Datasets:

brettbarnes

/

patentmatch_exp

like 0

7722148

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a liquid discharge head and a liquid discharge apparatus using the liquid discharge head. 2. Description of the Related Art An ink jet printer (ink jet recording apparatus) is now being widely used as a liquid discharge apparatus. An ink jet head is used as a liquid discharge head in that printer. That ink jet head is based on various types of liquid discharge principles. The widespread type used in particular is an ink jet head applying thermal energy to ink to discharge ink drops from a discharge port. That type of ink jet head is advantageous in that responsiveness to record signals is good and enhancement in high density of the discharge port on a multilevel basis is easy. However, in an ink jet printer (ink jet recording apparatus) with such an ink jet head, foreign material occasionally blocks the discharge port or bubbles mixed into inside the ink supply route occasionally blocks the ink supply route thereof. An occurrence of such events will result in ink discharge defects of an ink jet head. In particular, a so-called full-line type recording apparatus provided with a great number of discharge ports being arranged in a lined state enabling ink jet recording corresponding with the entire width of recording media enables rapid recording execution. Nevertheless, it is extremely important to specify the discharge port (discharge nozzle) having caused discharge defects rapidly to be reflected onto image complementation and ink discharge recovering work. Technology for solution of such discharge defects is known. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H6-079956 describes a recording method, moving image data to be given to an abnormal recording element to image data to be given to another recording element even in an occurrence of abnormality in a recording element and thereby causing the other recording element to complement the record. However, that recording method carries out processing of reading a check pattern discharged onto a detection sheet to detect an abnormal recording element and to superpose image data to be added to that detected recording element onto image data of another recording element. That processing is applicable to a recording apparatus with slow response speed, but is hardly applicable to a recording element with fast response speed such as a full-line type recording apparatus. Moreover, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. H2-276647 describes a recording apparatus for detecting a discharge port having caused discharge defects in a line-type recording head to carry out recording with a serial type recording head on a recording position corresponding with the discharge port. However, that discharge defect detection method detects transmitting a heat timing signal to a heat generating resistor member, and detects a signal flowing in the heat generating resistor member at that occasion to detect whether or not the heat resistor member is broken. Moreover, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. S58-118267 described a recording head as illustrated inFIG. 16. There described is a liquid discharge apparatus provided with a temperature change detecting conductor portion102inside a flow channel (inside a nozzle) between adjacent electrothermal energy transducing members101, including a plurality of nozzles100arranged in a row. Moreover, there also described is a liquid discharge apparatus provided with a conductor portion102on the rear surface of the side opposite to the surface of a substrate103provided with an electrothermal energy transducing member101and in a position corresponding with a nozzle100. However, the case where the conductor portion102is provided sideway of the electrothermal energy transducing member101is susceptible to influence of heat of the adjacent electrothermal energy transducing member and is susceptible to influence covering thickness of the substrate103in the case of providing the conductor portion102on the rear surface side of the substrate103. Therefore, it becomes difficult to precisely detect temperature changes occurring due to repetition of rapid temperature increase and decrease within an extremely short time period. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a compact and highly reliable recording head enabling precise detection of temperature information on each nozzle and rapid as well as highly accurate detection on nozzles with a discharge defect. Another object of the present invention is to provide a liquid discharge head including a plurality of electrothermal transducing members provided on a substrate to generate heat energy for discharging liquid from a discharge port, including a temperature detecting element formed immediately under each of the plurality of electrothermal transducing members to sandwich insulating film; and a temperature detecting circuit for detecting temperature information from each of the temperature detecting elements. Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a liquid discharge head and a liquid discharge apparatus using the liquid discharge head. 2. Description of the Related Art An ink jet printer (ink jet recording apparatus) is now being widely used as a liquid discharge apparatus. An ink jet head is used as a liquid discharge head in that printer. That ink jet head is based on various types of liquid discharge principles. The widespread type used in particular is an ink jet head applying thermal energy to ink to discharge ink drops from a discharge port. That type of ink jet head is advantageous in that responsiveness to record signals is good and enhancement in high density of the discharge port on a multilevel basis is easy. However, in an ink jet printer (ink jet recording apparatus) with such an ink jet head, foreign material occasionally blocks the discharge port or bubbles mixed into inside the ink supply route occasionally blocks the ink supply route thereof. An occurrence of such events will result in ink discharge defects of an ink jet head. In particular, a so-called full-line type recording apparatus provided with a great number of discharge ports being arranged in a lined state enabling ink jet recording corresponding with the entire width of recording media enables rapid recording execution. Nevertheless, it is extremely important to specify the discharge port (discharge nozzle) having caused discharge defects rapidly to be reflected onto image complementation and ink discharge recovering work. Technology for solution of such discharge defects is known. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H6-079956 describes a recording method, moving image data to be given to an abnormal recording element to image data to be given to another recording element even in an occurrence of abnormality in a recording element and thereby causing the other recording element to complement the record. However, that recording method carries out processing of reading a check pattern discharged onto a detection sheet to detect an abnormal recording element and to superpose image data to be added to that detected recording element onto image data of another recording element. That processing is applicable to a recording apparatus with slow response speed, but is hardly applicable to a recording element with fast response speed such as a full-line type recording apparatus. Moreover, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. H2-276647 describes a recording apparatus for detecting a discharge port having caused discharge defects in a line-type recording head to carry out recording with a serial type recording head on a recording position corresponding with the discharge port. However, that discharge defect detection method detects transmitting a heat timing signal to a heat generating resistor member, and detects a signal flowing in the heat generating resistor member at that occasion to detect whether or not the heat resistor member is broken. Moreover, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. S58-118267 described a recording head as illustrated inFIG. 16. There described is a liquid discharge apparatus provided with a temperature change detecting conductor portion102inside a flow channel (inside a nozzle) between adjacent electrothermal energy transducing members101, including a plurality of nozzles100arranged in a row. Moreover, there also described is a liquid discharge apparatus provided with a conductor portion102on the rear surface of the side opposite to the surface of a substrate103provided with an electrothermal energy transducing member101and in a position corresponding with a nozzle100. However, the case where the conductor portion102is provided sideway of the electrothermal energy transducing member101is susceptible to influence of heat of the adjacent electrothermal energy transducing member and is susceptible to influence covering thickness of the substrate103in the case of providing the conductor portion102on the rear surface side of the substrate103. Therefore, it becomes difficult to precisely detect temperature changes occurring due to repetition of rapid temperature increase and decrease within an extremely short time period. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a compact and highly reliable recording head enabling precise detection of temperature information on each nozzle and rapid as well as highly accurate detection on nozzles with a discharge defect. Another object of the present invention is to provide a liquid discharge head including a plurality of electrothermal transducing members provided on a substrate to generate heat energy for discharging liquid from a discharge port, including a temperature detecting element formed immediately under each of the plurality of electrothermal transducing members to sandwich insulating film; and a temperature detecting circuit for detecting temperature information from each of the temperature detecting elements. Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7732140

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention is related to the field of bioelectrical circuit analyzers, and more specifically to bioelectrical circuit analyzers capable of identifying and categorizing various biomolecules and biomolecular complexes by electrical parameter analysis thereof. Detection of antigens such as viruses and bacteria is critical for medical diagnoses. Currently, the commonly used methods for immunological tests include enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoradiometric assay (IRMA). However, these multi-step techniques tend to be tedious and expensive. Hence, there is considerable effort directed towards development of microsensors, in particular immunosensors that can allow quick and precise detection of molecules. Identification of biomolecular complexes also is advantageous in research, e.g. pharmaceutical research and development. As one example, a gene regulatory protein can be identified by its ability to bind to a specific deoxyribonucleic acid sequence. Current methods for detecting such complexes include radiometric, fluorometric and chromogenic assays. Such assays provide only a binary yes-no answer and cannot provide more advanced data, such as differentiation among different binding species. Electrical detection methods have been based on potentiometric, piezoelectric, and capacitive systems. Potentiometric systems measure the variation in the surface potential of an electrode or change in drain current of a transistor. These measurements tend to be non-specific. Piezoelectric systems measure the change in the mass of molecules bound to a quartz surface, but suffer from instabilities and problems with calibration. Capacitive measurements have been used for detection of DNA and cell structures, such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,891,630 (Eggers et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 6,169,394 (Frazier et al.); and U.S. Pat. No. 5,846,708 (Hollis et al.). In these studies, the substrates have consisted of Si/SiO2or metal electrodes coated with insulating material. These approaches further have focused on determination of a unique “resonance frequency” for a given molecule or complex. Capacitive detection of antibodies and antigens bound to a sensor surface has been reported. However, these electrical detection approaches have employed only a fixed frequency to detect relative changes in the dielectric constant due to binding to the sensor surface. The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention is related to the field of bioelectrical circuit analyzers, and more specifically to bioelectrical circuit analyzers capable of identifying and categorizing various biomolecules and biomolecular complexes by electrical parameter analysis thereof. Detection of antigens such as viruses and bacteria is critical for medical diagnoses. Currently, the commonly used methods for immunological tests include enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoradiometric assay (IRMA). However, these multi-step techniques tend to be tedious and expensive. Hence, there is considerable effort directed towards development of microsensors, in particular immunosensors that can allow quick and precise detection of molecules. Identification of biomolecular complexes also is advantageous in research, e.g. pharmaceutical research and development. As one example, a gene regulatory protein can be identified by its ability to bind to a specific deoxyribonucleic acid sequence. Current methods for detecting such complexes include radiometric, fluorometric and chromogenic assays. Such assays provide only a binary yes-no answer and cannot provide more advanced data, such as differentiation among different binding species. Electrical detection methods have been based on potentiometric, piezoelectric, and capacitive systems. Potentiometric systems measure the variation in the surface potential of an electrode or change in drain current of a transistor. These measurements tend to be non-specific. Piezoelectric systems measure the change in the mass of molecules bound to a quartz surface, but suffer from instabilities and problems with calibration. Capacitive measurements have been used for detection of DNA and cell structures, such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,891,630 (Eggers et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 6,169,394 (Frazier et al.); and U.S. Pat. No. 5,846,708 (Hollis et al.). In these studies, the substrates have consisted of Si/SiO2or metal electrodes coated with insulating material. These approaches further have focused on determination of a unique “resonance frequency” for a given molecule or complex. Capacitive detection of antibodies and antigens bound to a sensor surface has been reported. However, these electrical detection approaches have employed only a fixed frequency to detect relative changes in the dielectric constant due to binding to the sensor surface. The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7813611

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to optical fibers suitable for use in sensing applications in harsh environments. 2. Technical Background Optical fiber has become a favorite medium for telecommunications due to its high transmission capacity and immunity to electrical noise. Over the past decade, optical fibers have also been used in point and/or distributed sensing applications. Fiber has been used in oil and gas industries to provide critical information for oil exploration, well drilling and production. In these oil/gas wells, optical fibers are used as distributed sensors to monitor/gauge temperature, pressure, and flow information along the depth of geophysical wells. However, the harsh down-hole environment presents a severe reliability challenge. In a typical down-hole environment, optical fiber experiences high temperature (up to 300° C.), high pressure (up to 1000 atm), moisture, hydrogen and other harmful species such as CO2, and H2S. Specialized fiber coating designs have been developed to protect the optical fibers used in such harsh environments. For example, amorphous carbon-based thin coating (so called “hermetic coating”) and metal coatings have been used. However, there has not much work done in the area of the composition of silica glass in the fiber other than using either pure silica core fibers with a Fluorine-doped cladding, or, more typically, fibers with cores consisting of Ge doped silica. Hermetic coating provides a protective layer which prevents ingress of molecular water or hydrogen into silica glass of the fiber. Hermetic coating also enables highly reliable deployment of the fiber under smaller coil diameters. The presence of hermetic coating provides the optical fiber with improved mechanical integrity. Ge doped fibers have an absorption peak in the visible and near-IR wavelength. Furthermore, our recent studies revealed that applying a hermetic coating onto GeO2-doped fibers completely hinders H2ingression into fiber core for temperatures up to 150° C., but not above 170° C. For example, elevated attenuation peak at 1240 and 1381 nm and overall elevation of background loss is observed. This indicates that the hermetic layer is no longer genuinely hermetic at temperatures above 170° C. Pure silica core fibers with hermetic coatings also experience loss increase at temperatures above 170° C. and may start having reliability issues at these temperatures. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The scope of the present invention is determined by the appended claims. According to one example of the invention an optical fiber comprises: (i) silica based Al doped core having a first index of refraction n1; (ii) at least one silica based cladding surrounding the core and having a second index of refraction n2, such that n1>n2; and (iii) a coating surrounding said cladding, said coating being 5 μm to 80 μm thick. Preferably, a hermetic coating is situated between the cladding and the coating that surrounds the cladding. In some embodiments the optical fiber has a single mode core. In some other embodiments the optical fiber has a multimode core. Some of the advantages the optical fibers disclosed herein are: high reliability at temperatures above 170° C. These fibers also can be used in other harsh environments, in sensing applications that utilize Ge doped fibers, or pure silica core fibers. One of the advantages of the optical fiber according to the embodiments of the present invention is much less H2aging around 1064 nm wavelength. It is noted that the wavelength range of 1064 nm is the main operating window in Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) application for gas/oil sensing applications. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the invention as described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments of the invention, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the invention as it is claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operations of the invention.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to optical fibers suitable for use in sensing applications in harsh environments. 2. Technical Background Optical fiber has become a favorite medium for telecommunications due to its high transmission capacity and immunity to electrical noise. Over the past decade, optical fibers have also been used in point and/or distributed sensing applications. Fiber has been used in oil and gas industries to provide critical information for oil exploration, well drilling and production. In these oil/gas wells, optical fibers are used as distributed sensors to monitor/gauge temperature, pressure, and flow information along the depth of geophysical wells. However, the harsh down-hole environment presents a severe reliability challenge. In a typical down-hole environment, optical fiber experiences high temperature (up to 300° C.), high pressure (up to 1000 atm), moisture, hydrogen and other harmful species such as CO2, and H2S. Specialized fiber coating designs have been developed to protect the optical fibers used in such harsh environments. For example, amorphous carbon-based thin coating (so called “hermetic coating”) and metal coatings have been used. However, there has not much work done in the area of the composition of silica glass in the fiber other than using either pure silica core fibers with a Fluorine-doped cladding, or, more typically, fibers with cores consisting of Ge doped silica. Hermetic coating provides a protective layer which prevents ingress of molecular water or hydrogen into silica glass of the fiber. Hermetic coating also enables highly reliable deployment of the fiber under smaller coil diameters. The presence of hermetic coating provides the optical fiber with improved mechanical integrity. Ge doped fibers have an absorption peak in the visible and near-IR wavelength. Furthermore, our recent studies revealed that applying a hermetic coating onto GeO2-doped fibers completely hinders H2ingression into fiber core for temperatures up to 150° C., but not above 170° C. For example, elevated attenuation peak at 1240 and 1381 nm and overall elevation of background loss is observed. This indicates that the hermetic layer is no longer genuinely hermetic at temperatures above 170° C. Pure silica core fibers with hermetic coatings also experience loss increase at temperatures above 170° C. and may start having reliability issues at these temperatures. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The scope of the present invention is determined by the appended claims. According to one example of the invention an optical fiber comprises: (i) silica based Al doped core having a first index of refraction n1; (ii) at least one silica based cladding surrounding the core and having a second index of refraction n2, such that n1>n2; and (iii) a coating surrounding said cladding, said coating being 5 μm to 80 μm thick. Preferably, a hermetic coating is situated between the cladding and the coating that surrounds the cladding. In some embodiments the optical fiber has a single mode core. In some other embodiments the optical fiber has a multimode core. Some of the advantages the optical fibers disclosed herein are: high reliability at temperatures above 170° C. These fibers also can be used in other harsh environments, in sensing applications that utilize Ge doped fibers, or pure silica core fibers. One of the advantages of the optical fiber according to the embodiments of the present invention is much less H2aging around 1064 nm wavelength. It is noted that the wavelength range of 1064 nm is the main operating window in Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) application for gas/oil sensing applications. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the invention as described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments of the invention, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the invention as it is claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operations of the invention. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7745373

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a single-step method for the simultaneous decomposition and activation of highly dispersed noble metals on catalytic supports. Currently, most noble metal catalysts are made by impregnating or exchanging noble metal complexes into or onto a catalytic support. It is dried to remove water and then calcined in air to decompose the highly dispersed noble metal complexes to the noble metal oxides. In a separate step, the noble metal oxides must then be reduced in the presence of hydrogen to produce the active, highly dispersed noble metals. Combining the decomposition and reduction of the noble metal complexes into a single step would significantly reduce the manufacturing cost of noble metal catalysts. The present invention is a method for decomposition and reduction in a single step with noble metal complexes for impregnation or exchange. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a method to decompose and activate a noble metal complex including a noble metal catalyst on a catalyst support. In a preferred embodiment, the noble metal catalyst is a combination of platinum and palladium on a mesoporous or zeolite support. In another preferred embodiment, the supported metal catalyst is palladium and platinum supported on MCM-41 bound with alumina, which is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,098,684.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a single-step method for the simultaneous decomposition and activation of highly dispersed noble metals on catalytic supports. Currently, most noble metal catalysts are made by impregnating or exchanging noble metal complexes into or onto a catalytic support. It is dried to remove water and then calcined in air to decompose the highly dispersed noble metal complexes to the noble metal oxides. In a separate step, the noble metal oxides must then be reduced in the presence of hydrogen to produce the active, highly dispersed noble metals. Combining the decomposition and reduction of the noble metal complexes into a single step would significantly reduce the manufacturing cost of noble metal catalysts. The present invention is a method for decomposition and reduction in a single step with noble metal complexes for impregnation or exchange. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a method to decompose and activate a noble metal complex including a noble metal catalyst on a catalyst support. In a preferred embodiment, the noble metal catalyst is a combination of platinum and palladium on a mesoporous or zeolite support. In another preferred embodiment, the supported metal catalyst is palladium and platinum supported on MCM-41 bound with alumina, which is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,098,684. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7823678

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The present application claims priority under 35 USC 119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-120815 filed on Apr. 15, 2004 the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a motorcycle comprising a vehicle speed sensor such that the teeth of a gear constituting a torque transmission mechanism for transmitting a drive torque from a power unit to a drive wheel constitute a portion to be detected. 2. Description Background Art In the motorcycle disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3209663, a sensor constituting a rear wheel rotational speed device is mounted to a gear case connected to the rear end of a rear fork, and the tip end of the sensor is formed slantly along the tooth surface of a first rear gear of a rear-side bevel gear. This ensures that it is unnecessary to provide a multiple-toothed rotor separately from the first rear gear, as a portion to be detected by the sensor for detecting the rotational speed of the rear wheel. In the sensor disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3209663, the tip end thereof is slanted to be along the tooth surface of the first rear gear, while an inserted portion inserted in a gear case extends along a direction orthogonal to the rotational centerline of the first rear gear, so that the tip end extends in a direction different from the direction in which the tip end is opposed to the tooth surface. Therefore, a versatile sensor such that the direction in which the tip end is opposed to the tooth surface and the direction in which the inserted portion extends coincide with each other cannot be used. Thus, this sensor leads to a high cost. Further, since the inserted portion extends in a direction orthogonal to the rotational centerline of the first rear gear, the projection amount of the sensor on the outside in the radial direction of the first rear gear is large. Therefore, it is impossible to compactly dispose the sensor on the outside in the radial direction of the first rear gear. In relation to members disposed in the vicinity of the sensor, there arise limitations in the layout of the sensor and in the laying of electric wires connected to the sensor. In addition, where the sensor is covered with a cover, the cover would be large. Thus, the gap between the tip end of the sensor and the tooth surface which has a relationship with the detection accuracy varies depending on the mount position in the circumferential direction of the sensor, for example, the mount position in the circumferential direction with the center axis line as a center, so that an adjustment of the gap between the tip end of the sensor and the tooth surface takes time, and the mountability of the sensor is poor. SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in consideration with the above-mentioned circumstances. It is an object of the present invention to achieve a reduction in cost, to achieve an enhancement in the mountability of a vehicle speed sensor, and to lay out the vehicle speed sensor compactly on the outside in the radial direction of a gear, through adopting a versatile vehicle speed sensor. It is a further object of the present invention to lay out the vehicle speed sensor compactly in the vehicle width direction. Another object of the invention is to increase the degree of freedom in laying electric wires connected to the vehicle speed sensor. The present invention includes a power unit having an engine and a torque take-out shaft for outputting a torque generated by the engine as a drive torque. A torque transmission mechanism includes a gear pair including bevel gears and a drive shaft, for transmitting the drive torque from the torque take-out shaft to a drive wheel. A vehicle speed sensor is provided such that gear teeth of one of a drive gear and a driven gear constituting the gear pair constitute a portion to be detected. The vehicle speed sensor includes a main body portion having a detecting portion opposed to the addendum of the one gear in a direction normal to the face cone surface of the one gear. The main body portion is disposed to extend in the normal direction. According to this, the direction in which the detecting portion is opposed to the addendum and the direction in which the main body portion extends coincide with each other, so that a versatile ordinary vehicle speed sensor for detection of the rotational speed can be used as a vehicle speed sensor such that the teeth of one gear composed of a bevel gear constitute a portion to be detected. Moreover, since the gap between the vehicle speed sensor and the addendum does not vary depending on the mount position in the circumferential direction of the vehicle speed sensor, it is easy to adjust the gap between the vehicle speed sensor and the addendum for securing detection accuracy. Furthermore, the projection amount of the vehicle speed sensor on the outside in the radial direction of the gear is reduced. The present invention provides a gear pair that is interposed between the torque take-out shaft and the drive shaft extending in the front-rear direction, the one gear is the driven gear connected to the drive shaft and having a rotational centerline extending in the front-rear direction, and the main body portion is disposed on the outer side in the vehicle width direction relative to the rotational centerline. This ensures that the projection amount of the vehicle body sensor to the outer side in the vehicle width direction is reduced, notwithstanding the main body portion of the vehicle speed sensor is disposed on the outside in the vehicle width direction. The present invention provides a meshing portion between the drive gear and the driven gear and the torque take-out shaft that are located on the inner side in the vehicle width direction relative to the rotational centerline. This ensures that the drive gear and the torque take-out shaft are absent on the outer side in the vehicle width direction relative to the rotational centerline of the gear on one side on which the vehicle speed sensor is laid out, and it is possible to form a space in the surroundings of the vehicle speed sensor. The present invention provides a combination of elements including a versatile ordinary sensor that can be used as the vehicle speed sensor to achieve a reduction in cost. In addition, since it is easy to adjust the gap between the vehicle speed sensor and the addendum, the mountability of the vehicle speed sensor is enhanced. Further, since the projection amount of the vehicle speed sensor on the outside in the radial direction of the gear is reduced, the vehicle speed sensor can be disposed compactly on the outside in the radial direction of the gear, and the degree of freedom in laying out the vehicle speed sensor is increased. The present invention provides a combination of elements including a vehicle speed sensor that can be laid out compactly in the vehicle width direction. The present invention provides a combination of elements including a space that is formed in the surroundings of the vehicle speed sensor. Thus, it is easy to lay electric wires connected to the vehicle speed sensor, and the degree of freedom in the laying is increased. Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The present application claims priority under 35 USC 119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-120815 filed on Apr. 15, 2004 the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a motorcycle comprising a vehicle speed sensor such that the teeth of a gear constituting a torque transmission mechanism for transmitting a drive torque from a power unit to a drive wheel constitute a portion to be detected. 2. Description Background Art In the motorcycle disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3209663, a sensor constituting a rear wheel rotational speed device is mounted to a gear case connected to the rear end of a rear fork, and the tip end of the sensor is formed slantly along the tooth surface of a first rear gear of a rear-side bevel gear. This ensures that it is unnecessary to provide a multiple-toothed rotor separately from the first rear gear, as a portion to be detected by the sensor for detecting the rotational speed of the rear wheel. In the sensor disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3209663, the tip end thereof is slanted to be along the tooth surface of the first rear gear, while an inserted portion inserted in a gear case extends along a direction orthogonal to the rotational centerline of the first rear gear, so that the tip end extends in a direction different from the direction in which the tip end is opposed to the tooth surface. Therefore, a versatile sensor such that the direction in which the tip end is opposed to the tooth surface and the direction in which the inserted portion extends coincide with each other cannot be used. Thus, this sensor leads to a high cost. Further, since the inserted portion extends in a direction orthogonal to the rotational centerline of the first rear gear, the projection amount of the sensor on the outside in the radial direction of the first rear gear is large. Therefore, it is impossible to compactly dispose the sensor on the outside in the radial direction of the first rear gear. In relation to members disposed in the vicinity of the sensor, there arise limitations in the layout of the sensor and in the laying of electric wires connected to the sensor. In addition, where the sensor is covered with a cover, the cover would be large. Thus, the gap between the tip end of the sensor and the tooth surface which has a relationship with the detection accuracy varies depending on the mount position in the circumferential direction of the sensor, for example, the mount position in the circumferential direction with the center axis line as a center, so that an adjustment of the gap between the tip end of the sensor and the tooth surface takes time, and the mountability of the sensor is poor. SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in consideration with the above-mentioned circumstances. It is an object of the present invention to achieve a reduction in cost, to achieve an enhancement in the mountability of a vehicle speed sensor, and to lay out the vehicle speed sensor compactly on the outside in the radial direction of a gear, through adopting a versatile vehicle speed sensor. It is a further object of the present invention to lay out the vehicle speed sensor compactly in the vehicle width direction. Another object of the invention is to increase the degree of freedom in laying electric wires connected to the vehicle speed sensor. The present invention includes a power unit having an engine and a torque take-out shaft for outputting a torque generated by the engine as a drive torque. A torque transmission mechanism includes a gear pair including bevel gears and a drive shaft, for transmitting the drive torque from the torque take-out shaft to a drive wheel. A vehicle speed sensor is provided such that gear teeth of one of a drive gear and a driven gear constituting the gear pair constitute a portion to be detected. The vehicle speed sensor includes a main body portion having a detecting portion opposed to the addendum of the one gear in a direction normal to the face cone surface of the one gear. The main body portion is disposed to extend in the normal direction. According to this, the direction in which the detecting portion is opposed to the addendum and the direction in which the main body portion extends coincide with each other, so that a versatile ordinary vehicle speed sensor for detection of the rotational speed can be used as a vehicle speed sensor such that the teeth of one gear composed of a bevel gear constitute a portion to be detected. Moreover, since the gap between the vehicle speed sensor and the addendum does not vary depending on the mount position in the circumferential direction of the vehicle speed sensor, it is easy to adjust the gap between the vehicle speed sensor and the addendum for securing detection accuracy. Furthermore, the projection amount of the vehicle speed sensor on the outside in the radial direction of the gear is reduced. The present invention provides a gear pair that is interposed between the torque take-out shaft and the drive shaft extending in the front-rear direction, the one gear is the driven gear connected to the drive shaft and having a rotational centerline extending in the front-rear direction, and the main body portion is disposed on the outer side in the vehicle width direction relative to the rotational centerline. This ensures that the projection amount of the vehicle body sensor to the outer side in the vehicle width direction is reduced, notwithstanding the main body portion of the vehicle speed sensor is disposed on the outside in the vehicle width direction. The present invention provides a meshing portion between the drive gear and the driven gear and the torque take-out shaft that are located on the inner side in the vehicle width direction relative to the rotational centerline. This ensures that the drive gear and the torque take-out shaft are absent on the outer side in the vehicle width direction relative to the rotational centerline of the gear on one side on which the vehicle speed sensor is laid out, and it is possible to form a space in the surroundings of the vehicle speed sensor. The present invention provides a combination of elements including a versatile ordinary sensor that can be used as the vehicle speed sensor to achieve a reduction in cost. In addition, since it is easy to adjust the gap between the vehicle speed sensor and the addendum, the mountability of the vehicle speed sensor is enhanced. Further, since the projection amount of the vehicle speed sensor on the outside in the radial direction of the gear is reduced, the vehicle speed sensor can be disposed compactly on the outside in the radial direction of the gear, and the degree of freedom in laying out the vehicle speed sensor is increased. The present invention provides a combination of elements including a vehicle speed sensor that can be laid out compactly in the vehicle width direction. The present invention provides a combination of elements including a space that is formed in the surroundings of the vehicle speed sensor. Thus, it is easy to lay electric wires connected to the vehicle speed sensor, and the degree of freedom in the laying is increased. Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7708547

RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the priority of French patent application filed Jan. 3, 2007, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method of feeding rubber to a rubber-consumer device and to an installation for feeding rubber to said rubber-consumer device. The invention applies in particular to feeding rubber to an extruder for producing a rubber extrusion for use in tire manufacture. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the state of the art, a method is already known for feeding rubber to at least a first rubber-consumer device, the method being of the type in which a strip of rubber is moved continuously from a rubber-supplier device to the first consumer device. In the particular application envisaged above, the extruder forms the first rubber-consumer device. The extruder is fed with the strip of rubber. The width of the strip of rubber needs to be matched to the delivery rate of the extruder. In certain situations, it is desirable to use small extruders, in particular extruders that deliver extruded rubber at a rate of less than 3 kilograms per minute (kg/min). Such a rate is satisfactory given the advantage achieved by the small hinderance of such an extruder. Optimizing the production of strips of rubber leads to strips being made that are relatively wide, typically strips that are 800 millimeters (mm) to 1000 mm wide. Consequently, when not using an extruder that is overdimensioned and capable of consuming that type of relatively wide strip of rubber directly, the strip is sliced into a plurality of slices, each of width adapted to an extruder having a low extrusion rate. That therefore leads to expensive slicing operations that are generally performed on premises that are different from the premises on which the rubber is consumed, involving intermediate storage, and/or handling of sliced rubber strip. OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One object of the present invention is to enable extruders of a variety of extrusion rates to be used, in particular extruders presenting low rates, while limiting as much as possible operations of slicing the strips of rubber for feeding them. To this end, one aspect of the invention is directed to a method of feeding rubber to at least a first rubber-consumer device, the method being of the above-specified type wherein, during the continuous movement, and prior to reaching the consumer device, a portion, referred to as the residue, is taken continuously from the strip of rubber. By taking an appropriate quantity of residue, the strip of rubber feeding the first consumer device is matched to the extrusion rate thereof, whatever that rate might be. Thus, an embodiment of the invention makes it possible, on the premises where the rubber is consumed, to take a residue from the total strip of rubber that constitutes an increasingly large fraction thereof when the consumer device presents low rubber consumption capacity, or conversely a decreasingly small fraction when the consumer device presents higher rubber consumption capacity. It is thus possible with a relatively wide strip of rubber to feed a consumer device presenting consumption capacity that can equally well be low or high, while avoiding any need, with a low consumption capacity device, to slice the strip of rubber away from the premises on which the rubber is consumed, avoiding any intermediate storage of sliced rubber, and avoiding operations of handling slices of the initial strip of rubber. According to other characteristics of the method of the invention that are optional:The residue is taken by continuously cutting off a residue strip from the strip of rubber.The residue strip presents a width lying in the range one-half to nine-tenths the width of the strip of rubber.The first consumer device is an extruder.The supplier device includes upstream rubber storage means from which the strip of rubber is moved towards each consumer device. According to another optional characteristic of the method of the invention, the residue is stored in downstream storage means. Advantageously, the upstream and downstream storage means are swapped over after the strip of rubber in the upstream storage means has been used up. Thus, when the strip of rubber feeding the first consumer device has been completely used up, the upstream and downstream storage means are swapped over so that the storage means containing the residue becomes, in turn, the rubber-supplier device. The swapping operation can be performed as often as is possible, given the width of the initial strip and the consumption rate of the consumer device. Furthermore, the last feeder strip corresponding to the last residue can be fed directly to the consumer device, thus allowing the storage means to be refilled concurrently without interrupting production. In an implementation of the method, a second rubber-consumer device is fed with the residue. When the strip of rubber presents a width that is suitable for feeding two consumer devices, the width of the strip fed to the first consumer device is adapted to the consumption capacity of said first consumer device and the width of the residue is adapted to the consumption capacity of the second consumer device. This avoids any need to store the residue. The width of the cut is regulated with the help of appropriate means, thereby making it possible, in real time, to adjust the rate at which the consumer device is fed, which can be particularly advantageous when the consumer device needs to adapt to variations associated with the fabrication process downstream. Another aspect of the invention is directed to an installation for feeding rubber to at least the first rubber-consumer device, the installation being of the type comprising means for continuously moving a strip of rubber from a rubber-supplier device to the first consumer device, the installation including taker means for continuously taking a portion, referred to as a residue, from the strip of rubber, said taker means being arranged upstream from the first consumer device. Such an installation makes it possible to take the residue in such a manner that the strip of rubber fed to the first consumer device is adapted to said first consumer device. According to optional characteristics of the installation of the invention:The taker means comprise means for continuously cutting off a strip that is taken from the strip of rubber.The installation includes means for automatically positioning cutter means transversely relative to the longitudinal edges of the strip of rubber. Such means are advantageous since they make it possible to have a residue strip of varying width and a strip feeding the consumer device that is of constant width. Such an installation is thus advantageous when the strip of rubber presents irregular longitudinal edges.The first consumer device is an extruder.The extruder comprises an extruder worm screw of diameter less than 90 mm, the extruder presenting, where appropriate, an extruded rubber delivery rate of less than 3 kg/min.The installation includes upstream rubber storage means from which the strip of rubber is to be moved towards each consumer device.The supplier device includes downstream storage means for storing the residue.The installation includes swap means for swapping over the upstream and downstream storage means.The swap means comprise a movable support movable in rotation about an axis, the upstream and downstream storage means being carried by the movable support. Such swap means are effective and easy to make. In an embodiment of the installation, the installation includes a second rubber-consumer device for feeding with the residue. According to another optional characteristic of the installation of the invention, the installation includes regulator means for regulating the feed rate of at least the first consumer device by regulating the width of the residue. Such regulator means enable the width of the strip of rubber to be adapted to the consumption rate of the first consumer device, which rate may be variable.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the priority of French patent application filed Jan. 3, 2007, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method of feeding rubber to a rubber-consumer device and to an installation for feeding rubber to said rubber-consumer device. The invention applies in particular to feeding rubber to an extruder for producing a rubber extrusion for use in tire manufacture. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the state of the art, a method is already known for feeding rubber to at least a first rubber-consumer device, the method being of the type in which a strip of rubber is moved continuously from a rubber-supplier device to the first consumer device. In the particular application envisaged above, the extruder forms the first rubber-consumer device. The extruder is fed with the strip of rubber. The width of the strip of rubber needs to be matched to the delivery rate of the extruder. In certain situations, it is desirable to use small extruders, in particular extruders that deliver extruded rubber at a rate of less than 3 kilograms per minute (kg/min). Such a rate is satisfactory given the advantage achieved by the small hinderance of such an extruder. Optimizing the production of strips of rubber leads to strips being made that are relatively wide, typically strips that are 800 millimeters (mm) to 1000 mm wide. Consequently, when not using an extruder that is overdimensioned and capable of consuming that type of relatively wide strip of rubber directly, the strip is sliced into a plurality of slices, each of width adapted to an extruder having a low extrusion rate. That therefore leads to expensive slicing operations that are generally performed on premises that are different from the premises on which the rubber is consumed, involving intermediate storage, and/or handling of sliced rubber strip. OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One object of the present invention is to enable extruders of a variety of extrusion rates to be used, in particular extruders presenting low rates, while limiting as much as possible operations of slicing the strips of rubber for feeding them. To this end, one aspect of the invention is directed to a method of feeding rubber to at least a first rubber-consumer device, the method being of the above-specified type wherein, during the continuous movement, and prior to reaching the consumer device, a portion, referred to as the residue, is taken continuously from the strip of rubber. By taking an appropriate quantity of residue, the strip of rubber feeding the first consumer device is matched to the extrusion rate thereof, whatever that rate might be. Thus, an embodiment of the invention makes it possible, on the premises where the rubber is consumed, to take a residue from the total strip of rubber that constitutes an increasingly large fraction thereof when the consumer device presents low rubber consumption capacity, or conversely a decreasingly small fraction when the consumer device presents higher rubber consumption capacity. It is thus possible with a relatively wide strip of rubber to feed a consumer device presenting consumption capacity that can equally well be low or high, while avoiding any need, with a low consumption capacity device, to slice the strip of rubber away from the premises on which the rubber is consumed, avoiding any intermediate storage of sliced rubber, and avoiding operations of handling slices of the initial strip of rubber. According to other characteristics of the method of the invention that are optional:The residue is taken by continuously cutting off a residue strip from the strip of rubber.The residue strip presents a width lying in the range one-half to nine-tenths the width of the strip of rubber.The first consumer device is an extruder.The supplier device includes upstream rubber storage means from which the strip of rubber is moved towards each consumer device. According to another optional characteristic of the method of the invention, the residue is stored in downstream storage means. Advantageously, the upstream and downstream storage means are swapped over after the strip of rubber in the upstream storage means has been used up. Thus, when the strip of rubber feeding the first consumer device has been completely used up, the upstream and downstream storage means are swapped over so that the storage means containing the residue becomes, in turn, the rubber-supplier device. The swapping operation can be performed as often as is possible, given the width of the initial strip and the consumption rate of the consumer device. Furthermore, the last feeder strip corresponding to the last residue can be fed directly to the consumer device, thus allowing the storage means to be refilled concurrently without interrupting production. In an implementation of the method, a second rubber-consumer device is fed with the residue. When the strip of rubber presents a width that is suitable for feeding two consumer devices, the width of the strip fed to the first consumer device is adapted to the consumption capacity of said first consumer device and the width of the residue is adapted to the consumption capacity of the second consumer device. This avoids any need to store the residue. The width of the cut is regulated with the help of appropriate means, thereby making it possible, in real time, to adjust the rate at which the consumer device is fed, which can be particularly advantageous when the consumer device needs to adapt to variations associated with the fabrication process downstream. Another aspect of the invention is directed to an installation for feeding rubber to at least the first rubber-consumer device, the installation being of the type comprising means for continuously moving a strip of rubber from a rubber-supplier device to the first consumer device, the installation including taker means for continuously taking a portion, referred to as a residue, from the strip of rubber, said taker means being arranged upstream from the first consumer device. Such an installation makes it possible to take the residue in such a manner that the strip of rubber fed to the first consumer device is adapted to said first consumer device. According to optional characteristics of the installation of the invention:The taker means comprise means for continuously cutting off a strip that is taken from the strip of rubber.The installation includes means for automatically positioning cutter means transversely relative to the longitudinal edges of the strip of rubber. Such means are advantageous since they make it possible to have a residue strip of varying width and a strip feeding the consumer device that is of constant width. Such an installation is thus advantageous when the strip of rubber presents irregular longitudinal edges.The first consumer device is an extruder.The extruder comprises an extruder worm screw of diameter less than 90 mm, the extruder presenting, where appropriate, an extruded rubber delivery rate of less than 3 kg/min.The installation includes upstream rubber storage means from which the strip of rubber is to be moved towards each consumer device.The supplier device includes downstream storage means for storing the residue.The installation includes swap means for swapping over the upstream and downstream storage means.The swap means comprise a movable support movable in rotation about an axis, the upstream and downstream storage means being carried by the movable support. Such swap means are effective and easy to make. In an embodiment of the installation, the installation includes a second rubber-consumer device for feeding with the residue. According to another optional characteristic of the installation of the invention, the installation includes regulator means for regulating the feed rate of at least the first consumer device by regulating the width of the residue. Such regulator means enable the width of the strip of rubber to be adapted to the consumption rate of the first consumer device, which rate may be variable. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7845267

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure is generally related to attachment mechanisms for attaching firearms to support structures, e.g., bipods. BACKGROUND In recent centuries, firearms have been widely used for hunting games or waging wars. To achieve precision in using firearms, monopods, bipods, tripods, gun carriages, and/or other support structures are typically attached to firearms for providing stability during firing. However, the support structures can reduce the portability of the firearms by increasing the weight and the size of the complete assemblies. Accordingly, attachment mechanisms that can enable quick attachment/detachment of the support structures to from the firearms are needed for improved operability.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure is generally related to attachment mechanisms for attaching firearms to support structures, e.g., bipods. BACKGROUND In recent centuries, firearms have been widely used for hunting games or waging wars. To achieve precision in using firearms, monopods, bipods, tripods, gun carriages, and/or other support structures are typically attached to firearms for providing stability during firing. However, the support structures can reduce the portability of the firearms by increasing the weight and the size of the complete assemblies. Accordingly, attachment mechanisms that can enable quick attachment/detachment of the support structures to from the firearms are needed for improved operability. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7800729

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-51711 filed on Mar. 1, 2007 including the specification, drawings and abstract is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a display device and a manufacturing method thereof, and more particularly to a technique which is effectively applicable to a liquid crystal display device and a manufacturing method of the liquid crystal display device. 2. Description of Related Arts Conventionally, as a display device, there has been known a liquid crystal display device which includes a liquid crystal display panel sealing liquid crystal between two substrates. Further, as a liquid crystal display device, there has been known a so-called active-matrix-type liquid crystal display device. The active-matrix type liquid crystal display device includes the above-mentioned liquid crystal display panel, a plurality of scanning signal lines, a plurality of video signal lines, a plurality of active elements, a plurality of pixel electrodes, and a counter electrode, wherein the plurality of active elements and the plurality of pixel electrodes are arranged in a matrix array. In the active-matrix-type liquid crystal display device, in general, a TFT (thin film transistor) having the MIS structure (including MOS structure) is used as the active element. Further, in the liquid crystal display panel, the scanning signal lines, the video signal lines, the TFTs and the pixel electrodes are formed on one substrate (TFT substrate) out of two substrates. Here, the pixel electrode is arranged in a region surrounded by two neighboring scanning signal lines and two neighboring video signal lines, and is connected to either one of a source or a drain of the TFT. Further, a gate of the TFT is connected to the scanning signal line, and either one of the source and the drain of the TFT to which the pixel electrode is not connected is connected to the video signal line. Further, in the liquid crystal display panel, the pixel electrodes and the counter electrode are electrodes for driving the liquid crystal, wherein the counter electrode may be formed on the TFT substrate or may be formed on another substrate (counter substrate) out of the above-mentioned two substrates. Here, on the TFT substrate, the pixel electrodes and two neighboring video signal lines arranged close to each other with the pixel electrode sandwiched therebetween are formed by way of an insulation layer, in general. Accordingly, a parasitic capacitance (also referred to as a line capacitance) is formed between the pixel electrode and two video signal lines. In manufacturing the TFT substrate, the pixel electrode is formed such that a value of the parasitic capacitance formed between the pixel electrode and the video signal line arranged on a left side of the pixel electrode and a value of the parasitic capacitance formed between the pixel electrode and the video signal line arranged on a right side of the pixel electrode have the substantially same value. However, due to the displacement of positions where the video signal lines DL are formed, for example, there may be a case where the values of two parasitic capacitances differ from each other. When the values of two parasitic capacitances formed on the left and right sides of one pixel electrode differ from each other, for example, a potential of the pixel electrode is fluctuated thus giving rise to a phenomenon referred to as a longitudinal smear. Accordingly, in a conventional manufacturing method of a TFT substrate, for example, a thickness of an insulation layer interposed between the video signal line DL and the pixel electrode PX is increased up to a thickness which can prevent the fluctuation of the potential of the pixel electrode attributed to the difference between values of two parasitic capacitances formed on left and right sides of one pixel electrode. Further, in the conventional liquid crystal display panel, as a method for suppressing a longitudinal smear, there has been proposed a method which forms a shielding electrode, for example. As such a method which forms the shielding electrode, there has been known a method which forms a shielding electrode overlapping a video signal line DL on the counter substrate (see patent document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2004-213031), for example) or a method which forms a shielding electrode between the video signal line and the pixel electrode on the TFT substrate (see patent document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2003-177414), for example). SUMMARY The method which forms the shielding electrode on the counter substrate for suppressing the longitudinal smear in the liquid crystal display panel requires, at the time of forming the counter substrate, for example, a step of forming the shielding electrode besides a step of forming a light blocking film which divides a display region for respective pixels and color filters, a step of forming the counter electrode and the like. That is, the number of steps necessary for forming the counter substrate is increased and hence, there arises drawbacks that time necessary for manufacturing the counter substrate is prolonged and, at the same time, a manufacturing cost is increased. Further, in the method for forming the shielding electrode between the video signal line and the pixel electrode on the TFT substrate, for example, in a step of forming the scanning signal line, the shielding electrode is formed together with the scanning signal line. Accordingly, for example, when the positional displacement is generated, in overlapping the TFT substrate and the counter substrate each other, a numerical aperture is lowered thus giving rise to a drawback that a brightness of the liquid crystal display panel (display device) is lowered. It is an object of the present invention to provide a technique capable of easily suppressing the generation of longitudinal smear in a liquid crystal display device, for example. It is a still another object of the present invention to provide a technique capable of preventing the lowering of a numerical aperture while easily suppressing the generation of longitudinal smear in the liquid crystal display device, for example. It is a still another object of the present invention to provide a technique capable of easily manufacturing a TFT substrate which can suppress the generation of longitudinal smear in the liquid crystal display device, for example. The above-mentioned and other objects and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification and attached drawings. To summarize typical inventions among the inventions disclosed in this specification, they are as follows. (1) According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display device including a display panel having a plurality of scanning signal lines, a plurality of video signal lines, a plurality of thin film transistors and a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in a matrix array, wherein provided that a gap between two neighboring video signal lines with one pixel electrode out of the plurality of pixel electrodes sandwiched therebetween in a region where one pixel electrode is arranged is larger than a gap between two neighboring video signal lines with another pixel electrode different from one pixel electrode sandwiched therebetween in a region where another electrode is arranged, a size of one pixel electrode in the direction of the gap of the video signal lines is set larger than a size of another pixel electrode in the direction of the gap of the video signal lines. (2) In the display device having the constitution described in (1), a gap between one pixel electrode and one video signal line out of two video signal lines and a gap between one pixel electrode and another video signal line out of two video signal lines are set substantially equal to each other, a gap between another pixel electrode and one video signal line out of two video signal lines and a gap between another pixel electrode and another video signal line out of two video signal lines are set substantially equal to each other, the gap between one pixel electrode and another video signal line out of two video signal lines and the gap between another pixel electrode and one video signal line out of two video signal lines are set substantially equal to each other, and the gap between one pixel electrode and another video signal line out of two video signal lines and the gap between another pixel electrode and another video signal line out of two video signal lines are set substantially equal to each other. (3) In the display device having the constitution described in (1) or (2), assuming a distance between two most spaced-apart pixel electrodes out of the plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in a matrix array as LDA, the difference in etching quantity generated with respect to a size of the pixel electrode in the direction of the gap of the video signal lines at two positions spaced apart from each other by the distance LDAas σ, a size of one pixel electrode in the direction of the gap of the video signal lines as PXW, and a gap between one predetermined pixel electrode and the predetermined video signal line as DPGmin, the relationship between a gap DPGL between one pixel electrode and one video signal line out of two video signal lines and a gap DPGR between one pixel electrode and another video signal line out of two video signal lines satisfies following formula 1 to formula 3. DPGL+σ/LDA·PXW>DPGR>DPGL−σ/LDA·PXW(formula 1) DPGL>DPGmin−σ/LDA·PXW(formula 2) DPGR>DPGmin−σ/LDA·PXW(formula 3) (4) In the display device having the constitution described any one of (1) to (3), the display panel is a liquid crystal display panel which seals liquid crystal between two substrates. (5) According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a manufacturing method of a display device which forms a plurality of scanning signal lines, a plurality of video signal lines, a plurality of TFTs and a plurality of pixel electrodes on a surface of an insulating substrate, the manufacturing method comprising the steps of: forming the plurality of video signal lines; forming the plurality of pixel electrodes after the step of forming the plurality of video signal lines, the step including a step of forming a conductive film, a step of forming a photosensitive resist on the conductive film, a step of exposing the photosensitive resist using predetermined size data, a step of developing the exposed photosensitive resist, and a step of etching the conductive film using the photosensitive resist acquired by developing as a mask; a first step of measuring positions and line widths of the video signal lines formed on the insulating substrate between the step of forming the plurality of video signal lines and the step of forming the plurality of pixel electrodes; and a second step of correcting either one of or both of forming positions and sizes of the plurality of pixel electrodes out of the predetermined size data based on a result of the measurement in the first step between the step of forming the plurality of video signal lines and the step of forming the plurality of pixel electrodes, wherein provided that the size data is corrected in the second step, the photosensitive resist is exposed using the corrected size data in the step of exposing the photosensitive resist. (6) In a manufacturing method of a display device having the constitution described in (5), the step of exposing the photosensitive resist divides a region in which the photosensitive resist is formed into a large number of micro regions, and the large number of micro regions are allocated to the micro regions which are exposed and the micro regions which are not exposed based on the predetermined size data or the corrected size data and, thereafter, the micro regions which are exposed are sequentially or collectively exposed. (7) In a manufacturing method of a display device having the constitution described in (5) or (6), in the second step, the size data is corrected such that based on the positions and the line widths of two neighboring video signal lines with the pixel electrode sandwiched therebetween in a region where the pixel electrode is formed, a gap between the pixel electrode and one of two video signal lines and a gap between the pixel electrode and another video signal line out of two video signal lines assume the same value, and gaps between the respective pixel electrodes and one video signal lines of the respective two video signal lines assume the same value and, at the same time, the gaps between the respective pixel electrodes and another video signal lines of the respective two video signal lines assume the same value. (8) In a manufacturing method of a display device having the constitution described in any one of (5) to (7), in the first step, a region where the plurality of pixel electrodes are formed is divided into small regions which are smaller than the pixel electrodes in number, and the position and the line width of the video signal line in a region which belongs to one small region and in which the plurality of pixel electrodes are formed are estimated from the position and the line width of the video signal line at a representative point in one small region. According to the present invention, a value of a parasitic capacitance formed between the pixel electrode and the video signal line arranged on a left side of the pixel electrode and a value of a parasitic capacitance formed between the pixel electrode and the video signal line arranged on a right side of the pixel electrode can be set to the substantially same value and hence, the generation of longitudinal smear can be easily suppressed. Further, according to the present invention, the generation of longitudinal smear can be suppressed by correcting forming positions or sizes of the pixel electrodes thus preventing lowering of a numerical aperture. Still further, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily manufacture a TFT substrate which can suppress the generation of longitudinal smear in the liquid crystal display device.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-51711 filed on Mar. 1, 2007 including the specification, drawings and abstract is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a display device and a manufacturing method thereof, and more particularly to a technique which is effectively applicable to a liquid crystal display device and a manufacturing method of the liquid crystal display device. 2. Description of Related Arts Conventionally, as a display device, there has been known a liquid crystal display device which includes a liquid crystal display panel sealing liquid crystal between two substrates. Further, as a liquid crystal display device, there has been known a so-called active-matrix-type liquid crystal display device. The active-matrix type liquid crystal display device includes the above-mentioned liquid crystal display panel, a plurality of scanning signal lines, a plurality of video signal lines, a plurality of active elements, a plurality of pixel electrodes, and a counter electrode, wherein the plurality of active elements and the plurality of pixel electrodes are arranged in a matrix array. In the active-matrix-type liquid crystal display device, in general, a TFT (thin film transistor) having the MIS structure (including MOS structure) is used as the active element. Further, in the liquid crystal display panel, the scanning signal lines, the video signal lines, the TFTs and the pixel electrodes are formed on one substrate (TFT substrate) out of two substrates. Here, the pixel electrode is arranged in a region surrounded by two neighboring scanning signal lines and two neighboring video signal lines, and is connected to either one of a source or a drain of the TFT. Further, a gate of the TFT is connected to the scanning signal line, and either one of the source and the drain of the TFT to which the pixel electrode is not connected is connected to the video signal line. Further, in the liquid crystal display panel, the pixel electrodes and the counter electrode are electrodes for driving the liquid crystal, wherein the counter electrode may be formed on the TFT substrate or may be formed on another substrate (counter substrate) out of the above-mentioned two substrates. Here, on the TFT substrate, the pixel electrodes and two neighboring video signal lines arranged close to each other with the pixel electrode sandwiched therebetween are formed by way of an insulation layer, in general. Accordingly, a parasitic capacitance (also referred to as a line capacitance) is formed between the pixel electrode and two video signal lines. In manufacturing the TFT substrate, the pixel electrode is formed such that a value of the parasitic capacitance formed between the pixel electrode and the video signal line arranged on a left side of the pixel electrode and a value of the parasitic capacitance formed between the pixel electrode and the video signal line arranged on a right side of the pixel electrode have the substantially same value. However, due to the displacement of positions where the video signal lines DL are formed, for example, there may be a case where the values of two parasitic capacitances differ from each other. When the values of two parasitic capacitances formed on the left and right sides of one pixel electrode differ from each other, for example, a potential of the pixel electrode is fluctuated thus giving rise to a phenomenon referred to as a longitudinal smear. Accordingly, in a conventional manufacturing method of a TFT substrate, for example, a thickness of an insulation layer interposed between the video signal line DL and the pixel electrode PX is increased up to a thickness which can prevent the fluctuation of the potential of the pixel electrode attributed to the difference between values of two parasitic capacitances formed on left and right sides of one pixel electrode. Further, in the conventional liquid crystal display panel, as a method for suppressing a longitudinal smear, there has been proposed a method which forms a shielding electrode, for example. As such a method which forms the shielding electrode, there has been known a method which forms a shielding electrode overlapping a video signal line DL on the counter substrate (see patent document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2004-213031), for example) or a method which forms a shielding electrode between the video signal line and the pixel electrode on the TFT substrate (see patent document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2003-177414), for example). SUMMARY The method which forms the shielding electrode on the counter substrate for suppressing the longitudinal smear in the liquid crystal display panel requires, at the time of forming the counter substrate, for example, a step of forming the shielding electrode besides a step of forming a light blocking film which divides a display region for respective pixels and color filters, a step of forming the counter electrode and the like. That is, the number of steps necessary for forming the counter substrate is increased and hence, there arises drawbacks that time necessary for manufacturing the counter substrate is prolonged and, at the same time, a manufacturing cost is increased. Further, in the method for forming the shielding electrode between the video signal line and the pixel electrode on the TFT substrate, for example, in a step of forming the scanning signal line, the shielding electrode is formed together with the scanning signal line. Accordingly, for example, when the positional displacement is generated, in overlapping the TFT substrate and the counter substrate each other, a numerical aperture is lowered thus giving rise to a drawback that a brightness of the liquid crystal display panel (display device) is lowered. It is an object of the present invention to provide a technique capable of easily suppressing the generation of longitudinal smear in a liquid crystal display device, for example. It is a still another object of the present invention to provide a technique capable of preventing the lowering of a numerical aperture while easily suppressing the generation of longitudinal smear in the liquid crystal display device, for example. It is a still another object of the present invention to provide a technique capable of easily manufacturing a TFT substrate which can suppress the generation of longitudinal smear in the liquid crystal display device, for example. The above-mentioned and other objects and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification and attached drawings. To summarize typical inventions among the inventions disclosed in this specification, they are as follows. (1) According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display device including a display panel having a plurality of scanning signal lines, a plurality of video signal lines, a plurality of thin film transistors and a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in a matrix array, wherein provided that a gap between two neighboring video signal lines with one pixel electrode out of the plurality of pixel electrodes sandwiched therebetween in a region where one pixel electrode is arranged is larger than a gap between two neighboring video signal lines with another pixel electrode different from one pixel electrode sandwiched therebetween in a region where another electrode is arranged, a size of one pixel electrode in the direction of the gap of the video signal lines is set larger than a size of another pixel electrode in the direction of the gap of the video signal lines. (2) In the display device having the constitution described in (1), a gap between one pixel electrode and one video signal line out of two video signal lines and a gap between one pixel electrode and another video signal line out of two video signal lines are set substantially equal to each other, a gap between another pixel electrode and one video signal line out of two video signal lines and a gap between another pixel electrode and another video signal line out of two video signal lines are set substantially equal to each other, the gap between one pixel electrode and another video signal line out of two video signal lines and the gap between another pixel electrode and one video signal line out of two video signal lines are set substantially equal to each other, and the gap between one pixel electrode and another video signal line out of two video signal lines and the gap between another pixel electrode and another video signal line out of two video signal lines are set substantially equal to each other. (3) In the display device having the constitution described in (1) or (2), assuming a distance between two most spaced-apart pixel electrodes out of the plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in a matrix array as LDA, the difference in etching quantity generated with respect to a size of the pixel electrode in the direction of the gap of the video signal lines at two positions spaced apart from each other by the distance LDAas σ, a size of one pixel electrode in the direction of the gap of the video signal lines as PXW, and a gap between one predetermined pixel electrode and the predetermined video signal line as DPGmin, the relationship between a gap DPGL between one pixel electrode and one video signal line out of two video signal lines and a gap DPGR between one pixel electrode and another video signal line out of two video signal lines satisfies following formula 1 to formula 3. DPGL+σ/LDA·PXW>DPGR>DPGL−σ/LDA·PXW(formula 1) DPGL>DPGmin−σ/LDA·PXW(formula 2) DPGR>DPGmin−σ/LDA·PXW(formula 3) (4) In the display device having the constitution described any one of (1) to (3), the display panel is a liquid crystal display panel which seals liquid crystal between two substrates. (5) According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a manufacturing method of a display device which forms a plurality of scanning signal lines, a plurality of video signal lines, a plurality of TFTs and a plurality of pixel electrodes on a surface of an insulating substrate, the manufacturing method comprising the steps of: forming the plurality of video signal lines; forming the plurality of pixel electrodes after the step of forming the plurality of video signal lines, the step including a step of forming a conductive film, a step of forming a photosensitive resist on the conductive film, a step of exposing the photosensitive resist using predetermined size data, a step of developing the exposed photosensitive resist, and a step of etching the conductive film using the photosensitive resist acquired by developing as a mask; a first step of measuring positions and line widths of the video signal lines formed on the insulating substrate between the step of forming the plurality of video signal lines and the step of forming the plurality of pixel electrodes; and a second step of correcting either one of or both of forming positions and sizes of the plurality of pixel electrodes out of the predetermined size data based on a result of the measurement in the first step between the step of forming the plurality of video signal lines and the step of forming the plurality of pixel electrodes, wherein provided that the size data is corrected in the second step, the photosensitive resist is exposed using the corrected size data in the step of exposing the photosensitive resist. (6) In a manufacturing method of a display device having the constitution described in (5), the step of exposing the photosensitive resist divides a region in which the photosensitive resist is formed into a large number of micro regions, and the large number of micro regions are allocated to the micro regions which are exposed and the micro regions which are not exposed based on the predetermined size data or the corrected size data and, thereafter, the micro regions which are exposed are sequentially or collectively exposed. (7) In a manufacturing method of a display device having the constitution described in (5) or (6), in the second step, the size data is corrected such that based on the positions and the line widths of two neighboring video signal lines with the pixel electrode sandwiched therebetween in a region where the pixel electrode is formed, a gap between the pixel electrode and one of two video signal lines and a gap between the pixel electrode and another video signal line out of two video signal lines assume the same value, and gaps between the respective pixel electrodes and one video signal lines of the respective two video signal lines assume the same value and, at the same time, the gaps between the respective pixel electrodes and another video signal lines of the respective two video signal lines assume the same value. (8) In a manufacturing method of a display device having the constitution described in any one of (5) to (7), in the first step, a region where the plurality of pixel electrodes are formed is divided into small regions which are smaller than the pixel electrodes in number, and the position and the line width of the video signal line in a region which belongs to one small region and in which the plurality of pixel electrodes are formed are estimated from the position and the line width of the video signal line at a representative point in one small region. According to the present invention, a value of a parasitic capacitance formed between the pixel electrode and the video signal line arranged on a left side of the pixel electrode and a value of a parasitic capacitance formed between the pixel electrode and the video signal line arranged on a right side of the pixel electrode can be set to the substantially same value and hence, the generation of longitudinal smear can be easily suppressed. Further, according to the present invention, the generation of longitudinal smear can be suppressed by correcting forming positions or sizes of the pixel electrodes thus preventing lowering of a numerical aperture. Still further, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily manufacture a TFT substrate which can suppress the generation of longitudinal smear in the liquid crystal display device. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7731752

BACKGROUND The present application is directed to vertebral implants and methods of use, and more particularly, to implants that are adjustable between a first reduced size to ease insertion into the patient, and a second enlarged size to space vertebral members. The spine is divided into four regions comprising the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacrococcygeal regions. The cervical region includes the top seven vertebral members identified as C1-C7. The thoracic region includes the next twelve vertebral members identified as T1-T12. The lumbar region includes five vertebral members L1-L5. The sacrococcygeal region includes nine fused vertebral members that form the sacrum and the coccyx. The vertebral members of the spine are aligned in a curved configuration that includes a cervical curve, thoracic curve, and lumbosacral curve. Intervertebral discs are positioned between the vertebral members and permit flexion, extension, lateral bending, and rotation. Various conditions may lead to damage of the intervertebral discs and/or the vertebral members. The damage may result from a variety of causes including a specific event such as trauma, a degenerative condition, a tumor, or infection. Damage to the intervertebral discs and vertebral members can lead to pain, neurological deficit, and/or loss of motion. Various procedures include replacing the entirety or a section of a vertebral member, the entirety or a section of an intervertebral disc, or both. One or more replacement implants may be inserted to replace the damaged vertebral members and/or discs. The implants reduce or eliminate the pain and neurological deficit, and increase the range of motion. The implants may be adjustable between a first, reduced size that facilitates insertion into the patient in a minimally invasive manner. Once inserted, the implant may be expanded to a larger second size. SUMMARY The application is directed to implants and methods of use for positioning between vertebral members. The implants may include a series of members that are nested together. The members may include sidewalls, and the inferior and superior members may also include contact surfaces that contact the vertebral members. The implant may be positionable between collapsed and expanded orientations. In the collapsed orientation, the members may be nested together and the sidewalls may be in a multiple-overlapping arrangement. In the expanded orientation, the members may extend outward from each other thus increasing an overall height of the implant. In one method of use, the implant is inserted into a patient while in the collapsed orientation. Once positioned, the height of the implant is increased with the members being moved towards the expanded orientation. The height of the implant may vary depending upon the desired size.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND The present application is directed to vertebral implants and methods of use, and more particularly, to implants that are adjustable between a first reduced size to ease insertion into the patient, and a second enlarged size to space vertebral members. The spine is divided into four regions comprising the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacrococcygeal regions. The cervical region includes the top seven vertebral members identified as C1-C7. The thoracic region includes the next twelve vertebral members identified as T1-T12. The lumbar region includes five vertebral members L1-L5. The sacrococcygeal region includes nine fused vertebral members that form the sacrum and the coccyx. The vertebral members of the spine are aligned in a curved configuration that includes a cervical curve, thoracic curve, and lumbosacral curve. Intervertebral discs are positioned between the vertebral members and permit flexion, extension, lateral bending, and rotation. Various conditions may lead to damage of the intervertebral discs and/or the vertebral members. The damage may result from a variety of causes including a specific event such as trauma, a degenerative condition, a tumor, or infection. Damage to the intervertebral discs and vertebral members can lead to pain, neurological deficit, and/or loss of motion. Various procedures include replacing the entirety or a section of a vertebral member, the entirety or a section of an intervertebral disc, or both. One or more replacement implants may be inserted to replace the damaged vertebral members and/or discs. The implants reduce or eliminate the pain and neurological deficit, and increase the range of motion. The implants may be adjustable between a first, reduced size that facilitates insertion into the patient in a minimally invasive manner. Once inserted, the implant may be expanded to a larger second size. SUMMARY The application is directed to implants and methods of use for positioning between vertebral members. The implants may include a series of members that are nested together. The members may include sidewalls, and the inferior and superior members may also include contact surfaces that contact the vertebral members. The implant may be positionable between collapsed and expanded orientations. In the collapsed orientation, the members may be nested together and the sidewalls may be in a multiple-overlapping arrangement. In the expanded orientation, the members may extend outward from each other thus increasing an overall height of the implant. In one method of use, the implant is inserted into a patient while in the collapsed orientation. Once positioned, the height of the implant is increased with the members being moved towards the expanded orientation. The height of the implant may vary depending upon the desired size. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7671269

BACKGROUND A turntable is a circular rotating platform of a record player. Turntables can be used in a skillful manner by DJs to mix and scratch records. Many professional CD players now have been provided with the same capability. Such devices can be velocity and directionally sensitive in that they produce sounds that are based on the direction and the velocity of turntable movement. One shortcoming of conventional turntables and other sound producing systems is that they are packaged in conventional modules and can occupy significant space. Accordingly, the use of these devices outside of their traditional workspaces is not feasible. This represents a significant shortcoming as musicians and other users of these instruments are precluded from using them in non-traditional venues where such use might be advantageous. Some software based systems such as garage band TM allow the actuation of certain sounds via a computer system. These systems provide a computer generated graphical interface that can be employed to control the generation of sounds. These operations can be controlled by conventional point and click technologies. However, the control offered by such conventional software based systems provide a very limited range of sound actuation control options in the face of the rapidly changing needs of consumers. SUMMARY A system that enables the control of a velocity and directionally sensitive sound generating application using non-traditional media (e.g., paper) and mechanisms would be advantageous. Embodiments of the present invention provide such a system, as well as methods and applications that can be implemented using such a system. In one embodiment, a system for graphical control of a velocity and directionally sensitive sound generation application is disclosed that enables the control of an optical pen based velocity and directionally sensitive sound generation application from graphical elements that are placed on (drawn, printed etc.) an encoded surface. In one embodiment, the graphical elements depict a turntable. In other embodiments, the graphical elements can depict other velocity sensitive and directionally sensitive sound generating instruments (violin, cello, trombone etc.). An optical pen user can use the optical pen to traverse one or more graphical elements that are a part of the graphically depicted device or instrument on the encoded surface that corresponds to particular sounds. For example, a user can generate a scratch sound by drawing across the turntable. Moreover, the pitch, volume, and other characteristics of the scratch sound produced by the pen device can be generated, for example, in accordance with the direction of the drawing. In one embodiment, methods and systems for graphical actuation of a velocity and directionally sensitive sound generation application are disclosed. An identifier of a graphical element or elements that are traversed is received wherein the graphical element or elements are located on a coded surface. In one embodiment, the traversal has a velocity and a direction. Moreover, the traversal can be performed with an optical pen on a graphical representation of a sound generation system. The velocity and the direction of the traversal are determined and used to actuate a sound generation application. In one embodiment, using the optical pen, a region is defined on an item of encoded media (e.g., on a piece of encoded paper). A velocity sensitive and directionally sensitive sound is then associated with that region. When the region is subsequently scanned, the velocity sensitive and directionally sensitive sound is produced. The content of a region may be handwritten by a user, or it may be preprinted. Although the velocity sensitive and directionally sensitive sound associated with a region may be selected to evoke the content of the region, the sound can be independent of the region's content (other than the encoded pattern of markings within the region). Thus, the content of a region can be changed without changing the sound associated with the region, or the sound can be changed without changing the content. As mentioned above, once a sound is associated with a region, that sound can be generated or played back when the region is subsequently scanned by the device. In summary, according to embodiments of the present invention, a user can interact with a device (e.g., an optical pen) and an input media (e.g., encoded paper) to graphically control the actuation of velocity sensitive and directionally sensitive sounds. These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be recognized by one skilled in the art after having read the following detailed description, which are illustrated in the various drawing figures.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND A turntable is a circular rotating platform of a record player. Turntables can be used in a skillful manner by DJs to mix and scratch records. Many professional CD players now have been provided with the same capability. Such devices can be velocity and directionally sensitive in that they produce sounds that are based on the direction and the velocity of turntable movement. One shortcoming of conventional turntables and other sound producing systems is that they are packaged in conventional modules and can occupy significant space. Accordingly, the use of these devices outside of their traditional workspaces is not feasible. This represents a significant shortcoming as musicians and other users of these instruments are precluded from using them in non-traditional venues where such use might be advantageous. Some software based systems such as garage band TM allow the actuation of certain sounds via a computer system. These systems provide a computer generated graphical interface that can be employed to control the generation of sounds. These operations can be controlled by conventional point and click technologies. However, the control offered by such conventional software based systems provide a very limited range of sound actuation control options in the face of the rapidly changing needs of consumers. SUMMARY A system that enables the control of a velocity and directionally sensitive sound generating application using non-traditional media (e.g., paper) and mechanisms would be advantageous. Embodiments of the present invention provide such a system, as well as methods and applications that can be implemented using such a system. In one embodiment, a system for graphical control of a velocity and directionally sensitive sound generation application is disclosed that enables the control of an optical pen based velocity and directionally sensitive sound generation application from graphical elements that are placed on (drawn, printed etc.) an encoded surface. In one embodiment, the graphical elements depict a turntable. In other embodiments, the graphical elements can depict other velocity sensitive and directionally sensitive sound generating instruments (violin, cello, trombone etc.). An optical pen user can use the optical pen to traverse one or more graphical elements that are a part of the graphically depicted device or instrument on the encoded surface that corresponds to particular sounds. For example, a user can generate a scratch sound by drawing across the turntable. Moreover, the pitch, volume, and other characteristics of the scratch sound produced by the pen device can be generated, for example, in accordance with the direction of the drawing. In one embodiment, methods and systems for graphical actuation of a velocity and directionally sensitive sound generation application are disclosed. An identifier of a graphical element or elements that are traversed is received wherein the graphical element or elements are located on a coded surface. In one embodiment, the traversal has a velocity and a direction. Moreover, the traversal can be performed with an optical pen on a graphical representation of a sound generation system. The velocity and the direction of the traversal are determined and used to actuate a sound generation application. In one embodiment, using the optical pen, a region is defined on an item of encoded media (e.g., on a piece of encoded paper). A velocity sensitive and directionally sensitive sound is then associated with that region. When the region is subsequently scanned, the velocity sensitive and directionally sensitive sound is produced. The content of a region may be handwritten by a user, or it may be preprinted. Although the velocity sensitive and directionally sensitive sound associated with a region may be selected to evoke the content of the region, the sound can be independent of the region's content (other than the encoded pattern of markings within the region). Thus, the content of a region can be changed without changing the sound associated with the region, or the sound can be changed without changing the content. As mentioned above, once a sound is associated with a region, that sound can be generated or played back when the region is subsequently scanned by the device. In summary, according to embodiments of the present invention, a user can interact with a device (e.g., an optical pen) and an input media (e.g., encoded paper) to graphically control the actuation of velocity sensitive and directionally sensitive sounds. These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be recognized by one skilled in the art after having read the following detailed description, which are illustrated in the various drawing figures. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7741613

BACKGROUND Technical Field The present invention generally describes a passive “camera” system for visualizing the presence and location of a source of neutron radiation. More particularly, this invention describes a device for detecting small amounts of fissile material and certain nuclear material such as plutonium or highly enriched weapons-grade uranium (HEU), also known as “special nuclear materials,” or SNM, which might be concealed within a bulk cargo container, railroad rail car, or a tractor trailer as smuggled contraband. SNM emit detectable amounts of high energy particles during active and passive interrogation. This radiation can be imaged and thus allow visualization of shielded and/or smuggled radioactive materials. Although gamma-ray imaging is appropriate for many cases, neutrons are much more penetrating through high-Z shielding/concealment materials, and are thus preferred in certain scenarios (e.g. weapons grade plutonium or HEU smuggled inside a lead pig several inches thick). Particle scatter cameras use conservation of energy and momentum for the collision between an incident neutron (no) and a proton (p) from the detector to calculate the direction of origin for the neutron. This is shown schematically inFIG. 1. The incident neutron scatters in the first detector and then again in the second detector. The angle of the first scatter (θ1) is related to the energy given to the proton in the first scatter, Ep, and the energy of the scattered neutron, En1, as tan2⁢θ1=EpEn1.(1) The proton recoil energy is measured directly from the detector output and the energy of the recoiling neutron is determined from the time-of-flight (TOF) between the two detectors as shown in equation 2. En1=m2⁢(dTOF)2,(2) where d is the separation distance between the two detectors. Because the direction of the recoiling proton is not measured, only the ring defined by the initial scatter angle θ1is determined. This defines a probability cone which can be back projected onto a virtual image plane. An image is formed by overlapping these cones over many events. In addition, the energy of the incident neutron (Eno) is obtained as the sum of the two measured energies Epand En1, i.e., Eno=Ep+En1,  (3) and thereby providing an accurate neutron spectrometer and allows differentiation of different types of neutron sources. Such instruments are very similar to Compton cameras used for gamma-ray detection such as those developed by Ryan, J. et al. (“COMPTEL measurements of solar flare neutrons,”Advances in Space Research,1993, v.13(9): p. 255-258). This device was developed for astrophysics where it was shown to provide an approximately 10-fold increase in sensitivity for the detection of solar neutrons over traditional neutron counting techniques. However, until recently the lowest energies of interest have been for incident neutrons above about 10 MeV. At these higher energies additional information can be obtained and it is easier to determine interaction parameters. For instance, fast neutron imagers have been developed by tracking the recoil protons in scintillating fibers as shown by R. S. Miller et al. (“SONTRAC: An imaging spectrometer for MeV neutrons,”Nuclear Instruments and MethodsA, 2003, v.505: p. 36) and Justin Peel, et al., (“Development of a Directional Scintillating Fiber Detector for 14 MeV Neutrons,”Nuclear Instruments and MethodsA, 2006, v.556: p. 287). Although these approaches have been successful at D-T and higher energies, they are difficult to apply to SNM neutron energies (˜1 MeV) due to the limited range of the proton recoil. SUMMARY Therefore, what is needed is a device capable of detecting fission neutrons and to provide an image of the source of the fission neutrons and its location in space. We present results from a prototype neutron scatter camera, and discuss key parameters that determine the detector's performance. Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND Technical Field The present invention generally describes a passive “camera” system for visualizing the presence and location of a source of neutron radiation. More particularly, this invention describes a device for detecting small amounts of fissile material and certain nuclear material such as plutonium or highly enriched weapons-grade uranium (HEU), also known as “special nuclear materials,” or SNM, which might be concealed within a bulk cargo container, railroad rail car, or a tractor trailer as smuggled contraband. SNM emit detectable amounts of high energy particles during active and passive interrogation. This radiation can be imaged and thus allow visualization of shielded and/or smuggled radioactive materials. Although gamma-ray imaging is appropriate for many cases, neutrons are much more penetrating through high-Z shielding/concealment materials, and are thus preferred in certain scenarios (e.g. weapons grade plutonium or HEU smuggled inside a lead pig several inches thick). Particle scatter cameras use conservation of energy and momentum for the collision between an incident neutron (no) and a proton (p) from the detector to calculate the direction of origin for the neutron. This is shown schematically inFIG. 1. The incident neutron scatters in the first detector and then again in the second detector. The angle of the first scatter (θ1) is related to the energy given to the proton in the first scatter, Ep, and the energy of the scattered neutron, En1, as tan2⁢θ1=EpEn1.(1) The proton recoil energy is measured directly from the detector output and the energy of the recoiling neutron is determined from the time-of-flight (TOF) between the two detectors as shown in equation 2. En1=m2⁢(dTOF)2,(2) where d is the separation distance between the two detectors. Because the direction of the recoiling proton is not measured, only the ring defined by the initial scatter angle θ1is determined. This defines a probability cone which can be back projected onto a virtual image plane. An image is formed by overlapping these cones over many events. In addition, the energy of the incident neutron (Eno) is obtained as the sum of the two measured energies Epand En1, i.e., Eno=Ep+En1,  (3) and thereby providing an accurate neutron spectrometer and allows differentiation of different types of neutron sources. Such instruments are very similar to Compton cameras used for gamma-ray detection such as those developed by Ryan, J. et al. (“COMPTEL measurements of solar flare neutrons,”Advances in Space Research,1993, v.13(9): p. 255-258). This device was developed for astrophysics where it was shown to provide an approximately 10-fold increase in sensitivity for the detection of solar neutrons over traditional neutron counting techniques. However, until recently the lowest energies of interest have been for incident neutrons above about 10 MeV. At these higher energies additional information can be obtained and it is easier to determine interaction parameters. For instance, fast neutron imagers have been developed by tracking the recoil protons in scintillating fibers as shown by R. S. Miller et al. (“SONTRAC: An imaging spectrometer for MeV neutrons,”Nuclear Instruments and MethodsA, 2003, v.505: p. 36) and Justin Peel, et al., (“Development of a Directional Scintillating Fiber Detector for 14 MeV Neutrons,”Nuclear Instruments and MethodsA, 2006, v.556: p. 287). Although these approaches have been successful at D-T and higher energies, they are difficult to apply to SNM neutron energies (˜1 MeV) due to the limited range of the proton recoil. SUMMARY Therefore, what is needed is a device capable of detecting fission neutrons and to provide an image of the source of the fission neutrons and its location in space. We present results from a prototype neutron scatter camera, and discuss key parameters that determine the detector's performance. Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7828783

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to absorbent articles which are particularly adapted to newborn infants. More specifically, this invention relates to diapers having a U-notched cut without the presence of a significantly laterally extending resulting piece that may create a safety risk. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Newborn infants are exceptionally prone to inflammation, infection and colonization of bacteria at the umbilicus as the residual, freshly cut umbilical cord offers an inviting site for bacterial invasion and frictional irritation by the overlying diaper. The rubbing movement of the conventional diaper on an umbilicus which is still raw, as the infant squirms, kicks and moves, often produces a sore place which causes the infant to be quite fretful. The umbilical area is noticeably reddish and inflamed. Also, the overlying diaper can serve as a carrier of bacteria to the unhealed, cut cord and bring about an infection. Due to the aforementioned reasons, conventional diapers which are particularly adapted for newborns are often constructed with an opening that is located centrally along the width of the end edge of the front panel of the diaper. Said opening is commonly referred to as a U-notch, V-notch or non-linear notch. In the creation of said non-linear notch, a non-linear cutting device is used. More specifically, individual diapers are often made from a plurality of continuous web materials that are subsequently cut into discrete articles (i.e., diapers). During said conventional non-linear notch cuts, however, the diaper often has a significantly laterally extending resulting piece that may create a safety risk. What is needed is a diaper/cut design and process that provides a non-linear notch cut without the presence of a significantly laterally extending resulting piece. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A disposable absorbent article having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis. The absorbent article further having a front end edge and a back end edge which are complementary in shape and are formed by a non-linear notch cut; said front end edge having at least three tangential points (a1, a2, b). Tangential point b is longitudinally inboard of a1and a2. The front end edge having at least two edge points (c1, c2), wherein:(i) c1and c2are longitudinally inboard of a1and a2, and(ii) c1and c2are longitudinally equal or outboard of b. The front end edge having a contour segment from said point a1to said point c1which is a mirror image of a contour segment from said point a1to said point b. The said front end edge having a path length measured along said contour segment from point a1to point c1which is less than or equal to the path length measured along said contour segment from point a1to point b. The back end edge having at least three tangential points (x1, x2, y), wherein y is longitudinally outboard of x1and x2. The said back end edge having at least two edge points (z1, z2), wherein:(i) z1and z2are longitudinally outboard of x1and x2, and(ii) z1and z2are longitudinally equal or inboard of y. The back end edge has a contour segment from said point x1to said point z1which is a mirror image of a contour segment from said point x1to said point y. The back end edge has a path length measured along said contour segment from point x1to point z1which is less than or equal to the path length measured along said contour segment from point x1to point y. The absorbent article being longitudinally folded about a first fold line. The first fold line may be drawn between points a2and x2. The absorbent article being longitudinally folded about a second fold line, said second fold line may be drawn between points a1and x1. Further, the absorbent article may have a longitudinal distance, d, which is measured between said tangential point b and said tangential point a1, wherein the longitudinal distance being from about 5 mm to about 25 mm, preferably 10 mm. Further, the absorbent article may have a lateral distance, f, which is measured between said fold lines, wherein the lateral distance being from about 80 mm to about 100 mm, preferably 90 mm. Further, the disposable absorbent article may be constructed as an open diaper or pant.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to absorbent articles which are particularly adapted to newborn infants. More specifically, this invention relates to diapers having a U-notched cut without the presence of a significantly laterally extending resulting piece that may create a safety risk. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Newborn infants are exceptionally prone to inflammation, infection and colonization of bacteria at the umbilicus as the residual, freshly cut umbilical cord offers an inviting site for bacterial invasion and frictional irritation by the overlying diaper. The rubbing movement of the conventional diaper on an umbilicus which is still raw, as the infant squirms, kicks and moves, often produces a sore place which causes the infant to be quite fretful. The umbilical area is noticeably reddish and inflamed. Also, the overlying diaper can serve as a carrier of bacteria to the unhealed, cut cord and bring about an infection. Due to the aforementioned reasons, conventional diapers which are particularly adapted for newborns are often constructed with an opening that is located centrally along the width of the end edge of the front panel of the diaper. Said opening is commonly referred to as a U-notch, V-notch or non-linear notch. In the creation of said non-linear notch, a non-linear cutting device is used. More specifically, individual diapers are often made from a plurality of continuous web materials that are subsequently cut into discrete articles (i.e., diapers). During said conventional non-linear notch cuts, however, the diaper often has a significantly laterally extending resulting piece that may create a safety risk. What is needed is a diaper/cut design and process that provides a non-linear notch cut without the presence of a significantly laterally extending resulting piece. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A disposable absorbent article having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis. The absorbent article further having a front end edge and a back end edge which are complementary in shape and are formed by a non-linear notch cut; said front end edge having at least three tangential points (a1, a2, b). Tangential point b is longitudinally inboard of a1and a2. The front end edge having at least two edge points (c1, c2), wherein:(i) c1and c2are longitudinally inboard of a1and a2, and(ii) c1and c2are longitudinally equal or outboard of b. The front end edge having a contour segment from said point a1to said point c1which is a mirror image of a contour segment from said point a1to said point b. The said front end edge having a path length measured along said contour segment from point a1to point c1which is less than or equal to the path length measured along said contour segment from point a1to point b. The back end edge having at least three tangential points (x1, x2, y), wherein y is longitudinally outboard of x1and x2. The said back end edge having at least two edge points (z1, z2), wherein:(i) z1and z2are longitudinally outboard of x1and x2, and(ii) z1and z2are longitudinally equal or inboard of y. The back end edge has a contour segment from said point x1to said point z1which is a mirror image of a contour segment from said point x1to said point y. The back end edge has a path length measured along said contour segment from point x1to point z1which is less than or equal to the path length measured along said contour segment from point x1to point y. The absorbent article being longitudinally folded about a first fold line. The first fold line may be drawn between points a2and x2. The absorbent article being longitudinally folded about a second fold line, said second fold line may be drawn between points a1and x1. Further, the absorbent article may have a longitudinal distance, d, which is measured between said tangential point b and said tangential point a1, wherein the longitudinal distance being from about 5 mm to about 25 mm, preferably 10 mm. Further, the absorbent article may have a lateral distance, f, which is measured between said fold lines, wherein the lateral distance being from about 80 mm to about 100 mm, preferably 90 mm. Further, the disposable absorbent article may be constructed as an open diaper or pant. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7660581

