Nowadays, most video signals have been recorded on tapes in an analog form. The quick uptake of digital video for playback, for example using DVD, has as a consequence that demand for recording video material on a digital recording medium also increases, for example using a recordable optical disc, like DVD+RW, or hard disc based recording devices. A commonly used digital encoding format is MPEG, in particular MPEG2. For recording an analog video signal, the user uses an analog reproducing device, such as a VCR and Camcorder to generate the analog video signal and uses an (MPEG) encoder to encode this signal to a digital format for storing on a digital storage medium. The MPEG encoder may be a stand-alone device, or integrated in another device, like the VCR, television, etc. Via a digital video communication system, such as the P1394 bus, the encoded signal can be supplied to a decoder/renderer or to a digital storage device for subsequent supply to a decoder/renderer. To enable decoding/rendering the encoded signal must comply with the encoding/transmission standard, such as MPEG. MPEG video encoding/transmission is, among others, described in International Standard ISO/IEC 13818-2: 1995(E) Information Technology; Generic coding of moving pictures and associated information: Video and International Standard ISO/IEC 13818-1: 1996(E) Information Technology; Generic coding of moving pictures and associated information: Systems. Especially timing of the stream of digital video is important. To this end, digital video encoding/transmission standards specify clock signals that enable clocks in the encoder and decoder to run in a synchronized manner. These clock signals will be referred to as program clock reference stamps (PCR). Additionally, timing signals are supplied for the individual frames to enable a rendering device to render the frames at the correct time. These timing signals will be referred to as presentation time stamps (PTS). Moreover timing signals can be present that indicate to the decoder when the MPEG decoding can start. These signals will be referred to as decoding time stamps (DTS). The analog or digital video signal supplied to an encoder in addition to the video signal also includes a frame signal (vsync) that indicates frame boundaries in the video signal. The frame signal is thus synchronous with the video frames. The PTS signals in the encoded stream are usually inserted in the encoded video stream synchronous with the arrival of the vsync signal.
For MPEG2 transmission as specified for DVB (Digital Video Broadcast), the timing for the PCR and PTS are based on a same clock with a defined frequency and tolerance. For example, the clock defined by MPEG runs at 27 MHz. and should deviate less than 30 ppm (parts per million). Usually, the frame rate of a video signal is 25 Hz. or 30 Hz. and the vsync pulse has the same frequency. A straightforward conversion of an analog video signal having a frame rate of exactly 25 Hz. will result in an MPEG stream with PTS values present once every 40 ms. However, the deviation of the frame rate of a video signal reproduced with analog reproducing devices may be up to 100 ppm. To be able to obtain a digital video signal which has a PTS once every frame period, the MPEG encoder could be locked to the vsync of the video input signal. The encoded digital video signal thus obtained will have a PCR which deviates 100 ppm and is therefore not MPEG compliant. Such an encoded video stream should not be supplied through a network to a decoder/renderer as the decoding device may not be able to decode the signal. On the other hand, directly using the MPEG clock and ignoring too large deviations in frame rate may result in rendering problems, such as having to skip or repeat frames.


1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a method and a corresponding device for vehicle communication between a first vehicle and a second vehicle.
2. Related Art
In road traffic, vehicle drivers often communicate using the vehicle horn or light signals. However, these signals are often difficult to interpret for the vehicle driver of the vehicle to whom the signal is directed.
EP 1 515 292 A1 discloses a communication system for a vehicle, in which light is emitted by a headlight or a rear light of the vehicle. A signal from a modulator is superimposed on the light. The modulated light is received by a light receiving unit of a second vehicle. The received modulated light is demodulated by a decoder for display on a display panel.
DE 10 2010 007 259 A1 discloses a method for transmitting information relating to a defect in at least one part of a motor vehicle. In the method, a defect in at least one part of a second motor vehicle is first of all determined by at least one occupant of a first motor vehicle. A first item of information, which uniquely identifies the second motor vehicle is input and a second item of information, which identifies the defect, is input. A first message is transmitted to a central distribution unit, the first message comprising the first item of information and the second item of information. The first item of information and the second item of information are also processed in the central distribution unit and a second message is transmitted from the central distribution unit to at least one contact address.


Over the years, one of the most successful floor covering products has been vinyl tile flooring. The tile is long wearing and attractive, particularly when clear vinyl is laminated over wood or other decorative and eye pleasing scenes and materials. A laminate containing clear vinyl over a design, with additional vinyl and an adhesive system, allows for the mounting of vinyl tile on subfloors. These tiles are ideally suited for high traffic areas. It is essential to present a very favorable impression to consumers as they enter a store, beginning with clean and polished floors. Vinyl tile is presently the best floor covering assembly when factors such as cost, permanence, cleanliness, appearance, and durability are all considered. For that reason, vinyl tile is the preferred floor for a wide variety of stores, restaurants and other establishments.
Typical vinyl tile which is commercially available is extremely difficult to remove once it has been installed. Typically, removal requires workers to dig up the floor using a chisel to remove the tile, and then apply a patching material Because the patching must dry, a 24 hour waiting period is necessary. Then the crew returns and the subflooring can be prepared and new tile installed. This is an extremely expensive process, is very unsightly, and calls for significant down time for the particular area of the flooring. Up until the present time, it has not been possible to change the design of a floor covered with vinyl tile without this expense and inconvenience.
One alternative which has been proposed is to provide exterior designs which are placed on top of already existing vinyl tile. This alternative presents several significant difficulties. First, if the design is to be permanent and have the strength, resilience and durability of vinyl tile, it must have the same permanence of mounting. Thus, when the message or design is to be changed, the same difficulties in removing an overcoating of some form is realized as would be with the tile originally on the floor area. If the surface pattern is not as durable as vinyl tile, then ordinary pedestrian traffic will disturb or destroy the coating, and at the least make it quite unsightly in a relatively short period of time. Thus, continued replacement and repair increase costs prohibitively. Finally, there is a danger that any floor covering which is significantly different in height, for example, than the adjacent area will present special risks and hazards to unsuspecting pedestrians.
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a floor covering assembly which permits a defined area to be conveniently removed and replaced with alternative floor covering.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a safe, stable, highly resistant floor covering which can be removed at will and replaced with similar flooring and yet which can be left on the floor for extended periods of time without concern for durability, eye appeal or other factors.
Other objects will appear hereinafter.


