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10956191
| 2,004
|
Dynamic sample data switch
|
A technique for preventing modification of productive data in a database. In response to a database access request in a productive data database access configuration, a database interface facilitates access to a sample database when a sample switch is enabled. The database interface facilitates normal database access when the sample switch is disabled.
|
BACKGROUND It is common to test a database, or a system or program associated with the database, by accessing sample data in the database. However, when productive databases are tested or used to test a program, productive data may be retrieved or modified. This may have undesirable consequences. For example, a company that maintains the database may worry about retrieval of productive data for testing purposes out of security or privacy concerns. Moreover, the company may not want sample data read out during normal use of the database. Plus, as a common sense rule, it is simply unwise to risk modification of productive data for the purposes of testing.
|
Title:
Dynamic sample data switch
Abstract:
A technique for preventing modification of productive data in a database. In response to a database access request in a productive data database access configuration, a database interface facilitates access to a sample database when a sample switch is enabled. The database interface facilitates normal database access when the sample switch is disabled.
Background:
BACKGROUND It is common to test a database, or a system or program associated with the database, by accessing sample data in the database. However, when productive databases are tested or used to test a program, productive data may be retrieved or modified. This may have undesirable consequences. For example, a company that maintains the database may worry about retrieval of productive data for testing purposes out of security or privacy concerns. Moreover, the company may not want sample data read out during normal use of the database. Plus, as a common sense rule, it is simply unwise to risk modification of productive data for the purposes of testing.
|
10799046
| 2,004
|
Method for driving LCD device
|
Disclosed is a method for driving pixels of an LCD device, wherein an overlapping area between a data line connected to a data driver and a gate line connected to a gate driver defines a pixel of an LCD device. A first gate driver is selected from the LCD device' at least two gate drivers based on a selection rule. Starting from a line A, the first gate driver displays a part of a picture image by sequentially displaying the image line by line up to a number of lines according to a pre-determined display range. Then a second gate driver based on the selection rule displays a part of an all black image by displaying, from a line B, a number of lines based on a pre-determined display range simultaneously. The line B is separated from the line A by a number of lines according to a pre-determined gap range.
|
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION As is known to people skilled in related arts, an LCD device has an inherent limitation on its grey-scale response time due to some characteristics of the LCD device. When used as a display for a personal computer, a user cannot perceive a significant difference between an LCD device and a CRT device. However, when used for displaying television programs, the limitation of an LCD device on the grey-scale response time becomes profound as television programs contains almost all moving images. In other words traditional LCD televisions have a significantly inferior display effect compared to CRT televisions. Conventionally, an LCD device contains a plurality of pixels driven by a driver circuit of the LCD device. The driver circuit contains a plurality of data drivers and gate drivers. The data drivers are connected to data lines and the gate drivers are connected to gate lines of the LCD device. An overlapping area between a data line and a gate line then defines a pixel of the LCD device. In the following a traditional method for controlling the driver circuit of an LCD device is described. FIGS. 1A and 1B are waveform diagrams showing various control and data signals seen in traditional LCD devices. When a vertical synchronization signal appears, a brand new screen would be displayed on an LCD device line by line in a raster scan pattern. Each scan line has n pixels. FIG. 1A shows waveforms of data and control signals for input a scan line's data into data drivers according to a prior art. As shown in FIG. 1A , when a STH signal becomes active, data for a first scan line's n pixels is input sequentially one pixel a time into data drivers controlled by a horizontal clock signal. When the horizontal clock signal is on a first rising edge, a data for a first pixel is shifted into a data driver, then on a second rising edge, a data for a second pixel is shifted, and following this pattern, data for the n pixels is input into the data drivers. The data for a pixel includes digital data for the pixel's R, G, and B colors. After the data for all n pixels is input, on a rising edge of a conversion signal, the data drivers convert the R, G, and B digital data of all pixels on the first scan line into corresponding driving voltages and apply the voltages on data lines. FIG. 1B shows waveforms of data and control signal for displaying a plurality of scan lines on an LCD device according to a prior art. As shown in FIG. 1B , on a first rising edge of a vertical clock signal, a gate driver will “turn on” a first gate line by asserting a gate driving signal on the first gate line, which in turn allows the driving voltages on the data lines to be applied to all pixels of the first scan line of the LCD device. The first scan line of the LCD device is thereby displayed. Subsequent scan lines will follow a same pattern to be displayed sequentially on the LCD device. Currently, a number of methods for enhancing a grey-scale response time of an LCD device have already been proposed. Among them a method referred to as Pseudo Impulse Drive (PID) is a more promising one. As implied by its name, the PID method simulates an impulse driving method used by a CRT device to drive an LCD device, so that a display effect of the LCD device would be close to that of a CRT device. There are three commonly known PID methods as described below. FIGS. 2A-2C are schematic diagrams for methods simulating impulse drive according to prior arts. As shown in FIG. 2A , a picture image is composed by sequentially displaying frames 1 , 2 , 3 , and 4 . In a first PID method, all black data frames 11 , 12 , 13 are interposed between frames 1 and 2 , frames 2 and 3 , and frames 3 and 4 , respectively. At their time of display the foregoing frames' corresponding backlight sources 14 - 20 are all at light-emitting state. In this way the first PID method achieve a simulation of the impulse drive. As shown in FIG. 2B , a picture image is composed by sequentially displaying frames 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , and 7 . In a second PID method, at their time of display, frames 2 , 4 , and 6 have corresponding backlight sources 22 , 24 , and 26 all at turn-off state. On the other hand, frames 1 , 3 , 5 , and 7 at their time of display have corresponding backlight sources 21 , 23 , 25 , and 27 all at light-emitting state. In other words the second PID method utilizes a flashing mode to achieve a simulation of the impulse drive by alternating light-emitting and turn-off backlight sources. As shown in FIG. 2C , a picture image is composed by sequentially displaying frames 1 , 2 , 3 , and 4 . In a third PID method, all black data frames 11 , 12 , 13 are interposed between frames 1 and 2 , frames 2 and 3 , and frames 3 and 4 , respectively. In addition, at their time of display, frames 11 , 12 , and 13 have corresponding backlight sources 22 , 24 , and 26 all at turn-off state, while frames 1 , 2 , 3 , and 4 at their time of display have corresponding backlight sources 21 , 23 , 25 , and 27 all at light-emitting state. In other words the third PID method combines the foregoing two methods to achieve a simulation of the impulse drive.
|
Title:
Method for driving LCD device
Abstract:
Disclosed is a method for driving pixels of an LCD device, wherein an overlapping area between a data line connected to a data driver and a gate line connected to a gate driver defines a pixel of an LCD device. A first gate driver is selected from the LCD device' at least two gate drivers based on a selection rule. Starting from a line A, the first gate driver displays a part of a picture image by sequentially displaying the image line by line up to a number of lines according to a pre-determined display range. Then a second gate driver based on the selection rule displays a part of an all black image by displaying, from a line B, a number of lines based on a pre-determined display range simultaneously. The line B is separated from the line A by a number of lines according to a pre-determined gap range.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION As is known to people skilled in related arts, an LCD device has an inherent limitation on its grey-scale response time due to some characteristics of the LCD device. When used as a display for a personal computer, a user cannot perceive a significant difference between an LCD device and a CRT device. However, when used for displaying television programs, the limitation of an LCD device on the grey-scale response time becomes profound as television programs contains almost all moving images. In other words traditional LCD televisions have a significantly inferior display effect compared to CRT televisions. Conventionally, an LCD device contains a plurality of pixels driven by a driver circuit of the LCD device. The driver circuit contains a plurality of data drivers and gate drivers. The data drivers are connected to data lines and the gate drivers are connected to gate lines of the LCD device. An overlapping area between a data line and a gate line then defines a pixel of the LCD device. In the following a traditional method for controlling the driver circuit of an LCD device is described. FIGS. 1A and 1B are waveform diagrams showing various control and data signals seen in traditional LCD devices. When a vertical synchronization signal appears, a brand new screen would be displayed on an LCD device line by line in a raster scan pattern. Each scan line has n pixels. FIG. 1A shows waveforms of data and control signals for input a scan line's data into data drivers according to a prior art. As shown in FIG. 1A , when a STH signal becomes active, data for a first scan line's n pixels is input sequentially one pixel a time into data drivers controlled by a horizontal clock signal. When the horizontal clock signal is on a first rising edge, a data for a first pixel is shifted into a data driver, then on a second rising edge, a data for a second pixel is shifted, and following this pattern, data for the n pixels is input into the data drivers. The data for a pixel includes digital data for the pixel's R, G, and B colors. After the data for all n pixels is input, on a rising edge of a conversion signal, the data drivers convert the R, G, and B digital data of all pixels on the first scan line into corresponding driving voltages and apply the voltages on data lines. FIG. 1B shows waveforms of data and control signal for displaying a plurality of scan lines on an LCD device according to a prior art. As shown in FIG. 1B , on a first rising edge of a vertical clock signal, a gate driver will “turn on” a first gate line by asserting a gate driving signal on the first gate line, which in turn allows the driving voltages on the data lines to be applied to all pixels of the first scan line of the LCD device. The first scan line of the LCD device is thereby displayed. Subsequent scan lines will follow a same pattern to be displayed sequentially on the LCD device. Currently, a number of methods for enhancing a grey-scale response time of an LCD device have already been proposed. Among them a method referred to as Pseudo Impulse Drive (PID) is a more promising one. As implied by its name, the PID method simulates an impulse driving method used by a CRT device to drive an LCD device, so that a display effect of the LCD device would be close to that of a CRT device. There are three commonly known PID methods as described below. FIGS. 2A-2C are schematic diagrams for methods simulating impulse drive according to prior arts. As shown in FIG. 2A , a picture image is composed by sequentially displaying frames 1 , 2 , 3 , and 4 . In a first PID method, all black data frames 11 , 12 , 13 are interposed between frames 1 and 2 , frames 2 and 3 , and frames 3 and 4 , respectively. At their time of display the foregoing frames' corresponding backlight sources 14 - 20 are all at light-emitting state. In this way the first PID method achieve a simulation of the impulse drive. As shown in FIG. 2B , a picture image is composed by sequentially displaying frames 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , and 7 . In a second PID method, at their time of display, frames 2 , 4 , and 6 have corresponding backlight sources 22 , 24 , and 26 all at turn-off state. On the other hand, frames 1 , 3 , 5 , and 7 at their time of display have corresponding backlight sources 21 , 23 , 25 , and 27 all at light-emitting state. In other words the second PID method utilizes a flashing mode to achieve a simulation of the impulse drive by alternating light-emitting and turn-off backlight sources. As shown in FIG. 2C , a picture image is composed by sequentially displaying frames 1 , 2 , 3 , and 4 . In a third PID method, all black data frames 11 , 12 , 13 are interposed between frames 1 and 2 , frames 2 and 3 , and frames 3 and 4 , respectively. In addition, at their time of display, frames 11 , 12 , and 13 have corresponding backlight sources 22 , 24 , and 26 all at turn-off state, while frames 1 , 2 , 3 , and 4 at their time of display have corresponding backlight sources 21 , 23 , 25 , and 27 all at light-emitting state. In other words the third PID method combines the foregoing two methods to achieve a simulation of the impulse drive.
|
11002247
| 2,004
|
Stacked semiconductor device including improved lead frame arrangement
|
A semiconductor device comprising a resin mold, two semiconductor chips positioned inside the resin mold and having front and back surfaces and external terminals formed on the front surfaces, and leads extending from the inside to the outside of the resin mold, wherein each of said leads is branched into two branch leads in at least the resin mold, the one branch lead is secured to the surface of the one semiconductor chip and is electrically connected to an external terminal on the surface thereof through a wire, the other branch lead is secured to the surface of the other semiconductor chip and is electrically connected to an external terminal on the surface thereof through a wire, and the two semiconductor chips are stacked one upon the other, with their back surfaces opposed to each other.
|
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a semiconductor device and, more particularly, to a technology that can be effectively adapted to a semiconductor device in which two semiconductor chips are stacked one upon the other and are molded with a resin. In a semiconductor device in which a semiconductor chip constituting a DRAM (dynamic random access memory) is molded with a resin, there has been employed an LOC (lead on chip) structure which can be applied to a semiconductor chip of even a large size, thereby eliminating die pads (also referred to as tabs) of the lead frame. A semiconductor device employing a LOC structure has been disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-246125/1990 (laid open on Oct. 1, 1990). In order to accomplish a large capacity, there has been developed a semiconductor device employing a LOC structure; i.e., in which two semiconductor chips constituting DRAMs of the same capacity are stacked one upon the other and are molded with the same resin. The above semiconductor device is constituted by a resin mold, two semiconductor chips positioned inside the resin mold and having external terminals on the circuit-forming surfaces thereof, which are the front surfaces out of the front surfaces and the back surfaces, and leads extending from the inside to the outside of the resin mold. The two semiconductor chips are stacked one upon the other in a state where the circuit-forming surfaces are opposed to each other. Each lead has two branch leads branched in the up-and-down direction in the resin mold. The one branch lead is adhered and secured, via an insulating film, to the circuit-forming surface of the one semiconductor chip and is electrically connected, via an electrically conductive wire, to an external terminal of the circuit-forming surface. The other branch lead is adhered and secured, via an insulating film, to the circuit-forming surface of the other semiconductor chip and is electrically connected, via an electrically conductive wire, to an external terminal of the circuit-forming surface. The two branch leads are constituted by separate members. The one branch lead is led to the outside of the resin mold and is integrated with an external lead formed in a predetermined shape. The other branch lead is joined to the one branch lead in the resin mold and is electrically and mechanically connected thereto. That is, the lead extending from the inside to the outside of the resin mold is constituted by an external lead led to the outside of the resin mold, the one branch lead integral with the external lead, and the other branch lead joined to the one branch lead. The above-mentioned semiconductor device has been disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-58281/1995 (laid open on Mar. 3, 1995).
|
Title:
Stacked semiconductor device including improved lead frame arrangement
Abstract:
A semiconductor device comprising a resin mold, two semiconductor chips positioned inside the resin mold and having front and back surfaces and external terminals formed on the front surfaces, and leads extending from the inside to the outside of the resin mold, wherein each of said leads is branched into two branch leads in at least the resin mold, the one branch lead is secured to the surface of the one semiconductor chip and is electrically connected to an external terminal on the surface thereof through a wire, the other branch lead is secured to the surface of the other semiconductor chip and is electrically connected to an external terminal on the surface thereof through a wire, and the two semiconductor chips are stacked one upon the other, with their back surfaces opposed to each other.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a semiconductor device and, more particularly, to a technology that can be effectively adapted to a semiconductor device in which two semiconductor chips are stacked one upon the other and are molded with a resin. In a semiconductor device in which a semiconductor chip constituting a DRAM (dynamic random access memory) is molded with a resin, there has been employed an LOC (lead on chip) structure which can be applied to a semiconductor chip of even a large size, thereby eliminating die pads (also referred to as tabs) of the lead frame. A semiconductor device employing a LOC structure has been disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-246125/1990 (laid open on Oct. 1, 1990). In order to accomplish a large capacity, there has been developed a semiconductor device employing a LOC structure; i.e., in which two semiconductor chips constituting DRAMs of the same capacity are stacked one upon the other and are molded with the same resin. The above semiconductor device is constituted by a resin mold, two semiconductor chips positioned inside the resin mold and having external terminals on the circuit-forming surfaces thereof, which are the front surfaces out of the front surfaces and the back surfaces, and leads extending from the inside to the outside of the resin mold. The two semiconductor chips are stacked one upon the other in a state where the circuit-forming surfaces are opposed to each other. Each lead has two branch leads branched in the up-and-down direction in the resin mold. The one branch lead is adhered and secured, via an insulating film, to the circuit-forming surface of the one semiconductor chip and is electrically connected, via an electrically conductive wire, to an external terminal of the circuit-forming surface. The other branch lead is adhered and secured, via an insulating film, to the circuit-forming surface of the other semiconductor chip and is electrically connected, via an electrically conductive wire, to an external terminal of the circuit-forming surface. The two branch leads are constituted by separate members. The one branch lead is led to the outside of the resin mold and is integrated with an external lead formed in a predetermined shape. The other branch lead is joined to the one branch lead in the resin mold and is electrically and mechanically connected thereto. That is, the lead extending from the inside to the outside of the resin mold is constituted by an external lead led to the outside of the resin mold, the one branch lead integral with the external lead, and the other branch lead joined to the one branch lead. The above-mentioned semiconductor device has been disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-58281/1995 (laid open on Mar. 3, 1995).
|
10927809
| 2,004
|
Element defined sequence complexity reduction
|
A method for providing defined mixtures of nucleic acids is described. In certain embodiments, the method uses oligonucleotide probes attached to a solid support as a sequence-specific affinity agent to isolate and facilitate the amplification of defined nucleic acid fragment mixtures.
|
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The isolation of discrete, sequence-defined genetic elements from complex genomic samples is an essential step in many genetic analysis protocols including, de novo sequencing, re-sequencing, gene expression, epigenetic state analyses, genetic variation discovery and scoring (e.g. SNPs and STRs). Defined sequence elements or fragments that share a common sequence element can be isolated using a common primer such as oligo dT to target the poly-A tails of messenger RNA (Chow et al., (1988) Anal. Biochem., 175; 63). Protocols to isolate and amplify defined mixtures of ragments from complex genomic samples currently rely upon defined primer pairs and some form of amplification protocol such as PCR, isothermal amplification or LCR. However, these method suffer significant limitations since the degree of multiplexing is generally limited to only 10 to 20 primer pairs which must be co-optimized for a given reaction condition. As a result, genetic analysis protocols that require the interrogation of a large number of sites or sequence elements within a complex sample mixture such as SNP genotyping or comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) have relied upon various genome complexity reduction methods that utilize various LCR, PCR and random priming techniques that are not element defined (Kinzler & Vogelstein, Nucleic Acids Res (1989) 17; 3645, Telenius et al., Genomics (1992) 13;1718, Kristjansson et al., Nature Genetics (1994) 6; 19, Lucito et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1998) 95; 4487, Kennedy et al., (2003), Nat. Biotechnol. 21;1233 & Bignell et al., (2004) Genome Research 14; 287). What is needed is a convenient method for providing defined mixtures of nucleic acids from complex samples.
|
Title:
Element defined sequence complexity reduction
Abstract:
A method for providing defined mixtures of nucleic acids is described. In certain embodiments, the method uses oligonucleotide probes attached to a solid support as a sequence-specific affinity agent to isolate and facilitate the amplification of defined nucleic acid fragment mixtures.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The isolation of discrete, sequence-defined genetic elements from complex genomic samples is an essential step in many genetic analysis protocols including, de novo sequencing, re-sequencing, gene expression, epigenetic state analyses, genetic variation discovery and scoring (e.g. SNPs and STRs). Defined sequence elements or fragments that share a common sequence element can be isolated using a common primer such as oligo dT to target the poly-A tails of messenger RNA (Chow et al., (1988) Anal. Biochem., 175; 63). Protocols to isolate and amplify defined mixtures of ragments from complex genomic samples currently rely upon defined primer pairs and some form of amplification protocol such as PCR, isothermal amplification or LCR. However, these method suffer significant limitations since the degree of multiplexing is generally limited to only 10 to 20 primer pairs which must be co-optimized for a given reaction condition. As a result, genetic analysis protocols that require the interrogation of a large number of sites or sequence elements within a complex sample mixture such as SNP genotyping or comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) have relied upon various genome complexity reduction methods that utilize various LCR, PCR and random priming techniques that are not element defined (Kinzler & Vogelstein, Nucleic Acids Res (1989) 17; 3645, Telenius et al., Genomics (1992) 13;1718, Kristjansson et al., Nature Genetics (1994) 6; 19, Lucito et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1998) 95; 4487, Kennedy et al., (2003), Nat. Biotechnol. 21;1233 & Bignell et al., (2004) Genome Research 14; 287). What is needed is a convenient method for providing defined mixtures of nucleic acids from complex samples.
|
10972890
| 2,004
|
Imaging apparatus and method for producing the same, portable equipment, and imaging sensor and method for producing the same
|
A plurality of imaging regions are provided in one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of optical systems and are disposed on optical axes of the respective optical systems. Each imaging region has a plurality of pixels. The imaging apparatus further comprises an origin detecting means for detecting an origin of each imaging region, a pixel position specifying means for specifying positions of a plurality of pixels included in each imaging region using the origin as a reference, and a combination means for combining a plurality of images captured by the respective imaging regions. Thereby, it is possible to make a thin imaging apparatus capable of being easily assembled.
|
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a small imaging apparatus capable of obtaining a sharp color image and a production method thereof. The present invention also relates to a portable device comprising the imaging apparatus. The present invention also relates to an imaging sensor for use in the imaging apparatus and a production method thereof 2. Description of the Related Art Portable equipments, such as a mobile phone with camera and the like, have become widespread. As the portable equipment is made smaller, thinner and more multifunctional, there is a demand for a smaller, thinner and more multifunctional imaging apparatus. Conventionally, an imaging apparatus that uses a composite lens and an imaging sensor to take a magnified picture (zoomed picture) by mechanically moving a portion of the composite lens, has been known (e.g., see JP 2003-255225A). FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional imaging apparatus. In FIG. 33, 2001 indicates a concave lens, 2002 indicates a convex lens, 2003 indicates a filter, 2004 indicates an imaging sensor, 2005 indicates a substrate including a computing apparatus, such as a digital signal processor (DSP) or the like. The concave lens 2001 , the convex lens 2002 , the filter 2003 , the imaging sensor 2004 , and the substrate 2005 are disposed in a housing 2007 in a manner such that an optical axis 2006 of the lens system passes through substantially the center of the imaging sensor 2004 . Light that is incident from a object through an opening 2007 a of the housing into the housing 2007 is converged on the imaging sensor 2004 by the concave lens 2001 and the convex lens 2002 . The filter 2003 prevents unnecessary light, such as infrared light and the like, from entering the imaging sensor 2004 . In this case, the concave lens 2001 and the convex lens 2002 are appropriately combined in a manner such that light in a red wavelength band, light in a blue wavelength band and light in a green wavelength band that are included in light from a object are converged to the same imaging position with the same image magnification factor, thereby making it possible to prevent deterioration of a captured image due to chromatic aberration. The light converged on the imaging sensor 2004 is converted to an electrical signal by the imaging sensor 2004 , and the electrical signal is processed by the computing apparatus included in the substrate 2005 . In general, a sharp image can be obtained by moving a part of or the whole lens system to control focusing, depending on a distance between a object and the lens system, though no actuator is shown in FIG. 33 . In addition, a magnified picture (zoomed picture) can be taken by moving the convex lens 2002 to change the magnification factor of the optical system. Moving the lenses is carried out with an actuator that is electromagnetically operated and is constructed using a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, a spring material and the like. However, the above-described conventional imaging apparatus cannot be made thin due to use of the composite lens, disadvantageously leading to an increase in the thickness of a portable equipment with camera.
|
Title:
Imaging apparatus and method for producing the same, portable equipment, and imaging sensor and method for producing the same
Abstract:
A plurality of imaging regions are provided in one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of optical systems and are disposed on optical axes of the respective optical systems. Each imaging region has a plurality of pixels. The imaging apparatus further comprises an origin detecting means for detecting an origin of each imaging region, a pixel position specifying means for specifying positions of a plurality of pixels included in each imaging region using the origin as a reference, and a combination means for combining a plurality of images captured by the respective imaging regions. Thereby, it is possible to make a thin imaging apparatus capable of being easily assembled.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a small imaging apparatus capable of obtaining a sharp color image and a production method thereof. The present invention also relates to a portable device comprising the imaging apparatus. The present invention also relates to an imaging sensor for use in the imaging apparatus and a production method thereof 2. Description of the Related Art Portable equipments, such as a mobile phone with camera and the like, have become widespread. As the portable equipment is made smaller, thinner and more multifunctional, there is a demand for a smaller, thinner and more multifunctional imaging apparatus. Conventionally, an imaging apparatus that uses a composite lens and an imaging sensor to take a magnified picture (zoomed picture) by mechanically moving a portion of the composite lens, has been known (e.g., see JP 2003-255225A). FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional imaging apparatus. In FIG. 33, 2001 indicates a concave lens, 2002 indicates a convex lens, 2003 indicates a filter, 2004 indicates an imaging sensor, 2005 indicates a substrate including a computing apparatus, such as a digital signal processor (DSP) or the like. The concave lens 2001 , the convex lens 2002 , the filter 2003 , the imaging sensor 2004 , and the substrate 2005 are disposed in a housing 2007 in a manner such that an optical axis 2006 of the lens system passes through substantially the center of the imaging sensor 2004 . Light that is incident from a object through an opening 2007 a of the housing into the housing 2007 is converged on the imaging sensor 2004 by the concave lens 2001 and the convex lens 2002 . The filter 2003 prevents unnecessary light, such as infrared light and the like, from entering the imaging sensor 2004 . In this case, the concave lens 2001 and the convex lens 2002 are appropriately combined in a manner such that light in a red wavelength band, light in a blue wavelength band and light in a green wavelength band that are included in light from a object are converged to the same imaging position with the same image magnification factor, thereby making it possible to prevent deterioration of a captured image due to chromatic aberration. The light converged on the imaging sensor 2004 is converted to an electrical signal by the imaging sensor 2004 , and the electrical signal is processed by the computing apparatus included in the substrate 2005 . In general, a sharp image can be obtained by moving a part of or the whole lens system to control focusing, depending on a distance between a object and the lens system, though no actuator is shown in FIG. 33 . In addition, a magnified picture (zoomed picture) can be taken by moving the convex lens 2002 to change the magnification factor of the optical system. Moving the lenses is carried out with an actuator that is electromagnetically operated and is constructed using a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, a spring material and the like. However, the above-described conventional imaging apparatus cannot be made thin due to use of the composite lens, disadvantageously leading to an increase in the thickness of a portable equipment with camera.
|
10925410
| 2,004
|
Solder pads and method of making a solder pad
|
A device including a first solder pad and a second solder pad comprised of a post-soldering alloy composition on a substrate is provided. The alloy composition comprises two or more elements, and the post soldering alloy composition of the first solder pad has different amounts of the two or more elements than the alloy composition of the second solder pad. A method of making a solder pad comprises masking a substrate comprising at least a first solder pad and a second solder pad, wherein the mask exposes a greater area of the first solder pad so that the deposited element becomes part of an alloy composition of the first solder pad upon soldering thereby changing the melting point of the first solder pad.
|
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Manufacture of electronic assemblies often makes use of a technique called “step-soldering.” In step-soldering, solder alloys of decreasing soldering temperature are used to bond a die to a substrate, a substrate to a package, and a package to a housing or printed wiring board. When made in a step soldering process, solder bonds made in a prior operation do not reflow when subsequent operations are performed at step by step decreasing temperature decrements. The operation that is performed first, generally die to substrate bonding, uses a solder that has a soldering temperature that is higher than that of any solder used in a subsequent operation. Consequently, subsequent soldering operations do not disturb the previously soldered components. In microelectronics and optoelectronics manufacturing, solder alloys are generally gold-based, like gold-tin and gold-germanium, to provide a high soldering temperature and to provide compatibility with gold and other precious-metal metallization used for electrical contact between a semiconductor die and substrate. Solder pads are applied by depositing alternating layers of the desired final alloy-constituents in separate layers, for example: gold, tin, gold, tin, gold, tin with eleven layers total not being unusual. The layered structure is heated, and, upon reaching a soldering temperature which is above the melting point of tin, the metals inter-diffuse to form the-desired solder alloy. Note that a dwell time at a temperature below melting may also be used to achieve inter-diffusion of the layers. For example, inter-diffusion is essentially complete after one second at 210° C. In a step-solder process, each subsequent step occurs at a soldering temperature lower than the previous soldering step so as not to remelt previous solder connections. To be robust in a manufacturing environment, there should be a large difference in the soldering temperature between one solder step and the next. From a practical perspective, step-soldering is limited to about three or four steps between the first solder used and the last. The last solder used is typically a tin-lead solder having a low soldering temperature. For this reason, conventional step soldering has difficulty accommodating the mounting of multiple dies on a substrate in multistep mounting operations. It would be desirable to be able to precision place a die, like a gallium arsenide laser, on a substrate such as silicon, to solder it into position, to move the substrate, and then to repeat the operation to precision mount another die, like a photodetector chip. Thus, a need exists for a configuration of solder pads which facilitates the mounting of multiple components in a multi-step process.
|
Title:
Solder pads and method of making a solder pad
Abstract:
A device including a first solder pad and a second solder pad comprised of a post-soldering alloy composition on a substrate is provided. The alloy composition comprises two or more elements, and the post soldering alloy composition of the first solder pad has different amounts of the two or more elements than the alloy composition of the second solder pad. A method of making a solder pad comprises masking a substrate comprising at least a first solder pad and a second solder pad, wherein the mask exposes a greater area of the first solder pad so that the deposited element becomes part of an alloy composition of the first solder pad upon soldering thereby changing the melting point of the first solder pad.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Manufacture of electronic assemblies often makes use of a technique called “step-soldering.” In step-soldering, solder alloys of decreasing soldering temperature are used to bond a die to a substrate, a substrate to a package, and a package to a housing or printed wiring board. When made in a step soldering process, solder bonds made in a prior operation do not reflow when subsequent operations are performed at step by step decreasing temperature decrements. The operation that is performed first, generally die to substrate bonding, uses a solder that has a soldering temperature that is higher than that of any solder used in a subsequent operation. Consequently, subsequent soldering operations do not disturb the previously soldered components. In microelectronics and optoelectronics manufacturing, solder alloys are generally gold-based, like gold-tin and gold-germanium, to provide a high soldering temperature and to provide compatibility with gold and other precious-metal metallization used for electrical contact between a semiconductor die and substrate. Solder pads are applied by depositing alternating layers of the desired final alloy-constituents in separate layers, for example: gold, tin, gold, tin, gold, tin with eleven layers total not being unusual. The layered structure is heated, and, upon reaching a soldering temperature which is above the melting point of tin, the metals inter-diffuse to form the-desired solder alloy. Note that a dwell time at a temperature below melting may also be used to achieve inter-diffusion of the layers. For example, inter-diffusion is essentially complete after one second at 210° C. In a step-solder process, each subsequent step occurs at a soldering temperature lower than the previous soldering step so as not to remelt previous solder connections. To be robust in a manufacturing environment, there should be a large difference in the soldering temperature between one solder step and the next. From a practical perspective, step-soldering is limited to about three or four steps between the first solder used and the last. The last solder used is typically a tin-lead solder having a low soldering temperature. For this reason, conventional step soldering has difficulty accommodating the mounting of multiple dies on a substrate in multistep mounting operations. It would be desirable to be able to precision place a die, like a gallium arsenide laser, on a substrate such as silicon, to solder it into position, to move the substrate, and then to repeat the operation to precision mount another die, like a photodetector chip. Thus, a need exists for a configuration of solder pads which facilitates the mounting of multiple components in a multi-step process.
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10979154
| 2,004
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Glucopyranosyloxypyrazole derivatives, medicinal compositions containing the same and intermediates in the production thereof
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The present invention relates to glucopyranosyloxypyrazole derivatives represented by the general formula: wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group; one of Q1 and T1 represents a group represented by the general formula: while the other represents a lower alkyl group or a halo(lower alkyl) group; and R2 represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, a lower alkoxy group, a lower alkylthio group, a halo(lower alkyl) group or a halogen atom, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, which have an inhibitory activity in human SGLT2 and are useful as agents for the prevention or treatment of diabetes, diabetic complications or obesity, and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same and intermediates thereof.
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BACKGROUND ART Diabetes is one of lifestyle-related diseases with the background of change of eating habit and lack of exercise. Hence, diet and exercise therapies are performed in patients with diabetes. Furthermore, when its sufficient control and continuous performance are difficult, drug treatment is simultaneously performed. Now, biguanides, sulfonylureas and insulin sensitivity enhancers have been employed as antidiabetic agents. However, biguanides and sulfonylureas show occasionally adverse effects such as lactic acidosis and hypoglysemia, respectively. In a case of using insulin sensitivity enhancers, adverse effects such as edema occasionally are observed, and it is also concerned for advancing obesity. Therefore, in order to solve these problems, it has been desired to develop antidiabetic agents having a new mechanism. In recent years, development of new type antidiabetic agents has been progressing, which promote urinary glucose excretion and lower blood glucose level by preventing excess glucose reabsorption at the kidney (J. Clin. Invest., Vol. 79, pp. 1510-1515 (1987)). In addition, it is reported that SGLT2 (Na + /glucose cotransporter 2) is present in the S1 segment of the kidney's proximal tubule and participates mainly in reabsorption of glucose filtrated through glomerular (J. Clin. Invest., Vol. 93, pp. 397-404 (1994)). Accordingly, inhibiting a human SGLT2 activity prevents reabsorption of excess glucose at the kidney, subsequently promotes excreting excess glucose though the urine, and normalizes blood glucose level. Therefore, fast development of antidiabetic agents, which have a potent inhibitory activity in human SGLT2 and have a new mechanism, has been desired. Also, since such agents promote the excretion of excess glucose though the urine and consequently the glucose accumulation in the body is decreased, they are also expected to have a preventing or alleviating effect on obesity. As compounds having pyrazole moiety, it is described that WAY-123783 increased an amount of excreted glucose in normal mice. However, its effects in human are not described at all (J. Med. Chem., Vol. 39, pp. 3920-3928 (1996)).
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Title:
Glucopyranosyloxypyrazole derivatives, medicinal compositions containing the same and intermediates in the production thereof
Abstract:
The present invention relates to glucopyranosyloxypyrazole derivatives represented by the general formula: wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group; one of Q1 and T1 represents a group represented by the general formula: while the other represents a lower alkyl group or a halo(lower alkyl) group; and R2 represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, a lower alkoxy group, a lower alkylthio group, a halo(lower alkyl) group or a halogen atom, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, which have an inhibitory activity in human SGLT2 and are useful as agents for the prevention or treatment of diabetes, diabetic complications or obesity, and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same and intermediates thereof.
Background:
BACKGROUND ART Diabetes is one of lifestyle-related diseases with the background of change of eating habit and lack of exercise. Hence, diet and exercise therapies are performed in patients with diabetes. Furthermore, when its sufficient control and continuous performance are difficult, drug treatment is simultaneously performed. Now, biguanides, sulfonylureas and insulin sensitivity enhancers have been employed as antidiabetic agents. However, biguanides and sulfonylureas show occasionally adverse effects such as lactic acidosis and hypoglysemia, respectively. In a case of using insulin sensitivity enhancers, adverse effects such as edema occasionally are observed, and it is also concerned for advancing obesity. Therefore, in order to solve these problems, it has been desired to develop antidiabetic agents having a new mechanism. In recent years, development of new type antidiabetic agents has been progressing, which promote urinary glucose excretion and lower blood glucose level by preventing excess glucose reabsorption at the kidney (J. Clin. Invest., Vol. 79, pp. 1510-1515 (1987)). In addition, it is reported that SGLT2 (Na + /glucose cotransporter 2) is present in the S1 segment of the kidney's proximal tubule and participates mainly in reabsorption of glucose filtrated through glomerular (J. Clin. Invest., Vol. 93, pp. 397-404 (1994)). Accordingly, inhibiting a human SGLT2 activity prevents reabsorption of excess glucose at the kidney, subsequently promotes excreting excess glucose though the urine, and normalizes blood glucose level. Therefore, fast development of antidiabetic agents, which have a potent inhibitory activity in human SGLT2 and have a new mechanism, has been desired. Also, since such agents promote the excretion of excess glucose though the urine and consequently the glucose accumulation in the body is decreased, they are also expected to have a preventing or alleviating effect on obesity. As compounds having pyrazole moiety, it is described that WAY-123783 increased an amount of excreted glucose in normal mice. However, its effects in human are not described at all (J. Med. Chem., Vol. 39, pp. 3920-3928 (1996)).
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10809827
| 2,004
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Organic electroluminescent device
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An organic EL device comprises a transparent substrate, a hole injection electrode, an electron-donating organic compound layer, a light emitting layer, an electron-accepting organic compound layer, an electron injection electrode and a filter. The filter is integrally formed on the lower surface of the transparent substrate. The filter blocks transmission of light in a prescribed wavelength range. The prescribed wavelength range is a range up to a wavelength longer by 50 nm with reference to the wavelength of light generating the maximum electromotive force in optical power generation of the organic EL device.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an organic electroluminescent device. 2. Description of the Background Art In recent years, with increasing diversity in information equipment, there is a growing need for flat panel display devices that require smaller power consumption than CRTs (Cathode Ray Tube) generally in use. As one of the flat penal display devices, an organic electroluminescent (hereinafter abbreviated as organic EL) device characterized by having high efficiency, small thickness, light weight, and low angular-field-of-view dependency is drawing attention. An organic EL device is a self-light emitting device injection electrons and holes into a light emitting layer of an organic material from an electron injection electrode and a hole injection electrode respectively and recombining the injected electrons and holes with each other at the light emitting center thereby exciting organic molecules, for generating fluorescence when the organic molecules return from the excited state to a ground state. This organic EL device is deteriorated due to incidence of light into the device, employment over a long period use or heating. More specifically, the deterioration of the organic molecules results in reduction of the luminance of the organic EL device, or an increase of a drive voltage for attaining constant luminance (this deterioration is hereinafter referred to as voltage increase deterioration), for example. In general, the cause for deterioration of an organic EL device resulting from incidence of light into the device has been regarded as photo decomposition of organic molecules caused by ultraviolet light (light having wavelengths of about 1 to 400 nm). Further, the main factor for such photo decomposition of the organic molecules caused by ultraviolet light has been regarded as the presence of residual oxygen and moisture in the device or the like. In order to prevent this deterioration of the organic EL device, a method of sealing the organic EL device itself in an inert gas atmosphere or a method of preventing the organic EL device from entrance of ultraviolet light by providing a layer blocking ultraviolet light has been proposed (refer to JP-4-334895-A or JP-2002-184572-A). However, the voltage increase deterioration is caused when not only ultraviolet light but also visible light enters the device.
|
Title:
Organic electroluminescent device
Abstract:
An organic EL device comprises a transparent substrate, a hole injection electrode, an electron-donating organic compound layer, a light emitting layer, an electron-accepting organic compound layer, an electron injection electrode and a filter. The filter is integrally formed on the lower surface of the transparent substrate. The filter blocks transmission of light in a prescribed wavelength range. The prescribed wavelength range is a range up to a wavelength longer by 50 nm with reference to the wavelength of light generating the maximum electromotive force in optical power generation of the organic EL device.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an organic electroluminescent device. 2. Description of the Background Art In recent years, with increasing diversity in information equipment, there is a growing need for flat panel display devices that require smaller power consumption than CRTs (Cathode Ray Tube) generally in use. As one of the flat penal display devices, an organic electroluminescent (hereinafter abbreviated as organic EL) device characterized by having high efficiency, small thickness, light weight, and low angular-field-of-view dependency is drawing attention. An organic EL device is a self-light emitting device injection electrons and holes into a light emitting layer of an organic material from an electron injection electrode and a hole injection electrode respectively and recombining the injected electrons and holes with each other at the light emitting center thereby exciting organic molecules, for generating fluorescence when the organic molecules return from the excited state to a ground state. This organic EL device is deteriorated due to incidence of light into the device, employment over a long period use or heating. More specifically, the deterioration of the organic molecules results in reduction of the luminance of the organic EL device, or an increase of a drive voltage for attaining constant luminance (this deterioration is hereinafter referred to as voltage increase deterioration), for example. In general, the cause for deterioration of an organic EL device resulting from incidence of light into the device has been regarded as photo decomposition of organic molecules caused by ultraviolet light (light having wavelengths of about 1 to 400 nm). Further, the main factor for such photo decomposition of the organic molecules caused by ultraviolet light has been regarded as the presence of residual oxygen and moisture in the device or the like. In order to prevent this deterioration of the organic EL device, a method of sealing the organic EL device itself in an inert gas atmosphere or a method of preventing the organic EL device from entrance of ultraviolet light by providing a layer blocking ultraviolet light has been proposed (refer to JP-4-334895-A or JP-2002-184572-A). However, the voltage increase deterioration is caused when not only ultraviolet light but also visible light enters the device.
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10975427
| 2,004
|
Semiconductor display device
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To provide a semiconductor display device capable of displaying an image having clarity and a desired color, even when the speed of deterioration of an EL layer is influenced by its environment. Display pixels and sensor pixels of an EL display each have an EL element, and the sensor pixels each have a diode. The luminance of the EL elements of each in the display pixels is controlled in accordance with the amount of electric current flowing in each of the diodes.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an EL display that is formed by fabricating an EL (Electro Luminescence) element on a substrate. Particularly, the present invention relates to an active matrix type EL display that uses a semiconductor element (an element employing a semiconductor thin film), and furthermore to a semiconductor display device employing the EL display. 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, technology for forming a TFT on a substrate has been largely improved, and an application development of the TFT to an active matrix type semiconductor display device has been carried out. In particular, the TFT using a polysilicon film has a higher electric field effect mobility than the TFT using a conventional amorphous silicon film, and therefore, the TFT may be operated at a high speed. Thus, the pixel control which has been conducted at a driver circuit outside of the substrate may be conducted at the driver circuit which is formed on the same substrate as the pixel. Such an active matrix type semiconductor display device can, by preparing various circuits and elements on the same substrate, obtain various advantages such as a decrease in manufacturing cost, a decrease in the size of the semiconductor display device, an increase in yield, and a decrease in throughput. Further, research on the active matrix type EL display having an EL element as a self-light-emitting element is becoming more and more active. The EL display is referred to as a light-emitting display, an organic EL display (OELD) or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED). The EL display is a self-light-emitting type unlike a liquid crystal display device. The EL element is constituted such that a layer containing an organic compound (hereinafter, referred to as an EL layer) is sandwiched between a pair of electrodes (anode and cathode). However, the EL layer normally has a lamination structure. Typically, the lamination structure of a “hole transport layer/a light emitting layer/an electron transport layer” proposed by Tang et al. of the Eastman Kodak Company can be cited. This structure has a very high light-emitting efficiency, and this structure is adopted in almost all the EL displays which are currently subjected to research and development. When the EL element obtains Luminescence (Electro Luminescence) which is generated by applying a voltage to the EL element, it is composed of an anode layer an EL layer, and a cathode layer. There are two types of luminescence in an organic compound, one being a luminescence that is generated when the organic compound returns from a singlet excitation state to a around state (fluorescence) and the other being a luminescence that is generated when the organic compound returns from a triplet excitation state to a ground state (phosphorescence). Either type of luminescence may be used in the EL display of the present invention. In addition, the structure may be such that on the electrodes, a hole injection layer/a hole transport layer/a light emitting layer/an electron transport layer, or a hole injection layer/a hole transport layer/a light emitting layer/an electron transport layer/an electron injection layer may be laminated in order. Phosphorescent dye or the like may be doped into the light emitting layer. In this specification, all the layers provided between a pair of electrodes are generally referred to as EL layers. Consequently, the hole injection layer, the hole transport layer, the light emitting layer, the electron transport layer, the electron injection layer and the like are all included in the EL layers. In this specification, a light emitting element, which is composed of an anode, an EL layer and a cathode, is referred to as an EL element. The deterioration of the EL material of the EL layer has become a problem in the realization of the EL display, which leads to the reduction in the luminance of the EL element. The EL material of the EL layer is inferior to moisture, oxygen, light, and heat, which are the factors that promote the deterioration of the EL layer. To be more specific, the rate at which the EL layer deteriorates is influenced by the structure of a device driving the EL display, characteristics of the EL material structuring the EL layer, materials of an electrode, conditions of the manufacturing processes, a driving method of the EL display and the like. The EL layer deteriorates even if a constant voltage from a pair of electrodes is applied thereto, whereby the luminance of the EL element is reduced. Thus, an image displayed on the EL display is not clear because of the reduction in the luminance of the EL element. Further, Color display systems of the EL display are roughly divided into four; a system where three kinds of EL elements corresponding to R (red), G (green), and B (blue), respectively, are formed; a system here EL elements emitting white light are combined with a color filter; a system where EL elements emitting blue or blue-green light are combined with a fluophor (fluorescent color conversion layer: CCM); and a system where EL elements corresponding to R, G, and B are superimposed on a transparent electrode used as a cathode (an opposing electrode) (RGB stacking method). The EL material that structures the EL layer differs depending on the luminescing color of the EL layer. Therefore, in the color display system that employs three kinds of El elements corresponding to the colors R (red), G (green), and B (blue), the three kinds of EL elements of the EL layer corresponding to RGB each may deteriorate at different rates. In this case, the luminance of the EL elements that correspond to RGB becomes dissimilar, respectively, as time passes. Consequently, an image having a desirable color cannot be displayed on the EL display.
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Title:
Semiconductor display device
Abstract:
To provide a semiconductor display device capable of displaying an image having clarity and a desired color, even when the speed of deterioration of an EL layer is influenced by its environment. Display pixels and sensor pixels of an EL display each have an EL element, and the sensor pixels each have a diode. The luminance of the EL elements of each in the display pixels is controlled in accordance with the amount of electric current flowing in each of the diodes.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an EL display that is formed by fabricating an EL (Electro Luminescence) element on a substrate. Particularly, the present invention relates to an active matrix type EL display that uses a semiconductor element (an element employing a semiconductor thin film), and furthermore to a semiconductor display device employing the EL display. 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, technology for forming a TFT on a substrate has been largely improved, and an application development of the TFT to an active matrix type semiconductor display device has been carried out. In particular, the TFT using a polysilicon film has a higher electric field effect mobility than the TFT using a conventional amorphous silicon film, and therefore, the TFT may be operated at a high speed. Thus, the pixel control which has been conducted at a driver circuit outside of the substrate may be conducted at the driver circuit which is formed on the same substrate as the pixel. Such an active matrix type semiconductor display device can, by preparing various circuits and elements on the same substrate, obtain various advantages such as a decrease in manufacturing cost, a decrease in the size of the semiconductor display device, an increase in yield, and a decrease in throughput. Further, research on the active matrix type EL display having an EL element as a self-light-emitting element is becoming more and more active. The EL display is referred to as a light-emitting display, an organic EL display (OELD) or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED). The EL display is a self-light-emitting type unlike a liquid crystal display device. The EL element is constituted such that a layer containing an organic compound (hereinafter, referred to as an EL layer) is sandwiched between a pair of electrodes (anode and cathode). However, the EL layer normally has a lamination structure. Typically, the lamination structure of a “hole transport layer/a light emitting layer/an electron transport layer” proposed by Tang et al. of the Eastman Kodak Company can be cited. This structure has a very high light-emitting efficiency, and this structure is adopted in almost all the EL displays which are currently subjected to research and development. When the EL element obtains Luminescence (Electro Luminescence) which is generated by applying a voltage to the EL element, it is composed of an anode layer an EL layer, and a cathode layer. There are two types of luminescence in an organic compound, one being a luminescence that is generated when the organic compound returns from a singlet excitation state to a around state (fluorescence) and the other being a luminescence that is generated when the organic compound returns from a triplet excitation state to a ground state (phosphorescence). Either type of luminescence may be used in the EL display of the present invention. In addition, the structure may be such that on the electrodes, a hole injection layer/a hole transport layer/a light emitting layer/an electron transport layer, or a hole injection layer/a hole transport layer/a light emitting layer/an electron transport layer/an electron injection layer may be laminated in order. Phosphorescent dye or the like may be doped into the light emitting layer. In this specification, all the layers provided between a pair of electrodes are generally referred to as EL layers. Consequently, the hole injection layer, the hole transport layer, the light emitting layer, the electron transport layer, the electron injection layer and the like are all included in the EL layers. In this specification, a light emitting element, which is composed of an anode, an EL layer and a cathode, is referred to as an EL element. The deterioration of the EL material of the EL layer has become a problem in the realization of the EL display, which leads to the reduction in the luminance of the EL element. The EL material of the EL layer is inferior to moisture, oxygen, light, and heat, which are the factors that promote the deterioration of the EL layer. To be more specific, the rate at which the EL layer deteriorates is influenced by the structure of a device driving the EL display, characteristics of the EL material structuring the EL layer, materials of an electrode, conditions of the manufacturing processes, a driving method of the EL display and the like. The EL layer deteriorates even if a constant voltage from a pair of electrodes is applied thereto, whereby the luminance of the EL element is reduced. Thus, an image displayed on the EL display is not clear because of the reduction in the luminance of the EL element. Further, Color display systems of the EL display are roughly divided into four; a system where three kinds of EL elements corresponding to R (red), G (green), and B (blue), respectively, are formed; a system here EL elements emitting white light are combined with a color filter; a system where EL elements emitting blue or blue-green light are combined with a fluophor (fluorescent color conversion layer: CCM); and a system where EL elements corresponding to R, G, and B are superimposed on a transparent electrode used as a cathode (an opposing electrode) (RGB stacking method). The EL material that structures the EL layer differs depending on the luminescing color of the EL layer. Therefore, in the color display system that employs three kinds of El elements corresponding to the colors R (red), G (green), and B (blue), the three kinds of EL elements of the EL layer corresponding to RGB each may deteriorate at different rates. In this case, the luminance of the EL elements that correspond to RGB becomes dissimilar, respectively, as time passes. Consequently, an image having a desirable color cannot be displayed on the EL display.
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11017701
| 2,004
|
Timing-adjusting method and apparatus, and diversity receivign method and apparatus
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An A-D conversion unit performs analog-to-digital conversions on baseband signals. A correlation processing unit carries out a correlation processing. A power computing unit computes the power of correlation values. An inter-signal condition determining unit compares a relationship between the peak of a main signal and the peak of sub-signals to a first condition, and excludes, from combining diversity, baseband signals corresponding to the sub-signals if the relationship does not satisfy the first condition. An intra-signal condition determining unit 30 compares the main signals and sub-signals to a second condition, respectively, and excludes signals from combining diversity if the signals do not satisfy the second condition. A timing adjusting unit adjusts the timing of sub-signals so that the timing thereof comes close to the timing of the main signal. A shift unit shifts the timing of sampled signals corresponding to the sub-signals.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the timing adjusting technologies, and it particularly relates to timing-adjusting method and apparatus and diversity receiving method and apparatus with which to adjust the timing of a plurality of signals received by a plurality of antennas so as to carry out the diversity reception. 2. Description of the Related Art In digital radio communication, signals transmitted from a transmitting apparatus travel through radio propagation paths before they are received by a receiving apparatus. The receiving apparatus extracts information symbols, which are the object of transmission, from the signals received. In order to extract such information symbols accurately, the receiving apparatus must carry out extraction with a timing synchronized with the timing of the information symbols sent from the transmitting apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “synchronous timing”). Generally, a receiving apparatus, which is not informed of a synchronous timing from a transmitting apparatus, extracts one from the signals it has received. However, where the signals transmitted between a transmitting apparatus and a receiving apparatus are multi-carrier signals, application of an extraction method of synchronous timing for single-carrier signals may result in an increase in the amount of processing with the increase in the number of carriers. On the other hand, one of the methods for suppressing the amount of processing, which results from the extraction of synchronous timing for multi-carrier signals, is such that the correlation value between the pilot signal contained in the received signals and the pilot signal prepared beforehand is calculated and the timing when the peak of the correlation value is attained is extracted as the synchronous timing (See, for example, Reference (1) in the Related Art List below). Related Art List (1) Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei8-46659. To improve the quality of signal transmission, a receiving apparatus may be provided with a plurality of antennas and a plurality of signals received by the plurality of antennas may be subjected to a diversity processing, or sometimes a combining diversity processing. In such a case, timing errors of the respective antennas may add up and, therefore, they are likely to lead to larger timing errors. If the difference in timing between antennas becomes large, the received signals rotates, and a combining diversity processing for the rotated signals may not result in any improvement in the transmission characteristics of signals. With multi-carrier signals, the rotation occurs with the sub-carriers, so that a combined diversity processing between sub-carriers with opposite phases may lead to a worsening of transmission characteristics of signals.
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Title:
Timing-adjusting method and apparatus, and diversity receivign method and apparatus
Abstract:
An A-D conversion unit performs analog-to-digital conversions on baseband signals. A correlation processing unit carries out a correlation processing. A power computing unit computes the power of correlation values. An inter-signal condition determining unit compares a relationship between the peak of a main signal and the peak of sub-signals to a first condition, and excludes, from combining diversity, baseband signals corresponding to the sub-signals if the relationship does not satisfy the first condition. An intra-signal condition determining unit 30 compares the main signals and sub-signals to a second condition, respectively, and excludes signals from combining diversity if the signals do not satisfy the second condition. A timing adjusting unit adjusts the timing of sub-signals so that the timing thereof comes close to the timing of the main signal. A shift unit shifts the timing of sampled signals corresponding to the sub-signals.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the timing adjusting technologies, and it particularly relates to timing-adjusting method and apparatus and diversity receiving method and apparatus with which to adjust the timing of a plurality of signals received by a plurality of antennas so as to carry out the diversity reception. 2. Description of the Related Art In digital radio communication, signals transmitted from a transmitting apparatus travel through radio propagation paths before they are received by a receiving apparatus. The receiving apparatus extracts information symbols, which are the object of transmission, from the signals received. In order to extract such information symbols accurately, the receiving apparatus must carry out extraction with a timing synchronized with the timing of the information symbols sent from the transmitting apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “synchronous timing”). Generally, a receiving apparatus, which is not informed of a synchronous timing from a transmitting apparatus, extracts one from the signals it has received. However, where the signals transmitted between a transmitting apparatus and a receiving apparatus are multi-carrier signals, application of an extraction method of synchronous timing for single-carrier signals may result in an increase in the amount of processing with the increase in the number of carriers. On the other hand, one of the methods for suppressing the amount of processing, which results from the extraction of synchronous timing for multi-carrier signals, is such that the correlation value between the pilot signal contained in the received signals and the pilot signal prepared beforehand is calculated and the timing when the peak of the correlation value is attained is extracted as the synchronous timing (See, for example, Reference (1) in the Related Art List below). Related Art List (1) Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei8-46659. To improve the quality of signal transmission, a receiving apparatus may be provided with a plurality of antennas and a plurality of signals received by the plurality of antennas may be subjected to a diversity processing, or sometimes a combining diversity processing. In such a case, timing errors of the respective antennas may add up and, therefore, they are likely to lead to larger timing errors. If the difference in timing between antennas becomes large, the received signals rotates, and a combining diversity processing for the rotated signals may not result in any improvement in the transmission characteristics of signals. With multi-carrier signals, the rotation occurs with the sub-carriers, so that a combined diversity processing between sub-carriers with opposite phases may lead to a worsening of transmission characteristics of signals.
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11013735
| 2,004
|
Winch gate for protection barrier system
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A winch gate for a waterborne protection barrier system includes a winch containing a length of wire wrapped around a spool. The winch gate also includes a metal fair lead that is disposed adjacent to the winch and that is positioned so as to accept the wire when the winch is controlled to unspool the wire from the spool. A hook is coupled to an end of the wire and configured to be coupled to a chain that is itself coupled to a protection barrier module of the protection barrier system. When the winch is controlled to spool the wire back onto the spool after the winch was controlled to unspool the wire from the spool and after the wire has been coupled to the chain, the chain is pulled through the metal fair lead and thereby onto the winch gate, to thereby allow the chain to be affixed to the winch gate.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A. Field of the Invention The invention relates generally to protection barriers and, more particularly, to durable, floating boat barriers that are used to protect areas such as harbors, water regions, or other types of land or water areas from high speed and low speed water craft attack. B. Description of the Related Art In the current environment with terrorist activities on the rise, there is a need to protect assets from terrorist attacks. One type of protection device is a floating harbor protection barrier system designed to provide protection to military and commercial harbors from high speed surface boat attacks. Initial research into harbor protection by the Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center led to the development of a mostly mild-steel structure called the Port Security Barrier. The Port Security Barrier consists of three steel pontoons supporting a steel box beam, steel supports for netting, steel braces, and primary netting made up of 1.125 inch diameter nylon 12-plait line with a mesh size of one foot. Another type of floating barrier device is described in the Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center Technical Report TR-2027-SHR, dated September, 1994 (hereinafter referred to as “Technical Report”). As described in the Technical Report, a lightweight floating barrier for defeating a high speed boat attack includes at least one 40-foot-long barrier module with a lightweight glass reinforced plastic (GRP) frame, low density closed cell foam floats, and a capture net woven from high strength Spectra™ line. Each barrier module can be folded for ease in transportation between locations, and assembly and installation of a lightweight floating barrier can be done with unskilled labor using simple tools and support craft. While the use of GRP for components of a harbor protection barrier is an improvement over the use of a mostly-steel or an all-steel construction for a harbor protection barrier in some respects (e.g., lower maintenance costs), it still has problems associated with not being as structurally strong as the mostly-steel construction, and thereby it does not provide as good a protection or durability as one would get from the mostly-steel construction or all-steel construction of a harbor protection barrier. For example, a test described in the Technical Report (see FIG. 29 of the Technical Report) shows that a GRP protection barrier frame was shattered by a high-speed boat impacting the GRP protection barrier. One can surmise from that test that boats following a lead boat (which impacted the GRP protection barrier) may be able to follow the same path in the water as the lead boat and thereby penetrate into a region protected by one or more GRP protection barriers, which is clearly undesirable. Furthermore, conventional GRP Port Security barrier modules are not particularly sturdy with respect to dealing with forces due to boat attacks and/or forces due to severe weather conditions. Also, for an all-steel construction or for a mostly-steel construction of a Port Security barrier, there is a problem in that maintenance costs are very high. For example, when the Port Security barrier is floating in the water, it deteriorates over time due to the sea water that comes in contact with the steel. This leads to rusting, which causes deterioration of the Port Security barrier, thereby making it less structurally sound. While such steel-constructed Port Security barriers typically have a paint coat to partially counter the rusting problem, the conventional Port Security barriers have to be painted fairly often in order to maintain the structural integrity of the paint barrier, which again results in high maintenance costs. Furthermore, with conventional Port Security barriers, there is a problem associated with coupling two or more harbor protection barrier modules together to protect a large region, such as a harbor. As described in the Technical Report, each protection barrier module is 40 feet long, and thus to protect a length of harbor of 150 feet would require four (4) protection barrier modules coupled together. The conventional method of coupling protection barrier modules to each other is via a loose coupling at the respective ends of adjacent protection barrier modules, typically by coupling a steel cable to respective ends of adjacent protection barrier modules. This loose coupling results in undesired stresses being imparted to individual protection barrier modules as they flop around in the water due to inclement weather conditions such as high wave and high wind conditions. Such a loose coupling between protection barrier modules may result in damage to individual protection barrier modules, with results in an undesired cost associated with repairing protection barrier modules already installed or having to utilize new protection barrier modules to replace protection barrier modules that are damaged beyond repair. The present invention is directed to overcoming or at least reducing the effects of one or more of the problems set forth above, such as to provide a sturdy harbor protection barrier structure that can withstand hurricane force winds and that does not require much upkeep
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Title:
Winch gate for protection barrier system
Abstract:
A winch gate for a waterborne protection barrier system includes a winch containing a length of wire wrapped around a spool. The winch gate also includes a metal fair lead that is disposed adjacent to the winch and that is positioned so as to accept the wire when the winch is controlled to unspool the wire from the spool. A hook is coupled to an end of the wire and configured to be coupled to a chain that is itself coupled to a protection barrier module of the protection barrier system. When the winch is controlled to spool the wire back onto the spool after the winch was controlled to unspool the wire from the spool and after the wire has been coupled to the chain, the chain is pulled through the metal fair lead and thereby onto the winch gate, to thereby allow the chain to be affixed to the winch gate.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A. Field of the Invention The invention relates generally to protection barriers and, more particularly, to durable, floating boat barriers that are used to protect areas such as harbors, water regions, or other types of land or water areas from high speed and low speed water craft attack. B. Description of the Related Art In the current environment with terrorist activities on the rise, there is a need to protect assets from terrorist attacks. One type of protection device is a floating harbor protection barrier system designed to provide protection to military and commercial harbors from high speed surface boat attacks. Initial research into harbor protection by the Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center led to the development of a mostly mild-steel structure called the Port Security Barrier. The Port Security Barrier consists of three steel pontoons supporting a steel box beam, steel supports for netting, steel braces, and primary netting made up of 1.125 inch diameter nylon 12-plait line with a mesh size of one foot. Another type of floating barrier device is described in the Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center Technical Report TR-2027-SHR, dated September, 1994 (hereinafter referred to as “Technical Report”). As described in the Technical Report, a lightweight floating barrier for defeating a high speed boat attack includes at least one 40-foot-long barrier module with a lightweight glass reinforced plastic (GRP) frame, low density closed cell foam floats, and a capture net woven from high strength Spectra™ line. Each barrier module can be folded for ease in transportation between locations, and assembly and installation of a lightweight floating barrier can be done with unskilled labor using simple tools and support craft. While the use of GRP for components of a harbor protection barrier is an improvement over the use of a mostly-steel or an all-steel construction for a harbor protection barrier in some respects (e.g., lower maintenance costs), it still has problems associated with not being as structurally strong as the mostly-steel construction, and thereby it does not provide as good a protection or durability as one would get from the mostly-steel construction or all-steel construction of a harbor protection barrier. For example, a test described in the Technical Report (see FIG. 29 of the Technical Report) shows that a GRP protection barrier frame was shattered by a high-speed boat impacting the GRP protection barrier. One can surmise from that test that boats following a lead boat (which impacted the GRP protection barrier) may be able to follow the same path in the water as the lead boat and thereby penetrate into a region protected by one or more GRP protection barriers, which is clearly undesirable. Furthermore, conventional GRP Port Security barrier modules are not particularly sturdy with respect to dealing with forces due to boat attacks and/or forces due to severe weather conditions. Also, for an all-steel construction or for a mostly-steel construction of a Port Security barrier, there is a problem in that maintenance costs are very high. For example, when the Port Security barrier is floating in the water, it deteriorates over time due to the sea water that comes in contact with the steel. This leads to rusting, which causes deterioration of the Port Security barrier, thereby making it less structurally sound. While such steel-constructed Port Security barriers typically have a paint coat to partially counter the rusting problem, the conventional Port Security barriers have to be painted fairly often in order to maintain the structural integrity of the paint barrier, which again results in high maintenance costs. Furthermore, with conventional Port Security barriers, there is a problem associated with coupling two or more harbor protection barrier modules together to protect a large region, such as a harbor. As described in the Technical Report, each protection barrier module is 40 feet long, and thus to protect a length of harbor of 150 feet would require four (4) protection barrier modules coupled together. The conventional method of coupling protection barrier modules to each other is via a loose coupling at the respective ends of adjacent protection barrier modules, typically by coupling a steel cable to respective ends of adjacent protection barrier modules. This loose coupling results in undesired stresses being imparted to individual protection barrier modules as they flop around in the water due to inclement weather conditions such as high wave and high wind conditions. Such a loose coupling between protection barrier modules may result in damage to individual protection barrier modules, with results in an undesired cost associated with repairing protection barrier modules already installed or having to utilize new protection barrier modules to replace protection barrier modules that are damaged beyond repair. The present invention is directed to overcoming or at least reducing the effects of one or more of the problems set forth above, such as to provide a sturdy harbor protection barrier structure that can withstand hurricane force winds and that does not require much upkeep
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10976028
| 2,004
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Method, apparatus, and system for transmitting information
|
A server controls client apparatuses to transmit the same information to the client apparatuses without imposing workload on each client apparatus. The server is free from any interruption of the transmission of information signal unintended by the server. The server receives information designating at least one client apparatus as a destination of the information signal through a keyboard of the server, and transmits audio contents stored in a content storage hard disk to each of the client apparatuses, designated in the received designate information, through a controller and a communication unit. At least one client apparatus concurrently plays the audio content.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method, an apparatus, and a system for transmitting information in a local area network (LAN), such as an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802 network environment. 2. Description of the Related Art With the widespread use of personal computers and the advances of the Internet, users use personal computers at home or offices to access a variety of servers over the Internet. The users download a diversity of content data, exchanges electronic mails, or participates in a chat system to exchange opinions through text data on a real-time basis. Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-184292 discloses a technique of a chat system of the Internet in which a limited number of persons participating in a chat is allowed to concurrently listen to audio data. Via a wide area network (WAN), users quickly acquire information at home or in offices, and smoothly exchange and share information. Communication technology has thus substantially advanced, providing convenient environments. Sharing of files and printers is performed not only in a WAN but also in a LAN which is constructed in a limited area, such as home or offices, with personal computers and peripheral devices interconnected. Known LANs employing universal asynchronous receiver-transceiver (UART) are unable to provide a sufficiently high data rate. It takes long time for the LAN to transmit or receive audio data requiring a data rate of about 1.4 MBps (Mbytes/s). With universal serial bus (USB) introduced, personal computers transfer audio data from a USB connector. The maximum length of a USB cable is limited to 5 m. Under this limitation, a typical application of a peripheral device is a loudspeaker device of the personal computer used in the same room. Communications in accordance with the today's widely used transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP) not only achieve data rate and reliability in a performance level high enough to transfer audio data but also work with a cable extended to a maximum of 100 m in a LAN system installed at a home. Under these conditions, music is thus listened to everywhere in a wide area. With an apparatus, such as a network hub, the number of networked apparatuses is increased. A plurality of pieces of audio data can be transferred at a time in view of communication bandwidth. If one server having a typical throughput is available, the server can concurrently supply client apparatuses in a plurality of rooms with audio data. Personal computers and a variety of audio visual (AV) apparatuses, installed at a home, are connected via a LAN. Content data stored in a personal computer, such as audio data, video data, and AV data (containing audio data and video data synchronized with each other), are enjoyed on respective apparatuses in a living room, a study room, a bed room, etc. As in the WAN system, a client apparatus receiving information issues a request to a server providing information in the LAN system in a typical operation mode. In response, the server supplies the client apparatus with desired information. In a LAN system with a plurality of client apparatuses configured therewithin, the client apparatuses access the server to concurrently receive the desired contents thereof. In the case of the LAN system installed at a home, typically referred to as a home network, users may wish the personal computer working as a server to play the same content on the AV apparatus in each of the rooms, or in predetermined rooms only. More specifically, the same audio data is transmitted to all rooms so that the same music is enjoyed in all rooms. Alternatively, the same audio data is transmitted to two rooms, which could be child's rooms. Rather than in response to a request from the client apparatuses, the server actively controls the client apparatuses. The technique disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-184292 for sharing the audio data can be used in a WAN system. However, in accordance with the disclosed technique, not only text data but also audio data is shared among participants in the Internet chat system. Without completing registration, any user cannot enjoy audio data as a supply destination in the chat group. Even a registered user cannot receive audio data unless the client apparatus of the user issues a request to transmit. The technique disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-184292 has no concept that a predetermined controller, such as a server, actively controls a client apparatus as a destination of content data. The disclosed technique thus fails to fully satisfy the need that the predetermined controller, such as the server, flexibly controls the client apparatus in accordance with intended usage. In the home network LAN system, the client apparatuses are typically consumer electronics (CEs) dedicated to processing audio data and video data, including AV apparatuses, such as hard disk recorders. With a TCP/IP application running on such a client apparatus, it is advisable not to impose a large workload on the client apparatus.
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Title:
Method, apparatus, and system for transmitting information
Abstract:
A server controls client apparatuses to transmit the same information to the client apparatuses without imposing workload on each client apparatus. The server is free from any interruption of the transmission of information signal unintended by the server. The server receives information designating at least one client apparatus as a destination of the information signal through a keyboard of the server, and transmits audio contents stored in a content storage hard disk to each of the client apparatuses, designated in the received designate information, through a controller and a communication unit. At least one client apparatus concurrently plays the audio content.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method, an apparatus, and a system for transmitting information in a local area network (LAN), such as an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802 network environment. 2. Description of the Related Art With the widespread use of personal computers and the advances of the Internet, users use personal computers at home or offices to access a variety of servers over the Internet. The users download a diversity of content data, exchanges electronic mails, or participates in a chat system to exchange opinions through text data on a real-time basis. Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-184292 discloses a technique of a chat system of the Internet in which a limited number of persons participating in a chat is allowed to concurrently listen to audio data. Via a wide area network (WAN), users quickly acquire information at home or in offices, and smoothly exchange and share information. Communication technology has thus substantially advanced, providing convenient environments. Sharing of files and printers is performed not only in a WAN but also in a LAN which is constructed in a limited area, such as home or offices, with personal computers and peripheral devices interconnected. Known LANs employing universal asynchronous receiver-transceiver (UART) are unable to provide a sufficiently high data rate. It takes long time for the LAN to transmit or receive audio data requiring a data rate of about 1.4 MBps (Mbytes/s). With universal serial bus (USB) introduced, personal computers transfer audio data from a USB connector. The maximum length of a USB cable is limited to 5 m. Under this limitation, a typical application of a peripheral device is a loudspeaker device of the personal computer used in the same room. Communications in accordance with the today's widely used transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP) not only achieve data rate and reliability in a performance level high enough to transfer audio data but also work with a cable extended to a maximum of 100 m in a LAN system installed at a home. Under these conditions, music is thus listened to everywhere in a wide area. With an apparatus, such as a network hub, the number of networked apparatuses is increased. A plurality of pieces of audio data can be transferred at a time in view of communication bandwidth. If one server having a typical throughput is available, the server can concurrently supply client apparatuses in a plurality of rooms with audio data. Personal computers and a variety of audio visual (AV) apparatuses, installed at a home, are connected via a LAN. Content data stored in a personal computer, such as audio data, video data, and AV data (containing audio data and video data synchronized with each other), are enjoyed on respective apparatuses in a living room, a study room, a bed room, etc. As in the WAN system, a client apparatus receiving information issues a request to a server providing information in the LAN system in a typical operation mode. In response, the server supplies the client apparatus with desired information. In a LAN system with a plurality of client apparatuses configured therewithin, the client apparatuses access the server to concurrently receive the desired contents thereof. In the case of the LAN system installed at a home, typically referred to as a home network, users may wish the personal computer working as a server to play the same content on the AV apparatus in each of the rooms, or in predetermined rooms only. More specifically, the same audio data is transmitted to all rooms so that the same music is enjoyed in all rooms. Alternatively, the same audio data is transmitted to two rooms, which could be child's rooms. Rather than in response to a request from the client apparatuses, the server actively controls the client apparatuses. The technique disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-184292 for sharing the audio data can be used in a WAN system. However, in accordance with the disclosed technique, not only text data but also audio data is shared among participants in the Internet chat system. Without completing registration, any user cannot enjoy audio data as a supply destination in the chat group. Even a registered user cannot receive audio data unless the client apparatus of the user issues a request to transmit. The technique disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-184292 has no concept that a predetermined controller, such as a server, actively controls a client apparatus as a destination of content data. The disclosed technique thus fails to fully satisfy the need that the predetermined controller, such as the server, flexibly controls the client apparatus in accordance with intended usage. In the home network LAN system, the client apparatuses are typically consumer electronics (CEs) dedicated to processing audio data and video data, including AV apparatuses, such as hard disk recorders. With a TCP/IP application running on such a client apparatus, it is advisable not to impose a large workload on the client apparatus.
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10830733
| 2,004
|
Optical products for displays
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An optical sheet is comprised of an optical film laminated onto an adhesive layer. The perimeter of the adhesive layer is inset from the perimeter of the optical film. Multiple optical films may be stacked onto each other to form an optical sheet set that efficiently assembles into an optical display. The optical sheet set has no exposed adhesive, which tends to collect dust and particles or transfer to other parts of the display.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to optical films. In particular, the present invention relates to optical sheets formed by bonding adhesive to optical films. Optical films are used to increase the amount of light exiting an optical display in a direction normal, or “on-axis,” to the surface of the display. Increasing the amount of on-axis light reduces the amount of energy required to generate a desired amount of on-axis luminance. This is particularly important for optical displays that use battery powered light sources such as those used in laptop computers, calculators, digital wristwatches, cellular phones, and personal digital assistants. The 3M brand Brightness Enhancement Film is used to address this problem. The film collects light from “off-axis” and redirects or “recycles” this light on-axis toward the viewer. In use, this material increases the on-axis luminance at the expense of off-axis luminance. A “turning” film is also used to increase the amount of on-axis light exiting a display. Turning films are usually used in combination with a wedge-shaped light guide. Light rays exiting the light guide at the glancing angle, usually less than 30° to the output surface, are internally reflected such that they are directed substantially on-axis. Representative embodiments of turning films are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. RE 38,243 and 4,984,144. Another film used to increase on-axis light exiting a display is a multilayer polymer film such as DBEF from 3M Company. The film is formed of about 700 to 800 layers of polymer each having about 150 nm thickness and provides high reflectivity over a wide bandwidth. Representative embodiments are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,613,421. Other films, such as diffuser-type films, along with the films described above, are used extensively in optical displays. Multiple films are arranged between the optical light guide and liquid crystal panel of a liquid crystal display (LCD), and it is difficult and inefficient to insert each film individually. This is especially true for small displays. In addition, these films have a structured surface that is fragile and easily damaged and must be protected until the films are assembled into a display. To prevent scratching or other damage prior to assembly in a display, a protective cover, or pre-mask, is laminated to the film to protect the structured surface. Placing and then removing the pre-mask from each film are added steps in the manufacture of displays, which increases the cost and time required for assembly.
|
Title:
Optical products for displays
Abstract:
An optical sheet is comprised of an optical film laminated onto an adhesive layer. The perimeter of the adhesive layer is inset from the perimeter of the optical film. Multiple optical films may be stacked onto each other to form an optical sheet set that efficiently assembles into an optical display. The optical sheet set has no exposed adhesive, which tends to collect dust and particles or transfer to other parts of the display.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to optical films. In particular, the present invention relates to optical sheets formed by bonding adhesive to optical films. Optical films are used to increase the amount of light exiting an optical display in a direction normal, or “on-axis,” to the surface of the display. Increasing the amount of on-axis light reduces the amount of energy required to generate a desired amount of on-axis luminance. This is particularly important for optical displays that use battery powered light sources such as those used in laptop computers, calculators, digital wristwatches, cellular phones, and personal digital assistants. The 3M brand Brightness Enhancement Film is used to address this problem. The film collects light from “off-axis” and redirects or “recycles” this light on-axis toward the viewer. In use, this material increases the on-axis luminance at the expense of off-axis luminance. A “turning” film is also used to increase the amount of on-axis light exiting a display. Turning films are usually used in combination with a wedge-shaped light guide. Light rays exiting the light guide at the glancing angle, usually less than 30° to the output surface, are internally reflected such that they are directed substantially on-axis. Representative embodiments of turning films are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. RE 38,243 and 4,984,144. Another film used to increase on-axis light exiting a display is a multilayer polymer film such as DBEF from 3M Company. The film is formed of about 700 to 800 layers of polymer each having about 150 nm thickness and provides high reflectivity over a wide bandwidth. Representative embodiments are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,613,421. Other films, such as diffuser-type films, along with the films described above, are used extensively in optical displays. Multiple films are arranged between the optical light guide and liquid crystal panel of a liquid crystal display (LCD), and it is difficult and inefficient to insert each film individually. This is especially true for small displays. In addition, these films have a structured surface that is fragile and easily damaged and must be protected until the films are assembled into a display. To prevent scratching or other damage prior to assembly in a display, a protective cover, or pre-mask, is laminated to the film to protect the structured surface. Placing and then removing the pre-mask from each film are added steps in the manufacture of displays, which increases the cost and time required for assembly.
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10917650
| 2,004
|
Electrical connector
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An electrical connector (1) includes an elongate insulative housing (10), a number of contacts (20), a shell (30), a cover (40) and a pair of soldering pads (50). The insulative housing includes a mating surface (11), two side walls (12) and a channel (13) between the side walls. The contacts are received in the insulative housing and each comprises an engaging portion (21) and a soldering portion (22). The shell is assembled to outer surfaces of the side walls. The cover is adhered to the mating surface for obstructing the shell from moving upwardly.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrical connector, and more particularly to an electrical connector having a shell securely retained thereon. 2. Description of the Related Art Electrical connectors are used in a variety of applications. One type of connector is commonly known as a board-to-board connector for interconnecting two circuit boards. A board-to-board connector typically includes interengageable male and female connectors. U.S. Pat. No. 5,915,976 discloses such a plug connector comprising an insulative housing, a plurality of contacts received in the insulative housing, and a pair of grounding plates positioned on two sides of the housing of the plug connector wherein a plurality of grounding pins of each grounding plates are selectively connected to some of the contacts of the plug connector, and a corresponding number of engagement arms are positioned opposite to such grounding pins, respectively. In such a way, the housing of the plug connector includes a number of pairs of protrusions positioned on an exterior surface of each side wall for mating with corresponding retention arms of the grounding plates. The structure of the housing will occupy too much space on a printed circuit board (PCB). Furthermore, assembling of the engagement arms of the grounding plates is inconvenient. Hence, an improved electrical connector is required to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.
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Title:
Electrical connector
Abstract:
An electrical connector (1) includes an elongate insulative housing (10), a number of contacts (20), a shell (30), a cover (40) and a pair of soldering pads (50). The insulative housing includes a mating surface (11), two side walls (12) and a channel (13) between the side walls. The contacts are received in the insulative housing and each comprises an engaging portion (21) and a soldering portion (22). The shell is assembled to outer surfaces of the side walls. The cover is adhered to the mating surface for obstructing the shell from moving upwardly.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrical connector, and more particularly to an electrical connector having a shell securely retained thereon. 2. Description of the Related Art Electrical connectors are used in a variety of applications. One type of connector is commonly known as a board-to-board connector for interconnecting two circuit boards. A board-to-board connector typically includes interengageable male and female connectors. U.S. Pat. No. 5,915,976 discloses such a plug connector comprising an insulative housing, a plurality of contacts received in the insulative housing, and a pair of grounding plates positioned on two sides of the housing of the plug connector wherein a plurality of grounding pins of each grounding plates are selectively connected to some of the contacts of the plug connector, and a corresponding number of engagement arms are positioned opposite to such grounding pins, respectively. In such a way, the housing of the plug connector includes a number of pairs of protrusions positioned on an exterior surface of each side wall for mating with corresponding retention arms of the grounding plates. The structure of the housing will occupy too much space on a printed circuit board (PCB). Furthermore, assembling of the engagement arms of the grounding plates is inconvenient. Hence, an improved electrical connector is required to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.
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10503085
| 2,004
|
Polyaphron fuel compositions
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A fuel composition which comprises a biliquid foam consisting of from 10% to 97.5% by weight of non-coalescing droplets of a non-polar liquid comprising a petroleum derivative, paraffin or a liquid halogenated hydrocarbon and from 2 to 87% by weight of a continuous phase polar liquid comprising a C1-C3 alcohol, a C4 alcohol containing at least two hydroxy groups, or ethylene glycol, or mixtures thereof, in an amount of from 60% to 100% by weight thereof, wherein the biliquid foam is stabilized with an amount of from 0.5 to 3.0% by weight based on the total formulation of a surfactant which is selected from castor oil/poly(alkylene glycol) adducts containing from 20 to 50 alkoxy groups, or hydrogenated castor oil/poly(alkylene glycol) adducts containing from 20 to 60 alkoxy groups, or mixtures thereof.
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Title:
Polyaphron fuel compositions
Abstract:
A fuel composition which comprises a biliquid foam consisting of from 10% to 97.5% by weight of non-coalescing droplets of a non-polar liquid comprising a petroleum derivative, paraffin or a liquid halogenated hydrocarbon and from 2 to 87% by weight of a continuous phase polar liquid comprising a C1-C3 alcohol, a C4 alcohol containing at least two hydroxy groups, or ethylene glycol, or mixtures thereof, in an amount of from 60% to 100% by weight thereof, wherein the biliquid foam is stabilized with an amount of from 0.5 to 3.0% by weight based on the total formulation of a surfactant which is selected from castor oil/poly(alkylene glycol) adducts containing from 20 to 50 alkoxy groups, or hydrogenated castor oil/poly(alkylene glycol) adducts containing from 20 to 60 alkoxy groups, or mixtures thereof.
Background:
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10506711
| 2,004
|
Deflection device for a cathode-ray tube
|
Deflection system for a cathode-ray tube comprising a pair of vertical deflection coils and a pair of horizontal deflection coils, the two pairs being electrically insulated by a separator. The system also comprises auxiliary coils modulating the horizontal scan velocity. The support 9 for the auxiliary coils, made of plastic, comprises openings 32 placed under the location 30 of the said auxiliary coils so as to decrease the relative permittivity of the space between these coils and the neck of the tube, which tends to decrease the occurrence of electric arcs in the neck of the tube when switching it on.
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Title:
Deflection device for a cathode-ray tube
Abstract:
Deflection system for a cathode-ray tube comprising a pair of vertical deflection coils and a pair of horizontal deflection coils, the two pairs being electrically insulated by a separator. The system also comprises auxiliary coils modulating the horizontal scan velocity. The support 9 for the auxiliary coils, made of plastic, comprises openings 32 placed under the location 30 of the said auxiliary coils so as to decrease the relative permittivity of the space between these coils and the neck of the tube, which tends to decrease the occurrence of electric arcs in the neck of the tube when switching it on.
Background:
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10950917
| 2,004
|
Rifalazil formulations
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The invention features pharmaceutical compositions including rifalazil and a micelle-forming excipient and methods of use thereof.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of antimicrobial therapy. Rifalazil, an ansamycin-class antibiotic, has been described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,983,602, where its antibacterial activity has been disclosed. A microgranulated formulation of rifalazil is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,547,683. This microgranulated rifalazil was shown to exhibit improved oral bioavailability in comparison to rifalazil crystals, mortar-milled crystals, and suspensions of mortar-milled crystals as determined by the relative AUCs produced for each formulation orally administered to beagles. Phase I clinical trials for rifalazil are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,566,354 and 6,316,433. A formulation for the oral administration of rifalazil that produces more consistent pharmacokinetics and an enhanced degree of bioavailability among subjects is desirable.
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Title:
Rifalazil formulations
Abstract:
The invention features pharmaceutical compositions including rifalazil and a micelle-forming excipient and methods of use thereof.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of antimicrobial therapy. Rifalazil, an ansamycin-class antibiotic, has been described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,983,602, where its antibacterial activity has been disclosed. A microgranulated formulation of rifalazil is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,547,683. This microgranulated rifalazil was shown to exhibit improved oral bioavailability in comparison to rifalazil crystals, mortar-milled crystals, and suspensions of mortar-milled crystals as determined by the relative AUCs produced for each formulation orally administered to beagles. Phase I clinical trials for rifalazil are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,566,354 and 6,316,433. A formulation for the oral administration of rifalazil that produces more consistent pharmacokinetics and an enhanced degree of bioavailability among subjects is desirable.
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10880224
| 2,004
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Techniques for providing services and establishing processing environments
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Techniques are provided for the delivery of client services and for the establishment of client processing environments. A client receives services within a processing environment which is defined by a processing container. The processing container includes one or more processing groups, and each processing group has a particular context that supports one or more applications or services which are processing within that context. The processing groups communicate with one another via connector interfaces included within the processing container. Services and processing containers can be dynamically added or removed from the processing container.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Attempts have been made to integrate software over the Internet, such that services need not physically reside or be installed on a client in order for a client to acquire, process, and benefit from those services. In some cases, the client dynamically acquires the services and locally processes them. This technology is nascent and is gradually beginning to gain ground in the industry. The basic idea is that services are registered, located, acquired, and processed on demand. Services may be processed local to the client or remote from the client. The idea of creating an integrated Development Environment (IDE) has been around for some time and recent developments have held some promise that at these technologies will catch on and eventually become pervasive. Largely, efforts to integrate services has been slow, since in most instances each service needs to abstract its own interfaces and make them available for use by a variety of other services. Additionally, the services themselves must be available to process on a variety of operating system (OS) platforms. Consequently, making legacy services available in an IDE has been and continues to be problematic. Thus, services are still largely provided via dedicated servers or as appliances. That is, developers continue to view services as either an appliance application or as a server application. One problem with the newer and older IDE models for providing services is that any particular client is difficult to manage and support, because the client's services which may originate from a variety of disparate platforms. In fact, the services may not even be within the management control of an administrator for a particular client. Additionally, some client services may not be compatible or interface with other client services. Accordingly, management and integration has been more easily achieved with physical hardware, such as servers that are integrated in a rack with one another. However, physical devices require a definite physical location, have moving parts that can break, and cannot be easily transported from place to place as needed. The benefits of having services within a client's physical environment are that the services can be centrally managed, distributed, and controlled by administrators. Another significant benefit is that security can be better enforced in a centrally distributed physically controlled processing environment. In fact, a more optimal solution to an IDE is a technique that is capable of centrally managing client services as if they were being locally stored and administered while at the same time having no requirement that those services be associated with traditional servers or appliances. Correspondingly, techniques are described herein for providing services and establishing processing environments over a network, where these techniques are capable of being centrally controlled, managed, and administered.
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Title:
Techniques for providing services and establishing processing environments
Abstract:
Techniques are provided for the delivery of client services and for the establishment of client processing environments. A client receives services within a processing environment which is defined by a processing container. The processing container includes one or more processing groups, and each processing group has a particular context that supports one or more applications or services which are processing within that context. The processing groups communicate with one another via connector interfaces included within the processing container. Services and processing containers can be dynamically added or removed from the processing container.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Attempts have been made to integrate software over the Internet, such that services need not physically reside or be installed on a client in order for a client to acquire, process, and benefit from those services. In some cases, the client dynamically acquires the services and locally processes them. This technology is nascent and is gradually beginning to gain ground in the industry. The basic idea is that services are registered, located, acquired, and processed on demand. Services may be processed local to the client or remote from the client. The idea of creating an integrated Development Environment (IDE) has been around for some time and recent developments have held some promise that at these technologies will catch on and eventually become pervasive. Largely, efforts to integrate services has been slow, since in most instances each service needs to abstract its own interfaces and make them available for use by a variety of other services. Additionally, the services themselves must be available to process on a variety of operating system (OS) platforms. Consequently, making legacy services available in an IDE has been and continues to be problematic. Thus, services are still largely provided via dedicated servers or as appliances. That is, developers continue to view services as either an appliance application or as a server application. One problem with the newer and older IDE models for providing services is that any particular client is difficult to manage and support, because the client's services which may originate from a variety of disparate platforms. In fact, the services may not even be within the management control of an administrator for a particular client. Additionally, some client services may not be compatible or interface with other client services. Accordingly, management and integration has been more easily achieved with physical hardware, such as servers that are integrated in a rack with one another. However, physical devices require a definite physical location, have moving parts that can break, and cannot be easily transported from place to place as needed. The benefits of having services within a client's physical environment are that the services can be centrally managed, distributed, and controlled by administrators. Another significant benefit is that security can be better enforced in a centrally distributed physically controlled processing environment. In fact, a more optimal solution to an IDE is a technique that is capable of centrally managing client services as if they were being locally stored and administered while at the same time having no requirement that those services be associated with traditional servers or appliances. Correspondingly, techniques are described herein for providing services and establishing processing environments over a network, where these techniques are capable of being centrally controlled, managed, and administered.
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10925820
| 2,004
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Teeth whitening composition and method
|
A dental whitening composition is formed from tablet formulation containing a metal ion catalyst and an alkaline pH raising compound and a peroxide solution having a concentration of about 1 percent to about 15 percent peroxide. The combination of the tablet formulation containing the metal ion within an alkaline composition along with the peroxide rinse forms a dental composition having foam like consistency, which whitens the surface of teeth. The tablet formulation can also be in the form of a gel or solution. The process of whitening teeth is accelerated by using a light emitting device producing a selected wavelength range. The light emitting device can be incorporated into a dental tray having a dental receiving area formed from a polymer having optical properties.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Increasingly, it has become popular to whiten teeth that are naturally off white or have become stained by smoking or food intake. In order to whiten teeth in the past, people either have had them capped or have had veneers placed over them, which both entail costly and involved dental procedures. Recently, chemical bleaching of teeth has allowed people to whiten their teeth without resorting to these previously costly and involved dental procedures. In early bleaching methods, dental patients who desired to have their teeth bleached had to utilize conventional dental office bleaching techniques. These techniques usually involved placing a peroxide solution on the teeth, protecting the sensitive soft tissues with a ligated rubber dam, and applying heat or light to the solution. Unfortunately, the lights used in dental office procedures are high power high voltage lights that desiccate teeth and cause greater postoperative sensitivity. Additionally, such dental office treatments are extremely time consuming as they typically required multiple appointments for a significant color change. The need for multiple professional office visits results in a procedure that is costly. Despite the expense and other problems associated with professional whitening of teeth, these professional methods are primarily concerned with the whitening of only the buccal, facial surface only. Because of the time consuming nature of these multiple office visits and costs associated therewith, there has been a growing interest within the dental profession for in-home tooth bleaching products and methods. One of the first in-home approaches required a professional making an alginate impression of a patient's teeth; making a cast of the impression; vacuum forming a tray from the cast, and trimming the impression to exclude gingival coverage. In using this early home use apparatus and method, the patient is instructed to place several drops of bleaching solution into each area of the tray for each tooth to be bleached, placing the tray containing the bleaching solution in the mouth and expectorating any excess bleaching solution. Unfortunately, use of this apparatus and method requires the patient to change the bleaching solution every 1 to 2.5 hours, and remove the dental tray during meals. As a result, this in-home approach is expensive, time consuming, cumbersome and suffers from a lack of compliance. As a result of this inconvenient and expensive in-home method, there have been more recent in-home approaches that embed various bleaching agents onto substrates such as fabric or fiber strips that a patient applies to their teeth at bedtime. One known in-home method uses various peroxides within gel foam as dental bleaching agents. The most commonly used dental bleaching agent is 10% carbamide peroxide (CO(NH 2 ) 2 H 2 O 2 ), also called urea hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen peroxide carbamide, and perhydrol-urea. While useful results have been experienced using the foregoing in-home techniques, their effectiveness has been largely dependent upon such factors as type and intensity of tooth enamel stain, bleaching agent contact time, and the amount of available active ingredient in the bleaching agent. The advantage, however, is that the time commitment for the actual bleaching process takes place outside the dental office and without the need for professional application. Thus, the cost for these in-home procedures is substantially less than conventional in-office bleaching techniques. Unfortunately, despite improvements in these in-home methods, there remain disadvantages and limitations to in-home bleaching products and techniques. A significant disadvantage of the known in-home approaches is the long application or contact time needed by these methods. Because of the required long contact time, bleaching agent must be frequently replaced or replenished during application. Replenishment is needed because of saliva dilution and swallowing of the bleaching agent causing the volume of bleaching agent in the dental application tray to diminish rapidly over time. Various studies have shown that after one hour, less than one-half the original volume of bleaching agent was present in an application tray. Thus, existing bleaching agents, because of their method of application and the need for a long contact time, need to be replenished about every hour in order to be effective. Because of the inconvenience of replacing bleaching agents constantly and the long contact time needed, patient compliance is difficult to maintain and therefore in-home methods have not achieved the level of success as professional in-office bleaching techniques. An additional problem with current in-home bleaching compositions and methods is that it often takes several weeks of application to see desired results. Although some methods have promoted lightening of teeth in shorter periods of time, noticeable results of in-home bleaching requires approximately 4 to 6 weeks. This lengthy period of treatment and compliance issues have resulted in dissatisfaction with many if not all of the present in-home compositions and methods. It should therefore be appreciated that what is needed in the art are improved compositions and methods for faster and more efficient treatment of tooth surfaces which facilitate greater patient compliance and satisfaction. Additionally, it would be a significant advancement in the art to provide fast acting dental bleaching compositions for treating tooth surfaces which do not need to be continuously replaced so that patient compliance is enhanced. Thus there is a need for a tooth whitening method that will bleach stained teeth and inhibit tooth yellowing that does not require complex, time consuming and expensive equipment.
|
Title:
Teeth whitening composition and method
Abstract:
A dental whitening composition is formed from tablet formulation containing a metal ion catalyst and an alkaline pH raising compound and a peroxide solution having a concentration of about 1 percent to about 15 percent peroxide. The combination of the tablet formulation containing the metal ion within an alkaline composition along with the peroxide rinse forms a dental composition having foam like consistency, which whitens the surface of teeth. The tablet formulation can also be in the form of a gel or solution. The process of whitening teeth is accelerated by using a light emitting device producing a selected wavelength range. The light emitting device can be incorporated into a dental tray having a dental receiving area formed from a polymer having optical properties.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Increasingly, it has become popular to whiten teeth that are naturally off white or have become stained by smoking or food intake. In order to whiten teeth in the past, people either have had them capped or have had veneers placed over them, which both entail costly and involved dental procedures. Recently, chemical bleaching of teeth has allowed people to whiten their teeth without resorting to these previously costly and involved dental procedures. In early bleaching methods, dental patients who desired to have their teeth bleached had to utilize conventional dental office bleaching techniques. These techniques usually involved placing a peroxide solution on the teeth, protecting the sensitive soft tissues with a ligated rubber dam, and applying heat or light to the solution. Unfortunately, the lights used in dental office procedures are high power high voltage lights that desiccate teeth and cause greater postoperative sensitivity. Additionally, such dental office treatments are extremely time consuming as they typically required multiple appointments for a significant color change. The need for multiple professional office visits results in a procedure that is costly. Despite the expense and other problems associated with professional whitening of teeth, these professional methods are primarily concerned with the whitening of only the buccal, facial surface only. Because of the time consuming nature of these multiple office visits and costs associated therewith, there has been a growing interest within the dental profession for in-home tooth bleaching products and methods. One of the first in-home approaches required a professional making an alginate impression of a patient's teeth; making a cast of the impression; vacuum forming a tray from the cast, and trimming the impression to exclude gingival coverage. In using this early home use apparatus and method, the patient is instructed to place several drops of bleaching solution into each area of the tray for each tooth to be bleached, placing the tray containing the bleaching solution in the mouth and expectorating any excess bleaching solution. Unfortunately, use of this apparatus and method requires the patient to change the bleaching solution every 1 to 2.5 hours, and remove the dental tray during meals. As a result, this in-home approach is expensive, time consuming, cumbersome and suffers from a lack of compliance. As a result of this inconvenient and expensive in-home method, there have been more recent in-home approaches that embed various bleaching agents onto substrates such as fabric or fiber strips that a patient applies to their teeth at bedtime. One known in-home method uses various peroxides within gel foam as dental bleaching agents. The most commonly used dental bleaching agent is 10% carbamide peroxide (CO(NH 2 ) 2 H 2 O 2 ), also called urea hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen peroxide carbamide, and perhydrol-urea. While useful results have been experienced using the foregoing in-home techniques, their effectiveness has been largely dependent upon such factors as type and intensity of tooth enamel stain, bleaching agent contact time, and the amount of available active ingredient in the bleaching agent. The advantage, however, is that the time commitment for the actual bleaching process takes place outside the dental office and without the need for professional application. Thus, the cost for these in-home procedures is substantially less than conventional in-office bleaching techniques. Unfortunately, despite improvements in these in-home methods, there remain disadvantages and limitations to in-home bleaching products and techniques. A significant disadvantage of the known in-home approaches is the long application or contact time needed by these methods. Because of the required long contact time, bleaching agent must be frequently replaced or replenished during application. Replenishment is needed because of saliva dilution and swallowing of the bleaching agent causing the volume of bleaching agent in the dental application tray to diminish rapidly over time. Various studies have shown that after one hour, less than one-half the original volume of bleaching agent was present in an application tray. Thus, existing bleaching agents, because of their method of application and the need for a long contact time, need to be replenished about every hour in order to be effective. Because of the inconvenience of replacing bleaching agents constantly and the long contact time needed, patient compliance is difficult to maintain and therefore in-home methods have not achieved the level of success as professional in-office bleaching techniques. An additional problem with current in-home bleaching compositions and methods is that it often takes several weeks of application to see desired results. Although some methods have promoted lightening of teeth in shorter periods of time, noticeable results of in-home bleaching requires approximately 4 to 6 weeks. This lengthy period of treatment and compliance issues have resulted in dissatisfaction with many if not all of the present in-home compositions and methods. It should therefore be appreciated that what is needed in the art are improved compositions and methods for faster and more efficient treatment of tooth surfaces which facilitate greater patient compliance and satisfaction. Additionally, it would be a significant advancement in the art to provide fast acting dental bleaching compositions for treating tooth surfaces which do not need to be continuously replaced so that patient compliance is enhanced. Thus there is a need for a tooth whitening method that will bleach stained teeth and inhibit tooth yellowing that does not require complex, time consuming and expensive equipment.