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of the following U.S. Provisional Patent Applications, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety App No. 60/717,151 entitled “SEARCH CAPABILITIES FOR MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS DEVICES,” App. No. 60/720,193 entitled “MANAGING WEB INTERACTIONS ON A MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITY”, and App. No. 60/731,991 entitled “MOBILE SEARCH”. This application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/281,902, filed on Nov. 16, 2005 and entitled “MANAGING SPONSORED CONTENT BASED ON USER CHARACTERISTICS,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/274,884, filed on Nov. 14, 2005 and entitled “MANAGING SPONSORED CONTENT BASED ON TRANSACTION HISTORY,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/274,905, filed on Nov. 14, 2005 and entitled “MANAGING SPONSORED CONTENT BASED ON GEOGRAPHIC REGION,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/274,933, filed on Nov. 14, 2005 and entitled “PRESENTATION OF SPONSORED CONTENT ON MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITIES,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/271,164, filed on Nov. 11, 2005 and entitled “MANAGING SPONSORED CONTENT BASED ON DEVICE CHARACTERISTICS”, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/268,671 filed on Nov. 5, 2005 and entitled “MANAGING PAYMENT FOR SPONSORED CONTENT PRESENTED TO MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITIES,” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/267,940, filed on Nov. 5, 2005 and entitled “MANAGING SPONSORED CONTENT FOR DELIVERY TO MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITIES”. Each of these applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION This disclosure relates to the field of mobile communications, and more particularly to improved delivery of sponsored content to mobile communications devices. BACKGROUND Online search driven by Web-based search engines has proven to be one of the most significant uses of computer networks such as the Internet. Computer users can employ a variety of search tools to search for content using different user interfaces and search methods. In some circumstances, mobile device users can also access Internet search tools to search for content. However, users of many mobile devices such as cell phones encounter difficulties using search technologies intended for conventional online use. Difficulties include the inability to display appropriate content, difficulty entering queries and taking other suitable actions such as navigation in an environment adapted to full screen displays, full-sized keyboards, and high-speed network connections. Furthermore, Internet search engines are currently unable to optimally deliver search results for a mobile communication facility because these search engines are specifically designed for the Internet and not mobile uses. A need exists for improved search capabilities adapted for use with mobile communication devices. SUMMARY Improved search capabilities are disclosed for mobile communications devices such as cell phones, as well as improved techniques for delivering sponsored content in a mobile communication environment. In one aspect, a method disclosed herein includes presenting a plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics; and receiving a bid for a sponsored content item to be presented on a mobile communication facility, the bid including an amount and at least one usage history characteristic selected from the plurality of usage history characteristics. The method may include the step of presenting at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic to the sponsor. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a device type. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a geographic region. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a history transaction characteristic. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a user characteristic. The method may include the step of matching the sponsored content item with a particular mobile communication facility for receipt of the content. The method may include the step of presenting a time to a sponsor, wherein the time may be used in the matching process. The method may include the step of matching may include determining a relevancy. The relevancy may determine a score. The method may include determining a relevancy of the sponsored content item to the mobile communication facility. The method may include presenting through a web interface. The method may include presenting through a client program. The method may include presenting through an API. The sponsored content item may include a sponsored link. The sponsored content item may include a sponsored call. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include at least one aggregation of usage history characteristics. The step of presenting may include presenting the plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics to one or more sponsors as a plurality of menu items in a menu. The plurality of menu items may be associated with an entry facility for entering a bid amount associated with that one of the plurality of menu items. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include one or more of a clickthrough history, a phone call history, one or more page views, a geographic history of location for a target mobile communication facility, temporal information, one or more websites viewed, a search history, one or more search results, a query keyword history, one or more products viewed, one or more products viewed and purchased, one or more names of products viewed, a number of products viewed, one or more products viewed and not purchased, one or more purchase amounts, one or more purchase dates, and/or behavioral information regarding purchases. The behavioral information may include an elapsed time between a product viewing and a product purchase. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include one or more of a streaming media history, one or more stored cookies, one or more RSS feeds, one or more summaries of automated email subscriptions, and/or an aggregated usage. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of site visits. The may include an indication of a plurality of calls. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of interactions with content. In another aspect, a method disclosed herein includes receiving a bid for a delivery of a sponsored content item, wherein the bid may include information relating to at least one usage history characteristic; matching the bid with a mobile communication facility at least in part based on the at least one usage history characteristic; and transmitting the sponsored content item to the mobile communication facility. The bid may include time information. The step of matching may include analyzing the time and the at least one usage history characteristic. The step of matching may include analyzing at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a mobile communication device type. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a geographic region. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a transaction history characteristic. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a user characteristic. The step of matching may be based on relevancy. The step of matching may be based on a relevancy score. The step of matching may be based on an analysis of the sponsored content item. The sponsored content item may include a sponsored link. The sponsored content item may include a sponsored call. The at least one usage history characteristic may include an aggregate of usage history characteristics. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a clickthrough history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a phone call history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more page views. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a geographic history of location for a target mobile communication facility. The at least one usage history characteristic may include temporal information. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more websites viewed. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a search history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more search results. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a query keyword history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more products viewed. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more products viewed and purchased. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more names of products viewed. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more products viewed and not purchased. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more purchase amounts. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more purchase dates. The at least one usage history characteristic may include behavioral information regarding purchases. The behavior information may include an elapsed time between a product viewing and a product purchase. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a streaming media history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more stored cookies. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more RSS feeds. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more summaries of automated email subscriptions. The at least one usage history characteristic may include an aggregated usage. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of site visits. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of calls. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of interactions with content. In another aspect, a method disclosed herein includes delivering a sponsored content item to a mobile communication facility, wherein the mobile communication facility may be associated with a usage history characteristic, wherein the sponsored content item has been selected at least in part based on the usage history characteristic. The sponsored content item may be further selected based on at least one mobile subscriber characteristic. The mobile subscriber characteristic may be a device type. The mobile subscriber characteristic may be a geographic region. The mobile subscriber characteristic may be a history transaction characteristic. The mobile subscriber characteristic may be a user characteristic. The method may include the step of matching the sponsored content item with the mobile communication facility. A time may be used in the matching process. The step of matching may include determining a relevancy. The relevancy may determine a score. The step of matching may include determining a relevancy of the sponsored content to the mobile communication facility. In another aspect, a computer program product disclosed herein includes computer executable code embodied on a computer readable medium that, when executing on one or more computing devices, performs the steps of: presenting a plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics; and receiving a bid for a sponsored content item to be presented on a mobile communication facility, the bid including an amount and at least one usage history characteristic selected from the plurality of usage history characteristics. The computer program product may, when executing on one or more computing devices, further perform the step of presenting at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic to the sponsor. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a device type. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a geographic region. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a history transaction characteristic. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a user characteristic. The code, when executing on one or more computing devices, may perform the step of matching the sponsored content item with a particular mobile communication facility for receipt of the content. The code, when executing on one or more computing devices, may further perform the step of presenting a time to a sponsor, wherein the time may be used in the matching process. The step of matching may include determining a relevancy. The relevancy may determine a score. The step of matching may include determining a relevancy of the sponsored content item to the mobile communication facility. The step of presenting may include presenting through a web interface. The step of presenting may include presenting through a client program. The step of presenting may include presenting through an API. The sponsored content item may include a sponsored link. The sponsored content item may include a sponsored call. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include at least one aggregation of usage history characteristics. The step of presenting may include presenting the plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics to one or more sponsors as a plurality of menu items in a menu. Each one of the plurality of menu items may be associated with an entry facility for entering a bid amount associated with that one of the plurality of menu items. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include one or more of a clickthrough history, a phone call history, one or more page views, a geographic history of location for a target mobile communication facility, temporal information, one or more websites viewed, a search history, one or more search results, a query keyword history, one or more products viewed, one or more products viewed and purchased, one or more names of products viewed, a number of products viewed, one or more products viewed and not purchased, one or more purchase amounts, one or more purchase dates, and/or behavioral information regarding purchases. The behavioral information may include an elapsed time between a product viewing and a product purchase. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include one or more of a streaming media history, one or more stored cookies, one or more RSS feeds, one or more summaries of automated email subscriptions, and/or an aggregated usage. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of site visits. The may include an indication of a plurality of calls. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of interactions with content. In another aspect, a computer program product includes computer executable code embodied on a computer readable medium that, when executing on one or more computing devices, performs the steps of: receiving a bid for a delivery of a sponsored content item, wherein the bid may include information relating to at least one usage history characteristic; matching the bid with a mobile communication facility at least in part based on the at least one usage history characteristic; and transmitting the sponsored content item to the mobile communication facility. The bid may include time information. The step of matching may include analyzing the time and the at least one usage history characteristic. The step of matching may include analyzing at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a mobile communication device type. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a geographic region. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a transaction history characteristic. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a user characteristic. The step of matching may be based on relevancy. The step of matching may be based on a relevancy score. The step of matching may be based on an analysis of the sponsored content item. The sponsored content item may include a sponsored link. The sponsored content item may include a sponsored call. The at least one usage history characteristic may include an aggregate of usage history characteristics. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a clickthrough history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a phone call history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more page views. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a geographic history of location for a target mobile communication facility. The at least one usage history characteristic may include temporal information. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more websites viewed. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a search history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more search results. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a query keyword history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more products viewed. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more products viewed and purchased. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more names of products viewed. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more products viewed and not purchased. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more purchase amounts. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more purchase dates. The at least one usage history characteristic may include behavioral information regarding purchases. The behavior information may include an elapsed time between a product viewing and a product purchase. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a streaming media history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more stored cookies. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more RSS feeds. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more summaries of automated email subscriptions. The at least one usage history characteristic may include an aggregated usage. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of site visits. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of calls. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of interactions with content. In another aspect, a computer program product described herein may include computer executable code embodied on a computer readable medium that, when executing on one or more computing devices, performs the step of: delivering a sponsored content item to a mobile communication facility, wherein the mobile communication facility may be associated with a usage history characteristic, wherein the sponsored content item has been selected at least in part based on the usage history characteristic. The sponsored content item may be further selected based on at least one mobile subscriber characteristic. The mobile subscriber characteristic may be a device type. The mobile subscriber characteristic may be a geographic region. The mobile subscriber characteristic may be a history transaction characteristic. The mobile subscriber characteristic may be a user characteristic. The code, when executing on one or more computing devices, may further perform the step of matching the sponsored content item with the mobile communication facility. A time may be used in the matching process. The step of matching may include determining a relevancy. The relevancy determines a score. The step of matching may include determining a relevancy of the sponsored content to the mobile communication facility. In another aspect, a system disclosed herein includes presenting means for presenting a plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics; and receiving means for receiving a bid for a sponsored content item to be presented on a mobile communication facility, the bid including an amount and at least one usage history characteristic selected from the plurality of usage history characteristics. The presenting means may include means for presenting at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic to the sponsor. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a device type. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a geographic region. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a history transaction characteristic. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a user characteristic. The system may include matching means for matching the sponsored content item with a particular mobile communication facility for receipt of the content. The presenting means may include means for presenting a time to a sponsor, wherein the time may be used in the matching process. The matching means may determine a relevancy. The relevancy may determine a score. The matching means may determine a relevancy of the sponsored content item to the mobile communication facility. The presenting means may include a web interface. The presenting means may include a client program. The presenting means may include an API. The sponsored content item may include a sponsored link. The sponsored content item may include a sponsored call. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include at least one aggregation of usage history characteristics. The presenting means may include means for presenting the plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics to one or more sponsors as a plurality of menu items in a menu. Each one of the plurality of menu items may be associated with an entry facility for entering a bid amount associated with that one of the plurality of menu items. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include one or more of a clickthrough history, a phone call history, one or more page views, a geographic history of location for a target mobile communication facility, temporal information, one or more websites viewed, a search history, one or more search results, a query keyword history, one or more products viewed, one or more products viewed and purchased, one or more names of products viewed, a number of products viewed, one or more products viewed and not purchased, one or more purchase amounts, one or more purchase dates, and/or behavioral information regarding purchases. The behavioral information may include an elapsed time between a product viewing and a product purchase. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include one or more of a streaming media history, one or more stored cookies, one or more RSS feeds, one or more summaries of automated email subscriptions, and/or an aggregated usage. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of site visits. The may include an indication of a plurality of calls. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of interactions with content. In another aspect, as system disclosed herein may include receiving means for receiving a bid for a delivery of a sponsored content item, wherein the bid may include information relating to at least one usage history characteristic; matching means for matching the bid with a mobile communication facility at least in part based on the at least one usage history characteristic; and transmitting means for transmitting the sponsored content item to the mobile communication facility. The bid may include time information. The matching means may include means for analyzing the time and the at least one usage history characteristic. The matching means may include means for analyzing at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a mobile communication device type. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a geographic region. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a transaction history characteristic. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a user characteristic. The matching means may use relevancy. The matching means may use a relevancy score. The matching means may use an analysis of the sponsored content item. The sponsored content item may include a sponsored link. The sponsored content item may include a sponsored call. The at least one usage history characteristic may include an aggregate of usage history characteristics. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a clickthrough history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a phone call history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more page views. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a geographic history of location for a target mobile communication facility. The at least one usage history characteristic may include temporal information. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more websites viewed. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a search history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more search results. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a query keyword history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more products viewed. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more products viewed and purchased. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more names of products viewed. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more products viewed and not purchased. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more purchase amounts. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more purchase dates. The at least one usage history characteristic may include behavioral information regarding purchases. The behavior information may include an elapsed time between a product viewing and a product purchase. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a streaming media history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more stored cookies. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more RSS feeds. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more summaries of automated email subscriptions. The at least one usage history characteristic may include an aggregated usage. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of site visits. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of calls. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of interactions with content. In another aspect, a system disclosed herein includes delivering means for delivering a sponsored content item to a mobile communication facility, wherein the mobile communication facility may be associated with a usage history characteristic, wherein the sponsored content item has been selected at least in part based on the usage history characteristic. The sponsored content item may be further selected based on at least one mobile subscriber characteristic. The mobile subscriber characteristic may be a device type. The mobile subscriber characteristic may be a geographic region. The mobile subscriber characteristic may be a history transaction characteristic. The mobile subscriber characteristic may be a user characteristic. The system may include matching means for matching the sponsored content item with the mobile communication facility. A time may be used by the matching means. The matching means may include means for determining a relevancy. The relevancy may determine a score. The matching means may include means for determining a relevancy of the sponsored content to the mobile communication facility. In another aspect, a system disclosed herein may include a display that presents a plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics; and a user input that receives a bid for a sponsored content item to be presented on a mobile communication facility, the bid including an amount and at least one usage history characteristic selected from the plurality of usage history characteristics. The display may present at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic to the sponsor. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a device type. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a geographic region. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a history transaction characteristic. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a user characteristic. The system may include a matching facility that matches the sponsored content item with a particular mobile communication facility for receipt of the content. The display may present a time to a sponsor, wherein the time may be used by the matching facility. The matching facility may determine a relevancy. The relevancy may determine a score. The matching facility may determine a relevancy of the sponsored content item to the mobile communication facility. The display and the user input may operate through a web interface. The display and the user input may operate through a client program. The display and the user input may operate through an API. The sponsored content item may include a sponsored link. The sponsored content item may include a sponsored call. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include at least one aggregation of usage history characteristics. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics to one or more sponsors as a plurality of menu items in a menu. Each one of the plurality of menu items may be associated with an entry facility for entering a bid amount associated with that one of the plurality of menu items. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include a clickthrough history. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include a phone call history. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include one or more page views. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include a geographic history of location for a target mobile communication facility. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include temporal information. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include one or more websites viewed. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include a search history. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include one or more search results. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include a query keyword history. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include one or more products viewed. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include one or more products viewed and purchased. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include one or more names of products viewed. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include a number of products viewed. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include one or more products viewed and not purchased. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include one or more purchase amounts. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include one or more purchase dates. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include behavioral information regarding purchases. The behavioral information may include an elapsed time between a product viewing and a product purchase. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include a streaming media history. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include one or more stored cookies. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include one or more RSS feeds. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include one or more summaries of automated email subscriptions. At least one of the plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include an aggregated usage. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of site visits. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of calls. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of interactions with content. In another aspect, a system disclosed herein includes a bid facility that receives a bid for a delivery of a sponsored content item, wherein the bid may include information relating to at least one usage history characteristic; a matching facility that matches the bid with a mobile communication facility at least in part based on the at least one usage history characteristic; and a communication facility that transmits the sponsored content item to the mobile communication facility. The bid may include time information. The matching facility may analyze the time and the at least one usage history characteristic. The matching facility may analyze at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a mobile communication device type. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a geographic region. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a transaction history characteristic. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a user characteristic. The matching facility may match based on relevancy. The matching facility may use a relevancy score. The matching facility may match based on an analysis of the sponsored content item. The sponsored content item may include a sponsored link. The sponsored content item may include a sponsored call. The at least one usage history characteristic may include an aggregate of usage history characteristics. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a clickthrough history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a phone call history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more page views. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a geographic history of location for a target mobile communication facility. The at least one usage history characteristic may include temporal information. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more websites viewed. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a search history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more search results. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a query keyword history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more products viewed. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more products viewed and purchased. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more names of products viewed. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more products viewed and not purchased. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more purchase amounts. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more purchase dates. The at least one usage history characteristic may include behavioral information regarding purchases. The behavior information may include an elapsed time between a product viewing and a product purchase. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a streaming media history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more stored cookies. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more RSS feeds. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more summaries of automated email subscriptions. The at least one usage history characteristic may include an aggregated usage. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of site visits. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of calls. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of interactions with content. In another aspect, a system disclosed herein includes a communication facility that delivers a sponsored content item to a mobile communication facility, wherein the mobile communication facility may be associated with a usage history characteristic, wherein the sponsored content item has been selected at least in part based on the usage history characteristic. The sponsored content item may be further selected based on at least one mobile subscriber characteristic. The mobile subscriber characteristic may be a device type. The mobile subscriber characteristic may be a geographic region. The mobile subscriber characteristic may be a history transaction characteristic. The mobile subscriber characteristic may be a user characteristic. The system may include a matching facility that matches the sponsored content item with the mobile communication facility. A time may be used by the matching facility. The matching facility may determine a relevancy. The relevancy may determine a score. The matching facility may determine a relevancy of the sponsored content to the mobile communication facility.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of the following U.S. Provisional Patent Applications, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety App No. 60/717,151 entitled “SEARCH CAPABILITIES FOR MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS DEVICES,” App. No. 60/720,193 entitled “MANAGING WEB INTERACTIONS ON A MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITY”, and App. No. 60/731,991 entitled “MOBILE SEARCH”. This application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/281,902, filed on Nov. 16, 2005 and entitled “MANAGING SPONSORED CONTENT BASED ON USER CHARACTERISTICS,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/274,884, filed on Nov. 14, 2005 and entitled “MANAGING SPONSORED CONTENT BASED ON TRANSACTION HISTORY,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/274,905, filed on Nov. 14, 2005 and entitled “MANAGING SPONSORED CONTENT BASED ON GEOGRAPHIC REGION,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/274,933, filed on Nov. 14, 2005 and entitled “PRESENTATION OF SPONSORED CONTENT ON MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITIES,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/271,164, filed on Nov. 11, 2005 and entitled “MANAGING SPONSORED CONTENT BASED ON DEVICE CHARACTERISTICS”, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/268,671 filed on Nov. 5, 2005 and entitled “MANAGING PAYMENT FOR SPONSORED CONTENT PRESENTED TO MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITIES,” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/267,940, filed on Nov. 5, 2005 and entitled “MANAGING SPONSORED CONTENT FOR DELIVERY TO MOBILE COMMUNICATION FACILITIES”. Each of these applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION This disclosure relates to the field of mobile communications, and more particularly to improved delivery of sponsored content to mobile communications devices. BACKGROUND Online search driven by Web-based search engines has proven to be one of the most significant uses of computer networks such as the Internet. Computer users can employ a variety of search tools to search for content using different user interfaces and search methods. In some circumstances, mobile device users can also access Internet search tools to search for content. However, users of many mobile devices such as cell phones encounter difficulties using search technologies intended for conventional online use. Difficulties include the inability to display appropriate content, difficulty entering queries and taking other suitable actions such as navigation in an environment adapted to full screen displays, full-sized keyboards, and high-speed network connections. Furthermore, Internet search engines are currently unable to optimally deliver search results for a mobile communication facility because these search engines are specifically designed for the Internet and not mobile uses. A need exists for improved search capabilities adapted for use with mobile communication devices. SUMMARY Improved search capabilities are disclosed for mobile communications devices such as cell phones, as well as improved techniques for delivering sponsored content in a mobile communication environment. In one aspect, a method disclosed herein includes presenting a plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics; and receiving a bid for a sponsored content item to be presented on a mobile communication facility, the bid including an amount and at least one usage history characteristic selected from the plurality of usage history characteristics. The method may include the step of presenting at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic to the sponsor. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a device type. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a geographic region. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a history transaction characteristic. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a user characteristic. The method may include the step of matching the sponsored content item with a particular mobile communication facility for receipt of the content. The method may include the step of presenting a time to a sponsor, wherein the time may be used in the matching process. The method may include the step of matching may include determining a relevancy. The relevancy may determine a score. The method may include determining a relevancy of the sponsored content item to the mobile communication facility. The method may include presenting through a web interface. The method may include presenting through a client program. The method may include presenting through an API. The sponsored content item may include a sponsored link. The sponsored content item may include a sponsored call. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include at least one aggregation of usage history characteristics. The step of presenting may include presenting the plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics to one or more sponsors as a plurality of menu items in a menu. The plurality of menu items may be associated with an entry facility for entering a bid amount associated with that one of the plurality of menu items. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include one or more of a clickthrough history, a phone call history, one or more page views, a geographic history of location for a target mobile communication facility, temporal information, one or more websites viewed, a search history, one or more search results, a query keyword history, one or more products viewed, one or more products viewed and purchased, one or more names of products viewed, a number of products viewed, one or more products viewed and not purchased, one or more purchase amounts, one or more purchase dates, and/or behavioral information regarding purchases. The behavioral information may include an elapsed time between a product viewing and a product purchase. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include one or more of a streaming media history, one or more stored cookies, one or more RSS feeds, one or more summaries of automated email subscriptions, and/or an aggregated usage. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of site visits. The may include an indication of a plurality of calls. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of interactions with content. In another aspect, a method disclosed herein includes receiving a bid for a delivery of a sponsored content item, wherein the bid may include information relating to at least one usage history characteristic; matching the bid with a mobile communication facility at least in part based on the at least one usage history characteristic; and transmitting the sponsored content item to the mobile communication facility. The bid may include time information. The step of matching may include analyzing the time and the at least one usage history characteristic. The step of matching may include analyzing at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a mobile communication device type. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a geographic region. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a transaction history characteristic. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a user characteristic. The step of matching may be based on relevancy. The step of matching may be based on a relevancy score. The step of matching may be based on an analysis of the sponsored content item. The sponsored content item may include a sponsored link. The sponsored content item may include a sponsored call. The at least one usage history characteristic may include an aggregate of usage history characteristics. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a clickthrough history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a phone call history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more page views. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a geographic history of location for a target mobile communication facility. The at least one usage history characteristic may include temporal information. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more websites viewed. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a search history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more search results. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a query keyword history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more products viewed. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more products viewed and purchased. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more names of products viewed. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more products viewed and not purchased. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more purchase amounts. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more purchase dates. The at least one usage history characteristic may include behavioral information regarding purchases. The behavior information may include an elapsed time between a product viewing and a product purchase. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a streaming media history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more stored cookies. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more RSS feeds. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more summaries of automated email subscriptions. The at least one usage history characteristic may include an aggregated usage. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of site visits. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of calls. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of interactions with content. In another aspect, a method disclosed herein includes delivering a sponsored content item to a mobile communication facility, wherein the mobile communication facility may be associated with a usage history characteristic, wherein the sponsored content item has been selected at least in part based on the usage history characteristic. The sponsored content item may be further selected based on at least one mobile subscriber characteristic. The mobile subscriber characteristic may be a device type. The mobile subscriber characteristic may be a geographic region. The mobile subscriber characteristic may be a history transaction characteristic. The mobile subscriber characteristic may be a user characteristic. The method may include the step of matching the sponsored content item with the mobile communication facility. A time may be used in the matching process. The step of matching may include determining a relevancy. The relevancy may determine a score. The step of matching may include determining a relevancy of the sponsored content to the mobile communication facility. In another aspect, a computer program product disclosed herein includes computer executable code embodied on a computer readable medium that, when executing on one or more computing devices, performs the steps of: presenting a plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics; and receiving a bid for a sponsored content item to be presented on a mobile communication facility, the bid including an amount and at least one usage history characteristic selected from the plurality of usage history characteristics. The computer program product may, when executing on one or more computing devices, further perform the step of presenting at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic to the sponsor. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a device type. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a geographic region. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a history transaction characteristic. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a user characteristic. The code, when executing on one or more computing devices, may perform the step of matching the sponsored content item with a particular mobile communication facility for receipt of the content. The code, when executing on one or more computing devices, may further perform the step of presenting a time to a sponsor, wherein the time may be used in the matching process. The step of matching may include determining a relevancy. The relevancy may determine a score. The step of matching may include determining a relevancy of the sponsored content item to the mobile communication facility. The step of presenting may include presenting through a web interface. The step of presenting may include presenting through a client program. The step of presenting may include presenting through an API. The sponsored content item may include a sponsored link. The sponsored content item may include a sponsored call. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include at least one aggregation of usage history characteristics. The step of presenting may include presenting the plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics to one or more sponsors as a plurality of menu items in a menu. Each one of the plurality of menu items may be associated with an entry facility for entering a bid amount associated with that one of the plurality of menu items. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include one or more of a clickthrough history, a phone call history, one or more page views, a geographic history of location for a target mobile communication facility, temporal information, one or more websites viewed, a search history, one or more search results, a query keyword history, one or more products viewed, one or more products viewed and purchased, one or more names of products viewed, a number of products viewed, one or more products viewed and not purchased, one or more purchase amounts, one or more purchase dates, and/or behavioral information regarding purchases. The behavioral information may include an elapsed time between a product viewing and a product purchase. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include one or more of a streaming media history, one or more stored cookies, one or more RSS feeds, one or more summaries of automated email subscriptions, and/or an aggregated usage. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of site visits. The may include an indication of a plurality of calls. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of interactions with content. In another aspect, a computer program product includes computer executable code embodied on a computer readable medium that, when executing on one or more computing devices, performs the steps of: receiving a bid for a delivery of a sponsored content item, wherein the bid may include information relating to at least one usage history characteristic; matching the bid with a mobile communication facility at least in part based on the at least one usage history characteristic; and transmitting the sponsored content item to the mobile communication facility. The bid may include time information. The step of matching may include analyzing the time and the at least one usage history characteristic. The step of matching may include analyzing at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a mobile communication device type. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a geographic region. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a transaction history characteristic. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a user characteristic. The step of matching may be based on relevancy. The step of matching may be based on a relevancy score. The step of matching may be based on an analysis of the sponsored content item. The sponsored content item may include a sponsored link. The sponsored content item may include a sponsored call. The at least one usage history characteristic may include an aggregate of usage history characteristics. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a clickthrough history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a phone call history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more page views. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a geographic history of location for a target mobile communication facility. The at least one usage history characteristic may include temporal information. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more websites viewed. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a search history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more search results. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a query keyword history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more products viewed. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more products viewed and purchased. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more names of products viewed. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more products viewed and not purchased. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more purchase amounts. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more purchase dates. The at least one usage history characteristic may include behavioral information regarding purchases. The behavior information may include an elapsed time between a product viewing and a product purchase. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a streaming media history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more stored cookies. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more RSS feeds. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more summaries of automated email subscriptions. The at least one usage history characteristic may include an aggregated usage. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of site visits. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of calls. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of interactions with content. In another aspect, a computer program product described herein may include computer executable code embodied on a computer readable medium that, when executing on one or more computing devices, performs the step of: delivering a sponsored content item to a mobile communication facility, wherein the mobile communication facility may be associated with a usage history characteristic, wherein the sponsored content item has been selected at least in part based on the usage history characteristic. The sponsored content item may be further selected based on at least one mobile subscriber characteristic. The mobile subscriber characteristic may be a device type. The mobile subscriber characteristic may be a geographic region. The mobile subscriber characteristic may be a history transaction characteristic. The mobile subscriber characteristic may be a user characteristic. The code, when executing on one or more computing devices, may further perform the step of matching the sponsored content item with the mobile communication facility. A time may be used in the matching process. The step of matching may include determining a relevancy. The relevancy determines a score. The step of matching may include determining a relevancy of the sponsored content to the mobile communication facility. In another aspect, a system disclosed herein includes presenting means for presenting a plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics; and receiving means for receiving a bid for a sponsored content item to be presented on a mobile communication facility, the bid including an amount and at least one usage history characteristic selected from the plurality of usage history characteristics. The presenting means may include means for presenting at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic to the sponsor. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a device type. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a geographic region. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a history transaction characteristic. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a user characteristic. The system may include matching means for matching the sponsored content item with a particular mobile communication facility for receipt of the content. The presenting means may include means for presenting a time to a sponsor, wherein the time may be used in the matching process. The matching means may determine a relevancy. The relevancy may determine a score. The matching means may determine a relevancy of the sponsored content item to the mobile communication facility. The presenting means may include a web interface. The presenting means may include a client program. The presenting means may include an API. The sponsored content item may include a sponsored link. The sponsored content item may include a sponsored call. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include at least one aggregation of usage history characteristics. The presenting means may include means for presenting the plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics to one or more sponsors as a plurality of menu items in a menu. Each one of the plurality of menu items may be associated with an entry facility for entering a bid amount associated with that one of the plurality of menu items. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include one or more of a clickthrough history, a phone call history, one or more page views, a geographic history of location for a target mobile communication facility, temporal information, one or more websites viewed, a search history, one or more search results, a query keyword history, one or more products viewed, one or more products viewed and purchased, one or more names of products viewed, a number of products viewed, one or more products viewed and not purchased, one or more purchase amounts, one or more purchase dates, and/or behavioral information regarding purchases. The behavioral information may include an elapsed time between a product viewing and a product purchase. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include one or more of a streaming media history, one or more stored cookies, one or more RSS feeds, one or more summaries of automated email subscriptions, and/or an aggregated usage. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of site visits. The may include an indication of a plurality of calls. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of interactions with content. In another aspect, as system disclosed herein may include receiving means for receiving a bid for a delivery of a sponsored content item, wherein the bid may include information relating to at least one usage history characteristic; matching means for matching the bid with a mobile communication facility at least in part based on the at least one usage history characteristic; and transmitting means for transmitting the sponsored content item to the mobile communication facility. The bid may include time information. The matching means may include means for analyzing the time and the at least one usage history characteristic. The matching means may include means for analyzing at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a mobile communication device type. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a geographic region. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a transaction history characteristic. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a user characteristic. The matching means may use relevancy. The matching means may use a relevancy score. The matching means may use an analysis of the sponsored content item. The sponsored content item may include a sponsored link. The sponsored content item may include a sponsored call. The at least one usage history characteristic may include an aggregate of usage history characteristics. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a clickthrough history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a phone call history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more page views. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a geographic history of location for a target mobile communication facility. The at least one usage history characteristic may include temporal information. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more websites viewed. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a search history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more search results. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a query keyword history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more products viewed. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more products viewed and purchased. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more names of products viewed. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more products viewed and not purchased. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more purchase amounts. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more purchase dates. The at least one usage history characteristic may include behavioral information regarding purchases. The behavior information may include an elapsed time between a product viewing and a product purchase. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a streaming media history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more stored cookies. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more RSS feeds. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more summaries of automated email subscriptions. The at least one usage history characteristic may include an aggregated usage. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of site visits. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of calls. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of interactions with content. In another aspect, a system disclosed herein includes delivering means for delivering a sponsored content item to a mobile communication facility, wherein the mobile communication facility may be associated with a usage history characteristic, wherein the sponsored content item has been selected at least in part based on the usage history characteristic. The sponsored content item may be further selected based on at least one mobile subscriber characteristic. The mobile subscriber characteristic may be a device type. The mobile subscriber characteristic may be a geographic region. The mobile subscriber characteristic may be a history transaction characteristic. The mobile subscriber characteristic may be a user characteristic. The system may include matching means for matching the sponsored content item with the mobile communication facility. A time may be used by the matching means. The matching means may include means for determining a relevancy. The relevancy may determine a score. The matching means may include means for determining a relevancy of the sponsored content to the mobile communication facility. In another aspect, a system disclosed herein may include a display that presents a plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics; and a user input that receives a bid for a sponsored content item to be presented on a mobile communication facility, the bid including an amount and at least one usage history characteristic selected from the plurality of usage history characteristics. The display may present at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic to the sponsor. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a device type. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a geographic region. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a history transaction characteristic. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a user characteristic. The system may include a matching facility that matches the sponsored content item with a particular mobile communication facility for receipt of the content. The display may present a time to a sponsor, wherein the time may be used by the matching facility. The matching facility may determine a relevancy. The relevancy may determine a score. The matching facility may determine a relevancy of the sponsored content item to the mobile communication facility. The display and the user input may operate through a web interface. The display and the user input may operate through a client program. The display and the user input may operate through an API. The sponsored content item may include a sponsored link. The sponsored content item may include a sponsored call. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include at least one aggregation of usage history characteristics. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics to one or more sponsors as a plurality of menu items in a menu. Each one of the plurality of menu items may be associated with an entry facility for entering a bid amount associated with that one of the plurality of menu items. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include a clickthrough history. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include a phone call history. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include one or more page views. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include a geographic history of location for a target mobile communication facility. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include temporal information. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include one or more websites viewed. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include a search history. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include one or more search results. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include a query keyword history. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include one or more products viewed. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include one or more products viewed and purchased. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include one or more names of products viewed. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include a number of products viewed. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include one or more products viewed and not purchased. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include one or more purchase amounts. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include one or more purchase dates. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include behavioral information regarding purchases. The behavioral information may include an elapsed time between a product viewing and a product purchase. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include a streaming media history. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include one or more stored cookies. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include one or more RSS feeds. The plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include one or more summaries of automated email subscriptions. At least one of the plurality of mobile communication facility usage history characteristics may include an aggregated usage. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of site visits. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of calls. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of interactions with content. In another aspect, a system disclosed herein includes a bid facility that receives a bid for a delivery of a sponsored content item, wherein the bid may include information relating to at least one usage history characteristic; a matching facility that matches the bid with a mobile communication facility at least in part based on the at least one usage history characteristic; and a communication facility that transmits the sponsored content item to the mobile communication facility. The bid may include time information. The matching facility may analyze the time and the at least one usage history characteristic. The matching facility may analyze at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a mobile communication device type. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a geographic region. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a transaction history characteristic. The at least one other mobile subscriber characteristic may include a user characteristic. The matching facility may match based on relevancy. The matching facility may use a relevancy score. The matching facility may match based on an analysis of the sponsored content item. The sponsored content item may include a sponsored link. The sponsored content item may include a sponsored call. The at least one usage history characteristic may include an aggregate of usage history characteristics. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a clickthrough history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a phone call history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more page views. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a geographic history of location for a target mobile communication facility. The at least one usage history characteristic may include temporal information. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more websites viewed. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a search history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more search results. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a query keyword history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more products viewed. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more products viewed and purchased. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more names of products viewed. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more products viewed and not purchased. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more purchase amounts. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more purchase dates. The at least one usage history characteristic may include behavioral information regarding purchases. The behavior information may include an elapsed time between a product viewing and a product purchase. The at least one usage history characteristic may include a streaming media history. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more stored cookies. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more RSS feeds. The at least one usage history characteristic may include one or more summaries of automated email subscriptions. The at least one usage history characteristic may include an aggregated usage. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of site visits. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of calls. The aggregated usage may include an indication of a plurality of interactions with content. In another aspect, a system disclosed herein includes a communication facility that delivers a sponsored content item to a mobile communication facility, wherein the mobile communication facility may be associated with a usage history characteristic, wherein the sponsored content item has been selected at least in part based on the usage history characteristic. The sponsored content item may be further selected based on at least one mobile subscriber characteristic. The mobile subscriber characteristic may be a device type. The mobile subscriber characteristic may be a geographic region. The mobile subscriber characteristic may be a history transaction characteristic. The mobile subscriber characteristic may be a user characteristic. The system may include a matching facility that matches the sponsored content item with the mobile communication facility. A time may be used by the matching facility. The matching facility may determine a relevancy. The relevancy may determine a score. The matching facility may determine a relevancy of the sponsored content to the mobile communication facility. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7649609

The present invention claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. P2005-0058627, filed in Korea on Jun. 30, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for repairing a short defect in a liquid crystal display device, and a fabricating method for the liquid crystal display device. 2. Discussion of the Related Art A liquid crystal display device controls the light transmittance of liquid crystal having dielectric anisotropy through an electric field, thereby displaying a picture. The liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal display panel which displays a picture through a liquid crystal cell matrix, and a drive circuit for driving the liquid crystal display panel. FIG. 1is a perspective view of a liquid crystal display panel structure according to the related art. As shown inFIG. 1, a liquid crystal panel may include a color filter substrate10, a thin film transistor substrate20, and a liquid crystal24in between the substrates. The color filter substrate10includes a black matrix4, a color filter6, and a common electrode8which are sequentially formed on an upper glass substrate2. The black matrix4is formed in a matrix shape on the upper glass substrate2, and the black matrix4divides an area of the upper glass substrate2into a plurality of cell areas where the color filter6is formed, and prevents external light reflection and light interference between adjacent cells. The color filter6is divided into red R, green G and blue B in the cell area divided by the black matrix4. The common electrode8is made from a transparent conductive layer spread on the entire surface of the color filter6and supplies a common voltage Vcomwhen driving liquid crystal24. Furthermore, an overcoat layer (not shown) is formed between the color filter6and the common electrode8in order to level the color filter6. InFIG. 1, the thin film transistor substrate20includes a pixel electrode22and a thin film transistor18formed at each cell area. The cell area is defined by the crossing of a gate line14and a data line16on a lower glass substrate12. The thin film transistor18supplies a data signal from the data line16to the pixel electrode22in response to a gate signal from the gate line14. The pixel electrode22may include a transparent conductive layer that supplies the data signal from the thin film transistor18to drive the liquid crystal24. In addition,FIG. 1includes the liquid crystal24having a dielectric anisotropy which rotates to control the light transmittance in accordance with the electric field formed by a common voltage Vcomof the common electrode8and the data signal of the pixel electrode22, thereby reaching gray level status. Furthermore, the liquid crystal display panel may include an alignment film for initially aligning the liquid crystal24. A spacer (not shown) uniformly maintains a cell gap between the color filter substrate10and the thin film transistor substrate20. Although not shown inFIG. 1, the color filter substrate10and the thin film transistor20of the liquid crystal display panel are formed by a plurality of mask processes. One mask process includes a plurality of processes, such as a thin film depositing (coating) process, a cleaning process, a photolithography process, an etching process, a stripping process, and an inspection process. However, impurities in the mask process may generate a pattern defect. For example, in the mask process of forming the gate line and the common line together which are adjacent to each other on the substrate, remaining impurities may generate a pattern defect thereby causing the gate line and the common line to be shorted, i.e., to have a short defect. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a short defect repairing method that repairs a short defect in the liquid crystal display, and a fabricating method for the liquid crystal display device. An object of the present invention is to provide a method of repairing a short defect which may include: forming a first conductive pattern on a substrate; forming a photo-resist pattern on the first conductive pattern using a rear exposure when the first conductive pattern is shorted by a residue pattern; and removing the residue pattern exposed through the photo-resist pattern. In another aspect of the present invention, a method of fabricating a liquid crystal display device may include forming a gate line and a common line on a substrate; forming a photo-resist pattern on the gate line and the common line using a rear exposure when the gate line and the common line are shorted by a residue pattern; and removing the residue pattern exposed through the photo-resist pattern. The step of forming the photo-resist pattern may include coating a photo-resist on the first conductive pattern; and forming the photo-resist pattern by rear-exposing the photo-resist. The residue pattern is a minute pattern having a line width equal to or less than a resolution level of the rear exposure, wherein the minute pattern line width is equal to or less than about 4 μm.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: The present invention claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. P2005-0058627, filed in Korea on Jun. 30, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for repairing a short defect in a liquid crystal display device, and a fabricating method for the liquid crystal display device. 2. Discussion of the Related Art A liquid crystal display device controls the light transmittance of liquid crystal having dielectric anisotropy through an electric field, thereby displaying a picture. The liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal display panel which displays a picture through a liquid crystal cell matrix, and a drive circuit for driving the liquid crystal display panel. FIG. 1is a perspective view of a liquid crystal display panel structure according to the related art. As shown inFIG. 1, a liquid crystal panel may include a color filter substrate10, a thin film transistor substrate20, and a liquid crystal24in between the substrates. The color filter substrate10includes a black matrix4, a color filter6, and a common electrode8which are sequentially formed on an upper glass substrate2. The black matrix4is formed in a matrix shape on the upper glass substrate2, and the black matrix4divides an area of the upper glass substrate2into a plurality of cell areas where the color filter6is formed, and prevents external light reflection and light interference between adjacent cells. The color filter6is divided into red R, green G and blue B in the cell area divided by the black matrix4. The common electrode8is made from a transparent conductive layer spread on the entire surface of the color filter6and supplies a common voltage Vcomwhen driving liquid crystal24. Furthermore, an overcoat layer (not shown) is formed between the color filter6and the common electrode8in order to level the color filter6. InFIG. 1, the thin film transistor substrate20includes a pixel electrode22and a thin film transistor18formed at each cell area. The cell area is defined by the crossing of a gate line14and a data line16on a lower glass substrate12. The thin film transistor18supplies a data signal from the data line16to the pixel electrode22in response to a gate signal from the gate line14. The pixel electrode22may include a transparent conductive layer that supplies the data signal from the thin film transistor18to drive the liquid crystal24. In addition,FIG. 1includes the liquid crystal24having a dielectric anisotropy which rotates to control the light transmittance in accordance with the electric field formed by a common voltage Vcomof the common electrode8and the data signal of the pixel electrode22, thereby reaching gray level status. Furthermore, the liquid crystal display panel may include an alignment film for initially aligning the liquid crystal24. A spacer (not shown) uniformly maintains a cell gap between the color filter substrate10and the thin film transistor substrate20. Although not shown inFIG. 1, the color filter substrate10and the thin film transistor20of the liquid crystal display panel are formed by a plurality of mask processes. One mask process includes a plurality of processes, such as a thin film depositing (coating) process, a cleaning process, a photolithography process, an etching process, a stripping process, and an inspection process. However, impurities in the mask process may generate a pattern defect. For example, in the mask process of forming the gate line and the common line together which are adjacent to each other on the substrate, remaining impurities may generate a pattern defect thereby causing the gate line and the common line to be shorted, i.e., to have a short defect. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a short defect repairing method that repairs a short defect in the liquid crystal display, and a fabricating method for the liquid crystal display device. An object of the present invention is to provide a method of repairing a short defect which may include: forming a first conductive pattern on a substrate; forming a photo-resist pattern on the first conductive pattern using a rear exposure when the first conductive pattern is shorted by a residue pattern; and removing the residue pattern exposed through the photo-resist pattern. In another aspect of the present invention, a method of fabricating a liquid crystal display device may include forming a gate line and a common line on a substrate; forming a photo-resist pattern on the gate line and the common line using a rear exposure when the gate line and the common line are shorted by a residue pattern; and removing the residue pattern exposed through the photo-resist pattern. The step of forming the photo-resist pattern may include coating a photo-resist on the first conductive pattern; and forming the photo-resist pattern by rear-exposing the photo-resist. The residue pattern is a minute pattern having a line width equal to or less than a resolution level of the rear exposure, wherein the minute pattern line width is equal to or less than about 4 μm. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7737546

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are good candidates to replace incandescent and other light sources. LEDs have higher power to light conversion efficiencies than incandescent lamps and longer lifetimes. In addition, LEDs operate at relatively low voltages, and hence, are better adapted for use in many battery-powered devices. Furthermore, LEDs are a better approximation to point sources than a fluorescent source, and hence, are better adapted than fluorescent sources for lighting systems in which a point light source that is collimated or focused by an optical system is required. LED-based light sources often require multiple packaged LEDs to provide light of the desired color and intensity. The light sources require inexpensive packaging that can be easily connected to a printed circuit board or the like that contains the control circuitry for the light source as well as other components. One type of inexpensive package utilizes a lead frame that is encapsulated in a plastic body. The ends of the leads extend from the body and are wrapped around the body to provide contacts on the bottom of the package. The contacts serve both as mounting pads for the LED and electrical contacts for powering the LED. The packaged part is attached to the printed circuit board by applying a solder paste to a corresponding pair of pads on the printed circuit board and positioning the LED over the pads such that the LED is in contact with the layer of paste. The paste and printed circuit board are then heated to a temperature that converts the solder paste to molten metal that bonds the package to the printed circuit board when the solder cools. In the molten state, the solder can exert a significant force on the small packaged LED due to the surface tension of the liquid solder. If the solder wets the two leads in an unequal manner or the amount of solder on one of the leads is significantly greater than the amount of solder on the other lead, the surface tension forces can cause the packaged part to move from its original position. In some cases, the movement can result in one end of the package being lifted off of the pad. This type of misalignment can render an assembly using the LED defective, resulting in decreased yield and/or increased repair costs. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention includes a packaged circuit element and a method for making the same. The packaged circuit element includes a lead frame, a molded body, and a die containing the circuit element. The lead frame has first and second leads, each lead having first and second portions. The molded body surrounds the first portion of each lead, the molded body having a top surface, a bottom surface, and first and second opposing side surfaces. The die is connected electrically to the first and second leads on the first portions of the first and second leads. The second portion of each of the first and second leads is substantially parallel to the first and second opposing side surfaces, respectively. The second portions of each of the leads includes a feature that inhibits molten solder from wetting a portion of the second section of each lead between the feature and the first portion of that lead while allowing the molten solder to wet the remaining surfaces of the second portions of said first and second leads. In one aspect of the invention, the feature includes a hole in each of the second portions of said leads. In another aspect of the invention, the feature includes an area that is less wettable than the remainder of said second portions of said leads.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are good candidates to replace incandescent and other light sources. LEDs have higher power to light conversion efficiencies than incandescent lamps and longer lifetimes. In addition, LEDs operate at relatively low voltages, and hence, are better adapted for use in many battery-powered devices. Furthermore, LEDs are a better approximation to point sources than a fluorescent source, and hence, are better adapted than fluorescent sources for lighting systems in which a point light source that is collimated or focused by an optical system is required. LED-based light sources often require multiple packaged LEDs to provide light of the desired color and intensity. The light sources require inexpensive packaging that can be easily connected to a printed circuit board or the like that contains the control circuitry for the light source as well as other components. One type of inexpensive package utilizes a lead frame that is encapsulated in a plastic body. The ends of the leads extend from the body and are wrapped around the body to provide contacts on the bottom of the package. The contacts serve both as mounting pads for the LED and electrical contacts for powering the LED. The packaged part is attached to the printed circuit board by applying a solder paste to a corresponding pair of pads on the printed circuit board and positioning the LED over the pads such that the LED is in contact with the layer of paste. The paste and printed circuit board are then heated to a temperature that converts the solder paste to molten metal that bonds the package to the printed circuit board when the solder cools. In the molten state, the solder can exert a significant force on the small packaged LED due to the surface tension of the liquid solder. If the solder wets the two leads in an unequal manner or the amount of solder on one of the leads is significantly greater than the amount of solder on the other lead, the surface tension forces can cause the packaged part to move from its original position. In some cases, the movement can result in one end of the package being lifted off of the pad. This type of misalignment can render an assembly using the LED defective, resulting in decreased yield and/or increased repair costs. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention includes a packaged circuit element and a method for making the same. The packaged circuit element includes a lead frame, a molded body, and a die containing the circuit element. The lead frame has first and second leads, each lead having first and second portions. The molded body surrounds the first portion of each lead, the molded body having a top surface, a bottom surface, and first and second opposing side surfaces. The die is connected electrically to the first and second leads on the first portions of the first and second leads. The second portion of each of the first and second leads is substantially parallel to the first and second opposing side surfaces, respectively. The second portions of each of the leads includes a feature that inhibits molten solder from wetting a portion of the second section of each lead between the feature and the first portion of that lead while allowing the molten solder to wet the remaining surfaces of the second portions of said first and second leads. In one aspect of the invention, the feature includes a hole in each of the second portions of said leads. In another aspect of the invention, the feature includes an area that is less wettable than the remainder of said second portions of said leads. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7660637

The invention relates to an electrode system for an electric punctual stimulation therapy, comprising at least one punctual stimulation electrode to be arranged at receptor regions located below the skin surface, which punctual stimulation electrode comprises a disk-like base which, in the middle thereof, at its side that is to face the skin surface, is provided with a needle or tip via which an introduction of current into the receptor region to be stimulated occurs, this punctual stimulation electrode being fed from a treatment current generator via a flexible line. Furthermore, the invention relates to a handling tool for applying such an electrode system to the skin surface. The electric punctual stimulation therapy, which also includes various forms of electric acupuncture, can successfully be employed for various health disturbances, such as, e.g., allergies, asthma, adipositas, pain. Often a treatment that lasts for several hours or even for several days is considered suitable in this case. In this instance, also the mobility of the patient to be treated is to be restricted as little as possible, and, if possible, the treatment should be practicable while living a largely normal life, including working on a paid job. Accordingly, the attachment and design of electrodes used in such a punctual stimulation therapy is very important. For a highly effective stimulation of the receptor regions relevant in the respective case of treatment, an exact positioning of the electrodes in these regions is particularly important. A secure fit of the electrodes at the receptor regions to be stimulated over extended periods of time is to be ensured even if slighter mechanical forces act unintentionally on the electrodes during treatment. With known electrodes of the initially mentioned type (AT 395106B), in the center of the disk-shaped base, a needle is provided at its side to face the skin surface, which needle is provided with a sharp-edged thread. In addition, also on the side of the electrode which is to face the skin surface, an adhesive glue may be provided. Considering the smallness of the dimensions commonly found in the needle, the thread provided on the needle causes often undesired additional production expenditures and also requires a sensitive targeting and turning of the electrode when piercing a receptor region to be stimulated, the presence of an adhesive glue at the disk-like base towards the end of the insertion procedure or piercing procedure with such an electrode possibly also resulting in an undesired competing action between the rotating movement to be carried out when piercing with the needle of the electrode and an already starting adhesion of the adhesive glue at the skin surface. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrode system of the initially defined type which allows for a very simple manipulation when applying it to a receptor region to be stimulated, wherein also the localizing of a suitable receptor region and as exact a positioning as possible of the stimulating electrode at the localized receptor region is to be feasible in a simple manner and, moreover, also a stable hold of positioned electrodes is to be ensured. The inventive electrode system of the initially mentioned type is characterized in that for fixing the respective punctual stimulation electrode at the skin surface, an annular platelet is provided which is to be arranged on the skin surface prior to an application of the electrode thereto or piercing thereof, which annular platelet has an adhesive layer at its side to face the skin surface for an adhesion to the skin surface and that, furthermore, an adhesive connection is provided between the other side of this annular platelet and the side of the base of the punctual stimulation electrode that comprises the needle or tip. By this design of the electrode system, the previously mentioned object can well be met. By the fact that the annular platelet is separately arranged at the skin surface before an application of the electrode thereto or piercing thereof, this annular platelet can be placed and closely pressed to the skin surface without taking into consideration any requirements which arise during a piercing with the electrode, so that a good adhesive action can be achieved in a simple manner. Moreover, also by the aperture present in the annular platelet, a highly exact positioning of this annular platelet at the receptor region to be stimulated is provided, it being particularly possible to pass a tracing pin or a tracing electrode through the aperture present in the annular platelet and to determine the position of receptor regions when moving the tracing pin or the tracing electrode, respectively, over the skin surface, it being possible to precisely press the annular platelet to the skin surface when a receptor region has been reached. The receptor region intended to be stimulated is clearly marked by the annular platelet glued to the skin surface, and thus the punctual stimulation electrode to be arranged can very easily and precisely be positioned when being arranged at this receptor region or piercing the same, and moreover, by the annular platelet, a clearly defined support is created at which the disk-like base of the punctual stimulation electrode comes to lie when applying this electrode or piercing the skin surface therewith, and will be securely fixed by means of an adhesive connection without irregularities of the skin surface having an adverse effect. As the adhesive connection, preferably a glued connection is provided which may, e.g., be realized in that an adhesive layer is also provided at the surface of the annular platelet that faces away from the skin surface. In principle, however, also other adhesive connections are possible, such as, e.g., holding together of annular platelet and electrode base by magnetic of electrostatic forces. When using a glue layer for forming the adhesive connection, various measures may be taken so as to keep the adhesive action at the side of the annular platelet facing away from the skin surface from becoming adversely apparent, on the one hand, when pressing the annular platelet to the skin surface, and nevertheless to achieve a good fixing of the base of the electrode on the annular platelet. Thus, an adhesive layer may be provided on the annular platelet, and pressing of the annular platelet can be accomplished with a tool that is largely inert to adhesive, or such an adhesive layer provided on the annular platelet may initially be covered by a protective film to be removed when the annular platelet has been pressed on; other variants provide for a respective adhesive layer on the side of the electrode base which is to face the annular platelet, or for special layers on the annular platelet and on the base of the electrode, which layers substantially merely adhere to each other, yet not to other bodies. For a simple and exact handling of the stimulation electrode provided in the electrode system designed according to the invention, when applying the electrode system to the skin or piercing the latter therewith, it is advantageous if the disk-like base of the punctual stimulation electrode has an elevation at its side facing away from the needle or tip, which elevation is provided for a fitting insertion in a receiving aperture of a handling tool and for putting on an electric connecting terminal. In this manner, with a tool or relatively simple design, a good lateral guidance of the electrode can be attained when applying the latter to the skin surface or piercing the skin surface therewith, and thus also a good positioning at the site already defined by the annular platelet. Furthermore, by this elevation, a connection point for an electric connection terminal connecting a flexible line to the electrode can be created which does not influence the adhesive fit of the electrode on the annular platelet, such a connecting terminal e.g. being formed like a snap-fastener or in the manner of a C-spring. For as exact a fit as possible of the punctual stimulation electrode in a tool provided with a receiving aperture, it is, furthermore, suitable if it is provided for the elevation provided at the base of the punctual stimulation electrode to have a peripherally extending pronounced lateral rim, which rim is formed by straight lines extending in parallel to each other and approximately perpendicularly to the base, or which rim is formed to be undercut at least in partial regions thereof. The mentioned undercut design is particularly advantageous for an electric connection clip to be put thereon. To attain an even greater protection of the electrode system from undesired, external influences also over extended periods of time, it is advantageous if a cover of the respective punctual stimulation electrode that is fixed to the skin surface by means of an adhesive annular platelet, is provided with a flexible adhesive tape disk adhering to the skin surface all around this electrode. In this instance, it is furthermore suitable—both, for the hold of the adhesive tape disk on the skin surface and also for the guiding of the line connected to the respective electrode, if the adhesive tape disk has an approximately radial incision for the passage of a line leading to the treatment current generator. The handling tool designed according to the invention, which is provided for applying an electrode system, designed as mentioned before, to the skin surface, is characterized in that the tool has a hollow rod housing of a shape similar to a hand writing tool, which housing tapers to a tip at its front end and has an aperture at this front end through which an electrically conductive pin that is axially displaceably mounted in this housing can be pushed out by a part of its length and is also retractable through this aperture, an axial displacement mechanism controllable by at least one actuating element provided on the hollow rod housing being arranged in the hollow rod housing and coupled to this pin for pushing out and retracting the latter, that this pin is arranged in the tool without a direct electrically conductive connection to electrically conductive members provided on the housing surface, and is connected to at least one such electrically conductive member via a circuit arrangement arranged in the tool for measuring the electric resistance value, which circuit arrangement senses the value of the electric resistance of the respective current path which externally is applied between the electrically conductive pin and the said electrically conductive member, and that this circuit arrangement is connected to an optic and/or acoustic indicator. With this tool, the electrode system can be placed and fixed at the receptor regions to be stimulated in a very simple manner, and by an electric resistance measurement effected while moving over skin surface regions in question, appropriate sites can be determined and an annular platelet previously taken up by the handling tool can immediately be pressed to, or fixed at, respectively, such sites, whereupon the stimulation electrode is attached to or pierced into the thus labelled and prepared site, which likewise can be effected with this handling tool. The arrival at a receptor region in the course of moving over a skin surface area in question is signaled by an optic and/or acoustic indicator which advantageously is arranged in the housing of the handling tool in an appropriately recognizable manner. For taking up the annular platelet with the handling tool and for applying the annular platelet to the skin surface it is advantageous if it is provided for the diameter of the electrically conductive, axially displaceably mounted pin at the aperture provided at the front end of the housing of the handling tool to correspond to the inner diameter of the annular platelet. In this manner, it is also made possible that the annular platelet will remain taken up on the pin without any additional measures and can be pressed to the skin surface at any time without difficulty, while locating receptor regions by moving over the skin surface with the electrically conductive pin. In this instance, the annular platelet can be pressed at the skin surface with the rim of the aperture through which the said conductive pin can be pushed out by a part of its length. For this purpose, the pin is pushed, or retracted, respectively, into the aperture, and this procedure can be effected by means of the controllable axial displacement mechanism with which this pin is coupled, or also automatically by the electrically conductive pin being coupled not only with the controllable axial displacement mechanism, but also being arranged to be resiliently displaceable in axial direction, so that this pin can be pushed back into the aperture surrounding it by appropriately pressing the handling tool to the skin surface against the spring force, the annular platelet sliding off the pin in axial direction and being pressed to the skin surface by the rim of the aperture surrounding the pin. Advantageously, the aperture provided on the handling tool, from which the electrically conductive pin can be pushed out, is also designed to receive and retain electrodes which, as explained above, are provided with an elevation on the side of the disk-like base that faces away from the needle. A respective embodiment of the handling tool according to the invention is characterized in that the cross-section of the aperture provided on the front end of the housing of the handling tool is dimensioned for insertion of the elevation provided on the disk-like base of the punctual stimulation electrode. For receiving an electrode, in this instance, the electrically conductive pin at first must be retracted by the axial displacement mechanism to an extent that the elevation provided on the electrode can be introduced into the aperture. Application of the electrode to, and piercing of the skin surface therewith, can then be carried out by manually exerting pressure, with the electrode being pressed from the rim of the aperture, or with the aid of the axial displacement mechanism which presses the electrically conductive pin to the elevation of the electrode which at first is seated in the aperture. In case of a resiliently displaceable arrangement of the electrically conductive pin which, as mentioned before, does not only serve as a tracing electrode for determining the position of receptor regions, but may also have various functions in the attachment of the annular platelet and the electrode, considering these functions and also for structural reasons it is advantageous if it is provided that for an axial resilience and for an axial displacement of the axially displaceably mounted pin, a first spring which is seated with its one end at a first fixed point in the tool and with its other end engages this pin, and furthermore, a serial arrangement formed of a second spring and an axial displacement mechanism is provided, one end of this serial arrangement being seated at a second fixed point in the tool, and the other end of this serial arrangement engaging said pin. In this respect, a suitable solution in terms of construction results if a first spring is provided which surrounds the axially displaceably mounted pin at its front portion and with its one end is seated on a fixed point in the vicinity of the aperture and with its other end engages the said pin, that on the rear portion of the pin a serial arrangement follows, formed of the axial displacement mechanism, a battery and a second spring, the second spring being seated on a second fixed point in the tool and also forming an electric connection to one pole of the battery. As regards the axial displacement mechanism, a structurally simple, purely mechanical solution can be obtained by providing for the axial displacement mechanism to comprise two supporting bodies arranged in axial direction of the resiliently axially displaceably mounted pin following upon this pin and abutting each other in axial sequence and rotatable relative to each other and comprising surfaces that extend obliquely to the axial direction, oblique surfaces of the one supporting body contacting oblique surfaces of the other supporting body, and the axial total length of these two supporting bodies being changeable by relative rotation thereof, and one of these supporting bodies being non-rotationally arranged in the tool, while the other supporting body is rotatably arranged and connected to an actuating element arranged externally on the housing for rotation of this supporting body. As regards the axial displacement of the electrically conductive pin, which axial displacement, as mentioned above, is important for the function of this pin as a tracing electrode and also for the attachment of the annular platelet and the electrode, a structurally simple, gently working embodiment of the handling tool according to the invention can be obtained if it is provided that two axially acting springs engage the axially displaceably mounted pin, which springs are each supported with their ends facing away from the respective site of engagement on pin, on a fixed point in the housing that is fixed against an axial displacement, that the axial displacement mechanism is formed by a nose laterally projecting from the pin and a shifting body transversely movable to the axial direction of the pin, with at least one oblique surface being provided on the nose and/or on the shifting body, by which oblique surface the pin, at a movement of the shifting body transversely to the axial direction of the pin, in cooperation of nose and shifting body, is movable from a resting position in the direction of a pushing out of the aperture, and that the front end of the housing of the tool is formed by a cap arranged such that it can be axially offset relative to the remaining housing portion, wherein by this axial offsetting, the axial relative position of the aperture and the front end of the pin is changeable such that in one position of the cap, the pin which is in its resting position, projects a little from the aperture, and in another position of the cap the pin which is in its resting position is retracted a little relative to the outer rim of the aperture. In terms of a structurally simple solution for the axial offsetting of the cap which is easy to operate it is advantageous if it is provided for the axially offsettably arranged cap to be screwably arranged for said axial offsetting relative to the remaining housing portion. For a simple operation of the tool it is furthermore suitable if the shifting body is provided with a push button forming the actuating element. A particularly gently working function of the axial displacement mechanism can be obtained in that a displacement gear driven by an electric motor or a solenoid means is provided as the axial displacement mechanism, which displacement gear can be controlled via easy-movable electric buttons or sensor fields. In such an embodiment, also the influence of forces which must be exerted on an actuating element of the axial displacement mechanism for controlling the latter can be largely eliminated, and if desired, also without a resilient arrangement of the electrically conductive pin, a sensitive movement of this pin corresponding to the respective requirements can be achieved, which is particularly advantageous when piercing the skin surface with the electrode.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: The invention relates to an electrode system for an electric punctual stimulation therapy, comprising at least one punctual stimulation electrode to be arranged at receptor regions located below the skin surface, which punctual stimulation electrode comprises a disk-like base which, in the middle thereof, at its side that is to face the skin surface, is provided with a needle or tip via which an introduction of current into the receptor region to be stimulated occurs, this punctual stimulation electrode being fed from a treatment current generator via a flexible line. Furthermore, the invention relates to a handling tool for applying such an electrode system to the skin surface. The electric punctual stimulation therapy, which also includes various forms of electric acupuncture, can successfully be employed for various health disturbances, such as, e.g., allergies, asthma, adipositas, pain. Often a treatment that lasts for several hours or even for several days is considered suitable in this case. In this instance, also the mobility of the patient to be treated is to be restricted as little as possible, and, if possible, the treatment should be practicable while living a largely normal life, including working on a paid job. Accordingly, the attachment and design of electrodes used in such a punctual stimulation therapy is very important. For a highly effective stimulation of the receptor regions relevant in the respective case of treatment, an exact positioning of the electrodes in these regions is particularly important. A secure fit of the electrodes at the receptor regions to be stimulated over extended periods of time is to be ensured even if slighter mechanical forces act unintentionally on the electrodes during treatment. With known electrodes of the initially mentioned type (AT 395106B), in the center of the disk-shaped base, a needle is provided at its side to face the skin surface, which needle is provided with a sharp-edged thread. In addition, also on the side of the electrode which is to face the skin surface, an adhesive glue may be provided. Considering the smallness of the dimensions commonly found in the needle, the thread provided on the needle causes often undesired additional production expenditures and also requires a sensitive targeting and turning of the electrode when piercing a receptor region to be stimulated, the presence of an adhesive glue at the disk-like base towards the end of the insertion procedure or piercing procedure with such an electrode possibly also resulting in an undesired competing action between the rotating movement to be carried out when piercing with the needle of the electrode and an already starting adhesion of the adhesive glue at the skin surface. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrode system of the initially defined type which allows for a very simple manipulation when applying it to a receptor region to be stimulated, wherein also the localizing of a suitable receptor region and as exact a positioning as possible of the stimulating electrode at the localized receptor region is to be feasible in a simple manner and, moreover, also a stable hold of positioned electrodes is to be ensured. The inventive electrode system of the initially mentioned type is characterized in that for fixing the respective punctual stimulation electrode at the skin surface, an annular platelet is provided which is to be arranged on the skin surface prior to an application of the electrode thereto or piercing thereof, which annular platelet has an adhesive layer at its side to face the skin surface for an adhesion to the skin surface and that, furthermore, an adhesive connection is provided between the other side of this annular platelet and the side of the base of the punctual stimulation electrode that comprises the needle or tip. By this design of the electrode system, the previously mentioned object can well be met. By the fact that the annular platelet is separately arranged at the skin surface before an application of the electrode thereto or piercing thereof, this annular platelet can be placed and closely pressed to the skin surface without taking into consideration any requirements which arise during a piercing with the electrode, so that a good adhesive action can be achieved in a simple manner. Moreover, also by the aperture present in the annular platelet, a highly exact positioning of this annular platelet at the receptor region to be stimulated is provided, it being particularly possible to pass a tracing pin or a tracing electrode through the aperture present in the annular platelet and to determine the position of receptor regions when moving the tracing pin or the tracing electrode, respectively, over the skin surface, it being possible to precisely press the annular platelet to the skin surface when a receptor region has been reached. The receptor region intended to be stimulated is clearly marked by the annular platelet glued to the skin surface, and thus the punctual stimulation electrode to be arranged can very easily and precisely be positioned when being arranged at this receptor region or piercing the same, and moreover, by the annular platelet, a clearly defined support is created at which the disk-like base of the punctual stimulation electrode comes to lie when applying this electrode or piercing the skin surface therewith, and will be securely fixed by means of an adhesive connection without irregularities of the skin surface having an adverse effect. As the adhesive connection, preferably a glued connection is provided which may, e.g., be realized in that an adhesive layer is also provided at the surface of the annular platelet that faces away from the skin surface. In principle, however, also other adhesive connections are possible, such as, e.g., holding together of annular platelet and electrode base by magnetic of electrostatic forces. When using a glue layer for forming the adhesive connection, various measures may be taken so as to keep the adhesive action at the side of the annular platelet facing away from the skin surface from becoming adversely apparent, on the one hand, when pressing the annular platelet to the skin surface, and nevertheless to achieve a good fixing of the base of the electrode on the annular platelet. Thus, an adhesive layer may be provided on the annular platelet, and pressing of the annular platelet can be accomplished with a tool that is largely inert to adhesive, or such an adhesive layer provided on the annular platelet may initially be covered by a protective film to be removed when the annular platelet has been pressed on; other variants provide for a respective adhesive layer on the side of the electrode base which is to face the annular platelet, or for special layers on the annular platelet and on the base of the electrode, which layers substantially merely adhere to each other, yet not to other bodies. For a simple and exact handling of the stimulation electrode provided in the electrode system designed according to the invention, when applying the electrode system to the skin or piercing the latter therewith, it is advantageous if the disk-like base of the punctual stimulation electrode has an elevation at its side facing away from the needle or tip, which elevation is provided for a fitting insertion in a receiving aperture of a handling tool and for putting on an electric connecting terminal. In this manner, with a tool or relatively simple design, a good lateral guidance of the electrode can be attained when applying the latter to the skin surface or piercing the skin surface therewith, and thus also a good positioning at the site already defined by the annular platelet. Furthermore, by this elevation, a connection point for an electric connection terminal connecting a flexible line to the electrode can be created which does not influence the adhesive fit of the electrode on the annular platelet, such a connecting terminal e.g. being formed like a snap-fastener or in the manner of a C-spring. For as exact a fit as possible of the punctual stimulation electrode in a tool provided with a receiving aperture, it is, furthermore, suitable if it is provided for the elevation provided at the base of the punctual stimulation electrode to have a peripherally extending pronounced lateral rim, which rim is formed by straight lines extending in parallel to each other and approximately perpendicularly to the base, or which rim is formed to be undercut at least in partial regions thereof. The mentioned undercut design is particularly advantageous for an electric connection clip to be put thereon. To attain an even greater protection of the electrode system from undesired, external influences also over extended periods of time, it is advantageous if a cover of the respective punctual stimulation electrode that is fixed to the skin surface by means of an adhesive annular platelet, is provided with a flexible adhesive tape disk adhering to the skin surface all around this electrode. In this instance, it is furthermore suitable—both, for the hold of the adhesive tape disk on the skin surface and also for the guiding of the line connected to the respective electrode, if the adhesive tape disk has an approximately radial incision for the passage of a line leading to the treatment current generator. The handling tool designed according to the invention, which is provided for applying an electrode system, designed as mentioned before, to the skin surface, is characterized in that the tool has a hollow rod housing of a shape similar to a hand writing tool, which housing tapers to a tip at its front end and has an aperture at this front end through which an electrically conductive pin that is axially displaceably mounted in this housing can be pushed out by a part of its length and is also retractable through this aperture, an axial displacement mechanism controllable by at least one actuating element provided on the hollow rod housing being arranged in the hollow rod housing and coupled to this pin for pushing out and retracting the latter, that this pin is arranged in the tool without a direct electrically conductive connection to electrically conductive members provided on the housing surface, and is connected to at least one such electrically conductive member via a circuit arrangement arranged in the tool for measuring the electric resistance value, which circuit arrangement senses the value of the electric resistance of the respective current path which externally is applied between the electrically conductive pin and the said electrically conductive member, and that this circuit arrangement is connected to an optic and/or acoustic indicator. With this tool, the electrode system can be placed and fixed at the receptor regions to be stimulated in a very simple manner, and by an electric resistance measurement effected while moving over skin surface regions in question, appropriate sites can be determined and an annular platelet previously taken up by the handling tool can immediately be pressed to, or fixed at, respectively, such sites, whereupon the stimulation electrode is attached to or pierced into the thus labelled and prepared site, which likewise can be effected with this handling tool. The arrival at a receptor region in the course of moving over a skin surface area in question is signaled by an optic and/or acoustic indicator which advantageously is arranged in the housing of the handling tool in an appropriately recognizable manner. For taking up the annular platelet with the handling tool and for applying the annular platelet to the skin surface it is advantageous if it is provided for the diameter of the electrically conductive, axially displaceably mounted pin at the aperture provided at the front end of the housing of the handling tool to correspond to the inner diameter of the annular platelet. In this manner, it is also made possible that the annular platelet will remain taken up on the pin without any additional measures and can be pressed to the skin surface at any time without difficulty, while locating receptor regions by moving over the skin surface with the electrically conductive pin. In this instance, the annular platelet can be pressed at the skin surface with the rim of the aperture through which the said conductive pin can be pushed out by a part of its length. For this purpose, the pin is pushed, or retracted, respectively, into the aperture, and this procedure can be effected by means of the controllable axial displacement mechanism with which this pin is coupled, or also automatically by the electrically conductive pin being coupled not only with the controllable axial displacement mechanism, but also being arranged to be resiliently displaceable in axial direction, so that this pin can be pushed back into the aperture surrounding it by appropriately pressing the handling tool to the skin surface against the spring force, the annular platelet sliding off the pin in axial direction and being pressed to the skin surface by the rim of the aperture surrounding the pin. Advantageously, the aperture provided on the handling tool, from which the electrically conductive pin can be pushed out, is also designed to receive and retain electrodes which, as explained above, are provided with an elevation on the side of the disk-like base that faces away from the needle. A respective embodiment of the handling tool according to the invention is characterized in that the cross-section of the aperture provided on the front end of the housing of the handling tool is dimensioned for insertion of the elevation provided on the disk-like base of the punctual stimulation electrode. For receiving an electrode, in this instance, the electrically conductive pin at first must be retracted by the axial displacement mechanism to an extent that the elevation provided on the electrode can be introduced into the aperture. Application of the electrode to, and piercing of the skin surface therewith, can then be carried out by manually exerting pressure, with the electrode being pressed from the rim of the aperture, or with the aid of the axial displacement mechanism which presses the electrically conductive pin to the elevation of the electrode which at first is seated in the aperture. In case of a resiliently displaceable arrangement of the electrically conductive pin which, as mentioned before, does not only serve as a tracing electrode for determining the position of receptor regions, but may also have various functions in the attachment of the annular platelet and the electrode, considering these functions and also for structural reasons it is advantageous if it is provided that for an axial resilience and for an axial displacement of the axially displaceably mounted pin, a first spring which is seated with its one end at a first fixed point in the tool and with its other end engages this pin, and furthermore, a serial arrangement formed of a second spring and an axial displacement mechanism is provided, one end of this serial arrangement being seated at a second fixed point in the tool, and the other end of this serial arrangement engaging said pin. In this respect, a suitable solution in terms of construction results if a first spring is provided which surrounds the axially displaceably mounted pin at its front portion and with its one end is seated on a fixed point in the vicinity of the aperture and with its other end engages the said pin, that on the rear portion of the pin a serial arrangement follows, formed of the axial displacement mechanism, a battery and a second spring, the second spring being seated on a second fixed point in the tool and also forming an electric connection to one pole of the battery. As regards the axial displacement mechanism, a structurally simple, purely mechanical solution can be obtained by providing for the axial displacement mechanism to comprise two supporting bodies arranged in axial direction of the resiliently axially displaceably mounted pin following upon this pin and abutting each other in axial sequence and rotatable relative to each other and comprising surfaces that extend obliquely to the axial direction, oblique surfaces of the one supporting body contacting oblique surfaces of the other supporting body, and the axial total length of these two supporting bodies being changeable by relative rotation thereof, and one of these supporting bodies being non-rotationally arranged in the tool, while the other supporting body is rotatably arranged and connected to an actuating element arranged externally on the housing for rotation of this supporting body. As regards the axial displacement of the electrically conductive pin, which axial displacement, as mentioned above, is important for the function of this pin as a tracing electrode and also for the attachment of the annular platelet and the electrode, a structurally simple, gently working embodiment of the handling tool according to the invention can be obtained if it is provided that two axially acting springs engage the axially displaceably mounted pin, which springs are each supported with their ends facing away from the respective site of engagement on pin, on a fixed point in the housing that is fixed against an axial displacement, that the axial displacement mechanism is formed by a nose laterally projecting from the pin and a shifting body transversely movable to the axial direction of the pin, with at least one oblique surface being provided on the nose and/or on the shifting body, by which oblique surface the pin, at a movement of the shifting body transversely to the axial direction of the pin, in cooperation of nose and shifting body, is movable from a resting position in the direction of a pushing out of the aperture, and that the front end of the housing of the tool is formed by a cap arranged such that it can be axially offset relative to the remaining housing portion, wherein by this axial offsetting, the axial relative position of the aperture and the front end of the pin is changeable such that in one position of the cap, the pin which is in its resting position, projects a little from the aperture, and in another position of the cap the pin which is in its resting position is retracted a little relative to the outer rim of the aperture. In terms of a structurally simple solution for the axial offsetting of the cap which is easy to operate it is advantageous if it is provided for the axially offsettably arranged cap to be screwably arranged for said axial offsetting relative to the remaining housing portion. For a simple operation of the tool it is furthermore suitable if the shifting body is provided with a push button forming the actuating element. A particularly gently working function of the axial displacement mechanism can be obtained in that a displacement gear driven by an electric motor or a solenoid means is provided as the axial displacement mechanism, which displacement gear can be controlled via easy-movable electric buttons or sensor fields. In such an embodiment, also the influence of forces which must be exerted on an actuating element of the axial displacement mechanism for controlling the latter can be largely eliminated, and if desired, also without a resilient arrangement of the electrically conductive pin, a sensitive movement of this pin corresponding to the respective requirements can be achieved, which is particularly advantageous when piercing the skin surface with the electrode. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7743494

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of electronic circuitry, and in particular to assemblies such as chip scale packages, and the preparation thereof. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In microelectronic circuit packages, circuits and units are prepared in packaging levels of increasing scale. Generally, the smallest scale packaging levels are typically semiconductor chips housing multiple microcircuits and/or other components. Such chips are usually made from ceramics, silicon, and the like. Intermediate package levels (i.e., “chip carriers”) comprising multi-layer substrates may have attached thereto a plurality of small-scale chips housing many microelectronic circuits. Likewise, these intermediate package levels themselves can be attached to larger scale circuit cards, motherboards, and the like. The intermediate package levels serve several purposes in the overall circuit assembly including structural support, transitional integration of the smaller scale microcircuits and circuits to larger scale boards, and the dissipation of heat from the circuit assembly. Substrates used in conventional intermediate package levels have included a variety of materials, for example, ceramic, fiberglass reinforced polyepoxides, and polyimides. Electrical components, for example, resistors, transistors, and capacitors, are commonly mounted on circuit panel structures such as printed circuit boards. Circuit panels ordinarily include a generally flat sheet of dielectric material with electrical conductors disposed on a major, flat surface of the sheet, or on both major surfaces. The conductors are commonly formed from metallic materials such as copper and serve to interconnect the electrical components mounted to the board. Where the conductors are disposed on both major surfaces of the panel, the panel may have via conductors extending through holes (or “through vias”) in the dielectric layer so as to interconnect the conductors on opposite surfaces. Multi-layer circuit panel assemblies have been made heretofore which incorporate multiple stacked circuit panels with additional layers of dielectric materials separating the conductors on mutually facing surfaces of adjacent panels in the stack. These multilayer assemblies ordinarily incorporate interconnections extending between the conductors on the various circuit panels in the stack as necessary to provide the required electrical interconnections. Generally multi-layer panels are made by providing individual, dual sided circuit panels including appropriate conductors. The panels are then laminated one a top the other with one or more layers of uncured or partially cured dielectric material, commonly referred to as “prepregs” disposed between each pair of adjacent panels. Such a stack ordinarily is cured under heat and pressure to form a unitary mass. After curing, holes typically are drilled through the stack at locations where electrical connections between different boards are desired. The resulting holes or “through vias” are then coated or filled with electrically conductive materials usually by plating the interiors of the holes to form a plated through via. There has been an increasing need for circuit panel structures, which provide high density, complex interconnections. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect, the invention provides a process for fabricating a circuit board including: providing a substrate including a first electrically conductive core having a first insulating coating on a first side and a second insulating coating on a second side, forming an opening in the first and second insulating coatings and the first electrically conductive core, exposing an edge of the conductive core within the opening, and electrodepositing a third insulating material on the exposed edge of the first electrically conductive core. In another aspect, the invention provides a circuit board including a substrate including a first electrically conductive core having a first insulating coating on a first side and a second insulating coating on a second side, an opening in the first and second insulating coatings and the first electrically conductive core, exposing an edge of the conductive core within the opening, and an electrodeposited third insulating material on the exposed edge of the first electrically conductive core.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of electronic circuitry, and in particular to assemblies such as chip scale packages, and the preparation thereof. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In microelectronic circuit packages, circuits and units are prepared in packaging levels of increasing scale. Generally, the smallest scale packaging levels are typically semiconductor chips housing multiple microcircuits and/or other components. Such chips are usually made from ceramics, silicon, and the like. Intermediate package levels (i.e., “chip carriers”) comprising multi-layer substrates may have attached thereto a plurality of small-scale chips housing many microelectronic circuits. Likewise, these intermediate package levels themselves can be attached to larger scale circuit cards, motherboards, and the like. The intermediate package levels serve several purposes in the overall circuit assembly including structural support, transitional integration of the smaller scale microcircuits and circuits to larger scale boards, and the dissipation of heat from the circuit assembly. Substrates used in conventional intermediate package levels have included a variety of materials, for example, ceramic, fiberglass reinforced polyepoxides, and polyimides. Electrical components, for example, resistors, transistors, and capacitors, are commonly mounted on circuit panel structures such as printed circuit boards. Circuit panels ordinarily include a generally flat sheet of dielectric material with electrical conductors disposed on a major, flat surface of the sheet, or on both major surfaces. The conductors are commonly formed from metallic materials such as copper and serve to interconnect the electrical components mounted to the board. Where the conductors are disposed on both major surfaces of the panel, the panel may have via conductors extending through holes (or “through vias”) in the dielectric layer so as to interconnect the conductors on opposite surfaces. Multi-layer circuit panel assemblies have been made heretofore which incorporate multiple stacked circuit panels with additional layers of dielectric materials separating the conductors on mutually facing surfaces of adjacent panels in the stack. These multilayer assemblies ordinarily incorporate interconnections extending between the conductors on the various circuit panels in the stack as necessary to provide the required electrical interconnections. Generally multi-layer panels are made by providing individual, dual sided circuit panels including appropriate conductors. The panels are then laminated one a top the other with one or more layers of uncured or partially cured dielectric material, commonly referred to as “prepregs” disposed between each pair of adjacent panels. Such a stack ordinarily is cured under heat and pressure to form a unitary mass. After curing, holes typically are drilled through the stack at locations where electrical connections between different boards are desired. The resulting holes or “through vias” are then coated or filled with electrically conductive materials usually by plating the interiors of the holes to form a plated through via. There has been an increasing need for circuit panel structures, which provide high density, complex interconnections. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect, the invention provides a process for fabricating a circuit board including: providing a substrate including a first electrically conductive core having a first insulating coating on a first side and a second insulating coating on a second side, forming an opening in the first and second insulating coatings and the first electrically conductive core, exposing an edge of the conductive core within the opening, and electrodepositing a third insulating material on the exposed edge of the first electrically conductive core. In another aspect, the invention provides a circuit board including a substrate including a first electrically conductive core having a first insulating coating on a first side and a second insulating coating on a second side, an opening in the first and second insulating coatings and the first electrically conductive core, exposing an edge of the conductive core within the opening, and an electrodeposited third insulating material on the exposed edge of the first electrically conductive core. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7746502

The present application claims priority to the corresponding Japanese Application No. 2003-402751 filed on Dec. 2, 2003 and Japanese Application No. 2004-314013 filed on Oct. 28, 2004, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for producing a dither matrix (threshold matrix) required for performing quantization processing on an multi-tone image, image processing method and apparatus, image forming method and apparatus, a program and a computer readable information recording medium. The present invention is advantageous when it is used in an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic system such as a laser printer. 2. Description of the Related Art Image data input to an image forming apparatus such as a copier, a printer or such has multi-tone data of 8 through 12 bits for each pixel in a case where the image data is of a multi-tone image such as that taken by a digital still camera or such. In contrast thereto, in an image forming apparatus which forms an image on paper (so-called ‘hard copy’), the number of tone levels available is substantially very small for each pixel. In order to solve such a problem due to mismatch, a resolution is improved as 600 dpi, 1200 dpi or such, a plurality of pixels are used to modulate an image tone in terms of an area and thus, a halftone image is represented in a pseudo manner, in such a hard copy producing image forming apparatus. In this case, the pseudo halftone processing is performed, which is performed in a process of transforming input image data into a pseudo halftone image. The present invention relates to a dither method which is one type of the pseudo halftone processing method, and, relates to a method for producing a dither matrix (threshold matrix) required for carrying out quantization processing on a multi-tone image. Since quantization processing of multi-tone image data according to the dither method is known (for example, see ‘Electro-Photographic Society Paper, Vol. 24, No. 1 (1985), pages 51-59’), the details thereof are omitted. The dither matrix is classified, roughly, into a dot concentration type (dot screen), a Bayer type (diffusion type) and a line screen type. In the present invention, a method of producing a dot concentration type dither matrix is proposed. The dot concentration type dither matrix has the following advantages. In this type, a dot growth order (an order of pixels actually written for increase an image tone level there) is determined from a pixel which is closer to a predetermined pixel called a growth center and then, to a peripheral pixel, gradually in sequence. Therefore, it is possible to increase an area where dots are overlapped (to shorten a peripheral length of a halftone dot produced by a plurality of dots actually written), in comparison to a case of the Bayer type in which dots are discretely plotted. Generally speaking, a peripheral unit of each dot spreads further than an ideal one in many types of image forming apparatuses (in an electrophotographic type, an ink-jet type, or an offset printing type). In other words, so-called ‘dot gain’ phenomenon may occur. Due to the dot gain, an image having a darker tone than an intended one may be output, and thus, tone characteristics may degrade. In contrast thereto, with the use of the above-mentioned dot concentration type dither matrix, by which it is possible to increase overlapping of dots as mentioned above, it is possible to cancel out influence of the dot gain. That is, in a unit in which dots are overlapped, spreading of each dot cancels out each other, and thus, adverse influence due to the spreading of each dot does not actually appear. Accordingly, it is possible to achieve image output with a superior tone characteristics, with the use of the dot concentration type dither matrix. On the order hand, the above-mentioned line screen type dither matrix has the following advantages. In the dot concentration type, in the prior art, a cyclic structure of growth center should be an approximately square. Therefore, merely a small degree of freedom is allowed for the number of screen lines and a screen angle in the dither matrix. In contract thereto, in the line screen type, there occurs no difference even in a case where the cyclic structure of a growth center is a rectangle or a parallelogram from a case where it is a square. Accordingly, it is possible to apply variable combinations of the number of screen lines and a screen angle, i.e., it is possible to increase a selection freedom in this term. The line screen type dither matrix has advantages also in a case where a plurality of color images are superposed together to form an image such as a color image. When different color images are superposed together, an interference pattern called ‘color moiré’ may appear. In order to solve this problem, the screen angles may be set to be mutually different between the different color screens. In a full-color image, it is required to set a screen angle for each of C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow) and K (black) separately, and it is required to make a setting such that an angle difference therebetween is made as wide as possible, in terms of reduction of the color moiré. In this case, in the line screen type dither matrix, it is possible to set direction axes of these four colors, i.e., CMYK in a range of 180 degrees. Thus, it is possible to make a setting to achieve a wider angle difference between the respective screens of the colors CMYK, in comparison to the case of applying the dot concentration type dither matrix in the prior art. As a result, it is possible to produce an image with a reduced color moiré, easily with the use of the line screen type dither matrix. However, in the case of the line screen type dither matrix, an area where dots are overlapped is smaller than that in the case of the dot concentration type dir matrix. Accordingly, the dot concentration type dither matrix is still advantageous in terms of providing an image of superior tone characteristics. The Bayer type dither matrix is a dither matrix opposite to the dot concentration type dither matrix, and is a dither matrix for disposing particular dots in a scattering manner as much as possible. Thereby, this type of dither matrix has a function of maintaining a resolution at a high level, while having a demerit that tone reproducibility may not be sufficient. In an earlier or traditional image forming apparatus having a low resolution (up to 300 dpi), the Bayer type dither matrix was used since the resolution can be maintained. However, recently, a resolution of an image forming apparatus is increased (up to 600 dpi, or 1200 dpi) originally, and as a result, it is not necessarily required to maintain a resolution at a high level. Thus, this type dither matrix may not be up-to-date one recently. As a conventional method for producing such a dither matrix, a binarization pattern producing method may be cited and the method has a basic pattern shape producing step of producing basic pattern shape of a binarization pattern; a turn-on order determination step of determining a turn-on order of pixels configuring the basic pattern; and a rectangular pattern producing step of producing a rectangular pattern, functioning as the binarization pattern, based on the basic patterns (see Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 2003-163806, for example). In the basic matrix shape producing method disclosed by Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 2003-163806, although the requirement that basic matrix shape is cyclically disposed is fulfilled, the following problem may occur. That is, according to this prior art, there may occur a case where a growth center position which is a central position of the basic matrix does not coincide with a central position of a pixel. Accordingly, in response to the basic matrix shape selected, the basic matrix central position may vary among four types. Since the basic matrix central position thus may vary, there may occur a problematic situation in which, if a common growth rule is applied to determine a pixel growth order in the basic matrix, a growth order in a halftone dot may not agree with each other. This means that, when the basic matrix shape is changed, such a change is required for changing the number of screen lines or a screen angle of the dither matrix, the dither matrix may be produced in which halftone dots have different growth orders simultaneously. Furthermore, according to the method of Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 2003-163806, it is not possible to determine a growth order only based on a pixel arrangement in the basic matrix. That is, in this prior art, when any pixel within the basic matrix is set as a growth center, a pixel which is located away from this growth center within the relevant basic matrix may be located near a growth center of another basic matrix (the growth center other than the relevant growth center). In such a case, it is not possible to determine the growth order only from information concerning a distance from the growth center of the relevant basic matrix. Furthermore, the method of Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 2003-163806 may not positively avoid the problematic situation in which a pixel located away from a growth center of a relevant basic matrix is located rather near a growth center of another basic matrix, i.e., the growth center other than the relevant growth center. Therefore, the above-mentioned problem may occur in which the selected basic matrix shape may not compatible with the dot concentration type growth order. As another example, a dither matrix producing method in which a dither matrix is produced based on screen lines employs a dither matrix setting unit determining a core of a dot producing a screen line, a shape of the dot core changing according to a tone level, and a screen angle; and a dot core arrangement producing unit producing a disposing order of the dot cores of a dither matrix in a form of a blue noise mask (see Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 2003-259118, for example). Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 2003-259118 mentioned above discloses a method for ranking of basic matrixes themselves, but does not disclose a method for determining the basic matrix shape itself. Further, this prior art document merely mentions, for a pixel growth order within the basic matrix, ‘to spread it from the center’. As further another example, an image forming apparatus includes a storing unit to store a matrix shift vector indicating a shift direction and a shift amount of a dither matrix as a parameter prescribing the dither matrix; and a processing matrix element calculating unit to obtain matrix elements used for processing a pixel to be processed based on the matrix shift vector and a position of the above-mentioned pixel to be processed (see Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 2003-134337, for example). According to Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 2003-134337 mentioned above, a basic matrix shape (a shape of one cycle of a dither matrix), i.e., an area representing a collection of pixels belonging to one growth center is expressed as a collection of pixels belonging to two rectangles. A basic matrix shape may be preferably expressed by such two rectangles for the purpose of expressing the basic matrix shape in a visually easily understandable manner. However, if this method in the prior art is applied for producing the dot concentration type dither matrix, the following problem may occur. That is, it is not possible to determine a growth order only according to a pixel arrangement within a relevant basic matrix. That is, when any pixel within the basic matrix is set as a growth center (i.e., a pixel acting as a center of dot concentration type dither), a pixel located away from this growth center in the relevant basic matrix may be located rather near a growth center of another basic matrix, i.e., the growth center other than the relevant growth center. In such a case, it is not possible to determine the growth order only according to the information of a distance from the growth center of the relevant the basic matrix. As to a growth order within a basic matrix, Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 2003-259118 mentioned above discloses ‘to spread it from the center’, while Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 2003-134337 mentioned above discloses ‘a manner such that a length of a boundary contour may become minimum’. However, there is no disclosure in these prior art documents for a specific algorithm for achieving such a manner of growth order. In particular, there is no idea disclosed as how to order pixels having an equal distance from a growth center. Therefore, this matter may become a problem when a computer program is actually produced for desired number of screen lines and screen angle. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A dither matrix producing, image processing, image forming method and apparatuses and recording medium are described. In one embodiment, the dither matrix producing method comprises a) defining two vectors determining a cyclic structure of the basic matrixes according to: main vector: m^=(mx, my); and sub-vector: s^=(sx, sy). The method also comprises determining a positional vector of a pixel of the basic matrix, according to Pi^=(Pix, Piy), where the suffix i denotes an i-th pixel of the basic matrix, arranging the pixels of the basic matrix in such a manner to fulfill a requirement of the cyclic structure and then, performing a transformation according to the formula: Pi^→Pi^+km^+ls^, where k and l are arbitrary integers, which may be negative values, to obtain a new shape of the basic matrix with application of Pi^+km^+ls^ as a new pixel positional vector Pi^ and then producing the dither matrix.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: The present application claims priority to the corresponding Japanese Application No. 2003-402751 filed on Dec. 2, 2003 and Japanese Application No. 2004-314013 filed on Oct. 28, 2004, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for producing a dither matrix (threshold matrix) required for performing quantization processing on an multi-tone image, image processing method and apparatus, image forming method and apparatus, a program and a computer readable information recording medium. The present invention is advantageous when it is used in an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic system such as a laser printer. 2. Description of the Related Art Image data input to an image forming apparatus such as a copier, a printer or such has multi-tone data of 8 through 12 bits for each pixel in a case where the image data is of a multi-tone image such as that taken by a digital still camera or such. In contrast thereto, in an image forming apparatus which forms an image on paper (so-called ‘hard copy’), the number of tone levels available is substantially very small for each pixel. In order to solve such a problem due to mismatch, a resolution is improved as 600 dpi, 1200 dpi or such, a plurality of pixels are used to modulate an image tone in terms of an area and thus, a halftone image is represented in a pseudo manner, in such a hard copy producing image forming apparatus. In this case, the pseudo halftone processing is performed, which is performed in a process of transforming input image data into a pseudo halftone image. The present invention relates to a dither method which is one type of the pseudo halftone processing method, and, relates to a method for producing a dither matrix (threshold matrix) required for carrying out quantization processing on a multi-tone image. Since quantization processing of multi-tone image data according to the dither method is known (for example, see ‘Electro-Photographic Society Paper, Vol. 24, No. 1 (1985), pages 51-59’), the details thereof are omitted. The dither matrix is classified, roughly, into a dot concentration type (dot screen), a Bayer type (diffusion type) and a line screen type. In the present invention, a method of producing a dot concentration type dither matrix is proposed. The dot concentration type dither matrix has the following advantages. In this type, a dot growth order (an order of pixels actually written for increase an image tone level there) is determined from a pixel which is closer to a predetermined pixel called a growth center and then, to a peripheral pixel, gradually in sequence. Therefore, it is possible to increase an area where dots are overlapped (to shorten a peripheral length of a halftone dot produced by a plurality of dots actually written), in comparison to a case of the Bayer type in which dots are discretely plotted. Generally speaking, a peripheral unit of each dot spreads further than an ideal one in many types of image forming apparatuses (in an electrophotographic type, an ink-jet type, or an offset printing type). In other words, so-called ‘dot gain’ phenomenon may occur. Due to the dot gain, an image having a darker tone than an intended one may be output, and thus, tone characteristics may degrade. In contrast thereto, with the use of the above-mentioned dot concentration type dither matrix, by which it is possible to increase overlapping of dots as mentioned above, it is possible to cancel out influence of the dot gain. That is, in a unit in which dots are overlapped, spreading of each dot cancels out each other, and thus, adverse influence due to the spreading of each dot does not actually appear. Accordingly, it is possible to achieve image output with a superior tone characteristics, with the use of the dot concentration type dither matrix. On the order hand, the above-mentioned line screen type dither matrix has the following advantages. In the dot concentration type, in the prior art, a cyclic structure of growth center should be an approximately square. Therefore, merely a small degree of freedom is allowed for the number of screen lines and a screen angle in the dither matrix. In contract thereto, in the line screen type, there occurs no difference even in a case where the cyclic structure of a growth center is a rectangle or a parallelogram from a case where it is a square. Accordingly, it is possible to apply variable combinations of the number of screen lines and a screen angle, i.e., it is possible to increase a selection freedom in this term. The line screen type dither matrix has advantages also in a case where a plurality of color images are superposed together to form an image such as a color image. When different color images are superposed together, an interference pattern called ‘color moiré’ may appear. In order to solve this problem, the screen angles may be set to be mutually different between the different color screens. In a full-color image, it is required to set a screen angle for each of C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow) and K (black) separately, and it is required to make a setting such that an angle difference therebetween is made as wide as possible, in terms of reduction of the color moiré. In this case, in the line screen type dither matrix, it is possible to set direction axes of these four colors, i.e., CMYK in a range of 180 degrees. Thus, it is possible to make a setting to achieve a wider angle difference between the respective screens of the colors CMYK, in comparison to the case of applying the dot concentration type dither matrix in the prior art. As a result, it is possible to produce an image with a reduced color moiré, easily with the use of the line screen type dither matrix. However, in the case of the line screen type dither matrix, an area where dots are overlapped is smaller than that in the case of the dot concentration type dir matrix. Accordingly, the dot concentration type dither matrix is still advantageous in terms of providing an image of superior tone characteristics. The Bayer type dither matrix is a dither matrix opposite to the dot concentration type dither matrix, and is a dither matrix for disposing particular dots in a scattering manner as much as possible. Thereby, this type of dither matrix has a function of maintaining a resolution at a high level, while having a demerit that tone reproducibility may not be sufficient. In an earlier or traditional image forming apparatus having a low resolution (up to 300 dpi), the Bayer type dither matrix was used since the resolution can be maintained. However, recently, a resolution of an image forming apparatus is increased (up to 600 dpi, or 1200 dpi) originally, and as a result, it is not necessarily required to maintain a resolution at a high level. Thus, this type dither matrix may not be up-to-date one recently. As a conventional method for producing such a dither matrix, a binarization pattern producing method may be cited and the method has a basic pattern shape producing step of producing basic pattern shape of a binarization pattern; a turn-on order determination step of determining a turn-on order of pixels configuring the basic pattern; and a rectangular pattern producing step of producing a rectangular pattern, functioning as the binarization pattern, based on the basic patterns (see Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 2003-163806, for example). In the basic matrix shape producing method disclosed by Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 2003-163806, although the requirement that basic matrix shape is cyclically disposed is fulfilled, the following problem may occur. That is, according to this prior art, there may occur a case where a growth center position which is a central position of the basic matrix does not coincide with a central position of a pixel. Accordingly, in response to the basic matrix shape selected, the basic matrix central position may vary among four types. Since the basic matrix central position thus may vary, there may occur a problematic situation in which, if a common growth rule is applied to determine a pixel growth order in the basic matrix, a growth order in a halftone dot may not agree with each other. This means that, when the basic matrix shape is changed, such a change is required for changing the number of screen lines or a screen angle of the dither matrix, the dither matrix may be produced in which halftone dots have different growth orders simultaneously. Furthermore, according to the method of Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 2003-163806, it is not possible to determine a growth order only based on a pixel arrangement in the basic matrix. That is, in this prior art, when any pixel within the basic matrix is set as a growth center, a pixel which is located away from this growth center within the relevant basic matrix may be located near a growth center of another basic matrix (the growth center other than the relevant growth center). In such a case, it is not possible to determine the growth order only from information concerning a distance from the growth center of the relevant basic matrix. Furthermore, the method of Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 2003-163806 may not positively avoid the problematic situation in which a pixel located away from a growth center of a relevant basic matrix is located rather near a growth center of another basic matrix, i.e., the growth center other than the relevant growth center. Therefore, the above-mentioned problem may occur in which the selected basic matrix shape may not compatible with the dot concentration type growth order. As another example, a dither matrix producing method in which a dither matrix is produced based on screen lines employs a dither matrix setting unit determining a core of a dot producing a screen line, a shape of the dot core changing according to a tone level, and a screen angle; and a dot core arrangement producing unit producing a disposing order of the dot cores of a dither matrix in a form of a blue noise mask (see Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 2003-259118, for example). Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 2003-259118 mentioned above discloses a method for ranking of basic matrixes themselves, but does not disclose a method for determining the basic matrix shape itself. Further, this prior art document merely mentions, for a pixel growth order within the basic matrix, ‘to spread it from the center’. As further another example, an image forming apparatus includes a storing unit to store a matrix shift vector indicating a shift direction and a shift amount of a dither matrix as a parameter prescribing the dither matrix; and a processing matrix element calculating unit to obtain matrix elements used for processing a pixel to be processed based on the matrix shift vector and a position of the above-mentioned pixel to be processed (see Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 2003-134337, for example). According to Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 2003-134337 mentioned above, a basic matrix shape (a shape of one cycle of a dither matrix), i.e., an area representing a collection of pixels belonging to one growth center is expressed as a collection of pixels belonging to two rectangles. A basic matrix shape may be preferably expressed by such two rectangles for the purpose of expressing the basic matrix shape in a visually easily understandable manner. However, if this method in the prior art is applied for producing the dot concentration type dither matrix, the following problem may occur. That is, it is not possible to determine a growth order only according to a pixel arrangement within a relevant basic matrix. That is, when any pixel within the basic matrix is set as a growth center (i.e., a pixel acting as a center of dot concentration type dither), a pixel located away from this growth center in the relevant basic matrix may be located rather near a growth center of another basic matrix, i.e., the growth center other than the relevant growth center. In such a case, it is not possible to determine the growth order only according to the information of a distance from the growth center of the relevant the basic matrix. As to a growth order within a basic matrix, Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 2003-259118 mentioned above discloses ‘to spread it from the center’, while Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 2003-134337 mentioned above discloses ‘a manner such that a length of a boundary contour may become minimum’. However, there is no disclosure in these prior art documents for a specific algorithm for achieving such a manner of growth order. In particular, there is no idea disclosed as how to order pixels having an equal distance from a growth center. Therefore, this matter may become a problem when a computer program is actually produced for desired number of screen lines and screen angle. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A dither matrix producing, image processing, image forming method and apparatuses and recording medium are described. In one embodiment, the dither matrix producing method comprises a) defining two vectors determining a cyclic structure of the basic matrixes according to: main vector: m^=(mx, my); and sub-vector: s^=(sx, sy). The method also comprises determining a positional vector of a pixel of the basic matrix, according to Pi^=(Pix, Piy), where the suffix i denotes an i-th pixel of the basic matrix, arranging the pixels of the basic matrix in such a manner to fulfill a requirement of the cyclic structure and then, performing a transformation according to the formula: Pi^→Pi^+km^+ls^, where k and l are arbitrary integers, which may be negative values, to obtain a new shape of the basic matrix with application of Pi^+km^+ls^ as a new pixel positional vector Pi^ and then producing the dither matrix. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7767093