1. Field of the Invention.
The present invention relates to a rip fence for use with a table saw and, in particular, to a rip fence that has a dual locking mechanism for securing the fence in position.
2. Scope of the Prior Art.
Table saws of various designs include a frame and an upper surface having an opening through which a blade extends. The upper surface supports a material, such as wood, as it is pushed towards the blade for cutting. Table saws have traditionally been stand-alone pieces of equipment that are used in workshops. Because most stand-alone table saws are used in large open spaces, the dimensions of the table saw can be large enough to support materials of various sizes for cutting. Tables that are used in workshops are not readily moved from one location to another. At construction sites, it is useful to have a table saw that can be easily moved from one location to another or between different construction sites. Accordingly, smaller and portable table saws have been designed. These table saws use lighter materials and have reduced the dimensions of the frame and the upper surface to reduce the size and weight of the table saw thereby creating the desired portable table saw. The portable table saws also use a separable folding table to hold the table saw at the correct height for operation.
An integral part of most table saws is a movable rip fence. The rip fence is positioned perpendicular to the upper cutting surface and is aligned generally parallel to the position of the blade. Most rip fences are designed to span between the front edge and the rear edge of the upper cutting surface. Moreover, the rip fence can be positioned in any position along the upper surface and is secured in such a position by a locking mechanism. The rip fence is usually secured in a position a given distance away from the blade and can be put on either side of the blade. When the rip fence is secured in a position, the wood can be pushed against the side of the rip fence to slide on the upper surface to be cut by the blade. Thus, accurate and straight cuts can be made.
Rip fences of various different designs are readily known in the prior art. In addition, different methods of securing the rip fence at a given location on the upper surface, including the use of a locking mechanism, are known. One of the primary objectives for the rip fence is for it to be generally parallel to the blade so that the most accurate cuts can be made. It is known that an effective way to make the rip fence parallel with the blade is to force it to be perpendicular to the front and rear edge surfaces of the table saw. Thus, many rip fences use a front clamping mechanism and a rear clamping mechanism. The front clamping mechanism presses against the front edge surface and the rear clamping mechanism presses against the rear edge surface. In this way, the clamping mechanism aligns the rip fence perpendicular to the edge surfaces and parallel to the blade.
It is also helpful to properly align the rip fence if the front and rear clamping mechanism move simultaneously. To achieve this, rip fences typically include a handle which is connected to the front clamping mechanism and a rod that connects between the handle and the rear clamping mechanism. When the handle is in a first and released position, the front locking mechanism is positioned in a released position relative the front edge surface and the rod reduces pressure and allows the rear locking position to move into a released position relative the rear edge surface. When the handle is in a second and locked position, the front locking mechanism is positioned in a locked position along the front edge surface and the rod pushes the rear locking mechanism into the locked position. As the handle moves from the released to the locked position, the front and rear clamping mechanism engage with the front and rear edges at the same time.
Different types of front and rear locking mechanisms are known. Some front locking mechanisms include a cam that is connected to a handle such that when the handle is put into the locked position, the cam is pushed against a surface on the front edge of the table saw to secure the rip fence in position. U.S. Pat. No. 4,846,036 to Metzger, Jr., et al., reveals a handle that moves a spring-biased clamping portion. In the locked position, the clamping portion is biased against a vertical wall in a slot that is proximate the front edge surface of the upper surface. In the released position, the handle overcomes the biased clamping portion so that it is released from the wall thereby allowing the rip fence to move along the upper surface. As the rip fence moves along the upper surface, the clamping portion moves through the slot.
Other rip fences are provided with different mechanisms to move smoothly along the upper surface. As described, slots can be provided along the upper surface of the table saw through which a portion of the rip fence, like a clamping portion, can slide. In addition, tubular rails can be provided on the front and rear sides of the table saw. In those embodiments, the rip fence include a portion that surrounds the tubular rail so that the rip fence can slide into a selected position. Other types of rails can be provided underneath the upper surface. In addition, the rip fence can include hook portions, tabs or other mechanisms that move relative a part of the upper surface or the frame so that the handle can lock the rip fence in a location.
Because of the rip fences"" designs, the handles used to lock the rip fence create inefficiencies. Many such handles are quite long so that their rotation provides enough torque to adequately secure the rip fence in a selected position. Those handles often protrude significantly out from the front edge of the saw where the handle can get in the way of efficiently using the table saw. The large handles can also catch on clothing and other items. In order to reduce the size, other rip fences reorient the handle""s location on the rip fence. Other prior art methods alter the direction that the handle rotates relative the table saw. Those alternative embodiments are not as easy to use.
In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to develop a portable saw that has a rip fence to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art. What is needed is a rip fence that moves between multiple positions on the table saw, that can be secured easily in any such position, and that does not unnecessarily increase the weight or general dimensions of the table saw. It is also desired to have a rip fence that is aligned parallel to the blade when it is locked into position. Moreover, the rip fence should reduce the dimensions of the handle so that it does not protrude significantly in front of the table saw.
The present invention relates to a table saw that includes a rip fence that is slidable relative to the table saw. The table saw used with the rip fence includes a frame portion and upper cutting surface. A blade extends through an opening in the upper surface to cut wood or other material. The upper surface supports the wood as it is pushed on the table saw and cut by the blade. Front and rear edge surfaces extend perpendicularly from the front and rear edges of the upper surface.
The rip fence of the present invention can be used with a table saw that has movable auxiliary table. The auxiliary table can move between a first position adjacent the upper surface and a variable second position separated from the upper surface according to any known methods. One such method includes rails that are secured to the front and rear edge surfaces of the auxiliary table and that slide along brackets on the rear and front edge surfaces of the upper surface.
The rip fence moves between positions relative the upper surface and can be locked in any such position such that the rip fence is parallel to the blade. This arrangement ensures that accurate cuts are made. To move relative the upper surface, the rip fence engages with a slot which is parallel to the front edge surface formed on the upper cutting surface of the table saw or the upper surface of the front rail. The rip fence can also engage with an groove formed in the rear edge surface of the upper cutting surface or the outer edge of the rear rail.
The rip fence extends between the front edge surface and the back edge surface of the upper cutting surface and includes a main casing that is slightly shorter than the span of the entire rip fence. A front clamping mechanism is provided that is connected to the front end of the casing by a frame. A movable handle is pivotally connected at one end of the handle""s upper surface to the frame and rotates between a lower locked position and an upper released position. When the handle is in the locked position, the rip fence is held securely in position relative the upper cutting surface so that the rip fence is generally parallel to the blade. When the handle is in the released position, the rip fence can slide relative the upper cutting surface and longitudinally through the slot and groove.
The front clamping mechanism includes a rotatable cam that has a first end and a second end. In addition, a movable link having an upper end and a lower end is provided. The link is pivotally connected at its upper end to a distal end of the handle""s upper surface and pivotally connected at the lower end to the first end of the cam. The cam""s second end is pivotally connected to the frame. A vertically extending activating plate is partially contained within the frame such that its upper end is in contact with the cam""s second end. The lower end of the activation plate extends below the lower edge of the front clamping mechanism. The activation plate can be pivotally connected to the handle frame at a point below the upper end.
The front clamping mechanism also includes a horizontally extending clamping plate that engages with the slot. The clamping plate includes a passage proximate a first end and a flange, or lip, at an opposing second end. The lower end of the activation plate extends through the passage. The lip engages with the slot so that as the rip fence moves along the upper cutting surface the lip slides longitudinally through the passage. The lip moves laterally within the slot between a locked position and a released position. In the locked position, the lip presses against the walls of the slot so that the rip fence does not slide. In the released position, the lip is free of the slot""s walls so that the rip fence can slide to a desired position. The clamping plate moves between the locked position and the released position as the handle moves between its locked and released position. As the handle moves between positions, the link rotates the cam and therefore the activation plate. As the activation plate pivots, its lower end laterally moves the clamping plate between the locked and released positions.
The rip fence of the present invention also includes a rear clamping mechanism that has a second activation plate. An upper end of the rear activation plate is pivotally connected to a rear frame. A portion, or tab, is provided at a lower end to engage with the groove provided along the rear edge surface of the table saw. A spring-loaded rod maintains contact between the front activation plate and the upper end of the rear activation plate. The second activation plate, and therefore the portion, move between a locked position and the released position as the handle moves between those positions. As the handle moves between those positions, the first activation plate rotates about its pivot point thereby moving the rod. As the rod moves, it forces the rear activation to rotate about its pivot point so that the tab moves between the locked position and the released position. In the locked position, the edges of the portion engage with the walls of the groove so that the rip fence is secured in a position and is parallel to the blade. In the released position, the portion is removed from the groove so that the rip fence can move along the upper surface.
The front clamping mechanism, or the casing, can include gliding blocks that slide through the slot. The glide blocks are arranged on either side of the clamping plate and permit the rip fence to move smoothly through the slot between various positions. In addition, the rip fence can include a roller assembly that allows the rip fence""s rear clamping mechanism to move smoothly.
In view of the foregoing, a rip fence is provided that moves smoothly between various positions along the upper cutting surface. The multiple pivot points in the front clamping mechanism also provide a handle that is easy to use and that does not protrude out from the table saw. The clamping plate and rear activation plate also provide effective mechanisms to secure the rip fence in a position so that the rip fence does not move during operations of the table saw. In addition, the front and rear clamping mechanisms align the rip fence in a generally parallel arrangement with the blade when they are moved into the locked position.
These and numerous other features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.