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10963433
| 2,004
|
Private information storage device and private information management device
|
The events experienced are stored automatically, so that the information of higher utility for a user may be taken out with responsiveness and efficiency higher than is possible with a technique of keyword retrieval over a network. An information registration unit 10 includes an information acquisition unit 11, for acquiring the empirical information, a private information adding unit 12, for adding the private information, a data recognition processing unit 13, for recognizing the acquired information, a data definition processing unit 14, for classifying the recognized data in accordance with the preset definitions, a data storage unit 15 for storage of the classified data, and a data processing unit 22 for generating the predictive information inferable from the empirical information and the private information. The information exploitation unit 30 includes an information acquisition unit 31, for acquiring the current state, a retrieval inputting unit 32, supplied with the retrieval conditions, a data recognition processing unit 33, for recognizing the acquired information, a retrieving unit 34, for extracting the information fitted to the retrieval conditions or the analogous information from the data storage unit 15, and an information presenting unit 35 for presenting the extracted information to the user.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a private information storage device and a private information management device in which the information pertinent to the event experienced by a user and the information privately required by the user are stored in a correlated fashion. This application claims priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-352896, filed on Oct. 10, 2003, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. 2. Description of Related Art Recently, with the progress in the network structure, such as the so-called Internet, and with the widespread use of a large-capacity recording medium, an environment is being created for providing or acquiring the voluminous information. In keeping up therewith, a large variety of information providing services have been proposed and, in these information providing services, attempts are being made for handling a large quantity of the information efficiently and efficaciously. As an example, the information providing party extracts the taste of each user as an information accepting party to feature each individual to supply the information or services best fitted to each such individual (personalization of the information provided). This technique is used in online services allowing for purchase of articles of commerce from a site on the Internet. By introducing the information personalization, the services which allow for purchase of books on the Internet have realized the function of presenting recommended books to a user who purchased a book, from a list of works of the author of the book purchased by the user, the function of presenting other books purchased by other users who purchased the same book as that purchased by the user, the function of the apprising other users of the information the user feels useful for these other users. The party accepting the information (the party browsing the information) is able to change the operating conditions or setting according to the taste of the user (customization). For example, the responsive properties of a mouse, the window coloring or the fonts can be changed. Such as system which, by the above information personalization or customization, enables the efficient and efficacious use of the information, has already been known. As a developing phase of the personalization, such techniques as real-time profiling of the user's behavior on the network, learning the user's operating habit to provide the user with the GUI suited to the user's taste, or monitoring the user's reaction to observe the taste or the reaction of the user to the contents recommended by an agent. As described above, the so-called push-type information furnishing, in which the information supplied by the provider is tailored to the individual user to provide a party desiring the information or services with the optimum information, becomes possible, while the party accepting the information may acquire the desired information extremely readily. However, for tailoring the information provided to each individual (personalization), the information provider has to collect the individual-level information, by enquetes, through paper medium or Internet sites, or to collect the behavior hysteresis (purchase hysteresis of books in the above example) of the individual users. Among the information providing services, employing the Internet, there is such a service consisting in collecting the fee information pertinent to a marriage ceremony, a reception hall, an English school or a variety of culture schools, or the information pertinent to the atmosphere or service contents, from those who utilized these in the past, such as by enquetes, fitting the collected results to the rules already determined, and by displaying together the matched information, that is, the information pertinent to establishments or the experience information from the user, on a display image surface, to provide a latent user with the information in determining the establishments or the service providers. If, in these information providing services, the information is to be made available among plural users, the retrieving step in retrieving the desired information from a large quantity of the text information is simplified by having the user intending to lay open his/her experience data furnish the information, depending on the experience level, and by visualizing the collected experience data of the users in order for the user retrieving the information to acquire the information of high fidelity (information close to the desired information), as disclosed for example in Patent Publication 1. In the technique described in this Patent Publication 1, the majority of the information, collected from those who already exploited the ceremony halls and reception halls, is the text information, and hence it is difficult to recognize readily whether or not the information contents on which the user places emphasis are contained in the text information furnished. Thus, with the conventional system, a large quantity of the text information, which inherently is not needed, has to be read, such that it is frequently difficult to find the information needed by the user. The majority of the techniques for tailoring the furnished information to the individual (personalization) consist in the information provider using intricate artifices to extract a user taste model. These conventional techniques are used for information management for such cases where services desired by the individual users are provided, or where the information is co-owned by plural users. However, these techniques do not reflect variegated tastes of the individual users in need of the information. [Patent Publication 1] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication 2003-16202
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Title:
Private information storage device and private information management device
Abstract:
The events experienced are stored automatically, so that the information of higher utility for a user may be taken out with responsiveness and efficiency higher than is possible with a technique of keyword retrieval over a network. An information registration unit 10 includes an information acquisition unit 11, for acquiring the empirical information, a private information adding unit 12, for adding the private information, a data recognition processing unit 13, for recognizing the acquired information, a data definition processing unit 14, for classifying the recognized data in accordance with the preset definitions, a data storage unit 15 for storage of the classified data, and a data processing unit 22 for generating the predictive information inferable from the empirical information and the private information. The information exploitation unit 30 includes an information acquisition unit 31, for acquiring the current state, a retrieval inputting unit 32, supplied with the retrieval conditions, a data recognition processing unit 33, for recognizing the acquired information, a retrieving unit 34, for extracting the information fitted to the retrieval conditions or the analogous information from the data storage unit 15, and an information presenting unit 35 for presenting the extracted information to the user.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a private information storage device and a private information management device in which the information pertinent to the event experienced by a user and the information privately required by the user are stored in a correlated fashion. This application claims priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-352896, filed on Oct. 10, 2003, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. 2. Description of Related Art Recently, with the progress in the network structure, such as the so-called Internet, and with the widespread use of a large-capacity recording medium, an environment is being created for providing or acquiring the voluminous information. In keeping up therewith, a large variety of information providing services have been proposed and, in these information providing services, attempts are being made for handling a large quantity of the information efficiently and efficaciously. As an example, the information providing party extracts the taste of each user as an information accepting party to feature each individual to supply the information or services best fitted to each such individual (personalization of the information provided). This technique is used in online services allowing for purchase of articles of commerce from a site on the Internet. By introducing the information personalization, the services which allow for purchase of books on the Internet have realized the function of presenting recommended books to a user who purchased a book, from a list of works of the author of the book purchased by the user, the function of presenting other books purchased by other users who purchased the same book as that purchased by the user, the function of the apprising other users of the information the user feels useful for these other users. The party accepting the information (the party browsing the information) is able to change the operating conditions or setting according to the taste of the user (customization). For example, the responsive properties of a mouse, the window coloring or the fonts can be changed. Such as system which, by the above information personalization or customization, enables the efficient and efficacious use of the information, has already been known. As a developing phase of the personalization, such techniques as real-time profiling of the user's behavior on the network, learning the user's operating habit to provide the user with the GUI suited to the user's taste, or monitoring the user's reaction to observe the taste or the reaction of the user to the contents recommended by an agent. As described above, the so-called push-type information furnishing, in which the information supplied by the provider is tailored to the individual user to provide a party desiring the information or services with the optimum information, becomes possible, while the party accepting the information may acquire the desired information extremely readily. However, for tailoring the information provided to each individual (personalization), the information provider has to collect the individual-level information, by enquetes, through paper medium or Internet sites, or to collect the behavior hysteresis (purchase hysteresis of books in the above example) of the individual users. Among the information providing services, employing the Internet, there is such a service consisting in collecting the fee information pertinent to a marriage ceremony, a reception hall, an English school or a variety of culture schools, or the information pertinent to the atmosphere or service contents, from those who utilized these in the past, such as by enquetes, fitting the collected results to the rules already determined, and by displaying together the matched information, that is, the information pertinent to establishments or the experience information from the user, on a display image surface, to provide a latent user with the information in determining the establishments or the service providers. If, in these information providing services, the information is to be made available among plural users, the retrieving step in retrieving the desired information from a large quantity of the text information is simplified by having the user intending to lay open his/her experience data furnish the information, depending on the experience level, and by visualizing the collected experience data of the users in order for the user retrieving the information to acquire the information of high fidelity (information close to the desired information), as disclosed for example in Patent Publication 1. In the technique described in this Patent Publication 1, the majority of the information, collected from those who already exploited the ceremony halls and reception halls, is the text information, and hence it is difficult to recognize readily whether or not the information contents on which the user places emphasis are contained in the text information furnished. Thus, with the conventional system, a large quantity of the text information, which inherently is not needed, has to be read, such that it is frequently difficult to find the information needed by the user. The majority of the techniques for tailoring the furnished information to the individual (personalization) consist in the information provider using intricate artifices to extract a user taste model. These conventional techniques are used for information management for such cases where services desired by the individual users are provided, or where the information is co-owned by plural users. However, these techniques do not reflect variegated tastes of the individual users in need of the information. [Patent Publication 1] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication 2003-16202
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10901243
| 2,004
|
Peptides antibodies directed thereagainst and methods using same for diagnosing and treating amyloid-associated diseases
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Peptides having at least 2 amino acid residues and no more than 15 amino acid residues are provided. The peptides comprise amino acid sequence X-Y or Y-X, wherein X is an aromatic amino acid and Y is any amino acid other than glycine. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions and kits including such peptides as well as methods using same for diagnosing and treating amyloid associated diseases.
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FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to peptides and antibodies directed thereagainst which can be used to diagnose, prevent, and treat amyloid-associated diseases, such as Type II diabetes mellitus. Amyloid material deposition (also referred to as amyloid plaque formation) is a central feature of a variety of unrelated pathological conditions including Alzheimer's disease, prion-related encephalopathies, type II diabetes mellitus, familial amyloidosis and light-chain amyloidosis. Amyloid material is composed of a dense network of rigid, nonbranching proteinaceous fibrils of indefinite length that are about 80 to 100 Å in diameter. Amyloid fibrils contain a core structure of polypeptide chains arranged in antiparallel β-pleated sheets lying with their long axes perpendicular to the long axis of the fibril [Both et al. (1997) Nature 385:787-93; Glenner (1980) N. Eng. J. Med. 302:1283-92]. Approximately twenty amyloid fibril proteins have been identified in-vivo and correlated with specific diseases. These proteins share little or no amino acid sequence homology, however the core structure of the amyloid fibrils is essentially the same. This common core structure of amyloid fibrils and the presence of common substances in amyloid deposits suggest that data characterizing a particular form of amyloid material may also be relevant to other forms of amyloid material and thus can be implemented in template design for the development of drugs against amyloid-associated diseases such as type II diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer's dementia or diseases and prior-related encephalopathies. Furthermore, amyloid deposits do not appear to be inert in vivo, but rather are in a dynamic state of turnover and can even regress if the formation of fibrils is halted [Gillmore et al. (1997) Br. J. Haematol. 99:245-56]. Thus, therapies designed to inhibiting the production of amyloid polypeptides or inhibiting amyloidosis may be useful for treating amyloid associated diseases. Inhibition of the production of amyloid polypeptides—Direct inhibition of the production of amyloid polypeptides may be accomplished, for example, through the use of antisense oligonucleotides such as against human islet amyloid polypeptide messenger RNA (mRNA). In vitro, the addition of antisense oligonucleotides or the expression of antisense complementary DNA against islet amyloid polypeptide mRNA increased the insulin mRNA and protein content of cells, demonstrating the potential effectiveness of this approach [Kulkami et al. (1996) J. Endocrinol. 151:341-8; Novials et al. (1998) Pancreas 17:182-6]. However, no experimental results demonstrating the in vivo effectiveness of such antisense molecules have been demonstrated. Inhibition of the formation of amyloid fibrils—Amyloid, including islet amyloid, contains potential stabilizing or protective substances, such as serum amyloid P component, apolipoprotein E, and perlecan. Blocking their binding to developing amyloid fibrils could inhibit amyloidogenesis [Kahn et al. (1999) Diabetes 48:241-53], as could treatment with antibodies specific for certain parts of an amyloidogenic protein [Solomon et al. (1997) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 94:4109-12]. The following summarizes current attempts to engineer drugs having the capability of destabilizing amyloid structures. Destabilizing compounds—Heparin sulfate has been identified as a component of all amyloids and has also been implicated in the earliest stages of inflammation-associated amyloid induction. Kisilevsky and co-workers (Mature Med. 1:143-148, 1995) described the use of low molecular weight anionic sulfonate or sulfate compounds that interfere with the interaction of heparin sulfate with the inflammation-associated amyloid precursor and the β peptide of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Heparin sulfate specifically influences the soluble amyloid precursor (SAA2) to adopt an increased β-sheet structure characteristic of the protein-folding pattern of amyloids. These anionic sulfonate or sulfate compounds were shown to inhibit heparin accelerated Aβ fibril formation and were able to disassemble preformed fibrils in vitro, as monitored by electron micrography. Moreover, these compounds substantially arrested murine splenic inflammation-associated amyloid progression in vivo in acute and chronic models. However, the most potent compound [i.e., poly-(vinylsulfonate)] showed acute toxicity. Similar toxicity has been observed with another compound, IDOX (Anthracycline 4′-iodo-4′-deoxy-doxorubicin), which has been observed to induce amyloid resorption in patients with immunoglobin light chain amyloidosis (AL) [Merlini et al. (1995) Proc. Nal. Acad. Sci. USA]. Destabilizing antibodies—Anti-β-amyloid monoclonal antibodies have been shown to be effective in disaggregating β-amyloid plaques and preventing β-amyloid plaque formation in vitro (U.S. Pat. No. 5,688,561). However, no experimental results demonstrating the in vivo effectiveness of such antibodies have been demonstrated. Destabilizing peptides—The finding that the addition of synthetic peptides that disrupt the β-pleated sheets (“β-sheet breakers”) dissociated fibrils and prevented amyloidosis [Soto et al. (1998) Nat. Med. 4:822-6] is particularly promising from a clinical point of view. In brief, a penta-residue peptide inhibited amyloid beta-protein fibrillogenesis, disassembled preformed fibrils in vitro and prevents neuronal death induced by fibrils in cell culture. In addition, the beta-sheet breaker peptide significantly reduced amyloid beta-protein deposition in vivo and completely blocked the formation of amyloid fibrils in a rat brain model of amyloidosis. Small molecules—The potential use of small molecules which bind the amyloid polypeptide, stabilizing the native fold of the protein has been attempted in the case of the transthyretin (TTR) protein [Peterson (1998) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 95:12965-12960; Oza (1999) Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 9:1-6]. Thus far, it has been demonstrated that molecules such as thyroxine and flufenamic acid are capable of preventing the conformation change, leading to amyloid formation. However, the use of the compounds in animal models has not been proved yet and might be compromised due to the presence in blood or proteins, other than TTR, capable of binding these ligands. Antioxidants—Another proposed therapy has been the intake of antioxidants in order to avoid oxidative stress and maintain amyloid proteins in their reduced state (i.e., monomers and dimers). The use of sulfite was shown to lead to more stable monomers of the TIR both in vitro and in vivo [Altland (1999) Neurogenetics 2:183-188]. However, a complete characterization of the antioxidant effect is still not available and the interpretation of results concerning possible therapeutic strategies remains difficult. While reducing the present invention to practice, the present inventors have demonstrated that contrary to the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 6,359,112 to Kapumiotu, peptide aggregation into amyloid fibrils is governed by aromatic interactions. Such findings enable to efficiently and accurately design peptides, which can be used to diagnose and treat amyloid-associated diseases.
|
Title:
Peptides antibodies directed thereagainst and methods using same for diagnosing and treating amyloid-associated diseases
Abstract:
Peptides having at least 2 amino acid residues and no more than 15 amino acid residues are provided. The peptides comprise amino acid sequence X-Y or Y-X, wherein X is an aromatic amino acid and Y is any amino acid other than glycine. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions and kits including such peptides as well as methods using same for diagnosing and treating amyloid associated diseases.
Background:
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to peptides and antibodies directed thereagainst which can be used to diagnose, prevent, and treat amyloid-associated diseases, such as Type II diabetes mellitus. Amyloid material deposition (also referred to as amyloid plaque formation) is a central feature of a variety of unrelated pathological conditions including Alzheimer's disease, prion-related encephalopathies, type II diabetes mellitus, familial amyloidosis and light-chain amyloidosis. Amyloid material is composed of a dense network of rigid, nonbranching proteinaceous fibrils of indefinite length that are about 80 to 100 Å in diameter. Amyloid fibrils contain a core structure of polypeptide chains arranged in antiparallel β-pleated sheets lying with their long axes perpendicular to the long axis of the fibril [Both et al. (1997) Nature 385:787-93; Glenner (1980) N. Eng. J. Med. 302:1283-92]. Approximately twenty amyloid fibril proteins have been identified in-vivo and correlated with specific diseases. These proteins share little or no amino acid sequence homology, however the core structure of the amyloid fibrils is essentially the same. This common core structure of amyloid fibrils and the presence of common substances in amyloid deposits suggest that data characterizing a particular form of amyloid material may also be relevant to other forms of amyloid material and thus can be implemented in template design for the development of drugs against amyloid-associated diseases such as type II diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer's dementia or diseases and prior-related encephalopathies. Furthermore, amyloid deposits do not appear to be inert in vivo, but rather are in a dynamic state of turnover and can even regress if the formation of fibrils is halted [Gillmore et al. (1997) Br. J. Haematol. 99:245-56]. Thus, therapies designed to inhibiting the production of amyloid polypeptides or inhibiting amyloidosis may be useful for treating amyloid associated diseases. Inhibition of the production of amyloid polypeptides—Direct inhibition of the production of amyloid polypeptides may be accomplished, for example, through the use of antisense oligonucleotides such as against human islet amyloid polypeptide messenger RNA (mRNA). In vitro, the addition of antisense oligonucleotides or the expression of antisense complementary DNA against islet amyloid polypeptide mRNA increased the insulin mRNA and protein content of cells, demonstrating the potential effectiveness of this approach [Kulkami et al. (1996) J. Endocrinol. 151:341-8; Novials et al. (1998) Pancreas 17:182-6]. However, no experimental results demonstrating the in vivo effectiveness of such antisense molecules have been demonstrated. Inhibition of the formation of amyloid fibrils—Amyloid, including islet amyloid, contains potential stabilizing or protective substances, such as serum amyloid P component, apolipoprotein E, and perlecan. Blocking their binding to developing amyloid fibrils could inhibit amyloidogenesis [Kahn et al. (1999) Diabetes 48:241-53], as could treatment with antibodies specific for certain parts of an amyloidogenic protein [Solomon et al. (1997) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 94:4109-12]. The following summarizes current attempts to engineer drugs having the capability of destabilizing amyloid structures. Destabilizing compounds—Heparin sulfate has been identified as a component of all amyloids and has also been implicated in the earliest stages of inflammation-associated amyloid induction. Kisilevsky and co-workers (Mature Med. 1:143-148, 1995) described the use of low molecular weight anionic sulfonate or sulfate compounds that interfere with the interaction of heparin sulfate with the inflammation-associated amyloid precursor and the β peptide of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Heparin sulfate specifically influences the soluble amyloid precursor (SAA2) to adopt an increased β-sheet structure characteristic of the protein-folding pattern of amyloids. These anionic sulfonate or sulfate compounds were shown to inhibit heparin accelerated Aβ fibril formation and were able to disassemble preformed fibrils in vitro, as monitored by electron micrography. Moreover, these compounds substantially arrested murine splenic inflammation-associated amyloid progression in vivo in acute and chronic models. However, the most potent compound [i.e., poly-(vinylsulfonate)] showed acute toxicity. Similar toxicity has been observed with another compound, IDOX (Anthracycline 4′-iodo-4′-deoxy-doxorubicin), which has been observed to induce amyloid resorption in patients with immunoglobin light chain amyloidosis (AL) [Merlini et al. (1995) Proc. Nal. Acad. Sci. USA]. Destabilizing antibodies—Anti-β-amyloid monoclonal antibodies have been shown to be effective in disaggregating β-amyloid plaques and preventing β-amyloid plaque formation in vitro (U.S. Pat. No. 5,688,561). However, no experimental results demonstrating the in vivo effectiveness of such antibodies have been demonstrated. Destabilizing peptides—The finding that the addition of synthetic peptides that disrupt the β-pleated sheets (“β-sheet breakers”) dissociated fibrils and prevented amyloidosis [Soto et al. (1998) Nat. Med. 4:822-6] is particularly promising from a clinical point of view. In brief, a penta-residue peptide inhibited amyloid beta-protein fibrillogenesis, disassembled preformed fibrils in vitro and prevents neuronal death induced by fibrils in cell culture. In addition, the beta-sheet breaker peptide significantly reduced amyloid beta-protein deposition in vivo and completely blocked the formation of amyloid fibrils in a rat brain model of amyloidosis. Small molecules—The potential use of small molecules which bind the amyloid polypeptide, stabilizing the native fold of the protein has been attempted in the case of the transthyretin (TTR) protein [Peterson (1998) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 95:12965-12960; Oza (1999) Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 9:1-6]. Thus far, it has been demonstrated that molecules such as thyroxine and flufenamic acid are capable of preventing the conformation change, leading to amyloid formation. However, the use of the compounds in animal models has not been proved yet and might be compromised due to the presence in blood or proteins, other than TTR, capable of binding these ligands. Antioxidants—Another proposed therapy has been the intake of antioxidants in order to avoid oxidative stress and maintain amyloid proteins in their reduced state (i.e., monomers and dimers). The use of sulfite was shown to lead to more stable monomers of the TIR both in vitro and in vivo [Altland (1999) Neurogenetics 2:183-188]. However, a complete characterization of the antioxidant effect is still not available and the interpretation of results concerning possible therapeutic strategies remains difficult. While reducing the present invention to practice, the present inventors have demonstrated that contrary to the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 6,359,112 to Kapumiotu, peptide aggregation into amyloid fibrils is governed by aromatic interactions. Such findings enable to efficiently and accurately design peptides, which can be used to diagnose and treat amyloid-associated diseases.
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10867351
| 2,004
|
Image sensing apparatus and control method thereof
|
This invention enables deleting and protecting a part of sensed image data in accordance with a situation so as to enable efficient utilization of a finite capacity of a storage medium. To realize this, an image subjected to deletion from the image data stored in a storage medium is selected and displayed in a display unit of a digital camera. If a region of interest (ROI) is set in this image, a user is asked to select the ROI, non-ROI region, or entire image as the deletion target, and the designated region is deleted from the storage medium.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In rapidly prevailing digital cameras these days, image data obtained by image sensing is subjected to compression by a JPEG (Joint Photographic Coding Experts Group) method, and the compressed image data is stored in a memory card which is an attachable/detachable storage medium. According to the JPEG method, DPCM (differential pulse-code modulation) is adopted for reversible compression, while DCT (discrete cosine transform) is adopted for irreversible compression. Since the DPCM which is a reversible encoding method does not lose image data, it has excellent image preservability and achieves excellent image quality in a reproduced image. However, compared to the DCT, the DPCM has a lower encoding compression ratio. On the contrary, in the DCT which is an irreversible encoding method, 8×8-pixel block data is subjected to two-dimensional DCT, then with respect to the coefficient of the transformation non-linear quantization is performed, then AC components are subjected to zigzag scan, and two-dimensional Huffman coding is performed. In the non-linear quantization, fine quantization is performed with respect to a low-frequency component and coarse quantization is performed with respect to a high-frequency component so that image compression can be performed at a high ratio while maintaining reasonable image quality. However, when the image compression ratio is increased, image deterioration (block noise or the like) becomes conspicuous. Furthermore, in the JPEG method, a uniform quantization table is used for the entire image. Therefore, it is impossible to print a certain area of an image with higher quality than other area of the image. If a user wants to increase the image quality of a particular area of a screen, the user has to increase the quality of the entire image before storage. As a result, the user has no other choice but to reduce the total number of images to be recorded in a memory card. On the contrary, a so-called JPEG 2000 method is under review as the next-generation compression method. More specifically, image data is broken down to hierarchy data for each of a plurality of resolutions by wavelet transformation or the like, and the broken-down hierarchy data in units of resolution is encoded in order of hierarchy to be compressed and stored as a file (e.g., Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-103460). By virtue of the fact that image data is hierarchically encoded, efficient image data transfer is achieved because only the data of necessary resolution can be transferred. Furthermore, an image can be restored without using the encoded data of all the frequency components, but only using the low-resolution data. In other words, the amount of data can easily be reduced by eliminating the high-resolution data. Furthermore, according to a characteristic aspect of the JPEG 2000, a region of interest (hereinafter referred to as a ROI) is designated in an image, and the image of the ROI can be encoded by a compression coefficient (compression ratio) different from that of the other regions of the image. By employing the compression technique and aspect of the JPEG 2000, it is considered possible to realize a user-friendly digital camera having various functions. Meanwhile, most of the currently available digital cameras are capable of setting plural levels of recording image quality modes referred to as image sensing modes, e.g., Super Fine (high image quality mode), Fine (medium image quality mode), and Normal (low image quality mode). If the image quality is high, the image size is large. Therefore, selecting image quality means selecting the number of sensing images. With the current technique, if image data is once sensed and stored in a high image quality mode, it is impossible to lower the image quality of the stored image. In a case where the storage medium inserted in the digital camera runs short of the storage area but there are more objects to be sensed, the image data that has been sensed and stored in the past must be erased, which is problematic to the user.
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Title:
Image sensing apparatus and control method thereof
Abstract:
This invention enables deleting and protecting a part of sensed image data in accordance with a situation so as to enable efficient utilization of a finite capacity of a storage medium. To realize this, an image subjected to deletion from the image data stored in a storage medium is selected and displayed in a display unit of a digital camera. If a region of interest (ROI) is set in this image, a user is asked to select the ROI, non-ROI region, or entire image as the deletion target, and the designated region is deleted from the storage medium.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In rapidly prevailing digital cameras these days, image data obtained by image sensing is subjected to compression by a JPEG (Joint Photographic Coding Experts Group) method, and the compressed image data is stored in a memory card which is an attachable/detachable storage medium. According to the JPEG method, DPCM (differential pulse-code modulation) is adopted for reversible compression, while DCT (discrete cosine transform) is adopted for irreversible compression. Since the DPCM which is a reversible encoding method does not lose image data, it has excellent image preservability and achieves excellent image quality in a reproduced image. However, compared to the DCT, the DPCM has a lower encoding compression ratio. On the contrary, in the DCT which is an irreversible encoding method, 8×8-pixel block data is subjected to two-dimensional DCT, then with respect to the coefficient of the transformation non-linear quantization is performed, then AC components are subjected to zigzag scan, and two-dimensional Huffman coding is performed. In the non-linear quantization, fine quantization is performed with respect to a low-frequency component and coarse quantization is performed with respect to a high-frequency component so that image compression can be performed at a high ratio while maintaining reasonable image quality. However, when the image compression ratio is increased, image deterioration (block noise or the like) becomes conspicuous. Furthermore, in the JPEG method, a uniform quantization table is used for the entire image. Therefore, it is impossible to print a certain area of an image with higher quality than other area of the image. If a user wants to increase the image quality of a particular area of a screen, the user has to increase the quality of the entire image before storage. As a result, the user has no other choice but to reduce the total number of images to be recorded in a memory card. On the contrary, a so-called JPEG 2000 method is under review as the next-generation compression method. More specifically, image data is broken down to hierarchy data for each of a plurality of resolutions by wavelet transformation or the like, and the broken-down hierarchy data in units of resolution is encoded in order of hierarchy to be compressed and stored as a file (e.g., Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-103460). By virtue of the fact that image data is hierarchically encoded, efficient image data transfer is achieved because only the data of necessary resolution can be transferred. Furthermore, an image can be restored without using the encoded data of all the frequency components, but only using the low-resolution data. In other words, the amount of data can easily be reduced by eliminating the high-resolution data. Furthermore, according to a characteristic aspect of the JPEG 2000, a region of interest (hereinafter referred to as a ROI) is designated in an image, and the image of the ROI can be encoded by a compression coefficient (compression ratio) different from that of the other regions of the image. By employing the compression technique and aspect of the JPEG 2000, it is considered possible to realize a user-friendly digital camera having various functions. Meanwhile, most of the currently available digital cameras are capable of setting plural levels of recording image quality modes referred to as image sensing modes, e.g., Super Fine (high image quality mode), Fine (medium image quality mode), and Normal (low image quality mode). If the image quality is high, the image size is large. Therefore, selecting image quality means selecting the number of sensing images. With the current technique, if image data is once sensed and stored in a high image quality mode, it is impossible to lower the image quality of the stored image. In a case where the storage medium inserted in the digital camera runs short of the storage area but there are more objects to be sensed, the image data that has been sensed and stored in the past must be erased, which is problematic to the user.
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10955723
| 2,004
|
Tine plate
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To provide a tine plate wherein the independency of the through holes is secured to improve the strength of the tine plate and enhance its moldability and in turn improve its yield while it can prevent the trouble that, due to variations in the service ambient temperature, cracks are generated in the soldering parts of the legs. It is a tine plate that is to be mounted on an electric connector, which comprises a plurality of contacts, each of which is provided on one end with a leg that is to be inserted into an insertion hole of a printed circuit board and on the other end side of the leg with a contacting part, and an insulative housing in which these contacts are so provided that their legs substantially extend in parallel to each other. The tine plate is provided with a plurality of through holes, which penetrate the tine plate in the thickness direction thereof and into which the legs of the contacts are to be inserted, and as to at least through holes on both ends substantially in the longitudinal direction of the tine plate, the largest value of the inside dimension in the longitudinal direction of the tine plate when seen in the thickness direction is made greater than the largest value of the inside dimension in the transverse direction of the tine plate.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention belongs to the field of tine plate, which is mounted on an electric connector to line up the legs of contacts. 2. Related Art Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication Heisei 9-35829 discloses, in an electric connector, which comprises a plurality of contacts, each of which has a tine part that is to be inserted into a through hole of a board and a contacting part that is to contact a contact of a counterpart mutually-engaging connector, and a housing in which the plurality of contacts are arranged, a tine plate in which a plurality of through holes are formed, through which respective the tine parts of the plurality of contacts are to be put, and which is arranged in a lining-up position to line up the tine parts by making respective the tine parts penetrate through the plurality of through holes, the tine plate being characterized in that a slot, which interconnects at least two or more through holes of the plurality of through holes, is provided. Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication Heisei 10-154537 discloses a board mount type connector, and this connector is provided with a tine plate. This tine plate has three rows of through holes that correspond to the number. of contacts. Some through holes of a row of through holes, which is the closest to the housing among these rows of through holes, are interconnected with each other by slots. With this arrangement, even when there is a difference in coefficient of thermal expansion between a board and the tine plate, stresses that are generated in the soldering parts of the legs are moderated, hence solder cracking does not take place (refer to paragraph 0012 of the publication). When such a tine plate is mounted on an electric connector, the legs of a plurality of contacts, which substantially extend in parallel to each other, will be neatly lined up by the tine plate, hence when these legs are to be inserted into the insertion holes of a printed circuit board so as to mount the electric connector on the printed circuit board, the workability of this mounting can be enhanced. Moreover, the tine plate can cover and protect the legs of the contacts. When there is a difference in thermal expansion quantity between a tine plate and a printed circuit board due to a difference in coefficient of thermal expansion, etc. between them, it will pose such a trouble that, due to variations in the service ambient temperature, the tine plate and the legs of the contacts that are soldered onto the printed circuit board interfere with each other, resulting in generation of cracks in the soldering parts of the legs. The inventions of the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication Heisei 9-35829 and Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication Heisei 10-154537 prevent this trouble by providing the tine plate with slots that interconnect through holes.
|
Title:
Tine plate
Abstract:
To provide a tine plate wherein the independency of the through holes is secured to improve the strength of the tine plate and enhance its moldability and in turn improve its yield while it can prevent the trouble that, due to variations in the service ambient temperature, cracks are generated in the soldering parts of the legs. It is a tine plate that is to be mounted on an electric connector, which comprises a plurality of contacts, each of which is provided on one end with a leg that is to be inserted into an insertion hole of a printed circuit board and on the other end side of the leg with a contacting part, and an insulative housing in which these contacts are so provided that their legs substantially extend in parallel to each other. The tine plate is provided with a plurality of through holes, which penetrate the tine plate in the thickness direction thereof and into which the legs of the contacts are to be inserted, and as to at least through holes on both ends substantially in the longitudinal direction of the tine plate, the largest value of the inside dimension in the longitudinal direction of the tine plate when seen in the thickness direction is made greater than the largest value of the inside dimension in the transverse direction of the tine plate.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention belongs to the field of tine plate, which is mounted on an electric connector to line up the legs of contacts. 2. Related Art Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication Heisei 9-35829 discloses, in an electric connector, which comprises a plurality of contacts, each of which has a tine part that is to be inserted into a through hole of a board and a contacting part that is to contact a contact of a counterpart mutually-engaging connector, and a housing in which the plurality of contacts are arranged, a tine plate in which a plurality of through holes are formed, through which respective the tine parts of the plurality of contacts are to be put, and which is arranged in a lining-up position to line up the tine parts by making respective the tine parts penetrate through the plurality of through holes, the tine plate being characterized in that a slot, which interconnects at least two or more through holes of the plurality of through holes, is provided. Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication Heisei 10-154537 discloses a board mount type connector, and this connector is provided with a tine plate. This tine plate has three rows of through holes that correspond to the number. of contacts. Some through holes of a row of through holes, which is the closest to the housing among these rows of through holes, are interconnected with each other by slots. With this arrangement, even when there is a difference in coefficient of thermal expansion between a board and the tine plate, stresses that are generated in the soldering parts of the legs are moderated, hence solder cracking does not take place (refer to paragraph 0012 of the publication). When such a tine plate is mounted on an electric connector, the legs of a plurality of contacts, which substantially extend in parallel to each other, will be neatly lined up by the tine plate, hence when these legs are to be inserted into the insertion holes of a printed circuit board so as to mount the electric connector on the printed circuit board, the workability of this mounting can be enhanced. Moreover, the tine plate can cover and protect the legs of the contacts. When there is a difference in thermal expansion quantity between a tine plate and a printed circuit board due to a difference in coefficient of thermal expansion, etc. between them, it will pose such a trouble that, due to variations in the service ambient temperature, the tine plate and the legs of the contacts that are soldered onto the printed circuit board interfere with each other, resulting in generation of cracks in the soldering parts of the legs. The inventions of the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication Heisei 9-35829 and Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication Heisei 10-154537 prevent this trouble by providing the tine plate with slots that interconnect through holes.
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10799130
| 2,004
|
Medical apparatus and method useful for positioning energy delivery device
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A medical apparatus and method useful for the efficacious thermal treatment of lumen such as varicose veins during laser surgery is provided. An energy delivery device comprising a diffusing optical fiber with a light-emitting section and a memory device having data programmed therein is also provided. The optical fiber includes a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature at a treatment site. An energy generator is connected to the optical fiber and to a positioning device. The optical fiber engages positioning device so that the positioning device can moveably position the light-emitting section of the optical fiber. Consequently, the optical fiber can be inserted directly into an appropriate position within a varicose portion of a vein or other lumen for thermal treatment of the vein. The memory device and a main processor are used to automatically control the operation of the medical apparatus including the intensity of energy emitted and the movement or position of the light-emitting section of the optical fiber within the vein being treated.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Currently physicians employ endovascular techniques to deliver laser energy conductively while treating blood vessels such as varicose veins. One such technique is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,398,777 issued to Navarro et al. on Jun. 4, 2002 which discloses a method for treating varicose veins using a tipped laser energy carrier to deliver laser energy into the blood vessel lumen to produce vein wall damage with subsequent fibrosis. The method includes compressing the greater saphenous vein over the tip of the fiber optic line so that the tip of the fiber optic line makes direct contact with the vein wall while bursts of laser energy are delivered, and incrementally retracting the fiber optic line along the saphenous vein. During the treatment of varicose veins using conductive energy delivery devices, accurately controlling the temperature achieved by the human tissue is desirable to assure efficacious treatment. One difficulty with the use of such typical fiberoptic technology to deliver energy to the wall of a vein or lumen is that unless the fiberoptic can evenly distribute energy radially outwardly, in a substantially uniform manner to the wall of the lumen, the shrinkage and fibrosis of the vein will not be uniform. An uneven distribution of energy will lead to detrimental results. Use of a diffusing fiberoptic can help avoid any uneven distribution of energy. Physicians have used diffusing type energy delivery devices to treat damaged intervertebral disc when the damage has resulted in a bulge and where heating of the annulus will shrink the collagen in the annulus to help reduce the bulge. U.S. Pat. No. 6,503,269 issued to Nield et al. on Jan. 7, 2003 discloses a method for treating intervertebral discs including insertion of a light source into the damaged disc, activation of the light source to emit diffuse light, optically measuring the temperature of tissue near the light source, and modifying the intensity of the light emitted according to the measured temperature. While some fiber optic devices may be useful in controllably heating the annulus of an intervertebral disc, the anatomical differences and desired medical outcomes are distinctly different in the treatment of intervertebral disc and the incremental treatment along the length of a lumen such as a varicose vein. In the treatment of a varicose vein, the amount of energy absorbed by the vein can be monitored by measuring the temperature along each incremental segment of the vein while an entire length of the vein is being treated. Even minor variations in treatment effectively from one segment to another segment can change the therapeutic effects of the overall treatment. Detrimental results may also occur if there is an over exposure at one treatment segment or under exposure at another treatment segment of the vein during the medical procedure as the fiber optic line is incrementally moved within the vein. Accurate measurement of the tissue temperature at each treatment segment can be used to assure the proper level or intensity of treatment is given along the length of the entire treatment site. In particular, any inconsistencies or shifts in the tissue temperature at a specific segment of the vein or along the length of the vein during treatment may indicate unwanted variations in energy delivery that may lead to over treatment or under treatment of the tissue, which can result in inferior clinical outcomes including failure to achieve fibrosis of the vein and additional surgical procedures. Use of diffusion instead of conduction for energy delivery will assure a more even distribution of energy along the length of the vein. It is therefore desirable to utilize a diffusing fiberoptic device having the capability to monitor and control the temperature at each treatment segment and along the entire length of the vein by automatically controlling the amount of energy delivered at each treatment segment. Consequently, there is a need for specific medical apparatuses that can assure an even distribution of energy along the entire length of the cylindrical surface of a lumen such as the saphenous vein. There is also a need for such devices that provide for monitoring of temperatures at each treatment segment while also providing for incrementally treating each segment along the length of the lumen. Such an apparatus and methodology will help assure that patients receive the most efficacious treatment that their physicians can provide.
|
Title:
Medical apparatus and method useful for positioning energy delivery device
Abstract:
A medical apparatus and method useful for the efficacious thermal treatment of lumen such as varicose veins during laser surgery is provided. An energy delivery device comprising a diffusing optical fiber with a light-emitting section and a memory device having data programmed therein is also provided. The optical fiber includes a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature at a treatment site. An energy generator is connected to the optical fiber and to a positioning device. The optical fiber engages positioning device so that the positioning device can moveably position the light-emitting section of the optical fiber. Consequently, the optical fiber can be inserted directly into an appropriate position within a varicose portion of a vein or other lumen for thermal treatment of the vein. The memory device and a main processor are used to automatically control the operation of the medical apparatus including the intensity of energy emitted and the movement or position of the light-emitting section of the optical fiber within the vein being treated.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Currently physicians employ endovascular techniques to deliver laser energy conductively while treating blood vessels such as varicose veins. One such technique is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,398,777 issued to Navarro et al. on Jun. 4, 2002 which discloses a method for treating varicose veins using a tipped laser energy carrier to deliver laser energy into the blood vessel lumen to produce vein wall damage with subsequent fibrosis. The method includes compressing the greater saphenous vein over the tip of the fiber optic line so that the tip of the fiber optic line makes direct contact with the vein wall while bursts of laser energy are delivered, and incrementally retracting the fiber optic line along the saphenous vein. During the treatment of varicose veins using conductive energy delivery devices, accurately controlling the temperature achieved by the human tissue is desirable to assure efficacious treatment. One difficulty with the use of such typical fiberoptic technology to deliver energy to the wall of a vein or lumen is that unless the fiberoptic can evenly distribute energy radially outwardly, in a substantially uniform manner to the wall of the lumen, the shrinkage and fibrosis of the vein will not be uniform. An uneven distribution of energy will lead to detrimental results. Use of a diffusing fiberoptic can help avoid any uneven distribution of energy. Physicians have used diffusing type energy delivery devices to treat damaged intervertebral disc when the damage has resulted in a bulge and where heating of the annulus will shrink the collagen in the annulus to help reduce the bulge. U.S. Pat. No. 6,503,269 issued to Nield et al. on Jan. 7, 2003 discloses a method for treating intervertebral discs including insertion of a light source into the damaged disc, activation of the light source to emit diffuse light, optically measuring the temperature of tissue near the light source, and modifying the intensity of the light emitted according to the measured temperature. While some fiber optic devices may be useful in controllably heating the annulus of an intervertebral disc, the anatomical differences and desired medical outcomes are distinctly different in the treatment of intervertebral disc and the incremental treatment along the length of a lumen such as a varicose vein. In the treatment of a varicose vein, the amount of energy absorbed by the vein can be monitored by measuring the temperature along each incremental segment of the vein while an entire length of the vein is being treated. Even minor variations in treatment effectively from one segment to another segment can change the therapeutic effects of the overall treatment. Detrimental results may also occur if there is an over exposure at one treatment segment or under exposure at another treatment segment of the vein during the medical procedure as the fiber optic line is incrementally moved within the vein. Accurate measurement of the tissue temperature at each treatment segment can be used to assure the proper level or intensity of treatment is given along the length of the entire treatment site. In particular, any inconsistencies or shifts in the tissue temperature at a specific segment of the vein or along the length of the vein during treatment may indicate unwanted variations in energy delivery that may lead to over treatment or under treatment of the tissue, which can result in inferior clinical outcomes including failure to achieve fibrosis of the vein and additional surgical procedures. Use of diffusion instead of conduction for energy delivery will assure a more even distribution of energy along the length of the vein. It is therefore desirable to utilize a diffusing fiberoptic device having the capability to monitor and control the temperature at each treatment segment and along the entire length of the vein by automatically controlling the amount of energy delivered at each treatment segment. Consequently, there is a need for specific medical apparatuses that can assure an even distribution of energy along the entire length of the cylindrical surface of a lumen such as the saphenous vein. There is also a need for such devices that provide for monitoring of temperatures at each treatment segment while also providing for incrementally treating each segment along the length of the lumen. Such an apparatus and methodology will help assure that patients receive the most efficacious treatment that their physicians can provide.
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10961293
| 2,004
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Actuator for a fuel injector of an internal combustion engine
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In order to increase the lifetime for a piezoactuator of a fuel injector and to make possible a reliable seal of the piezoactor especially for comparatively thin head plates as well a gas exchange passage running through an actuator housing (52, 54) is provided, where a sealing unit (2) placed on the head arrangement (16, 18) is provided for sealing the piezoactor (12) which features a carrier (28) on which a sealing material (30) is arranged which forms a seal around the piezo contact pins (14) and the head arrangement (16, 18) and on which a microporous gas exchanger (26) to create gas permeability of the sealing unit (24) is integrated such that any fluid which has penetrated through to the gas exchanger (26) can flow out of the gas exchanger (26) under the force of gravity.
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TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an injector for an internal combustion engine.
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Title:
Actuator for a fuel injector of an internal combustion engine
Abstract:
In order to increase the lifetime for a piezoactuator of a fuel injector and to make possible a reliable seal of the piezoactor especially for comparatively thin head plates as well a gas exchange passage running through an actuator housing (52, 54) is provided, where a sealing unit (2) placed on the head arrangement (16, 18) is provided for sealing the piezoactor (12) which features a carrier (28) on which a sealing material (30) is arranged which forms a seal around the piezo contact pins (14) and the head arrangement (16, 18) and on which a microporous gas exchanger (26) to create gas permeability of the sealing unit (24) is integrated such that any fluid which has penetrated through to the gas exchanger (26) can flow out of the gas exchanger (26) under the force of gravity.
Background:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an injector for an internal combustion engine.
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10842151
| 2,004
|
Compound type heat exchanger
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A compound type heat exchanger has a core part including a plurality of heat exchanging pipes and fins juxtaposed and alternately stacked into a lamination. Header pipes are connected to both ends of the pipes. Partition walls are provided in the header pipes. At a boundary of the partition wall and a spatial part, the core part is divided into two parts providing an oil cooler unit on one hand and a condenser unit on the other hand. The spatial part is defined in the core part, corresponding to the intermediate portion between the partition walls in the header pipe. Owing to the provision of the spatial part in the core part, heat conduction from the oil cooler unit to the condenser unit can be suppressed.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a compound type heat exchanger having a plurality of independent heat exchanging units, such as condenser and oil cooler, integrated with each other. Normally, an automobile is equipped with some heat exchanging units, for example, a radiator for cooling an engine, an air conditioning condenser, an oil cooler for cooling automatic transmission oil (i.e. ATF oil cooler), an oil cooler for cooling engine oil and so on. Hitherto, the above radiator and the condenser are individually arranged in the front area of an engine. Recently, in view of reducing the installation space of such units for purpose of the downsizing of an engine and also reducing the number of assembling steps of the units, a compound type heat exchanger where a condenser and an oil cooler are integrated in one body has been developed. In the compound type heat exchanger, however, there is a great difference in temperature between a heat exchanging medium flowing the condenser and oil flowing the oil cooler. Therefore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2000-18880 discloses a compound type heat exchanger provided, between a condenser and an oil cooler, with a pseudo heat exchanging passage member in which such a heat exchanging medium does not flow. In the above-mentioned compound type heat exchanger, however, fins are connected to both sides of the pseudo heat exchanging passage member by means of brazing. Therefore, there is a possibility that heat of oil flowing the oil cooler is transmitted to the heat exchanging medium flowing the condenser to deteriorate the heat exchanging efficiency of the heat exchanger.
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Title:
Compound type heat exchanger
Abstract:
A compound type heat exchanger has a core part including a plurality of heat exchanging pipes and fins juxtaposed and alternately stacked into a lamination. Header pipes are connected to both ends of the pipes. Partition walls are provided in the header pipes. At a boundary of the partition wall and a spatial part, the core part is divided into two parts providing an oil cooler unit on one hand and a condenser unit on the other hand. The spatial part is defined in the core part, corresponding to the intermediate portion between the partition walls in the header pipe. Owing to the provision of the spatial part in the core part, heat conduction from the oil cooler unit to the condenser unit can be suppressed.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a compound type heat exchanger having a plurality of independent heat exchanging units, such as condenser and oil cooler, integrated with each other. Normally, an automobile is equipped with some heat exchanging units, for example, a radiator for cooling an engine, an air conditioning condenser, an oil cooler for cooling automatic transmission oil (i.e. ATF oil cooler), an oil cooler for cooling engine oil and so on. Hitherto, the above radiator and the condenser are individually arranged in the front area of an engine. Recently, in view of reducing the installation space of such units for purpose of the downsizing of an engine and also reducing the number of assembling steps of the units, a compound type heat exchanger where a condenser and an oil cooler are integrated in one body has been developed. In the compound type heat exchanger, however, there is a great difference in temperature between a heat exchanging medium flowing the condenser and oil flowing the oil cooler. Therefore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2000-18880 discloses a compound type heat exchanger provided, between a condenser and an oil cooler, with a pseudo heat exchanging passage member in which such a heat exchanging medium does not flow. In the above-mentioned compound type heat exchanger, however, fins are connected to both sides of the pseudo heat exchanging passage member by means of brazing. Therefore, there is a possibility that heat of oil flowing the oil cooler is transmitted to the heat exchanging medium flowing the condenser to deteriorate the heat exchanging efficiency of the heat exchanger.
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10877059
| 2,004
|
Optical fiber transmission system with noise loading
|
A system and method for loading unutilized channels of a WDM system with noise to improve system performance. A transmitter amplifier may impart noise to unutilized channels by reducing amplifier input or providing feedback of the amplifier output. Noise signals may also be looped back to the transmitter from received signals.
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BACKGROUND To maximize the transmission capacity of an optical fiber transmission system, a single optical fiber may be used to carry multiple optical signals in what is called a wavelength division multiplex system (hereinafter a WDM system). Modern WDM systems have a high traffic capacity, for example, a capacity to carry 64 channels of 10 gigabits per second (hereinafter Gb/s). When an optical link is initially deployed, however, the link may be only partially loaded. Initially, only a few of the total number of potential channels may be used to carry information signals. When the information signals are transmitted over long distances or between links of optical fiber cable, one or more amplifiers may be provided to compensate for signal attenuation. The amplifiers used in some WDM systems cannot easily be modified, and must be sized initially to support a fully loaded link (e.g., 64 channels, each channel carrying 10 Gb/s). The power per channel must be sufficient to provide an adequate signal to noise ratio in the presence of the amplified spontaneous emission noise from the amplifiers, necessitating a high amplifier total output power for systems with high fully-loaded capacity. The amplifiers are thus configured to provide an optical output signal at a nominal optical power. The nominal output power level is insensitive to the power at the input of the amplifier. As the amplifier input power varies over a wide range, the output power changes very little around this nominal output power level. Thus, when the optical link is fully loaded, each channel is amplified to a substantially equal optical output power. If the initially deployed system uses only a few channels for information, these channels share all of the amplifier output power. As additional channels are added, the optical output power per-channel decreases. In an optical communication network, the fiber medium is non-linear. This nonlinearity interacts with the dispersion of the fiber, and degrades the network performance. At high optical powers (e.g., more than 10 mW per channel), the optical signal experiences more distortion than at low optical powers (e.g., less than 1.0 mW per channel). Since the amplifiers of the network have a substantially constant output power level, the optical power per-channel at initial deployment may be much higher than the optical power per-channel in a fully loaded optical network. As a result of the initial high per-channel power and the system non-linearities, the network communication performance at initial deployment may be worse than the performance when the network is fully loaded. Accordingly, there is a need for system and method for improving communication performance of an optical communication system operating with unutilized system channels.
|
Title:
Optical fiber transmission system with noise loading
Abstract:
A system and method for loading unutilized channels of a WDM system with noise to improve system performance. A transmitter amplifier may impart noise to unutilized channels by reducing amplifier input or providing feedback of the amplifier output. Noise signals may also be looped back to the transmitter from received signals.
Background:
BACKGROUND To maximize the transmission capacity of an optical fiber transmission system, a single optical fiber may be used to carry multiple optical signals in what is called a wavelength division multiplex system (hereinafter a WDM system). Modern WDM systems have a high traffic capacity, for example, a capacity to carry 64 channels of 10 gigabits per second (hereinafter Gb/s). When an optical link is initially deployed, however, the link may be only partially loaded. Initially, only a few of the total number of potential channels may be used to carry information signals. When the information signals are transmitted over long distances or between links of optical fiber cable, one or more amplifiers may be provided to compensate for signal attenuation. The amplifiers used in some WDM systems cannot easily be modified, and must be sized initially to support a fully loaded link (e.g., 64 channels, each channel carrying 10 Gb/s). The power per channel must be sufficient to provide an adequate signal to noise ratio in the presence of the amplified spontaneous emission noise from the amplifiers, necessitating a high amplifier total output power for systems with high fully-loaded capacity. The amplifiers are thus configured to provide an optical output signal at a nominal optical power. The nominal output power level is insensitive to the power at the input of the amplifier. As the amplifier input power varies over a wide range, the output power changes very little around this nominal output power level. Thus, when the optical link is fully loaded, each channel is amplified to a substantially equal optical output power. If the initially deployed system uses only a few channels for information, these channels share all of the amplifier output power. As additional channels are added, the optical output power per-channel decreases. In an optical communication network, the fiber medium is non-linear. This nonlinearity interacts with the dispersion of the fiber, and degrades the network performance. At high optical powers (e.g., more than 10 mW per channel), the optical signal experiences more distortion than at low optical powers (e.g., less than 1.0 mW per channel). Since the amplifiers of the network have a substantially constant output power level, the optical power per-channel at initial deployment may be much higher than the optical power per-channel in a fully loaded optical network. As a result of the initial high per-channel power and the system non-linearities, the network communication performance at initial deployment may be worse than the performance when the network is fully loaded. Accordingly, there is a need for system and method for improving communication performance of an optical communication system operating with unutilized system channels.
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10842303
| 2,004
|
CMOS image sensor with reduced 1/f noise
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A CMOS image sensor includes a plurality of pixel circuits. Each pixel circuit includes a plurality of transistors. The image sensor includes a controller for controlling operation of the plurality of pixel circuits, wherein the controller is configured to cause at least one of the transistors in each pixel circuit to be placed in an accumulation mode and then switched from the accumulation mode to a strong inversion mode, thereby reducing 1/f noise of the pixel circuits.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION One type of prior art image sensor is an active pixel sensor (APS) image sensor. APS image sensors are typically fabricated using Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) processing technology, and are also typically referred to as CMOS image sensors. CMOS image sensors sense light by converting incident light (photons) into electronic charge (electrons) via the photoelectric effect. Color CMOS image sensors are typically made by coating each individual pixel with a filter color (e.g. red, green, and blue). CMOS image sensors typically include a photo sensor (e.g., photodiode) and several CMOS transistors for each pixel. Some CMOS image sensors provide integrated analog-to-digital conversion and full timing control on a single integrated circuit. Existing CMOS image sensors include three-transistor (3T) and four-transistor (4T) pixel implementations. Pixel implementations with more than four transistors have also been developed. The pixel circuits in these image sensors typically include a source follower transistor that is used to buffer the photodiode voltage onto a column line. In CMOS image sensors with 4T pinned photodiode pixel implementations, read noise is typically dominated by the 1/f noise of the source follower transistor. 1/f noise, which is also referred to as flicker noise, has a spectral density that is inversely proportional to frequency (f). The 1/f noise of the source follower transistor is also a factor in 3T pixel implementations, although the 1/f noise is not typically dominant. Rather, in 3T pixel implementations, the read noise is typically dominated by “kTC” noise, which is the noise associated with resetting the pixel to a reset level. Nonetheless, 1/f noise from the source follower transistor provides a significant contribution to the overall noise in 3T pixel implementations. Existing techniques for reducing the 1/f noise of a transistor include increasing the size of the transistor, or modifying the CMOS process. However, due to pixel size constraints in CMOS image sensors, the size of the source follower transistor cannot typically be increased. And modification of the CMOS process is typically complex and not a viable option.
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Title:
CMOS image sensor with reduced 1/f noise
Abstract:
A CMOS image sensor includes a plurality of pixel circuits. Each pixel circuit includes a plurality of transistors. The image sensor includes a controller for controlling operation of the plurality of pixel circuits, wherein the controller is configured to cause at least one of the transistors in each pixel circuit to be placed in an accumulation mode and then switched from the accumulation mode to a strong inversion mode, thereby reducing 1/f noise of the pixel circuits.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION One type of prior art image sensor is an active pixel sensor (APS) image sensor. APS image sensors are typically fabricated using Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) processing technology, and are also typically referred to as CMOS image sensors. CMOS image sensors sense light by converting incident light (photons) into electronic charge (electrons) via the photoelectric effect. Color CMOS image sensors are typically made by coating each individual pixel with a filter color (e.g. red, green, and blue). CMOS image sensors typically include a photo sensor (e.g., photodiode) and several CMOS transistors for each pixel. Some CMOS image sensors provide integrated analog-to-digital conversion and full timing control on a single integrated circuit. Existing CMOS image sensors include three-transistor (3T) and four-transistor (4T) pixel implementations. Pixel implementations with more than four transistors have also been developed. The pixel circuits in these image sensors typically include a source follower transistor that is used to buffer the photodiode voltage onto a column line. In CMOS image sensors with 4T pinned photodiode pixel implementations, read noise is typically dominated by the 1/f noise of the source follower transistor. 1/f noise, which is also referred to as flicker noise, has a spectral density that is inversely proportional to frequency (f). The 1/f noise of the source follower transistor is also a factor in 3T pixel implementations, although the 1/f noise is not typically dominant. Rather, in 3T pixel implementations, the read noise is typically dominated by “kTC” noise, which is the noise associated with resetting the pixel to a reset level. Nonetheless, 1/f noise from the source follower transistor provides a significant contribution to the overall noise in 3T pixel implementations. Existing techniques for reducing the 1/f noise of a transistor include increasing the size of the transistor, or modifying the CMOS process. However, due to pixel size constraints in CMOS image sensors, the size of the source follower transistor cannot typically be increased. And modification of the CMOS process is typically complex and not a viable option.
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10796376
| 2,004
|
Process of imaging a deep ultraviolet photoresist with a top coating and materials thereof
|
The present invention relates to a process for imaging deep ultraviolet (uv) photoresists with a topcoat using deep uv immersion lithography. The invention further relates to a topcoat composition comprising a polymer with at least one ionizable group having a pKa ranging from about −9 to about 11.
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BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Photoresist compositions are used in microlithography processes for making miniaturized electronic components such as in the fabrication of computer chips and integrated circuits. Generally, in these processes, a thin coating of film of a photoresist composition is first applied to a substrate material, such as silicon wafers used for making integrated circuits. The coated substrate is then baked to evaporate any solvent in the photoresist composition and to fix the coating onto the substrate. The photoresist coated on the substrate is next subjected to an image-wise exposure to radiation. The radiation exposure causes a chemical transformation in the exposed areas of the coated surface. Visible light, ultraviolet (UV) light, electron beam and X-ray radiant energy are radiation types commonly used today in microlithographic processes. After this image-wise exposure, the coated substrate is treated with a developer solution to dissolve and remove either the radiation exposed or the unexposed areas of the photoresist. The trend towards the miniaturization of semiconductor devices has led to the use of new photoresists that are sensitive at lower and lower wavelengths of radiation and has also led to the use of sophisticated multilevel systems to overcome difficulties associated with such miniaturization. Positive working photoresists when they are exposed image-wise to radiation, have those areas of the photoresist composition exposed to the radiation become more soluble to the developer solution while those areas not exposed remain relatively insoluble to the developer solution. Thus, treatment of an exposed positive-working photoresist with the developer causes removal of the exposed areas of the coating and the formation of a positive image in the photoresist coating. Again, a desired portion of the underlying surface is uncovered. Negative working photoresists when they are exposed image-wise to radiation, have those those areas of the photoresist composition exposed to the radiation become insoluble to the developer solution while those areas not exposed remain relatively soluble to the developer solution. Thus, treatment of a non-exposed negative-working photoresist with the developer causes removal of the unexposed areas of the coating and the formation of a negative image in the photoresist coating. Again, a desired portion of the underlying surface is uncovered. Photoresist resolution is defined as the smallest feature which the resist composition can transfer from the photomask to the substrate with a high degree of image edge acuity after exposure and development. In many leading edge manufacturing applications today, photoresist resolution on the order of less than 100 nm is necessary. In addition, it is almost always desirable that the developed photoresist wall profiles be near vertical relative to the substrate. Such demarcations between developed and undeveloped areas of the resist coating translate into accurate pattern transfer of the mask image onto the substrate. This becomes even more critical as the push toward miniaturization reduces the critical dimensions on the devices. Photoresists sensitive to short wavelengths, between about 100 nm and about 300 nm, are often used where subhalfmicron geometries are required. Particularly preferred are photoresists comprising non-aromatic polymers, a photoacid generator, optionally a dissolution inhibitor, and solvent. High resolution, chemically amplified, deep ultraviolet (100-300 nm) positive and negative tone photoresists are available for patterning images with less than quarter micron geometries. To date, there are three major deep ultraviolet (uv) exposure technologies that have provided significant advancement in miniaturization, and these use lasers that emit radiation at 248 nm, 193 nm and 157 nm. Photoresists for 248 nm have typically been based on substituted polyhydroxystyrene and its copolymers, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,491,628 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,660. On the other hand, photoresists for exposure below 200 nm require non-aromatic polymers since aromatics are opaque at this wavelength. U.S. Pat. No. 5,843,624 and GB 2320718 disclose photoresists useful for 193 nm exposure. Generally, polymers containing alicyclic hydrocarbons are used for photoresists for exposure below 200 nm. Alicyclic hydrocarbons are incorporated into the polymer for many reasons, primarily since they have relatively high carbon hydrogen to ratios which improve etch resistance, they also provide transparency at low wavelengths and they have relatively high glass transition temperatures. U.S. Pat. No. 5,843,624 discloses polymers for photoresist that are obtained by free radical polymerization of maleic anhydride and unsaturated cyclic monomers, but the presence of maleic anhydride makes these polymers insufficiently transparent at 157 nm. Two basic classes of photoresists sensitive at 157 nm, and based on fluorinated polymers with pendant fluoroalcohol groups, are known to be substantially transparent at that wavelength. One class of 157 nm fluoroalcohol photoresists is derived from polymers containing groups such as fluorinated-norbornenes, and are homopolymerized or copolymerized with other transparent monomers such as tetrafluoroethylene (Hoang V. Tran et al Macromolecules 35, 6539, 2002, WO 00/67072, and WO 00/17712) using either metal catalyzed or radical polymerization. Generally, these materials give higher absorbencies but have good plasma etch resistance due to their high alicyclic content. More recently, a class of 157 nm fluoroalcohol polymers was described in which the polymer backbone is derived from the cyclopolymerization of an asymmetrical diene such as 1,1,2,3,3-pentafluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-1,6-heptadiene (Shun-ichi Kodama et al Advances in Resist Technology and Processing XIX, Proceedings of SPIE Vol. 4690 p 76 2002; WO 02/065212) or copolymerization of a fluorodiene with an olefin (WO 01/98834-A1). These materials give acceptable absorbance at 157 nm, but due to their lower alicyclic content as compared to the fluoro-norbornene polymer, have lower plasma etch resistance. These two classes of polymers can often be blended to provide a balance between the high etch resistance of the first polymer type and the high transparency at 157 nm of the second polymer type. In order to further improve the resolution and depth of focus of photoresists, immersion lithography is a technique that has recently been used to extend the resolution limits of deep uv lithography imaging. In the traditional process of dry lithography imaging, air or some other low refractive index gas, lies between the lens and the wafer plane. This abrupt change in refractive index causes rays at the edge of the lens to undergo total internal reflection and not propagate to the wafer ( FIG. 1 ). In immersion lithography a fluid is present between the objective lens and the wafer to enable higher orders of light to participate in image formation at the wafer plane. In this manner the effective numerical aperture of the optical lens (NA) can be increased to greater than 1, where NA wet =n i sin θ, where NA wet is the numerical aperture with immersion lithography, n i is refractive index of liquid of immersion and sin θ is the angular aperture of the lens. Increasing the refractive index of the medium between the lens and the photoresist allows for greater resolution power and depth of focus. This in turn gives rise to greater process latitudes in the manufacturing of IC devices. The process of immersion lithography is described in ‘Immersion liquids for lithography in deep ultraviolet’ Switkes et al. Vol. 5040, pages 690-699, Proceedings of SPIE, and incorporated herein by reference. For 193 nm and 248 nm and higher wavelengths immersion lithography, water is of sufficient inherent transparency so that it can be used as the immersion fluid. Alternatively, if a higher NA is desired, water's refractive index can be increased by doping with UV transparent solutes. However, for 157 nm lithography, water's high absorbance makes it unsuitable as an immersion fluid. Currently certain oligomeric fluorinated ether solvents have been used as suitable immersion fluids. One important concern in immersion lithography is the extraction of components from the photoresist film into the immersion fluid. These components may either be ones present in the film prior to exposure (e.g. base additives, photoacid generators, solvent, dissolution inhibitors, plasticizers,leveling agents,) or present in the film during or shortly after exposures (e.g. photoacid, photoacid generator, photofragments, scission fragments from the polymer or the other additives, salt of the photoacid and base additive.) The extraction of these materials is of concern for two reasons: firstly, it may affect resist performance deleteriously, and the second is the deposition of UV absorbing films on the objective lens in contact with the immersion fluid due to the photoreaction of extracted components in the immersion fluid. Thus there is a need for a barrier coat having good optical transparency at the exposure wavelength, which can be spun onto the photoresist from a solvent system which will not redissolve the photoresist, and where the barrier coating layer is also insoluble in the immersion liquid, but can be removed easily during the normal aqueous base development step. The inventors of this application have found that, surprisingly, a barrier coating composition comprising certain polymers and an alkyl alcohol solvent can be employed as effective barrier against removal of photoresist components or photoresist photoproduct during the imaging process using immersion lithography.
|
Title:
Process of imaging a deep ultraviolet photoresist with a top coating and materials thereof
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a process for imaging deep ultraviolet (uv) photoresists with a topcoat using deep uv immersion lithography. The invention further relates to a topcoat composition comprising a polymer with at least one ionizable group having a pKa ranging from about −9 to about 11.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Photoresist compositions are used in microlithography processes for making miniaturized electronic components such as in the fabrication of computer chips and integrated circuits. Generally, in these processes, a thin coating of film of a photoresist composition is first applied to a substrate material, such as silicon wafers used for making integrated circuits. The coated substrate is then baked to evaporate any solvent in the photoresist composition and to fix the coating onto the substrate. The photoresist coated on the substrate is next subjected to an image-wise exposure to radiation. The radiation exposure causes a chemical transformation in the exposed areas of the coated surface. Visible light, ultraviolet (UV) light, electron beam and X-ray radiant energy are radiation types commonly used today in microlithographic processes. After this image-wise exposure, the coated substrate is treated with a developer solution to dissolve and remove either the radiation exposed or the unexposed areas of the photoresist. The trend towards the miniaturization of semiconductor devices has led to the use of new photoresists that are sensitive at lower and lower wavelengths of radiation and has also led to the use of sophisticated multilevel systems to overcome difficulties associated with such miniaturization. Positive working photoresists when they are exposed image-wise to radiation, have those areas of the photoresist composition exposed to the radiation become more soluble to the developer solution while those areas not exposed remain relatively insoluble to the developer solution. Thus, treatment of an exposed positive-working photoresist with the developer causes removal of the exposed areas of the coating and the formation of a positive image in the photoresist coating. Again, a desired portion of the underlying surface is uncovered. Negative working photoresists when they are exposed image-wise to radiation, have those those areas of the photoresist composition exposed to the radiation become insoluble to the developer solution while those areas not exposed remain relatively soluble to the developer solution. Thus, treatment of a non-exposed negative-working photoresist with the developer causes removal of the unexposed areas of the coating and the formation of a negative image in the photoresist coating. Again, a desired portion of the underlying surface is uncovered. Photoresist resolution is defined as the smallest feature which the resist composition can transfer from the photomask to the substrate with a high degree of image edge acuity after exposure and development. In many leading edge manufacturing applications today, photoresist resolution on the order of less than 100 nm is necessary. In addition, it is almost always desirable that the developed photoresist wall profiles be near vertical relative to the substrate. Such demarcations between developed and undeveloped areas of the resist coating translate into accurate pattern transfer of the mask image onto the substrate. This becomes even more critical as the push toward miniaturization reduces the critical dimensions on the devices. Photoresists sensitive to short wavelengths, between about 100 nm and about 300 nm, are often used where subhalfmicron geometries are required. Particularly preferred are photoresists comprising non-aromatic polymers, a photoacid generator, optionally a dissolution inhibitor, and solvent. High resolution, chemically amplified, deep ultraviolet (100-300 nm) positive and negative tone photoresists are available for patterning images with less than quarter micron geometries. To date, there are three major deep ultraviolet (uv) exposure technologies that have provided significant advancement in miniaturization, and these use lasers that emit radiation at 248 nm, 193 nm and 157 nm. Photoresists for 248 nm have typically been based on substituted polyhydroxystyrene and its copolymers, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,491,628 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,660. On the other hand, photoresists for exposure below 200 nm require non-aromatic polymers since aromatics are opaque at this wavelength. U.S. Pat. No. 5,843,624 and GB 2320718 disclose photoresists useful for 193 nm exposure. Generally, polymers containing alicyclic hydrocarbons are used for photoresists for exposure below 200 nm. Alicyclic hydrocarbons are incorporated into the polymer for many reasons, primarily since they have relatively high carbon hydrogen to ratios which improve etch resistance, they also provide transparency at low wavelengths and they have relatively high glass transition temperatures. U.S. Pat. No. 5,843,624 discloses polymers for photoresist that are obtained by free radical polymerization of maleic anhydride and unsaturated cyclic monomers, but the presence of maleic anhydride makes these polymers insufficiently transparent at 157 nm. Two basic classes of photoresists sensitive at 157 nm, and based on fluorinated polymers with pendant fluoroalcohol groups, are known to be substantially transparent at that wavelength. One class of 157 nm fluoroalcohol photoresists is derived from polymers containing groups such as fluorinated-norbornenes, and are homopolymerized or copolymerized with other transparent monomers such as tetrafluoroethylene (Hoang V. Tran et al Macromolecules 35, 6539, 2002, WO 00/67072, and WO 00/17712) using either metal catalyzed or radical polymerization. Generally, these materials give higher absorbencies but have good plasma etch resistance due to their high alicyclic content. More recently, a class of 157 nm fluoroalcohol polymers was described in which the polymer backbone is derived from the cyclopolymerization of an asymmetrical diene such as 1,1,2,3,3-pentafluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-4-hydroxy-1,6-heptadiene (Shun-ichi Kodama et al Advances in Resist Technology and Processing XIX, Proceedings of SPIE Vol. 4690 p 76 2002; WO 02/065212) or copolymerization of a fluorodiene with an olefin (WO 01/98834-A1). These materials give acceptable absorbance at 157 nm, but due to their lower alicyclic content as compared to the fluoro-norbornene polymer, have lower plasma etch resistance. These two classes of polymers can often be blended to provide a balance between the high etch resistance of the first polymer type and the high transparency at 157 nm of the second polymer type. In order to further improve the resolution and depth of focus of photoresists, immersion lithography is a technique that has recently been used to extend the resolution limits of deep uv lithography imaging. In the traditional process of dry lithography imaging, air or some other low refractive index gas, lies between the lens and the wafer plane. This abrupt change in refractive index causes rays at the edge of the lens to undergo total internal reflection and not propagate to the wafer ( FIG. 1 ). In immersion lithography a fluid is present between the objective lens and the wafer to enable higher orders of light to participate in image formation at the wafer plane. In this manner the effective numerical aperture of the optical lens (NA) can be increased to greater than 1, where NA wet =n i sin θ, where NA wet is the numerical aperture with immersion lithography, n i is refractive index of liquid of immersion and sin θ is the angular aperture of the lens. Increasing the refractive index of the medium between the lens and the photoresist allows for greater resolution power and depth of focus. This in turn gives rise to greater process latitudes in the manufacturing of IC devices. The process of immersion lithography is described in ‘Immersion liquids for lithography in deep ultraviolet’ Switkes et al. Vol. 5040, pages 690-699, Proceedings of SPIE, and incorporated herein by reference. For 193 nm and 248 nm and higher wavelengths immersion lithography, water is of sufficient inherent transparency so that it can be used as the immersion fluid. Alternatively, if a higher NA is desired, water's refractive index can be increased by doping with UV transparent solutes. However, for 157 nm lithography, water's high absorbance makes it unsuitable as an immersion fluid. Currently certain oligomeric fluorinated ether solvents have been used as suitable immersion fluids. One important concern in immersion lithography is the extraction of components from the photoresist film into the immersion fluid. These components may either be ones present in the film prior to exposure (e.g. base additives, photoacid generators, solvent, dissolution inhibitors, plasticizers,leveling agents,) or present in the film during or shortly after exposures (e.g. photoacid, photoacid generator, photofragments, scission fragments from the polymer or the other additives, salt of the photoacid and base additive.) The extraction of these materials is of concern for two reasons: firstly, it may affect resist performance deleteriously, and the second is the deposition of UV absorbing films on the objective lens in contact with the immersion fluid due to the photoreaction of extracted components in the immersion fluid. Thus there is a need for a barrier coat having good optical transparency at the exposure wavelength, which can be spun onto the photoresist from a solvent system which will not redissolve the photoresist, and where the barrier coating layer is also insoluble in the immersion liquid, but can be removed easily during the normal aqueous base development step. The inventors of this application have found that, surprisingly, a barrier coating composition comprising certain polymers and an alkyl alcohol solvent can be employed as effective barrier against removal of photoresist components or photoresist photoproduct during the imaging process using immersion lithography.
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10870552
| 2,004
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Applicator pen
|
An applicator pen is provided for dispensing material, such as cosmetics like lipstick, eye shadow, etc. The applicator pen includes a body including a space for storing the material to be dispensed and an applicator assembly coupled to one end of the body for dispensing a prescribed amount of the material. The applicator pen also includes a drive mechanism interacting with the stored material for causing the prescribed amount of material to be dispensed through the applicator assembly. The drive mechanism including a drive rod that has a number of teeth formed therealong. A button assembly of the applicator pen is coupled to another end of the body and the drive mechanism. The button assembly is positionable between a rest position and an engaged position where the drive rod is ratcheted an incremental distance resulting in the stored material being directed towards the applicator assembly where the prescribed amount of material is dispensed therethrough.
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BACKGROUND Applicator devices are widely used to dispense a product that is stored within a compartment of the applicator. For example, one industry that extensively uses applicators is the cosmetic industry where applicators are used to dispense cosmetic products, such as lipstick, eye shadow or liner, etc. Most of the applicator devices use a conventional dispensing mechanism that is of a screw type in that the user simply rotates an end cap member to cause product to be advanced through the body and discharged out from the other end. There are a number of disadvantages that are associated with these screw type applicators. For example, the applicators are cumbersome to use since they require the user to use two hands to hold and operate the applicator. One hand is needed to physically hold the applicator while the other hand is used to manipulate (i.e., rotate) the end cap member so as to cause advancement of a drive member within the body that results in product being discharged from the other end of the applicator. Many times, the use of two hands is difficult as the user might only have one hand free given the circumstances. In addition, these screw type applicators require multiple priming steps to be taken to initially prime the applicator. In other words, the user is first required to rotated the end cap member a number of revolutions in order to prime the applicator and finally discharge the product. Multiple revolutions can cause to frustration and fatigue. Also, rotation of the end cap member results in variable displacement of product and therefore it is hard to replicate the same dispensing action successively. For example, the user may rotate the end cap member too great a distance resulting in excessive product being dispensed and conversely, the user may rotate the end cap member only a slight distance by accident that results in not enough product being dispensed. What has heretofore not been available is an improved applicator pen that overcomes the above disadvantages.
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Title:
Applicator pen
Abstract:
An applicator pen is provided for dispensing material, such as cosmetics like lipstick, eye shadow, etc. The applicator pen includes a body including a space for storing the material to be dispensed and an applicator assembly coupled to one end of the body for dispensing a prescribed amount of the material. The applicator pen also includes a drive mechanism interacting with the stored material for causing the prescribed amount of material to be dispensed through the applicator assembly. The drive mechanism including a drive rod that has a number of teeth formed therealong. A button assembly of the applicator pen is coupled to another end of the body and the drive mechanism. The button assembly is positionable between a rest position and an engaged position where the drive rod is ratcheted an incremental distance resulting in the stored material being directed towards the applicator assembly where the prescribed amount of material is dispensed therethrough.
Background:
BACKGROUND Applicator devices are widely used to dispense a product that is stored within a compartment of the applicator. For example, one industry that extensively uses applicators is the cosmetic industry where applicators are used to dispense cosmetic products, such as lipstick, eye shadow or liner, etc. Most of the applicator devices use a conventional dispensing mechanism that is of a screw type in that the user simply rotates an end cap member to cause product to be advanced through the body and discharged out from the other end. There are a number of disadvantages that are associated with these screw type applicators. For example, the applicators are cumbersome to use since they require the user to use two hands to hold and operate the applicator. One hand is needed to physically hold the applicator while the other hand is used to manipulate (i.e., rotate) the end cap member so as to cause advancement of a drive member within the body that results in product being discharged from the other end of the applicator. Many times, the use of two hands is difficult as the user might only have one hand free given the circumstances. In addition, these screw type applicators require multiple priming steps to be taken to initially prime the applicator. In other words, the user is first required to rotated the end cap member a number of revolutions in order to prime the applicator and finally discharge the product. Multiple revolutions can cause to frustration and fatigue. Also, rotation of the end cap member results in variable displacement of product and therefore it is hard to replicate the same dispensing action successively. For example, the user may rotate the end cap member too great a distance resulting in excessive product being dispensed and conversely, the user may rotate the end cap member only a slight distance by accident that results in not enough product being dispensed. What has heretofore not been available is an improved applicator pen that overcomes the above disadvantages.
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10938121
| 2,004
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Illumination module for color display
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The invention relates to an illumination module for color display, preferably for use in data or video projectors as well as rear projection television sets, in which the light from at least three luminescent diodes (LEDs) or LED arrays of the base colors red, green and blue is collimated at a point provided for connection to a display unit and arranged on an optical axis of the illumination module. According to the invention, an LED or an LED array of a base color with a beam path (Lr) oriented in the direction of the display unit is arranged on the optical axis of the illumination module. For the purpose of color mixing, the LEDs or LED arrays of the other base colors are attached in such a way that their beam paths (Lg, Lb) are laterally input in sequence under input angles (α, β) of <90 degrees into the beam path (Lr) of the first base color.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Currently, only high-pressure lamps are used as illumination modules for “optical engines” of data and video projectors, for projection monitors, as well as television sets these lamps emit a continuous spectrum in both visible light and the adjacent ranges (UV, IR). However, only narrow wavelength ranges of the colors red, green and blue are needed to produce an image. For sequential coloration, these colors are utilized individually and sequentially, with the use of a color wheel. The wavelengths not needed in this process are filtered out. Disadvantages result from the use of high-pressure lamps in connection with the sequential generation of the colors red, green and blue, especially for small, mobile projectors, due to the size and limited serviceable life of the lamp, as well as the required use of a color wheel and UV and IR filters, so that such arrays are very cost-intensive. In addition, light efficiency is low. To overcome these disadvantages, various light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have been proposed as light sources. When using three modulated LEDs in the colors red, green and blue, the color wheel can be eliminated. Instead, an optical array must be found that, as efficiently as possible, collects, bundles, mixes and homogenizes the light emitted by the LEDs in a large solid angle and displays it on an imager. Also known in the art are glass prisms for connecting multiple light sources, which are provided with special optical layers (color mixing cubes). Disadvantages include absorption losses and relatively high spatial requirements, as well as high costs. To connect multiple colored light bundles, arrays of plane mirrors are known which possess dichroitic layers that are adjusted to the colors used, wherein the mixing of two colors into the beam path of the third color normally occurs below 90 degrees, that is, the plane mirrors are positioned at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the optical axis of the beam path of the third color. In DE 102 37 202.0, a solution is described in which multiple LEDs are arranged directly on the entry surface, on the lateral surfaces or in proximity to the entry surface of a light-mixing rod, such that the bulk of their emitted light is mixed in the integrator and supplied to the light exit surface. In addition, EP 125148 shows a beam transformation of the light coming from the LEDs by means of fibers, wherein each of the individual fibers is assigned to an emitter. The light from the LEDs is transferred to an integrator through the optical fibers or through fiber arrays. Color management is achieved by switching the individual color LEDs on and off in accordance with the generated color signals. A display computer synchronizes switching the LEDs on and off to correspond to the image data supplied by a computer. Color combiners for superimposing the individual colors, for example, are proposed for a multi-channel application. The disadvantages of the known solutions lie, for the most part, in the inefficient use of the light flux emitted by the LEDs during mixing into fibers or a light-mixing rod. Color mixing using dichroitic prism arrays also has its limits in terms of the size and efficiency of the illumination module. Based on the above, the underlying goal of the invention is to further develop an illumination module, using LEDs as light sources, in such a way that, while minimizing the size of the module, the light efficiency of each of the three base colors of the LEDs, allowing for the technically available light flux, is increased.
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Title:
Illumination module for color display
Abstract:
The invention relates to an illumination module for color display, preferably for use in data or video projectors as well as rear projection television sets, in which the light from at least three luminescent diodes (LEDs) or LED arrays of the base colors red, green and blue is collimated at a point provided for connection to a display unit and arranged on an optical axis of the illumination module. According to the invention, an LED or an LED array of a base color with a beam path (Lr) oriented in the direction of the display unit is arranged on the optical axis of the illumination module. For the purpose of color mixing, the LEDs or LED arrays of the other base colors are attached in such a way that their beam paths (Lg, Lb) are laterally input in sequence under input angles (α, β) of <90 degrees into the beam path (Lr) of the first base color.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Currently, only high-pressure lamps are used as illumination modules for “optical engines” of data and video projectors, for projection monitors, as well as television sets these lamps emit a continuous spectrum in both visible light and the adjacent ranges (UV, IR). However, only narrow wavelength ranges of the colors red, green and blue are needed to produce an image. For sequential coloration, these colors are utilized individually and sequentially, with the use of a color wheel. The wavelengths not needed in this process are filtered out. Disadvantages result from the use of high-pressure lamps in connection with the sequential generation of the colors red, green and blue, especially for small, mobile projectors, due to the size and limited serviceable life of the lamp, as well as the required use of a color wheel and UV and IR filters, so that such arrays are very cost-intensive. In addition, light efficiency is low. To overcome these disadvantages, various light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have been proposed as light sources. When using three modulated LEDs in the colors red, green and blue, the color wheel can be eliminated. Instead, an optical array must be found that, as efficiently as possible, collects, bundles, mixes and homogenizes the light emitted by the LEDs in a large solid angle and displays it on an imager. Also known in the art are glass prisms for connecting multiple light sources, which are provided with special optical layers (color mixing cubes). Disadvantages include absorption losses and relatively high spatial requirements, as well as high costs. To connect multiple colored light bundles, arrays of plane mirrors are known which possess dichroitic layers that are adjusted to the colors used, wherein the mixing of two colors into the beam path of the third color normally occurs below 90 degrees, that is, the plane mirrors are positioned at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the optical axis of the beam path of the third color. In DE 102 37 202.0, a solution is described in which multiple LEDs are arranged directly on the entry surface, on the lateral surfaces or in proximity to the entry surface of a light-mixing rod, such that the bulk of their emitted light is mixed in the integrator and supplied to the light exit surface. In addition, EP 125148 shows a beam transformation of the light coming from the LEDs by means of fibers, wherein each of the individual fibers is assigned to an emitter. The light from the LEDs is transferred to an integrator through the optical fibers or through fiber arrays. Color management is achieved by switching the individual color LEDs on and off in accordance with the generated color signals. A display computer synchronizes switching the LEDs on and off to correspond to the image data supplied by a computer. Color combiners for superimposing the individual colors, for example, are proposed for a multi-channel application. The disadvantages of the known solutions lie, for the most part, in the inefficient use of the light flux emitted by the LEDs during mixing into fibers or a light-mixing rod. Color mixing using dichroitic prism arrays also has its limits in terms of the size and efficiency of the illumination module. Based on the above, the underlying goal of the invention is to further develop an illumination module, using LEDs as light sources, in such a way that, while minimizing the size of the module, the light efficiency of each of the three base colors of the LEDs, allowing for the technically available light flux, is increased.
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10510826
| 2,004
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Expression system for actinomycete-origin cytochrome p-450 in escherichia coli
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This invention relates to a system for the expression of cytochrome P-450 gene in host Escherichia coli, and provides Escherichia coli which contains actinomycete ferredoxin gene and also ferredoxin gene and ferredoxin reductase gene which are xenogenic to Escherichia coli. Thus, this invention is useful for the promotion of effective single oxygen atom insertional reaction of a substrate organic compound.
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BACKGROUND TECHNOLOGY Cytochrome P-450 enzymes (hereinafter referred to simply as “P-450s”) which are encoded by cytochrome P-450 genes are a general name of a group of protoheme-containing proteins whose reduced form shows Soret band around 450 nm when bound to carbon monoxide. P-450s are bound to microsome in tissue of various kinds of animal or plant, or in fungi or yeasts, or to inner membrane of mitochondrion in tissue of some kind of animals. In certain kinds of bacteria and fungi, P-450s exist in soluble state. P-450s show various types of substrate-specificity. Some P-450s have abnormally so wide substrate-specificity that they can react with various kinds of organic compounds as substrate. Some, on the other hand, have considerably strict substrate-specificity, and react only with comparatively limited kinds of organic compounds. P-450s also show excellent stereo- and/or regio-specificity to reaction site. With regard to concrete functions, P-450s are known to catalyze reactions such as hydroxylation, epoxidation, dealkylation and denitrification, of xenobiotics in a cell which expresses said P-450s. For example, most of drugs which are administered to human are metabolized and inactivated in the body by various or specific action, such as hydroxylation, of P-450. In some cases, on the contrary, pharmacological effects of the drugs are improved, or subsidiary action is enhanced. P-450 is, therefore, medically very important from the viewpoint of the research of metabolism of medicine or the development of prodrugs. Thus, P-450s which have drug-metabolizing functions for higher organisms including human have been studied from every angle for long years. Although these enzymes are obtained from microsome fractions of liver of higher organisms, it is difficult to purify these enzymes into single isozyme. On this account, there has been developed a technology to express functionally a gene which encodes single isozyme in a host such as Escherichia coli or yeast, and to thus conveniently investigate the metabolic role of the enzyme. P-450s of higher organisms which have such drug-metabolizing functions as mentioned above have never been successfully applied to material production on industrial scale. P-450s of higher organisms, when functionally expressed in a host such as Escherichia coli or yeast, show only low productivity as compared with P-450s of bacteria, and also cause various side reactions. For these reasons, P-450s of higher organisms have been used only restrictively. In the case of P-450 originated from microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria, on the other hand, some kinds of P-450s are known to serve for the production of industrially useful materials. Some of such kinds of P-450s have actually been utilized for industrial production of useful medicine. Typical example is the production of pravastatin, a medicine to remedy hyperlipidemia, by means of the hydroxylation at 6β-position of compactin with Storeptomyces carhophigus, a species of actinomycete (Watanabe et al., Gene, 163 (1995) 81-85, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (Kokai) Publication No. Hei 6 (1994)-70780). There has also been put into practice a method by which to produce active vitamin D 3 by means of the hydroxylation at 1α- and 25-positions of vitamin D 3 with use of Pseudonocardia autotrophica, a species of actinomycete. Such microbial conversion of drugs with use of actinomycete cytochrome P-450 enzymes as mentioned above have been carried out with use of culture liquids or cells of actinomycetes which express said enzymes. There have also been used culture liquids wherein genes which encode actinomycete P-450s have been introduced into Storeptomyces lividans, that is also a species of actinomycete and that is suitable as a host, to express the enzymatic activity. The microbial conversion of substrate compounds with the actinomycete strains which have such genes as mentioned above takes considerable time for the cultivation of the strains and for the conversion of substrate compounds into desired products. Furthermore, some enzymes need consideration on expression-inducible conditions under which to increase the amount of enzyme expressed. Moreover, some species of actinomycetes which are to be used for the conversion have, in themselves, a system for metabolizing or degrading substrate or desired product, which causes the formation of by-products or the reduction of substrate or desired product, and thus decreases the productivity of desired product. There is also a report of experiment wherein, after the example of functionally expressing a gene which encodes single isozyme of the above-mentioned higher organism-originated P-450s in a host of microorganism such as Escherichia coli , CYP105D1 gene which is a Storeptomyces griseus originated cytochrome P-450 gene was functionally expressed in Escherichia coli (Taylor et al., Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications (1999) 263: 838-842). It seems that, in this expression system, some suitable electron donor for the P-450 in periplasm of Escherichia coli hydroxylates hydrocarbons in cooperation with the P-450 (Kaderbhai et al, Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 67 (2001) 2136-2138). Such a P-450 gene-expressing system has a merit that Escherichia coli as a host needs less time for cultivation as compared with actinomycetes or the like.
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Title:
Expression system for actinomycete-origin cytochrome p-450 in escherichia coli
Abstract:
This invention relates to a system for the expression of cytochrome P-450 gene in host Escherichia coli, and provides Escherichia coli which contains actinomycete ferredoxin gene and also ferredoxin gene and ferredoxin reductase gene which are xenogenic to Escherichia coli. Thus, this invention is useful for the promotion of effective single oxygen atom insertional reaction of a substrate organic compound.