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to a water system operators end-to-end control of water quality in a water filtration, purification and distribution system all the way to a consumer's point-of-use, and more specifically to a system, method, and apparatus to achieve end-to-end water quality through the controlled distribution of water filtration and purification products. 2. Problems in the Art The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) was originally passed by Congress in 1974 to protect public health by regulating the nation's public drinking water supply. The law was amended in 1986 and 1996 and requires many actions to protect drinking water and its sources, including rivers, lakes, reservoirs, springs, and ground water wells. The SDWA does not regulate private wells which serve fewer than 25 individuals. The SDWA authorizes the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) to set national health-based standards for drinking water to protect against both naturally-occurring and man-made contaminants that may be found in drinking water. The US EPA, states, and public and private water systems then work together to make sure that these standards are met. Millions of Americans receive high quality drinking water every day from their public water systems, (which may be publicly or privately owned). Nonetheless, drinking water safety cannot be taken for granted. There are a number of threats to drinking water: improper disposal of chemicals, animal wastes, pesticides, human wastes, wastes injected deep underground, and naturally-occurring substances can all contaminate drinking water. Likewise, drinking water that is not properly treated or disinfected, or which travels through an improperly maintained distribution system, may also pose a health risk. Originally, the SDWA focused primarily on treatment as the means of providing safe drinking water at the tap. The 1996 amendments greatly enhanced the existing law by recognizing source water protection, operator training, funding for water system improvements, and public information as important components of safe drinking water. This approach ensures the quality of drinking water by protecting it from source to tap. The SDWA applies to every public water system in the United States. There are currently more than 160,000 public water systems providing water to almost all Americans at some time in their lives. The responsibility for making sure these public water systems provide safe drinking water is divided among US EPA, states, tribes, water systems, and the public. The SDWA provides a framework in which these parties work together to protect this valuable resource. Regardless of various Government Agencies and the public water system policies they establish and enforce for the good of the public, public water can often be sub-standard and questionable in quality, what is needed is an end-to-end control of water system quality by a water system operators from their plants, through their aging distribution systems, across the water meter demarcation to the consumer's point-of-use, such as, but not limited to, a tap, faucet, hydrant, spigot, spout, valve, bib, etc. The US EPA sets national standards for drinking water based on sound science to protect against health risks, considering available technology and costs. These National Primary Drinking Water Regulations set enforceable maximum contaminant levels for particular contaminants in drinking water or required ways to treat water to remove contaminants. Each standard also includes requirements for water systems to test for contaminants in the water to make sure standards are achieved. In addition to setting these standards, the US EPA provides guidance, assistance, and public information about drinking water, collects drinking water data, and oversees state drinking water programs. The most direct oversight of water systems is conducted by state drinking water programs. States can apply to the US EPA for “primacy,” the authority to implement SDWA within their jurisdictions, if they can show that they will adopt standards at least as stringent as the US EPA's and make sure water systems meet these standards. All states and territories, except Wyoming and the District of Columbia, have received primacy. While no native American tribe has yet applied for and received primacy, four tribes currently receive “treatment as a state” status, and are eligible for primacy. States, or the US EPA acting as a primacy agent, make sure water systems test for contaminants, review plans for water system improvements, conduct on-site inspections and sanitary surveys, provide training and technical assistance, and take action against water systems not meeting standards. To ensure that drinking water is safe, the SDWA sets up multiple barriers against pollution. These barriers include: source water protection, treatment, distribution system integrity, and public information. Public water systems are responsible for ensuring that contaminants in tap water do not exceed the standards. Water systems treat the water, and must test their water frequently for specified contaminants and report the results to states. If a water system is not meeting these standards, it is the water supplier's responsibility to notify its customers. Many water suppliers are also now required to prepare annual reports for their customers. The public is responsible for helping local water suppliers to set priorities, make decisions on funding and system improvements, and establish programs to protect drinking water sources. Water systems across the nation rely on citizen advisory committees, rate boards, volunteers, and civic leaders to actively protect this resource in every community in America. Regardless of various Government Agencies and the public water system policies they establish and enforce for the good of the public, public water can often be sub-standard and questionable in quality, what is needed is an end-to-end control of water system quality by a water system operators from their plants, through their aging distribution systems, across the water meter demarcation to the consumer's point-of-use, such as, but not limited to, a tap, faucet, hydrant, spigot, spout, valve, bib, etc. Essential components of safe drinking water include protection and prevention. States and water suppliers must conduct assessments of water sources to see where they may be vulnerable to contamination. Water systems may also voluntarily adopt programs to protect their watershed or wellheads, and states can use legal authorities from other laws to prevent pollution. The SDWA mandates that states have programs to certify water system operators and make sure that new water systems have the technical, financial, and managerial capacity to provide safe drinking water. The SDWA also sets a framework for the Underground Injection Control (UIC) program to control the injection of wastes into ground water. The US EPA and states implement the UIC program, which sets standards for safe waste injection practices and bans certain types of injection altogether. All of these programs help prevent the contamination of drinking water. The US EPA sets national standards for tap water which help ensure consistent quality in our nation's water supply. Regardless of various Government Agencies and the public water system policies they establish and enforce for the good of the public, public water can often be sub-standard and questionable in quality, what is needed is an end-to-end control of water system quality by a water system operators from their plants, through their aging distribution systems, across the water meter demarcation to the consumer's point-of-use, such as, but not limited to, a tap, faucet, hydrant, spigot, spout, valve, bib, etc. The US EPA prioritizes contaminants for potential regulation based on risk and how often they occur in water supplies. To aid in this effort, certain water systems monitor for the presence of contaminants for which no national standards currently exist and collect information on their occurrence. The US EPA sets a health goal based on risk (including risks to the most sensitive people, e.g., infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and the immuno-compromised). The US EPA then sets a legal limit for the contaminant in drinking water or a required treatment technique, and also performs a cost-benefit analysis and obtains input from interested parties when setting standards. The US EPA is currently evaluating the risks from several specific health concerns, including: microbial contaminants (e.g.,CryptosprodiumandGiardia) the byproducts of drinking water disinfection (radon, arsenic), and water systems that don't currently disinfect their water, but get it from a potentially vulnerable ground water source. The US EPA provides grants to implement state drinking water programs, and to help each state set up a special fund to assist public water systems in financing the costs of improvements (called the drinking water state revolving fund). Small water systems are given special consideration, since small systems may have a more difficult time paying for system improvements due to their smaller customer base. Accordingly, the US EPA and states provide them with extra assistance (including training and funding) as well as allowing, on a case-by-case basis, alternate water treatments that are less expensive, but still protective of public health. National drinking water standards are legally enforceable, which means that both the US EPA and states can take enforcement actions against water systems not meeting safety standards. The US EPA and states may issue administrative orders, take legal actions, or fine utilities. The US EPA and states also work to increase the understanding of, and compliance with, standards. The US EPA should strongly consider mandating compliance all the way to the consumer's point-of-use for the good of the public they serve. In addition to an increase in public health, the anti-terrorism benefits are myriad. The SDWA recognizes that since everyone drinks water, everyone has the right to know what's in it and where it comes from. All water suppliers must notify consumers quickly when there is a serious problem with water quality. Water systems serving the same people year-round must provide annual consumer confidence reports on the source and quality of their tap water. States and the US EPA must prepare annual summary reports of water system compliance with drinking water safety standards and make these reports available to the public. The public must have a chance to be involved in developing source water assessment programs, state plans to use drinking water state revolving loan funds, state capacity development plans, and state operator certification programs. The Government Performance and Results Act (GRPA) requires government agencies to develop plans for what they intend to accomplish, measure how well they are doing, make appropriate decisions based on the information they have gathered, and communicate information about their performance to Congress and to the public. The US EPA strategic targets for community water systems in the United States are: 80% of community water systems and 95% of the population served by them are to provide drinking water that meets all existing health-based standards with a compliance date of no later than January 2008. In order to monitor compliance with these targets, Community Water Systems will be measured on the following health-based violations, which include 1) Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), 2) Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL), and 3) Treatment Technique (TT) violations. A typical water treatment plant uses the following six step process to process raw water into drinking water. Incoming raw ground or surface water is 1) chlorinated, 2) coagulation, 3) flocculation, 4) sedimentation, 5) chlorination, 6) filtration and release of the finished drinking water into the distribution system. However, water that is not adequately filtered and purified can contain inorganic pollutants such as lead, herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, the gasoline additive MTBE (Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and disinfection byproducts. In addition, water that is not adequately filtered and purified can contain microbial contaminants that are by far a greater threat that inorganic pollutants. The first is protozoa. Protozoa include the well-knownGiardia, and the not-so-well-knownCryptosporidium. These two protozoa have been detected in 90% of U.S. surface water. Protozoa are the largest organisms of the three categories, ranging in size from 1-16 microns. They are more resistant to disinfection by iodine or chlorine than either bacteria or virus, but can be effectively filtered.Giardiais relatively large and easy to catch, butCryptosporidiumis more likely to pass through units which depend upon filtration for parasite removal. The second category is bacteria. Bacteria include such commonly-known organisms asCampylobacter, E. coli, Vibrio cholera, andSalmonella. Bacteria are intermediate-sized organisms, ranging from 0.2 to about 10 microns. The third category is viruses. Commonly known viruses include Rotavirus, Hepatitis A, Norwalk, and Polio. Viruses are truly tiny; they range in size between 0.02 and 0.085 microns, which makes them extremely difficult to filter. Viruses respond well to disinfection, and can be effectively inactivated using a purifier proven to remove or inactivate 99.99% of virus. In addition, public drinking water may have an objectionable turbidity, contain hydrogen sulfide, may be too acidic or alkaline, or may contain radon or radium. Water treatment plants may also replace the chlorination of incoming raw water with an ozone process. Intermediate filters, and biological filters may be added to the process, but 98% of the water treatment plants in the United States chlorinate the processed drinking water that is released in the distribution system. There exists a tension between the positive benefits of chlorinating water and the increasing amount of research related to the negative effects of chlorinating water. Chlorine has been linked to several different kinds of cancer, learning disorders in children, heart trouble, premature senility, hypertension in adult males, and birth defects. On the other hand, chlorination has played a critical role in protecting the United States' drinking water supply from waterborne infectious diseases for 90 years. The filtration, purification, and disinfection of drinking water have been responsible for a large part of the 50 percent increase in life expectancy in this century. The filtration and purification by chlorination of drinking water is undoubtedly the most significant public health advance of the past 1,000 years. However, water that is not adequately filtered and purified can contain inorganic pollutants such as lead, herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, the gasoline additive MTBE (Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and disinfection byproducts. In addition, water that is not adequately filtered and purified can contain microbial contaminants that are by far a greater threat that inorganic pollutants. The first is protozoa. Protozoa include the well-knownGiardia, and the not-so-well-knownCryptosporidium. These two protozoa have been detected in 90% of U.S. surface water. Protozoa are the largest organisms of the three categories, ranging in size from 1-16 microns. They are more resistant to disinfection by iodine or chlorine than either bacteria or virus, but can be effectively filtered.Giardiais relatively large and easy to catch, butCryptosporidiumis more likely to pass through units which depend upon filtration for parasite removal. The second category is bacteria. Bacteria include such commonly-known organisms asCampylobacter, E. coli, Vibrio cholera, andSalmonella. Bacteria are intermediate-sized organisms, ranging from 0.2 to about 10 microns. The third category is viruses. Commonly known viruses include Rotavirus, Hepatitis A, Norwalk, and Polio. Viruses are truly tiny; they range in size between 0.02 and 0.085 microns, which makes them extremely difficult to filter. Viruses respond well to disinfection, and can be effectively inactivated using a purifier proven to remove or inactivate 99.99% of virus. In addition, public drinking water may have an objectionable turbidity, contain hydrogen sulfide, may be too acidic or alkaline, or may contain radon or radium. Chlorinated drinking water's chief benefit is the protection of public health through the control of waterborne diseases. It plays a paramount role in controlling pathogens in water that cause human illness, as evidenced by the virtual absence of waterborne diseases such as typhoid and cholera in developed countries. Untreated or inadequately treated drinking water supplies remain the greatest threat to public health, especially in developing countries, where nearly half the population drinks contaminated water. In these countries, diseases such as cholera, typhoid and chronic dysentery are endemic and kill young and old alike. In 1990, over three million children under the age of five died of diarrheal diseases. Unfortunately, the availability of safe drinking water in many areas is practically nonexistent, due to poverty, poor understanding of water contamination, and lack of a treatment and delivery infrastructure. International assistance groups, including the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), have long-standing technical assistance and education programs to improve water supply and sanitation practices. It has been estimated that such improvements—including chlorine disinfection—can prevent 25 percent of all diarrheal outbreaks and reduce childhood mortality by equal levels. An example of the continuing public health threat from waterborne disease outbreaks occurred in Peru in 1991, where a major causative factor was the absence or inadequacy of drinking water disinfection. This failure to disinfect was partly based on concern about U.S. reports on disinfection by-products. The result: a five-year epidemic of cholera, its first appearance in the Americas in this century. The epidemic spread to 19 Latin American countries and has been only partially abated through public health interventions supported by PAHO's advice and technical assistance. Nearly a million cases and 10,000 deaths have been reported. These statistics strongly reinforce the concept that water disinfection must be a primary tool in protecting public health worldwide. As noted by the American Academy of Microbiology, “The single, most important requirement that must be emphasized is that disinfection of a public water supply should not be compromised.” At the 1992 First International Conference on the Safety of Water Disinfection, several researchers described the costs associated with microbiological disease as well as the benefits of illness avoided through water treatment. Real health care savings can be realized from preventing and eliminating microbial contamination in drinking water supplies. In his conference presentation, Dr. Pierre Payment of the University of Quebec stated that the “social cost of ‘mild’ gastrointestinal illness in industrialized countries is several orders of magnitude higher than costs associated with acute hospitalized cases.” For example, in the United States, annual costs were estimated to be $9.5 billion (1985 dollars) for cases with no consultation with a physician, $2.7 billion for those with consultations, and only $760 million for those requiring hospitalization. Dr. Payment presented data estimating that in 1985; about 500,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths were due to gastrointestinal illnesses in the United States, the majority being of unknown origin. His study assumed that these numbers are grossly underestimated due to unreported or unidentified illnesses. Over 13 percent were due to viral illnesses, 4.9 percent were bacterial and 1.1 percent was parasitic. About 80 percent were presumed noninfectious. One out of ten deaths from gastroenteritis could be due to viruses. Commenting on Dr. Payment's report, the American Academy of Microbiology noted, “A decrease in morbidity and mortality is not the only benefit which should be considered in a cost-benefit analysis . . . The benefits of microbiologically safe water go beyond the absence of disease, and affect the productivity of industry, as well as the prices of goods and services.” At the same conference, a paper by Gunther F. Craun et al. discussed the cost-effectiveness of water treatment for pathogen removal. An evaluation of five pathogens and treatment costs shows the favorable economic benefits of preventing infectious waterborne diseases. The report concluded that “municipal water systems designed to prevent waterborne infectious disease are one of the most effective investments of public funds that society can make. Even conservative estimates under worst-case conditions show benefit-cost ratios of 3:1 for small systems and 8:1 for large systems. Pathogen-free drinking water is a bargain.” Regarding comparison of these benefits with potential cancer risks associated with drinking water disinfection, the group noted that the costs of preventing the relatively small carcinogenic risks may not be warranted in light of many other public health risks that should be reduced. Regardless of various Government Agencies and the public water system policies they establish and enforce for the good of the public, public water can often be sub-standard and questionable in quality, what is needed is an end-to-end control of water system quality by a water system operators from their plants, through their aging distribution systems, across the water meter demarcation to the consumer's point-of-use, such as, but not limited to, a tap, faucet, hydrant, spigot, spout, valve, bib, etc. The addition of chlorine to our drinking water started in the late 1890's and had wide acceptance in the United States by 1920. Joseph Price, M. D, wrote a fascinating yet largely ignored book in the late 1960's, entitled Coronaries Cholesterol. Chlorine, Dr Price believes, is the primary and essential cause of atherosclerosis is chlorine. “Nothing can negate the incontrovertible fact the basic cause of atherosclerosis and resulting entities, such as heart attacks and most common forms of stokes is chlorine. The chlorine contained in processed drinking water.” This conclusion is based on experiments using chlorine in the drinking water of chickens. The results: 95% of the chickens given chlorine added to distilled water developed atherosclerosis within a few months. Atherosclerosis, heart attacks and the resulting problems of hardening of the arteries and plaque formation is really the last step in a series of biochemical malfunctions. Price points out it takes ten to twenty years before symptoms in humans become evident. In many ways, this is reminiscent of cancer which can take twenty to thirty years to develop. Can chlorine be linked to cancer too? In the chlorination process itself, chlorine combines with natural organic matter decaying vegetation to form potent cancer causing trihalomethanes (THM's) or haloforms. Trihalomethanes collectively include such carcinogens as chloroforms, bromoforms carbon tectachloride, bischlorothane and others. The amount of THM's in our drinking water is theoretically regulated by the EPA. Although the maximum amount allowed by law is 100 ppb, a 1976 study showed 31 of 112 municipal water systems exceeded this limit. According to some studies by 1975, the number of chemical contaminants found in finished drinking water exceeded 300 ppb. In 1984 over 700 chemicals had been found in our drinking water. The EPA has targeted 129 of these chemicals as posing the greatest threat to our health. Currently the EPA enforces federal standards for 34 drinking water contaminants. In July, 1990 they proposed adding 23 new ones and expects this list to grow to 85 in 1992. Another report claims the picture is much worse. According to Troubled Waters on Tap “over 2100 contaminants have been detected in U. S. drinking water since 1974 with 190 known or suspected to cause adverse health effects at certain concentration levels. In total, 97 carcinogens and suspected carcinogens, 82 mutagens and suspected mutagens, 28 acute and chronic toxic contaminants, and 23 tumor promoters have been detected in U. S. drinking water since 1974. Compounds in this concentration could pose serious toxic effects, either alone or in combination with other chemicals found in drinking water. Overall, available scientific evidence continues to substantiate the link between consumption of toxins in drinking water and serious public health concerns, Studies have strengthened the association between ingestion of toxins and elevated cancer mortality risks. Studies in New Orleans, La.; Eric County, N.Y., Washington County Md., and Ohio County, Ohio reveal high levels of haloforms or THM's in drinking water which results in higher levels of cancer. The continued use of chlorine as the main drinking water disinfectant in the United States only adds to the organic chemical contamination of drinking water supplies. The current federal standard regulation of trihalomethanes do not adequately protect water consumers from the multitude of other organic chlorination by-products that have been shown in many studies to be mutagenic and toxic' “Chlorine is so dangerous” according to biologist/chemist Dr. Herbert Schwartz,” that it should be banned. Putting chlorine in the water is like starting a time bomb. Cancer, heart trouble, premature senility, both mental and physical are conditions attributable to chlorine treated water supplies. It is making us grow old before our time by producing symptoms of aging such as hardening of the arteries. I believe if chlorine were now proposed for the first time to be used in drinking water it would be banned by the Food and Drug Administration.” The disinfection byproducts debate has led some people to think that chlorine's use in drinking water treatment will diminish. This is highly unlikely. Other disinfectants also produce byproducts. Furthermore, chlorine is the disinfectant of choice for drinking water for a number of reasons. Its wide range of benefits can not be provided by any other single disinfectant. Chlorine-based disinfectants are the only disinfectants that provide a residual in the distribution system. This residual is an important part of the multi-barrier approach to preventing waterborne disease. The increasing need to disinfect groundwater systems may actually increase the use of chlorine for drinking water disinfection. According to the World Health Organization, disinfection by chlorine is still the best guarantee of microbiologically safe water and is unlikely to change in the near future. Many municipalities are experimenting with a variety of disinfectants to either take the place of chlorine or to be used in addition, as a way of cutting down on the amount of chlorine added to the water. However, these alternatives such as chlorine dioxide, bromine chloride, chloromines, etc., are just as dangerous as chlorine. We're replacing one toxic chemical with another. There are other more appropriate ways to reduce disinfection byproducts such as precursor removal technologies that will not produce new disinfection byproducts. On the positive side, some cities are starting to use aeration carbon filtration, ultraviolet light and ozone as safe alternatives to chemical disinfectants. But the number of cities and the number of people getting water from these methods is minimal. In the post 9/11 world the contamination of water with biological, chemical or radiological agents has forced the medical community, public health agencies and water utilities to consider the possibility of intentional contamination of US water supplies as part of an organized effort to disrupt and damage important elements of the US national infrastructure. In President Bush's 2002 State of the Union Address, it was noted that confiscated Al Qaeda documents included detailed maps of several US municipal drinking water systems. Some steps have been taken to protect and monitor the US drinking water supply, but currently, it is the healthcare providers that are likely to be the first to observe unusual patterns of illness resulting from the intentional introduction of biological, chemical or radiological agents in the drinking water supply by terrorists. The government has dealt primarily the large scale attacks on the drinking water supply by terrorist, but not adequately with the small scale attacks between the water system operator's plant and the consumer. In order to minimize liability while increasing the overall health of the public, there is a need to disinfect drinking water inexpensively prior to distribution and a need to purify the disinfectant used by the water system operator and to filter out contaminants, such as, but not limited to, lead from lead pipes, and acts of terrorism before flowing from the consumer's point-of-use, in order to control the quality of water end-to-end in a water filtration and purification distribution system. Many pipes in the ground are typically on a 50 year depreciation schedule with a 100 year life cycle expectancy, and water system operators face infrastructure replacements issues that are massive, particularly in older cities. The present invention's water system operator's use of water filter/purifiers located near the consumer's point-of-use will dramatically improve the quality of water to the consumer while allowing water system operators to upgrade their distribution systems on a schedule that is manageable. The only way to ensure the quality of water is through the use of “post treatment/post distribution” water filter/purifiers controlled by the water system operator and placed near the consumer's point-of-use. The present invention is a revolutionary concept for a water system operator to adopt and make an integral part of their program. In April of 2004 the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment held a hearing on the state of the United State's aging water supply infrastructure. Concern has been heightened recently over the condition of the nation's water supply infrastructure as a result of the presence of lead pipes in the District of Columbia's drinking water system. The Subcommittee will receive testimony from representatives of the American Water Works Association (AWWA), the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA), the National Rural Water Association, and the U.S. Conference of Mayors' Urban Water Council. Our nation has over 54,000 community water systems. These systems consist of a substantial amount of infrastructure, including collection devices, drinking water treatment plants, wells, pumps, storage facilities, transmission and distribution water mains, service lines, and other equipment to deliver water. They provide about 90 percent of Americans with their tap water. Approximately 3,000 of these community systems provide more than 75 percent of the nation's water. Our nation's drinking water infrastructure is an asset that all Americans rely on every day. It is a cornerstone of both our nation's economic well-being and our public health. Largely buried underground and invisible to the average American, it is also an asset many have taken for granted. The greatest challenge facing community water systems today is aging pipes and other water infrastructure. It is not uncommon in older systems to find pipes that were laid in the 19th century. Due to patterns of investment made to serve population growth beginning well over a century ago, water utilities are experiencing an urgent and increasing need to repair and replace this aging infrastructure. As many communities are finding, failure to repair and replace aging infrastructure can result in a loss of valuable water resources, significant economic impacts, and increased risks to public health. In many cities and towns, water infrastructure has been in place for many decades. Quite often, particularly in the larger cities, components of these systems (such as the water mains) are more than a century old. The oldest cast iron pipes, dating to the latter 1800s, have an average life expectancy of 100-120 years. Because of changing materials and manufacturing techniques, pipes laid in the 1920s have an average life expectancy of nearly 100 years, and those laid in the post-World War II boom are expected to last about 75 years. At this point, these life expectancies are being approached or exceeded in many cities and towns. As the water infrastructure outlives its useful life, it can corrode and deteriorate, resulting in an epidemic of water leakage, burst water mains, unreliable pumps and collection equipment, and aging treatment plants that fail to remove important contaminants. With age and increased demands due to population growth, drinking water infrastructure problems in many cities are growing. One of the most common problems is water loss from water distribution systems. In most water systems, a large percentage of the water is lost in transit from treatment plants to consumers. The amount of water that is lost is typically 20-30 percent of production. Some systems, especially older ones, may lose as much as 50 percent. Leakage is usually the major cause of water loss. There are many possible causes of leaks, and often a combination of factors leads to their occurrence. Leakage occurs in various components of the distribution system, including transmission pipes, main distribution pipes, service connection pipes, joints, valves, and fire hydrants. The material, composition, age, and joining methods of the distribution system components can influence leak occurrence. Causes of leaks include corrosion, cracks, material defects or failure due to deterioration over time, faulty installation, inadequate corrosion protection, ground movement over time due to drought or freezing, and repeated excessive loads and vibration from road traffic. Old pipes often leak substantial amounts of water through corroded areas, cracks, and loose joints. Leaks waste both money and a precious natural resource. The primary economic loss is the cost of the lost raw water, its treatment, and its transportation. Leakage leads to additional economic loss in the form of damage to the pipe network itself. Such damage may include erosion of pipe bedding and pipe breaks, and damage to the foundations of roads and buildings. Leaks also waste substantial amounts of water resources. This is particularly critical in areas where the demand for water is outstripping available supplies. The City of Detroit illustrates the potential cost of water as a lost commodity. In Detroit, citizens endure annual mid-summer water rationing and pressure problems, yet they pay an estimated $23 million per year for water that never reaches their homes and businesses, because over 35 billion gallons of water leak from the Detroit water system each year. The lost water is reflected in bills paid by every household whose water comes from the Detroit system. This is on top of the $1 million the water utility has been spending annually on leak detection and repair, and an ongoing $7 billion capital improvement program. The problems associated with gradual leakage are compounded when old water mains and other pipes in the water distribution system burst, resulting in the sudden loss of water pressure, flooding, and the loss of even more water. It is common for cities to have scores, hundreds, and even more than a thousand water main breaks each year. For example, last year, there were 1,190 reported breaks along the City of Baltimore's 3,400 miles of water mains, which deliver drinking water to taps across the city and surrounding counties. This is more than three times per day on average. There were 1,140 breaks in 2002. Philadelphia, with a similar amount of pipe, reportedly has an average of 788 ruptures per year, and New York, which has 6,000 miles of mains, has an average of 550 annual breaks. Boston, which has 1,023 miles of pipe, averages 35 breaks per year. A “reasonable goal” for water systems in North America is 25 to 30 breaks per 100 miles of pipe per year, according to a 1995 American Water Works Association Research Foundation report, Distribution System Performance Evaluation. Baltimore is somewhat above that mark, with an average of 34 breaks per 100 miles over the past two years. Not far behind is the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, with 33 breaks per 100 miles. Detroit is worse off, with an average of 45 breaks. Several other cities met the goal, some of them relatively young, affluent communities with moderate weather, but also some of them old, less economically vibrant, and in harsh climates. For every 100 miles of pipe, Phoenix had 29 breaks per year, Pittsburgh had 23, and Hartford 20. Chicago and Providence each had 9. San Diego had 5. In addition to the substantial direct costs of repairing and replacing burst water pipes, millions of dollars in economic losses are incurred nationally each year as a result of businesses and schools forced to close, flooding and other property damage, closed roads, snarled traffic, and the like. For example, a 36-inch water main which burst in New York City a couple of years ago resulted in severe physical damage because of the ensuing flooding to 14 businesses and business disruptions to an additional 120 businesses, resulting in several hundred thousand dollars in gross revenue loss from the one incident. Small business disaster assistance was made available for the impacted businesses. In Cleveland, a major, 87-year-old water main broke four years ago, flooding downtown streets with some 25 million gallons of water, stranding cars in the flood, closing many businesses and all schools, including Cleveland State University, and leaving 100,000 people without water for a few days. Downtown Cleveland had a second major water-main break about eight months later. Measures are available to water utilities for reducing water main breaks and other losses of water from their systems. Fundamentally, they involve improved management of a water system's assets. Asset management approaches aim to minimize the total cost of buying, operating, maintaining, replacing, and disposing of capital assets during their life cycles, while achieving service goals. Measures include the systematic collection of key data about the water system; the application of life-cycle cost analysis and risk assessment to set goals and priorities; a systematic program of inspections, monitoring, and leak detection and repair; system maintenance, rehabilitation, and replacement of old pipes and other equipment found to be in need of repair; and corrosion control to reduce the effect of corrosive water on the system. The General Accounting Office (GAO) issued a report, dated March 2004, in which GAO found that comprehensive asset management has the potential to help utilities better identify needs and plan future investments. Water utilities that GAO reviewed reported that comprehensive asset management provided them with a better understanding of their maintenance, rehabilitation, and replacement needs and thus helped utility managers make better system management and investment decisions. GAO also found that, although smaller utilities face more obstacles to implementing asset management, largely as a result of limited resources, such utilities can also benefit from applying asset management concepts. GAO concluded that EPA can play a stronger role in encouraging water utilities to use asset management by leveraging ongoing efforts within and outside the Agency. Some utilities already are implementing asset management approaches. The loss of water pressure from water main breaks or other equipment breakdowns also can result in serious contamination of the water supply, thereby creating a public health risk. Additionally, old or poorly maintained pipes may harbor bacteria and other pathogens that can make people sick. Water distribution systems depend on pressure inside the pipes to keep out contamination. If the water pressure drops due to pipe breaks, significant leakage, or pump failures, the possibility increases of bacteria and other contaminants infiltrating into the pipes through leak openings, such as corroded areas, cracks, and loose joints, and contaminating the water. Water utilities typically issue boil-water advisories to customers once water pressure is restored. Moreover, many older water distribution systems used lead pipes to distribute tap water. Municipalities first installed lead pipes during the late 19th Century. In 1897, about half of all American municipalities used at least some lead water pipes. Lead had two features that made it attractive to the engineers who designed public water systems: it was both malleable and durable. Malleability reduced labor costs by making it easier to bend the service main around existing infrastructure and obstructions, and compared to iron, lead was a soft and pliable metal. As for durability, the life of the typical lead service pipe was considerably longer than plain iron or steel, galvanized, or cement lined pipe. Based solely on engineering concerns, these characteristics made lead an ideal material for service lines. From a narrow engineering stand point, it is clear that lead worked well, when one examines how popular lead service lines were. At the turn of the 20th Century, the use of lead pipes was widespread, particularly in medium and large cities. However, the use of lead pipes has had public health implications. Studies show that ingested lead can have adverse neurological, toxicological, and developmental effects on humans, particularly children. In cities that used lead water pipes, it appears there were some people who were affected by lead, although the effects of lead water lines varied across cities, and depended on the age of the pipe and the corrosiveness of the associated water supplies. The age of pipe influenced lead content because, over time, oxidation formed a protective coating on the interior of pipes. As for corrosiveness, acidic water leached more lead from the interior of pipes than did non-acidic water. Over time, the public health implications of lead pipes became better understood, and other materials were used in place of lead pipes. Today, most lead pipes have been replaced with more modern and safer materials, although some cities still have some areas with lead service lines to older buildings and lead-containing packing materials used to seal joints between some pipes. The City of Chicago is reported to have the highest concentration of lead pipes in the nation. Lead service lines remain in some areas in the District of Columbia. The presence of lead materials in water systems is significant because the water passing through lead service lines and joint packing materials could be corrosive, thereby leaching lead from the lines and packing materials and increasing lead levels in the drinking water. Measures that can be taken by water utilities to reduce lead levels in drinking water include locating and replacing the remaining lead service lines, and reducing the corrosiveness of the water. Many cities that have lead service lines have adjusted their water treatment processes to minimize corrosion. Some, such as Chicago and Philadelphia, add phosphates to the water at their treatment plants. The phosphates, in combination with the natural calcium and magnesium minerals in the water, coat the pipes internally to prevent lead from leaching into the water. The water supplier for the District of Columbia has not adjusted its water treatment to minimize corrosion, and hence, elevated lead levels have been reported in drinking water at some locations. In response to the elevated lead levels that were found, the District's water supplier now is considering adjusting its water treatment processes to add phosphates to the water. It is unclear whether the addition of phosphates to the District's water will ultimately result in any undesirable increases in phosphorus loadings to the Chesapeake Bay from the District's wastewater discharges. Historically, there had been little Federal assistance for drinking water systems. Local communities and private companies built most of the municipal water systems around the country. Before 1996, the primary source of Federal funding was the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Through its Rural Utilities Service, USDA has provided both municipal water supply and wastewater treatment assistance of over $600 million a year to communities with populations of less than 10,000. Following enactment of the 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments, Congress began providing grants to states to capitalize Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Funds, modeled after the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Funds. Through fiscal year 2004, Congress has provided approximately $7 billion for the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Funds. Approximately 40 percent of that assistance has been provided for projects to meet treatment needs, and around 30 percent has been for projects to meet transmission and distribution needs. The remaining 30 percent has been provided for water storage, developing sources, technical assistance, and other drinking water needs. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) submitted a 1999 Drinking Water Needs Survey to Congress in February 2001, pursuant to the Safe Drinking Water Act. The 1999 Needs Survey estimated drinking water infrastructure needs at approximately $150 billion over the next 20 years. Over half of the total drinking water infrastructure needs (56 percent) are for transmission and distribution systems (pipes). Twenty-one percent of the needs are for infrastructure to meet regulatory requirements. The remaining 19 percent of needs are for storage facilities, developing sources, and other needs. EPA acknowledges that its survey likely underestimates needs for transmission and distribution systems because many systems do not have a plan in place for replacing pipes. The Drinking Water Needs Survey is based on documented needs, which only provide an estimate of needs over 5 to 10 years. In May 2001, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) released a report entitled, “Reinvesting in Drinking Water Infrastructure—Dawn of the Replacement Era.” In that report, AWWA projected that expenditures on the order of $250 billion over 30 years might be needed nationwide for the replacement of worn-out drinking water pipes and associated structures (valves, fittings, etc). This figure does not include wastewater infrastructure or the cost associated with complying with new drinking water standards. A September 2002 EPA report projected that expenditures of $120 billion over the next 20 years might be needed for the replacement of drinking water transmission lines and distribution mains, and another $97.6 billion might be needed for non-pipe (treatment, source, and storage) needs. There is therefore an unfilled need for a system, method, and apparatus which solves these and other problems. This invention has as its primary objective fulfillment of this need. FEATURES OF THE INVENTION A general feature of the present invention is the provision of system, method, and apparatus for the end-to-end control of water system quality by a water system operator, such as, but not limited to public and private water utilities or departments, and other providers, to the consumer's point-of-use through the controlled distribution of water filtration and purification products which overcomes the problems found in the prior art. Another feature of the present invention is the provision of an apparatus to filter and purify water prior to the consumer's point-of-use, such as, but not limited to, a tap, faucet, hydrant, spigot, spout, valve, bib, etc. Another feature of the present invention is provision of a method to monitor a consumer's water filter/purifier usage by meter readings. Another feature of the present invention is provision of a method to monitor a consumer's water filter/purifier usage by sensors associated with the present invention's water filter/purifier. Another feature of the present invention is a provision of a system to use the water filter/purifier's usage monitors as the intelligence required to drive a replenishment system for the timely replacement of the consumer's water filter/purifier located near the point-of-use. Another feature of the present invention is the provision of water filter/purification replaceable cartridges that can be customized according the specific needs of a specific water system operator and/or specific end users. One or more of these and/or other objects, features or advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following specification and claims. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to the end-to-end control of water quality in a water filtration, purification and distribution system to a consumer at point-of-use, and more specifically to a system, method, and apparatus to achieve water quality through the controlled distribution of water filtration and purification products in order to reduce liability of the water system operator, which may be public or private, profit or non-profit, while increasing the overall purity of the water at the consumer's point-of-use, which has the ultimate goal of increasing the health of the consumer. The present invention extends the control of a water system operator from the meter to the consumer's point of use, such as, but not limited to a tap, faucet, hydrant, spigot, spout, valve, bib, etc., by providing a water filter/purifier designed to improve the overall quality of the water through the purification of disinfectants such as, but not limited to chlorine added by a water system operator, and the filtration of contaminants, such as, but not limited to lead from lead pipes, to increase the health of the consumers they serve while reducing their overall liability. The present invention's end-to-end control of water quality in a water purification, filtration, and distribution system to a consumer at point-of-use, such as, but not limited to a tap, faucet, hydrant, spigot, spout, valve, bib, etc., and more specifically to a system, method, and apparatus to achieve water quality through the controlled distribution of water filtration and purification products in order to reduce liability of the water system operator, which may be public or private, profit or non-profit, while increasing the overall purity of the water at the consumer's point-of-use, such as, but not limited to a tap, faucet, hydrant, spigot, spout, valve, bib, etc., which has the ultimate goal of increasing the health of the consumer, and overcoming the enormous costs associated with replacing the nation's aging water distribution system infrastructure, with the added benefit of ensuring that filtered and purified water is available to the consumer at their point-of-use even on the consumer's side of the water meter demarcation point. Through the use of intelligence gained from water meter readings and/or sensors, previously referred to as tattletales, on the consumer's water filter/purifier located near the point-of-use, a replenishment system is provided with key data to drive the necessary business processes to order, package, and ship replacement consumer water filter/purifiers. Additionally, quality control measures may be instituted to ensure the replacement filter/purifier cartridge has been installed, which may include the return of the used water filter/purifier, or the automatic closing of a valve in the water filtration and purification unit due to feedback from internal meter readings and monitors, or feedback from an external source, such as, but not limited to a signal from the water system operator's database. According to one aspect of the invention, a method of providing end-to-end water quality control from a water system operator to a point of delivery proximate a consumer is provided. The method includes treating the water, delivering the water to the point of delivery, filtering/purifying the water at the point of delivery, monitoring water quality at the point of delivery, and reporting water quality at the point of delivery to the water system operator over a network. The step of filtering/purifying the water is preferably performed using a water filter/purifier cartridge. Also, water usage of the consumer may be monitored and the water usage may be reported to the water system operator over the network. Where a water filter/purifier cartridge is used, an estimate of when the cartridge needs replaced may be made. Thus, a replacement cartridge may be sent to the consumer prior to when the cartridge needs replacement. According to another aspect of the invention a method of providing end-to-end water quality control from a water system operator to a point of delivery proximate a consumer is provided. The method includes treating the water, delivering the water to the consumer at the point of delivery, filtering/purifying the water at the point of delivery, monitoring water quality at the point of delivery, reporting water quality at the point of delivery to the water system operator over a network, stopping supply of the water at the point of delivery if the water quality is below a threshold, and providing a promise from the water system operator to the consumer that the water quality is above the threshold. The method may further include billing the consumer for products or services associated with water delivery, including delivery of the water itself, monitoring of water quality, or replacement filter/purification cartridges. The water quality can be determined in a number of different in ways, including based on concentration levels of contaminants within the water. The present invention also preferably provides for stopping supply of the water to a water fixture at the point of delivery if the water quality at the point of delivery is below a threshold. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method of providing end-to-end water quality control from a water system operator to a point of delivery proximate a consumer is provided. The method includes treating the water, delivering the water to the consumer at the point of delivery, filtering and purifying the water at the point of delivery, monitoring the total volume of water passing the point of delivery, reporting the total volume of water passing the point of delivery to the water system operator over a network, stopping supply of the water at the point of delivery if the total water volume is above a threshold, and providing a promise from the water system operator to the consumer that the total volume of water is below the threshold. The method of the present invention is advantageous in several ways. First, the present invention is designed to provide the very best drinking water that meets or exceeds the same EPA standards for water leaving a water treatment plant at a specific consumer's point-of-use. The only way to continuously ensure that drinking quality water delivered to a consumer's point-of-use meets or exceeds the same EPA standards for drinking water that has been distributed through the aging infrastructure of uncertain integrity of the water system operator and the in-building infrastructure beyond the water meter demarcation point is to filter and purify the water again at the consumer's point-of-use. It has been estimated that nationwide in the United States it would cost an estimated 1-3 trillion dollars to upgrade water system operator's distribution system, which does not include the upgrade of consumer's in-building water pipes and fixtures. The present invention is a “last inch technology” that is intended to ensure the very best drinking water that meets or exceeds the same EPA standards for water leaving a water treatment plant is available at a specific consumer's point-of-use, not just at the water meter demarcation point. In a post 9-11 world it is incumbent upon Federal and State government agencies, including, environmental, emergency management, and homeland security, to regulate water quality all the way to consumer's point-of-use for all forms of contaminants, not just lead, copper, and coliforms. Furthermore, it is incumbent upon Federal and State governments to monitor water quality more frequently and more widespread and more frequently than mandated by the EPA, particularly in the post 9-11 world. The present invention would allow continuous monitoring, filtration and purification of water at the consumer's point-of-use. Second, the present invention overcomes the unregulated bottled water industry, which uses costly, environmentally unfriendly bottles that go into the nation's landfills. Consumers believe the water they are drinking from bottles is filtered and purified to EPA standards, but in fact this industry is unregulated and a health concern to consumers. Third, the present invention's replaceable filter/purifier cartridges can be customized to meet the various specific needs of the consumer connected to a water system operator's system. Fourth, the present invention is advantageous as it will not cost anything for water system operators or the Federal and State Government agencies to implement, yet they will be able to ensure their customers and constituents will be receiving EPA quality water all the way to the consumer's point-of-use. The present invention provides the water filter/purifier, water filter/purifier replacement cartridges customized for the specific needs of consumers in specific water system operators, fulfillment centers, and mailers. The water system operator would add a new line item to their monthly billing statement, charge the consumer a nominal cost, collect the revenue, and distribute the revenue accordingly, while reducing their liability, providing widespread, near real-time monitoring of water quality, and going the last inch to filter and purify water to EPA standards for water quality at the plant. A more complete understanding of the system, method, and apparatus for the end-to-end control of water system quality through the controlled distribution of water filtration and purification products will be afforded to those skilled in the art, as well as a realization of the additional features and advantages thereof, by a consideration of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment. Reference will be made to the appended drawings which will first be described briefly.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to a water system operators end-to-end control of water quality in a water filtration, purification and distribution system all the way to a consumer's point-of-use, and more specifically to a system, method, and apparatus to achieve end-to-end water quality through the controlled distribution of water filtration and purification products. 2. Problems in the Art The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) was originally passed by Congress in 1974 to protect public health by regulating the nation's public drinking water supply. The law was amended in 1986 and 1996 and requires many actions to protect drinking water and its sources, including rivers, lakes, reservoirs, springs, and ground water wells. The SDWA does not regulate private wells which serve fewer than 25 individuals. The SDWA authorizes the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) to set national health-based standards for drinking water to protect against both naturally-occurring and man-made contaminants that may be found in drinking water. The US EPA, states, and public and private water systems then work together to make sure that these standards are met. Millions of Americans receive high quality drinking water every day from their public water systems, (which may be publicly or privately owned). Nonetheless, drinking water safety cannot be taken for granted. There are a number of threats to drinking water: improper disposal of chemicals, animal wastes, pesticides, human wastes, wastes injected deep underground, and naturally-occurring substances can all contaminate drinking water. Likewise, drinking water that is not properly treated or disinfected, or which travels through an improperly maintained distribution system, may also pose a health risk. Originally, the SDWA focused primarily on treatment as the means of providing safe drinking water at the tap. The 1996 amendments greatly enhanced the existing law by recognizing source water protection, operator training, funding for water system improvements, and public information as important components of safe drinking water. This approach ensures the quality of drinking water by protecting it from source to tap. The SDWA applies to every public water system in the United States. There are currently more than 160,000 public water systems providing water to almost all Americans at some time in their lives. The responsibility for making sure these public water systems provide safe drinking water is divided among US EPA, states, tribes, water systems, and the public. The SDWA provides a framework in which these parties work together to protect this valuable resource. Regardless of various Government Agencies and the public water system policies they establish and enforce for the good of the public, public water can often be sub-standard and questionable in quality, what is needed is an end-to-end control of water system quality by a water system operators from their plants, through their aging distribution systems, across the water meter demarcation to the consumer's point-of-use, such as, but not limited to, a tap, faucet, hydrant, spigot, spout, valve, bib, etc. The US EPA sets national standards for drinking water based on sound science to protect against health risks, considering available technology and costs. These National Primary Drinking Water Regulations set enforceable maximum contaminant levels for particular contaminants in drinking water or required ways to treat water to remove contaminants. Each standard also includes requirements for water systems to test for contaminants in the water to make sure standards are achieved. In addition to setting these standards, the US EPA provides guidance, assistance, and public information about drinking water, collects drinking water data, and oversees state drinking water programs. The most direct oversight of water systems is conducted by state drinking water programs. States can apply to the US EPA for “primacy,” the authority to implement SDWA within their jurisdictions, if they can show that they will adopt standards at least as stringent as the US EPA's and make sure water systems meet these standards. All states and territories, except Wyoming and the District of Columbia, have received primacy. While no native American tribe has yet applied for and received primacy, four tribes currently receive “treatment as a state” status, and are eligible for primacy. States, or the US EPA acting as a primacy agent, make sure water systems test for contaminants, review plans for water system improvements, conduct on-site inspections and sanitary surveys, provide training and technical assistance, and take action against water systems not meeting standards. To ensure that drinking water is safe, the SDWA sets up multiple barriers against pollution. These barriers include: source water protection, treatment, distribution system integrity, and public information. Public water systems are responsible for ensuring that contaminants in tap water do not exceed the standards. Water systems treat the water, and must test their water frequently for specified contaminants and report the results to states. If a water system is not meeting these standards, it is the water supplier's responsibility to notify its customers. Many water suppliers are also now required to prepare annual reports for their customers. The public is responsible for helping local water suppliers to set priorities, make decisions on funding and system improvements, and establish programs to protect drinking water sources. Water systems across the nation rely on citizen advisory committees, rate boards, volunteers, and civic leaders to actively protect this resource in every community in America. Regardless of various Government Agencies and the public water system policies they establish and enforce for the good of the public, public water can often be sub-standard and questionable in quality, what is needed is an end-to-end control of water system quality by a water system operators from their plants, through their aging distribution systems, across the water meter demarcation to the consumer's point-of-use, such as, but not limited to, a tap, faucet, hydrant, spigot, spout, valve, bib, etc. Essential components of safe drinking water include protection and prevention. States and water suppliers must conduct assessments of water sources to see where they may be vulnerable to contamination. Water systems may also voluntarily adopt programs to protect their watershed or wellheads, and states can use legal authorities from other laws to prevent pollution. The SDWA mandates that states have programs to certify water system operators and make sure that new water systems have the technical, financial, and managerial capacity to provide safe drinking water. The SDWA also sets a framework for the Underground Injection Control (UIC) program to control the injection of wastes into ground water. The US EPA and states implement the UIC program, which sets standards for safe waste injection practices and bans certain types of injection altogether. All of these programs help prevent the contamination of drinking water. The US EPA sets national standards for tap water which help ensure consistent quality in our nation's water supply. Regardless of various Government Agencies and the public water system policies they establish and enforce for the good of the public, public water can often be sub-standard and questionable in quality, what is needed is an end-to-end control of water system quality by a water system operators from their plants, through their aging distribution systems, across the water meter demarcation to the consumer's point-of-use, such as, but not limited to, a tap, faucet, hydrant, spigot, spout, valve, bib, etc. The US EPA prioritizes contaminants for potential regulation based on risk and how often they occur in water supplies. To aid in this effort, certain water systems monitor for the presence of contaminants for which no national standards currently exist and collect information on their occurrence. The US EPA sets a health goal based on risk (including risks to the most sensitive people, e.g., infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and the immuno-compromised). The US EPA then sets a legal limit for the contaminant in drinking water or a required treatment technique, and also performs a cost-benefit analysis and obtains input from interested parties when setting standards. The US EPA is currently evaluating the risks from several specific health concerns, including: microbial contaminants (e.g.,CryptosprodiumandGiardia) the byproducts of drinking water disinfection (radon, arsenic), and water systems that don't currently disinfect their water, but get it from a potentially vulnerable ground water source. The US EPA provides grants to implement state drinking water programs, and to help each state set up a special fund to assist public water systems in financing the costs of improvements (called the drinking water state revolving fund). Small water systems are given special consideration, since small systems may have a more difficult time paying for system improvements due to their smaller customer base. Accordingly, the US EPA and states provide them with extra assistance (including training and funding) as well as allowing, on a case-by-case basis, alternate water treatments that are less expensive, but still protective of public health. National drinking water standards are legally enforceable, which means that both the US EPA and states can take enforcement actions against water systems not meeting safety standards. The US EPA and states may issue administrative orders, take legal actions, or fine utilities. The US EPA and states also work to increase the understanding of, and compliance with, standards. The US EPA should strongly consider mandating compliance all the way to the consumer's point-of-use for the good of the public they serve. In addition to an increase in public health, the anti-terrorism benefits are myriad. The SDWA recognizes that since everyone drinks water, everyone has the right to know what's in it and where it comes from. All water suppliers must notify consumers quickly when there is a serious problem with water quality. Water systems serving the same people year-round must provide annual consumer confidence reports on the source and quality of their tap water. States and the US EPA must prepare annual summary reports of water system compliance with drinking water safety standards and make these reports available to the public. The public must have a chance to be involved in developing source water assessment programs, state plans to use drinking water state revolving loan funds, state capacity development plans, and state operator certification programs. The Government Performance and Results Act (GRPA) requires government agencies to develop plans for what they intend to accomplish, measure how well they are doing, make appropriate decisions based on the information they have gathered, and communicate information about their performance to Congress and to the public. The US EPA strategic targets for community water systems in the United States are: 80% of community water systems and 95% of the population served by them are to provide drinking water that meets all existing health-based standards with a compliance date of no later than January 2008. In order to monitor compliance with these targets, Community Water Systems will be measured on the following health-based violations, which include 1) Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), 2) Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL), and 3) Treatment Technique (TT) violations. A typical water treatment plant uses the following six step process to process raw water into drinking water. Incoming raw ground or surface water is 1) chlorinated, 2) coagulation, 3) flocculation, 4) sedimentation, 5) chlorination, 6) filtration and release of the finished drinking water into the distribution system. However, water that is not adequately filtered and purified can contain inorganic pollutants such as lead, herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, the gasoline additive MTBE (Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and disinfection byproducts. In addition, water that is not adequately filtered and purified can contain microbial contaminants that are by far a greater threat that inorganic pollutants. The first is protozoa. Protozoa include the well-knownGiardia, and the not-so-well-knownCryptosporidium. These two protozoa have been detected in 90% of U.S. surface water. Protozoa are the largest organisms of the three categories, ranging in size from 1-16 microns. They are more resistant to disinfection by iodine or chlorine than either bacteria or virus, but can be effectively filtered.Giardiais relatively large and easy to catch, butCryptosporidiumis more likely to pass through units which depend upon filtration for parasite removal. The second category is bacteria. Bacteria include such commonly-known organisms asCampylobacter, E. coli, Vibrio cholera, andSalmonella. Bacteria are intermediate-sized organisms, ranging from 0.2 to about 10 microns. The third category is viruses. Commonly known viruses include Rotavirus, Hepatitis A, Norwalk, and Polio. Viruses are truly tiny; they range in size between 0.02 and 0.085 microns, which makes them extremely difficult to filter. Viruses respond well to disinfection, and can be effectively inactivated using a purifier proven to remove or inactivate 99.99% of virus. In addition, public drinking water may have an objectionable turbidity, contain hydrogen sulfide, may be too acidic or alkaline, or may contain radon or radium. Water treatment plants may also replace the chlorination of incoming raw water with an ozone process. Intermediate filters, and biological filters may be added to the process, but 98% of the water treatment plants in the United States chlorinate the processed drinking water that is released in the distribution system. There exists a tension between the positive benefits of chlorinating water and the increasing amount of research related to the negative effects of chlorinating water. Chlorine has been linked to several different kinds of cancer, learning disorders in children, heart trouble, premature senility, hypertension in adult males, and birth defects. On the other hand, chlorination has played a critical role in protecting the United States' drinking water supply from waterborne infectious diseases for 90 years. The filtration, purification, and disinfection of drinking water have been responsible for a large part of the 50 percent increase in life expectancy in this century. The filtration and purification by chlorination of drinking water is undoubtedly the most significant public health advance of the past 1,000 years. However, water that is not adequately filtered and purified can contain inorganic pollutants such as lead, herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, the gasoline additive MTBE (Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and disinfection byproducts. In addition, water that is not adequately filtered and purified can contain microbial contaminants that are by far a greater threat that inorganic pollutants. The first is protozoa. Protozoa include the well-knownGiardia, and the not-so-well-knownCryptosporidium. These two protozoa have been detected in 90% of U.S. surface water. Protozoa are the largest organisms of the three categories, ranging in size from 1-16 microns. They are more resistant to disinfection by iodine or chlorine than either bacteria or virus, but can be effectively filtered.Giardiais relatively large and easy to catch, butCryptosporidiumis more likely to pass through units which depend upon filtration for parasite removal. The second category is bacteria. Bacteria include such commonly-known organisms asCampylobacter, E. coli, Vibrio cholera, andSalmonella. Bacteria are intermediate-sized organisms, ranging from 0.2 to about 10 microns. The third category is viruses. Commonly known viruses include Rotavirus, Hepatitis A, Norwalk, and Polio. Viruses are truly tiny; they range in size between 0.02 and 0.085 microns, which makes them extremely difficult to filter. Viruses respond well to disinfection, and can be effectively inactivated using a purifier proven to remove or inactivate 99.99% of virus. In addition, public drinking water may have an objectionable turbidity, contain hydrogen sulfide, may be too acidic or alkaline, or may contain radon or radium. Chlorinated drinking water's chief benefit is the protection of public health through the control of waterborne diseases. It plays a paramount role in controlling pathogens in water that cause human illness, as evidenced by the virtual absence of waterborne diseases such as typhoid and cholera in developed countries. Untreated or inadequately treated drinking water supplies remain the greatest threat to public health, especially in developing countries, where nearly half the population drinks contaminated water. In these countries, diseases such as cholera, typhoid and chronic dysentery are endemic and kill young and old alike. In 1990, over three million children under the age of five died of diarrheal diseases. Unfortunately, the availability of safe drinking water in many areas is practically nonexistent, due to poverty, poor understanding of water contamination, and lack of a treatment and delivery infrastructure. International assistance groups, including the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), have long-standing technical assistance and education programs to improve water supply and sanitation practices. It has been estimated that such improvements—including chlorine disinfection—can prevent 25 percent of all diarrheal outbreaks and reduce childhood mortality by equal levels. An example of the continuing public health threat from waterborne disease outbreaks occurred in Peru in 1991, where a major causative factor was the absence or inadequacy of drinking water disinfection. This failure to disinfect was partly based on concern about U.S. reports on disinfection by-products. The result: a five-year epidemic of cholera, its first appearance in the Americas in this century. The epidemic spread to 19 Latin American countries and has been only partially abated through public health interventions supported by PAHO's advice and technical assistance. Nearly a million cases and 10,000 deaths have been reported. These statistics strongly reinforce the concept that water disinfection must be a primary tool in protecting public health worldwide. As noted by the American Academy of Microbiology, “The single, most important requirement that must be emphasized is that disinfection of a public water supply should not be compromised.” At the 1992 First International Conference on the Safety of Water Disinfection, several researchers described the costs associated with microbiological disease as well as the benefits of illness avoided through water treatment. Real health care savings can be realized from preventing and eliminating microbial contamination in drinking water supplies. In his conference presentation, Dr. Pierre Payment of the University of Quebec stated that the “social cost of ‘mild’ gastrointestinal illness in industrialized countries is several orders of magnitude higher than costs associated with acute hospitalized cases.” For example, in the United States, annual costs were estimated to be $9.5 billion (1985 dollars) for cases with no consultation with a physician, $2.7 billion for those with consultations, and only $760 million for those requiring hospitalization. Dr. Payment presented data estimating that in 1985; about 500,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths were due to gastrointestinal illnesses in the United States, the majority being of unknown origin. His study assumed that these numbers are grossly underestimated due to unreported or unidentified illnesses. Over 13 percent were due to viral illnesses, 4.9 percent were bacterial and 1.1 percent was parasitic. About 80 percent were presumed noninfectious. One out of ten deaths from gastroenteritis could be due to viruses. Commenting on Dr. Payment's report, the American Academy of Microbiology noted, “A decrease in morbidity and mortality is not the only benefit which should be considered in a cost-benefit analysis . . . The benefits of microbiologically safe water go beyond the absence of disease, and affect the productivity of industry, as well as the prices of goods and services.” At the same conference, a paper by Gunther F. Craun et al. discussed the cost-effectiveness of water treatment for pathogen removal. An evaluation of five pathogens and treatment costs shows the favorable economic benefits of preventing infectious waterborne diseases. The report concluded that “municipal water systems designed to prevent waterborne infectious disease are one of the most effective investments of public funds that society can make. Even conservative estimates under worst-case conditions show benefit-cost ratios of 3:1 for small systems and 8:1 for large systems. Pathogen-free drinking water is a bargain.” Regarding comparison of these benefits with potential cancer risks associated with drinking water disinfection, the group noted that the costs of preventing the relatively small carcinogenic risks may not be warranted in light of many other public health risks that should be reduced. Regardless of various Government Agencies and the public water system policies they establish and enforce for the good of the public, public water can often be sub-standard and questionable in quality, what is needed is an end-to-end control of water system quality by a water system operators from their plants, through their aging distribution systems, across the water meter demarcation to the consumer's point-of-use, such as, but not limited to, a tap, faucet, hydrant, spigot, spout, valve, bib, etc. The addition of chlorine to our drinking water started in the late 1890's and had wide acceptance in the United States by 1920. Joseph Price, M. D, wrote a fascinating yet largely ignored book in the late 1960's, entitled Coronaries Cholesterol. Chlorine, Dr Price believes, is the primary and essential cause of atherosclerosis is chlorine. “Nothing can negate the incontrovertible fact the basic cause of atherosclerosis and resulting entities, such as heart attacks and most common forms of stokes is chlorine. The chlorine contained in processed drinking water.” This conclusion is based on experiments using chlorine in the drinking water of chickens. The results: 95% of the chickens given chlorine added to distilled water developed atherosclerosis within a few months. Atherosclerosis, heart attacks and the resulting problems of hardening of the arteries and plaque formation is really the last step in a series of biochemical malfunctions. Price points out it takes ten to twenty years before symptoms in humans become evident. In many ways, this is reminiscent of cancer which can take twenty to thirty years to develop. Can chlorine be linked to cancer too? In the chlorination process itself, chlorine combines with natural organic matter decaying vegetation to form potent cancer causing trihalomethanes (THM's) or haloforms. Trihalomethanes collectively include such carcinogens as chloroforms, bromoforms carbon tectachloride, bischlorothane and others. The amount of THM's in our drinking water is theoretically regulated by the EPA. Although the maximum amount allowed by law is 100 ppb, a 1976 study showed 31 of 112 municipal water systems exceeded this limit. According to some studies by 1975, the number of chemical contaminants found in finished drinking water exceeded 300 ppb. In 1984 over 700 chemicals had been found in our drinking water. The EPA has targeted 129 of these chemicals as posing the greatest threat to our health. Currently the EPA enforces federal standards for 34 drinking water contaminants. In July, 1990 they proposed adding 23 new ones and expects this list to grow to 85 in 1992. Another report claims the picture is much worse. According to Troubled Waters on Tap “over 2100 contaminants have been detected in U. S. drinking water since 1974 with 190 known or suspected to cause adverse health effects at certain concentration levels. In total, 97 carcinogens and suspected carcinogens, 82 mutagens and suspected mutagens, 28 acute and chronic toxic contaminants, and 23 tumor promoters have been detected in U. S. drinking water since 1974. Compounds in this concentration could pose serious toxic effects, either alone or in combination with other chemicals found in drinking water. Overall, available scientific evidence continues to substantiate the link between consumption of toxins in drinking water and serious public health concerns, Studies have strengthened the association between ingestion of toxins and elevated cancer mortality risks. Studies in New Orleans, La.; Eric County, N.Y., Washington County Md., and Ohio County, Ohio reveal high levels of haloforms or THM's in drinking water which results in higher levels of cancer. The continued use of chlorine as the main drinking water disinfectant in the United States only adds to the organic chemical contamination of drinking water supplies. The current federal standard regulation of trihalomethanes do not adequately protect water consumers from the multitude of other organic chlorination by-products that have been shown in many studies to be mutagenic and toxic' “Chlorine is so dangerous” according to biologist/chemist Dr. Herbert Schwartz,” that it should be banned. Putting chlorine in the water is like starting a time bomb. Cancer, heart trouble, premature senility, both mental and physical are conditions attributable to chlorine treated water supplies. It is making us grow old before our time by producing symptoms of aging such as hardening of the arteries. I believe if chlorine were now proposed for the first time to be used in drinking water it would be banned by the Food and Drug Administration.” The disinfection byproducts debate has led some people to think that chlorine's use in drinking water treatment will diminish. This is highly unlikely. Other disinfectants also produce byproducts. Furthermore, chlorine is the disinfectant of choice for drinking water for a number of reasons. Its wide range of benefits can not be provided by any other single disinfectant. Chlorine-based disinfectants are the only disinfectants that provide a residual in the distribution system. This residual is an important part of the multi-barrier approach to preventing waterborne disease. The increasing need to disinfect groundwater systems may actually increase the use of chlorine for drinking water disinfection. According to the World Health Organization, disinfection by chlorine is still the best guarantee of microbiologically safe water and is unlikely to change in the near future. Many municipalities are experimenting with a variety of disinfectants to either take the place of chlorine or to be used in addition, as a way of cutting down on the amount of chlorine added to the water. However, these alternatives such as chlorine dioxide, bromine chloride, chloromines, etc., are just as dangerous as chlorine. We're replacing one toxic chemical with another. There are other more appropriate ways to reduce disinfection byproducts such as precursor removal technologies that will not produce new disinfection byproducts. On the positive side, some cities are starting to use aeration carbon filtration, ultraviolet light and ozone as safe alternatives to chemical disinfectants. But the number of cities and the number of people getting water from these methods is minimal. In the post 9/11 world the contamination of water with biological, chemical or radiological agents has forced the medical community, public health agencies and water utilities to consider the possibility of intentional contamination of US water supplies as part of an organized effort to disrupt and damage important elements of the US national infrastructure. In President Bush's 2002 State of the Union Address, it was noted that confiscated Al Qaeda documents included detailed maps of several US municipal drinking water systems. Some steps have been taken to protect and monitor the US drinking water supply, but currently, it is the healthcare providers that are likely to be the first to observe unusual patterns of illness resulting from the intentional introduction of biological, chemical or radiological agents in the drinking water supply by terrorists. The government has dealt primarily the large scale attacks on the drinking water supply by terrorist, but not adequately with the small scale attacks between the water system operator's plant and the consumer. In order to minimize liability while increasing the overall health of the public, there is a need to disinfect drinking water inexpensively prior to distribution and a need to purify the disinfectant used by the water system operator and to filter out contaminants, such as, but not limited to, lead from lead pipes, and acts of terrorism before flowing from the consumer's point-of-use, in order to control the quality of water end-to-end in a water filtration and purification distribution system. Many pipes in the ground are typically on a 50 year depreciation schedule with a 100 year life cycle expectancy, and water system operators face infrastructure replacements issues that are massive, particularly in older cities. The present invention's water system operator's use of water filter/purifiers located near the consumer's point-of-use will dramatically improve the quality of water to the consumer while allowing water system operators to upgrade their distribution systems on a schedule that is manageable. The only way to ensure the quality of water is through the use of “post treatment/post distribution” water filter/purifiers controlled by the water system operator and placed near the consumer's point-of-use. The present invention is a revolutionary concept for a water system operator to adopt and make an integral part of their program. In April of 2004 the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment held a hearing on the state of the United State's aging water supply infrastructure. Concern has been heightened recently over the condition of the nation's water supply infrastructure as a result of the presence of lead pipes in the District of Columbia's drinking water system. The Subcommittee will receive testimony from representatives of the American Water Works Association (AWWA), the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA), the National Rural Water Association, and the U.S. Conference of Mayors' Urban Water Council. Our nation has over 54,000 community water systems. These systems consist of a substantial amount of infrastructure, including collection devices, drinking water treatment plants, wells, pumps, storage facilities, transmission and distribution water mains, service lines, and other equipment to deliver water. They provide about 90 percent of Americans with their tap water. Approximately 3,000 of these community systems provide more than 75 percent of the nation's water. Our nation's drinking water infrastructure is an asset that all Americans rely on every day. It is a cornerstone of both our nation's economic well-being and our public health. Largely buried underground and invisible to the average American, it is also an asset many have taken for granted. The greatest challenge facing community water systems today is aging pipes and other water infrastructure. It is not uncommon in older systems to find pipes that were laid in the 19th century. Due to patterns of investment made to serve population growth beginning well over a century ago, water utilities are experiencing an urgent and increasing need to repair and replace this aging infrastructure. As many communities are finding, failure to repair and replace aging infrastructure can result in a loss of valuable water resources, significant economic impacts, and increased risks to public health. In many cities and towns, water infrastructure has been in place for many decades. Quite often, particularly in the larger cities, components of these systems (such as the water mains) are more than a century old. The oldest cast iron pipes, dating to the latter 1800s, have an average life expectancy of 100-120 years. Because of changing materials and manufacturing techniques, pipes laid in the 1920s have an average life expectancy of nearly 100 years, and those laid in the post-World War II boom are expected to last about 75 years. At this point, these life expectancies are being approached or exceeded in many cities and towns. As the water infrastructure outlives its useful life, it can corrode and deteriorate, resulting in an epidemic of water leakage, burst water mains, unreliable pumps and collection equipment, and aging treatment plants that fail to remove important contaminants. With age and increased demands due to population growth, drinking water infrastructure problems in many cities are growing. One of the most common problems is water loss from water distribution systems. In most water systems, a large percentage of the water is lost in transit from treatment plants to consumers. The amount of water that is lost is typically 20-30 percent of production. Some systems, especially older ones, may lose as much as 50 percent. Leakage is usually the major cause of water loss. There are many possible causes of leaks, and often a combination of factors leads to their occurrence. Leakage occurs in various components of the distribution system, including transmission pipes, main distribution pipes, service connection pipes, joints, valves, and fire hydrants. The material, composition, age, and joining methods of the distribution system components can influence leak occurrence. Causes of leaks include corrosion, cracks, material defects or failure due to deterioration over time, faulty installation, inadequate corrosion protection, ground movement over time due to drought or freezing, and repeated excessive loads and vibration from road traffic. Old pipes often leak substantial amounts of water through corroded areas, cracks, and loose joints. Leaks waste both money and a precious natural resource. The primary economic loss is the cost of the lost raw water, its treatment, and its transportation. Leakage leads to additional economic loss in the form of damage to the pipe network itself. Such damage may include erosion of pipe bedding and pipe breaks, and damage to the foundations of roads and buildings. Leaks also waste substantial amounts of water resources. This is particularly critical in areas where the demand for water is outstripping available supplies. The City of Detroit illustrates the potential cost of water as a lost commodity. In Detroit, citizens endure annual mid-summer water rationing and pressure problems, yet they pay an estimated $23 million per year for water that never reaches their homes and businesses, because over 35 billion gallons of water leak from the Detroit water system each year. The lost water is reflected in bills paid by every household whose water comes from the Detroit system. This is on top of the $1 million the water utility has been spending annually on leak detection and repair, and an ongoing $7 billion capital improvement program. The problems associated with gradual leakage are compounded when old water mains and other pipes in the water distribution system burst, resulting in the sudden loss of water pressure, flooding, and the loss of even more water. It is common for cities to have scores, hundreds, and even more than a thousand water main breaks each year. For example, last year, there were 1,190 reported breaks along the City of Baltimore's 3,400 miles of water mains, which deliver drinking water to taps across the city and surrounding counties. This is more than three times per day on average. There were 1,140 breaks in 2002. Philadelphia, with a similar amount of pipe, reportedly has an average of 788 ruptures per year, and New York, which has 6,000 miles of mains, has an average of 550 annual breaks. Boston, which has 1,023 miles of pipe, averages 35 breaks per year. A “reasonable goal” for water systems in North America is 25 to 30 breaks per 100 miles of pipe per year, according to a 1995 American Water Works Association Research Foundation report, Distribution System Performance Evaluation. Baltimore is somewhat above that mark, with an average of 34 breaks per 100 miles over the past two years. Not far behind is the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, with 33 breaks per 100 miles. Detroit is worse off, with an average of 45 breaks. Several other cities met the goal, some of them relatively young, affluent communities with moderate weather, but also some of them old, less economically vibrant, and in harsh climates. For every 100 miles of pipe, Phoenix had 29 breaks per year, Pittsburgh had 23, and Hartford 20. Chicago and Providence each had 9. San Diego had 5. In addition to the substantial direct costs of repairing and replacing burst water pipes, millions of dollars in economic losses are incurred nationally each year as a result of businesses and schools forced to close, flooding and other property damage, closed roads, snarled traffic, and the like. For example, a 36-inch water main which burst in New York City a couple of years ago resulted in severe physical damage because of the ensuing flooding to 14 businesses and business disruptions to an additional 120 businesses, resulting in several hundred thousand dollars in gross revenue loss from the one incident. Small business disaster assistance was made available for the impacted businesses. In Cleveland, a major, 87-year-old water main broke four years ago, flooding downtown streets with some 25 million gallons of water, stranding cars in the flood, closing many businesses and all schools, including Cleveland State University, and leaving 100,000 people without water for a few days. Downtown Cleveland had a second major water-main break about eight months later. Measures are available to water utilities for reducing water main breaks and other losses of water from their systems. Fundamentally, they involve improved management of a water system's assets. Asset management approaches aim to minimize the total cost of buying, operating, maintaining, replacing, and disposing of capital assets during their life cycles, while achieving service goals. Measures include the systematic collection of key data about the water system; the application of life-cycle cost analysis and risk assessment to set goals and priorities; a systematic program of inspections, monitoring, and leak detection and repair; system maintenance, rehabilitation, and replacement of old pipes and other equipment found to be in need of repair; and corrosion control to reduce the effect of corrosive water on the system. The General Accounting Office (GAO) issued a report, dated March 2004, in which GAO found that comprehensive asset management has the potential to help utilities better identify needs and plan future investments. Water utilities that GAO reviewed reported that comprehensive asset management provided them with a better understanding of their maintenance, rehabilitation, and replacement needs and thus helped utility managers make better system management and investment decisions. GAO also found that, although smaller utilities face more obstacles to implementing asset management, largely as a result of limited resources, such utilities can also benefit from applying asset management concepts. GAO concluded that EPA can play a stronger role in encouraging water utilities to use asset management by leveraging ongoing efforts within and outside the Agency. Some utilities already are implementing asset management approaches. The loss of water pressure from water main breaks or other equipment breakdowns also can result in serious contamination of the water supply, thereby creating a public health risk. Additionally, old or poorly maintained pipes may harbor bacteria and other pathogens that can make people sick. Water distribution systems depend on pressure inside the pipes to keep out contamination. If the water pressure drops due to pipe breaks, significant leakage, or pump failures, the possibility increases of bacteria and other contaminants infiltrating into the pipes through leak openings, such as corroded areas, cracks, and loose joints, and contaminating the water. Water utilities typically issue boil-water advisories to customers once water pressure is restored. Moreover, many older water distribution systems used lead pipes to distribute tap water. Municipalities first installed lead pipes during the late 19th Century. In 1897, about half of all American municipalities used at least some lead water pipes. Lead had two features that made it attractive to the engineers who designed public water systems: it was both malleable and durable. Malleability reduced labor costs by making it easier to bend the service main around existing infrastructure and obstructions, and compared to iron, lead was a soft and pliable metal. As for durability, the life of the typical lead service pipe was considerably longer than plain iron or steel, galvanized, or cement lined pipe. Based solely on engineering concerns, these characteristics made lead an ideal material for service lines. From a narrow engineering stand point, it is clear that lead worked well, when one examines how popular lead service lines were. At the turn of the 20th Century, the use of lead pipes was widespread, particularly in medium and large cities. However, the use of lead pipes has had public health implications. Studies show that ingested lead can have adverse neurological, toxicological, and developmental effects on humans, particularly children. In cities that used lead water pipes, it appears there were some people who were affected by lead, although the effects of lead water lines varied across cities, and depended on the age of the pipe and the corrosiveness of the associated water supplies. The age of pipe influenced lead content because, over time, oxidation formed a protective coating on the interior of pipes. As for corrosiveness, acidic water leached more lead from the interior of pipes than did non-acidic water. Over time, the public health implications of lead pipes became better understood, and other materials were used in place of lead pipes. Today, most lead pipes have been replaced with more modern and safer materials, although some cities still have some areas with lead service lines to older buildings and lead-containing packing materials used to seal joints between some pipes. The City of Chicago is reported to have the highest concentration of lead pipes in the nation. Lead service lines remain in some areas in the District of Columbia. The presence of lead materials in water systems is significant because the water passing through lead service lines and joint packing materials could be corrosive, thereby leaching lead from the lines and packing materials and increasing lead levels in the drinking water. Measures that can be taken by water utilities to reduce lead levels in drinking water include locating and replacing the remaining lead service lines, and reducing the corrosiveness of the water. Many cities that have lead service lines have adjusted their water treatment processes to minimize corrosion. Some, such as Chicago and Philadelphia, add phosphates to the water at their treatment plants. The phosphates, in combination with the natural calcium and magnesium minerals in the water, coat the pipes internally to prevent lead from leaching into the water. The water supplier for the District of Columbia has not adjusted its water treatment to minimize corrosion, and hence, elevated lead levels have been reported in drinking water at some locations. In response to the elevated lead levels that were found, the District's water supplier now is considering adjusting its water treatment processes to add phosphates to the water. It is unclear whether the addition of phosphates to the District's water will ultimately result in any undesirable increases in phosphorus loadings to the Chesapeake Bay from the District's wastewater discharges. Historically, there had been little Federal assistance for drinking water systems. Local communities and private companies built most of the municipal water systems around the country. Before 1996, the primary source of Federal funding was the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Through its Rural Utilities Service, USDA has provided both municipal water supply and wastewater treatment assistance of over $600 million a year to communities with populations of less than 10,000. Following enactment of the 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments, Congress began providing grants to states to capitalize Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Funds, modeled after the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Funds. Through fiscal year 2004, Congress has provided approximately $7 billion for the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Funds. Approximately 40 percent of that assistance has been provided for projects to meet treatment needs, and around 30 percent has been for projects to meet transmission and distribution needs. The remaining 30 percent has been provided for water storage, developing sources, technical assistance, and other drinking water needs. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) submitted a 1999 Drinking Water Needs Survey to Congress in February 2001, pursuant to the Safe Drinking Water Act. The 1999 Needs Survey estimated drinking water infrastructure needs at approximately $150 billion over the next 20 years. Over half of the total drinking water infrastructure needs (56 percent) are for transmission and distribution systems (pipes). Twenty-one percent of the needs are for infrastructure to meet regulatory requirements. The remaining 19 percent of needs are for storage facilities, developing sources, and other needs. EPA acknowledges that its survey likely underestimates needs for transmission and distribution systems because many systems do not have a plan in place for replacing pipes. The Drinking Water Needs Survey is based on documented needs, which only provide an estimate of needs over 5 to 10 years. In May 2001, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) released a report entitled, “Reinvesting in Drinking Water Infrastructure—Dawn of the Replacement Era.” In that report, AWWA projected that expenditures on the order of $250 billion over 30 years might be needed nationwide for the replacement of worn-out drinking water pipes and associated structures (valves, fittings, etc). This figure does not include wastewater infrastructure or the cost associated with complying with new drinking water standards. A September 2002 EPA report projected that expenditures of $120 billion over the next 20 years might be needed for the replacement of drinking water transmission lines and distribution mains, and another $97.6 billion might be needed for non-pipe (treatment, source, and storage) needs. There is therefore an unfilled need for a system, method, and apparatus which solves these and other problems. This invention has as its primary objective fulfillment of this need. FEATURES OF THE INVENTION A general feature of the present invention is the provision of system, method, and apparatus for the end-to-end control of water system quality by a water system operator, such as, but not limited to public and private water utilities or departments, and other providers, to the consumer's point-of-use through the controlled distribution of water filtration and purification products which overcomes the problems found in the prior art. Another feature of the present invention is the provision of an apparatus to filter and purify water prior to the consumer's point-of-use, such as, but not limited to, a tap, faucet, hydrant, spigot, spout, valve, bib, etc. Another feature of the present invention is provision of a method to monitor a consumer's water filter/purifier usage by meter readings. Another feature of the present invention is provision of a method to monitor a consumer's water filter/purifier usage by sensors associated with the present invention's water filter/purifier. Another feature of the present invention is a provision of a system to use the water filter/purifier's usage monitors as the intelligence required to drive a replenishment system for the timely replacement of the consumer's water filter/purifier located near the point-of-use. Another feature of the present invention is the provision of water filter/purification replaceable cartridges that can be customized according the specific needs of a specific water system operator and/or specific end users. One or more of these and/or other objects, features or advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following specification and claims. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to the end-to-end control of water quality in a water filtration, purification and distribution system to a consumer at point-of-use, and more specifically to a system, method, and apparatus to achieve water quality through the controlled distribution of water filtration and purification products in order to reduce liability of the water system operator, which may be public or private, profit or non-profit, while increasing the overall purity of the water at the consumer's point-of-use, which has the ultimate goal of increasing the health of the consumer. The present invention extends the control of a water system operator from the meter to the consumer's point of use, such as, but not limited to a tap, faucet, hydrant, spigot, spout, valve, bib, etc., by providing a water filter/purifier designed to improve the overall quality of the water through the purification of disinfectants such as, but not limited to chlorine added by a water system operator, and the filtration of contaminants, such as, but not limited to lead from lead pipes, to increase the health of the consumers they serve while reducing their overall liability. The present invention's end-to-end control of water quality in a water purification, filtration, and distribution system to a consumer at point-of-use, such as, but not limited to a tap, faucet, hydrant, spigot, spout, valve, bib, etc., and more specifically to a system, method, and apparatus to achieve water quality through the controlled distribution of water filtration and purification products in order to reduce liability of the water system operator, which may be public or private, profit or non-profit, while increasing the overall purity of the water at the consumer's point-of-use, such as, but not limited to a tap, faucet, hydrant, spigot, spout, valve, bib, etc., which has the ultimate goal of increasing the health of the consumer, and overcoming the enormous costs associated with replacing the nation's aging water distribution system infrastructure, with the added benefit of ensuring that filtered and purified water is available to the consumer at their point-of-use even on the consumer's side of the water meter demarcation point. Through the use of intelligence gained from water meter readings and/or sensors, previously referred to as tattletales, on the consumer's water filter/purifier located near the point-of-use, a replenishment system is provided with key data to drive the necessary business processes to order, package, and ship replacement consumer water filter/purifiers. Additionally, quality control measures may be instituted to ensure the replacement filter/purifier cartridge has been installed, which may include the return of the used water filter/purifier, or the automatic closing of a valve in the water filtration and purification unit due to feedback from internal meter readings and monitors, or feedback from an external source, such as, but not limited to a signal from the water system operator's database. According to one aspect of the invention, a method of providing end-to-end water quality control from a water system operator to a point of delivery proximate a consumer is provided. The method includes treating the water, delivering the water to the point of delivery, filtering/purifying the water at the point of delivery, monitoring water quality at the point of delivery, and reporting water quality at the point of delivery to the water system operator over a network. The step of filtering/purifying the water is preferably performed using a water filter/purifier cartridge. Also, water usage of the consumer may be monitored and the water usage may be reported to the water system operator over the network. Where a water filter/purifier cartridge is used, an estimate of when the cartridge needs replaced may be made. Thus, a replacement cartridge may be sent to the consumer prior to when the cartridge needs replacement. According to another aspect of the invention a method of providing end-to-end water quality control from a water system operator to a point of delivery proximate a consumer is provided. The method includes treating the water, delivering the water to the consumer at the point of delivery, filtering/purifying the water at the point of delivery, monitoring water quality at the point of delivery, reporting water quality at the point of delivery to the water system operator over a network, stopping supply of the water at the point of delivery if the water quality is below a threshold, and providing a promise from the water system operator to the consumer that the water quality is above the threshold. The method may further include billing the consumer for products or services associated with water delivery, including delivery of the water itself, monitoring of water quality, or replacement filter/purification cartridges. The water quality can be determined in a number of different in ways, including based on concentration levels of contaminants within the water. The present invention also preferably provides for stopping supply of the water to a water fixture at the point of delivery if the water quality at the point of delivery is below a threshold. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method of providing end-to-end water quality control from a water system operator to a point of delivery proximate a consumer is provided. The method includes treating the water, delivering the water to the consumer at the point of delivery, filtering and purifying the water at the point of delivery, monitoring the total volume of water passing the point of delivery, reporting the total volume of water passing the point of delivery to the water system operator over a network, stopping supply of the water at the point of delivery if the total water volume is above a threshold, and providing a promise from the water system operator to the consumer that the total volume of water is below the threshold. The method of the present invention is advantageous in several ways. First, the present invention is designed to provide the very best drinking water that meets or exceeds the same EPA standards for water leaving a water treatment plant at a specific consumer's point-of-use. The only way to continuously ensure that drinking quality water delivered to a consumer's point-of-use meets or exceeds the same EPA standards for drinking water that has been distributed through the aging infrastructure of uncertain integrity of the water system operator and the in-building infrastructure beyond the water meter demarcation point is to filter and purify the water again at the consumer's point-of-use. It has been estimated that nationwide in the United States it would cost an estimated 1-3 trillion dollars to upgrade water system operator's distribution system, which does not include the upgrade of consumer's in-building water pipes and fixtures. The present invention is a “last inch technology” that is intended to ensure the very best drinking water that meets or exceeds the same EPA standards for water leaving a water treatment plant is available at a specific consumer's point-of-use, not just at the water meter demarcation point. In a post 9-11 world it is incumbent upon Federal and State government agencies, including, environmental, emergency management, and homeland security, to regulate water quality all the way to consumer's point-of-use for all forms of contaminants, not just lead, copper, and coliforms. Furthermore, it is incumbent upon Federal and State governments to monitor water quality more frequently and more widespread and more frequently than mandated by the EPA, particularly in the post 9-11 world. The present invention would allow continuous monitoring, filtration and purification of water at the consumer's point-of-use. Second, the present invention overcomes the unregulated bottled water industry, which uses costly, environmentally unfriendly bottles that go into the nation's landfills. Consumers believe the water they are drinking from bottles is filtered and purified to EPA standards, but in fact this industry is unregulated and a health concern to consumers. Third, the present invention's replaceable filter/purifier cartridges can be customized to meet the various specific needs of the consumer connected to a water system operator's system. Fourth, the present invention is advantageous as it will not cost anything for water system operators or the Federal and State Government agencies to implement, yet they will be able to ensure their customers and constituents will be receiving EPA quality water all the way to the consumer's point-of-use. The present invention provides the water filter/purifier, water filter/purifier replacement cartridges customized for the specific needs of consumers in specific water system operators, fulfillment centers, and mailers. The water system operator would add a new line item to their monthly billing statement, charge the consumer a nominal cost, collect the revenue, and distribute the revenue accordingly, while reducing their liability, providing widespread, near real-time monitoring of water quality, and going the last inch to filter and purify water to EPA standards for water quality at the plant. A more complete understanding of the system, method, and apparatus for the end-to-end control of water system quality through the controlled distribution of water filtration and purification products will be afforded to those skilled in the art, as well as a realization of the additional features and advantages thereof, by a consideration of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment. Reference will be made to the appended drawings which will first be described briefly. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7665844

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to medical devices, more particularly the present invention is directed to adaptive optic scanning laser opthalmoscope (AOSLO) apparatus and methods configured with a plurality of deformable mirrors so as to compensate for optical aberrations in the eye under examination. 2. Description of Related Art Adaptive optics has been utilized in a range of fields, such as, but not limited to remote sensing, atmospheric communications, correction of high power laser systems, and retinal imaging. With respect to retinal imaging, current adaptive optic systems and methods incorporate optical beams that are directed into the eye to form a spot on the retina and the reflected light is used to measure the aberrations that degrade the optical quality of the eye. Such measured aberrations can then be used to either improve the resolution of the deconvoluted retinal images or guide laser ablation apparatus for refractive surgery or provide the necessary information for eye spectacle prescription. As another conventional arrangement, such measurements are used in real time to correct the measured aberrations with a single adaptive mirror. However, current technology cannot deliver the phase compensation needed using a single deformable mirror (DM) in a compact AOSLO system. Specifically, such single DM systems cannot collectively correct low-order aberrations with relatively large amplitudes while also correcting high-order aberrations with lower amplitudes so as to provide the necessary real-time ocular aberration corrections to achieve diffraction-limited in-vivo retinal images. Background information for an adaptive optic scanning laser system using a single deformable mirror is described and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,118,216 B2 entitled “Method And Apparatus For Using Adaptive Optics In A Scanning Laser Opthalmoscope,” issued Oct. 10, 2006, to Roorda, including the following, “A scanning laser opthalmoscope incorporates adaptive optics to compensate for wavefront aberrations in the eye. Light from a light source is scanned onto the retina. Light reflected from the retina is detected for imaging and is also used for wavefront sensing. The sensed wavefront aberrations are used to control an adaptive optic device, such as a deformable mirror, disposed in the path of the light from the source in order to compensate for the aberrations.” Accordingly, a need exists for improved AOSLO methods and systems having at least two deformable optical components to provide real-time ocular aberration corrections in order to achieve diffraction-limited in-vivo retinal images. The present invention is directed to such a need. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a retinal imaging method that includes: optically scanning in two dimensions the entrance pupil of an eye so that an area of one or more retinal structures of the eye can be individually imaged; detecting one or more high-order and large-stoke low-order optical aberrations from a predetermined retinal structure resulting from scanning of the eye; providing at least two adaptive optical components, wherein at least one of the plurality of adaptive optical components is configured to correct for the one or more high order optical aberrations and at least one of the adaptive optical components is configured to correct for the one or more large-stroke low order optical aberrations; and feedback controlling in real time the at least two adaptive optical elements to compensate for the one or more high and the large-stroke low order optical aberrations in the light scanned on the area of the retinal structures so that the directed light is focused on desired predetermined retinal structures of the eye and so that the one or more high and the large-stroke low order optical aberrations are corrected for imaging the one or more retinal structures of the eye. Another aspect of the present invention is directed to an optical apparatus, i.e., Adaptive Optics Scanning Laser Opthalmoscope (AOSLO) for real-time non-invasive examination of one or more layers of the human retina. The beneficial aspect of the present system is directed to the use of dual deformable mirrors to effectively compensate high-order and low-order aberrations in the human eye while maintaining the quality of the retinal imagery, wherein a predetermined deformable mirror improves the capability for axial sectioning with the confocal imaging system by providing an easier way to move the focus axially through different layers of the retina. Accordingly, the present invention provides optical arrangements and methods to provide: high resolution diffraction-limited in-vivo retinal imaging and effective real-time ocular aberration corrections in a compact, transportable assembly for the clinical environment.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to medical devices, more particularly the present invention is directed to adaptive optic scanning laser opthalmoscope (AOSLO) apparatus and methods configured with a plurality of deformable mirrors so as to compensate for optical aberrations in the eye under examination. 2. Description of Related Art Adaptive optics has been utilized in a range of fields, such as, but not limited to remote sensing, atmospheric communications, correction of high power laser systems, and retinal imaging. With respect to retinal imaging, current adaptive optic systems and methods incorporate optical beams that are directed into the eye to form a spot on the retina and the reflected light is used to measure the aberrations that degrade the optical quality of the eye. Such measured aberrations can then be used to either improve the resolution of the deconvoluted retinal images or guide laser ablation apparatus for refractive surgery or provide the necessary information for eye spectacle prescription. As another conventional arrangement, such measurements are used in real time to correct the measured aberrations with a single adaptive mirror. However, current technology cannot deliver the phase compensation needed using a single deformable mirror (DM) in a compact AOSLO system. Specifically, such single DM systems cannot collectively correct low-order aberrations with relatively large amplitudes while also correcting high-order aberrations with lower amplitudes so as to provide the necessary real-time ocular aberration corrections to achieve diffraction-limited in-vivo retinal images. Background information for an adaptive optic scanning laser system using a single deformable mirror is described and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,118,216 B2 entitled “Method And Apparatus For Using Adaptive Optics In A Scanning Laser Opthalmoscope,” issued Oct. 10, 2006, to Roorda, including the following, “A scanning laser opthalmoscope incorporates adaptive optics to compensate for wavefront aberrations in the eye. Light from a light source is scanned onto the retina. Light reflected from the retina is detected for imaging and is also used for wavefront sensing. The sensed wavefront aberrations are used to control an adaptive optic device, such as a deformable mirror, disposed in the path of the light from the source in order to compensate for the aberrations.” Accordingly, a need exists for improved AOSLO methods and systems having at least two deformable optical components to provide real-time ocular aberration corrections in order to achieve diffraction-limited in-vivo retinal images. The present invention is directed to such a need. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a retinal imaging method that includes: optically scanning in two dimensions the entrance pupil of an eye so that an area of one or more retinal structures of the eye can be individually imaged; detecting one or more high-order and large-stoke low-order optical aberrations from a predetermined retinal structure resulting from scanning of the eye; providing at least two adaptive optical components, wherein at least one of the plurality of adaptive optical components is configured to correct for the one or more high order optical aberrations and at least one of the adaptive optical components is configured to correct for the one or more large-stroke low order optical aberrations; and feedback controlling in real time the at least two adaptive optical elements to compensate for the one or more high and the large-stroke low order optical aberrations in the light scanned on the area of the retinal structures so that the directed light is focused on desired predetermined retinal structures of the eye and so that the one or more high and the large-stroke low order optical aberrations are corrected for imaging the one or more retinal structures of the eye. Another aspect of the present invention is directed to an optical apparatus, i.e., Adaptive Optics Scanning Laser Opthalmoscope (AOSLO) for real-time non-invasive examination of one or more layers of the human retina. The beneficial aspect of the present system is directed to the use of dual deformable mirrors to effectively compensate high-order and low-order aberrations in the human eye while maintaining the quality of the retinal imagery, wherein a predetermined deformable mirror improves the capability for axial sectioning with the confocal imaging system by providing an easier way to move the focus axially through different layers of the retina. Accordingly, the present invention provides optical arrangements and methods to provide: high resolution diffraction-limited in-vivo retinal imaging and effective real-time ocular aberration corrections in a compact, transportable assembly for the clinical environment. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7837888

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention pertains to chemical-mechanical polishing compositions and methods. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Integrated circuits are made up of millions of active devices formed in or on a substrate, such as a silicon wafer. The active devices are chemically and physically connected into a substrate and are interconnected through the use of multilevel interconnects to form functional circuits. Typical multilevel interconnects comprise a first metal layer, an interlevel dielectric layer, and sometimes a third and subsequent metal layers. Interlevel dielectrics, such as doped and undoped silicon dioxide (SiO2) and/or low-κ dielectrics, are used to electrically isolate the different metal layers. As each layer is formed, typically the layer is planarized to enable subsequent layers to be formed on top of the newly formed layer. Metals such as tungsten and copper are increasingly being used as conductive materials to form the interconnections in integrated circuit devices. One way to fabricate planar metal circuit traces on a silicon dioxide substrate is referred to as the damascene process. In accordance with this process, the silicon dioxide dielectric surface is patterned by a conventional dry etch process to form holes and trenches for vertical and horizontal interconnects. The horizontal interconnects define the circuit patterns on each level of the device and are interconnected by way of vertical interconnects, known as vias. The patterned surface is coated with an adhesion-promoting layer such as titanium or tantalum and/or a diffusion barrier layer such as titanium nitride or tantalum nitride. The adhesion-promoting layer and/or the diffusion barrier layer are then over-coated with a tungsten or copper layer. Chemical-mechanical polishing is employed to reduce the thickness of the tungsten or copper over-layer, as well as the thickness of any adhesion-promoting layer and/or diffusion barrier layer, until a planar surface that exposes elevated portions of the silicon dioxide surface is obtained. The vias and trenches remain filled with electrically conductive tungsten or copper forming the circuit interconnects. Another use of the damascene process is in the formation of chip interconnects using polysilicon plugs. To form polysilicon plugs, a hole is etched into an insulating layer, such as silicon dioxide. Next, polysilicon is deposited into the hole. The polysilicon on the surface of the oxide is then planarized using chemical-mechanical polishing or reactive-ion etching. A metal line subsequently may be used to interconnect selected polysilicon plugs by a damascene process as described herein. Compositions and methods for planarizing or polishing the surface of a substrate, especially for chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP), are well known in the art. Polishing compositions (also known as polishing slurries) typically contain an abrasive material in an aqueous solution and are applied to a surface by contacting the surface with a polishing pad saturated with the polishing composition. The polishing compositions typically comprise chemical reagents that react with the surface of a substrate being polished in order to convert the surface into a softer, more readily abradable form. The abrasive material in conjunction with the polishing pad (e.g., polishing cloth or disk) removes material from the substrate surface via mechanical action. One of the challenges in development of improved CMP processes is control of dishing, also known as recessing. Dishing refers to the deviation from planarity of material resident in the individual device features (e.g., lines or vias). In order to ensure adequate planarization of a substrate surface and to ensure complete removal of metal or polysilicon present outside of the device features, a certain amount of polishing beyond that necessary to achieve coplanarity of the device feature with the substrate surface, i.e., overpolishing, is typically necessary. Metal or polysilicon residing within device features is subject to attack by chemical components of the polishing composition as well as to mechanical abrasion by abrasive particles in the polishing composition. The chemistry of polishing compositions often can be tailored to minimize chemical attack on materials residing in device features. However, the abrasive particles commonly used in CMP compositions typically have particle sizes that are smaller than the feature dimensions, and thus materials residing in device features are accessible to the abrasive particles and are thus subject to mechanical abrasion during overpolishing, with resulting dishing of the device features. Attempts have been made to control dishing through incorporation of various surface-active agents into polishing compositions that interact with the surface of materials residing in device features and provide a steric barrier to the approach of abrasive particles. However, the surface-active agents also reduce the removal rate of metals or polysilicon residing outside of the device features. Mechanical approaches to control dishing include reduction of downforce pressure of the substrate to be polished against the polishing pad during overpolishing. However, reducing the downforce increases the amount of time required for adequate polishing, which reduces device throughput and increases overall cost. Thus, there remains a need in the art for improved polishing compositions and methods for the chemical-mechanical planarization of substrates having device features thereon, such as lines, vias, and plugs. The invention provides such a polishing composition and method. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention provides a method of chemically-mechanically polishing a substrate, which method comprises (i) providing a substrate having at least one feature defined thereon, wherein the feature has at least one dimension with a size W and wherein the at least one dimension is substantially coplanar with the substrate surface, (ii) contacting the substrate with a polishing pad and a chemical-mechanical polishing composition comprising particles of an abrasive wherein the particles have a mean particle diameter DMwherein the mean particle diameter of the particles satisfies the equation: DM>W, (iii) moving the polishing pad relative to the substrate with the chemical-mechanical polishing composition therebetween, and (iv) abrading at least a portion of the substrate to polish the substrate. The invention also provides a method of preparing a chemical-mechanical polishing composition, which method comprises (i) selecting a substrate to be polished with a chemical-mechanical polishing composition, wherein the substrate has at least one feature defined thereon, wherein the feature has at least one dimension with a size W, and wherein the at least one dimension is substantially coplanar with the substrate surface, (ii) providing an abrasive wherein the abrasive comprises particles having a mean particle diameter DMwherein the mean particle diameter of the particles satisfies the equation: DM>W, and (iii) formulating the abrasive into a chemical-mechanical polishing composition.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention pertains to chemical-mechanical polishing compositions and methods. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Integrated circuits are made up of millions of active devices formed in or on a substrate, such as a silicon wafer. The active devices are chemically and physically connected into a substrate and are interconnected through the use of multilevel interconnects to form functional circuits. Typical multilevel interconnects comprise a first metal layer, an interlevel dielectric layer, and sometimes a third and subsequent metal layers. Interlevel dielectrics, such as doped and undoped silicon dioxide (SiO2) and/or low-κ dielectrics, are used to electrically isolate the different metal layers. As each layer is formed, typically the layer is planarized to enable subsequent layers to be formed on top of the newly formed layer. Metals such as tungsten and copper are increasingly being used as conductive materials to form the interconnections in integrated circuit devices. One way to fabricate planar metal circuit traces on a silicon dioxide substrate is referred to as the damascene process. In accordance with this process, the silicon dioxide dielectric surface is patterned by a conventional dry etch process to form holes and trenches for vertical and horizontal interconnects. The horizontal interconnects define the circuit patterns on each level of the device and are interconnected by way of vertical interconnects, known as vias. The patterned surface is coated with an adhesion-promoting layer such as titanium or tantalum and/or a diffusion barrier layer such as titanium nitride or tantalum nitride. The adhesion-promoting layer and/or the diffusion barrier layer are then over-coated with a tungsten or copper layer. Chemical-mechanical polishing is employed to reduce the thickness of the tungsten or copper over-layer, as well as the thickness of any adhesion-promoting layer and/or diffusion barrier layer, until a planar surface that exposes elevated portions of the silicon dioxide surface is obtained. The vias and trenches remain filled with electrically conductive tungsten or copper forming the circuit interconnects. Another use of the damascene process is in the formation of chip interconnects using polysilicon plugs. To form polysilicon plugs, a hole is etched into an insulating layer, such as silicon dioxide. Next, polysilicon is deposited into the hole. The polysilicon on the surface of the oxide is then planarized using chemical-mechanical polishing or reactive-ion etching. A metal line subsequently may be used to interconnect selected polysilicon plugs by a damascene process as described herein. Compositions and methods for planarizing or polishing the surface of a substrate, especially for chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP), are well known in the art. Polishing compositions (also known as polishing slurries) typically contain an abrasive material in an aqueous solution and are applied to a surface by contacting the surface with a polishing pad saturated with the polishing composition. The polishing compositions typically comprise chemical reagents that react with the surface of a substrate being polished in order to convert the surface into a softer, more readily abradable form. The abrasive material in conjunction with the polishing pad (e.g., polishing cloth or disk) removes material from the substrate surface via mechanical action. One of the challenges in development of improved CMP processes is control of dishing, also known as recessing. Dishing refers to the deviation from planarity of material resident in the individual device features (e.g., lines or vias). In order to ensure adequate planarization of a substrate surface and to ensure complete removal of metal or polysilicon present outside of the device features, a certain amount of polishing beyond that necessary to achieve coplanarity of the device feature with the substrate surface, i.e., overpolishing, is typically necessary. Metal or polysilicon residing within device features is subject to attack by chemical components of the polishing composition as well as to mechanical abrasion by abrasive particles in the polishing composition. The chemistry of polishing compositions often can be tailored to minimize chemical attack on materials residing in device features. However, the abrasive particles commonly used in CMP compositions typically have particle sizes that are smaller than the feature dimensions, and thus materials residing in device features are accessible to the abrasive particles and are thus subject to mechanical abrasion during overpolishing, with resulting dishing of the device features. Attempts have been made to control dishing through incorporation of various surface-active agents into polishing compositions that interact with the surface of materials residing in device features and provide a steric barrier to the approach of abrasive particles. However, the surface-active agents also reduce the removal rate of metals or polysilicon residing outside of the device features. Mechanical approaches to control dishing include reduction of downforce pressure of the substrate to be polished against the polishing pad during overpolishing. However, reducing the downforce increases the amount of time required for adequate polishing, which reduces device throughput and increases overall cost. Thus, there remains a need in the art for improved polishing compositions and methods for the chemical-mechanical planarization of substrates having device features thereon, such as lines, vias, and plugs. The invention provides such a polishing composition and method. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention provides a method of chemically-mechanically polishing a substrate, which method comprises (i) providing a substrate having at least one feature defined thereon, wherein the feature has at least one dimension with a size W and wherein the at least one dimension is substantially coplanar with the substrate surface, (ii) contacting the substrate with a polishing pad and a chemical-mechanical polishing composition comprising particles of an abrasive wherein the particles have a mean particle diameter DMwherein the mean particle diameter of the particles satisfies the equation: DM>W, (iii) moving the polishing pad relative to the substrate with the chemical-mechanical polishing composition therebetween, and (iv) abrading at least a portion of the substrate to polish the substrate. The invention also provides a method of preparing a chemical-mechanical polishing composition, which method comprises (i) selecting a substrate to be polished with a chemical-mechanical polishing composition, wherein the substrate has at least one feature defined thereon, wherein the feature has at least one dimension with a size W, and wherein the at least one dimension is substantially coplanar with the substrate surface, (ii) providing an abrasive wherein the abrasive comprises particles having a mean particle diameter DMwherein the mean particle diameter of the particles satisfies the equation: DM>W, and (iii) formulating the abrasive into a chemical-mechanical polishing composition. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7730603

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to electric motors, and more particularly relates to methods for forming magnets in motor rotors. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Electric motors are commonly utilized to power electric devices within a vehicle (e.g., an automobile).FIG. 1is a simplified diagram of a prior art electric motor100including an axle140around which a rotor110rotates, and also including brushes154and158connected to a power source160to provide power to rotor110. Generally, rotor110is surrounded by a field magnet120having a “north pole”124and a “south pole”128on opposite sides of rotor110. Furthermore, rotor110typically includes a magnetic orientation (i.e., north pole and south pole) that changes at a pre-determined position when power is supplied to brushes154and158. In this example, rotor110includes a magnetic orientation that changes as rotor110rotates such that a “north pole” is always above a horizontal position130. The changing “north pole” of rotor110is attracted to south pole128and repelled by north pole124, which in this example, results in a clockwise rotation around axle140. To create the magnetic properties of rotor110, magnets are commonly bonded to the surface of rotor110. However, it has been demonstrated that it is desirable to include one or more magnets embedded within a rotor. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide methods for forming one or more magnets within a rotor. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the invention and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background of the invention. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Various exemplary embodiments of the invention provide methods for forming a magnet in a rotor. One embodiment includes inserting a plurality of magnetizable particles in a rotor, coating the particles with a non-metallic material, and magnetizing the particles. Another embodiment includes inserting a plurality of magnetizable particles into a rotor, submersing the rotor in motor varnish to coat the particles with motor varnish, and magnetizing the particles. Yet another embodiment includes inserting a plurality of magnetizable particles in a rotor, inserting a non-metallic material into the rotor, mixing the particles and non-metallic material to form a mixture, curing the mixture such that each magnetizable particle is coated with non-metallic material, and magnetizing the coated particles. Still another embodiment includes mixing a plurality of magnetizable particles with a non-metallic material to form a mixture, inserting the mixture in a rotor, curing the mixture to coat each particle with non-metallic material, and magnetizing the coated particles.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to electric motors, and more particularly relates to methods for forming magnets in motor rotors. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Electric motors are commonly utilized to power electric devices within a vehicle (e.g., an automobile).FIG. 1is a simplified diagram of a prior art electric motor100including an axle140around which a rotor110rotates, and also including brushes154and158connected to a power source160to provide power to rotor110. Generally, rotor110is surrounded by a field magnet120having a “north pole”124and a “south pole”128on opposite sides of rotor110. Furthermore, rotor110typically includes a magnetic orientation (i.e., north pole and south pole) that changes at a pre-determined position when power is supplied to brushes154and158. In this example, rotor110includes a magnetic orientation that changes as rotor110rotates such that a “north pole” is always above a horizontal position130. The changing “north pole” of rotor110is attracted to south pole128and repelled by north pole124, which in this example, results in a clockwise rotation around axle140. To create the magnetic properties of rotor110, magnets are commonly bonded to the surface of rotor110. However, it has been demonstrated that it is desirable to include one or more magnets embedded within a rotor. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide methods for forming one or more magnets within a rotor. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the invention and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background of the invention. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Various exemplary embodiments of the invention provide methods for forming a magnet in a rotor. One embodiment includes inserting a plurality of magnetizable particles in a rotor, coating the particles with a non-metallic material, and magnetizing the particles. Another embodiment includes inserting a plurality of magnetizable particles into a rotor, submersing the rotor in motor varnish to coat the particles with motor varnish, and magnetizing the particles. Yet another embodiment includes inserting a plurality of magnetizable particles in a rotor, inserting a non-metallic material into the rotor, mixing the particles and non-metallic material to form a mixture, curing the mixture such that each magnetizable particle is coated with non-metallic material, and magnetizing the coated particles. Still another embodiment includes mixing a plurality of magnetizable particles with a non-metallic material to form a mixture, inserting the mixture in a rotor, curing the mixture to coat each particle with non-metallic material, and magnetizing the coated particles. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7859468

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of communications systems, and, more particularly, to mobile wireless communications devices and antennas therefor, and related methods. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION One challenge in the development of antennas for mobile handheld devices, such as cellular devices, is the balance between the antenna size and its performance. On one hand, users have come to expect smaller and relatively stylish devices with no visible antenna structure, which imposes restrictions on the device form factor and thus the available antenna size. On the other hand, users expect devices with an antenna that efficiently supports the various wireless communications standards. Yet, this requires that the antenna has a reasonable size to achieve requisite performance often over multiple operating frequency bands. See, e.g., Geyi, “Physical Limitations of Antenna,” IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, vol. AP-51, pages 2116-2123, 2003. Planar inverted-F antennas (PIFAs) are commonly used for handheld devices. However, PIFAs typically have relatively narrow bandwidths. To overcome this shortcoming, various techniques are sometimes used to increase the effective bandwidth of PIFAs, such as using parasitic elements, additional shorting pins, etc. Yet, such structures can unduly complicate the antenna structure and increase its cost. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,023,387; Liu et al., “Dual-Frequency Planar Inverted-F Antenna,” IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, vol. 45, no. 9, pages 1451-1457, October 1997; Rowell et al., “A Compact PIFA Suitable for Dual-Frequency 900/1800-Mhz Operation,” IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, vol. 46, pages 586598, April 1998; Guo et al., “Miniature Built-In Quad-Band Antennas for Mobile Handsets,” IEEE Antennas Wireless Propagation. Letters, vol. 2, pages 30-32, 2003. Another form of antenna, i.e., the monopole antenna, typically has a relatively wider bandwidth as compared with that of a PIFA. However, a significant drawback of such monopole antennas is that they typically require more surface area (i.e., they are larger) than a comparable PIFA. Another drawback of monopole antennas is that, due in part to the size constraints, they are typically implemented as external antennas, whereas a PIFA is easier to implement as an internal antenna. Even so, another advantage that a 2D monopole antenna has over the PIFA, in addition to its wideband response, it has a low profile, is simpler to design, and less expensive to fabricate. One exemplary monopole antenna arrangement is set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 6,054,955 to Schlegel, Jr., et al. The antenna arrangement is for use in the housing of a portable communications device, such as a laptop. The antenna arrangement includes a pair of spaced folded monopole antennas in 2D. Each antenna includes a first printed circuit board having a conducting surface that forms a ground plane. Mounted on the first circuit board is a second printed circuit board having a right-angled strip of conducting material, which forms a folded monopole radiating element. The folding of the monopole reduces its height, to thereby enable it to fit into small casings and the like. To compensate for the effects of the folded monopole on the electrical match, frequency bandwidth and electromagnetic fields, a shunt inductance is introduced between the monopole and the ground plane. The antennas are mounted within cavities that can be lined or coated with metallic material, to improve the radiation patterns of the antennas and isolate them from the electronic components of the communications system. Despite the existence of such antenna arrangements, further advancements in monopole antenna structures for mobile wireless communications devices may be desirable in some applications.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of communications systems, and, more particularly, to mobile wireless communications devices and antennas therefor, and related methods. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION One challenge in the development of antennas for mobile handheld devices, such as cellular devices, is the balance between the antenna size and its performance. On one hand, users have come to expect smaller and relatively stylish devices with no visible antenna structure, which imposes restrictions on the device form factor and thus the available antenna size. On the other hand, users expect devices with an antenna that efficiently supports the various wireless communications standards. Yet, this requires that the antenna has a reasonable size to achieve requisite performance often over multiple operating frequency bands. See, e.g., Geyi, “Physical Limitations of Antenna,” IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, vol. AP-51, pages 2116-2123, 2003. Planar inverted-F antennas (PIFAs) are commonly used for handheld devices. However, PIFAs typically have relatively narrow bandwidths. To overcome this shortcoming, various techniques are sometimes used to increase the effective bandwidth of PIFAs, such as using parasitic elements, additional shorting pins, etc. Yet, such structures can unduly complicate the antenna structure and increase its cost. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,023,387; Liu et al., “Dual-Frequency Planar Inverted-F Antenna,” IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, vol. 45, no. 9, pages 1451-1457, October 1997; Rowell et al., “A Compact PIFA Suitable for Dual-Frequency 900/1800-Mhz Operation,” IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, vol. 46, pages 586598, April 1998; Guo et al., “Miniature Built-In Quad-Band Antennas for Mobile Handsets,” IEEE Antennas Wireless Propagation. Letters, vol. 2, pages 30-32, 2003. Another form of antenna, i.e., the monopole antenna, typically has a relatively wider bandwidth as compared with that of a PIFA. However, a significant drawback of such monopole antennas is that they typically require more surface area (i.e., they are larger) than a comparable PIFA. Another drawback of monopole antennas is that, due in part to the size constraints, they are typically implemented as external antennas, whereas a PIFA is easier to implement as an internal antenna. Even so, another advantage that a 2D monopole antenna has over the PIFA, in addition to its wideband response, it has a low profile, is simpler to design, and less expensive to fabricate. One exemplary monopole antenna arrangement is set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 6,054,955 to Schlegel, Jr., et al. The antenna arrangement is for use in the housing of a portable communications device, such as a laptop. The antenna arrangement includes a pair of spaced folded monopole antennas in 2D. Each antenna includes a first printed circuit board having a conducting surface that forms a ground plane. Mounted on the first circuit board is a second printed circuit board having a right-angled strip of conducting material, which forms a folded monopole radiating element. The folding of the monopole reduces its height, to thereby enable it to fit into small casings and the like. To compensate for the effects of the folded monopole on the electrical match, frequency bandwidth and electromagnetic fields, a shunt inductance is introduced between the monopole and the ground plane. The antennas are mounted within cavities that can be lined or coated with metallic material, to improve the radiation patterns of the antennas and isolate them from the electronic components of the communications system. Despite the existence of such antenna arrangements, further advancements in monopole antenna structures for mobile wireless communications devices may be desirable in some applications. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7670055