The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for identifying features in an image. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for fitting models to an image to identify features in the image.
Automated image analysis may be used to reduce manual workloads in determining properties of images. Image analysis is used in a variety of different fields to identify features of images. One area in which image analysis techniques are used is to process medical images where the identification of anatomical features in an image can provide useful information to medical practitioners. Often many images are required to be processed, for example in a screening program, and each image should be processed as accurately as possible.
Images of a particular anatomical feature obtained from different patients vary considerably. This may particularly be the case when an anatomical feature is in a diseased state. It can therefore be difficult to accurately identify anatomical features in images given such variance. An existing approach to identifying anatomical features in an image is based upon statistical modelling of an anatomical region of interest. Statistical models are generated from a training set of images in which features within the anatomical region of interest have been manually identified and a statistical model indicates a mean model and an acceptable degree of variation from the mean model, as indicated by the training set. Where a small number of training images are available, a statistical model can often fail to identify particular anatomical features in previously unseen images due to the failure of the statistical model to capture a true indication of acceptable variation.
Additionally, existing approaches for fitting statistical models to previously unseen images can be inaccurate, particularly when an anatomical feature is in a diseased state in the previously unseen image. A robust and accurate method of modelling structures in images and fitting such models to previously unseen images is therefore desirable.
It is an object of some embodiments of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least some of the problems set out above.