Background:
BACKGROUND TECHNOLOGY Cytochrome P-450 enzymes (hereinafter referred to simply as “P-450s”) which are encoded by cytochrome P-450 genes are a general name of a group of protoheme-containing proteins whose reduced form shows Soret band around 450 nm when bound to carbon monoxide. P-450s are bound to microsome in tissue of various kinds of animal or plant, or in fungi or yeasts, or to inner membrane of mitochondrion in tissue of some kind of animals. In certain kinds of bacteria and fungi, P-450s exist in soluble state. P-450s show various types of substrate-specificity. Some P-450s have abnormally so wide substrate-specificity that they can react with various kinds of organic compounds as substrate. Some, on the other hand, have considerably strict substrate-specificity, and react only with comparatively limited kinds of organic compounds. P-450s also show excellent stereo- and/or regio-specificity to reaction site. With regard to concrete functions, P-450s are known to catalyze reactions such as hydroxylation, epoxidation, dealkylation and denitrification, of xenobiotics in a cell which expresses said P-450s. For example, most of drugs which are administered to human are metabolized and inactivated in the body by various or specific action, such as hydroxylation, of P-450. In some cases, on the contrary, pharmacological effects of the drugs are improved, or subsidiary action is enhanced. P-450 is, therefore, medically very important from the viewpoint of the research of metabolism of medicine or the development of prodrugs. Thus, P-450s which have drug-metabolizing functions for higher organisms including human have been studied from every angle for long years. Although these enzymes are obtained from microsome fractions of liver of higher organisms, it is difficult to purify these enzymes into single isozyme. On this account, there has been developed a technology to express functionally a gene which encodes single isozyme in a host such as Escherichia coli or yeast, and to thus conveniently investigate the metabolic role of the enzyme. P-450s of higher organisms which have such drug-metabolizing functions as mentioned above have never been successfully applied to material production on industrial scale. P-450s of higher organisms, when functionally expressed in a host such as Escherichia coli or yeast, show only low productivity as compared with P-450s of bacteria, and also cause various side reactions. For these reasons, P-450s of higher organisms have been used only restrictively. In the case of P-450 originated from microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria, on the other hand, some kinds of P-450s are known to serve for the production of industrially useful materials. Some of such kinds of P-450s have actually been utilized for industrial production of useful medicine. Typical example is the production of pravastatin, a medicine to remedy hyperlipidemia, by means of the hydroxylation at 6β-position of compactin with Storeptomyces carhophigus, a species of actinomycete (Watanabe et al., Gene, 163 (1995) 81-85, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (Kokai) Publication No. Hei 6 (1994)-70780). There has also been put into practice a method by which to produce active vitamin D 3 by means of the hydroxylation at 1α- and 25-positions of vitamin D 3 with use of Pseudonocardia autotrophica, a species of actinomycete. Such microbial conversion of drugs with use of actinomycete cytochrome P-450 enzymes as mentioned above have been carried out with use of culture liquids or cells of actinomycetes which express said enzymes. There have also been used culture liquids wherein genes which encode actinomycete P-450s have been introduced into Storeptomyces lividans, that is also a species of actinomycete and that is suitable as a host, to express the enzymatic activity. The microbial conversion of substrate compounds with the actinomycete strains which have such genes as mentioned above takes considerable time for the cultivation of the strains and for the conversion of substrate compounds into desired products. Furthermore, some enzymes need consideration on expression-inducible conditions under which to increase the amount of enzyme expressed. Moreover, some species of actinomycetes which are to be used for the conversion have, in themselves, a system for metabolizing or degrading substrate or desired product, which causes the formation of by-products or the reduction of substrate or desired product, and thus decreases the productivity of desired product. There is also a report of experiment wherein, after the example of functionally expressing a gene which encodes single isozyme of the above-mentioned higher organism-originated P-450s in a host of microorganism such as Escherichia coli , CYP105D1 gene which is a Storeptomyces griseus originated cytochrome P-450 gene was functionally expressed in Escherichia coli (Taylor et al., Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications (1999) 263: 838-842). It seems that, in this expression system, some suitable electron donor for the P-450 in periplasm of Escherichia coli hydroxylates hydrocarbons in cooperation with the P-450 (Kaderbhai et al, Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 67 (2001) 2136-2138). Such a P-450 gene-expressing system has a merit that Escherichia coli as a host needs less time for cultivation as compared with actinomycetes or the like.
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10510872
| 2,004
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Motion detection device and noise reduction device using that
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The invention provides a motion detection apparatus that can improve a noise removal effect, can suppress the occurrence of tailing of a motion portion resulting from the increase of the noise removal effect, can increase the noise removal effect from a high electric field to a low electric field and can eliminate unnaturalness of the image for observation such as an after-image and a pasting feel resulting from the increase of the noise removal effect, and a noise reduction apparatus using the motion detection apparatus. The motion detection apparatus compares a frame difference with a threshold value, calculates the sum of the comparison result for a block including a plurality of pixels, and applies in expansion the output to several pixels in a horizontal or vertical direction to detect motion. The noise reduction apparatus utilizes this motion detection apparatus.
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BACKGROUND ART Frame recursive type noise reduction is known as a method of removing noise from a video input signal containing the noise. For example, a known method calculates a difference between a signal obtained by frame-delaying a video output signal (from which the noise is removed) and a video input signal, multiplies the difference value by a desired recursive coefficient (from 0 to less than 1) and conducts addition/subtraction to and from the original video input signal to remove the noise. Japanese Patent Laid Open No.2002-94834 and “Transistor Technology SPECIAL” (by Shunya MATSUI, No. 52, 1999, CQ Publication Co., p 89-92) describe other known technologies for motion detection and noise reduction technologies. An example of the prior art technologies will be hereinafter explained. FIGS. 18A and 18B show an example of a frame recursive type noise reduction apparatus according to the prior art. Referring to FIG. 18A , a frame memory 1801 frame-delays a video output signal (from which noise is removed) 1807 . A subtracter 1802 calculates a frame difference between an output of the frame memory 1801 and a video input signal 1806 . This difference value is inputted to a motion detection/recursive coefficient generation circuit 1803 that executes motion detection and generation of a recursive coefficient. The motion detection/recursive coefficient generation circuit 1803 generates the recursive coefficient in accordance with the difference value. FIG. 18B shows an example of the relation between the difference value and the recursive coefficient. Referring to FIG. 18B , abscissa 1810 represents a difference value. Ordinate 1811 represents a recursive coefficient. Curve 1812 represents a relation between the difference value and the recursive coefficient. As represented by the curve 1812 , the motion detection/recursive coefficient generation circuit 1803 has characteristics such that the recursive coefficient is non-linearly decreased as the difference value becomes great. This represents that motion detection is made by utilizing the correlation that the difference becomes great when the motion becomes great. A multiplier 1804 multiplies the recursive coefficient obtained in this way by the frame difference. An adder/subtracter 1805 further conducts addition/subtraction of the output of the multiplier 1804 to or from the video input signal 1806 in accordance with the sign of the frame difference and a video output signal 1807 from which the noise is removed can thus be obtained. In the prior art system described above, the noise removal effect becomes great when the recursive coefficient is increased but a problem of tailing that results from the frame difference occurs in this case at a portion having motion. Therefore, a method is known that executes a non-linear processing in accordance with the frame difference value, or detects motion and changes the recursive coefficient in accordance with the detection result. However, since motion detection of the prior art utilizes as such the frame difference value or horizontal and vertical edge detection, the noise and the motion cannot be discriminated for the motion portions having a level substantially equal to or below the noise level. When the noise is removed under this state, the tailing phenomenon occurs. Consequently, under such a state, the noise removal effect is limited from the aspect of prevention of the tailing problem. Another method executes the non-linear processing in accordance with the difference value, or detects motion and changes the recursive coefficient in accordance with the detection result. This method is described in the non-patent reference given above. However, motion detection according to the prior art utilizes as such the frame or field difference value. In this case, the noise and the motion cannot be discriminated for the motion portion having a level substantially equal to or below the noise level. Under such a state, therefore, the noise removal effect is limited from the aspect of prevention of an after-image. In the construction described above, when the difference value resulting from the motion in the frame difference is substantially equal to or below the level of the difference value resulting from the noise, they cannot be discriminated and the recursive coefficient cannot be increased to prevent the occurrence of tailing. Therefore, the noise removal effect is limited. To adaptively improve the noise removal effect for dark portions at which the noise amount is likely to become great, a method that controls the noise removing level by using information from an AGC circuit or the input signal level may be possible. To corporate with the AGC circuit, however, a new control circuit must be added. In the method using the input signal level itself, fluctuation of the control level is likely to occur in a spatial direction due to the influences of noise. When recursive type noise reduction and non-recursive type noise reduction using a filter in the spatial direction are adaptively used in combination in accordance with the motion detection result, unnaturalness for observation is likely to occur with a discontinuous processing in the spatial direction if the discontinuous motion detection result of the prior art is used. Moreover, because a filter in the spatial direction is applied to a moving picture region containing a contour, obscurity of the contour is likely to occur in the a moving picture and a contour correction circuit must be added. Generally, a still picture portion and a moving picture portion appear with certain coherence in the image. Therefore, the possibility is high that the same recursive coefficient is used among adjacent pixels in that region from the motion detection result. Particularly when the recursive coefficient is increased to a great value, unnaturalness for observation such as pasting feel of the image is likely to occur. Furthermore, a threshold value for the motion detection becomes great in a low electric field and when the recursive coefficient is increased, unnaturalness such as feeling of a film pasted on the entire screen is likely to occur.
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Title:
Motion detection device and noise reduction device using that
Abstract:
The invention provides a motion detection apparatus that can improve a noise removal effect, can suppress the occurrence of tailing of a motion portion resulting from the increase of the noise removal effect, can increase the noise removal effect from a high electric field to a low electric field and can eliminate unnaturalness of the image for observation such as an after-image and a pasting feel resulting from the increase of the noise removal effect, and a noise reduction apparatus using the motion detection apparatus. The motion detection apparatus compares a frame difference with a threshold value, calculates the sum of the comparison result for a block including a plurality of pixels, and applies in expansion the output to several pixels in a horizontal or vertical direction to detect motion. The noise reduction apparatus utilizes this motion detection apparatus.
Background:
BACKGROUND ART Frame recursive type noise reduction is known as a method of removing noise from a video input signal containing the noise. For example, a known method calculates a difference between a signal obtained by frame-delaying a video output signal (from which the noise is removed) and a video input signal, multiplies the difference value by a desired recursive coefficient (from 0 to less than 1) and conducts addition/subtraction to and from the original video input signal to remove the noise. Japanese Patent Laid Open No.2002-94834 and “Transistor Technology SPECIAL” (by Shunya MATSUI, No. 52, 1999, CQ Publication Co., p 89-92) describe other known technologies for motion detection and noise reduction technologies. An example of the prior art technologies will be hereinafter explained. FIGS. 18A and 18B show an example of a frame recursive type noise reduction apparatus according to the prior art. Referring to FIG. 18A , a frame memory 1801 frame-delays a video output signal (from which noise is removed) 1807 . A subtracter 1802 calculates a frame difference between an output of the frame memory 1801 and a video input signal 1806 . This difference value is inputted to a motion detection/recursive coefficient generation circuit 1803 that executes motion detection and generation of a recursive coefficient. The motion detection/recursive coefficient generation circuit 1803 generates the recursive coefficient in accordance with the difference value. FIG. 18B shows an example of the relation between the difference value and the recursive coefficient. Referring to FIG. 18B , abscissa 1810 represents a difference value. Ordinate 1811 represents a recursive coefficient. Curve 1812 represents a relation between the difference value and the recursive coefficient. As represented by the curve 1812 , the motion detection/recursive coefficient generation circuit 1803 has characteristics such that the recursive coefficient is non-linearly decreased as the difference value becomes great. This represents that motion detection is made by utilizing the correlation that the difference becomes great when the motion becomes great. A multiplier 1804 multiplies the recursive coefficient obtained in this way by the frame difference. An adder/subtracter 1805 further conducts addition/subtraction of the output of the multiplier 1804 to or from the video input signal 1806 in accordance with the sign of the frame difference and a video output signal 1807 from which the noise is removed can thus be obtained. In the prior art system described above, the noise removal effect becomes great when the recursive coefficient is increased but a problem of tailing that results from the frame difference occurs in this case at a portion having motion. Therefore, a method is known that executes a non-linear processing in accordance with the frame difference value, or detects motion and changes the recursive coefficient in accordance with the detection result. However, since motion detection of the prior art utilizes as such the frame difference value or horizontal and vertical edge detection, the noise and the motion cannot be discriminated for the motion portions having a level substantially equal to or below the noise level. When the noise is removed under this state, the tailing phenomenon occurs. Consequently, under such a state, the noise removal effect is limited from the aspect of prevention of the tailing problem. Another method executes the non-linear processing in accordance with the difference value, or detects motion and changes the recursive coefficient in accordance with the detection result. This method is described in the non-patent reference given above. However, motion detection according to the prior art utilizes as such the frame or field difference value. In this case, the noise and the motion cannot be discriminated for the motion portion having a level substantially equal to or below the noise level. Under such a state, therefore, the noise removal effect is limited from the aspect of prevention of an after-image. In the construction described above, when the difference value resulting from the motion in the frame difference is substantially equal to or below the level of the difference value resulting from the noise, they cannot be discriminated and the recursive coefficient cannot be increased to prevent the occurrence of tailing. Therefore, the noise removal effect is limited. To adaptively improve the noise removal effect for dark portions at which the noise amount is likely to become great, a method that controls the noise removing level by using information from an AGC circuit or the input signal level may be possible. To corporate with the AGC circuit, however, a new control circuit must be added. In the method using the input signal level itself, fluctuation of the control level is likely to occur in a spatial direction due to the influences of noise. When recursive type noise reduction and non-recursive type noise reduction using a filter in the spatial direction are adaptively used in combination in accordance with the motion detection result, unnaturalness for observation is likely to occur with a discontinuous processing in the spatial direction if the discontinuous motion detection result of the prior art is used. Moreover, because a filter in the spatial direction is applied to a moving picture region containing a contour, obscurity of the contour is likely to occur in the a moving picture and a contour correction circuit must be added. Generally, a still picture portion and a moving picture portion appear with certain coherence in the image. Therefore, the possibility is high that the same recursive coefficient is used among adjacent pixels in that region from the motion detection result. Particularly when the recursive coefficient is increased to a great value, unnaturalness for observation such as pasting feel of the image is likely to occur. Furthermore, a threshold value for the motion detection becomes great in a low electric field and when the recursive coefficient is increased, unnaturalness such as feeling of a film pasted on the entire screen is likely to occur.
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10911904
| 2,004
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Efficient accumulation of performance statistics in a multi-port network
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Computer networks are provided with a resource efficient ability to generate link performance statistics. To calculate the average link utilization per I/O operation, a first counter accumulates the number of I/O operations processed by a link and a second counter accumulates the time required by the link to complete each I/O operation. The second value is then divided by the first value. The number of operations per second for a link may be computed by dividing the first number by a predetermined period of time and the average number of operations using the link may be computed by dividing the second number by the predetermined period of time. A third counter may be employed to accumulate the number of bytes transferred by a link during each I/O operation. Then, average size of an I/O operation may be computed by dividing the third number by the first number and the average bandwidth per link operation may be computed by dividing the third number by the predetermined period of time. Separate sets of counters are preferably associated with each of several link types associated with a single port, thereby allowing separate statistics to be generated for each link type. The generated statistics are useful for such activities as problem resolution, load balancing and capacity planning.
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BACKGROUND ART In large data network environments, it is important to be able to obtain statistics about the performance of input/output (I/O) operations on the physical network, such as the links which connected ports of different network devices. Statistics of interest can include the number of I/O operations a link can handle (in operations per second); the bandwidth of a link (in megabytes (MB) per second); the average number of concurrent operations using a link during a time period; the average transfer length (in MB/operation); and the average link utilization per operation (in micro-seconds/operation). Such statistics may be used in real time to trigger fault procedures if a large variance from a normal value indicates the existence of a possible problem. Statistics may also kept in a log to be referenced during normal maintenance or problem resolution. Typically, statistics may be calculated by a network server, such as an Enterprise Storage Server® (ESS) sold by IBM® and may be maintained by one or more attached host devices. However, due to the large number of links between components in a network, collecting data and sampling the collected data to compute statistics can consume a large amount of valuable network resources. Consequently, it is desirable to provide for more efficient data collection and statistic generation. Moreover, each device port may include more than one link type, such as ECKD™ (extended count key data), PPRC (peer-to-peer remote copy), and SCSI (small computer system interface). Consequently, it is desirable to generate statistics on a link type basis to provide a higher level of detail than generating statistics only by port.
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Title:
Efficient accumulation of performance statistics in a multi-port network
Abstract:
Computer networks are provided with a resource efficient ability to generate link performance statistics. To calculate the average link utilization per I/O operation, a first counter accumulates the number of I/O operations processed by a link and a second counter accumulates the time required by the link to complete each I/O operation. The second value is then divided by the first value. The number of operations per second for a link may be computed by dividing the first number by a predetermined period of time and the average number of operations using the link may be computed by dividing the second number by the predetermined period of time. A third counter may be employed to accumulate the number of bytes transferred by a link during each I/O operation. Then, average size of an I/O operation may be computed by dividing the third number by the first number and the average bandwidth per link operation may be computed by dividing the third number by the predetermined period of time. Separate sets of counters are preferably associated with each of several link types associated with a single port, thereby allowing separate statistics to be generated for each link type. The generated statistics are useful for such activities as problem resolution, load balancing and capacity planning.
Background:
BACKGROUND ART In large data network environments, it is important to be able to obtain statistics about the performance of input/output (I/O) operations on the physical network, such as the links which connected ports of different network devices. Statistics of interest can include the number of I/O operations a link can handle (in operations per second); the bandwidth of a link (in megabytes (MB) per second); the average number of concurrent operations using a link during a time period; the average transfer length (in MB/operation); and the average link utilization per operation (in micro-seconds/operation). Such statistics may be used in real time to trigger fault procedures if a large variance from a normal value indicates the existence of a possible problem. Statistics may also kept in a log to be referenced during normal maintenance or problem resolution. Typically, statistics may be calculated by a network server, such as an Enterprise Storage Server® (ESS) sold by IBM® and may be maintained by one or more attached host devices. However, due to the large number of links between components in a network, collecting data and sampling the collected data to compute statistics can consume a large amount of valuable network resources. Consequently, it is desirable to provide for more efficient data collection and statistic generation. Moreover, each device port may include more than one link type, such as ECKD™ (extended count key data), PPRC (peer-to-peer remote copy), and SCSI (small computer system interface). Consequently, it is desirable to generate statistics on a link type basis to provide a higher level of detail than generating statistics only by port.
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Compositions, methods and kits relating to deletion mutations of immunodeficiency virus gp120 hypervariable regions
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The present invention relates to replication competent variants of mammalian immunodeficiency virus comprising mutations and/or deletions of the V3 hypervariable loop and compensatory mutations, as well as methods for producing such variants. The invention also relates to V3-loop deletion mammalian immunodeficiency virus mutants that have compensatory mutations, deletions of the V1/V2 loops, or both. The invention further relates to isolated Env, gp120 polypeptides, and gp41 polypeptides comprising novel mutations useful in conjunction with, or separate from, a virus of the invention, as well as nucleic acids encoding the same.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) entry is known to require a complex interaction of the viral envelope glycoprotein (Env) with CD4 and cellular chemokine receptors. HIV Env protein is produced as a precursor (gp160) that is subsequently cleaved into two parts, gp120 which binds CD4 and chemokine receptors, and gp41 which is anchored in the viral membrane and mediates membrane fusion. Differential use of chemokine receptors by HIV and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) has largely explained differences in tropism among different isolates (Berger, 1997, AIDS 11:S3-S16; Hoffman and Doms, 1998, AIDS 12:S17-S26). While a number of chemokine receptors can be utilized by HIV or SIV (Deng et al., 1997, Nature 388:296-300; Choe et al., 1996, Cell 85, 1135-1148; Rucker et al., 1997, J. Virol. 71:8999-9007; Edinger et al., 1997, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 94:14742-14747; Liao et al., 1997, J. Exp. Med. 185:2015-2023; Farzan et al., 1997, J. Exp. Med. 186:405-411), CCR5 and CXCR4 appear to be the principal coreceptors for HIV-1 (Zhang et al., 1998, J Virol. 72:9337-9344; Zhang et al., 1998, J. Virol. 72:9337-9344). Isolates of HIV that first establish infection target blood lymphocytes and macrophages using CCR5 (Alkhatib et al., 1996, Science 272:1955-1958; Deng et al., 1996, Nature 381:661-666; Dragic et al., 1996, Nature 381:667-673; Doranz et al., 1996, Cell 85:1149-1158), while viruses that are generally associated with progression to AIDS and can infect T cell lines in vitro use CXCR4 (Choe et al., 1996, Cell 85:1135-1148; Feng et al., 1996, Science 272:872-876; Connor et al., 1997, J. Exp. Med. 185:621-628). Binding of Env to CD4 initiates poorly understood conformational changes enabling gp120 to bind to a chemokine receptor and leading to fusion of the viral and cellular membranes (Jones et al., 1998, J. Biol Chem. 273:404-409; Moore et al., 1994, J. Virol. 68:469-484; Wyatt, 1992, J. Virol. 66:6997-7004; Wu et al., 1996, Nature 384:179-183). Thus, the Env glycoproteins gp120 and gp41 are important potential targets for neutralizing antibodies to HIV and SIV. As stated previously, Env is a protein structural component comprising the retroviral capsid, and is produced from a precursor molecule (gp160) that is cleaved in the Golgi, transported to the cell surface, and incorporated into virions as trimers of noncovalently associated gp120/gp41 subunits (Allan et al., 1985, Science 228:1091-1094; Chan et al.,1997, Cell 89:263-273; Earl et al., 1990, Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 87:648-652; Rizzuto et al., 2000, AIDS Res. Hum. Retroviruses 16:741-9; Pinter et al., 1989, J. Virol. 63:2674-2679; Robey et al., 1985, Science 228:593-595). Gp120 is extensively glycosylated and contains 5 conserved and 5 hypervariable regions. Four of the hypervariable regions, designated V1, V2, V3 and V4 are loops formed by intramolecular disulfide bonds and exposed on the protein surface (Modrow et al., 1987, J. Virol. 61:570-578; Starcich et al., 1986, Cell 45:637-648). In HIV-1, V1 extends from the V2 loop while in HIV-2 and SIV a more complex loop structure exists containing two additional disulfide bonds (Hoxie et al., 1991, AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 7:495-9). The conserved regions on gp120 fold into a core structure containing a recessed cavity that forms a CD4 binding site (CD4bs) and a “bridging sheet” that connects an inner and outer domain and largely forms a coreceptor binding site for CCR5 and CXCR4 (Basmaciogullari et al.,2002, J. Virol. 76:10791-800; Kwong et al., 2000, Structure Fold Des. 8:1329-39; Kwong et al., 1998, Nature 393:648-659; Rizzuto et al., 1998, Science 280:1949-1953; Wyatt et al., 1998, Nature 393:705-711). Conserved regions on the gp120 core also likely abut gp41 in the Env trimer and are exposed only if it dissociates from gp41 (Kwong et al., 2000, J. Virol. 74:1961-1972). Gp41 contains two heptad repeat regions, HR1 and HR2, and a hydrophobic amino-terminal fusion peptide required to initiate lipid mixing between viral and cell membranes (Martin et al., 1996, J. Virol. 70:298-304; Pereira et al., 1997, Biophys. J. 73:1977-86; Weng et al., 2000, J. Virol. 74:5368-5372; Wild et al.,1994, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91:9770-4). Cell entry by HIV and SIV is initiated by an interaction of gp120 with CD4, leading to extensive conformational changes that, measured on monomeric gp120, are associated with a loss of entropic freedom (Myszka et al., 2000, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci U.S.A.97:9026-903 1), movement of hypervariable loops V1/V2 and V3 (Moore et al., 1993, J. Virol. 67:6136-6151; Sattentau et al., 1993, J. Virol. 67:7383-7393; Wyatt et al., 1995, J. Virol. 69:5723-5733; Wyatt et al., 1993, J. Virol. 67:4557-4565), and the exposure and/or formation of the bridging sheet (Myszka et al., 2000, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci U.S.A.97:9026-9031). V3 and particularly the β19 strand within the bridging sheet likely bind to the chemokine receptor and, at least for CCR5, create a high affinity interaction (Cormier et al., 2002, J. Virol. 76:8953-7; Dragic et al., 2001, J. Gen. Virol. 82:1807-14; Farzan et al., 1999, Cell 96:667-76; Trkola et al., 1996, Nature 384:184-7). V3 mediates specificity (i.e., determines whether CXCR4 or CCR5 are utilized) and likely interacts with extracellular loops of chemokine receptors, while the bridging sheet likely interacts with both receptors, and at least for CCR5 probably binds to the N-terminus (Basmaciogullari et al.,2002, J. Virol. 76:10791-800; Dragic et al., 2001, J. Gen. Virol. 82:1807-14; Farzan et al., 2002, J. Biol. Chem. 277:40397-402; Farzan et al., 2000, J. Biol. Chem. 275:33516-21; Rizzuto et al., 2000, AIDS Res. Hum. Retroviruses 16:741-9; Rizzuto et al., 1998, Science 280:1949-1953). Subsequent to or concurrent with chemokine receptor binding, the gp41 fusion peptide inserts into the membrane of the cell, and gp41 undergoes a conformational rearrangement in which HR1 and HR2, in the context of a trimer, associate in an antiparallel manner to form a highly stable six helix bundle, thereby bringing the viral and cell membranes into close proximity and inducing membrane fusion (Matthews et al., 1994, Immunol. Rev. 140:93-104; Melikyan et al., 2000, J. Cell Biol. 151:413-23). Thus, beginning with CD4 engagement, gp120 and gp41 undergo a highly coordinated sequence of events that involve extensive conformational changes and inter- and intra-molecular interactions as chemokine receptors are engaged and viral and cell membranes are brought together. Given the complexity of viral entry and the numerous steps that could be blocked by antibody binding, it is remarkable that the humoral response in infected hosts fails to arrest this process. Initial antibody responses are directed against epitopes that are revealed only on dissociated gp120 monomers and exhibit limited or no reactivity with Env trimers (Parren et al., 1999, AIDS 13:S137-S162; Wyatt et al., 1998, Nature 393:705-711). Although neutralizing antibodies are produced within one month after infection, these are type-specific and directed primarily against variable loops V1/V2 and V3, which can tolerate extensive genetic changes, and viral escape mutants are rapidly generated (Richman et al., 2003, Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA 100:4144-9). Broadly neutralizing antibodies are either not produced or are produced only late after infection and in low titer (Richman et al., 2003, Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA 100:4144-9; Wyatt et al., 1998, Science 280:1884-1888). The basis for HIV's neutralization resistance likely arises from a number of structural attributes of Env, and in particular a lack of exposure, accessibility or immunogenicity of functionally important epitopes on the assembled Env trimer (Fouts et al., 1997, J. Virol. 71:2779-85; Kwong et al., 2000, Structure Fold Des 8:1329-39; Parren et al., 1999, AIDS 13:S137-S162; Sullivan et al., 1998, J. Virol. 72:6332-8). First, as noted above, substantial portions of surface exposed regions on gp120 contain N-linked carbohydrates, which are poorly immunogenic and capable of masking underlying domains, a property initially termed “carbohydrate cloaking” (Kwong et al., 2000, Structure Fold Des 8:1329-39) and more recently, the “glycan shield” (Wei et al., 2003, Nature 422:307-12). Second, gp120 undergoes extensive thermodynamic changes following CD4 binding with a large increase in enthalpy (ΔH) and a decrease in entropy (ΔS), reflecting increased molecular ordering and an extensive loss of conformational flexibility (Myszka et al., 2000, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci U.S.A.97:9026-903 1). It has been proposed that the intrinsic flexibility of gp120 prior to CD4 triggering could in itself mask epitopes for broadly neutralizing antibodies (Kwong, et al., 2002, Nature 420:678-82; Myszka et al., 2000, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci U.S.A.97:9026-903 1). Third, although crystallographic resolution of variable loops has not been achieved, two critical functional domains, the CD4bs and bridging sheet, are flanked by the V1/V2 and V3 loops, which are well positioned to restrict access to these conserved functional domains prior to CD4 triggering. Fourth, there are likely to be additional steric constraints on antibody binding to core domains in the context of an oligomeric Env trimer during its interaction with CD4 and chemokine receptors on target cell surface. Indeed, for some human monoclonal antibodies to CD4-induced epitopes that partially overlap the bridging sheet, their neutralizing activity is markedly enhanced as Fab and single chain (scFv) fragments compared to their intact immunoglobulins (Labrijn et al., 2003, J. Virol. 77: In Press; Moulard et al., 2002, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 99:6913-8). Despite these obstacles, anti-HIV-1 Env human monoclonal antibodies have been characterized that exhibit, to varying degrees, broadly neutralizing activity. These include b12, reactive with the CD4bs (Kessler, et al., 1997, AIDS Res. Hum. Retroviruses 13:575-582); 17b, 48d, X5, and others reactive with CD4-induced epitopes on the gp120 core (Moulard et al., 2002, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 99:6913-8114; Xiang et al., 2002, AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 18:1207-17); 2G12, reactive with an exposed conformational epitope on gp120 determined by high mannose carbohydrates (Calarese et al., 2003, Science 300:2065-71; Trkola et al., 1996, J. Virol. 70:1100-1108); and 2F5 and other monoclonal antibodies reactive with linear epitopes on the membrane proximal region of gp41 (Muster et al.,1993, J. Virol. 67:6642-6647; Parker et al., 2001, J. Virol. 75:10906-11; Zwick et al., 2001, J. Virol. 75:10892-905). As noted above, passive administration of combinations of these antibodies has protected animals from mucosal and parenteral challenges with pathogenic SHIVs (Baba et al., 2000, Nature Med. 6:200-206; Mascola et al., 1999, J. Virol. 73:4009-4018; Mascola et al., 2000, Nat. Med. 6:207-210; Ruprecht et al., 2003, Vaccine 21:3370-3). Recent studies have provided insights into remarkable structural attributes of some of these antibodies that contribute to their neutralizing activity including 1) extended CDR3 loops that can access recessed domains (Choe et al., 2003, Cell 114:161-70; Saphire et al., 2001, Acta. Crystal. D. Biol. Crystal. 57:168-71); 2) novel conformational rearrangements in heavy and light chain domains that increase the number of contact sites (Calarese et al., 2003, Science 300:2065-71); 3) variable domains that mimic CD4 (Saphire et al., 2001, Acta. Crystal. D. Biol. Crystal. 57:168-71); and 4) tyrosine sulfation at their antigen binding sites that likely mimics the sulfated N-terminus of CCR5 (Choe et al., 2003, Cell 114:161-70). Although the challenge of generating such antibodies with vaccine preparations may seem daunting, the monoclonal antibodies noted above were all derived from infected humans, and thus provide a strong indication that native immune responses to HIV exist that will produce broadly neutralizing antibodies when immunogens are designed that elicit them. Given the failure of monomeric gp120 to elicit antibodies that neutralize or even react with native Env trimers of diverse isolates (Parren et al., 1999, AIDS 13:S137-S162), it is likely that Env-based immunogens will need to present relevant epitopes in the context of trimeric Env. Although attempts are underway to stabilize soluble Env trimers (Binley et al., 2000, J. Virol. 74:627-643; Yang et al., 2000, J. Virol. 74:5716-5725; Yang et al., 2002, J. Virol. 76:4634-42) or to present trimers on inactivated viral particles (Lifson et al., 2002, J. Med. Primatol. 31:205-16; Willey et al., 2003, J. Virol. 77:1163-74) or proteoliposomes (Grundner et al., 2002, J. Virol. 76:3511-21), little is known about modifications of Env that can enhance neutralizing antibody responses. Approaches have included gp120s that are deleted of variable loops (Barnett et al., 2001, J. Virol. 75:5526-40; Kim et al., 2003, Virology 305:124-37; Lu et al., 1998, AIDS Res. Hum. Retroviruses 14:151-5; Sanders et al., 2000, J. Virol. 74:5091-5100; Srivastava et al., 2003, J. Virol. 77:2310-20; Stamatatos et al., 1998, AIDS Res.Hum.Retrbviruses 14:1129-1139), deglycosylated (Bolmstedt et al., 2001, Vaccine 20:397-405; Reitter et al., 1998, Nature Med. 4:679-684), bound to CD4 (Dey et al., 2003, J. Virol. 77:2859-65; Fouts et al., 2002, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 99:11842-7), or structurally modified to mimic a CD4-bound state (Xiang et al., 2002, J. Virol. 76:9888-99). Given the conserved nature of gp120 core domains between a neutralization-sensitive, lab-adapted isolate and a neutralization-resistant, primary isolate (Kwong et al., 2000, Structure Fold Des 8:1329-39), it is likely that differences in the overlying hypervariable loops play a central role in determining neutralization resistance, providing some rationale for deleting these structures from potential immunogens. Moreover, broadly neutralizing antibodies tend to recognize discontinuous epitopes on the gp120 core while type specific antibodies react with variable loops (Ho et al.,1991, J. Virol. 65:489-493; Posner et al., 1991, J. Immunol. 146:4325-4332; Thali et al., 1992, J. Virol. 66(9):5635; Trkola et al., 1996, Nature 384:184-7; Wu et al., 1996, Nature 384:179-183). A drawback to genetic or biochemical modifications of gp120 is the potential to disrupt Env structure, ablating relevant epitopes that are exposed during entry. In this regard, Envs have been derived from HIV-1 (Wyatt et al., 1993, J. Virol. 67:4557-4565), SIV (Johnson et al., 2003, J. Virol. 77:375-81; Puffer et al., 2002, J. Virol. 76:2595-605) and SHIVs (Stamatatos et al., 1998, J. Virol. 72:7840-7845) with V1 and/or V2 deletions that remain replication competent, thereby preserving key functional domains. In one study soluble Env from a replication competent SHIV with a V2 deletion elicited a more broadly reactive and qualitatively different humoral immune response with increased reactivity to V3 and C5 domains (Barnett et al., 2001, J. Virol. 75:5526-40). However, this “minimalist” approach to Env modification has been limited by the extent to which Envs retain function and by inference biologically relevant domains after variable loops are deleted (Kim et al., 2003, Virology 305:124-37; Wyatt et al., 1993, J. Virol. 67:4557-4565). Studies with soluble Envs containing more extensive variable loop deletions have been disappointing, likely due to perturbations in Env structure (Kim et al., 2003, Virology 305:124-37; Sanders et al., 2000, J. Virol. 74:5091-5100). Indeed, even partial deletions of the V3 loop (Wyatt et al., 1998, Nature 393:705-711) have resulted in fusion-defective Envs (Wyatt et al., 1995, J. Virol. 69:5723-5733; Wyatt et al., 1993, J. Virol. 67:4557-4565), consistent with its importance in coreceptor binding (Dragic et al., 2001, J. Gen. Virol. 82:1807-14). HIV is particularly adept in evading humoral immune responses, a feature that likely contributes to the ability of this virus to establish a persistent infection. Although neutralizing antibodies are produced to viral envelope glycoproteins (Env), such antibodies are characteristically directed to hypervariable loops on gp120 (V1/V2 and V3), which can tolerate extensive genetic variation. These antibodies are in general “type specific” and easily circumvented by ongoing viral mutations. The variable loops also serve to protect domains on the core of gp120, which include highly conserved binding sites for CD4 and chemokine receptors (CCR5 and CXCR4) that are required for entry into target cells. In order for broadly neutralizing antibodies to be produced against HIV, it is likely that these and/or other conserved domains will need to be targeted. A priority for HIV vaccine research efforts is to develop envelope-based immunogens that can elicit these antibodies. For one simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) and for HIV-1 Env proteins, it has been shown that V1/V2 can be deleted while preserving replication competence. These V1/V2-deleted viruses have exhibited novel biological properties including CD4-independence, increased neutralization sensitivity, and/or attenuated pathogenicity. In the SIV model, these proteins are under evaluation as vaccine candidates. However, to date, viruses with V3 deletions have not been generated, and it has been generally viewed that the V3 loop is indispensable for viral entry. It has been an ongoing objective to identify determinants of HIV infectivity as well as determinants that enable it to evade the host immune response in order to gain an understanding of the means by which the virus establishes and maintains infection in the host. Despite the critical nature of the gp120 V1/V2 loops, it has been shown that deletion of the V1/V2 loops from HIV-1 (and SIV) does not abolish viral infectivity. Accordingly, there is a long-felt need to understand the minimal elements of the envelope glycoprotein that are essential for infection, as well as those that are required for immune evasion. Such an understanding is crucial to the development of immunogens capable of eliciting broadly neutralizing antibodies to HIV. There is an urgent need to develop a vaccine that can prevent HIV infection. Evidence from infected humans and nonhuman primate models suggests both cellular and humoral immune responses can exert at least some control of virus infection in vivo (Amara et al., 2001, Science 292:69-74, Barouch et al., 2000, Science 290:486-92; Borrow et al., 1994, Journal of Virology 68:6103-6110; Egan et al., 2000, J. Virol. 74:7485-95; Gauduin et al., 1997, Nature Med. 3:1389-1393; Jin et al., 1999, J. Exp. Med. 189:991-998; Johnson et al., 2003, J. Virol. 77:375-81; Koup et al., 1994, J. Virol. 68:4650-4655; Kuroda et al., 1999, J. Immunol. 162:5127-5133; Mascola et al., 1999, J. Virol. 73:4009-4018; Mascola et al., 2000, Nat. Med. 6:207-210; Matano et al., 1998, J. Virol. 72:164-9; Parren et al., 2001, J. Virol. 75:8340-7; Schmitz et al., 1999, Science 283:857-860; Schmitz et al., 2003, J. Virol. 77:2165-73; Seth et al., 2000, J. Virol. 74:2502-9), and there is a growing consensus that both will be required to develop a vaccine that either blocks transmission or prevents disease onset (McMichael et al., 2003, Nature Med. 9:874-80). In addition, for protective immunity to be achieved, there is increasing evidence that broadly neutralizing antibodies will be required. Vaccines that elicit a primarily cellular immune response can delay or possibly prevent the onset of disease but in general fail to prevent infection (Barouch et al., 2000, Science 290:486-92; Robinson et al., 1999, Nature Med. 5:526-534; Shiver et al., 2002, Nature 415:331-5). However, in some animal models the level of neutralizing antibodies has correlated with protection from a viral challenge (Berman et al., 1992, J. Virol. 66:4464-9; Emini et al., 1992, Nature 355:728-730; Nishimura et al., 2002, J. Virol. 76:2123-30; Parren et al., 2001, J. Virol. 75:8340-7), and protection from parenteral and mucosal challenges has been achieved by passive administration of neutralizing monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies (Baba et al., 2000, Nature Med. 6:200-206; Mascola et al., 1999, J. Virol. 73:4009-4018; Mascola et al., 2000, Nat. Med. 6:207-210; Poignard et al., 1999, Immunity. 10:431-438; Ruprecht et al., 2003, Vaccine 21:3370-3; Shibata, et al., 1999, Nat. Med. 5:204-210). Unfortunately, while it has become clear that broadly neutralizing antibodies are highly desirable, to date no immunogen has been able to elicit them with any degree of efficiency (McMichael et al., 2003, Nat. Med. 9:874-80). It is therefore crucial for research to address why an infected host fails to produce these antibodies and how vaccines can be designed that will overcome this obstacle. To date, the ability of HIV-1 to escape the immune system has hindered development of efficacious vaccines to this important human pathogen. Thus, there is a long-felt and unfilled need for the development of effective vaccines and therapeutic modalities for HIV-1 infection in humans. The present invention meets those needs.
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Title:
Compositions, methods and kits relating to deletion mutations of immunodeficiency virus gp120 hypervariable regions
Abstract:
The present invention relates to replication competent variants of mammalian immunodeficiency virus comprising mutations and/or deletions of the V3 hypervariable loop and compensatory mutations, as well as methods for producing such variants. The invention also relates to V3-loop deletion mammalian immunodeficiency virus mutants that have compensatory mutations, deletions of the V1/V2 loops, or both. The invention further relates to isolated Env, gp120 polypeptides, and gp41 polypeptides comprising novel mutations useful in conjunction with, or separate from, a virus of the invention, as well as nucleic acids encoding the same.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) entry is known to require a complex interaction of the viral envelope glycoprotein (Env) with CD4 and cellular chemokine receptors. HIV Env protein is produced as a precursor (gp160) that is subsequently cleaved into two parts, gp120 which binds CD4 and chemokine receptors, and gp41 which is anchored in the viral membrane and mediates membrane fusion. Differential use of chemokine receptors by HIV and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) has largely explained differences in tropism among different isolates (Berger, 1997, AIDS 11:S3-S16; Hoffman and Doms, 1998, AIDS 12:S17-S26). While a number of chemokine receptors can be utilized by HIV or SIV (Deng et al., 1997, Nature 388:296-300; Choe et al., 1996, Cell 85, 1135-1148; Rucker et al., 1997, J. Virol. 71:8999-9007; Edinger et al., 1997, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 94:14742-14747; Liao et al., 1997, J. Exp. Med. 185:2015-2023; Farzan et al., 1997, J. Exp. Med. 186:405-411), CCR5 and CXCR4 appear to be the principal coreceptors for HIV-1 (Zhang et al., 1998, J Virol. 72:9337-9344; Zhang et al., 1998, J. Virol. 72:9337-9344). Isolates of HIV that first establish infection target blood lymphocytes and macrophages using CCR5 (Alkhatib et al., 1996, Science 272:1955-1958; Deng et al., 1996, Nature 381:661-666; Dragic et al., 1996, Nature 381:667-673; Doranz et al., 1996, Cell 85:1149-1158), while viruses that are generally associated with progression to AIDS and can infect T cell lines in vitro use CXCR4 (Choe et al., 1996, Cell 85:1135-1148; Feng et al., 1996, Science 272:872-876; Connor et al., 1997, J. Exp. Med. 185:621-628). Binding of Env to CD4 initiates poorly understood conformational changes enabling gp120 to bind to a chemokine receptor and leading to fusion of the viral and cellular membranes (Jones et al., 1998, J. Biol Chem. 273:404-409; Moore et al., 1994, J. Virol. 68:469-484; Wyatt, 1992, J. Virol. 66:6997-7004; Wu et al., 1996, Nature 384:179-183). Thus, the Env glycoproteins gp120 and gp41 are important potential targets for neutralizing antibodies to HIV and SIV. As stated previously, Env is a protein structural component comprising the retroviral capsid, and is produced from a precursor molecule (gp160) that is cleaved in the Golgi, transported to the cell surface, and incorporated into virions as trimers of noncovalently associated gp120/gp41 subunits (Allan et al., 1985, Science 228:1091-1094; Chan et al.,1997, Cell 89:263-273; Earl et al., 1990, Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 87:648-652; Rizzuto et al., 2000, AIDS Res. Hum. Retroviruses 16:741-9; Pinter et al., 1989, J. Virol. 63:2674-2679; Robey et al., 1985, Science 228:593-595). Gp120 is extensively glycosylated and contains 5 conserved and 5 hypervariable regions. Four of the hypervariable regions, designated V1, V2, V3 and V4 are loops formed by intramolecular disulfide bonds and exposed on the protein surface (Modrow et al., 1987, J. Virol. 61:570-578; Starcich et al., 1986, Cell 45:637-648). In HIV-1, V1 extends from the V2 loop while in HIV-2 and SIV a more complex loop structure exists containing two additional disulfide bonds (Hoxie et al., 1991, AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 7:495-9). The conserved regions on gp120 fold into a core structure containing a recessed cavity that forms a CD4 binding site (CD4bs) and a “bridging sheet” that connects an inner and outer domain and largely forms a coreceptor binding site for CCR5 and CXCR4 (Basmaciogullari et al.,2002, J. Virol. 76:10791-800; Kwong et al., 2000, Structure Fold Des. 8:1329-39; Kwong et al., 1998, Nature 393:648-659; Rizzuto et al., 1998, Science 280:1949-1953; Wyatt et al., 1998, Nature 393:705-711). Conserved regions on the gp120 core also likely abut gp41 in the Env trimer and are exposed only if it dissociates from gp41 (Kwong et al., 2000, J. Virol. 74:1961-1972). Gp41 contains two heptad repeat regions, HR1 and HR2, and a hydrophobic amino-terminal fusion peptide required to initiate lipid mixing between viral and cell membranes (Martin et al., 1996, J. Virol. 70:298-304; Pereira et al., 1997, Biophys. J. 73:1977-86; Weng et al., 2000, J. Virol. 74:5368-5372; Wild et al.,1994, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91:9770-4). Cell entry by HIV and SIV is initiated by an interaction of gp120 with CD4, leading to extensive conformational changes that, measured on monomeric gp120, are associated with a loss of entropic freedom (Myszka et al., 2000, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci U.S.A.97:9026-903 1), movement of hypervariable loops V1/V2 and V3 (Moore et al., 1993, J. Virol. 67:6136-6151; Sattentau et al., 1993, J. Virol. 67:7383-7393; Wyatt et al., 1995, J. Virol. 69:5723-5733; Wyatt et al., 1993, J. Virol. 67:4557-4565), and the exposure and/or formation of the bridging sheet (Myszka et al., 2000, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci U.S.A.97:9026-9031). V3 and particularly the β19 strand within the bridging sheet likely bind to the chemokine receptor and, at least for CCR5, create a high affinity interaction (Cormier et al., 2002, J. Virol. 76:8953-7; Dragic et al., 2001, J. Gen. Virol. 82:1807-14; Farzan et al., 1999, Cell 96:667-76; Trkola et al., 1996, Nature 384:184-7). V3 mediates specificity (i.e., determines whether CXCR4 or CCR5 are utilized) and likely interacts with extracellular loops of chemokine receptors, while the bridging sheet likely interacts with both receptors, and at least for CCR5 probably binds to the N-terminus (Basmaciogullari et al.,2002, J. Virol. 76:10791-800; Dragic et al., 2001, J. Gen. Virol. 82:1807-14; Farzan et al., 2002, J. Biol. Chem. 277:40397-402; Farzan et al., 2000, J. Biol. Chem. 275:33516-21; Rizzuto et al., 2000, AIDS Res. Hum. Retroviruses 16:741-9; Rizzuto et al., 1998, Science 280:1949-1953). Subsequent to or concurrent with chemokine receptor binding, the gp41 fusion peptide inserts into the membrane of the cell, and gp41 undergoes a conformational rearrangement in which HR1 and HR2, in the context of a trimer, associate in an antiparallel manner to form a highly stable six helix bundle, thereby bringing the viral and cell membranes into close proximity and inducing membrane fusion (Matthews et al., 1994, Immunol. Rev. 140:93-104; Melikyan et al., 2000, J. Cell Biol. 151:413-23). Thus, beginning with CD4 engagement, gp120 and gp41 undergo a highly coordinated sequence of events that involve extensive conformational changes and inter- and intra-molecular interactions as chemokine receptors are engaged and viral and cell membranes are brought together. Given the complexity of viral entry and the numerous steps that could be blocked by antibody binding, it is remarkable that the humoral response in infected hosts fails to arrest this process. Initial antibody responses are directed against epitopes that are revealed only on dissociated gp120 monomers and exhibit limited or no reactivity with Env trimers (Parren et al., 1999, AIDS 13:S137-S162; Wyatt et al., 1998, Nature 393:705-711). Although neutralizing antibodies are produced within one month after infection, these are type-specific and directed primarily against variable loops V1/V2 and V3, which can tolerate extensive genetic changes, and viral escape mutants are rapidly generated (Richman et al., 2003, Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA 100:4144-9). Broadly neutralizing antibodies are either not produced or are produced only late after infection and in low titer (Richman et al., 2003, Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA 100:4144-9; Wyatt et al., 1998, Science 280:1884-1888). The basis for HIV's neutralization resistance likely arises from a number of structural attributes of Env, and in particular a lack of exposure, accessibility or immunogenicity of functionally important epitopes on the assembled Env trimer (Fouts et al., 1997, J. Virol. 71:2779-85; Kwong et al., 2000, Structure Fold Des 8:1329-39; Parren et al., 1999, AIDS 13:S137-S162; Sullivan et al., 1998, J. Virol. 72:6332-8). First, as noted above, substantial portions of surface exposed regions on gp120 contain N-linked carbohydrates, which are poorly immunogenic and capable of masking underlying domains, a property initially termed “carbohydrate cloaking” (Kwong et al., 2000, Structure Fold Des 8:1329-39) and more recently, the “glycan shield” (Wei et al., 2003, Nature 422:307-12). Second, gp120 undergoes extensive thermodynamic changes following CD4 binding with a large increase in enthalpy (ΔH) and a decrease in entropy (ΔS), reflecting increased molecular ordering and an extensive loss of conformational flexibility (Myszka et al., 2000, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci U.S.A.97:9026-903 1). It has been proposed that the intrinsic flexibility of gp120 prior to CD4 triggering could in itself mask epitopes for broadly neutralizing antibodies (Kwong, et al., 2002, Nature 420:678-82; Myszka et al., 2000, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci U.S.A.97:9026-903 1). Third, although crystallographic resolution of variable loops has not been achieved, two critical functional domains, the CD4bs and bridging sheet, are flanked by the V1/V2 and V3 loops, which are well positioned to restrict access to these conserved functional domains prior to CD4 triggering. Fourth, there are likely to be additional steric constraints on antibody binding to core domains in the context of an oligomeric Env trimer during its interaction with CD4 and chemokine receptors on target cell surface. Indeed, for some human monoclonal antibodies to CD4-induced epitopes that partially overlap the bridging sheet, their neutralizing activity is markedly enhanced as Fab and single chain (scFv) fragments compared to their intact immunoglobulins (Labrijn et al., 2003, J. Virol. 77: In Press; Moulard et al., 2002, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 99:6913-8). Despite these obstacles, anti-HIV-1 Env human monoclonal antibodies have been characterized that exhibit, to varying degrees, broadly neutralizing activity. These include b12, reactive with the CD4bs (Kessler, et al., 1997, AIDS Res. Hum. Retroviruses 13:575-582); 17b, 48d, X5, and others reactive with CD4-induced epitopes on the gp120 core (Moulard et al., 2002, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 99:6913-8114; Xiang et al., 2002, AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 18:1207-17); 2G12, reactive with an exposed conformational epitope on gp120 determined by high mannose carbohydrates (Calarese et al., 2003, Science 300:2065-71; Trkola et al., 1996, J. Virol. 70:1100-1108); and 2F5 and other monoclonal antibodies reactive with linear epitopes on the membrane proximal region of gp41 (Muster et al.,1993, J. Virol. 67:6642-6647; Parker et al., 2001, J. Virol. 75:10906-11; Zwick et al., 2001, J. Virol. 75:10892-905). As noted above, passive administration of combinations of these antibodies has protected animals from mucosal and parenteral challenges with pathogenic SHIVs (Baba et al., 2000, Nature Med. 6:200-206; Mascola et al., 1999, J. Virol. 73:4009-4018; Mascola et al., 2000, Nat. Med. 6:207-210; Ruprecht et al., 2003, Vaccine 21:3370-3). Recent studies have provided insights into remarkable structural attributes of some of these antibodies that contribute to their neutralizing activity including 1) extended CDR3 loops that can access recessed domains (Choe et al., 2003, Cell 114:161-70; Saphire et al., 2001, Acta. Crystal. D. Biol. Crystal. 57:168-71); 2) novel conformational rearrangements in heavy and light chain domains that increase the number of contact sites (Calarese et al., 2003, Science 300:2065-71); 3) variable domains that mimic CD4 (Saphire et al., 2001, Acta. Crystal. D. Biol. Crystal. 57:168-71); and 4) tyrosine sulfation at their antigen binding sites that likely mimics the sulfated N-terminus of CCR5 (Choe et al., 2003, Cell 114:161-70). Although the challenge of generating such antibodies with vaccine preparations may seem daunting, the monoclonal antibodies noted above were all derived from infected humans, and thus provide a strong indication that native immune responses to HIV exist that will produce broadly neutralizing antibodies when immunogens are designed that elicit them. Given the failure of monomeric gp120 to elicit antibodies that neutralize or even react with native Env trimers of diverse isolates (Parren et al., 1999, AIDS 13:S137-S162), it is likely that Env-based immunogens will need to present relevant epitopes in the context of trimeric Env. Although attempts are underway to stabilize soluble Env trimers (Binley et al., 2000, J. Virol. 74:627-643; Yang et al., 2000, J. Virol. 74:5716-5725; Yang et al., 2002, J. Virol. 76:4634-42) or to present trimers on inactivated viral particles (Lifson et al., 2002, J. Med. Primatol. 31:205-16; Willey et al., 2003, J. Virol. 77:1163-74) or proteoliposomes (Grundner et al., 2002, J. Virol. 76:3511-21), little is known about modifications of Env that can enhance neutralizing antibody responses. Approaches have included gp120s that are deleted of variable loops (Barnett et al., 2001, J. Virol. 75:5526-40; Kim et al., 2003, Virology 305:124-37; Lu et al., 1998, AIDS Res. Hum. Retroviruses 14:151-5; Sanders et al., 2000, J. Virol. 74:5091-5100; Srivastava et al., 2003, J. Virol. 77:2310-20; Stamatatos et al., 1998, AIDS Res.Hum.Retrbviruses 14:1129-1139), deglycosylated (Bolmstedt et al., 2001, Vaccine 20:397-405; Reitter et al., 1998, Nature Med. 4:679-684), bound to CD4 (Dey et al., 2003, J. Virol. 77:2859-65; Fouts et al., 2002, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 99:11842-7), or structurally modified to mimic a CD4-bound state (Xiang et al., 2002, J. Virol. 76:9888-99). Given the conserved nature of gp120 core domains between a neutralization-sensitive, lab-adapted isolate and a neutralization-resistant, primary isolate (Kwong et al., 2000, Structure Fold Des 8:1329-39), it is likely that differences in the overlying hypervariable loops play a central role in determining neutralization resistance, providing some rationale for deleting these structures from potential immunogens. Moreover, broadly neutralizing antibodies tend to recognize discontinuous epitopes on the gp120 core while type specific antibodies react with variable loops (Ho et al.,1991, J. Virol. 65:489-493; Posner et al., 1991, J. Immunol. 146:4325-4332; Thali et al., 1992, J. Virol. 66(9):5635; Trkola et al., 1996, Nature 384:184-7; Wu et al., 1996, Nature 384:179-183). A drawback to genetic or biochemical modifications of gp120 is the potential to disrupt Env structure, ablating relevant epitopes that are exposed during entry. In this regard, Envs have been derived from HIV-1 (Wyatt et al., 1993, J. Virol. 67:4557-4565), SIV (Johnson et al., 2003, J. Virol. 77:375-81; Puffer et al., 2002, J. Virol. 76:2595-605) and SHIVs (Stamatatos et al., 1998, J. Virol. 72:7840-7845) with V1 and/or V2 deletions that remain replication competent, thereby preserving key functional domains. In one study soluble Env from a replication competent SHIV with a V2 deletion elicited a more broadly reactive and qualitatively different humoral immune response with increased reactivity to V3 and C5 domains (Barnett et al., 2001, J. Virol. 75:5526-40). However, this “minimalist” approach to Env modification has been limited by the extent to which Envs retain function and by inference biologically relevant domains after variable loops are deleted (Kim et al., 2003, Virology 305:124-37; Wyatt et al., 1993, J. Virol. 67:4557-4565). Studies with soluble Envs containing more extensive variable loop deletions have been disappointing, likely due to perturbations in Env structure (Kim et al., 2003, Virology 305:124-37; Sanders et al., 2000, J. Virol. 74:5091-5100). Indeed, even partial deletions of the V3 loop (Wyatt et al., 1998, Nature 393:705-711) have resulted in fusion-defective Envs (Wyatt et al., 1995, J. Virol. 69:5723-5733; Wyatt et al., 1993, J. Virol. 67:4557-4565), consistent with its importance in coreceptor binding (Dragic et al., 2001, J. Gen. Virol. 82:1807-14). HIV is particularly adept in evading humoral immune responses, a feature that likely contributes to the ability of this virus to establish a persistent infection. Although neutralizing antibodies are produced to viral envelope glycoproteins (Env), such antibodies are characteristically directed to hypervariable loops on gp120 (V1/V2 and V3), which can tolerate extensive genetic variation. These antibodies are in general “type specific” and easily circumvented by ongoing viral mutations. The variable loops also serve to protect domains on the core of gp120, which include highly conserved binding sites for CD4 and chemokine receptors (CCR5 and CXCR4) that are required for entry into target cells. In order for broadly neutralizing antibodies to be produced against HIV, it is likely that these and/or other conserved domains will need to be targeted. A priority for HIV vaccine research efforts is to develop envelope-based immunogens that can elicit these antibodies. For one simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) and for HIV-1 Env proteins, it has been shown that V1/V2 can be deleted while preserving replication competence. These V1/V2-deleted viruses have exhibited novel biological properties including CD4-independence, increased neutralization sensitivity, and/or attenuated pathogenicity. In the SIV model, these proteins are under evaluation as vaccine candidates. However, to date, viruses with V3 deletions have not been generated, and it has been generally viewed that the V3 loop is indispensable for viral entry. It has been an ongoing objective to identify determinants of HIV infectivity as well as determinants that enable it to evade the host immune response in order to gain an understanding of the means by which the virus establishes and maintains infection in the host. Despite the critical nature of the gp120 V1/V2 loops, it has been shown that deletion of the V1/V2 loops from HIV-1 (and SIV) does not abolish viral infectivity. Accordingly, there is a long-felt need to understand the minimal elements of the envelope glycoprotein that are essential for infection, as well as those that are required for immune evasion. Such an understanding is crucial to the development of immunogens capable of eliciting broadly neutralizing antibodies to HIV. There is an urgent need to develop a vaccine that can prevent HIV infection. Evidence from infected humans and nonhuman primate models suggests both cellular and humoral immune responses can exert at least some control of virus infection in vivo (Amara et al., 2001, Science 292:69-74, Barouch et al., 2000, Science 290:486-92; Borrow et al., 1994, Journal of Virology 68:6103-6110; Egan et al., 2000, J. Virol. 74:7485-95; Gauduin et al., 1997, Nature Med. 3:1389-1393; Jin et al., 1999, J. Exp. Med. 189:991-998; Johnson et al., 2003, J. Virol. 77:375-81; Koup et al., 1994, J. Virol. 68:4650-4655; Kuroda et al., 1999, J. Immunol. 162:5127-5133; Mascola et al., 1999, J. Virol. 73:4009-4018; Mascola et al., 2000, Nat. Med. 6:207-210; Matano et al., 1998, J. Virol. 72:164-9; Parren et al., 2001, J. Virol. 75:8340-7; Schmitz et al., 1999, Science 283:857-860; Schmitz et al., 2003, J. Virol. 77:2165-73; Seth et al., 2000, J. Virol. 74:2502-9), and there is a growing consensus that both will be required to develop a vaccine that either blocks transmission or prevents disease onset (McMichael et al., 2003, Nature Med. 9:874-80). In addition, for protective immunity to be achieved, there is increasing evidence that broadly neutralizing antibodies will be required. Vaccines that elicit a primarily cellular immune response can delay or possibly prevent the onset of disease but in general fail to prevent infection (Barouch et al., 2000, Science 290:486-92; Robinson et al., 1999, Nature Med. 5:526-534; Shiver et al., 2002, Nature 415:331-5). However, in some animal models the level of neutralizing antibodies has correlated with protection from a viral challenge (Berman et al., 1992, J. Virol. 66:4464-9; Emini et al., 1992, Nature 355:728-730; Nishimura et al., 2002, J. Virol. 76:2123-30; Parren et al., 2001, J. Virol. 75:8340-7), and protection from parenteral and mucosal challenges has been achieved by passive administration of neutralizing monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies (Baba et al., 2000, Nature Med. 6:200-206; Mascola et al., 1999, J. Virol. 73:4009-4018; Mascola et al., 2000, Nat. Med. 6:207-210; Poignard et al., 1999, Immunity. 10:431-438; Ruprecht et al., 2003, Vaccine 21:3370-3; Shibata, et al., 1999, Nat. Med. 5:204-210). Unfortunately, while it has become clear that broadly neutralizing antibodies are highly desirable, to date no immunogen has been able to elicit them with any degree of efficiency (McMichael et al., 2003, Nat. Med. 9:874-80). It is therefore crucial for research to address why an infected host fails to produce these antibodies and how vaccines can be designed that will overcome this obstacle. To date, the ability of HIV-1 to escape the immune system has hindered development of efficacious vaccines to this important human pathogen. Thus, there is a long-felt and unfilled need for the development of effective vaccines and therapeutic modalities for HIV-1 infection in humans. The present invention meets those needs.
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10850323
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Conveyor belt cleaning system
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An assembly and method for cleaning a conveyor belt system is disclosed. The cleaning assembly is for removing liquids and solids from an endless conveyor belt, the assembly includes a plurality of laterally extending liquid absorbent material sheets disposed adjacent the belt, with the sheets collectively defining a contact face that is engageable with the belt for wiping liquids from the belt.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a system for cleaning conveyor belts, and particularly to a cleaning assembly for dual conveyor belt systems. A conveyor system employing an endless belt may, over time, require cleaning of the belt surface. This is particularly true when the belt is used for conveying an article during processing of the article where portions of the article, in one form or another, are transformed. Such transformations may be accomplished by, for example, applying pressure or heat to the article being conveyed. One form of such a conveying system employs two endless belts. Each belt traverses a separate belt travel path, with the two belt travel paths together defining an article transport path between opposed faces of the belts. The article being conveyed, upon entry into the article transport path, is simultaneously engaged by the opposed faces of the two belts as it moves along an article processing path. One specific example of such a process is a cooking process, where the article being conveyed is a food item which is cooked while simultaneously being conveyed by the conveyor belt system. In an article cooking application, heat may be applied to the article as it is conveyed by the two belts along the article transport path defined by the belts. As the article is heated, fluids in the article may leave the article in liquid form (i.e., water or oils) or in gas form (i.e., steam or vapor). In addition, portions of the article may separate from the article during processing, causing debris to remain on the belt once the article has left the article transport path. As the endless belts operate over time to transport a plurality of articles, the build up of liquids and debris on the belts can become significant, affecting the performance of the belts in processing the article. In addition, the migration of fluids and/or debris into the operating equipment for the belts and other associated processing equipment can degrade the performance of such equipment. Therefore, it is desirable that any debris or excess liquids created on the belt during processing be removed from the belt in an efficient and expeditious manner.
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Title:
Conveyor belt cleaning system
Abstract:
An assembly and method for cleaning a conveyor belt system is disclosed. The cleaning assembly is for removing liquids and solids from an endless conveyor belt, the assembly includes a plurality of laterally extending liquid absorbent material sheets disposed adjacent the belt, with the sheets collectively defining a contact face that is engageable with the belt for wiping liquids from the belt.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a system for cleaning conveyor belts, and particularly to a cleaning assembly for dual conveyor belt systems. A conveyor system employing an endless belt may, over time, require cleaning of the belt surface. This is particularly true when the belt is used for conveying an article during processing of the article where portions of the article, in one form or another, are transformed. Such transformations may be accomplished by, for example, applying pressure or heat to the article being conveyed. One form of such a conveying system employs two endless belts. Each belt traverses a separate belt travel path, with the two belt travel paths together defining an article transport path between opposed faces of the belts. The article being conveyed, upon entry into the article transport path, is simultaneously engaged by the opposed faces of the two belts as it moves along an article processing path. One specific example of such a process is a cooking process, where the article being conveyed is a food item which is cooked while simultaneously being conveyed by the conveyor belt system. In an article cooking application, heat may be applied to the article as it is conveyed by the two belts along the article transport path defined by the belts. As the article is heated, fluids in the article may leave the article in liquid form (i.e., water or oils) or in gas form (i.e., steam or vapor). In addition, portions of the article may separate from the article during processing, causing debris to remain on the belt once the article has left the article transport path. As the endless belts operate over time to transport a plurality of articles, the build up of liquids and debris on the belts can become significant, affecting the performance of the belts in processing the article. In addition, the migration of fluids and/or debris into the operating equipment for the belts and other associated processing equipment can degrade the performance of such equipment. Therefore, it is desirable that any debris or excess liquids created on the belt during processing be removed from the belt in an efficient and expeditious manner.
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11020449
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Method to promote oral health in companion animals
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A method for promoting oral health in a companion animal comprises causing the animal to ingest a composition comprising an oral health-promoting effective total amount of at least one antioxidant.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Companion animals such as cats and dogs require oral care. Poor oral health can cause animals pain and serious dental problems throughout life, as well as possibly lead to more serious illnesses, such as, for example, heart and kidney disease. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society and leading veterinary dental specialists, 70% of cats and 80% of dogs have some form of gum disease by age 3. Unhealthy gums, including gingival inflammation or gingivitis, are considered to be a common oral health issue affecting companion animals. U.S. Pat. No. 6,503,483 describes compositions and methods for treatment of gum disease in humans and animals by topical administration of an orally absorbable dental formulation comprising vitamin C. U.S. Pat. No. 5,376,374 proposes alleviation of gum disease by administration of an oral rinse composition and dietary supplementation with minerals and vitamins including vitamins C and E. U.S. Pat. No. 5,032,384 describes compositions and methods for treatment of periodontal disease using a combination of an arylpropionic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and an antioxidant. U.S. Pat. No. 4,272,512 proposes topical use of oral compositions and methods for inhibiting symptoms of gingivitis using tranexamic acid and folic acid. Battino et al. (1999) Crit. Rev. Oral Biol. Med. 10(4), 458, review possible therapeutic effects of antioxidants in treating or preventing inflammatory periodontal disease. Clarke (2001) J. Vet. Dent. 19(4), 177, proposes topical use of zinc ascorbate gel as an oral antiseptic to improve feline oral health. Despite the availability of oral care products for companion animals, providing proper oral care to a companion animal remains a challenge due to, among other things, inconvenience, inadequateness, difficulty, and expense. For example, routine veterinary dental examinations and cleaning can be expensive. Regular brushing by the animal owner, though beneficial, can be an inconvenient chore that is difficult to perform or carry out on a regular basis. Conventional hard, crunchy dry foods, chew toys, and the like, fail to remove plaque and tartar at the gumline and are inadequate to promote periodontal health. There remains, therefore, a need for convenient and effective methods of promoting oral health in companion animals.
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Title:
Method to promote oral health in companion animals
Abstract:
A method for promoting oral health in a companion animal comprises causing the animal to ingest a composition comprising an oral health-promoting effective total amount of at least one antioxidant.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Companion animals such as cats and dogs require oral care. Poor oral health can cause animals pain and serious dental problems throughout life, as well as possibly lead to more serious illnesses, such as, for example, heart and kidney disease. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society and leading veterinary dental specialists, 70% of cats and 80% of dogs have some form of gum disease by age 3. Unhealthy gums, including gingival inflammation or gingivitis, are considered to be a common oral health issue affecting companion animals. U.S. Pat. No. 6,503,483 describes compositions and methods for treatment of gum disease in humans and animals by topical administration of an orally absorbable dental formulation comprising vitamin C. U.S. Pat. No. 5,376,374 proposes alleviation of gum disease by administration of an oral rinse composition and dietary supplementation with minerals and vitamins including vitamins C and E. U.S. Pat. No. 5,032,384 describes compositions and methods for treatment of periodontal disease using a combination of an arylpropionic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and an antioxidant. U.S. Pat. No. 4,272,512 proposes topical use of oral compositions and methods for inhibiting symptoms of gingivitis using tranexamic acid and folic acid. Battino et al. (1999) Crit. Rev. Oral Biol. Med. 10(4), 458, review possible therapeutic effects of antioxidants in treating or preventing inflammatory periodontal disease. Clarke (2001) J. Vet. Dent. 19(4), 177, proposes topical use of zinc ascorbate gel as an oral antiseptic to improve feline oral health. Despite the availability of oral care products for companion animals, providing proper oral care to a companion animal remains a challenge due to, among other things, inconvenience, inadequateness, difficulty, and expense. For example, routine veterinary dental examinations and cleaning can be expensive. Regular brushing by the animal owner, though beneficial, can be an inconvenient chore that is difficult to perform or carry out on a regular basis. Conventional hard, crunchy dry foods, chew toys, and the like, fail to remove plaque and tartar at the gumline and are inadequate to promote periodontal health. There remains, therefore, a need for convenient and effective methods of promoting oral health in companion animals.
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10954073
| 2,004
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Uninterruptible power supply apparatus
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The uninterruptible power supply apparatus comprises an AC switch for turning on/off the AC power that is input from a commercial AC power source; a storage battery; a power conversion device; a load device connected to the output end of the AC switch; an output AC voltage detection unit for detecting an output AC voltage that is output from the AC switch; and an abnormality detection circuit for detecting that the detected output AC voltage is outside predefined upper and lower limits; wherein said AC switch turns off in accordance with a signal detected by said abnormality detection circuit. Further comprises a restoration circuit for generating a restoration signal when the AC voltage detected by an input AC voltage detection unit exceeds at least a lower-limit AC voltage setting that is increased gradually or continuously in accordance with a load factor computed by a load factor computation circuit.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an uninterruptible power supply apparatus for constant commercial power supply, which supplies power via an AC switch while a commercial power source is normal, and turns off the AC switch, in the event of a power failure in the commercial power source, operates a power conversion device to convert DC power, which is stored beforehand in a storage battery, to AC power, and supplies the AC power to a load. 2. Description of Related Art A conventionally known uninterruptible power supply apparatus is disclosed, for instance, by Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 260684/1993 (Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 describes a CATV (cable television) uninterruptible power supply apparatus, which comprises a direct power supply circuit for receiving commercial AC power from its source and outputting AC power for constant power supply to a load; a commercial power input abnormality detection circuit for detecting an abnormality in the received commercial AC power; and an inverter circuit for outputting AC power for power supply from a battery to a load immediately upon receipt of a commercial power input abnormality detection signal, which is generated by the commercial power input abnormality detection circuit when it detects an abnormality in the commercial AC power. The commercial power input abnormality detection circuit comprises a first detector, which outputs a commercial power input abnormality detection signal when the voltage of the received commercial AC power is lower than specified, and a second detector, which outputs a commercial power input abnormality detection signal when the voltage of the received commercial AC power is higher than specified. If the uninterruptible power supply apparatus described in Patent Document 1, which supplies power mainly from a commercial power source, detects abnormalities by a conventional method for input voltage detection, a problem indicated in FIG. 4 arises. In FIG. 4 , the vertical axis represents detection voltage settings and actual output voltages from an AC switch, whereas the horizontal axis represents a load factor. When the load factor is low, the requirements specifications for the load are complied with because an insignificant voltage drop is invoked by an impedance exhibited by the wiring to the power-receiving end of the apparatus and an AC switch within the apparatus. However, if the load factor is high, there are some cases where the requirements specifications for the load are not complied with. Conventionally, AC switch restoration control has been exercised in accordance with the root mean square value of an AC voltage that is input from a commercial power source to the AC switch. Therefore, when the load is close to 100% and the hysteresis width is not adequate for lower-limit detection as indicated in FIG. 4 because the output voltage is decreased by a specified amount of voltage from the input voltage due to the impedance of the input wiring for the AC switch, detection chattering occurs. Immediately before restoration, the uninterruptible power supply apparatus supplies power from a battery to the load via an inverter. It means that the load is not connected to the input voltage (commercial power source). When restoration is achieved by a conventional detection method that uses the input voltage only, the prevalent load factor is not known. Therefore, it is impossible to determine the degree of a voltage drop that is to be caused by the above-mentioned impedance. Consequently, the restoration voltage detection value has to be set in terms of a maximum load factor. As a result, if the restoration voltage is set in compliance with the load specifications, the input voltage variation range narrows, giving rise to a problem.
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Title:
Uninterruptible power supply apparatus
Abstract:
The uninterruptible power supply apparatus comprises an AC switch for turning on/off the AC power that is input from a commercial AC power source; a storage battery; a power conversion device; a load device connected to the output end of the AC switch; an output AC voltage detection unit for detecting an output AC voltage that is output from the AC switch; and an abnormality detection circuit for detecting that the detected output AC voltage is outside predefined upper and lower limits; wherein said AC switch turns off in accordance with a signal detected by said abnormality detection circuit. Further comprises a restoration circuit for generating a restoration signal when the AC voltage detected by an input AC voltage detection unit exceeds at least a lower-limit AC voltage setting that is increased gradually or continuously in accordance with a load factor computed by a load factor computation circuit.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an uninterruptible power supply apparatus for constant commercial power supply, which supplies power via an AC switch while a commercial power source is normal, and turns off the AC switch, in the event of a power failure in the commercial power source, operates a power conversion device to convert DC power, which is stored beforehand in a storage battery, to AC power, and supplies the AC power to a load. 2. Description of Related Art A conventionally known uninterruptible power supply apparatus is disclosed, for instance, by Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 260684/1993 (Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 describes a CATV (cable television) uninterruptible power supply apparatus, which comprises a direct power supply circuit for receiving commercial AC power from its source and outputting AC power for constant power supply to a load; a commercial power input abnormality detection circuit for detecting an abnormality in the received commercial AC power; and an inverter circuit for outputting AC power for power supply from a battery to a load immediately upon receipt of a commercial power input abnormality detection signal, which is generated by the commercial power input abnormality detection circuit when it detects an abnormality in the commercial AC power. The commercial power input abnormality detection circuit comprises a first detector, which outputs a commercial power input abnormality detection signal when the voltage of the received commercial AC power is lower than specified, and a second detector, which outputs a commercial power input abnormality detection signal when the voltage of the received commercial AC power is higher than specified. If the uninterruptible power supply apparatus described in Patent Document 1, which supplies power mainly from a commercial power source, detects abnormalities by a conventional method for input voltage detection, a problem indicated in FIG. 4 arises. In FIG. 4 , the vertical axis represents detection voltage settings and actual output voltages from an AC switch, whereas the horizontal axis represents a load factor. When the load factor is low, the requirements specifications for the load are complied with because an insignificant voltage drop is invoked by an impedance exhibited by the wiring to the power-receiving end of the apparatus and an AC switch within the apparatus. However, if the load factor is high, there are some cases where the requirements specifications for the load are not complied with. Conventionally, AC switch restoration control has been exercised in accordance with the root mean square value of an AC voltage that is input from a commercial power source to the AC switch. Therefore, when the load is close to 100% and the hysteresis width is not adequate for lower-limit detection as indicated in FIG. 4 because the output voltage is decreased by a specified amount of voltage from the input voltage due to the impedance of the input wiring for the AC switch, detection chattering occurs. Immediately before restoration, the uninterruptible power supply apparatus supplies power from a battery to the load via an inverter. It means that the load is not connected to the input voltage (commercial power source). When restoration is achieved by a conventional detection method that uses the input voltage only, the prevalent load factor is not known. Therefore, it is impossible to determine the degree of a voltage drop that is to be caused by the above-mentioned impedance. Consequently, the restoration voltage detection value has to be set in terms of a maximum load factor. As a result, if the restoration voltage is set in compliance with the load specifications, the input voltage variation range narrows, giving rise to a problem.
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11000961
| 2,004
|
Gas removing apparatus for heat pipe
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A gas removing apparatus for heat pipe can be used in a plurality of heat pipes arranged in a row or used for single semi-finished heat pipe. The gas removing apparatus includes a heating unit and a sealing unit. The heating unit is used for heating the heat pipe. The sealing unit is placed atop the heating unit and outside an opening of the heat pipe. The sealing unit includes a sealing die and a sealing mechanism for opening and closing the sealing die. The heating unit includes two heating plates arranged in parallel and separated with each other by a predetermined distance such that an accommodating space is defined between the separated heating plates. The heat pipes are placed between the two heating plates and the two heating plates heat the heat pipes through radiation and convection.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gas removing apparatus for heat pipe, and more particularly to a gas removing apparatus for removing non-condensate gas from a plurality of heat pipes simultaneously. 2. Description of Prior Art The conventional hear pipe generally includes means to remove non-condensate gas therein. For example, Taiwan patent gazette No. 593961 discloses a method and an apparatus to remove non-condensate gas in a heat pipe. However, the apparatus to remove non-condensate gas in above patent has heating means for only one heat pipe for removing gas therein. Thus apparatus is not suitable for mass-produced heat pipe. Moreover, the heating means is clamped to the heat pipe with large contact area. The wall of heat pipe has risk of damage and the performance of the heat pipe may be deteriorated if the heat pipe has non-ideal size or the heating means has non-ideal design.
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Title:
Gas removing apparatus for heat pipe
Abstract:
A gas removing apparatus for heat pipe can be used in a plurality of heat pipes arranged in a row or used for single semi-finished heat pipe. The gas removing apparatus includes a heating unit and a sealing unit. The heating unit is used for heating the heat pipe. The sealing unit is placed atop the heating unit and outside an opening of the heat pipe. The sealing unit includes a sealing die and a sealing mechanism for opening and closing the sealing die. The heating unit includes two heating plates arranged in parallel and separated with each other by a predetermined distance such that an accommodating space is defined between the separated heating plates. The heat pipes are placed between the two heating plates and the two heating plates heat the heat pipes through radiation and convection.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gas removing apparatus for heat pipe, and more particularly to a gas removing apparatus for removing non-condensate gas from a plurality of heat pipes simultaneously. 2. Description of Prior Art The conventional hear pipe generally includes means to remove non-condensate gas therein. For example, Taiwan patent gazette No. 593961 discloses a method and an apparatus to remove non-condensate gas in a heat pipe. However, the apparatus to remove non-condensate gas in above patent has heating means for only one heat pipe for removing gas therein. Thus apparatus is not suitable for mass-produced heat pipe. Moreover, the heating means is clamped to the heat pipe with large contact area. The wall of heat pipe has risk of damage and the performance of the heat pipe may be deteriorated if the heat pipe has non-ideal size or the heating means has non-ideal design.
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10874603
| 2,004
|
Differential charge pump phase lock loop (PLL) synthesizer with adjustable tuning voltage range
|
A differential charge pump PLL synthesizer with adjustable tuning voltage range including a voltage controlled oscillator responsive to a tuning voltage to provide an output frequency. A phase detector circuit is responsive to a reference frequency and the sub-multiple of the output frequency for generating up and down pulses. A differential charge pump is responsive to the up and down pulses for generating positive and negative differential current pulses. A loop filter is responsive to the positive and negative differential current pulses for providing a differential voltage. A differential amplifier circuit is responsive to the differential voltage and a shift voltage applied at a voltage terminal for shifting the output voltage range of the differential amplifier circuit to provide a predetermined tuning voltage range.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Conventional PLL synthesizers typically employ a single-ended charge pump to drive a VCO which is typically varactor tuned. The varactor tuned VCO employs a varactor diode which is reversed biased and requires a positive tuning voltage with respect to ground. The single-ended charge pump generates up current and down current pulses which are applied to a loop filter. The loop filter converts the up and down currents to a positive tuning voltage which is applied to the VCO. In a conventional PLL synthesizer employing a single-ended charge pump and passive loop filter, the charge pump output is coupled directly to the VCO's tuning voltage input. Hence, the voltage at the charge pump outputs must span the desired VCO tuning voltage range and may swing close to the rail-to-rail voltage. It is desirable to keep the VCO gain factor, Kv, as small as possible in a high performance PLL synthesizer to desensitize the output phase noise from noise at the tuning input. Hence for a given desired output frequency range, the input tuning voltage range is made as large as possible. High performance VCOs typically use an LC tank resonator with frequency tuning achieved by varying the reverse bias voltage across a varactor diode. To minimize noise and for the best gain factor (Kv) linearity, the varactor diode is usually biased at least about 1.5V into reverse bias which results in an allowable tuning voltage range from about 1.5V up to the positive supply. A high performance PLL also typically requires high output impedance and very good matching of the output up and down currents of the charge pump. The charge pump must also have low leakage currents during the off state in order to minimize static phase error at the PFD input and reference spur sidebands on the VCO output spectrum. It is difficult to design a charge pump that meets these requirements over an output voltage range that must also swing close to the supply rails to meet the desired VCO tuning range. Ideally, the charge pump output voltage range would be decoupled from the VCO tuning range so that the design of the charge pump could be optimized without the constraint of being compliant over the full VCO tuning range. Such a design would allow the charge pump and the VCO to be optimized independently of each other and allow the VCO to run off a higher supply voltage that the charge pump.
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Title:
Differential charge pump phase lock loop (PLL) synthesizer with adjustable tuning voltage range
Abstract:
A differential charge pump PLL synthesizer with adjustable tuning voltage range including a voltage controlled oscillator responsive to a tuning voltage to provide an output frequency. A phase detector circuit is responsive to a reference frequency and the sub-multiple of the output frequency for generating up and down pulses. A differential charge pump is responsive to the up and down pulses for generating positive and negative differential current pulses. A loop filter is responsive to the positive and negative differential current pulses for providing a differential voltage. A differential amplifier circuit is responsive to the differential voltage and a shift voltage applied at a voltage terminal for shifting the output voltage range of the differential amplifier circuit to provide a predetermined tuning voltage range.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Conventional PLL synthesizers typically employ a single-ended charge pump to drive a VCO which is typically varactor tuned. The varactor tuned VCO employs a varactor diode which is reversed biased and requires a positive tuning voltage with respect to ground. The single-ended charge pump generates up current and down current pulses which are applied to a loop filter. The loop filter converts the up and down currents to a positive tuning voltage which is applied to the VCO. In a conventional PLL synthesizer employing a single-ended charge pump and passive loop filter, the charge pump output is coupled directly to the VCO's tuning voltage input. Hence, the voltage at the charge pump outputs must span the desired VCO tuning voltage range and may swing close to the rail-to-rail voltage. It is desirable to keep the VCO gain factor, Kv, as small as possible in a high performance PLL synthesizer to desensitize the output phase noise from noise at the tuning input. Hence for a given desired output frequency range, the input tuning voltage range is made as large as possible. High performance VCOs typically use an LC tank resonator with frequency tuning achieved by varying the reverse bias voltage across a varactor diode. To minimize noise and for the best gain factor (Kv) linearity, the varactor diode is usually biased at least about 1.5V into reverse bias which results in an allowable tuning voltage range from about 1.5V up to the positive supply. A high performance PLL also typically requires high output impedance and very good matching of the output up and down currents of the charge pump. The charge pump must also have low leakage currents during the off state in order to minimize static phase error at the PFD input and reference spur sidebands on the VCO output spectrum. It is difficult to design a charge pump that meets these requirements over an output voltage range that must also swing close to the supply rails to meet the desired VCO tuning range. Ideally, the charge pump output voltage range would be decoupled from the VCO tuning range so that the design of the charge pump could be optimized without the constraint of being compliant over the full VCO tuning range. Such a design would allow the charge pump and the VCO to be optimized independently of each other and allow the VCO to run off a higher supply voltage that the charge pump.
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10811752
| 2,004
|
Doping of gallium nitride by solid source diffusion and resulting gallium nitride structures
|
An improved p-type gallium nitride-based semiconductor device is disclosed. The device includes a structure with at least one p-type Group III nitride layer that includes some gallium, a first silicon dioxide layer on the p-type layer, a layer of a Group II metal source composition on the first SiO2layer, and a second SiO2 layer on the Group II metal source composition layer.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to electronic structures in Group III nitrides, and in particular relates to an improved structure for gallium nitride (GaN) based devices, particularly light emitting diodes (LEDS). Gallium nitride and the related binary, ternary, and quaternary Group III nitride compounds have become wide bandgap materials of choice for light emitting diodes (including diodes that emit in the green, blue, and ultra-violet portions of the spectrum). In addition to their characteristic wide bandgaps, which permit UV transitions as well as those in the high energy blue and green portions of the visible spectrum, the Group III nitrides are direct emitters; i.e., the recombinations that generate photons avoid losing energy to vibrational transitions during the quantum event. As a result, Group III nitride-based devices can provide an efficiency advantage over those formed in other wide bandgap materials such as silicon carbide (SiC). As well recognized by those of ordinary skill in this art, the term “diode” refers to a device (in this case a light-emitting device) that has adjacent n-type and p-type portions that define a p-n junction or its functional equivalent. Under an applied potential difference (voltage), current can flow across the junction to generate the recombinations of holes and electrons that in turn generate the photons. Accordingly, light-emitting diodes that incorporate Group III nitrides must incorporate, in most circumstances, both n-type layers of the nitride and p-type layers of the same or a different nitride. Junctions or their equivalent between identical Group III nitrides (e.g., p-type GaN and n-type GaN) are generally referred to as homojunctions, while those between two different nitrides (e.g., GaN and AlGaN) are referred to as heterojunctions. When a three-layer structure includes three different types of Group III materials, they are referred to as double heterojunctions. Other structures useful in diodes include multiple quantum wells as well as superlattices. All of these structures are well understood in this art. Exemplary patents and applications describing the basics of these devices as well as particular features include, for example, commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,201,262; 6,187,606; 6,120,600, 5,838,706; 5,739,554; 5,592,501; 5,393,993 and 5,210,051. As an understanding of Group III nitride devices has developed, it has generally been the case that the p-type layers have been more difficult to activate than are the n-type layers. As used herein and as well understood by those in this art, the terms “activate” or “activation,” refer to the characteristic of dopant atoms in a crystal in which they can functionally affect the electronic aspects of the device. Stated differently, if dopant atoms (such as magnesium, which acts as a p-type dopant in Group III nitrides) are physically present in the gallium nitride, but not located properly within the crystal structure (typically interstitially rather than in lattice positions), they will behave (at least electronically) as if they were simply absent. For example, a p-type Group III nitride layer with an activated concentration of magnesium of 1×10 17 cm −3 may have a total concentration of magnesium atoms of 1×10 20 cm −3 . Thus, one of the steps generally required in the production of semiconductor materials and devices, including Group III nitride devices, is to build or treat the device or structure in such a way that the desired number of dopant atoms become activated. As noted above, such activation has been difficult for magnesium in p-type Group III nitrides, particular GaN. For example, relatively early patents in this field to Nakamura, Nos. 5,468,678 and 5,306,662, describe a step of annealing a p-type layer to attempt to reach the proper activation. Various hypotheses have been forwarded to explain this scenario, many of which assume that magnesium (Mg) is easily bound to hydrogen (H) and thus prevented from becoming activated in p-GaN. Thus, the annealing step has been assumed to serve the purpose of dissociating hydrogen from magnesium and thus allowing the magnesium to become activated (e.g., Column 8, lines 13-36 of No. 5,306,662). More recently, however, device performance has indicated that the annealing step, standing alone, may not always create activation in the manner intended or previously hypothesized. Conventionally, the LED structure is formed by starting with a silicon carbide substrate, and then adding an appropriate buffer layer. Epitaxial layers of n-type gallium nitride and p-type gallium nitride, or appropriate Group III nitride multiple quantum wells (MQW's) are added on the buffer to form the active portion of the device. Then, silicon dioxide is added to the active layer or layers to protect the p-type gallium nitride layer during further processing steps, many of which include heating the structure. As part of the development of these devices, it was determined and decided to avoid the use of nickel for the necessary ohmic contacts in order to (among other reasons) permit lower temperatures to be used during other steps. Higher-temperature process steps can negatively affect gallium nitride, which has a dissociation temperature of about 1250° C. In this regard, an ohmic contact can be formed (and potentially annealed) at lower temperatures by using a silicon carbide (an advantageous substrate material for Group III nitride devices) substrate implanted with additional doping on the contact side. This technique is set forth in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,409,859 and 5,323,022, the contents of which are incorporated entirely herein by reference. Accordingly, success in formic ohmic contacts with these lower temperature processes encouraged the elimination of the silicon dioxide step as no longer being necessary to protect the GaN (or other Group III nitride) layers from exposure to high temperatures. Eliminating a theoretically unnecessary process step is, of course, entirely consistent with conventional engineering thought in that using fewer steps and lower temperatures should be advantageous for the process and the end device. GaN-based LEDs formed in this manner appeared to be satisfactory until a protective layer of silicon nitride was added for passivation purposes as the last protective layer. In such devices, the forward voltage would increase dramatically and undesirably. Although higher voltage can be desirable in some cases, a forward voltage that is excessive with respect to a particular material or structure can overheat and damage or destroy devices such as LEDs. From a positive empirical standpoint, devices made using the silicon dioxide layer step exhibited higher effective doping activation than those devices made without the SiO 2 layer. Accordingly, a need exists for a better understanding of the function of the anneal and of activation in p-type Group III nitrides, particularly gallium nitride, and for improving the manufacture and structure of p-type Group III nitride and GaN layers in such devices.
|
Title:
Doping of gallium nitride by solid source diffusion and resulting gallium nitride structures
Abstract:
An improved p-type gallium nitride-based semiconductor device is disclosed. The device includes a structure with at least one p-type Group III nitride layer that includes some gallium, a first silicon dioxide layer on the p-type layer, a layer of a Group II metal source composition on the first SiO2layer, and a second SiO2 layer on the Group II metal source composition layer.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to electronic structures in Group III nitrides, and in particular relates to an improved structure for gallium nitride (GaN) based devices, particularly light emitting diodes (LEDS). Gallium nitride and the related binary, ternary, and quaternary Group III nitride compounds have become wide bandgap materials of choice for light emitting diodes (including diodes that emit in the green, blue, and ultra-violet portions of the spectrum). In addition to their characteristic wide bandgaps, which permit UV transitions as well as those in the high energy blue and green portions of the visible spectrum, the Group III nitrides are direct emitters; i.e., the recombinations that generate photons avoid losing energy to vibrational transitions during the quantum event. As a result, Group III nitride-based devices can provide an efficiency advantage over those formed in other wide bandgap materials such as silicon carbide (SiC). As well recognized by those of ordinary skill in this art, the term “diode” refers to a device (in this case a light-emitting device) that has adjacent n-type and p-type portions that define a p-n junction or its functional equivalent. Under an applied potential difference (voltage), current can flow across the junction to generate the recombinations of holes and electrons that in turn generate the photons. Accordingly, light-emitting diodes that incorporate Group III nitrides must incorporate, in most circumstances, both n-type layers of the nitride and p-type layers of the same or a different nitride. Junctions or their equivalent between identical Group III nitrides (e.g., p-type GaN and n-type GaN) are generally referred to as homojunctions, while those between two different nitrides (e.g., GaN and AlGaN) are referred to as heterojunctions. When a three-layer structure includes three different types of Group III materials, they are referred to as double heterojunctions. Other structures useful in diodes include multiple quantum wells as well as superlattices. All of these structures are well understood in this art. Exemplary patents and applications describing the basics of these devices as well as particular features include, for example, commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,201,262; 6,187,606; 6,120,600, 5,838,706; 5,739,554; 5,592,501; 5,393,993 and 5,210,051. As an understanding of Group III nitride devices has developed, it has generally been the case that the p-type layers have been more difficult to activate than are the n-type layers. As used herein and as well understood by those in this art, the terms “activate” or “activation,” refer to the characteristic of dopant atoms in a crystal in which they can functionally affect the electronic aspects of the device. Stated differently, if dopant atoms (such as magnesium, which acts as a p-type dopant in Group III nitrides) are physically present in the gallium nitride, but not located properly within the crystal structure (typically interstitially rather than in lattice positions), they will behave (at least electronically) as if they were simply absent. For example, a p-type Group III nitride layer with an activated concentration of magnesium of 1×10 17 cm −3 may have a total concentration of magnesium atoms of 1×10 20 cm −3 . Thus, one of the steps generally required in the production of semiconductor materials and devices, including Group III nitride devices, is to build or treat the device or structure in such a way that the desired number of dopant atoms become activated. As noted above, such activation has been difficult for magnesium in p-type Group III nitrides, particular GaN. For example, relatively early patents in this field to Nakamura, Nos. 5,468,678 and 5,306,662, describe a step of annealing a p-type layer to attempt to reach the proper activation. Various hypotheses have been forwarded to explain this scenario, many of which assume that magnesium (Mg) is easily bound to hydrogen (H) and thus prevented from becoming activated in p-GaN. Thus, the annealing step has been assumed to serve the purpose of dissociating hydrogen from magnesium and thus allowing the magnesium to become activated (e.g., Column 8, lines 13-36 of No. 5,306,662). More recently, however, device performance has indicated that the annealing step, standing alone, may not always create activation in the manner intended or previously hypothesized. Conventionally, the LED structure is formed by starting with a silicon carbide substrate, and then adding an appropriate buffer layer. Epitaxial layers of n-type gallium nitride and p-type gallium nitride, or appropriate Group III nitride multiple quantum wells (MQW's) are added on the buffer to form the active portion of the device. Then, silicon dioxide is added to the active layer or layers to protect the p-type gallium nitride layer during further processing steps, many of which include heating the structure. As part of the development of these devices, it was determined and decided to avoid the use of nickel for the necessary ohmic contacts in order to (among other reasons) permit lower temperatures to be used during other steps. Higher-temperature process steps can negatively affect gallium nitride, which has a dissociation temperature of about 1250° C. In this regard, an ohmic contact can be formed (and potentially annealed) at lower temperatures by using a silicon carbide (an advantageous substrate material for Group III nitride devices) substrate implanted with additional doping on the contact side. This technique is set forth in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,409,859 and 5,323,022, the contents of which are incorporated entirely herein by reference. Accordingly, success in formic ohmic contacts with these lower temperature processes encouraged the elimination of the silicon dioxide step as no longer being necessary to protect the GaN (or other Group III nitride) layers from exposure to high temperatures. Eliminating a theoretically unnecessary process step is, of course, entirely consistent with conventional engineering thought in that using fewer steps and lower temperatures should be advantageous for the process and the end device. GaN-based LEDs formed in this manner appeared to be satisfactory until a protective layer of silicon nitride was added for passivation purposes as the last protective layer. In such devices, the forward voltage would increase dramatically and undesirably. Although higher voltage can be desirable in some cases, a forward voltage that is excessive with respect to a particular material or structure can overheat and damage or destroy devices such as LEDs. From a positive empirical standpoint, devices made using the silicon dioxide layer step exhibited higher effective doping activation than those devices made without the SiO 2 layer. Accordingly, a need exists for a better understanding of the function of the anneal and of activation in p-type Group III nitrides, particularly gallium nitride, and for improving the manufacture and structure of p-type Group III nitride and GaN layers in such devices.
