outside the body. The image pick-up unit includes an image pick-up portion capturing an image, a data transmitting portion for transmitting the image obtained by the image pick-up portion to the extra-corporeal unit at a plurality of transmitting ratios, a characteristic amount detecting portion for detecting a predetermined amount of characteristics based on the image, and a determining portion for determining a valid image based on an output from the characteristic amount detecting portion. The data transmitting portion controls the data transmitting ratio in accordance with the determining result of the determining portion.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope image pick-up apparatus in which an image in the body is picked up by an image pick-up unit and the resultant image is transmitted by radio to an extra-corporeal unit. 2. Description of the Related Art For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-508201 discloses, as a conventional art, an endoscope image pick-up apparatus in which an image in the body is picked up by an image pick-up unit and the resultant image is transmitted by radio to an extra-corporeal unit. According to the conventional art, the image pick-up unit, which is inserted in the body, comprises an acceleration sensor as a movement detector in the axial direction. The acceleration sensor detects the movement in the axial direction, when the acceleration in the axial direction is lower than the preset threshold value, and a power source is shut off. Thus, the collection of redundant images is prevented and the consumption energy of the image pick-up unit is minimized.
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Title:
Endoscope image pick-up apparatus
Abstract:
An image pick-up unit inserted in the body picks up an image of the body, and transmits by radio the image to an extra-corporeal unit which is arranged outside the body. The image pick-up unit includes an image pick-up portion capturing an image, a data transmitting portion for transmitting the image obtained by the image pick-up portion to the extra-corporeal unit at a plurality of transmitting ratios, a characteristic amount detecting portion for detecting a predetermined amount of characteristics based on the image, and a determining portion for determining a valid image based on an output from the characteristic amount detecting portion. The data transmitting portion controls the data transmitting ratio in accordance with the determining result of the determining portion.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope image pick-up apparatus in which an image in the body is picked up by an image pick-up unit and the resultant image is transmitted by radio to an extra-corporeal unit. 2. Description of the Related Art For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-508201 discloses, as a conventional art, an endoscope image pick-up apparatus in which an image in the body is picked up by an image pick-up unit and the resultant image is transmitted by radio to an extra-corporeal unit. According to the conventional art, the image pick-up unit, which is inserted in the body, comprises an acceleration sensor as a movement detector in the axial direction. The acceleration sensor detects the movement in the axial direction, when the acceleration in the axial direction is lower than the preset threshold value, and a power source is shut off. Thus, the collection of redundant images is prevented and the consumption energy of the image pick-up unit is minimized.
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10904774
| 2,004
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Improvements Introduced in Cabinet to House Telecommunication Equipment
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“IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED IN CABINET TO HOUSE TELECOMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT”, comprising, according to the characteristics thereof, the introduction of a proper and specific set of devices and improvements in the strength and safety area in general on the structure of a cabinet (1) to house telecommunication equipment, in order to provide a safe and reliable utilization and safekeeping of different telecommunication equipment in general against non authorized access and bad weather in general, being based on the incorporation and improvement of various proper and specific components in proprietary structures made of metallic material or similar material, whose shape and internal and external arrangement provides the proper housing of telecommunication equipment in general therein and which are properly arranged (fitted and attached) on the basic structure of cabinet (1).
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Title:
Improvements Introduced in Cabinet to House Telecommunication Equipment
Abstract:
“IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED IN CABINET TO HOUSE TELECOMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT”, comprising, according to the characteristics thereof, the introduction of a proper and specific set of devices and improvements in the strength and safety area in general on the structure of a cabinet (1) to house telecommunication equipment, in order to provide a safe and reliable utilization and safekeeping of different telecommunication equipment in general against non authorized access and bad weather in general, being based on the incorporation and improvement of various proper and specific components in proprietary structures made of metallic material or similar material, whose shape and internal and external arrangement provides the proper housing of telecommunication equipment in general therein and which are properly arranged (fitted and attached) on the basic structure of cabinet (1).