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a slide bearing having high accuracy, excellent sliding characteristics and strength characteristics. 2. Description of the Related Art Slide bearings made of Cu-based, Cu—Sn-based and Fe—Cu-based sintered metal materials have been known as slide bearings having high rotational accuracy. When the slide bearing is used after a bearing member made of a porous sintered metal material is impregnated with a lubricant (sintered oil-containing bearing), the lubricant can be continuously supplied to a sliding portion between the bearing and a shaft member. The bearing member made of a sintered metal material can improve in processing accuracy and is suitable for use in a portion requiring rotational accuracy. Resin slide bearings manufactured by mixing a solid lubricant such as PTFE, graphite or molybdenum disulfide, lubricating oil or wax with a resin material are also known as slide bearings. Further, slide bearings having a resin layer on a predetermined surface of a matrix made of a sintered metal material are also known (see JP 2002-364647 A (hereinafter referred to as “Patent Document 1”), for example). When a shaft member to be supported is made of a soft metal material such as aluminum alloy material, a slide bearing made of a sintered metal may damage the sliding surface of the shaft member. In the case of using a resin slide bearing, the above problem does not occur. However, since resin materials typically have a larger linear expansion coefficient and higher water absorptivity than metal materials, when the use temperature range of the resin slide bearing is wide, a backlash between the bearing and the shaft member due to the shrinkage of the resin material during use at a low temperature and the outer diameter of the bearing may increase due to the expansion of the resin material during use at a high temperature. When the outer diameter of the bearing is restricted by a housing or the like, the inner diameter of the bearing shrinks, thereby causing the so-called “clamping” of the bearing to the shaft member in some cases. Since the slide space between the shaft member and the slide bearing is changed by volume expansion caused by water absorption, it is difficult to use the slide bearing in fields that require rotational accuracy such as a field of office equipment. A slide bearing having a resin layer on a predetermined surface of a matrix made of a sintered metal material makes it possible to eliminate the above inconvenience. When using in the devices in which the outer peripheral surface of a matrix comes into contact with a mating member to roll or slide, such as cam followers, the outer peripheral surface of the matrix tends to be damaged due to the insufficient strength of the matrix. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a slide bearing which has high dimensional accuracy and rotational accuracy, rarely attacks a shaft member made of a soft metal and is excellent in mechanical strength and durability. In order to achieve the above mentioned object, the present invention provides a slide bearing including a matrix made of a metal and a slide layer formed on a predetermined surface of the matrix and having a bearing surface which slides with a shaft member, in which the matrix has a contact surface which rolls or slides over a mating member and is made of an Fe-based sintered metal material. Since the matrix is made of an Fe-based sintered metal material, high dimensional accuracy and rotational accuracy can be obtained. In addition, since a slide layer formed on a predetermined surface of the matrix includes a relatively soft material such as a resin material or elastomer as a base material and slides with a shaft member on the bearing surface, even when the shaft member is made of a soft metal, the sliding surface of the shaft member is not damaged. Since the Fe-based sintered metal material has higher mechanical strength than a Cu-based or the like sintered metal material, the contact surface of the matrix which rolls or slides over the mating member is hardly damaged, and high durability is obtained. The term “Fe-based” as used herein means that the content of Fe is 90% or more in terms of weight. As far as this condition is satisfied, other component such as Cu, Sn, Zn or C may be contained. The term “Fe” includes stainless steel. The matrix made of an Fe-based sintered metal material can be formed by molding raw material metal powders having the above content of Fe (a small amount of a binder may be added as required to improve moldability and releasability) into a predetermined form, degreasing the molded product, baking it to obtain a sintered member and carrying out a post-treatment such as sizing on the sintered body as required. There are a large number of pores in the inside of the matrix due to the porous structure of the sintered metal, and the surface of the matrix has a large number of surface openings formed with the inside pores open to the outside. In general, the matrix is cylindrical, the shaft member is inserted into the inner periphery of the cylindrical matrix, and the contact surface which rolls or slides over the mating member is formed on the outer periphery of the matrix. A lubricant or the like may be impregnated into the inside pores of the matrix by vacuum impregnation or the like. The slide layer is formed on the predetermined surface of the matrix and has a bearing surface which slides with the shaft member. Particularly when a slide material composition forming the slide layer includes a resin as a base material, a molten resin composition forming the slide layer enters the pores inside the surface layer from the surface openings on the predetermined surface of the matrix to be solidified at the time of molding the slide layer. Thereby, the slide layer firmly adheres to the surface of the matrix by a kind of anchor effect, making it possible to suppress the peeling and falling of the slide layer caused by sliding with the shaft member and to thereby obtain high durability. The surface of the matrix, at least the predetermined surface where the slide layer is to be formed preferably has a surface opening ratio of 20 to 50%. When the surface opening ratio is lower than 20%, the above anchor effect for the slide layer is not sufficiently obtained and when the surface opening ratio is higher than 50%, the required dimensional accuracy and mechanical strength are not obtained. The term “surface opening ratio” means the ratio of the total area of surface openings per the unit area of the surface (area ratio). The surface opening ratio may be the same on the entire surface of the matrix or may differ between the predetermined surface thereof on which the slide layer is to be formed and the other surface thereof. A product of {linear expansion coefficient (° C.−1) of slide material composition forming slide layer} and {thickness of slide layer (μm)} of the slide layer is preferably 0.15 or less, more preferably 0.13 or less, much more preferably 0.10 or less. When the above value is larger than 0.15, the slide gap between the shaft member and the slide layer becomes relatively large due to the dimensional change of the slide layer caused by temperature variations and water absorption, thereby changing the torque or reducing the rotational accuracy. When a resin is used as a base material, the thickness of the slide layer which can be molded (resin layer) is about 50 μm. When the thickness of the slide layer is smaller than about 50 μm, molding becomes difficult. Therefore, the above value is preferably 0.003 or more, more preferably 0.01 or more, much more preferably 0.015 or more. The sliding layer is formed, preferably of a synthetic resin, elastomer, or the like superior in a sliding property as a base material. The synthetic resin that can be used as the base material includes polyethylene resins such as low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, a denatured polyethylene resin, a water crosslinking polyolefin resin, a polyamide resin, an aromatic polyamide resin, a polystyrene resin, a polypropylene resin, a silicone resin, a urethane resin, a polytetrafluoroethylene resin, a chlorotrifluoroethylene resin, a tetrafluoroethylene/hexafluoropropylene copolymer resin, a tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoroalkylvinylether copolymer resin, a vinylidene fluoride resin, an ethylene/tetrafluoroethylene copolymer resin, a polyacetal resin, a polyethylene terephthalate resin, a polybutylene terephthalate resin, a polyphenylene ether resin, a polycarbonate resin, an aliphatic polyketone resin, a polyvinyl pyrolidone resin, a polyoxazoline resin, a polyphenylene sulfide resin, a polyethersalfone resin, a polyetherimide resin, a polyamideimide resin, a polyetheretherketone resin, a thermoplastic polyimide resin, a thermosetting polyimide resin, an epoxy resin, a phenol resin, an unsaturated polyester resin, and a vinyl ester resin. Further, a mixture of two or more materials selected from the above-descried synthetic resins, such as a polymer alloy, can also be used as the base material. Of those, a polyethylene resin has extremely excellent low-friction property, so it is suitable for the base material. In addition, a polyethylene resin containing a component having ultrahigh molecular weight is preferably used in further consideration of resistance to abrasion. The above slide layer may be formed like a film. In this case, resins which can dissolve or disperse in an organic catalyst may be advantageously used out of the exemplified synthetic resins. Initial condensates whose molecular weight is increased to a high molecular weight by a curing reaction at the time of forming a film may also be used. The base material described above can be blended with a lubricant such as a solid lubricant or lubricating oil to improve further lubricity. Examples of the solid lubricant out of the lubricants that can be used include an amino acid compound, a polyoxybenzoyl polyester resin, a polybenzoimidazol resin, a liquid crystal resin, a pulp of an aramide resin, polytetrafluoroethylene, black lead, molybdenum disulfide, boron nitride, and tungsten disulfide. The lubricating oil, used typically, etc. can be used as the lubricant, and examples thereof include mineral oils such as a spindle oil, refrigerating machine oil, turbine oil, machine oil, and dynamo oil, hydrocarbon based-synthetic oils such as a polybutene oil, poly a olefin oil, alkyl naphthalene oil, and alicyclic compound oil, or non-hydrocarbon based-synthetic oils such as an ester oil of a natural fat and oil and polyol, phosphate oil, diester oil, polyglycol oil, silicone oil, polyphenylether oil, alkyldiphenylether oil, alkylbenzene oil, and fluoridated oil. Further, those lubricants may be impregnated inside the internal pores of the matrix to allow lubrication of the sliding portion by exuding the lubricant to the bearing surface through the sliding layer. Since the sliding state with the sliding mating member can be made boundary lubrication with lubricating oil when lubricating oil in particular is blended with the base material of the above slide layer, the friction can be further reduced as compared with a case where the above solid lubricant is blended. However, when only a lubricant is blended with the above base material, the following problem may occur. That is, at the use of the slide layer made of a slide material composition blended with a lubricant such as lubricating oil, when a lubricant oil layer appears to the sliding surface as the slide layer is gradually worn down, the lubricating oil oozes out to the surface of the sliding portion. Since it is difficult to control the oozing-out of the lubricating oil, a stable supply of the lubricating oil to the sliding surface is difficult. After the lubricating oil oozes out, pores may cause a reduction in the strength of the slide layer. To cope with this, in the present invention, a lubricant is blended with the base material of the slide material composition for forming the slide layer and further a porous silica impregnated with a lubricant is blended with the base material. According to this constitution, a large number of advantages as follows can be obtained. (1) Excellent friction and wear characteristics can be stably provided since the lubricant can be continuously supplied to the sliding surface. (2) The amount of the lubricant contained in the slide material composition can be increased by blending the lubricant with the base material as far as moldability can be ensured, and further blending the porous silica impregnated with the lubricant (especially lubricating oil). (3) Inconveniences such as the slippage of a screw at the time of injection molding, a long cycle time due to unstable metering, low dimensional accuracy and the poor finishing of the molded surface due to the adhesion of the lubricant to the surface of a mold can be avoided especially when the base material is a resin as compared with a case where a large amount of a lubricant is merely blended because the lubricant is held in spaces in the porous silica by blending a porous silica impregnated with the lubricant. (4) The base material and the lubricant can be used in combination by impregnating the lubricant into spaces in the porous silica even when there is some problems with compatibility between the base material and the lubricant. Various porous silicas such as a precipitating silica (for example, primary particle diameter of 15 nm or more) which can be impregnated with and can hold a lubricant may be used as the above porous silica. Of those, a globular porous silica having interconnected pores is preferred, and a spherical porous silica is particularly preferred. The term “globular” means a ball having a ratio of the short diameter to the long diameter of 0.8 to 1.0, and the term “spherical” means a ball more spherical than globular. Since the globular porous silica is destroyed by shear force on the sliding surface when it is exposed to the sliding surface, even when the mating member is made of a soft material (including a soft metal), the mating member is not damaged. When taking into consideration that the blending of a reinforcement material with a slide material composition prepared by blending those fillers with the base material, if the lubricant and the reinforcement material are blended alone and kneaded separately, the lubricant is localized at the interface between the reinforcement material and the base material (for example, a synthetic resin), thereby making it impossible to sufficiently obtain a reinforcing effect by the reinforcement material. However, when a reinforcement material is kneaded with a lubricant and a porous silica, particularly with a globular porous silica impregnated with a lubricant, the amount of the lubricant localized at the interface between the reinforcement material and the base material can be greatly reduced, thereby obtaining a desired reinforcing effect. When the above globular porous silica is used, attention must be paid to its size. For example, when the average particle diameter of the globular porous silica is smaller than 0.5 μm, the amount of the lubricant impregnated is insufficient, causing a problem with work efficiency. When the average particle diameter is larger than 100 μm, the dispersibility of the porous silica in the slide material composition in a molten state is low. An agglomerate of primary particles is destroyed by the shear force applied when the slide material composition in a molten state is kneaded, whereby the globular shape of the porous silica may not be maintained. From these points of view, the average particle diameter of the above globular porous silica, particularly spherical porous silica is preferably 0.5 to 100 μm. Especially when handling ease (work efficiency) and slide characteristics are taken into consideration, the average particle diameter is more preferably 1 to 20 μm. Spherical silica particles having the above average particle diameter can hold the sufficient lubricant therein and can supply the lubricant held therein to the sliding surface little by little. The spherical porous silica having the above average particle diameter can be obtained, for example, by emulsifying an alkali silicate aqueous solution containing an alkali metal salt or alkali earth metal salt in an organic catalyst and gelatinizing the emulsified product with a carbonic acid gas. The primary particle diameter of the spherical porous silica obtained herein is 3 to 8 nm. The above porous silica has a specific surface area of preferably 200 to 900 m2/g, more preferably 300 to 800 m2/g from the viewpoint of high oil absorptivity (high lubricant retainability). It may have a pore area of 1 to 3.5 ml/g and a pore diameter of 5 to 30 nm, preferably 20 to 30 nm. Further, it has an oil absorptivity of preferably 150 to 400 ml/100 g, more preferably 300 to 400 ml/100 g. In consideration of use under the normal atmosphere, it is preferable that even when the porous silica is dried again after it is immersed in water, its pore volume and oil absorptivity be maintained at 90% or more of the values before immersion. The specific surface area and the pore volume are values measured by a nitrogen adsorption method and the oil absorptivity is a value measured in accordance with JIS K5101. It is extremely preferable that the porous silica used in the present invention be spherical and has the above average particle diameter, specific surface area, pore area, pore diameter, and oil absorptivity. However, a non-globular porous silica may be used without a problem if its average particle diameter, specific surface area, oil absorptivity, and the like fall within the above ranges. Similarly, a porous silica having an average particle diameter of about 1,000 μm may be used without a problem depending on its compatibility with the base material and its blending ratio. Alternatively, a porous silica which is subjected to a surface treatment of organic or inorganic type may also be used even if it has a problem with its compatibility with the base material. Examples of the porous silica which can be used preferably include Sunsphere manufactured by ASAHI GLASS CO., LTD., Got Ball manufactured by SUZUKI YUSHI Industrial Co., LTD., and Sylosphere manufactured by FUJI SILYCIA CHEMICAL LTD. The Microid manufactured by Tokai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. may also be used as the porous silica. Various lubricants including lubricating oil may be used as described above. Out of those, silicone oil is particularly preferably used as it has heat resistance to the temperature of kneading and molding the slide material composition (particularly resin composition), extremely excellent friction characteristics and compatibility with a silanol group (Si—OH) remaining on the surface or the inside of the above porous silica. According to this, as silicone oil is easily held in the inside of the above porous silica, higher oil retainability is obtained. As the silicone oil, either of silicone oil having no functional group and silicone oil having a functional group may be used. The porous silica is contained in the above slide layer in an amount of preferably 1 to 20 vol %, more preferably 2 to 15 vol % in terms of the effect of holding the lubricant and strength. The content of the lubricant in the slide layer is preferably 5 to 40 vol %. When the content of the lubricant is lower than 5 vol %, a lubricating effect exerted by means of the lubricant becomes unsatisfactory and when the content is higher than 40 vol %, the amount of the base material becomes small and strength may greatly lower. The weight of a substance blended can be calculated by multiplying the vol % of the substance with its density. The vol % of the porous silica is a value obtained on the supposition that a non-porous silica is blended. That is, it is calculated not from the bulk specific gravity of the porous silica but from the true specific gravity. Therefore, the actual vol % of the porous silica having pores therein is larger than the above value. A suitable filler may also be added to the base material to improve friction and wear characteristics and to reduce a linear expansion coefficient, in addition to the porous silica or lubricant. Examples of the filler to be added include fibers such as a glass fiber, carbon fiber, pitch-based carbon fiber, PAN-based carbon fiber, aramid fiber, alumina fiber, polyester fiber, boron fiber, silicon carbide fiber, boron nitride fiber, silicon nitride fiber, metal fiber, asbestos, and coal wool, a fabric knitting thereof, minerals such as calcium carbonate, talc, silica, clay, and mica, inorganic whiskers such as a titanium oxide whisker, aluminum borate whisker, potassium titanate whisker, and calcium sulfate whisker, and various heat resistant resins such as carbon black, black lead, a polyimide resin, and polybenzoimidazol. Further, for the purpose of improving thermal conductivity of a sliding layer, a carbon fiber, metal fiber, black lead powder, zinc oxide, or the like may be added to the base material. In addition, carbonates such as lithium carbonate and calcium carbonate, or phosphates such as lithium phosphate and calcium phosphate may be blended. Note that plural fillers can be used in combination. Additives which can be widely used for synthetic resins may be used together as far as the effect of the present invention is not impaired. For example, industrial additives such as a release agent, flame retardant, antistatic agent, weatherability accelerator, antioxidant and colorant may be suitably added. As far as the lubricity of the slide layer is not impaired, an intermediate product or a final product may be modified to improve its properties by separately performing a chemical or physical treatment such as annealing. Conventionally known methods may be used to knead the above slide material composition, especially a resin composition. For example, a mixer such as a Henschel mixer, ball mill or tumbler mixer may be used to mix a resin composition and the composition is supplied into an injection molding machine or melt extruder (for example, a twin-screw extruder) having high melt mixing capability, or a heat roller, kneader, Banbury mixer, melt extruder or the like may be used to melt mix the resin composition in advance. Alternatively, vacuum molding, blow molding, foam molding, multi-layer molding and heat compression molding may be carried out. To knead the base material (here, resin) with a porous silica and a lubricant, the order of kneading them is not particularly limited. Preferably, after a porous silica and a lubricant are kneaded together to contain the lubricant in the porous silica, the resulting kneaded product is kneaded with the base material. Since the porous silica readily absorbs moisture or water, it is preferably dried before kneading. The drying means is not particularly limited and drying in an electric furnace or vacuum drying may be employed. When the above slide layer is formed in, for example, a film form, a porous silica impregnated with a lubricant is blended with a synthetic resin base material and then mixed with an ordinary coating solution. General-purpose coating means may be used for coating. For example, various means such as spraying, electrostatic coating, or flow immersion method may be employed. When the porous silica is pre-mixed with the lubricant, if the lubricant has high viscosity, the lubricant hardly infiltrates into the globular porous silica. In this case, the lubricant is diluted with a suitable solvent which can dissolve the lubricant, and the dilute solution is infiltrated into the porous silica and dried gradually to vaporize the solvent so as to impregnate the lubricant into the inside of the porous silica. Alternatively, when the lubricant is lubricating oil, the porous silica is immersed in the lubricating oil and pulled in vacuum to forcibly infiltrate the lubricating oil into the inside of the porous silica. When the lubricant is solid at normal temperature, it is heated at a suitable temperature to be molten and impregnated into the porous silica. Even when the lubricant is liquid at normal temperature, if its viscosity is high, it is heated at a suitable temperature to reduce its viscosity so as to be impregnated into the porous silica. Those methods can be effectively used. A liquid resin such as an unsaturated polyester resin is mixed with an oil-containing globular porous silica, the resultant mixture is impregnated into fabrics, and an assembly of those fabrics may be used as the slide layer. According to the present invention, there can be provided a slide bearing which has high dimensional accuracy and rotational accuracy, rarely attacks a shaft member made of a soft metal and is excellent in mechanical strength and durability.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a slide bearing having high accuracy, excellent sliding characteristics and strength characteristics. 2. Description of the Related Art Slide bearings made of Cu-based, Cu—Sn-based and Fe—Cu-based sintered metal materials have been known as slide bearings having high rotational accuracy. When the slide bearing is used after a bearing member made of a porous sintered metal material is impregnated with a lubricant (sintered oil-containing bearing), the lubricant can be continuously supplied to a sliding portion between the bearing and a shaft member. The bearing member made of a sintered metal material can improve in processing accuracy and is suitable for use in a portion requiring rotational accuracy. Resin slide bearings manufactured by mixing a solid lubricant such as PTFE, graphite or molybdenum disulfide, lubricating oil or wax with a resin material are also known as slide bearings. Further, slide bearings having a resin layer on a predetermined surface of a matrix made of a sintered metal material are also known (see JP 2002-364647 A (hereinafter referred to as “Patent Document 1”), for example). When a shaft member to be supported is made of a soft metal material such as aluminum alloy material, a slide bearing made of a sintered metal may damage the sliding surface of the shaft member. In the case of using a resin slide bearing, the above problem does not occur. However, since resin materials typically have a larger linear expansion coefficient and higher water absorptivity than metal materials, when the use temperature range of the resin slide bearing is wide, a backlash between the bearing and the shaft member due to the shrinkage of the resin material during use at a low temperature and the outer diameter of the bearing may increase due to the expansion of the resin material during use at a high temperature. When the outer diameter of the bearing is restricted by a housing or the like, the inner diameter of the bearing shrinks, thereby causing the so-called “clamping” of the bearing to the shaft member in some cases. Since the slide space between the shaft member and the slide bearing is changed by volume expansion caused by water absorption, it is difficult to use the slide bearing in fields that require rotational accuracy such as a field of office equipment. A slide bearing having a resin layer on a predetermined surface of a matrix made of a sintered metal material makes it possible to eliminate the above inconvenience. When using in the devices in which the outer peripheral surface of a matrix comes into contact with a mating member to roll or slide, such as cam followers, the outer peripheral surface of the matrix tends to be damaged due to the insufficient strength of the matrix. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a slide bearing which has high dimensional accuracy and rotational accuracy, rarely attacks a shaft member made of a soft metal and is excellent in mechanical strength and durability. In order to achieve the above mentioned object, the present invention provides a slide bearing including a matrix made of a metal and a slide layer formed on a predetermined surface of the matrix and having a bearing surface which slides with a shaft member, in which the matrix has a contact surface which rolls or slides over a mating member and is made of an Fe-based sintered metal material. Since the matrix is made of an Fe-based sintered metal material, high dimensional accuracy and rotational accuracy can be obtained. In addition, since a slide layer formed on a predetermined surface of the matrix includes a relatively soft material such as a resin material or elastomer as a base material and slides with a shaft member on the bearing surface, even when the shaft member is made of a soft metal, the sliding surface of the shaft member is not damaged. Since the Fe-based sintered metal material has higher mechanical strength than a Cu-based or the like sintered metal material, the contact surface of the matrix which rolls or slides over the mating member is hardly damaged, and high durability is obtained. The term “Fe-based” as used herein means that the content of Fe is 90% or more in terms of weight. As far as this condition is satisfied, other component such as Cu, Sn, Zn or C may be contained. The term “Fe” includes stainless steel. The matrix made of an Fe-based sintered metal material can be formed by molding raw material metal powders having the above content of Fe (a small amount of a binder may be added as required to improve moldability and releasability) into a predetermined form, degreasing the molded product, baking it to obtain a sintered member and carrying out a post-treatment such as sizing on the sintered body as required. There are a large number of pores in the inside of the matrix due to the porous structure of the sintered metal, and the surface of the matrix has a large number of surface openings formed with the inside pores open to the outside. In general, the matrix is cylindrical, the shaft member is inserted into the inner periphery of the cylindrical matrix, and the contact surface which rolls or slides over the mating member is formed on the outer periphery of the matrix. A lubricant or the like may be impregnated into the inside pores of the matrix by vacuum impregnation or the like. The slide layer is formed on the predetermined surface of the matrix and has a bearing surface which slides with the shaft member. Particularly when a slide material composition forming the slide layer includes a resin as a base material, a molten resin composition forming the slide layer enters the pores inside the surface layer from the surface openings on the predetermined surface of the matrix to be solidified at the time of molding the slide layer. Thereby, the slide layer firmly adheres to the surface of the matrix by a kind of anchor effect, making it possible to suppress the peeling and falling of the slide layer caused by sliding with the shaft member and to thereby obtain high durability. The surface of the matrix, at least the predetermined surface where the slide layer is to be formed preferably has a surface opening ratio of 20 to 50%. When the surface opening ratio is lower than 20%, the above anchor effect for the slide layer is not sufficiently obtained and when the surface opening ratio is higher than 50%, the required dimensional accuracy and mechanical strength are not obtained. The term “surface opening ratio” means the ratio of the total area of surface openings per the unit area of the surface (area ratio). The surface opening ratio may be the same on the entire surface of the matrix or may differ between the predetermined surface thereof on which the slide layer is to be formed and the other surface thereof. A product of {linear expansion coefficient (° C.−1) of slide material composition forming slide layer} and {thickness of slide layer (μm)} of the slide layer is preferably 0.15 or less, more preferably 0.13 or less, much more preferably 0.10 or less. When the above value is larger than 0.15, the slide gap between the shaft member and the slide layer becomes relatively large due to the dimensional change of the slide layer caused by temperature variations and water absorption, thereby changing the torque or reducing the rotational accuracy. When a resin is used as a base material, the thickness of the slide layer which can be molded (resin layer) is about 50 μm. When the thickness of the slide layer is smaller than about 50 μm, molding becomes difficult. Therefore, the above value is preferably 0.003 or more, more preferably 0.01 or more, much more preferably 0.015 or more. The sliding layer is formed, preferably of a synthetic resin, elastomer, or the like superior in a sliding property as a base material. The synthetic resin that can be used as the base material includes polyethylene resins such as low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, a denatured polyethylene resin, a water crosslinking polyolefin resin, a polyamide resin, an aromatic polyamide resin, a polystyrene resin, a polypropylene resin, a silicone resin, a urethane resin, a polytetrafluoroethylene resin, a chlorotrifluoroethylene resin, a tetrafluoroethylene/hexafluoropropylene copolymer resin, a tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoroalkylvinylether copolymer resin, a vinylidene fluoride resin, an ethylene/tetrafluoroethylene copolymer resin, a polyacetal resin, a polyethylene terephthalate resin, a polybutylene terephthalate resin, a polyphenylene ether resin, a polycarbonate resin, an aliphatic polyketone resin, a polyvinyl pyrolidone resin, a polyoxazoline resin, a polyphenylene sulfide resin, a polyethersalfone resin, a polyetherimide resin, a polyamideimide resin, a polyetheretherketone resin, a thermoplastic polyimide resin, a thermosetting polyimide resin, an epoxy resin, a phenol resin, an unsaturated polyester resin, and a vinyl ester resin. Further, a mixture of two or more materials selected from the above-descried synthetic resins, such as a polymer alloy, can also be used as the base material. Of those, a polyethylene resin has extremely excellent low-friction property, so it is suitable for the base material. In addition, a polyethylene resin containing a component having ultrahigh molecular weight is preferably used in further consideration of resistance to abrasion. The above slide layer may be formed like a film. In this case, resins which can dissolve or disperse in an organic catalyst may be advantageously used out of the exemplified synthetic resins. Initial condensates whose molecular weight is increased to a high molecular weight by a curing reaction at the time of forming a film may also be used. The base material described above can be blended with a lubricant such as a solid lubricant or lubricating oil to improve further lubricity. Examples of the solid lubricant out of the lubricants that can be used include an amino acid compound, a polyoxybenzoyl polyester resin, a polybenzoimidazol resin, a liquid crystal resin, a pulp of an aramide resin, polytetrafluoroethylene, black lead, molybdenum disulfide, boron nitride, and tungsten disulfide. The lubricating oil, used typically, etc. can be used as the lubricant, and examples thereof include mineral oils such as a spindle oil, refrigerating machine oil, turbine oil, machine oil, and dynamo oil, hydrocarbon based-synthetic oils such as a polybutene oil, poly a olefin oil, alkyl naphthalene oil, and alicyclic compound oil, or non-hydrocarbon based-synthetic oils such as an ester oil of a natural fat and oil and polyol, phosphate oil, diester oil, polyglycol oil, silicone oil, polyphenylether oil, alkyldiphenylether oil, alkylbenzene oil, and fluoridated oil. Further, those lubricants may be impregnated inside the internal pores of the matrix to allow lubrication of the sliding portion by exuding the lubricant to the bearing surface through the sliding layer. Since the sliding state with the sliding mating member can be made boundary lubrication with lubricating oil when lubricating oil in particular is blended with the base material of the above slide layer, the friction can be further reduced as compared with a case where the above solid lubricant is blended. However, when only a lubricant is blended with the above base material, the following problem may occur. That is, at the use of the slide layer made of a slide material composition blended with a lubricant such as lubricating oil, when a lubricant oil layer appears to the sliding surface as the slide layer is gradually worn down, the lubricating oil oozes out to the surface of the sliding portion. Since it is difficult to control the oozing-out of the lubricating oil, a stable supply of the lubricating oil to the sliding surface is difficult. After the lubricating oil oozes out, pores may cause a reduction in the strength of the slide layer. To cope with this, in the present invention, a lubricant is blended with the base material of the slide material composition for forming the slide layer and further a porous silica impregnated with a lubricant is blended with the base material. According to this constitution, a large number of advantages as follows can be obtained. (1) Excellent friction and wear characteristics can be stably provided since the lubricant can be continuously supplied to the sliding surface. (2) The amount of the lubricant contained in the slide material composition can be increased by blending the lubricant with the base material as far as moldability can be ensured, and further blending the porous silica impregnated with the lubricant (especially lubricating oil). (3) Inconveniences such as the slippage of a screw at the time of injection molding, a long cycle time due to unstable metering, low dimensional accuracy and the poor finishing of the molded surface due to the adhesion of the lubricant to the surface of a mold can be avoided especially when the base material is a resin as compared with a case where a large amount of a lubricant is merely blended because the lubricant is held in spaces in the porous silica by blending a porous silica impregnated with the lubricant. (4) The base material and the lubricant can be used in combination by impregnating the lubricant into spaces in the porous silica even when there is some problems with compatibility between the base material and the lubricant. Various porous silicas such as a precipitating silica (for example, primary particle diameter of 15 nm or more) which can be impregnated with and can hold a lubricant may be used as the above porous silica. Of those, a globular porous silica having interconnected pores is preferred, and a spherical porous silica is particularly preferred. The term “globular” means a ball having a ratio of the short diameter to the long diameter of 0.8 to 1.0, and the term “spherical” means a ball more spherical than globular. Since the globular porous silica is destroyed by shear force on the sliding surface when it is exposed to the sliding surface, even when the mating member is made of a soft material (including a soft metal), the mating member is not damaged. When taking into consideration that the blending of a reinforcement material with a slide material composition prepared by blending those fillers with the base material, if the lubricant and the reinforcement material are blended alone and kneaded separately, the lubricant is localized at the interface between the reinforcement material and the base material (for example, a synthetic resin), thereby making it impossible to sufficiently obtain a reinforcing effect by the reinforcement material. However, when a reinforcement material is kneaded with a lubricant and a porous silica, particularly with a globular porous silica impregnated with a lubricant, the amount of the lubricant localized at the interface between the reinforcement material and the base material can be greatly reduced, thereby obtaining a desired reinforcing effect. When the above globular porous silica is used, attention must be paid to its size. For example, when the average particle diameter of the globular porous silica is smaller than 0.5 μm, the amount of the lubricant impregnated is insufficient, causing a problem with work efficiency. When the average particle diameter is larger than 100 μm, the dispersibility of the porous silica in the slide material composition in a molten state is low. An agglomerate of primary particles is destroyed by the shear force applied when the slide material composition in a molten state is kneaded, whereby the globular shape of the porous silica may not be maintained. From these points of view, the average particle diameter of the above globular porous silica, particularly spherical porous silica is preferably 0.5 to 100 μm. Especially when handling ease (work efficiency) and slide characteristics are taken into consideration, the average particle diameter is more preferably 1 to 20 μm. Spherical silica particles having the above average particle diameter can hold the sufficient lubricant therein and can supply the lubricant held therein to the sliding surface little by little. The spherical porous silica having the above average particle diameter can be obtained, for example, by emulsifying an alkali silicate aqueous solution containing an alkali metal salt or alkali earth metal salt in an organic catalyst and gelatinizing the emulsified product with a carbonic acid gas. The primary particle diameter of the spherical porous silica obtained herein is 3 to 8 nm. The above porous silica has a specific surface area of preferably 200 to 900 m2/g, more preferably 300 to 800 m2/g from the viewpoint of high oil absorptivity (high lubricant retainability). It may have a pore area of 1 to 3.5 ml/g and a pore diameter of 5 to 30 nm, preferably 20 to 30 nm. Further, it has an oil absorptivity of preferably 150 to 400 ml/100 g, more preferably 300 to 400 ml/100 g. In consideration of use under the normal atmosphere, it is preferable that even when the porous silica is dried again after it is immersed in water, its pore volume and oil absorptivity be maintained at 90% or more of the values before immersion. The specific surface area and the pore volume are values measured by a nitrogen adsorption method and the oil absorptivity is a value measured in accordance with JIS K5101. It is extremely preferable that the porous silica used in the present invention be spherical and has the above average particle diameter, specific surface area, pore area, pore diameter, and oil absorptivity. However, a non-globular porous silica may be used without a problem if its average particle diameter, specific surface area, oil absorptivity, and the like fall within the above ranges. Similarly, a porous silica having an average particle diameter of about 1,000 μm may be used without a problem depending on its compatibility with the base material and its blending ratio. Alternatively, a porous silica which is subjected to a surface treatment of organic or inorganic type may also be used even if it has a problem with its compatibility with the base material. Examples of the porous silica which can be used preferably include Sunsphere manufactured by ASAHI GLASS CO., LTD., Got Ball manufactured by SUZUKI YUSHI Industrial Co., LTD., and Sylosphere manufactured by FUJI SILYCIA CHEMICAL LTD. The Microid manufactured by Tokai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. may also be used as the porous silica. Various lubricants including lubricating oil may be used as described above. Out of those, silicone oil is particularly preferably used as it has heat resistance to the temperature of kneading and molding the slide material composition (particularly resin composition), extremely excellent friction characteristics and compatibility with a silanol group (Si—OH) remaining on the surface or the inside of the above porous silica. According to this, as silicone oil is easily held in the inside of the above porous silica, higher oil retainability is obtained. As the silicone oil, either of silicone oil having no functional group and silicone oil having a functional group may be used. The porous silica is contained in the above slide layer in an amount of preferably 1 to 20 vol %, more preferably 2 to 15 vol % in terms of the effect of holding the lubricant and strength. The content of the lubricant in the slide layer is preferably 5 to 40 vol %. When the content of the lubricant is lower than 5 vol %, a lubricating effect exerted by means of the lubricant becomes unsatisfactory and when the content is higher than 40 vol %, the amount of the base material becomes small and strength may greatly lower. The weight of a substance blended can be calculated by multiplying the vol % of the substance with its density. The vol % of the porous silica is a value obtained on the supposition that a non-porous silica is blended. That is, it is calculated not from the bulk specific gravity of the porous silica but from the true specific gravity. Therefore, the actual vol % of the porous silica having pores therein is larger than the above value. A suitable filler may also be added to the base material to improve friction and wear characteristics and to reduce a linear expansion coefficient, in addition to the porous silica or lubricant. Examples of the filler to be added include fibers such as a glass fiber, carbon fiber, pitch-based carbon fiber, PAN-based carbon fiber, aramid fiber, alumina fiber, polyester fiber, boron fiber, silicon carbide fiber, boron nitride fiber, silicon nitride fiber, metal fiber, asbestos, and coal wool, a fabric knitting thereof, minerals such as calcium carbonate, talc, silica, clay, and mica, inorganic whiskers such as a titanium oxide whisker, aluminum borate whisker, potassium titanate whisker, and calcium sulfate whisker, and various heat resistant resins such as carbon black, black lead, a polyimide resin, and polybenzoimidazol. Further, for the purpose of improving thermal conductivity of a sliding layer, a carbon fiber, metal fiber, black lead powder, zinc oxide, or the like may be added to the base material. In addition, carbonates such as lithium carbonate and calcium carbonate, or phosphates such as lithium phosphate and calcium phosphate may be blended. Note that plural fillers can be used in combination. Additives which can be widely used for synthetic resins may be used together as far as the effect of the present invention is not impaired. For example, industrial additives such as a release agent, flame retardant, antistatic agent, weatherability accelerator, antioxidant and colorant may be suitably added. As far as the lubricity of the slide layer is not impaired, an intermediate product or a final product may be modified to improve its properties by separately performing a chemical or physical treatment such as annealing. Conventionally known methods may be used to knead the above slide material composition, especially a resin composition. For example, a mixer such as a Henschel mixer, ball mill or tumbler mixer may be used to mix a resin composition and the composition is supplied into an injection molding machine or melt extruder (for example, a twin-screw extruder) having high melt mixing capability, or a heat roller, kneader, Banbury mixer, melt extruder or the like may be used to melt mix the resin composition in advance. Alternatively, vacuum molding, blow molding, foam molding, multi-layer molding and heat compression molding may be carried out. To knead the base material (here, resin) with a porous silica and a lubricant, the order of kneading them is not particularly limited. Preferably, after a porous silica and a lubricant are kneaded together to contain the lubricant in the porous silica, the resulting kneaded product is kneaded with the base material. Since the porous silica readily absorbs moisture or water, it is preferably dried before kneading. The drying means is not particularly limited and drying in an electric furnace or vacuum drying may be employed. When the above slide layer is formed in, for example, a film form, a porous silica impregnated with a lubricant is blended with a synthetic resin base material and then mixed with an ordinary coating solution. General-purpose coating means may be used for coating. For example, various means such as spraying, electrostatic coating, or flow immersion method may be employed. When the porous silica is pre-mixed with the lubricant, if the lubricant has high viscosity, the lubricant hardly infiltrates into the globular porous silica. In this case, the lubricant is diluted with a suitable solvent which can dissolve the lubricant, and the dilute solution is infiltrated into the porous silica and dried gradually to vaporize the solvent so as to impregnate the lubricant into the inside of the porous silica. Alternatively, when the lubricant is lubricating oil, the porous silica is immersed in the lubricating oil and pulled in vacuum to forcibly infiltrate the lubricating oil into the inside of the porous silica. When the lubricant is solid at normal temperature, it is heated at a suitable temperature to be molten and impregnated into the porous silica. Even when the lubricant is liquid at normal temperature, if its viscosity is high, it is heated at a suitable temperature to reduce its viscosity so as to be impregnated into the porous silica. Those methods can be effectively used. A liquid resin such as an unsaturated polyester resin is mixed with an oil-containing globular porous silica, the resultant mixture is impregnated into fabrics, and an assembly of those fabrics may be used as the slide layer. According to the present invention, there can be provided a slide bearing which has high dimensional accuracy and rotational accuracy, rarely attacks a shaft member made of a soft metal and is excellent in mechanical strength and durability. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7642957

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of Invention This invention relates in general to satellite navigation systems and in particular to Global Positioning System (“GPS”) receivers utilizing multiple antennas. 2. Related Art Cellular telephony, including the use of Personal Communication System (“PCS”) devices, has become commonplace. The use of such devices to provide voice, data, and other services, such as Internet access, has provided many conveniences to cellular system users. A current thrust in the cellular and PCS area is the integration of Global Positioning System (“GPS”) technology into cellular telephone devices and other wireless devices to provide satellite navigation. This current interest in integrating GPS with cellular telephony stems from a Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) requirement that cellular telephones be locatable within 50 meters once an emergency call, such as a “911” call (also referred to as Enhanced 911 or “E911”) is placed by a given cellular telephone. This position data assists police, paramedics, and other law enforcement and public service personnel, as well as other agencies that may need or have legal rights to determine the cellular telephone's position. Further, GPS data can be used by the cellular user for directions, location of other locations that the cellular user is trying to locate, determination of relative location of the cellular user to other landmarks, directions for the cellular user via Internet maps or other GPS mapping techniques, etc. Such data can be of use for other than E911 calls, and would be very useful for cellular and PCS subscribers. However, since cellular telephones can travel into areas where GPS signals cannot be reliably received, augmentations to the GPS system are being researched to support the E911 and other GPS/cellular applications. GPS is increasingly being pressed into service in the cellular telephone/PDA/mobile computer application where a solution is required in areas with substantial blockage, such as inside buildings, in subway stations, and other areas where the system RF link budget is difficult to sustain communications with mobile units that travel into hostile signal reception environments such a buildings. FIG. 1is a block diagram of an example GPS Mobile Unit100that is capable of receiving GPS signals102,104,106, and108from a plurality of GPS satellites110,112,114, and116, respectively, in a clear view environment. The GPS Mobile Unit100may include a GPS Receiver118, Antenna120, Frequency Source122, and Position Solution Module124. Generally, the signal Antenna120element is used to receive the signals102,104,106, and108typically emanating from the multiple satellites110,112,114, and116. Examples of the Antenna120element may include, for example, chip antennas, wire antennas, and ceramic patch antennas. The GPS receiver118performs RF amplification, filtering, mixing, digitizing, and individual satellite tracking functions. The resulting GPS measurements126of range, timing, and Doppler etc., are extracted from the GPS receiver118in a manner known to the prior art. These GPS measurements126are then processed by the position solution module124that uses the GPS measurements126to compute user position, velocity, time etc. of the GPS Mobile Unit100. Unfortunately, one limitation of the architecture shown inFIG. 1is that the position solution128availability and accuracy is largely dependent on the received GPS signals130from the single source Antenna120. As an example of the limitations associated with a single antenna, inFIG. 2a system diagram of a GPS Mobile Unit200in a multi-path environment with blockage is shown. The GPS Mobile Unit200may be located within structure202that partially blocks some to the GPS signal204,206,208,210,212, and214from GPS satellites216,218,220, and222, respectively. The structure202, as an example, may be a building, natural or man-made environmental structure (such as a canyon wall or street in a city with tall building). As an example, a single indoor GPS antenna223may receive each GPS satellite216,218,220, and222via multiple paths as the signal reflects from the blockage or possible objects in the structure202. The received multi-path signals may result in constructive or destructive interference, with constructive interference increasing signal power and destructive interference reducing signal power. Generally, when the single GPS antenna223observes destructive multi-path interference (also known as “flat fading”) the resulting signal loss cannot be recovered. Specifically as an example, GPS signals204and208are blocked by part220of the structure202while GPS signals206,210,212, and214are passed into the interior224of the structure202. However, in this example, only GPS signals212and214are directly received by GPS Mobile Unit200while GPS signals206and210are indirectly received by the GPS Mobile Unit200via multi-path GPS signals226and228, respectively, that may be reflected off of an inside wall232of the structure202. Unfortunately, in previous and current teachings the use of multi-path GPS signals for satellite navigation is typically avoided because multi-path GPS signals give less accuracy and in satellite navigation, accuracy was and remains the prime goal. As a result, there is a need for a system and method capable of receiving GPS signals and producing a location for a GPS Mobile Unit in bad propagation conditions where GPS signals are weak and blocked, and short delay, strongly interfering multi-path is dominant. SUMMARY A GPS Mobile Unit is described. The GPS Mobile Unit may include at least two antennas, at least two GPS receivers, and a position solution module in signal communication with the at least two GPS receivers. In this example, each GPS receiver of the at least two GPS receivers is in signal communication with each antenna of the at least two antennas and the position solution module may be configured to receive GPS measurements and quality indicators from the at least two GPS receivers and, in response, determine a GPS location for the GPS Mobile Unit. As an example of operation, the GPS Mobile Unit may perform a method for receiving a plurality of GPS signals, at the GPS Mobile Unit, from a plurality of GPS satellite utilizing at least two antennas and, in response, determining a location for the GPS Mobile Unit. The method may include receiving the plurality of GPS signals with at least two GPS receivers, where each GPS receiver of the at least two GPS receivers is in signal communication with a corresponding antenna of the at least two antennas, and producing GPS measurements and quality indicator information from the received plurality of GPS signals. The method also may include determining the location for the GPS Mobile Unit utilizing the GPS measurements and quality indicator information. Alternatively, the GPS Mobile Unit may include at least two antennas, at least two GPS front-ends, a parallel digital signal acquisition and tracking module in signal communication with the at least two GPS front-ends, and a position solution module in signal communication with the parallel digital signal acquisition and tracking module. The parallel digital signal acquisition and tracking module may be configured to receive digital GPS signals from the at least two GPS front-ends and, in response, produce GPS measurements and quality indicators, and wherein the position solution module may be configured to receive GPS measurements and quality indicators from the parallel digital signal acquisition and tracking module and, in response, determine a GPS location for the GPS Mobile Unit. As an example of operation of this alternative, the GPS Mobile Unit may perform a method for receiving a plurality of GPS signals, at the GPS Mobile Unit, from a plurality of GPS satellite utilizing at least two antennas and, in response, determining a location for the GPS Mobile Unit. The method may include receiving the plurality of GPS signals with at least two GPS front-ends, wherein each GPS front-end of the at least two GPS front-ends is in signal communication with a corresponding antenna of the at least two antennas, and producing GPS measurements and quality indicator information from the received plurality of GPS signals. The method also may include determining the location for the GPS Mobile Unit utilizing the GPS measurements and quality indicator information. Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of Invention This invention relates in general to satellite navigation systems and in particular to Global Positioning System (“GPS”) receivers utilizing multiple antennas. 2. Related Art Cellular telephony, including the use of Personal Communication System (“PCS”) devices, has become commonplace. The use of such devices to provide voice, data, and other services, such as Internet access, has provided many conveniences to cellular system users. A current thrust in the cellular and PCS area is the integration of Global Positioning System (“GPS”) technology into cellular telephone devices and other wireless devices to provide satellite navigation. This current interest in integrating GPS with cellular telephony stems from a Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) requirement that cellular telephones be locatable within 50 meters once an emergency call, such as a “911” call (also referred to as Enhanced 911 or “E911”) is placed by a given cellular telephone. This position data assists police, paramedics, and other law enforcement and public service personnel, as well as other agencies that may need or have legal rights to determine the cellular telephone's position. Further, GPS data can be used by the cellular user for directions, location of other locations that the cellular user is trying to locate, determination of relative location of the cellular user to other landmarks, directions for the cellular user via Internet maps or other GPS mapping techniques, etc. Such data can be of use for other than E911 calls, and would be very useful for cellular and PCS subscribers. However, since cellular telephones can travel into areas where GPS signals cannot be reliably received, augmentations to the GPS system are being researched to support the E911 and other GPS/cellular applications. GPS is increasingly being pressed into service in the cellular telephone/PDA/mobile computer application where a solution is required in areas with substantial blockage, such as inside buildings, in subway stations, and other areas where the system RF link budget is difficult to sustain communications with mobile units that travel into hostile signal reception environments such a buildings. FIG. 1is a block diagram of an example GPS Mobile Unit100that is capable of receiving GPS signals102,104,106, and108from a plurality of GPS satellites110,112,114, and116, respectively, in a clear view environment. The GPS Mobile Unit100may include a GPS Receiver118, Antenna120, Frequency Source122, and Position Solution Module124. Generally, the signal Antenna120element is used to receive the signals102,104,106, and108typically emanating from the multiple satellites110,112,114, and116. Examples of the Antenna120element may include, for example, chip antennas, wire antennas, and ceramic patch antennas. The GPS receiver118performs RF amplification, filtering, mixing, digitizing, and individual satellite tracking functions. The resulting GPS measurements126of range, timing, and Doppler etc., are extracted from the GPS receiver118in a manner known to the prior art. These GPS measurements126are then processed by the position solution module124that uses the GPS measurements126to compute user position, velocity, time etc. of the GPS Mobile Unit100. Unfortunately, one limitation of the architecture shown inFIG. 1is that the position solution128availability and accuracy is largely dependent on the received GPS signals130from the single source Antenna120. As an example of the limitations associated with a single antenna, inFIG. 2a system diagram of a GPS Mobile Unit200in a multi-path environment with blockage is shown. The GPS Mobile Unit200may be located within structure202that partially blocks some to the GPS signal204,206,208,210,212, and214from GPS satellites216,218,220, and222, respectively. The structure202, as an example, may be a building, natural or man-made environmental structure (such as a canyon wall or street in a city with tall building). As an example, a single indoor GPS antenna223may receive each GPS satellite216,218,220, and222via multiple paths as the signal reflects from the blockage or possible objects in the structure202. The received multi-path signals may result in constructive or destructive interference, with constructive interference increasing signal power and destructive interference reducing signal power. Generally, when the single GPS antenna223observes destructive multi-path interference (also known as “flat fading”) the resulting signal loss cannot be recovered. Specifically as an example, GPS signals204and208are blocked by part220of the structure202while GPS signals206,210,212, and214are passed into the interior224of the structure202. However, in this example, only GPS signals212and214are directly received by GPS Mobile Unit200while GPS signals206and210are indirectly received by the GPS Mobile Unit200via multi-path GPS signals226and228, respectively, that may be reflected off of an inside wall232of the structure202. Unfortunately, in previous and current teachings the use of multi-path GPS signals for satellite navigation is typically avoided because multi-path GPS signals give less accuracy and in satellite navigation, accuracy was and remains the prime goal. As a result, there is a need for a system and method capable of receiving GPS signals and producing a location for a GPS Mobile Unit in bad propagation conditions where GPS signals are weak and blocked, and short delay, strongly interfering multi-path is dominant. SUMMARY A GPS Mobile Unit is described. The GPS Mobile Unit may include at least two antennas, at least two GPS receivers, and a position solution module in signal communication with the at least two GPS receivers. In this example, each GPS receiver of the at least two GPS receivers is in signal communication with each antenna of the at least two antennas and the position solution module may be configured to receive GPS measurements and quality indicators from the at least two GPS receivers and, in response, determine a GPS location for the GPS Mobile Unit. As an example of operation, the GPS Mobile Unit may perform a method for receiving a plurality of GPS signals, at the GPS Mobile Unit, from a plurality of GPS satellite utilizing at least two antennas and, in response, determining a location for the GPS Mobile Unit. The method may include receiving the plurality of GPS signals with at least two GPS receivers, where each GPS receiver of the at least two GPS receivers is in signal communication with a corresponding antenna of the at least two antennas, and producing GPS measurements and quality indicator information from the received plurality of GPS signals. The method also may include determining the location for the GPS Mobile Unit utilizing the GPS measurements and quality indicator information. Alternatively, the GPS Mobile Unit may include at least two antennas, at least two GPS front-ends, a parallel digital signal acquisition and tracking module in signal communication with the at least two GPS front-ends, and a position solution module in signal communication with the parallel digital signal acquisition and tracking module. The parallel digital signal acquisition and tracking module may be configured to receive digital GPS signals from the at least two GPS front-ends and, in response, produce GPS measurements and quality indicators, and wherein the position solution module may be configured to receive GPS measurements and quality indicators from the parallel digital signal acquisition and tracking module and, in response, determine a GPS location for the GPS Mobile Unit. As an example of operation of this alternative, the GPS Mobile Unit may perform a method for receiving a plurality of GPS signals, at the GPS Mobile Unit, from a plurality of GPS satellite utilizing at least two antennas and, in response, determining a location for the GPS Mobile Unit. The method may include receiving the plurality of GPS signals with at least two GPS front-ends, wherein each GPS front-end of the at least two GPS front-ends is in signal communication with a corresponding antenna of the at least two antennas, and producing GPS measurements and quality indicator information from the received plurality of GPS signals. The method also may include determining the location for the GPS Mobile Unit utilizing the GPS measurements and quality indicator information. Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7849650

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to fire wall or other fire resistive assembly systems comprising metal framing and lightweight structural cementitious panels, termed here as SCP panels, in residential and commercial construction. The fire walls or other fire resistive assemblies may be horizontal (e.g., ceilings) or vertical (e.g. vertical walls). More particularly, the invention relates to a non-combustible fire wall or other fire resistive assembly system, having panels mechanically or adhesively fastened to steel frame fire wall or other fire resistive assembly systems. If desired the panels provide a shear resistant diaphragm. The system provides the following advantageous performance attributes when used with steel framing: non-combustibility, water durability, mold resistance, high specific strength and stiffness, economy of building design that results in speed of assembly, reduced foundation size due to reduced building weight, and increased ratios of useable building volume for a given building footprint. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A fire wall is a particular class of building construction wall. Section 705 of the 2003 International Building Code, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, states in general that each portion of a building separated by one or more fire walls that comply with the provisions of Section 705 shall be considered a separate building. The extent and location of such fire walls shall provide a complete separation. Where a fire wall also separates groups that are required to be separated by a fire barrier wall, the most restrictive requirements of each separation shall apply. Fire walls located on lot lines shall also comply with Section 503.2 of the 2003 International Building Code. Such fire walls (party walls) shall be constructed without openings. Fire walls shall have sufficient structural stability under fire conditions to allow collapse of construction on either side without collapse of the wall for the duration of time indicated by the required fire-resistance rating. Typical fire resistance ratings are 2 hours, 3 hours or 4 hours. Another class of building wall is termed “fire barriers”. Section 706 of the 2003 International Building Code, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, states in general that fire barriers for separation of shafts (also known as shaft walls), exits, exit passageways, horizontal exits or incidental use areas, to separate different occupancies, to separate a single occupancy into different fire areas, or to separate other areas where a fire barrier is required elsewhere in the 2003 International Building Code or the International Fire Code, shall comply with Section 706 of the 2003 International Building Code. Typical fire resistance ratings for fire barriers are 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours and 4 hours. Local building codes and national standard practices require steps be taken in commercial and residential construction to slow the spread of fire through attics, crawlspaces, and other interior locations. Thus, where a fire wall (also known as an area separation wall or party wall) is specified for commercial or residential construction, materials and constructions are employed to meet these specifications. Fire walls or other fire resistive assemblies may be vertical or horizontal. For example, ceilings and sidewalls of a garage adjacent to the dwelling portion of a residential home are typically fire walls or fire barriers. Residential fire walls or other fire resistive assembly systems meet three structural considerations. First, they form two separate membranes so that, in a fire, one side can collapse without compromising the entire fire barrier. Second, the walls typically have details that insure that if the adjacent structure collapses in a fire, the fire wall will not collapse. Third, the walls are designed for a uniform lateral load of 5 psf to insure lateral stability. Residential fire walls offer important, specialized construction to protect occupants from fire in multifamily townhouses and other attached dwellings. Not only should these assemblies provide rated fire protection, usually 2 hours, but they must also be designed to be structurally stable enough to withstand the collapse of an adjacent structure without losing their integrity as a wall. Masonry has long been considered an acceptable material for residential fire walls because of its hardness and perceived strength. An alternative is comparably fire-rated gypsum drywall assemblies. In addition to the above-discussed International Building Code, two principal code bodies that address the area separation-type fire/party walls are BOCA (See BOCA National Building Code/1990, Section 907.0.)—Building Officials & Code Administrators International Inc. and SBCCI (See SBCCI Standard Building Code/1988 Paragraph 403.5.)—Southern Building Code Congress International. These code bodies identify such assemblies in their codes as either “fire wall,” “party wall” or “townhouse separation wall” or “area separation wall”. Each has essentially the same structural requirement: “Such wall shall be continuous from the foundation to the underside of the roof sheathing . . . [or shall penetrate through the roof as a parapet].” (See BOCA National Building Code/1990, Section 907.0) and “Walls shall have sufficient structural stability under fire conditions to allow collapse of construction on either side without collapse of the wall . . . ” (See SBCCI Standard Building Code/1998 Paragraph 403.5). For additional guidance, a widely accepted reference document is that of the National Concrete Masonry Assn. (NCMA), TEK 95, “Design Details for Concrete Masonry Fire Walls.” This document recommends either a double wall or a single wall laterally supported for stability unless designed as a self-supporting cantilever. The document further states the wall be designed to withstand a uniform lateral load of 5 lb./sq. ft. (See NCMA-TEK 95, “Design Details for Concrete Masonry Fire Walls”). The double wall comprising two separate fire-rated walls is most frequently used in load-bearing situations since the fireside portion of the double wall can collapse with the adjoining structure leaving the opposing fire wall in place. However, the common masonry fire wall configuration separating residential wood-frame construction is the single wall in a non-load bearing mode as a divider between the wood-frame construction on each side. Lateral support can be provided to stabilize the wall at intermediate floors and roofs but the lateral attachment to the structure is designed so that collapse of the fire-side structure will not cause the fire wall to fail. The fire wall is not an impenetrable buttress as many expect, for a 5 lb./sq. ft. lateral design load (the stated recommendation of the NCMA-See NCMA-TEK 95, “Design Details for Concrete Masonry Fire Walls”) is no different than that of a common interior wall. Also, it is noteworthy to recognize that the code does not require resistance to collapse of the adjacent structure into the fire wall but rather that the fire wall remain standing after collapse. A common field construction practices is the use of unreinforced hollow concrete masonry. These masonry fire walls are often cantilevered off the foundation without any lateral support at intermediate floors or roof. As a result they may not meet the required 5 lb./sq. ft. lateral load design when erected to necessary building heights. For instance, at a design load of 5 lb./sq. ft. the wall height capacity of unreinforced hollow 8-in. concrete masonry units (CMUs) is about 10.3 ft. (Calculated. Design assumptions: cantilevered; allowable flexural tensile stress 23 lb./sq. in., increased one-third for wind; 100 lb./cu. ft. hollow block, Section Modules S=81 (8-in. CMU) and 160 (12-in. CMU) per NCMA-TEK 2A, “Sizes and Shapes of Concrete Masonry Units”) when free standing as a cantilever and 18.0 ft. (See NCMA-TEK 63, “Partially Reinforced Concrete Masonry Walls”) when simply supported at roof or intermediate floor. If 12-in. CMUs are used, the heights increase to only 14.7 ft. (Calculated. Design assumptions: cantilevered; allowable flexural tensile stress 23 lb./sq. in., increased one-third for wind; 100 lb./cu. ft. hollow block, Section Modules S=81 (8-in. CMU) and 160 (12-in. CMU) per NCMA-TEK 2A, “Sizes and Shapes of Concrete Masonry Units”) and 25.4 ft. (See NCMA-TEK 95, “Design Details for Concrete Masonry Fire Walls”) respectively. See Maurice J. Marchello,Gypsum Fire Wall's Efficiency Gives it Performance Edge, Form and Function, Issue 3 (1990) (also available at http://www.usg.com/Design_Solutions/2—2—8_separationwall.asp). A masonry cavity fire wall is described in Technical Notes 21, Brick Masonry Cavity Walls, Technical Notes on Brick Construction, Brick Industry Association, Reston, Va. (August 1998).FIG. 1shows an embodiment of such a cavity wall1. Brick masonry cavity walls have two wythes of masonry separated by an air space connected by corrosion-resistant metal ties. The exterior masonry wythe4can be solid or hollow brick, while the interior masonry wythe2(shown as cinderblock) can be solid brick, hollow brick, structural clay tile, or hollow or solid concrete masonry units. The selection for each wythe depends on the required wall properties and features. A cavity of a spacing SS of 2 to 4½ in. (50 to 114 mm) between the two wythes2,4may be either insulated (rigid board insulation3shown) or left as an air space. A clearance of a minimum distance S of 1 inch (2.5 mm) is provided between the rigid board insulation3and outer wythe4. The interior surface of the cavity wall1may be left exposed or finished in conventional ways. The outer wythe4may be provided with weep holes6. Flashing7may also be provided. Some parts of the country use the term “reinforced cavity walls” to denote a multi-wythe masonry wall with grout placed between the wythes. This should actually be considered a multi-wythe grouted masonry wall. Since the definition of a cavity wall includes an air space, this type of wall is not truly a cavity wall. Fire resistance ratings of brick masonry cavity walls range from 2 to 4 hours, depending upon the wall thickness and other factors. Due to their high fire resistance properties, brick walls are useful as fire walls or building separation walls for compartmentation in buildings. By using compartmentation, the spread of fire can be halted.Technical Notes16, Fire Resistance Cavity Walls, Technical Notes on Brick Construction, Brick Industry Association, Reston, Va. (April 2002) describes fire ratings and applicable design conditions. Some important ASTM standards to understand are ASTM E-119 and C-36. ASTM E 119, Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials, is the test standard that provides the hourly resistance ratings for wall, floors, roofs, beams, and columns based on adherence of fire exposure to a time-temperature curve. ASTM E-119 is a fire testing method in which an assembly must resist the fire exposure described for the desired classification time without passage of flame or gases hot enough to ignite cotton waste on the non-fire side. The method also entails a specific temperature rise during the test and a second partition specimen that must resist the effects of a hose stream after a fire test of one-half the time duration of the first test. Under E-119, wall and partitions having a fire rating of one hour or more must also be subjected to a hose stream test. The hose stream test has nothing to do with fire fighting practices or strategies. It is actually a convenient way to measure an assembly's ability to withstand lateral impact from falling debris during the fire endurance period and before active fire suppression efforts begin. ASTM C-36 defines the standards for gypsum board (the product rather than a system containing gypsum board). The C-36 standard entails a variety of product standards that the product must be tested to meet, including composition of various types of gypsum board, flexural strength, humidified deflection, hardness, nail-pull resistance and dimensions. Although the only fire-related characteristics regular core gypsum board must have in ASTM C-36 are a noncombustible core and a maximum flame spread classification of 25, type “X” board, referred to as “special fire-resistant,” must meet specific fire-resistance standards. To meet the ASTM C-36 standard for ½-in. type ‘X’ board, an assembly using the ½-in. type ‘X’ board on both sides of a load-bearing wood-stud wall must withstand an ASTM E-119 method fire test for 45 minutes. To meet the standard for ⅝-in. type “X” board, a similar assembly with ⅝-in. type “X” board must withstand a similar fire test for 1 hour. Fire walls may be load bearing or non-load bearing. Unless otherwise noted, a load bearing wall is tested with a constant superimposed load applied to the specimen throughout the fire test to simulate 78% or more of the maximum allowable design load per the Fire Resistance Design Manual—Gypsum Systems, 17th edition, p. 8 Gypsum Association (2003). An alternative way of determining the fire resistance of a cavity wall assembly is by using the calculated fire resistance method. This approach is approved by the model building codes for determining fire ratings of walls that are not physically tested by ASTM E 119 Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials. The fire rating of cavity walls can be calculated usingTechnical Notes16B, Calculated Fire Resistance, Technical Notes on Brick Construction, Brick Industry Association, Reston, Va. [June 1991] (Reissued August 1991) Masonry walls, while having good fire resistance, are heavy. An alternative to masonry construction is to construct fire walls by fastening flat modular units from wood or metal trusses or stud walls. U.S. Pat. No. 6,226,946 to Stough et al. discloses the modular units, typically fire-rated gypsum board, are abutted edge to edge, and provide a barrier to flame and fire-fighting water. Typically gaps or seams between individual modules are covered to reduce the rate of flame and water penetration through the fire wall. Two different area separation systems employing gypsum board are cavity-type USG Area Separation and solid-type USG Area Separation Walls. Cavity-type area separation walls are used as commonly shared party walls and fire barriers with non-load-bearing framing. They consist of USG Steel C-H Studs and 1-in. SHEETROCK® Brand Gypsum Liner Panels set in USG Steel C-Runners and faced both sides with ½-in. SHEETROCK® Brand Gypsum Panels, FIRECODE C Core. The solid system is built with two 1-in. SHEETROCK® Brand Gypsum Liner Panels installed vertically between 2-in. steel H-studs and C-runners. For sound attenuation and added fire protection, THERMAFIBER SAFB insulation can be added to both area separation wall systems. Both systems function the same way. The fire resistant gypsum panels provide 2-hr. fire-rated performance (3-hr. rated USG Area Separation Walls systems are also available). The steel studs holding the gypsum panels are attached to the unit's wood framing using aluminum angle clips. When exposed to fire, these “break away” clips melt and break on the exposed side, allowing the burning wood frame to fall away. The fire barrier remains intact to protect adjacent units. Break away fasteners, for example break away clips, are fasteners which attach fire walls (or fire barriers) to adjacent structures so that, in the event of a fire in the adjacent structure, the adjacent structure can fall away from the fire wall while the fire wall maintains its structural integrity throughout the fire. Likewise, commercial construction employs fire walls. For example, a basic system has 25-ga., 2-½-in, deep USG Steel C-H Studs, 1-in. SHEETROCK Brand Gypsum Liner Panels (which engage the flanges of the C-H studs) and two layers of ½-in. SHEETROCK Brand Gypsum Panels, FIRECODE C Core. IMPERIAL FIRECODE C Gypsum Panels can be used in place of the SHEETROCK Brand Panels if a veneer plaster finish is desired. The assembly of the system with the stud-flanges engaging the shaft wall liner panels is progressive and permits the entire assembly to be installed from the floor side of the shaft. This basic system is UL classified (UL Designs U 438, U459, U467, U469). The USG Cavity Shaft Walls are covered by all three model building codes (BOCA, ICBO and SBCCI) under National Evaluation Report NER-258. The system has been designed and tested using accepted engineering practices with deflection criteria of L120, L240 and L/360 clear partition heights. Additionally, limiting height tables for the system account for flexural and shear forces. Variations of the system have been fire tested up to 4 hours, including four UL design listings up to 2 hrs. Over the years the system has evolved. An original shaft wall system employed a solid gypsum wall using a steel H-stud. The next generation had a cavity created by using a steel box “T” stud. The next generation system uses a steel C-H stud that is lighter in weight and permits less heat and sound transmission than the previous type stud did. U.S. Pat. No. 6,694,695 to Collins et al. discloses that, while wooden studs are formed of solid wood, typically having nominal cross section dimensions of two inches by four inches, the much greater structural strength of metal, such as twenty-gauge galvanized steel allows building studs to be employed which are not solid, but rather are hollow and have a channel or “C-shaped” cross section. To conform to the architectural plans and building materials developed over the years based on the use of wooden studs having specific cross sectional dimensions, commercially available metal studs are constructed with the same outer dimensions in which wooden studs have been manufactured for many years. Specifically, metal studs are typically formed of sheet metal bent to encompass a cross sectional area having nominal dimensions of two inches by four inches. For ease of fabrication the metal studs are formed of sheet metal bent into a generally “U-shaped” cross section and in which a relatively broad central web is flanked by a pair of narrower sides that are bent at right angles to the web or base. The web typically has a uniform nominal width of either four inches or three and one half inches, and the sides of the U-shaped stud typically extend a nominal distance of two inches from the web. To enhance structural rigidity the edges of the sides of the metal stud are normally bent over into a plane parallel to and spaced from the plane of the web. These turned over edges of the side walls thereby form marginal lips which are typically one quarter to one half an inch in width. The finished stud therefore has a generally “C-shaped” cross section. The overhead beams that extend along the tops of the studs in interior building wall construction have a U-shaped configuration. They are each formed with a horizontally disposed web from which a pair of side walls depend vertically on opposite sides of the web. The side walls embrace the sides of the vertical studs so that the upper extremities of the studs extend perpendicular into the concave, downwardly facing channel formed by the overhead beam. The spacing of the studs along the length of the beam is typically either sixteen or twenty-four inches. One type of fire wall for commercial structures is known as an area separation fire wall/party wall system. USG Area Separation Fire Walls/Party Walls are used for constructing common walls with fire-resistive protection for adjacent properties. These lightweight, non-load-bearing gypsum drywall assemblies are designed as vertical fire barriers for fire walls and party walls separating occupancies in wood-frame apartments and townhouses. Large-size gypsum panels used in conjunction with steel studs and runners quickly become thin, space-saving walls offering excellent privacy. Available in two basic systems both providing fire-resistant walls from ground level to roof: Solid Type, with independently framed interior gypsum panel surfaces both sides of fire wall or party wall. Cavity Type, with integral interior gypsum panel surfaces for commonly shared party walls between apartments. Solid-Type wall has two 1″ thick SHEETROCK Brand Gypsum Liner Panels installed vertically between 2″ USG Steel C-Runners. Panel edges are inserted in 2″ USG Steel H-Studs spaced 24″ on center C-runners are installed at top and bottom of wall and back-to-back between vertical panels at a convenient height above each intermediate floor. H-Studs are attached on both sides to adjacent wood framing at intermediate floors, the bottom chords of attic trusses, and at the roof line with 0.063″ USG aluminum angle clips designed to break away when exposed to fire, thus permitting a fire-damaged structure to fall while the fire barrier remains intact. These USG aluminum break away clips are screw attached to studs and framing. With aluminum angle clips attached on both sides of 25 gauge H-studs, the assemblies are suitable for spans (between clip angle supports) up to 10′ under 5 psf lateral load without exceeding L/240 allowable deflection (for walls with exterior exposure, see section 3.4 of the specification). With 2″ THERMAFIBER Sound Attenuation Fire Blankets (SAFB) stapled each side of liner panels, the assembly has obtained a 3 hr. fire resistance rating allowing separate selection and construction of tenant walls. Cavity-Type Wall consists of steel C-H Studs and SHEETROCK Brand Gypsum Liner Panels set in steel runners and faced both sides with SHEETROCK Brand Gypsum Panels, Water-Resistant, FIRECODE C Core. Liner panels, 1″ thick, are erected vertically with ends set into 2-½″ USG C-Runners and edges inserted into specially formed 2-½″ USG Steel C-H Studs. C-runners are installed singly at top and bottom of wall and back-to-back between vertical liner panels on a line above each intermediate floor, the bottom chords of attic trusses, and at roof line. Aluminum clips, which attach the C-H Studs on both sides to adjacent wood framing, break away in the same fashion as with solid-type walls. To improve sound transmission loss, THERMAFIBER SAFB are inserted in the stud cavity and RC-1 Resilient Channels or equivalent may be used to isolate the face layer on the cavity side. With aluminum angle clips attached on both sides of 212CH25 steel studs, the assemblies are suitable for spans (between clip angle supports) up to 10′ under 5 psf lateral load without exceeding L/240 allowable deflection (for walls with exterior exposure see section 3.4 of the specification). Components used in these systems are designed to permit temporary exposure to inclement weather during construction. These systems may be used in buildings up to four stories high (44 feet) and with all common floor-ceiling heights found in multi-family housing. Current USG Area separation wall systems are described in USG publication SA925 09250, Fire Wall/Party Wall area separation wall systems, a copy of which is APPENDIX I of U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/646,996 and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Another important type of fire resistive structure is a shaft wall. Shaft walls are wall that enclose elevator shafts and other vertical shafts in a building. Should a fire occur, firefighters control the use of elevators while the stairwells provide the only means for occupant egress or rescue within a building. These walls must have the strength to withstand lateral loads and provide fire protection. A current shaft wall system is the USG SHEETROCK brand Cavity Shaft wall system. It provides up to 4-hour fire resistance and sound ratings up to 52 STC. It resists intermittent lateral loads and fatigue under cyclic lateral loading which is caused by elevators moving in the shaft. The assemblies are constructed of SHEETROCK brand gypsum liner panels friction fitted into USG SHEETROCK brand C-H studs in a progressive manner with SHEETROCK brand gypsum panels applied to the face. Typical shaft walls in a building include elevator shafts, stairwells, mechanical shafts (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, etc.), horizontal membranes or metal duct enclosures, and air return shafts (unlines). Additional information on current USG shaft wall systems is provided by USG publication SA926 09250 Shaft Wall Systems, a copy of which is APPENDIX II of U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/646,996 and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. U.S. Pat. No. 6,620,487 to Tonyan et al., incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, discloses a reinforced, lightweight, dimensionally stable structural cement panel (SCP) capable of resisting shear loads when fastened to framing equal to or exceeding shear loads provided by plywood or oriented strand board panels. The panels employ a core of a continuous phase resulting from the curing of an aqueous mixture of calcium sulfate alpha hemihydrate, hydraulic cement, an active pozzolan and lime, the continuous phase being reinforced with alkali-resistant glass fibers and containing ceramic microspheres, or a blend of ceramic and polymer microspheres, or being formed from an aqueous mixture having a weight ratio of water-to-reactive powder of 0.6/1 to 0.7/1 or a combination thereof. At least one outer surface of the panels may include a cured continuous phase reinforced with glass fibers and containing sufficient polymer spheres to improve nailability or made with a water-to-reactive powders ratio to provide an effect similar to polymer spheres, or a combination thereof. However, U.S. Pat. No. 6,620,487 contains no teaching to specifically employ these shear panels in a fire wall system. U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,815 to Bonen, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, also discloses formulations useful for SCP panels. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/666,294, incorporated herein by reference, discloses a multi-layer process for producing structural cementitious panels (SCP's or SCP panels), and SCP's produced by such a process. After one of an initial deposition of loosely distributed, chopped fibers or a layer of slurry upon a moving web, fibers are deposited upon the slurry layer. An embedment device mixes the recently deposited fibers into the slurry, after which additional layers of slurry, then chopped fibers are added, followed by more embedment. The process is repeated for each layer of the board, as desired. There is a need for an improved economical, easy to assemble, durable and non-combustible total fire wall system. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a fire wall or other fire resistive assembly system (fire barriers) for residential and light commercial construction including a metal frame and lightweight structural cementitious panel (SCP). This lightweight SCP panel is made from a mixture of inorganic binder and lightweight fillers. The present inventors have discovered that replacing typical fire-rated gypsum board with this selected SCP panel results in fire walls of increased strength and resistance to shear. This, for example, results in a fire wall better able to withstand forces exerted by water from a fire hose. The fire wall systems of the present invention are also suitable to make load bearing fire walls. Typical fire resistance ratings for fire walls are 2 hours, 3 hours and 4 hours. Typical fire resistance ratings for fire barriers are 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours and 4 hours. In particular the present invention relates to SCP panels, mechanically and/or adhesively fastened to a fire wall or other fire resistive assembly light gauge cold formed metal framing system, which acts as a shear resistant diaphragm. Selecting a combination of a metal frame with SCP panels achieves a synergy of a completely non-combustible fire wall having shear resistance and water durability. By a fully non-combustible shear diaphragm on light gauge cold rolled (cold formed) metal frame is meant a system in which all elements pass ASTM E-136. For example, the fire wall system may include SCP panels employed with a metal framing system employing any standard light-gauge steel C-channels, U-channels, I-beams, square tubing, and light-gauge prefabricated building sections. As the thickness of the board affects its physical and mechanical properties, e.g., weight, load carrying capacity, racking strength and the like, the desired properties vary according to the thickness of the board. Thus, the desired properties which a shear rated panel with a nominal thickness of 0.5 inches (12.7 mm) should meet include the following. The SCP panel when tested according to ASTM 661 and American Plywood Association (APA) Test Method S-1 over a span of 16 inches (406.4 mm) on centers, should have an ultimate load capacity greater than 550 lbs (250 kg) under static loading, an ultimate load capacity greater than 400 lbs (182 kg) under impact loading and a deflection of less than 0.078 inches (1.98 mm) under both static and impact loading with a 200 lb (90.9 kg) load. For use in fire wall or other fire resistive assembly system construction that also provide shear walls, SCP panels should meet building code standards for shear resistance, load capacity, water-induced expansion and resistance to combustion, as measured by recognized tests, such as ASTM E72, ASTM 661, and ASTM C 1185 or equivalent, as applied to structural plywood sheets. SCP panels are also tested under ASTM E-136 for non-combustibility—plywood does not meet this test. The nominal racking shear strength of a 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) thick panel measured by the ASTM E72 test using the nail size and spacing described above should be at least 200 lbs/ft (about 300 kg/m), typically at least 720 lbs/ft (1072 kg/m). A 4×8 ft, ½ inch thick panel (1.22×2.4 m, 12.7 mm thick) should weigh no more than 104 lbs (47 kg) and preferably no more than about 96 or 85 lbs (about 44 or 39 kg). The panel should be capable of being cut with the circular saws used to cut wood. The panel should be capable of being fastened to framing with nails or screws. The panel should be machinable so that tongue and groove edges can be produced in the panel. The panel should be dimensionally stable when exposed to water, i.e., it should expand as little as possible, preferably less than 0.1% as measured by ASTM C 1185. The panel should not be biodegradable or subject to attack by insects or rot. The panel should provide a bondable substrate for exterior finish systems. The panel should be non-combustible as determined by ASTM E136. After curing for 28 days, the flexural strength of a 0.75 inch (19. mm) thick SCP panel having a dry density of 65 lb/ft3(1041 kg/m3) to 90 lb/ft3(1442 kg/m3) or 65 lb/ft3(1041 kg/m3) to 95 lb/ft3(1522 kg/m3) after being soaked in water for 48 hours should be at least 1000 psi (7 MPa), e.g. at least 1300 psi (9 MPa) preferably at least 1650 psi (11.4 MPa), more preferably at least 1700 psi (11.7 MPa), as measured by ASTM C 947. The panel should retain at least 75% of its dry strength. When used for walls, the nominal racking shear strength of a 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) thick panel measured by the ASTM E72 test using the appropriate metal studs, fastener, stud spacing and fastener spacing typically is at least 720 lbs per lineal foot (1072 kg per lineal meter). The present SCP vertical wall diaphragm may have a higher specific racking shear strength and stiffness than a shear wall system of load bearing masonry. Specific racking shear strength is defined as the unit weight of a shear wall system in lbs/sq. ft. to satisfy a particular racking shear requirement (in lbs/linear foot). For a given nominal wall racking shear strength specification, in the range between 200-1200 plf for a given wall thickness, the specific nominal wall racking shear strength of an SCP sheathed shear wall will be greater than a masonry shear wall of the same nominal thickness that meets the same racking shear requirement. For example, for a shear wall with a nominal thickness of 4″, an SCP/steel frame shear wall will weigh approximately 4 psf. A 4″ nominal thickness masonry wall (using lightweight CMU) will weigh approximately 30 psf. As a result, for a 4″ wall with a nominal racking shear strength requirement of 700 plf, the specific wall racking strength of the SCP is 175 plf/psf, the specific wall racking strength of the CMU wall is 23.3 plf/psf. The specific wall racking strength advantage of the SCP wall versus CMU is true over the full, range of racking strengths considered (200-1200 plf nominal) and for wall thicknesses of 4″ to 12″. The present system having a vertical shear diaphragm on light gauge cold rolled metal frame also is typically water durable. Preferably the vertical shear diaphragm load carrying capacity of a system of the present invention will not be lessened by more than 25% (more preferably will not be lessened by more than 20%) when exposed to water in a test wherein a 2 inch head of water is maintained over a horizontally oriented diaphragm of ¾ inch thick SCP panels fastened on a 10 foot by 20 foot metal frame for a period of 24 hours. In this test, the 2 inch head is maintained by checking, and replenishing water, at 15 minute intervals. Then the system is reoriented vertically and the vertical shear diaphragm load carrying capacity of the system is measured. Preferably the system of the present invention will not absorb more than 0.7 pounds per square foot of water when exposed to water in a test wherein a 2 inch head of water is maintained over ¾ inch thick SCP panels fastened on a 10 foot by 20 foot metal frame for a period of 24 hours. In this test, the 2 inch head is maintained by checking, and replenishing water, at 15 minute intervals. Also, combining non-combustible SCP panels with metal framing results in an entire system that resists swelling due to moisture. Preferably in the system of the present invention a 10 foot wide by 20 foot long by ¾ inch thick diaphragm of the SCP panels attached to a 10 foot by 20 foot metal frame will not swell more than 5% when exposed to a 2 inch head of water maintained over the SCP panels fastened on the metal frame for a period of 24 hours. In this test, the 2 inch head is maintained by checking, and replenishing water, at 15 minute intervals. Also, the present fire wall or other fire resistive assembly system of a diaphragm of SCP panel on metal frame leads to a mold and mildew resistant fire wall or other fire resistive assembly system. Preferably every component of the system of the present invention meets ASTM G-21 in which the system achieves approximately a rating of 1 and meets ASTM D-3273 in which the system achieves approximately a rating of 10. Preferably the system of the present invention supports substantially zero bacteria growth when clean. Another preferred attribute of the present fire wall or other fire resistive assembly system of a diaphragm of SCP panel on metal frame is that preferably it is inedible to termites. A potential advantage of the present system is that, due to its being lightweight and strong, the present fire wall or other fire resistive assembly system of a vertical diaphragm of ¾ inch thick SCP panel (or ½ inch thick SCP panel) on metal frame reduces foundation size due to reduced building weight. The lightweight nature of this system typically avoids the dead load associated with masonry systems. Less dead load also allows building comparable size structures on less stable soil possessing relatively low bearing capacities. Building codes and design standards contain minimum thickness requirements for masonry shear walls. The minimum nominal thickness for masonry (CMU) shear walls in a one story building is 6 inches. The minimum thickness of masonry shear walls (CMU) for buildings more than 1 story is 8 inches. SCP with steel framing shear walls do not have a similar minimum requirement, and can be designed per established engineering principles at thicknesses of less than 8 inches for multi-story buildings, and at thicknesses of less than 6 inches for single story buildings. Using a 6 inch thick SCP/steel frame shear wall to replace an 8 inch thick masonry shear wall can result in a significant increase in useable building volume. Typical compositions for embodiments of panels of the present invention which achieve the combination of low density, improved flexural strength, and nailability/cuttability comprise inorganic binder (examples—gypsum-cement, Portland cement or other hydraulic cements) having, distributed throughout the full thickness of the panel, selected glass fibers, lightweight fillers (examples—hollow glass microspheres, hollow ceramic microspheres and/or perlite uniformly), and superplasticizer/high-range water reducing admixtures (examples—polynapthalene sulfonates, poly acrylates, etc.). The system of the present invention may employ single layer or multi-layer SCP panels. In the multi-layer SCP panel the layers may be the same or different. For example, the SCP panel may have an inner layer of a continuous phase and at least one outer layer of a continuous phase on each opposed side of the inner layer, wherein at least one outer layer on each opposed side of the inner layer has a higher percentage of glass fibers than the inner layer. This has the ability to stiffen, strengthen and toughen the panel. A typical panel is made from a mixture of water and inorganic binder with the selected glass fibers, lightweight ceramic microspheres and superplasticizer throughout the mixture. Other additives such as accelerating and retarding admixtures, viscosity control additives may optionally be added to the mixture to meet the demands of the manufacturing process involved. A single or multi layer panel may also be provided with a sheet of mesh, e.g., fiber glass mesh if desired. In embodiments having multiple (two or more) layers, the composition of the layers may be the same or different. For example, a multi-layer panel structure may be created to contain at least one outer layer having improved nailability and cutability. This is provided by using a higher water-to-reactive powder (defined below) ratio in making the outer layer(s) relative to the core of the panel. A small thickness of the skin coupled with a small dosage of polymer content may improve the nailability without necessarily failing the non-combustibility test. Of course, high dosages of polymer content would lead to failure of the product in the non-combustibility test. In another multi-layer configuration, the SCP panel may have an inner layer of a continuous phase and at least one outer layer of a continuous phase on each opposed side of the inner layer, wherein at least one outer layer on each opposed side of the inner layer has a higher percentage of glass fibers than the inner layer. This has the ability to stiffen, strengthen and toughen the panel. The glass fibers can be used alone or in combination with other types of non-combustible fibers such as steel fibers. The SCP panels may be connected to the framing studs mechanically or by adhesive. Connecting the SCP panels to the studs may achieve a composite action such that the studs and panels work together to carry greater loads. In its method respects, the present invention comprises a method of making the non-combustible fire wall or other fire resistive assembly system of the present invention, comprising placing the SCP panel on metal framing elements in a fire wall location. The present invention also has an unexpected advantage in cold weather performance. Conventional cementitious panels can be brittle in cold weather. Thus, installing such panels in cold weather would require careful handling by the construction workers during installation. However, in the present system the SCP panels can preferably withstand being installed on metal framing elements when the ambient temperature is less than 32 degrees F. (0 degrees C.), or even less than 20 degrees F. (minus 7.5 degrees C.). This is a very significant advantage because it facilitates building in harsh climates in winter thus increasing builder productivity. The present SCP panels can preferably withstand being subjected to normal rough treatment during installation at these cold temperatures. For instance, at these cold temperatures placing the SCP panel may include a step of dropping the panel such that at least one end of the panel falls in free fall at least 2 feet, preferably at least 3 feet, e.g., 3 to 6 feet or 3 to 4 feet, without cracking.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to fire wall or other fire resistive assembly systems comprising metal framing and lightweight structural cementitious panels, termed here as SCP panels, in residential and commercial construction. The fire walls or other fire resistive assemblies may be horizontal (e.g., ceilings) or vertical (e.g. vertical walls). More particularly, the invention relates to a non-combustible fire wall or other fire resistive assembly system, having panels mechanically or adhesively fastened to steel frame fire wall or other fire resistive assembly systems. If desired the panels provide a shear resistant diaphragm. The system provides the following advantageous performance attributes when used with steel framing: non-combustibility, water durability, mold resistance, high specific strength and stiffness, economy of building design that results in speed of assembly, reduced foundation size due to reduced building weight, and increased ratios of useable building volume for a given building footprint. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A fire wall is a particular class of building construction wall. Section 705 of the 2003 International Building Code, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, states in general that each portion of a building separated by one or more fire walls that comply with the provisions of Section 705 shall be considered a separate building. The extent and location of such fire walls shall provide a complete separation. Where a fire wall also separates groups that are required to be separated by a fire barrier wall, the most restrictive requirements of each separation shall apply. Fire walls located on lot lines shall also comply with Section 503.2 of the 2003 International Building Code. Such fire walls (party walls) shall be constructed without openings. Fire walls shall have sufficient structural stability under fire conditions to allow collapse of construction on either side without collapse of the wall for the duration of time indicated by the required fire-resistance rating. Typical fire resistance ratings are 2 hours, 3 hours or 4 hours. Another class of building wall is termed “fire barriers”. Section 706 of the 2003 International Building Code, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, states in general that fire barriers for separation of shafts (also known as shaft walls), exits, exit passageways, horizontal exits or incidental use areas, to separate different occupancies, to separate a single occupancy into different fire areas, or to separate other areas where a fire barrier is required elsewhere in the 2003 International Building Code or the International Fire Code, shall comply with Section 706 of the 2003 International Building Code. Typical fire resistance ratings for fire barriers are 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours and 4 hours. Local building codes and national standard practices require steps be taken in commercial and residential construction to slow the spread of fire through attics, crawlspaces, and other interior locations. Thus, where a fire wall (also known as an area separation wall or party wall) is specified for commercial or residential construction, materials and constructions are employed to meet these specifications. Fire walls or other fire resistive assemblies may be vertical or horizontal. For example, ceilings and sidewalls of a garage adjacent to the dwelling portion of a residential home are typically fire walls or fire barriers. Residential fire walls or other fire resistive assembly systems meet three structural considerations. First, they form two separate membranes so that, in a fire, one side can collapse without compromising the entire fire barrier. Second, the walls typically have details that insure that if the adjacent structure collapses in a fire, the fire wall will not collapse. Third, the walls are designed for a uniform lateral load of 5 psf to insure lateral stability. Residential fire walls offer important, specialized construction to protect occupants from fire in multifamily townhouses and other attached dwellings. Not only should these assemblies provide rated fire protection, usually 2 hours, but they must also be designed to be structurally stable enough to withstand the collapse of an adjacent structure without losing their integrity as a wall. Masonry has long been considered an acceptable material for residential fire walls because of its hardness and perceived strength. An alternative is comparably fire-rated gypsum drywall assemblies. In addition to the above-discussed International Building Code, two principal code bodies that address the area separation-type fire/party walls are BOCA (See BOCA National Building Code/1990, Section 907.0.)—Building Officials & Code Administrators International Inc. and SBCCI (See SBCCI Standard Building Code/1988 Paragraph 403.5.)—Southern Building Code Congress International. These code bodies identify such assemblies in their codes as either “fire wall,” “party wall” or “townhouse separation wall” or “area separation wall”. Each has essentially the same structural requirement: “Such wall shall be continuous from the foundation to the underside of the roof sheathing . . . [or shall penetrate through the roof as a parapet].” (See BOCA National Building Code/1990, Section 907.0) and “Walls shall have sufficient structural stability under fire conditions to allow collapse of construction on either side without collapse of the wall . . . ” (See SBCCI Standard Building Code/1998 Paragraph 403.5). For additional guidance, a widely accepted reference document is that of the National Concrete Masonry Assn. (NCMA), TEK 95, “Design Details for Concrete Masonry Fire Walls.” This document recommends either a double wall or a single wall laterally supported for stability unless designed as a self-supporting cantilever. The document further states the wall be designed to withstand a uniform lateral load of 5 lb./sq. ft. (See NCMA-TEK 95, “Design Details for Concrete Masonry Fire Walls”). The double wall comprising two separate fire-rated walls is most frequently used in load-bearing situations since the fireside portion of the double wall can collapse with the adjoining structure leaving the opposing fire wall in place. However, the common masonry fire wall configuration separating residential wood-frame construction is the single wall in a non-load bearing mode as a divider between the wood-frame construction on each side. Lateral support can be provided to stabilize the wall at intermediate floors and roofs but the lateral attachment to the structure is designed so that collapse of the fire-side structure will not cause the fire wall to fail. The fire wall is not an impenetrable buttress as many expect, for a 5 lb./sq. ft. lateral design load (the stated recommendation of the NCMA-See NCMA-TEK 95, “Design Details for Concrete Masonry Fire Walls”) is no different than that of a common interior wall. Also, it is noteworthy to recognize that the code does not require resistance to collapse of the adjacent structure into the fire wall but rather that the fire wall remain standing after collapse. A common field construction practices is the use of unreinforced hollow concrete masonry. These masonry fire walls are often cantilevered off the foundation without any lateral support at intermediate floors or roof. As a result they may not meet the required 5 lb./sq. ft. lateral load design when erected to necessary building heights. For instance, at a design load of 5 lb./sq. ft. the wall height capacity of unreinforced hollow 8-in. concrete masonry units (CMUs) is about 10.3 ft. (Calculated. Design assumptions: cantilevered; allowable flexural tensile stress 23 lb./sq. in., increased one-third for wind; 100 lb./cu. ft. hollow block, Section Modules S=81 (8-in. CMU) and 160 (12-in. CMU) per NCMA-TEK 2A, “Sizes and Shapes of Concrete Masonry Units”) when free standing as a cantilever and 18.0 ft. (See NCMA-TEK 63, “Partially Reinforced Concrete Masonry Walls”) when simply supported at roof or intermediate floor. If 12-in. CMUs are used, the heights increase to only 14.7 ft. (Calculated. Design assumptions: cantilevered; allowable flexural tensile stress 23 lb./sq. in., increased one-third for wind; 100 lb./cu. ft. hollow block, Section Modules S=81 (8-in. CMU) and 160 (12-in. CMU) per NCMA-TEK 2A, “Sizes and Shapes of Concrete Masonry Units”) and 25.4 ft. (See NCMA-TEK 95, “Design Details for Concrete Masonry Fire Walls”) respectively. See Maurice J. Marchello,Gypsum Fire Wall's Efficiency Gives it Performance Edge, Form and Function, Issue 3 (1990) (also available at http://www.usg.com/Design_Solutions/2—2—8_separationwall.asp). A masonry cavity fire wall is described in Technical Notes 21, Brick Masonry Cavity Walls, Technical Notes on Brick Construction, Brick Industry Association, Reston, Va. (August 1998).FIG. 1shows an embodiment of such a cavity wall1. Brick masonry cavity walls have two wythes of masonry separated by an air space connected by corrosion-resistant metal ties. The exterior masonry wythe4can be solid or hollow brick, while the interior masonry wythe2(shown as cinderblock) can be solid brick, hollow brick, structural clay tile, or hollow or solid concrete masonry units. The selection for each wythe depends on the required wall properties and features. A cavity of a spacing SS of 2 to 4½ in. (50 to 114 mm) between the two wythes2,4may be either insulated (rigid board insulation3shown) or left as an air space. A clearance of a minimum distance S of 1 inch (2.5 mm) is provided between the rigid board insulation3and outer wythe4. The interior surface of the cavity wall1may be left exposed or finished in conventional ways. The outer wythe4may be provided with weep holes6. Flashing7may also be provided. Some parts of the country use the term “reinforced cavity walls” to denote a multi-wythe masonry wall with grout placed between the wythes. This should actually be considered a multi-wythe grouted masonry wall. Since the definition of a cavity wall includes an air space, this type of wall is not truly a cavity wall. Fire resistance ratings of brick masonry cavity walls range from 2 to 4 hours, depending upon the wall thickness and other factors. Due to their high fire resistance properties, brick walls are useful as fire walls or building separation walls for compartmentation in buildings. By using compartmentation, the spread of fire can be halted.Technical Notes16, Fire Resistance Cavity Walls, Technical Notes on Brick Construction, Brick Industry Association, Reston, Va. (April 2002) describes fire ratings and applicable design conditions. Some important ASTM standards to understand are ASTM E-119 and C-36. ASTM E 119, Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials, is the test standard that provides the hourly resistance ratings for wall, floors, roofs, beams, and columns based on adherence of fire exposure to a time-temperature curve. ASTM E-119 is a fire testing method in which an assembly must resist the fire exposure described for the desired classification time without passage of flame or gases hot enough to ignite cotton waste on the non-fire side. The method also entails a specific temperature rise during the test and a second partition specimen that must resist the effects of a hose stream after a fire test of one-half the time duration of the first test. Under E-119, wall and partitions having a fire rating of one hour or more must also be subjected to a hose stream test. The hose stream test has nothing to do with fire fighting practices or strategies. It is actually a convenient way to measure an assembly's ability to withstand lateral impact from falling debris during the fire endurance period and before active fire suppression efforts begin. ASTM C-36 defines the standards for gypsum board (the product rather than a system containing gypsum board). The C-36 standard entails a variety of product standards that the product must be tested to meet, including composition of various types of gypsum board, flexural strength, humidified deflection, hardness, nail-pull resistance and dimensions. Although the only fire-related characteristics regular core gypsum board must have in ASTM C-36 are a noncombustible core and a maximum flame spread classification of 25, type “X” board, referred to as “special fire-resistant,” must meet specific fire-resistance standards. To meet the ASTM C-36 standard for ½-in. type ‘X’ board, an assembly using the ½-in. type ‘X’ board on both sides of a load-bearing wood-stud wall must withstand an ASTM E-119 method fire test for 45 minutes. To meet the standard for ⅝-in. type “X” board, a similar assembly with ⅝-in. type “X” board must withstand a similar fire test for 1 hour. Fire walls may be load bearing or non-load bearing. Unless otherwise noted, a load bearing wall is tested with a constant superimposed load applied to the specimen throughout the fire test to simulate 78% or more of the maximum allowable design load per the Fire Resistance Design Manual—Gypsum Systems, 17th edition, p. 8 Gypsum Association (2003). An alternative way of determining the fire resistance of a cavity wall assembly is by using the calculated fire resistance method. This approach is approved by the model building codes for determining fire ratings of walls that are not physically tested by ASTM E 119 Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials. The fire rating of cavity walls can be calculated usingTechnical Notes16B, Calculated Fire Resistance, Technical Notes on Brick Construction, Brick Industry Association, Reston, Va. [June 1991] (Reissued August 1991) Masonry walls, while having good fire resistance, are heavy. An alternative to masonry construction is to construct fire walls by fastening flat modular units from wood or metal trusses or stud walls. U.S. Pat. No. 6,226,946 to Stough et al. discloses the modular units, typically fire-rated gypsum board, are abutted edge to edge, and provide a barrier to flame and fire-fighting water. Typically gaps or seams between individual modules are covered to reduce the rate of flame and water penetration through the fire wall. Two different area separation systems employing gypsum board are cavity-type USG Area Separation and solid-type USG Area Separation Walls. Cavity-type area separation walls are used as commonly shared party walls and fire barriers with non-load-bearing framing. They consist of USG Steel C-H Studs and 1-in. SHEETROCK® Brand Gypsum Liner Panels set in USG Steel C-Runners and faced both sides with ½-in. SHEETROCK® Brand Gypsum Panels, FIRECODE C Core. The solid system is built with two 1-in. SHEETROCK® Brand Gypsum Liner Panels installed vertically between 2-in. steel H-studs and C-runners. For sound attenuation and added fire protection, THERMAFIBER SAFB insulation can be added to both area separation wall systems. Both systems function the same way. The fire resistant gypsum panels provide 2-hr. fire-rated performance (3-hr. rated USG Area Separation Walls systems are also available). The steel studs holding the gypsum panels are attached to the unit's wood framing using aluminum angle clips. When exposed to fire, these “break away” clips melt and break on the exposed side, allowing the burning wood frame to fall away. The fire barrier remains intact to protect adjacent units. Break away fasteners, for example break away clips, are fasteners which attach fire walls (or fire barriers) to adjacent structures so that, in the event of a fire in the adjacent structure, the adjacent structure can fall away from the fire wall while the fire wall maintains its structural integrity throughout the fire. Likewise, commercial construction employs fire walls. For example, a basic system has 25-ga., 2-½-in, deep USG Steel C-H Studs, 1-in. SHEETROCK Brand Gypsum Liner Panels (which engage the flanges of the C-H studs) and two layers of ½-in. SHEETROCK Brand Gypsum Panels, FIRECODE C Core. IMPERIAL FIRECODE C Gypsum Panels can be used in place of the SHEETROCK Brand Panels if a veneer plaster finish is desired. The assembly of the system with the stud-flanges engaging the shaft wall liner panels is progressive and permits the entire assembly to be installed from the floor side of the shaft. This basic system is UL classified (UL Designs U 438, U459, U467, U469). The USG Cavity Shaft Walls are covered by all three model building codes (BOCA, ICBO and SBCCI) under National Evaluation Report NER-258. The system has been designed and tested using accepted engineering practices with deflection criteria of L120, L240 and L/360 clear partition heights. Additionally, limiting height tables for the system account for flexural and shear forces. Variations of the system have been fire tested up to 4 hours, including four UL design listings up to 2 hrs. Over the years the system has evolved. An original shaft wall system employed a solid gypsum wall using a steel H-stud. The next generation had a cavity created by using a steel box “T” stud. The next generation system uses a steel C-H stud that is lighter in weight and permits less heat and sound transmission than the previous type stud did. U.S. Pat. No. 6,694,695 to Collins et al. discloses that, while wooden studs are formed of solid wood, typically having nominal cross section dimensions of two inches by four inches, the much greater structural strength of metal, such as twenty-gauge galvanized steel allows building studs to be employed which are not solid, but rather are hollow and have a channel or “C-shaped” cross section. To conform to the architectural plans and building materials developed over the years based on the use of wooden studs having specific cross sectional dimensions, commercially available metal studs are constructed with the same outer dimensions in which wooden studs have been manufactured for many years. Specifically, metal studs are typically formed of sheet metal bent to encompass a cross sectional area having nominal dimensions of two inches by four inches. For ease of fabrication the metal studs are formed of sheet metal bent into a generally “U-shaped” cross section and in which a relatively broad central web is flanked by a pair of narrower sides that are bent at right angles to the web or base. The web typically has a uniform nominal width of either four inches or three and one half inches, and the sides of the U-shaped stud typically extend a nominal distance of two inches from the web. To enhance structural rigidity the edges of the sides of the metal stud are normally bent over into a plane parallel to and spaced from the plane of the web. These turned over edges of the side walls thereby form marginal lips which are typically one quarter to one half an inch in width. The finished stud therefore has a generally “C-shaped” cross section. The overhead beams that extend along the tops of the studs in interior building wall construction have a U-shaped configuration. They are each formed with a horizontally disposed web from which a pair of side walls depend vertically on opposite sides of the web. The side walls embrace the sides of the vertical studs so that the upper extremities of the studs extend perpendicular into the concave, downwardly facing channel formed by the overhead beam. The spacing of the studs along the length of the beam is typically either sixteen or twenty-four inches. One type of fire wall for commercial structures is known as an area separation fire wall/party wall system. USG Area Separation Fire Walls/Party Walls are used for constructing common walls with fire-resistive protection for adjacent properties. These lightweight, non-load-bearing gypsum drywall assemblies are designed as vertical fire barriers for fire walls and party walls separating occupancies in wood-frame apartments and townhouses. Large-size gypsum panels used in conjunction with steel studs and runners quickly become thin, space-saving walls offering excellent privacy. Available in two basic systems both providing fire-resistant walls from ground level to roof: Solid Type, with independently framed interior gypsum panel surfaces both sides of fire wall or party wall. Cavity Type, with integral interior gypsum panel surfaces for commonly shared party walls between apartments. Solid-Type wall has two 1″ thick SHEETROCK Brand Gypsum Liner Panels installed vertically between 2″ USG Steel C-Runners. Panel edges are inserted in 2″ USG Steel H-Studs spaced 24″ on center C-runners are installed at top and bottom of wall and back-to-back between vertical panels at a convenient height above each intermediate floor. H-Studs are attached on both sides to adjacent wood framing at intermediate floors, the bottom chords of attic trusses, and at the roof line with 0.063″ USG aluminum angle clips designed to break away when exposed to fire, thus permitting a fire-damaged structure to fall while the fire barrier remains intact. These USG aluminum break away clips are screw attached to studs and framing. With aluminum angle clips attached on both sides of 25 gauge H-studs, the assemblies are suitable for spans (between clip angle supports) up to 10′ under 5 psf lateral load without exceeding L/240 allowable deflection (for walls with exterior exposure, see section 3.4 of the specification). With 2″ THERMAFIBER Sound Attenuation Fire Blankets (SAFB) stapled each side of liner panels, the assembly has obtained a 3 hr. fire resistance rating allowing separate selection and construction of tenant walls. Cavity-Type Wall consists of steel C-H Studs and SHEETROCK Brand Gypsum Liner Panels set in steel runners and faced both sides with SHEETROCK Brand Gypsum Panels, Water-Resistant, FIRECODE C Core. Liner panels, 1″ thick, are erected vertically with ends set into 2-½″ USG C-Runners and edges inserted into specially formed 2-½″ USG Steel C-H Studs. C-runners are installed singly at top and bottom of wall and back-to-back between vertical liner panels on a line above each intermediate floor, the bottom chords of attic trusses, and at roof line. Aluminum clips, which attach the C-H Studs on both sides to adjacent wood framing, break away in the same fashion as with solid-type walls. To improve sound transmission loss, THERMAFIBER SAFB are inserted in the stud cavity and RC-1 Resilient Channels or equivalent may be used to isolate the face layer on the cavity side. With aluminum angle clips attached on both sides of 212CH25 steel studs, the assemblies are suitable for spans (between clip angle supports) up to 10′ under 5 psf lateral load without exceeding L/240 allowable deflection (for walls with exterior exposure see section 3.4 of the specification). Components used in these systems are designed to permit temporary exposure to inclement weather during construction. These systems may be used in buildings up to four stories high (44 feet) and with all common floor-ceiling heights found in multi-family housing. Current USG Area separation wall systems are described in USG publication SA925 09250, Fire Wall/Party Wall area separation wall systems, a copy of which is APPENDIX I of U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/646,996 and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Another important type of fire resistive structure is a shaft wall. Shaft walls are wall that enclose elevator shafts and other vertical shafts in a building. Should a fire occur, firefighters control the use of elevators while the stairwells provide the only means for occupant egress or rescue within a building. These walls must have the strength to withstand lateral loads and provide fire protection. A current shaft wall system is the USG SHEETROCK brand Cavity Shaft wall system. It provides up to 4-hour fire resistance and sound ratings up to 52 STC. It resists intermittent lateral loads and fatigue under cyclic lateral loading which is caused by elevators moving in the shaft. The assemblies are constructed of SHEETROCK brand gypsum liner panels friction fitted into USG SHEETROCK brand C-H studs in a progressive manner with SHEETROCK brand gypsum panels applied to the face. Typical shaft walls in a building include elevator shafts, stairwells, mechanical shafts (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, etc.), horizontal membranes or metal duct enclosures, and air return shafts (unlines). Additional information on current USG shaft wall systems is provided by USG publication SA926 09250 Shaft Wall Systems, a copy of which is APPENDIX II of U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/646,996 and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. U.S. Pat. No. 6,620,487 to Tonyan et al., incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, discloses a reinforced, lightweight, dimensionally stable structural cement panel (SCP) capable of resisting shear loads when fastened to framing equal to or exceeding shear loads provided by plywood or oriented strand board panels. The panels employ a core of a continuous phase resulting from the curing of an aqueous mixture of calcium sulfate alpha hemihydrate, hydraulic cement, an active pozzolan and lime, the continuous phase being reinforced with alkali-resistant glass fibers and containing ceramic microspheres, or a blend of ceramic and polymer microspheres, or being formed from an aqueous mixture having a weight ratio of water-to-reactive powder of 0.6/1 to 0.7/1 or a combination thereof. At least one outer surface of the panels may include a cured continuous phase reinforced with glass fibers and containing sufficient polymer spheres to improve nailability or made with a water-to-reactive powders ratio to provide an effect similar to polymer spheres, or a combination thereof. However, U.S. Pat. No. 6,620,487 contains no teaching to specifically employ these shear panels in a fire wall system. U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,815 to Bonen, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, also discloses formulations useful for SCP panels. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/666,294, incorporated herein by reference, discloses a multi-layer process for producing structural cementitious panels (SCP's or SCP panels), and SCP's produced by such a process. After one of an initial deposition of loosely distributed, chopped fibers or a layer of slurry upon a moving web, fibers are deposited upon the slurry layer. An embedment device mixes the recently deposited fibers into the slurry, after which additional layers of slurry, then chopped fibers are added, followed by more embedment. The process is repeated for each layer of the board, as desired. There is a need for an improved economical, easy to assemble, durable and non-combustible total fire wall system. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a fire wall or other fire resistive assembly system (fire barriers) for residential and light commercial construction including a metal frame and lightweight structural cementitious panel (SCP). This lightweight SCP panel is made from a mixture of inorganic binder and lightweight fillers. The present inventors have discovered that replacing typical fire-rated gypsum board with this selected SCP panel results in fire walls of increased strength and resistance to shear. This, for example, results in a fire wall better able to withstand forces exerted by water from a fire hose. The fire wall systems of the present invention are also suitable to make load bearing fire walls. Typical fire resistance ratings for fire walls are 2 hours, 3 hours and 4 hours. Typical fire resistance ratings for fire barriers are 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours and 4 hours. In particular the present invention relates to SCP panels, mechanically and/or adhesively fastened to a fire wall or other fire resistive assembly light gauge cold formed metal framing system, which acts as a shear resistant diaphragm. Selecting a combination of a metal frame with SCP panels achieves a synergy of a completely non-combustible fire wall having shear resistance and water durability. By a fully non-combustible shear diaphragm on light gauge cold rolled (cold formed) metal frame is meant a system in which all elements pass ASTM E-136. For example, the fire wall system may include SCP panels employed with a metal framing system employing any standard light-gauge steel C-channels, U-channels, I-beams, square tubing, and light-gauge prefabricated building sections. As the thickness of the board affects its physical and mechanical properties, e.g., weight, load carrying capacity, racking strength and the like, the desired properties vary according to the thickness of the board. Thus, the desired properties which a shear rated panel with a nominal thickness of 0.5 inches (12.7 mm) should meet include the following. The SCP panel when tested according to ASTM 661 and American Plywood Association (APA) Test Method S-1 over a span of 16 inches (406.4 mm) on centers, should have an ultimate load capacity greater than 550 lbs (250 kg) under static loading, an ultimate load capacity greater than 400 lbs (182 kg) under impact loading and a deflection of less than 0.078 inches (1.98 mm) under both static and impact loading with a 200 lb (90.9 kg) load. For use in fire wall or other fire resistive assembly system construction that also provide shear walls, SCP panels should meet building code standards for shear resistance, load capacity, water-induced expansion and resistance to combustion, as measured by recognized tests, such as ASTM E72, ASTM 661, and ASTM C 1185 or equivalent, as applied to structural plywood sheets. SCP panels are also tested under ASTM E-136 for non-combustibility—plywood does not meet this test. The nominal racking shear strength of a 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) thick panel measured by the ASTM E72 test using the nail size and spacing described above should be at least 200 lbs/ft (about 300 kg/m), typically at least 720 lbs/ft (1072 kg/m). A 4×8 ft, ½ inch thick panel (1.22×2.4 m, 12.7 mm thick) should weigh no more than 104 lbs (47 kg) and preferably no more than about 96 or 85 lbs (about 44 or 39 kg). The panel should be capable of being cut with the circular saws used to cut wood. The panel should be capable of being fastened to framing with nails or screws. The panel should be machinable so that tongue and groove edges can be produced in the panel. The panel should be dimensionally stable when exposed to water, i.e., it should expand as little as possible, preferably less than 0.1% as measured by ASTM C 1185. The panel should not be biodegradable or subject to attack by insects or rot. The panel should provide a bondable substrate for exterior finish systems. The panel should be non-combustible as determined by ASTM E136. After curing for 28 days, the flexural strength of a 0.75 inch (19. mm) thick SCP panel having a dry density of 65 lb/ft3(1041 kg/m3) to 90 lb/ft3(1442 kg/m3) or 65 lb/ft3(1041 kg/m3) to 95 lb/ft3(1522 kg/m3) after being soaked in water for 48 hours should be at least 1000 psi (7 MPa), e.g. at least 1300 psi (9 MPa) preferably at least 1650 psi (11.4 MPa), more preferably at least 1700 psi (11.7 MPa), as measured by ASTM C 947. The panel should retain at least 75% of its dry strength. When used for walls, the nominal racking shear strength of a 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) thick panel measured by the ASTM E72 test using the appropriate metal studs, fastener, stud spacing and fastener spacing typically is at least 720 lbs per lineal foot (1072 kg per lineal meter). The present SCP vertical wall diaphragm may have a higher specific racking shear strength and stiffness than a shear wall system of load bearing masonry. Specific racking shear strength is defined as the unit weight of a shear wall system in lbs/sq. ft. to satisfy a particular racking shear requirement (in lbs/linear foot). For a given nominal wall racking shear strength specification, in the range between 200-1200 plf for a given wall thickness, the specific nominal wall racking shear strength of an SCP sheathed shear wall will be greater than a masonry shear wall of the same nominal thickness that meets the same racking shear requirement. For example, for a shear wall with a nominal thickness of 4″, an SCP/steel frame shear wall will weigh approximately 4 psf. A 4″ nominal thickness masonry wall (using lightweight CMU) will weigh approximately 30 psf. As a result, for a 4″ wall with a nominal racking shear strength requirement of 700 plf, the specific wall racking strength of the SCP is 175 plf/psf, the specific wall racking strength of the CMU wall is 23.3 plf/psf. The specific wall racking strength advantage of the SCP wall versus CMU is true over the full, range of racking strengths considered (200-1200 plf nominal) and for wall thicknesses of 4″ to 12″. The present system having a vertical shear diaphragm on light gauge cold rolled metal frame also is typically water durable. Preferably the vertical shear diaphragm load carrying capacity of a system of the present invention will not be lessened by more than 25% (more preferably will not be lessened by more than 20%) when exposed to water in a test wherein a 2 inch head of water is maintained over a horizontally oriented diaphragm of ¾ inch thick SCP panels fastened on a 10 foot by 20 foot metal frame for a period of 24 hours. In this test, the 2 inch head is maintained by checking, and replenishing water, at 15 minute intervals. Then the system is reoriented vertically and the vertical shear diaphragm load carrying capacity of the system is measured. Preferably the system of the present invention will not absorb more than 0.7 pounds per square foot of water when exposed to water in a test wherein a 2 inch head of water is maintained over ¾ inch thick SCP panels fastened on a 10 foot by 20 foot metal frame for a period of 24 hours. In this test, the 2 inch head is maintained by checking, and replenishing water, at 15 minute intervals. Also, combining non-combustible SCP panels with metal framing results in an entire system that resists swelling due to moisture. Preferably in the system of the present invention a 10 foot wide by 20 foot long by ¾ inch thick diaphragm of the SCP panels attached to a 10 foot by 20 foot metal frame will not swell more than 5% when exposed to a 2 inch head of water maintained over the SCP panels fastened on the metal frame for a period of 24 hours. In this test, the 2 inch head is maintained by checking, and replenishing water, at 15 minute intervals. Also, the present fire wall or other fire resistive assembly system of a diaphragm of SCP panel on metal frame leads to a mold and mildew resistant fire wall or other fire resistive assembly system. Preferably every component of the system of the present invention meets ASTM G-21 in which the system achieves approximately a rating of 1 and meets ASTM D-3273 in which the system achieves approximately a rating of 10. Preferably the system of the present invention supports substantially zero bacteria growth when clean. Another preferred attribute of the present fire wall or other fire resistive assembly system of a diaphragm of SCP panel on metal frame is that preferably it is inedible to termites. A potential advantage of the present system is that, due to its being lightweight and strong, the present fire wall or other fire resistive assembly system of a vertical diaphragm of ¾ inch thick SCP panel (or ½ inch thick SCP panel) on metal frame reduces foundation size due to reduced building weight. The lightweight nature of this system typically avoids the dead load associated with masonry systems. Less dead load also allows building comparable size structures on less stable soil possessing relatively low bearing capacities. Building codes and design standards contain minimum thickness requirements for masonry shear walls. The minimum nominal thickness for masonry (CMU) shear walls in a one story building is 6 inches. The minimum thickness of masonry shear walls (CMU) for buildings more than 1 story is 8 inches. SCP with steel framing shear walls do not have a similar minimum requirement, and can be designed per established engineering principles at thicknesses of less than 8 inches for multi-story buildings, and at thicknesses of less than 6 inches for single story buildings. Using a 6 inch thick SCP/steel frame shear wall to replace an 8 inch thick masonry shear wall can result in a significant increase in useable building volume. Typical compositions for embodiments of panels of the present invention which achieve the combination of low density, improved flexural strength, and nailability/cuttability comprise inorganic binder (examples—gypsum-cement, Portland cement or other hydraulic cements) having, distributed throughout the full thickness of the panel, selected glass fibers, lightweight fillers (examples—hollow glass microspheres, hollow ceramic microspheres and/or perlite uniformly), and superplasticizer/high-range water reducing admixtures (examples—polynapthalene sulfonates, poly acrylates, etc.). The system of the present invention may employ single layer or multi-layer SCP panels. In the multi-layer SCP panel the layers may be the same or different. For example, the SCP panel may have an inner layer of a continuous phase and at least one outer layer of a continuous phase on each opposed side of the inner layer, wherein at least one outer layer on each opposed side of the inner layer has a higher percentage of glass fibers than the inner layer. This has the ability to stiffen, strengthen and toughen the panel. A typical panel is made from a mixture of water and inorganic binder with the selected glass fibers, lightweight ceramic microspheres and superplasticizer throughout the mixture. Other additives such as accelerating and retarding admixtures, viscosity control additives may optionally be added to the mixture to meet the demands of the manufacturing process involved. A single or multi layer panel may also be provided with a sheet of mesh, e.g., fiber glass mesh if desired. In embodiments having multiple (two or more) layers, the composition of the layers may be the same or different. For example, a multi-layer panel structure may be created to contain at least one outer layer having improved nailability and cutability. This is provided by using a higher water-to-reactive powder (defined below) ratio in making the outer layer(s) relative to the core of the panel. A small thickness of the skin coupled with a small dosage of polymer content may improve the nailability without necessarily failing the non-combustibility test. Of course, high dosages of polymer content would lead to failure of the product in the non-combustibility test. In another multi-layer configuration, the SCP panel may have an inner layer of a continuous phase and at least one outer layer of a continuous phase on each opposed side of the inner layer, wherein at least one outer layer on each opposed side of the inner layer has a higher percentage of glass fibers than the inner layer. This has the ability to stiffen, strengthen and toughen the panel. The glass fibers can be used alone or in combination with other types of non-combustible fibers such as steel fibers. The SCP panels may be connected to the framing studs mechanically or by adhesive. Connecting the SCP panels to the studs may achieve a composite action such that the studs and panels work together to carry greater loads. In its method respects, the present invention comprises a method of making the non-combustible fire wall or other fire resistive assembly system of the present invention, comprising placing the SCP panel on metal framing elements in a fire wall location. The present invention also has an unexpected advantage in cold weather performance. Conventional cementitious panels can be brittle in cold weather. Thus, installing such panels in cold weather would require careful handling by the construction workers during installation. However, in the present system the SCP panels can preferably withstand being installed on metal framing elements when the ambient temperature is less than 32 degrees F. (0 degrees C.), or even less than 20 degrees F. (minus 7.5 degrees C.). This is a very significant advantage because it facilitates building in harsh climates in winter thus increasing builder productivity. The present SCP panels can preferably withstand being subjected to normal rough treatment during installation at these cold temperatures. For instance, at these cold temperatures placing the SCP panel may include a step of dropping the panel such that at least one end of the panel falls in free fall at least 2 feet, preferably at least 3 feet, e.g., 3 to 6 feet or 3 to 4 feet, without cracking. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7806890