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10853890
| 2,004
|
Spatial multiplexing detection system and method for MIMO
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A spatial multiplexing detection device using a MIMO technology comprises a MIMO detector for detecting receive symbols which correspond to symbols transmitted through transmit antennas from receive signals when the transmit data transmitted by the terminal group are received through receive antennas; a terminal identifier for identifying the receive symbols detected by the MIMO detector into symbols which correspond to respective terminals in the terminal group; a symbol demapper for demapping the receive symbols identified by the terminal identifier to binary data which correspond to a modulation method used by the terminal group; and a reverse data processor for performing deinterleaving, decoding of error correction codes, and descrambling on the binary data demapped by the symbol demapper, and detecting receive data of the respective terminals.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION (a) Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a spatial multiplexing detection system and method by use of a MIMO (Multi Input Multi Output) technology. (b) Description of the Related Art The MIMO technology aims at increasing frequency efficiency, and it represents a method for using multiple antennas at a transmitter and a receiver. The MIMO technology concurrently transmits different data through respective antennas of the transmitter, and hence, it increases the frequency efficiency by as much as the number of antennas at the transmitter. In detection in the MIMO system, multiple data streams are concurrently received and separated. Therefore, the receiver of the MIMO system processes the case in which a single terminal receives multiple data streams and the case in which the data streams are respectively other users' signals in the same way. The MIMO system uses multiple transmit and receive antennas to improve data rates in a given band, as opposed to the existing SISO system, and an increase of the frequency efficiency depends on the degree of independency among various transmit and receive channels. Since the independency of MIMO channels follows an interval between antennas, the number of antennas is limited in a terminal, and an increase in the data rates in an uplink is restricted. A base station which is a receiver, however, is not limited to the number of antennas or increase of data rates. A method for maximizing a channel application in this condition is to allow a number of users that can be detected by the base station to access the channels. When many users use the channels as described above, if the users are assigned without any rule, the channel capacity may be worsened by channel characteristics such as a correlation between the channels. To overcome the problems, it is needed for a base station to use the channels of the respective users to assign the users so that the channel capacity may be maximized, and a sub-optimal algorithm with substantially less performance deterioration is required for simple realization.
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Title:
Spatial multiplexing detection system and method for MIMO
Abstract:
A spatial multiplexing detection device using a MIMO technology comprises a MIMO detector for detecting receive symbols which correspond to symbols transmitted through transmit antennas from receive signals when the transmit data transmitted by the terminal group are received through receive antennas; a terminal identifier for identifying the receive symbols detected by the MIMO detector into symbols which correspond to respective terminals in the terminal group; a symbol demapper for demapping the receive symbols identified by the terminal identifier to binary data which correspond to a modulation method used by the terminal group; and a reverse data processor for performing deinterleaving, decoding of error correction codes, and descrambling on the binary data demapped by the symbol demapper, and detecting receive data of the respective terminals.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION (a) Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a spatial multiplexing detection system and method by use of a MIMO (Multi Input Multi Output) technology. (b) Description of the Related Art The MIMO technology aims at increasing frequency efficiency, and it represents a method for using multiple antennas at a transmitter and a receiver. The MIMO technology concurrently transmits different data through respective antennas of the transmitter, and hence, it increases the frequency efficiency by as much as the number of antennas at the transmitter. In detection in the MIMO system, multiple data streams are concurrently received and separated. Therefore, the receiver of the MIMO system processes the case in which a single terminal receives multiple data streams and the case in which the data streams are respectively other users' signals in the same way. The MIMO system uses multiple transmit and receive antennas to improve data rates in a given band, as opposed to the existing SISO system, and an increase of the frequency efficiency depends on the degree of independency among various transmit and receive channels. Since the independency of MIMO channels follows an interval between antennas, the number of antennas is limited in a terminal, and an increase in the data rates in an uplink is restricted. A base station which is a receiver, however, is not limited to the number of antennas or increase of data rates. A method for maximizing a channel application in this condition is to allow a number of users that can be detected by the base station to access the channels. When many users use the channels as described above, if the users are assigned without any rule, the channel capacity may be worsened by channel characteristics such as a correlation between the channels. To overcome the problems, it is needed for a base station to use the channels of the respective users to assign the users so that the channel capacity may be maximized, and a sub-optimal algorithm with substantially less performance deterioration is required for simple realization.
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10996412
| 2,004
|
Espresso coffee machine
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An espresso coffee machine (1) having a water tank (13), an electrical resistance heating element (8), a pump (14) connected for pumping water from the water tank to the heating element (8) for heating the water, a bayonet holder element (11), a dose holder element (9) for holding a pre-packaged coffee tablet and removably connectable to the bayonet holder element, and a connector (12) which connects the bayonet holder element to the heating element.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to improvements to espresso coffee machines. As is known, there are generally two types of espresso coffee machines. A first type of espresso coffee machine comprises a dose holder element for holding a loose dose of ground coffee, which is removably connectable to a bayonet holder element in turn connected below an electrical resistance heating element of the coffee machine. Water from a tank is pumped to the heating element, which heats the water to an appropriate temperature, and then the heated water is percolated through the dose holder element holding the loose dose of coffee, to fall by gravity into a coffee cup. A second type of espresso coffee machine comprises a dose holder element for holding a prepackaged cartridge or tablet of coffee which is held between two filter-paper elements. This cartridge-type dose holder element is also removably connectable to a bayonet holder element, which is however in this type of espresso coffee machine directly fed with hot water which arrives from a water tank which includes a heating element for heating the water therein. The structural diversity of these two type of espresso coffee machines is such that they are manufactured, stored, and supplied generally separately. It is further known that in espresso coffee machines there is provided a solenoid valve arranged to selectively feed water to be percolated through the coffee holding element. Also frequently provided is a steam generator which takes water from the water tank and turns it into steam, for the general purpose of steaming milk, to heat the milk and/or froth the milk (or other liquid). Constrictive problems may arise in espresso coffee machines related to properly dealing with any discharge (residual) of water from the solenoid valve, which occurs every time the solenoid valve operates to make a new cup of coffee, and to also properly dealing with any condensation of water which may be created by the steam generator. A further problem may arise in espresso coffee machines related to properly servicing such machines, in particular to servicing the water pump which pumps water from the water tank. A principal aim of the present invention is to provide structural improvements in espresso coffee machines. One particular aim of the present invention is to provide an espresso coffee machine which is capable of effectively and efficiently operating as both a cartridge-type dose holder machine and a loose-type dose holder machine. Another particular aim of the present invention is to provide an effective means for collecting any water discharge or condensation generated in espresso coffee machines. Another particular aim of the present invention is to provide an espresso coffee machine which operates effectively and efficiently, and which is easy to service.
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Title:
Espresso coffee machine
Abstract:
An espresso coffee machine (1) having a water tank (13), an electrical resistance heating element (8), a pump (14) connected for pumping water from the water tank to the heating element (8) for heating the water, a bayonet holder element (11), a dose holder element (9) for holding a pre-packaged coffee tablet and removably connectable to the bayonet holder element, and a connector (12) which connects the bayonet holder element to the heating element.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to improvements to espresso coffee machines. As is known, there are generally two types of espresso coffee machines. A first type of espresso coffee machine comprises a dose holder element for holding a loose dose of ground coffee, which is removably connectable to a bayonet holder element in turn connected below an electrical resistance heating element of the coffee machine. Water from a tank is pumped to the heating element, which heats the water to an appropriate temperature, and then the heated water is percolated through the dose holder element holding the loose dose of coffee, to fall by gravity into a coffee cup. A second type of espresso coffee machine comprises a dose holder element for holding a prepackaged cartridge or tablet of coffee which is held between two filter-paper elements. This cartridge-type dose holder element is also removably connectable to a bayonet holder element, which is however in this type of espresso coffee machine directly fed with hot water which arrives from a water tank which includes a heating element for heating the water therein. The structural diversity of these two type of espresso coffee machines is such that they are manufactured, stored, and supplied generally separately. It is further known that in espresso coffee machines there is provided a solenoid valve arranged to selectively feed water to be percolated through the coffee holding element. Also frequently provided is a steam generator which takes water from the water tank and turns it into steam, for the general purpose of steaming milk, to heat the milk and/or froth the milk (or other liquid). Constrictive problems may arise in espresso coffee machines related to properly dealing with any discharge (residual) of water from the solenoid valve, which occurs every time the solenoid valve operates to make a new cup of coffee, and to also properly dealing with any condensation of water which may be created by the steam generator. A further problem may arise in espresso coffee machines related to properly servicing such machines, in particular to servicing the water pump which pumps water from the water tank. A principal aim of the present invention is to provide structural improvements in espresso coffee machines. One particular aim of the present invention is to provide an espresso coffee machine which is capable of effectively and efficiently operating as both a cartridge-type dose holder machine and a loose-type dose holder machine. Another particular aim of the present invention is to provide an effective means for collecting any water discharge or condensation generated in espresso coffee machines. Another particular aim of the present invention is to provide an espresso coffee machine which operates effectively and efficiently, and which is easy to service.
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10788869
| 2,004
|
Web based electronic waiver requisition
|
The present application describes a system and computer readable medium for web-based electronic waiver requests. According to one embodiment, a waiver request database (125) is created in a networked database server (120). The database server (120) can be accessed via a network (130) by various organizations located remotely from each other. A requestor (110) can initiate a waiver request by entering required information into the waiver request database (125). When the requester (110) enters the required information, the database server (120) sends electronic notifications (115) to appropriate authorizing personnel or responders (140). Upon receiving the notification (115), the authorizing personnel (140) can approve/reject the waiver request by entering/selecting data in corresponding fields of the waiver request database.
|
BACKGROUND Generally, business and technical transactions are conducted according to certain predefined business or technical processes. For example, semiconductor devices are tested according to a test specification provided by design organization. Typically, semiconductor device testing is performed by one or more pieces of Automated Test Equipment (“ATE”) that are programmed to test semiconductor devices according to the test specification. The test specification can include a range of expected results for various tests to be performed on semiconductor devices. During the testing, when a test on a device fails to produce results within the range of expected results, the device is rejected as failed and is not shipped to customers. Some of the failed tests may not represent the functionality of the device under normal operating conditions. For example, manufacturing process variations for the device can cause a variation in an output voltage of a circuit block of the device for a given input voltage. In some applications, however, the variation in output voltage may be tolerable or the input voltage applied in the test and causing the failure may be well outside the actual operating conditions for the device. In some cases, the ATE can reject an entire lot of devices, which may include thousands of devices. Typically, to ship a device that is rejected by the ATE, a semiconductor device testing organization requires an approval from the design organization and other organizations such as product management, to waive the failed test and authorize to ship the device that otherwise functions properly under normal operating conditions. In global organizations, where individual departments may be located in various parts of the world, it becomes difficult and time-consuming to coordinate a process for waiving a failed test. Further, in the case of semiconductor device testing, if a waiver is authorized locally at a manufacturing site, then the waiver notification may not be immediately available to other manufacturing sites located around the world and producing the same device. To obtain an approval to waive a process or a portion thereof, a requestor is typically required to fill-out forms and get signatures from all concerned organizations. The cycle time for obtaining signatures from all concerned organizations can be considerably large and in some cases may take days before the final approval for the waiver is received. The delay in obtaining the waiver can create a backlog of products to be shipped and the amount of time required to obtain the final approval can adversely affect productivity.
|
Title:
Web based electronic waiver requisition
Abstract:
The present application describes a system and computer readable medium for web-based electronic waiver requests. According to one embodiment, a waiver request database (125) is created in a networked database server (120). The database server (120) can be accessed via a network (130) by various organizations located remotely from each other. A requestor (110) can initiate a waiver request by entering required information into the waiver request database (125). When the requester (110) enters the required information, the database server (120) sends electronic notifications (115) to appropriate authorizing personnel or responders (140). Upon receiving the notification (115), the authorizing personnel (140) can approve/reject the waiver request by entering/selecting data in corresponding fields of the waiver request database.
Background:
BACKGROUND Generally, business and technical transactions are conducted according to certain predefined business or technical processes. For example, semiconductor devices are tested according to a test specification provided by design organization. Typically, semiconductor device testing is performed by one or more pieces of Automated Test Equipment (“ATE”) that are programmed to test semiconductor devices according to the test specification. The test specification can include a range of expected results for various tests to be performed on semiconductor devices. During the testing, when a test on a device fails to produce results within the range of expected results, the device is rejected as failed and is not shipped to customers. Some of the failed tests may not represent the functionality of the device under normal operating conditions. For example, manufacturing process variations for the device can cause a variation in an output voltage of a circuit block of the device for a given input voltage. In some applications, however, the variation in output voltage may be tolerable or the input voltage applied in the test and causing the failure may be well outside the actual operating conditions for the device. In some cases, the ATE can reject an entire lot of devices, which may include thousands of devices. Typically, to ship a device that is rejected by the ATE, a semiconductor device testing organization requires an approval from the design organization and other organizations such as product management, to waive the failed test and authorize to ship the device that otherwise functions properly under normal operating conditions. In global organizations, where individual departments may be located in various parts of the world, it becomes difficult and time-consuming to coordinate a process for waiving a failed test. Further, in the case of semiconductor device testing, if a waiver is authorized locally at a manufacturing site, then the waiver notification may not be immediately available to other manufacturing sites located around the world and producing the same device. To obtain an approval to waive a process or a portion thereof, a requestor is typically required to fill-out forms and get signatures from all concerned organizations. The cycle time for obtaining signatures from all concerned organizations can be considerably large and in some cases may take days before the final approval for the waiver is received. The delay in obtaining the waiver can create a backlog of products to be shipped and the amount of time required to obtain the final approval can adversely affect productivity.
|
10821793
| 2,004
|
Inhibitors of serine proteases, particularly HCV NS3-NS4A protease
|
The present invention relates to compounds of formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or mixtures thereof, that inhibit serine protease activity, particularly the activity of hepatitis C virus NS3-NS4A protease. As such, they act by interfering with the life cycle of the hepatitis C virus and are useful as antiviral agents. The invention further relates to pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising said compounds either for ex vivo use or for administration to a patient suffering from HCV infection and processes for preparing the compounds. The invention also relates to methods of treating an HCV infection in a patient by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of this invention.
|
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Infection by hepatitis C virus (“HCV”) is a compelling human medical problem. HCV is recognized as the causative agent for most cases of non-A, non-B hepatitis, with an estimated human sero-prevalence of 3% globally [A. Alberti et al., “Natural History of Hepatitis C,” J. Hepatology, 31., (Suppl. 1), pp. 17-24 (1999)]. Nearly four million individuals may be infected in the United States alone [M. J. Alter et al., “The Epidemiology of Viral Hepatitis in the United States, Gastroenterol. Clin. North Am., 23, pp. 437-455 (1994); M. J. Alter “Hepatitis C Virus Infection in the United States,” J. Hepatology, 31., (Suppl. 1), pp. 88-91 (1999)]. Upon first exposure to HCV only about 20% of infected individuals develop acute clinical hepatitis while others appear to resolve the infection spontaneously. In almost 70% of instances, however, the virus establishes a chronic infection that persists for decades [S. Iwarson, “The Natural Course of Chronic Hepatitis,” FEMS Microbiology Reviews, 14, pp. 201-204 (1994); D. Lavanchy, “Global Surveillance and Control of Hepatitis C,” J. Viral Hepatitis, 6, pp. 35-47 (1999)]. This usually results in recurrent and progressively worsening liver inflammation, which often leads to more severe disease states such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma [M. C. Kew, “Hepatitis C and Hepatocellular Carcinoma”, FEMS Microbiology Reviews, 14, pp. 211-220 (1994); I. Saito et. al., “Hepatitis C Virus Infection is Associated with the Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma,” Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 87, pp. 6547-6549 (1990)]. Unfortunately, there are no broadly effective treatments for the debilitating progression of chronic HCV. The HCV genome encodes a polyprotein of 3010-3033 amino acids [Q. L. Choo, et. al., “Genetic Organization and Diversity of the Hepatitis C Virus.” Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 88, pp. 2451-2455 (1991); N. Kato et al., “Molecular Cloning of the Human Hepatitis C Virus Genome From Japanese Patients with Non-A, Non-B Hepatitis,” Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 87, pp. 9524-9528 (1990); A. Takamizawa et. al., “Structure and Organization of the Hepatitis C Virus Genome Isolated From Human Carriers,” J. Virol., 65, pp. 1105-1113 (1991)]. The HCV nonstructural (NS) proteins are presumed to provide the essential catalytic machinery for viral replication. The NS proteins are derived by proteolytic cleavage of the polyprotein [R. Bartenschlager et. al., “Nonstructural Protein 3 of the Hepatitis C Virus Encodes a Serine-Type Proteinase Required for Cleavage at the NS3/4 and NS4/5 Junctions,” J. Virol ., 67, pp. 3835-3844 (1993); A. Grakoui et. al., “Characterization of the Hepatitis C Virus-Encoded Serine Proteinase: Determination of Proteinase-Dependent Polyprotein Cleavage Sites,” J. Virol., 67, pp. 2832-2843 (1993); A. Grakoui et. al., “Expression and Identification of Hepatitis C Virus Polyprotein Cleavage Products,” J. Virol., 67, pp. 1385-1395 (1993); L. Tomei et. al., “NS3 is a serine protease required for processing of hepatitis C virus polyprotein”, J. Virol., 67, pp. 4017-4026 (1993)]. The HCV NS protein 3 (NS3) contains a serine protease activity that helps process the majority of the viral enzymes, and is thus considered essential for viral replication and infectivity. It is known that mutations in the yellow fever virus NS3 protease decrease viral infectivity [Chambers, T. J. et. al., “Evidence that the N-terminal Domain of Nonstructural Protein NS3 From Yellow Fever Virus is a Serine Protease Responsible for Site-Specific Cleavages in the Viral Polyprotein”, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 87, pp. 8898-8902 (1990)]. The first 181 amino acids of NS3 (residues 1027-1207 of the viral polyprotein) have been shown to contain the serine protease domain of NS3 that processes all four downstream sites of the HCV polyprotein [C. Lin et al., “Hepatitis C Virus NS3 Serine Proteinase: Trans-Cleavage Requirements and Processing Kinetics”, J. Virol., 68, pp. 8147-8157 (1994)]. The HCV NS3 serine protease and its associated cofactor, NS4A, helps process all of the viral enzymes, and is thus considered essential for viral replication. This processing appears to be analogous to that carried out by the human immunodeficiency virus aspartyl protease, which is also involved in viral enzyme processing. HIV protease inhibitors, which inhibit viral protein processing, are potent antiviral agents in man, indicating that interrupting this stage of the viral life cycle results in therapeutically active agents. Consequently HCV NS3 serine protease is also an attractive target for drug discovery. Furthermore, the current understanding of HCV has not led to any other satisfactory anti-HCV agents or treatments. Until recently, the only established therapy for HCV disease was interferon treatment. However, interferons have significant side effects [M. A. Wlaker et al., “Hepatitis C Virus: An Overview of Current Approaches and Progress,” DDT, 4, pp. 518-29 (1999); D. Moradpour et al., “Current and Evolving Therapies for Hepatitis C,” Eur. J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol., 11, pp. 1199-1202 (1999); H. L. A. Janssen et al. “Suicide Associated with Alfa-Interferon Therapy for Chronic Viral Hepatitis,” J. Hepatol., 21, pp. 241-243 (1994); P. F. Renault et al., “Side Effects of Alpha Interferon,” Seminars in Liver Disease, 9, pp. 273-277. (1989)] and induce long term remission in only a fraction (˜25%) of cases [O. Weiland, “Interferon Therapy in Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection”, FEMS Microbiol. Rev ., 14, pp. 279-288 (1994)]. Recent introductions of the pegylated forms of interferon (PEG-Intron® and Pegasys®) and the combination therapy of ribavirin and pegylated interferon (Rebetrol®) have resulted in only modest improvements in remission rates and only partial reductions in side effects. Moreover, the prospects for effective anti-HCV vaccines remain uncertain. Thus, there is a need for more effective anti-HCV therapies. Such inhibitors would have therapeutic potential as protease inhibitors, particularly as serine protease inhibitors, and more particularly as HCV NS3 protease inhibitors. Specifically, such compounds may be useful as antiviral agents, particularly as anti-HCV agents.
|
Title:
Inhibitors of serine proteases, particularly HCV NS3-NS4A protease
Abstract:
The present invention relates to compounds of formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or mixtures thereof, that inhibit serine protease activity, particularly the activity of hepatitis C virus NS3-NS4A protease. As such, they act by interfering with the life cycle of the hepatitis C virus and are useful as antiviral agents. The invention further relates to pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising said compounds either for ex vivo use or for administration to a patient suffering from HCV infection and processes for preparing the compounds. The invention also relates to methods of treating an HCV infection in a patient by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of this invention.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Infection by hepatitis C virus (“HCV”) is a compelling human medical problem. HCV is recognized as the causative agent for most cases of non-A, non-B hepatitis, with an estimated human sero-prevalence of 3% globally [A. Alberti et al., “Natural History of Hepatitis C,” J. Hepatology, 31., (Suppl. 1), pp. 17-24 (1999)]. Nearly four million individuals may be infected in the United States alone [M. J. Alter et al., “The Epidemiology of Viral Hepatitis in the United States, Gastroenterol. Clin. North Am., 23, pp. 437-455 (1994); M. J. Alter “Hepatitis C Virus Infection in the United States,” J. Hepatology, 31., (Suppl. 1), pp. 88-91 (1999)]. Upon first exposure to HCV only about 20% of infected individuals develop acute clinical hepatitis while others appear to resolve the infection spontaneously. In almost 70% of instances, however, the virus establishes a chronic infection that persists for decades [S. Iwarson, “The Natural Course of Chronic Hepatitis,” FEMS Microbiology Reviews, 14, pp. 201-204 (1994); D. Lavanchy, “Global Surveillance and Control of Hepatitis C,” J. Viral Hepatitis, 6, pp. 35-47 (1999)]. This usually results in recurrent and progressively worsening liver inflammation, which often leads to more severe disease states such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma [M. C. Kew, “Hepatitis C and Hepatocellular Carcinoma”, FEMS Microbiology Reviews, 14, pp. 211-220 (1994); I. Saito et. al., “Hepatitis C Virus Infection is Associated with the Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma,” Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 87, pp. 6547-6549 (1990)]. Unfortunately, there are no broadly effective treatments for the debilitating progression of chronic HCV. The HCV genome encodes a polyprotein of 3010-3033 amino acids [Q. L. Choo, et. al., “Genetic Organization and Diversity of the Hepatitis C Virus.” Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 88, pp. 2451-2455 (1991); N. Kato et al., “Molecular Cloning of the Human Hepatitis C Virus Genome From Japanese Patients with Non-A, Non-B Hepatitis,” Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 87, pp. 9524-9528 (1990); A. Takamizawa et. al., “Structure and Organization of the Hepatitis C Virus Genome Isolated From Human Carriers,” J. Virol., 65, pp. 1105-1113 (1991)]. The HCV nonstructural (NS) proteins are presumed to provide the essential catalytic machinery for viral replication. The NS proteins are derived by proteolytic cleavage of the polyprotein [R. Bartenschlager et. al., “Nonstructural Protein 3 of the Hepatitis C Virus Encodes a Serine-Type Proteinase Required for Cleavage at the NS3/4 and NS4/5 Junctions,” J. Virol ., 67, pp. 3835-3844 (1993); A. Grakoui et. al., “Characterization of the Hepatitis C Virus-Encoded Serine Proteinase: Determination of Proteinase-Dependent Polyprotein Cleavage Sites,” J. Virol., 67, pp. 2832-2843 (1993); A. Grakoui et. al., “Expression and Identification of Hepatitis C Virus Polyprotein Cleavage Products,” J. Virol., 67, pp. 1385-1395 (1993); L. Tomei et. al., “NS3 is a serine protease required for processing of hepatitis C virus polyprotein”, J. Virol., 67, pp. 4017-4026 (1993)]. The HCV NS protein 3 (NS3) contains a serine protease activity that helps process the majority of the viral enzymes, and is thus considered essential for viral replication and infectivity. It is known that mutations in the yellow fever virus NS3 protease decrease viral infectivity [Chambers, T. J. et. al., “Evidence that the N-terminal Domain of Nonstructural Protein NS3 From Yellow Fever Virus is a Serine Protease Responsible for Site-Specific Cleavages in the Viral Polyprotein”, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 87, pp. 8898-8902 (1990)]. The first 181 amino acids of NS3 (residues 1027-1207 of the viral polyprotein) have been shown to contain the serine protease domain of NS3 that processes all four downstream sites of the HCV polyprotein [C. Lin et al., “Hepatitis C Virus NS3 Serine Proteinase: Trans-Cleavage Requirements and Processing Kinetics”, J. Virol., 68, pp. 8147-8157 (1994)]. The HCV NS3 serine protease and its associated cofactor, NS4A, helps process all of the viral enzymes, and is thus considered essential for viral replication. This processing appears to be analogous to that carried out by the human immunodeficiency virus aspartyl protease, which is also involved in viral enzyme processing. HIV protease inhibitors, which inhibit viral protein processing, are potent antiviral agents in man, indicating that interrupting this stage of the viral life cycle results in therapeutically active agents. Consequently HCV NS3 serine protease is also an attractive target for drug discovery. Furthermore, the current understanding of HCV has not led to any other satisfactory anti-HCV agents or treatments. Until recently, the only established therapy for HCV disease was interferon treatment. However, interferons have significant side effects [M. A. Wlaker et al., “Hepatitis C Virus: An Overview of Current Approaches and Progress,” DDT, 4, pp. 518-29 (1999); D. Moradpour et al., “Current and Evolving Therapies for Hepatitis C,” Eur. J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol., 11, pp. 1199-1202 (1999); H. L. A. Janssen et al. “Suicide Associated with Alfa-Interferon Therapy for Chronic Viral Hepatitis,” J. Hepatol., 21, pp. 241-243 (1994); P. F. Renault et al., “Side Effects of Alpha Interferon,” Seminars in Liver Disease, 9, pp. 273-277. (1989)] and induce long term remission in only a fraction (˜25%) of cases [O. Weiland, “Interferon Therapy in Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection”, FEMS Microbiol. Rev ., 14, pp. 279-288 (1994)]. Recent introductions of the pegylated forms of interferon (PEG-Intron® and Pegasys®) and the combination therapy of ribavirin and pegylated interferon (Rebetrol®) have resulted in only modest improvements in remission rates and only partial reductions in side effects. Moreover, the prospects for effective anti-HCV vaccines remain uncertain. Thus, there is a need for more effective anti-HCV therapies. Such inhibitors would have therapeutic potential as protease inhibitors, particularly as serine protease inhibitors, and more particularly as HCV NS3 protease inhibitors. Specifically, such compounds may be useful as antiviral agents, particularly as anti-HCV agents.
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10992750
| 2,004
|
Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device
|
A low thermal conductivity layer is formed on a back surface of a semiconductor wafer or chip, and a laser impression is formed on the low thermal conductivity layer. The laser impression can be formed without damaging the device surface of the semiconductor wafer or chip due to exothermic heat of the laser impression.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, and more particularly to a method of manufacturing a wafer-level chip size package (WCSP). The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-155148, filed May 24, 2001, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 2. Description of the Related Art The WCSP is one of semiconductor mold packages, a that has simple packaging. A plurality of pads are constructed for a plurality of semiconductor chips, are formed on a silicon substrate at the wafer-level. Then, bump electrodes for an assembly are formed, after wiring patterns connecting the pads are formed. Next, solder balls for packaging are formed on the bump electrodes. Finally, the wafer-level silicon substrate is divided into chip size pieces. At this time, between the pads, the wiring patterns and the bump electrodes are electrically connected by using solder balls, for instance. Similarly to other types of mold packages, such as a ball grid array (BGA) and a chip size package (CSP), manufacturing of the WCSP is performed as an assembly process. Since such a WCSP is a commodity transacted at the wafer-level as well as the chip size level, both of the chip size and wafer levels are impressed with a commodity description or identification. Commonly, since the pads, the wiring patterns and the bump electrodes are formed on a device surface of the silicon substrate, an impression for the WCSP is performed on a back surface which is opposite from the device surface. A conventional impression method for the WCSP, method is stamp printing using a rubber-stamp. However, the stamp printing has a few disadvantages, for example wear of the stamp and changing of ink. Also, a laser impression that is to be applied to another mold package must be set up, a slowing the process and increasing cost. At the back surface of a conventional WCSP, since no resist is applied after back-grinding of the WCSP, the silicon substrate is barely formed. When the laser impression is formed in such a WCSP, thermal energy of laser light is conducted at the device surface (a surface of integrated circuit), whereby aluminum wiring is damaged and bonding between aluminum pads and wiring patterns may be destroyed.
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Title:
Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device
Abstract:
A low thermal conductivity layer is formed on a back surface of a semiconductor wafer or chip, and a laser impression is formed on the low thermal conductivity layer. The laser impression can be formed without damaging the device surface of the semiconductor wafer or chip due to exothermic heat of the laser impression.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, and more particularly to a method of manufacturing a wafer-level chip size package (WCSP). The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-155148, filed May 24, 2001, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 2. Description of the Related Art The WCSP is one of semiconductor mold packages, a that has simple packaging. A plurality of pads are constructed for a plurality of semiconductor chips, are formed on a silicon substrate at the wafer-level. Then, bump electrodes for an assembly are formed, after wiring patterns connecting the pads are formed. Next, solder balls for packaging are formed on the bump electrodes. Finally, the wafer-level silicon substrate is divided into chip size pieces. At this time, between the pads, the wiring patterns and the bump electrodes are electrically connected by using solder balls, for instance. Similarly to other types of mold packages, such as a ball grid array (BGA) and a chip size package (CSP), manufacturing of the WCSP is performed as an assembly process. Since such a WCSP is a commodity transacted at the wafer-level as well as the chip size level, both of the chip size and wafer levels are impressed with a commodity description or identification. Commonly, since the pads, the wiring patterns and the bump electrodes are formed on a device surface of the silicon substrate, an impression for the WCSP is performed on a back surface which is opposite from the device surface. A conventional impression method for the WCSP, method is stamp printing using a rubber-stamp. However, the stamp printing has a few disadvantages, for example wear of the stamp and changing of ink. Also, a laser impression that is to be applied to another mold package must be set up, a slowing the process and increasing cost. At the back surface of a conventional WCSP, since no resist is applied after back-grinding of the WCSP, the silicon substrate is barely formed. When the laser impression is formed in such a WCSP, thermal energy of laser light is conducted at the device surface (a surface of integrated circuit), whereby aluminum wiring is damaged and bonding between aluminum pads and wiring patterns may be destroyed.
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10896808
| 2,004
|
Method for evaluating and modifying solder attach design for integrated circuit packaging assembly
|
A method of reducing a likelihood that a die pad will be delaminated from a die in an integrated circuit die package for a structure design during an attachment of a heat sink member to the die pad using solder, is provided. A sample structure of the structure design is evaluated to determine whether a volume of last solidification for the solder is centrally located with respect to the die pad and is located at or near an interface of the solder and the die pad. If the last solidification volume is centrally located and is located at or near the interface of the solder and the die pad, and if the die pad is delaminated from the die, the structure design is modified so that less metal of the heat sink member is centrally located than before the modifying.
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BACKGROUND Heat dissipation from an integrated circuit (IC) chip or die during operation is typically an important issue, especially as the density of IC devices on a die continues to increase. Also, many devices now have combinations of high-power transistors and low-power transistors formed on a same die. Such high-power transistors tend to produce more heat than low-power transistors. Further, more system-on-chip configurations are being used. Thus, there are often a wide variety of IC devices on a same die. Some of the IC devices can handle and/or put out much more heat than nearby or neighboring devices on the same die. Hence, the reliability and effectiveness of heat dissipation for a packaged IC die may greatly affect the reliability and/or performance of an IC chip during operation. Many die packages 22 have an exposed die pad surface 24 , as shown in FIG. 1 for example. Typically a die 26 is attached to or bonded to a die pad 28 to improve heat transfer from the die 26 via the die pad 28 . An exposed die pad 28 is often soldered to a heat sink member 30 , as shown in FIG. 2 for example, or other metal components on a printed circuit board (PCB) 34 to provide a primary heat transfer path from the die 26 to the heat sink 30 via the die pad 28 . The heat sink 30 in FIG. 2 is a metal rivet that extends through the PCB 34 . Many die pads 28 of die packages 22 are thin to help reduce package size (e.g., package thickness). As a result, many die pads 28 are flexible and easily deformed (like a diaphragm). In such cases, it has been found that the forces exerted on a die pad 28 by solidifying solder 36 may be great enough to cause delamination between the die pad 28 and the die 26 where the die 26 is supposed to be attached to the die pad 28 . Such delamination may greatly reduce the heat transfer efficiency and hinder the thermal path for cooling the die 26 via the die pad 28 . It would be preferred to reduce the probability that a die pad 28 may be delaminated from a die 26 or deformed by a solder attachment procedure due to solder solidification forces.
|
Title:
Method for evaluating and modifying solder attach design for integrated circuit packaging assembly
Abstract:
A method of reducing a likelihood that a die pad will be delaminated from a die in an integrated circuit die package for a structure design during an attachment of a heat sink member to the die pad using solder, is provided. A sample structure of the structure design is evaluated to determine whether a volume of last solidification for the solder is centrally located with respect to the die pad and is located at or near an interface of the solder and the die pad. If the last solidification volume is centrally located and is located at or near the interface of the solder and the die pad, and if the die pad is delaminated from the die, the structure design is modified so that less metal of the heat sink member is centrally located than before the modifying.
Background:
BACKGROUND Heat dissipation from an integrated circuit (IC) chip or die during operation is typically an important issue, especially as the density of IC devices on a die continues to increase. Also, many devices now have combinations of high-power transistors and low-power transistors formed on a same die. Such high-power transistors tend to produce more heat than low-power transistors. Further, more system-on-chip configurations are being used. Thus, there are often a wide variety of IC devices on a same die. Some of the IC devices can handle and/or put out much more heat than nearby or neighboring devices on the same die. Hence, the reliability and effectiveness of heat dissipation for a packaged IC die may greatly affect the reliability and/or performance of an IC chip during operation. Many die packages 22 have an exposed die pad surface 24 , as shown in FIG. 1 for example. Typically a die 26 is attached to or bonded to a die pad 28 to improve heat transfer from the die 26 via the die pad 28 . An exposed die pad 28 is often soldered to a heat sink member 30 , as shown in FIG. 2 for example, or other metal components on a printed circuit board (PCB) 34 to provide a primary heat transfer path from the die 26 to the heat sink 30 via the die pad 28 . The heat sink 30 in FIG. 2 is a metal rivet that extends through the PCB 34 . Many die pads 28 of die packages 22 are thin to help reduce package size (e.g., package thickness). As a result, many die pads 28 are flexible and easily deformed (like a diaphragm). In such cases, it has been found that the forces exerted on a die pad 28 by solidifying solder 36 may be great enough to cause delamination between the die pad 28 and the die 26 where the die 26 is supposed to be attached to the die pad 28 . Such delamination may greatly reduce the heat transfer efficiency and hinder the thermal path for cooling the die 26 via the die pad 28 . It would be preferred to reduce the probability that a die pad 28 may be delaminated from a die 26 or deformed by a solder attachment procedure due to solder solidification forces.
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10991560
| 2,004
|
Short-wavelength laser module and method of producing the same
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In a short-wavelength laser module, long-term reliability is lost because of unnecessary gas deposited on the end face of its optical waveguide. A short-wavelength laser module has a package structure wherein a package lid used when the short-wavelength laser module is hermetically sealed does not make contact with internal gas, and a process of accelerating the polymerization of a securing agent used inside the package is incorporated, whereby unnecessary gas from the securing agent is eliminated and the long-term reliability of the output is attained.
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BACKGROUND OF TECHNOLOGY In the optical device field, the hermetic sealing structure and hermetic sealing method of each optical device are important technologies to attain the long-term reliability of the optical device, and also in an optical waveguide wavelength conversion device, the hermetic sealing structure has become a very important factor, since it is necessary to protect against external humidity and dust for stabilization of the characteristic of an optical waveguide itself, stabilization of the characteristic of an optical semiconductor, such as a semiconductor laser, and attainment of long-term reliability. In a hermetic sealing method in a conventional optical device, when a metallic package or a ceramic package is used in general, seam welding, such as resistance welding, can be applied between the main body of the package and the lid. For example, in the hermetic sealing method of an optical semiconductor module, as disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. Hei 6-82660, the module is configured so as to be hermetically sealed by seam-welding or soldering the upper face of the main body and the lid. By this seam-welding and soldering, sufficient hermeticity can be maintained inside the package. However, when it is considered that a light-emitting device, such as a semiconductor laser, is mounted on an optical pickup, it is important to reduce the weight and cost of the package itself; since the package formed of a resin, such as plastic, is lightweight and inexpensive, the resin is one of promising package materials. In the case when a resin package is used, a package sealing method using an adhesive, instead of the seam-welding or soldering, is most effective. In the case when an adhesive is used for a method of sealing a package including a semiconductor laser and an optical waveguide wavelength conversion device that makes the wavelength of the light of the semiconductor laser short, in a conventional hermetically-sealing structure shown in FIG. 13 , a lid portion securing agent 1302 on the A-face 1308 of FIG. 13 makes contact with gas hermetically sealed inside the package, whereby unnecessary gas 1306 evolved from the adhesive or unnecessary gas 1306 generated from the adhesive at the time of curing is mixed inside the package. In addition, an adhesive is used to secure an optical waveguide wavelength conversion device 1304 and a sub-mount 1305 inside the package, whereby unnecessary gas 1307 from the adhesive is also mixed inside the package just as in the case of securing the lid. Conventionally, in the case of an incoherent incandescent lamp, a light-emitting diode, a long-wavelength semiconductor laser or the like, large energy is not concentrated near its light-emitting point, whereby the light-emitting point is not affected adversely. However, short-wavelength light emitted from a short-wavelength semiconductor laser, such as a blue laser, or an optical waveguide, is coherent light, and large energy of 10 kW/cm 2 or more is concentrated near the end face of the laser chip or the light-emitting point of the optical waveguide; therefore, the particles of the unnecessary gas are attracted thereto, and the unnecessary gas present inside the package are deposited on the end face of the chip or the end face of the optical waveguide, that is, the light emission portions, thereby causing the problem of lowering the optical output. In addition, in the case when an ultraviolet curing resin is used as a package sealing and securing agent and an optical waveguide wavelength conversion device securing agent, bluish violet light or ultraviolet light emitted from the semiconductor laser or the optical waveguide reacts with outside gas, that is, unnecessary caused by the ultraviolet curing resin present in the atmosphere inside the package, and the unnecessary gas is further deposited significantly on the end face of the optical waveguide, thereby causing the problem of losing long-term reliability. Furthermore, in the case when the optical waveguide wavelength conversion device is turned on continuously in the air atmosphere without being secured to the inside of the package, large energy is concentrated to the end face of the optical waveguide; therefore, foreign particles, such as dust, dirt and carbide, present in the air, are deposited on the end face of the blue light emission portion, thereby causing the problem of lowering the output of the blue light, deteriorating the transverse mode and losing the long-term reliability.
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Title:
Short-wavelength laser module and method of producing the same
Abstract:
In a short-wavelength laser module, long-term reliability is lost because of unnecessary gas deposited on the end face of its optical waveguide. A short-wavelength laser module has a package structure wherein a package lid used when the short-wavelength laser module is hermetically sealed does not make contact with internal gas, and a process of accelerating the polymerization of a securing agent used inside the package is incorporated, whereby unnecessary gas from the securing agent is eliminated and the long-term reliability of the output is attained.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF TECHNOLOGY In the optical device field, the hermetic sealing structure and hermetic sealing method of each optical device are important technologies to attain the long-term reliability of the optical device, and also in an optical waveguide wavelength conversion device, the hermetic sealing structure has become a very important factor, since it is necessary to protect against external humidity and dust for stabilization of the characteristic of an optical waveguide itself, stabilization of the characteristic of an optical semiconductor, such as a semiconductor laser, and attainment of long-term reliability. In a hermetic sealing method in a conventional optical device, when a metallic package or a ceramic package is used in general, seam welding, such as resistance welding, can be applied between the main body of the package and the lid. For example, in the hermetic sealing method of an optical semiconductor module, as disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. Hei 6-82660, the module is configured so as to be hermetically sealed by seam-welding or soldering the upper face of the main body and the lid. By this seam-welding and soldering, sufficient hermeticity can be maintained inside the package. However, when it is considered that a light-emitting device, such as a semiconductor laser, is mounted on an optical pickup, it is important to reduce the weight and cost of the package itself; since the package formed of a resin, such as plastic, is lightweight and inexpensive, the resin is one of promising package materials. In the case when a resin package is used, a package sealing method using an adhesive, instead of the seam-welding or soldering, is most effective. In the case when an adhesive is used for a method of sealing a package including a semiconductor laser and an optical waveguide wavelength conversion device that makes the wavelength of the light of the semiconductor laser short, in a conventional hermetically-sealing structure shown in FIG. 13 , a lid portion securing agent 1302 on the A-face 1308 of FIG. 13 makes contact with gas hermetically sealed inside the package, whereby unnecessary gas 1306 evolved from the adhesive or unnecessary gas 1306 generated from the adhesive at the time of curing is mixed inside the package. In addition, an adhesive is used to secure an optical waveguide wavelength conversion device 1304 and a sub-mount 1305 inside the package, whereby unnecessary gas 1307 from the adhesive is also mixed inside the package just as in the case of securing the lid. Conventionally, in the case of an incoherent incandescent lamp, a light-emitting diode, a long-wavelength semiconductor laser or the like, large energy is not concentrated near its light-emitting point, whereby the light-emitting point is not affected adversely. However, short-wavelength light emitted from a short-wavelength semiconductor laser, such as a blue laser, or an optical waveguide, is coherent light, and large energy of 10 kW/cm 2 or more is concentrated near the end face of the laser chip or the light-emitting point of the optical waveguide; therefore, the particles of the unnecessary gas are attracted thereto, and the unnecessary gas present inside the package are deposited on the end face of the chip or the end face of the optical waveguide, that is, the light emission portions, thereby causing the problem of lowering the optical output. In addition, in the case when an ultraviolet curing resin is used as a package sealing and securing agent and an optical waveguide wavelength conversion device securing agent, bluish violet light or ultraviolet light emitted from the semiconductor laser or the optical waveguide reacts with outside gas, that is, unnecessary caused by the ultraviolet curing resin present in the atmosphere inside the package, and the unnecessary gas is further deposited significantly on the end face of the optical waveguide, thereby causing the problem of losing long-term reliability. Furthermore, in the case when the optical waveguide wavelength conversion device is turned on continuously in the air atmosphere without being secured to the inside of the package, large energy is concentrated to the end face of the optical waveguide; therefore, foreign particles, such as dust, dirt and carbide, present in the air, are deposited on the end face of the blue light emission portion, thereby causing the problem of lowering the output of the blue light, deteriorating the transverse mode and losing the long-term reliability.
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10490645
| 2,004
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El display panel and el display apparatus comprising it
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In a source driver (14) provided in an electroluminescent (EL) display device of the present invention, the gate voltage of a first-stage current source formed by a transistor (631) is applied to the gate of a transistor (632a) which is a second-stage current source situated next to the transistor (631) and, as a result, a current flowing through the transistor (632a) is transferred to a transistor (632b) which is a second-stage current source. In addition, the gate voltage of the transistor (632b) is applied to the gate of a transistor (633a) which is a third-stage current source situated next to the transistor (632b) and, as a result, a current flowing through the transistor (633a) is transferred to a transistor (633b) which is a third-stage current source. The gate of the transistor (633b) is provided with a large number of current sources (634) corresponding to the number of bits required.
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BACKGROUND ART In general, an active-matrix display apparatus has a multiplicity of pixels arranged in matrix and displays an image by controlling the intensity of light pixel by pixel in accordance with image signals given. When, for example, liquid crystal is used as an electro-optic substance, the transmittance of each pixel varies in accordance with the voltage applied to the pixel. The basic operation of an active-matrix image display apparatus employing an organic electroluminescence (EL) material as an electro-optic converting substance is the same as in the case where liquid crystal is used. A liquid crystal display panel has pixels each functioning as a shutter and displays an image by turning on/off light from a back light with such a shutter, or a pixel. An organic EL display panel is a display panel of the self-luminescence type having a light-emitting device in each pixel. Such a self-luminescence type display panel has advantages over liquid crystal display panels, including higher image visibility, no need for a back light, and higher response speed. The organic EL display panel controls the luminance of each light-emitting device (pixel) based on the amount of current. Thus, the organic EL display panel is largely different from the liquid crystal display panel in that its luminescent devices are of the current-driven type or the current-controlled type. Like the liquid crystal display panel, the organic EL display panel can have any one of a simple-matrix configuration and an active-matrix configuration. Though the former configuration is simple in structure, it has a difficulty in realizing a large-scale and high-definition display panel. However, it is inexpensive. The latter configuration can realize a large-scale and high-definition display panel. However, it has problems of a technical difficulty in control and of a relatively high price. Presently, organic EL display panels of the active-matrix configuration are being developed intensively. Such an active-matrix EL panel controls electric current passing through the light-emitting device provided in each pixel by means of a thin film transistor (TFT) located inside the pixel. An organic EL display panel of such an active-matrix configuration is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. HEI 8-234683 for example. FIG. 62 shows an equivalent circuit of one pixel portion of this display panel. Pixel 216 comprises an EL device 215 as a light-emitting device, a first transistor 211 a , a second transistor 211 b , and a storage capacitor 219 . Here, the EL device 215 is an organic electroluminescence (EL) device. In the present description, a transistor for feeding (controlling) current to an EL device is referred to as a driving transistor, while a transistor operating as a switch like the transistor 211 b in FIG. 62 referred to as a switching transistor. EL device 215 has a rectification property in many cases and hence is called OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) as the case may be. For this reason, the EL device 215 in FIG. 62 is regarded as an OLED and represented by the symbol of a diode. In the example shown in FIG. 62 , the source terminal (S) of p-channel transistor 211 a is connected to Vdd (power source potential), while the cathode (negative electrode) of the EL device 215 connected to ground potential (Vk). On the other hand, the anode (positive electrode) is connected to the drain terminal (D) of the transistor 211 b. The gate terminal of the p-channel transistor 211 b is connected to a gate signal line 217 a, the source terminal connected to a source signal line 218 , and the drain terminal connected to the storage capacitor 219 and the gate terminal (G) of the transistor 211 a. In order to operate the pixel 216 , first, the source signal line 218 is applied with an image signal indicative of luminance information with the gate signal line 217 a turned into a selected state. Then, the transistor 211 b becomes conducting and the storage capacitor 219 is charged or discharged, so that the gate potential of the transistor 211 a becomes equal to the potential of the image signal. When the gate signal line 217 a is turned into an unselected state, the transistor 211 a is turned off, so that the transistor 211 a is electrically disconnected from the source signal line 218 . However, the gate potential of the transistor 211 a is stably maintained by means of the storage capacitor 219 . The current passing through the EL device 215 via the transistor 211 a comes to assume a value corresponding to voltage Vgs across the gate and the source terminals of the transistor 11 a, with the result that the EL device 215 keeps on emitting light at a luminance corresponding to the amount of current fed thereto through the transistor 211 a. As described above, according to the prior art configuration shown in FIG. 62 , one pixel comprises one selecting transistor (switching device) and one driving transistor. Another prior art configuration is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. HEI 11-327637 for example. This publication describes an embodiment in which a pixel comprises a current mirror circuit. Meanwhile, the organic EL display panel is usually manufactured using a low temperature polysilicon transistor array. Since organic EL devices emit light based on current, the organic EL display panel involves a problem that display irregularities occur if there are variations in transistor characteristics. Further, a conventional EL display panel cannot sufficiently charge/discharge the parasitic capacitance which is present in the source signal line 18 . For this reason there arises a problem that in some cases a desired current cannot be fed to pixel 16 . In addition, it is possible to achieve a reduction in display unevenness by employing a pixel configuration of the current program system. Here, execution of a current program requires the provision of a source driver of the current driven type. However, even in a source driver of the current driven type, variations occur to transistor elemental devices which constitute a current output stage. This creates variations in output current from each output terminal, thereby producing the problem that image display of better quality is not obtained. Furthermore, human vision is characterized in that sensitivity to variation in brightness is low in a low gray scale region while on the other hand sensitivity to variation in brightness is high in a high gray scale region. If, in a source driver of the current driven type, display is carried out at a constant current value increment, this represents the problem that it is impossible to provide image display natural to human eyes.
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Title:
El display panel and el display apparatus comprising it
Abstract:
In a source driver (14) provided in an electroluminescent (EL) display device of the present invention, the gate voltage of a first-stage current source formed by a transistor (631) is applied to the gate of a transistor (632a) which is a second-stage current source situated next to the transistor (631) and, as a result, a current flowing through the transistor (632a) is transferred to a transistor (632b) which is a second-stage current source. In addition, the gate voltage of the transistor (632b) is applied to the gate of a transistor (633a) which is a third-stage current source situated next to the transistor (632b) and, as a result, a current flowing through the transistor (633a) is transferred to a transistor (633b) which is a third-stage current source. The gate of the transistor (633b) is provided with a large number of current sources (634) corresponding to the number of bits required.
Background:
BACKGROUND ART In general, an active-matrix display apparatus has a multiplicity of pixels arranged in matrix and displays an image by controlling the intensity of light pixel by pixel in accordance with image signals given. When, for example, liquid crystal is used as an electro-optic substance, the transmittance of each pixel varies in accordance with the voltage applied to the pixel. The basic operation of an active-matrix image display apparatus employing an organic electroluminescence (EL) material as an electro-optic converting substance is the same as in the case where liquid crystal is used. A liquid crystal display panel has pixels each functioning as a shutter and displays an image by turning on/off light from a back light with such a shutter, or a pixel. An organic EL display panel is a display panel of the self-luminescence type having a light-emitting device in each pixel. Such a self-luminescence type display panel has advantages over liquid crystal display panels, including higher image visibility, no need for a back light, and higher response speed. The organic EL display panel controls the luminance of each light-emitting device (pixel) based on the amount of current. Thus, the organic EL display panel is largely different from the liquid crystal display panel in that its luminescent devices are of the current-driven type or the current-controlled type. Like the liquid crystal display panel, the organic EL display panel can have any one of a simple-matrix configuration and an active-matrix configuration. Though the former configuration is simple in structure, it has a difficulty in realizing a large-scale and high-definition display panel. However, it is inexpensive. The latter configuration can realize a large-scale and high-definition display panel. However, it has problems of a technical difficulty in control and of a relatively high price. Presently, organic EL display panels of the active-matrix configuration are being developed intensively. Such an active-matrix EL panel controls electric current passing through the light-emitting device provided in each pixel by means of a thin film transistor (TFT) located inside the pixel. An organic EL display panel of such an active-matrix configuration is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. HEI 8-234683 for example. FIG. 62 shows an equivalent circuit of one pixel portion of this display panel. Pixel 216 comprises an EL device 215 as a light-emitting device, a first transistor 211 a , a second transistor 211 b , and a storage capacitor 219 . Here, the EL device 215 is an organic electroluminescence (EL) device. In the present description, a transistor for feeding (controlling) current to an EL device is referred to as a driving transistor, while a transistor operating as a switch like the transistor 211 b in FIG. 62 referred to as a switching transistor. EL device 215 has a rectification property in many cases and hence is called OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) as the case may be. For this reason, the EL device 215 in FIG. 62 is regarded as an OLED and represented by the symbol of a diode. In the example shown in FIG. 62 , the source terminal (S) of p-channel transistor 211 a is connected to Vdd (power source potential), while the cathode (negative electrode) of the EL device 215 connected to ground potential (Vk). On the other hand, the anode (positive electrode) is connected to the drain terminal (D) of the transistor 211 b. The gate terminal of the p-channel transistor 211 b is connected to a gate signal line 217 a, the source terminal connected to a source signal line 218 , and the drain terminal connected to the storage capacitor 219 and the gate terminal (G) of the transistor 211 a. In order to operate the pixel 216 , first, the source signal line 218 is applied with an image signal indicative of luminance information with the gate signal line 217 a turned into a selected state. Then, the transistor 211 b becomes conducting and the storage capacitor 219 is charged or discharged, so that the gate potential of the transistor 211 a becomes equal to the potential of the image signal. When the gate signal line 217 a is turned into an unselected state, the transistor 211 a is turned off, so that the transistor 211 a is electrically disconnected from the source signal line 218 . However, the gate potential of the transistor 211 a is stably maintained by means of the storage capacitor 219 . The current passing through the EL device 215 via the transistor 211 a comes to assume a value corresponding to voltage Vgs across the gate and the source terminals of the transistor 11 a, with the result that the EL device 215 keeps on emitting light at a luminance corresponding to the amount of current fed thereto through the transistor 211 a. As described above, according to the prior art configuration shown in FIG. 62 , one pixel comprises one selecting transistor (switching device) and one driving transistor. Another prior art configuration is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. HEI 11-327637 for example. This publication describes an embodiment in which a pixel comprises a current mirror circuit. Meanwhile, the organic EL display panel is usually manufactured using a low temperature polysilicon transistor array. Since organic EL devices emit light based on current, the organic EL display panel involves a problem that display irregularities occur if there are variations in transistor characteristics. Further, a conventional EL display panel cannot sufficiently charge/discharge the parasitic capacitance which is present in the source signal line 18 . For this reason there arises a problem that in some cases a desired current cannot be fed to pixel 16 . In addition, it is possible to achieve a reduction in display unevenness by employing a pixel configuration of the current program system. Here, execution of a current program requires the provision of a source driver of the current driven type. However, even in a source driver of the current driven type, variations occur to transistor elemental devices which constitute a current output stage. This creates variations in output current from each output terminal, thereby producing the problem that image display of better quality is not obtained. Furthermore, human vision is characterized in that sensitivity to variation in brightness is low in a low gray scale region while on the other hand sensitivity to variation in brightness is high in a high gray scale region. If, in a source driver of the current driven type, display is carried out at a constant current value increment, this represents the problem that it is impossible to provide image display natural to human eyes.
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10932583
| 2,004
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Systems and methods for mining model accuracy display for multiple state prediction
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Systems and methods are provided for producing a mining model accuracy display that depicts the model's accuracy at predicting a state for a multiple-state variable. The model predicts a state and provides an associated probability for each case. Points are graphed such that one coordinate of the data point corresponds to a number N of cases and the other coordinate corresponds to the number of correct predictions made in the top N cases by probability.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Data mining is the exploration and analysis of large quantities of data, in order to discover correlations, patterns, and trends in the data. Data mining may also be used to create models that can be used to predict future data or classify existing data. For example, a business may amass a large collection of information about its customers. This information may include purchasing information and any other information available to the business about the customer. The predictions of a model associated with customer data may be used, for example, to control customer attrition, to perform credit-risk management, to detect fraud, or to make decisions on marketing. To create and test a data mining model, available data may be divided into two parts. One part, the training data set, may be used to create models. The rest of the data, the testing data set, may be used to test the model, and thereby determine the accuracy of the model in making predictions. Data within data sets is grouped into cases. For example, with customer data, each case corresponds to a different customer. Data in the case describes or is otherwise associated with that customer. One type of data that may be associated with a case (for example, with a given customer) is a categorical variable. A categorical variable categorizes the case into one of several pre-defined states. For example, one such variable may correspond to the educational level of the customer. There are various values for this variable. The possible values are known as states. For instance, the states of the educational level variable may be “high school degree,” “bachelor's degree,” or “graduate degree” and may correspond to the highest degree earned by the customer. As mentioned, available data is partitioned into two groups—a training data set and a testing data set. Often 70% of the data is used for training and 30% for testing. A model may be trained on the training data set, which includes this information. Once a model is trained, it may be run on the testing data set for evaluation. During this testing, the model will be given all of the data except the educational level data, and asked to predict a probability that the educational level variable for that customer is “bachelor's degree”. Running the model on the testing data set, these results are compared to the actual testing data to see whether the model correctly predicted a high probability of the “bachelor's degree” state for cases that actually have “bachelor's degree” as the state of the educational level variable. One method of displaying the success of a model graphically is by means of a lift chart, also known as a cumulative gains chart. To create a lift chart, the cases from the testing data set are sorted according to the probability assigned by the model that the variable (e.g. educational level) has the state (e.g. bachelor's degree) that was tested, from highest probability to lowest probability. Once this is done, a lift chart can be created from data points (X, Y) showing for each point what number Y of the total number of true positives (those cases where the variable does have the state being tested for) are included in the X % of the testing data set cases with the highest probability for that state, as assigned by the model. As shown in FIG. 1 , the conventional lift chart shows that there are 1000 total true positives in the testing set. This is not necessarily the number of cases in the testing data set. Some cases may have a different state for the variable than the one for which the test is being conducted. The number of true positives in the testing data set is the highest number shown on Y axis 10 . The X axis 20 correlates with the percentage of cases with the highest probabilities. Lift line 30 depicts the success of the model. For example, it can be seen that lift line 30 includes a point with (X, Y) coordinates are approximately (20, 500). This indicates that, in the 20% of the cases selected by the model as the most probable cases having the tested-for state of the variable, approximately 500 of the cases that are truly positive for the state of the variable are included. This is equivalent to getting 50% of the actual cases with the desired state in only 20% of the cases for which the test is conducted. A model that randomly assigns probabilities would be likely to have a chart close to the random lift line 40 . In the top 10% of cases, such a model would find 10% of the true positives. Note that the X axis may also be expressed in the number of high probability cases, and the Y axis in percentages. A perfect model may also be considered. In a situation where there are N % true positives among the entire testing data set, the lift line would stretch straight from the origin to the point (N, Y MAX ) (where Y MAX is the maximum Y value). This is because all of the true positives would be identified before any false positives are identified. The lift line for the perfect model would then continue horizontally from that point to the right. For example, if 20% of the cases had the tested for state, as shown in FIG. 2 , a perfect model would have the perfect lift line 50 , extending from (0,0) to (20, 1000) and then from (20, 1000) to (100, 1000). Similarly, the worst case model would identify no true positives until the last N % of the testing population is included, and, as shown in FIG. 3 for the case where there are 20% true positives, the worst case lift line 60 for such a model would extend from (0,0) to (80, 0) and then straight from (80,0) to (100, 1000). As described above, in the prior art, a lift chart can be used to display and measure the prediction accuracy of a model for a given state of a variable. However, existing lift charts have several drawbacks. Because models often must pick, for a given case and variable, what state is most probable for that variable, it is useful to know with what accuracy they can perform this prediction for all states. Lift charts in the prior art do not allow the display of the general prediction accuracy of a model for a variable over all states. A model may perform well for one state but may perform badly when predicting another. Also, in the prior art, comparing lift charts for different models to evaluate the effectiveness over the entire population will not be useful, as all conventional lift chart lines have a Y value corresponding to all of the true positives at the X value corresponding to the entire population of the testing set. This is because when all cases are considered, all true positives are included. Thus, there is a need for improved charts with which to understand the behavior of models for predicting the state of multiple-state variables.
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Title:
Systems and methods for mining model accuracy display for multiple state prediction
Abstract:
Systems and methods are provided for producing a mining model accuracy display that depicts the model's accuracy at predicting a state for a multiple-state variable. The model predicts a state and provides an associated probability for each case. Points are graphed such that one coordinate of the data point corresponds to a number N of cases and the other coordinate corresponds to the number of correct predictions made in the top N cases by probability.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Data mining is the exploration and analysis of large quantities of data, in order to discover correlations, patterns, and trends in the data. Data mining may also be used to create models that can be used to predict future data or classify existing data. For example, a business may amass a large collection of information about its customers. This information may include purchasing information and any other information available to the business about the customer. The predictions of a model associated with customer data may be used, for example, to control customer attrition, to perform credit-risk management, to detect fraud, or to make decisions on marketing. To create and test a data mining model, available data may be divided into two parts. One part, the training data set, may be used to create models. The rest of the data, the testing data set, may be used to test the model, and thereby determine the accuracy of the model in making predictions. Data within data sets is grouped into cases. For example, with customer data, each case corresponds to a different customer. Data in the case describes or is otherwise associated with that customer. One type of data that may be associated with a case (for example, with a given customer) is a categorical variable. A categorical variable categorizes the case into one of several pre-defined states. For example, one such variable may correspond to the educational level of the customer. There are various values for this variable. The possible values are known as states. For instance, the states of the educational level variable may be “high school degree,” “bachelor's degree,” or “graduate degree” and may correspond to the highest degree earned by the customer. As mentioned, available data is partitioned into two groups—a training data set and a testing data set. Often 70% of the data is used for training and 30% for testing. A model may be trained on the training data set, which includes this information. Once a model is trained, it may be run on the testing data set for evaluation. During this testing, the model will be given all of the data except the educational level data, and asked to predict a probability that the educational level variable for that customer is “bachelor's degree”. Running the model on the testing data set, these results are compared to the actual testing data to see whether the model correctly predicted a high probability of the “bachelor's degree” state for cases that actually have “bachelor's degree” as the state of the educational level variable. One method of displaying the success of a model graphically is by means of a lift chart, also known as a cumulative gains chart. To create a lift chart, the cases from the testing data set are sorted according to the probability assigned by the model that the variable (e.g. educational level) has the state (e.g. bachelor's degree) that was tested, from highest probability to lowest probability. Once this is done, a lift chart can be created from data points (X, Y) showing for each point what number Y of the total number of true positives (those cases where the variable does have the state being tested for) are included in the X % of the testing data set cases with the highest probability for that state, as assigned by the model. As shown in FIG. 1 , the conventional lift chart shows that there are 1000 total true positives in the testing set. This is not necessarily the number of cases in the testing data set. Some cases may have a different state for the variable than the one for which the test is being conducted. The number of true positives in the testing data set is the highest number shown on Y axis 10 . The X axis 20 correlates with the percentage of cases with the highest probabilities. Lift line 30 depicts the success of the model. For example, it can be seen that lift line 30 includes a point with (X, Y) coordinates are approximately (20, 500). This indicates that, in the 20% of the cases selected by the model as the most probable cases having the tested-for state of the variable, approximately 500 of the cases that are truly positive for the state of the variable are included. This is equivalent to getting 50% of the actual cases with the desired state in only 20% of the cases for which the test is conducted. A model that randomly assigns probabilities would be likely to have a chart close to the random lift line 40 . In the top 10% of cases, such a model would find 10% of the true positives. Note that the X axis may also be expressed in the number of high probability cases, and the Y axis in percentages. A perfect model may also be considered. In a situation where there are N % true positives among the entire testing data set, the lift line would stretch straight from the origin to the point (N, Y MAX ) (where Y MAX is the maximum Y value). This is because all of the true positives would be identified before any false positives are identified. The lift line for the perfect model would then continue horizontally from that point to the right. For example, if 20% of the cases had the tested for state, as shown in FIG. 2 , a perfect model would have the perfect lift line 50 , extending from (0,0) to (20, 1000) and then from (20, 1000) to (100, 1000). Similarly, the worst case model would identify no true positives until the last N % of the testing population is included, and, as shown in FIG. 3 for the case where there are 20% true positives, the worst case lift line 60 for such a model would extend from (0,0) to (80, 0) and then straight from (80,0) to (100, 1000). As described above, in the prior art, a lift chart can be used to display and measure the prediction accuracy of a model for a given state of a variable. However, existing lift charts have several drawbacks. Because models often must pick, for a given case and variable, what state is most probable for that variable, it is useful to know with what accuracy they can perform this prediction for all states. Lift charts in the prior art do not allow the display of the general prediction accuracy of a model for a variable over all states. A model may perform well for one state but may perform badly when predicting another. Also, in the prior art, comparing lift charts for different models to evaluate the effectiveness over the entire population will not be useful, as all conventional lift chart lines have a Y value corresponding to all of the true positives at the X value corresponding to the entire population of the testing set. This is because when all cases are considered, all true positives are included. Thus, there is a need for improved charts with which to understand the behavior of models for predicting the state of multiple-state variables.
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10826550
| 2,004
|
Appendage attachment
|
The invention relates an appendage attachment having a band of plastically deformable material having a first end, a second end, and a length between the first and second ends. The band is wrappable about a user's appendage by positioning the first end proximate to the appendage and extending the length about the appendage until the second end approaches the first end. The appendage is a genitalia or a limb, depending upon the user's selection. The invention also relates to a method for providing the appendage attachment.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Erectile dysfunction is typically a condition in which a male has difficulty maintaining an erect penis or a sufficiently erect penis for sexual performance. A sexually aroused male usually experiences an increased blood flow to his penis, resulting in an erection. The increased blood flow to the penis normally results in a volume of blood in the penis that is greater than when the penis is in a flaccid state. This increased volume of blood usually enables the penis to maintain an erection until such time the erection is no longer needed. However, some males have difficulty controlling the flow of blood away from the penis toward the torso, resulting in an inadequately erect penis, or erectile dysfunction. The amount of blood flow away from the penis varies among men having erectile dysfunction and, hence, the extent of the dysfunction varies. To facilitate maintaining penile erection, traditional constrictor rings or the like have been used to constrict the blood flow away from the penis by placing a tightly fitting ring around a base of the penis. In this position, the rings typically inhibit blood from flowing back toward the torso. Generally, these rings are often made of a resilient material so that the rings may accommodate penises of different diameters. Although these rings often accomplish their goal of restricting the blood flow away from the penis, such rings may be uncomfortable for males having larger diameter penises. For these males, a ring of resilient material may bind upon the penis, sometimes causing pain. Further, because the rings are often made of resilient materials, they are subject to breakage, particularly over time as the rings are repeatedly stretched and retracted. In addition, resilient materials are normally more porous than non resilient materials and may absorb and retain bodily fluids. This may be especially problematic since these rings often come in direct contact with several different types of bodily fluids. Therefore, the rings may pose a health hazard by being a breeding ground for germs or bacteria. A further possible disadvantage of a constrictor ring is transporting it in a clean environment until such time it is utilized. In some situations, the male may be in search of a sexual partner and may wish to transport the ring with him because a sexual encounter may result from the search. in these instances, the male often carries the ring in a pocket or wallet, both of which introduces germs, lint, and other foreign objects to come in contact with the ring and which may lead to or augment the above mentioned health hazard. Alternatively, the male may also carry the ring in a carrying case. However, the case may prove to be bulky or cumbersome. Moreover, in certain instances, the male may be concerned that the case may alert others as to its contents, which may lead to embarrassment. Therefore, the male may be dissuaded from using the case to transport the ring. U.S. Pat. No. 5,027,800 to Rowland seems to disclose an erection truss which is a completed loop of surgical tubing having a male-female fastener assembly for attachment of the ends. However, this patent does not seem to address the possible transporting problems mentioned above. This invention, being made of a stretchable material, also does not seem to address the possible breakage or health hazards described above. U.S. Pat. No. 5,054,299 to Maveety appears to disclose jewelry made from a planar form of molded rubber or a molded rubber-like plastic material and having a central portion made of bendable metal. The invention also seems to teach that the rubber-like material surrounding the central portion is quite substantial for encasing the wires that are “folded back to create overall blunt end portions.” (col. 1, lines 42-3). See FIGS. 2, 3 , 5 , 6 , 9 , 11 , 12 , 14 , 16 and 17 . Hence, it is possible that this invention may not be effectively used as a constrictor ring to constrict blood flow from the penis toward the torso. U.S. Pat. No. 5,873,813 to Weiss appears to disclose an apparatus for maintaining an erection in a male suffering from erectile dysfunction. However, this patent does not seem to address the possible transporting problems mentioned above. U.S. Pat. No. 3,852,982 to Faris may disclose a resilient ring fastener. However, the ring does not appear to be adjustable to accommodate varying objects placed inside the ring. Also, this patent does not seem to address the possible transporting problems or, because the ring is made of a stretchable material, the possible breakage or health hazards described above. What is desired, therefore, is a ring to facilitate maintaining penile erection that accommodates penises of varying diameters. What is also desired is a ring that resists breakage despite repeated use. Another desire is a ring that reduces germ and/or bacteria accumulation. A still further desire is a ring that is easily and inconspicuously transportable while reducing possible contamination.
|
Title:
Appendage attachment
Abstract:
The invention relates an appendage attachment having a band of plastically deformable material having a first end, a second end, and a length between the first and second ends. The band is wrappable about a user's appendage by positioning the first end proximate to the appendage and extending the length about the appendage until the second end approaches the first end. The appendage is a genitalia or a limb, depending upon the user's selection. The invention also relates to a method for providing the appendage attachment.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Erectile dysfunction is typically a condition in which a male has difficulty maintaining an erect penis or a sufficiently erect penis for sexual performance. A sexually aroused male usually experiences an increased blood flow to his penis, resulting in an erection. The increased blood flow to the penis normally results in a volume of blood in the penis that is greater than when the penis is in a flaccid state. This increased volume of blood usually enables the penis to maintain an erection until such time the erection is no longer needed. However, some males have difficulty controlling the flow of blood away from the penis toward the torso, resulting in an inadequately erect penis, or erectile dysfunction. The amount of blood flow away from the penis varies among men having erectile dysfunction and, hence, the extent of the dysfunction varies. To facilitate maintaining penile erection, traditional constrictor rings or the like have been used to constrict the blood flow away from the penis by placing a tightly fitting ring around a base of the penis. In this position, the rings typically inhibit blood from flowing back toward the torso. Generally, these rings are often made of a resilient material so that the rings may accommodate penises of different diameters. Although these rings often accomplish their goal of restricting the blood flow away from the penis, such rings may be uncomfortable for males having larger diameter penises. For these males, a ring of resilient material may bind upon the penis, sometimes causing pain. Further, because the rings are often made of resilient materials, they are subject to breakage, particularly over time as the rings are repeatedly stretched and retracted. In addition, resilient materials are normally more porous than non resilient materials and may absorb and retain bodily fluids. This may be especially problematic since these rings often come in direct contact with several different types of bodily fluids. Therefore, the rings may pose a health hazard by being a breeding ground for germs or bacteria. A further possible disadvantage of a constrictor ring is transporting it in a clean environment until such time it is utilized. In some situations, the male may be in search of a sexual partner and may wish to transport the ring with him because a sexual encounter may result from the search. in these instances, the male often carries the ring in a pocket or wallet, both of which introduces germs, lint, and other foreign objects to come in contact with the ring and which may lead to or augment the above mentioned health hazard. Alternatively, the male may also carry the ring in a carrying case. However, the case may prove to be bulky or cumbersome. Moreover, in certain instances, the male may be concerned that the case may alert others as to its contents, which may lead to embarrassment. Therefore, the male may be dissuaded from using the case to transport the ring. U.S. Pat. No. 5,027,800 to Rowland seems to disclose an erection truss which is a completed loop of surgical tubing having a male-female fastener assembly for attachment of the ends. However, this patent does not seem to address the possible transporting problems mentioned above. This invention, being made of a stretchable material, also does not seem to address the possible breakage or health hazards described above. U.S. Pat. No. 5,054,299 to Maveety appears to disclose jewelry made from a planar form of molded rubber or a molded rubber-like plastic material and having a central portion made of bendable metal. The invention also seems to teach that the rubber-like material surrounding the central portion is quite substantial for encasing the wires that are “folded back to create overall blunt end portions.” (col. 1, lines 42-3). See FIGS. 2, 3 , 5 , 6 , 9 , 11 , 12 , 14 , 16 and 17 . Hence, it is possible that this invention may not be effectively used as a constrictor ring to constrict blood flow from the penis toward the torso. U.S. Pat. No. 5,873,813 to Weiss appears to disclose an apparatus for maintaining an erection in a male suffering from erectile dysfunction. However, this patent does not seem to address the possible transporting problems mentioned above. U.S. Pat. No. 3,852,982 to Faris may disclose a resilient ring fastener. However, the ring does not appear to be adjustable to accommodate varying objects placed inside the ring. Also, this patent does not seem to address the possible transporting problems or, because the ring is made of a stretchable material, the possible breakage or health hazards described above. What is desired, therefore, is a ring to facilitate maintaining penile erection that accommodates penises of varying diameters. What is also desired is a ring that resists breakage despite repeated use. Another desire is a ring that reduces germ and/or bacteria accumulation. A still further desire is a ring that is easily and inconspicuously transportable while reducing possible contamination.
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11018977
| 2,004
|
Flexible heater device
|
The heating device includes a conductive layer which is positioned on an electrically insulative substrate. Preferably, the conductive layer is screen printed onto the substrate. The substrate is designed to limit elongation of the conductive layer, thereby improving the durability of the conductor and enabling the heating device to be used in flexible applications, such as automobile seats. The substrate can include at least one aperture passing therethough to further improve flexibility, fatigue resistance, and breathability of the heater. The conductive layer is configured to include a buss structure with a first buss ground inwardly adjacent from the periphery of the heating device and a first buss with serpentine paths extending from one edge of the heating device to another edge. The buss structure further includes a second buss with L-shaped portions positioned between the serpentine paths and the first buss ground. The second buss ground is located in a central location between the serpentine paths. A resistive or thermistor layer, preferably with a resistance which increases materially in response to increased temperature, is placed over the conductive layer.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Heating devices with temperature regulating properties are used in the automotive industry. However, some automotive applications, such as self-regulating heaters for external mirrors, do not require flexibility. Such heaters can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,931,627 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,857,711, both commonly owned with the present application. The parent applications of the present application have provided a flexible heater which has been very satisfactory when flexibility is required, for example, in an automotive application, such as an automotive seat. However, further refinements are desired to allow the material of the heater to better flex without any degradation in performance, particularly regarding heating capacity and uniformity of heating. Further refinements are desired to provide a protective layer to protect against contact with liquid spills. Similarly, still further refinements are desired in providing improved stress relief, flexibility and ventilation.
|
Title:
Flexible heater device
Abstract:
The heating device includes a conductive layer which is positioned on an electrically insulative substrate. Preferably, the conductive layer is screen printed onto the substrate. The substrate is designed to limit elongation of the conductive layer, thereby improving the durability of the conductor and enabling the heating device to be used in flexible applications, such as automobile seats. The substrate can include at least one aperture passing therethough to further improve flexibility, fatigue resistance, and breathability of the heater. The conductive layer is configured to include a buss structure with a first buss ground inwardly adjacent from the periphery of the heating device and a first buss with serpentine paths extending from one edge of the heating device to another edge. The buss structure further includes a second buss with L-shaped portions positioned between the serpentine paths and the first buss ground. The second buss ground is located in a central location between the serpentine paths. A resistive or thermistor layer, preferably with a resistance which increases materially in response to increased temperature, is placed over the conductive layer.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Heating devices with temperature regulating properties are used in the automotive industry. However, some automotive applications, such as self-regulating heaters for external mirrors, do not require flexibility. Such heaters can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,931,627 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,857,711, both commonly owned with the present application. The parent applications of the present application have provided a flexible heater which has been very satisfactory when flexibility is required, for example, in an automotive application, such as an automotive seat. However, further refinements are desired to allow the material of the heater to better flex without any degradation in performance, particularly regarding heating capacity and uniformity of heating. Further refinements are desired to provide a protective layer to protect against contact with liquid spills. Similarly, still further refinements are desired in providing improved stress relief, flexibility and ventilation.
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10830062
| 2,004
|
Image compression/decompression apparatus and method
|
An image compression apparatus includes an image transformer for transforming each pixel of an image data into binary bit array. The bits of a same bit plane are located in a same column. A context modeler, coupled to the image transformer, includes a context model template and a context model. When the bit array is imported, a plurality of reference context bits for a bit to be compressed is determined by means of the context model template. The bit to be compressed and the plurality of reference context bits are on a same bit plane. A mathematic encoder, coupled to the context modeler, encodes the bit to be compressed according to the context modeler and the information provided by the plurality of reference context bits.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention generally relates to an image compression and decompression apparatus and method, and in particular relates to an image compression and decompression apparatus and method utilizing a context modeler having a specific context model template and a context model. 2. Related Art Joint Bi-level Image Group (JBIG) is mainly a data processing method similar to static image compression and also including decompression method. The major difference of JBIG from static image compression is that JBIG losslessly compresses binary (one-bit/pixel) images. The image compressed by JBIG can be retrieved without losing fidelity after decompression. The intent of JBIG is to replace the current, less effective G 3 and G 4 fax algorithms. Fax machine has been an essential facility under the office automation needs. However, current fax machines using static image compression have their drawbacks, such as: 1) a whole faxed document cannot be viewed through a terminal due to the limited resolution of the terminal; 2) the image data does not support progressive coding so that the image content can only be obtained after the whole document being outputted from the fax machine, and 3) the quality of faxed output from a grayscale image becomes very poor. This is caused by a bitmap process of the scanner that changes the grayscale image into bitmap (black and white by a threshold) and neglects the grayscale. Therefore, JBIG intends to solve the aforesaid problems and compresses document images into a specific format to be used by scanners, digital cameras, fax machines or other image input and transference devices. The JBIG compression has the following characteristics: 1) adaptive coding; 2) lossless image compression;. An adaptive arithmetic coding is applied. It also operates compression of halftone image. The JBIG compression is supposed to have the following advantages: 2) it handles multi-level image compression; 3) less compression time; 4) less decompression time; and 5) higher compression ratio. Two compression and decompression methods are included in the current JBIG coding. In the following descriptions, they are identified as method A and method B. FIG. 1 shows three major portions of the compression/decompression process of method A. They are an image transformer 102 , a context modeler 104 and a mathematic encoder 106 . The image data 100 to be compressed by JBIG is first transformed into bit array before being processed by the context modeler 104 . The context modeler 104 compresses the data through the encoder 106 according to context model template and context model of the JBIG standard. The context model template 202 and context model 204 included in the context modeler 104 are shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 2 respectively. Each pixel of the image is composed of four bits (B 0 , B 1 , B 2 , B 3 ) in FIG. 2 . The image data is transformed into bit data. In the context model template 202 of the context modeler 104 , the bit to be compressed is labeled “a”. According to the context model 204 , ten reference context bits are used to decide the compression of the bit “a”. The ten reference context bits are: three bits (R 0 , R 1 , R 2 ) on the left column of “a”; two bits (R 3 , R 4 ) on further left column and starting from a same row; two bits (R 5 , R 6 ) on top of “a”; two bits (R 7 , R 8 ) on the right column and starting from an upper row; and a bit (R 9 ). The ten reference context bits and the bit “a” are processed by the mathematic encoder 106 with JBIG format and transformed into a compressed file 108 . The aforesaid method A is usually applied to monochrome image compression. The advantage is that the data do not need cutting and rejoining so as to save time. The disadvantage is that the reference context bits are on different bit planes, so their correlations and the compression ratio are less. FIG. 3 shows an example of compression process of method B of JBIG. The image data is also transformed through an image transformer 102 of FIG. 1 , through an un-shown bit plane transformer, and divided into four bit groups (B 0 , B 1 , B 2 , B 3 ) respectively located on four bit planes B 0 , B 1 , B 2 , B 3 . The bit groups are transferred to a context modeler 104 . The context modeler 104 compresses the data through a mathematic encoder 106 according to the context model template and context model of the JBIG standard. The aforesaid method B is usually applied to monochrome image compression. The advantage is that the bit groups are of same bit planes, so their correlations and the compression ratio are high. The disadvantages are that the data have to be cut and rejoined so it costs time and requires higher investment of software and hardware.
|
Title:
Image compression/decompression apparatus and method
Abstract:
An image compression apparatus includes an image transformer for transforming each pixel of an image data into binary bit array. The bits of a same bit plane are located in a same column. A context modeler, coupled to the image transformer, includes a context model template and a context model. When the bit array is imported, a plurality of reference context bits for a bit to be compressed is determined by means of the context model template. The bit to be compressed and the plurality of reference context bits are on a same bit plane. A mathematic encoder, coupled to the context modeler, encodes the bit to be compressed according to the context modeler and the information provided by the plurality of reference context bits.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention generally relates to an image compression and decompression apparatus and method, and in particular relates to an image compression and decompression apparatus and method utilizing a context modeler having a specific context model template and a context model. 2. Related Art Joint Bi-level Image Group (JBIG) is mainly a data processing method similar to static image compression and also including decompression method. The major difference of JBIG from static image compression is that JBIG losslessly compresses binary (one-bit/pixel) images. The image compressed by JBIG can be retrieved without losing fidelity after decompression. The intent of JBIG is to replace the current, less effective G 3 and G 4 fax algorithms. Fax machine has been an essential facility under the office automation needs. However, current fax machines using static image compression have their drawbacks, such as: 1) a whole faxed document cannot be viewed through a terminal due to the limited resolution of the terminal; 2) the image data does not support progressive coding so that the image content can only be obtained after the whole document being outputted from the fax machine, and 3) the quality of faxed output from a grayscale image becomes very poor. This is caused by a bitmap process of the scanner that changes the grayscale image into bitmap (black and white by a threshold) and neglects the grayscale. Therefore, JBIG intends to solve the aforesaid problems and compresses document images into a specific format to be used by scanners, digital cameras, fax machines or other image input and transference devices. The JBIG compression has the following characteristics: 1) adaptive coding; 2) lossless image compression;. An adaptive arithmetic coding is applied. It also operates compression of halftone image. The JBIG compression is supposed to have the following advantages: 2) it handles multi-level image compression; 3) less compression time; 4) less decompression time; and 5) higher compression ratio. Two compression and decompression methods are included in the current JBIG coding. In the following descriptions, they are identified as method A and method B. FIG. 1 shows three major portions of the compression/decompression process of method A. They are an image transformer 102 , a context modeler 104 and a mathematic encoder 106 . The image data 100 to be compressed by JBIG is first transformed into bit array before being processed by the context modeler 104 . The context modeler 104 compresses the data through the encoder 106 according to context model template and context model of the JBIG standard. The context model template 202 and context model 204 included in the context modeler 104 are shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 2 respectively. Each pixel of the image is composed of four bits (B 0 , B 1 , B 2 , B 3 ) in FIG. 2 . The image data is transformed into bit data. In the context model template 202 of the context modeler 104 , the bit to be compressed is labeled “a”. According to the context model 204 , ten reference context bits are used to decide the compression of the bit “a”. The ten reference context bits are: three bits (R 0 , R 1 , R 2 ) on the left column of “a”; two bits (R 3 , R 4 ) on further left column and starting from a same row; two bits (R 5 , R 6 ) on top of “a”; two bits (R 7 , R 8 ) on the right column and starting from an upper row; and a bit (R 9 ). The ten reference context bits and the bit “a” are processed by the mathematic encoder 106 with JBIG format and transformed into a compressed file 108 . The aforesaid method A is usually applied to monochrome image compression. The advantage is that the data do not need cutting and rejoining so as to save time. The disadvantage is that the reference context bits are on different bit planes, so their correlations and the compression ratio are less. FIG. 3 shows an example of compression process of method B of JBIG. The image data is also transformed through an image transformer 102 of FIG. 1 , through an un-shown bit plane transformer, and divided into four bit groups (B 0 , B 1 , B 2 , B 3 ) respectively located on four bit planes B 0 , B 1 , B 2 , B 3 . The bit groups are transferred to a context modeler 104 . The context modeler 104 compresses the data through a mathematic encoder 106 according to the context model template and context model of the JBIG standard. The aforesaid method B is usually applied to monochrome image compression. The advantage is that the bit groups are of same bit planes, so their correlations and the compression ratio are high. The disadvantages are that the data have to be cut and rejoined so it costs time and requires higher investment of software and hardware.
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10916335
| 2,004
|
Zoom lens system and image pickup apparatus having zoom lens system
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Provided is a zoom lens system, including a first lens unit having negative refracting power, a second lens unit having positive refracting power, and a third lens unit having positive refracting power, which are disposed in order from an object side to an image side. The second lens unit is moved to the object side in zooming from a wide angle end to a telephoto end such that an interval between the first lens unit and the second lens unit at the telephoto end becomes smaller than an interval between the first lens unit and the second lens unit at the wide angle end. The first lens unit includes a first lens element having negative refracting power, a second lens element having negative refracting power, and a third lens element having positive refracting power, which are disposed in order from the object side to the image side. The first lens element has an aspherical surface of a shape that the negative refracting power decreases from a lens central portion to a lens peripheral portion. The second lens unit is formed in a meniscus shape which is convex on the object side. A refractive index of a material constituting the first lens element and a refractive index of a material constituting the second lens element are appropriately set.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a zoom lens system, and more particularly to a zoom lens system suitably used in an image taking optical system in a video camera, a digital still camera, or the like. 2. Related Background Art In recent years, with improvement in a function of an image pickup apparatus using a solid-state image pickup element, such as a video camera or a digital still camera, a compact zoom lens system having a high resolution has been desired as an image taking optical system used for the image pickup apparatus. In general, a lens type of three to five units has been known as a zoom lens used for the image pickup apparatus (optical apparatus) using the solid-state image pickup element such as a CCD sensor of a video camera, a digital still camera, or the like (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. S63-081313 (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 4,802,747) and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H03-296706). The lens type includes at least a lens unit with positive refracting power, a lens unit with negative refracting power, and a lens unit with positive refracting power. Of these lens units, a lens unit nearest an object is fixed during zooming. On the other hand, an optical system in which the entire lens length is extremely short, a view angle is wide in view of a property of a still image, and an optical performance is higher than that in a zoom lens used for a moving image video camera has been desired as a zoom lens for a digital still camera for taking the still image using a solid-state image pickup element. A zoom lens which includes a lens unit with negative refracting power and a lens unit with positive refracting power has been known as a lens system which has a wide angle range, is bright, and obtains a high performance even when a zoom ratio is a relatively low zoom ratio of 2.5 to 3 (for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. H06-066008 (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 4,662,723)). With this zoom lens, zooming is performed by changing an air interval between the respective lens units. There has been known a zoom lens which includes a first lens unit with negative refracting power, a second lens unit with positive refracting power, and a third lens unit with positive refracting power and in which an interval between the second lens unit and the third lens unit increases during zooming from a wide angle end to a telephoto end (for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. H07-052256 (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 4,733,952)). Also, there has been known a zoom lens which includes a first lens unit with negative refracting power, a second lens unit with positive refracting power, and a third lens unit with positive refracting power and in which an interval between the second lens unit and the third lens unit reduces during zooming from a wide angle end to a telephoto end (for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,434,710). Also, there has been known a zoom lens which includes a first lens unit with negative refracting power, a second lens unit with positive refracting power, a third lens unit with positive refracting power, and a fourth lens unit with positive refracting power and in which an interval between the second lens unit and the third lens unit reduces during zooming from a wide angle end to a telephoto end, and the fourth unit is fixed during zooming (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. S60-031110). Also, there has been known a zoom lens which includes a first lens unit with negative refracting power, a second lens unit with positive refracting power, a third lens unit with positive refracting power, which are disposed in order from an object side (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. H10-213745 and 2001-100098). The first lens unit includes three or more lenses and has at least one aspherical surface. In recent years, with reduction in size of the image pickup apparatus and increase in the number of pixels of the image pickup element, a zoom lens which has a high optical performance and which is small in the entire lens system has been desired as a zoom lens used for a digital still camera, a video camera, and the like. In addition, it has been desired to record a high quality still image by the video camera. Therefore, a lens system which has a high optical performance but is small is required. In general, with respect to a negative lead type zoom lens, in order to reduce the number of lenses in the entire lens system to simplify a lens structure and in order to obtain a preferable optical performance over the entire zoom range while attempting to widen a view angle, it is necessary to suitably set refracting power to each of the lens units, a lens structure of each of the lens units, a surface provided as an aspherical surface if the aspherical surface is used, and the like. When the selections of the refracting power to each of the lens units, the lens structure, and the surface provided as the aspherical surface are unsuitable, an effect obtained by providing the aspherical surface is small. Therefore, a variation in aberration accompanying zooming becomes larger, so that it is hard to obtain a high optical performance over the entire zoom range.
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Title:
Zoom lens system and image pickup apparatus having zoom lens system
Abstract:
Provided is a zoom lens system, including a first lens unit having negative refracting power, a second lens unit having positive refracting power, and a third lens unit having positive refracting power, which are disposed in order from an object side to an image side. The second lens unit is moved to the object side in zooming from a wide angle end to a telephoto end such that an interval between the first lens unit and the second lens unit at the telephoto end becomes smaller than an interval between the first lens unit and the second lens unit at the wide angle end. The first lens unit includes a first lens element having negative refracting power, a second lens element having negative refracting power, and a third lens element having positive refracting power, which are disposed in order from the object side to the image side. The first lens element has an aspherical surface of a shape that the negative refracting power decreases from a lens central portion to a lens peripheral portion. The second lens unit is formed in a meniscus shape which is convex on the object side. A refractive index of a material constituting the first lens element and a refractive index of a material constituting the second lens element are appropriately set.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a zoom lens system, and more particularly to a zoom lens system suitably used in an image taking optical system in a video camera, a digital still camera, or the like. 2. Related Background Art In recent years, with improvement in a function of an image pickup apparatus using a solid-state image pickup element, such as a video camera or a digital still camera, a compact zoom lens system having a high resolution has been desired as an image taking optical system used for the image pickup apparatus. In general, a lens type of three to five units has been known as a zoom lens used for the image pickup apparatus (optical apparatus) using the solid-state image pickup element such as a CCD sensor of a video camera, a digital still camera, or the like (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. S63-081313 (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 4,802,747) and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H03-296706). The lens type includes at least a lens unit with positive refracting power, a lens unit with negative refracting power, and a lens unit with positive refracting power. Of these lens units, a lens unit nearest an object is fixed during zooming. On the other hand, an optical system in which the entire lens length is extremely short, a view angle is wide in view of a property of a still image, and an optical performance is higher than that in a zoom lens used for a moving image video camera has been desired as a zoom lens for a digital still camera for taking the still image using a solid-state image pickup element. A zoom lens which includes a lens unit with negative refracting power and a lens unit with positive refracting power has been known as a lens system which has a wide angle range, is bright, and obtains a high performance even when a zoom ratio is a relatively low zoom ratio of 2.5 to 3 (for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. H06-066008 (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 4,662,723)). With this zoom lens, zooming is performed by changing an air interval between the respective lens units. There has been known a zoom lens which includes a first lens unit with negative refracting power, a second lens unit with positive refracting power, and a third lens unit with positive refracting power and in which an interval between the second lens unit and the third lens unit increases during zooming from a wide angle end to a telephoto end (for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. H07-052256 (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 4,733,952)). Also, there has been known a zoom lens which includes a first lens unit with negative refracting power, a second lens unit with positive refracting power, and a third lens unit with positive refracting power and in which an interval between the second lens unit and the third lens unit reduces during zooming from a wide angle end to a telephoto end (for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,434,710). Also, there has been known a zoom lens which includes a first lens unit with negative refracting power, a second lens unit with positive refracting power, a third lens unit with positive refracting power, and a fourth lens unit with positive refracting power and in which an interval between the second lens unit and the third lens unit reduces during zooming from a wide angle end to a telephoto end, and the fourth unit is fixed during zooming (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. S60-031110). Also, there has been known a zoom lens which includes a first lens unit with negative refracting power, a second lens unit with positive refracting power, a third lens unit with positive refracting power, which are disposed in order from an object side (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. H10-213745 and 2001-100098). The first lens unit includes three or more lenses and has at least one aspherical surface. In recent years, with reduction in size of the image pickup apparatus and increase in the number of pixels of the image pickup element, a zoom lens which has a high optical performance and which is small in the entire lens system has been desired as a zoom lens used for a digital still camera, a video camera, and the like. In addition, it has been desired to record a high quality still image by the video camera. Therefore, a lens system which has a high optical performance but is small is required. In general, with respect to a negative lead type zoom lens, in order to reduce the number of lenses in the entire lens system to simplify a lens structure and in order to obtain a preferable optical performance over the entire zoom range while attempting to widen a view angle, it is necessary to suitably set refracting power to each of the lens units, a lens structure of each of the lens units, a surface provided as an aspherical surface if the aspherical surface is used, and the like. When the selections of the refracting power to each of the lens units, the lens structure, and the surface provided as the aspherical surface are unsuitable, an effect obtained by providing the aspherical surface is small. Therefore, a variation in aberration accompanying zooming becomes larger, so that it is hard to obtain a high optical performance over the entire zoom range.
