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Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems, typically located on board an aircraft or satellite platform, provide SAR imagery of the radar return signals in both the range dimension and the cross-range or azimuth dimension. Range resolution is achieved in a well known manner by using either a high bandwidth fixed frequency transmit pulse or a frequency modulated (FM) transmit pulse. Resolution in the cross-range dimension is achieved by synthesizing a large antenna aperture using the motion of the radar platform. The key to SAR is the data processing of reflected return data. For an overview of SAR, reference is made to “An Introduction To Synthetic Aperture Radar” by W. M. Brown and L. J. Porcello, IEEE Spectrum (September, 1969), pages 52–62. For optimal performance, the frequency content of relatively high frequency communication signal processing systems, such as those used for generating wideband chirps for SAR, should be as pure as possible, in particular, they should exhibit phase continuity or coherency through the entire output frequency range. Analog synthesizer-based systems, which offer a relatively wide tuning range, suffer from arbitrary phase steps when switching between local oscillators. A direct digital synthesizer (DDS), on the other hand, provides phase continuity with low noise when switching, but is capable of operation within a relatively narrow tuning range (e.g., 100 MHz). One technique currently used to generate a wideband chirp involves multiplying up the output chirp of a DDS to realize the desired output frequency range of the system. Unfortunately, successive multiplications also multiply noise by the same factor. This problem is compounded because radiation requirements typically limit the choice of DDS to those having relatively low frequency rates, which means that even higher multiplication factors are required. Another conventional approach is to limit the frequency range (width) of the chirp and use receiver processing to resolve phase errors associated with the discontinuities. One conventional approach is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,878,335 to Kushner which is directed to a low-power digital frequency synthesizer that combines direct digital frequency synthesis techniques with serrodyne frequency translation principles to produce a wideband frequency response with high spectral purity. A DDS is used to generate a high-resolution analog carrier signal from a low-speed digital clock signal. The carrier signal is phase modulated by a low-resolution signal generated from a high-speed digital clock signal. The modulation signal is a higher frequency signal than the carrier signal, and the phase modulation is accomplished by exact decoded gain elements.

The use of lithium silicate glass ceramic has proven itself in the field of dental technology because of its strength and biocompatibility. The strength can additionally be increased by adding a stabilizer from the group consisting of zirconium oxide, hafnium oxide, or mixtures thereof, to the starting raw materials (DE 10 2009 060 274 A1, WO 2012/175450 A1, WO 2012/175615 A1, WO 2013/053865 A2, EP 2 662 342 A1). Lithium silicate glass ceramic materials, in particular if a blank contains lithium metasilicate as the main crystal phase, enable problem-free machining without high tool wear. To increase the strength, the lithium metasilicate is at least partially converted into lithium disilicate by subsequent heat treatment (DE 197 50 794 A1, DE 103 36 913 B4). To produce dental restorations, it is known to press plastified ceramic material into a mold cavity present in a curable investment material (EP 1 484 031 B1, EP 0 231 773 A1). DE 10 2010 108 171 A1 discloses a method to increase the strength of a form body consisting of lithium silicate glass ceramic. Lithium ions are replaced by alkali metal ions of greater diameter to generate a surface compressive stress.

With the widespread use of computers and word processing systems in the workplace, there has been an increased concern over the ergonomics of these devices. Where an operator must spend long periods of time viewing a video display monitor, often without relief, it is paramount that the monitor be designed to provide a high level of operator comfort and convenience in its use. Most notably, it has been recognized that display monitors should provide for the ergonomical differences between operators and for differences in the environments in which these devices are used. Since one standard cannot suit all, display monitors must be adjustable to suit the needs of the individual operator in his individual working environment. More specifically, for an operator using a video display monitor, varying lighting conditions in the workplace produce light reflections and glare which may in turn cause eyestrain and other detriments. To solve this problem it is desirable that the individual operator be able to adjust the tilt angle of the display monitor a few degrees forward and back in order to control glare from the screen and to achieve an optimum viewing angle. It is further desirable that the tilt angle be quickly and easily changed and that the new tilt angle be maintained with a minumum of hand operated locking devices. The prior art has addressed these problems in numerous ways. One solution has been the tilt and rotate ball. An example of this apparatus is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,365,779 issued to Bates et al. The display monitor is supported on a stationary base by means of a spherical ball and socket joint which permits tilting and rotating of the monitor with respect to the base. A very different design for a tilting monitor is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,368,867 issued to Pendleton et al. a display monitor has two pairs of elongated feet suspended from its bottom. The feet rest on the inclined surfaces of a pair of parallel, trapazodial shaped base members joined together by a horizontal plate. The trapazodial base members have step-like indentations on their inclined surfaces, for holding the elongated feet, which correspond to the desired viewing angles. To change viewing angles, the monitor is moved incrementally up the step-like indententation, basically in an arc. Still another approach for varying the tilt angle of a display monitor is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,372,515 issued to Noonan. In this patent, a display monitor housing is mounted to a stationary pedestal base by means of a rack and spur gear arrangement, which allows a tilting movement of the monitor with respect to the pedestal base. This apparently allows the center of gravity of the monitor to be co-located with its contact point on the pedestal base to thereby balance the monitor on the base. Devices such as those discussed above are basically effective, although they suffer from certain disadvantages. All devices of this type generally include a base or pedestal support and some complex mechanism for mounting the display monitor thereon. This often results in a very expensive assembly which is bulky on an operator's desk. Some of the devices include detents which allow a tilt adjustment only in predefined increments or steps, rather than continuously throughout a tilt range, as would be more desirable. Many of the devices require the movement of the entire weight of the monitor to accomplish tilting. Still others require locking devices to keep the display monitor stationary once the tilt angle is set.

I. Field The following description relates generally to wireless communications, and more particularly to enabling mobile devices to store provisioned deployment information to facilitate selection of femtocells. II. Background Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content such as voice and data, Typical wireless communication systems may be multiple-access systems capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., bandwidth, transmit power, . . . ). Examples of such multiple-access systems may include code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems, orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems, and the like. Additionally, the systems can conform to specifications such as third generation partnership project (3GPP), 3GPP2, 3GPP long-term evolution (LTE), LTE Advanced (LTE-A), etc. As the demand for high-rate and multimedia data services rapidly grows, there has been an effort toward implementation of efficient and robust communication systems with enhanced performance. For example, in recent years, users have started to replace fixed line communications with mobile communications and have increasingly demanded great voice quality, reliable service, and low prices. In addition to mobile telephone networks currently in place, a new class of small base stations has emerged, which can be installed in the home of a user and provide indoor wireless coverage to mobile units using existing broadband Internet connections. Such personal miniature base stations are generally known as access point base stations, or, alternatively, Home Node B (HNB) or Femto cells. Typically, such miniature base stations are connected to the Internet and the network of a mobile operator via a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) router, cable modem, or the like. Wireless communication systems can be configured to include a series of wireless access points, which can provide coverage for respective locations within the system. Such a network structure is generally referred to as a cellular network structure, and access points and/or the locations they respectively serve in the network are generally referred to as cells. The networks can include femtocells as well as macrocells that cover larger areas. Because the strength of a signal typically decreases as the distance over which it is communicated increases, a network user can, under various circumstances, exchange substantially strong signals with cells located physically close to the user as compared to cells that are located farther away from the user. However, in the case of femtocells, a strong signal can be temporary due to mobility of a mobile device and the relatively smaller coverage area of femtocells. For instance, a high-mobility network user can quickly enter and exit a femtocell coverage area. Unnecessary battery and/or radio resources can be utilized in acquisition of the femtocell since it is unknown that the strong signal originates from a femtocell.

In the smart bathroom product field, infrared sensors have been applied widely in products such as auto faucets, automatic flushing urinals, flushing devices for toilet bowls, toilet seats spraying warm water, hand driers and toilet bowls equipped with warm-air fans. Most of the infrared sensors used in traditional smart bathroom products operate in an active infrared sensing mode. That is, an infrared emitter emits a certain wavelength of infrared light, and after the infrared light is reflected from a human body and received by an infrared receiver, the strength of the reflected signal is determined to achieve automatic sensing determination. However, it is difficult to achieve automatic sensing determination with respect to some substances having a low reflectivity to infrared light, such as black clothes and hair. After the infrared emitter emits infrared light, only a very small part of the infrared light reflected by such a substance is received by the infrared receiver. Due to the insufficient strength of the reflected signal, the sensor is unable to determine whether there exists a subject, thus causing a failure of sensing. In order to solve the problem of the failure of sensing in the traditional infrared sensing bathroom products, a position sensitive detector (PSD) is induced into the bathing automation field. The PSD controls whether the bathroom product where the PSD is located is to perform an operation such as water releasing and flushing by detecting whether the distance to a subject to be detected is within a preset range. Since the PSD achieves the automatic sensing function by determining the distance from itself to the subject instead of by determining the strength of the reflected signal, the defect existing in traditional infrared sensing that “the insufficient strength of the reflected signal causes a failure of sensing” can be overcome effectively. At present, the PSDs used in the smart bathroom products are generally powered by a battery. By the factor of the operation principle of a PSD, its power consumption is generally larger than that of an ordinary infrared sensor mainly because of the following two aspects: 1. In order to increase the strength of the signal of the PSD for sensing an object having a low reflectivity, an emitting current larger than that of the ordinary infrared sensor is usually used for signal collection, which results in the increase of the emitting power consumption. 2. In order to increase the precision for detecting the distance to the object having a weak reflectivity by the PSD product, an approach of obtaining an average value of signals collected for multiple times in unit time is generally used. Therefore, due to the service life of the battery, it is necessary to decrease the power consumption of a PSD product used in a smart bathroom product as much as possible to prolong the service life of the battery so as to reduce the inconvenience caused by the depletion of the battery and the frequent replacement of the battery, allowing the PSD product to be applied widely. Hence, a method for decreasing power consumption of the PSD product is also needed urgently in the art.

In recent years, various techniques for automatically stopping a drive power source of a vehicle upon the fulfillment of a shutdown condition are proposed and introduced from the viewpoint of environmental protection. For example, when an operation time period of a brake pedal by a driver reaches a predetermined time period during an idling of an internal combustion engine, which is a drive power source of the vehicle, the engine is forcibly stopped (JP 2000-274272A). Further, when at least one condition is met among the conditions that a vehicle speed is lower than a predetermined value, that a shift position is neutral or parking, and that a side brake is operated, the engine of the vehicle is forcibly stopped. However, even if the engine is forcibly stopped as above, power supply from a battery to various parts of the vehicle might be continued even after the stop of the engine. This also occurs in a case where the engine is stopped due to any trouble. In a state where the engine is thus stopped, the battery is not charged by an alternator that is driven by the engine. Therefore, the power supply to the various parts of the vehicle from the battery continues for a long time, with the result that the battery is consumed unnecessarily. The engine may fail to be started again because of insufficient power supply from the battery.

1. Field of Endeavor The present invention relates to the field of power plant technology. It refers to a method for operating a (stationary) gas turbine, and also to a gas turbine useful for carrying out the method. 2. Brief Description of the Related Art A gas turbine with reheating (reheat gas turbine) is known (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,378, or “State-of-the-art gas turbines—a brief update”, ABB review 02/1997, FIG. 15, turbine type GT26), which combines a flexible operation with very low exhaust gas emission values. The machine architecture of gas turbine of type GT26 is uniquely and suitably characterized for the realization of a concept which is the subject of the present invention, because: in the compressor there is already a significant tapping off of compressor air at medium compressor pressures, sequential combustion enables a high stability of combustion in the case of reduced values of oxygen surplus, and a secondary air system is available which enables air to be tapped off from the compressor and cooled down, and the cooled-down air to be used for cooling the combustor and the turbine. The principle of the known gas turbine with reheating is reproduced in FIG. 1. The gas turbine 11, which is part of a combined-cycle power plant 10, includes two compressors, specifically a low-pressure compressor 13 and a high-pressure compressor 14, which are connected in series and arranged on a common shaft 15, and also two combustors, specifically a high-pressure combustor 18 and a reheat combustor 19, and associated turbines, specifically a high-pressure turbine 16 and a low-pressure turbine 17. The shaft 15 drives a generator 12. The principle of operation of the plant is the following: air is inducted via an air intake 20 by the low-pressure compressor 13 and first compressed to an intermediate pressure level (about 20 bar). The high-pressure compressor 14 then further compresses the air to a high pressure level (about 32 bar). Cooling air is tapped off both at the intermediate pressure level and at the high pressure level and cooled in associated OTC coolers (OTC=Once-Through Cooler) 23 and 24, and via cooling air lines 25 and 26 is transmitted to the combustors 18, 19 and turbines 16, 17 for cooling. The remaining air from the high-pressure compressor 14 is guided to the high-pressure combustor 18 and heated there by combustion of a fuel which is fed via the fuel feed line 21. The resulting exhaust gas is then expanded in the subsequent high-pressure turbine 16 to a medium pressure level, performing work. After expansion, the exhaust gas is reheated in the reheat combustor 19 by combustion of a fuel which is fed via the fuel feed line 22, before it is expanded in the subsequent low-pressure turbine 17, performing further work. The cooling air which flows through the cooling air lines 25, 26 is injected at suitable points of the combustors 18, 19 and turbines 16, 17 in order to limit the material temperatures to an acceptable degree. The exhaust gas which issues from the low-pressure turbine 17 is sent through a heat recovery steam generator 27 (HRSG=Heat Recovery Steam Generator) in order to produce steam which, within a water-steam cycle, flows through a steam turbine 29 and performs further work there. After the heat recovery steam generator 27 has been subjected to throughflow by the exhaust gas, the exhaust gas is finally discharged to the outside through an exhaust gas line 28. The OTC coolers 23, 24 are part of the water-steam cycle; superheated steam is produced at their outlets. A high flexibility in operation is achieved as a result of the two consecutive combustions, which are independent of each other, in the combustors 18 and 19; the combustor temperatures can be set so that the maximum efficiency is achieved within the existing limits. The low exhaust gas values of the sequential combustion system are produced as a result of the inherently low emission values which can be achieved in the case of reheating (under certain conditions the second combustion even leads to a consumption of NOx). On the other hand, combined-cycle power plants with single-stage combustion in the gas turbines are known (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,785,622 or U.S. Pat. No. 6,513,317), in which is integrated a coal gasification plant which is supplied with oxygen from an air separation unit (ASU) in order to provide the fuel, in the form of syngas which is produced from coal, which is required for the gas turbine. Such combined-cycle power plants are referred to as IGCC plants (IGCC=Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle). The present invention is now based on the knowledge that, by the use of gas turbines with reheating according to FIG. 1 in an IGCC plant, the advantages of this gas turbine type can be utilized for the plant in a special way. The highest flexibility and efficiency during the operation of an IGCC plant can be achieved if the air separation unit is not integrated and if undiluted fuels can be combusted. Using a gas turbine with reheating according to FIG. 1, this can be realized, while at the same time the emissions can be minimized on account of an alternative concept of the NOx controls. This type of process profits from the advantages of reheating. The integration of a gas turbine in an IGCC plant typically influences both the compressor and the combustors, as is clear in FIG. 2. The combined-cycle power plant 30 of FIG. 2 includes a gas turbine 11 with a low-pressure compressor 13, a subsequent high-pressure compressor 14, a high-pressure combustor 18 with a subsequent high-pressure turbine 16, and a reheat combustor 19 with a subsequent low-pressure turbine 17. The compressors 13, 14 and the turbines 16, 17 are seated on a common shaft 15, by which a generator 12 is driven. The combustors 18 and 19 are supplied via a syngas feed line 31 with syngas as fuel which is produced by gasification of coal (coal feed line 33) in a coal gasification plant 34. A cooling device 35 for the syngas, a cleaning plant 36, and a CO2 separator 37 with a CO2 outlet 38 for discharge of the separated CO2, are connected downstream to the coal gasification plant 34. For coal gasification in the coal gasification plant 34, oxygen (O2) is used, which is produced in an air separation unit 32 and fed via an oxygen line 32a. The air separation unit 32 obtains compressed air from the outlet of the low-pressure compressor 13. The nitrogen (N2) which also results during the separation is fed for example via a nitrogen line 32b to the low-pressure combustor 19 (and/or to the high-pressure combustor 18) for diluting the syngas. For cooling the components of the combustors 18, 19 and turbines 16, 17, which are stressed by the hot gas, compressed cooling air is tapped off at the outlets of the two compressors 13 and 14, cooled in a downstream OTC cooler 23 or 24, and then via corresponding cooling lines 25 and 26 fed to places which are to be cooled. At the outlet of the low-pressure turbine 17, a heat recovery steam generator 27 is arranged, which together with an associated steam turbine 29 is part of a water-steam cycle. The exhaust gas which issues from the heat recovery steam generator 27 is discharged to the outside via an exhaust gas line 28. Such an integration of the gas turbine leads to air being tapped from the compressor for the air separation unit in order to compensate for the fuel mass flow which is fed via the combustors; and nitrogen (N2) being added for diluting the syngas fuels (CO-rich and H2-rich fuels) in order to control the production of NOx. When using syngas fuels, there are basically two possibilities for controlling the NOx: It is general practice to control the NOx level in the case of CO-rich and subsequent H2-rich syngas fuels by the fuel being diluted with N2 from the air separation unit after the gasification (see FIG. 2). An alternative to N2 dilution is the reduction of the flame temperature or, in the case of an afterburner or reheating, the reduction of the inlet temperature in the second stage of combustion. This possible alternative for a gas turbine with reheating offers the opportunity of controlling the production of NOx without noticeably forfeiting output.

Along with improvements in performance of the superconducting wires and advances in coil manufacturing techniques using such wires, as well as technical developments in related apparatuses such as heat-insulating containers and refrigerators, various types of superconducting magnets and application apparatuses employing such magnets have been created. Among these, there is a type which is operated in a persistent current mode. Superconducting magnet apparatuses for magnetic resonance imaging systems (MRI) and for magnetically levitated vehicles (Maglev) are examples of this type which have already been put into practical use. These superconducting magnet apparatuses supply an electric current from an external excitation power source to a coil that is cooled to an extremely low temperature. While a required magnetic field is produced, winding start and end portions of the coil are shunted by a superconducting switch, and this makes the apparatus run in a persistent current mode in which the electric current continues to flow into the coil without a power supply. FIG. 5 shows an example of an excitation circuit in these conventional superconducting magnet apparatuses. As shown in FIG. 5, superconducting switch 140 is connected to each end of the winding start portion and the winding end portion of a superconducting coil 110 in a conventional superconducting magnet apparatus 101 and the superconducting coil 110 is placed in an extremely low-temperature area (about 4.2K) inside the superconducting magnet apparatus 101. A normal conducting current lead 132 having a low thermal conductivity is also connected to each end of this superconducting coil 110. The other end of this normal conducting current lead 132 extending to the outer surface of the superconducting magnet apparatus 101 is connected to an external excitation power source 151 in a normal-temperature domain (about 300K). Conventionally, a thermal superconducting switch, whose resistance is zero when it is on and which has a simple structure, has been mainly used as an aforementioned superconducting switch 140. However, a mechanical superconducting switch, and a superconducting switch comprising a thermal superconducting switch 141 and a mechanical superconducting switch 142 connected in parallel as shown in FIG. 5, have been proposed (see patent document 1 and non-patent document 1, for example). Patent Document 1 Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-350148Non-Patent Document 1 “Handbook of Research and Development of Superconductivity”, International Superconductivity Technology Center, published by Ohmsha, Ltd., P 160–163, (1991) However, conventional superconducting magnet apparatuses have the following problems, when each superconducting switch is adopted in the excitation circuit. In the case of using a thermal superconducting switch alone, there is a disadvantage that it takes time to cool or to heat between ON-state (superconducting state) and OFF-state (normal conduction state). In other words, it takes time to change from ON-state to OFF-state and vice versa, since it utilizes thermal phenomena. Especially in the case of using superconducting coils having a high superconducting critical temperature and also employing a material having a high superconducting critical temperature for a superconducting switch in order to keep the superconducting state in the persistent current mode, it takes a longer time to change from the ON-state to the OFF-state and vice versa, since the temperature difference between ON-state and OFF-state is larger and the thermal capacity is larger. As a consequence, during excitation when the superconducting magnet apparatus is switched into the persistent current mode, the energized time of the current lead becomes longer and the Joule heat increases, thus causing a problem of an increase in the load of an external refrigerator which cools inside of the superconducting magnet apparatus. In the case of employing a mechanical superconducting switch alone, it is possible to turn it on and off instantly, but it is difficult to decrease contact resistance sufficiently in an ON-state, so the contact resistance causes problems such as current decay and heat generation when the switch is connected to the superconducting coil. Furthermore, there is a disadvantage in that considerable invasion heat from the drive mechanism that drives the contact in a contact or non-contact state increases heat load of the superconducting coil. As shown in FIG. 5, in the case of connecting a thermal superconducting switch and a mechanical superconducting switch in parallel, as in the case of employing a mechanical superconducting switch alone, there is the same disadvantage that invasion heat from the drive mechanism that drives the contact increases the heat load of the superconducting coil. There also is a problem that the contact resistance of the mechanical superconducting switch causes heat generation until the thermal superconducting switch has completed switching when turned on. One object of the present invention, which was made in view of the above problems, is to provide a superconducting magnet apparatus capable of preventing or controlling heat invasion into the inside of the apparatus at the time of changeover of the switching, thereby reducing the cooling load of the external refrigerator, and capable of quick changeover operation.

Natural cheese is used to flavor many prepared foods, for example, pizza, macaroni and cheese, cheese sauces, cheese dips and cheese balls. The natural cheese used for preparing such cheese-flavored foods is subject to spoilage and must be refrigerated. Even with refrigeration, the cheese must be carefully handled in order to prevent unwanted microbe growth, particularly, mold growth. For example, in home use, natural cheese is quite susceptible to mold growth once the cheese package has been opened. Even without opening the package and under proper refrigeration, conventional packaging for home-size packages are susceptible to mold growth. Accordingly, natural cheeses must be obtained shortly before the home use in preparing cheese-flavored foods. This is not only inconvenient for the householder, but has substantially prevented pre-assembled ingredient packages for preparing cheese-flavored foods, with the exceptions where the package is either stored under frozen conditions, which is expensive and most inconvenient, or the package uses a relatively-dry or sterilized cheese composition, which often adversely affects the acceptability of the product. For example, pre-packaged ingredients for preparing pizza in the home include relatively-dry and hard Italian-type cheeses as the cheese ingredient. Such cheeses are not true pizza cheeses and they have significantly restricted the acceptability of these pre-packaged pizza ingredients. Efforts to stabilize natural cheeses against spoilage by methods other than freezing have not met with substantial commercial success. Thus, canning, irradiating, etc., have not produced acceptable results. Also, attempts to stabilize natural cheeses against microbial growth with microbiocides have resulted in deteriorated taste, texture and cooking properties of the cheeses and have not produced satisfactory commercial results. A substantial advance in the art is provided by the invention disclosed and claimed in the U.S. Pat. No. 3,917,854, identified above and a subsequent improvement thereon, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,941,891, and entitled "SYNERGISTIC COMBINATION CHEESE EXTENDER" . Those disclosures are incorporated herein by reference and the disclosures are relied upon. The invention in U.S. Pat. No. 3,917,854 provides a cheese-substitute composition which is a congealed mixture of magnesium and/or potassium neutralized casein, a fat having a melting point of 130.degree. F. or less, and water. This congealed mixture mimics the texture and cooking properties of natural cheese and, which determinable selections of the ratios of the neutralized casein, water and fat, the properties of mozzarella cheese may be mimicked. Since the congealed composition is essentially bland in flavor and will not interfere with the normal taste of the pizza cheese or pizza sauce, the congealed composition may be substituted for a part of the mozzarella cheese used in producing a pizza. Further, if the congealed mixture is flavored, e.g., with a synthetic cheese flavor, then the congealed mixture may be used totally to replace mozzarella cheese in a pizza. That composition can be provided in a dried form, e.g., spray-dried form, and can be reconstituted with water to form the congealed cheese-like mixture. It was recognized that the dry, but reconstitutable, form was a substantial improvement in the art since the dry form is storage-stable for long periods of time, even without particular storage conditions, other than normal home environments. However, the care and equipment associated with reconstitution of the dry, storage stable-mixture was beyond that which would normally be acceptable for home use. It would, however, be desirable to provide a cheese extender or cheese substitute of that nature which can be essentially "instantly" reconsititued into the congealed mixture. This would provide a shelf-stable form of cheese-substitute for storage and home use and such cheese-substitute could be included in packaged pre-assembled ingredients for cheese-flavored foods, without the necessity of chemical stabilizing agents, or freezing, or the like.

1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a storage controller and a method for controlling the storage controller. In particular, the invention is suited for application in a storage controller in which flash memory is employed as a storage device. 2. Description of Related Art Conventionally, semiconductor memory and hard disk drives have been used as storage devices in storage controllers. Semiconductor memory has the advantages of fast access speed, small size, low power consumption, and high reliability; however, at the same time, semiconductor memory has the drawback of being much more expensive per bit-unit compared with the cost of hard disk drives. On the other hand, hard disk drives have the drawbacks of slower access speeds, larger size, higher power consumption, and lower reliability than semiconductor memory, while at the same time having the advantage of being much less expensive per bit-unit compared with the cost of semiconductor memory. Therefore, hard disk drives have been considered as the mainstream for storage devices in storage systems in recent years. With this trend, technical innovation after technical innovation relating to hard disk drives has been made, and the storage capacity per unit area of a hard disk drive has been improved drastically. Also, reliability, which is a weakness of hard disk drives, has been improved by means of the application of RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive/Independent Disks) technology. However, in recent years, flash memory that is semiconductor memory capable of freely rewriting data and avoiding loss of data even if the power source is turned off, has been widely used in storage devices. The power-on-and-off speed of such flash memory is several tens of microseconds, which is much faster than that of hard disk drives. With the widespread use of the flash memory, its cost per bit-unit has also been reduced. In order to realize a storage system with low power consumption by utilizing flash memory having the above-described characteristics in a storage system, techniques relating to MAID (Massive Array of Idle Disks) are disclosed in the US Patent Application No. 2004/0054939 A1 and in an online article entitled “The Case for Massive Arrays of Idle Disks (MAID)” by Dennis Colarelli, Dirk Grunwald, and Michael Neufeld, dated Jan. 7, 2002, USENIX (U.S.) [found on Aug. 5, 2005 on the Internet] [URL: http://www.usenix.org/publications/library/proceedings/fast02/wips/colarelli.pdf] However, the techniques described in the above-mentioned patent application and online article have the problem of being incapable of maintaining both low power consumption and high performance, because there is a limitation on where the MAID techniques can be applied in a storage system. Flash memory is guaranteed only for about one hundred thousand writes. As a result, if the flash memory is utilized as a storage device in a storage system, it is necessary to take the characteristics of the flash memory into account.

1. Technical Field The present invention relates to an ink cartridge attachment/detachment device that loads an ink cartridge into the main body of a recording apparatus by sliding the ink cartridge into. The invention also relates to a recording apparatus and a liquid ejecting apparatus, which are provided with the ink cartridge attachment/detachment device. Here, examples of the liquid ejecting apparatus include not only a recording apparatus, such as an ink jet recording apparatus, a photocopier, or a facsimile machine, that ejects ink from a recording head, serving as a liquid ejecting head, to perform recording onto a recording target material, such as recording paper sheet, but also an apparatus that ejects a liquid for a specific purpose, instead of ink, from a liquid ejecting head, which corresponds to the above-mentioned recording head, onto an ejected-liquid target material corresponding to the recording target material, to attach a liquid to the ejected-liquid target material. In addition to the above described example recording head, examples of the liquid ejecting head include a color material ejecting head used for manufacturing a color filter for a liquid crystal display, or the like, an electrode material (conductive paste) ejecting head used for forming an electrode for an organic EL display, a field emission display (FED), or the like, a bio-organic material ejecting head used for manufacturing a bio-chip, a sample ejecting head that ejects a sample in the same manner as a precision pipette, and the like. 2. Related Art An existing ink cartridge attachment/detachment device loads an ink cartridge by pivoting a lever using the principle of leverage, which is described, for example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 11-157094. When the ink cartridge is ejected, a link lever, which is interlocked with the rotation of the lever, is engaged with the ink cartridge to move the ink cartridge in a direction in which the ink cartridge is ejected. However, because a large-capacity multicolor ink cartridge is used, the size and weight of the ink cartridge are large. Hence, a load required for ejecting the ink cartridge is also large. To assist the ejection of ink cartridge, the main body of the attachment/detachment device is provided with an ejection lever that always urges the ink cartridge in the ejecting direction using the urging force of a spring. Because the ejection force of the ejection lever for the ink cartridge needs to exceed an ejecting resistance, such as a frictional resistance, or the like, generated between the ink cartridge and the main body of the attachment/detachment device, the urging force of the ejection lever employs a strong spring force. Accordingly, when the ink cartridge is loaded into the attachment/detachment device, a strong ejection force owing to the strong spring is retained by the attachment/detachment device. If such an existing structure is used as it is, in a trying environment, for example, at the temperature of 85 degrees C. or 105 degrees C. in an in-vehicle environment, members such as an ink cartridge, and the like, may be gradually deformed (so-called creep) under the influence of the retained strong ejection force. In addition, such creep may also occur at room temperature.

Apparatus of the generic type are known which serve for information carriers, such as compact disks or diskettes for example, to be removed from/deposited in disk holders and are part of players/recorders or archiving equipment. Such an apparatus for a compact disk (CD) to be removed from and/or returned to a disk holder of a player/recorder is shown in WO-94/27293 and has a pick-off head with three L-shaped pick-off elements. The pick-off elements are arranged with the ends of their long limb portions in a suspended, swivelling condition and in circular-arc spacing of 120 degrees at the lower end of a connecting rod mounted in the vertical central axis of the pick-off head. The ends of the short limb portions of the L-shaped pick-off elements point radially away from the central axis of the pick-off head and, when the connecting rod is in the lower end position, form a diameter smaller than that of the central hole of the CD. To remove a CD from a disk holder having a through opening, the pick-off head is inserted with its pick-off elements into the central hole by means of a pneumatically acting, first lifting cylinder. In an upward movement of the connecting rod, by means of a pneumatically acting, second lifting cylinder forming part of an actuating device and provided at the upper end of the connecting rod, the pick-off elements are swivelled with their lower ends radially outwardly away from the central axis and are also drawn axially upwards. As a result, the CD is lifted out of the disk holder by means of the short L-shaped limb portions, is centered on the long limb portions and is urged against stop means provided above the CD on the pick-off head. An apparatus for a compact disk (CD) to be removed from and/or returned to a disk holder of a player/recorder is shown in DE-A-43 34 866. This apparatus has a pick-off head in the form of a clamping device with two pick-off elements, each in the form of a semicircular clamping segment arranged at the lower end and around the central axis of the pick-off head. The first clamping segment is stationary and the second one is movable radially with respect to the central axis of the pick-off head and both segments have a diameter smaller than that of the central hole of the CD. To remove a CD from the disk holder having a through opening, the movable segment is drawn towards the stationary segment by means of a motor-driven spring-lever system of an actuating device in such a way that the CD is force-lockingly clamped at the inner wall of its central hole by the segments. The pick-off head carrying the CD is lifted by a separate motor-driven lifting device. Drawbacks encountered with the described apparatus are in one respect their elaborate design, presenting a large overall height and large unit volume and separate drive assemblies for the device lifting the pick-off head and device actuating the pick-off elements. In another respect, the force-locking engagement of the disk-shaped objects, particularly the information carriers, leads to distortion, warping and hence to damage of the information carriers.

Electronic devices such as, for example, computers (PCs), laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and the like may include, or be connected to, one or more power supplies. Among other functions, a power supply may convert alternating current (AC) power to direct current (DC) power at a voltage level for which the circuitry of the electronic device is designed. AC power is transmitted through commercial power grids at high voltages and transformed to lower voltage, typically 115V or 230V, to power outlets. Power supplies may include a device that can transform power from a power source at 115V, 230V, or other voltages to DC power at a voltage suitable for an electronic device. A power supply that is set to an incorrect input voltage level may cause the electronic device to fail, or to operate improperly. Therefore, an indicator of the power supply voltage setting is useful.