1. Technical Field
The present disclosure generally relates to a touch device, and more particularly to a touch device and a driving method of a touch panel thereof.
2. Related Art
With developing of technology, most electronic devices, such notebooks, cell phones, portable multimedia players, and so on, usually have touch panels as the new generation input interfaces to replace the traditional keyboards. The touch panels can be categorized into the resistive touch panels, the capacitive touch panels, the infrared light touch panels, and the supersonic touch panels, wherein resistive touch panels and the capacitive touch panels are most common products. In generally, when the touch panels operate, the touch panels scan the whole touch area thereof to sense the touch points.
For the projected capacitive touch panel, the larger the size of the panel is, the more the number of the sensors is, and the longer the time which the touch panel scans once is. In some condition, the user may not touch the whole touch area of the touch panel when the touch panel is used. Furthermore, assuming the touch panel is applied in the people interacting education system or the public system under the condition that the whole touch area of the touch panel is available, when user operates the touch panel, the user may be interfered by the operation of the other user, or may interfere the operation of the other user. To maintain the whole touch area of the touch area available not only decreases the efficiency, but also introduces interference.


We humans are social creatures, and have socialized, worked, and otherwise collaborated in both small and large groups for thousands of years. Many of these groups or teams have collaborated to achieve great feats for the good of all mankind, feats including building the great pyramids, circumnavigating the globe, establishing new nations, building the world's first flying machine, winning world wars, producing new medical treatments, sending a man to the moon, to name a few. Pick any great achievement and the odds are that there is a great team behind it. All this suggests that the future of the world depends on the work of great teams.
The present inventors have recognized that there are at least three problems that are inhibiting formation of more great teams.
The first problem is that many teams fail or underperform because of poor interactions between group members and/or because one or more group members lacked essential attributes needed for the group to succeed at whatever mission it takes on. The problem is rampant and generally stems from the fact that teams are built largely using human mental processes. Which are heavily influenced or completely dictated by traditional organizational or social hierarchies; inherent or implicit social, racial, gender, ethnic, or other conscious and unconscious biases within team organizers; and an inability of team organizers to objectively process real data. Wherever these failures occur they are not only costly in terms of lost time and money of businesses and other organizations relying on team performance, but also costly in terms of the wasted effort and emotional stress on team members who joined the teams to achieve something bigger than they could do alone.
The second team formation problem recognized by the present inventors is in the context of education, for example within universities, colleges, high schools, and so forth. In this context, many teams are formed for group projects and study groups, etc. The groups are typically small in number and formed during class in rapid ad hoc ways with consideration of only a few of the many relevant variables. For example, teams for group projects are often based largely on seating proximity or alphabetical order, resulting in widely variant team efficacy. Moreover, students enrolled in any given class also constitute a team. These classroom teams are typically self-organized by students or school administrators based on teacher or scheduling preferences, ignoring numerous individual student traits that affect the entire group learning experience within every class.
The third problem recognized by the present inventors is related to formation of teams or groups in the context of temporary events, such as conferences and conventions, where hundreds or thousands of people may come together to learn or confer around a particular topic, such as education, healthcare, or technology. Many of the participants come not only to learn from speakers at these events, but also to meet new people and form new relationships that can lead to professional and personal collaborations. In most of these conferences and conventions, the peer-to-peer interactions are largely serendipitous, that is, uncoordinated in any systematic or intelligent way around particular user interests or desires, leaving participants to rely on ad hoc introductions and happenstance or to generally fend for themselves in coordinating advantageous meetings. As a result, many of the participants miss out on opportunities to further leverage their investment in money, time, and energy to attend conferences and conventions.
Beyond these problems in organizational, educational, and event team or group formation contexts, the present inventors also recognize that, in broader terms, how well we get along as humans at every level—within friendships, partnerships, and local, national, and international communities—depends on our collective capacity to collaborate and work effectively. While the internet has powered unprecedented interconnectivity, global communications, and informational sharing, it has also exponentially amplified our capacity to behave according to implicit and explicit human biases at every level of interaction, giving rise to insular social, economic, and political echo chambers that regard each other as enemies to oppose rather than friends to commune with. This insularity breeds increasing rigidity in thought and behavior that threaten our capacities not only to understand each other and live peacefully together, but also to collaborate with sufficient diversity to address our grand global challenges.
Accordingly, the present inventors have recognized a need for better ways of bringing people together into small groups or teams to achieve desired objectives.