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10874794
| 2,004
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System and method for securing short-distance wireless communications, and applications thereof
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A first portable wireless communication device enters a PICONET and establishes unencrypted communications with a second wireless communication device, the PICONET master. The first portable wireless communication device transmits identification information to the second wireless communication device using a conventional short-distance communications protocol. The second wireless communication device transmits, in a novel FEMTONET communications mode, an encryption key to the first portable wireless communication device. The first portable wireless communication device then securely transmits encrypted messages based on the encryption key to the second wireless communication device using the conventional short-distance communications protocol.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to wireless communications. More particularly, it relates to securing communications with wireless devices over a short distance.
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Title:
System and method for securing short-distance wireless communications, and applications thereof
Abstract:
A first portable wireless communication device enters a PICONET and establishes unencrypted communications with a second wireless communication device, the PICONET master. The first portable wireless communication device transmits identification information to the second wireless communication device using a conventional short-distance communications protocol. The second wireless communication device transmits, in a novel FEMTONET communications mode, an encryption key to the first portable wireless communication device. The first portable wireless communication device then securely transmits encrypted messages based on the encryption key to the second wireless communication device using the conventional short-distance communications protocol.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to wireless communications. More particularly, it relates to securing communications with wireless devices over a short distance.
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10858583
| 2,004
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Lock module using colored light rays to identify the application of an accurate key
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A lock module includes a transmitting module to continuously transmit multiple colored light rays, a key adapted to be inserted into the keyhole of the lock and having multiple colored optical lenses each permitting a specific colored light ray to pass therethrough and a receiving module to receive, store and compare the colored light rays from the multiple colored optical lenses to identify whether the key inserted into the keyhole is accurate. After an initial process of storing the sequence of the colored light rays by the receiving module, the receiving module is able to use stored information to compare the colored light rays subsequently passing through the colored optical lenses of another key to check whether the subsequent key is the accurate key.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a lock module, and more particularly to a lock module having a transmitting module to emit multiple colored light rays and a receiving module to receive filtered light rays and identify the time sequence of the filtered light emitted by the transmitted module. With various and changeable sequences of colored lenses on the key, the user's safety is secured. 2. Description of Related Art A conventional lock generally has a plurality of pins movably mounted in a lock core with various arrangements and is unlocked by a key with a plurality of teeth corresponding to the pins. However, the conventional lock has not enough security to prevent a thief from unlocking the lock by using a simple tool instead of a correct key. For promoting security, another lock using identification of light rays is invented. The lock has an emitting member to give off light rays and a receiving member to receive the light rays respectively installed at two sides of a keyhole of a lock core. A correct key for the lock has a plurality of openings corresponding to positions of the light ray emitting member. When the correct key is inserted in the keyhole, the light rays from the emitting member pass through the openings and are received by the receiving member, so the lock can be unlocked. However, this lock also has a low security and is easy to be cracked down by an unauthorized manner. Therefore, the invention provides a lock module using colored light rays to identify the application of the accurate key to obviate the aforementioned problems.
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Title:
Lock module using colored light rays to identify the application of an accurate key
Abstract:
A lock module includes a transmitting module to continuously transmit multiple colored light rays, a key adapted to be inserted into the keyhole of the lock and having multiple colored optical lenses each permitting a specific colored light ray to pass therethrough and a receiving module to receive, store and compare the colored light rays from the multiple colored optical lenses to identify whether the key inserted into the keyhole is accurate. After an initial process of storing the sequence of the colored light rays by the receiving module, the receiving module is able to use stored information to compare the colored light rays subsequently passing through the colored optical lenses of another key to check whether the subsequent key is the accurate key.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a lock module, and more particularly to a lock module having a transmitting module to emit multiple colored light rays and a receiving module to receive filtered light rays and identify the time sequence of the filtered light emitted by the transmitted module. With various and changeable sequences of colored lenses on the key, the user's safety is secured. 2. Description of Related Art A conventional lock generally has a plurality of pins movably mounted in a lock core with various arrangements and is unlocked by a key with a plurality of teeth corresponding to the pins. However, the conventional lock has not enough security to prevent a thief from unlocking the lock by using a simple tool instead of a correct key. For promoting security, another lock using identification of light rays is invented. The lock has an emitting member to give off light rays and a receiving member to receive the light rays respectively installed at two sides of a keyhole of a lock core. A correct key for the lock has a plurality of openings corresponding to positions of the light ray emitting member. When the correct key is inserted in the keyhole, the light rays from the emitting member pass through the openings and are received by the receiving member, so the lock can be unlocked. However, this lock also has a low security and is easy to be cracked down by an unauthorized manner. Therefore, the invention provides a lock module using colored light rays to identify the application of the accurate key to obviate the aforementioned problems.
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10989837
| 2,004
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Toy vehicles and play sets with contactless identification
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Toy vehicle sets may include a toy vehicle with an RFID transponder operable to produce an identification signal to identify the toy vehicle and an RFID reader configured to generate an electromagnetic field, detect an identification signal produced by an RFID transponder, and produce data representative of the identified toy vehicle. In some embodiments, the toy vehicle includes circuitry adapted to convert electromagnetic energy into power to operate the RFID transponder. In some embodiments, the toy vehicle includes a metal chassis with an aperture configured to support the RFID transponder and a transverse slot cut from an outer edge of the chassis to the aperture.
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BACKGROUND Tracks for toy cars and other vehicles may be used to set up play towns, cities, highways, race courses, and other play settings for the vehicles, such as to provide entertainment and challenges to players. Some tracks may be arranged in a closed circuit, such as to form a race course for the vehicles to repeatedly traverse. Such track setups may include features to track the number of laps traversed by a toy vehicle, for example, by incrementing a displayed lap count in response to a mechanical switch triggered by a toy vehicle traveling over a specially configured section of track. However, such track setups are limited in terms of the ability of the track components to distinguish among a plurality of toy vehicles that may be traversing a track. Examples of toy cars and tracks for use therewith are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,572,711, 4,330,127, 4,364,566, 5,125,010, 6,089,951, and 6,109,186. Examples of systems of recording race objects in various settings are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,531,118, 3,946,312, 5,173,856, 5,194,843, 5,420,903, 5,970,882, and 6,192,099. All of the aforementioned disclosures are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.
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Title:
Toy vehicles and play sets with contactless identification
Abstract:
Toy vehicle sets may include a toy vehicle with an RFID transponder operable to produce an identification signal to identify the toy vehicle and an RFID reader configured to generate an electromagnetic field, detect an identification signal produced by an RFID transponder, and produce data representative of the identified toy vehicle. In some embodiments, the toy vehicle includes circuitry adapted to convert electromagnetic energy into power to operate the RFID transponder. In some embodiments, the toy vehicle includes a metal chassis with an aperture configured to support the RFID transponder and a transverse slot cut from an outer edge of the chassis to the aperture.
Background:
BACKGROUND Tracks for toy cars and other vehicles may be used to set up play towns, cities, highways, race courses, and other play settings for the vehicles, such as to provide entertainment and challenges to players. Some tracks may be arranged in a closed circuit, such as to form a race course for the vehicles to repeatedly traverse. Such track setups may include features to track the number of laps traversed by a toy vehicle, for example, by incrementing a displayed lap count in response to a mechanical switch triggered by a toy vehicle traveling over a specially configured section of track. However, such track setups are limited in terms of the ability of the track components to distinguish among a plurality of toy vehicles that may be traversing a track. Examples of toy cars and tracks for use therewith are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,572,711, 4,330,127, 4,364,566, 5,125,010, 6,089,951, and 6,109,186. Examples of systems of recording race objects in various settings are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,531,118, 3,946,312, 5,173,856, 5,194,843, 5,420,903, 5,970,882, and 6,192,099. All of the aforementioned disclosures are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.
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10902877
| 2,004
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Process and apparatus for treating sludge by the combined action of electro-osmosis and pressure
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The present invention relates to a process for treating sludge by the combined action of electro-osmosis and pressure. This process comprises providing a cell for treating the sludge, the cell comprising at least two electrodes including at least one cathode and at least one anode. At least one of the electrodes is movable, and at least one of the electrodes is perforated so as to drain effluents. Then, the sludge is introduced into the cell between the at least two electrodes, each of the electrodes defining a surface adapted to constantly contact the sludge. Then, the sludge is submitted to an electric current by applying a voltage to the electrodes, and applying a pressure to the sludge. by means of the at least one movable electrode so as to permit a constant contact between the surfaces and the sludge. An apparatus for carrying out such a process is also disclosed.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Electro-osmosis relates to the fact that an electrical potential having a direct current causes cations to move from the positive end (anode) toward the negative end (cathode), thereby dragging with it water molecules by a viscous action. One of the main drawbacks of the electro-osmosis techniques is the drop of potential that occurs at the anode. A drop of potential at the anode can be explained by the decrease of water content of the soil (or sludge), disposed adjacently to the anode. It can also be explained by the decrease of the conductivity of the pore water, by the generated gases during the electrolysis, and by the dissolution of the material constituting the anode. Moreover, a drop of potential can also be explained because of an inappropriate contact between the anode and the soil or sludge. Thus, the voltage gradient which is directly applied to the soil or sludge can only be a fraction of the voltage applied to the electrodes. The abstract of Japanese Patent No. 60,114,315 discloses a method of dehydrating an organic sludge. In this process, the organic sludge is impregnated with saline and dehydrated by using both compression and electro-osmosis. In particular, the sludge is charged into a cylinder comprising electrodes connected to compressing rods. Each of the electrodes comprises a filter cloth disposed between the sludge and the electrode. Moreover, in this process, the sludge is flocculated by adding flocculants. U.S. Pat. No. 4,376,022 discloses an apparatus for concentrating an aqueous sludge by electro-osmosis. An electric field is applied to a sludge which is disposed between two electrodes. The sludge is thus treated by electro-osmosis and is continually circulating from top to bottom of the apparatus between the electrodes so as to expel water from the sludge. The electrodes comprise endless belts for moving the sludge, and filter bands disposed between the electrodes and the sludge. Gingerich et al. in Water Environment Research, May/June 1999, pages 267-276, Volume 71, Number 3, describe a laboratory unit cell electro-osmosis device used for dewatering sludge . This device comprises a cylinder body including a piston and a bottom support plate, the latter acting as electrodes. The piston is activated by a compressed air inlet and a filter cloth is disposed on said bottom support plate, i.e. between the sludge and the bottom support plate. This document also describes various experimental series that have been made with this device, wherein different values of constant voltage or constant pressure have been tested.
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Title:
Process and apparatus for treating sludge by the combined action of electro-osmosis and pressure
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a process for treating sludge by the combined action of electro-osmosis and pressure. This process comprises providing a cell for treating the sludge, the cell comprising at least two electrodes including at least one cathode and at least one anode. At least one of the electrodes is movable, and at least one of the electrodes is perforated so as to drain effluents. Then, the sludge is introduced into the cell between the at least two electrodes, each of the electrodes defining a surface adapted to constantly contact the sludge. Then, the sludge is submitted to an electric current by applying a voltage to the electrodes, and applying a pressure to the sludge. by means of the at least one movable electrode so as to permit a constant contact between the surfaces and the sludge. An apparatus for carrying out such a process is also disclosed.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Electro-osmosis relates to the fact that an electrical potential having a direct current causes cations to move from the positive end (anode) toward the negative end (cathode), thereby dragging with it water molecules by a viscous action. One of the main drawbacks of the electro-osmosis techniques is the drop of potential that occurs at the anode. A drop of potential at the anode can be explained by the decrease of water content of the soil (or sludge), disposed adjacently to the anode. It can also be explained by the decrease of the conductivity of the pore water, by the generated gases during the electrolysis, and by the dissolution of the material constituting the anode. Moreover, a drop of potential can also be explained because of an inappropriate contact between the anode and the soil or sludge. Thus, the voltage gradient which is directly applied to the soil or sludge can only be a fraction of the voltage applied to the electrodes. The abstract of Japanese Patent No. 60,114,315 discloses a method of dehydrating an organic sludge. In this process, the organic sludge is impregnated with saline and dehydrated by using both compression and electro-osmosis. In particular, the sludge is charged into a cylinder comprising electrodes connected to compressing rods. Each of the electrodes comprises a filter cloth disposed between the sludge and the electrode. Moreover, in this process, the sludge is flocculated by adding flocculants. U.S. Pat. No. 4,376,022 discloses an apparatus for concentrating an aqueous sludge by electro-osmosis. An electric field is applied to a sludge which is disposed between two electrodes. The sludge is thus treated by electro-osmosis and is continually circulating from top to bottom of the apparatus between the electrodes so as to expel water from the sludge. The electrodes comprise endless belts for moving the sludge, and filter bands disposed between the electrodes and the sludge. Gingerich et al. in Water Environment Research, May/June 1999, pages 267-276, Volume 71, Number 3, describe a laboratory unit cell electro-osmosis device used for dewatering sludge . This device comprises a cylinder body including a piston and a bottom support plate, the latter acting as electrodes. The piston is activated by a compressed air inlet and a filter cloth is disposed on said bottom support plate, i.e. between the sludge and the bottom support plate. This document also describes various experimental series that have been made with this device, wherein different values of constant voltage or constant pressure have been tested.
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10979398
| 2,004
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System and methods for detecting harmful agents within contents of mail
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A system and methods of the present invention advantageously provide efficient mail processing and handling that, as compared to existing procedures, enhances detection of biological, germ, chemical, or other harmful agents within the mail being processed or handled. A system and methods additionally provide a higher level of quality and consistency for processing and handling mail so that concerns over contamination of postal workers and potential mail recipients are reduced. A system and methods further provide enhanced detection of contaminated mail contents, mail, mail equipment, mail containers, and mail personnel due to exposure or contact with harmful agents associated with mail. The system and methods preferably includes the use of at least one harmful agent sensor associated with mail processing equipment.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Even though threats and other actions by terrorist and fringe groups have occurred with biological, germ, chemical, or other harmful agents over the years, more recent developments have brought such threats to the forefront of the public thought and action. Postal and delivery firms, however, continue to face significant problems with biological, germ, chemical, and other harmful agents that are likely to cause injury, sickness, or death when handled by the transportation or delivery firm or when opened by the intended recipient of a mailpiece or package. The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has declared that safety of all people processing, delivering and receiving mail must be given the highest priority. The complexity of detection of contents of a letter, flat, or package within the USPS or other mail or parcel delivery service is immense. The USPS, for example, handles over 680 million pieces of mail every day collected from as many as 100 million points (assuming residential and businesses may leave mail for the delivery carrier to pick up). In the U.S. alone, there are up to 500 processing centers collecting mail from over 28,000 post offices which, in turn, collect mail from mail drops or collection boxes that easily number over one million. It can be practically impossible to have personalized inspectors located at each mail drop or collection box. For example, the cost can be prohibitive, the environments are not well controlled, and mail drop or other mail boxes can be subject to bypass by handing mail directly to a delivery carrier. Also, in the USPS, there are three primary types of mail categories. For example, letters and postcards are, by USPS definition, no larger than 6.125 inches by 11.5 inches or ¼ inch thick. Flats are larger than letters but no larger than 12 inches by 15 inches or 1.25 inches thick. Parcels are any mailpiece that exceeds a flat dimension. Letters are typically processed by different equipment than flats or parcels due to the difference in the physical characteristics. Accordingly, because of the different sizes, shapes, and weight of mail and the different processing stations within postal service companies, detecting biological, germ, chemical, and other harmful agents within the mail can be even more difficult. Further, to add to the complexity, as described above, mail and mail packaging also can be composed of different materials other than just paper or organic products which, in turn, makes it even more difficult to process and handle.
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Title:
System and methods for detecting harmful agents within contents of mail
Abstract:
A system and methods of the present invention advantageously provide efficient mail processing and handling that, as compared to existing procedures, enhances detection of biological, germ, chemical, or other harmful agents within the mail being processed or handled. A system and methods additionally provide a higher level of quality and consistency for processing and handling mail so that concerns over contamination of postal workers and potential mail recipients are reduced. A system and methods further provide enhanced detection of contaminated mail contents, mail, mail equipment, mail containers, and mail personnel due to exposure or contact with harmful agents associated with mail. The system and methods preferably includes the use of at least one harmful agent sensor associated with mail processing equipment.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Even though threats and other actions by terrorist and fringe groups have occurred with biological, germ, chemical, or other harmful agents over the years, more recent developments have brought such threats to the forefront of the public thought and action. Postal and delivery firms, however, continue to face significant problems with biological, germ, chemical, and other harmful agents that are likely to cause injury, sickness, or death when handled by the transportation or delivery firm or when opened by the intended recipient of a mailpiece or package. The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has declared that safety of all people processing, delivering and receiving mail must be given the highest priority. The complexity of detection of contents of a letter, flat, or package within the USPS or other mail or parcel delivery service is immense. The USPS, for example, handles over 680 million pieces of mail every day collected from as many as 100 million points (assuming residential and businesses may leave mail for the delivery carrier to pick up). In the U.S. alone, there are up to 500 processing centers collecting mail from over 28,000 post offices which, in turn, collect mail from mail drops or collection boxes that easily number over one million. It can be practically impossible to have personalized inspectors located at each mail drop or collection box. For example, the cost can be prohibitive, the environments are not well controlled, and mail drop or other mail boxes can be subject to bypass by handing mail directly to a delivery carrier. Also, in the USPS, there are three primary types of mail categories. For example, letters and postcards are, by USPS definition, no larger than 6.125 inches by 11.5 inches or ¼ inch thick. Flats are larger than letters but no larger than 12 inches by 15 inches or 1.25 inches thick. Parcels are any mailpiece that exceeds a flat dimension. Letters are typically processed by different equipment than flats or parcels due to the difference in the physical characteristics. Accordingly, because of the different sizes, shapes, and weight of mail and the different processing stations within postal service companies, detecting biological, germ, chemical, and other harmful agents within the mail can be even more difficult. Further, to add to the complexity, as described above, mail and mail packaging also can be composed of different materials other than just paper or organic products which, in turn, makes it even more difficult to process and handle.
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11017936
| 2,004
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Wall-mounted microwave oven
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A wall-mounted microwave oven including a cooking chamber, a heater casing, a heater installed in the heater case, a blowing fan to supply hot air generated in accordance with a heating operation of the heater, first guide members to guide the hot air, supplied by the blowing fan, to be introduced into the cooking chamber, and second guide members to guide the hot air to circulate along the heater. The first and second guide membersallow hot air to be rapidly introduced into the cooking chamber while being rapidly heated to a desired high temperature. Also, the hot air can effectively circulate in the cooking chamber. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce a cooking time and enhance cooking efficiency.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a wall-mounted microwave oven, and more particularly, to a wall-mounted microwave oven including an air guide to feed hot air to a cooking chamber. 2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a wall-mounted microwave oven is mounted over another cooling appliance such as a gas oven installed on a kitchen sink in a kitchen space. Such a wall-mounted microwave oven not only performs a cooking function using microwaves, similarly to that of general microwave ovens, but also performs a function for externally exhausting fumes, smoke or smell of food rising from another cooling appliance during a cooking operation for the food. Similarly to general microwave ovens, a wall-mounted microwave oven includes a cooking chamber and an electric element chamber partitioned in the interior of an oven body defining the appearance of the microwave oven, to cook food in the cooking chamber. Exhaust passages are defined between facing walls of the oven body and cooking chamber and between facing walls of the oven body and electric element chamber, respectively. The microwave oven also includes an exhaust fan arranged at a rear upper portion of the oven body, and communicating with the exhaust passages. With this configuration, the microwave oven can suck fumes, smoke and food odor rising beneath the oven body through the exhaust passages in accordance with an operation of the exhaust fan, and then exhaust them to the exterior. For such a wall-mounted microwave oven, a convection type microwave oven has been known. The present invention relates to a convection type microwave oven. As disclosed in Korean Utility Model No. 20-0327751, such a convection type microwave oven includes an electric heater for generating heat by use of electric resistance, and a convection fan, which are arranged in a rear of a cooking chamber. With this configuration, the convection type microwave oven not only has a food cooking function using microwaves, as in general microwave ovens, but also directly heats the surface of food by use of heat generated from the electric heater, thereby reducing the cooking time while efficiently achieving the cooking operation. In such a conventional microwave oven, however, air is supplied into the cooking chamber before being sufficiently heated by the heater because the convection fan is mounted to a heater casing in a rear of the electric heater such that it is arranged just near the electric heater. For this reason, there is a problem in that the temperature of the supplied hot air is low, so that the cooking efficiency of the microwave oven is degraded. Furthermore, the hot air is introduced, at a time, into the cooking chamber through an inlet arranged in front of the heater. For this reason, the hot air has a low flow rate, so that it circulates ineffectively in the cooking chamber. As a result, there are problems of a large loss of heat and an increased cooking time.
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Title:
Wall-mounted microwave oven
Abstract:
A wall-mounted microwave oven including a cooking chamber, a heater casing, a heater installed in the heater case, a blowing fan to supply hot air generated in accordance with a heating operation of the heater, first guide members to guide the hot air, supplied by the blowing fan, to be introduced into the cooking chamber, and second guide members to guide the hot air to circulate along the heater. The first and second guide membersallow hot air to be rapidly introduced into the cooking chamber while being rapidly heated to a desired high temperature. Also, the hot air can effectively circulate in the cooking chamber. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce a cooking time and enhance cooking efficiency.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a wall-mounted microwave oven, and more particularly, to a wall-mounted microwave oven including an air guide to feed hot air to a cooking chamber. 2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a wall-mounted microwave oven is mounted over another cooling appliance such as a gas oven installed on a kitchen sink in a kitchen space. Such a wall-mounted microwave oven not only performs a cooking function using microwaves, similarly to that of general microwave ovens, but also performs a function for externally exhausting fumes, smoke or smell of food rising from another cooling appliance during a cooking operation for the food. Similarly to general microwave ovens, a wall-mounted microwave oven includes a cooking chamber and an electric element chamber partitioned in the interior of an oven body defining the appearance of the microwave oven, to cook food in the cooking chamber. Exhaust passages are defined between facing walls of the oven body and cooking chamber and between facing walls of the oven body and electric element chamber, respectively. The microwave oven also includes an exhaust fan arranged at a rear upper portion of the oven body, and communicating with the exhaust passages. With this configuration, the microwave oven can suck fumes, smoke and food odor rising beneath the oven body through the exhaust passages in accordance with an operation of the exhaust fan, and then exhaust them to the exterior. For such a wall-mounted microwave oven, a convection type microwave oven has been known. The present invention relates to a convection type microwave oven. As disclosed in Korean Utility Model No. 20-0327751, such a convection type microwave oven includes an electric heater for generating heat by use of electric resistance, and a convection fan, which are arranged in a rear of a cooking chamber. With this configuration, the convection type microwave oven not only has a food cooking function using microwaves, as in general microwave ovens, but also directly heats the surface of food by use of heat generated from the electric heater, thereby reducing the cooking time while efficiently achieving the cooking operation. In such a conventional microwave oven, however, air is supplied into the cooking chamber before being sufficiently heated by the heater because the convection fan is mounted to a heater casing in a rear of the electric heater such that it is arranged just near the electric heater. For this reason, there is a problem in that the temperature of the supplied hot air is low, so that the cooking efficiency of the microwave oven is degraded. Furthermore, the hot air is introduced, at a time, into the cooking chamber through an inlet arranged in front of the heater. For this reason, the hot air has a low flow rate, so that it circulates ineffectively in the cooking chamber. As a result, there are problems of a large loss of heat and an increased cooking time.
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10501148
| 2,004
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Rotary positive displacement machine
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A casing (1) with a circular cylindrical internal surface (3) delimits an operating chamber. A rotor (4) orbits about a chamber axis which is the axis of the internal surface (3). The rotor (4) has a circular cylindrical external surface (11), a generatrix of which is adjacent to the internal surface (3), a diametrically opposite genetrix being spaced from the internal surface (3). A vane member (17), mounted on the casing (1) and pivotable about a pivot axis parallel to the chamber axis, is accommodated in a fluid inlet/outlet aperture (18) in the casing, the vane member having a passageway (17a) communicating between the exterior of the casing and the operating chamber. The vane member (17) has an arcuate face (17b) coaxial with the pivot axis, end faces (17b) towards the pivot axis, end faces (17c) extending from the respective lateral ends of the arcuate face (17b) towards the pivot axis, and a tip face (17g) adjacent the rotor (4), these faces (17b, 17c, 17g) being sealing faces with respect to corresponding surfaces of the aperture (18) and the rotor (4). A linkage (28) connects the vane member (17) to the rotor (4) so as to keep the tip face (17g) in sealing contact with the external surface (11) of the rotor, the linkage being connected to the vane member by an articulation having an articulation axis (30) such that a plane containing the articulation axis (30) and the axis of the external surface (11) passes through the region of sealing contact.
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Title:
Rotary positive displacement machine
Abstract:
A casing (1) with a circular cylindrical internal surface (3) delimits an operating chamber. A rotor (4) orbits about a chamber axis which is the axis of the internal surface (3). The rotor (4) has a circular cylindrical external surface (11), a generatrix of which is adjacent to the internal surface (3), a diametrically opposite genetrix being spaced from the internal surface (3). A vane member (17), mounted on the casing (1) and pivotable about a pivot axis parallel to the chamber axis, is accommodated in a fluid inlet/outlet aperture (18) in the casing, the vane member having a passageway (17a) communicating between the exterior of the casing and the operating chamber. The vane member (17) has an arcuate face (17b) coaxial with the pivot axis, end faces (17b) towards the pivot axis, end faces (17c) extending from the respective lateral ends of the arcuate face (17b) towards the pivot axis, and a tip face (17g) adjacent the rotor (4), these faces (17b, 17c, 17g) being sealing faces with respect to corresponding surfaces of the aperture (18) and the rotor (4). A linkage (28) connects the vane member (17) to the rotor (4) so as to keep the tip face (17g) in sealing contact with the external surface (11) of the rotor, the linkage being connected to the vane member by an articulation having an articulation axis (30) such that a plane containing the articulation axis (30) and the axis of the external surface (11) passes through the region of sealing contact.
Background:
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10881792
| 2,004
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System and method for measuring and quantizing document quality
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Text, images, and/or graphics of electronic documents should be organized and laid out in a two-dimensional format for presentation to the viewer. The best such layout depends upon the content present, the creator's intent, the output device, and the viewer's interests. To analyze the qualitative nature of the layout in quantifiable terms, the electronic document is measure using various quantifiable factors; such as, balance, uniformity, white space management, alignment, consistency, legibility, etc.; that impact a qualitative nature of a document. Such quantifiable factors are then used to quantize the aesthetics, ease of use, eye-catching ability, interest, communicability, comfort, and convenience of the document.
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BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION When documents are created, many decisions must be made as to style, content, layout, and the like. The text, images, and graphics must be organized and laid out in a two-dimensional format with the intention of providing a presentation to the viewer which will capture and preferably maintain their attention for the time sufficient to get the intended message across. Different style options are available for the various content elements and choices must be made. The best choices for style and layout depend upon content, intent, viewer interests, etc. In order to tell if a set of choices made as to the look and feel of the final version of the document were good or bad, one might request feedback from a set of viewers after viewing the document and compile the feedback into something meaningful from which the document's creators or developers can make alterations, changes, or other improvements. This cycle repeats until the document's owners are satisfied that the final version achieves the intended result. Factors that contribute to the quality and effectiveness of layout and style decisions for a document are the handling of groups of content elements as style and layout choices affect groups of content. A group is a collection of content elements. Group membership is a property of the logical structure of the document. The neighborhood of groups can be considered a layout property. While layout structure often matches the logical structure, there is no requirement that it do so. Preferably, one would like to have a quantitative measure of various value properties of the document (measures of the document “goodness”) based on properties inherent in the document itself. In this manner the document itself provides a level of quantitative feedback. For instance, one property that developer's would like to be able to measure would be how easy it is to use a document. A measure for the ease of use of a document can be used in evaluating or making document design decisions. One aspect of the ease of use of a document is one's ability to tell which elements belong to a group and which do not. The style and layout decisions that are made in the presentation of a document can affect the degree of group identity that it conveys. In evaluating a document's design for its ease of use, it is useful to have a measure of the degree of group identity. Considerations for ease-of-use with respect to groups include spatial coherence, spatial separation, alignment separation, heading separation, background separation, and/or style separation. Measures for various characteristics of content, feature, and the like could be weighted by intent, relevance, and other parameters and these could then be combined to obtain one or more overall measures for the document itself. If one had a method for evaluating properties inherent in the document itself then such a measure could be used during the document development process to help determine optimal presentation. An aspect of the ease of use of a document is its searchability. Searchability can be defined as the degree to which the document structurally supports the finding of a desired content element. A document with high searchability provides aids that help in finding desired content. In general, a document with high searchability measure is easier to use because it is easy to locate the portion of the document containing the information of interest. Another aspect of a document's ease of use is the document's degree of distinguishability. The distinguishability of content can be defined as the ability to identify one particular content element from another content element within the document. Distinguishability is important in establishing the context for the information disclosed by the element. It can reduce confusion about what that element is and to what group or setting it belongs. It can also aid in locating a desired element. The distinguishability of the document elements is therefore a contributing factor to the ease of use of the document. Another property that would be desirable to be able to quantitatively measure is the ability of the document to hold the viewer's attention and interest. While much of the document's ease of use depends upon the actual content and its relevance to the viewer, there can also be a contribution from the style with which that content is presented. If a measure of the effect of style decisions on ease of use could be defined it could be used in determining a measure of optimal presentation. Documents can present content in ways that make it easier to locate individual items. This can be referred to as ‘locateability’. A way to distinguish one content object from another object is to evaluate the target object's locatability, i.e., how easy it is to find an object within the document. This is a little different from distinguishability, which tells how well an item can be differentiated from its neighbors. Structural aids such as layout of tables or bullet lists help the document viewer to locate objects. Presenting content in a table allows its location to be identified by row or column. The presence of headings for the rows and columns can further increase the ease of locating items. Presenting content items in a list introduces an ordering that aids in locating them, and the use of list bullets or item numbers aids further. Separability and distinguishability contribute to the locatability of an object. Measures for various aspects of content, features, and the like could be weighted by intent, relevance, and other parameters and these could then be combined to obtain one or more overall measures for the document itself. If one had a method for evaluating such properties inherent in the document itself then such a measure could be used during the document development process to help determine optimal presentation. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a methodology to measure the quality of a document in a quantifiable way. Moreover, it is desirable to provide a quantifiable measurement of quality which is useable in evaluating the document and improving its quality so as to add value to the information being conveyed through the document.
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Title:
System and method for measuring and quantizing document quality
Abstract:
Text, images, and/or graphics of electronic documents should be organized and laid out in a two-dimensional format for presentation to the viewer. The best such layout depends upon the content present, the creator's intent, the output device, and the viewer's interests. To analyze the qualitative nature of the layout in quantifiable terms, the electronic document is measure using various quantifiable factors; such as, balance, uniformity, white space management, alignment, consistency, legibility, etc.; that impact a qualitative nature of a document. Such quantifiable factors are then used to quantize the aesthetics, ease of use, eye-catching ability, interest, communicability, comfort, and convenience of the document.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION When documents are created, many decisions must be made as to style, content, layout, and the like. The text, images, and graphics must be organized and laid out in a two-dimensional format with the intention of providing a presentation to the viewer which will capture and preferably maintain their attention for the time sufficient to get the intended message across. Different style options are available for the various content elements and choices must be made. The best choices for style and layout depend upon content, intent, viewer interests, etc. In order to tell if a set of choices made as to the look and feel of the final version of the document were good or bad, one might request feedback from a set of viewers after viewing the document and compile the feedback into something meaningful from which the document's creators or developers can make alterations, changes, or other improvements. This cycle repeats until the document's owners are satisfied that the final version achieves the intended result. Factors that contribute to the quality and effectiveness of layout and style decisions for a document are the handling of groups of content elements as style and layout choices affect groups of content. A group is a collection of content elements. Group membership is a property of the logical structure of the document. The neighborhood of groups can be considered a layout property. While layout structure often matches the logical structure, there is no requirement that it do so. Preferably, one would like to have a quantitative measure of various value properties of the document (measures of the document “goodness”) based on properties inherent in the document itself. In this manner the document itself provides a level of quantitative feedback. For instance, one property that developer's would like to be able to measure would be how easy it is to use a document. A measure for the ease of use of a document can be used in evaluating or making document design decisions. One aspect of the ease of use of a document is one's ability to tell which elements belong to a group and which do not. The style and layout decisions that are made in the presentation of a document can affect the degree of group identity that it conveys. In evaluating a document's design for its ease of use, it is useful to have a measure of the degree of group identity. Considerations for ease-of-use with respect to groups include spatial coherence, spatial separation, alignment separation, heading separation, background separation, and/or style separation. Measures for various characteristics of content, feature, and the like could be weighted by intent, relevance, and other parameters and these could then be combined to obtain one or more overall measures for the document itself. If one had a method for evaluating properties inherent in the document itself then such a measure could be used during the document development process to help determine optimal presentation. An aspect of the ease of use of a document is its searchability. Searchability can be defined as the degree to which the document structurally supports the finding of a desired content element. A document with high searchability provides aids that help in finding desired content. In general, a document with high searchability measure is easier to use because it is easy to locate the portion of the document containing the information of interest. Another aspect of a document's ease of use is the document's degree of distinguishability. The distinguishability of content can be defined as the ability to identify one particular content element from another content element within the document. Distinguishability is important in establishing the context for the information disclosed by the element. It can reduce confusion about what that element is and to what group or setting it belongs. It can also aid in locating a desired element. The distinguishability of the document elements is therefore a contributing factor to the ease of use of the document. Another property that would be desirable to be able to quantitatively measure is the ability of the document to hold the viewer's attention and interest. While much of the document's ease of use depends upon the actual content and its relevance to the viewer, there can also be a contribution from the style with which that content is presented. If a measure of the effect of style decisions on ease of use could be defined it could be used in determining a measure of optimal presentation. Documents can present content in ways that make it easier to locate individual items. This can be referred to as ‘locateability’. A way to distinguish one content object from another object is to evaluate the target object's locatability, i.e., how easy it is to find an object within the document. This is a little different from distinguishability, which tells how well an item can be differentiated from its neighbors. Structural aids such as layout of tables or bullet lists help the document viewer to locate objects. Presenting content in a table allows its location to be identified by row or column. The presence of headings for the rows and columns can further increase the ease of locating items. Presenting content items in a list introduces an ordering that aids in locating them, and the use of list bullets or item numbers aids further. Separability and distinguishability contribute to the locatability of an object. Measures for various aspects of content, features, and the like could be weighted by intent, relevance, and other parameters and these could then be combined to obtain one or more overall measures for the document itself. If one had a method for evaluating such properties inherent in the document itself then such a measure could be used during the document development process to help determine optimal presentation. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a methodology to measure the quality of a document in a quantifiable way. Moreover, it is desirable to provide a quantifiable measurement of quality which is useable in evaluating the document and improving its quality so as to add value to the information being conveyed through the document.
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10871764
| 2,004
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Method and apparatus to provide wideband low noise amplification
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Wideband low noise amplification is achieved using a serial chain of relatively narrowband LNAs. Each of the narrowband LNAs amplifies a different portion of the overall bandwidth of the wideband amplification system. In at least one embodiment, a buffer amplifier is provided at the end of the chain of LNAs to provide impedance matching over the extended bandwidth.
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TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates generally to amplifiers and, more particularly, to low noise amplifiers for use in communications applications.
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Title:
Method and apparatus to provide wideband low noise amplification
Abstract:
Wideband low noise amplification is achieved using a serial chain of relatively narrowband LNAs. Each of the narrowband LNAs amplifies a different portion of the overall bandwidth of the wideband amplification system. In at least one embodiment, a buffer amplifier is provided at the end of the chain of LNAs to provide impedance matching over the extended bandwidth.
Background:
TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates generally to amplifiers and, more particularly, to low noise amplifiers for use in communications applications.
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10798585
| 2,004
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Adjustable iris-diaphragm controller
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An adjustable iris-diaphragm controller includes a brushless direct current (DC) motor, an iris defining an aperture that corresponds to an angular position of the DC motor, and a control module including a differential circuit, an integrator, and a current-limiting circuit. The differential circuit provides an output voltage corresponding to a difference between a first voltage corresponding to the angular position of the DC motor, and a second voltage corresponding to a reference aperture. The integrator provides an output signal corresponding to the output voltage. The current-limiting circuit limits supply of electric current to the DC motor in accordance with the control output signal, and inhibits the supply of the electric current to stop further rotation of the DC motor when the DC motor is rotated to an angular position corresponding to the reference aperture.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to an adjustable iris-diaphragm controller, more particularly to an adjustable iris-diaphragm controller with a control module for controlling a brushless direct current motor to adjust an aperture defined by an iris. 2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 1 illustrates a known arrangement of a brushless direct current (DC) motor 21 , and a Hall sensor (H). The DC motor 21 has a rotor (R), and a stator (S) surrounding the rotor (R). The Hall sensor (H) detects the angular position of the rotor (R) of the DC motor 21 , and is disposed adjacent to the rotor (R). First and second transistors (Q 1 , Q 2 ) are coupled electrically to the Hall sensor (H) and the stator (S). In operation, when the south pole of the rotor (R) is proximate to the Hall sensor (H), the Hall sensor (H) generates a relatively large output voltage sufficient to activate the first transistor (Q 1 ). The activation of the first transistor (Q 1 ) causes the flow of current (i 1 ) through the stator (S), which results in counterclockwise rotation of the rotor (R). On the other hand, when the north pole of the rotor (R) is proximate to the Hall sensor (H), the Hall sensor (H) generates a relatively large output voltage sufficient to activate the second transistor (Q 2 ). The activation of the second transistor (Q 2 ) causes the flow of current (i 2 ) through the stator (S) to permit further counterclockwise rotation of the rotor (R). It is known to employ DC motors, such as stepper and servo motors, to adjust an aperture defined by an iris in an adjustable iris-diaphragm controller. However, these types of DC motors are relatively expensive to implement and require complicated control circuitry. To the applicant's knowledge, conventional adjustable iris-diaphragm controllers do not use a brushless DC motor due to the lack of an appropriate control module that is relatively inexpensive and that is capable of controlling the brushless DC motor to adjust the aperture defined by the iris to a desired setting within a relatively short period of time.
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Title:
Adjustable iris-diaphragm controller
Abstract:
An adjustable iris-diaphragm controller includes a brushless direct current (DC) motor, an iris defining an aperture that corresponds to an angular position of the DC motor, and a control module including a differential circuit, an integrator, and a current-limiting circuit. The differential circuit provides an output voltage corresponding to a difference between a first voltage corresponding to the angular position of the DC motor, and a second voltage corresponding to a reference aperture. The integrator provides an output signal corresponding to the output voltage. The current-limiting circuit limits supply of electric current to the DC motor in accordance with the control output signal, and inhibits the supply of the electric current to stop further rotation of the DC motor when the DC motor is rotated to an angular position corresponding to the reference aperture.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to an adjustable iris-diaphragm controller, more particularly to an adjustable iris-diaphragm controller with a control module for controlling a brushless direct current motor to adjust an aperture defined by an iris. 2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 1 illustrates a known arrangement of a brushless direct current (DC) motor 21 , and a Hall sensor (H). The DC motor 21 has a rotor (R), and a stator (S) surrounding the rotor (R). The Hall sensor (H) detects the angular position of the rotor (R) of the DC motor 21 , and is disposed adjacent to the rotor (R). First and second transistors (Q 1 , Q 2 ) are coupled electrically to the Hall sensor (H) and the stator (S). In operation, when the south pole of the rotor (R) is proximate to the Hall sensor (H), the Hall sensor (H) generates a relatively large output voltage sufficient to activate the first transistor (Q 1 ). The activation of the first transistor (Q 1 ) causes the flow of current (i 1 ) through the stator (S), which results in counterclockwise rotation of the rotor (R). On the other hand, when the north pole of the rotor (R) is proximate to the Hall sensor (H), the Hall sensor (H) generates a relatively large output voltage sufficient to activate the second transistor (Q 2 ). The activation of the second transistor (Q 2 ) causes the flow of current (i 2 ) through the stator (S) to permit further counterclockwise rotation of the rotor (R). It is known to employ DC motors, such as stepper and servo motors, to adjust an aperture defined by an iris in an adjustable iris-diaphragm controller. However, these types of DC motors are relatively expensive to implement and require complicated control circuitry. To the applicant's knowledge, conventional adjustable iris-diaphragm controllers do not use a brushless DC motor due to the lack of an appropriate control module that is relatively inexpensive and that is capable of controlling the brushless DC motor to adjust the aperture defined by the iris to a desired setting within a relatively short period of time.
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10936801
| 2,004
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Alternator for a vehicle
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In a side-mount type vehicle alternator, the mounting faces of a larger stay and a smaller stay are arranged such that the fictive line, which runs through the center of a mounting hole on the mounting face of the larger stay and the center of the mounting hole on the mounting face of the smaller stay, is on the outside of an outermost surface of a front frame and a rear frame. Thus, the alternator is lifted up from an engine bracket and it is possible to make a large space. Hot air being exhausted from exhaust windows flows smoothly to the outside of the space.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION JP-A-H 11-262213 and JP-B 3235444 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,914,549) disclose structures of side-mount type alternators that are mounted on engines of vehicles. In JP-A-H 11-262213, as shown in FIG. 7 , an alternator 100 has three stays 120 that are integrally formed with a frame 110 . The alternator 100 is fastened on an engine bracket 200 with bolts 130 penetrating mounting holes 121 that are provided in the stays 120 , as shown in FIG. 8 . Each of the stays 120 is formed so that a penetrating axis of the mounting hole 121 (i.e. the axis of the bolt 130 penetrating the mounting hole 121 ) is orthogonal to an axis of a rotating shaft, not shown in the figures, of the alternator 100 . Therefore, the alternator 100 is mounted on the engine bracket 200 so that the axis to which the alternator 100 is fastened to is orthogonal to the axis of the rotating shaft of the alternator 100 . This type of alternator is known as a side-mount type. Generally, a plurality of intake windows 140 and a plurality of exhaust windows 150 are formed on the frame 110 to provide air cooling of high temperature components such as a rotor, a stator, an IC regulator and a rectifier (diodes). In the side-mount type structure, as disclosed in JP-A-H 11-262213 and as shown in FIG. 8 , with respect to the penetrating direction of the mounting holes 121 (horizontal direction of FIG. 8 ), the outermost surface of the frame 110 protrudes to the engine side beyond a mounting face 122 . Therefore, a space 300 between the frame 110 and the engine bracket 200 is very narrow. As a result, the ventilation is poor. Under the above circumstances, at the engine side of the alternator 100 , hot air after cooling the inside of the frame 100 and being exhausted from the exhaust windows 150 does not flow smoothly and tends to stay at the space 300 . The hot air at the space 300 is reintroduced from the intake windows 140 into the inside of the frame 110 . As a result, it is insufficient to cool the inside of the frame 110 and the lifetime of the high temperature components of the alternator 100 that need to be cooled is severely shortened. Furthermore, the power output of the alternator 100 falls because of insufficient cooling of the rotor and the stator accommodated in the frame 110 .
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Title:
Alternator for a vehicle
Abstract:
In a side-mount type vehicle alternator, the mounting faces of a larger stay and a smaller stay are arranged such that the fictive line, which runs through the center of a mounting hole on the mounting face of the larger stay and the center of the mounting hole on the mounting face of the smaller stay, is on the outside of an outermost surface of a front frame and a rear frame. Thus, the alternator is lifted up from an engine bracket and it is possible to make a large space. Hot air being exhausted from exhaust windows flows smoothly to the outside of the space.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION JP-A-H 11-262213 and JP-B 3235444 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,914,549) disclose structures of side-mount type alternators that are mounted on engines of vehicles. In JP-A-H 11-262213, as shown in FIG. 7 , an alternator 100 has three stays 120 that are integrally formed with a frame 110 . The alternator 100 is fastened on an engine bracket 200 with bolts 130 penetrating mounting holes 121 that are provided in the stays 120 , as shown in FIG. 8 . Each of the stays 120 is formed so that a penetrating axis of the mounting hole 121 (i.e. the axis of the bolt 130 penetrating the mounting hole 121 ) is orthogonal to an axis of a rotating shaft, not shown in the figures, of the alternator 100 . Therefore, the alternator 100 is mounted on the engine bracket 200 so that the axis to which the alternator 100 is fastened to is orthogonal to the axis of the rotating shaft of the alternator 100 . This type of alternator is known as a side-mount type. Generally, a plurality of intake windows 140 and a plurality of exhaust windows 150 are formed on the frame 110 to provide air cooling of high temperature components such as a rotor, a stator, an IC regulator and a rectifier (diodes). In the side-mount type structure, as disclosed in JP-A-H 11-262213 and as shown in FIG. 8 , with respect to the penetrating direction of the mounting holes 121 (horizontal direction of FIG. 8 ), the outermost surface of the frame 110 protrudes to the engine side beyond a mounting face 122 . Therefore, a space 300 between the frame 110 and the engine bracket 200 is very narrow. As a result, the ventilation is poor. Under the above circumstances, at the engine side of the alternator 100 , hot air after cooling the inside of the frame 100 and being exhausted from the exhaust windows 150 does not flow smoothly and tends to stay at the space 300 . The hot air at the space 300 is reintroduced from the intake windows 140 into the inside of the frame 110 . As a result, it is insufficient to cool the inside of the frame 110 and the lifetime of the high temperature components of the alternator 100 that need to be cooled is severely shortened. Furthermore, the power output of the alternator 100 falls because of insufficient cooling of the rotor and the stator accommodated in the frame 110 .
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11013460
| 2,004
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Mobile communication terminal equipped with camera and method of controlling the same
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Disclosed are a mobile communication terminal and a method capable of taking a high-quality picture by providing a flash or light function according to ambient luminance when a camera mounted in the mobile communication terminal takes a picture. The mobile communication terminal equipped with a camera includes: a luminance sensor unit for outputting an analog electrical signal proportional to ambient luminance; a control unit for generating a preview light enable signal according to the analog electrical signal; and a preview light for emitting light in a preview mode in response to the preview light enable signal. In addition, a method of controlling a mobile communication terminal equipped with a camera unit and a light unit includes the steps of: enabling a luminance sensor unit to detect ambient luminance according to a camera mode selection command; comparing a light intensity value obtained from a signal outputted from the luminance sensor unit with a pre-programmed threshold value; and controlling the operation of the light unit according to the comparison result.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This application claims the priority of Korean Patent Application No. 2003-94310, filed on Dec. 20, 2003, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a mobile communication terminal and, more particularly, to a mobile communication terminal equipped with a camera in which a flash is triggered according to ambient luminance and a method of controlling the mobile communication terminal equipped with a camera. 2. Description of Related Art In general, when a camera module incorporated in a mobile communication terminal is operated, a preview mode is triggered to display a picked-up image, which is projected through a lens system, on a liquid crystal display (LCD). The displayed image is captured when a picture-taking button is pressed. The captured image is compressed and stored in an internal memory of the mobile communication terminal. A conventional flash, which is equipped into the mobile communication terminal to take a picture in poor lighting areas, is typically triggered by an optical sensor integrated circuit (IC) which detects the intensity of light. That is, the optical sensor detects the light intensity and compares the detected light intensity with a threshold value which is set in a hardware manner. Subsequently, the optical sensor outputs a digital signal indicating a ‘high’ or ‘low’ level to a general-purpose input/output (GPIO) terminal in a mobile station modem (MSM). The MSM determines whether or not to activate the flash in response to the digital signal. A conventional flash trigger system has the following three drawbacks. Firstly, there is a problem in that the optical sensor IC for detecting the light intensity is expensive. As a result, the total manufacturing cost for the mobile communication terminal increases significantly. Secondly, since some of the GPIO terminals, which are provided in the MSM to be used for application operations in the mobile communication terminal, are used to trigger the flash, it may occur that there are no GPIO terminals available for other application operations in the mobile communication terminal. Furthermore, there is a problem in that since a threshold value, which is used in determining whether the light intensity detected by the optical IC is high or low, is set in a hardware manner, the threshold value cannot be readjusted once the mobile communication terminal has been assembled.
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Title:
Mobile communication terminal equipped with camera and method of controlling the same
Abstract:
Disclosed are a mobile communication terminal and a method capable of taking a high-quality picture by providing a flash or light function according to ambient luminance when a camera mounted in the mobile communication terminal takes a picture. The mobile communication terminal equipped with a camera includes: a luminance sensor unit for outputting an analog electrical signal proportional to ambient luminance; a control unit for generating a preview light enable signal according to the analog electrical signal; and a preview light for emitting light in a preview mode in response to the preview light enable signal. In addition, a method of controlling a mobile communication terminal equipped with a camera unit and a light unit includes the steps of: enabling a luminance sensor unit to detect ambient luminance according to a camera mode selection command; comparing a light intensity value obtained from a signal outputted from the luminance sensor unit with a pre-programmed threshold value; and controlling the operation of the light unit according to the comparison result.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This application claims the priority of Korean Patent Application No. 2003-94310, filed on Dec. 20, 2003, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a mobile communication terminal and, more particularly, to a mobile communication terminal equipped with a camera in which a flash is triggered according to ambient luminance and a method of controlling the mobile communication terminal equipped with a camera. 2. Description of Related Art In general, when a camera module incorporated in a mobile communication terminal is operated, a preview mode is triggered to display a picked-up image, which is projected through a lens system, on a liquid crystal display (LCD). The displayed image is captured when a picture-taking button is pressed. The captured image is compressed and stored in an internal memory of the mobile communication terminal. A conventional flash, which is equipped into the mobile communication terminal to take a picture in poor lighting areas, is typically triggered by an optical sensor integrated circuit (IC) which detects the intensity of light. That is, the optical sensor detects the light intensity and compares the detected light intensity with a threshold value which is set in a hardware manner. Subsequently, the optical sensor outputs a digital signal indicating a ‘high’ or ‘low’ level to a general-purpose input/output (GPIO) terminal in a mobile station modem (MSM). The MSM determines whether or not to activate the flash in response to the digital signal. A conventional flash trigger system has the following three drawbacks. Firstly, there is a problem in that the optical sensor IC for detecting the light intensity is expensive. As a result, the total manufacturing cost for the mobile communication terminal increases significantly. Secondly, since some of the GPIO terminals, which are provided in the MSM to be used for application operations in the mobile communication terminal, are used to trigger the flash, it may occur that there are no GPIO terminals available for other application operations in the mobile communication terminal. Furthermore, there is a problem in that since a threshold value, which is used in determining whether the light intensity detected by the optical IC is high or low, is set in a hardware manner, the threshold value cannot be readjusted once the mobile communication terminal has been assembled.
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10973569
| 2,004
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Electrical connector having reliable terminal
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A terminal for an electrical connector includes a base portion (30), a soldering portion (36) extending from a bottom end of the retaining portion, and a pair of arm portions (33). Each arm portion includes an upper arm (32) extending obliquely downwardly from a lateral side of the base portion, a forearm (34) extending upwardly from a free end of the upper arm, a clamp (40) at an upper end of the forearm, and a palm (44) extending obliquely from the clamp toward the base portion. A clamping space (42) is defined between the palms for clamping a pin of a CPU. A free space (45) is defined between the clamps for guiding the pin of the CPU inserting into the clamping space in a predetermined inserting direction. The clamps offset a certain angle with respect to the direction.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the invention The present invention relates to an electrical connector, and particularly to an electrical connector having a plurality of reliable terminals for electrically connecting an electronic package such as a central processing unit (CPU) with a circuit substrate such as a printed circuit board (PCB). 2. Description of the prior art Electrical connectors are widely used in electrically connecting electronic packages such as central processing units (CPUs) with circuit substrates such as printed circuit boards (PCBs). Patented examples of such electrical connectors are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,498,725 and 6,267,615. Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7 , a conventional electrical terminal 9 for an electrical connector electrically connecting a CPU (not shown) with a PCB (not shown) comprises a base portion 91 , a soldering portion 92 extending from a bottom end of the base portion 91 , and a pair of arm portions 93 connected to the base portion 91 . The soldering portion 92 electrically connects with the PCB via a solder ball (not shown). Each arm portion 93 includes an upper arm 931 extending obliquely downwardly from a lateral side of the base portion 91 toward the soldering portion 92 , a forearm 932 extending upwardly from a free end of the upper arm 931 , a clamp 933 at an upper end of the forearm 932 , and a palm 95 extending obliquely from the clamp 933 toward the base portion 91 . A clamping space 934 is defined between the clamps 933 for clamping a pin 99 of the CPU therein. A free space 951 is defined between the palms 95 for guiding the pin 99 inserting into the clamping space 934 in a predetermined direction A (seen in FIGS. 6 and 7 ). The clamp 933 is parallel to the direction A. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 , when the CPU engages with the connector, the pin 99 of the CPU firstly enters into the free space 951 between the two palms 95 , at this time, the pin 99 contacts the inner face of the palm 95 . The pin 99 is then moved in direction A from the free space 951 toward the clamping space 934 by conventional operating force. The pin 99 is subsequently clamped between the clamps 933 . The pin 99 is thus resiliently and firmly electrically connected with the terminal 9 of the connector. However, when the pin 99 moves from the free space 951 into the clamping space 934 , a part of the clamp 933 will be received a force so that the two clamps 933 offset outward a certain angle θ related to the direction A (best seen in FIG. 7 ). When the pin 99 moves out from the clamping space 934 , the clamp 933 will apply a supporting force N, a friction F′ perpendicular to the force N on the pin 99 . A force F is applied on the pin 99 for separating the pin 99 from the clamps 933 of the terminal 9 . Because the clamps 933 offset the angle θ, and the force F=2(N Sin θ+F′ Cos θ), the force F will be increased. Thus the increased force F will make it difficult to disengage the pin 99 from the terminal 9 . In view of the above, a new electrical connector that overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages is desired.
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Title:
Electrical connector having reliable terminal
Abstract:
A terminal for an electrical connector includes a base portion (30), a soldering portion (36) extending from a bottom end of the retaining portion, and a pair of arm portions (33). Each arm portion includes an upper arm (32) extending obliquely downwardly from a lateral side of the base portion, a forearm (34) extending upwardly from a free end of the upper arm, a clamp (40) at an upper end of the forearm, and a palm (44) extending obliquely from the clamp toward the base portion. A clamping space (42) is defined between the palms for clamping a pin of a CPU. A free space (45) is defined between the clamps for guiding the pin of the CPU inserting into the clamping space in a predetermined inserting direction. The clamps offset a certain angle with respect to the direction.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the invention The present invention relates to an electrical connector, and particularly to an electrical connector having a plurality of reliable terminals for electrically connecting an electronic package such as a central processing unit (CPU) with a circuit substrate such as a printed circuit board (PCB). 2. Description of the prior art Electrical connectors are widely used in electrically connecting electronic packages such as central processing units (CPUs) with circuit substrates such as printed circuit boards (PCBs). Patented examples of such electrical connectors are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,498,725 and 6,267,615. Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7 , a conventional electrical terminal 9 for an electrical connector electrically connecting a CPU (not shown) with a PCB (not shown) comprises a base portion 91 , a soldering portion 92 extending from a bottom end of the base portion 91 , and a pair of arm portions 93 connected to the base portion 91 . The soldering portion 92 electrically connects with the PCB via a solder ball (not shown). Each arm portion 93 includes an upper arm 931 extending obliquely downwardly from a lateral side of the base portion 91 toward the soldering portion 92 , a forearm 932 extending upwardly from a free end of the upper arm 931 , a clamp 933 at an upper end of the forearm 932 , and a palm 95 extending obliquely from the clamp 933 toward the base portion 91 . A clamping space 934 is defined between the clamps 933 for clamping a pin 99 of the CPU therein. A free space 951 is defined between the palms 95 for guiding the pin 99 inserting into the clamping space 934 in a predetermined direction A (seen in FIGS. 6 and 7 ). The clamp 933 is parallel to the direction A. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 , when the CPU engages with the connector, the pin 99 of the CPU firstly enters into the free space 951 between the two palms 95 , at this time, the pin 99 contacts the inner face of the palm 95 . The pin 99 is then moved in direction A from the free space 951 toward the clamping space 934 by conventional operating force. The pin 99 is subsequently clamped between the clamps 933 . The pin 99 is thus resiliently and firmly electrically connected with the terminal 9 of the connector. However, when the pin 99 moves from the free space 951 into the clamping space 934 , a part of the clamp 933 will be received a force so that the two clamps 933 offset outward a certain angle θ related to the direction A (best seen in FIG. 7 ). When the pin 99 moves out from the clamping space 934 , the clamp 933 will apply a supporting force N, a friction F′ perpendicular to the force N on the pin 99 . A force F is applied on the pin 99 for separating the pin 99 from the clamps 933 of the terminal 9 . Because the clamps 933 offset the angle θ, and the force F=2(N Sin θ+F′ Cos θ), the force F will be increased. Thus the increased force F will make it difficult to disengage the pin 99 from the terminal 9 . In view of the above, a new electrical connector that overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages is desired.
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11019715
| 2,004
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Valve opening/closing handle lock mechanism
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A valve opening/closing handle lock mechanism provided in a valve having a manually operated valve opening/closing handle (1) is capable of maintaining the security of the valve by preventing the valve from being opened or closed by accident or with malicious intent after completion of a proper opening/closing operation of the valve by means of the handle (1). The handle lock mechanism comprises a locking cap (4) mounted on the handle (1). The locking cap (4) functions to prevent the handle (1) from being operated, extends from the handle (1) to a handle mount portion (3) of the valve so as to cover the corresponding portion of the valve with the locking cap (4), and is provided with: an opening (5) through which an end portion of the handle (1) passes outward; or, a longitudinal groove through which the end portion of the opening/closing handle (1) slidably passes outward.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a valve opening/closing handle lock mechanism of a valve or shut-off cock, and more particularly to a valve opening/closing handle lock mechanism of a valve or shut-off cock, wherein the handle lock mechanism is provided in a valve or shut-off cock of a type incorporated in a flow passage of a fluid such as water, a liquid chemical, a gas and the like, wherein the valve opening/closing handle lock mechanism is manually operated to open and close the flow passage, and prevents the valve or shut-off cock from being opened or closed by accident or with malicious intent after completion of a proper opening/closing operation of the valve or shut-off cock. 2. Description of the Related Art Used in various types of plants are various types of valves or shut-off cocks for opening/closing a flow passage of a fluid such as water, a liquid chemical, a gas and the like. Each of these valves or cocks is manually operated by means of a valve opening/closing handle. In the valve opening/closing operation of each valve or cock, the valve opening/closing handle is turned or rotated horizontally or vertically relative to a main body of the valve or shut-off cock (hereinafter referred to as the valve). In installation, the valve is projected from the fluid passage or circuit outward. Due to this, there is a fear that: a worker moving along the fluid circuit is accidentally brought into contact with a valve opening/closing handle of the valve; and, performs a valve opening/closing operation of the valve by mistake. Further, since it is possible for anyone to perform a valve opening/closing operation of a conventional type of the valve (see Japanese Patent application Laid-open No. 2002-147646), there is a fear that the valve is operated with malicious intent or improperly operated by a person not skilled in the art after completion of a proper opening/closing operation of the valve. Consequently, up to the present day it is hard to keep the security of the valve. As described above, in the conventional manually-operated valve provided with the manually-operated valve opening/closing handle, there is a problem or fear that: the valve opening/closing handle of the valve is accidentally or improperly operated by mistake or by accident, or operated with malicious intent after completion of a proper opening/closing operation of the valve, which makes it hard to keep the security of the valve in operation.
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Title:
Valve opening/closing handle lock mechanism
Abstract:
A valve opening/closing handle lock mechanism provided in a valve having a manually operated valve opening/closing handle (1) is capable of maintaining the security of the valve by preventing the valve from being opened or closed by accident or with malicious intent after completion of a proper opening/closing operation of the valve by means of the handle (1). The handle lock mechanism comprises a locking cap (4) mounted on the handle (1). The locking cap (4) functions to prevent the handle (1) from being operated, extends from the handle (1) to a handle mount portion (3) of the valve so as to cover the corresponding portion of the valve with the locking cap (4), and is provided with: an opening (5) through which an end portion of the handle (1) passes outward; or, a longitudinal groove through which the end portion of the opening/closing handle (1) slidably passes outward.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a valve opening/closing handle lock mechanism of a valve or shut-off cock, and more particularly to a valve opening/closing handle lock mechanism of a valve or shut-off cock, wherein the handle lock mechanism is provided in a valve or shut-off cock of a type incorporated in a flow passage of a fluid such as water, a liquid chemical, a gas and the like, wherein the valve opening/closing handle lock mechanism is manually operated to open and close the flow passage, and prevents the valve or shut-off cock from being opened or closed by accident or with malicious intent after completion of a proper opening/closing operation of the valve or shut-off cock. 2. Description of the Related Art Used in various types of plants are various types of valves or shut-off cocks for opening/closing a flow passage of a fluid such as water, a liquid chemical, a gas and the like. Each of these valves or cocks is manually operated by means of a valve opening/closing handle. In the valve opening/closing operation of each valve or cock, the valve opening/closing handle is turned or rotated horizontally or vertically relative to a main body of the valve or shut-off cock (hereinafter referred to as the valve). In installation, the valve is projected from the fluid passage or circuit outward. Due to this, there is a fear that: a worker moving along the fluid circuit is accidentally brought into contact with a valve opening/closing handle of the valve; and, performs a valve opening/closing operation of the valve by mistake. Further, since it is possible for anyone to perform a valve opening/closing operation of a conventional type of the valve (see Japanese Patent application Laid-open No. 2002-147646), there is a fear that the valve is operated with malicious intent or improperly operated by a person not skilled in the art after completion of a proper opening/closing operation of the valve. Consequently, up to the present day it is hard to keep the security of the valve. As described above, in the conventional manually-operated valve provided with the manually-operated valve opening/closing handle, there is a problem or fear that: the valve opening/closing handle of the valve is accidentally or improperly operated by mistake or by accident, or operated with malicious intent after completion of a proper opening/closing operation of the valve, which makes it hard to keep the security of the valve in operation.
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10509903
| 2,004
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Stationary detonation combustor, and stationary detonation wave generating method
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A steady-state detonation combustor and a steady-state detonation wave generating method, in which a stabilized detonation wave can be generated by generating a hypersonic and unburned premixed gas. An rich premixed gas whose gas fuel is rich is combusted in a rich premixed gas combustion chamber (11) to generate a fist high-temperature and high-pressure burned gas, while at the same time, a lean premixed gas whose oxygen is rich is combusted in a lean premixed gas combustion chamber (12) to generate a second high-temperature and high-pressure burned gas, and subsequently, after each high-temperature and high-pressure burned gas is accelerated to hypersonic speed and at the same time mixed together through an interpenetrating nozzle (40), a premixed gas obtained by the mixture and containing the gas fuel and the oxygen which are unreacted is impinged on a steady-state detonation stabilizer (60), so that a stabilized detonation wave is generated.
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BACKGROUND ART In general, a detonation wave is generated in such a manner that a detonation gas is encapsulated in a tube, and ignited at a tube end to induce a transition from a deflagration wave to a detonation wave. The detonation wave thus generated is difficult to be applied to engineering, since it propagates at extremely high (hypersonic) speed of two to three km/sec with respect to a laboratory system (static system). A steady-state propagation of the detonation wave in static state with respect to a laboratory system (static system) is a requisite for an application of the detonation wave, but no such apparatus has been developed so far. Meanwhile, in order to maintain a steady-state detonation wave in static state in an experimental apparatus, there are two issues to be cleared, as follows. To begin with, the first issue is to develop a stabilizer to stabilize a detonation wave with respect to a hypersonic premixed gas flowing within an experimental apparatus. Until recently, conditions to stabilize a detonation wave were uncertain among the detonation researchers, and thus development of such a stabilizer was impossible. The second issue is to generate a premixed gas itself which is both hypersonic and unburned. This is deemed as an extremely difficult issue. Because, in general, in order to generate a hypersonic flow, a method is taken in which an operating gas is brought to be high-temperature and high-pressure, and such an internal energy is converted to a kinetic energy through a nozzle. However, when an unburned premixed gas is accelerated in the same manner, combustion takes place at a stage where the operating gas (unburned premixed gas) is brought to be high-temperature, so that the hypersonic flow that is generated is already in a state of completely burned. To cope with this, a method is contemplated in which a gas fuel (combustible gas) and oxygen are separately brought to be high-temperature, accelerated to be hypersonic, and mixed together thereafter. However, in this method, although the gas fuel and oxygen do not begin to react upon the acceleration as they are separate in becoming high-temperature, the time period necessary for the subsequent mixture becomes longer than a characteristic time of flow, meaning that the mixture itself is difficult. Also, an expensive heating apparatus is required to make the operating gas high-temperature and high-pressure, which is another problem. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a steady-state detonation combustor and a steady-state detonation wave generating method which allow generation of a stabilized detonation wave by generating a premixed gas which is both hypersonic and unburned.
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Title:
Stationary detonation combustor, and stationary detonation wave generating method
Abstract:
A steady-state detonation combustor and a steady-state detonation wave generating method, in which a stabilized detonation wave can be generated by generating a hypersonic and unburned premixed gas. An rich premixed gas whose gas fuel is rich is combusted in a rich premixed gas combustion chamber (11) to generate a fist high-temperature and high-pressure burned gas, while at the same time, a lean premixed gas whose oxygen is rich is combusted in a lean premixed gas combustion chamber (12) to generate a second high-temperature and high-pressure burned gas, and subsequently, after each high-temperature and high-pressure burned gas is accelerated to hypersonic speed and at the same time mixed together through an interpenetrating nozzle (40), a premixed gas obtained by the mixture and containing the gas fuel and the oxygen which are unreacted is impinged on a steady-state detonation stabilizer (60), so that a stabilized detonation wave is generated.
Background:
BACKGROUND ART In general, a detonation wave is generated in such a manner that a detonation gas is encapsulated in a tube, and ignited at a tube end to induce a transition from a deflagration wave to a detonation wave. The detonation wave thus generated is difficult to be applied to engineering, since it propagates at extremely high (hypersonic) speed of two to three km/sec with respect to a laboratory system (static system). A steady-state propagation of the detonation wave in static state with respect to a laboratory system (static system) is a requisite for an application of the detonation wave, but no such apparatus has been developed so far. Meanwhile, in order to maintain a steady-state detonation wave in static state in an experimental apparatus, there are two issues to be cleared, as follows. To begin with, the first issue is to develop a stabilizer to stabilize a detonation wave with respect to a hypersonic premixed gas flowing within an experimental apparatus. Until recently, conditions to stabilize a detonation wave were uncertain among the detonation researchers, and thus development of such a stabilizer was impossible. The second issue is to generate a premixed gas itself which is both hypersonic and unburned. This is deemed as an extremely difficult issue. Because, in general, in order to generate a hypersonic flow, a method is taken in which an operating gas is brought to be high-temperature and high-pressure, and such an internal energy is converted to a kinetic energy through a nozzle. However, when an unburned premixed gas is accelerated in the same manner, combustion takes place at a stage where the operating gas (unburned premixed gas) is brought to be high-temperature, so that the hypersonic flow that is generated is already in a state of completely burned. To cope with this, a method is contemplated in which a gas fuel (combustible gas) and oxygen are separately brought to be high-temperature, accelerated to be hypersonic, and mixed together thereafter. However, in this method, although the gas fuel and oxygen do not begin to react upon the acceleration as they are separate in becoming high-temperature, the time period necessary for the subsequent mixture becomes longer than a characteristic time of flow, meaning that the mixture itself is difficult. Also, an expensive heating apparatus is required to make the operating gas high-temperature and high-pressure, which is another problem. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a steady-state detonation combustor and a steady-state detonation wave generating method which allow generation of a stabilized detonation wave by generating a premixed gas which is both hypersonic and unburned.
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10956850
| 2,004
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Durable hydrophilic nonwoven wipes
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A wipe comprising a nonwoven web of a wettable fiber matrix, wherein the wettable fiber matrix are thermoplastic polymeric fibers blended with at least one hydrophilic melt additive. In alternate embodiments, the nonwoven web further includes binder fibers which may be wettable or non-wettable or combinations of both.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Rechargeable alkaline batteries typically require separators to function primarily as dielectric as well as electrolyte reservoirs. In addition to being inert to 31% potassium hydroxide (KOH) used as the electrolyte, separator materials should possess durable wettability to withstand the rigors during the discharging and recharging of the battery. Typical separator constructions employ nonwoven structures comprising either nylon or polyolefin fibers Representative examples of such constructions are illustrated in the following patents. U.S. Pat. No. 5,389,471 to Kung discloses a separator for an alkaline battery comprised of a porous sheet of a microporous film, fabric or synthetic paper which sheet is saturated with a resin containing one or more carboxyl groups neutralized with a base so as to form a salt. The resin includes a high molecular weight acrylic acid having one or more carboxyl groups. A particularly preferred resin disclosed in the examples is Carbopol (a high molecular weight acrylic acid homopolymer). U.S. Pat. No. 5,439,734 to Everhart discloses a nonwoven fabric formed from polyolefin blended with at least one di-fatty acid ester hydrophilic additive. The additives in Everhart include a dioleate ester of polyethylene oxide, ethoxylated ester of caster oil, a blend of glycerol mono-oleate ester and ethoxylated nonylphenol and Maypeg-400 ml monolaurate. Palmer U.S. Pat. No. 3,847,676 teaches a battery separator made of a non woven mat of fibers of polymeric resin, i.e., C2-C8 polyolefin thermoplastic such as polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene containing a first wetting agent dispersed therein (relatively water insoluble), the fibers having a coating on their outer surfaces of a second wetting agent. The internally dispersed wetting agents are surfactants and preferably C8 to C18 phenol surfactants having 1-15 moles of ethylene oxide. The second wetting agent which is coated on the exterior of the fibers is relatively water soluble and relatively oil insoluble and is preferably an anionic and/or nonionic surfactant. Palmer U.S. Pat. No. 3,870,567 deals with battery separators formed from nonwoven thermoplastic fiber mats, the fibers containing an internal wetting agent that will bloom over a period of time at ambient temperatures of the battery. Nonylphenol ethylene oxide is an example of a suitable wetting agent. Palmer U.S. Pat. No. 3,918,995 also involves a battery separator produced from a nonwoven mat of plastic fibers having an internal surfactant and a second surfactant coated on the exterior of the fibers. This patent is a division of Palmer U.S. Pat. No. 3,847,676, the claims in the '995 patent being drawn to a battery as contrasted with a separator. Palmer U.S. Pat. No. 3,933,525 discloses nonwoven battery separators comprised of polyolefin fibers having internal wetting agents, preferably comprised of two surfactants. The preferred surfactants are C8 and C18 phenol surfactants having 1-15 moles of ethylene dioxide. Broadhead U.S. Pat. No. 3,928,067 discloses polypropylene separators for use in lithium non aqueous secondary batteries which include as wetting agents for the polypropylene separators polyalkylene glycol esters, tetraalkylammonium halides and certain lithium salts and preferably combinations of certain polyalkylene glycol ethers and tetralkyl-ammonium halides. Bunton 3,947,537 discloses battery separators made from nonwoven mats of thermoplastic fibers which have been wetted with a surfactant water mixture of an anionic surfactant such as an aliphatic sulfate or a non-ionic surfactant such as a polyethylene oxy compound. EP 0 450 449 B1 is directed to separator materials for storage batteries comprising a fabric sheet made of sulfonated conjugate fibers comprising at least first and second components thermally bonded together, the first component being a surface layer, the second component occupying a core portion, the first component being an ethylene copolymer containing at least a unit having the formula —CH 2 —C(SO 3 H) (COOH)— and comprising an ethylene carbonic acid monomer containing acrylic and/or nucleic acid and possibly also an acrylic acid ester, the second component comprising a non-sulfonated polyolefin. EP 0 591 616 B1 is directed to a hydrophilized separator material of a nonwoven composed of a mixture of polyamide and/or polyolefin fibers of different softening ranges, characterized in that the separator material is moistened with deionized water before its use. EP 0 680 107 B1 is concerned with a nickel-hydrogen secondary battery including a separator formed of a sheet material containing polyolefin based synthetic resin fibers having a first surface which is hydrophilic and a second surface having a hydrophilic portion and a hydrophobic portion. The polyolefin fibers are core-sheath type composite fibers comprising a core of polyolefin and a sheath of another polyolefin. EP 0 710 994 A2 relates to a battery separator comprising (1) a nonwoven web of fibers having a mean diameter of about 15 μm or less and (2) a graft polymerized monomer on the surface of the nonwoven web which renders the nonwoven web wettable. EP 0 756 340 A1 is directed to a battery separator comprising a nonwoven web of first and second fibers, the first fibers corresponding to a first and second polyolefin, the second fibers comprising a third polyolefin, treated so that the separator preferably formed of two such nonwoven webs, is spontaneously wettable by an electrolyte. EP 0 795 916 A1 relates to a wet-laid nonwoven fabric formed from three dimensional entanglement of thermoplastic staple fibers with hot melt fibers suitable for use as a battery separator. The resultant nonwoven fabric can be subjected to a hydrophilic treatment with a “generally used surfactant, a sulphonation treatment, a fluorination treatment, a plasma treatment or a corona discharge treatment. EP 0 834 938 A2 discloses an alkaline battery separator formed by heat fusion and hydroentangling 1) polyolefin dividable composite fibers 2) high strength composite fibers (polypropylene) and 3) polyolefin heat sensitive adhesive fibers, all as more specifically defined. This application also teaches treatment of the resultant fabric for imparting a hydrophilic property by employing a sulphonating treatment, a treatment with fluorine gas, a graft polymerization treatment with vinyl monomers, a treatment with a surface active agent, a treatment used to adhere hydrophilic resins, a discharging treatment, or the like. As surface active agents there are disclosed anionic surface active agents (alkali metal salt of a higher fatty acid, alkyl sulfonate, or a salt of sulfosuccinate). WO98/31060 discloses a battery separator useful in batteries of the recombinant or sealed type made from extremely fine meltblown fibers self-bonded in a cohesive, uncompressive mass. This fiber mat is made wettable by battery acid by addition of a surface active agent to the polymer prior to extrusion or by covalently bonding hydrophilic groups to the surface of the fibers after formation. Suitable additives are polytetrahydrafuran, mono & diglycerides from fatty acids & dimethylsilicone oxyalkylene copolymer. WO99/00447 discloses a product and process for making wettable fibers prepared from an olefin polymer, polyester or polyamide including a wetting agent consisting essentially of a monoglyceride or a combination of a monoglyceride and a mixed glyceride with the monoglyceride amounting to at least 85% by weight in the case of the combination. The monoglyceride corresponds to the formula wherein —OR 1 , OR 2 , and —OR 3 are hydroxyl or a fatty acid ester group, but only one of them is a fatty acid ester group (C 12-22 ). The mixed glyceride (di- or tri-) corresponds to the formula wherein —OR 4 , OR 5 , and —OR 6 are hydroxyl or a fatty acid ester group (C 12-22 ). The combination of this di- or tri-glyceride with the monoglyceride constitutes the wetting agent in accordance with one embodiment. As is shown in the prior art both nylon and polyolefins have inherent property limitations, which lead to shorter battery life. While nylon is susceptible to alkaline degradation, polyolefins, though being chemically inert, are hydrophobic in nature. It is known in the art to convert polypropylene fiber, which is hydrophobic, into a hydrophilic fiber by chemically modifying its surface. However, topical chemical applications are not entirely satisfactory as they are not durable, and other types of surface modifications may need extra processing steps and tend to be expensive. In addition, some of these modifications age with time, especially in the presence of 31% potassium hydroxide (KOH) electrolyte solution used in alkaline batteries. The few processes known to render the polyolefins wettable are environmentally unfriendly, very slow processes and are not durable enough. An alternative and improvement over chemical modification is to directly melt blend a hydrophilic additive into the polypropylene or thermoplastic polymer rendering the fibers themselves hydrophilic. The invention solves the forgoing problems and provides such a product by incorporating one or more hydrophilic melt additives into polyolefin resin (polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE) or bicomponent) fibers to produce nonwoven constructions for use as battery separators. The hydrophilic melt additives are incorporated into PP polymer fiber which is then converted into nonwoven separator materials by wet laid and carding/thermal bonding processes. Alternatively, the PP polymer and additives may be converted directly from the polymer into nonwoven form by spunbonding or meltblowing, or a combination of the two. The preferred melt additives are an admixture of hydroxy phenols and polyethylene glycols. The hydroxy phenol is characterized in that it contains the functional group HOC 6 H 4 —. According to the preferred embodiments of the invention, the nonwoven battery separator is fabricated employing wet laid and carded thermal bonding processes. An advantage of the invention is obtained by use of combinations of hydrophobic and hydrophilic fibers in the battery separator fabric, i.e., all fibers in the separator need not be permanently wettable. In the preferred embodiment, the separator includes bicomponent fibers in which the melt additive is incorporated into the sheath constituent(s) of the fiber. Use of bicomponent fibers, as well as combinations of hydrophobic and hydrophilic fibers, reduces costs and permits optimization of the separator for diverse applications. A broad aspect of the invention is to provide a nonwoven web that is durable and has the wettability and strength for use in rechargeable alkaline batteries by directly incorporating melt additives into the polymeric component during melt processing to form a wettable fiber matrix. This fiber matrix can be meltblown, spunbonded or made into staple fibers to form a 100% wettable web. Alternatively the wettable fiber matrix can be mixed with binder fibers that are wettable or non-wettable or mixtures of both which are then made into a nonwoven web. An object of the invention is to provide a nonwoven web with increased wettability and strength for use as battery separator material. Another broad object of the invention is to provide a nonwoven that is durable and wettable in harsh environments. A further object of the invention is to provide a nonwoven web that has both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions. Another further object of the invention is to provide a method for producing products that can be designed to have varied wettablility and strength properties depending on the desired end use applications. A specific object of the invention is to provide a lower cost battery separator material including bicomponent fibers, wherein melt additives are incorporated in the fiber sheath of the bicomponent fiber and not the core. Another specific object of the invention is to provide an economical battery separator material made of both wettable and non-wettable polymeric fibers. A more specific object of the invention is to provide a nonwoven web that can be used for other applications such as diapers and feminine care products, and medical applications which would require durable wettability. Another object of the invention is to provide a nonwoven web that can be used in clothing applications, wherein products produced remain durable and hydrophilic after multiple machine washings. Another object of the invention is to provide a nonwoven that can be used in filtration applications, wherein durable and wettable properties are required.
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Title:
Durable hydrophilic nonwoven wipes
Abstract:
A wipe comprising a nonwoven web of a wettable fiber matrix, wherein the wettable fiber matrix are thermoplastic polymeric fibers blended with at least one hydrophilic melt additive. In alternate embodiments, the nonwoven web further includes binder fibers which may be wettable or non-wettable or combinations of both.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Rechargeable alkaline batteries typically require separators to function primarily as dielectric as well as electrolyte reservoirs. In addition to being inert to 31% potassium hydroxide (KOH) used as the electrolyte, separator materials should possess durable wettability to withstand the rigors during the discharging and recharging of the battery. Typical separator constructions employ nonwoven structures comprising either nylon or polyolefin fibers Representative examples of such constructions are illustrated in the following patents. U.S. Pat. No. 5,389,471 to Kung discloses a separator for an alkaline battery comprised of a porous sheet of a microporous film, fabric or synthetic paper which sheet is saturated with a resin containing one or more carboxyl groups neutralized with a base so as to form a salt. The resin includes a high molecular weight acrylic acid having one or more carboxyl groups. A particularly preferred resin disclosed in the examples is Carbopol (a high molecular weight acrylic acid homopolymer). U.S. Pat. No. 5,439,734 to Everhart discloses a nonwoven fabric formed from polyolefin blended with at least one di-fatty acid ester hydrophilic additive. The additives in Everhart include a dioleate ester of polyethylene oxide, ethoxylated ester of caster oil, a blend of glycerol mono-oleate ester and ethoxylated nonylphenol and Maypeg-400 ml monolaurate. Palmer U.S. Pat. No. 3,847,676 teaches a battery separator made of a non woven mat of fibers of polymeric resin, i.e., C2-C8 polyolefin thermoplastic such as polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene containing a first wetting agent dispersed therein (relatively water insoluble), the fibers having a coating on their outer surfaces of a second wetting agent. The internally dispersed wetting agents are surfactants and preferably C8 to C18 phenol surfactants having 1-15 moles of ethylene oxide. The second wetting agent which is coated on the exterior of the fibers is relatively water soluble and relatively oil insoluble and is preferably an anionic and/or nonionic surfactant. Palmer U.S. Pat. No. 3,870,567 deals with battery separators formed from nonwoven thermoplastic fiber mats, the fibers containing an internal wetting agent that will bloom over a period of time at ambient temperatures of the battery. Nonylphenol ethylene oxide is an example of a suitable wetting agent. Palmer U.S. Pat. No. 3,918,995 also involves a battery separator produced from a nonwoven mat of plastic fibers having an internal surfactant and a second surfactant coated on the exterior of the fibers. This patent is a division of Palmer U.S. Pat. No. 3,847,676, the claims in the '995 patent being drawn to a battery as contrasted with a separator. Palmer U.S. Pat. No. 3,933,525 discloses nonwoven battery separators comprised of polyolefin fibers having internal wetting agents, preferably comprised of two surfactants. The preferred surfactants are C8 and C18 phenol surfactants having 1-15 moles of ethylene dioxide. Broadhead U.S. Pat. No. 3,928,067 discloses polypropylene separators for use in lithium non aqueous secondary batteries which include as wetting agents for the polypropylene separators polyalkylene glycol esters, tetraalkylammonium halides and certain lithium salts and preferably combinations of certain polyalkylene glycol ethers and tetralkyl-ammonium halides. Bunton 3,947,537 discloses battery separators made from nonwoven mats of thermoplastic fibers which have been wetted with a surfactant water mixture of an anionic surfactant such as an aliphatic sulfate or a non-ionic surfactant such as a polyethylene oxy compound. EP 0 450 449 B1 is directed to separator materials for storage batteries comprising a fabric sheet made of sulfonated conjugate fibers comprising at least first and second components thermally bonded together, the first component being a surface layer, the second component occupying a core portion, the first component being an ethylene copolymer containing at least a unit having the formula —CH 2 —C(SO 3 H) (COOH)— and comprising an ethylene carbonic acid monomer containing acrylic and/or nucleic acid and possibly also an acrylic acid ester, the second component comprising a non-sulfonated polyolefin. EP 0 591 616 B1 is directed to a hydrophilized separator material of a nonwoven composed of a mixture of polyamide and/or polyolefin fibers of different softening ranges, characterized in that the separator material is moistened with deionized water before its use. EP 0 680 107 B1 is concerned with a nickel-hydrogen secondary battery including a separator formed of a sheet material containing polyolefin based synthetic resin fibers having a first surface which is hydrophilic and a second surface having a hydrophilic portion and a hydrophobic portion. The polyolefin fibers are core-sheath type composite fibers comprising a core of polyolefin and a sheath of another polyolefin. EP 0 710 994 A2 relates to a battery separator comprising (1) a nonwoven web of fibers having a mean diameter of about 15 μm or less and (2) a graft polymerized monomer on the surface of the nonwoven web which renders the nonwoven web wettable. EP 0 756 340 A1 is directed to a battery separator comprising a nonwoven web of first and second fibers, the first fibers corresponding to a first and second polyolefin, the second fibers comprising a third polyolefin, treated so that the separator preferably formed of two such nonwoven webs, is spontaneously wettable by an electrolyte. EP 0 795 916 A1 relates to a wet-laid nonwoven fabric formed from three dimensional entanglement of thermoplastic staple fibers with hot melt fibers suitable for use as a battery separator. The resultant nonwoven fabric can be subjected to a hydrophilic treatment with a “generally used surfactant, a sulphonation treatment, a fluorination treatment, a plasma treatment or a corona discharge treatment. EP 0 834 938 A2 discloses an alkaline battery separator formed by heat fusion and hydroentangling 1) polyolefin dividable composite fibers 2) high strength composite fibers (polypropylene) and 3) polyolefin heat sensitive adhesive fibers, all as more specifically defined. This application also teaches treatment of the resultant fabric for imparting a hydrophilic property by employing a sulphonating treatment, a treatment with fluorine gas, a graft polymerization treatment with vinyl monomers, a treatment with a surface active agent, a treatment used to adhere hydrophilic resins, a discharging treatment, or the like. As surface active agents there are disclosed anionic surface active agents (alkali metal salt of a higher fatty acid, alkyl sulfonate, or a salt of sulfosuccinate). WO98/31060 discloses a battery separator useful in batteries of the recombinant or sealed type made from extremely fine meltblown fibers self-bonded in a cohesive, uncompressive mass. This fiber mat is made wettable by battery acid by addition of a surface active agent to the polymer prior to extrusion or by covalently bonding hydrophilic groups to the surface of the fibers after formation. Suitable additives are polytetrahydrafuran, mono & diglycerides from fatty acids & dimethylsilicone oxyalkylene copolymer. WO99/00447 discloses a product and process for making wettable fibers prepared from an olefin polymer, polyester or polyamide including a wetting agent consisting essentially of a monoglyceride or a combination of a monoglyceride and a mixed glyceride with the monoglyceride amounting to at least 85% by weight in the case of the combination. The monoglyceride corresponds to the formula wherein —OR 1 , OR 2 , and —OR 3 are hydroxyl or a fatty acid ester group, but only one of them is a fatty acid ester group (C 12-22 ). The mixed glyceride (di- or tri-) corresponds to the formula wherein —OR 4 , OR 5 , and —OR 6 are hydroxyl or a fatty acid ester group (C 12-22 ). The combination of this di- or tri-glyceride with the monoglyceride constitutes the wetting agent in accordance with one embodiment. As is shown in the prior art both nylon and polyolefins have inherent property limitations, which lead to shorter battery life. While nylon is susceptible to alkaline degradation, polyolefins, though being chemically inert, are hydrophobic in nature. It is known in the art to convert polypropylene fiber, which is hydrophobic, into a hydrophilic fiber by chemically modifying its surface. However, topical chemical applications are not entirely satisfactory as they are not durable, and other types of surface modifications may need extra processing steps and tend to be expensive. In addition, some of these modifications age with time, especially in the presence of 31% potassium hydroxide (KOH) electrolyte solution used in alkaline batteries. The few processes known to render the polyolefins wettable are environmentally unfriendly, very slow processes and are not durable enough. An alternative and improvement over chemical modification is to directly melt blend a hydrophilic additive into the polypropylene or thermoplastic polymer rendering the fibers themselves hydrophilic. The invention solves the forgoing problems and provides such a product by incorporating one or more hydrophilic melt additives into polyolefin resin (polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE) or bicomponent) fibers to produce nonwoven constructions for use as battery separators. The hydrophilic melt additives are incorporated into PP polymer fiber which is then converted into nonwoven separator materials by wet laid and carding/thermal bonding processes. Alternatively, the PP polymer and additives may be converted directly from the polymer into nonwoven form by spunbonding or meltblowing, or a combination of the two. The preferred melt additives are an admixture of hydroxy phenols and polyethylene glycols. The hydroxy phenol is characterized in that it contains the functional group HOC 6 H 4 —. According to the preferred embodiments of the invention, the nonwoven battery separator is fabricated employing wet laid and carded thermal bonding processes. An advantage of the invention is obtained by use of combinations of hydrophobic and hydrophilic fibers in the battery separator fabric, i.e., all fibers in the separator need not be permanently wettable. In the preferred embodiment, the separator includes bicomponent fibers in which the melt additive is incorporated into the sheath constituent(s) of the fiber. Use of bicomponent fibers, as well as combinations of hydrophobic and hydrophilic fibers, reduces costs and permits optimization of the separator for diverse applications. A broad aspect of the invention is to provide a nonwoven web that is durable and has the wettability and strength for use in rechargeable alkaline batteries by directly incorporating melt additives into the polymeric component during melt processing to form a wettable fiber matrix. This fiber matrix can be meltblown, spunbonded or made into staple fibers to form a 100% wettable web. Alternatively the wettable fiber matrix can be mixed with binder fibers that are wettable or non-wettable or mixtures of both which are then made into a nonwoven web. An object of the invention is to provide a nonwoven web with increased wettability and strength for use as battery separator material. Another broad object of the invention is to provide a nonwoven that is durable and wettable in harsh environments. A further object of the invention is to provide a nonwoven web that has both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions. Another further object of the invention is to provide a method for producing products that can be designed to have varied wettablility and strength properties depending on the desired end use applications. A specific object of the invention is to provide a lower cost battery separator material including bicomponent fibers, wherein melt additives are incorporated in the fiber sheath of the bicomponent fiber and not the core. Another specific object of the invention is to provide an economical battery separator material made of both wettable and non-wettable polymeric fibers. A more specific object of the invention is to provide a nonwoven web that can be used for other applications such as diapers and feminine care products, and medical applications which would require durable wettability. Another object of the invention is to provide a nonwoven web that can be used in clothing applications, wherein products produced remain durable and hydrophilic after multiple machine washings. Another object of the invention is to provide a nonwoven that can be used in filtration applications, wherein durable and wettable properties are required.
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10801325
| 2,004
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Air cleaner and expandable frame therefor
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The invention relates to an air cleaner and an expandable frame for use with a conventional household air conditioning system with a return duct having an opening sized to receive a standard panel filter. The expandable air cleaner frame comprises a peripheral frame sized to be received within the opening in the return duct and a carrier coupled to the peripheral frame. The carrier supports an air conditioning element, such as a field charger or an electrostatic precipitator. The expandable air cleaner frame is movable between a collapsed position, wherein the effective thickness thereof is less than the opening, and an expanded position, wherein the effective thickness thereof is greater than the opening.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to an air cleaner for air conditioning system, such as a furnace or a central air conditioner, and, more particularly, to an air cleaner that is expandable within an air duct of an air conditioning system. In another aspect, the invention relates to an expandable air cleaner frame for loading multiple filter elements into an air duct. 2. Description of the Related Art Conventional forced air household furnaces or central air conditioners (generically referred to as air conditioning systems) comprise a return duct to direct air into a central unit for conditioning the air by either heating or cooling the air and an outlet duct for distribution of the conditioned air from the central unit throughout the home. The return duct typically has a filter disposed therein for removing dust and other particulate matter from the incoming air. As air passes through the filter, the matter is removed to prevent distribution through the home and to avoid contamination of the central unit. Several types of filters exist for removal of matter from the air. The most common variety is a standard, rectangular panel replaceable filter, which is composed of a random arrangement of fibers, such as fiberglass. Panel filters are usually approximately one inch thick and are inserted into a similarly sized opening in the duct. They filter the air by trapping particles within the randomly oriented fibers. Although these filters are used in about 85% of American homes and are able to capture large particles, they do little to remove smaller contaminants from the air. Rather, standard panel filters mainly protect the central unit and minimize the amount of dust on the heating or cooling equipment. Once these filters become saturated with dirt, dust, and the like, they are meant to be removed from the duct and thrown away and replaced with a new filter. Alternatives to the replaceable panel filter include replaceable and reusable pleated filters, high efficiency pleated filters, high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, and washable fiberglass filters. As their name indicates, pleated filters are filters that are pleated or folded to provide a large surface area for collecting particles. Although pleated filters are more efficient than panel filters, they must be replaced more frequently to avoid airflow restriction. High efficiency pleated filters are reusable and are electrostatically charged to capture small particulate matter less than one micron in diameter. Such small particles comprise approximately 98-99% of the particles of indoor air by count or number and are most strongly related to observed health impact. HEPA filters comprise a core fiber that is folded back and forth over corrugated separators. The fiber is composed of very fine sub-micron glass fibers in matrix of larger fibers. Although these filters are efficient at removing submicron particles, they are expensive and are typically not designed to fit in standard forced air systems. Furthermore, HEPA filters create a high pressure drop, which is highly undesirable in a home heating or cooling system. Finally, washable fiberglass filters can be reused, but they cannot be completely cleaned to their original state and, therefore, can restrict airflow. Such filters also suffer from relatively low filtration efficiency compared to HEPA filters. Duct mounted electronic air cleaners, which typically use electrostatic precipitation systems, use an electrostatic or ionic field to trap charged particles. Such systems are extremely efficient, especially in the 0.1 to 10 micron size range, and create a very low pressure drop. Because trapped particles on collecting plates can build up and reduce the electrostatic field and, hence, collection efficiency, the cleaners should be cleaned weekly or monthly. Electrostatic precipitators can emit small amounts of ozone, which can be reduced with the addition of a carbon post filter or by using positive ionization instead of negative. While electronic air cleaners are more effective than the above-described fiber-based filters (with the exception of HEPA filters), they are relatively very expensive by comparison. Currently, they also are designed as a separate special unit that is installed between the central unit and the return duct, and have a width typically between 4-6 inches. The special unit cannot be fit within the standard filter opening found in most return ducts. The special units also require relatively complicated installation typically performed by a professional. Electronic air cleaners are sometimes known to include conventional fiber-based filters instead of energized collecting plates along with its typical ionizer or field charger section. The filter may also in some instances be actively charged or energized to improve collection efficiency. This combination is called a hybrid filter. These hybrid filters can have a slightly increased air pressure drop compared to an electronic air cleaner with collecting plates due to decreased free flow area, but they have better particulate loading properties due to increased surface area. The need for professional installation of electronic air cleaners, including hybrid filters, and other air cleaner assemblies and their much higher cost weighs heavily against retrofitting current heating or cooling systems with these types of systems.