Background:
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10931977
| 2,004
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Building element and structure
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A precast concrete building element and structure constructed from such elements, the elements being designed so that either face of the element can be used in the design of the construction of retaining walls, foundations, posts or other structures, wherein one face of the element gives the appearance of a dual vertical octagon shape, and the other face of the element is vertically flat faced, with a 45 degree vertically angled corner on each end of the element. Thus, the overall wall or structure gives the appearance of repeating vertical part octagonal shapes. Through various configurations of such a design, arrangements of elements to form structures which have an internal angle of 45, 90 and 135 degrees are possible. The structure can be designed so that it can be stacked straight up, in that each element comprising the structure has a groove or channel on a bottom of the element, which internally extends a length of the element, and a top surface of the element has two button shaped protrusions thereon. The protrusions are designed to allow each element to lock or connect into the groove or channel of another element placed thereon.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Retaining wall blocks and walls, for example, are used in various landscaping projects and are generally available in a wide variety of styles. There are numerous methods and materials which exist for the construction of retaining blocks and walls, and such methods can include the use of natural stone, poured concrete, precast panels and masonry. Many of these blocks, such as that described and illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,513,475, have been developed with configurations having essentially the same outside surface, that is a rectangular block. A standard cement block is rectangular in shape and has two openings with a solid web transversing between the two openings. However, use of these types of blocks for the construction of retaining wall structures are generally not aesthetically appealing. Presently, when rectangular cement blocks are used to fabricate walls, the aesthetics of the wall leave much to be desired, in that essentially only a straight linear wall with a vertical surface is created. Generally, only 90 degree corners can be used if a turn in the wall is required. Other walls of various angles can be constructed only by cutting the corners of the rectangular block to match the desired angle. However, this technique is very time consuming in that it requires a skilled mason to cut each and every block at the desired angle. More recently, segmental concrete retaining wall units, which include dry stacked individual blocks, have become widely accepted in the construction of retaining walls. Retaining walls made from these types of blocks or units can be structurally sound, easy and relatively inexpensive to install, and couple the durability of concrete with the attractiveness of various architectural finishes available for the concrete blocks. Currently, many commercially available blocks are symmetrical and include parallel front and back faces and non-parallel, converging side surfaces. The converging side surfaces allow the blocks to be stacked and form a predictable pattern for the retaining wall. However these types of blocks do not provide for a unique appearance and configuration with respect to the corners incorporated into the retaining wall. Accordingly, there is a need for a retaining wall element and system wherein the face of the retaining wall, and the corners incorporated into the retaining wall, have a more attractive, unique appearance and variable configuration than that available in conventional wall constructions. The present invention satisfies this need and provides these benefits. In addition, the element described in the present invention can be used in the design of the construction of a variety of other projects and structures, including foundations and posts.
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Title:
Building element and structure
Abstract:
A precast concrete building element and structure constructed from such elements, the elements being designed so that either face of the element can be used in the design of the construction of retaining walls, foundations, posts or other structures, wherein one face of the element gives the appearance of a dual vertical octagon shape, and the other face of the element is vertically flat faced, with a 45 degree vertically angled corner on each end of the element. Thus, the overall wall or structure gives the appearance of repeating vertical part octagonal shapes. Through various configurations of such a design, arrangements of elements to form structures which have an internal angle of 45, 90 and 135 degrees are possible. The structure can be designed so that it can be stacked straight up, in that each element comprising the structure has a groove or channel on a bottom of the element, which internally extends a length of the element, and a top surface of the element has two button shaped protrusions thereon. The protrusions are designed to allow each element to lock or connect into the groove or channel of another element placed thereon.