1. Statement of the Technical Field
The invention is directed to integrated circuit (IC) devices, and more particularly IC devices including inductor structures formed therein.
2. Description of the Related Art
Reactive components, such as capacitors and inductor, are important components for implementing various types of signal processing devices, including low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), voltage controlled oscillators (VCOs), filters, and impedance matching networks, to name a few. As a result, a significant number of components are typically needed to implement such devices. However, the number of components for such devices can be reduced by using an IC including inductors and capacitors formed therein. As a result, signal processing devices can be formed in a compact package, reducing overall device size.
The performance of inductors, including inductors formed within an IC (monolithic inductor), is typically evaluated based on the quality (Q) factor. An ideal inductor will generally be lossless irrespective of the amount of current through the winding. However, inductors, including monolithic inductors, typically have winding resistance from the electrically conductive materials used for forming the coils. Since the winding resistance appears as a resistance in series with the inductor, it is often called the series resistance. The inductor's series resistance converts electrical current through the coils into heat, thus causing a loss of inductive quality. The Q factor measures this loss (i.e., the inductor's efficiency), as Q factor for an inductor is the ratio of its inductive reactance to its resistance at a given frequency. In general, the higher the Q factor of the inductor, the closer it approaches the behavior of an ideal, lossless, inductor. In general, the Q factor of an inductor can be computed from Q=(ωL)/R, where R is its internal electrical resistance of the inductor and ωL is capacitive or inductive reactance at resonance.
In the case of monolithic inductors, the Q factor is primarily limited by conductor losses arising from conductor resistances, the conductive silicon substrate, and parasitic substrate capacitances (which lower the inductor self-resonant frequency). Additionally, time-varying magnetic fields can penetrate the silicon substrate and cause eddy currents as per Lenz's law, thus resulting in power loss. Furthermore, eddy currents create their own magnetic fields that oppose those of the monolithic inductor and effectively decrease the inductance of the inductor.


There is conventionally known an image forming apparatus provided with a main casing, an intermediate transfer belt, a plurality of process units disposed below the intermediate transfer belt, and a drawer supporting the plurality of process units and drawable from the main casing. In this configuration, the process units each integrally include a photosensitive drum and a developing unit having a developing roller for supplying toner to the photosensitive drum and a toner chamber, and can each be replaced with new one by drawing the drawer from the main casing.


This invention relates generally to switch constructions, and deals more particularly with a combination kill switch and indicator light for an internal combustion engine of the type driven by a magneto ignition system.
Applicant is aware of the following prior art patents as bearing some relevancy to the disclosure provided in the subject application. U.S. Pat. No. 4,347,417 illustrates a rocker switch having an internal lamp with a coil compression spring provided for continuous connection with that lamp.
Another prior art patent of relevance to the subject disclosure is U.S. Pat. No. 4,454,400 wherein a lamp is provided in a rocker of a switch that also includes means for providing a resistor in that rocker as well. Both these U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,347,417 and 4,454,400 utilize a spring element provided on a depending post on the rocker so as to afford electrical connection between the lamp, the resistor and the rocker itself, and a movable contact that is engaged by the spring so as to urge that movable contact downwardly against one or more fixed contacts in the bottom wall of the switch case.
The general purpose of the present invention is to provide a unique application for a switch of the type disclosed in the above-identified prior art patents, and more particularly to provide a unique switch construction that is well adapted to serve as both a low oil indicator light and a kill switch for an internal combustion engine of the type having a magneto ignition system.


The processing of many food and beverage products requires subjecting the product to high temperatures for a period of time, thereby sterilizing the product. Traditional techniques, such as canning, expose the product to high temperatures for extended periods of time. Canning not only has a high energy cost, but also subjects the product to thermal stress, which frequently has a negative impact on the flavor and texture of the product.
More recent techniques involve aseptic processing, in which liquid foods and beverages are sterilized outside the package using an ultra-high temperature process that rapidly heats, and then cools, the product before packaging. The processing equipment allows the time (generally 3 to 30 seconds) and temperature (195° to 300° F.) to be tailored to place the least amount of thermal stress on the product, while ensuring safety. The rapid heating and cooling aspects of the aseptic process substantially reduce the energy use and nutrient loss associated with conventional techniques. As a result, aseptically packaged products retain more nutritional value and exhibit more natural texture, color, and taste.
The rapid heating and cooling steps of the aseptic process typically take place while the product is being piped from one vessel to another. A portion of the pipe is heated and, as the product passes through the heated portion of the pipe, heat is transferred to the product. The product within the pipe is under pressure, typically 50 to 100 psi, which serves to move the product through the pipe and also prevent vaporization of the water component of the product within superheated sections. Subsequent operations, such as packaging, normally require lower pressures, typically up to 15 psi. Thus, the product must go though a pressure reduction step before packaging.
Many designs of back-pressure or pressure reduction valves exist for single-phase fluids. However, these valves cause significant shear damage to sensitive fluids and particulate-containing liquids. Moreover, the valves can become clogged with particulates, which can damage the valve and potentially cause a rupture.
Accordingly, there is a need to provide a pressure reduction valve that can be used to transfer a continuous flow of particulate-containing material from a higher pressure environment to a lower pressure condition without significant damage to the particulates contained in the material.