1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to a method of decoding turbo-encoded data and a receiver for decoding turbo-encoded data both of which are suitable to a mobile communication system which operates in CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access). 2. Description of the Related Art There has been suggested a method of encoding data, called a turbo code, in which an error rate close to Shannon limit can be accomplished in encoding data, by C. Berrou et al. This method is explained in detail, for instance, in Proceeding of International Conference of communication, pp. 1064–1070, May 1993. The method of turbo-encoding data is characterized by the step of dividing a code having high complexity in decoding data, into a plurality of components each having low complexity in decoding data, to thereby successively enhance accuracy in decoding data by virtue of interaction among those components. Division of a code having high complexity in decoding data, into a plurality of components each having low complexity in decoding data is carried out by a maximum posterior probability (MAP) decoder which carries out soft-input and soft-output decoding. BCJR (Bahl, Cocke, Jelinek and Raviv) algorithm is known as an algorithm for consistently accomplishing MAP decoding, but is accompanied with a problem of necessity of too much calculation. In order to reduce calculation, there have been suggested Max-Log MAP algorithm and SOVA (Soft-Output Viterbi Algorithm) both of which carry out approximate calculation. Herein, Max-Log MAP algorithm which carries out approximation of calculation in BCJR algorithm in log domain, and SOVA algorithm is a process to have soft-input and soft-output on the basis of Viterbi algorithm. In CDMA mobile communication system, a control to power of a data transmitter is made in order to keep the power at minimum and increase system capacity as much as possible. In addition, since CDMA system can have a high gain in encoding data, by virtue of statistics multiple, enhancement in an ability of decoding data in a turbo decoder would bring a merit that the number of subscribers covered by the CDMA system can be increased. However, the above-mentioned Max-Log MAP algorithm and SOVA algorithm are accompanied with a problem of degradation in characteristics thereof, though they can reduce calculation. In order to solve the problem, there is known a method of carrying out calculation equivalent to BCJR algorithm, in log domain, with reference to a table in which a correction term fc (|δ1−δ2|) is defined as a function of (|1−β2|) in Max-Log MAP, based on Jacobian Logarithm.ln(eδ1+eδ2)=max(δ1,δ2)+ln(1+e−|δ2−δ1|)=max(δ1,δ2)+fc(|δ2−δ1|)  (1) However, if the above-mentioned equation (1) were arranged into a table, it would be unavoidable for the table to become large in size. For instance, hereinbelow is explained a process of updating alpha metric as an example. The alpha metric and above-mentioned beta metric and gamma metric correspond to α, β and γ, respectively, and are described in detail, for instance, in IEEE Transaction on Information Theory, pp. 284–287, March 1974. First, it is assumed that two alpha metrics selected on a torelis at that time are expressed as α1 and α2, and values of the alpha metrics in a log domain are expressed as αlog 1 and αlog 2. That is, α1 and α2 are expressed as follows.α1=exp [αlog 1]α2=exp [αlog 2] In addition, it is assumed that gamma metrics associated with the alpha metrics on a torelis are expressed as γ1 and γ2, and values of the gamma metrics in a log domain are expressed as γlog 1 and γlog 2. Unless explicitly expressed, a product of α1 and γ1 is equal to or greater than a product of α2 and γ2 (α1γ1≧α2γ2). Herein, it is assumed that an alpha metric having been updated is expressed as α3, a value of the alpha metric α3 in a log domain is expressed as follows. ln ⁡ [ α 3 ] = ln ⁡ [ α 1 · γ 1 + α 2 · γ 2 ] = ln ⁡ [ ( α 1 · γ 1 ) · ( 1 + α 2 · γ 2 α 1 · γ 1 ) ] ∴ α log ⁢ ⁢ 5 = α log ⁢ ⁢ 1 + λ log ⁢ ⁢ 1 + ln ⁡ [ 1 + exp ⁢ { α log ⁢ ⁢ 2 + γ log ⁢ ⁢ 2 - α log ⁢ ⁢ 1 - γ log ⁢ ⁢ 1 } ] ( 2 ) Accordingly, a term corresponding to the correction term fc (|δ1−δ2|) in the above-mentioned equation (1) is expressed as follows.fc(|δ1−δ2|)=ln [1+exp {αlog 2+γlog 2−αlog 1−γlog 1}]  (3) Herein, the gamma metric is expressed as follows. γ log ⁢ ⁢ 1 = ln ⁢ { Π i ⁢ 1 2 · π · σ ⁢ exp ⁢ ⌊ - { y 1 ⁢ i - K s · ( 2 · x 1 ⁢ i - 1 ) } 2 2 · σ 2 ] } ( 4 ) The equation (4) is substituted for the equation (3) to thereby cancel common terms. As a result, the following equation (5) is obtained. f c ⁡ (  δ 1 - δ 2  ) - ln ⁡ [ 1 + exp ⁢ { ⁢ α log ⁢ ⁢ 2 - α log ⁢ ⁢ 1 + ∑ i ⁢ { y 2 ⁢ i · K s · ( 2 · x 2 ⁢ i - 1 ) } σ 2 - ∑ i ⁢ { y 1 ⁢ i · K s · ( 2 · x 1 ⁢ i - 1 ) } σ 2 } ] ( 5 ) In the equation (5), the correction term fc (|δ1−δ2|) contains noise variance σ2 and signal component Es. Hence, it is necessary to update values in Jacobian table by multi-pass fading each time noises and/or signal levels are varied. However, since noise variance σ2 and signal component Es are contained also in a process of updating beta metric and an equation for computing likelihood, it would be necessary for a memory to have a great capacity. In addition, it would be necessary for a circuit to include an additional memory to store noise variance σ2 and signal component Es associated with positions of bits in each of information sequence and parity sequence, resulting in an increase in a size of the circuit. This would make it impossible to fabricate the circuit in a small size, in low consumption of power, and in small fabrication costs. Furthermore, steps of measuring noise variance σ2 and signal component Es have to be additionally carried out. Since a process of referring to a table comprised of a memory having a great capacity is carried out at a low rate, such a low rate would be a bottle neck for processing rates of ACS circuit and a comparison/selection circuit both of which cannot have a pipeline structure. Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 6-132936 has suggested a digital transmission system in which digital data to be transmitted is encoded by means of an encoding circuit at a transmitter, the thus encoded data is transmitted in the form of a modulated signal into a transmission path, and the modulated signal is decoded by means of a decoding circuit at a recipient. The encoding circuit is comprised of a first unit which groups channels in accordance with an importance of digital data to be transmitted, a second unit which weights the digital data in accordance with a predetermined weighting method, and a modulator which multiplexes the weighted digital data to thereby produce a modulated signal and transmits the thus produced modulated signal into a transmission path. The decoding circuit is comprised of a demodulator which receives the modulated signal and demodulates the received modulated signal, a third unit which checks receipt condition in each of channels in accordance with the thus demodulated digital data, and a data selector which selects the digital data in an order of highly weighted channels in accordance with the receipt condition in each of channels. Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 9-261203, based on U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/617,462 filed on Mar. 18, 1996, has suggested a method of determining a weighting coefficient in CDMA radio-signal receiver, including the steps of receiving a first expression expressed in desired RF signals, transmitting a plurality of first data signals in accordance with the first expression, transmitting a plurality of first pilot signals in accordance with the first expression, measuring first total power of received signals, and determining a plurality of first weighting coefficients in accordance with the data signals, the pilot signals and the first total power. Japanese Patent No. 2877248 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 8-37515) has suggested a method of controlling power of a first transmission signal transmitted from a first station, in accordance with a control signal included in a second transmission signal transmitted from a second station and received at the first station. The method includes the steps of decoding the second transmission signal at the first station by means of a first Viterbi decoder including a path memory having a first predetermined length, decoding the second transmission signal at the first station by means of a second Viterbi decoder including a path memory having a second predetermined length shorter than the first predetermined length, extracting the control signal from output signals transmitted from the second Viterbi decoder, at the first station, controlling power of the first transmission signal in accordance with the control signal having been extracted from the output signals transmitted from the second Viterbi decoder, and extracting data other than the control signal, from output signals transmitted from the first Viterbi decoder, at the first station. Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 6-261021, based on U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/991,841 filed on Dec. 16, 1992, has suggested a device used in CDMA system in which encoded user signals are transmitted to each of a plurality of users, the user signals are produced by processing user signals with associated sequence of encoding coefficients, and a received signal includes a combination of the encoded user signals. The device is comprised of means for receiving samples of the received signals received at a predetermined interval, and means for predicting users' symbols in response to the samples through the use of the extracted sequence of encoding coefficients. The sequence of encoding coefficients is defined as an interactive function of a sequence of encoding coefficients, associated with the users, and a sequence of encoding coefficients, associated with other user. Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-4196, based on U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/038,724, has suggested a multiple access system of communication across a wireless interface, including a turbo encoder for turbo coding signal representations of packets of information, a transmitter for transmitting a first signal representation of a first packet of information and a second signal including a re-transmission of part of the first signal and a new signal representation of a second packet of information, a receiver for receiving the signal representations, and a means for processing the signal representations by combining the transmitted signals with the re-transmitted signals to obtain an output signal representation of the packet of information the transmitted and re-transmitted signals being combined using rake processing. The above-mentioned problems remain unsolved even in the above-mentioned Publications.

1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a touch panel which detects an input position inputted by a nib of a pen or a fingertip by means of optical sensors and an electronic equipment provided with such a touch panel. 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a touch panel is provided with pressure sensitive type sensors or electrostatic capacity type sensors on an entire panel surface and when the panel surface is touched with the nib or the fingertip, the sensors detect the position of the nib or the fingertip. Such a touch panel, however, requires mounting of sensors on the entire panel surface so that manufacturing of the touch panel is difficult and there also exists a problem in terms of its mechanical strength. As a touch panel which can solve the above-mentioned problems, an optical type (or a photoconductive type) touch panel which disposes light emitting elements and light receiving elements on the periphery of a panel in an opposed manner is known. FIGS. 8A and 8B show such an optical type touch panel schematically. FIG. 8A is a top view and FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along a dashed line A-A′ of FIG. 8A. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the light emitting elements 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d and 12e are arranged in line on one side of the panel 11 and the light receiving elements 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d and 13e are arranged in line on an opposing side of the panel 11. When the finger touches the panel 11, a light emitted from the light emitting element 12b is interrupted at a touched position and hence, an output signal of the light receiving element 13b opposing to the light emitting element 12b is reduced. That is, the finger touched position is detected as a position of the light receiving element of which the output signal has been reduced. With respect to such an optical type touch panel shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, however, the light propagates in air so that the light is liable to receive an outdoor daytime light. Furthermore, there is a drawback that the surfaces of the light emitting members 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d and 12e and the light receiving members 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d and 13e easily get dirty. One of touch panels in which this defect have been improved is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-253853. An entire disclosure of the Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-253853 is incorporated herein by reference. As shown in FIG. 9, in the Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-253853, light emitting elements 22 are arranged in line on a side face of a deformable panel 21 including anisotropic transparent crystal and light receiving elements 23 are arranged in line on a side face opposing to the above-mentioned side face. Since the light emitting elements 22 and the light receiving elements 23 are mounted in close contact with the side faces of the panel 21, the panel hardly receives the influence of stain. An emitted light from the light emitting element 22 advances toward the light receiving element 23 along an optical path P. When the panel 21 is pushed by a finger, a pushed portion is distorted and the emitted light from the light emitting element 22 advances along an optical path Q so that the emitted light is not received by the light receiving element 23. In this manner, a position of a portion which the finger touched can be detected. In such a touch panel, since the emitted light from the light emitting element advances in the inside of the panel and hence, it receives no influence of an outdoor daytime light. With respect to the touch panel described in the Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-253853 shown in FIG. 9, however, since the panel 21 is deformed, when the panel 21 is mounted on the upper surface of a liquid crystal panel, the influence caused by the deformation of the panel 21 is transferred to the liquid crystal panel and affects the maintenance of cell gaps. Furthermore, although the emitted light from the light emitting element 22 is reflected and guided to the outside of the panel by making use of the deformation of the panel 21, depending on the degree of deformation of the panel 21, that is, depending on the radius of curvature of a deformed portion, there is a case that the light advancing along the optical path P cannot be reflected to the outside of the panel 21 and the light is scattered in the inside of the panel 21. When such scattering of light occurs, a finger touched position cannot be accurately detected.

1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a Bi-Directional Trigger for a Firearm and more particularly pertains to having a trigger fire a weapon when moved either rearward or forward. 2. Description of the Prior Art The use of trigger devices is known in the prior art. More specifically, trigger devices previously devised and utilized for the purpose of causing a firearm to discharge are known to consist basically of familiar, expected, and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the designs encompassed by the prior art which has been developed for the fulfillment of stated objectives and requirements. While the prior art devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the prior art does not describe Bi-Directional Trigger for a Firearm that allows a user to discharge a weapon by moving the trigger of the weapon in either a forward or rearward direction. In this respect, the Bi-Directional Trigger for a Firearm according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of having a trigger fire a weapon when moved either forward or rearward, thereby increasing the potential rate of fire. Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for a new and improved Trigger for a Firearm which can be used to discharge a weapon when moved in either a forward or a rearward direction. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need.

1. Field of the Invention Within the general area of hormone regulation this invention relates to the synthesis and use of synthetic hormone complexes. These complexes have as one component a peptide which confers binding specificity for hormone or regulatory factor receptors on or in a cell and as a second component a structure which alters second messenger mobilization by the cell. Therefore, one aspect of this invention is a synthetic hormone complex which binds to specific receptors on the surface of or in a particular type of cell and causes either an increase or a decrease in second messenger mobilization by the cell. One such second messenger molecule is calcium ion. A change in calcium ion mobilization results in altered cellular function. This ability to alter cell functions includes any physiological response dependent upon the binding of a polypeptide hormone and a change in calcium mobilization. Other physiological references are dependent upon other second messenger molecules such as cyclic adenosine monophosphate or cyclic guanosine monophosphate. Among the many peptide hormones two classes, the releasing or the release inhibiting hormones, are of particular importance since these classes regulates the function of major hormone systems. 2. Description of the Prior Art Endocrinologists have long desired to be able to selectively regulate the release of specific hormones as they are released from the animals own hormone producing cells. In part it has been possible to administer to the animal supplemental quantities of a desired hormone or hormone analogue, such as insulin or one of the steroid hormones. However, many hormones are either not available in sufficient quantities, too expensive, evoke immune responses or must be administered in such a highly regulated manner that it is not feasable to use them. In addition, there has been no easy or safe method for removing or reducing the effective or actual concentration of one specific hormone produced in vivo. Calcium ion channel antagonists are known to block calcium ion incorporation non-specifically, that is, for all cell types. Such systemic administration of a calcium ion channel inhibitor is often unacceptable since it alters the physiology of all systems and disrupts basic functions necessary for life, although cardiac drugs such as verapamil have been successful. However, the development of a "targeted" calcium inhibitor would be much more acceptable since the systemic concentration would be quite low and only the cell type "targeted" would receive a dosage sufficient to alter its physiology significantly. Our present understanding of the regulation and control of hormone release indicates there is a central function played by the class of hormones or factors that modulate normal in vivo release of other hormones. These regulatory hormones or factors are referred to as releasing, stimulating or inhibiting hormones or factors. Pituitary gland regulation of hormone release is a particularly well documented example of the importance of these regulatory hormones. The ability to modulate, either up or down, the release of hormones in vivo would provide the endocrinologist with a tool for optimizing the level of specific hormones. Therefore, there is a need for both hormone agonists and hormone antagonists. Such targeted agonists can be used to overcome metabolic blocks caused not by failure of endocrine synthesis, but by failure to release hormone into the blood. Similarly, overactive endocrine function can be specifically blocked through the use of targeted antagonists which block the release of excessive amounts of a specific hormone. Moreover, such methods, if precisely targeted involve in vivo modulation of only one hormone system and are less likely to disrupt general endocrine homeostasis. Such methods might be useful in treating hormonal imbalance or dysfunction causing disesase, regulating fertility, optimizing growth and meat production, compensating for the effects of non-hormonal diseases and partially alleviating some of the side effects of aging. References which relate to the subject invention are: 1. Conn et al, Life Sciences U.S.A., vol 24: 2461, (1979). PA0 2. Marian et al, Molecular Pharmacology U.S.A., vol 16: 196, (1979). PA0 3. Conn et al, Endocrinology U.S.A., vol 105: 1122, (1979). PA0 4. Conn et al, Cell Calcium U.K., vol 1: 7, (1980). PA0 5. Marian et al, Life Sciences U.S.A., vol 27: 87, (1980). PA0 6. Conn et al, Endocrinol. U.S.A., vol. 107: 2133, (1980). PA0 7. Conn et al, Nature UK, vol 292: 264, (1981). PA0 8. Conn et al, Endocrine Reviews U.S.A., vol. 2: 174, (1981). PA0 9. Hazum et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., vol. 77: 6695, (1980). PA0 10. Conn et al, Endocrinology U.S.A., 109: 1122 (1981). PA0 11. Marian et al, Molecular Pharmacology U.S.A., vol. 19: 399, (1981). PA0 12. Conn et al, J. Biol. Chem. U.S.A., vol. 256: 1098, (1981). PA0 13. Conn et al, Endocrinology U.S.A., 109: 2040 (1981). PA0 14. Conn et al, Nature U.K. in press, 1982 "Conversion Of A Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Antagonist To An Agonist: Implication For A Receptor Microaggregate As The Functional Unit for Signal Transduction." PA0 15. Conn et al, manuscript submitted, 1982 "Potency Enhancement of A GnRH Agonist: GnRH-Receptor Microaggregation Stimulates Gonadotropin Release."

1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a laminated ceramic electronic component, such as a laminated ceramic capacitor. 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, laminated ceramic capacitors have been made increasingly larger in capacitance and smaller in size along with the performance enhancement of electronic equipment. A high-dielectric ceramic material, such as barium titanate, is used for the purpose of the large-scale capacitance increase of a laminated ceramic capacitor. The high-dielectric ceramic material has piezoelectricity and electrostriction. Accordingly, mechanical strain is caused when a voltage is applied to the laminated ceramic capacitor made of the high-dielectric ceramic material. The laminated ceramic capacitor vibrates in some cases due to the abovementioned strain. As the result of the vibration propagating to a circuit board, the circuit board may vibrate at a frequency near 20 Hz to 20000 Hz which is an audible band of frequencies. Consequently, noise referred to as acoustic noise may occur. In the capacitor described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2013-65820, an electrode land on a circuit board is divided, and therefore, the center of an end surface of the capacitor and the electrode land are not joined to each other. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2013-65820 states that a location where the amplitude of the vibration of the capacitor ascribable to the above-described strain is highest in the center of the end surface of the capacitor. Since the location of the capacitor where the amplitude is highest is not joined to the electrode land, the vibration is unlikely to be propagated to the circuit board. If the electrode land is divided as described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2013-65820, however, mounting failure may occur if a position where the capacitor is mounted on the circuit board is displaced. As described above, in recent years, the size of laminated ceramic capacitors has been made increasingly smaller. In a small-sized laminated ceramic capacitor, it is difficult to divide an electrode land since the electrode land is small in area. Accordingly, it is difficult to suppress acoustic noise by dividing the electrode land.

1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic endoscope having a video-scope and a video-processor, especially, it relates to a shading or blinding member that is used when displaying or recording a still image. 2. Description of the Related Art In an electronic endoscope, an interline-transfer CCD (IT CCD) is used to display a movie image on a monitor, wherein odd field image-pixel signals and even field image-pixel signals are alternately read from the CCD for one-field reading interval. When displaying or recording a still image generated by a one-time exposure, a shading or blind member is driven so as to shade the light that is directed to an object for one-field reading interval. Thus, odd-line image-pixel signals and even-line image-pixel signals are read from the CCD in order, for one-frame reading interval, so that a high-quality still image is obtained without a blur. The shading member is driven by an actuator, such as a DC motor.

1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a transmitter-receiver for an optical signal for use for optical communication and a bidirectional optical amplifier for repeating and amplifying an optical signal. 2. Description of the Related Art A bidirectional optical communication instrument in which transmission and reception are performed by means of a single optical fiber is conventionally known and disclosed, for example, in Hasegawa et al., "Waveguide Type Optical Separator-Coupler", Shimazu Review, Vol. 47, No. 3, pp.339-344, 1990. The bidirectional optical communication instrument of the type mentioned is shown in FIG. 6. Referring to FIG. 6, in the conventional bidirectional optical communication instrument shown, an optical signal from a light emitting element 1a of an optical transmitter-receiver 4a is combined by an optical separator-coupler 13a and is sent to another optical transmitter-receiver 4b by way of an optical fiber 5. In the optical transmitter-receiver 4b, the optical signal is separated by an optical separator-coupler 13b and sent to a light receiving element 2b. On the contrary, a light signal from the optical transmitter-receiver 4b follows the route of a light emitting element 1b, the optical separator-coupler 13b, the optical fiber 5, the optical separator-coupler 13a and a light receiving element 2a. Bidirectional optical communication is performed in this manner. Another bidirectional optical amplifier for repeating and amplification is also known and disclosed, for example, in C. Barnard et al., "Bidirectional Fiber Amplifiers" IEEE Photon Technol Lett , Vol 4, No 8, pp.911-913, 1992. The bidirectional optical amplifier just mentioned is shown in FIG. 7. Referring to FIG. 7, in the bidirectional optical amplifier shown, each of a pair of Er doped fiber optical amplifiers 6a and 6b is pumped by pumping light from a light source 7. The bidirectional optical amplifier further includes a pair of band-pass filters 8a and 8b for separating pumping light and signal light from each other, a pair of directional couplers 9a and 9b each having a wavelength selection performance, and another directional coupler 10. The bidirectional optical amplifier further includes a pair of optical circulators 14a and 14b for suppressing returning light to prevent oscillations of the Er doped fiber optical amplifiers 6a and 6b. In the bidirectional optical communication instrument shown in FIG. 6, light transmitted from the optical fiber 5 to the optical transmitter-receiver 4b is separated by the optical separator-coupler 13b and diverted to the light receiving element 2b. However, since the optical separator-coupler 13b serves as an equally branching path, the light is branched not only to the light receiving element 2b but also to the light emitting element 1b. This raises the problem of a loss of the reception signal, and the loss of approximately 3 dB is caused. Further, where the light emitting element 1b is a laser diode, there is another problem in that laser oscillations of it are disturbed by the reception signal branched to the light emitting element 1b side. Such phenomenon similarly applies to an optical signal from the optical transmitter-receiver 4b. Meanwhile, the optical circulators 14a and 14b employed in the bidirectional optical communication instrument shown in FIG. 7 which employs the amplifiers 6a and 6b make use of a magneto-optical effect and are disadvantageous in that they are expensive in cost.

1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates in general to a liquid crystal display (LCD). In particular, the present invention relates to a floating electrode switching liquid crystal display (FES-LCD). 2. Description of the Related Art In-Plane Switching mode liquid crystal display (IPS-LCD) has been used or suggested in wide view angle display technology to improve a conventional twisted nematic liquid crystal display (TN-LCD). FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a conventional IPS-LCD. Liquid crystal molecules 160 are held between a color filter substrate 180 and a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) substrate 100. Two common electrodes 120 are formed on the TFT substrate 100, and an insulator layer 130 is deposited to cover the common electrodes 120 and the array substrate 100. A pixel electrode 140 is positioned on the insulator layer 130 between the two common electrodes 120, and a passivation layer 150 is covered over the pixel electrode 140 and the insulator layer 130. An over coat layer 170 is formed on one side of the color filter substrate 180, and the back ITO (Indium tin oxide) layer 190 is deposited on the other side of the color filter substrate 180. When applying voltages to the common electrodes 120 and the pixel electrode 140, in-plane electric fields E are generated to drive the liquid crystal molecules 160 rotating along the electric field. Therefore, the IPS-LCD can improve viewing angle, contrast ratio and luminescent efficiency. However, this conventional IPS-LCD still has following problems: low transmittance, image sticking problem and high cost color filter. The object of the present invention is to provide a floating electrode switching liquid crystal display (FES-LCD) to solve the problems caused by above conventional IPS-LCD. This floating electrode switching liquid crystal display (FES-LCD) includes: a first substrate and a second substrate. A plurality of liquid crystal molecules held between the first substrate and the second substrate, the liquid crystal molecules are aligned to a first direction. A plurality of transverse-extending gate lines and lengthwise-extending signal lines formed on the first substrate to define a plurality of pixel areas being arranged in a matrix form. A plurality of pixel electrodes and floating electrodes formed on the first substrate, the pixel electrodes and the floating electrodes are positioned within the pixel areas, wherein the floating electrodes are positioned within each one of the pixel electrodes, the floating electrodes being arranged to a second direction and a third direction other than the second direction, the floating electrode are strip-shared, at least two adjacent floating electrodes are not parallel, the floating electrodes are spaced apart and arranged along the first direction, and for each pixel area, one line extends along a direction perpendicular to the first direction across only one floating electrode. A plurality of switching elements formed on the first substrate and within the pixel areas, each pixel area has at least one switching element, and the switching elements are connected to the pixel electrodes. A common electrode layer formed on the second substrate. Wherein, the pixel electrodes and the floating electrodes are separated in the same plane, and the first direction and the second direction or the third direction are intersected with an angle xcex8. According to this FES-LCD of the present invention, the transmittance is increased and the image sticking is improved. Moreover, because the FES-LCD can be fabricated using normal TN manufacturing method, the process of the FES-LCD is simplified. Further, because the color filter of the FES-LCD can uses normal color without back ITO and over coat layers, the cost of color filter is successfully decreased.

Lasers provide an effective source of coherent energy for illumination. Lasers can provide visible light, such as seen in the use of laser pointers and laser light shows, or infrared or other frequency energy not visible to the human eye. Lasers provide monochromatic light which is particularly useful in certain settings. Because the laser provides a cost effective and source of coherent light, it is particularly well suited to certain applications. Examples include as a light source for projectors such as DLP projectors, as a pulsed light source for time of flight (TOF) measurements in 3D imaging sensors, and for laser based illumination systems. The laser provides a monochromatic light that is also spatially coherent, which makes it particularly useful for laser pointers, for example. In some applications highly uniform illumination is needed. For example, uniform illumination is required in testing TOF image sensors. While lasers provide a cost effective source of coherent light, the use of lasers for uniform illumination has been thought to be impractical or impossible due to the laser speckle effect. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of laser speckle that is observed using a prior known laser system. The image 10 in FIG. 1 was obtained by directing a camera at a wall that was illuminated by a laser beam after reflection from a plastic surface (a mobile phone). (Note that the image 10 in FIG. 1 is a drawing in black and white used for the purpose of this patent application, the shading is used to represent the color red that is visible in the original color image.) The speckle pattern is clearly seen. The image illustrated in FIG. 1 is shown in color and described in an article in Wikipedia that is located at the internet world wide web uniform resource locator address http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speckle_pattern. FIG. 2 illustrates a second example of laser speckle in an image 20. (Note that FIG. 2 is also a black and white illustration of a color image, black and white is used for the purposes of filing this patent application. The shading in FIG. 2 represents the original color image, which was red to purple). In FIG. 2, a laser was directed at a CCD image sensor without a lens. The laser beam from a red laser pointer was directed through a known prior diffuser, a holographic diffuser, and then onto the CCD image sensor. The pattern observed by the CCD image sensor is clearly non-uniform. For an image sensor test application, a uniform illumination is required so that weak or bad pixels can be identified by comparison of charge that is stored in the pixel charge storage element to some expected value. However if the light source used exhibits non-uniform areas, as in this prior known solution shown in FIG. 2, then it is not useful in applications such as testing for image sensors. Another application of interest is in characterizing image sensors such as are used for time of flight (“TOF”) measurements used, for example, in 3D imaging systems. TOF measurements are used to determine phase differences in a light (which may be visible, infrared or other spectrum) that is directed towards an object and reflected light is then captured at a depth sensor. The phase difference of the reflected light varies with the distance of the object from the sensor and the illumination source, so by measuring the time of flight for different areas, a distance correlation can be determined, providing depth information (depth being greater for objects that are farther from the image sensor or camera). A pulsed light source is often used for TOF measurements. The manufacture of the TOF image sensors requires a uniform illumination source to test the sensors. Laser devices are easily used in such a pulsed light application; however, the illumination must be uniform to be effective for TOF applications. Prior known solutions for reducing laser speckle require mechanically moving diffusers, such as rotating or vibrating devices, or require electrically active diffusers, placed in the laser beam path. Some prior known solutions use specialized materials that can change the polarization, phase, or direction of the incoming laser light at a fixed frequency. These techniques use active devices that require electronic circuitry to provide a required signal. These solutions require power and can add undesirable mechanical or electrical noise sources to the system. An example prior solution is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,191,887 B1, entitled “Laser Illumination with Speckle Reduction,” issued to Micahloski et al. on Feb. 20, 2001. Micahloski involves directing laser pulses into a plurality of beam splitters and delay lines to create a plurality of different speckle patterns that are then combined together at a sensor. When the speckle patterns are combined with differing delay paths, the average of the speckle patterns taken together results in a more or less uniform pattern at a sensor. This solution is complex and requires beam splitters, “pulselet” delay lines and temporal separation and spatial aberration of the “pulselets” to achieve the more uniform illumination. Improvements in laser speckle reduction are therefore needed to address the deficiencies and the disadvantages of the known prior approaches. Solutions are needed that provide uniform illumination from a coherent light source without laser speckle or with substantially reduced laser speckle effects. Solutions are needed that are low in cost, that are robust, and that are easy to implement and use.

The present invention relates to a seat ring for a butterfly valve suitable for use in pipe lines for a chemical factory, water supply and sewage, agriculture, fishery and the like; more specifically, it relates to a seat ring with insert for a butterfly valve that improves valve seat sealing performance, valve stem sealing performance, and flange surface sealing performance. A conventional seat ring with insert for a butterfly valve, as shown in FIG. 9, is configured such that an annular insert 101 comprising a single step 103 having a different outer diameter size and a seat ring 104 formed of rubber and embedded so that the outer peripheral surface thereof forms a single surface with the outer peripheral surface of the insert 101, are fitted in a valve body 110 having on the inner surface thereof a step 111 that engages with the step 103 of the insert 101, so that a valve shaft hole center 108 of the seat ring 104 and valve shaft hole center 112 of the valve body 110 are coaxial in the tube stem direction. In this case, the seat ring 104 protrudes from both ends of the valve body 110. Because when the butterfly valve in which the seat ring 104 is fitted onto a pipe, the step 103 of the insert 101 and the step 111 of the valve body 110 are in direct contact with each other, a load acting as shear stress on the valve shaft 113 is reduced, and operating torque of the valve shaft 113 is reduced, thereby improving valve stem sealing performance. Further, because lateral portions 105, 106 of the seat ring 104 are compressed to a suitable degree, a suitable flange surface sealing effect between the seat ring lateral surface and piping flange surface can be achieved. Further, in a conventional method for manufacturing a seat ring with insert for a butterfly valve, as shown in FIG. 10, the step 103 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the insert 101 is engaged with a step 118 formed in advance on the inner diameter portion of an outer die 117; thereafter, in a state where the valve shaft hole 102 is supported by a valve stem pin, and the insert 101 is fixed on the inner surface of the outer die 117, rubber is inserted and molded. The effect thereof is that when a seat ring with insert is molded, without need for a complicated mechanism, positioning in the tube stem direction only of the insert 101 is easily accomplishing using the step 103 as a reference. For example, see Japanese Patent 2972566 (Pages 1-6, FIGS. 1 and 4). However, the above prior art has the following problems. (1) As shown in FIG. 11, when a conventional butterfly valve in which a seat ring is fitted is connected to piping flanges 115, 116, or when a conventional butterfly valve is subject to fluid pressure in a fully closed state after connection, only the seat ring 104 is subject to a force causing displacement and deformation in the downstream side direction from a valve body 114 that has been subject to a tightening force for fixing the piping flanges 115, 116 or fluid pressure. While displacement in the tube stem direction of the seat ring 104 can be inhibited by the direct contact between the step 103 of the insert 101 and the step 111 on the inner surface side of the valve body 110, deformation of the seat part 109 along the entire inner periphery of the seat ring cannot be inhibited, resulting in deformation of the portion of the seat ring 104 in press contact with the valve body 114, and thus lowering valve seat sealing performance. (2) When a conventional butterfly valve in which a seat ring is fitted is connected to the piping flanges 115, 116, it is not the case that the lateral portions 105, 106 of the seat part 109 of the seat ring 104 are compressed uniformly along the entire periphery in the horizontal direction only, but because they deform irregularly in the flow channel inward radial direction or outward radial direction (direction of the arrows of FIG. 11), the compression rate becomes uneven, and flange surface sealing performance is lowered. (3) When the seat ring 104 is to be fitted on the valve body 110, positioning in the peripheral direction is difficult, so that when the valve shaft 113 is inserted, there is peeling off of the valve shaft hole portions of the seat ring 104 and insert 101, damaging the valve stem sealing 107 of the seat ring 104, and lowering valve stem sealing performance. Further, uncertain positioning in the peripheral direction causes an increase in operating torque. (4) In the manufacture of a seat ring 104, when the insert 101 is set inside the outer die 117, positioning of the insert 101 in the peripheral direction is difficult; therefore, if the valve stem pin is inserted in a state where the insert 101 is displaced, the valve shaft hole 102 of the insert 101 will become deformed, causing an increase in operating torque and degraded valve stem sealing performance.

Stage lighting instruments and other similar luminaries are used to provide controllable illumination of persons and/or objects. Among the controllable parameters are beam size and intensity of a light beam used for illumination. Another controllable parameter is the optical focus of a field stop, aperture, or image pattern generator used in a spot light or image projector. Two ways of controlling beam size include the use of an iris diaphragm having an aperture of adjustable diameter, and the use of a zoom lens system having variable magnification power. A beam size iris controls beam diameter by acting as a field stop having an aperture of adjustable diameter, and varies the size of the beam by cutting off light rays which do not pass through the aperture thereby decreasing the total amount of light which reaches the illuminated area. A zoom lens system controls beam diameter by changing the divergence angle of a bundle of light rays entering the lens system thereby concentrating or deconcentrating the light beam such that the total amount of light reaching the illuminated area is not changed. A zoom lens, therefore, varies the energy density in a projected spot of light as the diameter of the spot is varied, while a beam size iris varies the diameter of the projected spot without altering the energy density thereof. Two-lens systems (two groups of lenses, each group having one lens) afford variable magnification and focus, such as those shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,594,566 to Kneisley, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,519,020 to Little. A triplet system (three groups of lenses, one lens in each group) is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,029,992 to Richardson. Other lighting projectors featuring adjustable focus optical systems include U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,076,240 and 2,114,963 to Levy, U.S. Pat. No. 2,650,292 to Strong, U.S. Pat. No. 2,909,652 to Pratt, U.S. Pat. No. 2,950,382 to Hatch, U.S. Pat. No. 4,101,957 to Chang, U.S. Pat. No. 4,232,359 to Leon, U.S. Pat. No. 4,338,654 to Logothetis, U.S. Pat. No. 4,462,067 to Altman, U.S. Pat. No. 4,739,456 to Little, U.S. Pat. No. 5,2295,056 to Peck, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,404,283 to Yantz et al. Examples of four group lens systems include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,282,089; 5,223,979; 5,579,172; 5,583,700; and 5,606,459. As recognized by Tejima in U.S. Pat. No. 5,283,599, image projectors using a zoom lens as the projection lens must necessarily effect a zoom adjustment in which the focal position is kept constant, even if the zooming is carried out by the zoom lens system and a back focus adjustment is made to keep the image pattern generator coincident with the focal position obtained by the zoom adjustment. A typical system utilizing five lens groups disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,192,829 to Yamaji maintains focus over a wide range of magnifications by moving three of the lens groups with respect to the remaining two fixed lens groups. Some other zoom lens systems designed for projection applications are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,267,803 to Macher and Klemt, U.S. Pat. No. 4,063,800 to lizuka et al, and U.S. Pat, No. 4,118,108 to Muszumanski. However, the restriction in the above references that the image be focusable throughout the range of variable magnification tends to limit the range of magnification available from a particular zoom lens design. The development of high quality projection lens systems having variable magnification has, for some time, been impeded by limitations as to cost, size, and particularly the overall length of the lens system. Whereas generally the ratio of overall length (from the front edge of front lens to the back edge of back lens) to longest focal length is usually 1.5.times. or greater, it has become desirable to develop a very short zoom lens system approaching 1.0.times. length and having about an 8:1 range of magnification change (zoom ratio), which can be produced inexpensively and withstand the rigors of high power density and portability.

1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to an electronic device and method for extracting incoming/outgoing information and managing contacts and, more particularly, to an electronic device and method for distinguishing, storing, and managing short-term contacts. 2. Description of the Related Art With the development of functions of electronic devices, electronic devices may now store many details concerning contacts. For example, the electronic device may store not only a telephone number of a specific person, but also other contact details such as a SNS (Social Networking Service) address and an email address of that person. However, when an electronic device performs communication with a new entity that is not stored as a contact in the electronic device, only the telephone number corresponding to the entity is displayed in the call history list of the electronic device without a user name or company name of the entity. Moreover, since a plurality of entities which are not stored as contacts are displayed in the call history list of the electronic device, the user can not distinguish a specific entity from the other entities when the user wants to perform communication with the specific entity. Therefore, in order to distinguish any of the new entities from each other, the user needs to manually store respective new contacts in the electronic device. Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus and method for extracting user information for a new contact in an electronic device from at least one of metadata and contents of a communication when the electronic device has or is having a communication with a new entity (i.e., one not previously stored as a contact), thereby improving the user's convenience.

The present invention relates to layout for an electrical circuit, and more particularly to creation of a PC board layout according to specific design criteria. Many times when a user requires a circuit, the user frequently knows little more than the requirements that the circuit must satisfy. To obtain the desired circuit, the user may provide a list of the requirements to a business that is knowledgeable about those types of circuits, how to design them, and where to obtain the components to fabricate them. The business may then construct and supply the user with the circuit. The business may have a significant price mark up for these services. To avoid having to pay the marked up prices, the user may attempt to become educated on circuit design, obtain parts catalogs from circuit component suppliers, and fabricate the circuit. However, the effort and cost required to gain the requisite education and knowledge may not be worthwhile. To reduce the effort required to perform some of these tasks, the user may obtain and install specialized client-side tools, such as the Switchers Made Simple software product available from National Semiconductor Corporation. While such tools may assist in the circuit design and component selection tasks, the user must still go through the manual process of placing orders for the components. Further, given the rapidity with which circuit component manufacturers change their product lines, the component information used by the specialized client-side software will quickly become outdated unless frequently updated. The inconvenience of having to obtain, install, and keep such specialized software updated does not make this the solution ideal. Even after a working circuit is designed, the circuit components need to be arranged on a PC board (PCB). The placement of components on the PCB may affect the thermal and electrical characteristics of the circuit. Thermal characteristics affect the operating characteristics of the circuit and the thermal behavior of a circuit may be affected by the layout of the components on a board. For example, if components are located close together on a board, they may overheat, and if a component in a circuit becomes too hot its lifespan may become limited. A user might also have to become familiar with the operating characteristics of each component, as well as the interaction between the components. This often is not practicable. PCB design and layout is yet one more inconvenience confronting users designing their own electronic circuits. The present invention is directed at creating a PC board layout for a circuit based on parameters of the circuit. According to one aspect of the invention, the components of the circuit are determined. The components may be determined from a simulation of the circuit, including a thermal simulation and an electrical simulation. According to another aspect of the invention, appropriate landing areas on the PCB are selected to place the components. The landing areas may include an inductor area, an output capacitor area, a diode area, a small signal component area, an IC area, and an input capacitor area. According to still yet another aspect of the invention, the PCB may be cropped to a size. The size may be determined automatically, or may be manually set by the user. The cropping removes unneeded area from the PCB. According to another aspect, a network tool allows a user to input their design criteria, select circuit parts based on their design, create an electronic circuit design based around the selected parts, conduct thermal simulations of the design, and order components, a kit, or a completed board for the design. According to a further aspect of the invention, components and a topology for constructing the circuit are automatically determined. The components determined during this operation have operational values such that, when the components are arranged according to the topology to form the circuit, the circuit satisfies the user-specified functional requirements. One or more web pages that identify the components are then delivered over the network.