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Retaining wall blocks and walls, for example, are used in various landscaping projects and are generally available in a wide variety of styles. There are numerous methods and materials which exist for the construction of retaining blocks and walls, and such methods can include the use of natural stone, poured concrete, precast panels and masonry. Many of these blocks, such as that described and illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,513,475, have been developed with configurations having essentially the same outside surface, that is a rectangular block. A standard cement block is rectangular in shape and has two openings with a solid web transversing between the two openings. However, use of these types of blocks for the construction of retaining wall structures are generally not aesthetically appealing. Presently, when rectangular cement blocks are used to fabricate walls, the aesthetics of the wall leave much to be desired, in that essentially only a straight linear wall with a vertical surface is created. Generally, only 90 degree corners can be used if a turn in the wall is required. Other walls of various angles can be constructed only by cutting the corners of the rectangular block to match the desired angle. However, this technique is very time consuming in that it requires a skilled mason to cut each and every block at the desired angle. More recently, segmental concrete retaining wall units, which include dry stacked individual blocks, have become widely accepted in the construction of retaining walls. Retaining walls made from these types of blocks or units can be structurally sound, easy and relatively inexpensive to install, and couple the durability of concrete with the attractiveness of various architectural finishes available for the concrete blocks. Currently, many commercially available blocks are symmetrical and include parallel front and back faces and non-parallel, converging side surfaces. The converging side surfaces allow the blocks to be stacked and form a predictable pattern for the retaining wall. However these types of blocks do not provide for a unique appearance and configuration with respect to the corners incorporated into the retaining wall. Accordingly, there is a need for a retaining wall element and system wherein the face of the retaining wall, and the corners incorporated into the retaining wall, have a more attractive, unique appearance and variable configuration than that available in conventional wall constructions. The present invention satisfies this need and provides these benefits. In addition, the element described in the present invention can be used in the design of the construction of a variety of other projects and structures, including foundations and posts.
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10764935
| 2,004
|
Method of using aldehyde-functionalized polymers to enhance paper machine dewatering
|
A method of enhancing the dewatering of a paper sheet on a paper machine comprising adding to the paper sheet about 0.05 lb/ton to about 15 lb/ton, based on dry fiber, of one or more aldehyde functionalized polymers comprising amino or amido groups wherein at least about 15 mole percent of the amino or amido groups are functionalized by reacting with one or more aldehydes and wherein the aldehyde functionalized polymers have a molecular weight of at least about 100,000.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Papermaking comprises taking a slurry of papermaking raw materials at a consistency (weight percent solids) in the range 0.1 to 1.0 weight percent and dewatering it to form a sheet with a final consistency of about 95 weight percent. Paper machines accomplish this dewatering through a series of different processes which include from the beginning to end: 1) gravity or inertial dewatering (early forming section of the machine); 2) vacuum dewatering (late forming section of the machine); 3) press dewatering (press section of the machine); and 4) thermally evaporating the water (dryer section of the machine). The cost of dewatering increases in going from 1 to 4, which makes it advantageous to remove as much water as possible in the earlier stages. The rate of paper production or, equivalently, the machine speed is dictated by the rate at which the water can be removed, and consequently, any chemical treatment which can increase the rate of water removal has value for the papermaker. Many grades of paper require the use of retention aid chemicals for their manufacture in order to retain the fine particles found in the raw materials used to make the paper. It is well known in the paper industry that these retention aids can also enhance the rate of gravity, inertial, and vacuum dewatering or drainage, as it is often called. Such retention chemicals include the well known flocculants, coagulants, and microparticles used in the industry. Existing laboratory free and vacuum drainage tests can readily identify the drainage effects of these retention aid chemicals. The production rate for the vast majority of paper machines is limited by the drying capacity of the machine's dryer section. Consequently, the consistency of the paper sheet leaving the press section and going into the dryer section is most often critical in determining the paper machine speed or production rate. The effects of chemical additives on press dewatering are unclear with little information available on this topic. The effect of retention aid chemicals on press dewatering is often reported to be detrimental as a consequence of the decreased consistency entering the press as a result of increased water retention or reduction in press efficiency resulting from a loss in sheet formation. Both these factors arise from the flocculation of the papermaking particles by the retention chemicals. Because the consistency of the sheet leaving the press section is most often the most critical factor in determining machine speed, any treatment capable of increasing this consistency would obviously be highly desirable. Currently, no chemical treatments are known to be marketed as commercial press dewatering aids, although anecdotal reports suggest that some polymers can favorably effect out going press consistency. Accordingly, there is an ongoing need to develop compositions having effective press dewatering activity. Glyoxylated polyvinylamides prepared from glyoxal and polyvinylamide in a mole ratio of 0.1 to 0.2 are disclosed as wet strength resins in U.S. Pat. No. 3,556,932. Low molecular weight glyoxylated cationic polyacrylamides prepared from glyoxal and cationic polyvinylamide in a ratio of 0.1-0.5:1 are disclosed as temporary wet strength resins in U.S. Pat. No. 4,605,702. A method of imparting strength to paper by adding to a pulp slurry a mixed resin comprising an aminopolyamide-epichlorohydrin resin and a glyoxylated acrylamide-dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride resin prepared from glyoxal and acrylamide-dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride copolymer in a molar ratio of about 2-0.5:1 is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,674,362.