1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to semiconductor assembly processes, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for picking up a semiconductor chip by blowing air through air holes in a dicing tape to separate the semiconductor chip from the dicing tape and then picking up the semiconductor chip. A method of removing a semiconductor chip from a dicing tape and a method for forming a perforated dicing tape are also provided.
2. Description of the Related Art
In semiconductor assembly processes, dividing a wafer into semiconductor chips may be termed “sawing” or “dicing.” After the wafer has been diced or sawed into individual semiconductor chips, each of the semiconductor chips may be separated from the wafer and attached to a lead frame. To perform a dicing process, dicing tape may be attached to the back of the wafer. A needle pick-up method is conventionally used to separate a semiconductor chip from the dicing tape. However, because the needle applies physical stress to the semiconductor chip, the needle may damage the chip as it forcibly pushes the semiconductor chip off the dicing tape.
Referring to FIG. 1, in a conventional needle pick-up method, a wafer 20 may be mounted to a dicing tape 10 (P1). Next, the wafer 20 may be divided into separate chips 30 by sawing or dicing the wafer (P2). UV radiation 40 may be applied to weaken the adhesion of the dicing tape 10 (P3). The chips 30 may then be removed from the dicing tape 10 (e.g., “picked up”) using a needle 50 that may have one or more pins 55. For example, the needle 50 may be positioned under the dicing tape 10 (and the semiconductor chip 30), thereby pushing the semiconductor chip 30 off the dicing tape 10. The pushed-up semiconductor chip 30 may then be picked up by a suction collection member 60 positioned over the chip 30. The semiconductor chip 30 may then be attached to a mounting pad of a lead frame (not shown).
When the needle pick-up method described above is used to remove the semiconductor chip 30 from the dicing tape 10, the sharp end of the needle pins 55 used to penetrate the dicing tape 10 and force the semiconductor chip 30 off of the dicing tape 10 may apply physical stress to the semiconductor chip 30. This stress on the semiconductor chip 30 may physically damage the semiconductor chip 30, such as by cracking the semiconductor chip 30 or breaking the edges of the semiconductor chip 30. In addition, because semiconductor chip thickness has been reduced so that thin semiconductor packages that have a thickness of several tens of μm or multi chip packages that have a thickness of several hundred μm or less may be formed, the conventional needle pick-up method may cause severe damage to such a thin chip. Because a damaged semiconductor chip 30 is not easily separated from the dicing tape 10 and leads to defective units, manufacturing costs may be increased.


Plastic optical materials are lightweight, hardly fragile and tintable compared to inorganic optical materials. Various plastic materials, such as resins, are currently used in optical materials and are gradually required to have better physical properties.
Polythiourethane optical resins produced using polythiol compounds and isocyanate compounds are widely used as optical lens materials due to their excellent optical properties, including high transparency, Abbe number, transmittance and tensile strength. However, optical materials produced by curing resin compositions including polythiol compounds and general-purpose isocyanate compounds suffer from frequent nonuniformity polymerization or whitening, which worsens the optical properties of the optical resins. General-purpose isocyanate compounds and polythiol compounds as main components of resin compositions for thiourethane lenses are prone to nonuniformity polymerization, whitening and clouding depending on their miscibility. In contrast, optical resins produced by heat curing of highly miscible isocyanate compounds and polythiol compounds do not substantially suffer from the problems of nonuniformity polymerization and whitening even when the polythiol compounds are not specially treated. Such isocyanate compounds include, for example, 3,8-bis(isocyanatomethyl)tricyclo[5.2.1.02.6]decane, 3,9-bis(isocyanatomethyl)tricyclo[5.2.1.02.6]decane, 4,8-bis(isocyanatomethyl)tricyclo[5.2.1.02.6]decane, 4,9-bis(isocyanatomethyl)tricyclo[5.2.1.02.6]decane, 2,5-bis(isocyanatomethyl)bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane, and 2,6-bis(isocyanatomethyl)bicyclo[2.2.1]heptanes. However, the isocyanate compounds are difficult to prepare, which incurs considerable preparation costs. As a consequence, the use of the isocyanate compounds inevitably increases the production cost of thiourethane lenses. Meanwhile, optical resins obtained by curing inexpensive general-purpose isocyanates and polythiol compounds suffer from frequent nonuniformity polymerization or whitening. Such isocyanate compounds include, for example, isophorone diisocyanate, dicyclohexylmethane-4,4-diisocyanate (H12MDI), and 1,6-hexamethylenediisocyanate. Particularly, tape whitening and bubbling occur in some cases. These phenomena adversely affect the performance of optical materials and are causes of high defective proportion and low lens quality.


This invention relates in general to data communication, and more particularly to a loop integrity test device and method for digital subscriber line (xDSL) communication.
Digital subscriber line (xDSL) communication can provide a high bandwidth data path supported by the twisted pair wiring infrastructure of the public switched telephone network (PSTN). xDSL technologies support data service simultaneously with traditional telephone service using a separation technique. Suitable xDSL technologies include asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL), rate adaptable digital subscriber line (RADSL), symmetric digital subscriber line (SDSL), high-speed digital subscriber line (HDSL) and very high-speed digital subscriber line (VDSL).
In general, an xDSL communication link is established across the local loop between customer premises equipment (CPE) and the local loop termination point (e.g., central office or remote terminal). The local loop termination point typically has a xDSL access multiplexer (DSLAM) that handles the xDSL link on the network side, and the CPE typically includes one or more xDSL termination units (XTU) that handle the xDSL link on the customer premises side. One architecture for xDSL communication is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,668,857 Sep. 16, 1997, and entitled xe2x80x9cCommunication Server Apparatus and Method.xe2x80x9d
In order to support xDSL communication, the twisted pair line on the local loop between the customer premises and the loop termination point must meet certain physical characteristics. If it does not, an xDSL communication link can not be successfully established. Consequently, it can be desirable to allow the xDSL capability of the local loop to be quickly verified at the same time that xDSL service is installed at the customer premises. Further, it can be desirable to monitor the xDSL capability of the local loop on an ongoing and continuous basis.
In accordance with the present invention, a loop integrity test device and method for digital subscriber line communication are disclosed that provide advantages over conventional xDSL communication devices and systems.
According to one aspect of the present invention, a digital subscriber line (xDSL) communication system allows xDSL communication across a local loop. The system includes a local loop termination point and customer premises equipment connected to a twisted pair telephone line. Loop integrity test devices for xDSL communication are located at the local loop termination point and the customer premises equipment and are coupled to the telephone line. The loop integrity test devices are respectively operable to transmit test signatures across the telephone line, to receive and evaluate test signatures from the telephone line, and to indicate whether the telephone line can support xDSL communication based upon evaluation of test signatures.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a loop integrity test device is disclosed that includes a line interface unit operable to connect to and interface with a twisted pair telephone line. The test device also includes an output device operable to indicate a pass state and a fail state. Further, the test device includes a control unit having a generation unit and an evaluation unit. The generation unit is operable to transmit a test signature across the telephone line. The evaluation unit is operable to receive and evaluate a test signature to determine whether the telephone line can support xDSL communication. The control unit is then operable to direct the output device to indicate a pass state if the telephone line can support DSL communication and to indicate a fail state if the telephone line can not support xDSL communication.
A technical advantage of the present invention is that the integrity of the local loop can be verified at the time of installation of high speed xDSL data service at a customer premises. In particular, the present loop integrity test device provides an immediate indication of whether the loop can support xDSL communication when it is installed.
Another technical advantage of the present invention is an improvement in the reliability and monitoring of the xDSL communication system. The test devices implement a continuous integrity check of the local loop that allows the telephone company or other service provider to be alerted to a problem on the local loop. This notification may allow the service provider to correct the problem before a degradation of service is noticed by the customer.
Other technical advantages should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, description, and claims.