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure relates to the displacement of volume in medical devices such as vascular access devices to provide infusion or other therapy to patients. Infusion therapy is one of the most common health care procedures. Hospitalized, home care, and other patients receive fluids, pharmaceuticals, and blood products via a vascular access device inserted into the vascular system. Infusion therapy may be used to treat an infection, provide anesthesia or analgesia, provide nutritional support, treat cancerous growths, maintain blood pressure and heart rhythm, or many other clinically significant uses. Infusion therapy is facilitated by vascular access devices located outside the vascular system of a patient (extravascular devices). Extravascular devices that may access a patient's peripheral or central vasculature, either directly or indirectly, include closed access devices, such as the BD Q-SYTE™ closed Luer access device of Becton, Dickinson and Company; syringes; split access devices; catheters; and intravenous (IV) fluid chambers. A vascular access device may be indwelling for short term (days), moderate term (weeks), or long term (months to years). A vascular access device may be used for continuous infusion therapy or for intermittent therapy. A common vascular access device is a plastic catheter that is inserted into a patient's vein. The catheter length may vary from a few centimeters for peripheral access to many centimeters for central access. The catheter may be inserted transcutaneously or may be surgically implanted beneath the patient's skin. The catheter, or any other extravascular device attached thereto, may have a single lumen or multiple lumens for infusion of many fluids simultaneously. The proximal end of a vascular access device commonly includes a Luer adapter to which other medical devices may be attached. For example, an administration set may be attached to a vascular access device at one end and an IV bag at the other. The administration set is a fluid conduit for the continuous infusion of fluids and pharmaceuticals. Commonly, an TV access device is a vascular access device that may be attached to another vascular access device, closes or seals the vascular access device, and allows for intermittent infusion or injection of fluids and pharmaceuticals. An IV access device may comprise a housing and a septum for closing the system. The septum may be opened with a blunt cannula or a male Luer of a medical device. Complications associated with infusion therapy may cause significant morbidity and even mortality. One significant complication is catheter related blood stream infection (CRBSI). An estimate of 250,000-400,000 cases of central venous catheter (CVC) associated BSIs occur annually in US hospitals. Attributable mortality is an estimated 12%-25% for each infection and a cost to the health care system of $25,000-$56,000 per episode. Vascular access device infection resulting in CRBSIs may be caused by pathogens entering the fluid flow path from refluxed or displaced blood subsequent to catheter insertion. Studies have shown the risk of CRBSI increases with catheter indwelling periods. This may be due, at least in part, to the reflux or displacement of blood from the vascular system of a patient to an extravascular device, such as the catheter. When contaminated, pathogens adhere to the vascular access device, colonize, and form a biofilm. The biofilm is resistant to most biocidal agents and provides a replenishing source for pathogens to enter a patient's bloodstream and cause a BSI. Certain extravascular devices can operate with each other to form a continuous, extravascular system that provides fluid access to the vascular system, yet is entirely sealed from the external surrounding environment. Such a sealed system limits or supposedly prevents unwanted bacteria from entering from the external surrounding environment through the extravascular devices to the vascular system of a patient. However, a sealed system of extravascular devices (extravascular system) may function as a closed or sealed vacuum, capable of drawing blood, and consequently a culture for infection, into the extravascular system. As devices are twisted off or otherwise removed from the extravascular system, the volume of the extravascular system is sometimes slightly increased. Because extravascular systems are often less elastic than a patient's vascular system, when the volume of the extravascular system is increased, the volume of a patient's vascular system is decreased under a vacuum pressure from the extravascular system. When the volume of the vascular system decreases, blood flows or is sucked from the vascular system to the extravascular system. Further, as pressure in the extravascular system decreases below the vascular pressure of a patient, either as a result of a change in volume in the extravascular system or another event, blood will flow from the vascular system to the extravascular system. As recognized in conjunction with the present invention, even a temporary presence of blood within an extravascular system can cause future operational challenges for that extravascular system. For example, blood that clots in the end of a catheter of an extravascular system can block future fluid flow between the extravascular system and a vascular system. If drugs and other fluid substances are forced through the extravascular system causing the blood clot to dislodge from the extravascular system, the blood clot will enter the vascular system causing a dangerous embolism within the patient. Finally, as discussed above, even the rapid entry and exit of blood into the catheter tip of an extravascular system will leave a residue of protein, bacteria, and other pathogens on the inner wall of the catheter. This residue may become a breeding ground for bacteria to grow, and after a given period of time, will cause the formation of a harmful biofilm that is difficult to remove or bypass during extravascular system operation. Therefore, a need exists for systems and methods that avoid or limit the reflux or displacement of blood from a patient's vascular system into an extravascular system that is connected to the patient's vascular system. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been developed in response to problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully resolved by currently available extravascular systems, devices, and methods. Thus, these developed systems, devices, and methods provide an extravascular system that may be connected to a patient's vascular system and will limit or prevent the flow, reflux, or displacement of blood from the vascular system to the extravascular system. A medical device may include a vascular access device with an access port having a septum and a slit. The slit is formed on the inner surface of the body of the septum. The access port may receive an access device that is separate from the vascular access device through the slit of the septum. A pivoting member in communication with the access port pivots when the port is accessed by an access device. The pivoting member may be one of the following types of devices: a T-bone shaped rigid structure, a T-bone shaped rigid structure on the outer surface of the septum, an L-shaped rigid structure, a gate held under the tension of a torsion spring, a rib, a wedge, a split wedge, a four-bar mechanism, a semi-rigid or rigid buckling member, a rigid member displaced by a disturbed air pressure chamber, a rigid member displaced by a disturbed pressure sensitive chemical, and/or a spring finger. The pivoting member may articulate upon a bistable spring, a torsion spring, or other spring or tension creating member. The pivoting member may form a curved or other structure. A method of employing the medical device may be used to control the volume displacement within a chamber of the medical device. The method may include decreasing the volume of a chamber of an extravascular system by inserting a substance having a mass into the chamber, pivoting a structure within the extravascular system, and increasing the volume of the chamber simultaneously and commensurately with the mass of the substance inserted into the chamber. The substance may be either a fluid or a mechanical structure of a medical device, such as the tip of a syringe. These and other features and advantages of the present invention may be incorporated into certain embodiments of the invention and will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. The present invention does not require that all the advantageous features and all the advantages described herein be incorporated into every embodiment of the invention.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure relates to the displacement of volume in medical devices such as vascular access devices to provide infusion or other therapy to patients. Infusion therapy is one of the most common health care procedures. Hospitalized, home care, and other patients receive fluids, pharmaceuticals, and blood products via a vascular access device inserted into the vascular system. Infusion therapy may be used to treat an infection, provide anesthesia or analgesia, provide nutritional support, treat cancerous growths, maintain blood pressure and heart rhythm, or many other clinically significant uses. Infusion therapy is facilitated by vascular access devices located outside the vascular system of a patient (extravascular devices). Extravascular devices that may access a patient's peripheral or central vasculature, either directly or indirectly, include closed access devices, such as the BD Q-SYTE™ closed Luer access device of Becton, Dickinson and Company; syringes; split access devices; catheters; and intravenous (IV) fluid chambers. A vascular access device may be indwelling for short term (days), moderate term (weeks), or long term (months to years). A vascular access device may be used for continuous infusion therapy or for intermittent therapy. A common vascular access device is a plastic catheter that is inserted into a patient's vein. The catheter length may vary from a few centimeters for peripheral access to many centimeters for central access. The catheter may be inserted transcutaneously or may be surgically implanted beneath the patient's skin. The catheter, or any other extravascular device attached thereto, may have a single lumen or multiple lumens for infusion of many fluids simultaneously. The proximal end of a vascular access device commonly includes a Luer adapter to which other medical devices may be attached. For example, an administration set may be attached to a vascular access device at one end and an IV bag at the other. The administration set is a fluid conduit for the continuous infusion of fluids and pharmaceuticals. Commonly, an TV access device is a vascular access device that may be attached to another vascular access device, closes or seals the vascular access device, and allows for intermittent infusion or injection of fluids and pharmaceuticals. An IV access device may comprise a housing and a septum for closing the system. The septum may be opened with a blunt cannula or a male Luer of a medical device. Complications associated with infusion therapy may cause significant morbidity and even mortality. One significant complication is catheter related blood stream infection (CRBSI). An estimate of 250,000-400,000 cases of central venous catheter (CVC) associated BSIs occur annually in US hospitals. Attributable mortality is an estimated 12%-25% for each infection and a cost to the health care system of $25,000-$56,000 per episode. Vascular access device infection resulting in CRBSIs may be caused by pathogens entering the fluid flow path from refluxed or displaced blood subsequent to catheter insertion. Studies have shown the risk of CRBSI increases with catheter indwelling periods. This may be due, at least in part, to the reflux or displacement of blood from the vascular system of a patient to an extravascular device, such as the catheter. When contaminated, pathogens adhere to the vascular access device, colonize, and form a biofilm. The biofilm is resistant to most biocidal agents and provides a replenishing source for pathogens to enter a patient's bloodstream and cause a BSI. Certain extravascular devices can operate with each other to form a continuous, extravascular system that provides fluid access to the vascular system, yet is entirely sealed from the external surrounding environment. Such a sealed system limits or supposedly prevents unwanted bacteria from entering from the external surrounding environment through the extravascular devices to the vascular system of a patient. However, a sealed system of extravascular devices (extravascular system) may function as a closed or sealed vacuum, capable of drawing blood, and consequently a culture for infection, into the extravascular system. As devices are twisted off or otherwise removed from the extravascular system, the volume of the extravascular system is sometimes slightly increased. Because extravascular systems are often less elastic than a patient's vascular system, when the volume of the extravascular system is increased, the volume of a patient's vascular system is decreased under a vacuum pressure from the extravascular system. When the volume of the vascular system decreases, blood flows or is sucked from the vascular system to the extravascular system. Further, as pressure in the extravascular system decreases below the vascular pressure of a patient, either as a result of a change in volume in the extravascular system or another event, blood will flow from the vascular system to the extravascular system. As recognized in conjunction with the present invention, even a temporary presence of blood within an extravascular system can cause future operational challenges for that extravascular system. For example, blood that clots in the end of a catheter of an extravascular system can block future fluid flow between the extravascular system and a vascular system. If drugs and other fluid substances are forced through the extravascular system causing the blood clot to dislodge from the extravascular system, the blood clot will enter the vascular system causing a dangerous embolism within the patient. Finally, as discussed above, even the rapid entry and exit of blood into the catheter tip of an extravascular system will leave a residue of protein, bacteria, and other pathogens on the inner wall of the catheter. This residue may become a breeding ground for bacteria to grow, and after a given period of time, will cause the formation of a harmful biofilm that is difficult to remove or bypass during extravascular system operation. Therefore, a need exists for systems and methods that avoid or limit the reflux or displacement of blood from a patient's vascular system into an extravascular system that is connected to the patient's vascular system. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been developed in response to problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully resolved by currently available extravascular systems, devices, and methods. Thus, these developed systems, devices, and methods provide an extravascular system that may be connected to a patient's vascular system and will limit or prevent the flow, reflux, or displacement of blood from the vascular system to the extravascular system. A medical device may include a vascular access device with an access port having a septum and a slit. The slit is formed on the inner surface of the body of the septum. The access port may receive an access device that is separate from the vascular access device through the slit of the septum. A pivoting member in communication with the access port pivots when the port is accessed by an access device. The pivoting member may be one of the following types of devices: a T-bone shaped rigid structure, a T-bone shaped rigid structure on the outer surface of the septum, an L-shaped rigid structure, a gate held under the tension of a torsion spring, a rib, a wedge, a split wedge, a four-bar mechanism, a semi-rigid or rigid buckling member, a rigid member displaced by a disturbed air pressure chamber, a rigid member displaced by a disturbed pressure sensitive chemical, and/or a spring finger. The pivoting member may articulate upon a bistable spring, a torsion spring, or other spring or tension creating member. The pivoting member may form a curved or other structure. A method of employing the medical device may be used to control the volume displacement within a chamber of the medical device. The method may include decreasing the volume of a chamber of an extravascular system by inserting a substance having a mass into the chamber, pivoting a structure within the extravascular system, and increasing the volume of the chamber simultaneously and commensurately with the mass of the substance inserted into the chamber. The substance may be either a fluid or a mechanical structure of a medical device, such as the tip of a syringe. These and other features and advantages of the present invention may be incorporated into certain embodiments of the invention and will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. The present invention does not require that all the advantageous features and all the advantages described herein be incorporated into every embodiment of the invention. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7648279

BACKGROUND The present invention relates to hydrodynamic fluid film bearing assemblies, and methods of manufacturing the same. Hydrodynamic fluid film journal bearings, also called journal air bearings or foil bearings, can be used to provide support to rotatable components such as shafts. A typical prior art bearing assembly of this type (e.g., as disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,658,079), includes a journal sleeve, a bump foil, an intermediate foil, and a top foil. The bump foil, the intermediate foil and the top foil are wrapped inside the journal sleeve in a substantially cylindrical shape, and those foils are positioned between the journal sleeve and the rotatable component. Each foil has an end that is engaged to the journal sleeve, and can have another end that is free (i.e., not engaged to the journal sleeve). During operation, rotation of the rotatable component causes a working fluid to form a cushion (often referred to as an “air bearing”) that supports the rotatable component with little or no direct contact between the rotatable component and the foils of the bearing. A problem frequently encountered with hydrodynamic fluid film journal bearings is “skewing”, which refers to movement of a free end of a foil in a generally axial direction. Skewing causes a foil to become more conically shaped, which reduces diameters inside the foil and causes tightening relative to the rotatable component supported by the bearing. Tightening of foils is undesirable because it can interfere with working fluid (or cooling fluid) movement, and can increase torque on the rotatable component. SUMMARY A hydrodynamic fluid film journal bearing assembly includes a journal sleeve having a key slot formed therein in a substantially longitudinal direction, a bump foil wrapped in a substantially cylindrical shape adjacent to the journal sleeve and having a bent end portion engaged with the key slot, an intermediate foil wrapped in a substantially cylindrical shape adjacent to the bump foil, a top foil wrapped in a substantially cylindrical shape adjacent to the intermediate foil, a first top foil cutout window formed adjacent to the bent region, and a first end tab formed at a free end of the top foil. The first end tab is wrapped with the top foil in the substantially cylindrical shape of the top foil, and extends into the first top foil cutout window to reduce skewing. The top and intermediate foils are joined at a bent region that engages the key slot.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND The present invention relates to hydrodynamic fluid film bearing assemblies, and methods of manufacturing the same. Hydrodynamic fluid film journal bearings, also called journal air bearings or foil bearings, can be used to provide support to rotatable components such as shafts. A typical prior art bearing assembly of this type (e.g., as disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,658,079), includes a journal sleeve, a bump foil, an intermediate foil, and a top foil. The bump foil, the intermediate foil and the top foil are wrapped inside the journal sleeve in a substantially cylindrical shape, and those foils are positioned between the journal sleeve and the rotatable component. Each foil has an end that is engaged to the journal sleeve, and can have another end that is free (i.e., not engaged to the journal sleeve). During operation, rotation of the rotatable component causes a working fluid to form a cushion (often referred to as an “air bearing”) that supports the rotatable component with little or no direct contact between the rotatable component and the foils of the bearing. A problem frequently encountered with hydrodynamic fluid film journal bearings is “skewing”, which refers to movement of a free end of a foil in a generally axial direction. Skewing causes a foil to become more conically shaped, which reduces diameters inside the foil and causes tightening relative to the rotatable component supported by the bearing. Tightening of foils is undesirable because it can interfere with working fluid (or cooling fluid) movement, and can increase torque on the rotatable component. SUMMARY A hydrodynamic fluid film journal bearing assembly includes a journal sleeve having a key slot formed therein in a substantially longitudinal direction, a bump foil wrapped in a substantially cylindrical shape adjacent to the journal sleeve and having a bent end portion engaged with the key slot, an intermediate foil wrapped in a substantially cylindrical shape adjacent to the bump foil, a top foil wrapped in a substantially cylindrical shape adjacent to the intermediate foil, a first top foil cutout window formed adjacent to the bent region, and a first end tab formed at a free end of the top foil. The first end tab is wrapped with the top foil in the substantially cylindrical shape of the top foil, and extends into the first top foil cutout window to reduce skewing. The top and intermediate foils are joined at a bent region that engages the key slot. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7834356

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a semiconductor device in which an active layer is formed of a crystalline semiconductor film having a crystal structure and a method of forming the same. Particularly, the invention relates to a thin film transistor in which an active region is formed of a crystalline semiconductor film, a semiconductor device such as an integrated circuit using the thin film transistor and a method of forming fabricating the semiconductor device. Further, in the specification, a semiconductor device refers to general device functioning by utilizing a semiconductor characteristic, including, for example, a semiconductor integrated circuit, an active matrix type display device, and other electronic device such as an electronic device mounted with a semiconductor integrated circuit or an active matrix type display device. 2. Description of the Related Art In developing an active matrix type display which is a kind of a flat panel display, there has been developed a technology of forming a thin film transistor (hereinafter, described as TFT) using a crystalline semiconductor film having a crystal structure for an active layer as an element of a pixel portion or a transistor of an integrated circuit for driving the pixel portion and there is realized a monolithic type display integrated with an integrated circuit of a pixel portion and a drive circuit necessary for driving the pixel portion on one glass substrate or quartz substrate. There have been sold various commodities such as a notebook type personal computer or a portable telephone mounted with an active matrix type liquid crystal display device formed by TFT using a polycrystal silicon film produced by crystallizing an amorphous silicon film. There is requested TFT having fast operation speed, that is, high field effect mobility in order to realize higher pixel formation and higher miniaturization of a monolithic type of an active matrix type display. In order to achieve high field effect mobility, it is necessary to form TFT by using a crystalline silicon film produced by crystallizing an amorphous silicon film and for that purpose, an intensive research has been carried out on a technology of crystallizing a silicon film. As the crystallizing technology, there is known a method of heating an amorphous semiconductor film by a heating furnace or RTA apparatus for solid phase growth or a method of crystallizing an amorphous film by heating the amorphous film by irradiating laser beam. Although in order to increase the field effect mobility of TFT, carriers may be moved smoothly by a channel without being scattered, in the case of TFT using a crystalline silicon film currently reduced to practice, there are many grain boundaries in the channel and therefore, the field effect mobility of TFT cannot be made higher than that of a transistor using a silicon wafer. Hence, it has been tried to enlarge a crystal grain of a semiconductor of the channel to bring the field effect mobility of TFT close to that of a transistor of a single crystal silicon wafer. Because by enlarging the crystal grain, a number of crystal grain boundaries of a semiconductor at a channel of TFT is reduced and therefore, a probability that carriers are scattered by crystal grain boundaries can be reduced. Further, although it is known that easiness of flowing carriers in a semiconductor differs also by crystal orientation, according to the conventional crystallizing technology, it is very difficult to align crystal orientation in the direction of carriers flowing in the channel. According to the above-described conventional crystallizing technology, crystals grow with crystal nuclei accidentally produced in an amorphous silicon film as seeds and therefore, the crystal grain boundaries cannot be eliminated at all, further, it is very difficult to control positions of crystal grain boundaries or crystal orientation. That the positions of the crystal grain boundaries and the crystal orientation cannot be aligned in this way, is that the crystal structure of the crystallized silicon film differs at respective locations and therefore, even when TFT is formed by using the same silicon film, there is constituted one of causes of varying characteristics of TFT at respective locations. Further, as TFT, there is also requested a characteristic that as a switching element, a threshold voltage value is small and a sub threshold value (S value) is small. It is known that in order to improve such a characteristic, a film thickness of the semiconductor film of the channel portion is thinned. This is because a characteristic of a sub threshold region on I-V characteristic is improved since when the semiconductor film of the channel portion is thinned, spread of a depletion layer (channel) in a film thickness direction (vertical direction) is restrained. In the case of TFT using a polycrystal silicon film, normally, it is preferable to thin a channel forming region to be equal to or smaller than about 60 nm. However, in the case of crystallization by solid phase growth using a heating furnace or the like, when the film thickness is thinned, there is a case that it is difficult to increase a crystal grain size. Further, also in the case of crystallization by continuous wave laser beam such as YAG laser or pulse laser beam such as excimer laser, similar to the case of solid phase growth using a heating furnace or the like, it is difficult to thin the film thickness of the amorphous silicon film. This is because there is posed a new problem that abrasion is liable to be caused and a margin of optimum energy is narrowed and in the case of continuous wave laser beam, unless the film thickness is equal to or larger than 60 nm in the case of continuous wave laser beam or 50 nm in the case of excimer laser, it is difficult to set optimum energy and therefore, it is difficult to reproducibly carry out crystallization. Further, conventionally in order to thin the thickness of the semiconductor film of the channel portion, there is known a method of using thermal oxidation, however, according to the method, only a limited substrate having heat resistance, such as a quartz substrate or a silicon wafer, can be used. As described above, according to conventional crystallization by laser annealing or crystallization of an amorphous silicon by solid phase growth by using an electric furnace, the crystallization is derived from crystal growth from accidentally produced crystal nuclei, a position of generating and a density of generating crystal nuclei cannot be controlled, further, orientations of crystalline planes of a semiconductor film cannot be controlled. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide a thin film transistor resolving the above-described problems, in which a field effect mobility is high, a threshold characteristic is improved and a variation in characteristics is small. Further, it is an object of the invention to provide a method capable of growing a crystal such that a direction of a crystal grain boundary becomes in parallel with a channel length direction and an orientation of an axis of growing the crystal becomes uniform by controlling a position of the crystal grain boundary and a crystal orientation of a crystal grain of a crystalline semiconductor film for constituting a channel. Furthermore, the method of the invention is characterized in being capable of utilizing a substrate having a strain point of about 600° C. such as a glass substrate. As described above, the crystallization of an amorphous silicon film by using an electric furnace or laser beam according to the conventional example, depends on crystal growth from a crystal nucleus which is accidentally generated, a position of generating and a density of generating the crystal nucleus cannot be controlled, further, an orientation of a crystal plane of a crystalline semiconductor film cannot be aligned and a position of a crystal grain boundary cannot be controlled. In order to resolve the above-described problem, there is provided a new method of fabricating a crystalline semiconductor layer used for a channel forming region of a semiconductor element of a thin film transistor. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a semiconductor device which is a semiconductor device comprising a thin film transistor comprising two first crystalline semiconductor layers and a second crystalline semiconductor layer provided on two of the first crystalline semiconductor layers in contact therewith wherein a source region and a drain region of the thin film transistor are respectively provided in a portion in which the first and the second crystalline semiconductor layers are laminated, a channel forming region comprises the second crystalline semiconductor layer and the channel forming region is provided with a highest rate of {111} among crystal planes of {001}, {101} and {111}. Further, according to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a semiconductor device which is a semiconductor device comprising a thin film transistor comprising two first crystalline semiconductor layers and a second crystalline semiconductor layer provided on two of the first crystalline semiconductor layers in contact therewith wherein a source region and a drain region of the thin film transistor are respectively provided in a portion in which the first and the second crystalline semiconductor layers are laminated, a channel forming region comprises the second crystalline semiconductor layer and a rate of {101} is the highest among crystals of {001}, {101} and {111} included in the channel forming region. A distribution of a crystal orientation of a semiconductor is provided from an electron backscatter diffraction pattern (EBSP). EBSP is a method of detecting a crystal orientation from backscattering of a primary electron by providing an exclusive detector to a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) (hereinafter, the method is referred to as EBSP method for convenience). When an electron beam is incident on a sample having a crystal structure, nonelastic scattering occurs also to a backwards and a linear pattern particular to a crystal orientation by Bragg's diffraction in the sample (generally referred to as Kikuchi image) is also observed in the nonelastic scattering. The EBSP method provides the crystal orientation of the sample by analyzing Kikuchi image displayed on a detector screen. According to a sample of a polycrystal structure, respective crystal grains are provided with different crystal orientations. By repeating orientation analysis while moving a position of the sample to which the electron beam impinges (mapping measurement), information of crystal orientation can be provided with respect to a planar sample. Although a size of incident electron beam differs by a type of an electron gun of a scanning electron microscopy, in the case of a Schottky electric field radiation type, very slender electron beam having a spot diameter of 10 through 20 nm is irradiated. According to the mapping measurement, the larger the number of measured points and the wider the measured region, the more averaged information of the crystal orientation can be provided. Actually, in a region of 100×100 μm2, measurement of about 10000 points (1 μm interval) through 40000 points (0.5 μm interval) is carried out. When all of crystal orientations of respective crystal grains are provided by the mapping measurement, a state of crystal orientation with respect to a film can statistically be known.FIGS. 35A and 35Bshow an example of a standard triangle of a silicon film having a polycrystal structure provided by the EBSP method. The standard triangle is frequently used when a dominant orientation of a sample having a polycrystal structure is displayed, collectively displaying to which lattice plane a specific plane of a sample (in this case, film surface) coincides. A frame in a fan-like shape ofFIG. 35Ais generally referred to as the standard triangle and all indices in a cubic system are included therein. Further, a length inFIGS. 35A and 35Bcorresponds to an angle in crystal orientation. For example, an interval between {001} and {101} is 45 degrees, an interval between {101} and {111} is 35.26 degrees and an interval between {111} and {001} is 54.74 degrees. Further, white dotted lines indicate a range of a deviation angle between 5 degrees and 10 degrees from {101}. FIG. 35Ais plotted with all measured points in mapping (in this example, 11655 points) in the standard triangle. It is known that a density of points is increased at a vicinity of {101}.FIG. 35Bdisplays a degree of concentrating the points by contour lines. A numerical value in the diagram designates a multiplication factor when respective crystal grains are assumed to be oriented completely disorderly, that is, when the points in the standard triangle are distributed without deviation, and is a nondimensional number. When in this way, predominant orientation to a specific index (in this case, {101}) is known, by numerizing a rate of crystal grains gathering at a vicinity of the index, a degree of the predominant orientation can be imaged further easily. For example, in the standard triangle exemplified inFIG. 35A, a deviation angle from {101} is pertinently determined to be equal to or smaller than 5 degrees or equal to or smaller than 10 degrees, and a rate of a number of points present in the range (shown by white dotted lines in the drawing) to a total can be defined as an orientation rate and can be calculated by the following equation. {101} orientation rate=a number of measured points having angles made by {101} lattice and film surface within an allowable value÷a total number of measured points. The rate can also be explained as follows. In an actual crystalline silicon film distribution of which is concentrated to a vicinity of {101} as shown byFIG. 35A, although <101> orientation of the respective crystal grain is in a direction perpendicular to a substrate, the direction is not in an ideal normal line direction relative to the substrate but the crystal axis of the respective crystal grain seems to align with some fluctuation around a normal line. By constituting the allowable value by the angle of fluctuation (deviation angle from normal line), for example, by setting 5 degrees and 10 degree, and the orientation rate is calculated by constituting the fluctuation from the normal line direction of the crystal plane smaller than the allowable value as a numerator of the right side of the above-described equation, which is meant by the above-described equation. For example, with regard to <101> orientation of the crystal grain, although the allowable angle is not included in the range of 10 degrees, the allowable angle is included in the range of 5 degrees. In data, described below, the allowable value of the deviation angle may be determined as 5 degrees and the orientation rate of the crystal may be calculated as the rate of the crystal grain satisfying the allowable value. Further, in the specification, S-4300SE type scanning electron microscope made by Hitachi Science System Corporation is used as a scanning electron microscope and “Orientation Imaging Microscope” made by TSL Corporation is used as an exclusive detector. According to the invention, in order to crystallize a semiconductor layer for constituting a channel forming region, a first crystalline semiconductor film for constituting a seed of crystal growth is formed as a lower layer and an amorphous semiconductor film is formed as an upper layer in close contact with the crystalline semiconductor film. Further, by irradiating continuous wave laser beam or pulse laser beam to the upper layer of the amorphous semiconductor film while moving relative to the substrate, the upper layer of the amorphous semiconductor film is crystallized by constituting the seed by the lower layer of the crystalline semiconductor. The invention is characterized in using the provided crystalline semiconductor layer of the upper layer as a channel of a semiconductor element, such as a thin film transistor and a diode, and using a region in which the lower layer of the first crystalline semiconductor layer and the upper layer of the crystalline semiconductor layer are overlapped for an impurity region of a source region or a drain region. According to the invention, by aligning a crystal orientation of the lower layer of the crystalline semiconductor film for constituting the seed of crystal and subjecting the upper layer of the amorphous semiconductor layer to crystal growth (lateral growth) from a crystal plane aligned with a crystal orientation in a direction of flowing carriers (channel length direction), the crystal orientation of the crystalline semiconductor layer is made uniform with respect to the channel length direction and the position of the crystal grain boundary is controlled. For that purpose, according to the invention, one of methods of forming a lower layer of a first crystalline semiconductor layer is a method of forming a first semiconductor film comprising an amorphous semiconductor over a substrate, selectively adding a metal element for reducing a crystallization energy of a semiconductor to the first semiconductor film, crystallizing the first semiconductor film by a heating treatment and patterning the crystallized first semiconductor film in a predetermined shape to thereby form the first crystalline semiconductor layer. According to the provided first crystalline semiconductor layer, an orientation rate of {111} is the highest among crystal planes of {001} {101} and {111}. As the above-described first amorphous semiconductor film, there is used an amorphous semiconductor comprising silicon, a compound of silicon and germanium (SixGe1-x(0<x<1)) or a single element of germanium. The metal element is a metal element forming a metal compound by reacting with silicon (Si) or germanium (Ge) and any element of Pd, Pt, Ni, Cr, Fe, Co, Ti, Au, Cu and Rh can be used. As the above-described metal element, Ni can most preferably be used. Because it seems that when a case in which a semiconductor is silicon is taken as an example, nickel silicide (NiSi2) produced by reacting nickel and silicon is of a fluorite structure and lattice constant of NiSi2is very near to lattice constant of single crystal silicon. As a method of adding the metal element, there are methods of coating a solution dissolved with a metal element or a compound of a metal element or a paste including a metal element or a compound of a metal element, a method of forming a metal element or a compound of a metal element on an amorphous semiconductor film by a sputtering method or a CVD method, a method of accelerating ions of a metal element and adding the ions to a semiconductor film such as plasma doping or an ion implantation method and a method of treating an amorphous semiconductor film by plasma including a metal element. Energy required for forming a metal compound (silicide in the case of silicon) by reacting a metal element such as nickel with a semiconductor is lower than energy for crystallizing a semiconductor such as amorphous silicon. Therefore, by carrying out crystallization by forming a compound by reacting an amorphous silicon film with a metal element, the crystallization can be carried out at temperature (energy) lower than that in spontaneously generating nuclei in a semiconductor film. The above-described method of crystallizing the first crystalline semiconductor is a method of forming the crystalline semiconductor film having a high orientation rate with respect to a predetermined crystal plane by partially adding a metal element to the first amorphous semiconductor film and by forming an amorphous semiconductor whose major component is silicon including germanium, even when a position of adding a metal element is not particularly controlled, it is possible to form a crystalline semiconductor film having the highest orientation rate of {101} among crystal planes of {001}, {101} and {111}. That is, according to the invention, other method of forming a first crystalline semiconductor layer of a lower layer includes a method of forming a first crystalline semiconductor layer comprising a crystalline semiconductor by forming a first amorphous semiconductor film comprising an amorphous semiconductor film whose major component is silicon including germanium over a substrate, adding a metal element for reducing crystallization energy of a semiconductor to the first amorphous semiconductor film, heating the first amorphous semiconductor film to crystallize and patterning the crystallized first crystalline semiconductor film in a predetermined shape. In the above-described method of forming the first crystalline semiconductor layer, a metal element used, a method of adding a metal element and a method of crystallizing a first semiconductor comprising an amorphous semiconductor can be made the same as those in the case of forming a crystalline semiconductor layer having the highest orientation rate of {111}, mentioned above, and the above-described metal element is a metal element for forming a metal compound by reacting with silicon (Si) or germanium (Ge) and any element of Pd, Pt, Ni, Cr, Fe, Co, Ti, Au, Cu and Rh can be used. As the method of adding a metal element, there are methods of coating a solution dissolved with a metal element or a compound of a metal element or a paste including a metal element or a compound of a metal element, a method of forming a metal element or a compound of a metal element on an amorphous semiconductor film by a sputtering method or a CVD method, a method of accelerating ions of a metal element and adding the ions to a semiconductor film such as plasma doping or an ion implantation method and a method of treating an amorphous semiconductor film by plasma including a metal element. In heating to crystallize an amorphous semiconductor film by using the metal element, mentioned above, there is selected means capable of subjecting an amorphous semiconductor film to solid phase growth such as a heating treatment in an electric furnace or a method of utilizing heat radiation by an infrared ray lamp. Further, as described above, according to the invention, when a first amorphous semiconductor film is crystallized by using a metal element, after crystallization, in order to remove an intentionally added metal element from the crystallized first semiconductor film, a gettering treatment may be carried out. As a method of gettering, there are methods of forming a film for constituting a gettering sink on the crystallized semiconductor film and carrying out a heating treatment to thereby absorb the metal element to the gettering sink. As the film for constituting the gettering sink, an amorphous silicon film including argon or an amorphous silicon film including phosphor can be used. Although in the above, as a method of crystallizing a first semiconductor film for constituting a seed, an explanation has been given of a method of adding and crystallizing a metal element, there are also crystallizing methods in which a metal element is not added. As one of the methods, an amorphous semiconductor of a lower layer is crystallized by continuous wave laser beam and another is constructed by a constitution of forming a first semiconductor film comprising an amorphous semiconductor over a substrate, irradiating the continuous wave laser beam to the first semiconductor film while moving an irradiated region by the continuous wave laser beam relative to the substrate to crystallize and patterning the crystallized first semiconductor film in a predetermined shape to thereby form the first crystalline semiconductor layer comprising a crystalline semiconductor. Still another of the methods is a method of forming a first semiconductor film comprising an amorphous semiconductor over a substrate, patterning the first semiconductor film comprising the amorphous semiconductor in a predetermined shape to thereby form a first amorphous semiconductor layer and irradiating continuous wave laser beam to the first amorphous semiconductor layer while moving an irradiated region by the continuous wave laser beam relative to the substrate to crystallize to thereby form the first crystalline semiconductor layer. According to the invention, the first crystalline semiconductor layer is patterned in a predetermined shape and the shape is patterned such that the first crystalline semiconductor layer constitutes a seed crystal for crystallizing the upper layer of the second amorphous semiconductor film and functions also as a portion connected to an electrode or a wiring such as a source region or a drain region of a thin film transistor. Further, the invention is characterized in a method of fabricating a semiconductor device of forming a second semiconductor film comprising an amorphous semiconductor on a first crystalline semiconductor layer formed by any of the above-described methods in contact with the first crystalline semiconductor layer, patterning the second semiconductor film in a predetermined shape to include a region overlapped with the first crystalline semiconductor layer and a region which is not overlapped with the first crystalline semiconductor layer in a predetermined shape to thereby form a second amorphous semiconductor layer, irradiating continuous wave laser beam to the second amorphous semiconductor layer while moving the continuous wave laser beam relative to the substrate to crystallize the second amorphous semiconductor layer to thereby form the second crystalline semiconductor layer, in which in crystallizing the second amorphous semiconductor layer, a region in which the continuous wave laser beam is irradiated is moved from the region in which the second amorphous semiconductor layer is overlapped with the first crystalline semiconductor layer to the region in which the second amorphous semiconductor layer is not overlapped with the first crystalline semiconductor layer. Further, according to the invention, in crystallizing the second amorphous semiconductor layer, instead of irradiating continuous wave laser beam, pulse laser beam may be irradiated. In this case, a method of moving laser beam is different from the above one and in crystallizing the second amorphous semiconductor layer, the pulse laser beam is moved such that both of the region in which the second amorphous semiconductor layer is overlapped with the first crystalline semiconductor layer and the region in which the second amorphous semiconductor layer is not overlapped with the first crystalline semiconductor layer, are included in the irradiated region of the pulse laser beam. By irradiating the continuous wave laser beam or the pulse laser beam while moving the irradiated region as described above, crystal growth is progressed in a horizontal direction relative to a formed plane (flat plane of substrate) in the second amorphous semiconductor layer by constituting a seed in the first crystalline semiconductor layer and progressed such that a crystal plane of the first crystalline semiconductor layer is copied. Therefore, by carrying out crystal growth from a plane of the first crystalline semiconductor layer having an aligned crystal orientation, the region in which the second crystalline semiconductor layer is not overlapped with the first crystalline semiconductor layer can be subjected to crystal growth in a constant direction. Therefore, when a channel forming region of a semiconductor element is constituted by the region in which the second crystalline semiconductor layer having the above-described crystal structure is not overlapped with the first crystalline semiconductor layer, a direction of crystal growth of the region can be made parallel with a channel length direction (direction of moving carriers). According to the invention, it does not only indicate an amorphous structure in a narrow sense but includes also an amorphous semiconductor partially including small crystals that a crystal structure of a semiconductor is amorphous. According to the invention, as continuous wave laser beam, laser beam emitted from a gas laser oscillating apparatus or a solid state laser oscillating apparatus can be selected. For example, as a solid state laser oscillating apparatus, there is a laser oscillating apparatus using a crystal constituted by a crystal of YAG, YVO4, YLF, YAlO3doped with Cr, Nd, Er, Ho, Ce, Co, Ti or Tm. A wavelength of a basic wave emitted from the laser oscillating apparatus is a wavelength in a range of 1 μm through 2 μm although the wavelength differs by a doped element. Further, as a gas laser oscillating apparatus, a gas oscillating laser apparatus using argon laser or krypton laser can be selected. According to the invention, as a pulse oscillating laser, an excimer laser oscillating apparatus using a gas of a halogenated compound such as ArF, KrF, XeCl, or a solid state laser oscillating apparatus using a crystal of YAG, YVO4, YLF or YAlO3doped with Cr, Nd, Er, Ho, Ce, Co, Ti or Tm can be used. Although laser beam emitted from an excimer laser oscillating apparatus is ultraviolet beam having a wavelength region of 400 nm through 200 nm, in the case of solid state laser beam, a wavelength of a basic wave excited from the crystal is about 1 through 2 μm. In order to efficiently use energy of laser beam in crystallizing an amorphous semiconductor film, a wavelength of continuous wave laser beam actually irradiated to an amorphous semiconductor film to be crystallized, is preferably a wavelength effectively absorbed in an amorphous semiconductor film, that is, a wavelength from a visible light range to an ultraviolet ray range. Therefore, in the case of laser having a basic wave excited by a laser oscillating apparatus from 1 μm to 2 μm, it is preferable to apply a second harmonic through a fourth harmonic of a basic wave. Representatively, in crystallizing an amorphous silicon film, in the case of Nd: YVO4laser oscillating apparatus (continuous oscillation or pulse oscillation), a wavelength of a basic wave excited from crystal is 1064 nm and therefore, it is preferable to use a second harmonic (532 nm) for laser beam to be irradiated. Further, in the specification, when continuous wave laser beam or pulse laser beam is irradiated in other than crystallizing a semiconductor, the above-described laser apparatus can be utilized. Further, according to the invention, moving an irradiated region by continuous wave laser beam or pulse laser beam relative to a substrate, means either scanning laser beam by fixing a substrate and moving laser beam by a scanning optical system, or scanning laser beam by fixing an irradiated region by laser beam and moving a substrate by a stage having a moving mechanism. Further, both of an irradiated region of laser beam and a substrate may be moved. Further, according to the invention, when a first crystalline semiconductor layer is formed by using a metal element having effect of reducing energy for crystallization, a film thickness may be about 50 nm through 100 nm. This is because when the film thickness becomes thinner than 50 nm, it is difficult to progress crystal growth as described above. Further, because when the film thickness exceeds 100 nm, it is difficult to constitute a single crystal grain in a film thickness direction and a metal element necessary for crystallization is increased. Further, when a first crystalline semiconductor layer is formed by using continuous wave laser beam, the film thickness may be 30 nm through 400 nm, further preferably, 50 nm through 150 nm. Further, conventionally, when an amorphous semiconductor film is crystallized by using continuous wave laser beam, due to a problem of a margin of irradiation energy, it is necessary to make the film thickness thicker than 60 nm. According to the invention, in order to crystallize a second amorphous semiconductor film, continuous wave laser beam is used, since in the second crystalline semiconductor layer, crystal growth is carried out by constituting a seed by the first crystalline semiconductor layer, that is, since a nuclei generating portion for crystal growth can be controlled and therefore, the thickness of the second crystalline semiconductor layer can be thinned to a range equal to or smaller than 60 nm, preferably 10 through 60 nm, further preferably, a range of 20 through 40 nm. Further, also in crystallizing by using pulse laser beam, although it has conventionally been difficult to crystallize an amorphous semiconductor film thinner than 50 nm, in the case of the invention, from the above-described similar reason, the thickness of the second crystalline semiconductor layer can be thinned to a range equal to or smaller than 50 nm, preferably 10 through 50 nm, further preferably, to a range of 20 through 40 nm.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a semiconductor device in which an active layer is formed of a crystalline semiconductor film having a crystal structure and a method of forming the same. Particularly, the invention relates to a thin film transistor in which an active region is formed of a crystalline semiconductor film, a semiconductor device such as an integrated circuit using the thin film transistor and a method of forming fabricating the semiconductor device. Further, in the specification, a semiconductor device refers to general device functioning by utilizing a semiconductor characteristic, including, for example, a semiconductor integrated circuit, an active matrix type display device, and other electronic device such as an electronic device mounted with a semiconductor integrated circuit or an active matrix type display device. 2. Description of the Related Art In developing an active matrix type display which is a kind of a flat panel display, there has been developed a technology of forming a thin film transistor (hereinafter, described as TFT) using a crystalline semiconductor film having a crystal structure for an active layer as an element of a pixel portion or a transistor of an integrated circuit for driving the pixel portion and there is realized a monolithic type display integrated with an integrated circuit of a pixel portion and a drive circuit necessary for driving the pixel portion on one glass substrate or quartz substrate. There have been sold various commodities such as a notebook type personal computer or a portable telephone mounted with an active matrix type liquid crystal display device formed by TFT using a polycrystal silicon film produced by crystallizing an amorphous silicon film. There is requested TFT having fast operation speed, that is, high field effect mobility in order to realize higher pixel formation and higher miniaturization of a monolithic type of an active matrix type display. In order to achieve high field effect mobility, it is necessary to form TFT by using a crystalline silicon film produced by crystallizing an amorphous silicon film and for that purpose, an intensive research has been carried out on a technology of crystallizing a silicon film. As the crystallizing technology, there is known a method of heating an amorphous semiconductor film by a heating furnace or RTA apparatus for solid phase growth or a method of crystallizing an amorphous film by heating the amorphous film by irradiating laser beam. Although in order to increase the field effect mobility of TFT, carriers may be moved smoothly by a channel without being scattered, in the case of TFT using a crystalline silicon film currently reduced to practice, there are many grain boundaries in the channel and therefore, the field effect mobility of TFT cannot be made higher than that of a transistor using a silicon wafer. Hence, it has been tried to enlarge a crystal grain of a semiconductor of the channel to bring the field effect mobility of TFT close to that of a transistor of a single crystal silicon wafer. Because by enlarging the crystal grain, a number of crystal grain boundaries of a semiconductor at a channel of TFT is reduced and therefore, a probability that carriers are scattered by crystal grain boundaries can be reduced. Further, although it is known that easiness of flowing carriers in a semiconductor differs also by crystal orientation, according to the conventional crystallizing technology, it is very difficult to align crystal orientation in the direction of carriers flowing in the channel. According to the above-described conventional crystallizing technology, crystals grow with crystal nuclei accidentally produced in an amorphous silicon film as seeds and therefore, the crystal grain boundaries cannot be eliminated at all, further, it is very difficult to control positions of crystal grain boundaries or crystal orientation. That the positions of the crystal grain boundaries and the crystal orientation cannot be aligned in this way, is that the crystal structure of the crystallized silicon film differs at respective locations and therefore, even when TFT is formed by using the same silicon film, there is constituted one of causes of varying characteristics of TFT at respective locations. Further, as TFT, there is also requested a characteristic that as a switching element, a threshold voltage value is small and a sub threshold value (S value) is small. It is known that in order to improve such a characteristic, a film thickness of the semiconductor film of the channel portion is thinned. This is because a characteristic of a sub threshold region on I-V characteristic is improved since when the semiconductor film of the channel portion is thinned, spread of a depletion layer (channel) in a film thickness direction (vertical direction) is restrained. In the case of TFT using a polycrystal silicon film, normally, it is preferable to thin a channel forming region to be equal to or smaller than about 60 nm. However, in the case of crystallization by solid phase growth using a heating furnace or the like, when the film thickness is thinned, there is a case that it is difficult to increase a crystal grain size. Further, also in the case of crystallization by continuous wave laser beam such as YAG laser or pulse laser beam such as excimer laser, similar to the case of solid phase growth using a heating furnace or the like, it is difficult to thin the film thickness of the amorphous silicon film. This is because there is posed a new problem that abrasion is liable to be caused and a margin of optimum energy is narrowed and in the case of continuous wave laser beam, unless the film thickness is equal to or larger than 60 nm in the case of continuous wave laser beam or 50 nm in the case of excimer laser, it is difficult to set optimum energy and therefore, it is difficult to reproducibly carry out crystallization. Further, conventionally in order to thin the thickness of the semiconductor film of the channel portion, there is known a method of using thermal oxidation, however, according to the method, only a limited substrate having heat resistance, such as a quartz substrate or a silicon wafer, can be used. As described above, according to conventional crystallization by laser annealing or crystallization of an amorphous silicon by solid phase growth by using an electric furnace, the crystallization is derived from crystal growth from accidentally produced crystal nuclei, a position of generating and a density of generating crystal nuclei cannot be controlled, further, orientations of crystalline planes of a semiconductor film cannot be controlled. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide a thin film transistor resolving the above-described problems, in which a field effect mobility is high, a threshold characteristic is improved and a variation in characteristics is small. Further, it is an object of the invention to provide a method capable of growing a crystal such that a direction of a crystal grain boundary becomes in parallel with a channel length direction and an orientation of an axis of growing the crystal becomes uniform by controlling a position of the crystal grain boundary and a crystal orientation of a crystal grain of a crystalline semiconductor film for constituting a channel. Furthermore, the method of the invention is characterized in being capable of utilizing a substrate having a strain point of about 600° C. such as a glass substrate. As described above, the crystallization of an amorphous silicon film by using an electric furnace or laser beam according to the conventional example, depends on crystal growth from a crystal nucleus which is accidentally generated, a position of generating and a density of generating the crystal nucleus cannot be controlled, further, an orientation of a crystal plane of a crystalline semiconductor film cannot be aligned and a position of a crystal grain boundary cannot be controlled. In order to resolve the above-described problem, there is provided a new method of fabricating a crystalline semiconductor layer used for a channel forming region of a semiconductor element of a thin film transistor. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a semiconductor device which is a semiconductor device comprising a thin film transistor comprising two first crystalline semiconductor layers and a second crystalline semiconductor layer provided on two of the first crystalline semiconductor layers in contact therewith wherein a source region and a drain region of the thin film transistor are respectively provided in a portion in which the first and the second crystalline semiconductor layers are laminated, a channel forming region comprises the second crystalline semiconductor layer and the channel forming region is provided with a highest rate of {111} among crystal planes of {001}, {101} and {111}. Further, according to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a semiconductor device which is a semiconductor device comprising a thin film transistor comprising two first crystalline semiconductor layers and a second crystalline semiconductor layer provided on two of the first crystalline semiconductor layers in contact therewith wherein a source region and a drain region of the thin film transistor are respectively provided in a portion in which the first and the second crystalline semiconductor layers are laminated, a channel forming region comprises the second crystalline semiconductor layer and a rate of {101} is the highest among crystals of {001}, {101} and {111} included in the channel forming region. A distribution of a crystal orientation of a semiconductor is provided from an electron backscatter diffraction pattern (EBSP). EBSP is a method of detecting a crystal orientation from backscattering of a primary electron by providing an exclusive detector to a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) (hereinafter, the method is referred to as EBSP method for convenience). When an electron beam is incident on a sample having a crystal structure, nonelastic scattering occurs also to a backwards and a linear pattern particular to a crystal orientation by Bragg's diffraction in the sample (generally referred to as Kikuchi image) is also observed in the nonelastic scattering. The EBSP method provides the crystal orientation of the sample by analyzing Kikuchi image displayed on a detector screen. According to a sample of a polycrystal structure, respective crystal grains are provided with different crystal orientations. By repeating orientation analysis while moving a position of the sample to which the electron beam impinges (mapping measurement), information of crystal orientation can be provided with respect to a planar sample. Although a size of incident electron beam differs by a type of an electron gun of a scanning electron microscopy, in the case of a Schottky electric field radiation type, very slender electron beam having a spot diameter of 10 through 20 nm is irradiated. According to the mapping measurement, the larger the number of measured points and the wider the measured region, the more averaged information of the crystal orientation can be provided. Actually, in a region of 100×100 μm2, measurement of about 10000 points (1 μm interval) through 40000 points (0.5 μm interval) is carried out. When all of crystal orientations of respective crystal grains are provided by the mapping measurement, a state of crystal orientation with respect to a film can statistically be known.FIGS. 35A and 35Bshow an example of a standard triangle of a silicon film having a polycrystal structure provided by the EBSP method. The standard triangle is frequently used when a dominant orientation of a sample having a polycrystal structure is displayed, collectively displaying to which lattice plane a specific plane of a sample (in this case, film surface) coincides. A frame in a fan-like shape ofFIG. 35Ais generally referred to as the standard triangle and all indices in a cubic system are included therein. Further, a length inFIGS. 35A and 35Bcorresponds to an angle in crystal orientation. For example, an interval between {001} and {101} is 45 degrees, an interval between {101} and {111} is 35.26 degrees and an interval between {111} and {001} is 54.74 degrees. Further, white dotted lines indicate a range of a deviation angle between 5 degrees and 10 degrees from {101}. FIG. 35Ais plotted with all measured points in mapping (in this example, 11655 points) in the standard triangle. It is known that a density of points is increased at a vicinity of {101}.FIG. 35Bdisplays a degree of concentrating the points by contour lines. A numerical value in the diagram designates a multiplication factor when respective crystal grains are assumed to be oriented completely disorderly, that is, when the points in the standard triangle are distributed without deviation, and is a nondimensional number. When in this way, predominant orientation to a specific index (in this case, {101}) is known, by numerizing a rate of crystal grains gathering at a vicinity of the index, a degree of the predominant orientation can be imaged further easily. For example, in the standard triangle exemplified inFIG. 35A, a deviation angle from {101} is pertinently determined to be equal to or smaller than 5 degrees or equal to or smaller than 10 degrees, and a rate of a number of points present in the range (shown by white dotted lines in the drawing) to a total can be defined as an orientation rate and can be calculated by the following equation. {101} orientation rate=a number of measured points having angles made by {101} lattice and film surface within an allowable value÷a total number of measured points. The rate can also be explained as follows. In an actual crystalline silicon film distribution of which is concentrated to a vicinity of {101} as shown byFIG. 35A, although <101> orientation of the respective crystal grain is in a direction perpendicular to a substrate, the direction is not in an ideal normal line direction relative to the substrate but the crystal axis of the respective crystal grain seems to align with some fluctuation around a normal line. By constituting the allowable value by the angle of fluctuation (deviation angle from normal line), for example, by setting 5 degrees and 10 degree, and the orientation rate is calculated by constituting the fluctuation from the normal line direction of the crystal plane smaller than the allowable value as a numerator of the right side of the above-described equation, which is meant by the above-described equation. For example, with regard to <101> orientation of the crystal grain, although the allowable angle is not included in the range of 10 degrees, the allowable angle is included in the range of 5 degrees. In data, described below, the allowable value of the deviation angle may be determined as 5 degrees and the orientation rate of the crystal may be calculated as the rate of the crystal grain satisfying the allowable value. Further, in the specification, S-4300SE type scanning electron microscope made by Hitachi Science System Corporation is used as a scanning electron microscope and “Orientation Imaging Microscope” made by TSL Corporation is used as an exclusive detector. According to the invention, in order to crystallize a semiconductor layer for constituting a channel forming region, a first crystalline semiconductor film for constituting a seed of crystal growth is formed as a lower layer and an amorphous semiconductor film is formed as an upper layer in close contact with the crystalline semiconductor film. Further, by irradiating continuous wave laser beam or pulse laser beam to the upper layer of the amorphous semiconductor film while moving relative to the substrate, the upper layer of the amorphous semiconductor film is crystallized by constituting the seed by the lower layer of the crystalline semiconductor. The invention is characterized in using the provided crystalline semiconductor layer of the upper layer as a channel of a semiconductor element, such as a thin film transistor and a diode, and using a region in which the lower layer of the first crystalline semiconductor layer and the upper layer of the crystalline semiconductor layer are overlapped for an impurity region of a source region or a drain region. According to the invention, by aligning a crystal orientation of the lower layer of the crystalline semiconductor film for constituting the seed of crystal and subjecting the upper layer of the amorphous semiconductor layer to crystal growth (lateral growth) from a crystal plane aligned with a crystal orientation in a direction of flowing carriers (channel length direction), the crystal orientation of the crystalline semiconductor layer is made uniform with respect to the channel length direction and the position of the crystal grain boundary is controlled. For that purpose, according to the invention, one of methods of forming a lower layer of a first crystalline semiconductor layer is a method of forming a first semiconductor film comprising an amorphous semiconductor over a substrate, selectively adding a metal element for reducing a crystallization energy of a semiconductor to the first semiconductor film, crystallizing the first semiconductor film by a heating treatment and patterning the crystallized first semiconductor film in a predetermined shape to thereby form the first crystalline semiconductor layer. According to the provided first crystalline semiconductor layer, an orientation rate of {111} is the highest among crystal planes of {001} {101} and {111}. As the above-described first amorphous semiconductor film, there is used an amorphous semiconductor comprising silicon, a compound of silicon and germanium (SixGe1-x(0<x<1)) or a single element of germanium. The metal element is a metal element forming a metal compound by reacting with silicon (Si) or germanium (Ge) and any element of Pd, Pt, Ni, Cr, Fe, Co, Ti, Au, Cu and Rh can be used. As the above-described metal element, Ni can most preferably be used. Because it seems that when a case in which a semiconductor is silicon is taken as an example, nickel silicide (NiSi2) produced by reacting nickel and silicon is of a fluorite structure and lattice constant of NiSi2is very near to lattice constant of single crystal silicon. As a method of adding the metal element, there are methods of coating a solution dissolved with a metal element or a compound of a metal element or a paste including a metal element or a compound of a metal element, a method of forming a metal element or a compound of a metal element on an amorphous semiconductor film by a sputtering method or a CVD method, a method of accelerating ions of a metal element and adding the ions to a semiconductor film such as plasma doping or an ion implantation method and a method of treating an amorphous semiconductor film by plasma including a metal element. Energy required for forming a metal compound (silicide in the case of silicon) by reacting a metal element such as nickel with a semiconductor is lower than energy for crystallizing a semiconductor such as amorphous silicon. Therefore, by carrying out crystallization by forming a compound by reacting an amorphous silicon film with a metal element, the crystallization can be carried out at temperature (energy) lower than that in spontaneously generating nuclei in a semiconductor film. The above-described method of crystallizing the first crystalline semiconductor is a method of forming the crystalline semiconductor film having a high orientation rate with respect to a predetermined crystal plane by partially adding a metal element to the first amorphous semiconductor film and by forming an amorphous semiconductor whose major component is silicon including germanium, even when a position of adding a metal element is not particularly controlled, it is possible to form a crystalline semiconductor film having the highest orientation rate of {101} among crystal planes of {001}, {101} and {111}. That is, according to the invention, other method of forming a first crystalline semiconductor layer of a lower layer includes a method of forming a first crystalline semiconductor layer comprising a crystalline semiconductor by forming a first amorphous semiconductor film comprising an amorphous semiconductor film whose major component is silicon including germanium over a substrate, adding a metal element for reducing crystallization energy of a semiconductor to the first amorphous semiconductor film, heating the first amorphous semiconductor film to crystallize and patterning the crystallized first crystalline semiconductor film in a predetermined shape. In the above-described method of forming the first crystalline semiconductor layer, a metal element used, a method of adding a metal element and a method of crystallizing a first semiconductor comprising an amorphous semiconductor can be made the same as those in the case of forming a crystalline semiconductor layer having the highest orientation rate of {111}, mentioned above, and the above-described metal element is a metal element for forming a metal compound by reacting with silicon (Si) or germanium (Ge) and any element of Pd, Pt, Ni, Cr, Fe, Co, Ti, Au, Cu and Rh can be used. As the method of adding a metal element, there are methods of coating a solution dissolved with a metal element or a compound of a metal element or a paste including a metal element or a compound of a metal element, a method of forming a metal element or a compound of a metal element on an amorphous semiconductor film by a sputtering method or a CVD method, a method of accelerating ions of a metal element and adding the ions to a semiconductor film such as plasma doping or an ion implantation method and a method of treating an amorphous semiconductor film by plasma including a metal element. In heating to crystallize an amorphous semiconductor film by using the metal element, mentioned above, there is selected means capable of subjecting an amorphous semiconductor film to solid phase growth such as a heating treatment in an electric furnace or a method of utilizing heat radiation by an infrared ray lamp. Further, as described above, according to the invention, when a first amorphous semiconductor film is crystallized by using a metal element, after crystallization, in order to remove an intentionally added metal element from the crystallized first semiconductor film, a gettering treatment may be carried out. As a method of gettering, there are methods of forming a film for constituting a gettering sink on the crystallized semiconductor film and carrying out a heating treatment to thereby absorb the metal element to the gettering sink. As the film for constituting the gettering sink, an amorphous silicon film including argon or an amorphous silicon film including phosphor can be used. Although in the above, as a method of crystallizing a first semiconductor film for constituting a seed, an explanation has been given of a method of adding and crystallizing a metal element, there are also crystallizing methods in which a metal element is not added. As one of the methods, an amorphous semiconductor of a lower layer is crystallized by continuous wave laser beam and another is constructed by a constitution of forming a first semiconductor film comprising an amorphous semiconductor over a substrate, irradiating the continuous wave laser beam to the first semiconductor film while moving an irradiated region by the continuous wave laser beam relative to the substrate to crystallize and patterning the crystallized first semiconductor film in a predetermined shape to thereby form the first crystalline semiconductor layer comprising a crystalline semiconductor. Still another of the methods is a method of forming a first semiconductor film comprising an amorphous semiconductor over a substrate, patterning the first semiconductor film comprising the amorphous semiconductor in a predetermined shape to thereby form a first amorphous semiconductor layer and irradiating continuous wave laser beam to the first amorphous semiconductor layer while moving an irradiated region by the continuous wave laser beam relative to the substrate to crystallize to thereby form the first crystalline semiconductor layer. According to the invention, the first crystalline semiconductor layer is patterned in a predetermined shape and the shape is patterned such that the first crystalline semiconductor layer constitutes a seed crystal for crystallizing the upper layer of the second amorphous semiconductor film and functions also as a portion connected to an electrode or a wiring such as a source region or a drain region of a thin film transistor. Further, the invention is characterized in a method of fabricating a semiconductor device of forming a second semiconductor film comprising an amorphous semiconductor on a first crystalline semiconductor layer formed by any of the above-described methods in contact with the first crystalline semiconductor layer, patterning the second semiconductor film in a predetermined shape to include a region overlapped with the first crystalline semiconductor layer and a region which is not overlapped with the first crystalline semiconductor layer in a predetermined shape to thereby form a second amorphous semiconductor layer, irradiating continuous wave laser beam to the second amorphous semiconductor layer while moving the continuous wave laser beam relative to the substrate to crystallize the second amorphous semiconductor layer to thereby form the second crystalline semiconductor layer, in which in crystallizing the second amorphous semiconductor layer, a region in which the continuous wave laser beam is irradiated is moved from the region in which the second amorphous semiconductor layer is overlapped with the first crystalline semiconductor layer to the region in which the second amorphous semiconductor layer is not overlapped with the first crystalline semiconductor layer. Further, according to the invention, in crystallizing the second amorphous semiconductor layer, instead of irradiating continuous wave laser beam, pulse laser beam may be irradiated. In this case, a method of moving laser beam is different from the above one and in crystallizing the second amorphous semiconductor layer, the pulse laser beam is moved such that both of the region in which the second amorphous semiconductor layer is overlapped with the first crystalline semiconductor layer and the region in which the second amorphous semiconductor layer is not overlapped with the first crystalline semiconductor layer, are included in the irradiated region of the pulse laser beam. By irradiating the continuous wave laser beam or the pulse laser beam while moving the irradiated region as described above, crystal growth is progressed in a horizontal direction relative to a formed plane (flat plane of substrate) in the second amorphous semiconductor layer by constituting a seed in the first crystalline semiconductor layer and progressed such that a crystal plane of the first crystalline semiconductor layer is copied. Therefore, by carrying out crystal growth from a plane of the first crystalline semiconductor layer having an aligned crystal orientation, the region in which the second crystalline semiconductor layer is not overlapped with the first crystalline semiconductor layer can be subjected to crystal growth in a constant direction. Therefore, when a channel forming region of a semiconductor element is constituted by the region in which the second crystalline semiconductor layer having the above-described crystal structure is not overlapped with the first crystalline semiconductor layer, a direction of crystal growth of the region can be made parallel with a channel length direction (direction of moving carriers). According to the invention, it does not only indicate an amorphous structure in a narrow sense but includes also an amorphous semiconductor partially including small crystals that a crystal structure of a semiconductor is amorphous. According to the invention, as continuous wave laser beam, laser beam emitted from a gas laser oscillating apparatus or a solid state laser oscillating apparatus can be selected. For example, as a solid state laser oscillating apparatus, there is a laser oscillating apparatus using a crystal constituted by a crystal of YAG, YVO4, YLF, YAlO3doped with Cr, Nd, Er, Ho, Ce, Co, Ti or Tm. A wavelength of a basic wave emitted from the laser oscillating apparatus is a wavelength in a range of 1 μm through 2 μm although the wavelength differs by a doped element. Further, as a gas laser oscillating apparatus, a gas oscillating laser apparatus using argon laser or krypton laser can be selected. According to the invention, as a pulse oscillating laser, an excimer laser oscillating apparatus using a gas of a halogenated compound such as ArF, KrF, XeCl, or a solid state laser oscillating apparatus using a crystal of YAG, YVO4, YLF or YAlO3doped with Cr, Nd, Er, Ho, Ce, Co, Ti or Tm can be used. Although laser beam emitted from an excimer laser oscillating apparatus is ultraviolet beam having a wavelength region of 400 nm through 200 nm, in the case of solid state laser beam, a wavelength of a basic wave excited from the crystal is about 1 through 2 μm. In order to efficiently use energy of laser beam in crystallizing an amorphous semiconductor film, a wavelength of continuous wave laser beam actually irradiated to an amorphous semiconductor film to be crystallized, is preferably a wavelength effectively absorbed in an amorphous semiconductor film, that is, a wavelength from a visible light range to an ultraviolet ray range. Therefore, in the case of laser having a basic wave excited by a laser oscillating apparatus from 1 μm to 2 μm, it is preferable to apply a second harmonic through a fourth harmonic of a basic wave. Representatively, in crystallizing an amorphous silicon film, in the case of Nd: YVO4laser oscillating apparatus (continuous oscillation or pulse oscillation), a wavelength of a basic wave excited from crystal is 1064 nm and therefore, it is preferable to use a second harmonic (532 nm) for laser beam to be irradiated. Further, in the specification, when continuous wave laser beam or pulse laser beam is irradiated in other than crystallizing a semiconductor, the above-described laser apparatus can be utilized. Further, according to the invention, moving an irradiated region by continuous wave laser beam or pulse laser beam relative to a substrate, means either scanning laser beam by fixing a substrate and moving laser beam by a scanning optical system, or scanning laser beam by fixing an irradiated region by laser beam and moving a substrate by a stage having a moving mechanism. Further, both of an irradiated region of laser beam and a substrate may be moved. Further, according to the invention, when a first crystalline semiconductor layer is formed by using a metal element having effect of reducing energy for crystallization, a film thickness may be about 50 nm through 100 nm. This is because when the film thickness becomes thinner than 50 nm, it is difficult to progress crystal growth as described above. Further, because when the film thickness exceeds 100 nm, it is difficult to constitute a single crystal grain in a film thickness direction and a metal element necessary for crystallization is increased. Further, when a first crystalline semiconductor layer is formed by using continuous wave laser beam, the film thickness may be 30 nm through 400 nm, further preferably, 50 nm through 150 nm. Further, conventionally, when an amorphous semiconductor film is crystallized by using continuous wave laser beam, due to a problem of a margin of irradiation energy, it is necessary to make the film thickness thicker than 60 nm. According to the invention, in order to crystallize a second amorphous semiconductor film, continuous wave laser beam is used, since in the second crystalline semiconductor layer, crystal growth is carried out by constituting a seed by the first crystalline semiconductor layer, that is, since a nuclei generating portion for crystal growth can be controlled and therefore, the thickness of the second crystalline semiconductor layer can be thinned to a range equal to or smaller than 60 nm, preferably 10 through 60 nm, further preferably, a range of 20 through 40 nm. Further, also in crystallizing by using pulse laser beam, although it has conventionally been difficult to crystallize an amorphous semiconductor film thinner than 50 nm, in the case of the invention, from the above-described similar reason, the thickness of the second crystalline semiconductor layer can be thinned to a range equal to or smaller than 50 nm, preferably 10 through 50 nm, further preferably, to a range of 20 through 40 nm. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7694865

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field The present disclosure relates to a surgical apparatus, e.g., a surgical stapling apparatus. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an endoscopic surgical stapling apparatus that includes a locking mechanism that includes a locking member for retaining the drive assembly of a loading unit, e.g., a single use loading unit (“SULU”) or disposable loading unit (“DLU”), at a substantially fixed axial position until the SULU or DLU has been loaded with or secured to a surgical stapling apparatus, to ensure proper or complete engagement of the SULU or DLU, especially its drive assembly, to the surgical stapling apparatus. For simplicity, hereinafter, SULU or DLU will be referred to as “DLU”, but it should be understood to include either or both a DLU or SULU. 2. Background of Related Art Surgical devices wherein tissue is first grasped or clamped between opposing jaw structure and then joined by surgical fasteners are well known in the art. In some instruments a knife is provided to cut the tissue which has been joined by the fasteners. The fasteners are typically in the form of surgical staples but two part polymeric fasteners can also be utilized. Instruments for this purpose can include two elongated jaw members which are respectively used to capture or clamp tissue. Typically, one of the jaw members carries a staple cartridge which houses a plurality of staples arranged in at least two lateral rows while the other jaw member has an anvil that defines a surface for forming the staple legs as the staples are driven from the staple cartridge. Generally, the stapling operation is effected by cam members that travel longitudinally through the staple cartridge, with the cam members acting upon staple pushers to sequentially eject the staples from the staple cartridge. A knife can travel between the staple rows to longitudinally cut and/or open the stapled tissue between the rows of staples. Such instruments are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,079,606 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,490,675. A later stapler disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,499,591 also applies a double row of staples on each side of the incision. This patent discloses a surgical stapler that has a disposable loading unit in which a cam member moves through an elongate guide path between two sets of staggered staple carrying grooves. Staple drive members are located within the grooves and are positioned in such a manner so as to be contacted by the longitudinally moving cam member to effect ejection of the staples from the staple cartridge of the disposable loading unit. Other examples of such staplers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,429,695 and 5,065,929. Each of the instruments described above is designed for use in conventional surgical procedures wherein surgeons have direct manual access to the operative site. However, in endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures, surgery is performed through a small incision or through a narrow cannula inserted through small entrance wounds in the skin. In order to address the specific needs of endoscopic and/or laparoscopic surgical procedures, endoscopic surgical stapling devices have been developed and are disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,040,715 (Green, et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 5,307,976 (Olson, et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 5,312,023 (Green, et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,221 (Green, et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 5,326,013 (Green, et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 5,332,142 (Robinson, et al.); and U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,139 (Milliman et al.), the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. Tyco Healthcare Group, LP, the assignee of the present application, has manufactured and marketed endoscopic stapling instruments, such as the Multifire ENDO GIA™ 30 and Multifire ENDO GIA™ 60 instruments, for a number of years. These instruments include a surgical stapling apparatus and a DLU. Typically, the DLU is attached to the apparatus immediately prior to surgery. After use, the DLU can be removed from the apparatus and a new DLU can be fastened to the apparatus to perform additional stapling and/or cutting operations. These instruments have provided significant clinical benefits. Nonetheless, improvements to these instruments are still possible. It would be desirable to provide an improved DLU for a surgical stapling apparatus and an improved surgical stapling apparatus having the DLU loaded thereon. It would also be desirable to provide a locking mechanism for a DLU to assure proper loading of the DLU to the shaft of a surgical stapling apparatus. Accordingly, it is an object of this disclosure to provide an improved DLU which locks or retains its drive assembly in proper position to be loaded onto the shaft of a surgical stapling apparatus (hereinafter referred to as the or a “ready-to-load position”) until the DLU is loaded onto a surgical stapling apparatus to assure that when the DLU is loaded thereto, the drive assembly is properly engaged by, coupled to or connected to a drive member of the shaft, thereby helping to ensure proper operation of the DLU and the surgical stapling apparatus. For example, with the DLU loaded onto the surgical stapling apparatus, after firing of the surgical stapling apparatus, retraction of the control rod will unapproximate or open and/or unclamp the anvil and cartridge assemblies. An object of the disclosure is to provide an improved DLU that includes a locking mechanism that retains the drive assembly in such a ready-to-load position until the DLU is loaded onto the surgical stapling apparatus. Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a locking mechanism for a DLU and a DLU having a locking mechanism, such that firing of the surgical stapling apparatus is prevented unless and until the DLU is loaded onto the shaft of the surgical stapling apparatus. Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a DLU that, after firing, can be disconnected from the surgical stapling apparatus. Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a DLU that has only two conditions, one in which it is not loaded and its drive assembly is locked or retained in the ready-to-load position, and another in which the DLU is loaded onto the shaft of a surgical stapling apparatus and in which the drive assembly is unlocked and free to be actuated. Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide the above objects in a roticulating, i.e., roticulable, DLU. SUMMARY In accordance with the present disclosure, a surgical apparatus, e.g., a surgical stapling apparatus, including a locking mechanism for ensuring proper engagement of a disposable loading unit to an end, preferably the distal end, of the surgical apparatus is provided. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the surgical apparatus includes a housing, a handle supported by the housing, and a loading unit supportable on a distal end of the housing. The loading unit includes a housing portion including a distal end and a proximal end, a drive assembly slidably supported within the housing portion of the loading unit, and a locking mechanism pivotally supported on the housing portion of the loading unit. The locking mechanism can have a first position wherein the locking mechanism engages a portion of the drive assembly and maintains the position of the drive assembly relative to the housing portion of the loading unit. The locking mechanism can have a second position wherein the locking mechanism disengages the drive assembly and enables the drive assembly to move relative to the housing portion. It is envisioned that the locking mechanism can include a lever pivotably connected to the housing portion ad defining a pivot point. The lever includes a distal end extending distally of the pivot point and a proximal end extending proximally of the pivot point. The distal end of the lever preferably includes a member, preferably a hook, for selectively engaging the portion of the drive assembly, wherein when the locking mechanism is in the first position the hook engages a portion of the drive assembly and when the locking mechanism is in the second position the hook is disengaged from the portion of the drive assembly. It is envisioned that when the locking mechanism is moved from the first position, to the second position the proximal end of the lever is moved radially inward and the distal end of the lever is moved radially outward. The locking mechanism is moved from the first position to the second position upon the coupling of the loading unit to the distal end of the elongate body. Preferably, the locking mechanism is moved from the first position to the second position by a twisting action of the loading unit relative to the elongate body when the insertion tip of the loading unit is inserted in to the distal end of the elongate body. The locking mechanism can further include a biasing member operatively associated therewith. Preferably, the biasing member biases the lever to the first-position. It is envisioned that when the locking mechanism is in the first position, the proximal-end of the lever extends radially beyond an outer surface of the housing portion. Desirably, the proximal end of the lever of the locking mechanism may define an angled surface to facilitate connection with the elongate body. Preferably, the surgical apparatus is a fastener applier or stapler, preferably a laparoscopic or endoscopic stapler. This disclosure also is of a DLU, preferably a roticulator DLU for a surgical fastener applier or stapler. Desirably, the proximal end of the housing portion of the loading unit defines an insertion tip. It is envisioned that the surgical apparatus may include an elongate body extending distally from the housing. The present disclosure further provides for a loading unit for use with and/or supportable on a distal end of a surgical stapling apparatus. The loading unit includes a housing portion including a distal end and a proximal end, a drive assembly slidably supported within the housing portion of the loading unit, and a locking mechanism supported on the housing portion of the loading unit, the locking mechanism having a first position wherein the locking mechanism engages a portion of the drive assembly and maintains the position, preferably the axial position, of the drive assembly relative to the housing portion of the loading unit, and the locking mechanism having a second position wherein the locking mechanism disengages the drive assembly and enables the drive assembly to move relative to the housing portion. Additional advantages will become apparent from the description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field The present disclosure relates to a surgical apparatus, e.g., a surgical stapling apparatus. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an endoscopic surgical stapling apparatus that includes a locking mechanism that includes a locking member for retaining the drive assembly of a loading unit, e.g., a single use loading unit (“SULU”) or disposable loading unit (“DLU”), at a substantially fixed axial position until the SULU or DLU has been loaded with or secured to a surgical stapling apparatus, to ensure proper or complete engagement of the SULU or DLU, especially its drive assembly, to the surgical stapling apparatus. For simplicity, hereinafter, SULU or DLU will be referred to as “DLU”, but it should be understood to include either or both a DLU or SULU. 2. Background of Related Art Surgical devices wherein tissue is first grasped or clamped between opposing jaw structure and then joined by surgical fasteners are well known in the art. In some instruments a knife is provided to cut the tissue which has been joined by the fasteners. The fasteners are typically in the form of surgical staples but two part polymeric fasteners can also be utilized. Instruments for this purpose can include two elongated jaw members which are respectively used to capture or clamp tissue. Typically, one of the jaw members carries a staple cartridge which houses a plurality of staples arranged in at least two lateral rows while the other jaw member has an anvil that defines a surface for forming the staple legs as the staples are driven from the staple cartridge. Generally, the stapling operation is effected by cam members that travel longitudinally through the staple cartridge, with the cam members acting upon staple pushers to sequentially eject the staples from the staple cartridge. A knife can travel between the staple rows to longitudinally cut and/or open the stapled tissue between the rows of staples. Such instruments are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,079,606 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,490,675. A later stapler disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,499,591 also applies a double row of staples on each side of the incision. This patent discloses a surgical stapler that has a disposable loading unit in which a cam member moves through an elongate guide path between two sets of staggered staple carrying grooves. Staple drive members are located within the grooves and are positioned in such a manner so as to be contacted by the longitudinally moving cam member to effect ejection of the staples from the staple cartridge of the disposable loading unit. Other examples of such staplers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,429,695 and 5,065,929. Each of the instruments described above is designed for use in conventional surgical procedures wherein surgeons have direct manual access to the operative site. However, in endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures, surgery is performed through a small incision or through a narrow cannula inserted through small entrance wounds in the skin. In order to address the specific needs of endoscopic and/or laparoscopic surgical procedures, endoscopic surgical stapling devices have been developed and are disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,040,715 (Green, et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 5,307,976 (Olson, et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 5,312,023 (Green, et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,221 (Green, et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 5,326,013 (Green, et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 5,332,142 (Robinson, et al.); and U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,139 (Milliman et al.), the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. Tyco Healthcare Group, LP, the assignee of the present application, has manufactured and marketed endoscopic stapling instruments, such as the Multifire ENDO GIA™ 30 and Multifire ENDO GIA™ 60 instruments, for a number of years. These instruments include a surgical stapling apparatus and a DLU. Typically, the DLU is attached to the apparatus immediately prior to surgery. After use, the DLU can be removed from the apparatus and a new DLU can be fastened to the apparatus to perform additional stapling and/or cutting operations. These instruments have provided significant clinical benefits. Nonetheless, improvements to these instruments are still possible. It would be desirable to provide an improved DLU for a surgical stapling apparatus and an improved surgical stapling apparatus having the DLU loaded thereon. It would also be desirable to provide a locking mechanism for a DLU to assure proper loading of the DLU to the shaft of a surgical stapling apparatus. Accordingly, it is an object of this disclosure to provide an improved DLU which locks or retains its drive assembly in proper position to be loaded onto the shaft of a surgical stapling apparatus (hereinafter referred to as the or a “ready-to-load position”) until the DLU is loaded onto a surgical stapling apparatus to assure that when the DLU is loaded thereto, the drive assembly is properly engaged by, coupled to or connected to a drive member of the shaft, thereby helping to ensure proper operation of the DLU and the surgical stapling apparatus. For example, with the DLU loaded onto the surgical stapling apparatus, after firing of the surgical stapling apparatus, retraction of the control rod will unapproximate or open and/or unclamp the anvil and cartridge assemblies. An object of the disclosure is to provide an improved DLU that includes a locking mechanism that retains the drive assembly in such a ready-to-load position until the DLU is loaded onto the surgical stapling apparatus. Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a locking mechanism for a DLU and a DLU having a locking mechanism, such that firing of the surgical stapling apparatus is prevented unless and until the DLU is loaded onto the shaft of the surgical stapling apparatus. Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a DLU that, after firing, can be disconnected from the surgical stapling apparatus. Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a DLU that has only two conditions, one in which it is not loaded and its drive assembly is locked or retained in the ready-to-load position, and another in which the DLU is loaded onto the shaft of a surgical stapling apparatus and in which the drive assembly is unlocked and free to be actuated. Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide the above objects in a roticulating, i.e., roticulable, DLU. SUMMARY In accordance with the present disclosure, a surgical apparatus, e.g., a surgical stapling apparatus, including a locking mechanism for ensuring proper engagement of a disposable loading unit to an end, preferably the distal end, of the surgical apparatus is provided. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the surgical apparatus includes a housing, a handle supported by the housing, and a loading unit supportable on a distal end of the housing. The loading unit includes a housing portion including a distal end and a proximal end, a drive assembly slidably supported within the housing portion of the loading unit, and a locking mechanism pivotally supported on the housing portion of the loading unit. The locking mechanism can have a first position wherein the locking mechanism engages a portion of the drive assembly and maintains the position of the drive assembly relative to the housing portion of the loading unit. The locking mechanism can have a second position wherein the locking mechanism disengages the drive assembly and enables the drive assembly to move relative to the housing portion. It is envisioned that the locking mechanism can include a lever pivotably connected to the housing portion ad defining a pivot point. The lever includes a distal end extending distally of the pivot point and a proximal end extending proximally of the pivot point. The distal end of the lever preferably includes a member, preferably a hook, for selectively engaging the portion of the drive assembly, wherein when the locking mechanism is in the first position the hook engages a portion of the drive assembly and when the locking mechanism is in the second position the hook is disengaged from the portion of the drive assembly. It is envisioned that when the locking mechanism is moved from the first position, to the second position the proximal end of the lever is moved radially inward and the distal end of the lever is moved radially outward. The locking mechanism is moved from the first position to the second position upon the coupling of the loading unit to the distal end of the elongate body. Preferably, the locking mechanism is moved from the first position to the second position by a twisting action of the loading unit relative to the elongate body when the insertion tip of the loading unit is inserted in to the distal end of the elongate body. The locking mechanism can further include a biasing member operatively associated therewith. Preferably, the biasing member biases the lever to the first-position. It is envisioned that when the locking mechanism is in the first position, the proximal-end of the lever extends radially beyond an outer surface of the housing portion. Desirably, the proximal end of the lever of the locking mechanism may define an angled surface to facilitate connection with the elongate body. Preferably, the surgical apparatus is a fastener applier or stapler, preferably a laparoscopic or endoscopic stapler. This disclosure also is of a DLU, preferably a roticulator DLU for a surgical fastener applier or stapler. Desirably, the proximal end of the housing portion of the loading unit defines an insertion tip. It is envisioned that the surgical apparatus may include an elongate body extending distally from the housing. The present disclosure further provides for a loading unit for use with and/or supportable on a distal end of a surgical stapling apparatus. The loading unit includes a housing portion including a distal end and a proximal end, a drive assembly slidably supported within the housing portion of the loading unit, and a locking mechanism supported on the housing portion of the loading unit, the locking mechanism having a first position wherein the locking mechanism engages a portion of the drive assembly and maintains the position, preferably the axial position, of the drive assembly relative to the housing portion of the loading unit, and the locking mechanism having a second position wherein the locking mechanism disengages the drive assembly and enables the drive assembly to move relative to the housing portion. Additional advantages will become apparent from the description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7844365