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Title:
Air cleaner and expandable frame therefor
Abstract:
The invention relates to an air cleaner and an expandable frame for use with a conventional household air conditioning system with a return duct having an opening sized to receive a standard panel filter. The expandable air cleaner frame comprises a peripheral frame sized to be received within the opening in the return duct and a carrier coupled to the peripheral frame. The carrier supports an air conditioning element, such as a field charger or an electrostatic precipitator. The expandable air cleaner frame is movable between a collapsed position, wherein the effective thickness thereof is less than the opening, and an expanded position, wherein the effective thickness thereof is greater than the opening.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to an air cleaner for air conditioning system, such as a furnace or a central air conditioner, and, more particularly, to an air cleaner that is expandable within an air duct of an air conditioning system. In another aspect, the invention relates to an expandable air cleaner frame for loading multiple filter elements into an air duct. 2. Description of the Related Art Conventional forced air household furnaces or central air conditioners (generically referred to as air conditioning systems) comprise a return duct to direct air into a central unit for conditioning the air by either heating or cooling the air and an outlet duct for distribution of the conditioned air from the central unit throughout the home. The return duct typically has a filter disposed therein for removing dust and other particulate matter from the incoming air. As air passes through the filter, the matter is removed to prevent distribution through the home and to avoid contamination of the central unit. Several types of filters exist for removal of matter from the air. The most common variety is a standard, rectangular panel replaceable filter, which is composed of a random arrangement of fibers, such as fiberglass. Panel filters are usually approximately one inch thick and are inserted into a similarly sized opening in the duct. They filter the air by trapping particles within the randomly oriented fibers. Although these filters are used in about 85% of American homes and are able to capture large particles, they do little to remove smaller contaminants from the air. Rather, standard panel filters mainly protect the central unit and minimize the amount of dust on the heating or cooling equipment. Once these filters become saturated with dirt, dust, and the like, they are meant to be removed from the duct and thrown away and replaced with a new filter. Alternatives to the replaceable panel filter include replaceable and reusable pleated filters, high efficiency pleated filters, high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, and washable fiberglass filters. As their name indicates, pleated filters are filters that are pleated or folded to provide a large surface area for collecting particles. Although pleated filters are more efficient than panel filters, they must be replaced more frequently to avoid airflow restriction. High efficiency pleated filters are reusable and are electrostatically charged to capture small particulate matter less than one micron in diameter. Such small particles comprise approximately 98-99% of the particles of indoor air by count or number and are most strongly related to observed health impact. HEPA filters comprise a core fiber that is folded back and forth over corrugated separators. The fiber is composed of very fine sub-micron glass fibers in matrix of larger fibers. Although these filters are efficient at removing submicron particles, they are expensive and are typically not designed to fit in standard forced air systems. Furthermore, HEPA filters create a high pressure drop, which is highly undesirable in a home heating or cooling system. Finally, washable fiberglass filters can be reused, but they cannot be completely cleaned to their original state and, therefore, can restrict airflow. Such filters also suffer from relatively low filtration efficiency compared to HEPA filters. Duct mounted electronic air cleaners, which typically use electrostatic precipitation systems, use an electrostatic or ionic field to trap charged particles. Such systems are extremely efficient, especially in the 0.1 to 10 micron size range, and create a very low pressure drop. Because trapped particles on collecting plates can build up and reduce the electrostatic field and, hence, collection efficiency, the cleaners should be cleaned weekly or monthly. Electrostatic precipitators can emit small amounts of ozone, which can be reduced with the addition of a carbon post filter or by using positive ionization instead of negative. While electronic air cleaners are more effective than the above-described fiber-based filters (with the exception of HEPA filters), they are relatively very expensive by comparison. Currently, they also are designed as a separate special unit that is installed between the central unit and the return duct, and have a width typically between 4-6 inches. The special unit cannot be fit within the standard filter opening found in most return ducts. The special units also require relatively complicated installation typically performed by a professional. Electronic air cleaners are sometimes known to include conventional fiber-based filters instead of energized collecting plates along with its typical ionizer or field charger section. The filter may also in some instances be actively charged or energized to improve collection efficiency. This combination is called a hybrid filter. These hybrid filters can have a slightly increased air pressure drop compared to an electronic air cleaner with collecting plates due to decreased free flow area, but they have better particulate loading properties due to increased surface area. The need for professional installation of electronic air cleaners, including hybrid filters, and other air cleaner assemblies and their much higher cost weighs heavily against retrofitting current heating or cooling systems with these types of systems.
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10887866
| 2,004
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Device for removing a pharmaceutical dosage unit from a unit package
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The present invention is directed to a pharmaceutical unit package opener, which is a device for removing a pharmaceutical dosage unit, such as a pill or capsule, from a pharmaceutical unit package. In particular, the present invention is directed to a device for removing a pharmaceutical dosage unit from a unit package that cannot be opened manually. The present invention is also directed to a device for removing a pharmaceutical dosage unit from a unit package that can also be opened manually.
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BACKGROUND Pharmaceutical unit packages (e.g., blister packs) encompass a variety of types of packaging that consist of individually enclosed single pharmaceutical dosage units, such as pills, capsules, caplets, liquid capsules, powder, or other medication dosage forms. Unit packages are designed to hold and segregate individual pharmaceutical dosage units and to enable their individual release. One example of a unit package is a blister pack, which may have a relatively flat backing comprised of foil or paper and a front side comprised of a more rigid material that is shaped into one or more blister pack wells designed to hold individual pharmaceutical dosage units. A pharmaceutical dosage unit (e.g., a pill) may be released from this type of blister pack by applying manual pressure to a blister pack well on the more rigid side, which causes the blister pack well to deform, thereby allowing the pharmaceutical dosage unit to be manually forced through the foil backing. In another type of blister pack, a pharmaceutical dosage unit is released by pulling a tab, typically a corner, of the blister pack backing, thereby removing the portion of the package backing that had sealed the blister pack well, and releasing the pharmaceutical dosage unit. Some force and manual dexterity are required to release a pharmaceutical dosage unit from a unit package, and as such unit packages can be difficult to open, particularly for individuals having arthritis or other impairments of the hands. For this reason, there is a need for tools that assist in the opening of unit packages. In addition, such a tool would enable design of a modified unit package with child-resistant properties, such as, for example, a unit package in which an individual pharmaceutical dosage unit cannot be released by manual pressure alone, but rather must be opened with the aid of a puncturing tool or opener. The above-described combination of a tool and a modified unit package is particularly appropriate for packaging pharmaceutical dosage units that are hazardous if ingested or handled by children. In addition, such a combination of a tool and a modified unit package is a method to limit patients' and caregivers' exposure to, and incidental handling of, pharmaceutical dosage units that may be harmful to the skin of the hands. Moreover, for health care workers who must open many unit packages at one time, e.g., to provide medication to many patients in a hospital setting, the use of an opening tool has the advantages of reducing repetitive hand motion and strain on the hands, and of increasing the speed of package opening. U.S. Pat. No. 5,853,101, issued to Jack Weinstein and assigned on its face to Primary Delivery Systems, Inc., describes an opener for soft packs of medication with individual dosage opening capabilities (e.g., blister packs). The device comprises a base segment and a top segment, at least a portion of which are hingedly connected to one another. The top segment of the device has a puncture mechanism thereon, and the base segment of the device has an orifice therein which is of a respective size to receive a corresponding dosage unit section of a soft pack. The puncture mechanism has a puncture mechanism protrusion of a predetermined height that relates to the dimensions of the soft pack backing and a dosage unit (e.g., a pill). The predetermined height of the puncture mechanism protrusion is selected so as to puncture the soft pack backing and so as to retain space between the puncture mechanism protrusion and the dosage unit when the dosage unit section is placed within the orifice of the bottom segment while the top segment is hingedly pushed downwardly. The device creates a short cut in the soft pack backing through which the dosage unit can be pushed. In contrast to the device described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,853,101, the present invention lacks a hinge and is therefore easier to manufacture. In addition, the present invention lacks a puncture mechanism protrusion having a predetermined height selected so as to retain space between the puncture mechanism protrusion and the dosage unit (e.g., pill). Therefore, the present invention can be used to open unit packages holding pharmaceutical dosage units of various heights, without the need for modification of the height of the puncture mechanism.
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Title:
Device for removing a pharmaceutical dosage unit from a unit package
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a pharmaceutical unit package opener, which is a device for removing a pharmaceutical dosage unit, such as a pill or capsule, from a pharmaceutical unit package. In particular, the present invention is directed to a device for removing a pharmaceutical dosage unit from a unit package that cannot be opened manually. The present invention is also directed to a device for removing a pharmaceutical dosage unit from a unit package that can also be opened manually.
Background:
BACKGROUND Pharmaceutical unit packages (e.g., blister packs) encompass a variety of types of packaging that consist of individually enclosed single pharmaceutical dosage units, such as pills, capsules, caplets, liquid capsules, powder, or other medication dosage forms. Unit packages are designed to hold and segregate individual pharmaceutical dosage units and to enable their individual release. One example of a unit package is a blister pack, which may have a relatively flat backing comprised of foil or paper and a front side comprised of a more rigid material that is shaped into one or more blister pack wells designed to hold individual pharmaceutical dosage units. A pharmaceutical dosage unit (e.g., a pill) may be released from this type of blister pack by applying manual pressure to a blister pack well on the more rigid side, which causes the blister pack well to deform, thereby allowing the pharmaceutical dosage unit to be manually forced through the foil backing. In another type of blister pack, a pharmaceutical dosage unit is released by pulling a tab, typically a corner, of the blister pack backing, thereby removing the portion of the package backing that had sealed the blister pack well, and releasing the pharmaceutical dosage unit. Some force and manual dexterity are required to release a pharmaceutical dosage unit from a unit package, and as such unit packages can be difficult to open, particularly for individuals having arthritis or other impairments of the hands. For this reason, there is a need for tools that assist in the opening of unit packages. In addition, such a tool would enable design of a modified unit package with child-resistant properties, such as, for example, a unit package in which an individual pharmaceutical dosage unit cannot be released by manual pressure alone, but rather must be opened with the aid of a puncturing tool or opener. The above-described combination of a tool and a modified unit package is particularly appropriate for packaging pharmaceutical dosage units that are hazardous if ingested or handled by children. In addition, such a combination of a tool and a modified unit package is a method to limit patients' and caregivers' exposure to, and incidental handling of, pharmaceutical dosage units that may be harmful to the skin of the hands. Moreover, for health care workers who must open many unit packages at one time, e.g., to provide medication to many patients in a hospital setting, the use of an opening tool has the advantages of reducing repetitive hand motion and strain on the hands, and of increasing the speed of package opening. U.S. Pat. No. 5,853,101, issued to Jack Weinstein and assigned on its face to Primary Delivery Systems, Inc., describes an opener for soft packs of medication with individual dosage opening capabilities (e.g., blister packs). The device comprises a base segment and a top segment, at least a portion of which are hingedly connected to one another. The top segment of the device has a puncture mechanism thereon, and the base segment of the device has an orifice therein which is of a respective size to receive a corresponding dosage unit section of a soft pack. The puncture mechanism has a puncture mechanism protrusion of a predetermined height that relates to the dimensions of the soft pack backing and a dosage unit (e.g., a pill). The predetermined height of the puncture mechanism protrusion is selected so as to puncture the soft pack backing and so as to retain space between the puncture mechanism protrusion and the dosage unit when the dosage unit section is placed within the orifice of the bottom segment while the top segment is hingedly pushed downwardly. The device creates a short cut in the soft pack backing through which the dosage unit can be pushed. In contrast to the device described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,853,101, the present invention lacks a hinge and is therefore easier to manufacture. In addition, the present invention lacks a puncture mechanism protrusion having a predetermined height selected so as to retain space between the puncture mechanism protrusion and the dosage unit (e.g., pill). Therefore, the present invention can be used to open unit packages holding pharmaceutical dosage units of various heights, without the need for modification of the height of the puncture mechanism.
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10973391
| 2,004
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Semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same
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The semiconductor device comprises a silicon wafer 10, a multilayer interconnection 12 buried in inter-layer insulation film formed on the upper surface of the silicon wafer 10, and a silicon nitride film 16b which is formed on the back surface of the silicon wafer 10 and is an insulation film having a tensile stress, relaxing a stress exerted to the silicon wafer 10 by the inter-layer insulation films in which the multilayer interconnection 12 is buried.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a semiconductor device and a method for fabricating the same, more specifically a semiconductor device and a method for fabricating the same, the device having an insulation film formed on a surface of a semiconductor substrate, which is an inter-layer insulation film or others having tensile stress. The method for fabricating a conventional semiconductor device having the multilayer interconnection structure formed on a semiconductor substrate will be explained with reference to FIGS. 14A-14C , 15 A- 15 C and 16 A- 16 B. FIGS. 14A-14C , 15 A- 15 C and 16 A- 16 B are sectional views of the semiconductor device having the multilayer interconnection structure in the steps of the method for fabricating the conventional semiconductor device having the multilayer interconnection structure. First, a silicon oxide films 214 a , 214 b are formed respectively on the upper surface and the back surface of a silicon wafer 210 by, e.g., thermal oxidation. Then, a silicon nitride films 216 a , 216 b are formed by, e.g., thermal CVD using a vertical furnace respectively on the silicon oxide films 214 a , 214 b formed respectively on the upper surface and the back surface of the silicon wafer 210 ( FIG. 14A ). Then, a photoresist film 220 exposing regions for a device isolation film to be formed in and covering the rest region is formed on the silicon nitride film 216 a on the upper surface of the silicon wafer 210 by photolithography ( FIG. 14B ). Then, with the photoresist film 220 as a mask, the silicon nitride film 216 a is etched. Thus, openings 222 are formed in the silicon nitride film 216 a ( FIG. 14C ). Next, with the photoresist film 220 and the silicon nitride film 216 a as a mask, the silicon oxide film 214 a and the silicon wafer 210 are respectively etched from the side of the upper surface of the silicon wafer 210 . Thus, openings 224 are formed in the silicon oxide film 214 a , and grooves 226 are formed in the surface of the silicon wafer 210 . After the grooves 226 are formed in the surface of the silicon wafer 210 , the photoresist film 220 is removed by, e.g., ashing ( FIG. 15A ). Next, a silicon oxide film 228 is formed on the entire upper surface of the silicon wafer 210 by, e.g., CVD ( FIG. 15B ). Next, the silicon oxide film 228 is polished by, e.g., CMP until the upper surface of the silicon nitride film 216 a is exposed to remove the silicon oxide film 228 on the silicon nitride film 216 a . The silicon oxide film 228 is buried in the grooves 226 formed in the silicon wafer 210 , the openings 224 formed in the silicon oxide film 214 a and the openings 222 formed in the silicon nitride film 216 a . Thus, the device isolation film of the silicon oxide film 228 is formed ( FIG. 15C ). Then, the silicon nitride film 216 a on the upper surface of the silicon wafer 210 is removed by wet etching. At this time, the silicon nitride film 216 b on the back surface of the silicon wafer 210 is also etched off ( FIG. 16A ). Next, the silicon oxide film 214 a exposed on the upper surface of the silicon wafer 210 is removed by wet etching. At this time, the silicon oxide film 214 b on the back surface of the silicon wafer 210 is also etched off ( FIG. 16B ). On the upper surface of the silicon wafer 210 having the device region thus defined by the device isolation film 228 , semiconductor devices, such as MOS transistors, etc., are formed. On the upper surface of the silicon wafer 210 with semiconductor devices formed on, interconnection layers buried in inter-layer insulation films by single damascening, dual damascening or others are suitably repeatedly formed to thereby form a multilayer interconnection including a plurality of interconnection layers. In forming a multilayer interconnection on the upper surface of a semiconductor substrate as of the above-described silicon wafer or others, when the inter-layer insulation films for the interconnection layers to be buried in are formed, the tensile stress of the inter-layer insulation films often causes the semiconductor substrate to warp convexly toward the back surface of the semiconductor substrate. Recently, as semiconductor devices are required to be highly integrated, the layer number of interconnection layers forming multilayer interconnections formed on semiconductor substrates is increased. As semiconductor devices are required to be speedy, inter-layer insulation films with interconnection layers, etc. buried in are formed of low dielectric constant (low-k) insulation films. Semiconductor substrates having such increased number of such low-k inter-layer insulation films formed on the surface are often caused to largely warp convexly toward the back surfaces due to the tensile stress of the inter-layer insulation films. Furthermore, diameters of semiconductor substrates used in fabricating semiconductor devices are increasing, which makes the warpage of semiconductor substrates tend to increase. Here, as means for improving characteristics of the NMOS field effect transistors is known the means in which a silicon nitride film of, e.g., a 30-100 nm-thickness is formed between a semiconductor substrate and an upper layer of an interconnection layer or others formed on the upper surface thereof to thereby introduce strains due to a tensile stress of, e.g., 1-2 GPa of the silicon nitride film into the channel regions. However, the tensile stress of the insulation film formed between the semiconductor substrate and the upper layer, such as the interconnection layer or others formed on the upper surface thereof is a cause for the semiconductor substrate warping convexly toward the back surface thereof. The warpage of the semiconductor substrate is a cause for the defective suction in the transfer system, in which semiconductor substrates are sucked by chucks, etc. to be transferred. Accordingly, such warpage of semiconductor substrate is required to be suppressed. The background arts of the present invention are disclosed in e.g., Japanese published unexamined patent application No. Hei 09-64169 (1997) and Japanese published unexamined patent application No. Hei 10-32233 (1998).
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Title:
Semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same
Abstract:
The semiconductor device comprises a silicon wafer 10, a multilayer interconnection 12 buried in inter-layer insulation film formed on the upper surface of the silicon wafer 10, and a silicon nitride film 16b which is formed on the back surface of the silicon wafer 10 and is an insulation film having a tensile stress, relaxing a stress exerted to the silicon wafer 10 by the inter-layer insulation films in which the multilayer interconnection 12 is buried.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a semiconductor device and a method for fabricating the same, more specifically a semiconductor device and a method for fabricating the same, the device having an insulation film formed on a surface of a semiconductor substrate, which is an inter-layer insulation film or others having tensile stress. The method for fabricating a conventional semiconductor device having the multilayer interconnection structure formed on a semiconductor substrate will be explained with reference to FIGS. 14A-14C , 15 A- 15 C and 16 A- 16 B. FIGS. 14A-14C , 15 A- 15 C and 16 A- 16 B are sectional views of the semiconductor device having the multilayer interconnection structure in the steps of the method for fabricating the conventional semiconductor device having the multilayer interconnection structure. First, a silicon oxide films 214 a , 214 b are formed respectively on the upper surface and the back surface of a silicon wafer 210 by, e.g., thermal oxidation. Then, a silicon nitride films 216 a , 216 b are formed by, e.g., thermal CVD using a vertical furnace respectively on the silicon oxide films 214 a , 214 b formed respectively on the upper surface and the back surface of the silicon wafer 210 ( FIG. 14A ). Then, a photoresist film 220 exposing regions for a device isolation film to be formed in and covering the rest region is formed on the silicon nitride film 216 a on the upper surface of the silicon wafer 210 by photolithography ( FIG. 14B ). Then, with the photoresist film 220 as a mask, the silicon nitride film 216 a is etched. Thus, openings 222 are formed in the silicon nitride film 216 a ( FIG. 14C ). Next, with the photoresist film 220 and the silicon nitride film 216 a as a mask, the silicon oxide film 214 a and the silicon wafer 210 are respectively etched from the side of the upper surface of the silicon wafer 210 . Thus, openings 224 are formed in the silicon oxide film 214 a , and grooves 226 are formed in the surface of the silicon wafer 210 . After the grooves 226 are formed in the surface of the silicon wafer 210 , the photoresist film 220 is removed by, e.g., ashing ( FIG. 15A ). Next, a silicon oxide film 228 is formed on the entire upper surface of the silicon wafer 210 by, e.g., CVD ( FIG. 15B ). Next, the silicon oxide film 228 is polished by, e.g., CMP until the upper surface of the silicon nitride film 216 a is exposed to remove the silicon oxide film 228 on the silicon nitride film 216 a . The silicon oxide film 228 is buried in the grooves 226 formed in the silicon wafer 210 , the openings 224 formed in the silicon oxide film 214 a and the openings 222 formed in the silicon nitride film 216 a . Thus, the device isolation film of the silicon oxide film 228 is formed ( FIG. 15C ). Then, the silicon nitride film 216 a on the upper surface of the silicon wafer 210 is removed by wet etching. At this time, the silicon nitride film 216 b on the back surface of the silicon wafer 210 is also etched off ( FIG. 16A ). Next, the silicon oxide film 214 a exposed on the upper surface of the silicon wafer 210 is removed by wet etching. At this time, the silicon oxide film 214 b on the back surface of the silicon wafer 210 is also etched off ( FIG. 16B ). On the upper surface of the silicon wafer 210 having the device region thus defined by the device isolation film 228 , semiconductor devices, such as MOS transistors, etc., are formed. On the upper surface of the silicon wafer 210 with semiconductor devices formed on, interconnection layers buried in inter-layer insulation films by single damascening, dual damascening or others are suitably repeatedly formed to thereby form a multilayer interconnection including a plurality of interconnection layers. In forming a multilayer interconnection on the upper surface of a semiconductor substrate as of the above-described silicon wafer or others, when the inter-layer insulation films for the interconnection layers to be buried in are formed, the tensile stress of the inter-layer insulation films often causes the semiconductor substrate to warp convexly toward the back surface of the semiconductor substrate. Recently, as semiconductor devices are required to be highly integrated, the layer number of interconnection layers forming multilayer interconnections formed on semiconductor substrates is increased. As semiconductor devices are required to be speedy, inter-layer insulation films with interconnection layers, etc. buried in are formed of low dielectric constant (low-k) insulation films. Semiconductor substrates having such increased number of such low-k inter-layer insulation films formed on the surface are often caused to largely warp convexly toward the back surfaces due to the tensile stress of the inter-layer insulation films. Furthermore, diameters of semiconductor substrates used in fabricating semiconductor devices are increasing, which makes the warpage of semiconductor substrates tend to increase. Here, as means for improving characteristics of the NMOS field effect transistors is known the means in which a silicon nitride film of, e.g., a 30-100 nm-thickness is formed between a semiconductor substrate and an upper layer of an interconnection layer or others formed on the upper surface thereof to thereby introduce strains due to a tensile stress of, e.g., 1-2 GPa of the silicon nitride film into the channel regions. However, the tensile stress of the insulation film formed between the semiconductor substrate and the upper layer, such as the interconnection layer or others formed on the upper surface thereof is a cause for the semiconductor substrate warping convexly toward the back surface thereof. The warpage of the semiconductor substrate is a cause for the defective suction in the transfer system, in which semiconductor substrates are sucked by chucks, etc. to be transferred. Accordingly, such warpage of semiconductor substrate is required to be suppressed. The background arts of the present invention are disclosed in e.g., Japanese published unexamined patent application No. Hei 09-64169 (1997) and Japanese published unexamined patent application No. Hei 10-32233 (1998).
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10784067
| 2,004
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Apparatus and method for the control of trailing wake flows
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A system and method for dissipating vortices that form at the wingtips on aircraft and from other airfoils. A jet air stream is discharged in a location at or proximate to the outer end portion of the airfoil into the vortex flow, and the jet air stream is moved cyclically back and forth. The cyclic movement can be at lower or higher frequencies to alleviate at least in part intensity of the vortex or accelerate instability of the vortex which leads to vortex dissipation.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION a) Field of the Invention The present invention relates to alleviating the problem of vortices that form at the outer tips of aerodynamic surfaces, and more particularly the problem of such vortices which are developed by an airplane, especially a rather large airplane, traveling on a flight path, where the vortices can have adverse effects on an airplane which is following (or crossing) that same flight path. b) Background Art Current airport capacity is largely controlled by the hours of operation, which are largely confined to daylight hours to prevent noise pollution in the airport environs, and the frequency with which planes can be brought in and out of the airport. A pacing item in landing and takeoff frequency is the time necessary for the dissipation of wake vortices produced by planes in motion. The size and intensity of wake vortices is determined by the size and weight of the aircraft, and pose particularly dangerous conditions in the wake of wide body airplanes. In worst case scenarios, these can be sufficiently dangerous in causing airplane crashes. This problem has been recognized for several decades, and a number of approaches have been suggested to alleviate this problem. A search of the patent literature has identified a number of patents, these being the following: U.S. Pat. No. 6,668,638 (Huang) is directed toward controlling the vortex breakdown in an aerodynamic surface of a Delta wing aircraft. For high performance combat aircraft, operating at high incidence and high angular rates, the air flow over the control surfaces is affected by leading edge vortices which are exploited to obtain extra aerodynamic forces. There are moving blowing jets on the upper aerodynamic surface to control this breakdown of vortices and also air may be sucked in from the upper wing surface. U.S. Pat. No. 6,378,807 (Tomioka) provides jets which blow over the wing for purposes of snow removal. U.S. Pat. No. 6,283,406 (Remington et al) relates to reducing a high-speed impulsive and blade vortex interaction noise in a helicopter which occurs particularly when the aircraft is hovering so that the vortex of one blade affects the following blade. In one embodiment air intake passages are positioned on the surfaces of each blade proximate to the leading edge and the outer tip to admit air into the interior volume of the blade, and air output passage are disposed on the trailing edge and outer tip portion to expel air. U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,625 (Hassan et al) relates to noise reduction in a rotorcraft. Pressurized air is directed into the rotor blade and outwardly through a plurality of apertures along a substantial surface area of the rotor blade on both the upper and lower surfaces near the leading edge and also near the tip end of the rotor blade. The pressurized fluid is in a direction generally normal to the blades surface. U.S. Pat. No. 5,806,807 (Haney) discloses a vortex attenuating airfoil where there is a deflector 40 positioned on the top surface of the wing a short distance inboard of the end tip of the wing, and an air passage extending through the airfoil from an inlet at the lower surface of the airfoil and an outlet on the upper side of the airfoil outboard of the deflector 40 . U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,408 (Schmidt et al) shows a system for creating turbulence at the leading edge surface by ejecting pressurized air selectively, under the control of a microelectromechanical system to affect the turbulence in the boundary layer over that portion of the wing surface. U.S. Pat. No. 5,158,251 (Taylor) relates to a wing tip vortex alleviating a system where the pressurized air is emitted through a slot 36 which is at the upper outer edge of the wings surface and aligned in a forward to rear direction. The pressurized air emitted from the slot tangentially that curves outwardly and downwardly so that it forms a “Coanda” occurrence (see FIG. 4 ) that extends in a chordwise direction downward from the Coanda surface 42 perpendicular to the plane of the wing. It is indicated that it is desirable that the Coanda curtain cover as great an area as possible two-dimensionally in both the chordwise (horizontal) and elevational (vertical) direction. U.S. Pat. No. 4,477,042 (Griswold II) discusses the problem of vortex alleviation that result particularly with heavy aircraft with significant span loading so that the vortex does not adversely effect the aircraft that are following in the wake of the heavier aircraft. To alleviate this problem, the wing tip portion is contoured in one embodiment with an upward slant, and in another embodiment ( FIG. 11 ) in a downward slant. Also, air is discharged through the outer edge of the wing, and this is described in column 6 beginning on line 37 with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 . The air is discharged through a slot 54 and is directed generally tangentially of the tip surfaces 34 , 38 so that the flow of air over the surfaces joins the discharged fluid at a comparable velocity and forms a vortex which is lacking the tight laminary core. It is stated that the effect of the discharged fluid alleviates the velocity differentials of the flow and thereby decreases circulation within the vortex region. U.S. Pat. No. 3,997,132 (Erwin) is directed toward alleviating the problem of wing tip vortices affecting aircraft which are following in the path of the vortex. There are the main jet engines 26 mounted closer to the fuselage, and in each wing tip, there are secondary jet engines 32 . These are arranged so that there are guide vanes 70 that are positioned in the annular bypass duct 42 . These veins 70 are directed in a manner to counteract the effect of the vortices that is developed at the wing tip. U.S. Pat. No. 3,984,070 (Patterson Jr) is also directed to the problem of wing tip vortices affecting the aircraft which are following in the vortex. There are retractable plates which have a retracted position within a tubular member, and can be expanded to a radially extending position ( FIG. 2 ) in the vortex dissipating mode. U.S. Pat. No. 3,974,986 (Johnstone) relates to alleviating the problem of vortices being generated at the wing tip location. There are inlet openings 48 positioned at the lower side of the end edge of the wing, and the high pressure air flows into these openings 48 and into passageways where it is discharged through slots 46 in the upper surface of the wing. U.S. Pat. No. 3,936,013 (Yuan) relates to the problem of alleviating the problem of vortices at the wing tip locations. At the tip of the wing there is a tubular member 21 which projects laterally outwardly from the end of the wing into the air stream, and there are orifices 22 which blow air into the flow of air in the vortex. In FIG. 3 , the flow of the vortex air is illustrated at 24 , flowing in an upward direction, and the downward fluid jets 25 that are ejected from the tubular member 21 are indicated at 25 . U.S. Pat. No. 3,881,669 (Lessen) relates to the problem of alleviating the formation of vortices at the outer edge of the outer tip of the wings. This arrangement consists of injecting into the core of the trailing vortex a fluid stream. It is stated in column 3, line 15, that it is essential that the axis of the injected stream be substantially co-linear and co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the trailing vortex. U.S. Pat. No. 3,841,587 (Freed) relates to the problem of alleviating vortices at the wing tips. There is positioned at the tip of each wing a nozzle assembly 26 that is positioned at the outer trailing edge of the wing and discharges air rearwardly into the core of the vortex. Air is bled from the jet engines to provide the pressurized air. This is a convergent-divergent (i.e. Venturi type) nozzle so that the air in the nozzle reaches sonic velocity at the throat so that the velocity increases to maximum super sonic level in the divergent section of the nozzle from which the air expands outwardly. The nozzle is arranged so that the exhaust passages may be in a configuration to create a new vertical flow of the air in a counter rotating direction relative to the vortex forming at the wing tip. There is a transition from the supersonic back to the subsonic velocity producing a shock wave with an abrupt change in temperature and rapid increase in density of the air in the vortex forming region. It is stated that effects either arrest of the vortex or causes early decay. U.S. Pat. No. 3,596,854 (Haney Jr.) relates to affecting the vortex developing at the wing tips, primarily for the reason of better aerodynamic control of the airplane. There is at the tip of the wing a housing 10 having a generally cylindrical chamber 11 closed at the front and a discharge orifice 12 at the rear. This causes the air to rotate or swirl in the chamber. This to be done in a manner to increase or decrease lift. U.S. Pat. No. 3,012,740 (Wagner) relates to an aircraft boundary layer control system where high pressure air is tapped from the engine and is discharged along the wing for improved boundary layer control. U.S. Pat. No. 2,650,781 (Taylor) shows a system for accomplishing boundary layer control. It is stated that the vortex that is formed at the tip of the wing creates a low pressure area within the core of the vortex. There is an elongated slot 20 at the upper surface of the wing, and this is attached by a duct which leads to the opening at the rear tip portion of the wing. Thus, the air is sucked through the slot to go through this tube and be ejected into the vortex as a means of providing for boundary layer control. U.S. Pat. No. 3,845,918 (White Jr.) shows a “vortex dissipater” which comprises a fixed flat plate which is mounted at the tip of the wing and is aligned in the direction of the free stream. The plate extends forward from the trailing edge of the tip and outward from the suction side of the lifting surface far enough to reach to the maximum rotational velocity of the vortex. U.S. Pat. No. 5,150,859 (Ransick) shows an arrangement where a turbine is placed at the wing tip and the trailing vortex that is induced at the wing tip so that the vortex drives the propeller blades which in turn supplies power to such things as the wing de-icing system, etc. U.S. Pat. No. 5,492,289 (Nosenchuck et al) discloses a “lifting body with reduced-strength trailing vortices.” The trailing edge of the wing is formed with a varying chord length near the tip of the wing, as shown in FIG. 7A where there is a “perturbation” which protrudes rearwardly at 105 at the location of the tip end 102 . U.S. Pat. No. 5,634,613 (McCarthy) shows a wing configuration to alleviate the problems of generating the vortex at the end of the wing by contouring the outer end portion of the wing in a manner to create a “beneficial vortex”. For example, in FIG. 2 , which is a view looking straight towards the leading edge of the wing, there is a twist in the forward to rear direction at 66 which gradually changes the airfoil's actual angle of attack from a position angle of attack 68 near the root to a negative angle of attack at the location 70 . U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,835 (Gerhardt) discloses a wingtip vortex device installed at the wingtip of the aircraft, this device having radial fins which are positioned at the location of the vortex so these are caused to rotate by the vortex that shed from the wingtip. U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,679 (Crouch et al) discloses a system for destruction of trailing vortices, this being accomplished by actuating the control surfaces at the trailing edge of the airfoil in the manner to result in accelerated breakup of the trailing vortices. U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,397 (Ngo et al), Company, discloses a means of dissipating the vortex by providing an outer edge portion of the wing with a sliding tip member 28 that has a position where it is aligned with the main wing, and a second position where it is moved downwardly from the main wing to extend into the pressure side surface 24 to dissipate the vortex. U.S. Pat. No. 6,422,518 (Stuff et al), disclose an aircraft with means for breaking down the wing tip vortices, this being accomplished by placing winglets at various locations on the airplane, such as at the fuselage behind the wings, at the tips of the tail in the horizontal plane, or at landing flaps at the inside edges at the wings. U.S. Pat. No. 6,513,761 (Huenecke), shows a system for reducing vortices in the wake of the aircraft by generating a counteracting vortex or vortices to cause the trailing vortex to “vibrate”. The vibrations of the trailing vortex preferably extend perpendicular to a central longitudinal aircraft axis. Several versions of this are shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 . It is indicated in column 6, line 6 that the vortex generators 9 and 10 are preferably auxiliary flaps that are so positioned that the respective counter vortices 13 and 14 interfere with the formation of flap vortices 11 B and 12 B.
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Title:
Apparatus and method for the control of trailing wake flows
Abstract:
A system and method for dissipating vortices that form at the wingtips on aircraft and from other airfoils. A jet air stream is discharged in a location at or proximate to the outer end portion of the airfoil into the vortex flow, and the jet air stream is moved cyclically back and forth. The cyclic movement can be at lower or higher frequencies to alleviate at least in part intensity of the vortex or accelerate instability of the vortex which leads to vortex dissipation.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION a) Field of the Invention The present invention relates to alleviating the problem of vortices that form at the outer tips of aerodynamic surfaces, and more particularly the problem of such vortices which are developed by an airplane, especially a rather large airplane, traveling on a flight path, where the vortices can have adverse effects on an airplane which is following (or crossing) that same flight path. b) Background Art Current airport capacity is largely controlled by the hours of operation, which are largely confined to daylight hours to prevent noise pollution in the airport environs, and the frequency with which planes can be brought in and out of the airport. A pacing item in landing and takeoff frequency is the time necessary for the dissipation of wake vortices produced by planes in motion. The size and intensity of wake vortices is determined by the size and weight of the aircraft, and pose particularly dangerous conditions in the wake of wide body airplanes. In worst case scenarios, these can be sufficiently dangerous in causing airplane crashes. This problem has been recognized for several decades, and a number of approaches have been suggested to alleviate this problem. A search of the patent literature has identified a number of patents, these being the following: U.S. Pat. No. 6,668,638 (Huang) is directed toward controlling the vortex breakdown in an aerodynamic surface of a Delta wing aircraft. For high performance combat aircraft, operating at high incidence and high angular rates, the air flow over the control surfaces is affected by leading edge vortices which are exploited to obtain extra aerodynamic forces. There are moving blowing jets on the upper aerodynamic surface to control this breakdown of vortices and also air may be sucked in from the upper wing surface. U.S. Pat. No. 6,378,807 (Tomioka) provides jets which blow over the wing for purposes of snow removal. U.S. Pat. No. 6,283,406 (Remington et al) relates to reducing a high-speed impulsive and blade vortex interaction noise in a helicopter which occurs particularly when the aircraft is hovering so that the vortex of one blade affects the following blade. In one embodiment air intake passages are positioned on the surfaces of each blade proximate to the leading edge and the outer tip to admit air into the interior volume of the blade, and air output passage are disposed on the trailing edge and outer tip portion to expel air. U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,625 (Hassan et al) relates to noise reduction in a rotorcraft. Pressurized air is directed into the rotor blade and outwardly through a plurality of apertures along a substantial surface area of the rotor blade on both the upper and lower surfaces near the leading edge and also near the tip end of the rotor blade. The pressurized fluid is in a direction generally normal to the blades surface. U.S. Pat. No. 5,806,807 (Haney) discloses a vortex attenuating airfoil where there is a deflector 40 positioned on the top surface of the wing a short distance inboard of the end tip of the wing, and an air passage extending through the airfoil from an inlet at the lower surface of the airfoil and an outlet on the upper side of the airfoil outboard of the deflector 40 . U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,408 (Schmidt et al) shows a system for creating turbulence at the leading edge surface by ejecting pressurized air selectively, under the control of a microelectromechanical system to affect the turbulence in the boundary layer over that portion of the wing surface. U.S. Pat. No. 5,158,251 (Taylor) relates to a wing tip vortex alleviating a system where the pressurized air is emitted through a slot 36 which is at the upper outer edge of the wings surface and aligned in a forward to rear direction. The pressurized air emitted from the slot tangentially that curves outwardly and downwardly so that it forms a “Coanda” occurrence (see FIG. 4 ) that extends in a chordwise direction downward from the Coanda surface 42 perpendicular to the plane of the wing. It is indicated that it is desirable that the Coanda curtain cover as great an area as possible two-dimensionally in both the chordwise (horizontal) and elevational (vertical) direction. U.S. Pat. No. 4,477,042 (Griswold II) discusses the problem of vortex alleviation that result particularly with heavy aircraft with significant span loading so that the vortex does not adversely effect the aircraft that are following in the wake of the heavier aircraft. To alleviate this problem, the wing tip portion is contoured in one embodiment with an upward slant, and in another embodiment ( FIG. 11 ) in a downward slant. Also, air is discharged through the outer edge of the wing, and this is described in column 6 beginning on line 37 with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 . The air is discharged through a slot 54 and is directed generally tangentially of the tip surfaces 34 , 38 so that the flow of air over the surfaces joins the discharged fluid at a comparable velocity and forms a vortex which is lacking the tight laminary core. It is stated that the effect of the discharged fluid alleviates the velocity differentials of the flow and thereby decreases circulation within the vortex region. U.S. Pat. No. 3,997,132 (Erwin) is directed toward alleviating the problem of wing tip vortices affecting aircraft which are following in the path of the vortex. There are the main jet engines 26 mounted closer to the fuselage, and in each wing tip, there are secondary jet engines 32 . These are arranged so that there are guide vanes 70 that are positioned in the annular bypass duct 42 . These veins 70 are directed in a manner to counteract the effect of the vortices that is developed at the wing tip. U.S. Pat. No. 3,984,070 (Patterson Jr) is also directed to the problem of wing tip vortices affecting the aircraft which are following in the vortex. There are retractable plates which have a retracted position within a tubular member, and can be expanded to a radially extending position ( FIG. 2 ) in the vortex dissipating mode. U.S. Pat. No. 3,974,986 (Johnstone) relates to alleviating the problem of vortices being generated at the wing tip location. There are inlet openings 48 positioned at the lower side of the end edge of the wing, and the high pressure air flows into these openings 48 and into passageways where it is discharged through slots 46 in the upper surface of the wing. U.S. Pat. No. 3,936,013 (Yuan) relates to the problem of alleviating the problem of vortices at the wing tip locations. At the tip of the wing there is a tubular member 21 which projects laterally outwardly from the end of the wing into the air stream, and there are orifices 22 which blow air into the flow of air in the vortex. In FIG. 3 , the flow of the vortex air is illustrated at 24 , flowing in an upward direction, and the downward fluid jets 25 that are ejected from the tubular member 21 are indicated at 25 . U.S. Pat. No. 3,881,669 (Lessen) relates to the problem of alleviating the formation of vortices at the outer edge of the outer tip of the wings. This arrangement consists of injecting into the core of the trailing vortex a fluid stream. It is stated in column 3, line 15, that it is essential that the axis of the injected stream be substantially co-linear and co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the trailing vortex. U.S. Pat. No. 3,841,587 (Freed) relates to the problem of alleviating vortices at the wing tips. There is positioned at the tip of each wing a nozzle assembly 26 that is positioned at the outer trailing edge of the wing and discharges air rearwardly into the core of the vortex. Air is bled from the jet engines to provide the pressurized air. This is a convergent-divergent (i.e. Venturi type) nozzle so that the air in the nozzle reaches sonic velocity at the throat so that the velocity increases to maximum super sonic level in the divergent section of the nozzle from which the air expands outwardly. The nozzle is arranged so that the exhaust passages may be in a configuration to create a new vertical flow of the air in a counter rotating direction relative to the vortex forming at the wing tip. There is a transition from the supersonic back to the subsonic velocity producing a shock wave with an abrupt change in temperature and rapid increase in density of the air in the vortex forming region. It is stated that effects either arrest of the vortex or causes early decay. U.S. Pat. No. 3,596,854 (Haney Jr.) relates to affecting the vortex developing at the wing tips, primarily for the reason of better aerodynamic control of the airplane. There is at the tip of the wing a housing 10 having a generally cylindrical chamber 11 closed at the front and a discharge orifice 12 at the rear. This causes the air to rotate or swirl in the chamber. This to be done in a manner to increase or decrease lift. U.S. Pat. No. 3,012,740 (Wagner) relates to an aircraft boundary layer control system where high pressure air is tapped from the engine and is discharged along the wing for improved boundary layer control. U.S. Pat. No. 2,650,781 (Taylor) shows a system for accomplishing boundary layer control. It is stated that the vortex that is formed at the tip of the wing creates a low pressure area within the core of the vortex. There is an elongated slot 20 at the upper surface of the wing, and this is attached by a duct which leads to the opening at the rear tip portion of the wing. Thus, the air is sucked through the slot to go through this tube and be ejected into the vortex as a means of providing for boundary layer control. U.S. Pat. No. 3,845,918 (White Jr.) shows a “vortex dissipater” which comprises a fixed flat plate which is mounted at the tip of the wing and is aligned in the direction of the free stream. The plate extends forward from the trailing edge of the tip and outward from the suction side of the lifting surface far enough to reach to the maximum rotational velocity of the vortex. U.S. Pat. No. 5,150,859 (Ransick) shows an arrangement where a turbine is placed at the wing tip and the trailing vortex that is induced at the wing tip so that the vortex drives the propeller blades which in turn supplies power to such things as the wing de-icing system, etc. U.S. Pat. No. 5,492,289 (Nosenchuck et al) discloses a “lifting body with reduced-strength trailing vortices.” The trailing edge of the wing is formed with a varying chord length near the tip of the wing, as shown in FIG. 7A where there is a “perturbation” which protrudes rearwardly at 105 at the location of the tip end 102 . U.S. Pat. No. 5,634,613 (McCarthy) shows a wing configuration to alleviate the problems of generating the vortex at the end of the wing by contouring the outer end portion of the wing in a manner to create a “beneficial vortex”. For example, in FIG. 2 , which is a view looking straight towards the leading edge of the wing, there is a twist in the forward to rear direction at 66 which gradually changes the airfoil's actual angle of attack from a position angle of attack 68 near the root to a negative angle of attack at the location 70 . U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,835 (Gerhardt) discloses a wingtip vortex device installed at the wingtip of the aircraft, this device having radial fins which are positioned at the location of the vortex so these are caused to rotate by the vortex that shed from the wingtip. U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,679 (Crouch et al) discloses a system for destruction of trailing vortices, this being accomplished by actuating the control surfaces at the trailing edge of the airfoil in the manner to result in accelerated breakup of the trailing vortices. U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,397 (Ngo et al), Company, discloses a means of dissipating the vortex by providing an outer edge portion of the wing with a sliding tip member 28 that has a position where it is aligned with the main wing, and a second position where it is moved downwardly from the main wing to extend into the pressure side surface 24 to dissipate the vortex. U.S. Pat. No. 6,422,518 (Stuff et al), disclose an aircraft with means for breaking down the wing tip vortices, this being accomplished by placing winglets at various locations on the airplane, such as at the fuselage behind the wings, at the tips of the tail in the horizontal plane, or at landing flaps at the inside edges at the wings. U.S. Pat. No. 6,513,761 (Huenecke), shows a system for reducing vortices in the wake of the aircraft by generating a counteracting vortex or vortices to cause the trailing vortex to “vibrate”. The vibrations of the trailing vortex preferably extend perpendicular to a central longitudinal aircraft axis. Several versions of this are shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 . It is indicated in column 6, line 6 that the vortex generators 9 and 10 are preferably auxiliary flaps that are so positioned that the respective counter vortices 13 and 14 interfere with the formation of flap vortices 11 B and 12 B.
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10927641
| 2,004
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Compositions and methods for the modification of gene expression
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Novel isolated plant polynucleotide promoter sequences are provided, together with genetic constructs comprising such polynucleotides. Methods for using such constructs in modulating the transcription of DNA sequences of interest are also disclosed, together with transgenic plants comprising such constructs.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Gene expression is regulated, in part, by the cellular processes involved in transcription. During transcription, a single-stranded RNA complementary to the DNA sequence to be transcribed is formed by the action of RNA polymerases. Initiation of transcription in eukaryotic cells is regulated by complex interactions between cis-acting DNA motifs, located within the gene to be transcribed, and trans-acting protein factors. Among the cis-acting regulatory regions are sequences of DNA, termed promoters, to which RNA polymerase is first bound, either directly or indirectly. As used herein, the term “promoter” refers to the 5′ untranslated region of a gene that is associated with transcription and which generally includes a transcription start site. Other cis-acting DNA motifs, such as enhancers, may be situated further up- and/or down-stream from the initiation site. Both promoters and enhancers are generally composed of several discrete, often redundant elements, each of which may be recognized by one or more trans-acting regulatory proteins, known as transcription factors. Promoters generally comprise both proximal and more distant elements. For example, the so-called TATA box, which is important for the binding of regulatory proteins, is generally found about 25 basepairs upstream from the initiation site. The so-called CAAT box is generally found about 75 basepairs upstream of the initiation site. Promoters generally contain between about 100 and 1000 nucleotides, although longer promoter sequences are possible. For the development of transgenic plants, constitutive promoters that drive strong transgene expression are preferred. Currently, the only available constitutive plant promoter that is widely used is derived from Cauliflower Mosaic Virus. Furthermore, there exists a need for plant-derived promoters for use in transgenic food plants due to public conceptions regarding the use of viral promoters. Few gymnosperm promoters have been cloned and those derived from angiosperms have been found to function poorly in gymnosperms. There thus remains a need in the art for polynucleotide promoter regions isolated from plants for use in modulating transcription and expression of polynucleotides in transgenic plants.
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Title:
Compositions and methods for the modification of gene expression
Abstract:
Novel isolated plant polynucleotide promoter sequences are provided, together with genetic constructs comprising such polynucleotides. Methods for using such constructs in modulating the transcription of DNA sequences of interest are also disclosed, together with transgenic plants comprising such constructs.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Gene expression is regulated, in part, by the cellular processes involved in transcription. During transcription, a single-stranded RNA complementary to the DNA sequence to be transcribed is formed by the action of RNA polymerases. Initiation of transcription in eukaryotic cells is regulated by complex interactions between cis-acting DNA motifs, located within the gene to be transcribed, and trans-acting protein factors. Among the cis-acting regulatory regions are sequences of DNA, termed promoters, to which RNA polymerase is first bound, either directly or indirectly. As used herein, the term “promoter” refers to the 5′ untranslated region of a gene that is associated with transcription and which generally includes a transcription start site. Other cis-acting DNA motifs, such as enhancers, may be situated further up- and/or down-stream from the initiation site. Both promoters and enhancers are generally composed of several discrete, often redundant elements, each of which may be recognized by one or more trans-acting regulatory proteins, known as transcription factors. Promoters generally comprise both proximal and more distant elements. For example, the so-called TATA box, which is important for the binding of regulatory proteins, is generally found about 25 basepairs upstream from the initiation site. The so-called CAAT box is generally found about 75 basepairs upstream of the initiation site. Promoters generally contain between about 100 and 1000 nucleotides, although longer promoter sequences are possible. For the development of transgenic plants, constitutive promoters that drive strong transgene expression are preferred. Currently, the only available constitutive plant promoter that is widely used is derived from Cauliflower Mosaic Virus. Furthermore, there exists a need for plant-derived promoters for use in transgenic food plants due to public conceptions regarding the use of viral promoters. Few gymnosperm promoters have been cloned and those derived from angiosperms have been found to function poorly in gymnosperms. There thus remains a need in the art for polynucleotide promoter regions isolated from plants for use in modulating transcription and expression of polynucleotides in transgenic plants.
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10858381
| 2,004
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Image processing system, projector, program, information storage medium and image processing method
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To provide an image processing system and others which can project an image more accurately and at higher speed while using a screen or the like as effectively as possible, there is provided a projector including a calibration image information generating section, an image projection section having a view angle adjusting section and a lens shift section for adjusting an optical axis of a projection lens to project the calibration image onto the screen or the like, a sensing section which senses a region including the projected calibration image and the screen or the like through a sensing surface to generate sensing information, a projection area information generating section which generates projection area information based on the sensing information, a target area information generating section which generates target area information based on the sensing information, and a projection control section which controls the view angle adjusting section and lens shift section based on the projection area information and the target area information.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an image processing system, projector, program, information storage medium and image processing method having a lens shift function and a zoom function. In order to display an appropriate image from an image projecting device such as a projector, it is necessary for the image projecting device to perform the adjustment of view angle (zoom adjustment), the adjustment of image display position and so on. In general, however, the adjustment of view angle and adjustment of image display position are performed by a user. This is very troublesome for the user. In addition, there is a case that an image is distorted to create a so-called keystone distortion in the vertical or horizontal direction depending on the relative angle between the optical axis of a light projected from an image projection device such as a projector and an object onto which the light is projected, such as a screen. For such a reason, the image projection device must project an image after its distortion has been removed. However, the general image projecting device having a distortion correcting function includes an inclination sensor which can only correct the distortion of an image in the vertical direction, but not in the horizontal direction. Moreover, the distortion in the horizontal direction has been semi-automatically corrected based on information provided when a user has indicated four corner points on a screen through a mouse. It is troublesome for the user to indicate the four corner points on the screen through the mouse. To solve such a problem, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-241874 has proposed an automatic image positioning method in a projector, comprising the steps of projecting a predetermined test pattern from the projector onto a screen; using a monitor camera to capture the image of the test pattern on the screen; and analyzing the image data of the captured test pattern image to adjust the focus of the projector. The automatic image positioning method of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-241874 displays the projected image on the screen at its center by projecting a rectangular all-white image on the screen as a test pattern image, sensing the all-white image through the monitor camera to detect the position of the screen within the all-white image, using a projection lens having a scaling function to enlarge or reduce the projected image until it reaches the end points of the screen, and adjusting the depression and elevation angles in the projection lens. Furthermore, the automatic image positioning method of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-241874 adjusts the keystone distortion of the projected image by calculating the adjusted value of the keystone distortion based on the positions of the end points in the screen and all-white image. However, in such a technique of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-241874 that the angle of view is adjusted by using the scaling function of the projection lens to enlarge or reduce the projected image until it reaches the end points of the sensed screen, the process takes much time. Furthermore, the technique of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-241874 cannot be applied to a case where the aspect ratio of the screen is different from that of the projected image. Additionally, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-241874 describes the adjustment of the image display position by adjusting the depression and elevation angles of the projection lens to display the projected image on the screen at its center, but does not concretely disclose how the process has been performed. Moreover, in the technique of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-241874 where the adjusted value of the keystone distortion is calculated based on the positions of the end points in the screen and all-white image and, for example, if the screen is square, the correction of the keystone distortion will be carried out while the projected image remains distorted. When the projector or the like is to project and display an easily viewable image, it is required to display the image more largely and also to project the image more highly after the adjustments of view angle, image display position and image distortion have been performed.
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Title:
Image processing system, projector, program, information storage medium and image processing method
Abstract:
To provide an image processing system and others which can project an image more accurately and at higher speed while using a screen or the like as effectively as possible, there is provided a projector including a calibration image information generating section, an image projection section having a view angle adjusting section and a lens shift section for adjusting an optical axis of a projection lens to project the calibration image onto the screen or the like, a sensing section which senses a region including the projected calibration image and the screen or the like through a sensing surface to generate sensing information, a projection area information generating section which generates projection area information based on the sensing information, a target area information generating section which generates target area information based on the sensing information, and a projection control section which controls the view angle adjusting section and lens shift section based on the projection area information and the target area information.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an image processing system, projector, program, information storage medium and image processing method having a lens shift function and a zoom function. In order to display an appropriate image from an image projecting device such as a projector, it is necessary for the image projecting device to perform the adjustment of view angle (zoom adjustment), the adjustment of image display position and so on. In general, however, the adjustment of view angle and adjustment of image display position are performed by a user. This is very troublesome for the user. In addition, there is a case that an image is distorted to create a so-called keystone distortion in the vertical or horizontal direction depending on the relative angle between the optical axis of a light projected from an image projection device such as a projector and an object onto which the light is projected, such as a screen. For such a reason, the image projection device must project an image after its distortion has been removed. However, the general image projecting device having a distortion correcting function includes an inclination sensor which can only correct the distortion of an image in the vertical direction, but not in the horizontal direction. Moreover, the distortion in the horizontal direction has been semi-automatically corrected based on information provided when a user has indicated four corner points on a screen through a mouse. It is troublesome for the user to indicate the four corner points on the screen through the mouse. To solve such a problem, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-241874 has proposed an automatic image positioning method in a projector, comprising the steps of projecting a predetermined test pattern from the projector onto a screen; using a monitor camera to capture the image of the test pattern on the screen; and analyzing the image data of the captured test pattern image to adjust the focus of the projector. The automatic image positioning method of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-241874 displays the projected image on the screen at its center by projecting a rectangular all-white image on the screen as a test pattern image, sensing the all-white image through the monitor camera to detect the position of the screen within the all-white image, using a projection lens having a scaling function to enlarge or reduce the projected image until it reaches the end points of the screen, and adjusting the depression and elevation angles in the projection lens. Furthermore, the automatic image positioning method of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-241874 adjusts the keystone distortion of the projected image by calculating the adjusted value of the keystone distortion based on the positions of the end points in the screen and all-white image. However, in such a technique of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-241874 that the angle of view is adjusted by using the scaling function of the projection lens to enlarge or reduce the projected image until it reaches the end points of the sensed screen, the process takes much time. Furthermore, the technique of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-241874 cannot be applied to a case where the aspect ratio of the screen is different from that of the projected image. Additionally, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-241874 describes the adjustment of the image display position by adjusting the depression and elevation angles of the projection lens to display the projected image on the screen at its center, but does not concretely disclose how the process has been performed. Moreover, in the technique of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-241874 where the adjusted value of the keystone distortion is calculated based on the positions of the end points in the screen and all-white image and, for example, if the screen is square, the correction of the keystone distortion will be carried out while the projected image remains distorted. When the projector or the like is to project and display an easily viewable image, it is required to display the image more largely and also to project the image more highly after the adjustments of view angle, image display position and image distortion have been performed.
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10891485
| 2,004
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Method and composition for coating mat and articles produced therewith
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A coated glass mat comprises a glass mat substrate having non-woven glass fibers and a coating which essentially uniformly penetrates the glass mat substrate to desired fractional thickness of the coated glass mat. The coating imparts a tensile strength to the coated glass mat which on average is at least 1.33 times greater than the tensile strength of the glass mat substrate without the coating. In example embodiments, penetration of the coating into the glass mat substrate preferably extends to a depth of from twenty five percent of a thickness of the coated glass mat to seventy five percent of the thickness of the coated glass mat. Moreover, a non-coated thickness of the coated glass mat is sufficiently thick for bonding purposes with, e.g., a gypsum slurry or other core materials such as thermoplastic or thermosetting plastics. The coating has a porosity in a range of from 1.3 CFM to 5.0 CFM, e.g., the coating comprises a coating blend which provides the coated glass mat with a porosity sufficient to allow water vapor to escape from a gypsum slurry when heated. The coating is preferably a coating blend comprised of water, latex binder, inorganic pigment, and inorganic binder.
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BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention The field of the invention pertains to mats, webs, or facers for the building construction industry, such as gypsum board fiberglass facers and thermosetting polyiso foam insulation board facers, as well as processes for making/applying such facers and products utilizing such facers. 2. Related Art and Other Considerations Many forms of weather resistant webbed sheets have been developed for the building construction industry for installation as an “underlayment” under shingles or under siding. Examples of such webbed sheets, also called “construction paper”, range from the old original “tar paper”, up to the spun-bonded polyolefin house wraps of the present day. Various types of webbed sheets have also been used as a “facer” material for foamed insulation board laminates, with the laminates ultimately being utilized as side-wall or roofing insulation. For example, two facers for a laminate board typically sandwich a core material therebetween, e.g., a laminated foam core, for example. A popular material (“facer”) in this category is the web of U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,678 to Gay et al (referred to herein as the '678 patent). The relatively fire-resistant web of the '678 patent has also served well as an underlayment in a U.L. Incorporated fire-resistant rated roofing system over wooden decks, etc. For many years this material has served the building construction industry, e.g., as the facer for the laminated foam board product taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,001,005. The foam board of U.S. Pat. No. 5,001,005 remains an important and integral part of both roofing and side-wall insulation. FIG. 1 shows a prior art coating method suitable for applying coatings such as those of U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,678. A raw glass mat 10 (e.g., the “substrate”) enters a coating station at a level lower than a top of an applicator roll 12 . The direction of travel of the glass mat 10 is parallel to a “machine direction” (M.D.) of a facer produced by the machine, while a dimension perpendicular to the machine direction and perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 1 is understood to be parallel to a “cross machine direction” (C.M.D.) of a resultant facer similarly oriented. The applicator roll is driven to rotate about its axis (either clockwise or counterclockwise, as depicted by arrow 13 ). A coating pan 14 is filled with a coating mix 16 up to a level that is sufficient for the applicator roll 12 to pull an adequate amount of coating to the top of the applicator roll 12 . The speed of rotation of applicator roll 12 is used to get adequate amounts of coating mix 16 up into the glass mat 10 as the glass mat 10 is conveyed. In its path of conveyance, the glass mat 10 extends around applicator roll 12 in a wrap-arc 18 . A scraper blade 20 is placed so that the excess coating scraped off returns into the coating pan 14 . After the excess is scraped off, the coated mat proceeds into a dryer section (not shown) where the coated glass mat facer 22 is dried and wrapped into rolls. The prior art process of FIG. 1 is characterized by a wrap arc 18 at the applicator roll 12 and a wrap angle 28 at the scraper blade 20 . Conventionally, the wrap arc 18 on the applicator roll 12 is less than 30 degrees, and typically less than 20 degrees. The wrap angle 28 around the scraper bar 20 is conventionally slightly less than 180-degrees; e.g., 175-degrees; but, typically no less than about 175 degrees. In the construction industry, building materials are often analyzed to determine their performance vulnerabilities or weak points. A vulnerability for a laminated board made with a coated glass mat facer can be the structural integrity of the glass mat which comprises the facer. In other words, how well the glass mat of the facer holds together under stress, e.g., the cohesive strength (or lack of strength) of the glass mat, is an important indicia of material quality. Experience has generally shown that the cohesive strength of any glass mat is typically too low to resist the pulling-away force of high wind shear vacuums, whether the glass mat be incorporated either in a stucco wall or under a fully adhered single-ply membrane roofing system. One factor influencing structural integrity of a building material which incorporates a coated glass mat is the degree to which glass fibers comprising the mat are uncovered. Uncovered glass fibers are exposed and thus more subject to deleterious forces. The complications of using coated glass mats as ingredients in building materials such as a board are compounded when the glass mats interface with certain other materials which comprise the board core. One example of such a complicating material is Gypsum. Many gypsum board applications are subject to structural stress, and much stronger coated glass mats are required. While the problems presented by gypsum could perhaps be solved by using heavier raw glass mat substrates, such an option is quite expensive. A challenge, therefore, is strengthening the coated glass mat (e.g., strengthening the facet) without substantially increasing costs. The history of gypsum board development has passed many milestones, many of these milestones being related to the surfaces, or facers, covering the broad surface of a gypsum board. In almost all cases, the subject of facer stability was an issue. Also the facers have had to resist weathering as well as retaining constant dimensions. Mildew and mold have been a problem with the original multi-ply paper facers used on gypsum board. Unfortunately, the paper facers also might not allow water vapor to escape. Yet the escape of water vapor is essential in curing the gypsum. While these paper facers have been modified with chemicals to improve their properties, most of the gypsum board progress and success has come by changing from paper facers to fiberglass mat facers. The entire scope of manufacturing different facer materials for building products is extensive, encompassing both fields of gypsum board fiberglass facers and thermosetting polyiso foam insulation board facers. In recent years, many facer-related methods and products thereof have been taught in United States patents such as the following (all of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference): 3,284,980 3,993,822 4,504,533 4,637,951 4,647,496 4,784,897 4,810,569 4,879,173 5,112,678 5,148,645 5,171,366 5,220,762 5,319,900 5,342,566 5,342,680 5,371,989 5,395,685 5,397,631 5,401,588 5,552,187 5,601,888 5,644,880 5,665,442 5,718,785 5,791,109 5,945,182 5,945,208 5,965,257 6,001,496 6,146,705 6,299,970 As alluded to above, some coated glass mat prior art facer products are ineffective or unusable as a facer for a gypsum board. For example the coated glass mat of U.S. Pat. No. 5,965,257 shows signs of dissolving when subjected to a stream of running water, and has low tensile test numbers (e.g., when compared to the mat made from the '678 patent). A gypsum board used in construction is much heavier than a low density, lightweight insulation foam board. The gypsum board must have enough structural strength to avoid breaking while being handled during installation. The facers of gypsum board provide most of the structural strength needed. The prior art multi-ply paper-board facers possess ample tensile strength for use as facers. However, the ordinary prior art coated glass mat facers do not have adequate tensile strength. In addition to lacking tensile strength, ordinary coated glass mat facers can face difficulty in becoming adequately bonded to the gypsum slurry. Thus, as indicated above, conventionally a laminated board has a core which is sandwiched between two facers, the facers each comprising a coating material on a glass mat. It is the interface between the core and the glass mat where failure can occur under conditions of high stress in the “pull-apart” direction. As previously mentioned, the failure occurs because some fibers are left uncovered and the bonding strength of the so-called “binder” material between individual glass fibers is not strong enough to prevent failure. Just after a non-woven glass mat is formed on a drainage wire, a complex binder chemical is added, but this is barely strong enough to hold individual fibers together. U.S. Pat. No. 4,647,496, No. 4,810,569, No. 5,371,989, No. 5,644,880, and No. 6,001,496, show how a glass mat can be partially imbedded in gypsum board but leave loose glass fibers on the surface. In a gypsum board process which utilizes a coated glass mat in a facer, a fine balance must be achieved. If the coated glass mat facer has too much glass mat exposed such that the liquid gypsum slurry cannot cover it essentially entirely, the resultant board is unacceptable. On the other hand, if not enough glass fibers (which serve to anchor the gypsum) are left exposed, the resultant board is not acceptable. In both cases, the finished board can fail a flexural stress test, or worse, break at the job-site site. Thus a coated glass mat facer must have both adequate tensile strength plus the ability to become tightly bonded and intermeshed with gypsum slurry before it hardens. Since prior art facers did not suffice, there remains a need for an unique coated glass facer to use in creating a gypsum board having a mold resistant, weather-proof surface, and strong flexural test results. What is needed, therefore, and an object of the present invention, is a coated glass mat which has enhanced tensile strength, as well as methods for fabricating such mat.
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Title:
Method and composition for coating mat and articles produced therewith
Abstract:
A coated glass mat comprises a glass mat substrate having non-woven glass fibers and a coating which essentially uniformly penetrates the glass mat substrate to desired fractional thickness of the coated glass mat. The coating imparts a tensile strength to the coated glass mat which on average is at least 1.33 times greater than the tensile strength of the glass mat substrate without the coating. In example embodiments, penetration of the coating into the glass mat substrate preferably extends to a depth of from twenty five percent of a thickness of the coated glass mat to seventy five percent of the thickness of the coated glass mat. Moreover, a non-coated thickness of the coated glass mat is sufficiently thick for bonding purposes with, e.g., a gypsum slurry or other core materials such as thermoplastic or thermosetting plastics. The coating has a porosity in a range of from 1.3 CFM to 5.0 CFM, e.g., the coating comprises a coating blend which provides the coated glass mat with a porosity sufficient to allow water vapor to escape from a gypsum slurry when heated. The coating is preferably a coating blend comprised of water, latex binder, inorganic pigment, and inorganic binder.
Background:
BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention The field of the invention pertains to mats, webs, or facers for the building construction industry, such as gypsum board fiberglass facers and thermosetting polyiso foam insulation board facers, as well as processes for making/applying such facers and products utilizing such facers. 2. Related Art and Other Considerations Many forms of weather resistant webbed sheets have been developed for the building construction industry for installation as an “underlayment” under shingles or under siding. Examples of such webbed sheets, also called “construction paper”, range from the old original “tar paper”, up to the spun-bonded polyolefin house wraps of the present day. Various types of webbed sheets have also been used as a “facer” material for foamed insulation board laminates, with the laminates ultimately being utilized as side-wall or roofing insulation. For example, two facers for a laminate board typically sandwich a core material therebetween, e.g., a laminated foam core, for example. A popular material (“facer”) in this category is the web of U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,678 to Gay et al (referred to herein as the '678 patent). The relatively fire-resistant web of the '678 patent has also served well as an underlayment in a U.L. Incorporated fire-resistant rated roofing system over wooden decks, etc. For many years this material has served the building construction industry, e.g., as the facer for the laminated foam board product taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,001,005. The foam board of U.S. Pat. No. 5,001,005 remains an important and integral part of both roofing and side-wall insulation. FIG. 1 shows a prior art coating method suitable for applying coatings such as those of U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,678. A raw glass mat 10 (e.g., the “substrate”) enters a coating station at a level lower than a top of an applicator roll 12 . The direction of travel of the glass mat 10 is parallel to a “machine direction” (M.D.) of a facer produced by the machine, while a dimension perpendicular to the machine direction and perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 1 is understood to be parallel to a “cross machine direction” (C.M.D.) of a resultant facer similarly oriented. The applicator roll is driven to rotate about its axis (either clockwise or counterclockwise, as depicted by arrow 13 ). A coating pan 14 is filled with a coating mix 16 up to a level that is sufficient for the applicator roll 12 to pull an adequate amount of coating to the top of the applicator roll 12 . The speed of rotation of applicator roll 12 is used to get adequate amounts of coating mix 16 up into the glass mat 10 as the glass mat 10 is conveyed. In its path of conveyance, the glass mat 10 extends around applicator roll 12 in a wrap-arc 18 . A scraper blade 20 is placed so that the excess coating scraped off returns into the coating pan 14 . After the excess is scraped off, the coated mat proceeds into a dryer section (not shown) where the coated glass mat facer 22 is dried and wrapped into rolls. The prior art process of FIG. 1 is characterized by a wrap arc 18 at the applicator roll 12 and a wrap angle 28 at the scraper blade 20 . Conventionally, the wrap arc 18 on the applicator roll 12 is less than 30 degrees, and typically less than 20 degrees. The wrap angle 28 around the scraper bar 20 is conventionally slightly less than 180-degrees; e.g., 175-degrees; but, typically no less than about 175 degrees. In the construction industry, building materials are often analyzed to determine their performance vulnerabilities or weak points. A vulnerability for a laminated board made with a coated glass mat facer can be the structural integrity of the glass mat which comprises the facer. In other words, how well the glass mat of the facer holds together under stress, e.g., the cohesive strength (or lack of strength) of the glass mat, is an important indicia of material quality. Experience has generally shown that the cohesive strength of any glass mat is typically too low to resist the pulling-away force of high wind shear vacuums, whether the glass mat be incorporated either in a stucco wall or under a fully adhered single-ply membrane roofing system. One factor influencing structural integrity of a building material which incorporates a coated glass mat is the degree to which glass fibers comprising the mat are uncovered. Uncovered glass fibers are exposed and thus more subject to deleterious forces. The complications of using coated glass mats as ingredients in building materials such as a board are compounded when the glass mats interface with certain other materials which comprise the board core. One example of such a complicating material is Gypsum. Many gypsum board applications are subject to structural stress, and much stronger coated glass mats are required. While the problems presented by gypsum could perhaps be solved by using heavier raw glass mat substrates, such an option is quite expensive. A challenge, therefore, is strengthening the coated glass mat (e.g., strengthening the facet) without substantially increasing costs. The history of gypsum board development has passed many milestones, many of these milestones being related to the surfaces, or facers, covering the broad surface of a gypsum board. In almost all cases, the subject of facer stability was an issue. Also the facers have had to resist weathering as well as retaining constant dimensions. Mildew and mold have been a problem with the original multi-ply paper facers used on gypsum board. Unfortunately, the paper facers also might not allow water vapor to escape. Yet the escape of water vapor is essential in curing the gypsum. While these paper facers have been modified with chemicals to improve their properties, most of the gypsum board progress and success has come by changing from paper facers to fiberglass mat facers. The entire scope of manufacturing different facer materials for building products is extensive, encompassing both fields of gypsum board fiberglass facers and thermosetting polyiso foam insulation board facers. In recent years, many facer-related methods and products thereof have been taught in United States patents such as the following (all of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference): 3,284,980 3,993,822 4,504,533 4,637,951 4,647,496 4,784,897 4,810,569 4,879,173 5,112,678 5,148,645 5,171,366 5,220,762 5,319,900 5,342,566 5,342,680 5,371,989 5,395,685 5,397,631 5,401,588 5,552,187 5,601,888 5,644,880 5,665,442 5,718,785 5,791,109 5,945,182 5,945,208 5,965,257 6,001,496 6,146,705 6,299,970 As alluded to above, some coated glass mat prior art facer products are ineffective or unusable as a facer for a gypsum board. For example the coated glass mat of U.S. Pat. No. 5,965,257 shows signs of dissolving when subjected to a stream of running water, and has low tensile test numbers (e.g., when compared to the mat made from the '678 patent). A gypsum board used in construction is much heavier than a low density, lightweight insulation foam board. The gypsum board must have enough structural strength to avoid breaking while being handled during installation. The facers of gypsum board provide most of the structural strength needed. The prior art multi-ply paper-board facers possess ample tensile strength for use as facers. However, the ordinary prior art coated glass mat facers do not have adequate tensile strength. In addition to lacking tensile strength, ordinary coated glass mat facers can face difficulty in becoming adequately bonded to the gypsum slurry. Thus, as indicated above, conventionally a laminated board has a core which is sandwiched between two facers, the facers each comprising a coating material on a glass mat. It is the interface between the core and the glass mat where failure can occur under conditions of high stress in the “pull-apart” direction. As previously mentioned, the failure occurs because some fibers are left uncovered and the bonding strength of the so-called “binder” material between individual glass fibers is not strong enough to prevent failure. Just after a non-woven glass mat is formed on a drainage wire, a complex binder chemical is added, but this is barely strong enough to hold individual fibers together. U.S. Pat. No. 4,647,496, No. 4,810,569, No. 5,371,989, No. 5,644,880, and No. 6,001,496, show how a glass mat can be partially imbedded in gypsum board but leave loose glass fibers on the surface. In a gypsum board process which utilizes a coated glass mat in a facer, a fine balance must be achieved. If the coated glass mat facer has too much glass mat exposed such that the liquid gypsum slurry cannot cover it essentially entirely, the resultant board is unacceptable. On the other hand, if not enough glass fibers (which serve to anchor the gypsum) are left exposed, the resultant board is not acceptable. In both cases, the finished board can fail a flexural stress test, or worse, break at the job-site site. Thus a coated glass mat facer must have both adequate tensile strength plus the ability to become tightly bonded and intermeshed with gypsum slurry before it hardens. Since prior art facers did not suffice, there remains a need for an unique coated glass facer to use in creating a gypsum board having a mold resistant, weather-proof surface, and strong flexural test results. What is needed, therefore, and an object of the present invention, is a coated glass mat which has enhanced tensile strength, as well as methods for fabricating such mat.
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10511397
| 2,004
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Light-diffusing sheet, optical element and image display
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A light-diffusing sheet of the present invention comprises a transparent film and a light-diffusing layer, which is made of a resin coating layer having a minute unevenness formed on a surface thereof, is formed on at least one side of the transparent film. The transparent film includes a thermoplastic resin (A) having a substituted and/or non-substituted imido group in a side chain, and a thermoplastic resin (B) having a substituted and/or non-substituted phenyl group and nitrile group in a side chain, and the surface with the minute unevenness satisfies an average height-depth spacing (Sm): Sm≦80 μm, a center-line average surface roughness (Ra): Ra≦0.25 μm and a ten-point average surface roughness (Rz): Rz≦9Ra. The light-diffusing sheet, even in a case of application to a high definition LCD, is suppressing a screen glittering phenomenon while maintaining antiglareness, exhibiting almost no birefringence, and excellent in adhesion and durability.
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a light-diffusing sheet used in order to suppress decrease of the screen visibility of a visual display, such as in liquid crystal displays (LCD), organic EL displays and PDP, and to an optical element having the light-diffusing sheet concerned prepared thereto. Moreover, the present invention also relates to an image viewing display using the optical element.
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Title:
Light-diffusing sheet, optical element and image display
Abstract:
A light-diffusing sheet of the present invention comprises a transparent film and a light-diffusing layer, which is made of a resin coating layer having a minute unevenness formed on a surface thereof, is formed on at least one side of the transparent film. The transparent film includes a thermoplastic resin (A) having a substituted and/or non-substituted imido group in a side chain, and a thermoplastic resin (B) having a substituted and/or non-substituted phenyl group and nitrile group in a side chain, and the surface with the minute unevenness satisfies an average height-depth spacing (Sm): Sm≦80 μm, a center-line average surface roughness (Ra): Ra≦0.25 μm and a ten-point average surface roughness (Rz): Rz≦9Ra. The light-diffusing sheet, even in a case of application to a high definition LCD, is suppressing a screen glittering phenomenon while maintaining antiglareness, exhibiting almost no birefringence, and excellent in adhesion and durability.
Background:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a light-diffusing sheet used in order to suppress decrease of the screen visibility of a visual display, such as in liquid crystal displays (LCD), organic EL displays and PDP, and to an optical element having the light-diffusing sheet concerned prepared thereto. Moreover, the present invention also relates to an image viewing display using the optical element.
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10787558
| 2,004
|
Turbine blade shroud cutter tip
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A shroud for use with a turbine blade is disclosed wherein the shroud provides at least one knife edge with at least one tooth for cutting a groove in a compliant rub strip that minimizes wear on the knife edge. The tooth is positioned along the knife edge a distance substantially away from the ends of the knife edge such that the moment created by the tooth mass and its effect on shroud bending stress is significantly reduced, thereby resulting in increased turbine blade durability.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Gas turbine engines have compressor and turbine blades of varying length in order to compress and expand the fluid flow passing through the engine. For the turbine section, as energy is extracted from the hot combustion gases, the fluid expands and the turbine section expands accordingly, including the stages of turbine blades. As turbine blade length increases, the blades become more susceptible to vibration and require dampening. In order to dampen the vibrations, a shroud is added to the blade, most often at the blade tip. The shroud serves to reduce blade vibrations by interlocking adjacent turbine blade tips, as well as to seal the blade tip region to prevent hot combustion gases from leaking around the blade tip and bypassing the turbine. While this sealing and dampening design is effective, the use of a shroud causes additional load and stress on the turbine blade due to its shape, weight, and position. Specifically the shroud has a radial stress component on the blade attachment due to its weight and radial position. Furthermore, the shroud exhibits a bending moment at the interface region between the shroud and airfoil due to the large mass cantilevered along the edges of the shroud. This bending moment is further complicated by the mass due to a cutter tooth located along at the edge of the shroud knife edge. As the operating temperature of the turbine blade increases, it stretches radially outward and approaches an outer compliant rub strip that surrounds the row of turbine blades. The rub strip is typically fabricated from segments of honeycomb. The cutter tooth is designed to cut a groove in the honeycomb of the surrounding rub strip to allow the shroud sufficient area under all operating conditions to seal and not adversely contact the rub strip. Depending on the size and position of the cutter tooth, the bending moment between the shroud and airfoil increases, and the associated shroud bending stresses will increase by as much as 20%, thereby reducing the durability of the shroud. An example of this type of shroud design is shown in FIG. 1 . A shroud 10 is fixed to airfoil 11 . Extending radially outward from shroud 10 is knife edge 12 having a cutter tooth 13 located at one end thereof. As discussed previously, cutter tooth 13 is designed to cut a groove in the honeycomb of the surrounding compliant rub strip to allow the shroud sufficient area under all operating conditions to seal and not adversely contact the rub strip. In this prior art shroud design, cutter tooth 13 is positioned at one end of knife edge 12 and while it cuts a sufficient groove into the surrounding rub strip for knife edge 12 , cutter tooth 13 causes a large bending moment at the airfoil to shroud interface due to the distance from the center of the shroud to the cutter tooth. The present invention seeks to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a turbine blade shroud configuration having a cutter tooth design that results in lower shroud bending stresses.
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Title:
Turbine blade shroud cutter tip
Abstract:
A shroud for use with a turbine blade is disclosed wherein the shroud provides at least one knife edge with at least one tooth for cutting a groove in a compliant rub strip that minimizes wear on the knife edge. The tooth is positioned along the knife edge a distance substantially away from the ends of the knife edge such that the moment created by the tooth mass and its effect on shroud bending stress is significantly reduced, thereby resulting in increased turbine blade durability.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Gas turbine engines have compressor and turbine blades of varying length in order to compress and expand the fluid flow passing through the engine. For the turbine section, as energy is extracted from the hot combustion gases, the fluid expands and the turbine section expands accordingly, including the stages of turbine blades. As turbine blade length increases, the blades become more susceptible to vibration and require dampening. In order to dampen the vibrations, a shroud is added to the blade, most often at the blade tip. The shroud serves to reduce blade vibrations by interlocking adjacent turbine blade tips, as well as to seal the blade tip region to prevent hot combustion gases from leaking around the blade tip and bypassing the turbine. While this sealing and dampening design is effective, the use of a shroud causes additional load and stress on the turbine blade due to its shape, weight, and position. Specifically the shroud has a radial stress component on the blade attachment due to its weight and radial position. Furthermore, the shroud exhibits a bending moment at the interface region between the shroud and airfoil due to the large mass cantilevered along the edges of the shroud. This bending moment is further complicated by the mass due to a cutter tooth located along at the edge of the shroud knife edge. As the operating temperature of the turbine blade increases, it stretches radially outward and approaches an outer compliant rub strip that surrounds the row of turbine blades. The rub strip is typically fabricated from segments of honeycomb. The cutter tooth is designed to cut a groove in the honeycomb of the surrounding rub strip to allow the shroud sufficient area under all operating conditions to seal and not adversely contact the rub strip. Depending on the size and position of the cutter tooth, the bending moment between the shroud and airfoil increases, and the associated shroud bending stresses will increase by as much as 20%, thereby reducing the durability of the shroud. An example of this type of shroud design is shown in FIG. 1 . A shroud 10 is fixed to airfoil 11 . Extending radially outward from shroud 10 is knife edge 12 having a cutter tooth 13 located at one end thereof. As discussed previously, cutter tooth 13 is designed to cut a groove in the honeycomb of the surrounding compliant rub strip to allow the shroud sufficient area under all operating conditions to seal and not adversely contact the rub strip. In this prior art shroud design, cutter tooth 13 is positioned at one end of knife edge 12 and while it cuts a sufficient groove into the surrounding rub strip for knife edge 12 , cutter tooth 13 causes a large bending moment at the airfoil to shroud interface due to the distance from the center of the shroud to the cutter tooth. The present invention seeks to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a turbine blade shroud configuration having a cutter tooth design that results in lower shroud bending stresses.
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11026379
| 2,004
|
Radio configuration-based handoff parameter adjustment
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A method and apparatus facilitate soft handover in a CDMA RAN (100) based on a requested set of soft handover parameters from a plurality of sets of soft handover parameters associated with a corresponding plurality of radio configurations. A mobile station (140) can request a set of soft handover parameters associated with a radio configuration. Candidate base stations (BTS 1-BTS N) can be added to an active list based on the soft handover parameters.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In modern Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems soft handover or handoff is a preferred method for transferring support for a mobile communication unit from one base station to another as the communication unit moves between cells within, for example, a Radio Access Network (RAN). Since CDMA systems use the same frequencies between cells it is possible to make new connections with base stations while existing connections are maintained reducing power requirements, interference and the like and decreasing the probability of a dropped call. In making handoffs or handovers, the communication unit maintains what is referred to as an Active Set associated with base stations to which service for the call in progress can be transferred if certain handoff parameters are met based on measurements of pilot signals from various base stations within range. The measurement process is ongoing and the handoff parameters include pilot strength thresholds that cause, for example, the base station to be added to the Active Set or dropped from the Active Set. In conventional systems, the handoff parameters typically used to allocate channels are provided to the mobile on the basis of a single RC, typically RC1 which is used throughout the RAN regardless of whether or not different radio configurations are possible. For example, for CDMA2000 or IS-2000 based RANs a multitude of RCs are available. Disadvantageously however, in CDMA2000 or IS-2000 systems, handoff parameters are set system-wide as noted based on, for example, RC1 and are the same regardless of the existence of the additional radio configurations. It should be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that handoff performance depends on link budget. Further, link budget performance of a RC in a CDMA2000 or IS-2000 system varies depending upon prevailing conditions and, for example, the type of modulation and coding applied for a particular RC. For example, in a typical CDMA2000 or IS-2000 system, RC2 has less channel gain than RC1 by 1.8 dB. Other RCs have divergent gains, with some RCs having more and some having less. It will be appreciated that higher channel gain requires less Ec/Io for adequate demodulation and thus some RCs may have gains particularly well suited for demodulation. However, since as noted, in CDMA2000 or IS-2000 systems, handoff parameters are set system-wide based on a standard RC such as RC 1, the ability to operate using handoff parameters associated with other, often more optimum radio configurations, is limited leading to, for example, limited Active Set candidacy for base stations which might otherwise be more desirable candidates than candidates chosen based on handoff parameters associated with the standard RC.
|
Title:
Radio configuration-based handoff parameter adjustment
Abstract:
A method and apparatus facilitate soft handover in a CDMA RAN (100) based on a requested set of soft handover parameters from a plurality of sets of soft handover parameters associated with a corresponding plurality of radio configurations. A mobile station (140) can request a set of soft handover parameters associated with a radio configuration. Candidate base stations (BTS 1-BTS N) can be added to an active list based on the soft handover parameters.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In modern Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems soft handover or handoff is a preferred method for transferring support for a mobile communication unit from one base station to another as the communication unit moves between cells within, for example, a Radio Access Network (RAN). Since CDMA systems use the same frequencies between cells it is possible to make new connections with base stations while existing connections are maintained reducing power requirements, interference and the like and decreasing the probability of a dropped call. In making handoffs or handovers, the communication unit maintains what is referred to as an Active Set associated with base stations to which service for the call in progress can be transferred if certain handoff parameters are met based on measurements of pilot signals from various base stations within range. The measurement process is ongoing and the handoff parameters include pilot strength thresholds that cause, for example, the base station to be added to the Active Set or dropped from the Active Set. In conventional systems, the handoff parameters typically used to allocate channels are provided to the mobile on the basis of a single RC, typically RC1 which is used throughout the RAN regardless of whether or not different radio configurations are possible. For example, for CDMA2000 or IS-2000 based RANs a multitude of RCs are available. Disadvantageously however, in CDMA2000 or IS-2000 systems, handoff parameters are set system-wide as noted based on, for example, RC1 and are the same regardless of the existence of the additional radio configurations. It should be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that handoff performance depends on link budget. Further, link budget performance of a RC in a CDMA2000 or IS-2000 system varies depending upon prevailing conditions and, for example, the type of modulation and coding applied for a particular RC. For example, in a typical CDMA2000 or IS-2000 system, RC2 has less channel gain than RC1 by 1.8 dB. Other RCs have divergent gains, with some RCs having more and some having less. It will be appreciated that higher channel gain requires less Ec/Io for adequate demodulation and thus some RCs may have gains particularly well suited for demodulation. However, since as noted, in CDMA2000 or IS-2000 systems, handoff parameters are set system-wide based on a standard RC such as RC 1, the ability to operate using handoff parameters associated with other, often more optimum radio configurations, is limited leading to, for example, limited Active Set candidacy for base stations which might otherwise be more desirable candidates than candidates chosen based on handoff parameters associated with the standard RC.
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10504021
| 2,004
|
Localization of an ip telecommunications terminal over a lan
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The present invention relates to a possibility to localize a telecommunications terminal over a local area network. More specifically, the invention provides a method for associating a port number of a powering equipment to which will be connected a telecommunications terminal with some identification characteristics of said telecommunications terminal. Furthermore, it provides a telecommunications terminal to be connected to a local area network while being localized when remotely powered. It provides also a supervisor engine like a server connected to a local area network and collecting identification characteristics of a telecommunications terminal for its localization over said local area network.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There is a need, in particular for enhanced emergency services (911 in the US, 112 in Europe) to provide a geographical localization information about the device from where an emergency call has been initiated. For devices connected to a Local Area Network LAN, like an Internet Protocol IP based telecommunications terminal e.g. an IP phone, or IP wireless base station, there exists specific protocol like Simple Network Management Protocol SNMP to centralize some information about that devices. Usually, some data collection mechanism about all the network devices will run on some management. An update of any change of some status of these devices on the network can be obtained. The type of information a device can provide to the management will depend on the Management Information Bases MIB that are supported by that device. A device supports a MIB if the device is capable of supplying the type of information defined in the objects specified in the MIB. Most devices can provide the type information defined in the objects specified in certain standard MIBs, known as MIB I and MIB II. The format and layout of MIB II is specified in Request for Comments RFC 1213. Additional standard MIBs have been defined for information types not covered in MIB I and MIB II, and new MIBs are being developed on an ongoing basis. However, support for these standard MIBs varies from device to device. A device may only support a subset of their own proprietary MIBs, and many devices operate in more than one mode. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,122,639 is disclosed a method of collecting information about a device in a network for storage in a database. It is based on a regular mapping of some device type identifier to a plurality of information sets associated with that identifier. It implies a transfer of a non negligible amount of data particularly in nowadays LAN to which a high number of devices like IP telecommunications terminal will be connected. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,982,753 is disclosed a test instrument for testing a LAN. This test instrument once connected to that LAN, will conduct a segment discovery test in which the network devices are analyzed to detect local hosts, switches, routers, bridges and other devices, and further determine addressing information such as IP addresses, MAC addresses. A data base of these addresses of the various devices can be compiled. The type of reports chosen depend on the contents of the set of available MIBs as well as the particular ports selected for analysis. A switch typically has ports as listed according to the bridge MIB and also has interfaces which correspond to ports but may also include the backplane and SNMP agents. If the bridge MIB is available from the switch, the test instrument can obtain a list of MAC addresses of devices attached to any port. These MAC addresses are then matched by port against the data base to obtain the report of IP and MAC addresses and device names by port. But this method cannot be applied for emergency application concerning telecommunications terminals like IP phones since MAC address does not provide any information about the physical port usually RJ45 plug to which they are connected to that LAN. And a localization of a device will only be possible if to each MAC addresses of a device connected to the LAN can be affected with certainty a corresponding valid port number. This problem appears to be crucial in this context since the user of telecommunications terminals to be connected to a LAN will be even encourage to relocate its device according to its need anywhere over the LAN infrastructure. Such advantage of the use of e.g. an IP phone will be to much restricted if it is contingent by some specific registration each time such telecommunications terminal is relocated over the LAN.
|
Title:
Localization of an ip telecommunications terminal over a lan
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a possibility to localize a telecommunications terminal over a local area network. More specifically, the invention provides a method for associating a port number of a powering equipment to which will be connected a telecommunications terminal with some identification characteristics of said telecommunications terminal. Furthermore, it provides a telecommunications terminal to be connected to a local area network while being localized when remotely powered. It provides also a supervisor engine like a server connected to a local area network and collecting identification characteristics of a telecommunications terminal for its localization over said local area network.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There is a need, in particular for enhanced emergency services (911 in the US, 112 in Europe) to provide a geographical localization information about the device from where an emergency call has been initiated. For devices connected to a Local Area Network LAN, like an Internet Protocol IP based telecommunications terminal e.g. an IP phone, or IP wireless base station, there exists specific protocol like Simple Network Management Protocol SNMP to centralize some information about that devices. Usually, some data collection mechanism about all the network devices will run on some management. An update of any change of some status of these devices on the network can be obtained. The type of information a device can provide to the management will depend on the Management Information Bases MIB that are supported by that device. A device supports a MIB if the device is capable of supplying the type of information defined in the objects specified in the MIB. Most devices can provide the type information defined in the objects specified in certain standard MIBs, known as MIB I and MIB II. The format and layout of MIB II is specified in Request for Comments RFC 1213. Additional standard MIBs have been defined for information types not covered in MIB I and MIB II, and new MIBs are being developed on an ongoing basis. However, support for these standard MIBs varies from device to device. A device may only support a subset of their own proprietary MIBs, and many devices operate in more than one mode. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,122,639 is disclosed a method of collecting information about a device in a network for storage in a database. It is based on a regular mapping of some device type identifier to a plurality of information sets associated with that identifier. It implies a transfer of a non negligible amount of data particularly in nowadays LAN to which a high number of devices like IP telecommunications terminal will be connected. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,982,753 is disclosed a test instrument for testing a LAN. This test instrument once connected to that LAN, will conduct a segment discovery test in which the network devices are analyzed to detect local hosts, switches, routers, bridges and other devices, and further determine addressing information such as IP addresses, MAC addresses. A data base of these addresses of the various devices can be compiled. The type of reports chosen depend on the contents of the set of available MIBs as well as the particular ports selected for analysis. A switch typically has ports as listed according to the bridge MIB and also has interfaces which correspond to ports but may also include the backplane and SNMP agents. If the bridge MIB is available from the switch, the test instrument can obtain a list of MAC addresses of devices attached to any port. These MAC addresses are then matched by port against the data base to obtain the report of IP and MAC addresses and device names by port. But this method cannot be applied for emergency application concerning telecommunications terminals like IP phones since MAC address does not provide any information about the physical port usually RJ45 plug to which they are connected to that LAN. And a localization of a device will only be possible if to each MAC addresses of a device connected to the LAN can be affected with certainty a corresponding valid port number. This problem appears to be crucial in this context since the user of telecommunications terminals to be connected to a LAN will be even encourage to relocate its device according to its need anywhere over the LAN infrastructure. Such advantage of the use of e.g. an IP phone will be to much restricted if it is contingent by some specific registration each time such telecommunications terminal is relocated over the LAN.
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10503328
| 2,004
|
Pyroelectric device, method for manufacturing same and infrared sensor
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A first electrode layer made of a noble metal containing at least one additive selected from the group consisting of Ti, Co, Ni, Mg, Fe, Ca, Sr, Mn, Ba and Al and oxides thereof, a pyroelectric layer having a thickness of 0.5 to 5 μm and having a perovskite crystalline structure whose chemical composition is represented as (Pb(1-y)Lay)Ti(1-y/4)O3 (0<y≦0.2) or (Pb(1-y)Lay)(ZrxTi(1-x))(1-y/4)O3 (0<x≦0.2 or 0.55≦x<0.8, 0<y≦0.2), and a second electrode layer are formed in this order on a substrate, to obtain a pyroelectric device.