This invention relates to telemetered subcutaneous sensor devices and, in particular embodiments, to devices and methods for wireless communication between an implantable subcutaneous sensor set at a selected insertion site within the body of a user and a remotely located characteristic monitor. Over the years, a variety of implantable electrochemical sensors have been developed for detecting and/or quantifying specific agents or compositions in a patient""s blood. For instance, glucose sensors have been developed for use in obtaining an indication of blood glucose levels in a diabetic patient. Such readings are useful in monitoring and/or adjusting a treatment regimen which typically includes the regular administration of insulin to the patient. Thus, blood glucose readings improve medical therapies with semi-automated medication infusion pumps of the external type, as generally described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,562,751; 4,678,408; and 4,685,903; or automated implantable medication infusion pumps, as generally described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,994, which are herein incorporated by reference. Generally, small and flexible electrochemical sensors can be used to obtain periodic readings over an extended period of time. In one form, flexible subcutaneous sensors are constructed in accordance with thin film mask techniques in which an elongated sensor includes thin film conductive elements encased between flexible insulative layers of polyimide sheets or similar material. Such thin film sensors typically include a plurality of exposed electrodes at one end for subcutaneous placement with a user""s interstitial fluid, blood, or the like, and a corresponding exposed plurality of conductive contacts at another end for convenient external electrical connection with a suitable monitoring device through a wire or cable. Typical thin film sensors are described in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,390,671; 5,391,250; 5,482,473; and 5,586,553 which are incorporated by reference herein. See also U.S. Pat. No. 5,299,571. Drawbacks to the use of implantable sensors arise from the use of a wired connection between the implantable sensor set and the monitor. The use of the wire or cable is an additional inconvenience to users that already utilize an external infusion pump that includes an infusion insertion set and tube to infuse the medication. Also, the preferred site for some sensing device may be inconvenient for connection by wire to a characteristic monitor. For implantable pumps, the wire or cable negates the very benefit of having an internal device without external wires or cables. For Type 2 diabetics, who do not necessarily need or use an infusion pump, the use of a cable is seen as an inconvenience that may inhibit use of the device. In addition, the use of a wire or cable limits a user""s ability to position the monitor, since it can be placed no further away than the ultimate length of the wire or cable. Thus, the user must normally wear the monitor, which can be problematic. For example, removal of the monitor for sleeping can be difficult, since a user would tend to become xe2x80x9ctangledxe2x80x9d in the wire or cable, between the sensor and the monitor, during the normal tossing and turning that occurs during sleep. Furthermore, the more connections the user must deal with (e.g., infusion pump and catheter and/or monitor with wire to sensor), the more complicated it is to use the devices, and the less likely the user will maintain compliance with the medical regimen due to perceived and actual difficulties with all of the wires and cables. It is an object of an embodiment of the present invention to provide an improved telemetered implantable sensor set (such as a subcutaneous or percutaneous sensor) and monitor connection device, which obviates for practical purposes, the above mentioned limitations. According to an embodiment of the invention, a telemetered characteristic monitor system includes a remotely located data receiving device, a sensor for producing signal indicative of a characteristic of a user, and a transmitter device. In preferred embodiments, the transmitter device includes a housing, a sensor connector, a processor, and a transmitter. A potentiostat within the transmitter device may be coupled to the sensor connector and applies power to the sensor. The sensor connector receives the produced signals from the sensor. The processor is coupled to the sensor connector and processes the signals from the sensor for delivery to the remotely located data receiving device. The transmitter is coupled to the processor for wirelessly transmitting the processed signals to the remotely located data receiving device. In preferred embodiments, the data receiving device is a characteristic monitor. However, in other embodiments, the data receiving device is a data receiver that provides data to another device, an RF programmer, a medication delivery device (such as an infusion pump), or the like. In particular embodiments, the transmitter of the transmitter device transmits the processed signals by radio frequencies. In other embodiments, the sensor may be implanted in and/or through subcutaneous, dermal, sub-dermal, intra-peritoneal or peritoneal tissue, and the sensor connector of the transmitter device includes a cable that is connected to the sensor. Also, the implantable sensor can be configured for a wired connection to a characteristic monitor, and the sensor connector of the transmitter device is formed to connect to the configured implantable sensor. Still further embodiments of the transmitter device include a receiver to receive data and instructions from the characteristic monitor, or the like. Embodiments of the transmitter device (when used with a subcutaneous or percutaneous sensor) may include a bio-compatible adhesive to secure the housing to a skin surface of the user. Preferably, the housing of the transmitter device is less than about 3.0 inches in diameter by 0.5 inches thick. In addition, the housing is resistant to fluids when immersed in a fluid, operable in a temperature range of 0xc2x0 C. to 50xc2x0 C., and has an operable life of at least 3 months. If the sensor is fully implanted, the transmitter that is connected to the sensor may be secured by sutures, sewing rings, or the like. Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, various features of embodiments of the invention.

This invention relates to a compromise rail for effecting a transition between two rails having different profiles. Within a railway network of a given gauge, rails of different sectional profiles may be used. For example, such profiles may vary in the base to head height, the width of the web, the width of the head or the width of the base. One prior art approach to effecting a transition between two rails having different profiles is to provide a compromise joint bar which is attached to the two rail sections of differing profiles. The compromise joint bar is typically wedged into and secured to the fishing areas of the two rails to be joined. FIG. 1 illustrates such an approach. The compromise joint bar approach suffers the disadvantage of being a mechanical joint in track work, and as is the case with such joints, this results in discontinuities between the rail ends, broken bolts and high wear and maintenance costs. With the advent of continuous welded rail, an alternative approach has been to provide a compromise rail which is inserted between the running rails having different profiles. As shown in FIG. 2, the compromise rail includes a first section 12 having a profile matching the profile of a running rail to which one end of the compromise rail is to be attached. A transition section 14 is formed at the end of the first section 12. The end of the transition section is flash butt welded at 16 to a section 18 having a uniform profile matching the running rail to which the other end of the compromise rail is to be attached. The transition section 14 therefore has a profile that varies between the profiles of the two running rails. This is done by forging, bending and machining one end of the compromise rail over a distance of approximately 10 or 11 inches. The forging creates the change in profile. The bending and machining ensures that the gauge lines will match up. Bending and machining are used so that the web of the forged section will also match up with the web of the uniform profile section. The use of a uniform profile section 18 in the compromise rail of the prior art provides a length of rail which can be cut in the field so as to match the length of the compromise rail to the length of the gap between the two running rails and provides a reliable match to the profile of one of the running rails. It also allows the forged portion to be very short. Typically, thermite welding is used to weld the compromise rail to each running rail. But thermite welding is time consuming. In order to avoid disruptions in rail traffic, installers sometimes provide a temporary joint between the compromise rail and the running rail and defer thermite welding until traffic conditions improve. The temporary joint is accomplished by providing holes in the web of the uniform profile section of the compromise rail and using a standard joint bar to temporarily secure the uniform profile section of the compromise rail to the running rail. A disadvantage of the compromise rail of the prior art is that the flash butt welding which is typically used to attach to uniform profile section to the forged section is very expensive. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide means for establishing an effective transition between two rail profiles that avoids the expense of flash butt welding a uniform profile section to a forged section, yet still provides the advantages of a compromise rail which may be cut in the field to the match the gap between two running rails to be matched. It is a further object of the invention to accommodate a temporary joint between the compromise rail and the running rails. According to the invention, the uniform profile section of the compromise rail is essentially eliminated so as to avoid the need for a flash butt weld operation. In order to accommodate a temporary joint between the compromise rail and a running rail, the forging is extended such that it includes a segment matching the profile of one of the running rails and being at least 19 inches long. This is the approximate minimum length required for the use of a typical joint bar. The extended length of the forging also ensures that sufficient space will be available for eventual thermite welding to the running rail in the field. Accordingly, this invention comprises a compromise rail for providing a transition between two running rails having different profiles said compromise rail being entirely forged and having a first section having a substantially uniform first profile along the length of said first section, a second section having a substantially uniform second profile along the length of said second section, and an intermediate section effecting a transition from said first profile to a second profile, said second section having a length of at least 19 inches. Although forging a length of 19 inches is more difficult to achieve than the prior art forging which extends a distance of perhaps 10 inches, the cost saving in avoiding the use of uniform profile rail section that needs to be flash butt welded justifies the extra effort involved in producing a longer forging. Other aspects and features of the invention will be appreciated by reference to the detailed description of the preferred embodiment which follows and to the claims.

Cell death is crucial for normal development, homeostasis and the prevention of hyper-proliferative diseases such as cancer (Fuchs and Steller, 2011; Thompson, 1995). It was once thought that almost all regulated cell death in mammalian cells resulted from the activation of caspase-dependent apoptosis (Fuchs and Steller, 2011; Thompson, 1995). More recently this view has been challenged by the discovery of several regulated non-apoptotic cell death pathways activated in specific disease states, including poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) and apoptosis inducing factor 1 (AIF1)-dependent parthanatos, caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis and receptor interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1)-dependent necroptosis (Bergsbaken et al., 2009; Christofferson and Yuan, 2010; Wang et al., 2009). It is believed that additional regulated forms of non-apoptotic cell death likely remain to be discovered that mediate cell death in other developmental or pathological circumstances. The RAS family small GTPases (HRAS, NRAS and KRAS) are mutated in about 30% of all cancers (Vigil et al., 2010). Finding compounds that are selectively lethal to RAS-mutant tumor cells is, therefore, a high priority. Two structurally unrelated small molecules, named erastin and RSL3, were previously identified. These molecules were selectively lethal to oncogenic RAS-mutant cell lines, and together, they were referred to as RAS-selective lethal (RSL) compounds (Dolma et al., 2003; Yang and Stockwell, 2008). Using affinity purification, voltage dependent anion channels 2 and 3 (VDAC2/3) were identified as direct targets of erastin (Yagoda et al., 2007), but not RSL3. ShRNA and cDNA overexpression studies demonstrated that VDAC2 and VDAC3 are necessary, but not sufficient, for erastin-induced death (Yagoda et al., 2007), indicating that additional unknown targets are required for this process. The type of cell death activated by the RSLs has been enigmatic. Classic features of apoptosis, such as mitochondrial cytochrome c release, caspase activation and chromatin fragmentation, are not observed in RSL-treated cells (Dolma et al., 2003; Yagoda et al., 2007; Yang and Stockwell, 2008). RSL-induced death is, however, associated with increased levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and is prevented by iron chelation or genetic inhibition of cellular iron uptake (Yagoda et al., 2007; Yang and Stockwell, 2008). In a recent systematic study of various mechanistically unique lethal compounds, the prevention of cell death by iron chelation was a rare phenomenon (Wolpaw et al., 2011), suggesting that few triggers can access iron-dependent lethal mechanisms. Accordingly, there is a need for the exploration of various pathways of regulated cell death, as well as for compositions and methods for preventing the occurrence of regulated cell death. This invention is directed to meeting these and other needs.

The present invention generally relates to protective headguards for athletics and, more particularly, relates to a protective headguard for protecting a wearer from blunt impacts to the side of the head, such as a head impact with the ground resulting from a slip or fall. Participants in many sports are increasingly using protective headgear of various kinds. Football players have long worn helmets to protect themselves from blows to the head and face. Sometime later hockey players also began to protect themselves with helmets. More recently recreational bicyclists have perceived the need to use protective headgear and have started to wear helmets in increasing numbers. Traditionally, athletes in other sports, such as basketball, figure skating and soccer have not worn any protective headgear. This is probably because the players and organizers of these games have not sensed a need to use headgear because injuries to the head are not as commonplace as in sports such as football, hockey, and bicycling. However, studies are beginning to suggest that head injuries are more prevalent in a number of sports, including basketball, figure skating and soccer, than previously thought. The danger of trauma resulting from such head injuries may be greater for children. Therefore, at least from a safety standpoint, use of protective headgear by athletes participating in such sports, especially children, seems advisable. Protective headgear designed for maximum impact protection generally employ a shock absorbing liner constructed from a material having a high plasticity. Plasticity is a physical property which allows a material to collapse upon impact so as to internally absorb at least a portion of an impact. In order to allow materials to regain their shape after deformation, such materials must have a level of elasticity. Elasticity is a physical property which allows a material to return towards its original size and shape after deformation. While the use of highly elastic materials in the construction of shock absorbing liners allows continued use of the shock absorbing liner after an initial impact, as a general rule an increase in the elasticity of a material corresponds to a decrease in the plasticity of the material. Certain sports, such as motorsports and bicycling where the force of a typical impact is very high but the frequency of impacts is generally low, protective headgear tends to utilize liners constructed from a material having high plasticity and low elasticity. This allows the protective headgear to protectively absorb the high impact of a crash, but requires that the protective headgear be replaced after each impact. Other sports, such as football, hockey, and lacrosse where the force of a typical impact is fairly modest but the frequency of such impacts is generally high, protective headgear tends to utilize liners constructed from a plastic material having high elasticity. This allows the protective headgear to protectively absorb the modest but repeated impacts encountered in such sports without requiring disposal of the protective headgear after each impact. Another guiding principle in the design of protective headgear is the ability to increase the protective value of headgear by increasing the area of contact between the headgear (i.e., the shock absorbing liner) and the head. Generally, the amount of impact generated kinetic energy which can be absorbed by a shock absorbing liner increases as the area of contact with the head increases. However, due to the necessary rigidity of typical protective headgear, it is often difficult to achieve a large area of contact between the shock absorbing liner and the head. Such rigidity also makes it difficult to obtain comfortably fitting off-the-shelf protective headgear. Accordingly, a need exists for protective headgear having a high area of contact between the shock absorbing liner and the head which can be comfortably fitted when purchased as an off-the-shelf product and can be reused after impact. Generally, the present invention relates to improvements to a headguard for athletes. The protective headguard, comprises (i) a front panel, (ii) a rear panel, and (iii) a means for releasably connecting the lateral ends of the front and rear panels. At least one and preferably both of the front and rear panels comprise layers of at least a shell, a shock absorbing liner and a comfort liner. When the lateral ends of the front and rear panels are connected and the headguard is worn, the front panel covers at least the forehead of the wearer and the rear panel covers at least the occipital bone of the wearer, while the crown portion of the wearer""s head remains uncovered. The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment of the present invention. The figures and the detailed description which follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments.

The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure. There has been a lot interest in technologies for computer pattern recognition. For example, in Mathematical Neurobiology by J. S. Griffith (Academic Press, New York, 1971), models of neural networks are described. One model was a randomly connected network of neurons. Each neuron was either active (firing) or inactive. The total status of all the neurons defined the state of activity of the network. Since the neurons are connected to other neurons, any given state of activity would generate a next state of activity. Although the neuron connections were initially assigned at random, the connections remain fixed as the network moves from one state to the next. The total number of possible states is finite. Given any initial state, the network will step from state to state and ultimately hit a state that occurred previously. Since the network connections are fixed (deterministic), the network will continue to cycle through the same set of states. Given any arbitrary initial state the network always terminate in a cycle. Finite automata are a type of cellular automata that are the main focus of A New Kind of Science by Stephen Wolfram (Wolfram Media, Inc., 2002). In his book and other research papers, cycles are analyzed in depth. The above mentioned U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,504,970, 4,541,115, 4,550,431, 4,551,850, 5,473,707, and 5,473,708 describe various pattern recognition methods including using Associative Pattern Memory (APM) techniques to detect patterns. However, there remains a need in the art for improved systems and methods for computerized pattern recognition.

Micro Electro Mechanical (MEM) resonators are key enablers for the development of miniaturized and low-power multi-band radio-frequency (RF) systems capable of operating in the crowded modern commercial and military spectral environment. The use of micro- and nano-electromechanical systems to form low-loss passive filters presents challenges as a result of their still low Figure of Merit. Because of this reason, pre-existing resonator technologies, such as Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW), are still preferred despite the impossibility of monolithically integrating them on the same chip than the rest of the electronic components.

Video and audio teleconferencing technology is moving toward automated services that do not require an operator to manually connect parties to the conferences. Typically, the teleconferencing service provider allocates one or more personal identification numbers (PINs) to subscribers and connects each subscriber to their intended conference based on the PIN entered by the subscriber, through equipment known as a teleconferencing bridge. A conference usually includes a host who organizes or leads the conference, and a number of guests. The host may often have additional privileges beyond those of the guests, such as, for example, being able to add or remove guests from the conference, and may be distinguished from the guests by having a PIN that is different from the PIN or PINs assigned to the guests. As the number of subscribers to teleconferencing services increase, most service providers are responding by providing subscribers with PINs ranging from four to twelve digits in length. The shorter the PIN, the fewer variations, and thus the fewer unique available PINs. While in theory, a four digit PIN would allow 10,000 subscribers to each have a unique PIN, in fact the number of subscribers must be considerably lower to maintain an acceptable level of security. For example, if all 10,000 possible PINs were assigned to subscribers, an “eavesdropper” (unauthorized user) would have a 100% probability of being connected to a conference simply by guessing any one of the possible variations. Similarly, if a very large percentage of the possible variations are used as PINs, an unauthorized user would have a fairly substantial chance of guessing one of the variations correctly and being connected to a conference. Thus, in order to maintain security of the system, only a few of the possible PINs may be used as actual PINs. Therefore, as the number of subscribers increases, one solution generally adopted in the industry is to provide each subscriber with a longer PIN, typically ranging between seven and 10 digits, and some systems may support PINs up to 16 digits in length. However, while most subscribers may be satisfied with the ease of use of a four or five digit PIN, they may begin to struggle as the PIN increases towards 10 digits or even longer. Furthermore, as the length of the numeric string that the subscriber must enter increases, the probability of mis-keying increases geometrically. Another option used by some teleconferencing bridges is to require two levels of security, and two PINs per subscriber. For example, one PIN may be used to identify the individual subscriber and the other to identify the particular conference that the subscriber wishes to join. However, this solution is not ideal as the subscriber must still remember and enter two PINs. Even if each of these PINs is only, for example, four digits in length, there is still more difficulty for the subscriber to remember two numbers rather than only one, and the chance of error, either in mis-keying or confusing the two PINs, is still substantial. Another technology that is currently being developed is “voice-over-IP”. Voice-over-IP refers to a communication methodology where voice is transferred over a data network, such as the Internet or a local area network (LAN), as opposed to a traditional voice telephone network. Traditional voice telephone networks are typically “circuit-switched”, meaning that for every conversation a dedicated “circuit” is formed between parties, and voice is transmitted over a dedicated channel. By contrast, data networks are typically packet-switched, meaning that data transmitted between parties is broken up into packets, and transmitted across the network in an ad hoc fashion, using connections as bandwidth becomes available, with no dedicated connection formed between parties. In these systems a large piece of data, for example a sentence spoken by one party, may be broken up into a number of data packets. Each packet may include, in addition to the actual data bits, address bits that identify the sender and destination, and possibly the “session” (for example, conversation) to which the data belongs. Various protocols have been established that dictate what bits are required in each packet. The packets are transmitted over the network using any connection within the network that happens to have available bandwidth, and are ultimately directed to their identified destination. Network routers are typically provided with software algorithms that determine the most efficient path for each packet over the network. Thus different packets all containing data that belongs to a single session, for example conversation, arrive at the destination via different routes, and may not arrive in the order in which they were transmitted. Although network devices are typically provided with software to enable them to reassemble the received packets into the proper order, this may take time. While this is typically not a problem for most data transfers, it can create problems in voice communication where long delays (on the order of tenths of seconds) are not acceptable, and where it is critical that the listener receive the voice data in the proper order. Systems are being developed that address these issues to provide acceptable quality voice communication over data networks such as the Internet.

A miniature linear vibration motor usually comprises a vibration assembly and a stator assembly. At present, most of the miniature linear vibration motors accomplish their reciprocating and periodic vibration through the vibration assembly. The vibration assembly accomplishes the reciprocating vibration through an elastic sheet or a spring. Normally, the elastic sheet or the spring located at two ends of the vibration assembly is welded on the shell of the motor. The shape and size of the elastic sheet or spring are variously designed in consideration of the shape and size of the vibration motor and the performance of the vibration motor. However, since the elastic sheet or spring is mostly fixedly connected to the shell, an obvious polarization occurs during the vibration. Meanwhile, the polarization of the elastic sheet easily leads to the stress concentration and the plastic deformation of the elastic sheet, so that its effective life is significantly reduced. Besides, the collisions caused by polarization will generate abnormal noise and relatively obvious heat.

1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to power supplies and, more specifically, the present invention relates to a switched mode power supply controller. 2. Background Information Electronic devices use power to operate. Switched mode power supplies are commonly used due to their high efficiency and good output regulation to power many of today's electronic devices. In a known switched mode power supply, a low frequency (e.g. 50 Hz or 60 Hz mains frequency), high voltage alternating current (AC) is converted to high voltage direct current (DC) with a diode rectifier and capacitor. The high voltage DC is then converted to high frequency (e.g. 30 to 300 kHz) AC, using a switched mode power supply control circuit. This high frequency, high voltage AC is applied to a transformer to transform the voltage, usually to a lower voltage, and to provide safety isolation. The output of the transformer is rectified to provide a regulated DC output, which may be used to power an electronic device. The switched mode power supply control circuit provides usually output regulation by sensing the output controlling it in a closed loop. A switched mode power supply may include an integrated circuit power supply controller coupled in series with a primary winding of the transformer. Energy is transferred to a secondary winding from the primary winding in a manner controlled by the power supply controller to provide the clean and steady source of power at the DC output. The transformer of a switched mode power supply may also include another winding called a bias or feedback winding. The bias winding provides the operating power for the power supply controller and in some cases it also provides a feedback or control signal to the power supply controller. In some switched mode power supplies, the feedback or control signal can come through an opto-coupler from a sense circuit coupled to the DC output. The feedback or control signal may be used to modulate a duty cycle of a switching waveform generated by the power supply controller or may be used to disable some of the cycles of the switching waveform generated by the power supply controller to control the DC output voltage. In order to compensate for process variations, analog integrated circuits such as power supply controllers are commonly trimmed for critical parameters during wafer sort, using trim pads on the wafer before being assembled in plastic packages. Trimming is done at the wafer level because the trim pads are not usually accessible after assembly (e.g. after encapsulation in plastic). Some of the tests are also only done at the wafer level because they require access to internal circuitry through test pads, which are accessible (through probes) only at wafer sort. The disadvantage of trimming at wafer sort is that the trimmed parameters are subject to shifts due to physical stresses that the die is subjected to after assembly by the encapsulation material such as plastic. This limits the accuracy to which they can be guaranteed independent of how accurately it is trimmed at wafer sort. Consequently, the assembled parts are then tested again at final test to eliminate those parts that have shifted too much or were damaged during assembly.

1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to monolithic integrated circuit devices and more particularly to microwave monolithic integrated circuit devices. In the field of monolithic microwave integrated circuit devices of the high power type which are used in microwave systems, such devices are typically implemented using a metallized backside on a GaAs substrate, with the metallized backside being utilized as the ground. Via holes are opened from the backside through the substrate to provide a low inductance connection from the sources of the active devices (FET's) on the front side of the wafer to the metallized backside. In addition, the metallized backside also forms the contact plane to the heat sink in the final assembled package. In addition to the active devices on the front side of the wafer, microwave transmission lines are also included thereon, which are implemented in microstrips, using the metallized backside as the ground plane. Accordingly, there are two areas of such a device which are critical and have different required characteristics. First, it is desirable to have a thin substrate in the area of the active devices to permit good heat transmission to the metallized backplane so that the heat from the active devices will be transmitted to the heat sink in the assembled package. On the other hand, utilizing a thin substrate, or body, in the region above the transmission lines brings certain difficulties which will be described more fully hereinafter in the description of the prior art. 2. Description of the Prior Art In the prior art, one of the attempted solutions to the heat flow and heat dissipation problem with GaAs devices has been to provide a layout in the active device area which provides for spacing out the individual gate fingers in an interdigitated FET layout. In so doing, the sources of heat are spread over the surface of the substrate which decreases the thermal resistance between the fingers and the backplane, however the thermal resistance does not decrease linearly with increasing gate finger spacing due to the two-dimensional nature of heat flow. More particularly, thermal resistance is inversely proportional to the cross-sectional area of the heat source and is proportional to the distance between the heat source and the heat sink. With this solution, although the thickness of the body may be maintained such that the microwave transmission line characteristics are maintained to avoid microstrip problems, the spacing of the gate fingers brings with it a problem that at high frequencies, the amount of acceptable phase variation on the gate feed and the required output level dictate that the gate finger spacing be as small as permitted by processing considerations. The gate finger spacing solution is more fully described in an article entitled "A Packaged 20-GHz 1-W GaAs MESFET With A Novel Via-Hole Plated Heat Sink Structure" by Y. Hirachi, Y. Takeuchi, M. Igarashi, K. Kosemura and S. Yamamoto, appearing in IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, Vol. MTT-32, No. 3, pages 309-316, March, 1984. FIG. 1 in this article is particularly relevant to the gate finger spacing consideration. The attempted solution of spacing the gate fingers to provide adequate heat conduction through a substrate adequately thick to avoid transmission line problems is impractical and is not effective because of the phase variation on the gate feed. A second attempted solution is to provide a thinner GaAs substrate, to accomplish the reduction of the heat transfer resistance. Substrate thicknesses as small as 30 microns have been used for discrete power FETs, this approach having been described in a paper entitled "A Ka-Band GaAs Power MMIC" in the IEEE International Microwave Symposium Digest, MTT-S 1985, pages 31-34. This approach is not suitable for monolithic microwave integrated circuit devices because of two serious disadvantages, the first of which is that the yield is low due to the increased probability of breakage during die separation and die attachment. Since the number of dies per wafer in the monolithic microwave integrated circuit devices is at least fewer by a factor of four, the yield issue is much more important for these devices than it is for discrete FETs. Secondly, when a thin substrate is utilized in the microwave frequency, this requires a very narrow microstrip, which appears on the front side of the device, must be used for a high impedance microstrip line. As mentioned earlier, in the transmission line area the metallized backside functions as the ground plane and the distance between the microstrip transmission lines on the front side of the device and the metallized backplane on the back side of the device are critical in determining the impedance of the microstrip transmission line. The impedance of a microstrip is uniquely determined by the ratio of the microstrip width to the substrate thickness for a given substrate material. This is more fully described in Chapter 1 of the book entitled Microstrip Lines and Slotlines, by K. C. Gupta, Ramesh Garg and L. J. Bahl, published by Artech House, Inc., 1979. The closer the microstrip is to the backplane, i.e. a thinner substrate between them, the narrower the microstrip width must be for implementing a given impedance. For example, a 150 ohm line, which is a common value for matching stubs utilizing a 30 micro thick GaAs substrate requires that the width of the microstrip must be 0.8 microns. Such a narrow width is not only difficult to implement, but is very lossy at high frequencies. Thus it can be seen from the foregoing that the prior art has not provided a high frequency device which has the advantages of good heat conduction, which for a high power and high frequency device requires a relatively thin substrate, and a sufficiently thick substrate to provide achievable microstrip widths to avoid the problems mentioned above.

(1) Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a magnetic disc device used as a memory means for mini-computers or a micro-computers. Conventionally, a Winchester type magnetic disc device using hard discs 3.5 inches in diameter has been used as a memory means for a mini-computers or a micro-computers. Such a magnetic disc devices must have a high memory density without any enlargement of the size thereof, to ensure that it is compatible with other conventional devices. Therefore, an improved magnetic disc device has been developed, which has a high memory density enriched by increasing the number of magnetic discs. (2) Description of the Related Art A conventional magnetic head of a known magnetic disc device is illustrated in FIGS. 13a and 13b. A magnetic head 5 includes coil lead wires 5a which are drawn upward in the direction opposite to a slider surface 5b. With this structure, the lead wires 5a may sometimes come into contact with a disc surface disposed above the magnetic head or another magnetic head disposed above and opposing this magnetic head 5 which will cause a short circuit or an instability of the head when in operation the head is separated from the disc surface and floating thereon. Also, the conventional magnetic disc device includes a head actuator having a pivot 6f, as shown in FIG. 14. The pivot 6f has a plurality of head arms 6e which are secured to an outer sleeve 10. The outer sleeve 10 is installed on a stationary shaft 12 through two roller bearings 11 and 11'. The shaft 12 is disposed on a seat 12a for vertical positioning when secured to the base 1 through a screw. The diameter of the seat 12a is approximately the same as that of the outer sleeve 10. Therefore, the space corresponding to the height H of the seat 12a is wasted, thus causing an unnecessary enlarging of the case of the magnetic disc device. A magnetic device has a record medium on which information data is recorded and a magnetic head for reading the information from that medium. The magnetic head is disposed in such a manner that it faces the recording area of the record medium, to transmit 10 information data between the record medium and a read/write device. When a magnetic disc is used as the magnetic medium, the head is attached to a head arm which carries the head and positions it at a desired track in the recording area of the magnetic disc. Therefore, in order to achieve an accurate positioning of the head at a high speed, it is necessary to reduce the weight of the head construction, including the head arm, to minimize the inertial force thereof. A known magnetic head structure is illustrated in FIG. 12. A head 33 is supported at an end of a gimbal 32 which is secured to a head arm 31. Information data is transmitted between the head and a read/write device through a lead wire 34. A springy clip 35 made of plastic is attached to the head arm 31 to hold the lead wire 34 between the head arm 31 and the clip 35 along the head arm side edge. With the above-mentioned magnetic head structure of the prior art, the head arm 31 becomes heavy, since the clip 35 is used for holding the lead wire 34, thus opposing the requirement for reducing the weight of the head arm structure. Also, the gap between the discs must be wide enough to accommodate the clips 35 therebetween, thus preventing a reduction of the height of the magnetic device.

The present invention relates to an oil recovery process for a subterranean heavy oil-containing reservoir. More particularly, the invention relates to an improvement in an in situ oil recovery process wherein steam is injected to heat the reservoir and thus render the heavy oil more mobile for recovery. Heavy oil-containing reservoirs are those which contain crude petroleum or bitumen of such high viscosity that it cannot be recovered by conventional petroleum recovery techniques. Exemplary of such formations are the Athabasca and Cold Lake oil sand deposits of Alberta, Canada, the Lloydminster heavy oil deposits present in Alberta, Canada, and the oil sand deposits in Venezuela. An insitu process for the recovery of such heavy oil usually includes reducing the viscosity of the heavy oil to thereby make it more amenable to flow. This is often done by injecting steam into the formation. In some cases, a communication zone, that is a permeable pathway, is first established between at least two wells penetrating the heavy oil-containing stratum. A communication zone may exist as naturally occurring permeable strata or may be established by conventional methods of hydraulic fracturing and propping. The steam is then injected through one well at high temperature and pressure. The steam passes through the communication zone, transferring sufficient heat to the adjacent heavy oil to lower the viscosity of same and render it more mobile. A steam/steam condensate/heavy oil mixture is produced at the second well. Alternatively, in accordance with the well established huff and puff technique, steam injection and oil production may both take place at a single well. Steam is injected through the well into the formation. The steam is injected at high temperature and pressure to create a steam zone or steam chest around the well bore. When the injection pressure reaches a pre-determined level, injection is stopped and a back flow of heated formation fluids and injected fluids flows into the well and is produced. The injection and production cycles are repeated. In situ recovery methods using steam injection, whether by continuous steam drive or cyclic steam techniques, have the disadvantage of leaving behind substantial amounts of oil. To enhance these steam-flooding processes, steam additives, such as solvents and gases, are often used. The solvent is included to solubilize some of the heavy oil and thereby lower the oil viscosity. Gaseous additives, such as carbon dioxide, are believed to enhance oil recovery by coming out of solution during pressure drawdown to assist in the pressure drive during the production cycle, or by otherwise improving the flowability of the oil. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,156,462 issued May 29, 1979, to J. C. Allen, a two-step process is described for recovering oil. More particularly, a subterranean reservoir is first heated by injecting steam at temperatures in the range of about 260.degree. C. to 800.degree. C. Steam injection is then terminated and a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen is injected into the heated portion of the reservoir. The carbon monoxide is said to react with the steam to produce carbon dioxide and additional hydrogen in the reservoir. These gases should lower the oil viscosity in the reservoir making the oil more amenable to recovery by a subsequent fluid drive system. The conversion of carbon monoxide and steam to carbon dioxide and hydrogen is termed the water gas reaction: EQU CO+H.sub.2 O.revreaction.CO.sub.2 +H.sub.2. It is generally believed that the water gas reaction takes place at high temperatures, in excess of 400.degree. C. Unfortunately, if such high temperatures are used in an oil reservoir, significant gasification and polymerization of the oil takes place. This of course reduces the amount of liquid oil which can be recovered. Furthermore, in a heavy oil reservoir, extensive polymerization forms tars which plug the fluid communication path. The inclusion of hydrogen with the carbon monoxide in the process of the above-mentioned patent, is believed to be disadvantageous. Since the water gas reaction is a reversible reaction, the inclusion of hydrogen in the injection stream, especially at the suggested high temperature and pressure conditions, should drive the reverse rather than the forward reaction. This would favour the reactant side (CO+H.sub.2 O) rather than the product side (CO.sub.2 +H.sub.2) of the process.

Light-emitting diode (LED) based illumination devices are increasingly used for a wide variety of lighting applications. LEDs offer advantages over traditional light sources, such as incandescent and fluorescent lamps, including long lifetime, high lumen efficacy, low operating voltage and fast modulation of lumen output. Efficient high-power LEDs are often based on blue light emitting materials. To produce an LED based illumination device having a desired color (e.g., white) output, a suitable wavelength converting material, commonly known as a phosphor, may be used which converts part of the light emitted by the LED into light of longer wavelengths so as to produce a combination of light having desired spectral characteristics. The wavelength converting material may be applied directly on the LED die, or it may be arranged at a certain distance from the phosphor (so-called remote configuration). Many inorganic materials have been used as phosphor materials for converting blue light emitted by the LED into light of longer wavelengths. However, inorganic phosphors suffer from the disadvantages that they are relatively expensive. Furthermore, inorganic phosphors are light scattering particles, thus always reflecting a part of the incoming light, which leads to loss of efficiency in a device. Furthermore, inorganic LED phosphors have limited quantum efficiency and a relatively broad emission spectrum, in particular for the red emitting LED phosphors, which leads to additional efficiency losses. Currently, organic phosphor materials are being considered for replacing inorganic phosphor in LEDs where conversion of blue light to yellow/orange light is desirable, for example for achieving white light output. Organic phosphors have the advantage that their luminescence spectrum can be easily adjusted with respect to position and band width and the quantum efficiency is generally higher than for inorganic phosphors. Organic phosphor materials also often have a high degree of transparency, which is advantageous since the efficiency of the lighting system is improved compared to systems using more light-absorbing and/or reflecting phosphor materials. Furthermore, organic phosphors are much less costly than inorganic phosphors. However, since organic phosphors are sensitive to the heat generated during electroluminescence activity of the LED, organic phosphors are primarily used in remote configuration devices. The main drawback hampering the application of organic phosphor materials in remote phosphor LED based lighting systems is their poor photo-chemical stability. U.S.2007/0273274 (Horiuchi et al.) discloses a translucent laminate sheet comprising a light-emitting device and comprising an organic phosphor arranged in an airproofed cavity having low concentration of oxygen such that the deterioration of the phosphor is reduced. However, keeping a low concentration of oxygen is difficult and costly. Hence, there remains a need in the art for improved light-emitting devices employing organic phosphor materials.

The present invention generally relates to floating offshore mineral exploration and production platforms and, more particularly, is concerned with a compliant guide for protecting the buoyancy cans and components of the floating offshore platform from damage from impacts that may occur as a result of hydrodynamic loads (e.g. Froude-Krylov impact forces) on the buoyancy cans. The spacing between the buoyancy can outer wall and the contact point of the guide structure in the centerwell of a Spar type floating offshore mineral exploration and production platform has been found to be very important in determining loads on the buoyancy can. The buoyancy can will have contact points (most typically four to six), in the form of built-up wear strips. These contact points on the buoyancy can will face corresponding contact points on the guide structure. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,702,321 to Edward Horton for “Drilling, Production, and Oil Storage Caisson for Deep Water” and U.S. Pat. No. 4,740,109 to Edward Horton for “Multiple Tendon Compliant Tower Construction”, both incorporated herein by reference. Although sensitivity to gap size had previously been noticed in both model tests and in some calculations, efforts to determine the optimum gap size had assumed that once a small enough gap had been achieved, the nature and magnitude of the loads, including impact loads, would converge to those of a zero gap. Efforts were aimed at finding the point of diminishing returns on an exponential-type either load or bending moment response curve, where forces were determined without consideration for impact loads.