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to process devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to field-mounted process control and measurement devices. Process devices are used to measure and control industrial processes such as the refining of petrochemicals, the processing of food, the generation of electric power, and a number of other processes. Process measurement devices include process variable transmitters, which measure a process variable such as pressure or temperature and communicate the measured variable to a process controller. Another type of process device is an actuator, such as a valve controller or the like. Generally, process control is accomplished using a combination of transmitters, actuators, and a process controller that communicate across a process control loop to a controller. Both types of process devices interact with the physical process through process interface elements. Process interface elements are devices which relate electrical signals to physical process conditions, and include devices such as sensors, limit switches, valve controllers, heaters, motor controllers, and a number of other devices. The process controller is typically a microcomputer located in a control room away from the process. The process controller can receive process information from one or more process measurement devices and apply a suitable control signal to one or more process control devices to influence the process and thereby control it. In order to couple to the process, transmitters and actuators are generally mounted near the process in the field. Such physical proximity can subject the process devices to an array of environmental challenges. For example, process devices are often subjected to temperature extremes, vibration, corrosive and/or flammable environments, and electrical noise. In order to withstand such conditions, process devices are designed specifically for “field-mounting.” Such field-mounted devices utilize robust enclosures, which can be designed to be explosion-proof. Further, field-mounted process devices can also be designed with circuitry that is said to be “intrinsically safe”, which means that even under fault conditions, the circuitry will generally not contain enough electrical energy to generate a spark or a surface temperature that can cause an explosion in the presence of an hazardous atmosphere. Further still, electrical isolation techniques are usually employed to reduce the effects of electrical noise. These are just a few examples of design considerations, which distinguish field-mounted process devices from other devices, which measure sensor characteristics and provide data indicative of such characteristics. Aside from the environmental considerations listed above, another challenge for field-mounted devices is that of wiring. Since process devices are located near the process far from the control room, long wire runs are often required to couple such devices to the control room. These long runs are costly to install and difficult to maintain. One way to reduce the requisite wiring is by using two-wire process devices. These devices couple to the control room using a two-wire process control loop. Two-wire devices receive power from the process control loop, and communicate over the process control loop in a manner that is generally unaffected by the provision of power to the process device. Techniques for communicating over two-wires include 4–20 mA signaling, the Highway Addressable Remote Transducer (HART®) Protocol, FOUNDATION™ Fieldbus, Profibus-PA and others. Although two-wire process control systems provide wiring simplification, such systems provide a limited amount of electrical power to connected devices. For example, a device that communicates in accordance with 4–20 mA signaling must draw no more than 4 mA otherwise the device's current consumption would affect the process variable. The frugal power budget of two-wire process devices has traditionally limited the functionality that could be provided. Another way the process control industry has reduced field wiring is by providing transmitters with two sensor inputs. Such transmitters reduce the number of transmitters/sensor and thereby reduce wiring costs as well as overall system costs. One example of such a transmitter is the Model 3244MV Multivariable Temperature Transmitter, available from Rosemount Inc., of Eden Prairie, Minn. Although current multivariable transmitters can reduce wiring costs as well as overall system costs, they have traditionally been limited to applications involving two sensors. Thus, in applications with sixteen sensors, for example, eight multivariable transmitters would still be required. Further, if different sensor groups are independently grounded, there is a possibility that ground loop errors could occur and adversely affect process measurement. Current methods used to overcome the problem of coupling a large number of sensors to the control room include coupling the sensors directly to the control room. For example, if a situation requires a large number of temperature sensors, consumers generally create “direct run” thermocouple configurations where thermocouple wire spans the distance between the measurement “point” and the control room. These direct run configurations are generally less expensive than the cost of obtaining a number of single or dual sensor transmitters, however, a significant wiring effort is required, and process measurement is rendered more susceptible to electrical noise due to the long runs. The process control industry has also reduced the effects of long wire runs on process control by providing field-mounted devices that are capable of performing control functions. Thus, some aspects of process control are transferred into the field, thereby providing quicker response time, less reliance upon the main process controller, and greater flexibility. Further information regarding such control functions in a field-mounted device can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,825,664 to Warrior et al, entitled FIELD-MOUNTED CONTROL UNIT, assigned to Rosemount Incorporated. Although multivariable transmitters and process devices implementing control functions have advanced the art of process control, there is still a need to accommodate applications requiring a relatively large number of sensors, as well as applications requiring enhanced control in the field. SUMMARY A field-mounted process device is provided. In one embodiment, the process device includes multiple isolated connections includes a connection that can be an input or an output. The given input or output connection can couple to multiple sensors or actuators, respectively. The process device is wholly powered through its communication interface. In one embodiment, the communication interface is in accordance with the Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) protocol. The process device includes a controller adapted to measure one or more characteristics of sensors coupled to an input connection and to control actuators coupled to an output connection. The process device also includes a loop communicator that is adapted to communicate over the communication interface. In another embodiment, the field-mounted process device includes a controller that is adapted to execute a user generated control algorithm relating process input information with process output commands.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to process devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to field-mounted process control and measurement devices. Process devices are used to measure and control industrial processes such as the refining of petrochemicals, the processing of food, the generation of electric power, and a number of other processes. Process measurement devices include process variable transmitters, which measure a process variable such as pressure or temperature and communicate the measured variable to a process controller. Another type of process device is an actuator, such as a valve controller or the like. Generally, process control is accomplished using a combination of transmitters, actuators, and a process controller that communicate across a process control loop to a controller. Both types of process devices interact with the physical process through process interface elements. Process interface elements are devices which relate electrical signals to physical process conditions, and include devices such as sensors, limit switches, valve controllers, heaters, motor controllers, and a number of other devices. The process controller is typically a microcomputer located in a control room away from the process. The process controller can receive process information from one or more process measurement devices and apply a suitable control signal to one or more process control devices to influence the process and thereby control it. In order to couple to the process, transmitters and actuators are generally mounted near the process in the field. Such physical proximity can subject the process devices to an array of environmental challenges. For example, process devices are often subjected to temperature extremes, vibration, corrosive and/or flammable environments, and electrical noise. In order to withstand such conditions, process devices are designed specifically for “field-mounting.” Such field-mounted devices utilize robust enclosures, which can be designed to be explosion-proof. Further, field-mounted process devices can also be designed with circuitry that is said to be “intrinsically safe”, which means that even under fault conditions, the circuitry will generally not contain enough electrical energy to generate a spark or a surface temperature that can cause an explosion in the presence of an hazardous atmosphere. Further still, electrical isolation techniques are usually employed to reduce the effects of electrical noise. These are just a few examples of design considerations, which distinguish field-mounted process devices from other devices, which measure sensor characteristics and provide data indicative of such characteristics. Aside from the environmental considerations listed above, another challenge for field-mounted devices is that of wiring. Since process devices are located near the process far from the control room, long wire runs are often required to couple such devices to the control room. These long runs are costly to install and difficult to maintain. One way to reduce the requisite wiring is by using two-wire process devices. These devices couple to the control room using a two-wire process control loop. Two-wire devices receive power from the process control loop, and communicate over the process control loop in a manner that is generally unaffected by the provision of power to the process device. Techniques for communicating over two-wires include 4–20 mA signaling, the Highway Addressable Remote Transducer (HART®) Protocol, FOUNDATION™ Fieldbus, Profibus-PA and others. Although two-wire process control systems provide wiring simplification, such systems provide a limited amount of electrical power to connected devices. For example, a device that communicates in accordance with 4–20 mA signaling must draw no more than 4 mA otherwise the device's current consumption would affect the process variable. The frugal power budget of two-wire process devices has traditionally limited the functionality that could be provided. Another way the process control industry has reduced field wiring is by providing transmitters with two sensor inputs. Such transmitters reduce the number of transmitters/sensor and thereby reduce wiring costs as well as overall system costs. One example of such a transmitter is the Model 3244MV Multivariable Temperature Transmitter, available from Rosemount Inc., of Eden Prairie, Minn. Although current multivariable transmitters can reduce wiring costs as well as overall system costs, they have traditionally been limited to applications involving two sensors. Thus, in applications with sixteen sensors, for example, eight multivariable transmitters would still be required. Further, if different sensor groups are independently grounded, there is a possibility that ground loop errors could occur and adversely affect process measurement. Current methods used to overcome the problem of coupling a large number of sensors to the control room include coupling the sensors directly to the control room. For example, if a situation requires a large number of temperature sensors, consumers generally create “direct run” thermocouple configurations where thermocouple wire spans the distance between the measurement “point” and the control room. These direct run configurations are generally less expensive than the cost of obtaining a number of single or dual sensor transmitters, however, a significant wiring effort is required, and process measurement is rendered more susceptible to electrical noise due to the long runs. The process control industry has also reduced the effects of long wire runs on process control by providing field-mounted devices that are capable of performing control functions. Thus, some aspects of process control are transferred into the field, thereby providing quicker response time, less reliance upon the main process controller, and greater flexibility. Further information regarding such control functions in a field-mounted device can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,825,664 to Warrior et al, entitled FIELD-MOUNTED CONTROL UNIT, assigned to Rosemount Incorporated. Although multivariable transmitters and process devices implementing control functions have advanced the art of process control, there is still a need to accommodate applications requiring a relatively large number of sensors, as well as applications requiring enhanced control in the field. SUMMARY A field-mounted process device is provided. In one embodiment, the process device includes multiple isolated connections includes a connection that can be an input or an output. The given input or output connection can couple to multiple sensors or actuators, respectively. The process device is wholly powered through its communication interface. In one embodiment, the communication interface is in accordance with the Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) protocol. The process device includes a controller adapted to measure one or more characteristics of sensors coupled to an input connection and to control actuators coupled to an output connection. The process device also includes a loop communicator that is adapted to communicate over the communication interface. In another embodiment, the field-mounted process device includes a controller that is adapted to execute a user generated control algorithm relating process input information with process output commands. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7784541

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to techniques for proppant based hydraulic fracturing. More particularly, it relates to fracturing with low fluid damage. BACKGROUND Fracture treatments are utilized to improve fluid conductivity between a wellbore and a formation of interest. Hydraulic fracture treatments are typically used in low-permeability formations, or in any formation to bypass near-wellbore permeability damage. A typical treatment injects a viscous fluid to open a fracture of a desired geometry, and the viscous fluid carries a proppant into the opened fracture to maintain conductivity in the fracture after the treatment is completed. Viscous fluids have features that damage the permeability of the proppant pack and/or the formation near the fracture. For example, the fluid may have gel that is deposited in the fracture, the fluid may have surfactants that leave unbroken micelles in the fracture or change the wettability of the formation in the region of the fracture. Breakers are utilized in many treatments to mitigate fluid damage in the fracture. However, breakers and other treatments are subject to variability of results, they add expense and complication to a fracture treatment, and in all cases still leave at least some fluid damage in the fracture. Other complications and difficulties exist in the current art of hydraulic fracture treatments. For example, the chemistry of fracturing gels, including the crosslinking of gels, creates complications when designing fracture treatments for a broad range of temperatures. After a fracture treatment, fracturing fluid that flows back to the surface must be disposed of, and the more fluid that is utilized in the treatment the greater the disposal risk and expense. Further, some fracturing fluids are not compatible with calcium brines, reducing an option for a higher density fracturing fluid and complicating fracture treatment designs in some circumstances. Acid fracturing treatments are utilized to remove damage and/or open channels in the formation. The acid etches channels that, in theory, remain open after the hydraulic pressure is released and the formation relaxes back to a naturally pressured condition. It is desirable that the acid flow into and etch or remove damage from areas of the formation that do not flow well before the treatment. However, the highly permeable and naturally fractured areas of the formation naturally tend to accept fluid better and thereby take more of the acid than is desired. Therefore, fluid loss additives and diverting additives may be added to the acid fracturing treatment to block the high permeability channels and direct the treatment into lower permeability channels. To carry the fluid loss additives and to develop the desired fracture geometry, the acid fracturing fluid may be viscosified similar to a hydraulic fracturing treatment. The inclusion of viscosifiers and particulates in acid fracturing introduces potential damage and complications in a similar manner to hydraulic fracturing without acid. Accordingly, there is a demand for further improvements in this area of technology. SUMMARY One embodiment is a unique procedure for creating a fracturing slurry with a low amount of viscosifier and a high particulate loading. Other embodiments include unique systems, methods, and apparatus for low damage fracture treatments. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the following description and drawings.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to techniques for proppant based hydraulic fracturing. More particularly, it relates to fracturing with low fluid damage. BACKGROUND Fracture treatments are utilized to improve fluid conductivity between a wellbore and a formation of interest. Hydraulic fracture treatments are typically used in low-permeability formations, or in any formation to bypass near-wellbore permeability damage. A typical treatment injects a viscous fluid to open a fracture of a desired geometry, and the viscous fluid carries a proppant into the opened fracture to maintain conductivity in the fracture after the treatment is completed. Viscous fluids have features that damage the permeability of the proppant pack and/or the formation near the fracture. For example, the fluid may have gel that is deposited in the fracture, the fluid may have surfactants that leave unbroken micelles in the fracture or change the wettability of the formation in the region of the fracture. Breakers are utilized in many treatments to mitigate fluid damage in the fracture. However, breakers and other treatments are subject to variability of results, they add expense and complication to a fracture treatment, and in all cases still leave at least some fluid damage in the fracture. Other complications and difficulties exist in the current art of hydraulic fracture treatments. For example, the chemistry of fracturing gels, including the crosslinking of gels, creates complications when designing fracture treatments for a broad range of temperatures. After a fracture treatment, fracturing fluid that flows back to the surface must be disposed of, and the more fluid that is utilized in the treatment the greater the disposal risk and expense. Further, some fracturing fluids are not compatible with calcium brines, reducing an option for a higher density fracturing fluid and complicating fracture treatment designs in some circumstances. Acid fracturing treatments are utilized to remove damage and/or open channels in the formation. The acid etches channels that, in theory, remain open after the hydraulic pressure is released and the formation relaxes back to a naturally pressured condition. It is desirable that the acid flow into and etch or remove damage from areas of the formation that do not flow well before the treatment. However, the highly permeable and naturally fractured areas of the formation naturally tend to accept fluid better and thereby take more of the acid than is desired. Therefore, fluid loss additives and diverting additives may be added to the acid fracturing treatment to block the high permeability channels and direct the treatment into lower permeability channels. To carry the fluid loss additives and to develop the desired fracture geometry, the acid fracturing fluid may be viscosified similar to a hydraulic fracturing treatment. The inclusion of viscosifiers and particulates in acid fracturing introduces potential damage and complications in a similar manner to hydraulic fracturing without acid. Accordingly, there is a demand for further improvements in this area of technology. SUMMARY One embodiment is a unique procedure for creating a fracturing slurry with a low amount of viscosifier and a high particulate loading. Other embodiments include unique systems, methods, and apparatus for low damage fracture treatments. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the following description and drawings. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7734001

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a fractional frequency divider circuit and a data transmission apparatus using the same, and especially to a fractional frequency divider circuit suitable for supplying multiple kinds of clock to a data transmission apparatus used for high-speed communication, and a data transmission apparatus using the same. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A conventional high-speed interface circuit is formed of a receiver circuit (RX) that receives external data and performs serial-parallel conversion thereof, a transmitter circuit (TX) that performs parallel-serial conversion of internal data, and a PLL that multiplies an external reference clock and supplies it to the RX and TX. In an apparatus comprising multiple channels constituted such that an RX is coupled with a TX, one PLL generally supplies a clock commonly to the multiple channels. However, in this case, the data speed cannot be changed for each channel. It is thought to be possible to change the data speed by frequency-dividing the clock with a frequency divider circuit, however, it is difficult to realize this when the data speed ratio is not an integer. A circuit shown inFIG. 5is known as a fractional frequency divider circuit where the N of its frequency division ratio (1/N) is not an integer. (Refer to Patent Document 1.) The fractional frequency divider circuit shown inFIG. 5uses adders et al., therefore the circuit scale becomes large. Furthermore, it is constituted such that it obtains a desired fraction frequency-divided output by varying the frequency division ratio over time and obtaining the average, therefore, it cannot be used at all as a clock to be supplied to an RX and a TX that require a waveform with a duty ratio of 50%. For this reason, conventionally a PLL is provided for each channel as shown inFIG. 6a, or two PLLs are shared by multiple channels as shown inFIG. 6b. [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Kokai Publication No. JP-P2001-251181A (FIG. 1) SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE A conventional fractional frequency divider circuit has a large circuit scale and it does not operate with a fixed frequency division ratio over time. Also, a conventional data transmission apparatus that has multiple channels and is able to change data speed for each channel is constituted such that it has multiple PLLs, therefore the circuit scale becomes large, and this results in the disadvantage of increase in consumption power. Therefore, there is much to be desired in the art. According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fractional frequency divider circuit comprising an integer frequency divider circuit and a logic circuit. The integer frequency divider circuit is constituted by multiple master-slave flip-flops and frequency-divides a clock signal with a frequency-division ratio of 1/N (N is an integer). The logic circuit receives multiple signals outputted from master stages and slave stages of the master-slave flip-flops, and outputs a signal with a duty ratio of 50% obtained by frequency-dividing the clock signal with a frequency-division ratio of 2/N. Furthermore, signals outputted from master stages or slave stages of the master-slave flip-flops are inputted into the logic circuit, and it also comprises a data latch circuit that outputs synchronously with a clock signal whose phase is different from the above-mentioned clock signal. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data transmission apparatus. The data transmission apparatus comprises a receiver circuit that performs serial-parallel conversion on a received signal and outputs the result, and a transmitter circuit that performs parallel-serial conversion on a transmitted signal and outputs the result, and a PLL that multiplies a reference clock signal and outputs a multiplied clock signal. The apparatus further comprises a fractional frequency divider circuit that outputs a signal obtained by frequency-dividing the multiplied clock signal with a frequency-division ratio of 2/N(N is an integer). The fractional frequency divider circuit comprises: an integer frequency divider circuit, constituted by multiple master-slave flip flops, that frequency-divides the multiplied clock signal with a frequency-division ratio of 1/N, and a logic circuit, into which multiple signals outputted from master stages and slave stages of the master-slave flip-flops are inputted. The logic circuit outputs a signal obtained by frequency-dividing the multiplied clock signal with a frequency-division ratio of 2/N(N is an integer). The receiver circuit and transmitter circuit are constituted such that they operate selectively switching over between the multiplied clock signal and a clock signal outputted by the fractional frequency divider circuit. Furthermore, it is constituted such that signals outputted from master stages or slave stages of the master-slave flip-flops are inputted into the logic circuit, and there is a data latch circuit that outputs synchronously with a clock signal whose phase is different from the multiplied clock signal. Further, the waveform of the output signal of the logic circuit has a duty ratio of 50%. Furthermore, the integer frequency divider circuit constitutes a frequency divider circuit that frequency-divides the multiplied clock signal and outputs the result to a phase comparator of the PLL. Furthermore, the data transmission apparatus comprises multiple channels, wherein a pair of the receiver circuit and transmitter circuit is one channel, and for each channel, it can select between the multiplied clock signal and the clock signal outputted by the fractional frequency divider circuit. The meritorious effects of the present invention are summarized as follows. Since a fractional frequency divider circuit is incorporated as a part of a usual frequency divider circuit and its output is used, the clock data recovery operation, multiplexer operation, and demultiplexer operation of a data transmission apparatus becomes possible with small size and low power consumption.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a fractional frequency divider circuit and a data transmission apparatus using the same, and especially to a fractional frequency divider circuit suitable for supplying multiple kinds of clock to a data transmission apparatus used for high-speed communication, and a data transmission apparatus using the same. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A conventional high-speed interface circuit is formed of a receiver circuit (RX) that receives external data and performs serial-parallel conversion thereof, a transmitter circuit (TX) that performs parallel-serial conversion of internal data, and a PLL that multiplies an external reference clock and supplies it to the RX and TX. In an apparatus comprising multiple channels constituted such that an RX is coupled with a TX, one PLL generally supplies a clock commonly to the multiple channels. However, in this case, the data speed cannot be changed for each channel. It is thought to be possible to change the data speed by frequency-dividing the clock with a frequency divider circuit, however, it is difficult to realize this when the data speed ratio is not an integer. A circuit shown inFIG. 5is known as a fractional frequency divider circuit where the N of its frequency division ratio (1/N) is not an integer. (Refer to Patent Document 1.) The fractional frequency divider circuit shown inFIG. 5uses adders et al., therefore the circuit scale becomes large. Furthermore, it is constituted such that it obtains a desired fraction frequency-divided output by varying the frequency division ratio over time and obtaining the average, therefore, it cannot be used at all as a clock to be supplied to an RX and a TX that require a waveform with a duty ratio of 50%. For this reason, conventionally a PLL is provided for each channel as shown inFIG. 6a, or two PLLs are shared by multiple channels as shown inFIG. 6b. [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Kokai Publication No. JP-P2001-251181A (FIG. 1) SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE A conventional fractional frequency divider circuit has a large circuit scale and it does not operate with a fixed frequency division ratio over time. Also, a conventional data transmission apparatus that has multiple channels and is able to change data speed for each channel is constituted such that it has multiple PLLs, therefore the circuit scale becomes large, and this results in the disadvantage of increase in consumption power. Therefore, there is much to be desired in the art. According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fractional frequency divider circuit comprising an integer frequency divider circuit and a logic circuit. The integer frequency divider circuit is constituted by multiple master-slave flip-flops and frequency-divides a clock signal with a frequency-division ratio of 1/N (N is an integer). The logic circuit receives multiple signals outputted from master stages and slave stages of the master-slave flip-flops, and outputs a signal with a duty ratio of 50% obtained by frequency-dividing the clock signal with a frequency-division ratio of 2/N. Furthermore, signals outputted from master stages or slave stages of the master-slave flip-flops are inputted into the logic circuit, and it also comprises a data latch circuit that outputs synchronously with a clock signal whose phase is different from the above-mentioned clock signal. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data transmission apparatus. The data transmission apparatus comprises a receiver circuit that performs serial-parallel conversion on a received signal and outputs the result, and a transmitter circuit that performs parallel-serial conversion on a transmitted signal and outputs the result, and a PLL that multiplies a reference clock signal and outputs a multiplied clock signal. The apparatus further comprises a fractional frequency divider circuit that outputs a signal obtained by frequency-dividing the multiplied clock signal with a frequency-division ratio of 2/N(N is an integer). The fractional frequency divider circuit comprises: an integer frequency divider circuit, constituted by multiple master-slave flip flops, that frequency-divides the multiplied clock signal with a frequency-division ratio of 1/N, and a logic circuit, into which multiple signals outputted from master stages and slave stages of the master-slave flip-flops are inputted. The logic circuit outputs a signal obtained by frequency-dividing the multiplied clock signal with a frequency-division ratio of 2/N(N is an integer). The receiver circuit and transmitter circuit are constituted such that they operate selectively switching over between the multiplied clock signal and a clock signal outputted by the fractional frequency divider circuit. Furthermore, it is constituted such that signals outputted from master stages or slave stages of the master-slave flip-flops are inputted into the logic circuit, and there is a data latch circuit that outputs synchronously with a clock signal whose phase is different from the multiplied clock signal. Further, the waveform of the output signal of the logic circuit has a duty ratio of 50%. Furthermore, the integer frequency divider circuit constitutes a frequency divider circuit that frequency-divides the multiplied clock signal and outputs the result to a phase comparator of the PLL. Furthermore, the data transmission apparatus comprises multiple channels, wherein a pair of the receiver circuit and transmitter circuit is one channel, and for each channel, it can select between the multiplied clock signal and the clock signal outputted by the fractional frequency divider circuit. The meritorious effects of the present invention are summarized as follows. Since a fractional frequency divider circuit is incorporated as a part of a usual frequency divider circuit and its output is used, the clock data recovery operation, multiplexer operation, and demultiplexer operation of a data transmission apparatus becomes possible with small size and low power consumption. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7833074

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to top-emitting organic light-emitting diode (OLED) devices and, more particularly, to a method of making a top-emitting OLED device having improved power distribution in a light transmissive upper electrode. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Light-emitting diode (LED) devices, also referred to as electroluminescent (EL) devices, have numerous well-known advantages over other flat-panel display devices currently in the market place. Among these advantages are brightness of light emission, relatively wide viewing angle, and reduced electrical power consumption compared to, for example, liquid crystal displays (LCDs) using backlighting. Such devices may be made with light-emitting layers comprising organic materials or inorganic materials such as quantum dots. Applications of LED devices include active-matrix image displays, passive-matrix image displays, and area-lighting devices such as, for example, selective desktop lighting. Irrespective of the particular LED device configuration tailored to these broad fields of applications, all LEDs function on the same general principles. An electroluminescent (EL) medium structure is formed between two electrodes. At least one of the electrodes is light transmissive. These electrodes are commonly referred to as an anode and a cathode in analogy to the terminals of a conventional diode. When an electrical potential is applied between the electrodes so that the anode is connected to the positive terminal of a voltage source and the cathode is connected to the negative terminal, the LED is said to be forward biased. Positive charge carriers (holes) are injected from the anode into the EL medium structure, and negative charge carriers (electrons) are injected from the cathode. Such charge-carrier injection causes current flow from the electrodes through the EL medium structure. Recombination of holes and electrons within a zone of the EL medium structure results in emission of light from this zone that is, appropriately, called the light-emitting zone or interface. The emitted light is directed towards an observer, or towards an object to be illuminated, through the light-transmissive electrode. If the light-transmissive electrode is between the substrate and the light-emissive elements of the LED device, the device is called a bottom-emitting LED device. Conversely, if the light-transmissive electrode is not between the substrate and the light-emissive elements, the device is referred to as a top-emitting LED device. The EL medium structure can be formed of a stack of sublayers comprising organic materials that can include small-molecule layers and polymer layers. Such organic layers and sublayers are well known and understood by those skilled in the OLED art, for example U.S. Pat. No. 4,769,292, issued Sep. 6, 1988 to Tang et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,061,569, issued Oct. 29, 1991 to VanSlyke et al. Alternatively, inorganic materials may be employed to form the EL medium structure, for example including core\shell quantum dots formed in a polycrystalline, semiconductor matrix, for example, as taught in pending U.S. application Ser. No. 11/683,479, by Kahen. Because light is emitted through an electrode, it is important that the electrode through which light is emitted be sufficiently light transmissive to avoid absorbing the emitted light. Typical prior-art materials used for such electrodes include indium tin oxide and very thin layers of metal. However, the current carrying capacity of electrodes formed from these materials is limited, thereby limiting the amount of light that can be emitted. In conventional integrated circuits, bus connections are provided over the substrate to provide power to circuitry in the integrated circuit. These buses are located directly on the substrate or on layers deposited on the substrate, for example on planarization layers. In complex circuits, multiple levels of bus lines are located over the substrate and separated by insulating layers of material. For example, OLED displays sold by the Eastman Kodak Company utilize multiple bus lines located on the substrate and on various planarization layers. However, these buses are not useful to provide power to the light-transmissive upper electrode in an OLED device because conventional photolithography techniques destroy the organic layers and a typically thin upper electrode employed in a top-emitting OLED device. U.S. Patent Application Publication 2002/0011783 A1 proposes to solve this problem by the formation of auxiliary electrodes in contact with the upper or top electrode. The auxiliary electrode may be either above or below the upper electrode. The auxiliary electrode has greater thickness and conductivity thereby increasing the current carrying capacity of the upper electrode. However, this approach has difficulties in that it reduces the light-emitting area of the OLED device and is difficult to manufacture. In particular, if the auxiliary electrode is formed before the organic elements are deposited, forming a good electrical contact between the upper and auxiliary electrodes is difficult, because the organic materials will be deposited on the auxiliary electrode. Moreover, undesirable moisture can infiltrate through materials at the corners of the auxiliary electrode and the conformal deposition of an additional upper electrode protection and encapsulation layer is problematic. If the auxiliary electrode is deposited above the upper electrode, a patterned deposition process is relatively difficult and liable to destroy both the upper electrode and the organic layers beneath it. A second prior-art method to address this problem is to use an auxiliary electrode, as proposed by U.S. Patent Application Publication 2001/0043046 A1 by Fukunaga et al. entitled “Luminescent Apparatus and Method of Manufacturing the Same.” However, this approach requires a complex multistep processing method and suffers from the above-described difficulties. U.S. Patent Application Publication 2002/0158835 A1 by Kobayashi et al. entitled “Display Device and Method of Manufacturing the Same”, discloses the use of auxiliary wiring elements which are electrically connected to a light transmissive second or upper electrode of an active matrix type planar display device. The auxiliary wiring elements are formed in the same layer or on the same surface as first or lower electrodes, and the auxiliary wiring elements are electrically insulated from the first electrodes. However, Kobayashi et al. provide no drawings describing process steps used in a method of making the device. Moreover, the electrical connection disclosed by Kobayashi et al. is formed between partition walls. The construction of suitable partition walls adds complexity to the process, reduces yields, adds cost, and limits the resolution of the interconnections. The use of lasers and other techniques to form patterns in integrated circuits is known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,468,819, entitled “Method for Patterning Organic Thin Film Devices Using a Die”, describes the use of a die to form patterns and references the use of laser ablation to form patterns. U.S. Pat. No. 6,444,400, entitled “Method of Making an Electroconductive Pattern on a Support”, likewise describes ablation, including the use of infrared lasers. Other patents, for example U.S. Pat. No. 6,433,355 issued Aug. 13, 2002, entitled “Non-Degenerate Wide Bandgap Semiconductors as Injection Layers and/or Contact Electrodes for Organic Electroluminescent Devices”, also describe the use of laser ablation for patterning. However, none of these methods address problems with power distribution in a top-emitting LED device. U.S. Pat. No. 6,995,035 entitled “Method of making a top-emitting OLED device having improved power distribution” by Cok and VanSlyke describes a method of making a top-emitting OLED device, includes providing over a substrate laterally spaced and optically opaque lower electrodes and upper electrode buses which are electrically insulated from the lower electrodes; depositing an organic EL medium structure over the lower electrodes and the upper electrode buses; selectively removing the organic EL medium structure over at least portions of the upper electrode buses to reveal at least upper surfaces of the upper electrode buses; and depositing a light transmissive upper electrode over the organic EL medium structure so that such upper electrode is in electrical contact with at least upper surfaces of the upper electrode buses. However, such a method tends to form particulate contamination when the organic EL medium structure is selectively removed. The particulate contamination may fall over the EL medium structure and inhibit current flow through the EL medium structure after a subsequent deposition of the light-transmissive upper electrode. This will cause unwanted dark spots. There is a need therefore for an improved method and structure for providing enhanced power distribution to the transparent electrode of a top-emitting LED device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A method of making a top-emitting LED device, including: a) providing, over a substrate, a laterally spaced and optically opaque lower electrode and an upper electrode bus that is electrically insulated from the lower electrode; b) depositing material forming an EL medium structure over the lower electrode and the upper electrode bus; c) depositing, over the EL medium structure, a first light-transmissive upper electrode that protects the EL medium structure from particulate contamination; and d) selectively removing most of the EL medium structure over a selective portion of the upper electrode bus. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method of making a top-emitting LED device having improved power distribution. It is another object of the present invention to provide a method of making different classes of top-emitting LED devices having improved power distribution.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to top-emitting organic light-emitting diode (OLED) devices and, more particularly, to a method of making a top-emitting OLED device having improved power distribution in a light transmissive upper electrode. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Light-emitting diode (LED) devices, also referred to as electroluminescent (EL) devices, have numerous well-known advantages over other flat-panel display devices currently in the market place. Among these advantages are brightness of light emission, relatively wide viewing angle, and reduced electrical power consumption compared to, for example, liquid crystal displays (LCDs) using backlighting. Such devices may be made with light-emitting layers comprising organic materials or inorganic materials such as quantum dots. Applications of LED devices include active-matrix image displays, passive-matrix image displays, and area-lighting devices such as, for example, selective desktop lighting. Irrespective of the particular LED device configuration tailored to these broad fields of applications, all LEDs function on the same general principles. An electroluminescent (EL) medium structure is formed between two electrodes. At least one of the electrodes is light transmissive. These electrodes are commonly referred to as an anode and a cathode in analogy to the terminals of a conventional diode. When an electrical potential is applied between the electrodes so that the anode is connected to the positive terminal of a voltage source and the cathode is connected to the negative terminal, the LED is said to be forward biased. Positive charge carriers (holes) are injected from the anode into the EL medium structure, and negative charge carriers (electrons) are injected from the cathode. Such charge-carrier injection causes current flow from the electrodes through the EL medium structure. Recombination of holes and electrons within a zone of the EL medium structure results in emission of light from this zone that is, appropriately, called the light-emitting zone or interface. The emitted light is directed towards an observer, or towards an object to be illuminated, through the light-transmissive electrode. If the light-transmissive electrode is between the substrate and the light-emissive elements of the LED device, the device is called a bottom-emitting LED device. Conversely, if the light-transmissive electrode is not between the substrate and the light-emissive elements, the device is referred to as a top-emitting LED device. The EL medium structure can be formed of a stack of sublayers comprising organic materials that can include small-molecule layers and polymer layers. Such organic layers and sublayers are well known and understood by those skilled in the OLED art, for example U.S. Pat. No. 4,769,292, issued Sep. 6, 1988 to Tang et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,061,569, issued Oct. 29, 1991 to VanSlyke et al. Alternatively, inorganic materials may be employed to form the EL medium structure, for example including core\shell quantum dots formed in a polycrystalline, semiconductor matrix, for example, as taught in pending U.S. application Ser. No. 11/683,479, by Kahen. Because light is emitted through an electrode, it is important that the electrode through which light is emitted be sufficiently light transmissive to avoid absorbing the emitted light. Typical prior-art materials used for such electrodes include indium tin oxide and very thin layers of metal. However, the current carrying capacity of electrodes formed from these materials is limited, thereby limiting the amount of light that can be emitted. In conventional integrated circuits, bus connections are provided over the substrate to provide power to circuitry in the integrated circuit. These buses are located directly on the substrate or on layers deposited on the substrate, for example on planarization layers. In complex circuits, multiple levels of bus lines are located over the substrate and separated by insulating layers of material. For example, OLED displays sold by the Eastman Kodak Company utilize multiple bus lines located on the substrate and on various planarization layers. However, these buses are not useful to provide power to the light-transmissive upper electrode in an OLED device because conventional photolithography techniques destroy the organic layers and a typically thin upper electrode employed in a top-emitting OLED device. U.S. Patent Application Publication 2002/0011783 A1 proposes to solve this problem by the formation of auxiliary electrodes in contact with the upper or top electrode. The auxiliary electrode may be either above or below the upper electrode. The auxiliary electrode has greater thickness and conductivity thereby increasing the current carrying capacity of the upper electrode. However, this approach has difficulties in that it reduces the light-emitting area of the OLED device and is difficult to manufacture. In particular, if the auxiliary electrode is formed before the organic elements are deposited, forming a good electrical contact between the upper and auxiliary electrodes is difficult, because the organic materials will be deposited on the auxiliary electrode. Moreover, undesirable moisture can infiltrate through materials at the corners of the auxiliary electrode and the conformal deposition of an additional upper electrode protection and encapsulation layer is problematic. If the auxiliary electrode is deposited above the upper electrode, a patterned deposition process is relatively difficult and liable to destroy both the upper electrode and the organic layers beneath it. A second prior-art method to address this problem is to use an auxiliary electrode, as proposed by U.S. Patent Application Publication 2001/0043046 A1 by Fukunaga et al. entitled “Luminescent Apparatus and Method of Manufacturing the Same.” However, this approach requires a complex multistep processing method and suffers from the above-described difficulties. U.S. Patent Application Publication 2002/0158835 A1 by Kobayashi et al. entitled “Display Device and Method of Manufacturing the Same”, discloses the use of auxiliary wiring elements which are electrically connected to a light transmissive second or upper electrode of an active matrix type planar display device. The auxiliary wiring elements are formed in the same layer or on the same surface as first or lower electrodes, and the auxiliary wiring elements are electrically insulated from the first electrodes. However, Kobayashi et al. provide no drawings describing process steps used in a method of making the device. Moreover, the electrical connection disclosed by Kobayashi et al. is formed between partition walls. The construction of suitable partition walls adds complexity to the process, reduces yields, adds cost, and limits the resolution of the interconnections. The use of lasers and other techniques to form patterns in integrated circuits is known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,468,819, entitled “Method for Patterning Organic Thin Film Devices Using a Die”, describes the use of a die to form patterns and references the use of laser ablation to form patterns. U.S. Pat. No. 6,444,400, entitled “Method of Making an Electroconductive Pattern on a Support”, likewise describes ablation, including the use of infrared lasers. Other patents, for example U.S. Pat. No. 6,433,355 issued Aug. 13, 2002, entitled “Non-Degenerate Wide Bandgap Semiconductors as Injection Layers and/or Contact Electrodes for Organic Electroluminescent Devices”, also describe the use of laser ablation for patterning. However, none of these methods address problems with power distribution in a top-emitting LED device. U.S. Pat. No. 6,995,035 entitled “Method of making a top-emitting OLED device having improved power distribution” by Cok and VanSlyke describes a method of making a top-emitting OLED device, includes providing over a substrate laterally spaced and optically opaque lower electrodes and upper electrode buses which are electrically insulated from the lower electrodes; depositing an organic EL medium structure over the lower electrodes and the upper electrode buses; selectively removing the organic EL medium structure over at least portions of the upper electrode buses to reveal at least upper surfaces of the upper electrode buses; and depositing a light transmissive upper electrode over the organic EL medium structure so that such upper electrode is in electrical contact with at least upper surfaces of the upper electrode buses. However, such a method tends to form particulate contamination when the organic EL medium structure is selectively removed. The particulate contamination may fall over the EL medium structure and inhibit current flow through the EL medium structure after a subsequent deposition of the light-transmissive upper electrode. This will cause unwanted dark spots. There is a need therefore for an improved method and structure for providing enhanced power distribution to the transparent electrode of a top-emitting LED device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A method of making a top-emitting LED device, including: a) providing, over a substrate, a laterally spaced and optically opaque lower electrode and an upper electrode bus that is electrically insulated from the lower electrode; b) depositing material forming an EL medium structure over the lower electrode and the upper electrode bus; c) depositing, over the EL medium structure, a first light-transmissive upper electrode that protects the EL medium structure from particulate contamination; and d) selectively removing most of the EL medium structure over a selective portion of the upper electrode bus. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method of making a top-emitting LED device having improved power distribution. It is another object of the present invention to provide a method of making different classes of top-emitting LED devices having improved power distribution. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7724496

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present subject matter generally concerns arrays and related methodology. More particularly, the present subject matter concerns a multilayer components (for example, such as varistors) with interdigitated electrode layer portions configured so as to variously provide signal filtering characteristics, over-voltage transient suppression capabilities, and land grid array (LGA) terminations. Integrated circuits (ICs) have been implemented for some time, but many specific features of these ICs affect the design criteria for electronic components and corresponding procedures for mounting such components. With increased functionality of integrated circuit components, the design of electronic components must become increasingly more efficient. The miniaturization of electronic components is a continuing trend in the electronics industry, and it is of particular importance to design parts that are sufficiently small, yet simultaneously characterized by high operating quality. Components are desired that are small in size and that have reliable performance characteristics, yet can also be manufactured at relatively low costs. Component miniaturization enables higher density mounting on circuit boards or other foundations. Thus, the spacing between components is also a limiting factor in present circuit designs. Since spacing is such a critical design characteristic, the size and location of termination means or elements for IC components is also a significant design characteristic. One specific electronic component that has been used in IC applications is the decoupling capacitor. Decoupling capacitors are often used to manage electrical noise problems that occur in circuit applications. As such, one of their functions is to operate as a filter. Dramatic increases in packing density of integrated circuits require advancements in decoupling capacitor technology. It has been found that one way to achieve improved performance of decoupling capacitors and at the same time allow for increased packaging density is to provide improved filtering characteristics and, at the same time, incorporate additional functionality in the form of transient suppression. Several design aspects have been implemented in prior decoupling capacitors to reduce self and mutual inductance. For example, it has been shown that reducing the current path through such devices will lower self-inductance. Since the current often has to travel the entire length of the capacitor, termination on the longer ends of the structure will reduce the current path. If the current in adjacent capacitor electrodes flows in opposite directions it will reduce the mutual inductance in a capacitor. Multiple terminations as utilized in interdigitated capacitor technology lower the inductance value. Another approach to lowering the equivalent series inductance (ESL) of a decoupling capacitor is to minimize interconnect induction that results from termination configurations and mounting systems. Typical termination schemes incorporate long traces to the capacitor electrode pads. Examples of various aspects and alternative embodiments in the field of integrated circuits (ICs), and particularly for example, regarding multilayer decoupling capacitors, have been implemented for some time. Some exemplary specific features and aspects of ICs and associated electronic components and corresponding procedures for mounting such components include as follows. U.S. Pat. No. 4,831,494 (Arnold, et al.) is entitled “Multilayer capacitor” and discloses what it describes as a multilayer capacitor consisting of a plurality of laminae with each of the laminae including a conductive plate portion and a non-conductive sheet portion. The conductive plate portion has at least one tab projecting to at least one edge of the conductive plate portion with the maximum number of tabs per conductive plate portion being limited to avoid excessive lateral congestion. The laminae are divided into different groups with the laminae from each group having the same number and location of tabs and with the laminae from different groups differing by at least the location of the tabs. The laminae are interleaved so that: (a) a lamina from one group alternates with a lamina from a different group, (b) the conductive plate portion of each lamina is in contact with the non-conductive sheet portion of each adjacent lamina, (c) the tabs are at a common edge of each lamina so that the tabs of the interleaved laminae form rows of tabs, and (d) the tabs from adjacent laminae are not in registry with each other. The capacitor finally includes islands of metallurgy joining selected groups of tabs in each row such that each of the islands covers a portion of each row of tabs. U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,379 (Galvagni, et al.) is entitled “Method of manufacturing a decoupling capacitor structure” and discloses what it describes as a capacitor structure described as having a plurality of dielectric materials located so that each dielectric material is in parallel between capacitor plates. The capacitor value of this structure is preset, therefore, for operation electrically at different specific temperatures. The description gives a specific stacked arrangement for the various dielectric materials in which this capacitor can be formed, as one example of that to which it is adaptable. U.S. Pat. No. 6,757,152 (Galvaqni, et al.) is entitled “Cascade capacitor” and discloses what it describes as multi-layer and cascade capacitors for use in high frequency applications and other environments. Such subject capacitor may have multiple capacitor components or aspects thereof in an integrated package. Such components may include, for example, thin film BGA components, interdigitated capacitor (IDC) configurations, double-layer electrochemical capacitors, surface mount tantalum products, multilayer capacitors, single layer capacitors, and others. Exemplary embodiments of such subject matter preferably encompass at least certain aspects of thin film BGA techniques and/or IDC-style configurations. Features for attachment and interconnection are provided that facilitate low ESL while maintaining a given capacitance value. Additional advantages include low ESR and decoupling performance over a broad band of operational frequencies. More particularly, such disclosed technology provides for exemplary capacitors that may function over a frequency range from kilohertz up to several gigahertz, and that may also be characterized by a wide range of capacitance values. An additionally disclosed feature of such subject matter is to incorporate dielectric layers of varied thicknesses to broaden the resonancy curve associated with a particular configuration. U.S. Pat. No. 7,016,175 (MacNeal et al.) is entitled “Window via capacitor” and discloses what it describes as a window via capacitor which comprises a stacked multilayer configuration of at least one bottom layer, a plurality of first and second layers, a transition layer and a cover layer. Each first and second layer is preferably characterized by a sheet of dielectric material with a respective first or second electrode plate provided thereon. Adjacent first and second electrode plates form opposing active capacitor plates in the multilayer configuration. Portions of each first and second electrode plate extend to and are exposed on selected periphery side portions. Electrode portions of each transition layer are aligned in respective similar locations to the first and second electrode plates such that peripheral terminations can connect selected electrode portions of a first polarity together and selected portions of the opposing polarity together. Solder balls may also be applied to window vias to yield a capacitor compatible with BGA mounting technology. U.S. Pat. No. 4,039,997 (Huang. et al.) is entitled “Resistance material and resistor made therefrom” and discloses what it describes as a vitreous enamel resistance material comprising a mixture of a vitreous glass frit and fine particles of a metal silicide of the transition elements of Groups IV, V and VI of the periodic chart. The metal silicide may be of molybdenum disilicide (MoSi.sub.2), tungsten disilicide (WSi.sub.2), vanadium disilicide (VSi.sub.2), titanium disilicide (TiSi.sub.2), zirconium disilicide (ZrSi.sub.2), chromium disilicide (CrSi.sub.2) or tantalum disilicide (TaSi.sub.2). The ingredients of the vitreous enamel resistance material are present in the proportion of, by weight, 25 to 90% glass frit and 75 to 10% metal silicide. An electrical resistor is made with the vitreous enamel resistor material of the present subject matter by coating a ceramic substrate with the vitreous enamel resistance material and firing the coated substrate at a temperature sufficient to melt the glass frit of the vitreous enamel resistance material. Upon cooling, the glass hardens so that the resultant resistor comprises the substrate having on the surface thereof a film of glass with the metal silicide particles embedded in and dispersed throughout the glass film. U.S. Pat. No. 4,286,251 (Howell) is entitled “Vitreous enamel resistor and method of making the same” and discloses what it describes as a vitreous enamel resistor, and method of making the same comprising the steps of applying to the surface of a substrate and firing a mixture of glass frit and particles of a precious metal oxide such as iridium oxide, ruthenium oxide, and mixtures thereof. The mixture is fired in a neutral, inert, or reducing atmosphere for a time and at a temperature resulting in a controlled partial dissociation of the oxide and softening of the glass frit. When cooled, a resistor is provided having a glass film with conductive particles therein strongly bonded to the substrate. The resistor produced can be terminated by the use of electroless plating. The disclosures of the foregoing United States patents are hereby fully incorporated into this application for all purposes by reference thereto. While examples of various aspects and alternative embodiments are known in the field of multilayer decoupling capacitors, no one design is known that generally encompasses all of the above-referenced preferred characteristics. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the discussed drawbacks and other shortcomings encountered in the prior art, and recognized and addressed by the present subject matter, improved multilayer vertically integrated array technology has been developed. Thus, broadly speaking, a general object of the presently disclosed technology is to provide improved functionality schemes through various configurations of multilayer vertically integrated arrays. Also, broadly speaking, a general object of the presently disclosed technology is to provide improved functionality corresponding methodologies for practice with, and practice of, the various aforementioned present configurations of multilayer vertically integrated arrays. It is another general object of the present subject matter to provide a multilayer vertically integrated array that facilitates closer component spacing in an integrated circuit environment. It is another object of the present subject matter to provide multilayer vertically integrated array technology that is compatible with a land grid array packaging configuration. It is yet another object of the present subject matter to provide a multilayer vertically integrated array with configurable equivalent electrical characteristics including equivalent series inductance (ESL), equivalent series resistance (ESR), and configurable capacitance and voltage clamping values. It is still another object of the present subject matter to provide multilayer vertically integrated arrays with interdigitated electrode configurations that may define a single capacitor, a capacitor array, or resistive, inductive, and/or capacitive (RLC) combinations providing various signal filtering capabilities. It is a further object of the present subject matter to provide improved multilayer vertically integrated arrays corresponding to various RLC combinations that further provide transient voltage suppression features. One present exemplary embodiment relates to a multilayer vertically integrated array, comprising a plurality of electrode layers arranged in substantially parallel positions; a plurality of electrode tabs respectively associated with such electrode layers and extending from alternating electrode layers so as to be aligned in respective columns, such plurality of electrode tabs respectively having a plurality of end portions; encasing material completely surrounding such electrode layers but with such end portions of such tabs remaining exposed at the surface of such encasing material; and at least one termination land for electrically connecting with selected at least one of such exposed end portions of such tabs. In the foregoing exemplary embodiment, preferably such multilayer vertically integrated array may further include a plurality of such termination lands for electrically connecting with respective selected groups of such exposed end portions of such tabs; and such encasing material may comprise one of dielectric material so that such array comprises a multilayer capacitor or may comprise varistor material so that such array comprises a multilayer capacitor with transient overvoltage suppression capabilities. In yet further embodiments of the foregoing exemplary present subject matter, at least some of such plurality of electrode layers respectively comprise a plurality of predetermined shaped electrodes for relative increased inductance and resistance within such array, with at least one of such electrode layers comprising a common electrode situated centrally between pluralities of such predetermined shaped electrodes. In various of such embodiments, such predetermined shapes for such predetermined shaped electrodes comprise at least one of U-shaped, L-shaped, serpentine-shaped, S-shaped, and I-shaped electrodes. In yet another present exemplary embodiment, a multilayer vertically integrated capacitor array compatible with a land grid array packaging configuration may be provided, comprising a stacked plurality of layers arranged in substantially parallel positions; a ground plane layer centrally formed in such stacked plurality of layers, such ground plane layer forming a plurality of window vias therein; a plurality of via connection points formed respectively in the other of such plurality of layers, such via connection points formed in respective columns so as to be aligned with such window vias of such ground plane layer; ball limiting metallurgy formed at such via connection points of one of such other layers situated towards an exterior surface of such array; encasing material completely surrounding such layers but with such ball limiting metallurgy remaining exposed at such exterior surface of such array; a plurality of capacitor electrodes supported on one of such other layers; a central conductive trace supported on such one of such other layers for electrical coupling with such ground plane layer; and a plurality of resistive elements supported on other of such other layers, so that such capacitor elements, such ground plane layer, and selected of such resistive elements may be coupled together by way of conductive vias. In one exemplary embodiment of the foregoing arrangement, such array comprises a five by five matrix configuration of five layers, with a first layer thereof comprising such one of such other layers situated towards an exterior surface of such array, with a second layer thereof comprising such one of such other layers on which such plurality of capacitor electrodes and such central conductive trace are supported, with a third layer thereof comprising such central ground plane layer, and with fourth and fifth layers thereof comprising such other of such other layers on which such plurality of resistive elements are supported. It is to be understood that the present subject matter equally relates to corresponding methodology for providing a multilayer vertically integrated array, which advantageously results in providing an array with configurable equivalent electrical characteristics. An exemplary such present methodology comprises: providing a plurality of electrode layers arranged in substantially parallel positions; respectively associating a plurality of electrode tabs with such electrode layers and extending such tabs from alternating electrode layers so as to be aligned in respective columns, such plurality of electrode tabs respectively having a plurality of end portions; completely surrounding such electrode layers with encasing material but with such end portions of such tabs remaining exposed at the surface of such encasing material; and providing at least one termination land for electrically connecting with selected at least one of such exposed end portions of such tabs. In such exemplary methodology, a plurality of such termination lands may be provided for electrically connecting with respective selected groups of such exposed end portions of such tabs; and the encasing material may be formed of either dielectric material so that such array comprises a multilayer capacitor, or varistor material so that such array comprises a multilayer capacitor with transient overvoltage suppression capabilities. In another present exemplary method for providing a multilayer vertically integrated capacitor array compatible with a land grid array packaging configuration, and with configurable equivalent electrical characteristics, such methodology may comprise: stacking a plurality of layers arranged in substantially parallel positions; providing a ground plane layer centrally formed in such stacked plurality of layers, and forming a plurality of window vias in such ground plane layer; forming a plurality of via connection points respectively in the other of such plurality of layers, such via connection points formed in respective columns so as to be aligned with such window vias of such ground plane layer; forming ball limiting metallurgy at such via connection points of one of such other layers situated towards an exterior surface of such array; completely surrounding such layers with encasing material but with such ball limiting metallurgy remaining exposed at such exterior surface of such array; providing a plurality of capacitor electrodes supported on one of such other layers; providing a central conductive trace supported on such one of such other layers for electrical coupling with such ground plane layer; and providing a plurality of resistive elements supported on other of such other layers, so that such capacitor elements, such ground plane layer, and selected of such resistive elements may be coupled together by way of conductive vias. In a particular embodiment of such exemplary present method, the methodology may involve forming such array as a five by five matrix configuration of five layers, with a first layer thereof comprising such one of such other layers situated towards an exterior surface of such array, with a second layer thereof comprising such one of such other layers on which such plurality of capacitor electrodes and such central conductive trace are supported, with a third layer thereof comprising such central ground plane layer, and with fourth and fifth layers thereof comprising such other of such other layers on which such plurality of resistive elements are supported. Additional objects and advantages of the disclosed technology are set forth in, or will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from, the detailed description herein. Also, it should be further appreciated that modifications and variations to the specifically illustrated, referenced and discussed features hereof may be practiced in various embodiments and uses of this subject matter without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, by virtue of present reference thereto. Such variations may include, but are not limited to, substitution of equivalent means, features, and/or steps for those illustrated, referenced or discussed, and the functional, operational or positional reversal of various parts, features, steps, or the like. Still further, it is to be understood that different embodiments, as well as different presently preferred embodiments, of this subject matter may include various combinations or configurations of presently disclosed features, elements, or steps or their equivalents including combinations of features, parts, or steps or configurations thereof not expressly shown in the figures or stated in the detailed description. Additional embodiments of the present subject matter, not necessarily expressed in this summarized section, may include and incorporate various combinations of aspects of features or steps or parts referenced in the summarized objectives above, and/or other features, parts, elements, or steps as otherwise discussed in this application. Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate the features and aspects of such embodiments, and others, upon review of the remainder of the specification.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present subject matter generally concerns arrays and related methodology. More particularly, the present subject matter concerns a multilayer components (for example, such as varistors) with interdigitated electrode layer portions configured so as to variously provide signal filtering characteristics, over-voltage transient suppression capabilities, and land grid array (LGA) terminations. Integrated circuits (ICs) have been implemented for some time, but many specific features of these ICs affect the design criteria for electronic components and corresponding procedures for mounting such components. With increased functionality of integrated circuit components, the design of electronic components must become increasingly more efficient. The miniaturization of electronic components is a continuing trend in the electronics industry, and it is of particular importance to design parts that are sufficiently small, yet simultaneously characterized by high operating quality. Components are desired that are small in size and that have reliable performance characteristics, yet can also be manufactured at relatively low costs. Component miniaturization enables higher density mounting on circuit boards or other foundations. Thus, the spacing between components is also a limiting factor in present circuit designs. Since spacing is such a critical design characteristic, the size and location of termination means or elements for IC components is also a significant design characteristic. One specific electronic component that has been used in IC applications is the decoupling capacitor. Decoupling capacitors are often used to manage electrical noise problems that occur in circuit applications. As such, one of their functions is to operate as a filter. Dramatic increases in packing density of integrated circuits require advancements in decoupling capacitor technology. It has been found that one way to achieve improved performance of decoupling capacitors and at the same time allow for increased packaging density is to provide improved filtering characteristics and, at the same time, incorporate additional functionality in the form of transient suppression. Several design aspects have been implemented in prior decoupling capacitors to reduce self and mutual inductance. For example, it has been shown that reducing the current path through such devices will lower self-inductance. Since the current often has to travel the entire length of the capacitor, termination on the longer ends of the structure will reduce the current path. If the current in adjacent capacitor electrodes flows in opposite directions it will reduce the mutual inductance in a capacitor. Multiple terminations as utilized in interdigitated capacitor technology lower the inductance value. Another approach to lowering the equivalent series inductance (ESL) of a decoupling capacitor is to minimize interconnect induction that results from termination configurations and mounting systems. Typical termination schemes incorporate long traces to the capacitor electrode pads. Examples of various aspects and alternative embodiments in the field of integrated circuits (ICs), and particularly for example, regarding multilayer decoupling capacitors, have been implemented for some time. Some exemplary specific features and aspects of ICs and associated electronic components and corresponding procedures for mounting such components include as follows. U.S. Pat. No. 4,831,494 (Arnold, et al.) is entitled “Multilayer capacitor” and discloses what it describes as a multilayer capacitor consisting of a plurality of laminae with each of the laminae including a conductive plate portion and a non-conductive sheet portion. The conductive plate portion has at least one tab projecting to at least one edge of the conductive plate portion with the maximum number of tabs per conductive plate portion being limited to avoid excessive lateral congestion. The laminae are divided into different groups with the laminae from each group having the same number and location of tabs and with the laminae from different groups differing by at least the location of the tabs. The laminae are interleaved so that: (a) a lamina from one group alternates with a lamina from a different group, (b) the conductive plate portion of each lamina is in contact with the non-conductive sheet portion of each adjacent lamina, (c) the tabs are at a common edge of each lamina so that the tabs of the interleaved laminae form rows of tabs, and (d) the tabs from adjacent laminae are not in registry with each other. The capacitor finally includes islands of metallurgy joining selected groups of tabs in each row such that each of the islands covers a portion of each row of tabs. U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,379 (Galvagni, et al.) is entitled “Method of manufacturing a decoupling capacitor structure” and discloses what it describes as a capacitor structure described as having a plurality of dielectric materials located so that each dielectric material is in parallel between capacitor plates. The capacitor value of this structure is preset, therefore, for operation electrically at different specific temperatures. The description gives a specific stacked arrangement for the various dielectric materials in which this capacitor can be formed, as one example of that to which it is adaptable. U.S. Pat. No. 6,757,152 (Galvaqni, et al.) is entitled “Cascade capacitor” and discloses what it describes as multi-layer and cascade capacitors for use in high frequency applications and other environments. Such subject capacitor may have multiple capacitor components or aspects thereof in an integrated package. Such components may include, for example, thin film BGA components, interdigitated capacitor (IDC) configurations, double-layer electrochemical capacitors, surface mount tantalum products, multilayer capacitors, single layer capacitors, and others. Exemplary embodiments of such subject matter preferably encompass at least certain aspects of thin film BGA techniques and/or IDC-style configurations. Features for attachment and interconnection are provided that facilitate low ESL while maintaining a given capacitance value. Additional advantages include low ESR and decoupling performance over a broad band of operational frequencies. More particularly, such disclosed technology provides for exemplary capacitors that may function over a frequency range from kilohertz up to several gigahertz, and that may also be characterized by a wide range of capacitance values. An additionally disclosed feature of such subject matter is to incorporate dielectric layers of varied thicknesses to broaden the resonancy curve associated with a particular configuration. U.S. Pat. No. 7,016,175 (MacNeal et al.) is entitled “Window via capacitor” and discloses what it describes as a window via capacitor which comprises a stacked multilayer configuration of at least one bottom layer, a plurality of first and second layers, a transition layer and a cover layer. Each first and second layer is preferably characterized by a sheet of dielectric material with a respective first or second electrode plate provided thereon. Adjacent first and second electrode plates form opposing active capacitor plates in the multilayer configuration. Portions of each first and second electrode plate extend to and are exposed on selected periphery side portions. Electrode portions of each transition layer are aligned in respective similar locations to the first and second electrode plates such that peripheral terminations can connect selected electrode portions of a first polarity together and selected portions of the opposing polarity together. Solder balls may also be applied to window vias to yield a capacitor compatible with BGA mounting technology. U.S. Pat. No. 4,039,997 (Huang. et al.) is entitled “Resistance material and resistor made therefrom” and discloses what it describes as a vitreous enamel resistance material comprising a mixture of a vitreous glass frit and fine particles of a metal silicide of the transition elements of Groups IV, V and VI of the periodic chart. The metal silicide may be of molybdenum disilicide (MoSi.sub.2), tungsten disilicide (WSi.sub.2), vanadium disilicide (VSi.sub.2), titanium disilicide (TiSi.sub.2), zirconium disilicide (ZrSi.sub.2), chromium disilicide (CrSi.sub.2) or tantalum disilicide (TaSi.sub.2). The ingredients of the vitreous enamel resistance material are present in the proportion of, by weight, 25 to 90% glass frit and 75 to 10% metal silicide. An electrical resistor is made with the vitreous enamel resistor material of the present subject matter by coating a ceramic substrate with the vitreous enamel resistance material and firing the coated substrate at a temperature sufficient to melt the glass frit of the vitreous enamel resistance material. Upon cooling, the glass hardens so that the resultant resistor comprises the substrate having on the surface thereof a film of glass with the metal silicide particles embedded in and dispersed throughout the glass film. U.S. Pat. No. 4,286,251 (Howell) is entitled “Vitreous enamel resistor and method of making the same” and discloses what it describes as a vitreous enamel resistor, and method of making the same comprising the steps of applying to the surface of a substrate and firing a mixture of glass frit and particles of a precious metal oxide such as iridium oxide, ruthenium oxide, and mixtures thereof. The mixture is fired in a neutral, inert, or reducing atmosphere for a time and at a temperature resulting in a controlled partial dissociation of the oxide and softening of the glass frit. When cooled, a resistor is provided having a glass film with conductive particles therein strongly bonded to the substrate. The resistor produced can be terminated by the use of electroless plating. The disclosures of the foregoing United States patents are hereby fully incorporated into this application for all purposes by reference thereto. While examples of various aspects and alternative embodiments are known in the field of multilayer decoupling capacitors, no one design is known that generally encompasses all of the above-referenced preferred characteristics. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the discussed drawbacks and other shortcomings encountered in the prior art, and recognized and addressed by the present subject matter, improved multilayer vertically integrated array technology has been developed. Thus, broadly speaking, a general object of the presently disclosed technology is to provide improved functionality schemes through various configurations of multilayer vertically integrated arrays. Also, broadly speaking, a general object of the presently disclosed technology is to provide improved functionality corresponding methodologies for practice with, and practice of, the various aforementioned present configurations of multilayer vertically integrated arrays. It is another general object of the present subject matter to provide a multilayer vertically integrated array that facilitates closer component spacing in an integrated circuit environment. It is another object of the present subject matter to provide multilayer vertically integrated array technology that is compatible with a land grid array packaging configuration. It is yet another object of the present subject matter to provide a multilayer vertically integrated array with configurable equivalent electrical characteristics including equivalent series inductance (ESL), equivalent series resistance (ESR), and configurable capacitance and voltage clamping values. It is still another object of the present subject matter to provide multilayer vertically integrated arrays with interdigitated electrode configurations that may define a single capacitor, a capacitor array, or resistive, inductive, and/or capacitive (RLC) combinations providing various signal filtering capabilities. It is a further object of the present subject matter to provide improved multilayer vertically integrated arrays corresponding to various RLC combinations that further provide transient voltage suppression features. One present exemplary embodiment relates to a multilayer vertically integrated array, comprising a plurality of electrode layers arranged in substantially parallel positions; a plurality of electrode tabs respectively associated with such electrode layers and extending from alternating electrode layers so as to be aligned in respective columns, such plurality of electrode tabs respectively having a plurality of end portions; encasing material completely surrounding such electrode layers but with such end portions of such tabs remaining exposed at the surface of such encasing material; and at least one termination land for electrically connecting with selected at least one of such exposed end portions of such tabs. In the foregoing exemplary embodiment, preferably such multilayer vertically integrated array may further include a plurality of such termination lands for electrically connecting with respective selected groups of such exposed end portions of such tabs; and such encasing material may comprise one of dielectric material so that such array comprises a multilayer capacitor or may comprise varistor material so that such array comprises a multilayer capacitor with transient overvoltage suppression capabilities. In yet further embodiments of the foregoing exemplary present subject matter, at least some of such plurality of electrode layers respectively comprise a plurality of predetermined shaped electrodes for relative increased inductance and resistance within such array, with at least one of such electrode layers comprising a common electrode situated centrally between pluralities of such predetermined shaped electrodes. In various of such embodiments, such predetermined shapes for such predetermined shaped electrodes comprise at least one of U-shaped, L-shaped, serpentine-shaped, S-shaped, and I-shaped electrodes. In yet another present exemplary embodiment, a multilayer vertically integrated capacitor array compatible with a land grid array packaging configuration may be provided, comprising a stacked plurality of layers arranged in substantially parallel positions; a ground plane layer centrally formed in such stacked plurality of layers, such ground plane layer forming a plurality of window vias therein; a plurality of via connection points formed respectively in the other of such plurality of layers, such via connection points formed in respective columns so as to be aligned with such window vias of such ground plane layer; ball limiting metallurgy formed at such via connection points of one of such other layers situated towards an exterior surface of such array; encasing material completely surrounding such layers but with such ball limiting metallurgy remaining exposed at such exterior surface of such array; a plurality of capacitor electrodes supported on one of such other layers; a central conductive trace supported on such one of such other layers for electrical coupling with such ground plane layer; and a plurality of resistive elements supported on other of such other layers, so that such capacitor elements, such ground plane layer, and selected of such resistive elements may be coupled together by way of conductive vias. In one exemplary embodiment of the foregoing arrangement, such array comprises a five by five matrix configuration of five layers, with a first layer thereof comprising such one of such other layers situated towards an exterior surface of such array, with a second layer thereof comprising such one of such other layers on which such plurality of capacitor electrodes and such central conductive trace are supported, with a third layer thereof comprising such central ground plane layer, and with fourth and fifth layers thereof comprising such other of such other layers on which such plurality of resistive elements are supported. It is to be understood that the present subject matter equally relates to corresponding methodology for providing a multilayer vertically integrated array, which advantageously results in providing an array with configurable equivalent electrical characteristics. An exemplary such present methodology comprises: providing a plurality of electrode layers arranged in substantially parallel positions; respectively associating a plurality of electrode tabs with such electrode layers and extending such tabs from alternating electrode layers so as to be aligned in respective columns, such plurality of electrode tabs respectively having a plurality of end portions; completely surrounding such electrode layers with encasing material but with such end portions of such tabs remaining exposed at the surface of such encasing material; and providing at least one termination land for electrically connecting with selected at least one of such exposed end portions of such tabs. In such exemplary methodology, a plurality of such termination lands may be provided for electrically connecting with respective selected groups of such exposed end portions of such tabs; and the encasing material may be formed of either dielectric material so that such array comprises a multilayer capacitor, or varistor material so that such array comprises a multilayer capacitor with transient overvoltage suppression capabilities. In another present exemplary method for providing a multilayer vertically integrated capacitor array compatible with a land grid array packaging configuration, and with configurable equivalent electrical characteristics, such methodology may comprise: stacking a plurality of layers arranged in substantially parallel positions; providing a ground plane layer centrally formed in such stacked plurality of layers, and forming a plurality of window vias in such ground plane layer; forming a plurality of via connection points respectively in the other of such plurality of layers, such via connection points formed in respective columns so as to be aligned with such window vias of such ground plane layer; forming ball limiting metallurgy at such via connection points of one of such other layers situated towards an exterior surface of such array; completely surrounding such layers with encasing material but with such ball limiting metallurgy remaining exposed at such exterior surface of such array; providing a plurality of capacitor electrodes supported on one of such other layers; providing a central conductive trace supported on such one of such other layers for electrical coupling with such ground plane layer; and providing a plurality of resistive elements supported on other of such other layers, so that such capacitor elements, such ground plane layer, and selected of such resistive elements may be coupled together by way of conductive vias. In a particular embodiment of such exemplary present method, the methodology may involve forming such array as a five by five matrix configuration of five layers, with a first layer thereof comprising such one of such other layers situated towards an exterior surface of such array, with a second layer thereof comprising such one of such other layers on which such plurality of capacitor electrodes and such central conductive trace are supported, with a third layer thereof comprising such central ground plane layer, and with fourth and fifth layers thereof comprising such other of such other layers on which such plurality of resistive elements are supported. Additional objects and advantages of the disclosed technology are set forth in, or will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from, the detailed description herein. Also, it should be further appreciated that modifications and variations to the specifically illustrated, referenced and discussed features hereof may be practiced in various embodiments and uses of this subject matter without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, by virtue of present reference thereto. Such variations may include, but are not limited to, substitution of equivalent means, features, and/or steps for those illustrated, referenced or discussed, and the functional, operational or positional reversal of various parts, features, steps, or the like. Still further, it is to be understood that different embodiments, as well as different presently preferred embodiments, of this subject matter may include various combinations or configurations of presently disclosed features, elements, or steps or their equivalents including combinations of features, parts, or steps or configurations thereof not expressly shown in the figures or stated in the detailed description. Additional embodiments of the present subject matter, not necessarily expressed in this summarized section, may include and incorporate various combinations of aspects of features or steps or parts referenced in the summarized objectives above, and/or other features, parts, elements, or steps as otherwise discussed in this application. Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate the features and aspects of such embodiments, and others, upon review of the remainder of the specification. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7748488

The invention relates to a steering system for an agricultural or industrial utility vehicle, especially for a tractor. An electric drive is provided for each half of an axle—preferably a front axle—of the utility vehicle, allowing at least one wheel associated with the respective half of the axle to be driven by means of said drive. The electric drive can be controlled such that predetermined torque can be transmitted by the electric drive to the wheel driven by it. Preferably the wheels associated with a mechanical drive axle—particularly a rear axle—of the utility vehicle can be driven by means of a mechanical drive of the utility vehicle. The present invention also relates to a method for operating a steering system. Typically, a mechanical drive in a utility vehicle is provided by an internal combustion engine with a transmission. Particularly in the case of agricultural or industrial utility vehicles, the wheels associated with the rear axle of the utility vehicle are driven by the mechanical drive via a transmission and a differential gear arranged downstream from the transmission. DE 196 23 738 A1 discloses a utility vehicle, which comprises a mechanical drive in the form of an internal combustion engine, by means of which the wheels of a drive axle can be driven. Each wheel of this drive axle is associated with a summing gear and is driven by the combination in the summing gear of the mechanical power from the drive shaft and the power from an electric motor. In one embodiment of the utility vehicle disclosed in DE 196 23 738 A1 a vehicle axle is provided, which merely comprises electric individual wheel drives. These electric individual wheel drives are powered by a generator, which is driven by the internal combustion engine. In another embodiment, an electronic controller processes signals from steering angle sensors for detecting the steering angle of the steered wheels as well as signals from wheel speed sensors. The controller then computes speed commands for each wheel from a predetermined desired speed and the sensed actual rotational speed and from the computed desired steering angle and the sensed actual steering angle, on the basis of which commands the electric motors can be controlled such that the speeds of the wheels driven by the electric motors are balanced when traveling in a curve. This way, equal forces are transmitted from the electric individual wheel drives via the wheels to the ground in accordance with the vehicle geometry and as a function of the steering angles of the two wheels. This type of control fulfills the Ackermann condition, which is disclosed for example in EP 0 533 670 B1. In order to reach maximum tractive power, particularly for agricultural or industrial utility vehicles, it is in principle required that the front axle assumes its share of power transmitted by the utility vehicle to the ground in accordance with axle load distribution. However, since due to vehicle geometry and in particular due to mechanical steering the front wheels travel a larger curve radius during cornering than the rear wheels, the front wheels must have a greater peripheral speed because otherwise non-slip rolling motions of the corresponding wheels are not possible. In the present standard tractors—i.e. not the utility vehicle disclosed in DE 196 23 738 A1—the speed ratio of the wheels between the front and rear axles is fixed. Thus, a compromise between tight cornering and straight-ahead driving is required. This is accomplished in that the front wheels have a lead of about 4% compared to the wheels of the rear axle, meaning that the wheels of the front axle rotate more quickly than those of the rear axle. When driving straight ahead, this results in strain and idle power between the drive axles, which is disadvantageous for chassis efficiency, places additional stress on the transmission, lead to increased tire wear and can damage the ground and/or the road, particularly when using a tractor in a field. When traveling tight corners, however, particularly the lead of the wheel on the outside of the bend no longer suffices, and beyond certain steering angles braking torque even develops on the front wheels, which impacts the driving behavior of the tractor negatively. As a result, the front axle no longer transmits any traction force. This means that nearly ideal kinematic driving conditions exist only in a specific steering angle with a corresponding curve radius. Consequently, many tractor manufacturers disconnect the front axle drive above a specific steering angle. In this case, however, the front axle again does not transmit any traction force. These problems were able to be resolved with a utility vehicle disclosed in DE 196 23 [7]38 A1, however the configuration of a hybrid drive axle is complex in its design and therefore expensive. It is therefore the object of the invention to provide and further develop a steering system and a method for operating a steering system of the kind mentioned above, which overcome the afore-mentioned problems. In particular a steering system for an agricultural or industrial utility vehicle is supposed to be provided, which allows traction forces to be transmitted from the wheels driven by the electric drives even during cornering, wherein particularly braking torque on these wheels is supposed to be avoided in certain steering angles. The object is achieved with the invention through the method of claim1. Further advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims. According to the invention, a steering system of the kind mentioned above is characterized in that the torque to be transmitted to a wheel on the outside of the bend is greater than the torque to be transmitted to a wheel on the inside of the bend in order to support or effect the steering of the utility vehicle. According to the invention it has been discovered first that by providing an electric drive for each half of an axle of the utility vehicle, preferably of a front axle, the wheel associated with this half of the axle can be driven by the electric drive independently from the wheel of the other half of this axle. Thus it is not necessary to drive the wheels of this axle by means of a mechanical drive of the utility vehicle via a mechanical transmission. Such a solution would require a complicated and therefore expensive mechanical transmission to adjust varying rotational speeds on the wheels of the front axle. A significant component of the inventive steering system is also the torque control of the wheels, which are driven by an electric drive. In principle, a speed-regulated control is easy to implement. However, in this case it cannot be sufficiently guaranteed that the front axle will assume a defined tractive power of the utility vehicle under all steering conditions. A torque-regulated control of the wheels driven by the electric drives can therefore lead to improved handling of the utility vehicle when traveling in curves since the control can be such that during cornering also the front axle can transmit tractive forces. A torque-regulated control of the electric drives can also be implemented easily since the transmitted torque of an electric drive can be determined on the basis of the electrical power consumed by the electric drive as well as the rotational speed. By controlling the wheel on the outside of the bend and the wheel on the inside of the bend with different torque, active steering of the utility vehicle is especially advantageously possible even when the steering angle of the wheels driven by the electric drives and the resulting geometry does not fulfill the Ackermann condition. At any rate, this control strategy allows optimal power transfer of the individual wheels to the ground, and hence optimal motion of the utility vehicle, adjusted to the respective steering situation. In principle a controller is provided for controlling the electric drives, which controller could be configured for example as a single-board computer. In a preferred embodiment, the defined torque can be derived from the present operating state of the utility vehicle. A present operating state can be, for example, straight-ahead driving, cornering, or forward or backward driving of the utility vehicle. Additional parameters that characterize the present operating state of the utility vehicle include, for example, the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine, the present state of a gearbox or power-shift transmission, a potential towed load of the utility vehicle or a changing axle load distribution of the utility vehicle, as that which may occur during front-loading operations. Accordingly sensors are provided, which detect the present operating state of the utility vehicle and supply this information to the controller. The defined torque could additionally or alternatively also be derived from operator input. Operator input could include, for example, the operation of a steering wheel of the utility vehicle by an operator. The defined torque that is to be transmitted is preferably derived from both the present operating state of the utility vehicle and from operator input, thus allowing an operator-regulated control of the wheels while taking the present operating state of the utility vehicle into consideration, which enables effectively intelligent cornering of the utility vehicle. The present operating state of the utility vehicle relates particularly to a steering angle of a mechanical steering device of the utility vehicle. The mechanical steering device could comprise, for example, front axle steering. In this case the utility vehicle is steered by a combination of a torque-regulated drive of the wheels driven by the electric drives and a mechanical steering device, allowing advantageously the implementation of application-specific steering strategies. This includes, for example, turning the vehicle around with the smallest possible turning clearance circle at a low vehicle speed or traveling in a curve at average vehicle speed with a combination consisting of the utility vehicle and a trailer. The mechanical steering device of the utility vehicle could be configured in the form of axle-pivot steering, a fifth wheel or articulated steering. The presently available mechanical steering angle can preferably be detected by means of a sensor. This way, the sensor can detect the present operating state of the utility vehicle, which can then be taken into consideration accordingly by the controller during steering. A utility vehicle that is configured as a tractor and comprises a front leader may easily be subjected to critical driving situations, particularly in the loaded state of the front loader, due to a mechanical steering angle and simultaneous braking during a descent since in this case the steering may not respond or be oversteered under certain circumstances. One measure of the rotation of a vehicle about the vertical axis is the yaw rate. A preferred embodiment therefore comprises a yaw rate sensor, which allows the yaw rate of the utility vehicle to be detected, wherein the detected yaw rate can be included in the torque computation. With the help of the yaw rate sensor thus the rotation of the utility vehicle about the vertical axis can be detected so that advantageously critical driving situations can be avoided, wherein the corresponding control of additional assemblies of the utility vehicle may be required, such as that of a wheel brake. Preferably an input device is provided, which can be operated by an operator of the utility vehicle and allows a change of the utility vehicle's direction to be defined or influenced. A change of direction should be interpreted particularly as a lateral deviation of the utility vehicle's driving motion, which is the result of steering input. The input device could comprise, for example, a steering wheel, a joystick, a pedal or at least one switch that is disposed on a steering wheel of the utility vehicle. If the input device comprises a steering wheel, on which a switch is provided, substantially conventional operation of the utility vehicle using the steering wheel would be possible, for example when the switch can only be actuated in extreme steering angles. This advantageously enables a brief learning phase for an untrained operator for operating a utility vehicle comprising an inventive steering system. The utility vehicle could be provided with a system, which allows a desired driving direction to be defined. For example such a system could be an AMS—agriculture management solutions—system, which sends a desired driving direction command for optimal field cultivation to a utility vehicle, for example in the form of a tractor, particularly by means of radio signals. Such a system could comprise, for example, a GPS (global positioning system) satellite navigation system so that in the ideal case a utility vehicle can also be operated autonomously, i.e. without operator, since the utility vehicle will travel a specified path, controlled by the GPS and/or AMS. A system of this type typically comprises computer systems, including software, sensors and mobile controllers. In another particularly preferred embodiment the defined torque can be derived from a deviation of an actual driving direction from a desired driving direction of the utility vehicle, allowing the steering of the utility vehicle to be influenced accordingly. The desired driving direction could be derived for example on the basis of a defined travel route. The defined travel route could be stored suitably in a memory unit associated with the utility vehicle and be entered and stored for example by means of one-time input by the operator. To determine the present position of the utility vehicle—for example when traveling the defined route—it could be provided that this position is derived based on signals received from a navigation system, which are transmitted remotely to the utility vehicle for example by at least one transmitter of the navigation system. To this end, the navigation system could comprise GPS, as is known per se already from the prior art. For some applications it may prove advantageous to provide a remote control unit, which comprises at least one transmitter and a receiver, which is disposed on the utility vehicle. The remote control unit can be used to control the utility vehicle remotely, at least in part, and to allow an operator to input a desired change of the utility vehicle's direction. For example, a remote control unit could comprise similar controls as those that are used for controlling model cars or model airplanes. An electric drive comprises at least one electric motor, which is preferably configured as an asynchronous motor. Asynchronous motors are inexpensive to produce, and a utility vehicle according to the invention can therefore be manufactured with relatively little additional expenses. Preferably at least one reducing gear is provided between the electric motor and the wheel associated therewith, which gear allows a high rotational speed of the electric motor to be reduced to a lower rotational speed, with which the wheel is driven in the end. For the purpose of recording the present operating state of the utility vehicle a rotational speed sensor is provided for each wheel in a preferred embodiment, which sensor detects the present rotational speed of the respective wheel. A rotational speed sensor for detecting the rotational speed of a wheel of the front axle could be provided directly or indirectly on an electric drive, thus allowing the rotational speed of the electric drive to be measured directly or indirectly, which can then be used to calculate the rotational speed of the respective wheel. This is insofar advantageous in that such a rotational speed sensor can be arranged more easily on the electric drive and be provided with connecting lines, since electric lines run to the electric drive anyhow. It is particularly preferred if the defined torque is computed as a function of the detected rotational speeds of the individual wheels. In this respect a certain combination of rotational speed-regulated and torque-regulated steering of the utility vehicle exists, since in the case of a wheel turning too quickly on the inside of the bend during defined corning the electric drive driving this wheel transmits less torque to the wheel in response to the wheel's sensed rotational speed. If the peripheral speed of the mechanically driven wheels associated with the rear axle is greater than that of the front wheels, the torque on the front wheels must be increased in order to adjust the peripheral speeds of all wheels to each other again and increase the tractive power portion of the front wheels and hence of the front axle. If the front wheels rotate at a greater peripheral speed than the rear wheels, the defined torque must be lowered on the front wheels. In principle it is attempted to achieve the least possible difference among the peripheral speeds of the wheels on the two drive axles. During cornering, the wheel on the outside of the bend must have a higher peripheral speed than the wheel on the inside of the bend since—according to the Ackermann condition—it travels a larger curve radius. In a particularly preferred embodiment it is therefore provided to take the difference between the mean value of the peripheral speeds of the wheels associated with the rear axle of the utility vehicle and the peripheral speed of the wheel driven by the electric drive into consideration in the computation of the torque that is to be transmitted by an electric drive of a wheel. This way, improved tractive force distribution of the individual drive axles of the utility vehicle can be achieved during cornering as a function of a respectively adjusted steering angle geometry and the respective peripheral speeds of the utility vehicle's wheels since in this case nearly ideal kinematic driving conditions exist and therefore no braking torque or slippage of one of the wheels occurs. In this case the utility vehicle is advantageously supported during steering in that the torque on the wheel on the outside of the bend is raised and that on the wheel on the inside of the bend is lowered. This way the front axle transmits the corresponding tractive power even during cornering. The torque defined on the wheel on the outside of the bend can be increased disproportionately in the case of tight curve radii in order to achieve a further decrease in the turning clearance circle. The tractor is then pulled actively around the curve. When computing the torque to be transmitted by an electric drive of a wheel, this could be taken into consideration concretely with the help of one or more lookup tables. Particularly several tables could be provided, especially one for each operating mode, for example depending on whether the electric drive performs forward or reverse travel. In this table then data of the torque to be transmitted could be stored as a function of the steering angle of the respective wheel of the front axle. The difference between the mean value of the peripheral speeds of the wheels associated with the rear axle of the utility vehicle and the peripheral speed of the corresponding wheel could be stored there as well. In another embodiment it is provided that a limit of the torque to be transmitted to a wheel is established when this wheel driven by an electric drive exceeds a defined rotational speed threshold. This prevents above all that an electric drive will attempt to transmit a defined torque to the wheel it drives although this wheel, for whatever reason, has no contact with or no traction in relation to the ground and would therefore just be accelerated further. The wheels driven by the electric drives could be controlled such that varying torque values are only defined for the wheels driven by the electric drives after a defined value of a present operating state of the utility vehicle has been exceeded and/or following operator input. This type of control in some respects represents a threshold control. Using the inventive steering system, the electric drives can be controlled in a non-linear fashion such that optimized tire wear is achieved in the case of large curve radii and/or that a minimal turning clearance circle diameter is achieved in the case of small curve radii. Additionally, a differential lock could be activated, which would allow equal peripheral speeds of the wheels driven by the electric drives to be generated. This particularly useful when driving straight ahead. If a slight change of direction of the utility vehicle should be desired, this could be achieved merely by means of a defined difference in transmitted torque of the electric drives. In this case, a steering angle of a possibly provided mechanical steering device of the utility vehicle could be foregone. There are driving situations in which counter-steering by the utility vehicle in response to influences, such as a substantially constant extraneous cause that is applied on the utility vehicle, is required. One example of such an extraneous cause occurs when the utility vehicle travels parallel to a slope. In such a case it is advantageously provided that counter-steering by the utility vehicle can be achieved merely by activating the electric drives. Additionally the inventive steering system allows activation of the electric drives such that a stabilization of the utility vehicle—which is known per se from the prior art—can be achieved. This way the safety properties of the utility vehicle can be improved particularly advantageously. Various possibilities are available for advantageously configuring and further developing the method of the present invention. In this respect, reference is made on one hand to the patent claims referring back to claim1and on the other hand to the preferred embodiment of the invention, which will be explained in more detail hereinafter with reference to the drawing. Generally preferred embodiments and further developments of the method are also explained in conjunction with the explanation of the preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the drawing.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: The invention relates to a steering system for an agricultural or industrial utility vehicle, especially for a tractor. An electric drive is provided for each half of an axle—preferably a front axle—of the utility vehicle, allowing at least one wheel associated with the respective half of the axle to be driven by means of said drive. The electric drive can be controlled such that predetermined torque can be transmitted by the electric drive to the wheel driven by it. Preferably the wheels associated with a mechanical drive axle—particularly a rear axle—of the utility vehicle can be driven by means of a mechanical drive of the utility vehicle. The present invention also relates to a method for operating a steering system. Typically, a mechanical drive in a utility vehicle is provided by an internal combustion engine with a transmission. Particularly in the case of agricultural or industrial utility vehicles, the wheels associated with the rear axle of the utility vehicle are driven by the mechanical drive via a transmission and a differential gear arranged downstream from the transmission. DE 196 23 738 A1 discloses a utility vehicle, which comprises a mechanical drive in the form of an internal combustion engine, by means of which the wheels of a drive axle can be driven. Each wheel of this drive axle is associated with a summing gear and is driven by the combination in the summing gear of the mechanical power from the drive shaft and the power from an electric motor. In one embodiment of the utility vehicle disclosed in DE 196 23 738 A1 a vehicle axle is provided, which merely comprises electric individual wheel drives. These electric individual wheel drives are powered by a generator, which is driven by the internal combustion engine. In another embodiment, an electronic controller processes signals from steering angle sensors for detecting the steering angle of the steered wheels as well as signals from wheel speed sensors. The controller then computes speed commands for each wheel from a predetermined desired speed and the sensed actual rotational speed and from the computed desired steering angle and the sensed actual steering angle, on the basis of which commands the electric motors can be controlled such that the speeds of the wheels driven by the electric motors are balanced when traveling in a curve. This way, equal forces are transmitted from the electric individual wheel drives via the wheels to the ground in accordance with the vehicle geometry and as a function of the steering angles of the two wheels. This type of control fulfills the Ackermann condition, which is disclosed for example in EP 0 533 670 B1. In order to reach maximum tractive power, particularly for agricultural or industrial utility vehicles, it is in principle required that the front axle assumes its share of power transmitted by the utility vehicle to the ground in accordance with axle load distribution. However, since due to vehicle geometry and in particular due to mechanical steering the front wheels travel a larger curve radius during cornering than the rear wheels, the front wheels must have a greater peripheral speed because otherwise non-slip rolling motions of the corresponding wheels are not possible. In the present standard tractors—i.e. not the utility vehicle disclosed in DE 196 23 738 A1—the speed ratio of the wheels between the front and rear axles is fixed. Thus, a compromise between tight cornering and straight-ahead driving is required. This is accomplished in that the front wheels have a lead of about 4% compared to the wheels of the rear axle, meaning that the wheels of the front axle rotate more quickly than those of the rear axle. When driving straight ahead, this results in strain and idle power between the drive axles, which is disadvantageous for chassis efficiency, places additional stress on the transmission, lead to increased tire wear and can damage the ground and/or the road, particularly when using a tractor in a field. When traveling tight corners, however, particularly the lead of the wheel on the outside of the bend no longer suffices, and beyond certain steering angles braking torque even develops on the front wheels, which impacts the driving behavior of the tractor negatively. As a result, the front axle no longer transmits any traction force. This means that nearly ideal kinematic driving conditions exist only in a specific steering angle with a corresponding curve radius. Consequently, many tractor manufacturers disconnect the front axle drive above a specific steering angle. In this case, however, the front axle again does not transmit any traction force. These problems were able to be resolved with a utility vehicle disclosed in DE 196 23 [7]38 A1, however the configuration of a hybrid drive axle is complex in its design and therefore expensive. It is therefore the object of the invention to provide and further develop a steering system and a method for operating a steering system of the kind mentioned above, which overcome the afore-mentioned problems. In particular a steering system for an agricultural or industrial utility vehicle is supposed to be provided, which allows traction forces to be transmitted from the wheels driven by the electric drives even during cornering, wherein particularly braking torque on these wheels is supposed to be avoided in certain steering angles. The object is achieved with the invention through the method of claim1. Further advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims. According to the invention, a steering system of the kind mentioned above is characterized in that the torque to be transmitted to a wheel on the outside of the bend is greater than the torque to be transmitted to a wheel on the inside of the bend in order to support or effect the steering of the utility vehicle. According to the invention it has been discovered first that by providing an electric drive for each half of an axle of the utility vehicle, preferably of a front axle, the wheel associated with this half of the axle can be driven by the electric drive independently from the wheel of the other half of this axle. Thus it is not necessary to drive the wheels of this axle by means of a mechanical drive of the utility vehicle via a mechanical transmission. Such a solution would require a complicated and therefore expensive mechanical transmission to adjust varying rotational speeds on the wheels of the front axle. A significant component of the inventive steering system is also the torque control of the wheels, which are driven by an electric drive. In principle, a speed-regulated control is easy to implement. However, in this case it cannot be sufficiently guaranteed that the front axle will assume a defined tractive power of the utility vehicle under all steering conditions. A torque-regulated control of the wheels driven by the electric drives can therefore lead to improved handling of the utility vehicle when traveling in curves since the control can be such that during cornering also the front axle can transmit tractive forces. A torque-regulated control of the electric drives can also be implemented easily since the transmitted torque of an electric drive can be determined on the basis of the electrical power consumed by the electric drive as well as the rotational speed. By controlling the wheel on the outside of the bend and the wheel on the inside of the bend with different torque, active steering of the utility vehicle is especially advantageously possible even when the steering angle of the wheels driven by the electric drives and the resulting geometry does not fulfill the Ackermann condition. At any rate, this control strategy allows optimal power transfer of the individual wheels to the ground, and hence optimal motion of the utility vehicle, adjusted to the respective steering situation. In principle a controller is provided for controlling the electric drives, which controller could be configured for example as a single-board computer. In a preferred embodiment, the defined torque can be derived from the present operating state of the utility vehicle. A present operating state can be, for example, straight-ahead driving, cornering, or forward or backward driving of the utility vehicle. Additional parameters that characterize the present operating state of the utility vehicle include, for example, the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine, the present state of a gearbox or power-shift transmission, a potential towed load of the utility vehicle or a changing axle load distribution of the utility vehicle, as that which may occur during front-loading operations. Accordingly sensors are provided, which detect the present operating state of the utility vehicle and supply this information to the controller. The defined torque could additionally or alternatively also be derived from operator input. Operator input could include, for example, the operation of a steering wheel of the utility vehicle by an operator. The defined torque that is to be transmitted is preferably derived from both the present operating state of the utility vehicle and from operator input, thus allowing an operator-regulated control of the wheels while taking the present operating state of the utility vehicle into consideration, which enables effectively intelligent cornering of the utility vehicle. The present operating state of the utility vehicle relates particularly to a steering angle of a mechanical steering device of the utility vehicle. The mechanical steering device could comprise, for example, front axle steering. In this case the utility vehicle is steered by a combination of a torque-regulated drive of the wheels driven by the electric drives and a mechanical steering device, allowing advantageously the implementation of application-specific steering strategies. This includes, for example, turning the vehicle around with the smallest possible turning clearance circle at a low vehicle speed or traveling in a curve at average vehicle speed with a combination consisting of the utility vehicle and a trailer. The mechanical steering device of the utility vehicle could be configured in the form of axle-pivot steering, a fifth wheel or articulated steering. The presently available mechanical steering angle can preferably be detected by means of a sensor. This way, the sensor can detect the present operating state of the utility vehicle, which can then be taken into consideration accordingly by the controller during steering. A utility vehicle that is configured as a tractor and comprises a front leader may easily be subjected to critical driving situations, particularly in the loaded state of the front loader, due to a mechanical steering angle and simultaneous braking during a descent since in this case the steering may not respond or be oversteered under certain circumstances. One measure of the rotation of a vehicle about the vertical axis is the yaw rate. A preferred embodiment therefore comprises a yaw rate sensor, which allows the yaw rate of the utility vehicle to be detected, wherein the detected yaw rate can be included in the torque computation. With the help of the yaw rate sensor thus the rotation of the utility vehicle about the vertical axis can be detected so that advantageously critical driving situations can be avoided, wherein the corresponding control of additional assemblies of the utility vehicle may be required, such as that of a wheel brake. Preferably an input device is provided, which can be operated by an operator of the utility vehicle and allows a change of the utility vehicle's direction to be defined or influenced. A change of direction should be interpreted particularly as a lateral deviation of the utility vehicle's driving motion, which is the result of steering input. The input device could comprise, for example, a steering wheel, a joystick, a pedal or at least one switch that is disposed on a steering wheel of the utility vehicle. If the input device comprises a steering wheel, on which a switch is provided, substantially conventional operation of the utility vehicle using the steering wheel would be possible, for example when the switch can only be actuated in extreme steering angles. This advantageously enables a brief learning phase for an untrained operator for operating a utility vehicle comprising an inventive steering system. The utility vehicle could be provided with a system, which allows a desired driving direction to be defined. For example such a system could be an AMS—agriculture management solutions—system, which sends a desired driving direction command for optimal field cultivation to a utility vehicle, for example in the form of a tractor, particularly by means of radio signals. Such a system could comprise, for example, a GPS (global positioning system) satellite navigation system so that in the ideal case a utility vehicle can also be operated autonomously, i.e. without operator, since the utility vehicle will travel a specified path, controlled by the GPS and/or AMS. A system of this type typically comprises computer systems, including software, sensors and mobile controllers. In another particularly preferred embodiment the defined torque can be derived from a deviation of an actual driving direction from a desired driving direction of the utility vehicle, allowing the steering of the utility vehicle to be influenced accordingly. The desired driving direction could be derived for example on the basis of a defined travel route. The defined travel route could be stored suitably in a memory unit associated with the utility vehicle and be entered and stored for example by means of one-time input by the operator. To determine the present position of the utility vehicle—for example when traveling the defined route—it could be provided that this position is derived based on signals received from a navigation system, which are transmitted remotely to the utility vehicle for example by at least one transmitter of the navigation system. To this end, the navigation system could comprise GPS, as is known per se already from the prior art. For some applications it may prove advantageous to provide a remote control unit, which comprises at least one transmitter and a receiver, which is disposed on the utility vehicle. The remote control unit can be used to control the utility vehicle remotely, at least in part, and to allow an operator to input a desired change of the utility vehicle's direction. For example, a remote control unit could comprise similar controls as those that are used for controlling model cars or model airplanes. An electric drive comprises at least one electric motor, which is preferably configured as an asynchronous motor. Asynchronous motors are inexpensive to produce, and a utility vehicle according to the invention can therefore be manufactured with relatively little additional expenses. Preferably at least one reducing gear is provided between the electric motor and the wheel associated therewith, which gear allows a high rotational speed of the electric motor to be reduced to a lower rotational speed, with which the wheel is driven in the end. For the purpose of recording the present operating state of the utility vehicle a rotational speed sensor is provided for each wheel in a preferred embodiment, which sensor detects the present rotational speed of the respective wheel. A rotational speed sensor for detecting the rotational speed of a wheel of the front axle could be provided directly or indirectly on an electric drive, thus allowing the rotational speed of the electric drive to be measured directly or indirectly, which can then be used to calculate the rotational speed of the respective wheel. This is insofar advantageous in that such a rotational speed sensor can be arranged more easily on the electric drive and be provided with connecting lines, since electric lines run to the electric drive anyhow. It is particularly preferred if the defined torque is computed as a function of the detected rotational speeds of the individual wheels. In this respect a certain combination of rotational speed-regulated and torque-regulated steering of the utility vehicle exists, since in the case of a wheel turning too quickly on the inside of the bend during defined corning the electric drive driving this wheel transmits less torque to the wheel in response to the wheel's sensed rotational speed. If the peripheral speed of the mechanically driven wheels associated with the rear axle is greater than that of the front wheels, the torque on the front wheels must be increased in order to adjust the peripheral speeds of all wheels to each other again and increase the tractive power portion of the front wheels and hence of the front axle. If the front wheels rotate at a greater peripheral speed than the rear wheels, the defined torque must be lowered on the front wheels. In principle it is attempted to achieve the least possible difference among the peripheral speeds of the wheels on the two drive axles. During cornering, the wheel on the outside of the bend must have a higher peripheral speed than the wheel on the inside of the bend since—according to the Ackermann condition—it travels a larger curve radius. In a particularly preferred embodiment it is therefore provided to take the difference between the mean value of the peripheral speeds of the wheels associated with the rear axle of the utility vehicle and the peripheral speed of the wheel driven by the electric drive into consideration in the computation of the torque that is to be transmitted by an electric drive of a wheel. This way, improved tractive force distribution of the individual drive axles of the utility vehicle can be achieved during cornering as a function of a respectively adjusted steering angle geometry and the respective peripheral speeds of the utility vehicle's wheels since in this case nearly ideal kinematic driving conditions exist and therefore no braking torque or slippage of one of the wheels occurs. In this case the utility vehicle is advantageously supported during steering in that the torque on the wheel on the outside of the bend is raised and that on the wheel on the inside of the bend is lowered. This way the front axle transmits the corresponding tractive power even during cornering. The torque defined on the wheel on the outside of the bend can be increased disproportionately in the case of tight curve radii in order to achieve a further decrease in the turning clearance circle. The tractor is then pulled actively around the curve. When computing the torque to be transmitted by an electric drive of a wheel, this could be taken into consideration concretely with the help of one or more lookup tables. Particularly several tables could be provided, especially one for each operating mode, for example depending on whether the electric drive performs forward or reverse travel. In this table then data of the torque to be transmitted could be stored as a function of the steering angle of the respective wheel of the front axle. The difference between the mean value of the peripheral speeds of the wheels associated with the rear axle of the utility vehicle and the peripheral speed of the corresponding wheel could be stored there as well. In another embodiment it is provided that a limit of the torque to be transmitted to a wheel is established when this wheel driven by an electric drive exceeds a defined rotational speed threshold. This prevents above all that an electric drive will attempt to transmit a defined torque to the wheel it drives although this wheel, for whatever reason, has no contact with or no traction in relation to the ground and would therefore just be accelerated further. The wheels driven by the electric drives could be controlled such that varying torque values are only defined for the wheels driven by the electric drives after a defined value of a present operating state of the utility vehicle has been exceeded and/or following operator input. This type of control in some respects represents a threshold control. Using the inventive steering system, the electric drives can be controlled in a non-linear fashion such that optimized tire wear is achieved in the case of large curve radii and/or that a minimal turning clearance circle diameter is achieved in the case of small curve radii. Additionally, a differential lock could be activated, which would allow equal peripheral speeds of the wheels driven by the electric drives to be generated. This particularly useful when driving straight ahead. If a slight change of direction of the utility vehicle should be desired, this could be achieved merely by means of a defined difference in transmitted torque of the electric drives. In this case, a steering angle of a possibly provided mechanical steering device of the utility vehicle could be foregone. There are driving situations in which counter-steering by the utility vehicle in response to influences, such as a substantially constant extraneous cause that is applied on the utility vehicle, is required. One example of such an extraneous cause occurs when the utility vehicle travels parallel to a slope. In such a case it is advantageously provided that counter-steering by the utility vehicle can be achieved merely by activating the electric drives. Additionally the inventive steering system allows activation of the electric drives such that a stabilization of the utility vehicle—which is known per se from the prior art—can be achieved. This way the safety properties of the utility vehicle can be improved particularly advantageously. Various possibilities are available for advantageously configuring and further developing the method of the present invention. In this respect, reference is made on one hand to the patent claims referring back to claim1and on the other hand to the preferred embodiment of the invention, which will be explained in more detail hereinafter with reference to the drawing. Generally preferred embodiments and further developments of the method are also explained in conjunction with the explanation of the preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the drawing. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7791958