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BACKGROUND ART A pyroelectric device includes a pair of electrodes provided on a substrate, and a polarized pyroelectric thin film provided between the pair of electrodes. When the pyroelectric device is irradiated with infrared rays, the surface temperature thereof changes and the degree of polarization changes accordingly, whereby an electric charge appears on the surface of the pyroelectric device, and the temperature change can be measured by detecting the electric charge. Thus, a pyroelectric device can be used as an infrared detector. For conventional pyroelectric devices, techniques have been developed to improve the crystallinity and the orientation of the pyroelectric thin film so that the pyroelectric devices can be used as small-sized, high-performance infrared detectors (see, for example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication Nos. 7-300397, 7-211135, 11-220185 and 7-307496). Referring to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 , the pyroelectric device described in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 7-300397 includes a first electrode layer 11 provided on a substrate 10 , an intermediate layer 12 made of a (100)-oriented oxide thin film having a salt (NaCl)-type crystalline structure such as NiO, CoO or MgO provided on the electrode layer, a (001)-oriented pyroelectric thin film 13 provided on the intermediate layer, and a second electrode layer 14 provided on the pyroelectric thin film. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 7-211135 describes a technique of providing Pt as a lower electrode on an MgO single-crystal plate, forming a (001)-oriented ferroelectric (pyroelectric) thin film thereon by a sputtering method and further providing an Ni—Cr electrode thereon to obtain a sensor element. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 11-220185 describes a technique of coating Pt to obtain an electrode on a substrate, applying thereon a precursor of an organic metal compound, which is a PZT ferroelectric material, and thermally decomposing the precursor to obtain a ferroelectric thin film. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 7-307496 describes a technique of forming a (111)-oriented Pt electrode on a silicon substrate, and forming a PLZT pyroelectric thin film thereon so that it is oriented along the (111) plane. However, with the structure of the pyroelectric thin film of Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 7-300397, a step of forming the intermediate layer is necessary, and the crystallinity and the orientation of the intermediate layer influence those of the pyroelectric thin film. Therefore, when mass-produced, the pyroelectric characteristics vary significantly and the peeling phenomenon occurs due to a decrease in the adhesion of the film, thus decreasing the yield in mass production. With the structure of the pyroelectric thin film of Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 7-211135, an expensive MgO single-crystal plate is necessary for obtaining the (001)-oriented ferroelectric (pyroelectric) thin film, thereby posing a cost problem. With the method described in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 11-220185, the ferroelectric thin film is formed by a sol-gel method, whereby a crack is likely to occur and the film is likely to peel off due to volumetric changes through heating steps such as the thermal decomposition step. This decreases the yield in mass production. With the structure of the pyroelectric thin film of Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 7-307496, the crystallinity of the electrode has a substantial influence on the pyroelectric thin film, thus imposing limitations on the substrate type, the substrate orientation, the electrode type, the electrode thickness, etc. Moreover, the pyroelectric material formed thereon is not 100% (111)-oriented. Therefore, when mass-produced, the pyroelectric characteristics vary significantly, thus decreasing the yield. The present invention has been made to solve these problems in the prior art, and has an object to provide a pyroelectric device whose pyroelectric thin film has desirable crystallinity and orientation with a small pyroelectric characteristics variation, and which can be manufactured at a low cost. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a pyroelectric device with a smaller number of production steps and with a desirable mass-production yield. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an infrared radiation sensor that can be manufactured at a low cost with a small characteristics variation.
|
Title:
Pyroelectric device, method for manufacturing same and infrared sensor
Abstract:
A first electrode layer made of a noble metal containing at least one additive selected from the group consisting of Ti, Co, Ni, Mg, Fe, Ca, Sr, Mn, Ba and Al and oxides thereof, a pyroelectric layer having a thickness of 0.5 to 5 μm and having a perovskite crystalline structure whose chemical composition is represented as (Pb(1-y)Lay)Ti(1-y/4)O3 (0<y≦0.2) or (Pb(1-y)Lay)(ZrxTi(1-x))(1-y/4)O3 (0<x≦0.2 or 0.55≦x<0.8, 0<y≦0.2), and a second electrode layer are formed in this order on a substrate, to obtain a pyroelectric device.
Background:
BACKGROUND ART A pyroelectric device includes a pair of electrodes provided on a substrate, and a polarized pyroelectric thin film provided between the pair of electrodes. When the pyroelectric device is irradiated with infrared rays, the surface temperature thereof changes and the degree of polarization changes accordingly, whereby an electric charge appears on the surface of the pyroelectric device, and the temperature change can be measured by detecting the electric charge. Thus, a pyroelectric device can be used as an infrared detector. For conventional pyroelectric devices, techniques have been developed to improve the crystallinity and the orientation of the pyroelectric thin film so that the pyroelectric devices can be used as small-sized, high-performance infrared detectors (see, for example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication Nos. 7-300397, 7-211135, 11-220185 and 7-307496). Referring to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 , the pyroelectric device described in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 7-300397 includes a first electrode layer 11 provided on a substrate 10 , an intermediate layer 12 made of a (100)-oriented oxide thin film having a salt (NaCl)-type crystalline structure such as NiO, CoO or MgO provided on the electrode layer, a (001)-oriented pyroelectric thin film 13 provided on the intermediate layer, and a second electrode layer 14 provided on the pyroelectric thin film. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 7-211135 describes a technique of providing Pt as a lower electrode on an MgO single-crystal plate, forming a (001)-oriented ferroelectric (pyroelectric) thin film thereon by a sputtering method and further providing an Ni—Cr electrode thereon to obtain a sensor element. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 11-220185 describes a technique of coating Pt to obtain an electrode on a substrate, applying thereon a precursor of an organic metal compound, which is a PZT ferroelectric material, and thermally decomposing the precursor to obtain a ferroelectric thin film. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 7-307496 describes a technique of forming a (111)-oriented Pt electrode on a silicon substrate, and forming a PLZT pyroelectric thin film thereon so that it is oriented along the (111) plane. However, with the structure of the pyroelectric thin film of Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 7-300397, a step of forming the intermediate layer is necessary, and the crystallinity and the orientation of the intermediate layer influence those of the pyroelectric thin film. Therefore, when mass-produced, the pyroelectric characteristics vary significantly and the peeling phenomenon occurs due to a decrease in the adhesion of the film, thus decreasing the yield in mass production. With the structure of the pyroelectric thin film of Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 7-211135, an expensive MgO single-crystal plate is necessary for obtaining the (001)-oriented ferroelectric (pyroelectric) thin film, thereby posing a cost problem. With the method described in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 11-220185, the ferroelectric thin film is formed by a sol-gel method, whereby a crack is likely to occur and the film is likely to peel off due to volumetric changes through heating steps such as the thermal decomposition step. This decreases the yield in mass production. With the structure of the pyroelectric thin film of Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 7-307496, the crystallinity of the electrode has a substantial influence on the pyroelectric thin film, thus imposing limitations on the substrate type, the substrate orientation, the electrode type, the electrode thickness, etc. Moreover, the pyroelectric material formed thereon is not 100% (111)-oriented. Therefore, when mass-produced, the pyroelectric characteristics vary significantly, thus decreasing the yield. The present invention has been made to solve these problems in the prior art, and has an object to provide a pyroelectric device whose pyroelectric thin film has desirable crystallinity and orientation with a small pyroelectric characteristics variation, and which can be manufactured at a low cost. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a pyroelectric device with a smaller number of production steps and with a desirable mass-production yield. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an infrared radiation sensor that can be manufactured at a low cost with a small characteristics variation.
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10983821
| 2,004
|
Gauze on stick (GOS)
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A device for the dispensing of gauzes and the like comprises a housing devise for mechanical dispensing of multiple disposable gauzes, a cap at the end of the dispensing device, and elements for the circular gauze to allow for sterility, grip and usefulness. The elements include a groove and bead head system that allow for dispensing of the circular gauzes that are secured in place by a master circular disk and spring with a system of opposing saw teeth to allow forward motion of the circular gauze disks and the actual disposable circular gauze disks with and absorbent material on one side and on the other side a latex or rubber belt to allow for securing of circular gauze disk over venipuncture site and a small circular absorbent pad with circular tape to place over a venipuncture site as needed.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The field of invention or technical field to which this invention pertains to is a medical device for use in phlebotomy. At this time, there is to my knowledge no related subject matter pertaining to this invention. If any description of related art could be made, then latex gloves or face shields against biohazard contamination would fit this category. Yet, this device is one of the few that provide additional protection against accidental exposure with contaminated blood and needles. Each year, OSHA reports on the serious problems faced by health care workers when dealing with the state of technology or the art of drawing blood from patients in a safe and efficient manner and avoiding accidental needle sticks with potentially hazardous blood.
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Title:
Gauze on stick (GOS)
Abstract:
A device for the dispensing of gauzes and the like comprises a housing devise for mechanical dispensing of multiple disposable gauzes, a cap at the end of the dispensing device, and elements for the circular gauze to allow for sterility, grip and usefulness. The elements include a groove and bead head system that allow for dispensing of the circular gauzes that are secured in place by a master circular disk and spring with a system of opposing saw teeth to allow forward motion of the circular gauze disks and the actual disposable circular gauze disks with and absorbent material on one side and on the other side a latex or rubber belt to allow for securing of circular gauze disk over venipuncture site and a small circular absorbent pad with circular tape to place over a venipuncture site as needed.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The field of invention or technical field to which this invention pertains to is a medical device for use in phlebotomy. At this time, there is to my knowledge no related subject matter pertaining to this invention. If any description of related art could be made, then latex gloves or face shields against biohazard contamination would fit this category. Yet, this device is one of the few that provide additional protection against accidental exposure with contaminated blood and needles. Each year, OSHA reports on the serious problems faced by health care workers when dealing with the state of technology or the art of drawing blood from patients in a safe and efficient manner and avoiding accidental needle sticks with potentially hazardous blood.
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10954132
| 2,004
|
Gaming device having a player selection game
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A gaming device that includes a plurality of elements or symbols which are each in one or more of a plurality of element groups or sets. The gaming device also includes a plurality of player selectable selections. Each player selectable selection is associated with one of the plurality of element groups or sets. In one embodiment, the player is enabled to pick one of the selections and each element in the element group or set associated with the picked selection is flagged or marked. If a designated element or combination of elements are not flagged, the player is enabled to pick at another one of the selections, one at a time, until a designated element or combination of elements are flagged or marked. Once a designated element or combination of elements are flagged or marked, the player is provided an award based, at least in part, on the specific element or combination of elements which are flagged or marked.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Primary and secondary games in gaming machines generally result in a win or a loss for the player. In a slot machine game, the game ends when the reels stop and the gaming device analyzes the symbol combinations to determine if one or more winning outcomes exist. In a poker game, the game randomly deals cards, the player has one or more opportunities to randomly generate one or more new cards and the player wins or loses based on a final combination of cards. In a blackjack game, the player's card values add until the player's hand beats the dealer's hand, loses to the dealer's hand or busts. In each of these well known games, the game ends after a number of random generations. In slot machines, the basic game ends after one random generation. In poker machines, the game ends after one, two or more random generations, depending on the type of poker game. In blackjack machines, the number of generations varies, but has a limit, namely, the number until the card denominations add to or exceed twenty one. Known bonus games employ a plurality of game ending strategies. One known strategy is a do-until strategy in which the player picks until picking a bonus terminator. European Patent Application No. EP 0 945 837 A2 filed on Mar. 18, 1999 and assigned on its face to WMS Gaming, Inc. discloses a bonus game in which a player has one or more opportunities to select masked bonus awards. When the player selects a masked award, the game reveals the selection and provides the award to the player. The player selects until all the selections are selected or until selecting a game terminator. In other games, the player selects from a group of selections until two or more matching selections are picked by the player. Another known bonus game ending strategy includes letting the player decide whether to end the game with a particular result or trade results with the hope of obtaining a higher award. The TOP DOLLAR® gaming device, which is manufactured and distributed by the assignee of this application, provides the player with three offers and a final award. When an offer is given, the player may accept or reject it. If the player accepts an offer, the player receives the accepted bonus amount and the bonus round terminates. If the player declines an offer, the game generates another offer for the player, which may be a higher or lower award. The game is similar to poker, wherein the player has a limited opportunity to better an outcome. Bingo games are also known. In a conventional bingo game, players are provided with bingo cards that have a plurality of elements arranged as a matrix of five rows and five columns. The elements are identified as the numbers 1 through 75 which are divided into five sets, with each set having fifteen numbers. Each set is associated with a vertical column in the matrix and each column from left to right is assigned one letter from the word “BINGO.” The center space in the matrix is conventionally a “free space.” Bingo balls are individually numbered from 1 through 75 and are mixed together. Balls are then randomly selected one at a time. As each selected number is announced, each player covers any corresponding number on his or her bingo card. Play continues until one of the players covers a predefined winning arrangement or pattern of spots on the bingo card. A winning arrangement may be any designated pattern, such as any of the five vertical columns, any of the five horizontal rows or either of the two diagonals on the bingo card. Other winning combinations include the four corners of the bingo card, the eight spots immediately surrounding the free space, a circle around the free space, a diamond pattern or a pattern which forms a letter, such as an H pattern, a C pattern or a T pattern. An award or prize is provided to the first player to achieve the predefined winning pattern and the Bingo game ends. In each of the foregoing games, the game ends upon a limited number of random generations or upon a result of the random generations. In an effort to create a more entertaining and exciting game, a need exists to create a gaming machine or device having new apparatus and method for ending a game and combine these with the known methods described above.
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Title:
Gaming device having a player selection game
Abstract:
A gaming device that includes a plurality of elements or symbols which are each in one or more of a plurality of element groups or sets. The gaming device also includes a plurality of player selectable selections. Each player selectable selection is associated with one of the plurality of element groups or sets. In one embodiment, the player is enabled to pick one of the selections and each element in the element group or set associated with the picked selection is flagged or marked. If a designated element or combination of elements are not flagged, the player is enabled to pick at another one of the selections, one at a time, until a designated element or combination of elements are flagged or marked. Once a designated element or combination of elements are flagged or marked, the player is provided an award based, at least in part, on the specific element or combination of elements which are flagged or marked.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Primary and secondary games in gaming machines generally result in a win or a loss for the player. In a slot machine game, the game ends when the reels stop and the gaming device analyzes the symbol combinations to determine if one or more winning outcomes exist. In a poker game, the game randomly deals cards, the player has one or more opportunities to randomly generate one or more new cards and the player wins or loses based on a final combination of cards. In a blackjack game, the player's card values add until the player's hand beats the dealer's hand, loses to the dealer's hand or busts. In each of these well known games, the game ends after a number of random generations. In slot machines, the basic game ends after one random generation. In poker machines, the game ends after one, two or more random generations, depending on the type of poker game. In blackjack machines, the number of generations varies, but has a limit, namely, the number until the card denominations add to or exceed twenty one. Known bonus games employ a plurality of game ending strategies. One known strategy is a do-until strategy in which the player picks until picking a bonus terminator. European Patent Application No. EP 0 945 837 A2 filed on Mar. 18, 1999 and assigned on its face to WMS Gaming, Inc. discloses a bonus game in which a player has one or more opportunities to select masked bonus awards. When the player selects a masked award, the game reveals the selection and provides the award to the player. The player selects until all the selections are selected or until selecting a game terminator. In other games, the player selects from a group of selections until two or more matching selections are picked by the player. Another known bonus game ending strategy includes letting the player decide whether to end the game with a particular result or trade results with the hope of obtaining a higher award. The TOP DOLLAR® gaming device, which is manufactured and distributed by the assignee of this application, provides the player with three offers and a final award. When an offer is given, the player may accept or reject it. If the player accepts an offer, the player receives the accepted bonus amount and the bonus round terminates. If the player declines an offer, the game generates another offer for the player, which may be a higher or lower award. The game is similar to poker, wherein the player has a limited opportunity to better an outcome. Bingo games are also known. In a conventional bingo game, players are provided with bingo cards that have a plurality of elements arranged as a matrix of five rows and five columns. The elements are identified as the numbers 1 through 75 which are divided into five sets, with each set having fifteen numbers. Each set is associated with a vertical column in the matrix and each column from left to right is assigned one letter from the word “BINGO.” The center space in the matrix is conventionally a “free space.” Bingo balls are individually numbered from 1 through 75 and are mixed together. Balls are then randomly selected one at a time. As each selected number is announced, each player covers any corresponding number on his or her bingo card. Play continues until one of the players covers a predefined winning arrangement or pattern of spots on the bingo card. A winning arrangement may be any designated pattern, such as any of the five vertical columns, any of the five horizontal rows or either of the two diagonals on the bingo card. Other winning combinations include the four corners of the bingo card, the eight spots immediately surrounding the free space, a circle around the free space, a diamond pattern or a pattern which forms a letter, such as an H pattern, a C pattern or a T pattern. An award or prize is provided to the first player to achieve the predefined winning pattern and the Bingo game ends. In each of the foregoing games, the game ends upon a limited number of random generations or upon a result of the random generations. In an effort to create a more entertaining and exciting game, a need exists to create a gaming machine or device having new apparatus and method for ending a game and combine these with the known methods described above.
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10978572
| 2,004
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Cellulose gypsum based substrate with increased water resistance and strength by surface application of polymeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate
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The disclosed invention consists of an improved gypsum based, cellulosic containing board and method for applying a resin to an untreated board at a spray station where pMDI resin is sprayed onto the front and back side of the board. A resin distribution system is used to supply the spray nozzles with pMDI. Optionally, a second spray station is included, if desired, to add additional pMDI resin over the surface of the board to achieve complete coverage. The improvement is an increased water resistance and flexural strength.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to the ability to provide a uniform application of polymeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate (pMDI) onto cellulose gypsum panels, boards and other surfaces, to create a substrate with increased strength and water resistance. Exterior wall cladding is used as a barrier to keep exterior air and moisture out of the wall cavity. If water and moisture penetrate the wall cladding surface damage will result to the cladding board itself Prior art exterior wall cladding was made out of gypsum sheathing or water-resistant gypsum board. It was found that the application of pMDI to a cellulose/gypsum based board greatly increased the board's strength and water resistance. The disclosed invention applies the pMDI to the cellulose/gypsum based board with an apparatus that provides a uniform coating across the board which results in increased water resistance and flexural strength.
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Title:
Cellulose gypsum based substrate with increased water resistance and strength by surface application of polymeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate
Abstract:
The disclosed invention consists of an improved gypsum based, cellulosic containing board and method for applying a resin to an untreated board at a spray station where pMDI resin is sprayed onto the front and back side of the board. A resin distribution system is used to supply the spray nozzles with pMDI. Optionally, a second spray station is included, if desired, to add additional pMDI resin over the surface of the board to achieve complete coverage. The improvement is an increased water resistance and flexural strength.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to the ability to provide a uniform application of polymeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate (pMDI) onto cellulose gypsum panels, boards and other surfaces, to create a substrate with increased strength and water resistance. Exterior wall cladding is used as a barrier to keep exterior air and moisture out of the wall cavity. If water and moisture penetrate the wall cladding surface damage will result to the cladding board itself Prior art exterior wall cladding was made out of gypsum sheathing or water-resistant gypsum board. It was found that the application of pMDI to a cellulose/gypsum based board greatly increased the board's strength and water resistance. The disclosed invention applies the pMDI to the cellulose/gypsum based board with an apparatus that provides a uniform coating across the board which results in increased water resistance and flexural strength.
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10870494
| 2,004
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Method of producing corrosion-resistant apparatus and apparatus produced thereby
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The production of corrosion-resistant apparatus or equipment from alloys which are resistant to chemically aggressive media, such as media which contain hydrogen fluoride or which release hydrogen fluoride, and apparatus and equipment so made. The alloys used in the invention contain aluminum and nickel or aluminum and silicon. The alloys can be used, for example, to produce devices such as reactor vessels, pipelines, agitator devices, sampling devices, etc., which can be used for carrying out fluorination reactions, especially the synthesis of fluorinated organic compounds using hydrogen fluoride and an antimony halide catalyst.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a novel use for alloys, which contain nickel and/or silicon, as well as at least 3.5% by weight of aluminum and to apparatus produced from such alloys. It is well known that chemical media, for example, chemical compounds (such as hydrogen fluoride, hydrofluoric acid), reaction media (such as etching solutions or reaction mixtures, which contain hydrogen fluoride or hydrofluoric acid), as well as media which can release hydrogen fluoride (for example, by hydrolysis or as a reaction product), can be very aggressive or corrosive. As stated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,124,511 (=EP 823,412), even such resistant materials, as Hastalloy YM , Inconel™ and Monel™ are corroded. In this prior patent, it is recommended that a material, which contains at least 10% by weight of aluminum, be used for halogenation reactions. Preferred additional materials include iron, copper, manganese, cobalt and chromium. The resistance of essentially pure aluminum in fluorination reactions is known already from the British patent GB 853 297.
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Title:
Method of producing corrosion-resistant apparatus and apparatus produced thereby
Abstract:
The production of corrosion-resistant apparatus or equipment from alloys which are resistant to chemically aggressive media, such as media which contain hydrogen fluoride or which release hydrogen fluoride, and apparatus and equipment so made. The alloys used in the invention contain aluminum and nickel or aluminum and silicon. The alloys can be used, for example, to produce devices such as reactor vessels, pipelines, agitator devices, sampling devices, etc., which can be used for carrying out fluorination reactions, especially the synthesis of fluorinated organic compounds using hydrogen fluoride and an antimony halide catalyst.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a novel use for alloys, which contain nickel and/or silicon, as well as at least 3.5% by weight of aluminum and to apparatus produced from such alloys. It is well known that chemical media, for example, chemical compounds (such as hydrogen fluoride, hydrofluoric acid), reaction media (such as etching solutions or reaction mixtures, which contain hydrogen fluoride or hydrofluoric acid), as well as media which can release hydrogen fluoride (for example, by hydrolysis or as a reaction product), can be very aggressive or corrosive. As stated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,124,511 (=EP 823,412), even such resistant materials, as Hastalloy YM , Inconel™ and Monel™ are corroded. In this prior patent, it is recommended that a material, which contains at least 10% by weight of aluminum, be used for halogenation reactions. Preferred additional materials include iron, copper, manganese, cobalt and chromium. The resistance of essentially pure aluminum in fluorination reactions is known already from the British patent GB 853 297.
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10517042
| 2,004
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(Meth)acrylic esters of polyalkoxylated trimethylolpropane
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The present invention relates to novel (meth)acrylic esters of polyalkoxylated trimethylolpropane of the formula where AO is for each AO independently at each instance EO, PO or BO where EO is O—CH2-CH2- PO is independently at each instance O—CH2-CH(CH3)- or O—CH(CH3)-CH2- BO is independently at each instance O—CH2-CH(CH2-CH3)- or O—CH(CH2-CH3)-CH2- p1+p2+p3 is 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74 or 75, R1, R2 and R3 are independently H or CH3, a simplified process for preparing these esters and the use of reaction mixtures thus obtainable.
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Title:
(Meth)acrylic esters of polyalkoxylated trimethylolpropane
Abstract:
The present invention relates to novel (meth)acrylic esters of polyalkoxylated trimethylolpropane of the formula where AO is for each AO independently at each instance EO, PO or BO where EO is O—CH2-CH2- PO is independently at each instance O—CH2-CH(CH3)- or O—CH(CH3)-CH2- BO is independently at each instance O—CH2-CH(CH2-CH3)- or O—CH(CH2-CH3)-CH2- p1+p2+p3 is 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74 or 75, R1, R2 and R3 are independently H or CH3, a simplified process for preparing these esters and the use of reaction mixtures thus obtainable.
Background:
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10752806
| 2,004
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Child carrier attachment for shopping carts
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A shopping cart carrier attachment for carrying at least one child, the child carrier having a main body with an entrance and a support platform or seat to support the child, the main body being removably attachable to the basket of the cart and to the lower frame of the cart such that the main body extends forward from and is suspended from the front of the cart. Most preferably, the child carrier is configured as a real world object, such as a vehicle.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to child carrier seats or structures incorporated into or attached to shopping carts, such as those carts typically found in grocery stores, to provide seating for children in addition to or in place of the standard collapsible hinged seat disposed at the rear of the basket adjacent the basket handle. More particularly, the invention relates to such child carriers that are situated to the front of the shopping cart and that do not reduce the carrying capacity of the shopping cart. Even more particularly, the invention relates to such child carriers that are removable attachments to standard shopping carts. Wheeled shopping carts suitable for carrying a large number of items are well known and are staple equipment in grocery stores, department stores, warehouse stores and the like. A typical shopping cart comprises a large, generally trapezoidal basket formed of wire mesh, the basket mounted at its rear onto support members such that the basket is disposed above a horizontally disposed lower frame and undercarriage tray. Four wheels are mounted below the lower frame, with the front wheels usually being castor or swivel wheels for easier turning of the cart. The basket handle is mounted to the rear of the basket and a hinged, collapsible seat is typical provided within the rear portion of the basket, the seat allowing a child to be seated with his or her legs dangling to the rear below the handle. The standard collapsible seats are suitable for toddlers and very young children, but cannot accommodate larger children or multiple children. In addition, many children feel trapped in the seat or do not find it to be comfortable. To address this problem, shopping carts have been developed that incorporate larger seats, seats that face to the front of the cart, and seats having an aesthetic or imaginative design that allows the children to entertain themselves. Examples of such shopping carts are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,443,236 to Gallagher, U.S. Pat. No. 3,497,234 to Schray, U.S. Pat. No. 4,805,935 to Grayson, U.S. Pat. No. 5,330,210 to Lambrecht, U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,924 to Reiland et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,513,817 to McCue et al. One class of shopping carts simply re-structures the cart such that the seat is positioned to the front of the cart rather than the rear. The Schray device is an example of this type, where the hinged collapsible seat is put in front of a vertically oriented basket. Gallagher shows a fixed seat positioned in the front of a cart having two baskets. The Reiland et al. patent shows a shopping cart where the basket is divided into forward and rearward sections by a bench seat. The McCue et al. patent shows a shopping cart where the lower frame is extended forward a sufficient length to accommodate a child carrier mounted atop the extended portion of the frame. A third set of wheels is provided due to the extended length. The child carrier is an integral part of the cart and is adapted to look like a truck or other vehicle, such that the child or children may pretend to be driving the vehicle while the cart is being pushed. A significant problem with this device and the devices referred to above is that each shopping cart must be specially manufactured, since each design involves significant changes to the basic structure of standard shopping carts. Thus, storeowners must purchase these special carts separately from their standard shopping carts, resulting in higher costs for each cart since they are not buying in bulk. Furthermore, should any of the special carts become damaged, the cart must be individually repaired or replaced, meaning that fewer special carts are available to shoppers. A preferred solution to the problem of specialized cart structures is to provide an improved child carrier system that is an attachment to standard shopping carts. With this construction, the storeowners can utilize the child carriers on the carts they already own. Overall costs are lowered, since each child carrier structure is purchased separately rather than purchasing a specialized cart. If a cart needs repair, the child carrier structure can be removed from the damaged cart and attached to an operative cart. For example, Grayson shows a simple approach, where a horizontal platform is placed onto the undercarriage tray and lower frame, and the child sits on the platform while holding handles. As can be expected, this is not likely to be comfortable over long periods of time, and any drips or spills from items placed in the basket will fall onto the child. This structure is also dangerous, in that the child can easily get his or her hands caught in the wheels. Another child carrier structure attachable to standard carts is illustrated in Lambrecht. While this device is adapted to give the appearance of a vehicle for the child to drive, again the child is positioned directly beneath the basket in a rather cramped posture. It is an object of this invention to provide a child carrier for shopping carts that successfully addresses the problems set forth above, and in particular is a child carrier that is attachable and removable from standard shopping carts. It is an object to provide a child carrier attachment for a shopping cart that presents an imaginative and decorative appearance to provide entertainment value to the child, as well as to provide a pleasant configuration for other shoppers. It is an object to provide a child carrier that may accommodate more than one child in a comfortable manner.
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Title:
Child carrier attachment for shopping carts
Abstract:
A shopping cart carrier attachment for carrying at least one child, the child carrier having a main body with an entrance and a support platform or seat to support the child, the main body being removably attachable to the basket of the cart and to the lower frame of the cart such that the main body extends forward from and is suspended from the front of the cart. Most preferably, the child carrier is configured as a real world object, such as a vehicle.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to child carrier seats or structures incorporated into or attached to shopping carts, such as those carts typically found in grocery stores, to provide seating for children in addition to or in place of the standard collapsible hinged seat disposed at the rear of the basket adjacent the basket handle. More particularly, the invention relates to such child carriers that are situated to the front of the shopping cart and that do not reduce the carrying capacity of the shopping cart. Even more particularly, the invention relates to such child carriers that are removable attachments to standard shopping carts. Wheeled shopping carts suitable for carrying a large number of items are well known and are staple equipment in grocery stores, department stores, warehouse stores and the like. A typical shopping cart comprises a large, generally trapezoidal basket formed of wire mesh, the basket mounted at its rear onto support members such that the basket is disposed above a horizontally disposed lower frame and undercarriage tray. Four wheels are mounted below the lower frame, with the front wheels usually being castor or swivel wheels for easier turning of the cart. The basket handle is mounted to the rear of the basket and a hinged, collapsible seat is typical provided within the rear portion of the basket, the seat allowing a child to be seated with his or her legs dangling to the rear below the handle. The standard collapsible seats are suitable for toddlers and very young children, but cannot accommodate larger children or multiple children. In addition, many children feel trapped in the seat or do not find it to be comfortable. To address this problem, shopping carts have been developed that incorporate larger seats, seats that face to the front of the cart, and seats having an aesthetic or imaginative design that allows the children to entertain themselves. Examples of such shopping carts are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,443,236 to Gallagher, U.S. Pat. No. 3,497,234 to Schray, U.S. Pat. No. 4,805,935 to Grayson, U.S. Pat. No. 5,330,210 to Lambrecht, U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,924 to Reiland et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,513,817 to McCue et al. One class of shopping carts simply re-structures the cart such that the seat is positioned to the front of the cart rather than the rear. The Schray device is an example of this type, where the hinged collapsible seat is put in front of a vertically oriented basket. Gallagher shows a fixed seat positioned in the front of a cart having two baskets. The Reiland et al. patent shows a shopping cart where the basket is divided into forward and rearward sections by a bench seat. The McCue et al. patent shows a shopping cart where the lower frame is extended forward a sufficient length to accommodate a child carrier mounted atop the extended portion of the frame. A third set of wheels is provided due to the extended length. The child carrier is an integral part of the cart and is adapted to look like a truck or other vehicle, such that the child or children may pretend to be driving the vehicle while the cart is being pushed. A significant problem with this device and the devices referred to above is that each shopping cart must be specially manufactured, since each design involves significant changes to the basic structure of standard shopping carts. Thus, storeowners must purchase these special carts separately from their standard shopping carts, resulting in higher costs for each cart since they are not buying in bulk. Furthermore, should any of the special carts become damaged, the cart must be individually repaired or replaced, meaning that fewer special carts are available to shoppers. A preferred solution to the problem of specialized cart structures is to provide an improved child carrier system that is an attachment to standard shopping carts. With this construction, the storeowners can utilize the child carriers on the carts they already own. Overall costs are lowered, since each child carrier structure is purchased separately rather than purchasing a specialized cart. If a cart needs repair, the child carrier structure can be removed from the damaged cart and attached to an operative cart. For example, Grayson shows a simple approach, where a horizontal platform is placed onto the undercarriage tray and lower frame, and the child sits on the platform while holding handles. As can be expected, this is not likely to be comfortable over long periods of time, and any drips or spills from items placed in the basket will fall onto the child. This structure is also dangerous, in that the child can easily get his or her hands caught in the wheels. Another child carrier structure attachable to standard carts is illustrated in Lambrecht. While this device is adapted to give the appearance of a vehicle for the child to drive, again the child is positioned directly beneath the basket in a rather cramped posture. It is an object of this invention to provide a child carrier for shopping carts that successfully addresses the problems set forth above, and in particular is a child carrier that is attachable and removable from standard shopping carts. It is an object to provide a child carrier attachment for a shopping cart that presents an imaginative and decorative appearance to provide entertainment value to the child, as well as to provide a pleasant configuration for other shoppers. It is an object to provide a child carrier that may accommodate more than one child in a comfortable manner.
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10928800
| 2,004
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Method for detecting brake circuit failure
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A method is provided for detecting a fault in a hydraulic brake system of a vehicle having a first hydraulic brake circuit and a second hydraulic brake. The first hydraulic brake circuit includes a pressure sensor. A pressure is measured within the first hydraulic brake circuit of the vehicle using the pressure sensor. An expected vehicle acceleration is estimated in response to the measured pressure. An actual vehicle acceleration is measured. A determination is made whether the expected vehicle acceleration is within a predetermined range of the actual acceleration. A first and second wheel differential is determined. A determination is made whether the first wheel differential and second wheel differential satisfy a predetermined condition. A fault in the hydraulic brake system is detected in response to determining whether the first and second wheel differentials satisfy a predetermined condition and in response to determining whether the actual and estimated acceleration are within the predetermined range.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates in general to detecting a hydraulic brake circuit failure within a split vehicle braking system, and more particularly, to detecting a hydraulic brake circuit failure while requiring a pressure sensor in only one of the two hydraulic brake circuits. 2. Description of the Related Art Vehicle braking systems commonly include a master cylinder and reservoir for providing pressurized brake fluid to hydraulic brake circuits for actuating vehicle brakes. Vehicle braking systems typically include two hydraulic brake circuits for actuating a respective set of vehicle brakes. During vehicle stability control mode, as a driver of the vehicle asserts a force on the brake pedal of a vehicle, the master cylinder (M/C) pressure is typically measured by a respective pressure sensor in each hydraulic brake circuit or other type of sensing device which determines the M/C pressure within each of the hydraulic brake circuits (e.g., pressure switch or a brake pedal travel sensor measuring the distance the brake pedal has traveled) for determining the drivers braking demands. Based on the braking demands received from the sensing devices, a motor, pump, and associated valves provide pressurized hydraulic brake fluid to the vehicle brake actuators for actuating the vehicle brakes. The pressurized hydraulic brake force applied to the vehicle brake actuators is directly correlated to the driver's braking demands (the N/C pressure as measured in both hydraulic circuits). Some vehicle braking systems may include secondary assist brake functions. Such secondary assist brake functions provide anti-lock braking (ABS), traction control (TC), and yaw stability control (YSC) functions. These secondary assist brake functions supplement the driver actuated hydraulic brake system. For example, the ABS system pulsates the braking system if the operator of the vehicle locks the brakes so as prevent the vehicle from skidding to shorten the braking distance traveled of the vehicle. Each of the assisted brake functions provides some type of added vehicle braking or vehicle stability control utilizing either one or more brakes individually or in combination. The secondary brake assist functions require additional pressure above the driver applied N/C pressure. For example, for the YSC function, the M/C pressure is used as a reference for the pressure target of an isolated circuit. During YSC control, pressure for an isolated circuit is required to be increased above the M/C pressure (i.e., YSC+M/C pressure measured ). A pressure controller and pressure estimate is used to deliver the required pressure to the wheels of the isolated circuit for applying the secondary assist brake function. These functions typically are automatically activated usually without awareness of the driver. When a hydraulic brake circuit failure is detected, secondary assist braking functions, such as anti-lock braking, traction control, yaw stability control, may be deactivated for allowing the operator of the vehicle to slow down or stop the vehicle on its own without any assistance from secondary assist braking functions. The reason is to prevent any automated braking actions, which are activated by the secondary assist braking functions, from interfering with the driver's intended braking demands. For example, if the hydraulic brake failure is occurring, and the driver wants to stop immediately, the assisted braking cannot sense this issue or condition the driver is faced with and may attempt a vehicle stability control operation that is not in cooperation with the drivers intended braking operation. To detect a hydraulic brake circuit failure a pressure sensor is provided for each hydraulic brake circuit in the vehicle. Typically there are two hydraulic brake circuits for providing hydraulic brake fluid to a respective wheel or sets of wheels. In a two hydraulic brake circuit system, each hydraulic brake circuit provides hydraulic brake fluid to a respective pair of vehicle brakes and two pressure sensors are often utilized. Alternatively, in the two hydraulic brake circuit system, a pressure sensor could be utilized on a first hydraulic brake circuit and a pressure switch could be utilized on the second hydraulic brake circuit. Each pressure sensor or switch provides a signal indicative of the fluid pressure within a respective circuit. To properly utilize the assisted brake functions, it must be known whether both hydraulic brake circuits are functioning properly, otherwise the assisted brake functions could ignore the drivers intended braking demands. If only one pressure sensor was utilized within a braking system utilizing two hydraulic brake circuits, then such a failure could go undetected. For example, if a failure occurred in the sensed circuit, the pressure sensor measuring pressure on the sensed line would provide a M/C pressure measurement of approximately zero. The unsensed circuit, in this example, would have a M/C pressure greater than zero. However, without a second sensor (or other type of indicator) in the unsensed circuit for comparing the pressure within the two hydraulic brake circuits, a potential fault condition may go undetected and braking system would not recognize the drivers braking demands as the M/C pressure is zero in the sensed circuit. As a result, minimum or no braking force would be applied to the vehicle brakes in YSC control modes. In the event of a failure of an unsensed line, the pressure sensor would measure the pressure applied within the sensed circuit (non-failed circuit) and would provide a signal to the motor, pump and associated valves to supply pressurized hydraulic brake fluid to the vehicle brake actuators. However, zero or minimal pressure will be generated in the unsensed (failed) circuit, and as a result, only 50 percent of the vehicle braking would be applied. The hydraulic brake failure would remain undetected in both situations without some secondary method of verifying the hydraulic brake failure, secondary assist brake functions would remain active. Such braking function could potentially conflict with the driver's immediate braking demands. Thus, in YSC systems, it is critical to utilize a pressure sensor in each hydraulic brake circuit, or other device (e.g., pressure differential switch) to detect the failure, however, the addition of a pressure sensor for each additional circuit in a braking system becomes costly.
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Title:
Method for detecting brake circuit failure
Abstract:
A method is provided for detecting a fault in a hydraulic brake system of a vehicle having a first hydraulic brake circuit and a second hydraulic brake. The first hydraulic brake circuit includes a pressure sensor. A pressure is measured within the first hydraulic brake circuit of the vehicle using the pressure sensor. An expected vehicle acceleration is estimated in response to the measured pressure. An actual vehicle acceleration is measured. A determination is made whether the expected vehicle acceleration is within a predetermined range of the actual acceleration. A first and second wheel differential is determined. A determination is made whether the first wheel differential and second wheel differential satisfy a predetermined condition. A fault in the hydraulic brake system is detected in response to determining whether the first and second wheel differentials satisfy a predetermined condition and in response to determining whether the actual and estimated acceleration are within the predetermined range.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates in general to detecting a hydraulic brake circuit failure within a split vehicle braking system, and more particularly, to detecting a hydraulic brake circuit failure while requiring a pressure sensor in only one of the two hydraulic brake circuits. 2. Description of the Related Art Vehicle braking systems commonly include a master cylinder and reservoir for providing pressurized brake fluid to hydraulic brake circuits for actuating vehicle brakes. Vehicle braking systems typically include two hydraulic brake circuits for actuating a respective set of vehicle brakes. During vehicle stability control mode, as a driver of the vehicle asserts a force on the brake pedal of a vehicle, the master cylinder (M/C) pressure is typically measured by a respective pressure sensor in each hydraulic brake circuit or other type of sensing device which determines the M/C pressure within each of the hydraulic brake circuits (e.g., pressure switch or a brake pedal travel sensor measuring the distance the brake pedal has traveled) for determining the drivers braking demands. Based on the braking demands received from the sensing devices, a motor, pump, and associated valves provide pressurized hydraulic brake fluid to the vehicle brake actuators for actuating the vehicle brakes. The pressurized hydraulic brake force applied to the vehicle brake actuators is directly correlated to the driver's braking demands (the N/C pressure as measured in both hydraulic circuits). Some vehicle braking systems may include secondary assist brake functions. Such secondary assist brake functions provide anti-lock braking (ABS), traction control (TC), and yaw stability control (YSC) functions. These secondary assist brake functions supplement the driver actuated hydraulic brake system. For example, the ABS system pulsates the braking system if the operator of the vehicle locks the brakes so as prevent the vehicle from skidding to shorten the braking distance traveled of the vehicle. Each of the assisted brake functions provides some type of added vehicle braking or vehicle stability control utilizing either one or more brakes individually or in combination. The secondary brake assist functions require additional pressure above the driver applied N/C pressure. For example, for the YSC function, the M/C pressure is used as a reference for the pressure target of an isolated circuit. During YSC control, pressure for an isolated circuit is required to be increased above the M/C pressure (i.e., YSC+M/C pressure measured ). A pressure controller and pressure estimate is used to deliver the required pressure to the wheels of the isolated circuit for applying the secondary assist brake function. These functions typically are automatically activated usually without awareness of the driver. When a hydraulic brake circuit failure is detected, secondary assist braking functions, such as anti-lock braking, traction control, yaw stability control, may be deactivated for allowing the operator of the vehicle to slow down or stop the vehicle on its own without any assistance from secondary assist braking functions. The reason is to prevent any automated braking actions, which are activated by the secondary assist braking functions, from interfering with the driver's intended braking demands. For example, if the hydraulic brake failure is occurring, and the driver wants to stop immediately, the assisted braking cannot sense this issue or condition the driver is faced with and may attempt a vehicle stability control operation that is not in cooperation with the drivers intended braking operation. To detect a hydraulic brake circuit failure a pressure sensor is provided for each hydraulic brake circuit in the vehicle. Typically there are two hydraulic brake circuits for providing hydraulic brake fluid to a respective wheel or sets of wheels. In a two hydraulic brake circuit system, each hydraulic brake circuit provides hydraulic brake fluid to a respective pair of vehicle brakes and two pressure sensors are often utilized. Alternatively, in the two hydraulic brake circuit system, a pressure sensor could be utilized on a first hydraulic brake circuit and a pressure switch could be utilized on the second hydraulic brake circuit. Each pressure sensor or switch provides a signal indicative of the fluid pressure within a respective circuit. To properly utilize the assisted brake functions, it must be known whether both hydraulic brake circuits are functioning properly, otherwise the assisted brake functions could ignore the drivers intended braking demands. If only one pressure sensor was utilized within a braking system utilizing two hydraulic brake circuits, then such a failure could go undetected. For example, if a failure occurred in the sensed circuit, the pressure sensor measuring pressure on the sensed line would provide a M/C pressure measurement of approximately zero. The unsensed circuit, in this example, would have a M/C pressure greater than zero. However, without a second sensor (or other type of indicator) in the unsensed circuit for comparing the pressure within the two hydraulic brake circuits, a potential fault condition may go undetected and braking system would not recognize the drivers braking demands as the M/C pressure is zero in the sensed circuit. As a result, minimum or no braking force would be applied to the vehicle brakes in YSC control modes. In the event of a failure of an unsensed line, the pressure sensor would measure the pressure applied within the sensed circuit (non-failed circuit) and would provide a signal to the motor, pump and associated valves to supply pressurized hydraulic brake fluid to the vehicle brake actuators. However, zero or minimal pressure will be generated in the unsensed (failed) circuit, and as a result, only 50 percent of the vehicle braking would be applied. The hydraulic brake failure would remain undetected in both situations without some secondary method of verifying the hydraulic brake failure, secondary assist brake functions would remain active. Such braking function could potentially conflict with the driver's immediate braking demands. Thus, in YSC systems, it is critical to utilize a pressure sensor in each hydraulic brake circuit, or other device (e.g., pressure differential switch) to detect the failure, however, the addition of a pressure sensor for each additional circuit in a braking system becomes costly.
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10821807
| 2,004
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Robotic apparatus for targeting and producing deep, focused transcranial magnetic stimulation
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Techniques for applying electromagnetic energy to deep, targeted areas without overwhelming other areas are provided. One or more coils are moved relative to a target area and magnetic fields are applied to the target from multiple coil locations. As a result, the aggregate electromagetic energy applied to the target over time is greater than surrounding areas. Additionally, a model for testing and treatment planning is provided.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to electromagnetic stimulation of target areas, typically within the anatomy of a living organism such as a human medical patient or an animal. More specifically, the invention relates techniques for utilizing time-dependent and space-dependant variables to focus electromagnetic energy on a target area. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS, a variant of TMS in which electromagnetic fields are produced in trains of multiple short pulses) have shown the ability to trigger neuronal firing in selected superficial brain regions. In at least one psychiatric condition (major depression), this effect of TMS and of rTMS appears to constitute an effective therapy. TMS and rTMS instrumentation are currently limited by their inability to focus their magnetic fields at depth. This is chiefly because a magnetic field always diminishes as a function its distance from the source. Attempts have been made to focus electromagnetic energy into deep structures without overwhelming superficial structures. For example, it has been suggested to simultaneously use multiple coils such that the magnetic fields converge at a chosen point (see Sackheim, HA. Magnetic Stimulation Therapy and ECT (Commentary) Convulsive Therapy, 1994, 10(4): 255-8). Even if feasible, the coordination of multiple coils (e.g., adjusting for a specific target) may make the results less than satisfactory. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,572,528, the inventors propose the use of an adaptation of a 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner to produce some form of transcranial magnetic stimulation. Because the largest of the magnets on such a machine (the solenoid) remains stationary and at steady state while the programmable magnets (e.g., the head coil and the gradient coil) are of relatively low field strength, such a configuration may not be capable of targeting for performing selective stimulation of targeted deep brain structures while sparing superficial structures. A variety of new electromagnet configurations have been developed by the Helsinki group (Ruohonen, J, Dissertation for Doctorate of Technology, Helsinki University of Technology, Espoo, Finland, 1998), which may be useful in the context of TMS for reaching to deeper structures. However, these static magnets pass the greatest portion of their energies through interposed proximal tissue, and hence cannot alone achieve deep TMS while sparing proximal tissue. In the article “A Coil Design for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of Deep Brain Regions” (Roth, Y; Zangen, A; Hallet, M; Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology, 2002, 19(4):361-370), the authors describe the “Hesed” coil shape, which reportedly has a less sharp drop-off in power with distance from the coil. Additionally, a configuration of multiple coils has been attempted to stimulate deep brain structures. (George, MS Stimulating the Brain, Scientific American, editor's inset window, page 72 Sep. 2003). As mentioned above, even if such an approach does prove to be feasible, it is also likely to be expensive and inflexible. For example, targeting different brain regions may require a different coil array and even targeting the same structure in two different individuals may require two different sets of hardware. Both mechanical and computerized stereotactic neurosurgical image guidance systems such as the STEALTH STATION by Surgical Navigation Technologies, Inc., Broomfield Colo. (Division of Medtronic Inc.) have been fitted to TMS coils, in an attempt to better aim the magnetic field at the targeted structure. However these approaches have met with limited success because of the principle of electromagnetism that the electromagnetic field is always greatest next to the surface of the coil than it is at any given distance away from that coil. Hence, even when carefully aimed with expensive image guidance equipment, superficial neuronal structures continue to be overwhelmed before targeted deep structures can be stimulated. There exist devices designed to distribute other forms of energy lightly to the proximal periphery, while concentrating it at a distal target point. U.S. Pat. No. 5,207,223 (Adler, JR, 1993 ) describes a method for manipulating a radiation beam source so that emitted radiation affects a target internal to the human body while minimizing peripheral radiation damage. U.S. Pat. No. 5,427,097 (Depp, JG 1995) provides further methodology for this purpose and the CyberKnife® device (Accuray, Inc., Sunnyvale, Calif.) is a radiosurgery robot that functions using the technologies described in those patents. Magnetic fields differ from radiation beams in the manner that they emanate from their sources, their physical parameters, the methods by their parameters may be altered, and the manner in which they affect living tissue to achieve a desired effect. Consequently, satisfactory techniques by which magnetic field sources can be moved and otherwise manipulated in real time so as to selectively affect deep targeted structures while leaving superficial structures relatively undisturbed and avoiding undesirable side effects such as seizures have not been developed. Additionally, it would beneficial to provide repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation that can selectively stimulate deep brain tissue without overwhelming superficial cortical brain structures. Further, robotically manipulating TMS sources and automatically altering their magnetic field parameters as a function of the instantaneous coil location relative to the designated target would be desirable. Finally, it would be beneficial to have transcranial magnetic stimulators that are able to stimulate or suppress arbitrarily selected neuronal areas by changing numerically or graphically selected target coordinates.
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Title:
Robotic apparatus for targeting and producing deep, focused transcranial magnetic stimulation
Abstract:
Techniques for applying electromagnetic energy to deep, targeted areas without overwhelming other areas are provided. One or more coils are moved relative to a target area and magnetic fields are applied to the target from multiple coil locations. As a result, the aggregate electromagetic energy applied to the target over time is greater than surrounding areas. Additionally, a model for testing and treatment planning is provided.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to electromagnetic stimulation of target areas, typically within the anatomy of a living organism such as a human medical patient or an animal. More specifically, the invention relates techniques for utilizing time-dependent and space-dependant variables to focus electromagnetic energy on a target area. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS, a variant of TMS in which electromagnetic fields are produced in trains of multiple short pulses) have shown the ability to trigger neuronal firing in selected superficial brain regions. In at least one psychiatric condition (major depression), this effect of TMS and of rTMS appears to constitute an effective therapy. TMS and rTMS instrumentation are currently limited by their inability to focus their magnetic fields at depth. This is chiefly because a magnetic field always diminishes as a function its distance from the source. Attempts have been made to focus electromagnetic energy into deep structures without overwhelming superficial structures. For example, it has been suggested to simultaneously use multiple coils such that the magnetic fields converge at a chosen point (see Sackheim, HA. Magnetic Stimulation Therapy and ECT (Commentary) Convulsive Therapy, 1994, 10(4): 255-8). Even if feasible, the coordination of multiple coils (e.g., adjusting for a specific target) may make the results less than satisfactory. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,572,528, the inventors propose the use of an adaptation of a 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner to produce some form of transcranial magnetic stimulation. Because the largest of the magnets on such a machine (the solenoid) remains stationary and at steady state while the programmable magnets (e.g., the head coil and the gradient coil) are of relatively low field strength, such a configuration may not be capable of targeting for performing selective stimulation of targeted deep brain structures while sparing superficial structures. A variety of new electromagnet configurations have been developed by the Helsinki group (Ruohonen, J, Dissertation for Doctorate of Technology, Helsinki University of Technology, Espoo, Finland, 1998), which may be useful in the context of TMS for reaching to deeper structures. However, these static magnets pass the greatest portion of their energies through interposed proximal tissue, and hence cannot alone achieve deep TMS while sparing proximal tissue. In the article “A Coil Design for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of Deep Brain Regions” (Roth, Y; Zangen, A; Hallet, M; Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology, 2002, 19(4):361-370), the authors describe the “Hesed” coil shape, which reportedly has a less sharp drop-off in power with distance from the coil. Additionally, a configuration of multiple coils has been attempted to stimulate deep brain structures. (George, MS Stimulating the Brain, Scientific American, editor's inset window, page 72 Sep. 2003). As mentioned above, even if such an approach does prove to be feasible, it is also likely to be expensive and inflexible. For example, targeting different brain regions may require a different coil array and even targeting the same structure in two different individuals may require two different sets of hardware. Both mechanical and computerized stereotactic neurosurgical image guidance systems such as the STEALTH STATION by Surgical Navigation Technologies, Inc., Broomfield Colo. (Division of Medtronic Inc.) have been fitted to TMS coils, in an attempt to better aim the magnetic field at the targeted structure. However these approaches have met with limited success because of the principle of electromagnetism that the electromagnetic field is always greatest next to the surface of the coil than it is at any given distance away from that coil. Hence, even when carefully aimed with expensive image guidance equipment, superficial neuronal structures continue to be overwhelmed before targeted deep structures can be stimulated. There exist devices designed to distribute other forms of energy lightly to the proximal periphery, while concentrating it at a distal target point. U.S. Pat. No. 5,207,223 (Adler, JR, 1993 ) describes a method for manipulating a radiation beam source so that emitted radiation affects a target internal to the human body while minimizing peripheral radiation damage. U.S. Pat. No. 5,427,097 (Depp, JG 1995) provides further methodology for this purpose and the CyberKnife® device (Accuray, Inc., Sunnyvale, Calif.) is a radiosurgery robot that functions using the technologies described in those patents. Magnetic fields differ from radiation beams in the manner that they emanate from their sources, their physical parameters, the methods by their parameters may be altered, and the manner in which they affect living tissue to achieve a desired effect. Consequently, satisfactory techniques by which magnetic field sources can be moved and otherwise manipulated in real time so as to selectively affect deep targeted structures while leaving superficial structures relatively undisturbed and avoiding undesirable side effects such as seizures have not been developed. Additionally, it would beneficial to provide repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation that can selectively stimulate deep brain tissue without overwhelming superficial cortical brain structures. Further, robotically manipulating TMS sources and automatically altering their magnetic field parameters as a function of the instantaneous coil location relative to the designated target would be desirable. Finally, it would be beneficial to have transcranial magnetic stimulators that are able to stimulate or suppress arbitrarily selected neuronal areas by changing numerically or graphically selected target coordinates.
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10991605
| 2,004
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Vapor deposition of dissimilar materials
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A method for depositing a first material on a substrate includes providing the substrate in a deposition chamber. A molten body is formed between the substrate and a source of the first material by melting one or more second materials. A flow of the first material is passed through the molten body and from the molten body to the substrate as a vapor flow. An essentially non-expending portion of the molten body comprises an alloy having a melting temperature below a melting temperature of the first material.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to an vapor deposition of metallic materials. More particularly, the invention relates to the evaporation of materials which include elements with significantly different vapor pressures. It is desirable to use vapor deposition to deposit materials whose components are of different vapor pressures. These include many Ti-, Co-, and Ni-based alloys. There are a various thermal methods for evaporating solid materials in physical vapor deposition (PVD), including: resistance or induction heating; electron beam physical vapor deposition (EBPVD); laser deposition; and variations thereon. These methods may be used to evaporate and deposit metal alloys with components to have different vapor pressures. Nevertheless, such deposition can involve a variety of homogeneity problems with the deposited material (condensate). Methods have been developed to evaporate the components of such alloys through pools comprising refractory materials. Examples are found in: Shiller, Z., Gaizig, U., and Pantser, Z., Electron-beam Technology, M. Energy, 1980, p 528; Physical Vapor Deposition, Airco Temescal, 1976, p 190; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,474,809. The '809 patent teaches a pool having a refractory component with lower vapor pressure than the components of the deposition material. The deposition material components are transported through the pool, forming a vapor stream at the pool surface. The deposition material components are continuously replaced by new material melting from the ingot. The refractory component is essentially non-consumed or is consumed in small, controllable quantities.
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Title:
Vapor deposition of dissimilar materials
Abstract:
A method for depositing a first material on a substrate includes providing the substrate in a deposition chamber. A molten body is formed between the substrate and a source of the first material by melting one or more second materials. A flow of the first material is passed through the molten body and from the molten body to the substrate as a vapor flow. An essentially non-expending portion of the molten body comprises an alloy having a melting temperature below a melting temperature of the first material.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to an vapor deposition of metallic materials. More particularly, the invention relates to the evaporation of materials which include elements with significantly different vapor pressures. It is desirable to use vapor deposition to deposit materials whose components are of different vapor pressures. These include many Ti-, Co-, and Ni-based alloys. There are a various thermal methods for evaporating solid materials in physical vapor deposition (PVD), including: resistance or induction heating; electron beam physical vapor deposition (EBPVD); laser deposition; and variations thereon. These methods may be used to evaporate and deposit metal alloys with components to have different vapor pressures. Nevertheless, such deposition can involve a variety of homogeneity problems with the deposited material (condensate). Methods have been developed to evaporate the components of such alloys through pools comprising refractory materials. Examples are found in: Shiller, Z., Gaizig, U., and Pantser, Z., Electron-beam Technology, M. Energy, 1980, p 528; Physical Vapor Deposition, Airco Temescal, 1976, p 190; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,474,809. The '809 patent teaches a pool having a refractory component with lower vapor pressure than the components of the deposition material. The deposition material components are transported through the pool, forming a vapor stream at the pool surface. The deposition material components are continuously replaced by new material melting from the ingot. The refractory component is essentially non-consumed or is consumed in small, controllable quantities.
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10496819
| 2,004
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Materials and methods for making improved micelle compositions
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Provided are methods of treatment of many different diseases and disorders using micelle and sterically stabilized crystalline compounds of the invention.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to biologically activecompounds and more specifically to compounds, peptides, proteins, fragments, analogs, and modulators thereof which are amphipathic, i.e., have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic portions. Specifically, the invention relates to improved methods for the delivery and presentation of amphipathic peptides, proteins, fragments, analogs, and modulators thereof alone or conjugated to other compounds in association with micelles or monomers of micelles diagnostic, therapeutic, cosmetic and organ tissue and cell preservative uses. The invention also provides methods for the delivery of compounds that are insoluble or nearly insoluble in an aqueous solution. Specifically, the invention provide methods to produce sterically stabilized crystalline products comprised of a crystallized insoluble compound coated with a lipid surface. Of particular interest to the present invention are the biologically active amphipathic peptides which are members of the family of peptide compounds including, but not limited to, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), growth hormone releasing factor (GRF), hypocretins, peptide histidine isoleucine (PHI), peptide histidine methionine (PHM), pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP), gastric inhibitory hormone (GIP), hemodermin, the growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH), sauvagine and urotensin I, secretin, glucagon, galanin, endothelin, calcitonin, α 1 -proteinase inhibitor, angiotensin II, corticotropin releasing factor, antibacterial peptides and proteins in general, surfactant peptides and proteins, α-MSH, adrenolmedullin, ANF, IGF-1, α2 amylin, orphanin, and orexin. More specifically, the invention relates to improved therapeutic methods for delivering peptides in the VIP/GRF or IL-2 family of peptides, as well as other amphipathic peptides, to targeted tissues through use of improved micelle compositions comprising a member of the VIP/GRF or IL-2 family of peptides, amphipathic peptides in general, proteins, and biologically active analogues, fragments and modulators thereof. VIP is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide which is known to display a broad profile of biological actions and to activate multiple signal transducing pathways. See, Said, Peptides 5 (Suppl. 1):149-150 (1984) and Paul and Ebadi, Neurochem. Int. 23:197-214 (1993). A Schiff-Edmundson projection of VIP as a π-helix reveals segregation of apolar and polar residues onto the opposite faces of the helix and that this amphipathic character is also evident when VIP is modeled as a distorted α-helix, which is reported in Musso, et al., Biochemistry 27:8147-8181 (1988). A correlation between the helix-forming tendency of VIP analogues and their biological activity is described in Bodanszky et al., Bioorgan. Chem: 3:133-140 (1974). In pure water, the spectral characteristics of VIP are consistent with those of a random coil. However, organic solvents and anionic lipids induce helical-information in the molecule. See, Robinson et al., Biopolymers 21:1217-1228 (1983); Hamed, et al., Biopolymers 22:1003-1021 (1983); and Bodanszky, et al., Bioorganic Chem. 3:133-140 (1974). Short peptides capable of forming amphipathic helices are known to bind and penetrate lipid bilayers. See, Kaiser and Kezdy, Ann. Rev. Biophys. Biophysical Chem. 15:561-581 (1987) and Sansom, Prog. Biophys. Molec. Biol. 55:139-235 (1991). Examples include model peptides like (LKKLLKL-), which are disclosed in DeGrado and Lear, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 107:7684-7689 (1985), and the 26-residue bee venom peptide, melittin, disclosed in Watata and Gwozdzinski, Chem-Biol. Interactions 82:135-149 (1992). Possible mechanisms for the binding include alignment of peptide monomers parallel to the surface of the bilayer mediated by electrostatic interactions between polar amino acids and phospholipid head groups, and insertion of peptide aggregates into the apolar bilayer core, stabilized in part, by the hydrophobic effect. See, Sansom, Prog. Biophys. Molec. Biol. 55:139-235 (1991). VIP belongs to a family of homologous peptides, other members of which include peptide histidine isoleucine (PHI), peptide histidine methionine (PHM), growth hormone releasing factor (GRF), hypocretins, pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP), gastric inhibitory hormone (GIP), hemodermin, the growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH), sauvagine and utotensin I, secretin and glucagon. Like VIP, the other members of the VIP/GRF family of peptides, and biologically active analogues thereof, can form amphipathic helices capable of binding lipid bilayers. The biological action of members of the VIP/GRF family of peptides are believed to be mediated by protein receptors expressed on the cell surface and intracellular receptors and it has recently been demonstrated that calmodulin is likely to be the intracellular receptor for VIP [Stallwood, et al., J. Bio. Chem. 267:19617-19621 (1992); and Stallwood, et al., FASEB J. 7:1054 (1993)]. Bodanszky et al., Bioorgan. Chem. 3:133-140 (1974) were the first to study the conformation of VIP through optical rotary dispersion and circular dichroism spectrum. They showed structural differences in VIP, depending on the hydrophobicity of the solvent in which VIP was dissolved. The VIP-in-water spectrum revealed a mostly random coil structure (about 80%). However, addition of organic solvents, such as trifluoroethanol (TFE) or methanol, even at low concentration induced a pronounced shift to a helical structure. The authors suggested that these effects of the organic solvents on the structure of the peptide would coincide with receptor conditions, and therefore, the helical conformation of VIP would correspond to an “active architecture” required for its biological activity. These early studies were in agreement with the findings of Robinson et al., Biopolymers 21:1217-1228 (1982), who analyzed the conformation of VIP, and two of its family members, secretin and glucagon, in water, anionic detergents, and anionic lipids (PA and phosphatidylglycerol (PG)). They showed an increase in the helix formation probability by arginyl, histidyl, and lysil residues, corresponding in all three peptides to their 13-20 amino acid region. A predominantly disordered structure was again observed for VIP in aqueous solvents, and zwitterionic lipids, suggesting that the charge of the polar head group plays an important role in helix formation. Using circular dichroism (CD) spectra studies with 40% HFIP/H 2 O mixture and 1 H-NMR studies Fournier et al., Peptides 5:160-177 (1984), showed that the 15-28 portion of the VIP segment forms an α-helix in the presence of organic solvent. A complete structural study of the native VIP in 40% TFE was performed by Theriault et al., Biopolymers 31:459-464 (1991) using two-dimensional 1 H-NMR spectroscopy. Their results were similar to the ones obtained by Fry et al., Biochemistry 28:2399-2409 (1989) who investigated VIP in 25% methanol/water. They described two helical segments between the amino acids 7-15 and 19-27 linked by a random coil peptide chain portion that granted mobility to the molecule. Finally several groups worked on the development of more potent analogs of VIP as potential therapeutic agents, since the native peptide had a very low bioavailability. Interestingly, all of them modified the sequence of VIP to enhance its helicity and amphiphilicity. VIP structure-activity relationship were studied extensively by Bolin and his collaborators (Fry et al., Biochemistry 28:2399-2409 (1989); Bolin et al., Biopolymers 37:57-66 (1995). Among their results, the enhancement of the helical structure by specific substitutions of amino acid residues was proportionally related to an increase in potency, and the pharmacoactive functional group of the VIP was found to consist of multiple binding sites throughout the entire peptide sequence. Helix based analogs of VIP were also developed by Musso et al., Biochemistry 27:8174-8181 (1988) that showed greater interactions with receptors. Stearyl-Norleucine-VIP analog that has a 100-fold greater potency was designed by Gozes et al., Endocrinology 134:2121-2125 (1994), for noninvasive impotence treatment and neurodegenerative diseases Gozes et al. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 273:161-167 (1996). The addition of fatty acid moiety and the amino acid substitutions increased the lipophilicity of the peptide, which was believed to improve biological membrane penetration. In summary, VIP and other members of the superfamily have been shown to adopt a helical conformation in hydrophobic environments, provided by organic solvent, and the helical structure of the VIP increases with an increase in the hydrophobicity of the environment. This helical motif found in the central part of the peptide, which is rich in basic, hydrophobic residues, forms an amphiphilic structure that may facilitate the binding to receptors and promote direct interactions with membrane lipids, causing an increase in bioactivity. Furthermore, it is possible that the helical structure of VIP also contributes to an increased stability, by protecting specific sites particularly sensitive to proteolytic degradation. As reviewed by Gozes et al., Mol. Neurobiol. 3:201-236 (1989), immunofluorescence and radioimmunoassay techniques demonstrated the wide but selective distribution of VIP in the central and peripheral nervous systems. In the brain, the highest density of VIP-rich neurons occur in the hypothalamus, particularly in the suprachiasmatic and paraventricular nuclei and in the cerebral cortex. VIP concentrations are higher in the hypophyseal portal blood than in the peripheral blood, indicating secretion of the peptide by the hypothalamus and its transport to the adenohypophysis. In the peripheral nervous system, VIP-immunoreactive nerves are found in fibers and terminals that supply blood vessels, nonvascular smooth muscle, and glandular acini and ducts in many organs. Coexistence of VIP with acetylcholine in cholinergic neurons is also well-documented. Some VIP nerves have recently been acknowledged to be components of the autonomic nervous system. Furthermore, Muller et al., Mol. Neurobiol. 10:115-134 (1995) showed that a distinct groups of cells, such as platelets, mast cells, skin cells, neutrophils, and retinal amacrine cells appear to be able to synthesize and release VIP. The physiologic effects of VIP are largely mediated by its binding to specific cell receptors. Hirata et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm. 132:1079-1087 (1985) described two specific receptor binding sites for VIP, one low-, one high-affinity, on cultured vascular smooth muscle cells from rat aorta, that were distinct from β-adrenergic receptors. From a molecular aspect two distinct polyvalent VIP receptors were distinguished after cloning of cDNAs. The first, VIP 1 , receptor is similar to the secretin receptor also called PACAP type II receptor, is expressed in intestine, lung, liver, muscle cells, ovaries, and various brain regions (Sreedharan et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm. 203:141-148 (1994)). The second, VIP 2 receptor is closer to the GRF binding site and has a distinct distribution in the central nervous system (Lutz et al., FEBS Let. 334:3-8 (1993)). Recent studies have also indicated that VIP action can be non-receptor mediated (Séjourné et al., Am. J. Physiol. 273:R287-R292 (1997)). Although studied for many years, most of the intracellular signaling cascades of VIP remain to be elucidated. Most common cellular action observed in many cells is the increased production of intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), via the stimulation of adenylate cyclase. The subsequent steps of cAMP-induced pathways are still highly speculative. Conversely, several observations indicate the existence of cAMP-independent signal transduction cascades. Sreedharan et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm. 203:141-148 (1994) recently found that VIP 1 receptor induced two separate pathways in one cell type, i.e. activation of adenylate cyclase and increase in intracellular Ca 2+ . Stimulation of adrenal medulla and cervical ganglion by VIP were shown to increase the generation of inositol 1,4,5 triphosphate (IP 3 ) and intracellular Ca 2+ (Malhotra et al., J. Biol. Chem. 263:2123-2126 (1988)). Moreover, it has been proposed that internalized VIP could bind to nuclear receptors and activate protein kinase C (Omary et al., Science 238:1578-1580 (1987); Zorn et al., Biochem. Pharmacol. 40:2689-2694 (1990)). The pleiotropic distribution of VIP is correlated with its involvement in a broad spectrum of biological activities, and growing evidence suggests that VIP plays a major role in regulating a variety of important functions in many organs. Physiological actions of VIP have been reported on the cardiovascular, respiratory, reproductive, digestive, immune, and central nervous systems, as well as metabolic, endocrine and neuroendocrine functions (for review, Said, Trends Endocrinol. Metab. 2:107-112 (1991)). In many cases, VIP acts as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator and is released into the local circulation at small concentrations. Among the functions that VIP is believed to mediate or promote (Said, Trends Endocrinol. Metab. 2:107-112 (1991) Paul et al., Neurochem. Int. 23:197-214 (1993)), are vasodilation of cerebral, coronary, peripheral, and pulmonary blood vessels, linked to the regulation of vascular tone; the relaxation of gastrointestinal, uterine, and tracheobroncial smooth muscles; exocrine secretion, water and anions by intestinal, respiratory, and pancreatic epithelia; stimulation of the male and female activity and responses; release and regulation of neuroendocrine functions (renin release, melatonin secretion); inhibition of the immune system (inhibition of platelet aggregation); and stimulation and protection of neuronal cells. New VIP functions such as inhibition of vascular smooth muscle cell growth and small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) cells (Said et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 95(24):14373-8 (1998)), and proliferation of cultured human keratinocytes, the release of neutrophic and growth factors involved in cell differentiation and ontogeny, and antioxidant properties have been recently proposed but still need additional studies (Muller et al., Mol. Neurobiol. 10:115-134 (1995); Said, Trends Endocrinol. Metab. 2:107-112 (1991)). Some human diseases today are known to be associated with the deficiency in the release of VIP. The deficiency of VIP has been linked to the pathogenesis of several diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, diabetic impotence, congenital mengacolon in Hirschsprung's disease, and achalasia of the esophagus. Furthermore, VIP insufficiency may be a cause of bronchial hyperactivity in asthmatic airways since VIP is known to mediate airway relaxation in humans, and lung tissues of asthmatic patients showed a selective absence of VIP nerves (Ollerenshaw et al., N. Engl. J. Med. 320:1244-1248 (1989)). Finally, Avidor et al., Brain Res. 503:304-307.(1989) observed an increase in brain VIP gene expression in a rat model for spontaneous hypertension, thought to be associated with the pathophysiology of the disease. On the other hand, the excessive release of VIP has been linked to the pathogenesis of few diseases. One of the pathological syndromes is so-called pancreatic cholera (“VIPOMA”), a watery diarrhea-hypocholaremia-hypochloridria condition (Krejs, Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 527:501-507 (1988)). Certain tumors, especially pancreatic, bronchogenic, and neurogenic, have been associated with elevated circulatory levels of VIP. In addition, it has also been suggested that increased levels of neuropeptides, including VIP, are found in neonatal blood of children with autism (Nelson, et al., American Journal of Epidemiology 151 (11 Supplement):pS3 Jun. 1,2000). Due to the numerous physiological actions of VIP, the use of VIP as a drug has been of growing interest. The potential therapeutic developments of VIP include treatment of diseases where regional blood flow is deprived. These include hypertension by reducing systemic vascular overload, left ventricular failure, congestive heart failure, and coronary or peripheral ischemia. VIP infusion in man for 10 hours was shown to reduce total peripheral resistance by 30% and increase forearm blood flow by 270% (Frase et al., Am. J. Cardiol. 60:1356-1361 (1987)). Moreover, Smiley, Am. J. Med. Sci. 304:319-333 (1992) showed VIP-immunoreactive nerves in the skin and plasma levels of VIP were found to be low in patients with schleroderma, thus treatment with VIP may restore this impaired response. Other diseases which could be treated by administration of VIP include treatment of asthmatic bronchospasm. VIP has been shown to protect against bronchoconstriction in asthmatic patients and as a relaxant of tracheobronchial smooth muscle (Morice et al., Lancet 26 2(8361):1225-1227 (1983)). Its anti-inflammatory properties could further enhance its therapeutic value in asthma (Said, Biomed. Res. 13 (Suppl. 2):257-262 (1992)). Administration of VIP could also be used in the prevention and/or reduction of tissue injury. The peptide has been described to prevent neuronal cell death produced by the external envelope protein gp120 of the human immunodeficiency virus in vitro (Gozes et al., Mol. Neurobiol. 3:201-236 (1989); Hökfelt, Neuron. 7:867-879 (1991)), which may lead to a potential therapy for AIDS dementia as well as treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Likewise, the acute inflammatory lung injury induced by a variety of insults including oxidant stress was diminished by the presence of VIP (Berisha et al., Am. J. Physiol. 259:L151 -L155 (1990)). VIP added to certain pneumoplegic solutions was also shown to improve rat lung preservation before transplantation (Alessandrini et al., Transplantation 56:964-973 (1993)). A major factor limiting in vivo administration of VIP has been its reduced bioavailability at target tissues mostly because of proteolytic degradation, hydrolysis, and/or a multiplicity of conformations adopted by the peptide. It has been speculated that intracellular delivery of VIP alone and/or VIP-calmodulin mixtures could bypass the requirement for cell-surface binding of the peptide and thus enhance the biological actions of the peptide. Provision of the peptides expressed in and on liposomes or micelles would possibly permit intracellular delivery, since lipid bilayers of liposomes and micelles are known to fuse with the plasma membrane of cells and deliver entrapped contents into the intracellular compartment. Liposomes are microscopic spherical structures composed of phospholipids which were first discovered in the early 1960s (Bangham et al., J. Mol. Biol. 13:238 (1965)). In aqueous media, phospholipid molecules being amphiphilic spontaneously organize themselves in self-closed bilayers as a result of hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions. The resulting vesicles, called liposomes, therefore encapsulate in their interior part of the aqueous medium in which they are suspended, a property that makes them potential carriers for biologically active hydrophilic molecules and drugs in vivo. Lipophilic agents could also be transported, embedded in the liposomal membrane. However, the success of liposomes in medical applications has been severely limited by their rapid sequestration in the reticuloendothelial system (RES). Efforts to reduce the RES uptake of liposomes led in the late 1980s to the development of liposomes with a significant increase in their circulation half-lives (sterically stabilized liposomes) (SSL), and revived hopes for their development as drug delivery systems. Two independent laboratories, from studying the biology of red blood cells, identified the presence of sialic acid on the membrane of erythrocytes to be partly responsible for their very long circulation times. Indeed, the incorporation of sialated glycolipids such as the ganglioside GM 1 into phosphatidylcholine (PC):cholesterol (Chol) liposomes effectively increased the circulation time of the vesicles (Allen et al., FEBS Letter 223:42-46 (1987); Allen et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,016, Appl. 132,136, 18 Dec. 1987; 24 pp, 24 Apr. 1990; Gabizon et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 8:6949 (1988)). These first results have raised new perspectives for liposomes as drug carriers, especially in the field of chemotherapy, since longer half-lives correlated well with higher uptake by implanted tumors in mice (Gabizon et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 8:6949 (1988)). In the 1990s, the near simultaneous development by several investigators of the second generation of SSL containing lipid derivatives of polyethylene glycol (PEG) resulted in further improvements (Klibanov et al., FEBS Letter 268 (1):235-237 (1990); Allen et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1066:29-36 (1991)). Klibanov et al., FEBS Letter 268 (1):235-237 (1990) demonstrated that the blood clearance half-life of PC/Chol (1:1) liposomes in mice was 30 min vs. 5 hours for vesicles composed of PC/Chol/PEG-PE (1:1:0.15). Besides, the preparation techniques of the conjugated phospholipid PEG-di-steroyl-phosphatidylethanolamine (DSPE) were reported to be quick and simple (Klibanov et al., FEBS Letter 268 (1):235-237 (1990); Allen et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1066:29-36 (1991), and PEG had already received approval for pharmaceutical use (PEG-ADA, Rhinaris®). Of interest to the present invention is the observation of increased half-life of circulating protein through conjugation of the protein to a water soluble polymer [Nucci, et al., Adv. Drug Del. Rev. 6:133-151 (1991); Woodle, et al., Proc. Intern. Symp. Control. Rel. Bioact. Mater. 17:77-78 (1990)]. This observation led to the development of sterically stabilized liposomes (SSL) (also known as “PEG-liposomes”) as an improved drug delivery system which has significantly minimized the occurrence of rapid clearance of liposomes from circulation. [Lasic and Martin, Stealth Liposomes, CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, Fla. (1995)]. SSL are polymer-coated liposomes, wherein the polymer, preferably polyethylene glycol (PEG), is covalently conjugated to one of the phospholipids and provides a hydrophilic cloud outside the vesicle bilayer. This steric barrier delays the recognition by opsonins, allowing SSL to remain in circulation much longer than conventional liposomes [Lasic and Martin, Stealth Liposomes, CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, Fla. (1995); Woodle, et al., Biochem. Biophys. Acta 1105:193-200 (1992); Litzinger, et al., Biochem. Biophys. Acta 1190:99-107 (1994); Bedu Addo, et al., Pharm. Res. 13:718-724 (1996)] and increases the pharmacological efficacy of encapsulated agents, as demonstrated for some chemotherapeutic and anti-infectious drugs [Lasic and Martin, Stealth Liposomes, CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, Fla. (1995)]. Studies in this area have demonstrated that different factors affect circulation half-life of SSL, and ideally, the mean vesicle diameter should be under 200 mn, with PEG at a molecular weight of approximately 2,000 Da at a concentration of 5% (9-12) [Lasic and Martin, Stealth Liposomes, CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, Fla. (1995); Woodle, et al., Biochem. Biophys. Acta 1105:193-200 (1992); Litzinger, et al., Biochem. Biophys. Acta 1190:99-107 (1994); Bedu Addo, et al., Pharm. Res. 13:718-724 (1996)]. The mechanism by which SSL avoids macrophages and circulate longer in the blood is thought to involve the formation of a “steric barrier” around the liposomes by the attached PEG molecules. Torchilin, et al., Stealth Liposomes, D. Lasic and F. Martin (Eds.), CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla., pp. 51-62 (1995) claimed that the ability of PEG to prevent liposome opsonization is determined by its behavior in the solvent which entails the formation of a hydrophilic cloud over the vesicle surface even at relatively low polymer concentrations. This negative, hydrophilic coat would act as a protective shield delaying the binding of opsonins that are often attracted to the positive charged lipid surfaces. The circulation time of sterically stabilized liposomes may be controlled by selection of their size, PEG molecular weight, chain length and concentration and selection of the lipid composition. Maruyama et al., Chem. Pharm. Bull. 39:1620-1622 (1991) tested SSL with different PEG molecular weights (1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 12,000 Da), with a constant size (180 to 200 nm) and composition (6% DSPE-PEG in DSPC/Chol-(1:1)). The PEG 2,000 -liposomes appeared to be the longest lasting formulation in mice, with 47.1% of injected dose after 6 h still in the blood. Klibanov et al., FEBS Letter 268 (1):235-237 (1990) conducted similar studies on mice with PC/Chol/PEG-PE (10:5:1) extruded liposomes of 200 nm diameters, using PEG 750 , PEG 2,000 and PEG 5,000 . The authors evaluated the “degree of steric barrier” produced on the liposome surface and concluded that it was directly correlated to chain length of PEG and concentration-dependent. They suggested that the SSL prolongation was directly proportional to PEG chain length, which, itself, corresponded to the steric barrier. Finally, other groups (Allen et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1066:29-36 (1991); Woodle et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1105:193-200 (1992)) found somewhat contradictory results showing that the extension of PEG chain length from 2,000 to 5,000 Da had no additional suppression effect on RES uptake. PEG of molecular weights 1,900, 2,000 and 5,000 have been recently used in various applications. Huang's group (Kibanov et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1062:142-148 (1991); Litzinger et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1190:99-107 (1994) pointed out the importance of the size of liposomes in biodistribution studies, and observed that small vesicles (<100 nm) were taken up by the liver, whereas larger ones (300 nm>diameter<500 nm) accumulated in the spleen, particularly in the red pulp and marginal zone. Indeed, the major function of the spleen is to filter the aged or damaged red blood cells, and the liposome uptake was shown to use this same filtration mechanism, followed by splenic macrophage endocytosis. The reason for such an uptake is however unknown. Their studies showed an optimized circulation time for SSL of 150-200 nm diameters. Ghosh et al., Stealth Liposomes, D. Lasic and F. Martin (Eds.), CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla. pp. 13-24 (1995) confirmed this work, showing the limitation of the prolongation effect of SSL to a narrow size range, between 70 and 200 nm diameter. Most of SSL applications seem indeed to include a size reduction step in their liposome preparation methods. Klibanov et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1062:142-148 (1991) studied the effect of the lipid composition on the blood circulation time of SSL, and found that the half-lives of different SSL were all very close, except when phosphatidylserine (PS) was added. Woodle et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1105:193-200 (1992) also conducted biodistribution studies on mice and rats with SSL of various lipid compositions. They showed similarly that an increase in the hydrogenation of PC (i.e. bulk lipid transition temperature), the addition of the anionic lipid PG, and different levels of cholesterol had no impact on the prolongation effect. A consistent half-life of about 15 hours for blood clearance was observed, regardless of the phospholipid's phase transition, cholesterol content or neutral/negative charges. Nevertheless, Bedu-Addo et al., Pharm. Res. 13:718-724 (1996) recently shed light on the role of cholesterol in the stabilization of liposomes, claiming that the most suitable formulation for prolonged circulation times should contain a minimum of 30 mol % cholesterol, with low concentrations of short-chain PEG-PE (<10%). The authors investigated the efficiency of surface protection in vitro using a fluorescence energy transfer technique. The addition of cholesterol improved surface protection, due to the increase in bilayer cohesive strength. It would limit the formation of “bald spots” less enriched with PEG-PE in the liposomal bilayer, thus inhibiting phase separation and lipid exchange with blood lipoproteins. However, in vivo, it was shown that the long-lasting circulation of SSL seems to depend mostly on the PEG coating and less on the liposome bilayer composition. Different investigators reported that only 5% PEG-PE could give an optimized steric barrier effect on the vesicles (Klibanov et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1062:142-148 (1991); Woodle et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1105:193-200 (1992); McIntosh et al., Stealth Liposomes, D. Lasic and F. Martin (Eds.), CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla. pp. 63-71 (1995)). A maximal limit of 10 mol % PEG was very recently proposed to obtain adequate results from in vitro studies, because of the spontaneous formation of micelles of PEG-PE at higher concentrations (Bedu-Addo et al., Pharm. Res. 13:718-724 (1996)). Also of interest to the present application is the disclosure of PCT Application PCT/US97/05161 relating to improvements in sterically stabilized liposomes and therapeutic and diagnostic including acoustic diagnostic methods of using same. Of interest to the present invention is work relating to molecular aggregates called “micelles” which are defined as colloidal aggregates spontaneously formed by amphiphilic compounds in water above a critical solute concentration, the critical micellar concentration (CMC), and at solution temperatures above the critical micellar temperature (CMT). The molecules constituting the micelles are in rapid dynamic equilibrium with the unassociated molecules. The increase in the concentration above the CMC usually leads to an increase in the number of micelles without any change in micellar size; however, in certain cases with phospholipid mixed micelles, the spherical micelles enlarge into rod-shaped micelles (Carey et al., Arch. Inter Med. 130:506-527 (1972); Hjelm, Jr. et al., J. Phys. Chem. 96 (21):8653-8661 (1992)). The CMC is strongly temperature dependent, and at a given concentration the monomer to micelle transition occurs gradually over a broad temperature range (Almgren et al., Colloid Polym. Sci. 273:2-15 (1995)). An increase in the temperature leads to an increase in the number of aggregates, while the hydrodynamic radius remains constant (Nivaggioli et al., Langmuir. 11 (3):730-737 (1995); Alexandridis et al., Langmuir. 11:1468-1476 (1995)). In general the increase in temperature leads to an increase in hydrophobic interactions and the water dielectric constant is reduced augmenting the ionic repulsion forces. There are many ways to determine the CMC of an amphiphilic compound (surface tension measurements, solubilization of water insoluble dye, or a fluorescent probe, conductivity measurements, light scattering, and the like). According to a preferred method, surface tension measurements may be used to determine the CMC of PEG-DSPE micelles at room temperature. Surfactant micelles are used as adjuvants and drug carrier systems in many areas of pharmaceutical technology. Micelles have been used to increase bioavailability or decrease adverse effects of the drugs (Trubetskoy et al., Advan. Drug Deliv. Reviews 16:311-320 (1995). In addition, the small size of micelles play a key role in transport across membranes including the blood brain barrier (Muranushi et al., Chemistry and Physics of Lipids 28:269-279 (1981); Saletu et al., Int. Clin. Psychopharmacol. 3:287-323 (1988). The surfactant micelles are thermodynamically unstable in aqueous media and subject to dissociation upon dilution. Yokoyama et al., Makromol Chem. Rapid Commun. 8:431-435 (1987) proposed a class of amphiphilic polymers, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), which are known to form more stable polymeric micelles in aqueous solutions. There are many advantages to polymeric micelles, such as small size might control penetration across physiological barriers, increases the half-life in vivo, and allows to target micelles to specific tissues. Studies involving polymer conjugated lipid micelles, such as PEG conjugated to PE are very recent. In one such study, where polyethylene-oxide (PEO) is conjugated to PE and dissolved in aqueous media forming micelles. The study performed by Trubetskoy et al., Acad. Radiol. 3:232-238 (1996) used PEO-PE conjugated lipid to encapsulate indium-111 and gadolinium chalets as contrast media for precutaneous lymphography using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) topography. The study concluded that PEO-PE micelles can incorporate amphiphilic agents and prolong their actions in vivo by avoiding the RES, and prolonging the circulation period. The stability of amphiphilic micelles depends on the strength of Van der Waals interactions. The polymer presence on the micellar surface contributes to its steric protection by repulsive action of the hydrophilic layer from the hydrophobicity of macrophages, thus decreasing the uptake by reticuloendothelial system (RES). Furthermore, the negative charge of the polymer creates a repulsive steric effect in vivo that prevents the binding of opsonins, plasma protein that facilitates RES uptake (Trubetskoy et al., Proceed. Intern. Symp. Control. Rel. Bioact. Mater. 22:452-453 (1995)). Thus, the polar and electrostatic interactions of the polymer with the in vivo environment is responsible for the steric stabilization of phospholipid micelles in vivo. For sterically stabilized phospholipid micelles (SSM) formation an optimal amphiphilic compound is required, one with the right amount of hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity. Factors such as molecular weight and chain length of polymer, size, lipid concentration, and polymer concentrations may play a very important role in determination of the optimal micellar formulation. However, so far there have been no phospholipid micelles studies performed that evaluate the parameters for optimal formulation and activity. Conversely, many studies of block copolymer, amphiphilic polymers, micelles have been done. Nivaggioli et al., Langmuir. 11 (3):730-737 (1995) tested block copolymer micelles of different pluronic copolymers (PEO-PPO-PEO) at a constant temperature and concentrations. The authors found that the increase in the molecular weight of the copolymer leads to an increase in the hydrodynamic size, thus suggesting an increase in the hydrophobic core size. Thus, the increase in micelle size due to the molecular weight and chain length would lead to an increase in uptake by RES. Therefore, high molecular weight and chain length decreases circulation time and hence the half-life of the SSM. Overall, the authors found PEO to be the most promising copolymer for SSM stability. Moreover, Carey and co-workers have determine that significant increase in the polymer concentration above the CMC leads to the formation of rod-like micelles causing an increase in the viscosity of the solution (Carey et al., Arch. Inter Med. 130:506-527 (1972); Almgren et al., Colloid Polym. Sci. 273:2-15 (1995)). Therefore, the elongated micelles increase the hydrophobicity of the micelles and may allow more of the non-polar drug to be encapsulated. From these block co-polymers, amphiphilic compounds, one can infer that the study of parameters that optimize the formulation and activity of phospholipid micelle stability to be very relevant, and should be considered in the future. The utilization of SSM as drug delivery system is a fairly new application, especially as therapeutic and diagnostic agents. As Trubetskoy et al., Proceed. Intern. Symp. Control. Tel. Bioact. Mater. 22:452-453 (1995) pointed out, almost every possible drug administration route has benefitted from the use of micellar drug formation in terms of increased bioavailability or reduced adverse effects. The small size of the micellar formulation allows for their penetration of blood brain barrier making it an ideal carrier for treatment of CNS diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. Recently, SSM have been used as diagnostic agents using MRI and STM techniques (Trubetskoy et al., Proceed. Intern. Symp. Control. Test. Bioact. Mater., 22:452-453 (1995); Zareie et al., Collids and Suraces A: Physiocochemical and Engineering Aspects. 112:19-24 (1996)). In both cases SSM were incorporation with either a dye or paramagnetic agents followed by parenteral administration and visualization. In both cases the half-life of the SSM was at least 2 hours. Also of interest to the present invention is the disclosure of Friedman et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,514,670 which relates to submicron emulsions for delivery of bioactive peptides including vasoactive intestinal peptide analog. The submicron particles are said to have a weighted average diameter of 10 to 600 nm, more preferably 30 to 500 nm and most preferably 70 to 300 nm. Of further interest to the present invention is calmodulin (CaM) which is an ubiquitous 17 kd protein that is found widely in the body and has many functions. Calmodulin functions mainly as a regulatory protein and serves as a sensor for calcium ions. The binding of calcium ions (Ca +2 ) to four sites in calmodulin induces the formation of α-helix and other conformational changes that convert it from an inactive to an active form. The activated calmodulin in turn binds to many enzymes and proteins in the cell and modifies their activity. The globular structure of CaM hides hydrophobic binding sites for proteins that are exposed upon CaM interactions with Ca +2 ions and/or membrane phospholipids (Chiba et al., Life Sciences 47:953-960 (1990); Damrongehai et al., Bioconjugate Chem., 6:264-268 (1995)). Bolin, Neurochem. Int. 23:197-214 (1993) found that VIP is a potent stimulant of Ca +2 binding to calmodulin suggesting a correlation of VIP interactions with CaM and specific cellular regulatory activities. Paul et al., Neurochem. Int. 23:197-214 (1993) also reported that internalized VIP had the ability to directly bind to calmodulin (CaM), and that it inhibited both phosphodiesterase as well as the calmodulin-dependent myosin light chain kinase activity. This observation supports a functional role for VIP-CAM complex (Stallwood et al., J. Biol. Chem. 267:19617-19621 (1992); Shiraga et al., Biochem. J. 300:901-905 (1994), therefore suggesting that calmodulin, a multifunctional protein responsible for the regulation of many different signaling enzymes, could be an intracellular receptor for VIP (Paul et al., Neurochem. Int. 23:197-214 (1993). Thus, VIP may regulate signal transduction by CaM association. Moreover, CaM is also found in extracellular fluid and cerebrospinal fluid and that it is actively secreted by cells (Paul et al., Neurochem. Int. 23:197-214 (1993)), thus the VIP-CaM complex may protect the peptide from protease digestion. Ca +2 ions and lipids are known to effect the peptide-CaM interactions. VIP and Ca +2 binding by CaM is cooperative, in that calcium ion binding to receptors facilitates VIP binding to CaM and vise versa. Phospholipase treatment has been shown to inhibit VIP binding in intact membranes and modulates the binding by solubilizing VIP-binding protein fractions (Paul et al., Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. 527:282-295 (1988)). Thus, the biochemical consequences of VIP-CaM binding depends on the identity of CaM binding site, and conformational changes induced by VIP-CaM binding. Thus, there exists a need in the art to provide further improvements in the use of micelle technology for the therapeutic and diagnostic administration of bioactive molecules particularly in the treatment of specific disease states. More specifically, there remains a desire in the art for improved methods for administration of amphipathic peptides including, but not limited to, members of the VIP/GRF family of peptides associated with phospholipids in order to achieve a more prolonged and effective therapeutic effect.