This invention relates to emergency evacuation equipment for aircraft. In particular, this invention relates to a system for deploying an inflatable aircraft emergency evacuation slide or slide/raft combination. The requirement for reliably evacuating airline passengers in the event of an emergency is well known. Emergencies at take-off and landing often demand swift removal of the passengers from the aircraft because of the potential from injuries from fire, explosion, or sinking in water. A conventional method of quickly evacuating a large number of passengers from an aircraft is to provide multiple emergency exits, each of which is equipped with an inflatable evacuation slide. Current state-of-the-art emergency evacuation slide systems comprise an inflatable evacuation slide that is stored in an uninflated, folded state together with a source of inflation gas. The source of inflation gas typically comprises a gas generator, stored compressed gas, or a combination thereof. Compressed stored gas inflators typically require the storage of a relatively large volume of gas at a relatively high pressure. As a result of high gas storage pressures, the walls of the storage vessel must be relatively thick for increased strength. The combination of large volume and thick walls results in relatively heavy and bulky inflator designs. Additionally, where only a compressed gas is used to inflate the evacuation slide, a large drop in temperature occurs as the compressed gas expands, often causing ice to form, which can block the flow of gas. Pyrotechnic gas generators have an advantage in that they are small, lightweight, and produce a high volume of gas. The high temperature gas produced by a gas generator alone, however, causes numerous problems including sagging of the evacuation slide as the inflation gas cools and, in some cases, melting or scorching of the fabric out of which the inflation slide is fabricated. Because of the disadvantages associated with pure stored gas and pure pyrotechnic inflation devices, current state of the art emergency evacuation slide systems typically comprise a hybrid inflator, which utilizes a stored compressed gas together with a pyrotechnic gas generator. The pyrotechnic gas generator augments the stored compressed gas by providing additional gas as well as heat to counteract the effects of the expansion-induced cooling of the compressed gas as it expands out of the pressure vessel. Despite these advances, conventional hybrid evacuation slide inflators are still heavy and bulky. On one modem commercial aircraft, the weight of the pressure vessel alone is almost 35 pounds and weight of the gas charge over 16 pounds. Accordingly, the need still exists to further reduce the size and weight of emergency evacuation slide inflators and thereby improve the payload volume, weight, and fuel economy of the aircraft on which they are mounted.

The present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat, and particularly relates to a vehicle seat that performs a function of measuring the heart rate of a seated passenger. In recent years, for the purpose of promptly reporting, to a driver, that the driver's physical condition has been changed while a vehicle is running, various vehicle seats capable of displaying a change in physical condition by detecting various parameters indicating the state of the driver have been proposed. For example, Japanese Patent Publication JP 2009-050679 discloses an electrocardiogram measurement device including first and second electrodes serving as two sensors optionally arranged at a seat back and a ground electrode disposed at a seat cushion and configured to determine a reference potential. In this electrocardiogram measurement device, an electric signal associated with an electrocardiogram detected from a driver by two sensors is efficiently sensed in such a manner that the electric signal is amplified by a two-stage amplifier, and therefore, a driver's health condition can be determined. Japanese Patent Publication JP 2007-301175 discloses a measurement device including planar electrodes serving as a plurality of sensors arranged respectively at the positions contacting the back of a driver, the region extending from the waist to the hip of the driver, and the thighs of the driver. In this measurement device, one of the sensors is provided for obtaining the neutral-point potential of an amplifier. Thus, abnormality can be determined in such a manner that a electrocardiographic signal and a respiration signal from the driver are suitably detected. Sheet-shaped sensors have been broadly used, such as the sensors of Japanese Patent Publication JP 2009-050679 and Japanese Patent Publication JP 2007-301175. Each sensor generally includes a conductive line forming a sensor body, and a conductive sheet fixing the conductive line. These sensors are arranged at part of the seat back supporting the back of the seated passenger. When the seated passenger leans on the seat back, the sheet-shaped sensors of this type obtain voltage from the contact portion between the back of the seated passenger and the seat to measure the heart rate. However, static electricity is caused by slight vibration while the vehicle is running, friction between clothes and the seat back when the seated passenger leans on the seat back, or contact between the seated passenger and, e.g., a steering wheel or a footrest due to movement of the seated passenger in operation. Such static electricity is, as noise, contained in an electrocardiographic waveform. In the vehicle seat including the electrocardiogram measurement device as described in Japanese Patent Publication JP 2009-050679 and Japanese Patent Publication JP 2007-301175, removal and reduction of such static electricity are not taken into consideration. Due to the noise caused by the static electricity, it is difficult to stably detect a bioelectric signal such as an electrocardiographic signal of the seated passenger. For this reason, vital information such as the heart rate might not be able to be accurately measured.

1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a dispensing device for preferably dispensing a medical formulation, in particular one containing or consisting of a drug or mixture of drugs and to a storage device for a preferably medical formulation, in particular, one containing or consisting of a drug or mixture of drugs. 2. Description of Related Art Drugs delivered through dispensing devices, in particular inhalers, are intended to optimally target specific sites in the pulmonary system. These sites include the nasal passages, the throat, and various locations within the lungs, such as the bronchi, bronchioles and alveolar regions. The ability to deliver drugs to a target area depends inter alia on the aerodynamic sizes of the particles or droplets. As currently believed to be understood, particles having an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2 micrometer are considered to be potentially optimal for deposition in the alveolar region of the lung. Particles that have an aerodynamic diameter of between 2 and approximately 5 micrometer may be more suitable for delivery to the bronchiole or bronchi regions. Particles with an aerodynamic size range greater than 6 micrometer, and more preferably 10 micrometer, are typically suitable for delivery to the laryngeal region, throat or nasal passages. In most cases, it is desired to achieve a high inhalable fraction and a high delivery efficiency, i.e., the fraction of the initial dose of drug that reaches the desired region, in particular in the lung. This depends on various factors, in particular, on the characteristics of the generated spray plume, such as propagation velocity of the plume, particle size and its distribution, fraction of small particles, fraction of gas or the like. In the present invention, the desired spray plume characteristics include preferably a small particle size, a high fraction of drug particles with a diameter of 6 micrometer or less, a low propagation velocity and/or a long duration of spray generation and possible inhalation. U.S. Pat. No. 4,627,432 discloses a device for administering medicaments to patients, namely an inhaler. The inhaler comprises a disk-like blister pack having a plurality of blister pockets arranged in a circle. Each blister pocket contains a dose of the powder. A plunger can open a blister pocket. When a blister is opened, the medicament can be withdrawn by a patient inhaling through a mouthpiece. International Patent Application Publication WO 2005/002654 A2 discloses a passive device for dispensing individual doses of powder. The doses are contained in respective pockets of a disc-shaped carrier and opened by outwardly rupturing a lidding foil in axial direction by means of pressure on an opposite side surface. The pockets are moveable in an axial direction into an airstream generated by breathing of a patient for dispensing a dose of powder from the pocket. The device provides individual respective deaggregation flow paths for each pocket, split airstreams allowing improved entrainment of powder, a cam mechanism for outwardly rupturing the pockets, an indexing mechanism linked to the cam mechanism, and a dose counter. It is difficult to empty the respective pocket completely during a dispensing operation. Incomplete emptying results in decreased delivery efficiency. Some powder may be lost in the inhaler and not dispensed because the known solutions require relatively long paths for the powder until the powder reaches a nozzle and is actually dispensed. This might reduce the delivery efficiency further. In addition, de-agglomeration of the powder is difficult. International Patent Application Publication WO 2006/037636 A2 discloses an active dispensing device with an air pump for dispensing powder separately from storage chambers in a common carrier. Preferably, an individual deaggregation and outlet duct having a flat cross-section is associated to each storage chamber. It is difficult to empty the respective pocket completely during a dispensing operation. Incomplete emptying results in decreased delivery efficiency. Some powder may be lost in the inhaler and not dispensed because the known solutions require relatively long paths for the powder until the powder reaches a nozzle and is actually dispensed. This might reduce the delivery efficiency further. In addition, de-agglomeration of the powder is difficult. WO 2006/037636 A2 discloses an active dispensing device with an air pump for dispensing powder separately from storage chambers in a common carrier. Preferably, an individual deaggregation and outlet duct having a flat cross-section is associated to each storage chamber. International Patent Application Publication WO 2007/018568 A1 and related U.S. Patent Application Publication 2007/151562 disclose an inhalation device with an annular arrangement of receptacles containing inserts with doses of an inhalation formulation. The receptacles form an interconnected chain or ring that may be placed or clamped between a two piece clamshell cassette. However, the receptacles do not form individual or separate parts. The receptacles can not be mounted separately or individually. The receptacles can not be aligned individually on a respective carrier.

1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to improvements in a method of controlling an elliptical vibrator. The elliptical vibrator is used for processing a workpiece such as steel product by causing elliptical vibrations to a tool, for example. 2. Description of the Background Art An elliptical vibratory processing apparatus has been used for processing a workpiece into a required shape. The elliptical vibratory processing apparatus for example has an elliptical vibrator which is formed of a body in the shape of an octagonal prism and step horns provided respectively on both ends of the body. One of the step horns has its end provided with a tool and this tool elliptically vibrates to process the workpiece. Specifically, driving piezoelectric elements of a required number are provided to the elliptical vibrator. A predetermined sinusoidal voltage having a predetermined phase difference (e.g. 90xc2x0) is applied individually to the driving piezoelectric elements. Accordingly, flexure vibrations are caused to the elliptical vibrator in each of the horizontal direction (X direction) and the vertical direction (Y direction). The flexure vibrations in the two directions of the elliptical vibrator are mechanically synthesized. Then, an end (cutting edge) of the tool, which is provided to the elliptical vibrator, is allowed to draw a trajectory of elliptical vibrations (see FIG. 3). For the cutting operation shown in FIG. 3 for example, the cutting tool 2 is caused to elliptically vibrate with respect to the workpiece 1 to be cut and move in a cutting direction indicated by xe2x80x9cAxe2x80x9d relatively with respect to workpiece 1, so that cutting tool 2 can elliptically vibrate to cut workpiece 1. Suppose that the distance by which cutting tool 2 moves in cutting direction A is constant. Then, a higher steadiness with which the edge of cutting tool 2 draws an elliptical trajectory 16 in a required shape (preset target shape) enables workpiece 1 to be processed with higher precision through the elliptical vibrations. Here, the flexure vibrations in the two directions as described above interfere with each other to cause tool interference. For example, the horizontal flexure vibrations of the elliptical vibrator interfere with (impede) the vertical flexure vibrations. Then, it is impossible to control the vertical flexure vibrations for allowing the vertical flexure vibrations to have a required amplitude. As the horizontal flexure vibrations, the vertical flexure vibrations of the elliptical vibrator also interfere with the horizontal flexure vibrations, which makes it impossible to control the horizontal flexure vibrations so as to allow the horizontal flexure vibrations to have a required amplitude. In other words, it is impossible to steadily control and shape the trajectory, as required, of the elliptical vibrations drawn by the edge of a tool such as the cutting tool. Consequently, there arises a disadvantage, due to the fact that the elliptical vibration trajectory drawn by the tool edge cannot be shaped as required, that the workpiece cannot be processed with high precision through elliptical vibrations. One object of the present invention is to provide a method of controlling an elliptical vibrator for processing a workpiece through elliptical vibrations of a tool. An elliptical vibration trajectory drawn by an edge of the tool can be controlled with steadiness so as to shape the trajectory as required, and thus the workpiece can be processed with high precision through the elliptical vibrations. A method of controlling an elliptical vibrator according to the present invention is used for processing a workpiece by means of a tool through elliptical vibrations thereof, vibrations in two directions being synthesized by an elliptical vibratory processing apparatus for causing elliptical vibrations and transmitting the elliptical vibrations to the tool. An amount of interference by vibrations in one of the two directions with vibrations in the other direction is correctively eliminated from the vibrations in that other direction. According to the method of controlling an elliptical vibrator of the present invention, the vibrations in the two directions are vibrations in any of flexure vibration mode, longitudinal vibration mode, torsional vibration mode, shear vibration mode, and radial vibration mode. The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

This invention relates to a filter cloth securing device which attaches the filter cloth to the filter plates of a plate filter press in the zone of the plate opening (port) provided for the passage of the slurry. The securing device has two flanged sleeves inserted into the slurry port from opposite sides of the filter plate and a threaded tensioning sleeve which also passes through the slurry port and which axially clamps the flanged sleeves to one another. The flanges of the flanged sleeves extend essentially parallel to the plane of the filter plate. In chamber-type or diaphragm chamber-type filter presses where the slurry inlet is arranged in the zone of the filtering face of the filter plates, the filter cloth must be sealed with respect to the edge zones of the slurry ports. Such seal is of importance in case of individual or continuous filter cloths as well as in case of tubular or pass-through filter cloths in order to prevent a filtering effect and thus a filter cake formation within the slurry channel constituted by the series of axially aligned slurry ports. As securing and sealing means generally the earlier-noted flanged sleeves are used whose flanges press the filter cloth against the respective filter plate side in the wall zone of the slurry port. In order to ensure an optimal utilization of a filter press, it is desired that the filter cakes in all filter chambers be identically thick. This is of particular importance in case the filter cakes have to be washed or dried in the filter press, because only a uniform filter cake thickness ensures a uniform washing and drying effect. A uniform cake thickness, however, preconditions identical chamber depths which in turn require an accurately central positioning of the filtering face in the individual filter plates. Particularly in filter plates made of synthetic materials, deformations of the filtering face from the central plate plane may occur because of stresses applied during manufacture, shipping or storage. Furthermore, in case of hot filtering, the filtering face may undergo bulging deformations even in case of very small pressure differences resulting, for example, from non-uniform filter cloth soiling. Such deformations may lead to a cracking or breakage of the filter plate. In diaphragm-type filter presses a bending of the filtering face and thus an increased filter chamber depth on one filter plate side has the additional disadvantage that the diaphragm may press annularly into the slurry channel on that side so that the diaphragm may be torn away from its securing device or may be torn open. In order to prevent a bending deformation of the filtering face, U.S. Pat. No. 3,503,326 discloses the use of tubular screw-in flanges which are threaded into corresponding passages of the filter plate from both sides and wherein the tubular part of the components constitutes the slurry port and the flanges sealingly clamp the filter cloth against a cooperating counterface of the filter plate. The flanges have such a thickness dimension that in the closed (pushed-together) state of the filter plate stack they lie on one another and thus are in a mutually supportive relationship. The slurry inflow in the individual filter chambers is effected by radial grooves provided in the outer surfaces of the flanges. In such a structure the grooves of two superposed flanges of adjoining filter plates complement each other to form a closed channel. It is a disadvantage of this arrangement that the screw flanges must have an accurate angular (screwed-in) orientation in order to position the grooves such that in the closed state of the filter plate stack the grooves of adjoining flanges complement each other to form a slurry channel. Considering the permissible tolerance deviations, this requirement cannot be satisfied with the desired accuracy. It is a further disadvantage of the above-outlined prior art arrangement that upon tightening the screw flanges, as a result of friction that part of the filter cloth which lies underneath the flange faces is dragged by the flange As a result, folds may appear which can cause leaks between the slurry channel and the filtering spaces. If the threaded flanges are not tightened sufficiently, the individual filter cloth securements may abut one another in an axial direction even before the filter plates are tightly pressed to one another at their outer sealing edges. As a result, the filtering chambers will not be separated from the environment in a fluidtight manner. It is still another disadvantage of this prior art arrangement that during the emptying process solid deposit residues may clog the channels formed by the grooves. A similar construction is known in the field of chamber-type filter plates which are utilized as a combination with diaphragm-type filter plates known from German Patent Nos. 2,322,044 and 2,324,876. In this arrangement too, screw-in flanges are provided which are tightened against one another by a threaded bushing and thus clamp the filter cloth. In this arrangement too, the slurry is admitted into the filter chamber from a slurry port formed by the threaded sleeve and through radial grooves provided in the outer faces of the flanges. The flanges are configured such that the diaphragms of the adjoining diaphragm filter plates annularly lie against the flanges upon inflation and cover the mouth of the radial grooves in the filter chamber. This prior art arrangement too, has the disadvantage that the radial grooves are clogged by the filter cake and also, during the pressing step, the diaphragms additionally press filter cake portions from the filter chamber into the radially extending grooves. In all known structures of filter cloth securing devices solid deposits do not detach by themselves from the radial grooves during the opening of the filter press. Further, as the filter cake falls down in the zone of the slurry intake, solid parts are sheared off the filter cake and remain suspended in the slurry ports, particularly because of the recessed end faces of the threaded sleeves. Risks are high that these residues may block the radial grooves in the outer faces of the flanges during the subsequent operational cycle. Consequently, the grooves as well as the slurry ports of the individual filter plates have to be carefully cleaned manually in each filter chamber after opening the filter press in order to avoid any damage during the subsequent filtering cycle. A cleaning of the slurry ports and the radial groove is, however, not readily feasible because of the particular configuration of the filter cloth securing devices. Furthermore, because of a need for the manual cleaning, the advantage of a mechanized plate shifting apparatus which should make possible an automatic filtering operation is partially lost, and thus the time needed for the manual cleaning work adversely affects the output of the filter press.

Existing devices for processing telecommunications data include a first infrastructure in the form of a telecommunications infrastructure for transporting payload signals for terminal users, i.e. signals transporting information to be presented on those user terminals (voice, pictures, data), and a second infrastructure for storing data about the utilization of the telecommunications service provided by the first infrastructure, e.g. for billing purposes. This utilization data for each connection involving a terminal is stored in a memory of the second infrastructure. Consequently, because of the correspondingly large number of connections involving the terminals, the second infrastructure has to manage a large quantity of utilization data. There are two approaches to generating this utilization data. A first approach consists in generating and storing utilization data in batches, as contrasted with a second approach that consists in generating and storing utilization data in real time. The first approach has the drawback of imposing an undesirable time-delay in the processing of utilization data, and also necessitates the use of very costly machines having a very large memory space. The technique used at present by systems that adopt the real-time approach has the drawback that it is not stabilized, in the sense that it has difficulties processing in real time very large quantities of utilization data, for example the utilization data for several thousand connections per second. The introduction of content services using the Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) and asynchronous digital subscriber lines (ADSL) will increase exponentially the number of connections and the volumes of utilization data associated with these services. This increase in traffic will generate ever-higher costs in terms of memory size and offers no guarantee that real-time performance will be achieved with these volumes of utilization data, since real time performance implies a particular and limited processing time, for example around one second between the end of a connection involving a terminal and storage of the corresponding utilization data in the second infrastructure. At present, with several tens of millions of potential terminals and an average of seven or eight connection requests or connections per terminal per day, there is no system offering real-time performance that is capable of absorbing all the traffic.

The present invention is directed to a circuit compensation technique and more particularly, the present invention is directed to a stable predictable circuit compensation technique which is relatively insensitive to noise. Due to their increased complexity and higher speed, high frequency processors and chipsets have become more sensitive to process, supply voltage, and temperature (PVT) variations. Accordingly, it has become necessary to compensate critical circuits for these variations. Thus, on-die terminations, I/O pre-drivers, and timing control circuits, etc., must be compensated since they affect signal reflections, transmission and reception timings, and edge rates. These circuits are often compensated by comparing the resistance of an external resistor to the resistance of an internal circuit. That is, for each kind of circuit, a separate external resistor may be used to compensate for each of the required attributes, such as, impedance, slew-rate, timing, etc. Once the internal resistance has been matched to the external resistor, a certain digital code, commonly referred to as the reference code, is used to represent the matched internal resistance. A set of these reference codes is easily used either directly or indirectly to compensate the circuits noted above. The matching technique consists of providing a feedback loop for matching the external resistor to the internal resistance. The reference code is continually updated. External noise may result in an updated reference code which differs from the old reference code by a large amount. Since the circuit characteristics that are being compensated vary slowly over time, there should not be large changes between reference code updates. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the compensation of critical circuits with respect to PVT is performed utilizing an external resistor to match the on-chip compensation circuit resistance. The internal resistance consists of a parallel combination of transistor legs, often referred to as dummy legs. These dummy legs may be identical to the actual transistor legs used in each circuit to be compensated. The matching of the on-chip resistance to the external resistor is performed by turning on the transistor legs of the dummy device (shown as a dummy buffer 110 in FIGS. 1 and 2) until the effective on-chip resistance of the circuit is approximately equal to that of the external resistor 120. At that point, the analog comparator 150 trips and the number of transistor legs that have been turned on it is recorded in the up/down counter 180. The same number of transistor legs are then turned on in the actual circuit to be compensated. FIG. 1, noted above, illustrates a simplified block diagram of a closed loop compensation circuit and FIG. 2 illustrates the details of the dummy buffer 110 of FIG. 1 and FSMs (Finite State Machines) 1xe2x88x92n, where n is the number of circuits to be compensated. The dummy buffer 110 and external resistor 120 form a voltage divider whose output is then compared in the analog comparator 150 with the output of a voltage divider formed by resistors R1 and R2 after both outputs have passed through respective low pass filters 130 and 140. The output of the analog comparator 150 is inputted to the latch 160 which receives a latching signal fsample. The output of the latch 160 is inputted to the up/down counter 180 after passing through another low pass filter 170. The up/down counter 180 also receives a signal labeled fupdate. While the counter 180 has for exemplary purposes been shown as being incremented, it can also be decremented. Since the circuit of FIG. 1 is a closed loop feedback system, care must be taken to insure a stable system and feedback stability issues governed by control theory add to the complexity of the compensation circuit. Typically, the update frequency fupdate must be lower than the 1/RC frequency of the low pass filters which in turn must be lower than the sampling frequency fsample. While this criteria may appear at first to be easy to meet, the low pass filters 130 and 140 of the analog comparator 150 are highly PVT dependent and it is therefore sometimes difficult to simulate their behavior. Several variations of the above-noted arrangement have been used in both open-loop and closed-loop forms. Close-loop systems have the classical stability problems while the open-loop systems unfortunately have large variations in the reference code. Stability problems can be reduced at the cost of increased to design/debug cycles since a significant amount of time is required to insure closed loop stability. On the other hand, open-loop systems avoid stability issues at the cost of large variations in the reference code updates.

1. Technical Field The present invention relates to a semiconductor device and a method of fabricating the same, and more particularly, to a semiconductor device having an alignment mark used as an alignment key in a packaging operation for semiconductor chips and a method of fabricating the same. 2. Discussion of the Related Art Semiconductor devices formed on a semiconductor substrate are typically assembled for connection to external devices and also packaged to protect these semiconductor devices from the external environment. In particular, a semiconductor device may have a pad electrode layer used as an input/output terminal for being connected to an external device, and an alignment mark used as an alignment key for assembling the semiconductor device. For example, a semiconductor device used as a driving device of a LCD (liquid crystal display) device may be assembled on a glass substrate. This is known as the COG (chip on glass) assembly method. According to the COG assembly method, the semiconductor device is aligned on the glass substrate, using an align mark. For example, as for the COG assembly method, “Panel Structure for Chip on Glass” of Korean Patent No. 0258719 can be referred. However, a conventional alignment mark structure for a semiconductor device may cause alignment errors when the processes change during a fabricating operation. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a semiconductor device having a conventional alignment mark structure. Referring to FIG. 1, an align mark layer 55 is formed on a semiconductor substrate 50 and enclosed by a passivation layer 60. A polyimide layer 70 to protect the semiconductor device is formed on the passivation layer 60. The polimide layer 70 is patterned so as to expose the passivation layer 60 formed on the align mark layer 55. Generally, the align mark layer 55 is formed in a field region (not shown) which is formed of an insulating layer for isolation. An optical alignment apparatus perceives the contrast between the field region and a portion of the align mark layer 55 and aligns a semiconductor device by using this contrast between the field region and the align mark layer 55. However, a thickness (h) deviation of the passivation layer 60 formed on the align mark layer 55 may change the color of the portion of the align mark layer 55, and this color change may result in an alignment error for these semiconductor devices. As optical alignment apparatus processes the alignment of a semiconductor device based upon the contrast between the field region and the align mark layer 55 within a standard range, these alignment apparatuses may as a result not achieve proper alignment for a semiconductor device having a contrast outside of the standard range. The contrast of the passiviation layer 60 changes significantly according to the thickness (h) deviation of the passiviation layer 60. Thus, it may be difficult to control the contrast by controlling the thickness (h) of the passivation layer 60. Accordingly, even though the passivation layer 60 may be within an allowable process margin range, an alignment error with respect to the semiconductor device may still occur. Thus, there is a need for a semiconductor device having reduced alignment error. In addition, there is also a need for a method of fabricating a semiconductor device that reduces alignment error during the assembly of the semiconductor device and that is cost-effective.

This invention relates to the coding of digital signals and more especially coding, decoding and where applicable transcoding methods using vector quantification. Vector quantification is commonly used in various coding methods. In what follows in this description, attention will be given more particularly to the coding of audio signals, though this is non-limiting. The invention considers the problem of scalability of the digital data stream transmitted between a coder and a decoder. This property consists in the ability of the coder to construct variable rate output data streams on the basis of the same coding scheme applied to the coded digital signal, and in the corresponding ability of the decoder to reconstruct a faithful version of the signal. The difficulty here is to secure the highest possible coding quality for each data rate value without unduly increasing the complexity of the circuits used. Data stream scalability is of particular importance where the data stream is likely to be carried on packet switching networks, such as networks operating according to the IP (Internet Protocol). Historically, the majority of coders have been developed for broadcasting or communications applications in circuit mode, leading to fixed rate coders or coders with the rate selected from several possible values when the connection is set up. In the packet mode context, it is better that the rate should vary more dynamically, so that the data stream can be matched to the congestion encountered when the packets are conveyed while ensuring that the communication is maintained. Patent application WO99/03210 describes a scalable data stream audio coder having several coding stages. The first stage comprises a coding core, which may be a standard coder of the CELP (Code-Excited Linear Prediction) or other type, and possibly a bank of sub-band separation filters and additional modules to quantify sub-bands higher than the one processed by the coding core. The second stage comprises another bank of filters to separate into sub-bands the residual error signal at the output of the coding core, modules to quantify the components coming from this separation into sub-bands and where applicable additional modules to quantify the residual error signals at the output of the modules quantifying the higher sub-bands of the first stage. The residual error signals at the output of the second stage can then be processed by a third stage etc. The output digital data stream from this coder can be scaled by adjusting the number of coding/quantification modules contributing to it. For the lowest rate, only the coding core is involved. To increase the rate, components and/or stages quantifying the residual errors are added, U.S. Pat. No. 5,864,650 discloses a method for generating a library of the tree-structured type containing 2L vectors obtained by algebraic sums of L basic vectors. As regards the coder, the search for the vector coding a specific value of a signal to be transmitted proceeds by successive selections from the root to the leaves of the code tree, stopping at the code tree stage corresponding to the number of quantification bits available. A library of this kind is however very constrained and does not allow good coding quality. U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,384 discloses a bit allocation method in connection with coding in sub-bands, this allocation taking account of the level and energy distribution in the band and in each sub-band, so as to comply with a global data rate constraint while keeping degradation of the signal transmitted to a minimum. However, the quantification envisaged in this document is scalar quantification and not vector quantification. One main purpose of this invention is to obtain fine adjustment of the rate in the scalability of the digital data stream, allowing the best rate/quality compromise to be sought as a function of the communication conditions. A first aspect of the invention refers to a method for coding a signal in which, on the basis of a portion of the signal, at least one coding parameter vector is selected belonging to a reference library containing 2Q vectors each designated by an address of Q bits, and an output digital data stream is formed containing an index deduced from the address of the vector selected from the reference library. According to this method, the output digital data stream has a rate which is adjustable by varying the number Qxe2x88x92p of bits forming this index contained in the digital data stream. For each rate value corresponding to a value of the integer pxe2x89xa70, the index contained in the digital data stream is formed of Qxe2x88x92p bits which, completed by p arbitrary bits of predetermined positions, define the indices of Q bits representing a group of 2p addresses including the address of the vector selected from the reference library. A reduction in the coder rate results from the deletion of p bits of certain vector quantification indices. By varying this number p, we are able to achieve very fine scalability of the output digital data stream. In order to minimise the impact of the reduction in rate on the quality of the signal which the decoder is capable of reconstructing, the p bits deleted will generally be the least significant bits of the index concerned. Provision can then be made, for least one rate value corresponding to a value of the integer p greater than 0, for the reference library to be ordered so as to verify a criterion of minimum distances between the vectors belonging to each group of 2p vectors of the reference library having respective addresses which differ only in the p bits having the predetermined positions mentioned. Another possibility is to look up a transcoding table on the basis of the address of the vector selected from the reference library to obtain a first index of Q bits. For each rate value corresponding to a value of the integer pxe2x89xa70, the index contained in the output digital data stream is then formed of Qxe2x88x92p bits extracted from this first index of Q bits excluding p bits of predetermined positions. This last possibility is of interest in that it enables an existing coder, optimised according to other criteria, to be matched to the concept of scalability, the transcoding table enabling the degradation in quality due to the removal of certain bits to be limited. Under these conditions, the coder may have a first mode of operation in which, for each rate value corresponding to a value of the integer pxe2x89xa70, the index contained in the output digital data stream is formed of Qxe2x88x92p bits extracted from this first index of Q bits and a second mode of operation with defined rate in which the address of the vector selected from the reference library is included in the output digital data stream instead of this index formed of Qxe2x88x92p bits. One or other of the two modes will be chosen depending on the capabilities of the decoder receiving the data stream and/or according to the means used to convey the data stream as far as this decoder. A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for decoding a digital data stream representative of a coded signal, the digital data stream containing, for a portion of the signal, at least one index enabling a coding parameter vector, used to construct a decoded version of this portion of the signal, to be obtained by means of a reference library containing 2Q vectors each designated by an address of Q bits. In this decoding method, the digital data stream rate depends on the number Qxe2x88x92p of bits forming this index. For each rate value corresponding to a value of the integer pxe2x89xa70, we obtain the coding parameter vector on the basis of at least one vector in the reference library having an address which belongs to a group of 2p addresses represented respectively by the indices of Q bits formed by completing by p arbitrary bits of predetermined positions the index of Qxe2x88x92p bits contained in the digital data stream. Several methods may be applied to obtain the coding parameter vector on the basis of the index of Qxe2x88x92p bits when pxe2x89xa70. The decoding method may thus comprise a mode of operation by vector selection in which, for at least one rate value corresponding to a value of the integer pxe2x89xa70, we obtain the coding parameter vector by selecting from the reference library a vector having an address which belongs to the group of 2p addresses mentioned. In this mode, the p bits completing the Qxe2x88x92p bits of the index contained in the digital data stream to represent the address of the vector selected may be bits of predetermined values. This is appropriate if the coder has performed the vector quantification using a sub-library of cardinal 2Qxe2x88x92p constituted by the vectors of the reference library having addresses which are represented by indices having these predetermined values for the p missing bits. These p bits may also be drawn at random. This is appropriate if the magnitudes quantified vectorially by the 2p vectors with addresses which belong to the group have a relatively uniform statistical distribution. In another version of the mode of operation by vector selection, the coding parameter vector is obtained by selecting it from among the vectors in the reference library having respective addresses belonging to this group of 2p addresses on the basis of information on the coded signal, which can be read from the digital data stream or again obtained by analysis of the decoded version of the signal. As a variant, or supplement, the decoding method may comprise a mode of operation by averaging vectors in which, for at least one rate value corresponding to a value of the integer pxe2x89xa70, the coding parameter vector is obtained by taking an average of several vectors in the reference library having respective addresses which belong to this group of 2p addresses. The average taken to obtain the coding parameter vector may be a uniform average of the vectors in the reference library having respective addresses which belong to the group of 2p addresses mentioned. This is appropriate if the magnitudes quantified vectorially by the 2p vectors have a relatively uniform statistical distribution. It may also be an average weighted to take account of a non-uniform distribution. The weightings used may be fixed coefficients assigned to the reference library vectors in a manner representative of the theoretical probabilities of their occurrence. They may also be variable coefficients determined on the basis of information on the coded signal. This information, referring for example to the degree to which the signal is steady-state, can be read from the digital data stream or again obtained by an analysis of the decoded version of the signal. In one form of execution of the decoding method, a transcoding table is looked up on the basis of at least one of the indices of Q bits mentioned formed by completing the index of Qxe2x88x92p bits contained in the digital data stream to obtain at least one of the 2p addresses of this group. Similarly to the case of the coding method mentioned above, the decoding method nay then comprise a first mode of operation in which, for each rate value corresponding to a value of the integer pxe2x89xa70, the coding parameter vector is obtained on the basis of at least one vector in the reference library, the address of which is obtained by looking up a transcoding table, and a second mode of operation with a defined rate in which the index contained in the digital data stream is of Q bits and the coding parameter vector is obtained as being the vector with an address equal to this index of Q bits from the reference library. A third aspect of the invention relates to a method for transcoding an input digital data stream representative of a signal coded by means of at least one reference library containing 2Q coding parameter vectors each designated by an address of Q bits, to form a lower rate output digital data stream, in which the input digital data stream contains, for a portion of the signal, at least one index of Q bits which is equal to the address in the reference library of a selected coding parameter vector, in which a transcoding table is looked up on the basis of the address of the vector selected to obtain another index of Q bits, and in which, in the output data stream, the index of Q bits contained in the input data stream is replaced by translated index of Qxe2x88x92p bits which, completed by p arbitrary bits of predetermined positions, define indices of Q bits representing a group of 2p addresses including the address, already mentioned, of the vector selected, p being an integer such that 0 less than p less than Q, this translated index of Qxe2x88x92p bits being formed of Qxe2x88x92p bits extracted from the other index of Q bits mentioned, excluding p bits of predetermined positions. This transcoding method can be employed in various contexts. For example, the input digital data stream may be read from the memory of an audio server. It can also be received on a link in a telecommunications network, the output digital data stream being re-transmitted on another link in the network or on a link of another network. A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a method for transcoding an input digital data stream representative of a signal coded by means of at least one reference library containing 2Q vectors each designated by an address of Q bits to form a higher rate binary output data stream, in which the input digital data stream contains, for a portion of the signal, at least one index of Qxe2x88x92p bits which, completed by p arbitrary bits of predetermined positions, define indices of Q bits representing a group of 2p addresses of vectors in the reference library, p being an integer such that 0 less than p less than Q, and in which, on the basis of this index of Qxe2x88x92p bits, a translated index of Q bits representing one of the addresses of this group of 2p vector addresses is determined, and this translated index of Q bits is inserted into the output data stream. This is a transcoding method which is the reverse of the previous method. The vector having an address which is represented by the translated index of Q bits may be selected by one of the methods mentioned above for the selection of a vector in the decoding method.