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a pseudo differential output buffer, a memory chip and a memory system, and more particularly to an output buffer of a memory chip to drive a data transmission line between a memory module and a memory controller. 2. Description of the Related Art As computers and networks have increased operating speeds, it is desirable that a memory such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) operates at high speed and has a large capacity. In a computer system, a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory are electrically connected to each other via a memory controller. The memory may include a memory module mounted on a motherboard. In that case, the memory controller and the memory module are electrically connected via a transmission line formed in a printed circuit board (PCB). Therefore, the signal attenuation of the transmission line may be increased with an increase of a distance between the memory controller and the memory module. Methods of driving an output buffer include a push-pull driver method, an open drain driver method, and a differential amplifying driver method. In a DDR type memory module, 64 data lines may be used. Accordingly, a push-pull type output buffer or an open drain type output buffer may be used to account for a number of the data lines. In a Rambus DRAM memory module or a fully buffered dual in-line memory module (FB-DIMM), a differential amplifying method may be used to allow for high-speed operation. The Rambus DRAM DIMM may have 32 data lines for 16 differential pairs of packets. The FB-DIMM memory module may have 14 differential pairs for northbound packets and 10 differential pairs for southbound packets so that the FB-DIMM memory module may include a total of 48 lines. FIG. 1is a circuit diagram illustrating a conventional differential driving method of a data bus. Referring toFIG. 1, a driver10and a receiver20are coupled via transmission lines30, a pair of which are allotted to each bit of data. For example, 16 pairs of transmission lines, (32 transmission lines) are needed for 16-bit data. 32 input and output terminals DQ are also needed. The driver10includes input transistors MN1and MN2that receive a differential input pair DOUT and DOUTB, respectively, and transistors MP1and MP2that are controlled by an output enable signal OEN. The driver10further includes output loads Z01and Z02that are equal to each other. The receiver20includes termination pull up resistors Z03and Z04, which are equal to each other and act as termination loads of the transmission line30, transistors MP3and MP4that are controlled by an input enable signal IEN and a data input circuit22. FIG. 2is a waveform diagram illustrating a signal in the data bus inFIG. 1andFIG. 3is a circuit diagram illustrating a connection structure of power supply lines of a plurality of data output buffers. Referring toFIG. 2, in the differential driving method, 16 output buffers may simultaneously operate to drive 16-bit data to allow substantially identical driving currents to continuously flow therethrough. For example, as shown inFIG. 3, each output buffer may consume a driving current Id of about 10 mA, and when a power supply voltage line VDDQ has an impedance Rvddq of about 0.3Ω, a voltage drop ΔV may be generated by Id×16×Rvddq (i.e., 10 mA×16×0.3=48 mV). As a magnitude of the voltage drop ΔV remains constant regardless of an output pattern of the data, simultaneous switching output noise (SSO noise) may not be generated. Therefore, signal integrity may be improved. However, as two data output terminals are required for one output buffer, the number of data output terminals required is twice the number of data bits. The increase in the number of data output terminals may result in an increase in the chip size and cause difficulty in the layout configuration of the input and output pads. FIG. 4is a circuit diagram illustrating a conventional open drain type driving method of a data bus. Referring toFIG. 4, a driver40and a receiver50are coupled via a data transmission line60, a respective one of which is allotted to each corresponding bit of data. For example, 16 transmission lines and 16 output terminals DQ are required for 16-bit data. The driver40includes a transistor MN4for receiving the input data DOUT and a bias transistor MN5that are serially coupled between the output terminal DQ and a ground voltage. The receiver50includes a termination pull up resistor Z05that acts as a termination load of the transmission line60, a transistor MP5that operates based on the input enable signal IEN and a data input and output circuit52. FIG. 5is a waveform diagram illustrating a signal in the data bus inFIG. 4. As shown inFIG. 5, the magnitude of the voltage drop ΔV varies according to the number of output buffers that are turned on. As the magnitude of the voltage drop ΔV is varied according to a variance in the output pattern of the data, the simultaneous switching output noise (SSO noise) may be generated. Therefore, the signal integrity may be degraded. However, because a respective one output terminal is allotted to each corresponding bit of data, a total number of data output terminals is decreased by one half compared with the differential output method. Therefore, an output buffer that has an output terminal corresponding to each bit of output data while maintaining the signal integrity substantially equal to the signal integrity of the differential output buffer is needed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According one aspect of the invention a pseudo differential output buffer includes first and second input transistors, first and second output loads and a current source. The first and second input transistors have first current electrodes that are commonly coupled to each other together, and control electrodes that are respectively coupled to a first differential input signal and a second differential input signal. The first and second output loads are coupled between a first power supply voltage and the first and second input transistors, respectively, wherein an output terminal is coupled to a node where the first output load is coupled to the first input transistor. The current source is coupled between the first current electrodes of the first and second input transistors and a second power supply voltage, wherein the second output load has an impedance value substantially one half of an impedance value of the first output load. According to another aspect of the invention, a memory device includes a memory cell array, a row address decoder, a column address decoder, at least one pseudo differential data output buffer, and at least one data input buffer. The row address decoder selects a particular row of the memory cell array to be accessed based on an address signal externally provided. The column address decoder selects a particular column of the memory cell array to be accessed based on the address signal externally provided. The at least one pseudo differential data output buffer outputs data read from the selected memory cell to a data input and output terminal. The at least one data input buffer writes data received on the data input and output terminal into the memory cell array. The pseudo differential data output buffer may include first and second input transistors commonly coupled in a first current electrode to receive a differential input signal; first and second output loads coupled between a first power supply voltage and the first and second input transistors, respectively, wherein the data input and output terminal is coupled to a node where the first output load is coupled to the first input transistor; and a current source coupled between the common first current electrode of the first and second input transistors and a second power supply voltage, wherein the second output load has an impedance value substantially one half of an impedance value of the first output load. According to still another aspect of the invention, a memory system includes at least one memory module, a host memory controller, and a plurality of data transmission lines. The at least one memory module includes at least one memory chip having the pseudo differential data output buffer. Each of the data transmission lines electrically couples the host memory controller to the memory module to transmit a differentially amplified signal, wherein each bit of data is communicated between the host memory controller and the memory module using a single one of the data transmission lines.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a pseudo differential output buffer, a memory chip and a memory system, and more particularly to an output buffer of a memory chip to drive a data transmission line between a memory module and a memory controller. 2. Description of the Related Art As computers and networks have increased operating speeds, it is desirable that a memory such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) operates at high speed and has a large capacity. In a computer system, a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory are electrically connected to each other via a memory controller. The memory may include a memory module mounted on a motherboard. In that case, the memory controller and the memory module are electrically connected via a transmission line formed in a printed circuit board (PCB). Therefore, the signal attenuation of the transmission line may be increased with an increase of a distance between the memory controller and the memory module. Methods of driving an output buffer include a push-pull driver method, an open drain driver method, and a differential amplifying driver method. In a DDR type memory module, 64 data lines may be used. Accordingly, a push-pull type output buffer or an open drain type output buffer may be used to account for a number of the data lines. In a Rambus DRAM memory module or a fully buffered dual in-line memory module (FB-DIMM), a differential amplifying method may be used to allow for high-speed operation. The Rambus DRAM DIMM may have 32 data lines for 16 differential pairs of packets. The FB-DIMM memory module may have 14 differential pairs for northbound packets and 10 differential pairs for southbound packets so that the FB-DIMM memory module may include a total of 48 lines. FIG. 1is a circuit diagram illustrating a conventional differential driving method of a data bus. Referring toFIG. 1, a driver10and a receiver20are coupled via transmission lines30, a pair of which are allotted to each bit of data. For example, 16 pairs of transmission lines, (32 transmission lines) are needed for 16-bit data. 32 input and output terminals DQ are also needed. The driver10includes input transistors MN1and MN2that receive a differential input pair DOUT and DOUTB, respectively, and transistors MP1and MP2that are controlled by an output enable signal OEN. The driver10further includes output loads Z01and Z02that are equal to each other. The receiver20includes termination pull up resistors Z03and Z04, which are equal to each other and act as termination loads of the transmission line30, transistors MP3and MP4that are controlled by an input enable signal IEN and a data input circuit22. FIG. 2is a waveform diagram illustrating a signal in the data bus inFIG. 1andFIG. 3is a circuit diagram illustrating a connection structure of power supply lines of a plurality of data output buffers. Referring toFIG. 2, in the differential driving method, 16 output buffers may simultaneously operate to drive 16-bit data to allow substantially identical driving currents to continuously flow therethrough. For example, as shown inFIG. 3, each output buffer may consume a driving current Id of about 10 mA, and when a power supply voltage line VDDQ has an impedance Rvddq of about 0.3Ω, a voltage drop ΔV may be generated by Id×16×Rvddq (i.e., 10 mA×16×0.3=48 mV). As a magnitude of the voltage drop ΔV remains constant regardless of an output pattern of the data, simultaneous switching output noise (SSO noise) may not be generated. Therefore, signal integrity may be improved. However, as two data output terminals are required for one output buffer, the number of data output terminals required is twice the number of data bits. The increase in the number of data output terminals may result in an increase in the chip size and cause difficulty in the layout configuration of the input and output pads. FIG. 4is a circuit diagram illustrating a conventional open drain type driving method of a data bus. Referring toFIG. 4, a driver40and a receiver50are coupled via a data transmission line60, a respective one of which is allotted to each corresponding bit of data. For example, 16 transmission lines and 16 output terminals DQ are required for 16-bit data. The driver40includes a transistor MN4for receiving the input data DOUT and a bias transistor MN5that are serially coupled between the output terminal DQ and a ground voltage. The receiver50includes a termination pull up resistor Z05that acts as a termination load of the transmission line60, a transistor MP5that operates based on the input enable signal IEN and a data input and output circuit52. FIG. 5is a waveform diagram illustrating a signal in the data bus inFIG. 4. As shown inFIG. 5, the magnitude of the voltage drop ΔV varies according to the number of output buffers that are turned on. As the magnitude of the voltage drop ΔV is varied according to a variance in the output pattern of the data, the simultaneous switching output noise (SSO noise) may be generated. Therefore, the signal integrity may be degraded. However, because a respective one output terminal is allotted to each corresponding bit of data, a total number of data output terminals is decreased by one half compared with the differential output method. Therefore, an output buffer that has an output terminal corresponding to each bit of output data while maintaining the signal integrity substantially equal to the signal integrity of the differential output buffer is needed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According one aspect of the invention a pseudo differential output buffer includes first and second input transistors, first and second output loads and a current source. The first and second input transistors have first current electrodes that are commonly coupled to each other together, and control electrodes that are respectively coupled to a first differential input signal and a second differential input signal. The first and second output loads are coupled between a first power supply voltage and the first and second input transistors, respectively, wherein an output terminal is coupled to a node where the first output load is coupled to the first input transistor. The current source is coupled between the first current electrodes of the first and second input transistors and a second power supply voltage, wherein the second output load has an impedance value substantially one half of an impedance value of the first output load. According to another aspect of the invention, a memory device includes a memory cell array, a row address decoder, a column address decoder, at least one pseudo differential data output buffer, and at least one data input buffer. The row address decoder selects a particular row of the memory cell array to be accessed based on an address signal externally provided. The column address decoder selects a particular column of the memory cell array to be accessed based on the address signal externally provided. The at least one pseudo differential data output buffer outputs data read from the selected memory cell to a data input and output terminal. The at least one data input buffer writes data received on the data input and output terminal into the memory cell array. The pseudo differential data output buffer may include first and second input transistors commonly coupled in a first current electrode to receive a differential input signal; first and second output loads coupled between a first power supply voltage and the first and second input transistors, respectively, wherein the data input and output terminal is coupled to a node where the first output load is coupled to the first input transistor; and a current source coupled between the common first current electrode of the first and second input transistors and a second power supply voltage, wherein the second output load has an impedance value substantially one half of an impedance value of the first output load. According to still another aspect of the invention, a memory system includes at least one memory module, a host memory controller, and a plurality of data transmission lines. The at least one memory module includes at least one memory chip having the pseudo differential data output buffer. Each of the data transmission lines electrically couples the host memory controller to the memory module to transmit a differentially amplified signal, wherein each bit of data is communicated between the host memory controller and the memory module using a single one of the data transmission lines. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7851322

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field The disclosure relates to a semiconductor manufacturing method thereof. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a packaging structure manufacturing method. 2. Technical Art The technology of stacking chips can shorten the transmission pathway of electronic signals and provide an efficient technique to integrate different material chips. In terms of the latter, it can stack up the high-frequency power amplifier chips and radio frequency chips, or can be integrated with the micro-electro mechanical system devices. Moreover, the overall performance of the stacked-chip packaging structure can be improved if the passive elements can be integrated effectively. Therefore, it is essential to provide a high quality and highly integrated interposer structure with passive elements between the stacked chips. Referring toFIG. 1, it is a schematic view of a conventional stacked circuit device. The conventional stacked circuit device100is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,661,088, wherein it includes a chip110, an interposer structure120and a substrate130. A plurality of pads112disposed on the chip110is electrically connected to the corresponding multiple pads132disposed on the substrate130through the interposer structure120. The main purpose of the interposer structure120is to serve as circuit redistribution. Another conventional stacked circuit device is provided for the purpose of integrating different type circuit elements such as active elements and passive elements to the interposer structure. Referring toFIG. 2, it is a schematic view of another conventional stacked circuit device. The conventional stacked circuit device200disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,614,106 includes a chip210, an interposer structure220and a base substrate230. It should be noted that for the sake of clarified description,FIG. 2also shows the enlarged view of the interposer structure220. A plurality of terminals212of the chip210are electrically connected to the corresponding multiple terminals222of the interposer structure220. Whereas the other terminals224of the interposer structure220are electrically connected to the set of terminals of the base substrate230. The interposer structure220comprises an insulating film226, a semiconductor substrate228, and a plurality of circuit elements229such as the active and passive elements which are disposed in the insulating film222. Other related techniques of fabricating passive elements on the semiconductor base material of the interposer structure are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,500,724, 6,819,001 and 6,274,937. However, fabricating passive elements on the semiconductor base material may leads to low quality factor of inductive elements, inferior capacitance due to the limitations of material and processing temperature of semiconductor, and poor resistance of the resistive elements. To overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, the method of fabricating passive elements on the insulating materials, ceramic or plastic, of the interposer structure are proposed and the related techniques are described in the U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,933,601, 6,611,419 and 5,530,288. However, it often cost much since to fabricate inductive elements on ceramic base substrate, the high priced material, silver, is often used. On the other hand, the quality factor of the inductive elements is decreased while adopting epoxy resin as the dielectric material to fabricate the inductive element on a plastic substrate. In addition, it may cause poor capacitance when fabricating capacitive elements on the insulating substrate, less process compatibility when manufacturing resistive elements on the ceramic substrate, and unstable resistance when forming the resistive elements on the plastic substrate. Also, it may make the final product of the interposer structure big and thick when fabricating passive elements on the insulating base materials. SUMMARY The embodiment is directed to a fabricating method of packaging structure, which comprises: forming a capacitive element; forming a first dielectric layer on a first electronic component by performing a build-up process, forming an interconnection in the first dielectric layer, and forming a plurality of contacts on the upper and lower surfaces of the first dielectric layer, wherein the capacitive element is embedded in the first dielectric layer during the fabrication of the interconnection and the capacitive element is electrically connected to the corresponding contacts through the interconnection; and, disposing a second electronic component on the first dielectric layer, wherein the second electronic component is electrically connected to the corresponding contacts. According to an embodiment, the fabricating method of the packaging structure further comprises forming an inductive element at the same time of fabricating the interconnection and the inductive element is electrically connected to the corresponding contacts through the interconnection. Further, the inductive element may be disposed surrounding the capacitive element. According to an embodiment, the fabricating method of the packaging structure may further comprise performing a thermal treatment process to the dielectric material after coating the same. According to an embodiment, the fabricating method of the packaging structure may further comprise forming a barrier layer on the metal film before coating the dielectric material. According to an embodiment, the fabricating method of the packaging structure may further comprise performing an etching process to the capacitive element to define the surface area thereof after the capacitive element is embedded into the first dielectric layer. According to an embodiment, the fabricating method of the packaging structure further comprises providing a resistive module at the same time of fabricating the interconnection, and making the resistive module and the capacitive element stacked up with each other and to be embedded into the first dielectric layer, wherein the resistive module is electrically connected to the corresponding contacts through the interconnection. According to an embodiment, the capacitive element and the aforementioned resistive module may be stacked up with each other first, and then being embedded into the first dielectric layer together. According to an embodiment, the resistive module can be fabricated by: providing a substrate and forming a resistive thin film thereon. In addition, the steps of fabricating the resistive module may further include: forming a plurality of electrodes on the substrate, wherein the resistive thin film is electrically connected with the electrodes; and, forming a passivation layer on the substrate to cover the electrodes and the resistive thin film.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field The disclosure relates to a semiconductor manufacturing method thereof. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a packaging structure manufacturing method. 2. Technical Art The technology of stacking chips can shorten the transmission pathway of electronic signals and provide an efficient technique to integrate different material chips. In terms of the latter, it can stack up the high-frequency power amplifier chips and radio frequency chips, or can be integrated with the micro-electro mechanical system devices. Moreover, the overall performance of the stacked-chip packaging structure can be improved if the passive elements can be integrated effectively. Therefore, it is essential to provide a high quality and highly integrated interposer structure with passive elements between the stacked chips. Referring toFIG. 1, it is a schematic view of a conventional stacked circuit device. The conventional stacked circuit device100is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,661,088, wherein it includes a chip110, an interposer structure120and a substrate130. A plurality of pads112disposed on the chip110is electrically connected to the corresponding multiple pads132disposed on the substrate130through the interposer structure120. The main purpose of the interposer structure120is to serve as circuit redistribution. Another conventional stacked circuit device is provided for the purpose of integrating different type circuit elements such as active elements and passive elements to the interposer structure. Referring toFIG. 2, it is a schematic view of another conventional stacked circuit device. The conventional stacked circuit device200disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,614,106 includes a chip210, an interposer structure220and a base substrate230. It should be noted that for the sake of clarified description,FIG. 2also shows the enlarged view of the interposer structure220. A plurality of terminals212of the chip210are electrically connected to the corresponding multiple terminals222of the interposer structure220. Whereas the other terminals224of the interposer structure220are electrically connected to the set of terminals of the base substrate230. The interposer structure220comprises an insulating film226, a semiconductor substrate228, and a plurality of circuit elements229such as the active and passive elements which are disposed in the insulating film222. Other related techniques of fabricating passive elements on the semiconductor base material of the interposer structure are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,500,724, 6,819,001 and 6,274,937. However, fabricating passive elements on the semiconductor base material may leads to low quality factor of inductive elements, inferior capacitance due to the limitations of material and processing temperature of semiconductor, and poor resistance of the resistive elements. To overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, the method of fabricating passive elements on the insulating materials, ceramic or plastic, of the interposer structure are proposed and the related techniques are described in the U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,933,601, 6,611,419 and 5,530,288. However, it often cost much since to fabricate inductive elements on ceramic base substrate, the high priced material, silver, is often used. On the other hand, the quality factor of the inductive elements is decreased while adopting epoxy resin as the dielectric material to fabricate the inductive element on a plastic substrate. In addition, it may cause poor capacitance when fabricating capacitive elements on the insulating substrate, less process compatibility when manufacturing resistive elements on the ceramic substrate, and unstable resistance when forming the resistive elements on the plastic substrate. Also, it may make the final product of the interposer structure big and thick when fabricating passive elements on the insulating base materials. SUMMARY The embodiment is directed to a fabricating method of packaging structure, which comprises: forming a capacitive element; forming a first dielectric layer on a first electronic component by performing a build-up process, forming an interconnection in the first dielectric layer, and forming a plurality of contacts on the upper and lower surfaces of the first dielectric layer, wherein the capacitive element is embedded in the first dielectric layer during the fabrication of the interconnection and the capacitive element is electrically connected to the corresponding contacts through the interconnection; and, disposing a second electronic component on the first dielectric layer, wherein the second electronic component is electrically connected to the corresponding contacts. According to an embodiment, the fabricating method of the packaging structure further comprises forming an inductive element at the same time of fabricating the interconnection and the inductive element is electrically connected to the corresponding contacts through the interconnection. Further, the inductive element may be disposed surrounding the capacitive element. According to an embodiment, the fabricating method of the packaging structure may further comprise performing a thermal treatment process to the dielectric material after coating the same. According to an embodiment, the fabricating method of the packaging structure may further comprise forming a barrier layer on the metal film before coating the dielectric material. According to an embodiment, the fabricating method of the packaging structure may further comprise performing an etching process to the capacitive element to define the surface area thereof after the capacitive element is embedded into the first dielectric layer. According to an embodiment, the fabricating method of the packaging structure further comprises providing a resistive module at the same time of fabricating the interconnection, and making the resistive module and the capacitive element stacked up with each other and to be embedded into the first dielectric layer, wherein the resistive module is electrically connected to the corresponding contacts through the interconnection. According to an embodiment, the capacitive element and the aforementioned resistive module may be stacked up with each other first, and then being embedded into the first dielectric layer together. According to an embodiment, the resistive module can be fabricated by: providing a substrate and forming a resistive thin film thereon. In addition, the steps of fabricating the resistive module may further include: forming a plurality of electrodes on the substrate, wherein the resistive thin film is electrically connected with the electrodes; and, forming a passivation layer on the substrate to cover the electrodes and the resistive thin film. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7754602

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2007-0080571 (filed on Aug. 10, 2007), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND Semiconductor memory devices may be classified into volatile memory devices that lose information stored therein when not powered, and non-volatile memory devices that retain stored information even when not powered. In recent years, of the non-volatile memory devices, flash memories have been increasingly used. ExampleFIGS. 1A to 1Cillustrate the structure of a flash memory cell. As illustrated in exampleFIG. 1A, the flash memory cell array has a string shape in which a plurality of memory cell units10are connected to each other in a row. Each memory cell unit10is connected to a word line and connected through a select transistor to a bit line. The bit line is connected to a drain through a contact hole formed on an insulating film. As illustrated in exampleFIG. 1B, the flash memory cell unit10may include active area11where a channel is formed when a voltage is applied, floating gate12to store charges injected through tunneling, drain contact13serving as a bit line, and control gate14serving as a word line when the memory cell is erased or read. As illustrated in exampleFIG. 1C, the flash memory cell unit includes tunneling oxide layer21, floating gate22, oxide/nitride/oxide (ONO) layer23, control gate24, spacer25having a double-layered structure composed of oxide and nitride layers, and drain contact26. The trend towards miniaturization and integration of semiconductor devices has brought about a decrease in word line pitch of flash memories and a decrease in the distance between gate electrode spacers. Accordingly, as illustrated in exampleFIG. 2, the decrease in the space between gate electrodes disadvantageously causes voids in the process of depositing interlayer dielectric films. In addition, in an M1C (metal 1 contact) process, voids occur, which causes bridges between cells in contact metal gap-fill processes and thus malfunction of the cells. Accordingly, exampleFIGS. 3A to 3Cillustrate a method for fabricating a semiconductor device to prevent formation of voids on an interlayer dielectric film. As illustrated in exampleFIG. 3A, an ONO layer including first oxide film45, nitride film46and second oxide film47are sequentially deposited on and/or over the entire surface of a substrate including a gate electrode provided with tunneling oxide film41, floating gate42, oxide/nitride/oxide (ONO) layer43and control gate44. As illustrated in exampleFIG. 3B, through a first etching process, first oxide film45, nitride film46and second oxide film47are partially etched to form a spacer. The first etching is carried out via anisotropic dry etching. As a result, area A′ where a drain contact is to be formed is provided in space A between adjacent gate electrodes. As illustrated in exampleFIG. 3C, a secondary etching process is then performed until second oxide film47present on and/or over the outermost layer of the spacer is completely removed. The secondary etching is carried out via anisotropic wet etching using an etching material having a high etch selectivity for the oxide film in relation to the nitride film. As second oxide film47is completely removed, space B between the gate electrodes is then increased. Accordingly, in subsequent processes, upon gap-filling of interlayer dielectric films, no void is formed and gap-fill margin is thus improved. However, during the secondary etching, as the wet etching proceeds, first oxide film45arranged under nitride film46is also etched, thus disadvantageously causing undercut B′ to be formed. Furthermore, in metal contact line (M1C) processes, contact metal materials flow in the undercut B′, thus disadvantageously resulting in bridges between the devices. SUMMARY Accordingly, embodiments are directed to a semiconductor device and a method for fabricating the same that includes a drain contact that prevents bridging between contact metals in metal contact line (M1C) processes in non-flash memory devices, and a method for fabricating the same. Embodiments relate to a method for fabricating a semiconductor device that may include at least one of the following steps: sequentially depositing a first oxide film, a nitride film and a second oxide film on and/or over a substrate including a plurality of gate electrodes; and then subjecting the first oxide film, the nitride film and the second oxide film to first-etching to form a spacer on both side walls of each gate electrode; and then subjecting the second oxide film of the spacer to secondary-etching; and then forming an interlayer dielectric film on and/or over the entire surface of the substrate including the spacer; and then forming a contact hole in the space between the gate electrodes; and then embedding a photosensitive material in the contact hole; and then removing the photosensitive material; and then embedding a metal material into the contact hole. Embodiments relate to a semiconductor device that may include at least one of the following: a first oxide film, a nitride film and a second oxide film sequentially deposited on and/or over a substrate including a plurality of gate electrodes; spacers arranged on both side walls of the gate electrode, wherein the spacers are formed by performing first etching of the first oxide film, the nitride film and the second oxide film, and then performing a second etching of the second oxide film; an interlayer dielectric film arranged on and/or over the entire surface of the substrate including the second oxide film-free spacer; a photosensitive material filled in a undercut where the first oxide film is partially etched by the secondary etching; and a metal material embedded in a contact hole present between the gate electrodes other than the undercut. Embodiments relate to a method for fabricating a semiconductor device that may include at least one of the following steps: sequentially depositing a first oxide film, a nitride film and a second oxide film over a substrate including a plurality of gate electrodes; and then forming a spacer on sidewalls of the gate electrodes by performing a first etching process on the first oxide film, the nitride film and the second oxide film; and then subjecting the second oxide film to a second etching process; and then forming an interlayer dielectric film over the entire surface of the substrate including the spacers; and then forming a contact hole in a space between the gate electrodes; and then embedding a photosensitive material in the contact hole; and then removing a portion of the photosensitive material from the contact hole; and then embedding a metal material in the contact hole. Embodiments relate to a method for fabricating a semiconductor device that may include at least one of the following steps: forming a plurality of gate electrodes spaced apart over a semiconductor substrate; and then sequentially forming a first oxide film, a nitride film and a second oxide film over the gate electrodes; and then forming a spacer on both side walls of each gate electrode by performing a first etching process on the first oxide film, the nitride film and the second oxide film; and then removing the second oxide film by performing and simultaneously forming an undercut region under the nitride film by performing a second etching process; and then forming an interlayer dielectric film over the substrate; and then forming a contact hole extending through the interlayer dielectric film in the space between the gate electrodes to expose the undercut region; and then filling the contact hole and the undercut region with a photosensitive material; and then removing the photosensitive material from the contact hole by performing a third etching process; and then forming a drain contact in the contact hole. Embodiments relate to a semiconductor device that may include at least one of the following: a semiconductor substrate having a plurality of gate electrodes formed spaced apart thereon; a spacer formed on sidewalls of each gate electrode, the spacer including an oxide film and a nitride film; an interlayer dielectric film formed over the semiconductor substrate including the spacers; an undercut region formed under the nitride film; a contact hole extending through the interlayer dielectric film in the space between the gate electrodes and exposing the undercut region; a photosensitive material formed in the undercut region; and a drain contact filled in the contact hole. The first oxide film and the second oxide film may be tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). The first etching may be carried out through an anisotropic dry etching process and the secondary etching may be carried out through an anisotropic wet etching process. The secondary etching may be carried out using an etching material having a high etching selectivity for the oxide film in relation to the nitride film. The interlayer dielectric film may be a pre-metal dielectric (PMD) film. The PMD may include at least one of undoped silicate glass (USG), borophosphosilicate glass (BPSG), fluorine-doped silicon oxide (FSG), phosphosilicate glass (PSG) and boro-silicate glass (BSG). The photosensitive material may be an epoxy or thermosetting resin that includes novolac. The photosensitive material may be removed through an ashing process with addition of a solvent. The metal material may be selected from a group including tungsten (W), aluminium (Al) and copper (Cu).

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2007-0080571 (filed on Aug. 10, 2007), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND Semiconductor memory devices may be classified into volatile memory devices that lose information stored therein when not powered, and non-volatile memory devices that retain stored information even when not powered. In recent years, of the non-volatile memory devices, flash memories have been increasingly used. ExampleFIGS. 1A to 1Cillustrate the structure of a flash memory cell. As illustrated in exampleFIG. 1A, the flash memory cell array has a string shape in which a plurality of memory cell units10are connected to each other in a row. Each memory cell unit10is connected to a word line and connected through a select transistor to a bit line. The bit line is connected to a drain through a contact hole formed on an insulating film. As illustrated in exampleFIG. 1B, the flash memory cell unit10may include active area11where a channel is formed when a voltage is applied, floating gate12to store charges injected through tunneling, drain contact13serving as a bit line, and control gate14serving as a word line when the memory cell is erased or read. As illustrated in exampleFIG. 1C, the flash memory cell unit includes tunneling oxide layer21, floating gate22, oxide/nitride/oxide (ONO) layer23, control gate24, spacer25having a double-layered structure composed of oxide and nitride layers, and drain contact26. The trend towards miniaturization and integration of semiconductor devices has brought about a decrease in word line pitch of flash memories and a decrease in the distance between gate electrode spacers. Accordingly, as illustrated in exampleFIG. 2, the decrease in the space between gate electrodes disadvantageously causes voids in the process of depositing interlayer dielectric films. In addition, in an M1C (metal 1 contact) process, voids occur, which causes bridges between cells in contact metal gap-fill processes and thus malfunction of the cells. Accordingly, exampleFIGS. 3A to 3Cillustrate a method for fabricating a semiconductor device to prevent formation of voids on an interlayer dielectric film. As illustrated in exampleFIG. 3A, an ONO layer including first oxide film45, nitride film46and second oxide film47are sequentially deposited on and/or over the entire surface of a substrate including a gate electrode provided with tunneling oxide film41, floating gate42, oxide/nitride/oxide (ONO) layer43and control gate44. As illustrated in exampleFIG. 3B, through a first etching process, first oxide film45, nitride film46and second oxide film47are partially etched to form a spacer. The first etching is carried out via anisotropic dry etching. As a result, area A′ where a drain contact is to be formed is provided in space A between adjacent gate electrodes. As illustrated in exampleFIG. 3C, a secondary etching process is then performed until second oxide film47present on and/or over the outermost layer of the spacer is completely removed. The secondary etching is carried out via anisotropic wet etching using an etching material having a high etch selectivity for the oxide film in relation to the nitride film. As second oxide film47is completely removed, space B between the gate electrodes is then increased. Accordingly, in subsequent processes, upon gap-filling of interlayer dielectric films, no void is formed and gap-fill margin is thus improved. However, during the secondary etching, as the wet etching proceeds, first oxide film45arranged under nitride film46is also etched, thus disadvantageously causing undercut B′ to be formed. Furthermore, in metal contact line (M1C) processes, contact metal materials flow in the undercut B′, thus disadvantageously resulting in bridges between the devices. SUMMARY Accordingly, embodiments are directed to a semiconductor device and a method for fabricating the same that includes a drain contact that prevents bridging between contact metals in metal contact line (M1C) processes in non-flash memory devices, and a method for fabricating the same. Embodiments relate to a method for fabricating a semiconductor device that may include at least one of the following steps: sequentially depositing a first oxide film, a nitride film and a second oxide film on and/or over a substrate including a plurality of gate electrodes; and then subjecting the first oxide film, the nitride film and the second oxide film to first-etching to form a spacer on both side walls of each gate electrode; and then subjecting the second oxide film of the spacer to secondary-etching; and then forming an interlayer dielectric film on and/or over the entire surface of the substrate including the spacer; and then forming a contact hole in the space between the gate electrodes; and then embedding a photosensitive material in the contact hole; and then removing the photosensitive material; and then embedding a metal material into the contact hole. Embodiments relate to a semiconductor device that may include at least one of the following: a first oxide film, a nitride film and a second oxide film sequentially deposited on and/or over a substrate including a plurality of gate electrodes; spacers arranged on both side walls of the gate electrode, wherein the spacers are formed by performing first etching of the first oxide film, the nitride film and the second oxide film, and then performing a second etching of the second oxide film; an interlayer dielectric film arranged on and/or over the entire surface of the substrate including the second oxide film-free spacer; a photosensitive material filled in a undercut where the first oxide film is partially etched by the secondary etching; and a metal material embedded in a contact hole present between the gate electrodes other than the undercut. Embodiments relate to a method for fabricating a semiconductor device that may include at least one of the following steps: sequentially depositing a first oxide film, a nitride film and a second oxide film over a substrate including a plurality of gate electrodes; and then forming a spacer on sidewalls of the gate electrodes by performing a first etching process on the first oxide film, the nitride film and the second oxide film; and then subjecting the second oxide film to a second etching process; and then forming an interlayer dielectric film over the entire surface of the substrate including the spacers; and then forming a contact hole in a space between the gate electrodes; and then embedding a photosensitive material in the contact hole; and then removing a portion of the photosensitive material from the contact hole; and then embedding a metal material in the contact hole. Embodiments relate to a method for fabricating a semiconductor device that may include at least one of the following steps: forming a plurality of gate electrodes spaced apart over a semiconductor substrate; and then sequentially forming a first oxide film, a nitride film and a second oxide film over the gate electrodes; and then forming a spacer on both side walls of each gate electrode by performing a first etching process on the first oxide film, the nitride film and the second oxide film; and then removing the second oxide film by performing and simultaneously forming an undercut region under the nitride film by performing a second etching process; and then forming an interlayer dielectric film over the substrate; and then forming a contact hole extending through the interlayer dielectric film in the space between the gate electrodes to expose the undercut region; and then filling the contact hole and the undercut region with a photosensitive material; and then removing the photosensitive material from the contact hole by performing a third etching process; and then forming a drain contact in the contact hole. Embodiments relate to a semiconductor device that may include at least one of the following: a semiconductor substrate having a plurality of gate electrodes formed spaced apart thereon; a spacer formed on sidewalls of each gate electrode, the spacer including an oxide film and a nitride film; an interlayer dielectric film formed over the semiconductor substrate including the spacers; an undercut region formed under the nitride film; a contact hole extending through the interlayer dielectric film in the space between the gate electrodes and exposing the undercut region; a photosensitive material formed in the undercut region; and a drain contact filled in the contact hole. The first oxide film and the second oxide film may be tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). The first etching may be carried out through an anisotropic dry etching process and the secondary etching may be carried out through an anisotropic wet etching process. The secondary etching may be carried out using an etching material having a high etching selectivity for the oxide film in relation to the nitride film. The interlayer dielectric film may be a pre-metal dielectric (PMD) film. The PMD may include at least one of undoped silicate glass (USG), borophosphosilicate glass (BPSG), fluorine-doped silicon oxide (FSG), phosphosilicate glass (PSG) and boro-silicate glass (BSG). The photosensitive material may be an epoxy or thermosetting resin that includes novolac. The photosensitive material may be removed through an ashing process with addition of a solvent. The metal material may be selected from a group including tungsten (W), aluminium (Al) and copper (Cu). Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7702160

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a transferring system, and particularly, to a transferring system of huge and high quality images on network and a method thereof. 2. Description of the Background Art Nowadays, it takes much time to display high quality image data in a client computer through Internet service because of a limitation of network bandwidth or processing time in a main memory unit. That requires expansion of the network bandwidth and increased capacity of a main memory unit, resulting in increasing cost of an overall system. In the related art, newspaper and magazine service through Internet is performed mainly with text or PDF format. The text service provides information with only letters, thereby having a limitation in added image information and various contents construction. Also, in PDF form, a file is downloaded according to a corresponding page on Internet and data are read by using a special program. In the related art, even if the method is used by some newspaper and magazine service, a user has to download his wanted page each time and can see the part after completing the download, thereby not providing overall contents real time. Also, a constitution and a user interface of the downloaded page are not intuitive, and in case of PDF, screen renewal time is influenced by a function of the user's computer system, resulting in that the method is not proper to real time service of high quality image data. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a transferring system which fast transmits image information without extending network bandwidth and increasing capacity of a main memory device and displays the image information real time and a method thereof. Especially, an object of the present invention is to provide a method in which a form of newspaper and magazine offered off-line is originally converted into high quality image data to provide real time on-line, and various multimedia contents and additional information are connected to be utilized as a synthetic information offering media. To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, there is provided a transferring system for huge and high quality image on network comprising an image converting system for converting digital information into a high quality image format, the digital information such as image information converted into a file possible to work in a computer or image information read from a scan device; an image database for storing high quality image information made in the image converting system; and a server system for transmitting image information stored in the image database on network by a request of a client system. Also, in the present invention, there is provided a method for transferring high quality image on network comprising the steps of converting digital information into high quality image data by the following steps of: (a) converting digital information into layered data with different levels so as to output the digital information in the client system with various magnification or contraction levels; (b) converting digital information into a plurality of sub cells to provide a plurality of divided regions; and (c) compressing the divided digital information as a sub cell unit; storing the converted high quality image data in database; and transferring high quality image data from a server system by a request of a client system on network. 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.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a transferring system, and particularly, to a transferring system of huge and high quality images on network and a method thereof. 2. Description of the Background Art Nowadays, it takes much time to display high quality image data in a client computer through Internet service because of a limitation of network bandwidth or processing time in a main memory unit. That requires expansion of the network bandwidth and increased capacity of a main memory unit, resulting in increasing cost of an overall system. In the related art, newspaper and magazine service through Internet is performed mainly with text or PDF format. The text service provides information with only letters, thereby having a limitation in added image information and various contents construction. Also, in PDF form, a file is downloaded according to a corresponding page on Internet and data are read by using a special program. In the related art, even if the method is used by some newspaper and magazine service, a user has to download his wanted page each time and can see the part after completing the download, thereby not providing overall contents real time. Also, a constitution and a user interface of the downloaded page are not intuitive, and in case of PDF, screen renewal time is influenced by a function of the user's computer system, resulting in that the method is not proper to real time service of high quality image data. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a transferring system which fast transmits image information without extending network bandwidth and increasing capacity of a main memory device and displays the image information real time and a method thereof. Especially, an object of the present invention is to provide a method in which a form of newspaper and magazine offered off-line is originally converted into high quality image data to provide real time on-line, and various multimedia contents and additional information are connected to be utilized as a synthetic information offering media. To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, there is provided a transferring system for huge and high quality image on network comprising an image converting system for converting digital information into a high quality image format, the digital information such as image information converted into a file possible to work in a computer or image information read from a scan device; an image database for storing high quality image information made in the image converting system; and a server system for transmitting image information stored in the image database on network by a request of a client system. Also, in the present invention, there is provided a method for transferring high quality image on network comprising the steps of converting digital information into high quality image data by the following steps of: (a) converting digital information into layered data with different levels so as to output the digital information in the client system with various magnification or contraction levels; (b) converting digital information into a plurality of sub cells to provide a plurality of divided regions; and (c) compressing the divided digital information as a sub cell unit; storing the converted high quality image data in database; and transferring high quality image data from a server system by a request of a client system on network. 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. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7848859

BACKGROUND INFORMATION In the evaluation of an accelerator pedal of a motor vehicle, the detection of an idle state is particularly important. This state must always be reliably detected so that the engine torque is withdrawn when the driver takes the foot off of the accelerator pedal. So as always to ensure that this idle state is detected, a threshold value is provided for the sensor signal of the accelerator pedal sensor below which the accelerator pedal signal is understood as a request of an idle state. Due to manufacturing tolerances and/or tolerances in the installation of the accelerator pedal into the motor vehicle, this idle threshold has to be chosen in such a way that when all tolerances are taken into account, sufficiently good idle detection is always possible. As a result, however, there is initially a certain free travel when operating the accelerator pedal, in which, in spite of the operation of the accelerator pedal on the part of the driver, no increase of the engine torque is undertaken since in spite of the operation on the part of the driver the sensor signal still lies below the signal threshold provided for idling. In particular when the motor vehicle starts from rest this can cause the engine to stall since the driver has not operated the pedal to a sufficient degree. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The device according to the present invention and the method according to the present invention have the advantage that for a specific operating state, namely the motor vehicle's starting from rest, a lower response threshold of the accelerator pedal is implemented. As a result, the driver notices almost no free travel of the pedal at least when starting the motor vehicle from rest, which reduces the problems described when starting the motor vehicle from rest. Since this is limited to starting the motor vehicle from rest, this reduction of the free travel does not entail a reduced reliability of the idle detection. A start from rest is particularly easy to detect if the gradient of the sensor signal is evaluated, particularly in combination with an evaluation of the speed of the motor vehicle. A learning process for the second comparison level is allowed in particular when the sensor signal having a low gradient lies in a region that is lower than the second comparison level. Following a detected start from rest, it is then practical to continue to use the second comparison level for the idle detection for as long as the gradient of the sensor signal is sufficiently high. In this manner, the characteristic curve of the accelerator pedal sensor will continue to be used without a sudden change even after a start from rest for as long as the sensor signal gradient lies above a rest threshold. For safety reasons, the second comparison level should also only be used when no further error messages have been presented, particularly with respect to the accelerator pedal, the storage of the comparison values or the gradient of the accelerator pedal. For safety reasons, at every start of the motor vehicle, the first and second comparison level are first set to the same initial value. Only when a learning process has occurred in a driving cycle will the use of a learned second comparison level be allowed. This measure ensures that no changes have occurred in the accelerator pedal sensor as a result of changes in the motor vehicle during a standstill of the motor vehicle.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND INFORMATION In the evaluation of an accelerator pedal of a motor vehicle, the detection of an idle state is particularly important. This state must always be reliably detected so that the engine torque is withdrawn when the driver takes the foot off of the accelerator pedal. So as always to ensure that this idle state is detected, a threshold value is provided for the sensor signal of the accelerator pedal sensor below which the accelerator pedal signal is understood as a request of an idle state. Due to manufacturing tolerances and/or tolerances in the installation of the accelerator pedal into the motor vehicle, this idle threshold has to be chosen in such a way that when all tolerances are taken into account, sufficiently good idle detection is always possible. As a result, however, there is initially a certain free travel when operating the accelerator pedal, in which, in spite of the operation of the accelerator pedal on the part of the driver, no increase of the engine torque is undertaken since in spite of the operation on the part of the driver the sensor signal still lies below the signal threshold provided for idling. In particular when the motor vehicle starts from rest this can cause the engine to stall since the driver has not operated the pedal to a sufficient degree. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The device according to the present invention and the method according to the present invention have the advantage that for a specific operating state, namely the motor vehicle's starting from rest, a lower response threshold of the accelerator pedal is implemented. As a result, the driver notices almost no free travel of the pedal at least when starting the motor vehicle from rest, which reduces the problems described when starting the motor vehicle from rest. Since this is limited to starting the motor vehicle from rest, this reduction of the free travel does not entail a reduced reliability of the idle detection. A start from rest is particularly easy to detect if the gradient of the sensor signal is evaluated, particularly in combination with an evaluation of the speed of the motor vehicle. A learning process for the second comparison level is allowed in particular when the sensor signal having a low gradient lies in a region that is lower than the second comparison level. Following a detected start from rest, it is then practical to continue to use the second comparison level for the idle detection for as long as the gradient of the sensor signal is sufficiently high. In this manner, the characteristic curve of the accelerator pedal sensor will continue to be used without a sudden change even after a start from rest for as long as the sensor signal gradient lies above a rest threshold. For safety reasons, the second comparison level should also only be used when no further error messages have been presented, particularly with respect to the accelerator pedal, the storage of the comparison values or the gradient of the accelerator pedal. For safety reasons, at every start of the motor vehicle, the first and second comparison level are first set to the same initial value. Only when a learning process has occurred in a driving cycle will the use of a learned second comparison level be allowed. This measure ensures that no changes have occurred in the accelerator pedal sensor as a result of changes in the motor vehicle during a standstill of the motor vehicle. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7833502

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention describes an integrated process for the production and use of hydrogen which can be used inside a refinery configuration. Conventionally, the hydrogen sulphide coming from the purification processes of refinery streams or from the treatment of natural gas is a by-product which is transformed into elemental sulphur and water. Its transformation into hydrogen and sulphur, by means of a thermal splitting process, allows a further utility of the hydrogen sulphide and improves the efficiency of the refining process. Plasma technologies for converting hydrogen sulphide to hydrogen are known, and are claimed in various patents. In particular the use of a plasma process is also known from two patents (U.S. Pat. No. 5,211,923 and US-2005/191237, within the processing schemes of a refinery. U.S. Pat. No. 5,211,923 claims a production configuration of hydrogen and sulphur with a microwave plasma reactor, starting from an acidic gas coming from refinery purification treatment in which the total H2S conversion can also be obtained by the use of a catalytic reactor using an aliquot of the hydrogen thus produced. US-2005/191237 claims a hydrogen production configuration starting from generic gaseous feeds containing H2S by means of a plasma treatment generated by electromagnetic energy (microwaves). The gaseous feed is treated to selectively remove the hydrogen sulphide, the H2S is then sent to a plasma reactor in which the decomposition reaction takes place to give hydrogen and sulphur. Hydrogen is separated from sulphur in a purification system downstream of the reactor in addition to the non-reacted H2S, which is sent for recycling in the purification system of the gaseous feed. Such conventional thermal plasma reactors suffer in terms of energy and cost efficiency because of the energy consumption required to obtain the thermally equilibrated high temperatures necessary in the reactor and in addition, due to the high thermal energy, contaminate yield lowering by-products are obtained. Moreover, due to the high reaction temperatures, equipment and reactor requirements are elevated. As a result, incorporating such equipment into the refinery plant can be problematic. There is therefore a need in the refinery industry for a process to prepare hydrogen from hydrogen sulphide which is energy and cost efficient and can be accomplished in a manner which easily integrates into the refinery environment.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention describes an integrated process for the production and use of hydrogen which can be used inside a refinery configuration. Conventionally, the hydrogen sulphide coming from the purification processes of refinery streams or from the treatment of natural gas is a by-product which is transformed into elemental sulphur and water. Its transformation into hydrogen and sulphur, by means of a thermal splitting process, allows a further utility of the hydrogen sulphide and improves the efficiency of the refining process. Plasma technologies for converting hydrogen sulphide to hydrogen are known, and are claimed in various patents. In particular the use of a plasma process is also known from two patents (U.S. Pat. No. 5,211,923 and US-2005/191237, within the processing schemes of a refinery. U.S. Pat. No. 5,211,923 claims a production configuration of hydrogen and sulphur with a microwave plasma reactor, starting from an acidic gas coming from refinery purification treatment in which the total H2S conversion can also be obtained by the use of a catalytic reactor using an aliquot of the hydrogen thus produced. US-2005/191237 claims a hydrogen production configuration starting from generic gaseous feeds containing H2S by means of a plasma treatment generated by electromagnetic energy (microwaves). The gaseous feed is treated to selectively remove the hydrogen sulphide, the H2S is then sent to a plasma reactor in which the decomposition reaction takes place to give hydrogen and sulphur. Hydrogen is separated from sulphur in a purification system downstream of the reactor in addition to the non-reacted H2S, which is sent for recycling in the purification system of the gaseous feed. Such conventional thermal plasma reactors suffer in terms of energy and cost efficiency because of the energy consumption required to obtain the thermally equilibrated high temperatures necessary in the reactor and in addition, due to the high thermal energy, contaminate yield lowering by-products are obtained. Moreover, due to the high reaction temperatures, equipment and reactor requirements are elevated. As a result, incorporating such equipment into the refinery plant can be problematic. There is therefore a need in the refinery industry for a process to prepare hydrogen from hydrogen sulphide which is energy and cost efficient and can be accomplished in a manner which easily integrates into the refinery environment. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7793032

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to processing devices, and, more specifically to systems and methods for improving the handling of the movement of data and processing of data within a processing device. 2. Discussion of the Background FIG. 1illustrates a conventional processing device100. Processing device100includes a housing102that houses one or more agents110and a platform hub120. For example, housing102may house the following agents: zero or more acceleration agents110a(1)-110a(N), zero or more processing agents110b(1)-110b(N), zero or more communication agents110c(1)-110c(N), zero or more storage agents110d, zero or more legacy agents110e, zero or more external memory agents110f, etc. A communication agent110cmay include a physical connection to a communication channel (e.g., a fiber cable or Ethernet cable). The platform hub120is sometimes referred to as a “south bridge (SB)” or “north bridge (NB).” A processing agent110bmay be an x86 microprocessor from Intel, or may be processing device sold by AMD or other source of processing devices, and the platform hub120may be contained in a chip that sits on the same circuit board as a processing agent110b. FIG. 2Aillustrates one example processing agent110b. As shown inFIG. 2, a processing agent110bmay include (a) a host202that includes one or more central processing units (CPU) and (2) one or more memory banks coupled to host202. In the example shown, there are two memory banks, one that is positioned to right of the host202and one that is positioned to the left of the host202.FIG. 2Battempts to illustrate another example processing agent110b. As illustrated inFIG. 2B, a processing agent110bcan also be a multi-processor cluster (e.g. AMD Opteron™ x86 System). In such a case, the platform hub can be connected to one or a subset of processors in the cluster through a SB/NB Link, but can, in most cases, interact with all of the processors or memories in the cluster since the cluster is interconnected. Platform Hub120is configured to enable the agents110to communicate with a processing agent110b, but is not configured to enable the “non-processing agents” (e.g., agents110a,c,d,e,f) to communicate directly with each other, but this is not the only disadvantage of platform hub120. Thus, in the conventional processing device100, all data must flow through a processing agent110b. That is, for example, if data output from a communication agent110cis ultimately destined for a storage agent110d, the data output from communication agent110cis received by platform hub120, which then provides the data to a processing agent110bsuch that the data is stored in a memory unit of the processing agent. After the data is stored in the memory unit, the data is then received from the memory unit and provided to platform hub120, which then provides the data to storage agent110d. Each data movement transaction consumes system resources due to the data handling and consumes system power due to the data passing process. Some embodiments of the present invention aim to improve the data handling and/or passing process so as to reduce the amount of system resources and/or power that is consumed. SUMMARY In one aspect, the invention provides a processing device. In one embodiment, the processing device includes: a housing; a platform hub housed in the housing; and an agent housed in the housing and connected to the platform hub, wherein the platform hub comprises: an interconnect; and a classification adapter unit, wherein the classification adapter unit is connected between the agent and the interconnect, and the classification adapter unit is configured to interface with the agent such that the classification adapter unit may obtain data from the agent and may provide data to the agent. The data may be a protocol packet (e.g., a TCP/IP packet). In another aspect, the invention provides a chip for use in a processing device. In one embodiment, the chip includes: an interconnect; a first classification adapter unit circuit directly connected to the interconnect; and a second classification adapter unit circuit directly connected to the interconnect, wherein the interconnect is configured to (a) enable the first classification adapter unit circuit to send data to and receive data from the second classification adapter unit circuit and (b) enable the second classification adapter unit circuit to send data to and receive data from the first classification adapter unit circuit, and the first classification adapter unit circuit is operable to: (1) receive a block of data from an agent, (2) add a directive to at least a portion of the data block, thereby creating a data container, and (3) transmit the data container to the second classification adapter unit circuit by providing the data container to the interconnect. In another aspect, the invention provides a method. In one embodiment, the method includes: receiving, at a first classification adapter unit, a data block from an agent; creating a directive in response to receiving the data block; adding the directive to the data block, thereby creating a data container comprising the directive and the block of data; providing, from the first classification adapter unit and to an interconnect, the data container created by the first classification adapter unit; receiving the data container at the interconnect, wherein the interconnect provides the data container to a second classification adapter unit; and receiving the data container at the second classification adapter unit, wherein the second classification adapter unit performs an action based, at least in part, on information included in the data container, and the first classification adapter unit, the second classification adapter unit, and the interconnect are built upon a chip and the chip is directly connected to a circuit board. In some embodiments, the data block is a protocol packet and the step of creating the directive comprises: examining the protocol packet and creating the directive based, at least in part, on information contained in the protocol packet. The step of examining the protocol packet may include (a) examining a header portion of the protocol packet and/or (b) performing a deep packet inspection (i.e., analyzing the payload of the packet in addition to or instead of the header of the packet) (e.g., searching for a pattern or for certain data inside the packet payload). The above and other embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to processing devices, and, more specifically to systems and methods for improving the handling of the movement of data and processing of data within a processing device. 2. Discussion of the Background FIG. 1illustrates a conventional processing device100. Processing device100includes a housing102that houses one or more agents110and a platform hub120. For example, housing102may house the following agents: zero or more acceleration agents110a(1)-110a(N), zero or more processing agents110b(1)-110b(N), zero or more communication agents110c(1)-110c(N), zero or more storage agents110d, zero or more legacy agents110e, zero or more external memory agents110f, etc. A communication agent110cmay include a physical connection to a communication channel (e.g., a fiber cable or Ethernet cable). The platform hub120is sometimes referred to as a “south bridge (SB)” or “north bridge (NB).” A processing agent110bmay be an x86 microprocessor from Intel, or may be processing device sold by AMD or other source of processing devices, and the platform hub120may be contained in a chip that sits on the same circuit board as a processing agent110b. FIG. 2Aillustrates one example processing agent110b. As shown inFIG. 2, a processing agent110bmay include (a) a host202that includes one or more central processing units (CPU) and (2) one or more memory banks coupled to host202. In the example shown, there are two memory banks, one that is positioned to right of the host202and one that is positioned to the left of the host202.FIG. 2Battempts to illustrate another example processing agent110b. As illustrated inFIG. 2B, a processing agent110bcan also be a multi-processor cluster (e.g. AMD Opteron™ x86 System). In such a case, the platform hub can be connected to one or a subset of processors in the cluster through a SB/NB Link, but can, in most cases, interact with all of the processors or memories in the cluster since the cluster is interconnected. Platform Hub120is configured to enable the agents110to communicate with a processing agent110b, but is not configured to enable the “non-processing agents” (e.g., agents110a,c,d,e,f) to communicate directly with each other, but this is not the only disadvantage of platform hub120. Thus, in the conventional processing device100, all data must flow through a processing agent110b. That is, for example, if data output from a communication agent110cis ultimately destined for a storage agent110d, the data output from communication agent110cis received by platform hub120, which then provides the data to a processing agent110bsuch that the data is stored in a memory unit of the processing agent. After the data is stored in the memory unit, the data is then received from the memory unit and provided to platform hub120, which then provides the data to storage agent110d. Each data movement transaction consumes system resources due to the data handling and consumes system power due to the data passing process. Some embodiments of the present invention aim to improve the data handling and/or passing process so as to reduce the amount of system resources and/or power that is consumed. SUMMARY In one aspect, the invention provides a processing device. In one embodiment, the processing device includes: a housing; a platform hub housed in the housing; and an agent housed in the housing and connected to the platform hub, wherein the platform hub comprises: an interconnect; and a classification adapter unit, wherein the classification adapter unit is connected between the agent and the interconnect, and the classification adapter unit is configured to interface with the agent such that the classification adapter unit may obtain data from the agent and may provide data to the agent. The data may be a protocol packet (e.g., a TCP/IP packet). In another aspect, the invention provides a chip for use in a processing device. In one embodiment, the chip includes: an interconnect; a first classification adapter unit circuit directly connected to the interconnect; and a second classification adapter unit circuit directly connected to the interconnect, wherein the interconnect is configured to (a) enable the first classification adapter unit circuit to send data to and receive data from the second classification adapter unit circuit and (b) enable the second classification adapter unit circuit to send data to and receive data from the first classification adapter unit circuit, and the first classification adapter unit circuit is operable to: (1) receive a block of data from an agent, (2) add a directive to at least a portion of the data block, thereby creating a data container, and (3) transmit the data container to the second classification adapter unit circuit by providing the data container to the interconnect. In another aspect, the invention provides a method. In one embodiment, the method includes: receiving, at a first classification adapter unit, a data block from an agent; creating a directive in response to receiving the data block; adding the directive to the data block, thereby creating a data container comprising the directive and the block of data; providing, from the first classification adapter unit and to an interconnect, the data container created by the first classification adapter unit; receiving the data container at the interconnect, wherein the interconnect provides the data container to a second classification adapter unit; and receiving the data container at the second classification adapter unit, wherein the second classification adapter unit performs an action based, at least in part, on information included in the data container, and the first classification adapter unit, the second classification adapter unit, and the interconnect are built upon a chip and the chip is directly connected to a circuit board. In some embodiments, the data block is a protocol packet and the step of creating the directive comprises: examining the protocol packet and creating the directive based, at least in part, on information contained in the protocol packet. The step of examining the protocol packet may include (a) examining a header portion of the protocol packet and/or (b) performing a deep packet inspection (i.e., analyzing the payload of the packet in addition to or instead of the header of the packet) (e.g., searching for a pattern or for certain data inside the packet payload). The above and other embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7649200

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to integrated circuits (IC). More specifically, the present invention relates to a structure for and method of testing for cracks, fissures, fractures, dislocations, delamination, etc. in an IC. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Integrated circuits (“ICs”) are typically formed on a wafer of semiconductor material that is subsequently cut into individual dies. The individual dies, or chips, contain millions of individual elements (e.g. transistors, gates, pastors, diodes, resistors, etc.). While individually these solid-state elements are typically highly reliable, each with a failure rate on the order of one in one trillion devices, the entire chip can fail due to the formation of cracks, fissures, fractures, delaminations, or other dislocations in the IC die. Advanced ICs which utilize a larger number of layers and generate more heat are even more susceptible to die crack or delamination problems. Detecting cracks and their cause is important to IC fabricators because cracking frequently results in an inoperable IC device. IC fabricators desire to detect cracks as early in the fabrication process as possible so additional process steps are not performed and so corrective actions can be taken at the appropriate process steps to prevent the die cracks. IC devices that have cracked dies are often returned and the IC fabricator must determine the cause of the crack to determine if it is due to inappropriate customer usage. Diagnosing cracks early allows the fabricator to determine if the crack occurred before delivery to customer and to identify whether the customer is inadvertently causing damage to the IC die. Heretofore, die cracks have been detected by determining whether a failure of the chip has occurred, and if such a failure has occurred, optically inspecting the IC die for a crack or other defect. Optical detection is a time-consuming process and can require that the die be depackaged or otherwise uncovered to view whether a crack is present. The die crack problems can result in a number of failure modes for the IC device. The cause of the die cracks is often difficult to determine without expensive optical analysis on a large number of failed units. This analysis requires a large amount of time and integrated circuit yields and qualities can suffer while the cause of the die crack problem is being diagnosed. FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,449,748 shows an example of an implementation of guard rings used to detect die crack problems. The guard rings are provided on test dies. Guard rings are generally composed of conductive lines, usually metal, which are formed in one or more layers of test die. A disconnective segment of the guard ring indicates a crack in that region of the die. U.S. Pat. No. 6,449,748 notes that it is impracticable to place guard rings in actual chips which are produced and sold to customers (production chips) due to the amount of space required on chip and additional processing for this additional circuitry. According to U.S. Pat. No. 6,449,748, such guard rings are not useful in identifying die cracks in production chips, especially in production chips in which the die crack problem develops later in the process. Microprocessors manufactured by Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. of Sunnyvale, Calif., such as the K7 microprocessor, have included a die crack detection chain. The chain runs the length of the L2 side of the die. The L2 side of the die is more vulnerable to cracks than other parts of the die. The chain one failure signature reliably indicates the presence of cracks on the L2 side of the die which has no input/output circuitry. However, the chain cannot detect cracks that occur on other portions of the die. In addition, IC dies can be subject to delaminations. Delaminations occur when neighboring layers separate or pull apart from each other. Metal layers are particularly susceptible to delamination problems. Delamination can cause a disconnection between neighboring metal layers which results in an IC device failure. As the metal layers are separated from each other due to delamination, conductive vias in the neighboring layers no longer contact the conductive lines above or below them. Heretofore, delaminations have been difficult to detect. Therefore, there is a need for a structure for and a method of detecting cracks and/or delamination in a production chip. Further still, there is a need for a structure for and a method of detecting cracks across an entire IC die and/or delaminations in the IC die. Yet further, there is a need for a structure for and method of quickly diagnosing chip cracks and/or delaminations and using that data to derive corrective actions. Yet even further, there is a need for and a method of detecting a crack across the entire periphery of the IC die or delaminations in a metal layer of the IC die. Yet further, there is a need for a circuit that can diagnose the mechanical health of the IC die. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An exemplary embodiment relates to an IC die. The IC die includes a substrate, and a metal layer above the substrate. The metal layer includes a conductive line having a path about the periphery of the IC die. Another exemplary embodiment relates to a system for detecting cracks in an IC die. The system includes a conductive line means provided along the periphery of the IC die for breaking when the IC die is cracked, and means for determining a break in the conductive line means. Still another exemplary embodiment relates to a method of detecting a crack in an IC die. The method includes supplying an electrical potential to a conductive line, about a periphery of the die, and determining if the line is broken. The conductive line is disposed about a periphery of the die.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to integrated circuits (IC). More specifically, the present invention relates to a structure for and method of testing for cracks, fissures, fractures, dislocations, delamination, etc. in an IC. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Integrated circuits (“ICs”) are typically formed on a wafer of semiconductor material that is subsequently cut into individual dies. The individual dies, or chips, contain millions of individual elements (e.g. transistors, gates, pastors, diodes, resistors, etc.). While individually these solid-state elements are typically highly reliable, each with a failure rate on the order of one in one trillion devices, the entire chip can fail due to the formation of cracks, fissures, fractures, delaminations, or other dislocations in the IC die. Advanced ICs which utilize a larger number of layers and generate more heat are even more susceptible to die crack or delamination problems. Detecting cracks and their cause is important to IC fabricators because cracking frequently results in an inoperable IC device. IC fabricators desire to detect cracks as early in the fabrication process as possible so additional process steps are not performed and so corrective actions can be taken at the appropriate process steps to prevent the die cracks. IC devices that have cracked dies are often returned and the IC fabricator must determine the cause of the crack to determine if it is due to inappropriate customer usage. Diagnosing cracks early allows the fabricator to determine if the crack occurred before delivery to customer and to identify whether the customer is inadvertently causing damage to the IC die. Heretofore, die cracks have been detected by determining whether a failure of the chip has occurred, and if such a failure has occurred, optically inspecting the IC die for a crack or other defect. Optical detection is a time-consuming process and can require that the die be depackaged or otherwise uncovered to view whether a crack is present. The die crack problems can result in a number of failure modes for the IC device. The cause of the die cracks is often difficult to determine without expensive optical analysis on a large number of failed units. This analysis requires a large amount of time and integrated circuit yields and qualities can suffer while the cause of the die crack problem is being diagnosed. FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,449,748 shows an example of an implementation of guard rings used to detect die crack problems. The guard rings are provided on test dies. Guard rings are generally composed of conductive lines, usually metal, which are formed in one or more layers of test die. A disconnective segment of the guard ring indicates a crack in that region of the die. U.S. Pat. No. 6,449,748 notes that it is impracticable to place guard rings in actual chips which are produced and sold to customers (production chips) due to the amount of space required on chip and additional processing for this additional circuitry. According to U.S. Pat. No. 6,449,748, such guard rings are not useful in identifying die cracks in production chips, especially in production chips in which the die crack problem develops later in the process. Microprocessors manufactured by Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. of Sunnyvale, Calif., such as the K7 microprocessor, have included a die crack detection chain. The chain runs the length of the L2 side of the die. The L2 side of the die is more vulnerable to cracks than other parts of the die. The chain one failure signature reliably indicates the presence of cracks on the L2 side of the die which has no input/output circuitry. However, the chain cannot detect cracks that occur on other portions of the die. In addition, IC dies can be subject to delaminations. Delaminations occur when neighboring layers separate or pull apart from each other. Metal layers are particularly susceptible to delamination problems. Delamination can cause a disconnection between neighboring metal layers which results in an IC device failure. As the metal layers are separated from each other due to delamination, conductive vias in the neighboring layers no longer contact the conductive lines above or below them. Heretofore, delaminations have been difficult to detect. Therefore, there is a need for a structure for and a method of detecting cracks and/or delamination in a production chip. Further still, there is a need for a structure for and a method of detecting cracks across an entire IC die and/or delaminations in the IC die. Yet further, there is a need for a structure for and method of quickly diagnosing chip cracks and/or delaminations and using that data to derive corrective actions. Yet even further, there is a need for and a method of detecting a crack across the entire periphery of the IC die or delaminations in a metal layer of the IC die. Yet further, there is a need for a circuit that can diagnose the mechanical health of the IC die. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An exemplary embodiment relates to an IC die. The IC die includes a substrate, and a metal layer above the substrate. The metal layer includes a conductive line having a path about the periphery of the IC die. Another exemplary embodiment relates to a system for detecting cracks in an IC die. The system includes a conductive line means provided along the periphery of the IC die for breaking when the IC die is cracked, and means for determining a break in the conductive line means. Still another exemplary embodiment relates to a method of detecting a crack in an IC die. The method includes supplying an electrical potential to a conductive line, about a periphery of the die, and determining if the line is broken. The conductive line is disposed about a periphery of the die. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7642292

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to the field of hydrocarbon compound production and, more specifically, to energy efficient processes and systems that produce hydrocarbon compound fuels. In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to an apparatus and a method to convert electric energy into hydrocarbon compound fuels, such as gasoline, kerosene, jet fuel and diesel fuel, among others, and which are produced by recycling products of combustion—carbon dioxide and water. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Although the idea for developing synthetic hydrocarbon fuels has been discussed for at least the last 30 years, there has not been a need to produce them because of the availability, ease of production, transportation, and processing of fossil fuels. However, the worldwide fossil fuel market is changing due to a number of factors, including steadily increasing worldwide energy demand, increasing concentration of production in oil producing regions, and increasing emphasis in oil dependant countries on the importance of energy supply. There are several disadvantages to using fossil fuels. First, there is a finite amount of fossil fuels available which, once used, cannot be regenerated. Additionally, hydrocarbon fuels made from fossil fuels may contain highly undesirable sulfur, nitrogen, and aromatic compounds. When these fuels are burned, sulfur, nitrogen, and particulates are released into the air, which leads to the formation of acid rain and smog. More recently, concern has focused on the impact of carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel combustion as a contributor to global warming. There are several well-established processes for direct hydrogenation of gases such as carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide to produce hydrocarbon fuels. One of the most successful was developed in Germany in the 1 920s by Franz Fischer and Hans Tropsch. In 1938, early German plants produced approximately 5 million barrels per year of diesel oil and gasoline using the Fischer-Tropsch process, which reacts carbon monoxide and hydrogen over a catalyst to produce liquid hydrocarbons and water. The problem with this and other methods is that they use fossil fuels such as coal or natural gas to produce the carbon monoxide. The use of such fossil fuels as the primary feedstock is accompanied by many of the same drawbacks as the production of fossil fuels such as finite supply and emissions. Therefore, it can be seen that there is a long-felt need for a production system that recycles the products of combustion into hydrocarbon compound fuels. It is to such a system and processes for making hydrocarbon compounds that the present invention is primarily directed, with emphasis on energy efficiency. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention comprises systems, methods and compositions for the production of synthetic hydrocarbon compounds, particularly hydrocarbon compounds that can be used as fuels. In general, species of carbon oxides, carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide, are converted into one or more hydrocarbon compounds, comprising carbon and hydrogen, including but not limited to diesel fuel, gasoline, jet fuels, liquefied petroleum gas, or compounds found in natural gas. A particular process comprises forming, with electricity, a hydrogen stream, and in the presence of at least a portion of the hydrogen from the hydrogen stream, converting at least a portion of the carbon monoxide present in a carbon monoxide stream, into a hydrocarbon compound. In a preferred embodiment of the system with a carbon dioxide input, the amount of input electric energy needed to convert carbon dioxide into high heating value of output hydrocarbon compounds combustion energy is in a range of between 1.4 and 1.1. In another preferred embodiment of the system with a carbon monoxide input (thus eliminating the need to convert carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide), the external electric energy needed to convert carbon monoxide is between 0.64 and 0.84 of the high heating value of hydrocarbon compounds. That is, in an embodiment of the present invention using carbon dioxide as an input, more electric energy will be required than the high heating value of combustion of hydrocarbon compounds produced. In another embodiment of the present invention, using carbon monoxide as an input, less electric energy will be required than the high heating value of combustion of hydrocarbon compounds produced. According to an aspect of the present invention, it is possible to produce within one plant on the order of five hundred thousand gallons of fuel per day, or even more, in case sufficient electric energy, carbon monoxide and/or carbon dioxide are available. One aspect of the invention comprises systems and methods comprising an electrolyser and a Fisher-Tropsch reactor, and in some embodiments, also a reverse water gas shift reactor, for producing hydrocarbon compounds. The present invention comprises methods and systems for producing hydrocarbon compounds comprising converting at least a portion of one of the species of carbon oxide, including but not limited to carbon monoxide, into hydrocarbon compounds, via a Fischer-Tropsch process in the presence of at least a portion of the hydrogen stream; and transferring at least a portion of excess heat from the Fischer-Tropsch process to one of the other process steps in the method or system, to a portion of a method or system requiring energy, or one of the other units in the system, for example, to an electrolyser or a reverse water gas shift reactor. In the present invention, there are numerous places where certain gases must be separated from a gas mixture, or for example, gas parameters such as temperature and pressure, must be changed to make one or both compatible with an upstream or downstream process. These separations or changes to gases in the invention consume large amounts of energy. It is a novel aspect of the invention that energy can be transferred within the invention to meet the energy needs for gas separations and changes. One advantage of the present invention is its energy efficient gas processing. There are generally two energy efficient thermodynamic processes used for gas processing. The first one is an adiabatic process when all external work is converted to or from gas energy. The second one is an isothermal process, when all external work is either converted into heat or derived from heat. By recycling external work through an electrical distribution line and heat through several heat distribution lines, energy losses in gas processing are substantially reduced. This is also assisted by use of phase conversion of working fluids in heat distribution lines to accept or deliver heat energy. The present invention comprises systems and methods that provide the ability to produce a variety of hydrocarbon compounds, such as compounds for different fuels and a degree of control in producing one or more specific types of hydrocarbon fuels that is not found with currently available methods for making synthetic fuels. These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following specification in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to the field of hydrocarbon compound production and, more specifically, to energy efficient processes and systems that produce hydrocarbon compound fuels. In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to an apparatus and a method to convert electric energy into hydrocarbon compound fuels, such as gasoline, kerosene, jet fuel and diesel fuel, among others, and which are produced by recycling products of combustion—carbon dioxide and water. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Although the idea for developing synthetic hydrocarbon fuels has been discussed for at least the last 30 years, there has not been a need to produce them because of the availability, ease of production, transportation, and processing of fossil fuels. However, the worldwide fossil fuel market is changing due to a number of factors, including steadily increasing worldwide energy demand, increasing concentration of production in oil producing regions, and increasing emphasis in oil dependant countries on the importance of energy supply. There are several disadvantages to using fossil fuels. First, there is a finite amount of fossil fuels available which, once used, cannot be regenerated. Additionally, hydrocarbon fuels made from fossil fuels may contain highly undesirable sulfur, nitrogen, and aromatic compounds. When these fuels are burned, sulfur, nitrogen, and particulates are released into the air, which leads to the formation of acid rain and smog. More recently, concern has focused on the impact of carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel combustion as a contributor to global warming. There are several well-established processes for direct hydrogenation of gases such as carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide to produce hydrocarbon fuels. One of the most successful was developed in Germany in the 1 920s by Franz Fischer and Hans Tropsch. In 1938, early German plants produced approximately 5 million barrels per year of diesel oil and gasoline using the Fischer-Tropsch process, which reacts carbon monoxide and hydrogen over a catalyst to produce liquid hydrocarbons and water. The problem with this and other methods is that they use fossil fuels such as coal or natural gas to produce the carbon monoxide. The use of such fossil fuels as the primary feedstock is accompanied by many of the same drawbacks as the production of fossil fuels such as finite supply and emissions. Therefore, it can be seen that there is a long-felt need for a production system that recycles the products of combustion into hydrocarbon compound fuels. It is to such a system and processes for making hydrocarbon compounds that the present invention is primarily directed, with emphasis on energy efficiency. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention comprises systems, methods and compositions for the production of synthetic hydrocarbon compounds, particularly hydrocarbon compounds that can be used as fuels. In general, species of carbon oxides, carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide, are converted into one or more hydrocarbon compounds, comprising carbon and hydrogen, including but not limited to diesel fuel, gasoline, jet fuels, liquefied petroleum gas, or compounds found in natural gas. A particular process comprises forming, with electricity, a hydrogen stream, and in the presence of at least a portion of the hydrogen from the hydrogen stream, converting at least a portion of the carbon monoxide present in a carbon monoxide stream, into a hydrocarbon compound. In a preferred embodiment of the system with a carbon dioxide input, the amount of input electric energy needed to convert carbon dioxide into high heating value of output hydrocarbon compounds combustion energy is in a range of between 1.4 and 1.1. In another preferred embodiment of the system with a carbon monoxide input (thus eliminating the need to convert carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide), the external electric energy needed to convert carbon monoxide is between 0.64 and 0.84 of the high heating value of hydrocarbon compounds. That is, in an embodiment of the present invention using carbon dioxide as an input, more electric energy will be required than the high heating value of combustion of hydrocarbon compounds produced. In another embodiment of the present invention, using carbon monoxide as an input, less electric energy will be required than the high heating value of combustion of hydrocarbon compounds produced. According to an aspect of the present invention, it is possible to produce within one plant on the order of five hundred thousand gallons of fuel per day, or even more, in case sufficient electric energy, carbon monoxide and/or carbon dioxide are available. One aspect of the invention comprises systems and methods comprising an electrolyser and a Fisher-Tropsch reactor, and in some embodiments, also a reverse water gas shift reactor, for producing hydrocarbon compounds. The present invention comprises methods and systems for producing hydrocarbon compounds comprising converting at least a portion of one of the species of carbon oxide, including but not limited to carbon monoxide, into hydrocarbon compounds, via a Fischer-Tropsch process in the presence of at least a portion of the hydrogen stream; and transferring at least a portion of excess heat from the Fischer-Tropsch process to one of the other process steps in the method or system, to a portion of a method or system requiring energy, or one of the other units in the system, for example, to an electrolyser or a reverse water gas shift reactor. In the present invention, there are numerous places where certain gases must be separated from a gas mixture, or for example, gas parameters such as temperature and pressure, must be changed to make one or both compatible with an upstream or downstream process. These separations or changes to gases in the invention consume large amounts of energy. It is a novel aspect of the invention that energy can be transferred within the invention to meet the energy needs for gas separations and changes. One advantage of the present invention is its energy efficient gas processing. There are generally two energy efficient thermodynamic processes used for gas processing. The first one is an adiabatic process when all external work is converted to or from gas energy. The second one is an isothermal process, when all external work is either converted into heat or derived from heat. By recycling external work through an electrical distribution line and heat through several heat distribution lines, energy losses in gas processing are substantially reduced. This is also assisted by use of phase conversion of working fluids in heat distribution lines to accept or deliver heat energy. The present invention comprises systems and methods that provide the ability to produce a variety of hydrocarbon compounds, such as compounds for different fuels and a degree of control in producing one or more specific types of hydrocarbon fuels that is not found with currently available methods for making synthetic fuels. These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following specification in conjunction with the accompanying figures. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7769491

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This invention contains subject matter related to Japanese Patent Application JP 2005-061693 filed in the Japanese Patent Office on Mar. 4, 2005, the entire contents of which being incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to an obstacle avoiding apparatus, an obstacle avoiding method, an obstacle avoiding program and a mobile robot apparatus that plan a moving route on the basis of an obstacle environment map prepared by acquiring information in the environment and avoid obstacles. 2. Description of the Related Art Unlike industrial robots, autonomous type robot apparatus can autonomously move according to the conditions of the surrounding and the internal conditions of the robot apparatus itself. For example, such a robot apparatus can detect external obstacles and autonomously move by planning a moving route that avoids the obstacles. Path finding studies have been conducted for long as typical studies of artificial intelligence along with problems of computational geometry such as traveling salesman problem and interference check. Path finding for a floating object in a known environment such as the so-called piano mover's problem of geometrically determining the route along which a piano is moved out from a small room having an intricate geometry may be a typical problem. Many techniques have been proposed for benchmark problems for the efficiency of computational geometry and search algorithms have been proposed in this field of study. For example, Patent Document 1 [Jpn. Pat. Appln. Laid-Open Publication No. 2003-266345] proposes a path finding technique for avoiding obstacles for a biped robot apparatus. According to the Patent Document 1, a moving route is planned for a robot apparatus so as not to interfere with obstacles by modeling the robot apparatus by means of cylinders and using an occupancy grid that shows the profiles of obstacles as obstacle environment map. When planning a route for getting to goal G from current position R of a robot apparatus, for instance, firstly an obstacle environment map is prepared as illustrated inFIG. 1A. The obstacle environment map shows the obstacles found within the space on the floor where the robot apparatus is expected to move from the floor level to the height of a cylinder301formed by modeling the robot apparatus and also the holes cut down from the floor. InFIG. 1A, the black cells indicate the regions occupied by obstacles and the white cells indicate the regions where the robot apparatus can move freely. Then, the robot apparatus is made equivalent to the contracted one at the current position R as shown inFIG. 1Bby enlarging the regions occupied by obstacles in the environment map ofFIG. 1Aby the half diameter of the cylinder301. Thus, it is possible to check the interferences of the robot apparatus with the obstacles that can take place by checking the overlaps of the model and the enlarged obstacle regions. As a result, it is possible to plan routes that avoid obstacles as indicated by arrows inFIG. 1Bby means of a technique called A* search. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION When a robot apparatus is reduced to a simple cylindrical model as described above, there arises a modeling error because the cylindrical model is made to show a large half diameter so that the robot apparatus may be contained in the model and the regions occupied by obstacles in the environment map by the half diameter of the cylindrical model. For example, an environment map as illustrated inFIG. 3Acan be prepared when there is an obstacle302having a part A lower than the trunk section of the robot apparatus so that one of the arms of the robot apparatus can pass through the part A as shown inFIG. 2. However, the part A that is lower than the trunk section of the robot apparatus is recognized as obstacle as shown inFIG. 3Bwhen the obstacle302having a low part A, which is a shaded area, is enlarged by the half-diameter of a cylindrical model303of the robot apparatus. The present invention proposes a solution for this problem, and it is desired to provide an obstacle avoiding apparatus, an obstacle avoiding method, an obstacle avoiding program and a mobile robot apparatus that can accurately model a robot apparatus and plan a highly precise moving route for the robot apparatus that avoids obstacles. According to the present invention, there is provided an obstacle avoiding apparatus to be used for a mobile robot apparatus to avoid obstacles, the apparatus including: an obstacle environment map drawing means for dividing the range of height from the reference surface for the mobile robot apparatus to move thereon to the height of the mobile robot apparatus into a plurality of layers corresponding to predetermined respective ranges of height and drawing obstacle environment maps, each showing the condition of being occupied by one or more than one obstacles existing in the corresponding layer; and a route planning means for planning a route for the robot apparatus to move along according to an enlarged environment map prepared by enlarging the area occupied by the obstacle or obstacles in the obstacle environment maps as a function of the cross sectional profile of the mobile robot apparatus in each of the layers. According to the present invention, there is also provided an obstacle avoiding method to be used for a mobile robot apparatus to avoid obstacles, the method including: an obstacle environment map drawing step of dividing the range of height from the reference surface for the mobile robot apparatus to move thereon to the height of the mobile robot apparatus into a plurality of layers corresponding to predetermined respective ranges of height and drawing obstacle environment maps, each showing the condition of being occupied by one or more than one obstacles existing in the corresponding layer; and a route planning step of planning a route for the robot apparatus to move along according to an enlarged environment map prepared by enlarging the area occupied by the obstacle or obstacles in the obstacle environment maps as a function of the cross sectional profile of the mobile robot apparatus in each of the layers. According to the present invention, there is also provided an obstacle avoiding program to be used for a mobile robot apparatus to avoid obstacles, the program including: an obstacle environment map drawing step of dividing the range of height from the reference surface for the mobile robot apparatus to move thereon to the height of the mobile robot apparatus into a plurality of layers corresponding to predetermined respective ranges of height and drawing obstacle environment maps, each showing the condition of being occupied by one or more than one obstacles existing in the corresponding layer; and a route planning step of planning a route for the robot apparatus to move along according to an enlarged environment map prepared by enlarging the area occupied by the obstacle or obstacles in the obstacle environment maps as a function of the cross sectional profile of the mobile robot apparatus in each of the layers. According to the present invention, there is also provided a mobile robot apparatus adapted to avoid obstacles, the robot apparatus having: an obstacle environment map drawing means for dividing the range of height from the reference surface for it to move thereon to its own height into a plurality of layers corresponding to predetermined respective ranges of height and drawing obstacle environment maps, each showing the condition of being occupied by one or more than one obstacles existing in the corresponding layer; and a route planning means for planning a route for it to move along according to an enlarged environment map prepared by enlarging the area occupied by the obstacle or obstacles in the obstacle environment maps as a function of the cross sectional profile of itself in each of the layers. Thus, according to the present invention, it is possible to highly accurately and efficiently avoid obstacles by dividing the range of height from the reference surface for a robot apparatus to move thereon to the height of the robot apparatus into a plurality of layers corresponding to predetermined respective ranges of height and drawing obstacle environment maps, each showing the condition of being occupied by one or more than one obstacles existing in the corresponding layer and planning a route for the robot apparatus to move along according to an enlarged environment map prepared by enlarging the area occupied by the obstacle or obstacles in the obstacle environment maps as a function of the cross sectional profile of the robot apparatus in each of the layers.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This invention contains subject matter related to Japanese Patent Application JP 2005-061693 filed in the Japanese Patent Office on Mar. 4, 2005, the entire contents of which being incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to an obstacle avoiding apparatus, an obstacle avoiding method, an obstacle avoiding program and a mobile robot apparatus that plan a moving route on the basis of an obstacle environment map prepared by acquiring information in the environment and avoid obstacles. 2. Description of the Related Art Unlike industrial robots, autonomous type robot apparatus can autonomously move according to the conditions of the surrounding and the internal conditions of the robot apparatus itself. For example, such a robot apparatus can detect external obstacles and autonomously move by planning a moving route that avoids the obstacles. Path finding studies have been conducted for long as typical studies of artificial intelligence along with problems of computational geometry such as traveling salesman problem and interference check. Path finding for a floating object in a known environment such as the so-called piano mover's problem of geometrically determining the route along which a piano is moved out from a small room having an intricate geometry may be a typical problem. Many techniques have been proposed for benchmark problems for the efficiency of computational geometry and search algorithms have been proposed in this field of study. For example, Patent Document 1 [Jpn. Pat. Appln. Laid-Open Publication No. 2003-266345] proposes a path finding technique for avoiding obstacles for a biped robot apparatus. According to the Patent Document 1, a moving route is planned for a robot apparatus so as not to interfere with obstacles by modeling the robot apparatus by means of cylinders and using an occupancy grid that shows the profiles of obstacles as obstacle environment map. When planning a route for getting to goal G from current position R of a robot apparatus, for instance, firstly an obstacle environment map is prepared as illustrated inFIG. 1A. The obstacle environment map shows the obstacles found within the space on the floor where the robot apparatus is expected to move from the floor level to the height of a cylinder301formed by modeling the robot apparatus and also the holes cut down from the floor. InFIG. 1A, the black cells indicate the regions occupied by obstacles and the white cells indicate the regions where the robot apparatus can move freely. Then, the robot apparatus is made equivalent to the contracted one at the current position R as shown inFIG. 1Bby enlarging the regions occupied by obstacles in the environment map ofFIG. 1Aby the half diameter of the cylinder301. Thus, it is possible to check the interferences of the robot apparatus with the obstacles that can take place by checking the overlaps of the model and the enlarged obstacle regions. As a result, it is possible to plan routes that avoid obstacles as indicated by arrows inFIG. 1Bby means of a technique called A* search. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION When a robot apparatus is reduced to a simple cylindrical model as described above, there arises a modeling error because the cylindrical model is made to show a large half diameter so that the robot apparatus may be contained in the model and the regions occupied by obstacles in the environment map by the half diameter of the cylindrical model. For example, an environment map as illustrated inFIG. 3Acan be prepared when there is an obstacle302having a part A lower than the trunk section of the robot apparatus so that one of the arms of the robot apparatus can pass through the part A as shown inFIG. 2. However, the part A that is lower than the trunk section of the robot apparatus is recognized as obstacle as shown inFIG. 3Bwhen the obstacle302having a low part A, which is a shaded area, is enlarged by the half-diameter of a cylindrical model303of the robot apparatus. The present invention proposes a solution for this problem, and it is desired to provide an obstacle avoiding apparatus, an obstacle avoiding method, an obstacle avoiding program and a mobile robot apparatus that can accurately model a robot apparatus and plan a highly precise moving route for the robot apparatus that avoids obstacles. According to the present invention, there is provided an obstacle avoiding apparatus to be used for a mobile robot apparatus to avoid obstacles, the apparatus including: an obstacle environment map drawing means for dividing the range of height from the reference surface for the mobile robot apparatus to move thereon to the height of the mobile robot apparatus into a plurality of layers corresponding to predetermined respective ranges of height and drawing obstacle environment maps, each showing the condition of being occupied by one or more than one obstacles existing in the corresponding layer; and a route planning means for planning a route for the robot apparatus to move along according to an enlarged environment map prepared by enlarging the area occupied by the obstacle or obstacles in the obstacle environment maps as a function of the cross sectional profile of the mobile robot apparatus in each of the layers. According to the present invention, there is also provided an obstacle avoiding method to be used for a mobile robot apparatus to avoid obstacles, the method including: an obstacle environment map drawing step of dividing the range of height from the reference surface for the mobile robot apparatus to move thereon to the height of the mobile robot apparatus into a plurality of layers corresponding to predetermined respective ranges of height and drawing obstacle environment maps, each showing the condition of being occupied by one or more than one obstacles existing in the corresponding layer; and a route planning step of planning a route for the robot apparatus to move along according to an enlarged environment map prepared by enlarging the area occupied by the obstacle or obstacles in the obstacle environment maps as a function of the cross sectional profile of the mobile robot apparatus in each of the layers. According to the present invention, there is also provided an obstacle avoiding program to be used for a mobile robot apparatus to avoid obstacles, the program including: an obstacle environment map drawing step of dividing the range of height from the reference surface for the mobile robot apparatus to move thereon to the height of the mobile robot apparatus into a plurality of layers corresponding to predetermined respective ranges of height and drawing obstacle environment maps, each showing the condition of being occupied by one or more than one obstacles existing in the corresponding layer; and a route planning step of planning a route for the robot apparatus to move along according to an enlarged environment map prepared by enlarging the area occupied by the obstacle or obstacles in the obstacle environment maps as a function of the cross sectional profile of the mobile robot apparatus in each of the layers. According to the present invention, there is also provided a mobile robot apparatus adapted to avoid obstacles, the robot apparatus having: an obstacle environment map drawing means for dividing the range of height from the reference surface for it to move thereon to its own height into a plurality of layers corresponding to predetermined respective ranges of height and drawing obstacle environment maps, each showing the condition of being occupied by one or more than one obstacles existing in the corresponding layer; and a route planning means for planning a route for it to move along according to an enlarged environment map prepared by enlarging the area occupied by the obstacle or obstacles in the obstacle environment maps as a function of the cross sectional profile of itself in each of the layers. Thus, according to the present invention, it is possible to highly accurately and efficiently avoid obstacles by dividing the range of height from the reference surface for a robot apparatus to move thereon to the height of the robot apparatus into a plurality of layers corresponding to predetermined respective ranges of height and drawing obstacle environment maps, each showing the condition of being occupied by one or more than one obstacles existing in the corresponding layer and planning a route for the robot apparatus to move along according to an enlarged environment map prepared by enlarging the area occupied by the obstacle or obstacles in the obstacle environment maps as a function of the cross sectional profile of the robot apparatus in each of the layers. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7731773