1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a film image information reading apparatus (ordinarily, referred to as a film scanner) for reading image information of a film by a photoelectric conversion element and, more particularly, to the adjustment of a gain of an output level of the photoelectric conversion element when the image of a negative film is read.
2. Related Background Art
Hitherto, there has generally been known a color scanner (color image information reading apparatus) in which various color information of a color document is separated into three primary colors of, e.g., R (red), G (green), and B (blue), and three kinds of image signals corresponding to the respective color separation images are obtained from the photoelectric conversion element, and the color information of the color document is reproduced by synthesizing those three kinds of image signals.
However, if a film such as photographic film, microfilm, or the like is used as a document, in general, the density range of the film is fairly wide to be above 3. In particular, if a self scan type sensor such as a CCD (charge coupled device) or the like is used as the photoelectric conversion element of the color scanner, the density range of the film is fairly wider than the dynamic range of the sensor. Therefore, the image signal read by such a sensor is largely adversely influenced and a problem occurs. Practically speaking, there is such a problem that the gradation of the portion having a high or low density of the film image is not reproduced.
On the other hand, if a color negative film is used as a document, as shown by film characteristic curves of FIG. 2, the density of each layer of R, G, and B in the unexposed portions is considerably large. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the color negative film is constituted in such a manner that the negative image is reproduced on the orange base portion. In other words, in the case of the negative film the mixed image information consisting of the true image information and the color information of the film base portion which is unconcerned with the image information is read as the color image signal. Therefore, the dynamic range of the sensor is not effectively used. In addition, in the case of the negative film, the negative image is formed. When the negative image is reversed to the positive image, the density of the base portion is reduced, so that the density information of the base portion is quite the meaningless image information. Further, the orange components of the base portion of the document slightly differs in dependence on the film maker, kind of film, or developing state of the film, causing a problem when the accurate color is reproduced.


This invention relates to a charged particle beam apparatus comprising means for generating a beam of charged particles, and a lens system including a magnetic lens for focussing the beam.
The beam of charged particles may be used to effect a process at a surface of a target. For example, in the field of semiconductor technology it is known to use a charged particle beam apparatus in the form of a so-called electron beam column to direct an electron beam towards a semiconductor wafer coated with an electron sensitive resist and to write a predetermined pattern in the resist by computer control of the beam. After exposure the resist is developed to form a masking layer which can be used subsequently in the processing of the semiconductor wafer.
A conventional electron beam column produces a Gaussian, round beam spot which is scanned across the target to write the desired pattern. Although this exposure technique has the advantage of Providing optimum pattern flexibility it suffers from the drawback of being relatively slow.
Shorter exposure times can be achieved by using an electron beam column capable of producing a larger, square-shaped beam spot of fixed size. In this case the pattern is written by moving the shaped beam in discrete steps across the target.
Recent developments in the technology of electron beam columns have made it possible to shorten exposure times still further by using a rectangular-shaped beam spot whose size and shape can be altered to fit the various areas of the pattern to be exposed. This technique is known as variable-shaped beam imaging. The shaping variations are performed while the beam is stepped from one position to the next.
The lens system of a typical variable-shaped electron beam column basically comprises five magnetic lenses. In this context reference is invited to U.S. Pat. No. 4,243,866 and more particularly to the description with reference to FIG. 6. While the electron-beam column described there comprises various other elements, the basic lens constituents are as follows. Firstly, after the electron source there are two magnetic lenses associated with the beam shaping facility. Then, moving along the length of the column away from the electron source, there is a pair of demagnifying lenses and finally a so-called projection lens. Essentially these lenses are all arranged in series in the sense that, travelling the length of the column, the electron beam experiences the field of each lens in turn.
In the present context a magnetic lens normally comprises an electrically conductive coil which is enclosed within a soft ferromagnetic member forming the pole pieces of the magnet. The coil is disposed in the vicinity of the electron beam path so that the beam of electrons can be focussed by the action of the magnetic field produced by the passage of direct current through the coil. The magnetic field strength produced by the magnet is dependent on the magnitude of the current flowing in the coil so that the focussing effect (i.e. the strength) of the lens can be altered simply by increasing or decreasing the current. It is noted here that magnetic focussing is inevitably accompanied by rotation of the beam and the extent of this rotation is dependent on the strength of the magnetic lens.
However, there are occasions when the focussing of the electron beam column has to be altered within a limited range while the machine is actually operating. This may be necessary, for example, when there is a change in the height of the target on which the electron beam is impinging or when the size of the beam spot (and hence the beam current) is to be altered. In order not to erode the advantage of the fast exposure times which are capable with the variable-shaped electron beam column the refocussing should be completed in a time period similar to that taken to change the spot size, typically tens of nanoseconds. Unfortunately the time taken to change the strength of a magnetic lens by altering the current flow is considerably greater than this because of the inductance of the coil. Therefore, although the variable-shaped electron beam column is capable of fast exposure times, the number of wafers which can be processed per unit time by the machine can be limited by the relatively long times necessary for adequate refocussing.