Melanocortins are peptide products resulting from post-translational processing of pro-opiomelanocortin and are known to have a broad array of physiological activities. The natural melanocortins include the different types of melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH, β-MSH, γ-MSH) and ACTH. Of these, α-MSH and ACTH are considered to be the main endogenous melanocortins. The melanocortins mediate their effects through melanocortin receptors (MC-Rs), a subfamily of G-protein coupled receptors. There are at least five different receptor subtypes (MC1-R to MC5-R). MC1-R mediates pigmentation of the hair and skin. MC2-R mediates the effects of ACTH on steroidogenesis in the adrenal gland. MC3-R and MC4-R are predominantly expressed in the brain. MC5-R is considered to have a role in the exocrine gland system. The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4-R) is a seven-transmembrane receptor. MC4-R may participate in modulating the flow of visual and sensory information, coordinate aspects of somatomotor control, and/or participate in the modulation of autonomic outflow to the heart. K. G. Mountjoy et al., Science, 257: 1248-125 (1992). Significantly, inactivation of this receptor by gene targeting has resulted in mice that develop a maturity onset obesity syndrome associated with hyperphagia, hyperinsulinemia, and hyperglycemia. D. Husznar et al., Cell, 88(1): 131-41 (1997). MC4-R has also been implicated in other disease states including erectile disorders, cardiovascular disorders, neuronal injuries or disorders, inflammation, fever, cognitive disorders, and sexual behavior disorders. M. E. Hadley and C. Haskell-Luevano, The proopiomelanocortin system, Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci., 885: 1 (1999). Furthermore, observations in connection with endogenous MC4-R antagonists indicate that MC4-R is implicated in endogenous energy regulation. For example, an agouti protein is normally expressed in the skin and is an antagonist of the cutaneous MC receptor involved in pigmentation, MC1-R. M. M. Ollmann et al., Science, 278: 135-138 (1997). However, overexpression of agouti protein in mice leads to a yellow coat color due to antagonism of MC1-R and increased food intake and body weight due to antagonism of MC4-R. L. L. Kiefer et al., Biochemistry, 36: 2084-2090 (1997); D. S. Lu et al., Nature, 371: 799-802 (1994). Agouti related protein (AGRP), an agouti protein homologue, antagonizes MC4-R but not MC1-R. T. M. Fong et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 237: 629-631 (1997). Administration of AGRP in mice increases food intake and causes obesity but does not alter pigmentation. M. Rossi et al., Endocrinology, 139: 4428-4431 (1998). Together, this research indicates that MC4-R participates in energy regulation, and therefore, identifies this receptor as a target for a rational drug design for the treatment of obesity. In connection with MC4-R and its uncovered role in the etiology of obesity and food intake, the prior art includes reports of compounds and compositions that act as agonists or antagonists of MC4-R. As examples, U.S. Pat. No. 6,060,589 describes polypeptides that are capable of modulating signaling activity of melanocortin receptors. Also, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,054,556 and 5,731,408 describe families of agonists and antagonists for MC4-R receptors that are lactam heptapeptides having a cyclic structure. WO 01/10842 discloses MC4-R binding compounds having a multitude of structures and methods of using such compounds to treat MC4-R associated disorders. Some of the compounds described include amidino- and guanidino-containing arenes and heteroarenes. Various other classes of compounds have been disclosed as having MC4-R agonist activity. For example, WO 01/70708 and WO 00/74679 disclose MC4-R agonists that are piperidine compounds and derivatives, while WO 01/70337 and WO 99/64002 disclose MC-R agonists that are spiropiperidine derivatives. Other known melanocortin receptor agonists include aromatic amine compounds containing amino acid residues, particularly tryptophan residues, as disclosed in WO 01/55106. Similar agonists are disclosed in WO 01/055107 which comprise aromatic amine compounds containing tertiary amide or tertiary amine groups. Finally, WO 01/055109 discloses melanocortin receptor agonists comprising aromatic amines which are generally bisamides separated by a nitrogen-containing alkyl linker. Guanidine-containing compounds having a variety of biological activities are also known in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,732,916 issued to Satoh et al. discloses guanidine compounds useful as antiulcer agents; U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,874,864, 4,949,891, and 4,948,901 issued to Schnur et al. and EP 0343 894 disclose guanidino compounds useful as protease inhibitors and as anti-plasmin and anti-thrombin agents; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,352,704 issued to Okuyama et al. discloses a guanidino compound useful as an antiviral agent. Guanidine-containing compounds are also disclosed in other references. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,030,985 issued to Gentile et al. discloses guanidine compounds useful for treating and preventing conditions in which inhibition of nitric oxide synthetase is beneficial such as stroke, schizophrenia, anxiety, and pain. U.S. Pat. No. 5,952,381 issued to Chen et al. discloses certain guanidine compounds for use in selectively inhibiting or antagonizing αvβ3 integrins. Various 5-, 6-, and 7-membered fully saturated 1-azacarbocyclic-2-ylidene derivatives of guanidine are disclosed as having anti-secretory and hypoglycemic activities by U.S. Pat. No. 4,211,867 issued to Rasmussen. Such compounds are also taught as useful for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Other guanidine derivatives are disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,885,985 issued to Macdonald et al. as useful in therapy to treat inflammation. Various guanidinobenzamide compounds are disclosed in WO 02/18327. The guanidinobenzamides are disclosed as useful for treating obesity and type II diabetes. The synthesis of various quinazolinone compounds is set forth in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/444,495, published on Jan. 29, 2004 as U.S. 2004/0019049, international application number PCT/US03/16442, published on Dec. 4, 2003 as WO 03/099818, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/850,967, filed on May 21, 2004; international application no. PCT/US04/15959; and U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 60/382,762, 60/441,019, 60/473,317, 60/523,336, and 60/524,492 each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety and for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. Despite the recent disclosure of various compounds that exhibit MC4-R agonist activity, a need remains for new compounds and pharmaceutical compositions that may be used to treat MC4-R mediated diseases and disease states. A need also remains for compounds that exhibit desirable pharmacological properties such as compounds that have reduced bioaccumulation properties in subjects to which they are administered.

1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to non-volatile memory technologies, and more specifically, to a method for fabricating electrically erasable programmable read only memories (EEPROM) having split gate memory cells. 2. Description of the Related Art Flash memory, which is capable of retaining the stored data without continued supply of electrical power, has a stacked gate structure of a floating gate and a control gate. The floating gate, which is placed between the control gate and the semiconductor substrate, is isolated by an insulating oxide layer. When electrons are on the floating gate, they modify the electric field coming from the control gate, which modifies the threshold voltage of the cell. Thus, when the flash memory cell is “read” by applying a specific voltage to the control gate, electrical current will either flow or not flow, depending on the threshold voltage of the cell, which is controlled by the electrons on the floating gate. The presence or absence of current is sensed and translated into 1's and 0's, reproducing the stored data. The flash EEPROM cells can be classified, according to their gate structure, into: stack gate cells and split gate cells. FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of conventional stack gate flash EEPROM cell, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the conventional split gate flash EEPROM cell. Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the flash memory cell of either stack gate or split gate comprises tunnel oxide 2, floating gate 3, interlayer dielectric 4, control gate 5, drain and source regions 6 and 7 formed in and on a P-type semiconductor substrate 1. The split gate flash memory cell has additional select gate oxide 8 as shown in FIG. 1B. The stack gate cell of FIG. 1A occupies small area because of its three-dimensional stacked structure but has problems with over-erase when the cell is in an erase operation. The split gate cell of FIG. 1B can avoid the over-erase problem but occupies a larger area, which fails to meet the high integration trend of semiconductor microcircuit devices. Moreover, the conventional horizonal control gate has a channel length that is formed by overlay control in photolithographic process, and hence variations in threshold voltage or current are observed when driving the control gate. Further, the control gate is formed in parallel to the surface of substrate or wafer, which requires consideration of the overlay margin mentioned above.

The accuracy of seismic imaging is largely determined by the ability to produce a subsurface velocity model that accurately predicts the seismic travel time from subsurface imaging points to seismic sources and receivers. The imaging velocity models are commonly estimated by finding a model that can predict the residual depth error in prestack migrated surface seismic gathers. Residual depth error is a measure of the inconsistency of prestack migrated surface seismic data as a function of some imaging gather variable. Examples of imaging gather variables include source-receiver offset distance and subsurface angle of incidence. If the velocity model used in the prestack migration is accurate then the depths of reflections in the image should be consistent as a function of the imaging gather variable. Otherwise the depth inconsistency can be used as information to update the migration velocity model. Basing a velocity model on prestack migration residual depth error can be a problem if: 1. The seismic gather traces, from the current estimate of the velocity model, are so noisy that residual depth error cannot be accurately measured (i.e. coherent events cannot be seen), or 2. The maximum angle of incidence at the reflector of interest is limited due to overburden anomalies (e.g. salt bodies in the overburden tend to limit maximum angle of incidence). Image gathers then exhibit very little depth inconsistency, even if the velocity model is significantly inaccurate. Thus, the information from these gathers is of little value for updating the velocity model. These limitations can often be overcome by fitting the imaging model to information derived from prestack migration velocity scans. A prestack migration velocity scan is simply a set of images created using a suite of test velocity models. Each image is obtained by migrating the surface seismic data with a test velocity model and stacking (summing) the resulting gather traces. This is in contrast to migrating with a single estimate of the velocity model and looking at the gather traces before stacking, as discussed above. Migration velocity scans help solve problem (1) above, because one common cause of noisy imaging is that the current estimate of the subsurface velocity model is too inaccurate to produce a clean image of the subsurface. By comparing the images, one can choose the velocity model that produces the best image. Velocity scans can mitigate both problems identified above, because when the character of the gathers cannot be used to determine an optimal velocity, one can use the geologic reasonableness of the different images in the velocity scan as a type of information on which to base velocity model updating. Examples of geologic reasonableness are that reflectors should not cross in the image, and faults should be sharply focused. When using velocity scan data to update a velocity model, the seismic processing analyst typically chooses the velocity model, from the scan suite, that produces the optimal image. Criteria for determining the optimal image include greatest stacked image power, greatest signal-to-noise ratio, most geologically reasonable image and greatest resolution. Typically the optimal image at one location is not the optimal image at another location—the choice of optimal velocity in the scan will vary spatially (including in the depth dimension) in the image volume. One major problem with using velocity scans to update a velocity model is that it is not straightforward to accurately update the current migration velocity model based on the information implied by the spatially varying optimal velocity model choices. This invention pertains to this problem of updating a velocity model based on velocity scan data. Next, the aforementioned concepts are discussed in somewhat more detail. The quality of a seismic image is determined largely by the accuracy with which the seismic travel time between all surface and sub-surface locations can be computed. Thus, the goal of velocity estimation and model building is to build a model that will produce accurate traveltimes. I should be noted that there are many velocity models that will produce essentially the same travel times. So a goal of producing accurate travel times is easier to achieve than a goal to produce accurate velocities. In other words, an inaccurate velocity model can still produce accurate travel times resulting in an image that is just as accurate as if the correct velocity model had been used. Velocity Model Data Types There are many types of data that can be used to constrain a velocity model. Table 1 provides a listing of the most commonly available types of data. It is advantageous to constrain models with as many different types of data as possible, since each data type has different strengths and weaknesses. TABLE 1DescriptionSurfaceDifferences in travel time between traces corresponding to someSeismicimaging gather variable (such as source-receiver offset) provideReflectionsinformation about the subsurface velocity. When the velocitymodel is correct then images should all be consistent as a functionof the imaging gather variable.VerticalMeasurements of travel time from a source at the surface placedCheckshotsvertically over receivers in a well.SurfaceMeasurements of travel time for a source at the surface directlySeismic Direct(without reflection) to a receiver at the surface. These are usuallyArrivalsthe first arrival on a seismic trace.FormationMeasurements of depths to a subsurface rock formation.TopsOffsetMeasurements of travel time from sources at the surface toCheckshotsreceivers in a well. The sources are positioned at a variety oflateral offsets relative to the receiver location.Sonic LogsFine-scale direct measurements of seismic velocities in a well. Surface seismic data are the primary piece of data used to constrain velocity models, because they are almost always the only piece of data that provide information covering the entire model both laterally and in depth. For unmigrated surface seismic data, differences in travel time between seismic traces having a common midpoint but different offsets are used to infer the subsurface velocity. FIG. 1 shows ray 11 corresponding to a relatively long offset 13, and ray 12 corresponding to a short offset (source-receiver spacing). Since rays corresponding to different offsets travel through different parts of the subsurface, differences in surface seismic travel times for sources and receivers at different offsets can be used to constrain the subsurface velocity. For prestack depth migrated surface seismic data, differences in imaged depth between traces corresponding to different offsets (residual depth error) are used to infer subsurface velocity. Velocity Model Building Strategy Velocity models are frequently built in a region stripping manner. Region stripping means that the model is partitioned into regions (see FIG. 2), often corresponding to major velocity discontinuities (e.g. sediments and salt). The velocity in each region is then determined in a hierarchical manner, i.e. before determining the velocity in a given region the velocity is estimated in all regions through which rays from that region of interest must pass. Typically this implies a top-down workflow as shown in FIG. 2, where ray 25 is shown reflecting from subsurface reflector 26, passing through four distinct (in terms of their sound propagation velocity) regions in the process. The velocity is first determined in region 21. This is followed by determining the velocity in region 22, then in region 23. At this point the travel time along the solid part of the ray is approximately correct (depending on the accuracy of the velocities estimated in regions 21 to 23). Determining accurate travel times for the dashed part of the ray path is the goal of determining the velocity in region 24. In some cases, it is useful to perform migration with a suite of different velocities in the region where velocities are being estimated. These are called migration velocity scans. A typical workflow for region stripping is shown in FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, the bold arrows indicate the region-stripping portion of the workflow. This workflow uses iterative 3D prestack depth migration to update the velocity within each region. Region boundaries are defined by interpreting them from data that are depth migrated with the current version of the model. Some initial velocity model is assumed at 34. The iterative cycle 31-34 is performed in region 21 (using FIG. 2 as an example). This determination is based on interpreting in the seismic data a reflection event corresponding to the interface between regions 21 and 22. At step 33, the velocity model is adjusted (updated) based on prestack migration residual depth error. When the acoustic velocity in region 21 is determined, the steps 35-38 are performed. At step 36, the interface between regions 22 and 23 is identified in the depth migrated data and added to the known region boundaries at 37, defining region 22 in the model at step 38. The inner iteration loop in FIG. 3 is then implemented until a velocity function (of the spatial variables) for region 22 is determined, and so on region-by-region. Layer stripping strategy is a subset of the region stripping strategy. In layer stripping, the regions used are chosen to have sufficiently limited vertical extent so that a very simple parameterization of the vertical change in velocity can be used (e.g. the velocities are vertically constant or a linear function of depth). Layer stripping also implies that seismic information from deep regions is not used to update the velocity in shallower layers. The combination of thin layers and discarding of information from deep regions leads to some degree of vertical instability in layer stripping and also makes it impossible for layer stripping to determine velocity models in some geologic situations. An example of a geologic situation that cannot be solved by layer stripping is a shallow gas anomaly which generates no reflection, and therefore the only information about the velocity in the anomaly is in the deeper reflections. Velocity Estimation Methods Table 2 describes several specific velocity estimation techniques that can be used in the strategies discussed in the previous section. Each technique is described in somewhat more detail in the paragraphs that follow Table 2. TABLE 2DescriptionVertical UpdatingMeasure residual curvature in common image gathers(Deregowski)and convert to interval velocity using Dix equationModel BasedForward model all data types, visualize fit to data,Manual Updatingand interactively adjust model to improve fitTomographyMeasure residual curvature in common image gathersand use mathematical optimization to find best fitmodelVertical Updating (Deregowski) Most velocity model updating packages support some sort of vertical updating procedure (Deregowski, “Common-offset migration and velocity analysis,” First Break 8, 225-234 (1990)). Vertical updating means that velocity function updates at a location are based on migrated seismic data in the vicinity of that location. FIG. 4 shows the conventional method used for performing vertical updating. Residual depth error is picked on common image gathers. Depth error is converted back to time moveout using the migration velocity. Time moveout is converted to interval velocity using the well known Dix equation. Note that vertical updating is an iterative process, with prestack depth migration applied once during each iteration. Vertical updating also requires smoothing to mitigate errors introduced due to instability of the method. Step 41 is often hidden from the user. Model Based Manual Updating FIG. 5 illustrates an implementation of model based manual updating (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,253,157 to Krebs). The method uses forward modeling to predict, from the current model, the data that would be measured if that model were correct. The synthetic data are then compared to the measured data, and the user adjusts the model to improve the match. The updated model becomes the initial model for the next iteration. This process is employed at a sparse set of locations, and the model is smoothly interpolated between those locations. Tomography Tomography is very similar to model based manual updating. The main difference is that tomography employs mathematical optimization to update the model, rather than having an interpreter manually adjust the model. Tomography can be implemented in either the migrated or unmigrated domain. However, most modern tomography approaches are implemented in the migrated domain, because it improves stability. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a possible implementation of the tomographic method. The updated model becomes the initial model for the next iteration. Migration Velocity Scans There are two significant problems associated with constraining subsurface velocity models using surface seismic data: 1. An incorrect initial velocity model can leave the migrated data so disorganized that a velocity analysis display having satisfactory signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) cannot be produced. This can happen even if the velocities in the regions above the region of interest are largely correct. 2. In some situations the maximum angle of incidence for reflection raypaths below a velocity anomaly (see the ray path 25 in FIG. 2) is quite small. The ability to accurately resolve velocities from residual depth error in a migrated gather decreases when this maximum angle of incidence decreases.Both of these problems can be addressed by constraining the model using migration velocity scans. A migration velocity scan is a set of seismic migrations performed with a suite of different velocity models. Usually, the suite of velocity models is formed by holding constant the velocity outside the region being updated, while varying the velocity within that region. Migration velocity scans help solve problem (1) above, because there is a good chance that one of the velocity models in the suite will be accurate enough to provide satisfactory S/N imaging that can be used to constrain the velocity model. Note that the suite of models, in the scan, does not have to contain the actual subsurface velocity to get this S/N enhancement. As a matter of fact, typically one model in the suite will enhance S/N in one portion of the region of interest, while another model in the suite will enhance some other portion of the region. Another way that migration velocity scans solve problem (1) is that the interpreter often interprets the stack of the scanned images rather than the common image gathers themselves. Stacking provides an added boost to S/N. Migration velocity scans can also solve problem (2) above, because indicators other than image gather residual depth error can be used to determine which velocity in the scan is producing the best image. In particular, the geologic feasibility and increased image resolution of the resulting images can be used to judge that one velocity model in the suite is superior to others. An example of a geologically infeasible image would be one that has reflections that cross. An example of increased image resolution is the focusing of faulted reflections to sharp terminations. Image gather residual depth error is controlled only by specular reflection ray paths. However, geologic feasibility and resolution are controlled by the combination of specular reflection and diffraction rays. This addition of diffraction rays makes it possible for migration velocity scans to provide information about travel times over a larger range of propagation angles, leading to increase velocity resolution. Velocity Model Updating using Migration Velocity Scans Recent publications propose a direct updating of the velocity model using the layer stripping strategy. See Pica, “Velocity scan for 3D-PreSDM model building: Fast traveltime reconstruction for isotropic and anisotropic media,” 71st SEG meeting, Expanded Abstracts (2001); Fei and McMechan, “Fast model-based migration velocity analysis and reflector shape estimation,” Geophysics 70, U9-U17 (2005); and X. Wang, et al., “Model based processing (IV): migration velocity analysis,” 75th SEQ meeting, Expanded Abstracts, 2261-2264 (2005). They simply perform a migration velocity scan within each layer and then choose a laterally varying optimal velocity from the scans. This is an obvious use of migration velocity scans, but suffers from the vertical instability and geologic regime limitations of layer stripping discussed above. Use of migration velocity scans in the more general region stripping strategy is not so obvious. Migration velocity scan data cannot be input directly to the model updating procedures discussed in the Velocity Estimation Methods section above. Therefore, the velocity scans must first be analyzed to produce data that are compatible with the chosen model updating method. Typically this analysis involves determining, throughout the image volume, which velocity in the scan produced the optimal image (see FIG. 7). This spatially varying optimal velocity data is then converted to the type of information required for the chosen model updating method. The converted data required at step 71 could be, for example, either hyperbolic velocity or residual depth error. This conversion usually involves some significant approximation. Examples of updating techniques at step 72 include Deregowski updating and tomography. Audebert proposed converting optimal velocity scan picks to time moveout picks by using the time moveout corresponding to the RMS average of the picked optimal velocity model at the pick location. See Audebert, et al., “CRP-scans from 3D Pre-Stack Depth Migration: a powerful combination of CRP-gathers and velocity scans,” 66th SEG Meeting, Expanded Abstracts, 515-518 (1996). These residual curvatures are then input to a Deregowski updating method. Note that this conversion to residual curvature assumes the subsurface velocities are laterally invariant, an assumption that is usually significantly violated in most regions where velocity scans are of greatest value. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,577,955, Guillaume proposes picking the depth error and reflector dip on migrated gathers from the optimal velocity in a migration velocity scan. These depth errors are then kinematically inverse migrated to produce unmigrated reflection travel times. These unmigrated travel times are tomographically inverted to produce an updated velocity model. Note that this method cannot be applied to stacks of the optimal velocity scan images, thus some of the S/N enhancement advantage of migration velocity scans is lost. Furthermore this method deals exclusively with specular reflection rays and therefore loses some of the increase in velocity resolution available from migration velocity scans. B. Wang et al. propose a further refinement of this technique, suggesting inverse kinematic migration to a datum at the base of a velocity anomaly rather than the Earth's surface (“A 3D subsalt tomography based on wave-equation migration-perturbation scans,” Geophysics 71, pages E1-E6 (2006)). This has the advantage of simplifying the tomographic update of the model below the anomaly, but again suffers from incomplete exploitation of the S/N and velocity resolution advantages of migration velocity scans.

Palladium and platinum are of well known value for applications in catalysis, hydrogen storage, and electrochemistry (Lewis, F. A., International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 1996, v.21(6): pp. 461-464). Interfacial interactions can often limit performance so a high surface area material is usually desired. In these cases, as a practical maximum, every point in the material particle would be ideally within a few atoms of an interface. Such materials would exhibit high double-layer capacitance, higher reaction rates in kinetically limited interfacial reactions, and in the case of palladium, rapid charging with hydrogen. When the hydrogen isotope is tritium, the helium decay product is more likely to diffuse out of the particle, limiting the formation of bubbles that can compromise mechanical properties. Porous platinum and palladium thin films have been fabricated by electrochemical deposition in a surfactant template (cf. Attard, G. S.; Bartlett, P. N.; Coleman, N. R. B.; Elliott, J. M.; Owen, J. R.; Wang, J. H. Science 1997, v.278: pp. 838; Bartlett, P. N.; Gollas, B.; Guerin, S.; Marwan, J. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 2002, v.4: pp. 3835; Choi, K. S.; McFarland, E. W.; Stucky, G. D. Advanced Materials, 2003, v.15: pp. 2018; Denuault, G.; Milhano, C.; Pletcher, D. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 2005, v.7: pp. 3545; Elliott, J. M.; Attard, G. S.; Bartlett, P. N.; Coleman, N. R. B.; Merckel, D. A. S.; Owen, J. R. Chemistry of Materials, 1999, v.11: pp. 3602; Elliott, J. M.; Owen, J. R., Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 2000, v.2: pp. 5653), and films of porous nickel (the remaining Group 10 metal) have been formed by electrodeposition followed by dealloying (cf. Sun, L.; Chien, C. L.; Searson, P. C. Chemistry of Materials, 2004, v.16: pp. 3125). Furthermore, bulk powders of porous nickel can be formed conveniently through chemical reduction of nickel salts around a surfactant template (cf. Yamauchi, Y.; Yokoshima, T.; Momma, T.; Osaka, T.; Kuroda, K. Journal of Materials Chemistry, 2004, v.14: pp. 2935; Yamauchi, Y.; Momma, T.; Yokoshima, T.; Kuroda, K.; Osaka, T., Journal of Materials Chemistry, 2005, v.15: pp 1987; Yamauchi, Y.; Yokoshima, T.; Momma, T.; Osaka, T.; Kuroda, K., Electrochemical and Solid State Letters, 2005, v.8: pp. C141) and bulk platinum and palladium nanostructures have been achieved by radiolytic (cf. Surendran, G.; Ramos, L.; Pansu, B.; Prouzet, E.; Beaunier, P.; Audonnet, F.; Remita, H., Chemistry of Materials, 2007, v.19: pp. 5045) and chemical metal reduction in soft templates (cf. Kijima, T.; Yoshimura, T.; Uota, M.; Ikeda, T.; Fujikawa, D.; Mouri, S.; Uoyama, S., Angewandte Chemie—International Edition, 2004, v.43: pp. 228; Solla-Gullon, J.; Montiel, V.; Aldaz, A.; Clavilier, J. Journal of the Electrochemical Society, 2003, v.150, E104; Teng, X. W.; Liang, X. Y.; Maksimuk, S.; Yang, H. Small, 2006, v.2: pp. 249). Other relevant methods include assembly of nanoparticles in a block copolymer (cf. Warren, S. C.; Messina, L. C.; Slaughter, L. S.; Kamperman, M.; Zhou, Q.; Gruner, S. M.; DiSalvo, F. J.; Wiesner, U., Science, 2008, v.320: pp. 1748) and reduction in mesoporous silica (cf. Shin, H. J.; Ko, C. H.; Ryoo, R. Journal of Materials Chemistry, 2001, v.11: pp. 260; Kang, H.; Jun, Y.; Park, J. I.; Lee, K. B.; Cheon, J., Chemistry of Materials. 2000, v.12: pp. 3530). These previous approaches have brought disadvantages in scalability, safety, purity, versatility, and/or pore density. We present a convenient pathway that is satisfactory in all of these criteria, resulting in Pd and Pt nanopowders with 2 nm-3 nm pores that we have produced in gram-scale batches.

Organizations typically employ many different types of software and computing technologies to meet their computing needs. However, installing and maintaining software on an organization's own computer systems may involve one or more drawbacks. For example, when software must be installed on computer systems within the organization, the installation process often requires significant time commitments, since organization personnel may need to separately access each computer. Once installed, the maintenance of such software typically requires significant additional resources. Each installation of the software may need to be separately monitored, upgraded, and/or maintained. Further, organization personnel may need to protect each installed piece of software against viruses and other malevolent code. Given the difficulties in updating and maintaining software installed on many different computer systems, it is common for software to become outdated. Also, the organization will likely need to ensure that the various software programs installed on each computer system are compatible. Compatibility problems are compounded by frequent upgrading, which may result in different versions of the same software being used at different computer systems in the same organization. Accordingly, organizations increasingly prefer to use on-demand services accessible via the Internet rather than software installed on in-house computer systems. On-demand services, often termed “cloud computing” services, take advantage of increased network speeds and decreased network latency to provide shared resources, software, and information to computers and other devices upon request. Cloud computing typically involves over-the-Internet provision of dynamically scalable and often virtualized resources. Technological details can be abstracted from the users, who no longer have need for expertise in, or control over, the technology infrastructure “in the cloud” that supports them.

In recent years, the necessity of clean energy has been brought up as a measure against global warming, and the application of a thermoelectric affect is expected as the clean energy source. For example, the use of Seebeck effect elements has been proposed for the conversion of waste heat from thermal power plants, factories and automobiles to electric power (see Patent Document 1). However, the efficiency of the current Seebeck effect elements is not sufficiently high, and a further increase in the efficiency of the thermoelectric conversion is required in order to put the Seebeck effect elements into practice as the clean energy source. The figure of merit Z, which is an indicator of the efficiency in the thermoelectric conversion of a current Seebeck effect element where a dissimilar metal joint made of two types of metals having different Seebeck coefficients is used, can be represented by:Z=S2×(σ/κ)  (1)when S is a Seebeck coefficient, σ is the electric conductivity and κ is the thermal conductivity. In addition, the direction in which the electromotive force V is generated is parallel to the direction of the temperature gradient ∇T. In this case, the Seebeck coefficient S, the electric conductivity σ and the thermal conductivity κ are all values inherent to the substance, and therefore the figure of merit Z is also a value inherent to the substance, and thus a thermoelectric conversion element having a high figure of merit Z is necessary in order to implement a highly efficient thermoelectric power generation. As a result, it is necessary to develop a new substance in order to increase the figure of merit Z. Meanwhile, the degree of freedom of the electron charge that is currently used in the field of electronics, such as for semiconductor devices, may be substituted with the degree of freedom of spins that electrons have in addition to their charges, that is to say, the degree of freedom of the spin angular momentum, which is used in spintronics, and this attracts attention as a carrier of the next generation electronic technologies. By using spintronics where the degree of freedom in the electron charges and the spins is used simultaneously, the aim is to gain performance and characteristics not yet available, and a major part of the spintronics devices is driven by a spin current. A spin current has little dissipation of energy and is therefore expected to be used for highly efficient energy transfer, and thus it has been urgently demanded to establish methods for generating and detecting a spin current. Here, spin pumping has been proposed as a method for generating a spin current (see Non-Patent Document 1), and the present inventors have proposed a use of the inverse spin Hall effect (ISHE) as the method for detecting a spin current (see Non-Patent Document 2). FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the inverse spin Hall effect where a pure spin current JS is injected into a sample when a current JC flows in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the pure spin current JS due to the inverse spin Hall effect. There is a potential difference V across the ends of the sample as a result of the inverse spin Hall effect, and therefore this potential difference V can be detected to make it possible to detect whether or not there is a pure spin current JS. In the thermoelectric conversion using the above-described Seebeck effect, however, the figure of merit Z is large when a substance having a high electric conductivity σ is used, as can be seen from the formula (1). In the case of a metal, however, substances having a high electric conductivity σ also have a high thermal conductivity κ, and therefore a problem arises such that an increase in the figure of merit Z due to an increase in the electric conductivity σ is offset by the effects of the thermal conductivity κ. Therefore, the present inventors have proposed a spin-Seebeck effect element where the junction between a magnetic body, such as NiFe, and a metal having a large spin-orbit interaction, such as Pt, is used (see Patent Document 2). In this spin-Seebeck effect element, a thermal spin current generated in the magnetic body, such as NiFe, due to the temperature gradient is spin exchanged in the interface with Pt, the pure spin current resulting from the exchange induces the electric current to flow in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the pure spin current, and this electric current is outputted as a voltage across the two ends of the magnetic body. This was achieved as a result of the findings where there is a difference in the up spin current and the down spin current, which thermally generates a spin current when a temperature gradient is provided to a magnetic body, particularly a ferromagnetic body in a state where an external magnetic field is applied. The figure of merit Z in this case can be represented by:Z=SS2×(σ1/κF)  (2)where SS is the thermopower of the spin-Seebeck effect element, σ1 is the electric conductivity of the inverse spin Hall member, and κF is the thermal conductivity of the magnetic body. Unlike the conventional figure of merit, the figure of merit in this case can be changed greatly by selecting the materials for the element because the electric conductivity in the numerator and the thermal conductivity in the denominator are carried by different substances. In this case, the direction in which the electromotive force V is generated is perpendicular to the direction of the temperature gradient ∇T because the inverse spin Hall effect is used. The thermopower SS of the spin-Seebeck effect element is proportional to the length in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the temperature gradient ∇T and is thus characterized in that the figure of merit Z can be modulated by adjusting the size of the sample, unlike in the conventional Seebeck effect elements. That is to say, the sample can be formed so as to be long in the direction perpendicular to the temperature gradient ∇T so that the electromotive force V proportional to the length can be gained. The spin current is not a physical, conserved quantity, and therefore the above-described thermal spin current conversion can be used so that the spin current can be continuously taken out simply by providing a temperature gradient, and accordingly the thermoelectromotive force can also be continuously taken out. In this spin-Seebeck effect element, however, the thermal spin current generating member is made of a metal having a large thermal conductivity κ, and therefore it is difficult to provide a uniform temperature gradient ∇T when the sample is made large in order to increase the electromotive force V. Accordingly, it is currently difficult to implement a thermoelectric conversion element that is industrially available using a spin-Seebeck effect element entirely made of metal. Thus, the present inventors have proposed a spin-Seebeck effect element where a magneto-dielectric body having a small thermal conductivity, such as YIG, is used for the thermal spin current generating member instead of metal (see Patent Document 3). Here, a spin-Seebeck effect element having a magneto-dielectric body is described in reference to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective diagram showing a spin-Seebeck effect element using a magneto-dielectric body that is provided with non-magnetic conductors 52 and 53 in strips on a magneto-dielectric layer 51. In this state, an external magnetic field H is applied in the direction of the arrow, and at the same time a uniform temperature gradient ∇T is provided, and thus pure spin currents JS in the opposite symbols respectively flow through the interfaces between the magneto-dielectric body and the non-magnetic conductor located on the high temperature side and on the low temperature side of the element. The pure spin currents JS that have been injected into the normal conductors 52 and 53 are converted to electric currents in the direction perpendicular to the temperature gradient ∇T as a result of the electron relativistic effect so that the thermoelectromotive forces VISHE are generated in the opposite directions in the non-magnetic conductor 52 provided on the high temperature side and the non-magnetic conductor 53 provided on the low temperature side. That is to say, the electromotive force resulting from the inverse spin Hall effect is generated in the direction of the outer product of the injected pure spin current JS and the direction of the polarization of the spins (direction of magnetization M of the magneto-dielectric body). Any magneto-dielectric body that contains Fe or Co can be used as the magneto-dielectric body 51, but in practice, YIG (yttrium iron garnet) and yttrium gallium iron garnet that are easily available and have small dissipation of the spin angular momentum are used, that is say, a material that can be represented by a general formula: Y3Fe5-xGaxO12 (x<5) is used. In addition, it is desirable to use any of Pt, Au, Pd, Ag, Bi and elements having an f orbital as the non-magnetic conductors 52 and 53 that become inverse spin Hall effect members. These elements have a large spin-orbit interaction, and therefore the thermal spin-wave spin current and the pure spin current can be exchanged at high efficiency in the interfaces between the magneto-dielectric body 51 and the non-magnetic conductor 52 as well as between the magneto-dielectric body 51 and the non-magnetic conductor 53. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a spin-wave spin current, and as shown in FIG. 14, a spin-wave spin current is provided when spin precesses around the equilibrium position and the change in the phase conveys through the spin system as a wave, and a thermal spin-wave spin current is provided when the change in the phase is caused by heat. A spin-wave spin current is characterized in that it can propagate over a long distance of several mm or several cm or more in contrast to the length of the spin diffusion of a conduction electron-based pure spin current being several nm to several hundreds of nm. This has already been confirmed through various experiments (see Non-Patent Document 3). In this conversion between a thermal spin-wave spin current and a pure spin current, a thermal spin-wave spin current generated by the temperature gradient in a magneto-dielectric body is exchanged with a spin in a metal electrode so that a pure spin current is generated in the metal electrode, and this pure spin current generates an electric current which generates a thermoelectromotive force VISHE across the two ends of the metal electrode.

Generally, an ink-jet printer may realize various colors with less noise due to the use of a cartridge and also ensures beautiful quality of printed text, differently from a dot printer, so the ink-jet printer is used more and more. An ink-jet printer head is a means for discharging fine-droplets-of a printing ink to a desired position on a recording paper to print an image with a predetermined color. For this purpose, an ink droplet is discharged from a nozzle installed to the printer head, and the discharged ink droplet is hit to the recording paper. As intervals of hit droplets are closer, a higher quality of image may be output. The printing quality using discharged ink droplets may be inspected using on characteristic values such as brightness and resolution of image, and these characteristic values depend on discharge of ink droplet of the ink-jet printer head, namely droplet discharge characteristics (or, jetting characteristics). The droplet discharge characteristics of the ink-jet printer head act as an important factor to verify reliability of an ink-jet printer, and the droplet discharge characteristics of an ink-jet printer head are generally inspected before the printing process. As a droplet discharge characteristic inspecting method, there was used a method of hitting an ink discharged from an ink-jet printer head to a paper, and then detecting a hit position of the ink printed on the paper. However, in this method, a maximum number of ink droplets capable of being printed on an A4-sized paper without overlapping is 300,000, and the number of nozzles provided to an ink-jet printer head is about 100. Thus, in case jetting is conducted several thousand times at each nozzle, the number of droplets may exceed a capacity of one paper, so it may be impossible to determine whether jetting is conducted stably for several hours. In addition, to solve this problem, there is a method of conducting the printing on a paper roll of several meters, instead of a paper sheet. However, this method has. problems of long-time consumption and much usage of paper, though position errors of hit ink droplets may be distinctly observed for each ink droplet. As another method, there was proposed an ink droplet checking method that analyzes size and interval of sprayed ink droplets while scanning them according to a nozzle heat of a printer head using a digital camera. This ink droplet checking method may allow to measure an abnormal jetting error caused by clogged nozzle or contamination, but it is not suitable for measuring a precise deviation required for high precision printing, namely quantitative analysis of droplet discharge characteristics according to velocity and orientation of ink droplets. As another method, Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 1999-227172 discloses a discharge checking device of an ink-jet printer head, including a printer head driving circuit, a camera, a camera control circuit, a stroboscope, a time delay circuit and a measuring circuit, which photographs an ink droplet discharged from a printer head several times with time intervals to measure a velocity of the ink droplet from a time difference of the ink droplet photograph. This technique allows measuring an error of discharging timing since a velocity of ink droplet is measured. However, by simply measuring deviation of discharging timing, it is impossible to measure an error of discharging orientation, namely to measure a trajectory of ink droplet discharged from the printer head to a hit point, and also it is impossible to check a composite fine deviation error required for high precision printing. In particular, simple image observation may allow detecting a serious jetting inferiority, but it has a limit in inspecting stability of ink jetting, required for high precision printing of a substrate that needs precision.

Several non-polar compositions are known in the art for which control of the related physical and/or chemical properties is desired. For example, in hydrocarbon compositions which can be used for combustion and energy production, control of properties such as mist, drag, and combustion can be desirable. Also in non-polar liquid hydrocarbon compositions suitable to be used as ink, pesticide or fuel, control of properties such as mist and drop breakup can be desirable. However, despite development of several approaches, control of those properties is still challenging.