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Title:
Materials and methods for making improved micelle compositions
Abstract:
Provided are methods of treatment of many different diseases and disorders using micelle and sterically stabilized crystalline compounds of the invention.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to biologically activecompounds and more specifically to compounds, peptides, proteins, fragments, analogs, and modulators thereof which are amphipathic, i.e., have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic portions. Specifically, the invention relates to improved methods for the delivery and presentation of amphipathic peptides, proteins, fragments, analogs, and modulators thereof alone or conjugated to other compounds in association with micelles or monomers of micelles diagnostic, therapeutic, cosmetic and organ tissue and cell preservative uses. The invention also provides methods for the delivery of compounds that are insoluble or nearly insoluble in an aqueous solution. Specifically, the invention provide methods to produce sterically stabilized crystalline products comprised of a crystallized insoluble compound coated with a lipid surface. Of particular interest to the present invention are the biologically active amphipathic peptides which are members of the family of peptide compounds including, but not limited to, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), growth hormone releasing factor (GRF), hypocretins, peptide histidine isoleucine (PHI), peptide histidine methionine (PHM), pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP), gastric inhibitory hormone (GIP), hemodermin, the growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH), sauvagine and urotensin I, secretin, glucagon, galanin, endothelin, calcitonin, α 1 -proteinase inhibitor, angiotensin II, corticotropin releasing factor, antibacterial peptides and proteins in general, surfactant peptides and proteins, α-MSH, adrenolmedullin, ANF, IGF-1, α2 amylin, orphanin, and orexin. More specifically, the invention relates to improved therapeutic methods for delivering peptides in the VIP/GRF or IL-2 family of peptides, as well as other amphipathic peptides, to targeted tissues through use of improved micelle compositions comprising a member of the VIP/GRF or IL-2 family of peptides, amphipathic peptides in general, proteins, and biologically active analogues, fragments and modulators thereof. VIP is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide which is known to display a broad profile of biological actions and to activate multiple signal transducing pathways. See, Said, Peptides 5 (Suppl. 1):149-150 (1984) and Paul and Ebadi, Neurochem. Int. 23:197-214 (1993). A Schiff-Edmundson projection of VIP as a π-helix reveals segregation of apolar and polar residues onto the opposite faces of the helix and that this amphipathic character is also evident when VIP is modeled as a distorted α-helix, which is reported in Musso, et al., Biochemistry 27:8147-8181 (1988). A correlation between the helix-forming tendency of VIP analogues and their biological activity is described in Bodanszky et al., Bioorgan. Chem: 3:133-140 (1974). In pure water, the spectral characteristics of VIP are consistent with those of a random coil. However, organic solvents and anionic lipids induce helical-information in the molecule. See, Robinson et al., Biopolymers 21:1217-1228 (1983); Hamed, et al., Biopolymers 22:1003-1021 (1983); and Bodanszky, et al., Bioorganic Chem. 3:133-140 (1974). Short peptides capable of forming amphipathic helices are known to bind and penetrate lipid bilayers. See, Kaiser and Kezdy, Ann. Rev. Biophys. Biophysical Chem. 15:561-581 (1987) and Sansom, Prog. Biophys. Molec. Biol. 55:139-235 (1991). Examples include model peptides like (LKKLLKL-), which are disclosed in DeGrado and Lear, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 107:7684-7689 (1985), and the 26-residue bee venom peptide, melittin, disclosed in Watata and Gwozdzinski, Chem-Biol. Interactions 82:135-149 (1992). Possible mechanisms for the binding include alignment of peptide monomers parallel to the surface of the bilayer mediated by electrostatic interactions between polar amino acids and phospholipid head groups, and insertion of peptide aggregates into the apolar bilayer core, stabilized in part, by the hydrophobic effect. See, Sansom, Prog. Biophys. Molec. Biol. 55:139-235 (1991). VIP belongs to a family of homologous peptides, other members of which include peptide histidine isoleucine (PHI), peptide histidine methionine (PHM), growth hormone releasing factor (GRF), hypocretins, pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP), gastric inhibitory hormone (GIP), hemodermin, the growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH), sauvagine and utotensin I, secretin and glucagon. Like VIP, the other members of the VIP/GRF family of peptides, and biologically active analogues thereof, can form amphipathic helices capable of binding lipid bilayers. The biological action of members of the VIP/GRF family of peptides are believed to be mediated by protein receptors expressed on the cell surface and intracellular receptors and it has recently been demonstrated that calmodulin is likely to be the intracellular receptor for VIP [Stallwood, et al., J. Bio. Chem. 267:19617-19621 (1992); and Stallwood, et al., FASEB J. 7:1054 (1993)]. Bodanszky et al., Bioorgan. Chem. 3:133-140 (1974) were the first to study the conformation of VIP through optical rotary dispersion and circular dichroism spectrum. They showed structural differences in VIP, depending on the hydrophobicity of the solvent in which VIP was dissolved. The VIP-in-water spectrum revealed a mostly random coil structure (about 80%). However, addition of organic solvents, such as trifluoroethanol (TFE) or methanol, even at low concentration induced a pronounced shift to a helical structure. The authors suggested that these effects of the organic solvents on the structure of the peptide would coincide with receptor conditions, and therefore, the helical conformation of VIP would correspond to an “active architecture” required for its biological activity. These early studies were in agreement with the findings of Robinson et al., Biopolymers 21:1217-1228 (1982), who analyzed the conformation of VIP, and two of its family members, secretin and glucagon, in water, anionic detergents, and anionic lipids (PA and phosphatidylglycerol (PG)). They showed an increase in the helix formation probability by arginyl, histidyl, and lysil residues, corresponding in all three peptides to their 13-20 amino acid region. A predominantly disordered structure was again observed for VIP in aqueous solvents, and zwitterionic lipids, suggesting that the charge of the polar head group plays an important role in helix formation. Using circular dichroism (CD) spectra studies with 40% HFIP/H 2 O mixture and 1 H-NMR studies Fournier et al., Peptides 5:160-177 (1984), showed that the 15-28 portion of the VIP segment forms an α-helix in the presence of organic solvent. A complete structural study of the native VIP in 40% TFE was performed by Theriault et al., Biopolymers 31:459-464 (1991) using two-dimensional 1 H-NMR spectroscopy. Their results were similar to the ones obtained by Fry et al., Biochemistry 28:2399-2409 (1989) who investigated VIP in 25% methanol/water. They described two helical segments between the amino acids 7-15 and 19-27 linked by a random coil peptide chain portion that granted mobility to the molecule. Finally several groups worked on the development of more potent analogs of VIP as potential therapeutic agents, since the native peptide had a very low bioavailability. Interestingly, all of them modified the sequence of VIP to enhance its helicity and amphiphilicity. VIP structure-activity relationship were studied extensively by Bolin and his collaborators (Fry et al., Biochemistry 28:2399-2409 (1989); Bolin et al., Biopolymers 37:57-66 (1995). Among their results, the enhancement of the helical structure by specific substitutions of amino acid residues was proportionally related to an increase in potency, and the pharmacoactive functional group of the VIP was found to consist of multiple binding sites throughout the entire peptide sequence. Helix based analogs of VIP were also developed by Musso et al., Biochemistry 27:8174-8181 (1988) that showed greater interactions with receptors. Stearyl-Norleucine-VIP analog that has a 100-fold greater potency was designed by Gozes et al., Endocrinology 134:2121-2125 (1994), for noninvasive impotence treatment and neurodegenerative diseases Gozes et al. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 273:161-167 (1996). The addition of fatty acid moiety and the amino acid substitutions increased the lipophilicity of the peptide, which was believed to improve biological membrane penetration. In summary, VIP and other members of the superfamily have been shown to adopt a helical conformation in hydrophobic environments, provided by organic solvent, and the helical structure of the VIP increases with an increase in the hydrophobicity of the environment. This helical motif found in the central part of the peptide, which is rich in basic, hydrophobic residues, forms an amphiphilic structure that may facilitate the binding to receptors and promote direct interactions with membrane lipids, causing an increase in bioactivity. Furthermore, it is possible that the helical structure of VIP also contributes to an increased stability, by protecting specific sites particularly sensitive to proteolytic degradation. As reviewed by Gozes et al., Mol. Neurobiol. 3:201-236 (1989), immunofluorescence and radioimmunoassay techniques demonstrated the wide but selective distribution of VIP in the central and peripheral nervous systems. In the brain, the highest density of VIP-rich neurons occur in the hypothalamus, particularly in the suprachiasmatic and paraventricular nuclei and in the cerebral cortex. VIP concentrations are higher in the hypophyseal portal blood than in the peripheral blood, indicating secretion of the peptide by the hypothalamus and its transport to the adenohypophysis. In the peripheral nervous system, VIP-immunoreactive nerves are found in fibers and terminals that supply blood vessels, nonvascular smooth muscle, and glandular acini and ducts in many organs. Coexistence of VIP with acetylcholine in cholinergic neurons is also well-documented. Some VIP nerves have recently been acknowledged to be components of the autonomic nervous system. Furthermore, Muller et al., Mol. Neurobiol. 10:115-134 (1995) showed that a distinct groups of cells, such as platelets, mast cells, skin cells, neutrophils, and retinal amacrine cells appear to be able to synthesize and release VIP. The physiologic effects of VIP are largely mediated by its binding to specific cell receptors. Hirata et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm. 132:1079-1087 (1985) described two specific receptor binding sites for VIP, one low-, one high-affinity, on cultured vascular smooth muscle cells from rat aorta, that were distinct from β-adrenergic receptors. From a molecular aspect two distinct polyvalent VIP receptors were distinguished after cloning of cDNAs. The first, VIP 1 , receptor is similar to the secretin receptor also called PACAP type II receptor, is expressed in intestine, lung, liver, muscle cells, ovaries, and various brain regions (Sreedharan et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm. 203:141-148 (1994)). The second, VIP 2 receptor is closer to the GRF binding site and has a distinct distribution in the central nervous system (Lutz et al., FEBS Let. 334:3-8 (1993)). Recent studies have also indicated that VIP action can be non-receptor mediated (Séjourné et al., Am. J. Physiol. 273:R287-R292 (1997)). Although studied for many years, most of the intracellular signaling cascades of VIP remain to be elucidated. Most common cellular action observed in many cells is the increased production of intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), via the stimulation of adenylate cyclase. The subsequent steps of cAMP-induced pathways are still highly speculative. Conversely, several observations indicate the existence of cAMP-independent signal transduction cascades. Sreedharan et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm. 203:141-148 (1994) recently found that VIP 1 receptor induced two separate pathways in one cell type, i.e. activation of adenylate cyclase and increase in intracellular Ca 2+ . Stimulation of adrenal medulla and cervical ganglion by VIP were shown to increase the generation of inositol 1,4,5 triphosphate (IP 3 ) and intracellular Ca 2+ (Malhotra et al., J. Biol. Chem. 263:2123-2126 (1988)). Moreover, it has been proposed that internalized VIP could bind to nuclear receptors and activate protein kinase C (Omary et al., Science 238:1578-1580 (1987); Zorn et al., Biochem. Pharmacol. 40:2689-2694 (1990)). The pleiotropic distribution of VIP is correlated with its involvement in a broad spectrum of biological activities, and growing evidence suggests that VIP plays a major role in regulating a variety of important functions in many organs. Physiological actions of VIP have been reported on the cardiovascular, respiratory, reproductive, digestive, immune, and central nervous systems, as well as metabolic, endocrine and neuroendocrine functions (for review, Said, Trends Endocrinol. Metab. 2:107-112 (1991)). In many cases, VIP acts as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator and is released into the local circulation at small concentrations. Among the functions that VIP is believed to mediate or promote (Said, Trends Endocrinol. Metab. 2:107-112 (1991) Paul et al., Neurochem. Int. 23:197-214 (1993)), are vasodilation of cerebral, coronary, peripheral, and pulmonary blood vessels, linked to the regulation of vascular tone; the relaxation of gastrointestinal, uterine, and tracheobroncial smooth muscles; exocrine secretion, water and anions by intestinal, respiratory, and pancreatic epithelia; stimulation of the male and female activity and responses; release and regulation of neuroendocrine functions (renin release, melatonin secretion); inhibition of the immune system (inhibition of platelet aggregation); and stimulation and protection of neuronal cells. New VIP functions such as inhibition of vascular smooth muscle cell growth and small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) cells (Said et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 95(24):14373-8 (1998)), and proliferation of cultured human keratinocytes, the release of neutrophic and growth factors involved in cell differentiation and ontogeny, and antioxidant properties have been recently proposed but still need additional studies (Muller et al., Mol. Neurobiol. 10:115-134 (1995); Said, Trends Endocrinol. Metab. 2:107-112 (1991)). Some human diseases today are known to be associated with the deficiency in the release of VIP. The deficiency of VIP has been linked to the pathogenesis of several diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, diabetic impotence, congenital mengacolon in Hirschsprung's disease, and achalasia of the esophagus. Furthermore, VIP insufficiency may be a cause of bronchial hyperactivity in asthmatic airways since VIP is known to mediate airway relaxation in humans, and lung tissues of asthmatic patients showed a selective absence of VIP nerves (Ollerenshaw et al., N. Engl. J. Med. 320:1244-1248 (1989)). Finally, Avidor et al., Brain Res. 503:304-307.(1989) observed an increase in brain VIP gene expression in a rat model for spontaneous hypertension, thought to be associated with the pathophysiology of the disease. On the other hand, the excessive release of VIP has been linked to the pathogenesis of few diseases. One of the pathological syndromes is so-called pancreatic cholera (“VIPOMA”), a watery diarrhea-hypocholaremia-hypochloridria condition (Krejs, Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 527:501-507 (1988)). Certain tumors, especially pancreatic, bronchogenic, and neurogenic, have been associated with elevated circulatory levels of VIP. In addition, it has also been suggested that increased levels of neuropeptides, including VIP, are found in neonatal blood of children with autism (Nelson, et al., American Journal of Epidemiology 151 (11 Supplement):pS3 Jun. 1,2000). Due to the numerous physiological actions of VIP, the use of VIP as a drug has been of growing interest. The potential therapeutic developments of VIP include treatment of diseases where regional blood flow is deprived. These include hypertension by reducing systemic vascular overload, left ventricular failure, congestive heart failure, and coronary or peripheral ischemia. VIP infusion in man for 10 hours was shown to reduce total peripheral resistance by 30% and increase forearm blood flow by 270% (Frase et al., Am. J. Cardiol. 60:1356-1361 (1987)). Moreover, Smiley, Am. J. Med. Sci. 304:319-333 (1992) showed VIP-immunoreactive nerves in the skin and plasma levels of VIP were found to be low in patients with schleroderma, thus treatment with VIP may restore this impaired response. Other diseases which could be treated by administration of VIP include treatment of asthmatic bronchospasm. VIP has been shown to protect against bronchoconstriction in asthmatic patients and as a relaxant of tracheobronchial smooth muscle (Morice et al., Lancet 26 2(8361):1225-1227 (1983)). Its anti-inflammatory properties could further enhance its therapeutic value in asthma (Said, Biomed. Res. 13 (Suppl. 2):257-262 (1992)). Administration of VIP could also be used in the prevention and/or reduction of tissue injury. The peptide has been described to prevent neuronal cell death produced by the external envelope protein gp120 of the human immunodeficiency virus in vitro (Gozes et al., Mol. Neurobiol. 3:201-236 (1989); Hökfelt, Neuron. 7:867-879 (1991)), which may lead to a potential therapy for AIDS dementia as well as treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Likewise, the acute inflammatory lung injury induced by a variety of insults including oxidant stress was diminished by the presence of VIP (Berisha et al., Am. J. Physiol. 259:L151 -L155 (1990)). VIP added to certain pneumoplegic solutions was also shown to improve rat lung preservation before transplantation (Alessandrini et al., Transplantation 56:964-973 (1993)). A major factor limiting in vivo administration of VIP has been its reduced bioavailability at target tissues mostly because of proteolytic degradation, hydrolysis, and/or a multiplicity of conformations adopted by the peptide. It has been speculated that intracellular delivery of VIP alone and/or VIP-calmodulin mixtures could bypass the requirement for cell-surface binding of the peptide and thus enhance the biological actions of the peptide. Provision of the peptides expressed in and on liposomes or micelles would possibly permit intracellular delivery, since lipid bilayers of liposomes and micelles are known to fuse with the plasma membrane of cells and deliver entrapped contents into the intracellular compartment. Liposomes are microscopic spherical structures composed of phospholipids which were first discovered in the early 1960s (Bangham et al., J. Mol. Biol. 13:238 (1965)). In aqueous media, phospholipid molecules being amphiphilic spontaneously organize themselves in self-closed bilayers as a result of hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions. The resulting vesicles, called liposomes, therefore encapsulate in their interior part of the aqueous medium in which they are suspended, a property that makes them potential carriers for biologically active hydrophilic molecules and drugs in vivo. Lipophilic agents could also be transported, embedded in the liposomal membrane. However, the success of liposomes in medical applications has been severely limited by their rapid sequestration in the reticuloendothelial system (RES). Efforts to reduce the RES uptake of liposomes led in the late 1980s to the development of liposomes with a significant increase in their circulation half-lives (sterically stabilized liposomes) (SSL), and revived hopes for their development as drug delivery systems. Two independent laboratories, from studying the biology of red blood cells, identified the presence of sialic acid on the membrane of erythrocytes to be partly responsible for their very long circulation times. Indeed, the incorporation of sialated glycolipids such as the ganglioside GM 1 into phosphatidylcholine (PC):cholesterol (Chol) liposomes effectively increased the circulation time of the vesicles (Allen et al., FEBS Letter 223:42-46 (1987); Allen et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,016, Appl. 132,136, 18 Dec. 1987; 24 pp, 24 Apr. 1990; Gabizon et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 8:6949 (1988)). These first results have raised new perspectives for liposomes as drug carriers, especially in the field of chemotherapy, since longer half-lives correlated well with higher uptake by implanted tumors in mice (Gabizon et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 8:6949 (1988)). In the 1990s, the near simultaneous development by several investigators of the second generation of SSL containing lipid derivatives of polyethylene glycol (PEG) resulted in further improvements (Klibanov et al., FEBS Letter 268 (1):235-237 (1990); Allen et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1066:29-36 (1991)). Klibanov et al., FEBS Letter 268 (1):235-237 (1990) demonstrated that the blood clearance half-life of PC/Chol (1:1) liposomes in mice was 30 min vs. 5 hours for vesicles composed of PC/Chol/PEG-PE (1:1:0.15). Besides, the preparation techniques of the conjugated phospholipid PEG-di-steroyl-phosphatidylethanolamine (DSPE) were reported to be quick and simple (Klibanov et al., FEBS Letter 268 (1):235-237 (1990); Allen et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1066:29-36 (1991), and PEG had already received approval for pharmaceutical use (PEG-ADA, Rhinaris®). Of interest to the present invention is the observation of increased half-life of circulating protein through conjugation of the protein to a water soluble polymer [Nucci, et al., Adv. Drug Del. Rev. 6:133-151 (1991); Woodle, et al., Proc. Intern. Symp. Control. Rel. Bioact. Mater. 17:77-78 (1990)]. This observation led to the development of sterically stabilized liposomes (SSL) (also known as “PEG-liposomes”) as an improved drug delivery system which has significantly minimized the occurrence of rapid clearance of liposomes from circulation. [Lasic and Martin, Stealth Liposomes, CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, Fla. (1995)]. SSL are polymer-coated liposomes, wherein the polymer, preferably polyethylene glycol (PEG), is covalently conjugated to one of the phospholipids and provides a hydrophilic cloud outside the vesicle bilayer. This steric barrier delays the recognition by opsonins, allowing SSL to remain in circulation much longer than conventional liposomes [Lasic and Martin, Stealth Liposomes, CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, Fla. (1995); Woodle, et al., Biochem. Biophys. Acta 1105:193-200 (1992); Litzinger, et al., Biochem. Biophys. Acta 1190:99-107 (1994); Bedu Addo, et al., Pharm. Res. 13:718-724 (1996)] and increases the pharmacological efficacy of encapsulated agents, as demonstrated for some chemotherapeutic and anti-infectious drugs [Lasic and Martin, Stealth Liposomes, CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, Fla. (1995)]. Studies in this area have demonstrated that different factors affect circulation half-life of SSL, and ideally, the mean vesicle diameter should be under 200 mn, with PEG at a molecular weight of approximately 2,000 Da at a concentration of 5% (9-12) [Lasic and Martin, Stealth Liposomes, CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, Fla. (1995); Woodle, et al., Biochem. Biophys. Acta 1105:193-200 (1992); Litzinger, et al., Biochem. Biophys. Acta 1190:99-107 (1994); Bedu Addo, et al., Pharm. Res. 13:718-724 (1996)]. The mechanism by which SSL avoids macrophages and circulate longer in the blood is thought to involve the formation of a “steric barrier” around the liposomes by the attached PEG molecules. Torchilin, et al., Stealth Liposomes, D. Lasic and F. Martin (Eds.), CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla., pp. 51-62 (1995) claimed that the ability of PEG to prevent liposome opsonization is determined by its behavior in the solvent which entails the formation of a hydrophilic cloud over the vesicle surface even at relatively low polymer concentrations. This negative, hydrophilic coat would act as a protective shield delaying the binding of opsonins that are often attracted to the positive charged lipid surfaces. The circulation time of sterically stabilized liposomes may be controlled by selection of their size, PEG molecular weight, chain length and concentration and selection of the lipid composition. Maruyama et al., Chem. Pharm. Bull. 39:1620-1622 (1991) tested SSL with different PEG molecular weights (1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 12,000 Da), with a constant size (180 to 200 nm) and composition (6% DSPE-PEG in DSPC/Chol-(1:1)). The PEG 2,000 -liposomes appeared to be the longest lasting formulation in mice, with 47.1% of injected dose after 6 h still in the blood. Klibanov et al., FEBS Letter 268 (1):235-237 (1990) conducted similar studies on mice with PC/Chol/PEG-PE (10:5:1) extruded liposomes of 200 nm diameters, using PEG 750 , PEG 2,000 and PEG 5,000 . The authors evaluated the “degree of steric barrier” produced on the liposome surface and concluded that it was directly correlated to chain length of PEG and concentration-dependent. They suggested that the SSL prolongation was directly proportional to PEG chain length, which, itself, corresponded to the steric barrier. Finally, other groups (Allen et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1066:29-36 (1991); Woodle et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1105:193-200 (1992)) found somewhat contradictory results showing that the extension of PEG chain length from 2,000 to 5,000 Da had no additional suppression effect on RES uptake. PEG of molecular weights 1,900, 2,000 and 5,000 have been recently used in various applications. Huang's group (Kibanov et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1062:142-148 (1991); Litzinger et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1190:99-107 (1994) pointed out the importance of the size of liposomes in biodistribution studies, and observed that small vesicles (<100 nm) were taken up by the liver, whereas larger ones (300 nm>diameter<500 nm) accumulated in the spleen, particularly in the red pulp and marginal zone. Indeed, the major function of the spleen is to filter the aged or damaged red blood cells, and the liposome uptake was shown to use this same filtration mechanism, followed by splenic macrophage endocytosis. The reason for such an uptake is however unknown. Their studies showed an optimized circulation time for SSL of 150-200 nm diameters. Ghosh et al., Stealth Liposomes, D. Lasic and F. Martin (Eds.), CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla. pp. 13-24 (1995) confirmed this work, showing the limitation of the prolongation effect of SSL to a narrow size range, between 70 and 200 nm diameter. Most of SSL applications seem indeed to include a size reduction step in their liposome preparation methods. Klibanov et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1062:142-148 (1991) studied the effect of the lipid composition on the blood circulation time of SSL, and found that the half-lives of different SSL were all very close, except when phosphatidylserine (PS) was added. Woodle et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1105:193-200 (1992) also conducted biodistribution studies on mice and rats with SSL of various lipid compositions. They showed similarly that an increase in the hydrogenation of PC (i.e. bulk lipid transition temperature), the addition of the anionic lipid PG, and different levels of cholesterol had no impact on the prolongation effect. A consistent half-life of about 15 hours for blood clearance was observed, regardless of the phospholipid's phase transition, cholesterol content or neutral/negative charges. Nevertheless, Bedu-Addo et al., Pharm. Res. 13:718-724 (1996) recently shed light on the role of cholesterol in the stabilization of liposomes, claiming that the most suitable formulation for prolonged circulation times should contain a minimum of 30 mol % cholesterol, with low concentrations of short-chain PEG-PE (<10%). The authors investigated the efficiency of surface protection in vitro using a fluorescence energy transfer technique. The addition of cholesterol improved surface protection, due to the increase in bilayer cohesive strength. It would limit the formation of “bald spots” less enriched with PEG-PE in the liposomal bilayer, thus inhibiting phase separation and lipid exchange with blood lipoproteins. However, in vivo, it was shown that the long-lasting circulation of SSL seems to depend mostly on the PEG coating and less on the liposome bilayer composition. Different investigators reported that only 5% PEG-PE could give an optimized steric barrier effect on the vesicles (Klibanov et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1062:142-148 (1991); Woodle et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1105:193-200 (1992); McIntosh et al., Stealth Liposomes, D. Lasic and F. Martin (Eds.), CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla. pp. 63-71 (1995)). A maximal limit of 10 mol % PEG was very recently proposed to obtain adequate results from in vitro studies, because of the spontaneous formation of micelles of PEG-PE at higher concentrations (Bedu-Addo et al., Pharm. Res. 13:718-724 (1996)). Also of interest to the present application is the disclosure of PCT Application PCT/US97/05161 relating to improvements in sterically stabilized liposomes and therapeutic and diagnostic including acoustic diagnostic methods of using same. Of interest to the present invention is work relating to molecular aggregates called “micelles” which are defined as colloidal aggregates spontaneously formed by amphiphilic compounds in water above a critical solute concentration, the critical micellar concentration (CMC), and at solution temperatures above the critical micellar temperature (CMT). The molecules constituting the micelles are in rapid dynamic equilibrium with the unassociated molecules. The increase in the concentration above the CMC usually leads to an increase in the number of micelles without any change in micellar size; however, in certain cases with phospholipid mixed micelles, the spherical micelles enlarge into rod-shaped micelles (Carey et al., Arch. Inter Med. 130:506-527 (1972); Hjelm, Jr. et al., J. Phys. Chem. 96 (21):8653-8661 (1992)). The CMC is strongly temperature dependent, and at a given concentration the monomer to micelle transition occurs gradually over a broad temperature range (Almgren et al., Colloid Polym. Sci. 273:2-15 (1995)). An increase in the temperature leads to an increase in the number of aggregates, while the hydrodynamic radius remains constant (Nivaggioli et al., Langmuir. 11 (3):730-737 (1995); Alexandridis et al., Langmuir. 11:1468-1476 (1995)). In general the increase in temperature leads to an increase in hydrophobic interactions and the water dielectric constant is reduced augmenting the ionic repulsion forces. There are many ways to determine the CMC of an amphiphilic compound (surface tension measurements, solubilization of water insoluble dye, or a fluorescent probe, conductivity measurements, light scattering, and the like). According to a preferred method, surface tension measurements may be used to determine the CMC of PEG-DSPE micelles at room temperature. Surfactant micelles are used as adjuvants and drug carrier systems in many areas of pharmaceutical technology. Micelles have been used to increase bioavailability or decrease adverse effects of the drugs (Trubetskoy et al., Advan. Drug Deliv. Reviews 16:311-320 (1995). In addition, the small size of micelles play a key role in transport across membranes including the blood brain barrier (Muranushi et al., Chemistry and Physics of Lipids 28:269-279 (1981); Saletu et al., Int. Clin. Psychopharmacol. 3:287-323 (1988). The surfactant micelles are thermodynamically unstable in aqueous media and subject to dissociation upon dilution. Yokoyama et al., Makromol Chem. Rapid Commun. 8:431-435 (1987) proposed a class of amphiphilic polymers, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), which are known to form more stable polymeric micelles in aqueous solutions. There are many advantages to polymeric micelles, such as small size might control penetration across physiological barriers, increases the half-life in vivo, and allows to target micelles to specific tissues. Studies involving polymer conjugated lipid micelles, such as PEG conjugated to PE are very recent. In one such study, where polyethylene-oxide (PEO) is conjugated to PE and dissolved in aqueous media forming micelles. The study performed by Trubetskoy et al., Acad. Radiol. 3:232-238 (1996) used PEO-PE conjugated lipid to encapsulate indium-111 and gadolinium chalets as contrast media for precutaneous lymphography using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) topography. The study concluded that PEO-PE micelles can incorporate amphiphilic agents and prolong their actions in vivo by avoiding the RES, and prolonging the circulation period. The stability of amphiphilic micelles depends on the strength of Van der Waals interactions. The polymer presence on the micellar surface contributes to its steric protection by repulsive action of the hydrophilic layer from the hydrophobicity of macrophages, thus decreasing the uptake by reticuloendothelial system (RES). Furthermore, the negative charge of the polymer creates a repulsive steric effect in vivo that prevents the binding of opsonins, plasma protein that facilitates RES uptake (Trubetskoy et al., Proceed. Intern. Symp. Control. Rel. Bioact. Mater. 22:452-453 (1995)). Thus, the polar and electrostatic interactions of the polymer with the in vivo environment is responsible for the steric stabilization of phospholipid micelles in vivo. For sterically stabilized phospholipid micelles (SSM) formation an optimal amphiphilic compound is required, one with the right amount of hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity. Factors such as molecular weight and chain length of polymer, size, lipid concentration, and polymer concentrations may play a very important role in determination of the optimal micellar formulation. However, so far there have been no phospholipid micelles studies performed that evaluate the parameters for optimal formulation and activity. Conversely, many studies of block copolymer, amphiphilic polymers, micelles have been done. Nivaggioli et al., Langmuir. 11 (3):730-737 (1995) tested block copolymer micelles of different pluronic copolymers (PEO-PPO-PEO) at a constant temperature and concentrations. The authors found that the increase in the molecular weight of the copolymer leads to an increase in the hydrodynamic size, thus suggesting an increase in the hydrophobic core size. Thus, the increase in micelle size due to the molecular weight and chain length would lead to an increase in uptake by RES. Therefore, high molecular weight and chain length decreases circulation time and hence the half-life of the SSM. Overall, the authors found PEO to be the most promising copolymer for SSM stability. Moreover, Carey and co-workers have determine that significant increase in the polymer concentration above the CMC leads to the formation of rod-like micelles causing an increase in the viscosity of the solution (Carey et al., Arch. Inter Med. 130:506-527 (1972); Almgren et al., Colloid Polym. Sci. 273:2-15 (1995)). Therefore, the elongated micelles increase the hydrophobicity of the micelles and may allow more of the non-polar drug to be encapsulated. From these block co-polymers, amphiphilic compounds, one can infer that the study of parameters that optimize the formulation and activity of phospholipid micelle stability to be very relevant, and should be considered in the future. The utilization of SSM as drug delivery system is a fairly new application, especially as therapeutic and diagnostic agents. As Trubetskoy et al., Proceed. Intern. Symp. Control. Tel. Bioact. Mater. 22:452-453 (1995) pointed out, almost every possible drug administration route has benefitted from the use of micellar drug formation in terms of increased bioavailability or reduced adverse effects. The small size of the micellar formulation allows for their penetration of blood brain barrier making it an ideal carrier for treatment of CNS diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. Recently, SSM have been used as diagnostic agents using MRI and STM techniques (Trubetskoy et al., Proceed. Intern. Symp. Control. Test. Bioact. Mater., 22:452-453 (1995); Zareie et al., Collids and Suraces A: Physiocochemical and Engineering Aspects. 112:19-24 (1996)). In both cases SSM were incorporation with either a dye or paramagnetic agents followed by parenteral administration and visualization. In both cases the half-life of the SSM was at least 2 hours. Also of interest to the present invention is the disclosure of Friedman et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,514,670 which relates to submicron emulsions for delivery of bioactive peptides including vasoactive intestinal peptide analog. The submicron particles are said to have a weighted average diameter of 10 to 600 nm, more preferably 30 to 500 nm and most preferably 70 to 300 nm. Of further interest to the present invention is calmodulin (CaM) which is an ubiquitous 17 kd protein that is found widely in the body and has many functions. Calmodulin functions mainly as a regulatory protein and serves as a sensor for calcium ions. The binding of calcium ions (Ca +2 ) to four sites in calmodulin induces the formation of α-helix and other conformational changes that convert it from an inactive to an active form. The activated calmodulin in turn binds to many enzymes and proteins in the cell and modifies their activity. The globular structure of CaM hides hydrophobic binding sites for proteins that are exposed upon CaM interactions with Ca +2 ions and/or membrane phospholipids (Chiba et al., Life Sciences 47:953-960 (1990); Damrongehai et al., Bioconjugate Chem., 6:264-268 (1995)). Bolin, Neurochem. Int. 23:197-214 (1993) found that VIP is a potent stimulant of Ca +2 binding to calmodulin suggesting a correlation of VIP interactions with CaM and specific cellular regulatory activities. Paul et al., Neurochem. Int. 23:197-214 (1993) also reported that internalized VIP had the ability to directly bind to calmodulin (CaM), and that it inhibited both phosphodiesterase as well as the calmodulin-dependent myosin light chain kinase activity. This observation supports a functional role for VIP-CAM complex (Stallwood et al., J. Biol. Chem. 267:19617-19621 (1992); Shiraga et al., Biochem. J. 300:901-905 (1994), therefore suggesting that calmodulin, a multifunctional protein responsible for the regulation of many different signaling enzymes, could be an intracellular receptor for VIP (Paul et al., Neurochem. Int. 23:197-214 (1993). Thus, VIP may regulate signal transduction by CaM association. Moreover, CaM is also found in extracellular fluid and cerebrospinal fluid and that it is actively secreted by cells (Paul et al., Neurochem. Int. 23:197-214 (1993)), thus the VIP-CaM complex may protect the peptide from protease digestion. Ca +2 ions and lipids are known to effect the peptide-CaM interactions. VIP and Ca +2 binding by CaM is cooperative, in that calcium ion binding to receptors facilitates VIP binding to CaM and vise versa. Phospholipase treatment has been shown to inhibit VIP binding in intact membranes and modulates the binding by solubilizing VIP-binding protein fractions (Paul et al., Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. 527:282-295 (1988)). Thus, the biochemical consequences of VIP-CaM binding depends on the identity of CaM binding site, and conformational changes induced by VIP-CaM binding. Thus, there exists a need in the art to provide further improvements in the use of micelle technology for the therapeutic and diagnostic administration of bioactive molecules particularly in the treatment of specific disease states. More specifically, there remains a desire in the art for improved methods for administration of amphipathic peptides including, but not limited to, members of the VIP/GRF family of peptides associated with phospholipids in order to achieve a more prolonged and effective therapeutic effect.
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10875671
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Methods and materials for the reduction and control of moisture and oxygen in OLED devices
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Novel uses and methods of use for inorganic and macroreticulate polymer bonding to metals to control moisture and oxygen in OLED, and other like devices, are provided. Materials having color change capacity are also provided for the removal of moisture from an OLED, where the material changes color upon reaching its capacity and thereby signals the user that the OLED is no longer protected from moisture damage.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to limiting damage caused by moisture, oxygen and other like oxygenated contaminants to OLED (organic light emitting diodes), organic transistors, flat panel displays, and other like electronic devices. It is known that performance of electronic devices can be impaired by contact with moisture, oxygen and other oxygenated species. For example, semiconductor devices are undesirably oxidized by water and oxygen, and thereby degraded during contact with the same. The damage to these devices can be caused by as little as trace levels of these contaminants, thereby exacerbating this problem. OLEDs are optoelectronic devices based on small molecules or polymers that emit light when an electrical current flows through the device. The devices are commercialized in the area of displays, screens, and signs. In addition, several products are commercially available in the area of cell phones, stereo displays, monitors, and military applications. In general, these devices incorporate Indium-Tin-Oxide (ITO) films, a conductive transparent film, as the anode, and a thin film of elements like Ba, Ca, Mg, Al, and the like, as the cathode. Sandwiched in-between the electrodes are carbon based films. The organic films consist of a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, an emissive layer, and an electron transport layer. Polymer layers are used to transport the electrons and holes that are injected into another polymer film such as a polyphenylenevinylene or a “small molecule” organic film such as rubrene or Tris(hydroxyquinolato) aluminum. Light of any color can be generated by the polymer film or “small molecule” by selecting different polymers, dopants for the polymers, or different small molecules. One recurrent problem of conventional OLED's is their apparent limited lifetime. The ‘brightness’ of the device decreases over the course of several months as a result of pixel shrinkage causing the quality of the product to diminish and eventually become non-useable. Generally, pixel shrinkage within the OLED is associated with moisture and other like contamination, where moisture permeating through encapsulating materials and sealants interacts with pixel materials, i.e., moisture degrades the OLED by degrading the hole transport material or causing the cathode material to delaminate and degrade. Moisture may also directly attack the light emitting molecules. To overcome this problem in the industry, desiccants have been included in one form or another within OLEDs. For example, solids such as alkaline metal oxides, alkaline earth metal oxides, sulfates, metal halides, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, aluminum carbide, aluminum-magnesium alloy, barium nitride alloy, and perchlorate-based desiccant materials have been used to protect OLEDs from damage caused by moisture. In some cases these desiccants are blended with binders to remove moisture from environment surrounding the OLED. However, these solid materials generally have low surface area, and not enough capacity, to capture the water continuously permeating from the outside environment into the interior of the OLED. Additionally, these solid materials do not have the capability to remove oxygen that permeates into the device and thereby causes performance degradation. An alternative approach to removing moisture from an OLED environment is to use a lithium metal and magnesium metal deposits. However, the deposited lithium and magnesium materials do not have high surface areas to capture impurities, i.e., have low capacity. Finally, the use of silica and zeolite that generally have high surface area have also been used to remove moisture from OLED's. However, the nature of these materials to capture the moisture via physical adsorption does not provide enough efficiency to protect the OLED for long periods of time. Also, these materials tend to emit moisture depending on the temperature condition of the device environment, where the materials are being employed due to the adsorption equilibrium. In addition, some of the aforementioned desiccant materials do not have any capability, or very low capacity, for removing oxygenated species other than water. Therefore, damage to these devices caused by other oxygenated species are not minimized by the above described desiccants. In all such cases regarding the removal of moisture from an OLED, there continues to be a need in the art for more effective removal techniques of moisture, and other oxygenated species, from the environment of a device. In addition, there is a need in the art to have a signal or indication as to allow the user to determine if and when a device is in jeopardy of being damaged by moisture and other contaminants. In such case, a user may be alerted to the impending reduction in device quality due to moisture damage, and not spend additional time or money attempting to diagnose these problems. Against this backdrop the present invention has been developed.
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Title:
Methods and materials for the reduction and control of moisture and oxygen in OLED devices
Abstract:
Novel uses and methods of use for inorganic and macroreticulate polymer bonding to metals to control moisture and oxygen in OLED, and other like devices, are provided. Materials having color change capacity are also provided for the removal of moisture from an OLED, where the material changes color upon reaching its capacity and thereby signals the user that the OLED is no longer protected from moisture damage.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to limiting damage caused by moisture, oxygen and other like oxygenated contaminants to OLED (organic light emitting diodes), organic transistors, flat panel displays, and other like electronic devices. It is known that performance of electronic devices can be impaired by contact with moisture, oxygen and other oxygenated species. For example, semiconductor devices are undesirably oxidized by water and oxygen, and thereby degraded during contact with the same. The damage to these devices can be caused by as little as trace levels of these contaminants, thereby exacerbating this problem. OLEDs are optoelectronic devices based on small molecules or polymers that emit light when an electrical current flows through the device. The devices are commercialized in the area of displays, screens, and signs. In addition, several products are commercially available in the area of cell phones, stereo displays, monitors, and military applications. In general, these devices incorporate Indium-Tin-Oxide (ITO) films, a conductive transparent film, as the anode, and a thin film of elements like Ba, Ca, Mg, Al, and the like, as the cathode. Sandwiched in-between the electrodes are carbon based films. The organic films consist of a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, an emissive layer, and an electron transport layer. Polymer layers are used to transport the electrons and holes that are injected into another polymer film such as a polyphenylenevinylene or a “small molecule” organic film such as rubrene or Tris(hydroxyquinolato) aluminum. Light of any color can be generated by the polymer film or “small molecule” by selecting different polymers, dopants for the polymers, or different small molecules. One recurrent problem of conventional OLED's is their apparent limited lifetime. The ‘brightness’ of the device decreases over the course of several months as a result of pixel shrinkage causing the quality of the product to diminish and eventually become non-useable. Generally, pixel shrinkage within the OLED is associated with moisture and other like contamination, where moisture permeating through encapsulating materials and sealants interacts with pixel materials, i.e., moisture degrades the OLED by degrading the hole transport material or causing the cathode material to delaminate and degrade. Moisture may also directly attack the light emitting molecules. To overcome this problem in the industry, desiccants have been included in one form or another within OLEDs. For example, solids such as alkaline metal oxides, alkaline earth metal oxides, sulfates, metal halides, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, aluminum carbide, aluminum-magnesium alloy, barium nitride alloy, and perchlorate-based desiccant materials have been used to protect OLEDs from damage caused by moisture. In some cases these desiccants are blended with binders to remove moisture from environment surrounding the OLED. However, these solid materials generally have low surface area, and not enough capacity, to capture the water continuously permeating from the outside environment into the interior of the OLED. Additionally, these solid materials do not have the capability to remove oxygen that permeates into the device and thereby causes performance degradation. An alternative approach to removing moisture from an OLED environment is to use a lithium metal and magnesium metal deposits. However, the deposited lithium and magnesium materials do not have high surface areas to capture impurities, i.e., have low capacity. Finally, the use of silica and zeolite that generally have high surface area have also been used to remove moisture from OLED's. However, the nature of these materials to capture the moisture via physical adsorption does not provide enough efficiency to protect the OLED for long periods of time. Also, these materials tend to emit moisture depending on the temperature condition of the device environment, where the materials are being employed due to the adsorption equilibrium. In addition, some of the aforementioned desiccant materials do not have any capability, or very low capacity, for removing oxygenated species other than water. Therefore, damage to these devices caused by other oxygenated species are not minimized by the above described desiccants. In all such cases regarding the removal of moisture from an OLED, there continues to be a need in the art for more effective removal techniques of moisture, and other oxygenated species, from the environment of a device. In addition, there is a need in the art to have a signal or indication as to allow the user to determine if and when a device is in jeopardy of being damaged by moisture and other contaminants. In such case, a user may be alerted to the impending reduction in device quality due to moisture damage, and not spend additional time or money attempting to diagnose these problems. Against this backdrop the present invention has been developed.
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10502899
| 2,004
|
Method for monitoring a parking lot with meters and corresponding parking meters
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A method for monitoring a number of terminals, particularly parking meters, in which at least first and second adjacent terminals are able to communicate with each other and with a monitoring center, comprises a monitoring protocol according to which the first and second terminals must call each other and, if no call and/or reply is received from the second terminal, the first terminal calls the monitoring center to inform it of an abnormal situation concerning the second terminal.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to automatic payment devices of the terminal or parking meter type made available to the public and more particularly to protecting such devices against fraudulent attack. 2. Description of the Prior Art Being isolated and liable to contain money, these payment devices are likely to be attacked, meaning either the device itself or its communication means, and must therefore be equipped with means of dissuasion. Generally speaking, such dissuasion means must have the functions of detecting an attack and reporting an attack. Already known in the art are public payment terminals intended to be installed in the streets of a town and provided with means of dissuasion against attack. Each terminal has a connection to the telephone network and means for detecting an attack. When an attack is perpetrated against a terminal, it dials the telephone number of a monitoring center and sends it an alert signal. These prior art terminals have a number of drawbacks. This is because the existence of the alert means is known to fraudsters who tend to cut off communication between the terminal and the monitoring center using suitable devices such as GSM signal jamming devices. The object of the invention is to remedy the drawbacks of the prior art by providing reliable and low-cost means of dissuasion against attacks on terminals.
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Title:
Method for monitoring a parking lot with meters and corresponding parking meters
Abstract:
A method for monitoring a number of terminals, particularly parking meters, in which at least first and second adjacent terminals are able to communicate with each other and with a monitoring center, comprises a monitoring protocol according to which the first and second terminals must call each other and, if no call and/or reply is received from the second terminal, the first terminal calls the monitoring center to inform it of an abnormal situation concerning the second terminal.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to automatic payment devices of the terminal or parking meter type made available to the public and more particularly to protecting such devices against fraudulent attack. 2. Description of the Prior Art Being isolated and liable to contain money, these payment devices are likely to be attacked, meaning either the device itself or its communication means, and must therefore be equipped with means of dissuasion. Generally speaking, such dissuasion means must have the functions of detecting an attack and reporting an attack. Already known in the art are public payment terminals intended to be installed in the streets of a town and provided with means of dissuasion against attack. Each terminal has a connection to the telephone network and means for detecting an attack. When an attack is perpetrated against a terminal, it dials the telephone number of a monitoring center and sends it an alert signal. These prior art terminals have a number of drawbacks. This is because the existence of the alert means is known to fraudsters who tend to cut off communication between the terminal and the monitoring center using suitable devices such as GSM signal jamming devices. The object of the invention is to remedy the drawbacks of the prior art by providing reliable and low-cost means of dissuasion against attacks on terminals.
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10879164
| 2,004
|
Method of visually measuring brightness of ambient lighting around display device
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A method of visually measuring the brightness of ambient lighting around a display device is disclosed. In this method, first, a reference brightness of the display device is determined according to a type of display device. Thereafter, information about locations where the display device is used is received from the user, and illuminance values of the display device corresponding to brightness stages are set based on the reference brightness and the location information. Then, a reference brightness is converted into each of the illuminance values corresponding to each of the brightness stages. The converted images with the illumination values corresponding to the brightness stages are displayed to the user, and an image that has a brightness value nearest to the brightness of ambient lighting is selected, and the brightness value of the selected image is determined as the brightness of ambient lighting.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to a method of visually measuring the brightness of ambient lighting surrounding a display device, and more particularly, to a method of visually measuring the brightness of ambient lighting, in which the state of a video display device is set to an optimal gray scale reproduction state, an image with brightness corresponding to one selected from a plurality of brightness stages is displayed to the user, the user selects a brightness stage corresponding to an image having brightness that is the most approximate to the brightness of ambient lighting, and a brightness value corresponding to the selected brightness stage is determined as the brightness of ambient lighting around a display device being used. 2. Description of the Related Art Color management systems are generally used to achieve color matching between an input device and an output device. Color management systems use various color transformation methods for color matching, by referring to the color characteristics of each of the input device and the output device. The color and brightness of ambient lighting affect the perceived color produced by a display device. Recently color management systems are considering ambient lighting for color matching. To achieve color matching, a color management system requires the color characteristics of each input or output device, which are obtained from a profile that is a computer program file that describes color characteristics. The profile has a specific format. For example, to achieve color matching between a display device and a color reproduction apparatus, a color management system requires a profile of the display device. A display device manufacturer may provide a color characteristic profile that can be applied in a fixed state of ambient lighting. As such, a color management system can only use the color characteristic profile under a single color characteristic condition of a display device that is set by the display manufacturer. However, the color characteristic condition of a display device set by a display manufacturer does not meet the demand of various users for a color characteristic change. When ambient lighting is changed due to a change in an environment where the display device is used, the perceived color characteristics of the display device are changed. However, the color characteristic profile set by a display manufacturer does not reflect the change of the color characteristics of a display device. Hence, color matching between an input device and an output device is difficult. U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,040 discloses a conventional technique in which devices known as calorimeters, photometers, or spectroradiometers are used to measure changes in the color characteristics of a display device that have been made due to a change in an environment where the display device is used or by the user. The measurements using these devices provide an accurate result. However, these devices are expensive and installation and operation of the devices is inconvenient. Therefore, an ordinary user of a display device cannot easily manipulate these devices. There remains a need for a simple and inexpensive method to visually measure the color characteristics of a display device and those of ambient lighting. Examples of this method are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,638,117, 5,791,781, 5,870,069, 5,956,015, and 6,078,309. However, in the methods disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,638,117, 5,791,781, 5,870,069, and 5,956,015, a separate color matching card is used to measure the color characteristics of ambient lighting and the color temperature of a display device, which causes additional cost. Also, U.S. Pat. No. 6,078,309 still does not propose a method to obtain the color and brightness characteristics of ambient lighting.
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Title:
Method of visually measuring brightness of ambient lighting around display device
Abstract:
A method of visually measuring the brightness of ambient lighting around a display device is disclosed. In this method, first, a reference brightness of the display device is determined according to a type of display device. Thereafter, information about locations where the display device is used is received from the user, and illuminance values of the display device corresponding to brightness stages are set based on the reference brightness and the location information. Then, a reference brightness is converted into each of the illuminance values corresponding to each of the brightness stages. The converted images with the illumination values corresponding to the brightness stages are displayed to the user, and an image that has a brightness value nearest to the brightness of ambient lighting is selected, and the brightness value of the selected image is determined as the brightness of ambient lighting.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to a method of visually measuring the brightness of ambient lighting surrounding a display device, and more particularly, to a method of visually measuring the brightness of ambient lighting, in which the state of a video display device is set to an optimal gray scale reproduction state, an image with brightness corresponding to one selected from a plurality of brightness stages is displayed to the user, the user selects a brightness stage corresponding to an image having brightness that is the most approximate to the brightness of ambient lighting, and a brightness value corresponding to the selected brightness stage is determined as the brightness of ambient lighting around a display device being used. 2. Description of the Related Art Color management systems are generally used to achieve color matching between an input device and an output device. Color management systems use various color transformation methods for color matching, by referring to the color characteristics of each of the input device and the output device. The color and brightness of ambient lighting affect the perceived color produced by a display device. Recently color management systems are considering ambient lighting for color matching. To achieve color matching, a color management system requires the color characteristics of each input or output device, which are obtained from a profile that is a computer program file that describes color characteristics. The profile has a specific format. For example, to achieve color matching between a display device and a color reproduction apparatus, a color management system requires a profile of the display device. A display device manufacturer may provide a color characteristic profile that can be applied in a fixed state of ambient lighting. As such, a color management system can only use the color characteristic profile under a single color characteristic condition of a display device that is set by the display manufacturer. However, the color characteristic condition of a display device set by a display manufacturer does not meet the demand of various users for a color characteristic change. When ambient lighting is changed due to a change in an environment where the display device is used, the perceived color characteristics of the display device are changed. However, the color characteristic profile set by a display manufacturer does not reflect the change of the color characteristics of a display device. Hence, color matching between an input device and an output device is difficult. U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,040 discloses a conventional technique in which devices known as calorimeters, photometers, or spectroradiometers are used to measure changes in the color characteristics of a display device that have been made due to a change in an environment where the display device is used or by the user. The measurements using these devices provide an accurate result. However, these devices are expensive and installation and operation of the devices is inconvenient. Therefore, an ordinary user of a display device cannot easily manipulate these devices. There remains a need for a simple and inexpensive method to visually measure the color characteristics of a display device and those of ambient lighting. Examples of this method are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,638,117, 5,791,781, 5,870,069, 5,956,015, and 6,078,309. However, in the methods disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,638,117, 5,791,781, 5,870,069, and 5,956,015, a separate color matching card is used to measure the color characteristics of ambient lighting and the color temperature of a display device, which causes additional cost. Also, U.S. Pat. No. 6,078,309 still does not propose a method to obtain the color and brightness characteristics of ambient lighting.
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10803654
| 2,004
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Compound container
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A compound container includes a body made of a transparent material, a metal ring fixed tightly and covering an upper open end of the body, and a metal base adhered under the bottom of the body by means of high frequency. Then the compound container presents a pretty appearance of brilliancy of the metal ring and the metal base and transparency of the body and their color diversity, upgrading efficiency for displaying and using and worth as merchandise.
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Title:
Compound container
Abstract:
A compound container includes a body made of a transparent material, a metal ring fixed tightly and covering an upper open end of the body, and a metal base adhered under the bottom of the body by means of high frequency. Then the compound container presents a pretty appearance of brilliancy of the metal ring and the metal base and transparency of the body and their color diversity, upgrading efficiency for displaying and using and worth as merchandise.
Background:
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10925240
| 2,004
|
Information handling system including AC electromagnetic pump cooling apparatus
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An information handling system (IHS) is provided which is cooled via an electromagnetic pump. The pump pushes a heat conducting liquid metal fluid in a heat conducting path away from a heat producing device such as a processor. The EM pump is driven by an AC electric current supplied to a transformer. The AC driven transformer supplies both a magnetic field and an electric current to the fluid in the pump. The system is configured such that the magnetic field and the electric current in the fluid are substantially orthogonal. Each time the AC electric current reverses polarity, the magnetic field and the electric current also each change polarity to force fluid out of the pump in the same direction during both the positive and negative going portions of the AC electric current cycle.
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BACKGROUND The disclosures herein relate generally to information handling systems (IHS's) and more particularly to cooling systems for IHS's. As the value and use of information continue to increase, individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and store information. One option available to users is information handling systems. An information handling system (IHS) generally processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or other purposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of the information. Because technology and information handling needs and requirements vary between different users or applications, information handling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled, how the information is handled, how much information is processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the information may be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in information handling systems allow for information handling systems to be general or configured for a specific user or specific use such as financial transaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. In addition, information handling systems may include a variety of hardware and software components that may be configured to process, store, and communicate information and may include one or more computer systems, data storage systems, and networking systems. The rapid increase in the performance of IHS's over the years has been accompanied by an undesirable increase in power consumption by the IHS's processor. This power is dissipated as heat which must be radiated to the environment to prevent overheating the processor. In early processors, simple passive heat sinks mounted on the processor adequately radiated the heat from the processor. However, with the rise in processor power consumption, more sophisticated heat dissipation solutions are required. Fans have been mounted on processor heat sinks to help radiate heat. More recently, IHS's have been designed wherein a liquid filled heat pipe is thermally coupled to a processor to pull heat away from the processor and direct the heat to another location in the IHS where it is radiated to the environment. Electromagnetic pumps using the Lorentz effect have been used to pull heat away from heat generating devices. In a representative electromagnetic pump (EM pump, also called a Lorentz pump), the pump contains a liquid metal which is to be expelled from the pump. The pump is configured with electrodes to which a DC voltage is applied so that an electric current flows through the liquid metal in the pump. The pump is also configured with permanent magnets positioned to create a magnetic field which is orthogonal to the electric current flowing through the liquid. According to the Lorentz effect, a force is generated which pushes the liquid metal in a direction which is orthogonal to both the electric current and the magnetic field. In this manner, the liquid metal is expelled from the pump in the direction of the force. The electromagnetic pump described above operates on direct current (DC). To step a supply DC voltage down to a range usable with an electromagnetic pump, a DC to DC converter can be used as shown in FIG. 1 . The DC to DC converter includes a bridge which converts a DC voltage to an AC voltage that is stepped down by a transformer to a desired AC voltage level. The bridge includes switching transistors that are turned on and off by a controller to generate an AC voltage in the primary of the transformer. The resultant AC voltage signal generated in the secondary of the transformer is then rectified by secondary rectifiers as shown to obtain a desired low voltage, high current DC signal usable to drive the pump. While the low DC voltage necessary to drive the pump can be achieved this way, the secondary rectifiers dissipate such a large amount of heat energy that this approach is very inefficient. What is needed is a way to supply electric current to an electromagnetic pump which addresses the above discussed deficiencies in DC powered electromagnetic pumps.
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Title:
Information handling system including AC electromagnetic pump cooling apparatus
Abstract:
An information handling system (IHS) is provided which is cooled via an electromagnetic pump. The pump pushes a heat conducting liquid metal fluid in a heat conducting path away from a heat producing device such as a processor. The EM pump is driven by an AC electric current supplied to a transformer. The AC driven transformer supplies both a magnetic field and an electric current to the fluid in the pump. The system is configured such that the magnetic field and the electric current in the fluid are substantially orthogonal. Each time the AC electric current reverses polarity, the magnetic field and the electric current also each change polarity to force fluid out of the pump in the same direction during both the positive and negative going portions of the AC electric current cycle.
Background:
BACKGROUND The disclosures herein relate generally to information handling systems (IHS's) and more particularly to cooling systems for IHS's. As the value and use of information continue to increase, individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and store information. One option available to users is information handling systems. An information handling system (IHS) generally processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or other purposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of the information. Because technology and information handling needs and requirements vary between different users or applications, information handling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled, how the information is handled, how much information is processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the information may be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in information handling systems allow for information handling systems to be general or configured for a specific user or specific use such as financial transaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. In addition, information handling systems may include a variety of hardware and software components that may be configured to process, store, and communicate information and may include one or more computer systems, data storage systems, and networking systems. The rapid increase in the performance of IHS's over the years has been accompanied by an undesirable increase in power consumption by the IHS's processor. This power is dissipated as heat which must be radiated to the environment to prevent overheating the processor. In early processors, simple passive heat sinks mounted on the processor adequately radiated the heat from the processor. However, with the rise in processor power consumption, more sophisticated heat dissipation solutions are required. Fans have been mounted on processor heat sinks to help radiate heat. More recently, IHS's have been designed wherein a liquid filled heat pipe is thermally coupled to a processor to pull heat away from the processor and direct the heat to another location in the IHS where it is radiated to the environment. Electromagnetic pumps using the Lorentz effect have been used to pull heat away from heat generating devices. In a representative electromagnetic pump (EM pump, also called a Lorentz pump), the pump contains a liquid metal which is to be expelled from the pump. The pump is configured with electrodes to which a DC voltage is applied so that an electric current flows through the liquid metal in the pump. The pump is also configured with permanent magnets positioned to create a magnetic field which is orthogonal to the electric current flowing through the liquid. According to the Lorentz effect, a force is generated which pushes the liquid metal in a direction which is orthogonal to both the electric current and the magnetic field. In this manner, the liquid metal is expelled from the pump in the direction of the force. The electromagnetic pump described above operates on direct current (DC). To step a supply DC voltage down to a range usable with an electromagnetic pump, a DC to DC converter can be used as shown in FIG. 1 . The DC to DC converter includes a bridge which converts a DC voltage to an AC voltage that is stepped down by a transformer to a desired AC voltage level. The bridge includes switching transistors that are turned on and off by a controller to generate an AC voltage in the primary of the transformer. The resultant AC voltage signal generated in the secondary of the transformer is then rectified by secondary rectifiers as shown to obtain a desired low voltage, high current DC signal usable to drive the pump. While the low DC voltage necessary to drive the pump can be achieved this way, the secondary rectifiers dissipate such a large amount of heat energy that this approach is very inefficient. What is needed is a way to supply electric current to an electromagnetic pump which addresses the above discussed deficiencies in DC powered electromagnetic pumps.
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10992362
| 2,004
|
Electrostatic discharge protection device
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An ESD protection device. The ESD protection device has a substrate; a channel region, a source region, and a drain region. The channel region is formed on a predetermined area of a surface of the substrate, the channel region has a first side and a second side. The source region is formed adjacent to the first side. The drain region which has a heavily doped region and a lightly doped region formed below the heavily doped region is formed adjacent to the second side. The width along a longitudinal axis of the heavily doped region has variable length and thus the length between one side of the heavily doped region to the second side has variable length.
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BACKGROUND The present invention relates to an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection device, and more particularly, to an ESD structure with high ESD robustness in high-voltage CMOS process. In CMOS integrated circuits (IC) technology, damage due to ESD events is a critical issue. Advanced technologies such as thin gate oxidation, short channel length, shallow junction, salicidation, etc., result in ICs having lower ESD endurance. According to the current industrial standard, the input and output pins of IC products must sustain the ESD stress of over 2000 V in human-body-model (HBM) and over 200 V in machine-model (MM) ESD stresses. Therefore, the ESD protection circuit must be disposed around the input and output (I/O) pads of an IC to provide ESD stress protection. Increasing numbers of automotive and consumer products such as print head drivers, are used in high voltage areas. The typical layout and cross-section views with ESD protection device utilized in high voltage is shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b . The N type heavily doped source region 11 and the gate terminal 13 of the NMOS 1 are coupled to a ground (GND) and a n-well 14 is formed below the N type heavily doped drain region 12 to serve as a buffer layer. When an ESD event occurs, high current flows through the parasitic lateral BJT of the NMOS 1 to the ground protecting internal circuit. Most of the ESD current however flows through a corner of the N type heavily doped drain region 12 due to the tip discharge theorem. Thus most of the current accumulates at the corner and the interface at the corner of the N type heavily doped drain region 12 generally breaks down, resulting in a non-uniform current flow problem. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,258,672; Shih, et al. describes another ESD protection device, in which the gate electrode has a variable width and thus the channel region has a variable length. The previously described problem, however still exists.
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Title:
Electrostatic discharge protection device
Abstract:
An ESD protection device. The ESD protection device has a substrate; a channel region, a source region, and a drain region. The channel region is formed on a predetermined area of a surface of the substrate, the channel region has a first side and a second side. The source region is formed adjacent to the first side. The drain region which has a heavily doped region and a lightly doped region formed below the heavily doped region is formed adjacent to the second side. The width along a longitudinal axis of the heavily doped region has variable length and thus the length between one side of the heavily doped region to the second side has variable length.
Background:
BACKGROUND The present invention relates to an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection device, and more particularly, to an ESD structure with high ESD robustness in high-voltage CMOS process. In CMOS integrated circuits (IC) technology, damage due to ESD events is a critical issue. Advanced technologies such as thin gate oxidation, short channel length, shallow junction, salicidation, etc., result in ICs having lower ESD endurance. According to the current industrial standard, the input and output pins of IC products must sustain the ESD stress of over 2000 V in human-body-model (HBM) and over 200 V in machine-model (MM) ESD stresses. Therefore, the ESD protection circuit must be disposed around the input and output (I/O) pads of an IC to provide ESD stress protection. Increasing numbers of automotive and consumer products such as print head drivers, are used in high voltage areas. The typical layout and cross-section views with ESD protection device utilized in high voltage is shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b . The N type heavily doped source region 11 and the gate terminal 13 of the NMOS 1 are coupled to a ground (GND) and a n-well 14 is formed below the N type heavily doped drain region 12 to serve as a buffer layer. When an ESD event occurs, high current flows through the parasitic lateral BJT of the NMOS 1 to the ground protecting internal circuit. Most of the ESD current however flows through a corner of the N type heavily doped drain region 12 due to the tip discharge theorem. Thus most of the current accumulates at the corner and the interface at the corner of the N type heavily doped drain region 12 generally breaks down, resulting in a non-uniform current flow problem. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,258,672; Shih, et al. describes another ESD protection device, in which the gate electrode has a variable width and thus the channel region has a variable length. The previously described problem, however still exists.
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11009231
| 2,004
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Apparatus and method for coding and decoding irregular repeat accumulate codes
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An apparatus and method for coding an irregular Repeat Accumulate (RA) code. A repeater repeats a received information word such that the information word corresponds to weights of a first information part and a second information part of a parity check matrix in which permutation matrixes are arranged in the first information part and the second information part corresponding to the information word such that a minimum length of a cycle on a factor graph of the irregular RA code becomes a predetermined length and weights are irregular, and a dual diagonal matrix is arranged in a parity part corresponding to a parity. An interleaver interleaves a signal output from the repeater using an interleaving scheme predefined for the parity check matrix. An accumulator generates the irregular RA code by accumulating a signal output from the interleaver according to a weight of the parity part.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and method for coding/decoding, and in particular, to an apparatus and method for coding/decoding Repeat Accumulate (RA) codes. 2. Description of the Related Art In communication operations, it is very important to efficiently and reliably transmit data over a channel. In the next generation multimedia mobile communication systems, i.e., systems into which active research is currently being made, it is necessary to increase system efficiency using a channel coding scheme that is appropriate for the system because there is a large demand for a high-speed communication system capable of processing and transmitting a variety of information such as image and radio data, beyond the capabilities of early voice-oriented services. During data transmission, inevitable errors caused by noise, interference, and fading occur according to channel conditions, often resulting in a loss of information. Accordingly, in order to reduce the information loss, various error-control schemes have been used according to characteristics of channels to increase system reliability. The most typical error-control scheme uses error-correcting codes. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a transceiver of a conventional communication system. Referring to FIG. 1 , in a transmitter side, a transmission message ‘u’ is coded by an encoder 101 using a predetermined coding scheme, before being transmitted over a channel. The symbol ‘c’ coded by the encoder 101 is modulated by a modulator 103 using a predetermined modulation scheme, and the modulated signal ‘s’ is transmitted to a receiver side over a channel 105 . A signal ‘r’ is received at the receiver side. The received signal ‘r’ is a distorted signal that is a mixture of the signal ‘s’ transmitted by the transmitter side and various noises caused by a change in channel conditions of channel 105 . The received signal ‘r’ is demodulated by a demodulator 107 using a demodulation scheme corresponding to the modulation scheme used in the modulator 103 of the transmitter side, and the demodulated signal ‘x’ is decoded by a decoder 109 using a decoding scheme corresponding to the coding scheme used in the encoder 101 of the transmitter side. Thereafter, the decoder 109 outputs the decoded signal û. In order to enable the receiver side to decode the signal ‘u’ transmitted by the transmitter side without error, it is necessary to provide channel encoder and decoder having better performance. In particular, when the channel 105 is a wireless channel, errors caused by the channel 105 are more considerable. The decoder 109 of the transmitter side detects an estimated value of the transmission message using the data received over the channel 105 . Additionally, with the rapid progress of mobile communication systems, scheme for transmitting a large volume of data at and up to a capacity level presently available in wired networks must be developed for a wireless network. As a high-speed, high-capacity communication system capable of processing and transmitting various information such as image data and radio data as well as simple voice service data is required, it is necessary to increase the system transmission efficiency using an appropriate channel coding scheme in order to improve the system performance. However, as indicated above, a mobile communication system inevitably experiences errors occurring due to noise, interference, and fading according to channel conditions during data transmission. The occurrence of errors causes a loss of information data. In order to reduce the information data loss due to the occurrence of errors, it is possible to improve reliability of the mobile communication system using various error-control schemes. As described above, the most commonly used error-control scheme uses an error-correcting code. A description will now be made of a turbo code and a low-density parity check (LDPC) code, which are typical error correcting codes. A. Turbo Code It is well known that the turbo code is superior in performance gain to a convolutional code conventionally used for error correction, during high-speed data transmission. The turbo code is advantageous in that it can efficiently correct an error caused by noises generated in a transmission channel, thereby increasing the reliability of the data transmission. B. LDPC Code The LDPC code can be decoded using an iterative decoding algorithm based on a sum-product algorithm on a factor graph. Because a decoder for the LDPC code uses the sum-product algorithm-based iterative decoding algorithm, it is lower in complexity to a decoder for the turbo code. In addition, the decoder for the LDPC code is easy to implement with a parallel processing decoder, as compared with the decoder for the turbo code. Shannon's channel coding theorem shows that reliable communication is possible only at a data rate not exceeding a channel capacity. However, Shannon's channel coding theorem has proposed no detailed channel coding/decoding method for supporting a data rate up to the maximum channel capacity limit. Generally, although a random code having a very large block size shows performance approximating a channel capacity limit of Shannon's channel coding theorem, when a MAP (Maximum A Posteriori) or ML (Maximum Likelihood) decoding method is used, it is actually impossible to implement the decoding method because of its heavy calculation load. The turbo code was proposed by Berrou, Glavieux, and Thitimajshima in 1993, and has superior performance approximating a channel capacity limit of Shannon's channel coding theorem. The proposal of the turbo code triggered active research on iterative decoding and graphical expression of codes. Similarly, LDPC codes proposed by Gallager in 1962 have been newly spotlighted in the research. Cycles exist on a factor graph of the turbo code and the LDPC code, and it is well known that iterative decoding on the factor graph of the LDPC code where cycles exist is suboptimal. Also, it has been experimentally proven that the LDPC code has excellent performance through iterative decoding. The LDPC code known to have the highest performance ever shows performance having a difference of only about 0.04 [dB] at a channel capacity limit of Shannon's channel coding theorem at a bit error rate (BER) 10 −5, using a block size 10 7 . In addition, although an LDPC code defined in Galois Field (GF) with q>2, i.e., GF(q), increases in complexity in its decoding process, it is far superior in performance to a binary code. However, no satisfactory theoretical description of successful decoding by an iterative decoding algorithm for the LDPC code defined in GF(q) has yet been provided. More specifically, the LDPC code, proposed by Gallager, is defined by a parity check matrix in which major elements have a value of 0 and minor elements except the elements having the value of 0 have a non-zero value, i.e., a value of 1. For example, an (N, j, k) LDPC code is a linear block code having a block length N, and is defined by a sparse parity check matrix in which each column has j elements having a value of 1, each row has k elements having a value of 1, and all of the elements except for the elements having the value of 1 have a value of 0. An LDPC code in which a weight of each column in the parity check matrix is fixed to ‘j’ and a weight of each row in the parity check matrix is fixed to ‘k’ as stated above, is called a “regular LDPC code.” Herein, the “weight” refers to the number of elements having a non-zero value among the elements constituting the generating matrix and parity check matrix. Unlike the regular LDPC code, an LDPC code in which the weight of each column in the parity check matrix and the weight of each row in the parity check matrix are not fixed is called an “irregular LDPC code.” It is generally known that the irregular LDPC code is superior in performance to the regular LDPC code. However, in the irregular LDPC code, because the weight of each column and the weight of each row in the parity check matrix are not fixed, i.e., are irregular, the weight of each column in the parity check matrix and the weight of each row in the parity check matrix must be properly adjusted in order to guarantee the superior performance. FIG. 2 illustrates a parity check matrix of an (8, 2, 4) LDPC code, e.g., an (N, j, k) LDPC code. More specifically, FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a parity check matrix of a general (8, 2, 4) LDPC code. Referring to FIG. 2 , a parity check matrix H of the (8, 2, 4) LDPC code is comprised of 8 columns and 4 rows, wherein a weight of each column is fixed to 2 and a weight of each row is fixed to 4. Because the weight of each column and the weight of each row in the parity check matrix are regular as stated above, the (8, 2, 4) LDPC code illustrated in FIG. 2 becomes a regular LDPC code. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a factor graph of the (8, 2, 4) LDPC code illustrated in FIG. 2 . Referring to FIG. 3 , a factor graph of the (8, 2, 4) LDPC code is comprised of 8 variable nodes of x 1 300 , x 2 302 , x 3 304 , x 4 306 , x 5 308 , x 6 310 , x 7 312 , and x 8 314 , and 4 check nodes 316 , 318 , 320 , and 322 . When an element having a value of 1, i.e., a non-zero value, exists at a point where an i th row and a j th column of the parity check matrix of the (8, 2, 4) LDPC code cross each other, a branch is created between a variable node x i and a j th check node. Because the parity check matrix of the LDPC code has a very small weight as described above, it is possible to perform decoding through iterative decoding even in a block code having a relatively long length, that exhibits performance approximating a capacity limit of a Shannon channel, such as a turbo code, while continuously increasing a block length of the block code. MacKay and Neal have proven that an iterative decoding process of an LDPC code using a flooding transfer scheme is approximate to an iterative decoding process of a turbo code in performance. However, in order to generate a high-performance LDPC code, the following conditions should be satisfied. (1) Cycles on a Factor Graph of an LDPC Code should be Considered. The term “cycle” refers to a loop formed by the edges connecting the variable nodes to the check nodes in a factor graph of an LDPC code, and a length of the cycle is defined as the number of edges constituting the loop. A cycle being long in length indicates that the number of edges connecting the variable nodes to the check nodes constituting the loop in the factor graph of the LDPC code is large. In contrast, a cycle being short in length indicates that the number of edges connecting the variable nodes to the check nodes constituting the loop in the factor graph of the LDPC code is small. As cycles in the factor graph of the LDPC code become longer, the performance efficiency of the LDPC code increases. That is, when long cycles are generated in the factor graph of the LDPC code, it is possible to prevent performance degradation such as an error floor occurring when too many cycles with a short length exist on the factor graph of the LDPC code. (2) Efficient Coding of an LDPC Code should be Considered. It is difficult for the LDPC code to undergo real-time coding compared with a convolutional code or a turbo code because of its high coding complexity. In order to reduce the coding complexity of the LDPC code, a Repeat Accumulate (RA) code has been proposed. However, the RA code also has a limitation in reducing the coding complexity of the LDPC code. Therefore, efficient coding of the LDPC code should be considered. (3) Degree Distribution on a Factor Graph of an LDPC Code should be Considered. Generally, an irregular LDPC code is superior in performance to a regular LDPC code, because a factor graph of the irregular LDPC code has various degrees. The term “degree” refers to the number of edges connected to the variable nodes and the check nodes in the factor graph of the LDPC code. Further, the phrase “degree distribution” on a factor graph of an LDPC code refers to a ratio of the number of nodes having a particular degree to the total number of nodes. It has been proved by Richardson that an LDPC code having a particular degree distribution is superior in performance. As described above, it is well known that the LDPC code, together with the turbo code, are superior in a performance gain for high-speed data transmission, and the LDPC code is advantageous in that it can efficiently correct errors caused by noises generated in a transmission channel, thereby increasing the reliability of the data transmission. However, the LDPC code is not free in terms of coding rate. That is, because the LDPC code has a relatively high coding rate, it has limitation in terms of coding rate. In the current LDPC codes, most have a coding rate of ½ and only some have a coding rate of ⅓. The limitation in coding rate exerts a fatal influence on high-speed, high-capacity data transmission. Of course, although a degree distribution representing the best performance can be calculated using a density evolution scheme in order to implement a relatively low coding rate for the LDPC code, it is difficult to implement an LDPC code having a degree distribution representing the best performance due to various restrictions, such as a cycle structure on a factor graph and hardware implementation. In addition, the LDPC code makes it difficult to enable real-time coding and causes a delay in a decoding process.
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Title:
Apparatus and method for coding and decoding irregular repeat accumulate codes
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for coding an irregular Repeat Accumulate (RA) code. A repeater repeats a received information word such that the information word corresponds to weights of a first information part and a second information part of a parity check matrix in which permutation matrixes are arranged in the first information part and the second information part corresponding to the information word such that a minimum length of a cycle on a factor graph of the irregular RA code becomes a predetermined length and weights are irregular, and a dual diagonal matrix is arranged in a parity part corresponding to a parity. An interleaver interleaves a signal output from the repeater using an interleaving scheme predefined for the parity check matrix. An accumulator generates the irregular RA code by accumulating a signal output from the interleaver according to a weight of the parity part.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and method for coding/decoding, and in particular, to an apparatus and method for coding/decoding Repeat Accumulate (RA) codes. 2. Description of the Related Art In communication operations, it is very important to efficiently and reliably transmit data over a channel. In the next generation multimedia mobile communication systems, i.e., systems into which active research is currently being made, it is necessary to increase system efficiency using a channel coding scheme that is appropriate for the system because there is a large demand for a high-speed communication system capable of processing and transmitting a variety of information such as image and radio data, beyond the capabilities of early voice-oriented services. During data transmission, inevitable errors caused by noise, interference, and fading occur according to channel conditions, often resulting in a loss of information. Accordingly, in order to reduce the information loss, various error-control schemes have been used according to characteristics of channels to increase system reliability. The most typical error-control scheme uses error-correcting codes. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a transceiver of a conventional communication system. Referring to FIG. 1 , in a transmitter side, a transmission message ‘u’ is coded by an encoder 101 using a predetermined coding scheme, before being transmitted over a channel. The symbol ‘c’ coded by the encoder 101 is modulated by a modulator 103 using a predetermined modulation scheme, and the modulated signal ‘s’ is transmitted to a receiver side over a channel 105 . A signal ‘r’ is received at the receiver side. The received signal ‘r’ is a distorted signal that is a mixture of the signal ‘s’ transmitted by the transmitter side and various noises caused by a change in channel conditions of channel 105 . The received signal ‘r’ is demodulated by a demodulator 107 using a demodulation scheme corresponding to the modulation scheme used in the modulator 103 of the transmitter side, and the demodulated signal ‘x’ is decoded by a decoder 109 using a decoding scheme corresponding to the coding scheme used in the encoder 101 of the transmitter side. Thereafter, the decoder 109 outputs the decoded signal û. In order to enable the receiver side to decode the signal ‘u’ transmitted by the transmitter side without error, it is necessary to provide channel encoder and decoder having better performance. In particular, when the channel 105 is a wireless channel, errors caused by the channel 105 are more considerable. The decoder 109 of the transmitter side detects an estimated value of the transmission message using the data received over the channel 105 . Additionally, with the rapid progress of mobile communication systems, scheme for transmitting a large volume of data at and up to a capacity level presently available in wired networks must be developed for a wireless network. As a high-speed, high-capacity communication system capable of processing and transmitting various information such as image data and radio data as well as simple voice service data is required, it is necessary to increase the system transmission efficiency using an appropriate channel coding scheme in order to improve the system performance. However, as indicated above, a mobile communication system inevitably experiences errors occurring due to noise, interference, and fading according to channel conditions during data transmission. The occurrence of errors causes a loss of information data. In order to reduce the information data loss due to the occurrence of errors, it is possible to improve reliability of the mobile communication system using various error-control schemes. As described above, the most commonly used error-control scheme uses an error-correcting code. A description will now be made of a turbo code and a low-density parity check (LDPC) code, which are typical error correcting codes. A. Turbo Code It is well known that the turbo code is superior in performance gain to a convolutional code conventionally used for error correction, during high-speed data transmission. The turbo code is advantageous in that it can efficiently correct an error caused by noises generated in a transmission channel, thereby increasing the reliability of the data transmission. B. LDPC Code The LDPC code can be decoded using an iterative decoding algorithm based on a sum-product algorithm on a factor graph. Because a decoder for the LDPC code uses the sum-product algorithm-based iterative decoding algorithm, it is lower in complexity to a decoder for the turbo code. In addition, the decoder for the LDPC code is easy to implement with a parallel processing decoder, as compared with the decoder for the turbo code. Shannon's channel coding theorem shows that reliable communication is possible only at a data rate not exceeding a channel capacity. However, Shannon's channel coding theorem has proposed no detailed channel coding/decoding method for supporting a data rate up to the maximum channel capacity limit. Generally, although a random code having a very large block size shows performance approximating a channel capacity limit of Shannon's channel coding theorem, when a MAP (Maximum A Posteriori) or ML (Maximum Likelihood) decoding method is used, it is actually impossible to implement the decoding method because of its heavy calculation load. The turbo code was proposed by Berrou, Glavieux, and Thitimajshima in 1993, and has superior performance approximating a channel capacity limit of Shannon's channel coding theorem. The proposal of the turbo code triggered active research on iterative decoding and graphical expression of codes. Similarly, LDPC codes proposed by Gallager in 1962 have been newly spotlighted in the research. Cycles exist on a factor graph of the turbo code and the LDPC code, and it is well known that iterative decoding on the factor graph of the LDPC code where cycles exist is suboptimal. Also, it has been experimentally proven that the LDPC code has excellent performance through iterative decoding. The LDPC code known to have the highest performance ever shows performance having a difference of only about 0.04 [dB] at a channel capacity limit of Shannon's channel coding theorem at a bit error rate (BER) 10 −5, using a block size 10 7 . In addition, although an LDPC code defined in Galois Field (GF) with q>2, i.e., GF(q), increases in complexity in its decoding process, it is far superior in performance to a binary code. However, no satisfactory theoretical description of successful decoding by an iterative decoding algorithm for the LDPC code defined in GF(q) has yet been provided. More specifically, the LDPC code, proposed by Gallager, is defined by a parity check matrix in which major elements have a value of 0 and minor elements except the elements having the value of 0 have a non-zero value, i.e., a value of 1. For example, an (N, j, k) LDPC code is a linear block code having a block length N, and is defined by a sparse parity check matrix in which each column has j elements having a value of 1, each row has k elements having a value of 1, and all of the elements except for the elements having the value of 1 have a value of 0. An LDPC code in which a weight of each column in the parity check matrix is fixed to ‘j’ and a weight of each row in the parity check matrix is fixed to ‘k’ as stated above, is called a “regular LDPC code.” Herein, the “weight” refers to the number of elements having a non-zero value among the elements constituting the generating matrix and parity check matrix. Unlike the regular LDPC code, an LDPC code in which the weight of each column in the parity check matrix and the weight of each row in the parity check matrix are not fixed is called an “irregular LDPC code.” It is generally known that the irregular LDPC code is superior in performance to the regular LDPC code. However, in the irregular LDPC code, because the weight of each column and the weight of each row in the parity check matrix are not fixed, i.e., are irregular, the weight of each column in the parity check matrix and the weight of each row in the parity check matrix must be properly adjusted in order to guarantee the superior performance. FIG. 2 illustrates a parity check matrix of an (8, 2, 4) LDPC code, e.g., an (N, j, k) LDPC code. More specifically, FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a parity check matrix of a general (8, 2, 4) LDPC code. Referring to FIG. 2 , a parity check matrix H of the (8, 2, 4) LDPC code is comprised of 8 columns and 4 rows, wherein a weight of each column is fixed to 2 and a weight of each row is fixed to 4. Because the weight of each column and the weight of each row in the parity check matrix are regular as stated above, the (8, 2, 4) LDPC code illustrated in FIG. 2 becomes a regular LDPC code. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a factor graph of the (8, 2, 4) LDPC code illustrated in FIG. 2 . Referring to FIG. 3 , a factor graph of the (8, 2, 4) LDPC code is comprised of 8 variable nodes of x 1 300 , x 2 302 , x 3 304 , x 4 306 , x 5 308 , x 6 310 , x 7 312 , and x 8 314 , and 4 check nodes 316 , 318 , 320 , and 322 . When an element having a value of 1, i.e., a non-zero value, exists at a point where an i th row and a j th column of the parity check matrix of the (8, 2, 4) LDPC code cross each other, a branch is created between a variable node x i and a j th check node. Because the parity check matrix of the LDPC code has a very small weight as described above, it is possible to perform decoding through iterative decoding even in a block code having a relatively long length, that exhibits performance approximating a capacity limit of a Shannon channel, such as a turbo code, while continuously increasing a block length of the block code. MacKay and Neal have proven that an iterative decoding process of an LDPC code using a flooding transfer scheme is approximate to an iterative decoding process of a turbo code in performance. However, in order to generate a high-performance LDPC code, the following conditions should be satisfied. (1) Cycles on a Factor Graph of an LDPC Code should be Considered. The term “cycle” refers to a loop formed by the edges connecting the variable nodes to the check nodes in a factor graph of an LDPC code, and a length of the cycle is defined as the number of edges constituting the loop. A cycle being long in length indicates that the number of edges connecting the variable nodes to the check nodes constituting the loop in the factor graph of the LDPC code is large. In contrast, a cycle being short in length indicates that the number of edges connecting the variable nodes to the check nodes constituting the loop in the factor graph of the LDPC code is small. As cycles in the factor graph of the LDPC code become longer, the performance efficiency of the LDPC code increases. That is, when long cycles are generated in the factor graph of the LDPC code, it is possible to prevent performance degradation such as an error floor occurring when too many cycles with a short length exist on the factor graph of the LDPC code. (2) Efficient Coding of an LDPC Code should be Considered. It is difficult for the LDPC code to undergo real-time coding compared with a convolutional code or a turbo code because of its high coding complexity. In order to reduce the coding complexity of the LDPC code, a Repeat Accumulate (RA) code has been proposed. However, the RA code also has a limitation in reducing the coding complexity of the LDPC code. Therefore, efficient coding of the LDPC code should be considered. (3) Degree Distribution on a Factor Graph of an LDPC Code should be Considered. Generally, an irregular LDPC code is superior in performance to a regular LDPC code, because a factor graph of the irregular LDPC code has various degrees. The term “degree” refers to the number of edges connected to the variable nodes and the check nodes in the factor graph of the LDPC code. Further, the phrase “degree distribution” on a factor graph of an LDPC code refers to a ratio of the number of nodes having a particular degree to the total number of nodes. It has been proved by Richardson that an LDPC code having a particular degree distribution is superior in performance. As described above, it is well known that the LDPC code, together with the turbo code, are superior in a performance gain for high-speed data transmission, and the LDPC code is advantageous in that it can efficiently correct errors caused by noises generated in a transmission channel, thereby increasing the reliability of the data transmission. However, the LDPC code is not free in terms of coding rate. That is, because the LDPC code has a relatively high coding rate, it has limitation in terms of coding rate. In the current LDPC codes, most have a coding rate of ½ and only some have a coding rate of ⅓. The limitation in coding rate exerts a fatal influence on high-speed, high-capacity data transmission. Of course, although a degree distribution representing the best performance can be calculated using a density evolution scheme in order to implement a relatively low coding rate for the LDPC code, it is difficult to implement an LDPC code having a degree distribution representing the best performance due to various restrictions, such as a cycle structure on a factor graph and hardware implementation. In addition, the LDPC code makes it difficult to enable real-time coding and causes a delay in a decoding process.
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10959973
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Composition for treatment of obesity or generally aiding weight loss in pill, powder or liquid form, by appetite reduction and metabolism increase, comprising: L- phenylalanine, caffeine, and one or more of the group of all forms of 5-hydroxytryptophan and L-tryptophan, all from either natural or synthetic sources
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A method of treating a human subject suffering from obesity or who simply desires to lose weight is disclosed, which comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of a compound which enhances serotonin, noradrenaline, and adrenaline activity. The formula is comprised of effective amounts of caffeine, L-phenylalanine, and one or more of L-tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a novel composition of nutrient and herbal ingredients and method for taking the same useful for enhancing body fat loss in overweight and obese subjects. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Obesity Working Group (OWG), “Obesity is a pervasive public health problem in the United States.” Calories Count, p. i. It was determined by the OWG that adult obesity is steadily and substantially increasing in the United States. One very effective fat loss aid, ephedrine, commonly used as an herbal extract, was removed from the marketplace by FDA on Apr. 12, 2004 (Final Rule), thereby increasing the need for a convenient, safe and effective fat loss aid. “The OWG's recommendations are centered on the scientific fact that weight control is primarily a function of balance of the calories eaten and calories expended on physical and metabolic activity.” Calories Count, p. i. Therefore, according to the OWG, obesity can be corrected by reducing caloric intake and by increasing calories expended by increasing either physical or metabolic activity or both. The present invention is the first instance of this particular combination of nutrients and herbs designed both to reduce caloric intake by decreasing appetite and to increase calories expended by increasing metabolic activity. Other inventions have used one or more of the ingredients of the present invention, but none have used all three for the purposes of the present invention. The use of 5-hydroxytryptophan for weight loss is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,482. However, that invention does not specifically include the use caffeine nor L-phenylalanine. Additionally, that patent fails to describe the use of 5-hydroxytryptophan for the purpose of increasing serotonin and thereby decreasing appetite. In fact, that patent fails to provide any explanation of the mechanism of the invention, stating that: “The process by which weight is controlled is so complex that even most talented scientists do not understand it.” The use of caffeine and L-phenylalanine for the use of enhancing memory and psychoactive effect is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,436,946 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,261,589, respectively. However, those inventions do not include the use of either L-tryptophan nor 5-hydroxytryptophan. Additionally, the inventions do not address the issue of weight loss. The use of caffeine, with or without the inclusion of L-phenylalanine, for the use of weight loss is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,576,272. However, the invention does not include the use of either L-tryptophan nor 5-hydroxytryptophan nor any other item for the purpose of increasing serotonin. Additionally, the primary mechanism of the invention is stimulation of the central nervous system by syneprine as found in bitter orange (citrus aurantium), not the stimulation of adrenaline by caffeine, nor of the increase of brown fat activity by L-phenylalanine as in the present invention. The use of caffeine for the use of weight loss is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,420,350 as a possible adjunct to the use of glucosamine. However, the invention fails to include L-phenylalanine and either 5-hydroxytryptophan or L-tryptophan. Additionally, caffeine as used in this invention is subordinate to the use of glucosamine, upon which the invention is principally based. The use of St. John's wort and ma huang (ephedra), with or without caffeine, for the use of weight loss is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,985,282. The invention is based primarily on the use of St. John's wort and ma huang for the purpose of increasing serotonin to thereby suppress appetite. The invention does not include L-phenylalanine nor any other substance to increase noradrenalin (norepinephrine) for the purpose of increasing brown fat activity. Additionally, the use of caffeine is not required in the invention, and in fact, the purpose of the use of caffeine in the invention is not explained. The use of caffeine with aspirin and ephedrine for the use of weight loss is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,055,460. This invention fails to include 5-hydroxytryptophan, L-tryptophan, and/or L-phenylalanine, or any other substance for the production of neurotransmitters serotonin or noradrenaline. The use of caffeine is limited to its synergistic effects when used with aspirin and ephedrine. The use of DL-phenylalanine for the use of weight loss is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,925,377. However, DL-phenylalanine has very different properties from those of L-phenylalanine. Additionally, the invention fails to adequately describe the mechanism of DL-phenylalanine, except to say that it suppresses appetite, or that it is converted to tyrosine which supresses appetite. Also, the invention fails to include caffeine, 5-hydroxytryptophan, L-tryptophan, and/or L-phenylalanine. Claim 2 is: “The composition of claim 1 , wherein said DL-phenylalanine comprises L-phenylalanine.” However, DL-phenylalanine, being an entirely different isomer from L-phenylalanine, cannot “comprise” L-phenylalanine. Claim 2 therefore is nonsensical, and the invention never truly includes L-phenylalanine. The same is true for claim 13 and claim 15 , wherein the same statement is made. References Cited U.S. Patent Documents 6,383,482 May 7, 2002 Gorsek 424/93. 6,436,946 Aug. 20, 2002 Mann 514/263. 6,261,589 Jul. 17, 2001 Pearson, et al. 424/439 6,576,272 Jun. 10, 2003 Blechman 424/736 6,420,350 Jul. 16, 2002 Fleischner 514/62 5,985,282 Nov. 16, 1999 Haveson 424/730 5,055,460 Oct. 8, 1991 Friedlander 514/161 5,925,377 Jul. 20, 1999 Gerth, et al. 424/451
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Title:
Composition for treatment of obesity or generally aiding weight loss in pill, powder or liquid form, by appetite reduction and metabolism increase, comprising: L- phenylalanine, caffeine, and one or more of the group of all forms of 5-hydroxytryptophan and L-tryptophan, all from either natural or synthetic sources
Abstract:
A method of treating a human subject suffering from obesity or who simply desires to lose weight is disclosed, which comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of a compound which enhances serotonin, noradrenaline, and adrenaline activity. The formula is comprised of effective amounts of caffeine, L-phenylalanine, and one or more of L-tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan.
Background:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a novel composition of nutrient and herbal ingredients and method for taking the same useful for enhancing body fat loss in overweight and obese subjects. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Obesity Working Group (OWG), “Obesity is a pervasive public health problem in the United States.” Calories Count, p. i. It was determined by the OWG that adult obesity is steadily and substantially increasing in the United States. One very effective fat loss aid, ephedrine, commonly used as an herbal extract, was removed from the marketplace by FDA on Apr. 12, 2004 (Final Rule), thereby increasing the need for a convenient, safe and effective fat loss aid. “The OWG's recommendations are centered on the scientific fact that weight control is primarily a function of balance of the calories eaten and calories expended on physical and metabolic activity.” Calories Count, p. i. Therefore, according to the OWG, obesity can be corrected by reducing caloric intake and by increasing calories expended by increasing either physical or metabolic activity or both. The present invention is the first instance of this particular combination of nutrients and herbs designed both to reduce caloric intake by decreasing appetite and to increase calories expended by increasing metabolic activity. Other inventions have used one or more of the ingredients of the present invention, but none have used all three for the purposes of the present invention. The use of 5-hydroxytryptophan for weight loss is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,482. However, that invention does not specifically include the use caffeine nor L-phenylalanine. Additionally, that patent fails to describe the use of 5-hydroxytryptophan for the purpose of increasing serotonin and thereby decreasing appetite. In fact, that patent fails to provide any explanation of the mechanism of the invention, stating that: “The process by which weight is controlled is so complex that even most talented scientists do not understand it.” The use of caffeine and L-phenylalanine for the use of enhancing memory and psychoactive effect is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,436,946 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,261,589, respectively. However, those inventions do not include the use of either L-tryptophan nor 5-hydroxytryptophan. Additionally, the inventions do not address the issue of weight loss. The use of caffeine, with or without the inclusion of L-phenylalanine, for the use of weight loss is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,576,272. However, the invention does not include the use of either L-tryptophan nor 5-hydroxytryptophan nor any other item for the purpose of increasing serotonin. Additionally, the primary mechanism of the invention is stimulation of the central nervous system by syneprine as found in bitter orange (citrus aurantium), not the stimulation of adrenaline by caffeine, nor of the increase of brown fat activity by L-phenylalanine as in the present invention. The use of caffeine for the use of weight loss is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,420,350 as a possible adjunct to the use of glucosamine. However, the invention fails to include L-phenylalanine and either 5-hydroxytryptophan or L-tryptophan. Additionally, caffeine as used in this invention is subordinate to the use of glucosamine, upon which the invention is principally based. The use of St. John's wort and ma huang (ephedra), with or without caffeine, for the use of weight loss is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,985,282. The invention is based primarily on the use of St. John's wort and ma huang for the purpose of increasing serotonin to thereby suppress appetite. The invention does not include L-phenylalanine nor any other substance to increase noradrenalin (norepinephrine) for the purpose of increasing brown fat activity. Additionally, the use of caffeine is not required in the invention, and in fact, the purpose of the use of caffeine in the invention is not explained. The use of caffeine with aspirin and ephedrine for the use of weight loss is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,055,460. This invention fails to include 5-hydroxytryptophan, L-tryptophan, and/or L-phenylalanine, or any other substance for the production of neurotransmitters serotonin or noradrenaline. The use of caffeine is limited to its synergistic effects when used with aspirin and ephedrine. The use of DL-phenylalanine for the use of weight loss is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,925,377. However, DL-phenylalanine has very different properties from those of L-phenylalanine. Additionally, the invention fails to adequately describe the mechanism of DL-phenylalanine, except to say that it suppresses appetite, or that it is converted to tyrosine which supresses appetite. Also, the invention fails to include caffeine, 5-hydroxytryptophan, L-tryptophan, and/or L-phenylalanine. Claim 2 is: “The composition of claim 1 , wherein said DL-phenylalanine comprises L-phenylalanine.” However, DL-phenylalanine, being an entirely different isomer from L-phenylalanine, cannot “comprise” L-phenylalanine. Claim 2 therefore is nonsensical, and the invention never truly includes L-phenylalanine. The same is true for claim 13 and claim 15 , wherein the same statement is made. References Cited U.S. Patent Documents 6,383,482 May 7, 2002 Gorsek 424/93. 6,436,946 Aug. 20, 2002 Mann 514/263. 6,261,589 Jul. 17, 2001 Pearson, et al. 424/439 6,576,272 Jun. 10, 2003 Blechman 424/736 6,420,350 Jul. 16, 2002 Fleischner 514/62 5,985,282 Nov. 16, 1999 Haveson 424/730 5,055,460 Oct. 8, 1991 Friedlander 514/161 5,925,377 Jul. 20, 1999 Gerth, et al. 424/451
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