|
Title:
Method of using aldehyde-functionalized polymers to enhance paper machine dewatering
Abstract:
A method of enhancing the dewatering of a paper sheet on a paper machine comprising adding to the paper sheet about 0.05 lb/ton to about 15 lb/ton, based on dry fiber, of one or more aldehyde functionalized polymers comprising amino or amido groups wherein at least about 15 mole percent of the amino or amido groups are functionalized by reacting with one or more aldehydes and wherein the aldehyde functionalized polymers have a molecular weight of at least about 100,000.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Papermaking comprises taking a slurry of papermaking raw materials at a consistency (weight percent solids) in the range 0.1 to 1.0 weight percent and dewatering it to form a sheet with a final consistency of about 95 weight percent. Paper machines accomplish this dewatering through a series of different processes which include from the beginning to end: 1) gravity or inertial dewatering (early forming section of the machine); 2) vacuum dewatering (late forming section of the machine); 3) press dewatering (press section of the machine); and 4) thermally evaporating the water (dryer section of the machine). The cost of dewatering increases in going from 1 to 4, which makes it advantageous to remove as much water as possible in the earlier stages. The rate of paper production or, equivalently, the machine speed is dictated by the rate at which the water can be removed, and consequently, any chemical treatment which can increase the rate of water removal has value for the papermaker. Many grades of paper require the use of retention aid chemicals for their manufacture in order to retain the fine particles found in the raw materials used to make the paper. It is well known in the paper industry that these retention aids can also enhance the rate of gravity, inertial, and vacuum dewatering or drainage, as it is often called. Such retention chemicals include the well known flocculants, coagulants, and microparticles used in the industry. Existing laboratory free and vacuum drainage tests can readily identify the drainage effects of these retention aid chemicals. The production rate for the vast majority of paper machines is limited by the drying capacity of the machine's dryer section. Consequently, the consistency of the paper sheet leaving the press section and going into the dryer section is most often critical in determining the paper machine speed or production rate. The effects of chemical additives on press dewatering are unclear with little information available on this topic. The effect of retention aid chemicals on press dewatering is often reported to be detrimental as a consequence of the decreased consistency entering the press as a result of increased water retention or reduction in press efficiency resulting from a loss in sheet formation. Both these factors arise from the flocculation of the papermaking particles by the retention chemicals. Because the consistency of the sheet leaving the press section is most often the most critical factor in determining machine speed, any treatment capable of increasing this consistency would obviously be highly desirable. Currently, no chemical treatments are known to be marketed as commercial press dewatering aids, although anecdotal reports suggest that some polymers can favorably effect out going press consistency. Accordingly, there is an ongoing need to develop compositions having effective press dewatering activity. Glyoxylated polyvinylamides prepared from glyoxal and polyvinylamide in a mole ratio of 0.1 to 0.2 are disclosed as wet strength resins in U.S. Pat. No. 3,556,932. Low molecular weight glyoxylated cationic polyacrylamides prepared from glyoxal and cationic polyvinylamide in a ratio of 0.1-0.5:1 are disclosed as temporary wet strength resins in U.S. Pat. No. 4,605,702. A method of imparting strength to paper by adding to a pulp slurry a mixed resin comprising an aminopolyamide-epichlorohydrin resin and a glyoxylated acrylamide-dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride resin prepared from glyoxal and acrylamide-dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride copolymer in a molar ratio of about 2-0.5:1 is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,674,362.