It is well known that when a power boat accelerates from a standstill, the nose goes high and the stern goes low until a certain speed is obtained, which typically is between 20 and 30 miles per hour. Then the boat levels off and is said to be on plane. It is for this reason that transoms tilt so as to be closer to the bow below the water line, thereby to provide some upward thrust on the stern during initial acceleration. In U.S. Pat. No. 2,886,462, an outboard motor is on a flexible transom plate which causes the motor to be trimmed forward, thereby providing downward thrust when the boat starts up from a standstill, the base of the transom plate acting as a trim tab. When some speed is attained, the force of the water against the bottom of the transom plate causes the motor to level off. The transom is always in the same trim position as the motor, with no choice, and with no control thereover by the operator. Modern bass boats and ski boats have power trim which allows the operator to tilt the propeller aft and upwardly once plane has been attained, thereby to keep the bow of the boat from plowing, and reduce drag, so that higher speeds may be attained and less effort of the motor is required to achieve any given speed. Trim tabs have been provided at the aftmost extreme of the hull, extending downwardly somewhat from the bottom of the hull. Static trim tabs however remain in place at higher speeds and thereby produce significant drag, which reduces speed and wastes fuel. Adjustable trim tabs are complex and require electric or hydraulic mechanisms together with operator controls and communication between the mechanisms and the controls. Referring to FIG. 1, a power-operated transom jack, commonly and herein referred to as a jack plate 9, known to the prior art, has two sides; each side includes a stationary portion 10 fastened to the transom 11 of a boat, and a moveable portion 12 having slots 13 that allow the moveable portion to slide on pins 14 disposed on the stationary portion 10. Depicted diagrammatically is a hydraulic cylinder 17 which responds to fluid in tubing 18 to raise and lower the moveable portion 12. A trim plate 21 is fastened, as by bolts 22, to the bottom of the moveable portion 12. The portions 10, 12, do not extend from one side to the other, but rather there are similar portions fastened to the transom at the other side of the jack plate (not shown). The trim plate 21, however, is solid from one side of the moveable portion 12 to the other side of a similar moveable portion (not shown). In the position shown in FIG. 1, the trim plate 21 has no effect, since the path of even its lagging edge 25 is not through water behind the transom 11. If the moveable portion 12 were moved downwardly until the trim plate 21 extended substantially from the bottom of the transom 11, as shown by the fractional dotted lines 26, the trim plate 21 would provide lift and assist the boat in reaching plane while accelerating from rest. However, it would also, as is the case of fixed trim tabs, provide drag and possibly reduce steerability at higher speeds. Should the moveable portion 12 be positioned below that indicated by the dotted lines 26, it would act as a scoop and direct water upwardly into the jack plate and actually into the boat itself. Therefore, the exact positioning of the jack plate is critical when employing a trim plate 21 as in FIG. 1.

1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a capacitive fluid sensor and more specifically to a fluid sensor for sensing the dielectric constant of fluid flowing through a sensor housing. By sensing a change in capacitance influenced by the dielectric constant, it is possible to ascertain the concentration or mixture ratio of two substances, for instance. 2. Descritpion of the Prior Art Recently, fuel mixtures of petroleum fuel (gasoline or petrol) and alcohol fuel (methanol or methyl alcohol) has been used to drive engines for the purpose of reducing the dependency of the vehicles upon petroleum fuel. In the mixed fuel, it is necessary to detect a mixture ratio of petroleum fuel to alcohol fuel in order to regulate the quantity of fuel to be supplied to an engine, ignition timing, etc. In other words, an optimum engine output is required, even when the mixture ratio changes. As sensors for detecting mixture ratios of petroleum and alcohols fuels, a capacitive fluid sensor for detecting dielectric constants of fluid flowing therethrough has been known, because the dielectric constant of petroleum fuel differs from that of alcohol. In the prior-art capacitive fluid sensor, however, there exists a problem in that fuel tends to leak from the sensor housing through an electric connector portion, when the pressure of fuel flowing through the fluid sensor housing increases. The structure of the prior-art capacitive fluid sensor will be described in more detail hereinbelow for comparison purposes with reference to the detached drawings under DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS.

Adhesive compositions are typically comprised of a silicone resin such as an MQ resin and a polydiorganosiloxane fluid containing sufficient hydrolyzable/condensable functionality to crosslink and form a cured matrix. MQ resins which contain a significant level of Si-bonded hydroxyls, or whose surface has been rendered inert through an additional trimethylsilylation capping reaction, are useful for these types of adhesive sealants. Adhesive systems, containing MQ resin having a significant amount of reactive --SiOH produce strong adhesive products which demonstrate the ability to provide an acceptable level of adhesive strength, not only at room temperature, but also at elevated temperatures (e.g. &gt;120.degree. C.). This is important in some applications where the laminated part has to operate at temperatures of at least 120.degree. C. In addition to providing sites for interaction with the fluid portion of the adhesive matrix, the hydroxyl content can also be a source of instability and abbreviated shelf life in the final product. Shelf life of these systems can be improved via the addition of reactive, hydrolyzable silanes. The degree of improvement in stability is dependent upon both the type and concentration of silane added to the mixture. Capped resins can also be used to produce high-strength, moisture curable adhesives. For example, Japanese Kokai Patent Application No. Hei 4[1992]81487 to Arai et al. discloses a pressure sensitive composition containing (1) an organosiloxane polymer resin having less than 0.7 wt % hydroxylsilyl radicals (2) a hydrolyzable group containing organopolysiloxane having a viscosity of 50 to 300,000 mm.sup.2 /s and (3) a condensing catalyst. Although the compositions produced using capped resins are stable in the absence reactive silanes, they do not retain a sufficient amount of adhesive strength for service at elevated temperatures. It is an object of the instant invention to provide pressure sensitive adhesive compositions which can be cured in the presence of moisture and that has high adhesive strength at elevated temperatures.

1. Technical Field The present invention relates to a document discarding system, a document discarding device, a document managing device, a computer readable medium, and a document discarding method for managing the formation to the discard of a paper document (refer it simply to as a “document” hereinafter). 2. Related Art Usually, various techniques have been proposed to maintain a high security for not only document data, but also a document obtained by printing and outputting the document data.

In telecommunication and wireless transceivers, the oscillators used to generate the digital to analog converter (DAC) and analog to digital convertor (ADC) sampling instants at the transmitter and receiver cannot have exactly the same period. Consequently, the sampling instants slowly shift, relatively to each other. This phenomenon is usually known and referred to as SFO (Sampling Frequency Offset), and has been addressed, including regarding OFDM communication systems. This sampling clock error, or SFO, has two main effects: A slow shift of the symbol timing point, which rotates subcarriers, and, A loss of SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) due to the inter-carrier interference (ICI) generated by the slightly incorrect sampling instants, which in turn causes loss of the orthogonality of the subcarriers. The FIGS. 1a and 1b depict more clearly undesirable effects due to synchronization issues between receiver and transmitter. The FIG. 1a shows a phase difference between the DAC and ADC sampling frequencies of, respectively, the transmitter Tx and the receiver Rx. The period Ts between 2 subsequent samples remains constant and equal at transmitter Tx side and receiver Rx side, but a phase difference ε shifts forward the samples at receiver side. This leads to STO (Sample Time Offset), which can be easily compensated. The FIG. 1b shows the problem caused by SFO (Sample Frequency Offset), mentioned above. This time, the period Ts′ between 2 received samples at receiver side is different (here, longer) than the period Ts of the transmitted samples. Therefore, at each sample, the received sample is shifted by an increasing time ε. After a certain number of samples, a sample will be missed. This would lead to the impossibility to decode the corresponding OFDM symbol. Also, after a certain number of samples less than the total number of samples per OFDM symbol, the ADC will fall on a sample of the next OFDM symbol. This situation leads to Inter-Symbol Interference (ISI), which turn leads to the loss of orthogonality of the subcarriers and dramatically decrease of the signal to noise ratio (SNR). Similar problems happen when the ADC sampling frequency is greater than the DAC sampling frequency: samples will be repeated instead of being missed, but the consequence remains impossibility to decode some OFDM symbols and a decrease of the signal to noise ratio (SNR). This SFO-related problem is partially solved by using pilot signal. Pilot-based techniques are employed in the frequency domain, i.e. after the DFT (Discrete Fourier Transform) block of the OFDM receiver chain. The SFO is measured by the normalized sampling error given as follows: t Δ = T ′ - T T Where T and T′ are, respectively, the transmitter and receiver sampling periods. Then, the overall effect after DFT on the received subcarriers Rl,k is as follows: R l , k = ⅇ j ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ π ⁢ ⁢ k ⁢ t Δ ⁢ l ⁢ ⁢ T s T u ⁢ X l , k · sinc ⁡ ( π ⁢ ⁢ kt ) · H l , k + W l , k + N t Δ ⁡ ( l , k ) ( 1 ) Where l is the OFDM symbol index, k is the subcarrier index, Ts and Tu are the durations of the total OFDM symbol and of the useful data portion, respectively, Hl,k is the transfer function associated with the transmission channel between the emitter and the receiver, Wl,k is the additive white noise And NtΔ(l,k) is the additional interference due to the sampling frequency offset. The power of this last term can be approximated by: P t Δ ≈ π 2 3 ⁢ ( t Δ k ) 2 Therefore, the degradation grows as the square of the product of the offset tΔ and the subcarrier index k. This means that the outermost subcarriers are most severely impacted. The degradation can also be expressed directly as SNR loss in decibels. The following approximation is derived: D n ≈ ⁢ log 10 ⁡ ( 1 + π 2 3 ⁢ E s N 0 ⁢ ( k t Δ ) 2 ) WLAN OFDM systems typically have relatively small number of subcarriers and quite small offset tΔ. Hence, ktΔ<<1, so that the interference caused by sampling frequency offset can usually be ignored. The equation (1) also shows the most significant problem caused by the offset, namely the term ⅇ j ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ π ⁢ ⁢ k ⁢ t Δ ⁢ l ⁢ ⁢ T s T u ,which represents the phase error due to SFO. As discussed above, in WLAN, we only care about correcting the phase error induced by the SFO. This is done by relying on the pilots to estimate their phase difference according to the following: The sampling frequency offset (SFO) is estimated by using the knowledge of the linear relationship between the phase rotation caused by the offset and the pilot subcarrier index. The received pilot subcarriers, in a simplified form, are: R l , k = H k ⁢ P l , k ⁢ ⅇ j ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ π ⁢ ⁢ k ⁢ t Δ ⁢ l ⁢ T s T u ( 2 ) Let Zl,k=Rl,kR*l-1,k This implies: Z l , k = H k ⁢ P l , k ⁢ ⅇ j ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ π ⁢ ⁢ k ⁢ t Δ ⁢ l ⁢ T s T u ⁡ ( H k ⁢ P l - 1 , k ⁢ ⅇ j ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ π ⁢ ⁢ k ⁢ t Δ ⁢ l ⁢ T s T u ) * ⁢ ⁢ Z l , k =  H k  2 ⁢  P l , k  2 ⁢ ⅇ j ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ π ⁢ ⁢ k ⁢ t Δ ⁢ l ⁢ T s T u ⁢ ⅇ - j ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ π ⁢ ⁢ k ⁢ t Δ ⁡ ( l - 1 ) ⁢ T s T u ⁢ ⁢ Z l , k =  H k  2 ⁢  P l , k  2 ⁢ ⅇ j ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ⁢ π ⁢ ⁢ k ⁢ t Δ ⁢ l ⁢ T s T u ( 3 ) According to the above equation, we can see that Zl,k is the multiplication of a pilot of the lth received OFDM symbol (after the DFT) by the complex conjugate of the same pilot of the previous OFDM symbol. Finding the phase of Zl,k is equivalent to finding the phase error caused by the SFO (which is the error that we care about in WLAN, as mentioned before). From the above question (3), an estimation {circumflex over (t)}Δ of the SFO tΔ can be found by the following equation: t ^ Δ = T u 2 ⁢ ⁢ π ⁢ ⁢ kl ⁢ ⁢ T s ⁢ arg ⁡ ( Z l , k ) For better estimation accuracy, since we have more than 1 pilot per OFDM symbol, the above estimation can be applied between the negative and positive pilots of the same received OFDM. t ^ Δ = 1 2 ⁢ ⁢ π ⁢ T u T s ⁢ 1 min k ∈ C 2 ⁢ ( k ) + max k ∈ C 2 ⁢ ( k ) ⁢ ( ϕ 2 , l - ϕ 1 , l ) Where ⁢ : ϕ 1 , l = ∡ [ ∑ k ∈ C 1 ⁢ Z l , k ] And ϕ 2 , l = ∡ [ ∑ k ∈ C ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ Z l , k ] And where C1 and C2 are the sets of pilots at negative and positive subcarriers respectively. In the case or WLAN 802.11 a/g, C1=[−21, −7], C2=[7, 21], minkC2=7, and maxkC2=21. The correction can then be done by different approaches. A first approach consists in correcting the clock frequency of the ADC like depicted in FIGS. 2a and 2b. The decision block of FIG. 2a or the timing error detector block (TED) of FIG. 2b estimates the SFO tΔ as explained above. A second approach is illustrated by FIGS. 3a and 3b, and consists in performing an inverse rotation of the subcarriers after the DFT. This is done by the ROTOR block in FIG. 3a, which is piloted by the Decision block which estimates the SFO tΔ as explained above. FIG. 3b shows a non-synchronous sampling system where the sampling rate is fixed and the sampling time offset is compensated by using digital devices such as an FIR interpolating filter. Since it does not require a feedback signal for adjusting the sampling frequency (at ADC), it is simpler to implement then the synchronous sampling systems. However, the nonsynchronous sampling scheme is more vulnerable to SFO if it is not compensated properly. Since a sample can be inserted or lost in one OFDM symbol when SFO is present, the nonsynchronous sampling scheme performs the operations of skip/duplication/interpolation before the FFT operation and compensates for the effect of phase rotation by using FEQ (Frequency-domain Equalizer). As these approaches are not fully satisfactory, there is a need to improve the situation and to propose a new and alternative approach.

A known type of toothed pulley comprises a plurality of grooves alternating with a plurality of teeth wherein each groove is joined to the teeth by a connection in the form of a circular arc. The toothed belt required to mesh with the pulleys in a synchronous transmission system comprises an elastomeric annular body delimited by two faces, from at least one of which projects a plurality of teeth alternating with a plurality of grooves. Each tooth is also joined to the adjacent grooves by means of a connection in the form of a circular arc. It is usual in the above type of transmissions for the connections of the pulley and the belt engaging with the pulleys to have circular arcs whose radii are substantially identical or in any event of comparable values. During the transmission of motion, a state of stress is generated by the relative mechanical thrusts between the belt teeth, which are made of elastically deformable material, and the pulley teeth, which are made of rigid material. This stress is distributed over the body of the belt tooth. Practically speaking, the belt tooth, which is anchored along its base to inextensible longitudinal strands, behaves in the same way as a beam restrained at one end subjected to a vertical load at the opposite end. In the proximity of the base of the tooth, therefore, the elastomeric material receives the thrust transmitted by the pulley tooth and transfers it to the longitudinal strands. Undesirably, the state of stress at the base of the belt tooth is unevenly distributed, and there is an accentuated localization of the forces acting on the rubber in the area of connection between the flank of the loaded belt tooth and the adjacent groove. This localization of forces, and particularly their intensity, may over the course of time result in irreparable impairment of the correct operation of the transmission and the working life of the belt itself. Attempts have been made to overcome the above drawback by creating circular connection arcs at the base of the belt and on the head of the pulleys with different radii, giving the radius of the pulley head connection a greater value than that of the belt connection with a view to preventing the pulley head connection from compressing the base connection of the belt tooth in a confined area. This solution, however, may prove insufficient, since when very heavy loads are transmitted by the flank of the pulley tooth to the flank of the belt tooth there is a tendency for the connection zone in elastomeric material at the base of the belt to divaricate. In particular, even if the preceding solution is adopted, there is still a risk of extremely localized pressures on the base of the belt tooth and hence an irregular distribution of forces along the base of the belt. It must also be added that resorting to this solution inevitably results in the transfer of loads at a higher point on the belt tooth. Unfortunately, this circumstance has an adverse effect, since it can readily be understood that the belt tooth is increasingly subject to deformation in flexion the further the load is applied away from its base. It should also be noted that circular arc connections between grooves and teeth in a pulley could be unsuitable for employment with toothed belts such as those disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 433,789, filed Nov. 9, 1989 (incorporated by reference herein) also filed by the present Applicant. Briefly, it may be stated that the belts described in that application comprise a base connection formed of a curvilinear segment whose length is greater than that corresponding to a circular arc. In essence, according to the solution referred to, the curvilinear connection segments at the base of the tooth could, for example, be formed with a parabolic arc so as to permit the build-up of a greater quantity of elastomeric material compared with a circular arc without altering the dimensions of the tooth. Even though adoption of the toothed belt referred to in a transmission system composed of pulleys with a conventional profile might continue to be satisfactory, account must be taken of the fact that under particular operating conditions the belt tooth could rise up from its correct position of engagement with the pulley. Since the toothed belt connection, in the form of a parabolic arc, for example, would in fact be closer to the circular arc connection of the pulley tooth, there would be a consequent reduction of the free space in the proximity of the opposed connections when the belt tooth is inside the pulley groove. Subsequently, due to load variations occurring during the transmission of motion, the flat head of the pulley tooth could shift with respect to the positions where it is centered with the central axis of the groove between the belt teeth with the result that the circular arc of the pulley tooth connection by striking the parabolic connection of the belt tooth would exert a mechanical thrust, possibly followed by shifting of the tooth form its correct meshing position. Furthermore and in general terms, it has been observed that in known pulleys there may be interference between the summit of the belt tooth and that of the pulley tooth in the transient access phase under a particularly heavy load. This interference is generated by elongation of the pitch between the belt teeth resulting in unwanted approximation of the pulley tooth and the belt tooth that has to mesh.

Portable and mobile computing devices are becoming ubiquitous tools of modem society for finding and displaying information. The majority of displays that users interact with on smart phones, iPods, computers and other electronic devices are lists of some sort. Music lists, contacts, documents, media files, settings, application menus, email inboxes, electronic books, etc. all fit well in vertical or horizontal scroll views which are frequently organized or presented as lists having a start and an end. Many user interfaces (UIs) implement ways of handling the edges of list views. Examples of ways of handling strict boundary cases by stretching the document, include showing “beyond the edge” with blank space. Most user interfaces require the user to scroll back through the list to reach the other end.

It is known to control and monitor the pressurization of a room and/or laboratory to ensure occupant health and safety, as well as to protect sensitive manufactured products. Healthcare facilities and research laboratories may utilize complex pressurization schemes in order to protect patients, personnel and researchers from hazardous viruses, pathogens, or other toxins. For example, a healthcare or research facility may seal and partially depressurize (generate a negative static pressure) a room or laboratory that contains a hazardous material. Thus, if a breach or accident occurs, air would flow towards the hazardous material, thereby containing and/or minimizing the potential spread or contamination. Biological laboratories are often maintained at a negative static pressure specifically to prevent airflow out of the laboratory room. These laboratory rooms are constructed and classified as biosafety level 1, 2, 3 and 4 based on, for example, the nature and danger associated with the work and materials housed within the laboratory. Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) is the highest safety level classification indicating the greatest risk to individuals within a laboratory itself, the facility in which the laboratory is housed, and the surrounding areas. BSL-4 rated laboratories are constructed to be virtually leakproof, e.g., they are sealed so tightly that virtually no unintended air transfer or release occurs, thus minimizing the chance of contaminants escaping the laboratory. Alternatively, a BSL-4 rated laboratory could be a sealed room or enclosure into which another sealed, air tight container is placed. Regardless, in an effort to control or prevent the spread of a hazardous contaminants, BSL-4 rated laboratories are typically geographically isolated and operated at a high negative static pressure, e.g., 0.1 to 0.5 inches w.c. or 25 to 125 Pa. In order to ensure and control the airflow and ventilation within a BSL-4 rated laboratory, the mechanical ventilation system(s) supplying the laboratory will typically be designed and controlled to deliver desired airflow rates and maintain selected pressure relationships between the laboratory and adjacent spaces. Certain pressure relationships must be maintained or controlled during transient conditions such as, for example, changes in pressure caused by the opening of a door or entrance. Known laboratory pressurization schemes such as, for example, differential flow control or airflow tracking are inapplicable in leakproof and/or sealed environments such as a BSL-4 rated laboratory where the relative supply and exhaust airflows are constant and may not be independently adjusted to establish a pressure differential. Similarly, direct pressure control and cascade pressure are unsuitable for tightly sealed environments where the transient conditions can severely and rapidly impact the desired pressure relationship. There exists a need for a pressurization scheme or strategy that may be utilized in a tightly sealed environment such as, for example, a BSL-4 rated laboratory, to achieve and maintain a specific pressure relationship.

1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to three dimensional (3D) broadcasting, and more particularly to a method for processing a 3D video signal and a digital broadcast receiver for performing the processing method. 2. Discussion of the Related Art Generally, a three dimensional (3D) image (or a stereoscopic image) provides user's eyes with a stereoscopic effect using the stereoscopic visual principle. A human being senses depth through a binocular parallax caused by a distance between their eyes spaced apart from each other by about 65 mm, such that the 3D image enables both right and left eyes to respectively view their associated planar images, and a human brain merges two different images with each other, resulting in a sense of depth and a sense of presence in the 3D image. For example, the above-mentioned 3D image display method may be classified into a stereoscopic scheme, a volumetric scheme, a holographic scheme, etc. In addition, a 3D image display device adds depth information to two dimensional (2D) images or uses left view image information and right view image information, such that a user of the 3D image display device can feel a sense of vividness and a sense of reality in a 3D image. In addition, a method for allowing the user to view the 3D image may be exemplarily classified into one method for providing the user with polarization glasses and another method where the user is not provided with polarization glasses. A television according to the related art has been designed to display only a 2D image. In contrast, many developers and companies have recently conducted intensive research into a 3D imaging technology for use in digital broadcasting. However, detailed protocols related to a 3D broadcast signal processing technology have not been defined yet, so that broadcast content providers, broadcast stations, and DTV manufacturers have been thrown into a great confusion with regard to such 3D broadcast signal processing.

1. Field of the Invention The invention relates in general to a backlight module, and more particularly, to a backlight module that effectively compensates brightness at two corners of a light guide plate near two sides of a light source. 2. Related Art of the Invention The advancement of multi-media has benefited from the forward looking progress of semiconductor technique or human-machine interface display. For the .display, cathode ray tube (CRT) has dominated the markets for years due to its outstanding display quality and economics. However, the environment of operating desktop terminal/monitors and the trend of power saving with environment protection in mind have manifested the problems of cathode ray tube in terms of space utilization and power consumption. Therefore, the liquid crystal display (LCD) having the characteristics of being light, thin, short, small, and low power consuming has become main stream in the market. However, as the liquid crystal molecules are not luminescent materials, a backlight is required to provide the light source of the liquid crystal panel, so as to achieve the display effect with sufficient brightness and contrast. FIG. 1 shows a top view of a conventional backlight module, and FIG. 2 shows a side view of the backlight module as shown in FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the backlight module 100 includes a light guide plate 110, a light source 120, a reflection mask 130 and a frame 140. The light guide plate 110 includes a wedge light guide plate with a top surface 112, a bottom surface 114 and a side surface 116. The top surface 112 is designed as the projecting plane, the bottom surface 114 is used as the reflecting plane, while the side surface 116 is designed as the incident plane. The light source 120 such as a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) is disposed next to the side surface 116 with two ends fixed on a lamp source holder 150. The light beam provided by the light source 120 is incident onto the side surface 116 of the light guide plate 116. Through the bottom surface 114, the light beam is transmitted to the top surface 112 of the light guide plate 110 and projects therefrom. Therefore, the light projecting from the top surface 112 is a plane light source. The reflection mask 130 is disposed next to the side surface 116 of the light guide plate 110 to cover the light source 120. The light beam provided by the light source 120 is thereby concentrated and incident on the side surface 116 of the light guide plate 110. The frame 140 is used to carry the light guide plate 110, the light source 120 and the reflection mask 140, such that the light guide plate 110, the light source 120 and the reflection mask 130 can be integrated into a single device. As the cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) is currently typically used as the light source 120, the brightness of the high- and low-voltage regions at the two ends of the cold cathode fluorescent lamp is normally smaller than that of the middle thereof. Therefore, the brightness at the two comers of the light guide plate 110 near the two sides of the lamp 120 (regions A and B as illustrated in FIGS. 1) is insufficient. To overcome the problem, prior art increases the length of the lamp, such that the regions with insufficient brightness extend externally to the light guide plate. The brightness at the two comers of the light guide plate is thereby increased. However, the width of the liquid crystal display is consequently increased resulting in an enlarged size. This contradicts the trends for being light, thin, short and small.

Such shock absorbers are therefore designed to act during lowering of the landing gear when the linear actuator associated with the leg of the landing gear is engaged. So long as the landing gear lowering operation takes place normally under drive from the associated linear actuator, and in particular from an electromechanical actuator, the actuator itself provides natural braking for the lowering of the landing gear. In contrast, in the event of a mechanical breakdown in the auxiliary power generation system of the aircraft (which breakdown may be local or more generalized), the actuator is declutched and therefore no longer provides the resistance that is available in normal operation. Under such circumstances, it should nevertheless be possible to perform emergency lowering of the landing gear without damaging its components, i.e. it then appears necessary to be able to bring into play means capable of providing the now-lacking braking, particularly at the end of the down stroke of the landing gear.

A computer network is a collection of interconnected computing devices that exchange data and share resources. In a packet-based network, such as the Internet, the computing devices communicate data by dividing the data into small blocks called packets. The packets are individually routed across the network from a source device to a destination device. The destination device extracts the data from the packets and assembles the data into its original form. Dividing the data into packets enables the source device to resend only those individual packets that may be lost during transmission. Routing devices within a network, often referred to as routers, maintain routing information that describe available routes through the network. Upon receiving an incoming packet, the router examines information within the packet and forwards the packet in accordance with the routing information. In order to maintain an accurate representation of the network, routers exchange routing information in accordance with one or more defined routing protocol, such as an interior gateway protocol (IGP). An interior gateway protocol may be a distance-vector protocol or a link state protocol. With a typical link state routing protocol, the routers exchange information related to available interfaces, metrics and other variables associated with links between network devices. This allows the routers to each construct a complete topology or map of the network. Some examples of link state protocols include the Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) protocol and the Intermediate-System to Intermediate System (IS-IS) protocol. Packet-based networks increasingly utilize label switching protocols for traffic engineering and other purposes. Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) is a mechanism used to engineer traffic patterns within Internet Protocol (IP) networks according to the routing information maintained by the routers in the networks. By utilizing MPLS protocols, such as the Label Distribution protocol (LDP) or the Resource Reservation Protocol with Traffic Engineering extensions (RSVP-TE), label switching routers can forward traffic along a particular path through a network to a destination device, i.e., a Label Switched Path (LSP), using labels prepended to the traffic. An LSP defines a distinct path through the network to carry MPLS packets from the source device to a destination. Using a MPLS protocol, each router along an LSP allocates a label in association with the destination and propagates the label to the closest upstream router along the path. Routers along the path add or remote the labels and perform other MPLS operations to forward the MPLS packets along the established path.

1. Field of the Invention This invention generally relates to communication systems. More specifically, an exemplary embodiment of this invention relates to memory sharing in communication systems. Another exemplary embodiment relates to processing or coding resource sharing in a communication system. 2. Description of Related Art U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,775,320 and 6,778,596 describe DSL systems supporting multiple applications and multiple framer/coder/interleaver FCI blocks (an FCI block is also referred to as a latency path). DSL systems carry applications that have different transmission requirements with regard to, for example, data rate, latency (delay), bit error rate (BER), and the like. For example, video typically requires a low BER (<1E-10) but can tolerate higher latency (>20 ms). Voice, on the other hand, typically requires a low latency (<1 ms) but can tolerate BER (>1E-3). As described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,775,320, different applications can use different latency paths in order to satisfy the different application requirements of the communication system. As a result a transceiver must support multiple latency paths in order to support applications such as video, Internet access and voice telephony. When implemented in a transceiver, each of the latency paths will have a framer, coder, and interleaver block with different capabilities that depend on the application requirements.

1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for storing and maintaining fiber optic cable and providing a link for future deployment within a data center or other optical network environment, and more specifically, to a fiber optic network interconnection apparatus that allows a technician to coil and uncoil a desired length of pre-connectorized fiber optic cable for future or re-installation from the rear side of an installed apparatus. 2. Technical Background of the Invention Fiber optic networks are being developed to deliver voice, video, and data transmissions to subscribers over both private and public networks. These fiber optic networks often include separated connection points at which it is necessary to link optical fibers in order to provide “live fiber” from one connection point to another connection point. Often times, these separated connection points are found within different distribution frames within a data center or central office. Distribution frames are typically used to mount connector housings, terminal blocks and/or main frame connectors, and fiber optic adapter access and cable management is often complex and difficult due to the number of connectors populating a distribution frame. In order to facilitate module linking and interconnections, what is needed is a network apparatus capable of being installed within conventional and hereafter devised connection terminals, such as connector housings, examples of which are found in the Pretium™ Connector Housing family available from Corning Cable Systems of Hickory, N.C. The apparatus should be capable of linking separated connection points and provide protection and maintenance of the fiber optic cable within when not deployed and when installed. It would be desirable for the fiber optic cable within the apparatus to be accessed from the rear side without having to uninstall the apparatus. What is further desired is a complete pre-connectorized package including a mountable housing, at least one adapter, securing features that do not require the use of tools, cable management features, and a fiber optic cable including at least one, and preferably a plurality of, single fiber connectors on one end of the cable routed to the at least one adapter and a multi-fiber connector on the other end of the cable for routing to a predetermined location within the network. The packaged data center would provide easy open access to connectors for moves, additions and changes and for connector cleaning.

The invention relates generally to a golf ball and, more specifically, to a golf ball incorporating an intermediate layer designed to improve ball performance. The invention also relates to methods of making such golf balls. Golf balls generally have a core and at least one cover layer surrounding the core. Balls can be classified as two-piece, wound, or multi-layer balls. Two-piece balls include a spherical inner core generally made from rubber and an outer cover layer. Two-piece balls generally have high durability and good ball speed when hit, leading to good ball distance. However, these balls also generally have low spin rates, which results in poor ball controllability. High spin rate is a desirable property of golf balls, particularly for advanced players who can take particular advantage of the improved controllability of balls exhibiting high spin. Two-piece balls also provide poor “feel,” or overall sensation transmitted to the golfer while hitting the ball. Wound balls generally include a core, a rubber thread wound under tension around the core to a desired diameter, and a cover layer, typically of balata material. Wound balls generally provide high spin, and therefore greater controllability, than two-piece balls, and they also generally provide superior feel. However, these balls generally have a relatively low coefficient of restitution (C.O.R.), which leads to reduced ball speed and therefore distance, and also are less durable than two-piece balls. A good way to optimize the requirements of good speed, spin, feel, and durability is through a multi-layer construction. Multi-layer balls include a core, a cover layer, and one or more intermediate layers situated between the core and the cover layer. U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,991 to Kim et al. discloses a multi-layer golf ball having good distance, feel, and spin. Multi-layer balls generally have performance characteristics between those of two-piece and wound balls; that is, multi-layer balls exhibit distance and durability inferior to two-piece balls but superior to wound balls, and they exhibit feel and spin rate inferior to wound balls but superior to two-piece balls. In particular, use of an intermediate layer to improve spin rate often can lead to substantial loss of ball speed, and therefore distance. In particular, balls preferably should exhibit high spin rate when hit by an iron for enhanced controllability of short- and medium-distance shots, but the balls preferably should exhibit lower spin rate when hit by a driver to maximize distance for long shots. Therefore, efforts have been focused in designing intermediate layers for golf balls on producing layers that provide high spin rate without loss of ball distance or durability. These efforts have not met with complete success. In view of the above, there remains a need for golf balls having intermediate layers that provide for high spin rate without substantial loss of ball speed and distance. The present invention fulfills this need and provides several related advantages.

As reported in WO98/08932, protein toxins from the genus Photorhabdus have been shown to have oral toxicity against insects. The toxin complex produced by Photorhabdus luminescens (W-14), for example, has been shown to contain ten to fourteen proteins, and it is known that these are produced by expression of genes from four distinct genomic regions: tca, tcb, tcc, and tcd. WO98/08932 discloses nucleotide sequences for many of the native toxin genes. Of the separate toxins isolated from Photorhabdus luminescens (W-14), those designated Toxin A and Toxin B have been the subject of focused investigation for their activity against target insect species of interest, for example corn rootworm. Toxin A is comprised of two different subunits. The native gene tcda (SEQ ID NO:1) encodes protoxin TcdA (see SEQ ID NO:1). As determined by mass spectrometry, TcdA is processed by one or more proteases to provide Toxin A. More specifically, TcdA is an approximately 282.9 kDA protein (2516 aa) that is processed to provide TcdAii, an approximately 208.2 kDA (1849 aa) protein encoded by nucleotides 265-5811 of SEQ ID NO:1, and TcdAiii, an approximately 63.5 kDA (579 aa) protein encoded by nucleotides 5812-7551 of SEQ ID NO:1. WO 01/11029 discloses nucleotide sequences that encode TcdA and TcbA and have base compositions that have been altered from that of the native genes to make them more similar to plant genes. Also disclosed are transgenic plants that express Toxin A and Toxin B. We have observed that heterologous expression of Toxin A does not afford the level of oral toxicity to insects that is observed for the native toxin. It would be very valuable if means could be found to enhance the level of toxicity of heterologously expressed Toxin A.

This invention concerns a two-stage flush device for a toilet tank, particularly one having a structure of flushing a larger volume of water by rotating a rotatable button and flushing smaller volume of water by pushing inward a push rod. At present, a known conventional two-stage flush device for a toilet tank has a single exit tube closed by a valve, a double press rod provided with a press button A and a press rod B, by which water volume flushed through an exit hole closed by the valve is controlled as shown in FIG. 1. And FIG. 2 shows that a double press button with two buttons E, F is provided for manually pressing only the button E or the two buttons E, F at the same time for flushing two different volume of water. However, the known conventional two-stage flush device for a toilet tank can flush two different volumes of water by means of a single exit tube, but the double buttons for flushing have a same direction of movement, easily and wrongly pressed to flush the larger volume of water by accident to lose the water saving function they are designed for. There is another known conventional two-stage flush device for a toilet tank as shown in FIG. 3, having two exit holes H. I respectively closed and opened by separate valves controlled by two press buttons J, K. This kind of structure also has the same drawback seen in those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in addition to possible incorrect operation of the opening of the two valves. Another known conventional two-stage flush device for a toilet tank as shown in FIG. 4 has two separate buttons L, M for correctly flushing different volumes of water, but needs two separate holes N, O for installing the two separate buttons L, M, and consequently making it impossible to be adapted in the present toilet tanks in market or in use. So it demands a new toilet tank or an old one to be transformed a little, to a resultant extra cost in installing.

Spinner type lures come in many styles and configurations and are designed to show movement and light flashes, when drawn through the water, to attract fish thereto and improve the efficiency of the fisherman. In order to do so the lure must provide animated action in the water, show light flashing to excite the fish and also slide through the water and weeds with relative ease and, not least, be durable. Spinner type lures, presently available in the market place, fall short of the ideal in that the action of the lure is not as animated as it might be in view of the drag of water thereon and the friction between the shaft of the lure and any spinner mounted thereon. Furthermore, the shafts are prone to pitting and rusting thus further deteriorating the lure action and appearance with the result that the lure is prematurely discarded.

1. Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to a gear mounting structure. More specifically, the present invention relates to a gear mounting structure for mounting a shaft to a gear in a reciprocating movement mechanism of a fishing reel. 2. Background Information Fishing reels mainly include spinning reels and dual bearing reels. This type of fishing reel has a reel main body mounted on a fishing rod and a spool provided in the reel main body to wind fishing line. In dual bearing reels, the spool is supported on the reel main body so as to be freely rotatable. The spool is provided with a level winding mechanism for evenly winding the fishing line onto the spool. In spinning reels, an oscillating mechanism is provided on the reel main body so as to move freely front-to-back in order to evenly wind the fishing line onto the spool. The level winding mechanism in the dual bearing reel is provided with a screw shaft disposed parallel with a spool shaft installed in the spool, a linkage mechanism for rotating the screw shaft, and a fishing line guide that connects with a spiral groove formed in the screw shaft so as to reciprocatingly guide the fishing line (for example, refer to Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2000-23600). The oscillating mechanism of the spinning reel is provided with a linkage mechanism for rotation of a handle, a screw shaft that rotates by a linkage mechanism disposed parallel with a spool shaft, and a slider connected to the screw shaft and capable of reciprocating movement with the spool shaft in a screw shaft direction. A fishing line is evenly wound on the spool by the rotation of the screw shaft via the rotation of the handle, and the reciprocating movement of the slider and the fishing line guide. The linkage mechanism has gear components provided to transfer the rotation of the handle. The gears are installed on a leading end at one end of the screw shaft so as to be relatively non-rotational. Specifically, the cross section of the end of the screw shaft in the axial direction is formed in a non-circular shape. A non-circular through hole is formed so as to pass through a center of the gear. The end of the screw shaft engages the through hole of the gear component such that the screw shaft and the gear component are relatively non-rotational. Since the gear components are installed on one end of the screw shaft so as to be relatively non-rotatable in conventional level winding mechanisms, the screw shaft can be rotated in linkage with the rotation of the handle. However, since only the end of the screw shaft engages the through hole of the gear, some instability is generated between the end of the screw shaft and the through hole of the gear. When the gears are rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the handle, and particularly when the rotational torque of the screw shaft changes as the fishing line guide part and slider reverse direction at the end positions of the screw shaft, there is an increased instability between the end of the screw shaft and the through hole of the gear so as to cause a concern about a decrease in sensitivity in the handle operation by the fisherman. In view of the above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that there exists a need for an improved gear mounting structure that to suppress the decrease in sensitivity in the handle operation by the fisherman in a gear mounting structure. This invention addresses this need in the art as well as other needs, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

This invention is in the field of covers or housings for fire extinguishers and more specifically those having a door to allow access to the fire extinguisher. The fire extinguisher should be located in the area or room where the extinguisher is needed; however, many people will not hang a red fire extinguisher on the living room wall or den wall etc. because of the gaudy appearance. People in general will place the fire extinguisher in a drawer or closet, out of sight and then forget the location. When a fire occurs, the fire extinguisher is not available instantly and the location may be completely forgotten in the moment of excitement. The housing disclosed herein provides for the instant availability of the fire extinguisher in the area or room where the extinguisher is needed and also adds to the decor of the room. The housing automatically senses smoke/heat, sounds an alert, and opens its door illuminating the fire extinguisher mounted therein for instant usage in the area of the fire. My decorative fire extinguisher cover is the subject of disclosure document number No. 118802 filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on July 18, 1983. A number of United States patents have been granted disclosing the general idea of a housing for a fire extinguisher. A typical housing including a glass door is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,015,250, issued to Fudge on Mar. 29, 1977 which also includes a security alarm alerting the owner whenever the door is opened. Another type of housing is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,244,426, issued to Kerr on Jan. 13, 1981 wherein a fire extinguisher along with fire hose is mounted within a wall hung box having a front door with a decorative cover provided thereon. An advantage of my housing as compared to the prior decorative housing is the automatic opening of the decorative cover upon the detection of a fire with simultaneous illumination of the extinguisher coupled with an audio alarm allowing for the instant recognition of the need and location of the fire extinguisher. Other types of housings have been developed which contain a fire hose such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,062,493, issued to Suggs on Dec. 13, 1977 and 4,018,242, issued to Schlegel on Apr. 19, 1977. Another approach is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,223,739, issued to Waters on Sept. 23, 1980 which discloses a portable decorative housing containing a fire extinguisher operated while remaining within the housing.

1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a magnetic sensor as a device for a sensitive micro magnetic sensor such as a magnetic head of audio visual (AV) equipment, control equipment, a computer and others or a magnetic impedance effect device, a magnetic inductance device and others respectively suitable for a direction finder and others. 2. Description of the Related Art Recently, the need for miniaturization and sensitization of a magnetic sensor has increased. As a result, a magnetoresistance effect device (magnetoresistance device or MR) that detects magnetic flux, not the change in time of the magnetic flux, has been actively researched for use as a head. Such an MR device utilizes a phenomenon in which the electrical resistance due to the interaction between the magnetization of a ferromagnetic body and the conduction electrons of a DC current varies by an external magnetic field. This MR device is effective for the promotion of miniaturization. However, until now, since the rate of change of electrical resistance of the MR device has been very small, the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N ratio) is not sufficient. Therefore, there is a problem in that it is difficult to obtain the desired detection sensitivity. Also recently, the research of a giant magnetoresistance effect device (GMR device) which detects the change of an external magnetic field utilizing a phenomenon called giant magnetoresistance effect is also widely conducted, however, in the case of such a GMR device, the rate of change of electric resistance is also not sufficient and as there is also a problem of hysteresis, giant magnetoresistance effect is not a technique suitable for the acceleration of miniaturization. As a sensitive micro magnetic sensor which can solve the problems of the above MR device and GMR device, such a magnetic impedance effect device (hereinafter called an MI device) as disclosed in Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. Hei 7-181239 is proposed. Such an MI device utilizes an electromagnetic phenomenon that when high frequency current is fed to a magnetic wire composed of a magnetic substance with high permeability, impedance by skin effect is greatly varied by an external magnetic field. For example, as a change of 50% or more of impedance can be obtained by a magnetic field of a few gauss when an amorphous wire 1 to 3 mm long and approximately 30 .mu.m in diameter is used for a magnetic wire, a compact and sensitive magnetic sensor can be provided. FIG. 20 is a characteristic drawing showing correlation between voltage generated between both ends of an amorphous magnetic wire when frequency current of a sine wave of 100 kHz or more is applied in such an MI device and an external magnetic field and shows a state in which voltage between both ends of the magnetic wire varies according to the intensity of the external magnetic field. However, as shown in FIG. 20, as the change of voltage between both ends of the magnetic wire (a sensing part which serves the detection of an external magnetic field) is symmetrical based upon when an external magnetic field is zero gauss, an operating point (coordinates showing a state in which an external magnetic field is zero) is required to be shifted to a suitable position in which the linearity of a graph can be secured such as a point A in FIG. 20 in case the above MI device is used for a sensor which can detect not only the intensity of an external magnetic field but the direction as well. Therefore, in such a case, heretofore, a magnetic wire 2 is inserted into a tube 1 composed of a non-magnetic substance such as vinyl as shown in FIG. 21, a biased magnetic field Hb is applied to the magnetic wire 2 by feeding direct current to a coil 3 wound by a predetermined number of turns on the peripheral surface of the tube 1 and an operating point is set. Both ends of the magnetic wire 2 are soldered to a conductor, a soldering land or others, the magnetic wire 2 between a pair of solder connections 4 becomes a sensing part which serves the detection of an external magnetic field and the intensity and the direction of an external magnetic field can be detected by measuring voltage in the sensing part. However, as the shape of a graph showing correlation between voltage in the sensing part of the magnetic wire 2 and an external magnetic field varies when a biased magnetic field Hb is applied to the magnetic wire 2 by the coil 3, a conventional type MI device has a problem that a desired operating point cannot be set. That is, assuming that a uniform biased magnetic field Hb is applied to the whole sensing part of the magnetic wire 2, correlation between voltage and an external magnetic field is shown as a characteristic curve obtained by shifting the graph shown in FIG. 20 by Hb to the left as shown by a chain line in FIG. 22 and the shape itself of the graph should be unchanged. However, in fact, as shown by a full line in FIG. 22, it is clear from experiments by the inventors of the present invention that the shape of the graph is a characteristic curve different from the shape of the graph shown in FIG. 20. The reason is thought to be that the coil 3 for applying a biased magnetic field does not generate a desired magnetic field at both ends of the wound part. That is, the intensity of a magnetic field generated by feeding direct current to the coil for applying a biased magnetic field is approximately uniform in a part except both ends of the wound part as shown in FIG. 23, however, it is known that a generated magnetic field is rapidly decreased near both ends of the wound part. Therefore, when the sensing part of the magnetic wire is influenced by a magnetic field generated at both ends of the wound part of the coil, the intensity of a biased magnetic field applied to the sensing part is dispersed in the longitudinal direction and this is thought to change the shape of the graph showing correlation between voltage and an external magnetic field when a biased magnetic field is applied. As shown in FIG. 22, when a biased magnetic field uneven in the longitudinal direction is applied to the sensing part of the magnetic wire, an error occurs even if voltage in the sensing part is measured and an external magnetic field is detected. This is because the linearity of a graph showing correlation between voltage and an external magnetic field is not satisfactory in the vicinity of an operating point B at which a biased magnetic field is set to Hb, and the precision of detection is deteriorated. Further, in the above conventional type MI device, the coil 3 for applying a biased magnetic field is wound on the tube 1 made of vinyl and others, however, as the outside diameter of the tube 1 is set to approximately 0.5 mm, the length is set to approximately 1 to 3 mm and the tube 1 is small, assembly operation that the coil 3 is wound on the peripheral surface by a few tens of turns or more is not easy and handleability is unsatisfactory. In such a conventional type MI device, the end of the magnetic wire 2 is electrically and mechanically connected to a conductor and others by soldering, however, as the wettability of the magnetic wire 2 composed of an amorphous wire and other materials is low, sufficient attachment strength and the reliability of conduction in the solder connection 4 which solders the end cannot be expected.

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art. Bus bars are often disposed on surfaces of printed circuit boards to conduct current between electrical components disposed on the printed circuit board. Separately, some electrical components have thru-hole electrical leads adapted for insertion through an opening defined by the printed circuit board. Solder is commonly used to create electrical connections between bus bars and electrical components, etc.

Currently, various computing system implemented financial management systems are available including: computing system implemented business financial management systems; computing system implemented sales and inventory tracking systems; computing system implemented tax preparation systems; computing system implemented business accounting systems; and computing system implemented medical expense management systems; as well as various other electronic transaction data driven financial management systems. Computing system implemented small business financial management systems and computing system implemented sales and inventory tracking systems help users: manage and track inventory; track sales and purchases; manage expenses; manage payroll and taxes; and generate various documents associated with business and inventory operations such as purchases orders, item lists, available inventory reports, receipts, and various other transaction forms and documents. Many users of computing system implemented small business financial management systems and computing system implemented sales and inventory tracking systems, typically small business owners or their employees, often deal in large quantities of assorted inventory items. Often these assorted inventory items are bought and/or kept in inventory and/or sold using units of measure particular to the inventory item. Consequently, managing the purchasing, warehousing, and sale of these assorted inventory items, and tracking and documenting transactions involving the inventory items, using current computing system implemented small business financial management systems and computing system implemented sales and inventory tracking systems is quite complicated and often involves a great deal of time and manual input on the part of the user. Further complicating the situation is the fact that many inventory items are purchased in quantities using one unit of measure, are entered into inventory and tracked using another unit of measure, and are sold to customers who wish to purchase the items using one or more other units of measure. In addition, when shipping various inventory items, yet another unit of measure typically needs to be determined. As an example, some inventory items, such as carpet or tinting film, may be sold by the manufacturer in rolls. The same inventory item may then be stocked by a user, such as a retail store owner, and entered into the user's current computing system implemented small business financial management system and/or computing system implemented sales and inventory tracking system, in units of length, such as feet, yards or inches. A customer buying the inventory item may then want to purchase the material based on units of area, such as square feet, square yards, or square inches. Finally, to ship the inventory item, the user may need to know the weight per roll, or fraction of a roll, of the inventory item. Consequently, in this example, the same inventory item involves as many as four general types of units of measure, i.e., rolls, length, area, and weight, and four or more specific sub-units of measure such as yards, feet, inches and pounds. In addition, this does not include the complications introduced by international units such a metric units of measure vs. American standard units of measure. Current computing system implemented small business financial management systems and computing system implemented sales and inventory tracking systems typically provide for only one unit of measure, either as a default or as user defined. Consequently, when either purchasing inventory items, warehousing or tracking inventory items, or selling inventory items, an employee or owner is often required to leave the task at hand, i.e., the purchase, inventorying, or sale of an inventory item, and look up conversion ratios between various units, and then convert units, either by head, hand, or using some other calculation means. Consequently, a significant amount of employee and/or business owner time is often utilized in making these conversions and multiple opportunities for error are introduced in the process.

The present invention relates generally to the field of user shopping and, more particularly to managing store inventory and user shopping experience. The use of mobile device applications has increased in all facets of daily life, including shopping. The introduction of mobile shopping applications is changing old shopping paradigms and introduced new ones. For example, traditional orderly stocking regimens need not be adhered to when a user can be guided to the item in the store, rather than using a store layout in a set aisle fashion organized by item type. Stores can rely on mobile applications to communicate inventory information to users, much like online shopping. Additionally, stores use mobile applications to communicate information to a user that includes sale items, in-store promotions, and loyalty programs. The use of mobile applications by retail stores has increased due to the ease of use, convenience, and increased user loyalty that the applications bring.

1. Field of the Invention An air conditioning system for cooling the cabin of a vehicle. 2. Description of the Prior Art Fuel efficiency in vehicles is enhanced by shutting off the gasoline engine during inefficient periods, such as when the vehicle is coasting or temporarily stopped. However, the compressor of a traditional air conditioning system runs off the crankshaft of the gasoline engine, and therefore, the gasoline engine continues to operate during those inefficient periods to prevent uncomfortable conditions for the passengers of the vehicle. It is desirable to have an air conditioning system that continues to operate when the engine is shut off, so that vehicles may shut off their gasoline engine during those inefficient periods. U.S. Pat. No. 7,156,156, issued to Haller et al. on Jan. 2, 2007 (hereinafter referred to as Haller '156), provides one solution to the problem of the air conditioning system not functioning when the engine is not running. The Haller '156 patent shows an evaporator having a refrigerant flowing there-through for transferring heat from a flow of air to the refrigerant in a first operating mode with the engine of the vehicle running. The evaporator includes a manifold extending in a horizontal direction. At least one tube is in fluid communication with manifold and extends downward in a vertical direction away from the manifold. The evaporator defines at least one cavity, or phase change material (PCM) tank, for storing a phase change material to transfer heat from the phase change material to the refrigerant to cool and freeze the phase change material in the first operating mode with the engine of the vehicle running. The cavities of the Haller '156 patent are disposed adjacent to and engaging the plurality of tubes. In a second operating mode with the engine of the vehicle dormant, heat is transferred directly from the flow of air to the phase change material in the cavities to cool the flow of air and to melt or warm the phase change material. There remains a continuing need for improved air conditioning systems that continue to operate during inefficient periods when the engine of the vehicle is shut off.

1. Field of the Invention The invention concerns an interferometer delay line, in particular a delay line of the type used in an interferometer device such as a FOURIER transform spectrometer in which the aim is not only to stabilize dynamically the optical component during a programmed movement, in order to eliminate the effect of vibrations, but also to compensate for disturbing optical path differences generated independently of the optical component and its movement in the remainder of the interferometer device, and even externally of the latter. The invention also concerns an optical delay line which is part of a coherent recombination stellar interferometer in which the distance (called the base) between the telescopes is in the order of 100 meters and equalizing the optical paths despite the fact that the rotation of the Earth necessitates displacement of the retroreflector device of the optical delay line over a distance of several meters, at a speed of several tens of millimeters per second, with an average positioning accuracy of a few microns and an instantaneous positioning accuracy (during a setting time of a few hundredths of a second) of a few nanometers (vibration amplitude). Thus the constraints with respect to dynamic errors are more severe than those with respect to static errors. 2. Description of the Prior Art Similar displacement characteristics are also needed when the object is to equalize the optical paths by displacing the telescopes themselves. European Patent 0 398 772 (KOEHLER) describes a delay line in detail. This reference describes a vibration free displacement control device for static and dynamic control of an optical component which is mobile in one direction within an interferometer device, the control device including a guide track, a carriage carrying a payload including the optical component and mobile along the guide track, a drive unit for driving the carriage along the guide track, and a drive control unit connected to the drive unit to move the carriage in accordance with a predetermined set point law. The payload is connected to the carriage by flexible connecting members allowing relative movement between the carriage and the payload parallel to the mobile direction and at least one actuator acts on at least part of the optical component under the control of at least one stabilization control loop connected to at least a second sensor. In this device the stabilization control loop is a single loop independent of the drive control unit and the second sensor is a single sensor embodying an accelerator carried by the payload which is responsive to acceleration of the payload parallel to the mobile direction. The actuator is a single actuator acting on all of the payload with its other end bearing against the carriage. The stabilization control loop includes a stage for filtering the accelerometer signal and the drive control unit includes a control loop connected to a position sensor adapted to sense the position of the carriage on the guide track. The prior art includes position sensing devices including a fixed graduated rule and an optical head moving along the rule which is adapted to supply pulses representative of distance increments (or increments of displacement of the head relative to the rule). These heads have electronic processor devices so that the output pulses can correspond to distance increments very much smaller than the gaps between the graduations of the rule. For example, the distance increments are in the order of 15 nanometers for a distance of 4 microns between graduations. Graduated rules of this kind cooperating with optical heads to provide a resolution as above are available only for limited lengths, typically not more than about one meter. Other rules in the form of a strip are available, in lengths up to around 30 meters, but their precision and their resolution are very much lower than the values stated above and are not compatible with the requirements of an astronomical interferometer delay line.

1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a dipole antenna, which can be applied to an ultra-high frequency (UHF) band. 2. Description of Related Art The radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is widely used nowadays, for example, passports, transportation payments, and product tracking. The function of the RFID tag is to transmit data to the remote terminal. Some of the RFID devices are applied in the UHF band (860-930 MHz). Usually, an RFID tag consists of an antenna and a chip IC. The most common type of the antenna is the dipole antenna. Design of the dipole antenna is diversified. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure of a conventional dipole antenna. Referring to FIG. 1, the conventional dipole antenna includes a radiation metal line 100, wherein a size thereof corresponds to a required operation frequency. The conventional dipole further includes a rectangular loop 102. A distance between a middle area of the rectangular loop 102 and the radiation metal line 100 is d. One end of the rectangular loop 102 has an opening 104 served as a feeding terminal. The radiation metal line 100 and the rectangular loop 102 can be formed on a circuit board, for example, a printed RFID tag, which can be easily fabricated. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an equivalent circuit of the dipole antenna of FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 2, the feeding terminal 106 is connected to an external chip. The radiation metal line 100 is inductively coupled to the rectangular loop 102. A signal can be input through the feeding terminal 106, and can be sent out through the radiation metal line 100. Conversely, the radiation metal line 100 can receive the signal, and the feeding terminal 106 can output the signal. Generally, the impedance of the chip IC is capacitive. In order to deliver the maximum power to the antenna, the impedance of the antenna must be designed to be inductive for conjugate matching. For different operating frequencies and the size reduction requirement, various antenna designs and matching techniques were developed.

1. Field The present disclosure relates generally to image processing and, in particular, to detecting and tracking moving objects in images. Still more particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system and method for detecting and tracking moving objects in images by creating fingerprints for the moving objects. 2. Background Different types of techniques are currently available for detecting and tracking moving objects in a sequence of images, such as a video. However, some of these currently available techniques may be unable to detect and/or track a moving object with a desired level of accuracy. For example, some currently available techniques may be unable to detect and/or track a moving object when that moving object becomes partially occluded in one or more images in the sequence of images. Additionally, some currently available techniques may be unable to determine the contour of a moving object with a desired level of accuracy. As used herein, the contour of an object may be the outline of an object or the shape of the object. This outline may be the outline of the external surface of the object. Segmentation is an example of one process used to determine the contours of objects in images. As used herein, “segmentation” is the process of dividing an image into multiple segments. Each segment includes a group of pixels that have been identified as sharing a similar visual characteristic. This visual characteristic may be, for example, without limitation, color, texture, intensity, or some other type of characteristic. In this manner, segments that are adjacent to each other are different with respect to the particular visual characteristic beyond some selected threshold. Segmentation may be used to simplify and/or change the representation of an image such that the segmented image is easier to analyze as compared to the original image. For example, when an image is segmented to form a segmented image, features within the segmented image may be more easily discernible as compared to the original image. In particular, the contours of objects and/or features captured within the original image may be more easily discernible within the segmented image. However, some currently available segmentation techniques may be unable to segment images in a manner that defines the contour of a single moving object as accurately as desired. For example, when an image is segmented based on color to form a segmented image, an object that is captured in the image as having two or more colors may be represented by multiple segments within the segmented image. Consequently, the contour of the object within the segmented image may not be as easily discernible as desired. Further, extracting information about the features represented by these types of segments may yield information that is less accurate than desired. Therefore, it would be desirable to have a method and apparatus that takes into account at least some of the issues discussed above, as well as other possible issues.

Ethylene/α-olefin/non-conjugated polyene random copolymer rubbers such as EPDM generally have excellent weathering resistance, heat resistance and ozone resistance, so that they are used for automobile industrial parts, industrial rubber products, electric insulating materials, building and civil engineering materials, rubberized fabrics and the like. The conventional ethylene/α-olefin/non-conjugated polyene random copolymer rubbers are, however, inferior to silicone rubbers in the compression set resistance. In order to remove this defect, utilization of peroxide crosslinking instead of sulfur vulcanization is effective. In this method, however, there is a problem that when hot-air crosslinking such as HAV (hot air vulcanization vessel) or UHF (ultra high frequency electromagnetic wave) is carried out, the rubber surface is not crosslinked or undergoes degradation, and as a result, the scratch resistance is markedly lowered. This is caused by that the peroxide does not participate in crosslinking and the rubber surface is brought into contact with oxygen to accelerate degradation. Therefore, if a crosslinking method wherein oxygen is blocked, such as steam crosslinking or lead covering crosslinking, is carried out, the scratch resistance of the rubber surface can be improved, but this method is disadvantageous in the production cost. In Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 154855/1992, an olefin rubber composition comprising an EPDM/SiH/Pt compound, which is crosslinkable by hot air in HAV, is disclosed, but this rubber composition is not satisfactory in the scratch resistance and the compression set resistance. In Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 33924/1995, it is described that a rubber capable of undergoing hot-air crosslinking and having excellent scratch resistance can be obtained by subjecting a rubber composition comprising an ethylene/propylene/diene copolymer rubber and a polysiloxane having at least one reactive group to peroxide crosslinking. The present inventors have examined the invention described in this publication, and as a result, they have confirmed that though the crosslinking efficiency is increased by adding peroxide to the rubber composition, the peroxide radical causes addition reaction of siloxane and simultaneously produces polymer radical, so that the scratch resistance of the surface of the rubber product after crosslinking is not bearable in the practical use. Depending upon uses of the rubber compositions comprising ethylene/α-olefin/non-conjugated polyene random copolymer rubbers, the rubber compositions are required to have excellent adhesion to rubbers or metals and to be free from softening deterioration after heat aging, namely, excellent in oil resistance after aging (after environmental deterioration). In the uses of the rubber compositions comprising ethylene/α-olefin/non-conjugated polyene random copolymers rubbers, there are many parts manufactured by adhesion bonding of molded products of the rubber compositions to crosslinked rubbers or metals, and therefore adhesion properties are very important. For example, automobile weatherstrip materials are generally manufactured by vulcanizing extrusion-molded unvulcanized rubber in a continuous vulcanization vessel such as HAV or UHF, cutting the vulcanized rubber and bonding the in rubber. Therefore, a rubber of low adhesion strength may have a problem of break when fitted to automobile. Some constructional gaskets and automobile weatherstrip materials are manufactured by coextruding different rubber compositions to bond them utilizing crosslinking reaction. On the other hand, rubbers of softening deterioration type whose degree of crosslinking is decreased after environmental deterioration become worse in the oil resistance with decrease of the degree of crosslinking. By the way, a rubber product is generally designed in its compounding according to the hardness of the product. Therefore, in order to obtain a certain hardness, carbon black, silica, talc, clay, calcium carbonate or the like is used in consideration of a balance between cost and product properties. The reinforcements and fillers enumerated above contribute to increasing the product hardness in greater or lesser degree, but they increase a viscosity of a compounded rubber to thereby impair processability thereof. Further, these reinforcing agents and fillers also have a property of lowering extensibility that is important for rubber products. On this account, techniques to increase the hardness of a rubber product and to decrease the viscosity of a compounded rubber are desired to be established. By the way, the rubber products are desired to have excellent abrasion resistance in addition to the properties described above. The reason why the abrasion resistance is required is that, for example, automobile glass run channel or wiper blade is abraded on the portion which is slidably contacted with glass and as a result the product life is shortened. In press molding or injection molding, the rubber composition is required to have excellent non-staining properties to mold. As one cause of stain on the mold, accumulation of deteriorated rubber or compounding ingredients on the mold surface is known. With increase of the accumulated substances, the surface of the crosslinked rubber product is scratched, and the appearance thereof becomes bad. On this account, the mold must be frequently cleaned, and this cleaning time leads to increase of the production cost. As a means to cope with stain on the mold, it is described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 116811/1999 that a silicone rubber is blended with an ethylene/α-olefin/non-conjugated polyene random copolymer rubber to provide a rubber composition hardly causing stain on the mold. This rubber composition hardly stains the mold undoubtedly but has a defect of somewhat poor strength properties. As a reason of decrease of the strength properties, it is considered that, in the use of an organic peroxide crosslinking agent, the crosslinking rate of the ethylene/α-olefin/non-conjugated polyene random copolymer rubber is lower than that of the silicone rubber and has poor co-crosslinkability. Accordingly, there is desired development of: an ethylene/α-olefin/non-conjugated polyene random copolymer rubber composition which is capable of undergoing hot-air crosslinking (e.g., HAV or UHF) that is advantageous in the production cost and which has excellent scratch resistance and compression set resistance; an ethylene/α-olefin/non-conjugated polyene random copolymer rubber composition which is capable of undergoing hot-air crosslinking (e.g., HAV or UHF) that is advantageous in the production cost and which is excellent in scratch resistance, compression set resistance, adhesion properties and oil resistance after environmental deterioration; an ethylene/α-olefin/non-conjugated polyene random copolymer rubber composition which is capable of undergoing hot-air crosslinking (e.g., HAV or UHF) that is advantageous in the production cost and which is excellent in scratch resistance, compression set resistance, abrasion resistance and flowability; and an ethylene/α-olefin/non-conjugated polyene random copolymer rubber composition which is capable of undergoing hot-air crosslinking (e.g., HAV or UHF) that is advantageous in the production cost, which is excellent in scratch resistance, compression set resistance and abrasion resistance and which exhibits excellent non-staining properties to mold and strength properties when subjected to press crosslinking molding or injection crosslinking molding. Moreover, there is also desired development of the following rubber compositions and uses thereof: (1) a crosslinkable rubber composition for rubber vibration insulator, which has a high crosslinking rate and excellent productivity, is capable of undergoing hot-air crosslinking such as HAV (hot air vulcanization vessel) or UHF (ultra high frequency electromagnetic wave), and is capable of producing crosslinked rubber molded products having hitherto unknown excellent compression set resistance at low cost; and vibration insulating rubber products formed from the composition; (2) a crosslinkable rubber composition for glass run, which has a high crosslinking rate and excellent productivity, is capable of undergoing hot-air crosslinking such as HAV (hot air vulcanization vessel) or UHF (ultra high frequency electromagnetic wave), and is capable of producing glass run products having good appearance free from stain by bleeding of a crosslinking agent or a vulcanizing agent and being mild to environment because of no release of a nitrosoamine compound suspected to be so-called carcinogenic material; and glass run products formed from the composition; (3) a zinc oxide-free crosslinkable rubber composition for hose, which has a high crosslinking rate and excellent productivity, is capable of undergoing hot-air crosslinking such as HAV (hot air vulcanization vessel) or UHF (ultra high frequency electromagnetic wave), and is capable of producing crosslinked rubber molded products having excellent compression set, strength properties and heat aging resistance; and various hoses made from the rubber composition, such as automobile water hose, automobile brake hose, industrial air hose, water hose and steam hose; (4) a crosslinkable rubber composition for weatherstrip sponge, which has a high crosslinking rate and excellent productivity, is capable of undergoing continuous crosslinking such as HAV (hot air vulcanization vessel) or UHF (ultra high frequency electromagnetic wave), and is capable of producing weatherstrip sponges having excellent compression set resistance and scratch resistance; and weatherstrip sponges which are crosslinked and expanded products of the rubber composition; (5) a crosslinkable rubber composition for highly expanded sponge, which has a high crosslinking rate and excellent productivity, is capable of undergoing hot-air crosslinking such as HAV (hot air vulcanization vessel) or UHF (ultra high frequency electromagnetic wave), and is capable of producing highly expanded sponges of crosslinked rubber expanded products having excellent compression set resistance, expandability, non-staining properties (e.g., non-staining properties to metals) and strength properties; and highly expanded sponges of the composition (crosslinked rubber expanded products); (6) a crosslinkable rubber composition for electric or electronic part, which has a high crosslinking rate and excellent productivity, is capable of undergoing hot-air crosslinking such as HAV (hot air vulcanization vessel) or UHF (ultra high frequency electromagnetic wave), and is capable of producing crosslinked rubber molded products for electric or electronic parts having excellent compression set resistance, electrical properties and strength properties; and electric or electronic parts comprising the composition, e.g., insulating electric or electronic parts such as electric wire covering materials and electric insulating rubber parts, and semi-conducting electric or electronic parts; (7) a crosslinkable rubber composition for hydraulic cylinder seal, which has a high crosslinking rate and excellent productivity, is capable of undergoing hot-air crosslinking such as HAV (hot air vulcanization vessel) or UHF (ultra high frequency electromagnetic wave), and is capable of producing crosslinked rubber molded products having excellent heat aging resistance, compression set resistance, liquid resistance (ΔV) and strength properties; and hydraulic cylinder parts formed from the composition; (8) a crosslinkable rubber composition for seal packing, which has a high crosslinking rate and excellent productivity, is capable of undergoing hot-air crosslinking such as HAV (hot air vulcanization vessel) or UHF (ultra high frequency electromagnetic wave), and is capable of producing crosslinked rubber molded products having excellent strength properties, scratch resistance, heat aging resistance, compression set resistance, chemical resistance and non-staining properties to mold; and seal packing parts formed from the composition; (9) a rubber composition for constructional gasket, which has high glass holding power, is excellent in weathering resistance, creep resistance and colorability, and is stable to temperature change through the whole year; and construction gaskets produced from the rubber composition; and (10) a rubber composition which is capable of producing polyolefin rolls having excellent heat resistance and elasticity; and rubber rolls produced from rubber composition. The present invention is intended to solve such problems associated with the prior art as mentioned above, and it is an object of the invention to provide a crosslinkable rubber composition, which has a high crosslinking rate and excellent productivity, is capable of undergoing hot-air crosslinking such as HAV (hot air vulcanization vessel) or UHF (ultra high frequency electromagnetic wave), and is capable of producing crosslinked rubber molded products having excellent compression set resistance, strength properties, heat resistance, weathering resistance and abrasion resistance. It is another object of the invention to provide automobile weatherstrip, hose, rubber vibration insulator, belt, sealing material, expanded product, covered electric wire, electric wire joint, electric insulating part and household rubber product each of which is formed from the rubber composition. Further objects of the invention are as follows: (1) To provide a crosslinkable rubber composition, which has a high crosslinking rate and excellent productivity, is capable of undergoing hot-air crosslinking (e.g., HAV or UHF), and is capable of producing crosslinked rubber molded products having excellent scratch resistance, compression set resistance, adhesion properties and oil resistance after deterioration; and to provide uses thereof (molded products thereof). (2) To provide a crosslinkable rubber composition excellent in flowability, which has a high crosslinking rate and excellent productivity to produce crosslinked rubber molded products, is capable of undergoing hot-air crosslinking such as HAV or UHF, and is capable of producing crosslinked rubber molded products (including expanded products) having excellent compression set resistance, strength properties, heat resistance and weathering resistance; and to provide uses thereof. (3) To provide a crosslinkable rubber composition excellent in non-staining properties to mold, which has a high crosslinking rate and excellent productivity to produce crosslinked rubber molded product, is capable of undergoing hot-air crosslinking (e.g., HAV or UHF), and is capable of producing crosslinked rubber molded products having excellent compression set resistance, strength properties, heat resistance, weathering resistance and abrasion resistance; and to provide uses thereof. (4) To provide a crosslinkable rubber composition for vibration insulating rubber, which has a high crosslinking rate and excellent productivity, is capable of undergoing hot-air crosslinking such as HAV (hot air vulcanization vessel) or UHF (ultra high frequency electromagnetic wave), and is capable of producing crosslinked rubber molded products having hitherto unknown excellent compression set resistance at low cost; and to provide vibration insulating rubber products thereof. (5) To provide a crosslinkable rubber composition for glass run, which has a high crosslinking rate and excellent productivity, is capable of undergoing hot-air crosslinking such as HAV or UHF, and is capable of producing glass run products having good appearance free from stain by bleeding of a crosslinking agent or a vulcanizing agent and being mild to environment because of no release of a nitrosoamine compound suspected to be so-called carcinogenic material; and to provide glass run products thereof. (6) To provide a zinc oxide-free crosslinkable rubber composition for hose, which has a high crosslinking rate and excellent productivity, is capable of undergoing hot-air crosslinking such as HAV (hot air vulcanization vessel) or UHF (ultra high frequency electromagnetic wave), and is capable of producing crosslinked rubber molded products having excellent compression set, strength properties and heat aging resistance; and to provide various hoses formed from the composition, such as automobile water hose, automobile brake hose, industrial air hose, water hose and steam hose. (7) To provide a crosslinkable rubber composition for weatherstrip sponge, which has a high crosslinking rate and excellent productivity, is capable of undergoing continuous crosslinking such as HAV (hot air vulcanization vessel) or UHF (ultra high frequency electromagnetic wave), and is capable of producing weatherstrip sponges having excellent compression set resistance and scratch resistance; and to provide weatherstrip sponges which are crosslinked and expanded products thereof. (8) To provide a crosslinkable rubber composition for highly expanded sponge, which has a high crosslinking rate and excellent productivity, is capable of undergoing hot-air crosslinking such as HAV (hot air vulcanization vessel) or UHF (ultra high frequency electromagnetic wave), and is capable of producing highly expanded molded sponges of crosslinked rubber expanded products having excellent compression set resistance, expandability, non-staining properties (e.g., non-staining properties to metals) and strength properties; and to provide highly expanded sponges thereof (crosslinked rubber expanded products). (9) To provide a crosslinkable rubber composition for electric or electronic part, which has a high crosslinking rate and excellent productivity, is capable of undergoing hot-air crosslinking such as HAV (hot air vulcanization vessel) or UHF (ultra high frequency electromagnetic wave), and is capable of producing crosslinked rubber molded products for electric or electronic parts having excellent compression set resistance, electrical properties and strength properties; and to provide electric or electronic parts formed from the composition, e.g., insulating electric or electronic parts such as electric wire covering materials and electric insulating rubber parts, and semi-conducting electric or electronic parts. (10) To provide a crosslinkable rubber composition for hydraulic cylinder seal, which has a high crosslinking rate and excellent productivity, is capable of undergoing hot-air crosslinking such as HAV (hot air vulcanization vessel) or UHF (ultra high frequency electromagnetic wave), and is capable of producing crosslinked rubber molded products having excellent heat aging resistance, compression set resistance, liquid resistance (ΔV) and strength properties; and to provide hydraulic cylinder parts formed from the composition. (11) To provide a crosslinkable rubber composition for seal packing having excellent non-staining properties to mold, which has a high crosslinking rate and excellent productivity, is capable of undergoing hot-air crosslinking such as HAV (hot air vulcanization vessel) or UHF (ultra high frequency electromagnetic wave), and is capable of producing crosslinked rubber molded products having excellent strength properties, scratch resistance, heat aging resistance, compression set resistance and chemical resistance; and to provide seal packing parts thereof. (12) To provide a rubber composition for constructional gasket, which has high glass holding power, is excellent in weathering resistance, creep resistance and colorability, and is stable to temperature change through the whole year; and to provide construction gaskets produced from the rubber composition. (13) To provide a rubber composition which is capable of producing polyolefin rolls having excellent heat resistance and elasticity; and to provide rubber rolls produced from rubber composition.

1. Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to clock phase estimation and more specifically to a graphics dual data rate (GDDR) interface with a hardware write clock to clock (WCK2CK) training engine using meta-error detection code (EDC) sweeping and adjustably accurate voting algorithm for clock phase detection. 2. Description of the Related Art Computational systems typically include one or more processing units, and one or more discrete memory devices coupled to the one or more processing units via a memory interface bus. Each of the one or more processing units may be a conventional central processing unit (CPU), or another type of processing unit, such as a graphics processing unit (GPU). Each discrete memory device is commonly a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) component that is configured to operate according to technical requirements of the memory interface bus. The technical requirements for a given memory interface bus are conventionally established as an industry-wide standard. Each of the one or more processing units reads data from and writes data to the DRAM component via the memory interface bus. As processing speed requirements increase for various types of processing units, operating speeds for associated memory interface buses also increase. Current operating speeds pose significant challenges for system designers because manufacturing variation in associated circuitry commonly result in signal-to-signal skews that are significant compared to data bit durations on current memory interface buses. To compensate for signal-to-signal skew, current memory interface buses typically execute one or more training procedures, where signal skews are measured and compensated, thereby phase-aligning the signals for near optimal operation. In addition to increasing speed requirements, power management is also an increasingly important requirement. To minimize system power, the memory interface bus should be able to operate slowly when processing requirements decrease, and faster when processing requirements increase. Each time the memory interface bus changes speed, certain training operations need to be repeated. In a graphics application, where real-time performance is required, any re-training must not impact whether the memory interface bus can meet all real-time data access requirements, such as screen refresh. Failure to meet all real-time requirements may cause flicker and significantly degrading video quality and user experience. One standard memory interface bus that includes clock training for signal phase-alignment and variable interface clock speed for power management features is referred to in the art as graphics dual data rate version five (GDDR5). GDDR5 is defined by the well-known industry standards group JEDEC. DRAM components that adhere to GDDR5 are commonly incorporated into modern graphics systems requiring high performance as well as power management. GDDR5 defines a thirty-two-bit wide memory interface bus, and includes one error detection code (EDC) bit per byte. In a clock training mode, the EDC bits are used as feedback from the DRAM component to a DRAM controller that is coupled to an associated processing unit that needs to access the DRAM component. The DRAM controller “sweeps” a write clock (used for transmitting data) versus a reference clock (used for transmitting commands and addresses) to find an optimal phase relationship between the two. The EDC feedback indicates whether the DRAM component is receiving the write clock early or late with respect to the reference clock for the current phase step in the sweep. The DRAM controller then establishes write clock timing for the DRAM component at the transition between early and late. An additional feature of GDDR5 is the ability to split the thirty-two-bit data bus into two sixteen-bit data busses, each attached to one of two discrete DRAM components, for operation in “x16 mode.” In x16 mode, total storage attached to the thirty-two-bit bus may be advantageously doubled with minimal loss of performance. However, each of the two different DRAM components attached to the memory interface bus may require a different phase relationship between their respective write clock and the reference clock. With only one set of clock pins defined in the GDDR5 specification, a two sweep training procedure is conventionally performed to find a phase relationship between the write clock and the reference clock that is acceptable to both DRAM components. The first sweep finds a first phase relationship for one of the DRAM components, and a second sweep finds a second phase relationship for the second DRAM component. A midpoint (average) between the two phase relationships is then used by both DRAM components as an acceptable compromise. While this two sweep technique allows two GDDR5 devices to operate in x16 mode, training time may become a significant burden in certain applications. Lengthy training times associated with GDDR5×16 mode may impede the real time performance requirements of a graphics system. For example, screen flickers occur if GDDR5 training times prevent refreshing the screen contents as scheduled. Accordingly, what is needed in the art is a technique that enables faster clock training in GDDR5 DRAM components than is currently specified in the art.

With the increasing use of remote controllers to control consumer devices such as TVs, Blu-ray players, air-conditioners, stereos and DVD players, many consumers are increasingly finding it difficult to store all the different controllers for the different consumer devices in homes today. With the increased adoption and penetration of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, these mobile devices offer the potential to be used as universal remote controllers. Furthermore, because these mobile devices can connect to manufacturers' websites, they can be used to download the IR codes used by manufacturers, and update these codes as necessary. While some prior devices are capable of converting an audio signal output through a stereo headphone jack into an infrared (IR) remote control signal, these prior devices are limited in terms of the frequencies that can be used for transmission to below 40 kHz. Further, such prior devices are limited in the amount of power generated, which results in weak infrared signals being transmitted.

1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an imaging device and a focus control method. 2. Description of the Related Art An apodization filter (hereinafter, referred to as an APD filter) has been known as an optical filter for improving the quality of an image that is out of focus, that is, a so-called blurred image. When the APD filter is used, it is possible to smooth the contour of a blurred image. JP2005-62732A discloses an imaging device in which an APD filter can be inserted into an optical path and focus control is performed by a phase-difference autofocus (AF) system in a state in which the APD filter is inserted into the optical path. JP2013-178387A discloses a technique which is not related to an imaging device provided with an APD filter and limits the range in which a focus lens can be driven in order to reduce the time required for the completion of focusing when focus control is formed by a phase difference AF system.

1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a stereoscopic image observing apparatus for stereoscopically displaying an image picked-up for a medical field. 2. Description of the Related Art Recently, an operation using an endoscope having such an advantage of low-invasiveness to a patient is widely spread in a medical field. In the operation using the endoscope, an endoscope image is a two-dimensional image and therefore it is extremely difficult to operate an operation treatment tool to the patient, compared to an operation under direct viewing. Since a stereoscopic endoscope can display a stereoscopic image in the body cavity to the operator, it is advantageous to provide the operability which is approximate to the direct viewing by the operator. Thus, various systems of the above-mentioned stereoscopic endoscope have already been suggested. As one example of the stereoscopic endoscopes, a head-mounted display system is suggested whereby beams from images having the parallax displayed on an image display device are directly projected onto the right and left eyes of an observer by an optical system arranged near the pole of the observer face, and image information on a large screen is equivalently and stereoscopically observed as a virtual image. As another example of the stereoscopic endoscopes, a monitor system is suggested whereby the image having the parallax is sequentially displayed on the monitor at the same position, the observer attaches an eye glass having a right and left sequential switching shutter function which is synchronous to the image sequentially switched on the monitor, and the image on the monitor is stereoscopically observed.

Surface alloying of metals is usually accomplished by welding processes or various flame and plasma spraying techniques. Welding processes utilize an electrical or gaseous energy source with a highly variable power level which is difficult to control. As a result, excess heat is normally directed to the article being coated and the microstructure thereof is often adversely affected so that additional heat treatment is subsequently necessary. While the strength of the bond between the surface coating and article may be sufficient with such welding processes, an excessively thick coating is normally provided because of irregularities in the deposition rate and the lack of the full ability to control its placement. Such excess coating must, in many instances, be machined off to achieve the desired final surface contour at additional expense. Further, welding processes are basically accomplished at a rather slow material deposition rate and the accompanying control problems often lead to impurities in the microstructure, cracks or porosity, or other forms of harmful metallurgical defects which tend to decrease the strength of the coating and its bond to the article. By way of example, engine valves of austenitic chrome nickel silicon steel with Stellite No. 6 coating material fusibly bonded thereto around the annular valve seat portion thereof have been widely adopted by the diesel engine industry. Such coating material is available from the Stellite Division of Cabot Corp., Kokomo, Ind. These valves are produced by a relatively complex manufacturing process utilizing gaseous torches to extensively heat the valve head prior to, during, and subsequent to depositing the Stellite coating material thereon. This process is known as "puddle welding." The disadvantages of this expensive and relatively slow process include directing an excessive amount of heat into the base material and slow cooling of the coating. This results in a relatively thick overall diffusion zone or region of interstitial bond of approximately 0.020 inch between the base material and the coating as well as dendritic segregation and enlarged crystallization of the coating material with an accompanying decreased hardness thereof. Further, the thick diffusion zone represents a region having neither the desirable properties of the base material or of the coating. For example, it is known that the iron in the steel degrades the Stellite when present in only relatively minute amounts. Accordingly, the service life of these valves is not as high as desired. On the other hand, flame and plasma spraying techniques apply a coating material to an article without substantial heating of the article, with the result that a relatively poor metallurgical bond occurs therebetween. Such a technique is usually limited to a coating thickness of a few thousandths of an inch having generally low strength. U.S. Pat. No. 3,310,423 issued Mar. 21, 1967 to H. S. Ingham, Jr. discloses a flame spraying process for applying a coating utilizing instantaneous energy bursts from a laser beam to raise the temperature of the previously heated flame sprayed particles as they are propelled toward the surface of an article. The substantially molten particles are purported to adhere to the surface of the article upon contact therewith with a better bond than conventional flame spraying processes, which are generally known to have a relatively weak bond between the coating and the article, and coating porosity. This method is more expensive because it requires dual heating and, further, the thickness of the applied layers is restricted to only a few thousandths of an inch. Because of these deficiencies, flame spraying processes have been considered entirely unsatisfactory for hard facing an engine valve, for example. Other heating sources such as the possible use of solar energy or electron beam energy appear to raise more difficult problems. With solar energy, a large and expensive heat gathering system is needed in order to obtain sufficient power density energy levels and the broad spectrum energy source is continually changing. Likewise, with electron beam energy a relatively expensive evacuation system is normally necessary, and this greatly restricts the manufacturing process of the parts to be coated. For example, the vapor pressure of either the coating material or the article could be adversely affected and some materials might volatilize, imposing further limits on material choice which is already limited by the electron beam welding process itself. Illustrative of the wide range of efforts to solve the particular problem of applying a hard surface coating to the head of an engine valve, for example, are U.S. Pat. No. 3,147,747 to LeRoy O. Kittelson; U.S. Pat. No. 3,362,057 to Gerhard Kubera et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,649,380 to Max. J. Tauschek. Also, U.S. Pat. No. 3,478,441 to Alexander Goloff et al. and assigned to the assignee of the present invention discloses a method of friction welding a facing material workpiece to an engine valve to provide an impact resistant seat thereto. However, none of these methods completely solves the various problems, including the frequent need to machine off the excess coating, or solves them in a sufficiently economical manner. One other method, U.S. Pat. No. 3,663,793 to James Petro et al., describes a way of applying a coating to a glass light bulb or the like for decorative purposes, using heat from a laser beam or an electron beam. However, such method employs an additional heating step and makes no mention of improving the wear and impact resistant service life of the coating and its bond with the parent article to which the present invention is particularly directed.

Wear-resistant, superabrasive materials are traditionally utilized for a variety of mechanical applications. For example, polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) materials are often used in drilling tools (e.g., cutting elements, gage trimmers, etc.), machining equipment, bearing apparatuses, wire-drawing machinery, and in other mechanical systems. Cutting elements that have a superabrasive layer or a PCD table may be formed and bonded to a substrate using an ultra-high pressure, ultra-high temperature (“HPHT”) sintering process to form a polycrystalline diamond compact (“PDC”). Often, cutting elements that have a PCD table are fabricated by placing a cemented carbide substrate, such as a cobalt-cemented tungsten carbide substrate, into a container or cartridge with a volume of diamond particles positioned on a surface of the cemented carbide substrate. The substrate and diamond particle volumes may then be processed under diamond-stable HPHT conditions in the presence of a catalyst material, which causes the diamond particles to bond to one another to form a diamond table having a matrix of bonded diamond grains. The catalyst material is often a metal-solvent catalyst, such as cobalt, nickel, or iron, which facilitates intergrowth and bonding of the diamond crystals. The catalyst may come from the cemented-carbide substrate, such as cobalt from a cobalt-cemented tungsten carbide substrate, which liquefies and sweeps from a region adjacent to the volume of diamond particles into interstitial regions between the diamond particles during the HPHT process. The presence of the metal-solvent catalyst and/or other materials in the diamond table may reduce a thermal stability of the diamond table at elevated temperatures. For example, a difference in the thermal expansion coefficient between the diamond grains and the metal-solvent catalyst is believed to lead to chipping or cracking in the PCD table of a cutting element during drilling or cutting operations. The chipping or cracking in the PCD table may degrade the mechanical properties of the cutting element or lead to failure of the cutting element. Additionally, at high temperatures, diamond grains may undergo a chemical breakdown or back-conversion with the metal-solvent catalyst. Further, portions of diamond grains may transform to carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, graphite, or combinations thereof, thereby degrading the mechanical properties of the PCD material. Accordingly, it is desirable to remove a metal-solvent catalyst from a PCD material in situations when the PCD table or material may be exposed to high temperatures. Chemical leaching is often used to dissolve and remove the metal-solvent catalyst from the PCD table. Conventional chemical leaching techniques often involve the use of highly concentrated and corrosive leaching solutions, such as highly acidic solutions, to dissolve and remove metal-solvent catalysts from polycrystalline diamond materials. However, the leaching solutions may dissolve any accessible portions of the substrate to which the PCD table is attached. For example, highly acidic leaching solutions may dissolve any accessible portions of the cobalt-cemented tungsten carbide substrate, causing undesired pitting and/or other corrosion of the substrate surface. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/084,058, entitled “Protective Leaching Cups, Systems, and Methods of Use,” filed on 19 Nov. 2013, discloses that a polymeric leaching cup may be placed around a portion of a PCD element or layer to protect the substrate from the leaching solutions. The polymeric leaching cup may, for example, surround the substrate surface and a portion of the PCD layer near the substrate. The entire disclosure of the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/084,058 is incorporated herein by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/084,058 also discloses an expansion apparatus for positioning a superabrasive element within a protective leaching cup and/or for expanding a portion of the protective leaching cup to at least partially evacuate gas(es) trapped between the superabrasive element and the protective leaching cup by expanding or bending a top portion of the protective leaching cup. The gas(es), such as air, may be trapped between the protective leaching cup and a PDC when the cup is placed around the PDC. During leaching, trapped gas(es) may expand due to an increase in temperature and/or a decrease in pressure, pushing the PDC out of the leaching cup and exposing a portion of the substrate or other protected part of the PDC to the leaching solution. Such exposure to leaching solutions may result in undesired corrosion and/or damage to the substrate. Therefore, manufactures and users of PDCs continue to seek improved PDC processing techniques.

1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to multi-stage optical amplifiers, and more particularly to broadband communication systems that include one or more multi-stage optical amplifiers. 2. Description of the Related Art The demand for bandwidth continues to grow exponentially on fiber-optic superhighways due to applications such as data communications and the internet. Consequently, there is much effort at exploiting the bandwidth of optical fibers by using higher speeds per channel. Examples include time-division multiplexed systems-and wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM). Most fiber-optic networks currently deployed use standard single-mode fiber or dispersion-shifted fiber (DSF). Standard fiber has a zero dispersion wavelength around 1310 nm, and the dispersion is primarily resulting from the inherent glass dispersion. Currently, most of the terrestrial network in the US and the world is based on standard fiber. With DSF, waveguide dispersion is used to shift the zero dispersion wavelength to longer wavelengths. A conventional DSF has a zero dispersion wavelength at 1550 nm, coinciding with the minimum loss in a fused silica fiber. However, the zero dispersion wavelength can be shifted around by varying the amount of waveguide dispersion added. DSF is used exclusively in two countries, Japan and Italy, as well as in new long-haul links. The limiting factors for a fiber-optic transmission line include loss, dispersion and gain equalization. Loss refers to the fact that the signal attenuates as it travels in a fiber due to intrinsic scattering, absorption and other extrinsic effects such as defects. Optical amplifiers can be used to compensate for the loss. Dispersion means that different frequencies of light travel at different speeds, and it comes from both the material properties and waveguiding effects. When using multi-wavelength systems and due the non-uniformity of the gain with frequency, gain equalization is required to even out the gain over the different wavelength channels. The typical solution to overcoming these limitations is to periodically place in a transmission system elements to compensate for each of these problems. For example, a dispersion compensator can be used to cancel the dispersion, an optical amplifier used to balance the loss and a gain equalization element used to flatten the gain. Examples of dispersion compensators include chirped fiber gratings and dispersion compensating fiber (DCF). Examples of optical amplifiers include erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs), Raman amplifiers, and non-linear fiber amplifiers (NLFAs). Another problem that arises in WDM systems is interaction or cross-talk between channels through non-linearities in the fiber. In particular, four-wave mixing (4WM) causes exchange of energy between different wavelength channels, but 4WM only phase matches near the zero dispersion wavelength. Consequently, if a fiber link is made from conventional DSF, it is difficult to operate a WDM system from around 1540-1560 nm. This turns out to be quite unfortunate because typical EDFA""s have gain from 1535-1565 nm, and the more uniform gain band is near 1540-1560 nm. A second fiber nonlinearity that can be troublesome is modulation instability (MI), which is 4WM where the fiber""s nonlinear index-of-refraction helps to phase match. However, MI only phase matches when the dispersion is positive or in the so-called soliton regime. Therefore, MI can be avoided by operating at wavelengths shorter than the zero dispersion wavelength. As the bandwidth utilization over individual fibers increases, the number of bands used for transmission increases. For WDM systems using a number of bands, additional complexities arise due to interaction between and amplification in multi-band scenarios. In particular, particular system designs are needed for Raman amplification in multi-band transmission systems. First, a new nonlinearity penalty arises from the gain tilt from the Raman effect between channels. This arises because long wavelength channels tend to rob energy from the short wavelength channels. Therefore, a means of minimizing the gain tilt on existing channels with the addition of new WDM channels is required. To minimize both the effects of 4WM and Raman gain tilt, another technical strategy is to use distributed Raman amplification. In a WDM system with multi-bands, a complexity arises from interaction between the different pumps along the transmission line. There is a need for greater bandwidth for broadband communication systems. A further need exists for broadband communication systems with reduced loss. Yet another need exists for broadband communication systems in the short wavelength region (S-band) covering the wavelength range of approximately 1430-1530 nm. Another need exists for broadband communication systems with improved dispersion compensation. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide improved multi-stage optical amplifiers and broadband communication systems. Another object of the present invention is to provide multi-stage optical amplifiers and broadband communication systems with greater bandwidth. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide multi-stage optical amplifiers and broadband communication systems in the S band. A further object of the present invention is to provide multi-stage optical amplifiers and broadband communication systems that use standard fiber and DSF with different zero dispersion wavelengths. Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-stage optical amplifier and broadband communication system that combines the C and S bands. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide multi-stage optical amplifiers and broadband communication systems that combine the C, S and L bands. A further object of the present invention is to provide multi-stage optical amplifiers and broadband communication systems with gain tilt control It is yet another object of the present invention to provide WDM systems over DSF links by using the xe2x80x9cvioletxe2x80x9d band in Raman amplifiers with dispersion compensating fiber to avoid nonlinearity limitations from 4WM and MI. These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in a multi-stage optical amplifier that has an optical fiber including a first length of amplifier fiber and a second length of amplifier fiber. The optical fiber is configured to be coupled to a signal source that produces at least a signal wavelength xcexp, and a pump source that produces a pump wavelength xcexp. Pump wavelength xcexp is less than signal wavelength xcexs. Signal input, signal output and pump input ports are each coupled to the optical fiber. A first lossy member is coupled to the optical fiber and positioned between the first and second lengths of amplifier fiber. A pump shunt is coupled to the signal input port and the signal output port. In another embodiment, the present invention is a broadband communication system with a transmitter and a receiver. An optical fiber is coupled to the transmitter and receiver. The optical fiber includes at least a first Raman amplifier fiber and a second Raman amplifier fiber. The optical fiber is configured to be coupled to at least one signal source that produces at least a signal wavelength xcexs and at least two pump sources that collectively produce a pump beam of wavelength xcexp. Pump wavelength xcexp is less than signal wavelength xcexs. Signal input, signal output and a first pump input port are each coupled to the optical fiber. The first Raman amplifier fiber is positioned between the signal input port and the pump input port. The second Raman amplifier fiber is positioned between the pump input port and signal output port. A second pump input port is coupled to the optical fiber and positioned between the second Raman amplifier fiber and the signal output port. A first lossy member is positioned between the pump input port and the signal output port. The lossy member is lossy in at least one direction so that passage of the pump radiation of wavelength xcexp from the second to the first length of amplifier fiber is substantially blocked.

Traditionally, telecommunications cables are either relayed via telecommunications poles above ground or are laid underground. Above-ground cables, however, are susceptible to damage by natural occurrences (e.g., wind, rain, storms, lightning, falling trees, rock/land-slides, etc.) and/or by man-made occurrences (e.g., low-flying aircraft, land vehicles, construction equipment, etc.). Underground cables are generally insulated from some of these natural and man-made occurrences, but incur significantly greater costs in time, money, and man-power to install. Hence, there is a need for more cost-efficient techniques and tools to install telecommunications cables and other lines at or below ground level.

The present invention relates to mounting apparatus. The present invention is in particular intended to be used for attaching a spring element to a connection arm which is part of the wheel suspension of a vehicle. At present, various types of suspension systems are used for the axles of vehicles, e.g. cars. In a known manner, such wheel suspensions are arranged to permit mounting and springing motion of the wheels of the vehicle, which in turn results in a more comfortable ride for the occupants and improves the vehicle""s road-holding while prolonging its life. A number of different types of wheel suspensions are known, and are included in systems with, for example, rigid or divided axles which can be provided with spring elements, shock absorbers and other components. In addition, force-absorbing connection arms are often used to connect the vehicle""s wheels and its body, and stabilizers are used to suppress swaying of the vehicle. A known wheel suspension for vehicles is described in published International Application No. WO 96/12897. This suspension comprises a U-shaped spring element which is manufactured from a tube of composite material. Each end of the spring element is attached to a connection arm, which in turn is attached between one of the vehicle""s wheel bearings and part of the vehicle body in the form of a structural framework element. In addition, the wheel suspension is designed so that the framework element supports the spring element. The spring element acts partly as a spring, absorbing vertical and lateral forces and partly as a stabilizer. As the spring element is manufactured of composite material, the wheel suspension thus has a lower weight than when known technology is used. In the arrangement according to WO 96/12897, attachment of the spring element to the respective connection arm is carried out using a special mounting arrangement. The spring element is thus designed with one end having an external diameter which increases gradually in the direction of that end, and which is located on a tapering nose element protruding out of the connection arm. Although the known apparatus works satisfactorily in principle there are certain problems associated therewith. In particular, it should be noted that the spring element is rigidly attached to the connection arm which means that no forces are absorbed at the point of attachment. This can, in turn, result in the attachment not providing the suspension which is required in order to provide a comfortable ride for the occupants of the vehicle. In addition, there are strong bending forces at the attachment point of the spring element. An object of the present invention is to achieve an improved mounting arrangement for connection of two components in particular for attaching a spring element of the above-mentioned type to a connection arm, which mounting arrangement provides a secure connection and an optimal load absorption. In accordance with the present invention, this and other objects have now been realized by the discovery of apparatus for mounting a spring element having an end to a connecting arm forming a portion of a vehicle wheel suspension, the apparatus comprising a connector fixed to the end of the spring element and disposed on one side of the connecting arm, a locking member disposed on the other side of the connecting arm, and fastening means extending through the connecting arm for attaching the connector to the locking member. In a preferred embodiment, the connecting arm includes at least one bushing, and wherein the locking member is attached to the connector through the at least one bushing. Preferably, the fastening means attaches the connector, to the locking member through the at least one bushing. In accordance with one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the end of the spring element has a diameter which increases in a direction towards the connecting arm. Preferably, the end of the spring element includes an inner diameter, and the locking member includes a tapered portion adapted to pressingly engage the inner diameter of the end of the spring element when. the connector is fastened to the locking member. In a preferred embodiment, the tapered portion of the locking member is flexible. In accordance with another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the connector includes an inner diameter, and the end of the spring element and the inner diameter of the connector include non-circular cross-sections. In accordance with another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the end of the spring element extends in a longitudinal direction, and the apparatus includes a pair of flexible bushings disposed on the connecting arm on opposite sides of the longitudinal direction. In accordance with another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the spring element comprises a composite material. In accordance with another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical stabilizer extending within the spring element. Preferably, the stabilizer includes an end, and the end of the stabilizer includes external splines, the locking member including an inner diameter, the inner diameter of the locking member including internal splines, the external splines of the stabilizer and the internal splines of the locking member cooperatively interacting with each other. The present invention is intended for connecting a first, essentially tubular element and a second element, comprising a connection element which is fixed to the first element and a locking element. The present invention is characterized in that the connection element and the locking element are arranged on each side of the second element and are connected by means of at least one fastening component extending through the second element. This provides a secure connection suitable for large compression and torsion forces for attaching a tubular element, for example a spring element in a vehicle. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second element has at least one bushing. In addition, that locking element is attached to the connection element by means of the bushing. This provides a number of benefits. In particular, it can be mentioned that the bushing helps to remove the load from the attachment of the spring element to the connection arm. In addition the bushing provides a function that ensures that loads can be absorbed in the direction of the axis, as well as turning and bending moments. In addition the arrangement according to the present invention means that a stabilizer (for example in the form of a flexible shaft of steel or fiber material) can be arranged extending within the spring element. This has the advantage of saving space.

The installation of a ceiling fan is a difficult task for a single installer. To install a conventional ceiling fan, the fan is lifted to just below the electrical junction box and held there while connecting the fan wires to the electrical supply wires. After the electrical connection is finished, the fan is lifted further to place the fan bell over the junction box and held in that position while the fan is attached to the box or a ceiling hanger in some manner, typically with screws or bolts. The combined operation takes several minutes and usually requires two persons, one to lift and hold the fan and the other to make the wire and screw connections.

Prior art signal cartridges are usually launched from shoulder or hand-fired weapons, and utilize a parachute type canopy to suspend and retard the descent of the cartridge or flare to prolong the pyrotechnic display. Without such a parachute, the light-producing payload would fall rapidly back to the ground, and the light display would be rather shortlived. Even with the use of a parachute, the pyrotechnic display does not have as great a duration as would be desirable since space, which could otherwise be used for increased payload, is required to accommodate the parachute within the restricted confines of the cartridge or projectile body. Furthermore, unreliable deployment of the parachute at the prescribed height frequently renders the signal ineffective. Such so-called "duds" are of course costly and time consuming. Prior art efforts to overcome these disadvantages have centered on improved parachute deployment or larger cartridges for larger payloads. However, generally cartridges in the 30-50 millimeter range are the maximum size used for hand-held weapons. Accordingly, a primary object of this invention is to eliminate the need for a parachute for suspending the signal display. Another object of this invention is to provide a self-levitating signal cartridge. A further object of this invention is to provide a signal cartridge having thrust means for levitating the cartridge. Still another object of this invention is to provide a self-levitating signal cartridge which may incorporate a larger payload than previously used within the same size cartridge. Still a further object of this invention is to provide a self-levitating signal cartridge which utilizes a payload which will simultaneously provide a signal and a means for suspending that signal using the same mass of material. Yet another object of this invention is to provide a signal cartridge which incorporates separate solid masses of material to yield levitation and a light or smoke signal within the same cartridge. A still further object of this invention is to provide a signal cartridge which utilizes a rocket motor for levitating the cartridge at or near the zenith of its trajectory. Yet a further object of this invention is to provide a self-levitating signal cartridge having thrust producing means which is balanced over time with respect to the mass of the signal cartridge. A still further object of this invention is to provide a signal cartridge utilizing a rocket motor for levitating the signal cartridge and including a self-compensating thrust modulator for the rocket motor. Still another object of this invention is to provide a signal cartridge which utilizes a configured thrust-producing charge for balancing the thrust output with respect to the mass of the projectile over time.

Worldwide the incidence of diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) is increasing and present an ever growing factor of expenditure in the health systems of especially the western world. At the time of diagnosis about 50% of these patients exhibit complications, especially in the form of atherosclerosis. The development of atherosclerosis and atherothrombosis may be delayed by intensive treatment of dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and dysrequlation of diabetes as well. Typically, risk factors for atherothrombosis in diabetes patients are monitored on blood samples such as measurements of the regulation of diabetes (HbAlc) combined with measurements of cholesterol fractions and triglycerides (dyslipidemia). ECG, sensitive CRP, and marker enzymes of heart ischemia are used for screening of cardiac atherosclerosis and thrombosis as well as for diagnostic and monitoring purposes. Additionally, it is necessary to evaluate clinical symptoms of atherosclerosis thus involving a complex range of tests and clinical evaluations in order to obtain a realistic assessment of the risk factors. An integrated measurement of the level and risk of atherosclerosis and/or atherothrombosis in patients, such as diabetes patients, would facilitate and enable early intervention thus providing considerable health and economic gains. Griffin, E. et al. (Nature Medicine, Vol. 7, No. 7, July 2001, pp 840-846) have shown that a glucose mediated increase in CD36 mRNA translation efficiency results in increased expression of the macrophage scavenger receptor CD36 and that expression of CD36 was increased in endarterectomy lesions from patients with a history of hyperglycemia. Thus, the increased translation of CD36 transcripts under high glucose conditions provides a mechanism for accelerated atherosclerosis in diabetics. Griffin et al. use immunocytochemistry on human carotid artery lesions and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells to detect the levels of CD36 expression. Liang C-P et al.(JCI113:763-73, 2004) found, in a study using macrophages from ob/ob mice, evidence that an increased CD36 protein expression in insulin resistant macrophages is caused by defective insulin signalling, and that defective macrophage insulin signalling predisposes to foam cell formation and atherosclerosis in insulin-resistant states. JP published patent application No. 2000180447 describes a method and a reaction kit for detecting a CD36 antigen in an organism sample such as blood as a marker for the presence of and/or the degree of acute myocardial infarction. However, a correlation between the presence of CD36 antigen in a blood sample of a patient or subject and a risk of said patient or subject developing atherosclerosis is not shown or mentioned in JP 2000180447. Moreover, it is known that a drop in the CD36 levels in cells of a patient after initiating protease inhibitor therapy relative to the level prior to protease inhibitor therapy is predictive of the subsequent development of lipodystrophy associated with antiretroviral therapy. The level of CD36 is measured in cells using flow cytometric analysis. The cells may be monocytes from a blood sample or a fraction thereof (CA patent application No. 2289365). Thus, it appears that measurements of the membrane bound CD36 protein as a marker molecule for atherosclerosis related conditions has a diagnostic potential. However, with the present state of the art, such measurements will involve the use of immunocytochemistry and/or flow cytometry which require the use of complicated apparatuses and which are not readily useful for a standard hospital laboratory. There is a need for a simple and cost efficient method to predict those at risk of developing atherosclerosis and/or atherothrombosis. Said method would provide an integrated measurement of the influence of several risk factors in one analysis of a blood plasma sample by measuring the level of a circulating analyte such as an unbound protein or fraction thereof or soluble complex comprising said protein or fraction present in blood plasma.

1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for gutting non-decapitated fish, in particular breeding fish such as trout, by opening the belly cavity through slitting the belly walls surrounding the belly cavity, beginning in the anal region, along the belly seam, as well as an apparatus for carrying out the method, comprising a conveyor, including at least one fish receptacle for the fish to be processed, which supports said fish at least by its back and pushes it with the tail thereof leading, as well as processing means, which can be moved in a controlled manner with regard to the path of the fish for the purpose of processing the fish according to said method, said processing means comprising a cutting tool, which is driven to rotate, for opening the belly cavity in the area between the anus and the gill cavity, a spreader for the spreading of the belly cavity walls, and means for removing the entrails by a suction effect. In the gutting of fish, particularly of this species, it is important that through this process the belly cavity is freed from all entrail parts, which also includes the removal of the bloodstream (kidney). In such a process, it is of decisive importance that the inner walls of the belly remain intact. Moreover, during this process it is required to provide, in a simple manner, whether or not the gills remain in the fish. Based on the anatomical structure a favourable prerequisite therefor lies in performing a processing from the anus towards the head. 2. Related Art Apparatuses are known which function according to such a principle. For example, an apparatus is known from DE-PS 28 32 259 by which the fish is conveyed in a troughed chain, whilst lying on its back and by means of pushing on its head end with its tail end leading, through the area in which the processing tools are active. The processing takes place through controlled movement of the processing tools into the transport path of the fish. Therein, the aim is pursued, following the slitting of the belly wall, to bloat the entrails through supplying water to the belly cavity, and to remove them by means of suction pumping. Due to the structure of the suction pump tool, removal of the gills is not possible and a complete removal of the gullet is not ensured. The apparatus constituting the subject matter of DE-OS 22 32 633 also leads to the same result. Therein, transport of the fish takes place under a pulling effect produced by means of a conveyor which seizes the tail of said fish. Another prior art constuction of such type can be taken from DE-PS 33 43 789, which shows an apparatus by which the fish are gripped behind the gill cover and conveyed with the head leading. Following the opening of the belly cavity, a suction nozzle moving with the fish is inserted into said cavity in the region of the gill cavity and during their joint movement and by means of knife elements located on the suction nozzle and movable under control, the gullet is severed. An apparatus for removing of the gills and entrails can be taken from DE-OS 15 79 427. With this apparatus, the fish are conveyed with the head leading and via clamping thereon, the fish first being provided with two incisions performed transversely with regard to the conveying direction in the regions of the lower jaw and of the gill cavity. Thereafter, the belly cavity is opened between the gill cavity incision and the anus, the bridge of meat located between the gill cavity incision and the lower jaw incision is seized by a pincer tool and the gills and entrails are torn out. DE-OS 25 30 013 shows a similar device. It is disadvantageous in these devices that correct processing is dependent upon very exact positioning of the fish; this positioning, however, cannot be guaranteed due to the natural proportional deviation of the fish. In addition, due to their function, the tools are, in part, costly and delicate. 3. Objects of the Invention It is the main object of the present invention to improve mechanical gutting such that a highly efficient, faultless work result can be accomplished with fish of varying sizes. A further main object of the present invention is to enable the removal of the entrails, selectively, with or without the gills, by simple adjustment whilst considering the aforementioned conditions.

Communications protocols are used in various applications. For example, communications protocols can be used in electronic identification systems. As large numbers of objects are moved in inventory, product manufacturing, and merchandising operations, there is a continuous challenge to accurately monitor the location and flow of objects. Additionally, there is a continuing goal to interrogate the location of objects in an inexpensive and streamlined manner. One way of tracking objects is with an electronic identification system. One presently available electronic identification system utilizes a magnetic coupling system. In some cases, an identification device may be provided with a unique identification code in order to distinguish between a number of different devices. Typically, the devices are entirely passive (have no power supply), which results in a small and portable package. However, such identification systems are only capable of operation over a relatively short range, limited by the size of a magnetic field used to supply power to the devices and to communicate with the devices. Another wireless electronic identification system utilizes a large active transponder device affixed to an object to be monitored which receives a signal from an interrogator. The device receives the signal, then generates and transmits a responsive signal. The interrogation signal and the responsive signal are typically radio-frequency (RF) signals produced by an RF transmitter circuit. Because active devices have their own power sources, and do not need to be in close proximity to an interrogator or reader to receive power via magnetic coupling. Therefore, active transponder devices tend to be more suitable for applications requiring tracking of a tagged device that may not be in close proximity to an interrogator. For example, active transponder devices tend to be more suitable for inventory control or tracking. Electronic identification systems can also be used for remote payment. For example, when a radio frequency identification device passes an interrogator at a toll booth, the toll booth can determine the identity of the radio frequency identification device, and thus of the owner of the device, and debit an account held by the owner for payment of toll or can receive a credit card number against which the toll can be charged. Similarly, remote payment is possible for a variety of other goods or services. A communication system, such as a wireless identification system, typically includes two transponders: a commander station or interrogator, and a responder station or transponder device which replies to the interrogator. If the interrogator has prior knowledge of the identification number of a device which the interrogator is looking for, it can 11 specify that a response is requested only from the device with that identification number. Sometimes, such information is not available. For example, there are occasions where the interrogator is attempting to determine which of multiple devices are within communication range. When the interrogator sends a message to a transponder device requesting a reply, there is a possibility that multiple transponder devices will attempt to respond simultaneously, causing a collision, and thus an erroneous message to be received by the interrogator. For example, if the interrogator sends out a command requesting that all devices within a communications range identify themselves, and gets a large number of simultaneous replies, the interrogator may not able to interpret any of these replies. Thus, arbitration schemes are employed to permit communications free of collisions. In one arbitration scheme or system, described in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,627,544; 5,583,850; 5,500,650; and 5,365,551, all to Snodgrass et al. and all incorporated herein by reference, the interrogator sends a command causing each device of a potentially large number of responding devices to select a random number from a known range and use it as that device's arbitration number. By transmitting requests for identification to various subsets of the full range of arbitration numbers, and checking for an error-free response, the interrogator determines the arbitration number of every responder station capable of communicating at the same time. Therefore, the interrogator is able to conduct subsequent uninterrupted communication with devices, one at a time, by addressing only one device. Another arbitration scheme is referred to as the Aloha or slotted Aloha scheme. This scheme is discussed in various references relating to communications, such as Digital Communications: Fundamentals and Applications, Bernard Sklar, published January 1988 by Prentice Hall. In this type of scheme, a device will respond to an interrogator using one of many time domain slots selected randomly by the device. A problem with the Aloha scheme is that if there are many devices, or potentially many devices in the field (i.e. in communications range, capable of responding) then there must be many available slots or many collisions will occur. Having many available slots slows down replies. If the magnitude of the number of devices in a field is unknown, then many slots are needed. This results in the system slowing down significantly because the reply time equals the number of slots multiplied by the time period required for one reply. An electronic identification system which can be used as a radio frequency identification device, arbitration schemes, and various applications for such devices are described in detail in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/705,043, filed Aug. 29, 1996, and incorporated herein by reference.