Cholinergic receptors normally bind the endogenous neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh), thereby triggering the opening of ion channels. ACh receptors in the mammalian central nervous system can be divided into muscarinic (mAChR) and nicotinic (nAChR) subtypes based on the agonist activities of muscarine and nicotine, respectively. The nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are ligand-gated ion-channels containing five subunits. Members of the nAChR subunit gene family have been divided into two groups based on their amino acid sequences; one group containing so-called (3 subunits, and a second group containing a subunits. Three kinds of a subunits, α7, α8 and α9, have been shown to form functional receptors when expressed alone and thus are presumed to form homooligomeric pentameric receptors.
An allosteric transition state model of the nAChR has been developed that involves at least a resting state, an activated state and a “desensitized” closed channel state, a process by which receptors become insensitive to the agonist. Different nAChR ligands can stabilize the conformational state of a receptor to which they preferentially bind. For example, the agonists ACh and (−)-nicotine respectively stabilize the active and desensitized states.
Changes of the activity of nicotinic receptors has been implicated in a number of diseases. Some of these, for example myasthenia gravis and ADNFLE (autosomal dominant nocturnal front lobe epilepsy) are associated with reductions in the activity of nicotinic transmission either because of a decrease in receptor number or increased desensitization.
Reductions in nicotinic receptors have also been hypothesized to mediate cognitive deficits seen in diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia.
The effects of nicotine from tobacco are also mediated by nicotinic receptors. and since the effect of nicotine is to stabilize receptors in a desensitized state, an increased activity of nicotinic receptors may reduce the desire to smoke.
Compounds which bind nAChRs have been suggested for the treatment of a range of clinical psychiatric and neurological disorders involving cognitive deficits in attention, alertness, and memory. These may include those that may benefit from selective enhancement in cholinergic transmission such as attention deficit, chronic psychotic disorders, jetlag, selected pain syndromes, and smoking cessation; and those thought to involve reduced cholinergic function such as, neurodegenerative disorders, central inflammatory or autoimmune diseases, brain trauma and cerebral vascular disease. Modulation of α7 nicotinic receptor activity is expected to be beneficial in a number of diseases including Alzheimer's disease, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and related syndromes, Lewy Body Dementia, vascular dementia, Multiple Sclerosis, post-encephalitic dementias, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia, bipolar mood disorder, schizoaffective disorder, Tourette's syndrome, and brain trauma.
However, treatment with nicotinic receptor agonists which act at the same site as ACh is problematic because ACh not only activates, but also blocks receptor activity through processes which include desensitization and uncompetitive blockade. Furthermore, prolonged activation appears to induce a long-lasting inactivation. Therefore, agonists of ACh can be expected to reduce activity as well as enhance it.
At nicotinic receptors in general, and of particular note at the α7-nicotinic receptor, desensitization limits the duration of action of an applied agonist.


1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a lift device and, more particularly, to a lift device including a plurality of inflatable bladders.
2. Description of Related Art
Individuals who lack a capacity to stand or move themselves from the prone or supine position into a seated or standing position must rely on outside assistance to achieve the desired position. Currently, there are a variety of methods to assist such an individual including assistance by attendants, assistance by loved ones or significant others, assistance by Trained Nurses, or assistance by means of mechanical devices. Each of these methods, however, suffers from various drawbacks.
For instance, if the assistant is one person, such as an attendant or nurse, then that person must be strong enough to navigate both himself and a patient. The individual must be experienced and know the proper procedure for moving a patient from a down position. There are frequent injuries to both patient and assistant when an assistant attempts to move a fallen patient. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing aides, orderlies and attendants reported more musculoskeletal disorders requiring time off from work than any other occupation. Many of these disorders were due to overexertion related to lifting or moving patients.
Current mechanical lift devices also suffer from a variety of drawbacks. These devices are very bulky, heavy and difficult to maneuver and store. Furthermore, current mechanical lifts can create bruising and stress marks due to the focused forces caused by the straps when a patient's weight is not evenly distributed. An example of such a mechanical lift device can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,857,144 to Huang.
Inflatable lift devices also exist in the prior art, however, these devices also suffer from various drawbacks. U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,086 to Garman, for instance, discloses a mobile lifting apparatus that includes a stack of inflatable bags for lifting a patient off the ground. However, this device requires a ramp for positioning the patient on the device. Therefore, this device cannot be positioned beneath a patient without moving the patient. Furthermore, this device merely lifts a patient off the ground and does not include inflatable side rails, armrests, and a backrest that helps the patient from a position on the ground to a seated position and, finally, to a standing position.
Accordingly, a need exists for a device that easily lifts a patient who has fallen without the need for an assistant to exert strenuous force. A further need exists for an inflatable lift device that provides support for a patient's arms and back while slowly lifting the patient to a seated or standing position.