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10802130
| 2,004
|
Color to grayscale conversion method and apparatus
|
A method and apparatus for translating color to grayscale images, wherein at least some pixels of the color image having the same color are mapped to different grays in the grayscale image depending on the spatial surround of each pixel. Further, the method and apparatus may include applying a high pass filter to at least one chrominance component of a color image to generate at least one high pass filtered chrominance component, and adjusting a luminance component of the color image based upon the at least one high pass filtered chrominance component.
|
Title:
Color to grayscale conversion method and apparatus
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for translating color to grayscale images, wherein at least some pixels of the color image having the same color are mapped to different grays in the grayscale image depending on the spatial surround of each pixel. Further, the method and apparatus may include applying a high pass filter to at least one chrominance component of a color image to generate at least one high pass filtered chrominance component, and adjusting a luminance component of the color image based upon the at least one high pass filtered chrominance component.
Background:
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11017952
| 2,004
|
Device used for limiting the speed of an electric cart while the cart is turning
|
A speed limiting device of an electric cart includes a measuring mechanism used for measuring an angle, at which the cart is turning, a conversion mechanism, a comparer, and a switch; the conversion mechanism can perform calculation based on both an input angle and a predetermined centrifugal speed to obtain a maximum allowed speed; the switch is connected to a motor of the cart; first and second alternative contacts are provided for the switch to selectively touch; the first contact is connected to the output terminal of the conversion mechanism; the present speed value is sent to the second contact and the comparer, which can make a comparison between the present speed and the maximum speed, according to the result of which comparison the switch will touch either one of the contacts, thus making the cart run at a smaller one of the above two speeds when the cart is turning.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a speed limiting device of an electric cart, which can perform a calculation based on an angle, at which the cart is turning, to obtain a maximum allowed speed, and next make the cart move at a smaller one of the present speed and the maximum allowed speed, thus preventing the cart from moving at such a high speed as to fall over while it is turning. 2. Brief Description of the Prior Art Electric carts are very convenient personal vehicles for leg-handicapped people and the elderly, and they are more strength saving and convenient to use than conventional wheelchairs because they are electrically actuated. However, because common electric carts have a relatively high center of gravity, they might fall over if they move at high speed while turning. And, because common electric carts aren't equipped with any protection around the riders, the riders are prone to get injured should the carts fall over.
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Title:
Device used for limiting the speed of an electric cart while the cart is turning
Abstract:
A speed limiting device of an electric cart includes a measuring mechanism used for measuring an angle, at which the cart is turning, a conversion mechanism, a comparer, and a switch; the conversion mechanism can perform calculation based on both an input angle and a predetermined centrifugal speed to obtain a maximum allowed speed; the switch is connected to a motor of the cart; first and second alternative contacts are provided for the switch to selectively touch; the first contact is connected to the output terminal of the conversion mechanism; the present speed value is sent to the second contact and the comparer, which can make a comparison between the present speed and the maximum speed, according to the result of which comparison the switch will touch either one of the contacts, thus making the cart run at a smaller one of the above two speeds when the cart is turning.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a speed limiting device of an electric cart, which can perform a calculation based on an angle, at which the cart is turning, to obtain a maximum allowed speed, and next make the cart move at a smaller one of the present speed and the maximum allowed speed, thus preventing the cart from moving at such a high speed as to fall over while it is turning. 2. Brief Description of the Prior Art Electric carts are very convenient personal vehicles for leg-handicapped people and the elderly, and they are more strength saving and convenient to use than conventional wheelchairs because they are electrically actuated. However, because common electric carts have a relatively high center of gravity, they might fall over if they move at high speed while turning. And, because common electric carts aren't equipped with any protection around the riders, the riders are prone to get injured should the carts fall over.
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