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There is a need for a method and system capable of efficiently and effectively filtering pollutants from exhaust gases. Although there are a number of devices available which are useful for filtering exhaust gases from diesel engines, each of these devices is incapable of providing an effective method for reducing pollutants cost effectively for the reasons described herein. In a diesel engine, air is drawn into the cylinders and is compressed by the pistons at compression ratios as high as 25:1, much higher than used for spark-ignited combustion engines. Near the end of the compression stroke, diesel fuel is injected into the combustion chamber through an injector (or atomizer). The fuel ignites from contact with the air that due to compression has been heated to a temperature of about 700-900° C. The resulting combustion causes increased heat and expansion in the cylinder which increases pressure and moves the piston downward. A connecting rod transmits this motion to a crankshaft to convert linear motion to rotary motion for use as power in a variety of applications. Intake air to the engine is usually controlled by mechanical valves in the cylinder head. For increased power output, most modern diesel engines are equipped with a turbocharger, and in some derivatives, a supercharger to increase intake air volume. Use of an aftercooler to cool intake air that has been compressed, and thus heated, by the turbocharger increases the density of the air and typically leads to power and efficiency improvements. In general, diesel emissions are bi-products of diesel combustion. This can be a function of injection within the engine. For example, advancing the start of injection (injecting before the piston reaches top of dead center) results in higher in-cylinder pressure and temperature, and higher efficiency, but also results in higher emissions of oxides of nitrogen oxides through higher combustion temperatures. At the other extreme, delayed start of injection causes incomplete combustion and emits visible black smoke made of particulate matter and unburned hydrocarbon. While many diesel emissions are problematic, the most highly regulated diesel emissions are:1. Diesel Particuiate Material (“PM”, or “DPM”) (also referred to as “Diesel Particulate Matter”, “Particulate Material”, or “Particulate Matter”): Particulate matter is an aerosol comprised of complex physical and chemical structures. Particulate matter contributes to the greenhouse effect, it causes grave environmental damage, and it seriously affects human health. Particulate matter is primarily responsible for the black smoke normally associated with diesel exhaust. It is also a primary source of urban smog.2. Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): Nitrogen Oxides are highly active ozone precursors and account for a large component of visible smog. Besides particulate matter, nitrogen oxides are one of the most pollutive diesel emissions.3. Hydrocarbons (HC): The production of hydrocarbons is often a result of the inefficient combustion of fuel and engine lube oils. In the atmosphere, hydrocarbons undergo photochemical reactions with nitrogen oxides leading to formation of smog and ground level ozone.4. Carbon Monoxide (CO): This is a highly toxic greenhouse gas that is poisonous to humans and is a contributor to global warming. Examples of non-regulated bi-products of diesel combustion include polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, aldehydes, sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxide, and metal oxide. Inefficient combustion of diesel fuel produces emissions that pollute the environment and harm human health. The environmental consequences of particulate material emissions include air pollution, water pollution, acid rain, acidification of waterways, deforestation, smog, reduced atmospheric visibility, crop degradation, global warming, and climate forcing. In addition, the human health consequences of particulate material emissions include cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, cancer, fibrosis, allergic responses, reduced pulmonary function, worsening of asthmatic symptoms and occurrences, increased morbidity, and premature death. Moreover, a number of internationally publicized studies demonstrate a high correlation between ambient particulate material and increases in adverse health outcomes such as respiratory hospital admissions, emergency room visits, restricted activity days, respiratory symptoms for adults, lower respiratory tract illnesses for children, asthmatic attacks, chronic diseases, and mortality. Although conventional diesel emission filtration technologies are numerous, there are essentially two categories into which all such technologies fall:1. Catalyzed Diesel Particulate Filters (“CDPFs”): catalyzed diesel particulate filters are referred to by many different names. Some of the most commonly used—and misused—are: “catalytic converters,” “catalytic Reactors,” “catalytic purifiers,” “exhaust purifiers,” “trap filters,” “diesel traps,” “exhaust scrubbers,” “catalyst filters,” “catalyzed wall-flow filters,” “wall-flow filters,” and “catalytic mufflers.”2. Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (“DOCs”): diesel oxidation catalysts are also commonly referred to as “oxidation catalysts,” “flow-through catalysts,” and “flow-through devices.” Both catalyzed diesel particulate filters and diesel oxidation catalysts employ the same basic method to achieve the reduction of particulate materials; they utilize heat to “oxidize” or bun the particulate material. In most cases, the heat from the engine's exhaust system is used to achieve oxidation. The reoccurring process of oxidation is also often referred to “regeneration” because the process of oxidation not only reduces particulate material emissions, it also regenerates the catalytic device's filtration capacity. In order for the process of regenerative oxidation to occur, high temperatures, normally between 250° and 350° C., must be attained and preferably sustained during operation. In many operating conditions, attaining sufficiently high temperatures can prove difficult or unattainable. Catalytic devices (CDPF's and DOC's) employ precious metals such as platinum, palladium and rhodium as catalysts to lower the minimum temperatures necessary to achieve “light off”, the point at which oxidation of the particulate material is initiated. Manufactures use these highly conductive, and very expensive, metals to coat or impregnate the substrate surfaces of their catalytic devices. The catalytic devices discussed above can generally be described as either active or passive. Catalytic technologies which rely on heat from an engine's exhaust system in order to achieve oxidation are frequently referred to as “passive” catalytic devises. Other systems may incorporate fuel burners, electric heating elements, and fuel-borne additives which aid in attaining the temperatures at which oxidation occurs. Technologies which employ these types of components are often referred to as “active” catalytic devices. For purposes of eliminating potential confusion, it should be noted that some manufacturers define catalyzed diesel particulate filters which only contain precious metal catalysts as “active” devices, even though these devices rely solely upon the heat contained in an engine's exhaust to achieve oxidation. This classification usually occurs when the manufacturer also produces a diesel particulate filter which contains no catalyst, i.e. a device which is in all other ways similar to a catalyzed diesel particulate filter, however; the device relies solely upon the heating of its component base metal to achieve temperatures sufficient to initiate oxidation. Because exhaust temperatures are commonly required to exceed 500° C. for these non-catalyzed devices to affect oxidation, their widespread use is significantly restricted. The primary difference between catalyzed diesel particulate filters and diesel oxidation catalyst technologies is that catalyzed diesel particulate filter technologies physically trap and store particulate material—usually by using catalyzed ceramic, cordierite or silicon carbide wall flow monoliths, or ceramic fiber or ceramic cartridge filters. Once the particulate material becomes trapped, it is oxidized and particulate material emissions are reduced. Conversely, diesel oxidation catalyst technologies do not trap particulate material emissions. Rather, particulate materials “pass-through” the internal structures of these devices. When exhaust gases traverse the catalyst, carbon monoxide, gaseous hydrocarbons and liquid hydrocarbon particles are oxidized, thereby reducing total particulate material emissions. There are a number of other differences between catalyzed diesel particulate filters and diesel oxidation catalyst technologies as well. For example, catalyzed diesel particulate filters can achieve particulate material filtration rates of ≧90% given specific, controlled operating conditions. Moreover, catalyzed diesel particulate filters reduce each sub-category of particulate material (i.e. solid inorganic fractions, solid organic fraction and sulfate particulates). It is necessary to note however, the application and effectiveness of catalyzed diesel particulate filters technology is significantly constrained by the following limitations:Catalyzed diesel particulate filters are very expensive. The California Air Resources Board provides cost-range information for DPF's corresponding to the following engine capacitates:100 horsepower: US$5,000-US$7,000275 horsepower: US$6,900-US$9,000400 horsepower: US$10,000 average1,400 horsepower: US$32,000+Catalyzed diesel particulate filters are incapable of affecting particulate material emissions reductions when using fuels that exceed 150 ppm Sulfur.Catalyzed diesel particulate filters performance is adversely affected by insufficient operating temperatures.In less-than-optimal conditions, catalyzed diesel particulate filters are prone to clogging and failure. When failure occurs, the potential for engine damage or destruction is significant.Because catalyzed diesel particulate filters can create significant engine back pressure, expensive engine recalibrations are often required upon their installation.catalyzed diesel particulate filters often need to be equipped with expensive electronic back pressure monitoring devices, such as data loggers.Because passive catalyzed diesel particulate filters regeneration is entirely dependent on operating temperature, passive catalyzed diesel particulate filters do not work under “low load” conditions.“Active” components in catalyzed diesel particulate filter technologies significantly increase catalyzed diesel particulate filters unit price and complexity.Catalyzed diesel particulate filters do not work well on older engines.Catalyzed diesel particulate filters can become a source of hazardous zinc, sulfuric, calcium, and phosphorus ash particulate.Catalyzed diesel particulate filters can reduce engine performance.Catalyzed diesel particulate filters often produce fuel economy penalties. According to the United States Department of Energy (USDOE), fuel sulfur has significant effects on post-filter total particulate material emissions, and, as fuel sulfur levels increase, catalyzed diesel particulate filter reduction efficiencies decreases to a point where they actually becomes a source of particulate emissions when using fuels with sulfur concentrations ≧150 PPM. Tests conducted by the USDOE report that catalyzed diesel particulate filters that achieved 95% reductions of particulate material emissions when using fuels with 3 ppm sulfur concentrations had their filtration efficiencies reduced to only 74% when using fuels with 30 ppm sulfur concentrations. Further, these same devices were reduced to particulate material filtration rates of 0% to −3% when using fuels with 150 ppm sulfur concentrations, and they experienced total particulate material emissions increases of 122% to 155% when using fuels with sulfur concentrations ≧350 ppm. Moreover, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has stated that catalytic technologies can not work properly if there is sulfur in the fuel—and in some cases, sulfur in the fuel will render the catalytic filtration equipment and even the vehicle inoperable. By comparison, diesel oxidation catalyst technologies are generally less expensive than catalyzed diesel particulate filter technologies, and because diesel oxidation catalysts are “flow through”, instead of “wall flow” devises, they do not have the same propensity to create engine back pressure, clog and/or cause potential engine damage like their catalyzed diesel particulate filter counterparts. Diesel oxidation catalysts can achieve particulate material filtration rates between 19% and 50%. However, the application of diesel oxidation catalyst technology is constrained by the following:Diesel oxidation catalysts are too expensive for wide-spread application. The California Air Resources Board provides cost average information for diesel oxidation catalysts corresponding to the following engine capacitates:275 horsepower: US$2,100400 horsepower: US$20,000+The Everett School District in Washington state reported an average per-unit-cost of US$2,500 per DOC for each bus in its fleetDiesel oxidation catalyst reduction of total particulate material is significantly reduced when using fuels with high sulfur fuels.Diesel oxidation catalysts do not filter solid organic fraction sometimes called “dry”) particulate and dry particulates typically comprise the majority of total particulate material.Diesel oxidation catalysts do not work well on older engines.Diesel oxidation catalyst effectiveness is extremely dependent upon operating temperatures.When operating at higher temperatures, diesel oxidation catalysts oxidize sulfur oxides, and in doing so become generators of sulfuric acid. When this occurs, diesel oxidation catalysts create a net increase total particulate material emissions by increasing production of sulfate particulates at rates that offset soluble organic fraction reductions The University of Washington's Extension Energy Program has stated that diesel oxidation catalysts can oxidize sulfur dioxide to form sulfate particulates (sulfuric acid (H2SO4)). Therefore, high sulfur content fuels can increase total particulate emissions via the production of sulfuric acid, which can offset soluble organic fraction (sometimes called “wet” particulate material) reductions.” The United States Department of Energy has found statistically significant increases in particulate material with high sulfur fuel due almost exclusively to the increase in the SO4fraction of the total particulate material. At this high exhaust temperature (405° C. at catalyst inlet), the diesel oxidation catalyst accelerates the conversion of SO2to SO3, thereby increasing the SO4fraction of the particulate material. As expected, the effect is seen only with the higher sulfur (150 ppm and 350 ppm sulfur content) fuels. With the 350 ppm sulfur content fuel, post catalyst particulate material emissions were approximately 200% higher than those measured without an active catalyst. Despite the promoted efficiency of the methods and systems of the prior art, many are impracticable from the commercial point of view for the reasons set forth above. Moreover, the use of fuel with low concentration of sulphur (below 130 ppm) is an essential factor in the employment of catalytic regeneration filters. In Brazil and in the majority of the countries, the diesel is sold with 2000 ppm of sulphur. Therefore using the catalytic regeneration filters in diesel that contains more than 300 ppm of sulphur, turn the filters into a source of pollution. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The system and method described herein relate to a novel solution for the improved use of fuel and the treatment of gases emitted from diesel engines and, more specifically, the gases that are emitted through exhaust pipes of vehicles such as automobile vehicles and industrial equipment. An objective of the present invention is to reduce environmental pollution and, as a result, to improve the conditions of life, including the quality and quantity of the flora and fauna on the planet Earth. The emission of pollutant gases in the atmosphere has significantly contributed to contamination of the environment. There is an overwhelming demand for a solution capable of curbing the alarming effects caused by worldwide environmental degradation. The present invention provides a variety of ecologic and economic advantages. For example, because the present invention filters particulates and greatly reduces the amount of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and other gases produced by the combustion of fuel, this invention has direct effect in the improvement of the environment. This minimizes the damaging effects of the environmental phenomenon known as the “greenhouse effect” and improves the air quality in urban centers. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises an outer casing which may be divided into a lower portion and an upper portion, the lower portion of which is removably attachable to the exhaust system of a diesel engine; a carcass for holding a bobbin wherein the carcass is attached to the lower portion of the outer casing at the point where the exhaust enters the outer casing and the carcass has a beveled opening in a diagonal line in its proximal part and a bobbin positioned in its distal part; one or more fibrous blanket cylinders; and a guide for arranging and securing the one or more fibrous blanket cylinders within the outer casing. The fibrous blanket cylinders may be wrapped in a wire mesh. In an alternative embodiment, a second fibrous blanket formed into a cone with the larger diameter of the cone positioned proximally may be removably inserted in the carcass. Results from initial tests of one embodiment of the present invention show that the device filters up to 69% of total particulate matter at a cost that is significantly less than either catalyzed diesel particulate filters or diesel oxidation catalysts. Moreover, the device is extremely effective with high sulfur content fuels (i.e. greater than 500 ppm sulfur). The device performs effectively on older engines, does not create engine back pressure, does not reduce engine fuel economy, captures both wet and dry particulate matter, is extremely durable, is easy to install and maintain, lasts indefinitely, and does not produce hazardous sulfur, lead or zinc bi-products. In addition, the device is effective under both high and low load conditions and its efficacy is not affected by engine operating temperatures. In addition, the invention also reduces the level of noises emitted from the exhaust system by acting as a sound baffle, thereby reducing noise pollution. For all these reasons, and many others, the device and method of the present invention represents an innovation in the field of emission control. The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures or processes for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There is a need for a method and system capable of efficiently and effectively filtering pollutants from exhaust gases. Although there are a number of devices available which are useful for filtering exhaust gases from diesel engines, each of these devices is incapable of providing an effective method for reducing pollutants cost effectively for the reasons described herein. In a diesel engine, air is drawn into the cylinders and is compressed by the pistons at compression ratios as high as 25:1, much higher than used for spark-ignited combustion engines. Near the end of the compression stroke, diesel fuel is injected into the combustion chamber through an injector (or atomizer). The fuel ignites from contact with the air that due to compression has been heated to a temperature of about 700-900° C. The resulting combustion causes increased heat and expansion in the cylinder which increases pressure and moves the piston downward. A connecting rod transmits this motion to a crankshaft to convert linear motion to rotary motion for use as power in a variety of applications. Intake air to the engine is usually controlled by mechanical valves in the cylinder head. For increased power output, most modern diesel engines are equipped with a turbocharger, and in some derivatives, a supercharger to increase intake air volume. Use of an aftercooler to cool intake air that has been compressed, and thus heated, by the turbocharger increases the density of the air and typically leads to power and efficiency improvements. In general, diesel emissions are bi-products of diesel combustion. This can be a function of injection within the engine. For example, advancing the start of injection (injecting before the piston reaches top of dead center) results in higher in-cylinder pressure and temperature, and higher efficiency, but also results in higher emissions of oxides of nitrogen oxides through higher combustion temperatures. At the other extreme, delayed start of injection causes incomplete combustion and emits visible black smoke made of particulate matter and unburned hydrocarbon. While many diesel emissions are problematic, the most highly regulated diesel emissions are:1. Diesel Particuiate Material (“PM”, or “DPM”) (also referred to as “Diesel Particulate Matter”, “Particulate Material”, or “Particulate Matter”): Particulate matter is an aerosol comprised of complex physical and chemical structures. Particulate matter contributes to the greenhouse effect, it causes grave environmental damage, and it seriously affects human health. Particulate matter is primarily responsible for the black smoke normally associated with diesel exhaust. It is also a primary source of urban smog.2. Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): Nitrogen Oxides are highly active ozone precursors and account for a large component of visible smog. Besides particulate matter, nitrogen oxides are one of the most pollutive diesel emissions.3. Hydrocarbons (HC): The production of hydrocarbons is often a result of the inefficient combustion of fuel and engine lube oils. In the atmosphere, hydrocarbons undergo photochemical reactions with nitrogen oxides leading to formation of smog and ground level ozone.4. Carbon Monoxide (CO): This is a highly toxic greenhouse gas that is poisonous to humans and is a contributor to global warming. Examples of non-regulated bi-products of diesel combustion include polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, aldehydes, sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxide, and metal oxide. Inefficient combustion of diesel fuel produces emissions that pollute the environment and harm human health. The environmental consequences of particulate material emissions include air pollution, water pollution, acid rain, acidification of waterways, deforestation, smog, reduced atmospheric visibility, crop degradation, global warming, and climate forcing. In addition, the human health consequences of particulate material emissions include cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, cancer, fibrosis, allergic responses, reduced pulmonary function, worsening of asthmatic symptoms and occurrences, increased morbidity, and premature death. Moreover, a number of internationally publicized studies demonstrate a high correlation between ambient particulate material and increases in adverse health outcomes such as respiratory hospital admissions, emergency room visits, restricted activity days, respiratory symptoms for adults, lower respiratory tract illnesses for children, asthmatic attacks, chronic diseases, and mortality. Although conventional diesel emission filtration technologies are numerous, there are essentially two categories into which all such technologies fall:1. Catalyzed Diesel Particulate Filters (“CDPFs”): catalyzed diesel particulate filters are referred to by many different names. Some of the most commonly used—and misused—are: “catalytic converters,” “catalytic Reactors,” “catalytic purifiers,” “exhaust purifiers,” “trap filters,” “diesel traps,” “exhaust scrubbers,” “catalyst filters,” “catalyzed wall-flow filters,” “wall-flow filters,” and “catalytic mufflers.”2. Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (“DOCs”): diesel oxidation catalysts are also commonly referred to as “oxidation catalysts,” “flow-through catalysts,” and “flow-through devices.” Both catalyzed diesel particulate filters and diesel oxidation catalysts employ the same basic method to achieve the reduction of particulate materials; they utilize heat to “oxidize” or bun the particulate material. In most cases, the heat from the engine's exhaust system is used to achieve oxidation. The reoccurring process of oxidation is also often referred to “regeneration” because the process of oxidation not only reduces particulate material emissions, it also regenerates the catalytic device's filtration capacity. In order for the process of regenerative oxidation to occur, high temperatures, normally between 250° and 350° C., must be attained and preferably sustained during operation. In many operating conditions, attaining sufficiently high temperatures can prove difficult or unattainable. Catalytic devices (CDPF's and DOC's) employ precious metals such as platinum, palladium and rhodium as catalysts to lower the minimum temperatures necessary to achieve “light off”, the point at which oxidation of the particulate material is initiated. Manufactures use these highly conductive, and very expensive, metals to coat or impregnate the substrate surfaces of their catalytic devices. The catalytic devices discussed above can generally be described as either active or passive. Catalytic technologies which rely on heat from an engine's exhaust system in order to achieve oxidation are frequently referred to as “passive” catalytic devises. Other systems may incorporate fuel burners, electric heating elements, and fuel-borne additives which aid in attaining the temperatures at which oxidation occurs. Technologies which employ these types of components are often referred to as “active” catalytic devices. For purposes of eliminating potential confusion, it should be noted that some manufacturers define catalyzed diesel particulate filters which only contain precious metal catalysts as “active” devices, even though these devices rely solely upon the heat contained in an engine's exhaust to achieve oxidation. This classification usually occurs when the manufacturer also produces a diesel particulate filter which contains no catalyst, i.e. a device which is in all other ways similar to a catalyzed diesel particulate filter, however; the device relies solely upon the heating of its component base metal to achieve temperatures sufficient to initiate oxidation. Because exhaust temperatures are commonly required to exceed 500° C. for these non-catalyzed devices to affect oxidation, their widespread use is significantly restricted. The primary difference between catalyzed diesel particulate filters and diesel oxidation catalyst technologies is that catalyzed diesel particulate filter technologies physically trap and store particulate material—usually by using catalyzed ceramic, cordierite or silicon carbide wall flow monoliths, or ceramic fiber or ceramic cartridge filters. Once the particulate material becomes trapped, it is oxidized and particulate material emissions are reduced. Conversely, diesel oxidation catalyst technologies do not trap particulate material emissions. Rather, particulate materials “pass-through” the internal structures of these devices. When exhaust gases traverse the catalyst, carbon monoxide, gaseous hydrocarbons and liquid hydrocarbon particles are oxidized, thereby reducing total particulate material emissions. There are a number of other differences between catalyzed diesel particulate filters and diesel oxidation catalyst technologies as well. For example, catalyzed diesel particulate filters can achieve particulate material filtration rates of ≧90% given specific, controlled operating conditions. Moreover, catalyzed diesel particulate filters reduce each sub-category of particulate material (i.e. solid inorganic fractions, solid organic fraction and sulfate particulates). It is necessary to note however, the application and effectiveness of catalyzed diesel particulate filters technology is significantly constrained by the following limitations:Catalyzed diesel particulate filters are very expensive. The California Air Resources Board provides cost-range information for DPF's corresponding to the following engine capacitates:100 horsepower: US$5,000-US$7,000275 horsepower: US$6,900-US$9,000400 horsepower: US$10,000 average1,400 horsepower: US$32,000+Catalyzed diesel particulate filters are incapable of affecting particulate material emissions reductions when using fuels that exceed 150 ppm Sulfur.Catalyzed diesel particulate filters performance is adversely affected by insufficient operating temperatures.In less-than-optimal conditions, catalyzed diesel particulate filters are prone to clogging and failure. When failure occurs, the potential for engine damage or destruction is significant.Because catalyzed diesel particulate filters can create significant engine back pressure, expensive engine recalibrations are often required upon their installation.catalyzed diesel particulate filters often need to be equipped with expensive electronic back pressure monitoring devices, such as data loggers.Because passive catalyzed diesel particulate filters regeneration is entirely dependent on operating temperature, passive catalyzed diesel particulate filters do not work under “low load” conditions.“Active” components in catalyzed diesel particulate filter technologies significantly increase catalyzed diesel particulate filters unit price and complexity.Catalyzed diesel particulate filters do not work well on older engines.Catalyzed diesel particulate filters can become a source of hazardous zinc, sulfuric, calcium, and phosphorus ash particulate.Catalyzed diesel particulate filters can reduce engine performance.Catalyzed diesel particulate filters often produce fuel economy penalties. According to the United States Department of Energy (USDOE), fuel sulfur has significant effects on post-filter total particulate material emissions, and, as fuel sulfur levels increase, catalyzed diesel particulate filter reduction efficiencies decreases to a point where they actually becomes a source of particulate emissions when using fuels with sulfur concentrations ≧150 PPM. Tests conducted by the USDOE report that catalyzed diesel particulate filters that achieved 95% reductions of particulate material emissions when using fuels with 3 ppm sulfur concentrations had their filtration efficiencies reduced to only 74% when using fuels with 30 ppm sulfur concentrations. Further, these same devices were reduced to particulate material filtration rates of 0% to −3% when using fuels with 150 ppm sulfur concentrations, and they experienced total particulate material emissions increases of 122% to 155% when using fuels with sulfur concentrations ≧350 ppm. Moreover, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has stated that catalytic technologies can not work properly if there is sulfur in the fuel—and in some cases, sulfur in the fuel will render the catalytic filtration equipment and even the vehicle inoperable. By comparison, diesel oxidation catalyst technologies are generally less expensive than catalyzed diesel particulate filter technologies, and because diesel oxidation catalysts are “flow through”, instead of “wall flow” devises, they do not have the same propensity to create engine back pressure, clog and/or cause potential engine damage like their catalyzed diesel particulate filter counterparts. Diesel oxidation catalysts can achieve particulate material filtration rates between 19% and 50%. However, the application of diesel oxidation catalyst technology is constrained by the following:Diesel oxidation catalysts are too expensive for wide-spread application. The California Air Resources Board provides cost average information for diesel oxidation catalysts corresponding to the following engine capacitates:275 horsepower: US$2,100400 horsepower: US$20,000+The Everett School District in Washington state reported an average per-unit-cost of US$2,500 per DOC for each bus in its fleetDiesel oxidation catalyst reduction of total particulate material is significantly reduced when using fuels with high sulfur fuels.Diesel oxidation catalysts do not filter solid organic fraction sometimes called “dry”) particulate and dry particulates typically comprise the majority of total particulate material.Diesel oxidation catalysts do not work well on older engines.Diesel oxidation catalyst effectiveness is extremely dependent upon operating temperatures.When operating at higher temperatures, diesel oxidation catalysts oxidize sulfur oxides, and in doing so become generators of sulfuric acid. When this occurs, diesel oxidation catalysts create a net increase total particulate material emissions by increasing production of sulfate particulates at rates that offset soluble organic fraction reductions The University of Washington's Extension Energy Program has stated that diesel oxidation catalysts can oxidize sulfur dioxide to form sulfate particulates (sulfuric acid (H2SO4)). Therefore, high sulfur content fuels can increase total particulate emissions via the production of sulfuric acid, which can offset soluble organic fraction (sometimes called “wet” particulate material) reductions.” The United States Department of Energy has found statistically significant increases in particulate material with high sulfur fuel due almost exclusively to the increase in the SO4fraction of the total particulate material. At this high exhaust temperature (405° C. at catalyst inlet), the diesel oxidation catalyst accelerates the conversion of SO2to SO3, thereby increasing the SO4fraction of the particulate material. As expected, the effect is seen only with the higher sulfur (150 ppm and 350 ppm sulfur content) fuels. With the 350 ppm sulfur content fuel, post catalyst particulate material emissions were approximately 200% higher than those measured without an active catalyst. Despite the promoted efficiency of the methods and systems of the prior art, many are impracticable from the commercial point of view for the reasons set forth above. Moreover, the use of fuel with low concentration of sulphur (below 130 ppm) is an essential factor in the employment of catalytic regeneration filters. In Brazil and in the majority of the countries, the diesel is sold with 2000 ppm of sulphur. Therefore using the catalytic regeneration filters in diesel that contains more than 300 ppm of sulphur, turn the filters into a source of pollution. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The system and method described herein relate to a novel solution for the improved use of fuel and the treatment of gases emitted from diesel engines and, more specifically, the gases that are emitted through exhaust pipes of vehicles such as automobile vehicles and industrial equipment. An objective of the present invention is to reduce environmental pollution and, as a result, to improve the conditions of life, including the quality and quantity of the flora and fauna on the planet Earth. The emission of pollutant gases in the atmosphere has significantly contributed to contamination of the environment. There is an overwhelming demand for a solution capable of curbing the alarming effects caused by worldwide environmental degradation. The present invention provides a variety of ecologic and economic advantages. For example, because the present invention filters particulates and greatly reduces the amount of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and other gases produced by the combustion of fuel, this invention has direct effect in the improvement of the environment. This minimizes the damaging effects of the environmental phenomenon known as the “greenhouse effect” and improves the air quality in urban centers. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises an outer casing which may be divided into a lower portion and an upper portion, the lower portion of which is removably attachable to the exhaust system of a diesel engine; a carcass for holding a bobbin wherein the carcass is attached to the lower portion of the outer casing at the point where the exhaust enters the outer casing and the carcass has a beveled opening in a diagonal line in its proximal part and a bobbin positioned in its distal part; one or more fibrous blanket cylinders; and a guide for arranging and securing the one or more fibrous blanket cylinders within the outer casing. The fibrous blanket cylinders may be wrapped in a wire mesh. In an alternative embodiment, a second fibrous blanket formed into a cone with the larger diameter of the cone positioned proximally may be removably inserted in the carcass. Results from initial tests of one embodiment of the present invention show that the device filters up to 69% of total particulate matter at a cost that is significantly less than either catalyzed diesel particulate filters or diesel oxidation catalysts. Moreover, the device is extremely effective with high sulfur content fuels (i.e. greater than 500 ppm sulfur). The device performs effectively on older engines, does not create engine back pressure, does not reduce engine fuel economy, captures both wet and dry particulate matter, is extremely durable, is easy to install and maintain, lasts indefinitely, and does not produce hazardous sulfur, lead or zinc bi-products. In addition, the device is effective under both high and low load conditions and its efficacy is not affected by engine operating temperatures. In addition, the invention also reduces the level of noises emitted from the exhaust system by acting as a sound baffle, thereby reducing noise pollution. For all these reasons, and many others, the device and method of the present invention represents an innovation in the field of emission control. The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures or processes for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7682548

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is the U.S. national stage of International Application No. PCT/JP2004/10917, filed Jul. 30, 2004, which was published under PCT Article 21(2) as Publication No. WO2005/012398 and of which the instant application claims the benefit, which in turn claims the benefit of Japan Patent Application No. 2003-203536, filed Jul. 30, 2003. All these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirely. TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an injection molded article that includes a plant-derived material as a main component, crystallizes at a high rate, and has heat resistance. BACKGROUND ART Plastics have now widely penetrated into daily life and every field of industry; the global yearly production of plastics has reached about one hundred million tons. Most parts of the plastics are discarded after use, which has been recognized as a cause to disturb the global environment. Accordingly, materials that give no adverse effects on the global environment even after they are discarded are demanded. Further, petroleum and the like, which are raw materials for ordinary plastics, are exhaustive resources and therefore utilization of renewable resources is demanded. For example, plastics derived from plant raw materials can be obtained from renewable and non-exhaustive resources, so that the exhaustive resources such as petroleum can be saved, and in addition, after their use, they are biodegraded and naturalized, thus having excellent recyclability. Among the plastics derived from plant materials, lactic acid based resins can be mass-produced by chemical engineering from lactic acid obtained by fermentation of starch as a raw material and are excellent in transparence, rigidity, heat resistance and so on. Therefore, in particular, the lactic acid based resins have attracted much attention as a substitute material for polystyrene and polyethylene terephthalate in the fields of injection molded articles such as film packaging materials, white goods, OA appliances, and automobile parts. Injection molded articles for use in white goods, OA appliances, automobile parts and so on must have heat resistance to prevent fire. However, the lactic acid based resins have low glass transition temperatures and have poorer heat resistance than ABS resins, filler-contained polypropylene resins and the like. Therefore, the conventional lactic acid based resins have been difficult to use for white goods, OA appliances, and automobile parts. Composite materials composed of a biodegradable resin and a natural fiber to improve the heat resistance of biodegradable resins is known. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication No. H09-169897 discloses a biodegradable fiber-reinforced molded article in which, for example, a natural fiber is bound to an aliphatic polyester resin in a dispersed state. Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication No. 2002-146219 discloses production of a biodegradable composite material by mixing a natural fiber and fine particulate biodegradable resin and hot press molding the resultant mixture. However, these composite materials have insufficient heat resistance and may sometime cause a problem in their practical use. Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication No. H09-169897 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication No. 2002-146219 DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problem to be Solved by the Invention The present invention has been made with a view to solving the above-mentioned problems and it is an object of the present invention to provide an injection molded article that includes a plant-derived material as a main component, has excellent heat resistance, and crystallizes at a high rate. Means for Solving the Problem Under the circumstances, the inventors of the present invention have made extensive studies and as a result, the present invention that is highly effective has been accomplished. The injection molded article of the present invention includes a resin composition containing (A) a lactic acid based resin, and (B) a natural fiber that contains 40 mass % to 60 mass % of cellulose, 10 mass % to 30 mass % of lignin, in which the resin composition contains the lactic acid based resin (A) and the natural fiber (B) in a mass ratio of 99:1 to 70:30, and the lactic acid based resin (A) has a resin composition ratio of L-lactic acid:D-lactic acid=100:0 to 97:3, or L-lactic acid:D-lactic acid=0:100 to 3:97. Here, it is preferable that the resin composition has a crystallization heat peak temperature (Tc) of 100° C. or more. Further, the injection molded article can have a deflection temperature under load of 133° C. or more. The injection molded article of the present invention can be formed after kneading a coated substance, which is obtained by impregnating (dipping) the natural fiber (B) with (in) the lactic acid based resin (A), with the lactic acid based resin (A). Alternatively, the injection molded article of the present invention may be formed after kneading a coated substance, which is obtained by impregnating (dipping) the natural fiber (B) with (in) the lactic acid based resin (A) by draw molding, with the lactic acid resin (A). The pellets of the present invention include a resin composition containing (A) a lactic acid based resin, and (B) a natural fiber that contains 40 mass % to 60 mass % of cellulose, 10 mass % to 30 mass % of lignin, in which the resin composition contains the lactic acid based resin (A) and the natural fiber (B) in a mass ratio of 99:1 to 70:30, and the lactic acid based resin (A) has a resin composition ratio of L-lactic acid:D-lactic acid=100:0 to 97:3, or L-lactic acid:D-lactic acid=0:100 to 3:97. Here, the pellets can have an appearance that constituent components thereof are uniformly dispersed. The pellets of the present invention can be formed by kneading a coated substance, which is obtained by impregnating (dipping) the natural fiber (B) with (in) the lactic acid based resin (A), with the lactic acid based resin (A). The method of producing pellets of the present invention includes the steps of: impregnating (dipping) the natural fiber (B) with (in) the lactic acid based resin (A); and adding the lactic acid based resin (A) to the resultant of the impregnating (dipping) step and kneading the resultant mixture. Another method of producing pellets of the present invention includes the steps of: impregnating (dipping) the natural fiber (B) with (in) the lactic acid based resin by drawing to form coated pellets; and adding the lactic acid based resin (A) to the coated pellets and kneading the resultant mixture. The method of producing an injection molded article according to the present invention includes the steps of: impregnating (dipping) the natural fiber (B) with (in) the lactic acid based resin by drawing to form coated pellets; adding the lactic acid based resin (A) to the coated pellets and kneading the resultant mixture; and forming an injection molded article from the kneaded pellets. According to the present invention, an injection molded article that includes a plant-derived material as a main component, has excellent heat resistance, and crystallizes at a high rate can be obtained by using a resin composition that contains a lactic acid based resin and other components and is blended with a natural fiber that contains a predetermined amount of lignin. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, the present invention is explained. The injection molded article of the present invention includes a resin composition containing (A) a lactic acid based resin, and (B) a natural fiber that contains 40 mass % to 60 mass % of cellulose, 10 mass % to 30 mass % of lignin. In this case, the resin composition must contain the lactic acid based resin (A) and the natural fiber (B) in a mass ratio of 99:1 to 70:30, and preferably 95:5 to 80:20. If the content of the natural fiber (B) is lower than 1 mass %, the effect of improving the heat resistance and crystallization rate is poor while if the content of the natural fiber (B) is higher than 30 mass %, the resultant injection molded article has a decreased impact strength and therefore causes a problem in practical use. Examples of the natural fiber (B) that contains 40 mass % to 60 mass % of cellulose, 10 mass % to 30 mass % of lignin include natural fibers such as kenaf, bamboo, and bagasse that contain 40 mass % to 60 mass % of cellulose, 10 mass % to 30 mass % of lignin. The blended natural fiber containing cellulose and lignin in this manner can bring about a crystallization promoting effect and excellent heat resistance as a result of synergism between the increase in modulus of elasticity due to crystallization and the reinforcement with fibers. When less than 40 mass % of cellulose or less than 10 mass % of lignin is used, crystallization is not promoted and practically satisfactory heat resistance cannot be obtained although the effect of improvement of heat resistance as a result of reinforcement with the fiber can be expected. On the other hand, when more than 60 mass % of cellulose is used, the fiber undergoes thermal deterioration to cause discoloration or a decrease in strength while with more than 30 mass % of lignin, appearance failure occurs due to bleeding of low molecular weight: substances or the like. The lactic acid based resins (A) used in the present invention include poly(L-lactic acid) whose structural unit is L-lactic acid, poly(D-lactic acid) whose structural unit is D-lactic acid, poly(DL-lactic acid) whose structural units are L-lactic acid and D-lactic acid, and mixtures thereof. Here, the compositional ratio of D-lactic acid (D-form) and L-lactic acid (L-form) of a lactic acid based resin is L-form:D-form=100:0 to 97:3, or L-form:D-form=0:100 to 3:97. Outside the above-mentioned range of the compositional ratio of the L-form to the D-form, it is difficult for the molded articles to exhibit heat resistance and thus the molded articles can be used in only limited applications. In consideration of availability and other factors, it is preferable that the compositional ratio of the L-form to the D-form be L-form:D-form=99.5:0.5 to 97:3, or L-form:D-form=0.5:99.5. to 3:97. Polymerization methods that can be used for polymerizing lactic acid based resins include known methods such as a polycondensation method and a ring opening polymerization method. For example, in the polycondensation method, L-lactic acid, D-lactic acid, or mixtures of these can be directly subjected to dehydropolycondensation to obtain lactic acid based resins having any desired compositions. Moreover, in the ring opening polymerization method, from a lactide, which is cyclic dimers of lactic acid, a ractic acid based resin can be obtained by selecting an appropriate catalyst and optionally using a modifier. The lactide include L-lactide, which is a dimer of L-lactic acid, D-lactide, which is a dimer of D-lactide, and DL-lactide, which is a dimer consisting of L-lactic acid and D-lactic acid. This lactide can be polymerized optionally after mixing as necessary to obtain lactic acid based resins having any desired compositions and any desired crystallinities. Further, where necessary, for example, to improve the heat resistance of the resultant lactic acid based resin, a small amount of a copolymerizable component can be added to the composition to be polymerized. Examples of the small amount copolymerizable component that can be used include non-aliphatic dicarboxylic acids such as terephthalic acid and/or non-aliphatic diols such as ethylene oxide adducts of bisphenol A. Furthermore, with a view to increasing the molecular weight of the resultant lactic acid based resin, a small amount of a chain extender, for example, a diisocyanate compound, an epoxy compound, and an acid anhydride can be used. The lactic acid based resins may be copolymers of any one of the lactic acids and/or with another hydroxycarboxylic acid unit, such as α-hydroxycarboxylic acid other than the lactic acids or with an aliphatic diol and/or an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid. Examples of the other hydroxycarboxylic acid unit include difunctional aliphatic hydroxycarboxylic acids such as optical isomers of lactic acid (D-lactic acid for L-lactic acid, or L-lactic acid for D-lactic acid), glycolic acid, 3-hydroxybutyric acid, 4-hydroxybutyric acid, 2-hydroxy-n-butyric acid, 2-hydroxy-3,3-dimethylbutyric acid, 2-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid, and 2-hydroxycapric acid; and lactones such as caprolactone, butyrolactone, and valerolactone. The aliphatic diols that are copolymerized with the lactic acid based resins include, for example, ethylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol. The aliphatic dicarboxylic acids include, for example, succinic acid, adipic acid, suberic acid, sebacic acid, and dodecanedioic acid. The copolymers may have any structure and include, for example, a random copolymer, a block copolymer, and graft copolymer. In particular, from the viewpoints of the effect of improving their impact strength and of the transparence thereof, block copolymers are preferable. Assuming that a polylactic acid segment is named A, and, for example, a diol dicarboxylic acid segment is named B, formation of typically an ABA block copolymer can give rise to a polymer having both transparence and impact strength. In this case, it is preferable that the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the segment B be 0° C. or less in order for the resin to exhibit impact strength. The lactic acid-based resin has a weight average molecular weight within the range of, preferably 50,000 to 400,000, more preferably 100,000 to 250,000. When the lactic acid-based resin has a weight average molecular weight of below 50,000, it shows substantially no practically useful physical properties such as mechanical properties, heat resistance and so like while the resin has a weight average molecular weight of above 400,000, it sometimes has too high a melt viscosity to be suitably molded. Typical examples of the lactic acid based resins that can be preferably used in the present invention include among others “NATURE WORKS” series resins manufactured by Cargill Dow as commercially available resins. In the present invention, an aliphatic polyester and/or an aromatic aliphatic polyester, having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 0° C. or less can be mixed with the lactic acid based resin. Preferably, the mixing amount of these polyesters is within the range of 5 to 50 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the lactate base resin. As stated above, when mixed with the aliphatic polyester and the like having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 0° C. or less, the lactic acid based resin can have impact strength. When the aliphatic polyester has a glass transition temperature (Tg) of above 0° C., the effect of improving the impact strength of the lactic acid based resin becomes poor. Examples of the aliphatic polyester having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 0° C. or less that can be used in the present invention include aliphatic polyesters other than the lactate resin, for example, aliphatic polyesters obtained by condensing aliphatic diols with aliphatic dicarboxylic acids, and aliphatic polyesters obtained by ring-opening polymerization of cyclic lactones. The above-mentioned “aliphatic polyesters obtained by condensing aliphatic diols with aliphatic dicarboxylic acids” include those obtained by condensing at least one aliphatic diol with at least one aliphatic dicarboxylic acid each selected from the aliphatic diols and aliphatic dicarboxylic acids set forth below. Jump up of the aliphatic polyesters with isocyanates, epoxy compounds, etc. as necessary can give rise to desired polymers (high molecular weight polymers). In the present invention, it is preferable that such aliphatic polyesters are biodegradable. Typical examples of the aliphatic diols used herein include ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol. Typical examples of the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid include succinic acid, adipic acid, suberic acid, sebacic acid, and dodecanedioic acid. The above-mentioned “aliphatic polyesters obtained by ring-opening polymerization of cyclic lactones” include those obtained by polymerization of at least one cyclic monomer such as ε-caprolactone, δ-valerolactone, and β-methyl-δ-valerolactone. The aromatic aliphatic polyesters that can be used in the present invention include those obtained by introducing aromatic rings between the aliphatic chains of aliphatic polyester to decrease the crystallinity of the polymer. The aromatic aliphatic polyesters can be obtained, for example, by condensing an aromatic dicarboxylic acid component, an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid component, and an aliphatic diol component. Examples of the aromatic dicarboxylic component include terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, and naphthalenedicarboxylic acid. Examples of the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid component include succinic acid, adipic acid, suberic acid, sebacic acid, and dodecanedioic acid. The aliphatic diol components include, for example, ethylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol. Two or more each of the aromatic dicarboxylic component, the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid component, and the aliphatic diol component can be used. In the present invention, the aromatic dicarboxylic acid component that is most suitably used is terephthalic acid; the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid component that is most suitably used is adipic acid; and the aliphatic diol component that is most suitably used is 1,4-butanediol. The aliphatic polyesters other than the above-mentioned lactic acid based resins include copolymers of succinic acid, 1,4-butanediol, and adipic acid; and the aromatic-aliphatic polyesters include copolymers of tetramethylene adipate and terephthalate, and copolymers of polybutylene adipate and terephthalate. Specific examples of the aliphatic polyesters other than the lactic acid based resins and of the aromatic-aliphatic polyesters that are commercially available include “BIONOLE” series resins manufactured by Showa Highpolymer Co., Ltd. obtained by polymerization of succinic acid, 1,4-butanediol, and adipic acid; “CELL GREEN” series resins manufactured by Daicel Chemical Industry and “ENPOLE” series resins manufactured by Ire Chemical, both being obtained by ring opening condensation of ε-caprolactone; “EASTAR BIO” manufactured by Eastman Chemical obtained as a copolymer of tetramethylene adipate and terephphalate; “ECOFLEX F” manufactured by BASF as a copolymer of polybutylene adipate and terephthalate As stated above, the resin compositions used for forming the injection molded articles of the present invention may include copolymers of lactic acid based resins and copolymers of diols and dicarboxylic acids. Alternatively, such resin compositions may include the aliphatic polyesters other than the lactic acid based resins and/or the aromatic aliphatic polyesters. In the present invention, the lactic acid based resin (A) and the natural fiber (B) must be mixed in proportions within the range of 99:1 to 70:3 by mass ratio. The lactic acid based resins may include the above-mentioned copolymers, the aliphatic polyesters, and/or the aromatic-aliphatic polyesters. That is, when aliphatic polyesters having a glass transition temperature of 0° C. or less, and/or aromatic-aliphatic polyesters are to be mixed, the mass of the lactic acid based resin is defined as the sum of the mass of the lactic acid based resin and the mass of each of the above-mentioned additional components and hence this total mass of all the components must be within the mixing amount of the lactic acid based resin (A). In the present invention, it is preferable that the coated substance obtained by impregnating the natural fiber with the lactic acid based resin by drawing (pultruding) be further mixed with the lactic acid based resin and kneaded before the coated substance is subjected to injection molding. Here, preferably, the coated substance obtained by impregnating the natural fiber with the lactic acid based resin is pelletized to form coated pellets in advance. Here, it is also preferable that the coated substance pellets be kneaded with the lactic acid based resin and pelletized to form pellets in advance. In the pellets, the constituents appear to be dispersed uniformly with the unassisted eye. The kneading an be performed by using a unidirectional twin-screw extruder. Incidentally, when stored for a long period of time, injection molded articles could cause hydrolysis due to steam in air or moisture from outside, which could lead to a decrease in the mechanical strength thereof. In the present invention, to increase the durability of the injection molded articles, the injection molded articles may further contain (C) a hydrolysis preventing agent. Here, the blending amount of the hydrolysis preventing agent (C) is preferably 0.1 to 5.0 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the total mass of the lactic acid based resin (A) and the natural fiber (B). When the amount of the hydrolysis preventing agent (C) to be added is 0.1 parts by mass or more and 5.0 parts by mass or less, the injection molded articles can be imparted with sufficient durability without deteriorating the biodegradability thereof, or without bleeding of the hydrolysis preventing agent, thus causing neither appearance failure nor decrease in mechanical properties due to plasticization. The hydrolysis preventing agent that can be used in the present invention include, for example, epoxy compounds, isocyanate compounds, acid anhydrides, oxazoline compounds, and melamine compounds. Among these, carbodiimide compounds are preferably used. Particularly preferable carbodiimide compounds that can be used in the present invention have a structural unit represented by the following general formula: —(N═C═N—R—)n— wherein R represents an organic bonding unit, which can be, for example, aliphatic, alicyclic or aromatic; n is an integer of 1 or more which is usually selected appropriately from the range between 1 and 50. When n is 2 or more, two or more R's may be the same or different. Specific examples of the carbodiimide compound include bis(dipropylphenyl) carbodiimide, poly(4,4′-diphenylmethane carbodiimide), poly(p-phenylene carbodiimide), poly(m-phenylene carbodiimide), poly(tolylcarbodiimide), poly(diisopropylphenylene carbodiimide), poly(methyl-diisopropylephenylene carbodiimide), and poly(triisopropylphenylene carbodiimide) as well as monomers of thereof. The carbodiimide compounds may be used alone or as combinations of two or more of them. The carbodiimide compounds used in the present invention are preferably aromatic carbodiimide compounds. Although aliphatic carbodiimide compounds have sufficient anti-hydrolysis properties imparting effects, the aromatic carbodiimide compounds can impart anti-hydrolysis properties more effectively than the aliphatic carbodiimide compounds. Specific examples of the carbodiimide compound include “STABAKZOL” manufactured by Rhein Chemie, and “CARBODILITE” manufactured by Nisshinbo Industries, Inc. In the present invention, additives such as heat stabilizers, nucleating agents, antioxidants, UV absorbents, light stabilizers, lubricants, pigments, dyes and plasticizers can be added to the resin composition used for forming the injection molded articles as far as the effects given by the present invention are not deteriorated. In the present invention, by the term “the crystallization heat peak temperature (Tc)” is meant a temperature measured by differential scanning calorimetry at which a peak of crystallization comes into existence in a process of temperature drop of a sample when the sample is kept at 200° C. for 2 minutes and then the temperature is dropped to 40° C. under the condition of 10° C./min. In the present invention, the crystallization heat peak temperature (Tc) of the resin composition for forming injection molded articles is preferably 100° C. or more, more preferably 110° C. or more. When the crystallization heat peak temperature is 100° C. or more, the crystallization speed is high, so that the crystallization proceeds in a short time in the mold when injection molding the resin composition. Also, when the crystallization is performed after the resin composition is taken out from the mold after molding, the crystallization proceeds in a short time, so that injection molded articles can be obtained efficiently. In the present invention, the injection molded article preferably has a deflection temperature under load of 133° C. or more, and more preferably 140° C. or more. When the injection molded article has a deflection temperature under load of 133° C. or more, it can be advantageously used for daily commodities and food containers and soon of which heat resistance is desired while when the injection molded article has a deflection temperature under load of 140° C. or more, it can be advantageously used for electric and electronic parts and automobile parts and so on. The injection molded articles of the present invention preferably have a flexural modulus at 80° C. of 800 MPa or more, more preferably 860 MPa or more. By blending the lactic acid based resin (A) with the component (B), i.e., the natural fiber that contains 40 mass % to 60 mass % of cellulose, 10 mass % to 30 mass % of lignin in appropriate amounts, the flexural modulus of the injection molded articles can be increased, so that they can be used for applications of which heat resistance is required. Now, the method of forming the injection molded articles according to the present invention is explained. The injection molded articles of the present invention can be formed by a method that includes forming pellets of a coated substance from the coated substance obtained by impregnating a natural fiber with a lactic acid based resin by drawing; extruding the pellets of the coated substance, the lactic acid based resin, and optionally one or more other additives using a twin-screw extruder into strands to prepare pellets in advance; charging the prepared pellets in an injection molding machine and performing injection molding. Alternatively, the injection molded articles of the present invention can be formed by another method that includes charging the lactic acid based resin and the natural fiber and optional additives in a twin-screw extruder, directly kneading the mixture and injection molding the kneaded mixture. In the present invention, the former method, that is, the method in which after the pellets of the coated substance are formed by drawing, the obtained pellets are kneaded with the lactic acid based resin is preferable. By impregnating the natural fiber with the lactic acid based resin by drawing, the feed failure due to the high bulk density of the fiber is alleviated and when the impregnated natural fiber is kneaded in the twin-screw extruder, the dispersibility of the natural fiber is further increased, so that the effect of improving heat resistance and crystallization rate of the injection molded article can be exhibited maximally. Since the lactic acid based resin is susceptible to hydrolysis when melt molding, it is preferable that the lactic acid based resin be dried or passed through a vacuum vent extrusion process in advance. The injection molding method that can be used in the present invention include, for example, various injection molding methods, such as a method that is generally adopted when thermoplastic resins are molded, a gas-assisted molding method, an injection compression molding method and so on. In addition, depending on the purposes, molding methods other than those described above can be used. For example, an in-mold molding method, a gas-press molding method, two-color molding methods, sandwich molding methods, PUSH-PULL, and SCORIM, can be adopted. However, the injection molding method that can be used in the present invention is not limited thereto. The injection molding apparatus includes a generally used injection molding machine, a gas-assisted molding machine, an injection compression molding machine or the like and a mold used for the injection molding machine and accessory devices, a mold temperature controlling apparatus, a material drying apparatus and so on. Preferably, molding conditions are set so as to avoid thermal degradation of the resin in the injection cylinder such that molding is performed at a molten resin temperature within the range of 170° C. to 210° C. In the case where the injection molded articles are to be obtained in an amorphous state, the temperature of the mold is preferably as low as possible in order to shorten a cooling time in the molding cycle (mold closure-injection-pressure maintenance-cooling-mold opening-taking out). It is preferable that the temperature of the mold be set generally 15° C. to 55° C. It is also desirable to use a chiller. However, to suppress, for example, shrinkage, curl, and deformation of the molded product after post-crystallization, it is preferable to set the temperature of the mold to a higher-temperature side in the range of 15° C. to 55° C. The molded articles obtained by injection molding may be heat-treated to crystallize them. By crystallizing the molded articles in this manner, the heat resistance of the molded articles can be further increased. The crystallization treatment can be performed in the mold at the time of molding, and/or after taking out the molded articles from the mold. From the viewpoint of the productivity, it is preferable to perform the crystallization treatment after the molded article is taken out from the mold when the crystallization rate of the resin composition that constitutes the injection molded article is low. On the other hand, when the crystallization rate of the resin composition is high, the crystallization treatment may be performed while the injection molded article is in the mold. In the case where the crystallization is allowed to occur in the mold, molten resin is filled in a heated mold and kept in the mold for a predetermined time. The temperature of the mold is in the range of, preferably 80° C. to 130° C., more preferably 90° C. to 120° C. The cooling time in which the injection molded article is cooled is preferably 1 to 300 seconds, more preferably 5 to 30 seconds. When the injection molded article is subjected to crystallization treatment within the above-mentioned temperature range and cooling time, the injection molded article can have a further improved heat resistance. When the crystallization is allowed to proceed after the molded article is taken out from the mold, the mold temperature is preferably 60° C. to 130° C., more preferably 70° C. to 90° C. When the mold temperature is lower than 60° C., in some cases no crystallization proceeds in the molding step. On the other hand, when the mold temperature is higher than 130° C., deformation or shrinkage may occur when the molded product is cooled. The heating time can be determined appropriately depending on the composition of the resin that constitutes the injection molded article and the temperature of heat treatment. For example, when the temperature of the heat treatment is 70° C., it is preferable to perform the heat treatment for 15 minutes to 5 hours. On the other hand, when the temperature of the heat treatment is 130° C., it is preferable to perform the heat treatment for 10 seconds to 30 minutes. Methods by which the molded product is crystallized include a method that includes performing injection molding using a mold that is heated to a predetermined temperature and causing crystallization the resultant as it is in the mold, a method that includes and increasing the temperature of the mold after the injection molding to cause crystallization in the mold, a method that includes crystallization by using hot air, steam, warm water, a far infrared ray heater, an IH heater or the like after taking the injection molded article out of the mold, and so on. At the time of heat treatment, the injection molded article does not have to be fixed. However, to prevent deformation of the molded product, it is preferable to fix the molded product by using a metal mold or a resin mold. Also, taking productivity into consideration, it is preferable that the molded products be heat-treated in a wrapped state. Since the injection molded articles of the present invention has excellent heat resistance and excellent crystallization rate, they can be advantageously used as electric and electronic parts, automobile parts, daily commodities, food containers and other general injection molded articles of which heat resistance is required. Hereinafter, the present invention is described in more detail by referring to examples. However, the present invention should not be considered to be limited thereto and various modifications and variations can be made within the technical scope of the present invention. In the examples and comparative examples, various properties were evaluated by the following methods. (1) Deflection Temperature Under Load (Heat Resistance) A sample with a length (L) of 120 mm, a width (W) of 11 mm, and a thickness (t) of 3 mm was prepared according to JIS K-7191 and measured for deflection temperature under load (HDT) using a deflection temperature under load tester (“S-3M” manufactured by Toyo Seiki Co., Ltd.). The measurements were performed under the conditions of flat-wise direction and under bending stress of 45.1 N/cm2. (2) Flexural Modulus (Rigidity) A sample with a length (L) of 80 mm, a width (W) of 10 mm, and a thickness (t) of 4 mm was prepared according to JIS K-7171 and measured for flexural modulus at 80° C. using a precision universal material testing machine “MODEL 2010” manufactured by Intesco Co., Ltd. (3) Crystallization Heat Peak Temperature About 10 mg of scales were scraped out of each injection molded article to obtain samples. Each sample was measured for temperature drop according to JISK-7121 using a differential scanning calorimeter “DSC-7” manufactured by Perkin-Elmer. Each injection molded article sample was heated at 200° C. for 2 minutes to melt it. Thereafter, the temperature was dropped under the condition of 10° C./min and measurement was performed. The temperature at which crystallization peak was observed in this temperature drop process was defined to be a crystallization heat peak temperature.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is the U.S. national stage of International Application No. PCT/JP2004/10917, filed Jul. 30, 2004, which was published under PCT Article 21(2) as Publication No. WO2005/012398 and of which the instant application claims the benefit, which in turn claims the benefit of Japan Patent Application No. 2003-203536, filed Jul. 30, 2003. All these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirely. TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an injection molded article that includes a plant-derived material as a main component, crystallizes at a high rate, and has heat resistance. BACKGROUND ART Plastics have now widely penetrated into daily life and every field of industry; the global yearly production of plastics has reached about one hundred million tons. Most parts of the plastics are discarded after use, which has been recognized as a cause to disturb the global environment. Accordingly, materials that give no adverse effects on the global environment even after they are discarded are demanded. Further, petroleum and the like, which are raw materials for ordinary plastics, are exhaustive resources and therefore utilization of renewable resources is demanded. For example, plastics derived from plant raw materials can be obtained from renewable and non-exhaustive resources, so that the exhaustive resources such as petroleum can be saved, and in addition, after their use, they are biodegraded and naturalized, thus having excellent recyclability. Among the plastics derived from plant materials, lactic acid based resins can be mass-produced by chemical engineering from lactic acid obtained by fermentation of starch as a raw material and are excellent in transparence, rigidity, heat resistance and so on. Therefore, in particular, the lactic acid based resins have attracted much attention as a substitute material for polystyrene and polyethylene terephthalate in the fields of injection molded articles such as film packaging materials, white goods, OA appliances, and automobile parts. Injection molded articles for use in white goods, OA appliances, automobile parts and so on must have heat resistance to prevent fire. However, the lactic acid based resins have low glass transition temperatures and have poorer heat resistance than ABS resins, filler-contained polypropylene resins and the like. Therefore, the conventional lactic acid based resins have been difficult to use for white goods, OA appliances, and automobile parts. Composite materials composed of a biodegradable resin and a natural fiber to improve the heat resistance of biodegradable resins is known. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication No. H09-169897 discloses a biodegradable fiber-reinforced molded article in which, for example, a natural fiber is bound to an aliphatic polyester resin in a dispersed state. Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication No. 2002-146219 discloses production of a biodegradable composite material by mixing a natural fiber and fine particulate biodegradable resin and hot press molding the resultant mixture. However, these composite materials have insufficient heat resistance and may sometime cause a problem in their practical use. Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication No. H09-169897 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication No. 2002-146219 DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problem to be Solved by the Invention The present invention has been made with a view to solving the above-mentioned problems and it is an object of the present invention to provide an injection molded article that includes a plant-derived material as a main component, has excellent heat resistance, and crystallizes at a high rate. Means for Solving the Problem Under the circumstances, the inventors of the present invention have made extensive studies and as a result, the present invention that is highly effective has been accomplished. The injection molded article of the present invention includes a resin composition containing (A) a lactic acid based resin, and (B) a natural fiber that contains 40 mass % to 60 mass % of cellulose, 10 mass % to 30 mass % of lignin, in which the resin composition contains the lactic acid based resin (A) and the natural fiber (B) in a mass ratio of 99:1 to 70:30, and the lactic acid based resin (A) has a resin composition ratio of L-lactic acid:D-lactic acid=100:0 to 97:3, or L-lactic acid:D-lactic acid=0:100 to 3:97. Here, it is preferable that the resin composition has a crystallization heat peak temperature (Tc) of 100° C. or more. Further, the injection molded article can have a deflection temperature under load of 133° C. or more. The injection molded article of the present invention can be formed after kneading a coated substance, which is obtained by impregnating (dipping) the natural fiber (B) with (in) the lactic acid based resin (A), with the lactic acid based resin (A). Alternatively, the injection molded article of the present invention may be formed after kneading a coated substance, which is obtained by impregnating (dipping) the natural fiber (B) with (in) the lactic acid based resin (A) by draw molding, with the lactic acid resin (A). The pellets of the present invention include a resin composition containing (A) a lactic acid based resin, and (B) a natural fiber that contains 40 mass % to 60 mass % of cellulose, 10 mass % to 30 mass % of lignin, in which the resin composition contains the lactic acid based resin (A) and the natural fiber (B) in a mass ratio of 99:1 to 70:30, and the lactic acid based resin (A) has a resin composition ratio of L-lactic acid:D-lactic acid=100:0 to 97:3, or L-lactic acid:D-lactic acid=0:100 to 3:97. Here, the pellets can have an appearance that constituent components thereof are uniformly dispersed. The pellets of the present invention can be formed by kneading a coated substance, which is obtained by impregnating (dipping) the natural fiber (B) with (in) the lactic acid based resin (A), with the lactic acid based resin (A). The method of producing pellets of the present invention includes the steps of: impregnating (dipping) the natural fiber (B) with (in) the lactic acid based resin (A); and adding the lactic acid based resin (A) to the resultant of the impregnating (dipping) step and kneading the resultant mixture. Another method of producing pellets of the present invention includes the steps of: impregnating (dipping) the natural fiber (B) with (in) the lactic acid based resin by drawing to form coated pellets; and adding the lactic acid based resin (A) to the coated pellets and kneading the resultant mixture. The method of producing an injection molded article according to the present invention includes the steps of: impregnating (dipping) the natural fiber (B) with (in) the lactic acid based resin by drawing to form coated pellets; adding the lactic acid based resin (A) to the coated pellets and kneading the resultant mixture; and forming an injection molded article from the kneaded pellets. According to the present invention, an injection molded article that includes a plant-derived material as a main component, has excellent heat resistance, and crystallizes at a high rate can be obtained by using a resin composition that contains a lactic acid based resin and other components and is blended with a natural fiber that contains a predetermined amount of lignin. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, the present invention is explained. The injection molded article of the present invention includes a resin composition containing (A) a lactic acid based resin, and (B) a natural fiber that contains 40 mass % to 60 mass % of cellulose, 10 mass % to 30 mass % of lignin. In this case, the resin composition must contain the lactic acid based resin (A) and the natural fiber (B) in a mass ratio of 99:1 to 70:30, and preferably 95:5 to 80:20. If the content of the natural fiber (B) is lower than 1 mass %, the effect of improving the heat resistance and crystallization rate is poor while if the content of the natural fiber (B) is higher than 30 mass %, the resultant injection molded article has a decreased impact strength and therefore causes a problem in practical use. Examples of the natural fiber (B) that contains 40 mass % to 60 mass % of cellulose, 10 mass % to 30 mass % of lignin include natural fibers such as kenaf, bamboo, and bagasse that contain 40 mass % to 60 mass % of cellulose, 10 mass % to 30 mass % of lignin. The blended natural fiber containing cellulose and lignin in this manner can bring about a crystallization promoting effect and excellent heat resistance as a result of synergism between the increase in modulus of elasticity due to crystallization and the reinforcement with fibers. When less than 40 mass % of cellulose or less than 10 mass % of lignin is used, crystallization is not promoted and practically satisfactory heat resistance cannot be obtained although the effect of improvement of heat resistance as a result of reinforcement with the fiber can be expected. On the other hand, when more than 60 mass % of cellulose is used, the fiber undergoes thermal deterioration to cause discoloration or a decrease in strength while with more than 30 mass % of lignin, appearance failure occurs due to bleeding of low molecular weight: substances or the like. The lactic acid based resins (A) used in the present invention include poly(L-lactic acid) whose structural unit is L-lactic acid, poly(D-lactic acid) whose structural unit is D-lactic acid, poly(DL-lactic acid) whose structural units are L-lactic acid and D-lactic acid, and mixtures thereof. Here, the compositional ratio of D-lactic acid (D-form) and L-lactic acid (L-form) of a lactic acid based resin is L-form:D-form=100:0 to 97:3, or L-form:D-form=0:100 to 3:97. Outside the above-mentioned range of the compositional ratio of the L-form to the D-form, it is difficult for the molded articles to exhibit heat resistance and thus the molded articles can be used in only limited applications. In consideration of availability and other factors, it is preferable that the compositional ratio of the L-form to the D-form be L-form:D-form=99.5:0.5 to 97:3, or L-form:D-form=0.5:99.5. to 3:97. Polymerization methods that can be used for polymerizing lactic acid based resins include known methods such as a polycondensation method and a ring opening polymerization method. For example, in the polycondensation method, L-lactic acid, D-lactic acid, or mixtures of these can be directly subjected to dehydropolycondensation to obtain lactic acid based resins having any desired compositions. Moreover, in the ring opening polymerization method, from a lactide, which is cyclic dimers of lactic acid, a ractic acid based resin can be obtained by selecting an appropriate catalyst and optionally using a modifier. The lactide include L-lactide, which is a dimer of L-lactic acid, D-lactide, which is a dimer of D-lactide, and DL-lactide, which is a dimer consisting of L-lactic acid and D-lactic acid. This lactide can be polymerized optionally after mixing as necessary to obtain lactic acid based resins having any desired compositions and any desired crystallinities. Further, where necessary, for example, to improve the heat resistance of the resultant lactic acid based resin, a small amount of a copolymerizable component can be added to the composition to be polymerized. Examples of the small amount copolymerizable component that can be used include non-aliphatic dicarboxylic acids such as terephthalic acid and/or non-aliphatic diols such as ethylene oxide adducts of bisphenol A. Furthermore, with a view to increasing the molecular weight of the resultant lactic acid based resin, a small amount of a chain extender, for example, a diisocyanate compound, an epoxy compound, and an acid anhydride can be used. The lactic acid based resins may be copolymers of any one of the lactic acids and/or with another hydroxycarboxylic acid unit, such as α-hydroxycarboxylic acid other than the lactic acids or with an aliphatic diol and/or an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid. Examples of the other hydroxycarboxylic acid unit include difunctional aliphatic hydroxycarboxylic acids such as optical isomers of lactic acid (D-lactic acid for L-lactic acid, or L-lactic acid for D-lactic acid), glycolic acid, 3-hydroxybutyric acid, 4-hydroxybutyric acid, 2-hydroxy-n-butyric acid, 2-hydroxy-3,3-dimethylbutyric acid, 2-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid, and 2-hydroxycapric acid; and lactones such as caprolactone, butyrolactone, and valerolactone. The aliphatic diols that are copolymerized with the lactic acid based resins include, for example, ethylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol. The aliphatic dicarboxylic acids include, for example, succinic acid, adipic acid, suberic acid, sebacic acid, and dodecanedioic acid. The copolymers may have any structure and include, for example, a random copolymer, a block copolymer, and graft copolymer. In particular, from the viewpoints of the effect of improving their impact strength and of the transparence thereof, block copolymers are preferable. Assuming that a polylactic acid segment is named A, and, for example, a diol dicarboxylic acid segment is named B, formation of typically an ABA block copolymer can give rise to a polymer having both transparence and impact strength. In this case, it is preferable that the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the segment B be 0° C. or less in order for the resin to exhibit impact strength. The lactic acid-based resin has a weight average molecular weight within the range of, preferably 50,000 to 400,000, more preferably 100,000 to 250,000. When the lactic acid-based resin has a weight average molecular weight of below 50,000, it shows substantially no practically useful physical properties such as mechanical properties, heat resistance and so like while the resin has a weight average molecular weight of above 400,000, it sometimes has too high a melt viscosity to be suitably molded. Typical examples of the lactic acid based resins that can be preferably used in the present invention include among others “NATURE WORKS” series resins manufactured by Cargill Dow as commercially available resins. In the present invention, an aliphatic polyester and/or an aromatic aliphatic polyester, having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 0° C. or less can be mixed with the lactic acid based resin. Preferably, the mixing amount of these polyesters is within the range of 5 to 50 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the lactate base resin. As stated above, when mixed with the aliphatic polyester and the like having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 0° C. or less, the lactic acid based resin can have impact strength. When the aliphatic polyester has a glass transition temperature (Tg) of above 0° C., the effect of improving the impact strength of the lactic acid based resin becomes poor. Examples of the aliphatic polyester having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 0° C. or less that can be used in the present invention include aliphatic polyesters other than the lactate resin, for example, aliphatic polyesters obtained by condensing aliphatic diols with aliphatic dicarboxylic acids, and aliphatic polyesters obtained by ring-opening polymerization of cyclic lactones. The above-mentioned “aliphatic polyesters obtained by condensing aliphatic diols with aliphatic dicarboxylic acids” include those obtained by condensing at least one aliphatic diol with at least one aliphatic dicarboxylic acid each selected from the aliphatic diols and aliphatic dicarboxylic acids set forth below. Jump up of the aliphatic polyesters with isocyanates, epoxy compounds, etc. as necessary can give rise to desired polymers (high molecular weight polymers). In the present invention, it is preferable that such aliphatic polyesters are biodegradable. Typical examples of the aliphatic diols used herein include ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol. Typical examples of the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid include succinic acid, adipic acid, suberic acid, sebacic acid, and dodecanedioic acid. The above-mentioned “aliphatic polyesters obtained by ring-opening polymerization of cyclic lactones” include those obtained by polymerization of at least one cyclic monomer such as ε-caprolactone, δ-valerolactone, and β-methyl-δ-valerolactone. The aromatic aliphatic polyesters that can be used in the present invention include those obtained by introducing aromatic rings between the aliphatic chains of aliphatic polyester to decrease the crystallinity of the polymer. The aromatic aliphatic polyesters can be obtained, for example, by condensing an aromatic dicarboxylic acid component, an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid component, and an aliphatic diol component. Examples of the aromatic dicarboxylic component include terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, and naphthalenedicarboxylic acid. Examples of the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid component include succinic acid, adipic acid, suberic acid, sebacic acid, and dodecanedioic acid. The aliphatic diol components include, for example, ethylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol. Two or more each of the aromatic dicarboxylic component, the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid component, and the aliphatic diol component can be used. In the present invention, the aromatic dicarboxylic acid component that is most suitably used is terephthalic acid; the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid component that is most suitably used is adipic acid; and the aliphatic diol component that is most suitably used is 1,4-butanediol. The aliphatic polyesters other than the above-mentioned lactic acid based resins include copolymers of succinic acid, 1,4-butanediol, and adipic acid; and the aromatic-aliphatic polyesters include copolymers of tetramethylene adipate and terephthalate, and copolymers of polybutylene adipate and terephthalate. Specific examples of the aliphatic polyesters other than the lactic acid based resins and of the aromatic-aliphatic polyesters that are commercially available include “BIONOLE” series resins manufactured by Showa Highpolymer Co., Ltd. obtained by polymerization of succinic acid, 1,4-butanediol, and adipic acid; “CELL GREEN” series resins manufactured by Daicel Chemical Industry and “ENPOLE” series resins manufactured by Ire Chemical, both being obtained by ring opening condensation of ε-caprolactone; “EASTAR BIO” manufactured by Eastman Chemical obtained as a copolymer of tetramethylene adipate and terephphalate; “ECOFLEX F” manufactured by BASF as a copolymer of polybutylene adipate and terephthalate As stated above, the resin compositions used for forming the injection molded articles of the present invention may include copolymers of lactic acid based resins and copolymers of diols and dicarboxylic acids. Alternatively, such resin compositions may include the aliphatic polyesters other than the lactic acid based resins and/or the aromatic aliphatic polyesters. In the present invention, the lactic acid based resin (A) and the natural fiber (B) must be mixed in proportions within the range of 99:1 to 70:3 by mass ratio. The lactic acid based resins may include the above-mentioned copolymers, the aliphatic polyesters, and/or the aromatic-aliphatic polyesters. That is, when aliphatic polyesters having a glass transition temperature of 0° C. or less, and/or aromatic-aliphatic polyesters are to be mixed, the mass of the lactic acid based resin is defined as the sum of the mass of the lactic acid based resin and the mass of each of the above-mentioned additional components and hence this total mass of all the components must be within the mixing amount of the lactic acid based resin (A). In the present invention, it is preferable that the coated substance obtained by impregnating the natural fiber with the lactic acid based resin by drawing (pultruding) be further mixed with the lactic acid based resin and kneaded before the coated substance is subjected to injection molding. Here, preferably, the coated substance obtained by impregnating the natural fiber with the lactic acid based resin is pelletized to form coated pellets in advance. Here, it is also preferable that the coated substance pellets be kneaded with the lactic acid based resin and pelletized to form pellets in advance. In the pellets, the constituents appear to be dispersed uniformly with the unassisted eye. The kneading an be performed by using a unidirectional twin-screw extruder. Incidentally, when stored for a long period of time, injection molded articles could cause hydrolysis due to steam in air or moisture from outside, which could lead to a decrease in the mechanical strength thereof. In the present invention, to increase the durability of the injection molded articles, the injection molded articles may further contain (C) a hydrolysis preventing agent. Here, the blending amount of the hydrolysis preventing agent (C) is preferably 0.1 to 5.0 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the total mass of the lactic acid based resin (A) and the natural fiber (B). When the amount of the hydrolysis preventing agent (C) to be added is 0.1 parts by mass or more and 5.0 parts by mass or less, the injection molded articles can be imparted with sufficient durability without deteriorating the biodegradability thereof, or without bleeding of the hydrolysis preventing agent, thus causing neither appearance failure nor decrease in mechanical properties due to plasticization. The hydrolysis preventing agent that can be used in the present invention include, for example, epoxy compounds, isocyanate compounds, acid anhydrides, oxazoline compounds, and melamine compounds. Among these, carbodiimide compounds are preferably used. Particularly preferable carbodiimide compounds that can be used in the present invention have a structural unit represented by the following general formula: —(N═C═N—R—)n— wherein R represents an organic bonding unit, which can be, for example, aliphatic, alicyclic or aromatic; n is an integer of 1 or more which is usually selected appropriately from the range between 1 and 50. When n is 2 or more, two or more R's may be the same or different. Specific examples of the carbodiimide compound include bis(dipropylphenyl) carbodiimide, poly(4,4′-diphenylmethane carbodiimide), poly(p-phenylene carbodiimide), poly(m-phenylene carbodiimide), poly(tolylcarbodiimide), poly(diisopropylphenylene carbodiimide), poly(methyl-diisopropylephenylene carbodiimide), and poly(triisopropylphenylene carbodiimide) as well as monomers of thereof. The carbodiimide compounds may be used alone or as combinations of two or more of them. The carbodiimide compounds used in the present invention are preferably aromatic carbodiimide compounds. Although aliphatic carbodiimide compounds have sufficient anti-hydrolysis properties imparting effects, the aromatic carbodiimide compounds can impart anti-hydrolysis properties more effectively than the aliphatic carbodiimide compounds. Specific examples of the carbodiimide compound include “STABAKZOL” manufactured by Rhein Chemie, and “CARBODILITE” manufactured by Nisshinbo Industries, Inc. In the present invention, additives such as heat stabilizers, nucleating agents, antioxidants, UV absorbents, light stabilizers, lubricants, pigments, dyes and plasticizers can be added to the resin composition used for forming the injection molded articles as far as the effects given by the present invention are not deteriorated. In the present invention, by the term “the crystallization heat peak temperature (Tc)” is meant a temperature measured by differential scanning calorimetry at which a peak of crystallization comes into existence in a process of temperature drop of a sample when the sample is kept at 200° C. for 2 minutes and then the temperature is dropped to 40° C. under the condition of 10° C./min. In the present invention, the crystallization heat peak temperature (Tc) of the resin composition for forming injection molded articles is preferably 100° C. or more, more preferably 110° C. or more. When the crystallization heat peak temperature is 100° C. or more, the crystallization speed is high, so that the crystallization proceeds in a short time in the mold when injection molding the resin composition. Also, when the crystallization is performed after the resin composition is taken out from the mold after molding, the crystallization proceeds in a short time, so that injection molded articles can be obtained efficiently. In the present invention, the injection molded article preferably has a deflection temperature under load of 133° C. or more, and more preferably 140° C. or more. When the injection molded article has a deflection temperature under load of 133° C. or more, it can be advantageously used for daily commodities and food containers and soon of which heat resistance is desired while when the injection molded article has a deflection temperature under load of 140° C. or more, it can be advantageously used for electric and electronic parts and automobile parts and so on. The injection molded articles of the present invention preferably have a flexural modulus at 80° C. of 800 MPa or more, more preferably 860 MPa or more. By blending the lactic acid based resin (A) with the component (B), i.e., the natural fiber that contains 40 mass % to 60 mass % of cellulose, 10 mass % to 30 mass % of lignin in appropriate amounts, the flexural modulus of the injection molded articles can be increased, so that they can be used for applications of which heat resistance is required. Now, the method of forming the injection molded articles according to the present invention is explained. The injection molded articles of the present invention can be formed by a method that includes forming pellets of a coated substance from the coated substance obtained by impregnating a natural fiber with a lactic acid based resin by drawing; extruding the pellets of the coated substance, the lactic acid based resin, and optionally one or more other additives using a twin-screw extruder into strands to prepare pellets in advance; charging the prepared pellets in an injection molding machine and performing injection molding. Alternatively, the injection molded articles of the present invention can be formed by another method that includes charging the lactic acid based resin and the natural fiber and optional additives in a twin-screw extruder, directly kneading the mixture and injection molding the kneaded mixture. In the present invention, the former method, that is, the method in which after the pellets of the coated substance are formed by drawing, the obtained pellets are kneaded with the lactic acid based resin is preferable. By impregnating the natural fiber with the lactic acid based resin by drawing, the feed failure due to the high bulk density of the fiber is alleviated and when the impregnated natural fiber is kneaded in the twin-screw extruder, the dispersibility of the natural fiber is further increased, so that the effect of improving heat resistance and crystallization rate of the injection molded article can be exhibited maximally. Since the lactic acid based resin is susceptible to hydrolysis when melt molding, it is preferable that the lactic acid based resin be dried or passed through a vacuum vent extrusion process in advance. The injection molding method that can be used in the present invention include, for example, various injection molding methods, such as a method that is generally adopted when thermoplastic resins are molded, a gas-assisted molding method, an injection compression molding method and so on. In addition, depending on the purposes, molding methods other than those described above can be used. For example, an in-mold molding method, a gas-press molding method, two-color molding methods, sandwich molding methods, PUSH-PULL, and SCORIM, can be adopted. However, the injection molding method that can be used in the present invention is not limited thereto. The injection molding apparatus includes a generally used injection molding machine, a gas-assisted molding machine, an injection compression molding machine or the like and a mold used for the injection molding machine and accessory devices, a mold temperature controlling apparatus, a material drying apparatus and so on. Preferably, molding conditions are set so as to avoid thermal degradation of the resin in the injection cylinder such that molding is performed at a molten resin temperature within the range of 170° C. to 210° C. In the case where the injection molded articles are to be obtained in an amorphous state, the temperature of the mold is preferably as low as possible in order to shorten a cooling time in the molding cycle (mold closure-injection-pressure maintenance-cooling-mold opening-taking out). It is preferable that the temperature of the mold be set generally 15° C. to 55° C. It is also desirable to use a chiller. However, to suppress, for example, shrinkage, curl, and deformation of the molded product after post-crystallization, it is preferable to set the temperature of the mold to a higher-temperature side in the range of 15° C. to 55° C. The molded articles obtained by injection molding may be heat-treated to crystallize them. By crystallizing the molded articles in this manner, the heat resistance of the molded articles can be further increased. The crystallization treatment can be performed in the mold at the time of molding, and/or after taking out the molded articles from the mold. From the viewpoint of the productivity, it is preferable to perform the crystallization treatment after the molded article is taken out from the mold when the crystallization rate of the resin composition that constitutes the injection molded article is low. On the other hand, when the crystallization rate of the resin composition is high, the crystallization treatment may be performed while the injection molded article is in the mold. In the case where the crystallization is allowed to occur in the mold, molten resin is filled in a heated mold and kept in the mold for a predetermined time. The temperature of the mold is in the range of, preferably 80° C. to 130° C., more preferably 90° C. to 120° C. The cooling time in which the injection molded article is cooled is preferably 1 to 300 seconds, more preferably 5 to 30 seconds. When the injection molded article is subjected to crystallization treatment within the above-mentioned temperature range and cooling time, the injection molded article can have a further improved heat resistance. When the crystallization is allowed to proceed after the molded article is taken out from the mold, the mold temperature is preferably 60° C. to 130° C., more preferably 70° C. to 90° C. When the mold temperature is lower than 60° C., in some cases no crystallization proceeds in the molding step. On the other hand, when the mold temperature is higher than 130° C., deformation or shrinkage may occur when the molded product is cooled. The heating time can be determined appropriately depending on the composition of the resin that constitutes the injection molded article and the temperature of heat treatment. For example, when the temperature of the heat treatment is 70° C., it is preferable to perform the heat treatment for 15 minutes to 5 hours. On the other hand, when the temperature of the heat treatment is 130° C., it is preferable to perform the heat treatment for 10 seconds to 30 minutes. Methods by which the molded product is crystallized include a method that includes performing injection molding using a mold that is heated to a predetermined temperature and causing crystallization the resultant as it is in the mold, a method that includes and increasing the temperature of the mold after the injection molding to cause crystallization in the mold, a method that includes crystallization by using hot air, steam, warm water, a far infrared ray heater, an IH heater or the like after taking the injection molded article out of the mold, and so on. At the time of heat treatment, the injection molded article does not have to be fixed. However, to prevent deformation of the molded product, it is preferable to fix the molded product by using a metal mold or a resin mold. Also, taking productivity into consideration, it is preferable that the molded products be heat-treated in a wrapped state. Since the injection molded articles of the present invention has excellent heat resistance and excellent crystallization rate, they can be advantageously used as electric and electronic parts, automobile parts, daily commodities, food containers and other general injection molded articles of which heat resistance is required. Hereinafter, the present invention is described in more detail by referring to examples. However, the present invention should not be considered to be limited thereto and various modifications and variations can be made within the technical scope of the present invention. In the examples and comparative examples, various properties were evaluated by the following methods. (1) Deflection Temperature Under Load (Heat Resistance) A sample with a length (L) of 120 mm, a width (W) of 11 mm, and a thickness (t) of 3 mm was prepared according to JIS K-7191 and measured for deflection temperature under load (HDT) using a deflection temperature under load tester (“S-3M” manufactured by Toyo Seiki Co., Ltd.). The measurements were performed under the conditions of flat-wise direction and under bending stress of 45.1 N/cm2. (2) Flexural Modulus (Rigidity) A sample with a length (L) of 80 mm, a width (W) of 10 mm, and a thickness (t) of 4 mm was prepared according to JIS K-7171 and measured for flexural modulus at 80° C. using a precision universal material testing machine “MODEL 2010” manufactured by Intesco Co., Ltd. (3) Crystallization Heat Peak Temperature About 10 mg of scales were scraped out of each injection molded article to obtain samples. Each sample was measured for temperature drop according to JISK-7121 using a differential scanning calorimeter “DSC-7” manufactured by Perkin-Elmer. Each injection molded article sample was heated at 200° C. for 2 minutes to melt it. Thereafter, the temperature was dropped under the condition of 10° C./min and measurement was performed. The temperature at which crystallization peak was observed in this temperature drop process was defined to be a crystallization heat peak temperature. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7641956

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims benefits of priority based on the Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-110712 filed in the Japanese Patent Office on Apr. 7, 2005, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to a honeycomb structure, and more particularly to a ceramic honeycomb structure suitably usable in an apparatus for purification of exhaust gas from an internal engine used on an automobile. BACKGROUND ART The honeycomb structures used in the exhaust gas purification apparatuses for the automotive internal engines include a monolith type one, an aggregate type one formed a plurality of honeycomb units joined together with a sealant, and the like. Many of the aggregate type honeycomb structures use the sealant (adhesive) to integrally assemble the honeycomb units together. As the sealant, there is used a mixture of, for example, ceramic particles of carbide, nitride or the like, which is high in thermal conductivity for an increased regeneration efficiency, and an inorganic binder as an additive (as in the Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 28246/1996). The honeycomb structure disclosed in the Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 28246/1996 uses a ceramic having a high thermal conductance as the sealant to join the honeycomb units together. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an aggregate type honeycomb structure formed from a honeycomb block formed by assembling together honeycomb units each including a plurality of cells assembled together side by side longitudinally and cell walls isolating adjacent ones of the cells from each other by joining with a sealant layer laid between the honeycomb units, wherein the sealant layer containing oxide particles, inorganic binder and a coloring agent. Furthermore, the present invention provides an integral type honeycomb structure including a honeycomb monolith formed from a plurality of cells assembled together longitudinally side by side and cell walls isolating adjacent ones of the cells from each other, and a sealant layer provided on the outer surface of the honeycomb monolith, wherein the sealant layer containing oxide particles, inorganic binder and a coloring agent. Note that the present invention is advantageous in that: the honeycomb block has the outermost surface thereof surrounded with the sealant layer; the sealant layer has a color whose psychometric lightness (L*) specified in JIS Z 8729 (CIE (1976)) is about 86.00 or less; the coloring agent comprises one or more selected from among inorganic metal compounds consisting of ion oxide, copper oxide, CoO.nAl2O3, CO3(PO4)2and other cobalt compound; the oxide particle comprises any one of alumina, zirconia, titania and silica; the cells are closed at one of the opposite ends thereof with a plug; the honeycomb unit or honeycomb monolith carries a catalyst component; and the honeycomb structure is used as an on-vehicle exhaust gas purifying apparatus. The contents of the Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 28246/1996 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims benefits of priority based on the Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-110712 filed in the Japanese Patent Office on Apr. 7, 2005, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to a honeycomb structure, and more particularly to a ceramic honeycomb structure suitably usable in an apparatus for purification of exhaust gas from an internal engine used on an automobile. BACKGROUND ART The honeycomb structures used in the exhaust gas purification apparatuses for the automotive internal engines include a monolith type one, an aggregate type one formed a plurality of honeycomb units joined together with a sealant, and the like. Many of the aggregate type honeycomb structures use the sealant (adhesive) to integrally assemble the honeycomb units together. As the sealant, there is used a mixture of, for example, ceramic particles of carbide, nitride or the like, which is high in thermal conductivity for an increased regeneration efficiency, and an inorganic binder as an additive (as in the Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 28246/1996). The honeycomb structure disclosed in the Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 28246/1996 uses a ceramic having a high thermal conductance as the sealant to join the honeycomb units together. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an aggregate type honeycomb structure formed from a honeycomb block formed by assembling together honeycomb units each including a plurality of cells assembled together side by side longitudinally and cell walls isolating adjacent ones of the cells from each other by joining with a sealant layer laid between the honeycomb units, wherein the sealant layer containing oxide particles, inorganic binder and a coloring agent. Furthermore, the present invention provides an integral type honeycomb structure including a honeycomb monolith formed from a plurality of cells assembled together longitudinally side by side and cell walls isolating adjacent ones of the cells from each other, and a sealant layer provided on the outer surface of the honeycomb monolith, wherein the sealant layer containing oxide particles, inorganic binder and a coloring agent. Note that the present invention is advantageous in that: the honeycomb block has the outermost surface thereof surrounded with the sealant layer; the sealant layer has a color whose psychometric lightness (L*) specified in JIS Z 8729 (CIE (1976)) is about 86.00 or less; the coloring agent comprises one or more selected from among inorganic metal compounds consisting of ion oxide, copper oxide, CoO.nAl2O3, CO3(PO4)2and other cobalt compound; the oxide particle comprises any one of alumina, zirconia, titania and silica; the cells are closed at one of the opposite ends thereof with a plug; the honeycomb unit or honeycomb monolith carries a catalyst component; and the honeycomb structure is used as an on-vehicle exhaust gas purifying apparatus. The contents of the Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 28246/1996 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7679208

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an apparatus and a system for controlling pitch angle in a wind turbine, more particularly to an apparatus and a system for controlling pitch angle in a wind turbine by generating compensation pitch values in the event of low voltage in the power grid. RELATED ART Because wind is a pollution-free, unlimited resource that can be collected from virtually anywhere on earth, wind power generation makes it possible to efficiently use the land with very little impact on the environment. Wind power generation is also a new power generation technology that can offer a competitive unit cost of power generation when utilizing large scale wind farms. With the recent increase in energy costs, the market is fast expanding for distributed generation, such as wind power generation, in which power sources are installed in dispersed consumer locations. In the distributed generation, controlling each distributed power source is very important for efficiently managing the power generation system. The voltage control method applied to conventional wind power generation systems may be based on power factor control (Qref) that uses a reactive power compensation apparatus (a capacitor bank). A wind power generation system may be connected to an existing power grid to supply electrical power, in which case it is very important to provide high stability and efficiency in the power grid connection. However, in a conventional wind power generation system, generators connected to a power grid, especially those for distributed generation, may be cut off simultaneously in the event of a power failure. This can incur voltage and frequency changes in the grid, causing severe problems in the stability of the power grid. Also, when using a conventional wind power generation system, a large capacity of wind power can cause undesired effects in stabilizing the grid, making it difficult to warrant the conditions for connecting to power grids for power generation systems that utilize distributed power sources. SUMMARY As an example only, in one embodiment, a pitch control apparatus for controlling a pitch value in a wind power generation system is provided. The pitch control apparatus includes a generator comparing unit, a reference pitch calculating unit, a compensation pitch calculating unit and a pitch calculating unit. The generator comparing unit is configured to calculate an error signal based on a difference between a generator measurement signal and a generator reference signal, the generator measurement signal corresponding with an operation of the power generation system. The reference pitch calculating unit is configured to calculate a reference pitch value using the error signal. The compensation pitch calculating unit is configured to calculate a compensation pitch value using an error value from the wind power generation system. The pitch calculating unit is configured to calculate a pitch value using the reference pitch value and the compensation pitch value. The error value is any one of a voltage error value from a direct-current capacitor included in a power converter unit of the wind power generation system, a voltage error value from a grid connection point of the wind power generation system, a speed error value from a rotor of the wind power generation system, and a frequency error value from a grid connection point of the wind power generation system. In another embodiment, a pitch control system for controlling pitch values in a plurality of wind power generation systems is provided. The pitch control system includes a plurality of pitch control apparatuses and a compensation pitch calculating apparatus configured to calculate an apportion-compensation pitch value by using a voltage error value or a frequency error value calculated at a grid connection point where the plurality of wind power generation systems are connected. The pitch control apparatus further includes a generator comparing unit configured to calculate an error signal based on a difference between a generator measurement signal and a generator reference signal, the generator measurement signal corresponding with an operation of the power generation system, a reference pitch calculating unit configured to calculate a reference pitch value by using the error signal and a pitch calculating unit configured to calculate a pitch value by using the reference pitch value and the apportion-compensation pitch value calculated by the compensation pitch calculating apparatus.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an apparatus and a system for controlling pitch angle in a wind turbine, more particularly to an apparatus and a system for controlling pitch angle in a wind turbine by generating compensation pitch values in the event of low voltage in the power grid. RELATED ART Because wind is a pollution-free, unlimited resource that can be collected from virtually anywhere on earth, wind power generation makes it possible to efficiently use the land with very little impact on the environment. Wind power generation is also a new power generation technology that can offer a competitive unit cost of power generation when utilizing large scale wind farms. With the recent increase in energy costs, the market is fast expanding for distributed generation, such as wind power generation, in which power sources are installed in dispersed consumer locations. In the distributed generation, controlling each distributed power source is very important for efficiently managing the power generation system. The voltage control method applied to conventional wind power generation systems may be based on power factor control (Qref) that uses a reactive power compensation apparatus (a capacitor bank). A wind power generation system may be connected to an existing power grid to supply electrical power, in which case it is very important to provide high stability and efficiency in the power grid connection. However, in a conventional wind power generation system, generators connected to a power grid, especially those for distributed generation, may be cut off simultaneously in the event of a power failure. This can incur voltage and frequency changes in the grid, causing severe problems in the stability of the power grid. Also, when using a conventional wind power generation system, a large capacity of wind power can cause undesired effects in stabilizing the grid, making it difficult to warrant the conditions for connecting to power grids for power generation systems that utilize distributed power sources. SUMMARY As an example only, in one embodiment, a pitch control apparatus for controlling a pitch value in a wind power generation system is provided. The pitch control apparatus includes a generator comparing unit, a reference pitch calculating unit, a compensation pitch calculating unit and a pitch calculating unit. The generator comparing unit is configured to calculate an error signal based on a difference between a generator measurement signal and a generator reference signal, the generator measurement signal corresponding with an operation of the power generation system. The reference pitch calculating unit is configured to calculate a reference pitch value using the error signal. The compensation pitch calculating unit is configured to calculate a compensation pitch value using an error value from the wind power generation system. The pitch calculating unit is configured to calculate a pitch value using the reference pitch value and the compensation pitch value. The error value is any one of a voltage error value from a direct-current capacitor included in a power converter unit of the wind power generation system, a voltage error value from a grid connection point of the wind power generation system, a speed error value from a rotor of the wind power generation system, and a frequency error value from a grid connection point of the wind power generation system. In another embodiment, a pitch control system for controlling pitch values in a plurality of wind power generation systems is provided. The pitch control system includes a plurality of pitch control apparatuses and a compensation pitch calculating apparatus configured to calculate an apportion-compensation pitch value by using a voltage error value or a frequency error value calculated at a grid connection point where the plurality of wind power generation systems are connected. The pitch control apparatus further includes a generator comparing unit configured to calculate an error signal based on a difference between a generator measurement signal and a generator reference signal, the generator measurement signal corresponding with an operation of the power generation system, a reference pitch calculating unit configured to calculate a reference pitch value by using the error signal and a pitch calculating unit configured to calculate a pitch value by using the reference pitch value and the apportion-compensation pitch value calculated by the compensation pitch calculating apparatus. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7847264

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field The present invention relates to methods for measuring colour. More particularly the present invention involves measuring the colour of samples printed on substrates containing brighteners. 2. Background Art Optical brighteners are often used in the production of papers. Optical brighteners can improve the degree of whiteness of the paper (generally substrate) and reduce manufacturing costs. Optical brighteners absorb light in the ultraviolet (UV) wavelength range from 320 to 410 nm and re-emit fluorescent light in the visible blue spectral range between 420 and 550 nm. The maximum of the fluorescent spectrum is between 430 and 440 nm. The effect of optical brighteners and the resultant colour of the paper are influenced to a large degree by the spectral distribution of the illuminating light, primarily due to the ratio of the light levels in the UV and in the blue spectral range. The colour reproduced by printed samples is additionally influenced by the absorption behaviour of the colour coating on the paper substrate. The non-linear behaviour of optical brighteners places high demands on colour measuring technology. The objectives of colour measuring technology are to obtain measurement values which correlate well with a specific visual observation condition with a defined lighting spectrum on the one hand. In terms of the process control and exchange of measurement data, on the other hand, it is important that different measuring devices output measurement values that are as far as possible identical on the same samples. The current situation in colour measuring technology is satisfactory for printed samples on substrates containing no optical brighteners. If, however, optical brighteners are used, higher unsatisfactory variances are observed in colour measurement values. In order to correctly adapt measuring devices for substrates containing brighteners, it is important that the lighting spectra in the devices have identical relative distributions in the UV range and in the blue spectral range. This is because higher variances between measuring devices occur primarily in the UV range. Furthermore, In order to obtain compatibility with visual observation, it is necessary that the lighting conditions in the device be identical to those for visual observation. In technical terms, this congruence is very difficult to achieve since external light conditions are variable. Current hand-held colour measuring devices, such as the SpectroEye made by Gretag Macbeth AG, use a glow lamp as the light source. The SpectroEye device has a filter wheel in the measuring optics. The lighting spectrum and receiver characteristic can be modified using different measuring filters. To obtain good conformance of the device, it is recommended that brightened samples be measured using the in-built UV blocking filter. This filter eliminates the UV element of the illuminating light so that the optical brightener is not able to generate any fluorescence. This eliminates the requirements for exact control of the lighting spectrum. The problem with the UV block filter method, however, is the fact that the measurement values do not match the real observation conditions because typical light sources usually contain a UV element and thus excite the brighteners. It is possible to obtain exact measurement results with what is known as the bi-spectral measuring method. A bi-spectral measuring device has a monochromator in the lighting optics and a spectral analyser in the receiver channel. The measurement takes place sequentially. A complete reflection spectrum is measured for every lighting wavelength and stored in matrix format. The resultant reflection spectrum for the sample is determined by multiplying the matrix by a vector which contains the spectral optical energy distribution of the required light type. There is no restriction on this measuring technique; however, the sequential measuring procedure is time-consuming. Furthermore, the measurement technique is expensive to set up and is therefore impractical for use on an industrial scale. Examples of bi-spectral measuring systems include the BFC-450 device made by the Labsphere company and the CM-3800 made by Minolta. US patent specification No. 6844931 describes a colour measuring system with lighting using variable light-emitting diodes (LED) and a spectral analyser in the receiver. The LED light source comprises a plurality of differently coloured, white and UV LEDs. The individual LEDs can be individually activated so that the spectral light distribution can be electronically adapted to a desired spectrum. The spectral reflection factor of the sample is then determined with an individual measurement using the desired lighting spectrum. US patent application No. 2007/0086009 A1 (EP 1775565 A1) describes a method of determining the reflection spectrum of the sample using a double measurement. In the first measurement, the reflection spectrum is determined using the known UV block filter technique. In the second measurement, only UV light is used for the lighting and the fluorescence spectrum is measured separately. By adding the correctly weighted spectra accordingly, it is then possible to output the reflection factor for any type of excitation light. One disadvantage of this method is the fact that every sample has to be measured twice. Against the background of this prior art, an objective of the invention is to provide a method of measuring the colour of brightened samples which makes it possible to determine the total spectral reflection factor of the sample for desired target light types quickly and obviates the need for double measurements, which can be implemented easily and inexpensively using existing colour measuring devices at the same time. The objectives underlying the invention are achieved as described herein. SUMMARY The present invention proposes a method for measuring the colour of samples printed on substrates containing brighteners. More particularly the proposed method, generally, includes the steps of (i) determining a total spectral reflection factor of a sample printed on a substrate containing a brightener and (ii) making the total spectral reflection factor available for calculating values characterising the colour of the sample. The sample may include one or more colour layers. In exemplary embodiments, the total spectral reflection factor is determined as the sum of a first spectral proportion (RUVblock(λ)) and a spectral correction factor (RiUVpass(λ)). The first spectral proportion represents a spectral reflection factor of the sample determined during illumination with light consisting essentially of UV-free light. The spectral correction factor represents only a proportion of the total spectral reflection factor of the sample determined by the effect of fluorescence of the brightener. Note that the spectral correction factor is calculated allowing for characterisation data of: (i) the substrate and the brightener contained in the substrate, and (ii) the spectrum of a selected type of lighting (Ei(λ)) from the first spectral proportion. Against the background of the prior art, the objective of the present invention is to propose a method of measuring the colour of brightened samples, which makes it possible to determine the total spectral reflection factor of the sample for desired target light types quickly and obviates the need for double measurements. The proposed method can be implemented easily and inexpensively using existing colour measuring devices. Additional features, functions and benefits of the disclosed apparatus, systems and methods will be apparent from the description which follows, particularly when read in conjunction with the appended figures.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field The present invention relates to methods for measuring colour. More particularly the present invention involves measuring the colour of samples printed on substrates containing brighteners. 2. Background Art Optical brighteners are often used in the production of papers. Optical brighteners can improve the degree of whiteness of the paper (generally substrate) and reduce manufacturing costs. Optical brighteners absorb light in the ultraviolet (UV) wavelength range from 320 to 410 nm and re-emit fluorescent light in the visible blue spectral range between 420 and 550 nm. The maximum of the fluorescent spectrum is between 430 and 440 nm. The effect of optical brighteners and the resultant colour of the paper are influenced to a large degree by the spectral distribution of the illuminating light, primarily due to the ratio of the light levels in the UV and in the blue spectral range. The colour reproduced by printed samples is additionally influenced by the absorption behaviour of the colour coating on the paper substrate. The non-linear behaviour of optical brighteners places high demands on colour measuring technology. The objectives of colour measuring technology are to obtain measurement values which correlate well with a specific visual observation condition with a defined lighting spectrum on the one hand. In terms of the process control and exchange of measurement data, on the other hand, it is important that different measuring devices output measurement values that are as far as possible identical on the same samples. The current situation in colour measuring technology is satisfactory for printed samples on substrates containing no optical brighteners. If, however, optical brighteners are used, higher unsatisfactory variances are observed in colour measurement values. In order to correctly adapt measuring devices for substrates containing brighteners, it is important that the lighting spectra in the devices have identical relative distributions in the UV range and in the blue spectral range. This is because higher variances between measuring devices occur primarily in the UV range. Furthermore, In order to obtain compatibility with visual observation, it is necessary that the lighting conditions in the device be identical to those for visual observation. In technical terms, this congruence is very difficult to achieve since external light conditions are variable. Current hand-held colour measuring devices, such as the SpectroEye made by Gretag Macbeth AG, use a glow lamp as the light source. The SpectroEye device has a filter wheel in the measuring optics. The lighting spectrum and receiver characteristic can be modified using different measuring filters. To obtain good conformance of the device, it is recommended that brightened samples be measured using the in-built UV blocking filter. This filter eliminates the UV element of the illuminating light so that the optical brightener is not able to generate any fluorescence. This eliminates the requirements for exact control of the lighting spectrum. The problem with the UV block filter method, however, is the fact that the measurement values do not match the real observation conditions because typical light sources usually contain a UV element and thus excite the brighteners. It is possible to obtain exact measurement results with what is known as the bi-spectral measuring method. A bi-spectral measuring device has a monochromator in the lighting optics and a spectral analyser in the receiver channel. The measurement takes place sequentially. A complete reflection spectrum is measured for every lighting wavelength and stored in matrix format. The resultant reflection spectrum for the sample is determined by multiplying the matrix by a vector which contains the spectral optical energy distribution of the required light type. There is no restriction on this measuring technique; however, the sequential measuring procedure is time-consuming. Furthermore, the measurement technique is expensive to set up and is therefore impractical for use on an industrial scale. Examples of bi-spectral measuring systems include the BFC-450 device made by the Labsphere company and the CM-3800 made by Minolta. US patent specification No. 6844931 describes a colour measuring system with lighting using variable light-emitting diodes (LED) and a spectral analyser in the receiver. The LED light source comprises a plurality of differently coloured, white and UV LEDs. The individual LEDs can be individually activated so that the spectral light distribution can be electronically adapted to a desired spectrum. The spectral reflection factor of the sample is then determined with an individual measurement using the desired lighting spectrum. US patent application No. 2007/0086009 A1 (EP 1775565 A1) describes a method of determining the reflection spectrum of the sample using a double measurement. In the first measurement, the reflection spectrum is determined using the known UV block filter technique. In the second measurement, only UV light is used for the lighting and the fluorescence spectrum is measured separately. By adding the correctly weighted spectra accordingly, it is then possible to output the reflection factor for any type of excitation light. One disadvantage of this method is the fact that every sample has to be measured twice. Against the background of this prior art, an objective of the invention is to provide a method of measuring the colour of brightened samples which makes it possible to determine the total spectral reflection factor of the sample for desired target light types quickly and obviates the need for double measurements, which can be implemented easily and inexpensively using existing colour measuring devices at the same time. The objectives underlying the invention are achieved as described herein. SUMMARY The present invention proposes a method for measuring the colour of samples printed on substrates containing brighteners. More particularly the proposed method, generally, includes the steps of (i) determining a total spectral reflection factor of a sample printed on a substrate containing a brightener and (ii) making the total spectral reflection factor available for calculating values characterising the colour of the sample. The sample may include one or more colour layers. In exemplary embodiments, the total spectral reflection factor is determined as the sum of a first spectral proportion (RUVblock(λ)) and a spectral correction factor (RiUVpass(λ)). The first spectral proportion represents a spectral reflection factor of the sample determined during illumination with light consisting essentially of UV-free light. The spectral correction factor represents only a proportion of the total spectral reflection factor of the sample determined by the effect of fluorescence of the brightener. Note that the spectral correction factor is calculated allowing for characterisation data of: (i) the substrate and the brightener contained in the substrate, and (ii) the spectrum of a selected type of lighting (Ei(λ)) from the first spectral proportion. Against the background of the prior art, the objective of the present invention is to propose a method of measuring the colour of brightened samples, which makes it possible to determine the total spectral reflection factor of the sample for desired target light types quickly and obviates the need for double measurements. The proposed method can be implemented easily and inexpensively using existing colour measuring devices. Additional features, functions and benefits of the disclosed apparatus, systems and methods will be apparent from the description which follows, particularly when read in conjunction with the appended figures. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7742470

FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to communications protocols, and, more particularly, to Asynchronous Transfer Modes (ATM) defined in specifications associated with UTRAN (UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network) standards defined by the 3rdGeneration Partnership Project (3GPP). The invention has been developed to provide an additional feature to the presently accepted and proposed specifications defined by 3GPP, and will be described herein with reference to those specifications. However, it will be appreciated that telecommunications is a rapidly developing field, and that the invention may well have application to new and different standards and specifications that evolve from the various standards presently accepted or being proposed. Accordingly, the invention should not be seen as limited to existing specifications. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Various uses of ATM are defined in specifications issued by 3GPP. Of particular relevance is 3GPP TS 25.433 V3.3.0, the contents of which are incorporated herein by cross-reference. ATM is a connection-oriented technique, comprising the concatenation of ATM layer links required to effect end-to-end transfers between access points. Connection identifiers are assigned to each link of a connection as required and released when no longer needed. In general, signalling and user information are carried on separate ATM connections. In the ATM modes, data to be transmitted is organised into cells. At a given interface, in a given direction, the different Virtual Path (VP) links multiplexed at the ATM layer into the same physical layer connection are distinguished by a VPI. The different Virtual Channel (VC) links in a Virtual Path Connection (VPC) are distinguished by a VCI. The AAL (ATM adaptation layer) performs functions required by the user, control and management planes and supports mapping between the ATM layer and the next higher layer. The functions performed in the AAL depend upon the higher layer requirements. The AAL uses the ATM layer service and includes multiple protocols to fit the need of different AAL service users:AAL1 supports constant bit rate (CBR), connection-oriented, time-dependent data traffic (circuit, video signal and voice-band signal transport);AAL2 is an ATM adaptation layer that supports variable bit rate (VBR), connection-oriented, time-dependent data traffic. AAL2 supports packetised voice and VBR video transmission;AAL3/4 supplies sequencing and error detection support to variable bit rate (VBR), time-independent data traffic. Traffic can be both connection-oriented and connectionless (computer and network data transport, for example Frame Relay and SMDS); andAAL5 supports variable bit rate (VBR), connection-oriented, time-independent data traffic (AAL5 does not support multiplexing, sequencing or error detection). Termination points are managed objects that terminate entities, such as trails and connections. Technology-specific termination points are derived using subclassing. In ATM switching a termination point can be at the virtual path or virtual channel level, and it can be external or internal. In the presently proposed UTRAN specification, a traffic termination point is determined either when a radio link is set up for a dedicated channel or a common transport channel is set up for a common channel. Each radio link has a traffic termination point, and each transport channel within each radio link may have its own AAL2 termination point. Similarly, each common transport channel has its own AAL2 termination point. Once a traffic termination or AAL2 termination point is defined, it is fixed for the duration of the connection. In a Node B element, this fixing of termination points can generate a resource fragmentation problem. This means that even though a particular Node B element can have theoretically sufficient capacity to accept a requested high bandwidth call (such as a video call), but will need to reject the call because the available resources are scattered. SUMMARY OF INVENTION In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of assigning resources within a network element within which a traffic termination point or AAL2 termination point has been established, the method including the steps of:accepting a connection request via the network element;ascertaining whether available resources have sufficient capacity to establish the requested connection;in the event that there is sufficient capacity, ascertaining whether the termination points defined in relation to the available resources fragments the resources such that the connection cannot be established;in the event that the resources are so fragmented, reallocating one or more of the termination points, without breaking the connection to which they relate, thereby defragmenting the resources sufficiently that the requested connection can be established. In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a network element having resources to be allocated, within which a traffic termination point or AAL2 termination point has been established, the network element being configured to:accept a connection request;ascertain whether the available resources have sufficient capacity to establish the requested connection;in the event that there is sufficient capacity, ascertain whether the termination points defined in relation to the available resources fragments the resources such that the connection cannot be established;in the event that the resources are so fragmented, reallocate one or more of the termination points, without breaking the connection to which they relate, thereby defragmenting the resources sufficiently that the requested connection can be established. Preferably, prior to reallocating the termination points, it is determined which of the existing termination points should be reallocated to minimize fragmentation of resources within the network element, the termination points then being changed in accordance with that determination. Preferably, reallocating the one or more termination points includes:sending a Termination Point Switching Request (TPSR) message to a Radio Network Controller (RNC), the TPSR message including port information related to the termination points to be switched;receiving from the RNC a Switching Request Commit (SRC) message, the SRC message including confirmation that the resource reallocation is to take place, and timing information for synchronization of the resource reallocation. In a preferred embodiment, the TPSR includes one or more of the following:a Binding ID;a Transport Layer & Node B Communication Context ID; anda Communication Control Port ID. Preferably, the network element is a Node B element in accordance with a 3GPP UTRA specification.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to communications protocols, and, more particularly, to Asynchronous Transfer Modes (ATM) defined in specifications associated with UTRAN (UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network) standards defined by the 3rdGeneration Partnership Project (3GPP). The invention has been developed to provide an additional feature to the presently accepted and proposed specifications defined by 3GPP, and will be described herein with reference to those specifications. However, it will be appreciated that telecommunications is a rapidly developing field, and that the invention may well have application to new and different standards and specifications that evolve from the various standards presently accepted or being proposed. Accordingly, the invention should not be seen as limited to existing specifications. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Various uses of ATM are defined in specifications issued by 3GPP. Of particular relevance is 3GPP TS 25.433 V3.3.0, the contents of which are incorporated herein by cross-reference. ATM is a connection-oriented technique, comprising the concatenation of ATM layer links required to effect end-to-end transfers between access points. Connection identifiers are assigned to each link of a connection as required and released when no longer needed. In general, signalling and user information are carried on separate ATM connections. In the ATM modes, data to be transmitted is organised into cells. At a given interface, in a given direction, the different Virtual Path (VP) links multiplexed at the ATM layer into the same physical layer connection are distinguished by a VPI. The different Virtual Channel (VC) links in a Virtual Path Connection (VPC) are distinguished by a VCI. The AAL (ATM adaptation layer) performs functions required by the user, control and management planes and supports mapping between the ATM layer and the next higher layer. The functions performed in the AAL depend upon the higher layer requirements. The AAL uses the ATM layer service and includes multiple protocols to fit the need of different AAL service users:AAL1 supports constant bit rate (CBR), connection-oriented, time-dependent data traffic (circuit, video signal and voice-band signal transport);AAL2 is an ATM adaptation layer that supports variable bit rate (VBR), connection-oriented, time-dependent data traffic. AAL2 supports packetised voice and VBR video transmission;AAL3/4 supplies sequencing and error detection support to variable bit rate (VBR), time-independent data traffic. Traffic can be both connection-oriented and connectionless (computer and network data transport, for example Frame Relay and SMDS); andAAL5 supports variable bit rate (VBR), connection-oriented, time-independent data traffic (AAL5 does not support multiplexing, sequencing or error detection). Termination points are managed objects that terminate entities, such as trails and connections. Technology-specific termination points are derived using subclassing. In ATM switching a termination point can be at the virtual path or virtual channel level, and it can be external or internal. In the presently proposed UTRAN specification, a traffic termination point is determined either when a radio link is set up for a dedicated channel or a common transport channel is set up for a common channel. Each radio link has a traffic termination point, and each transport channel within each radio link may have its own AAL2 termination point. Similarly, each common transport channel has its own AAL2 termination point. Once a traffic termination or AAL2 termination point is defined, it is fixed for the duration of the connection. In a Node B element, this fixing of termination points can generate a resource fragmentation problem. This means that even though a particular Node B element can have theoretically sufficient capacity to accept a requested high bandwidth call (such as a video call), but will need to reject the call because the available resources are scattered. SUMMARY OF INVENTION In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of assigning resources within a network element within which a traffic termination point or AAL2 termination point has been established, the method including the steps of:accepting a connection request via the network element;ascertaining whether available resources have sufficient capacity to establish the requested connection;in the event that there is sufficient capacity, ascertaining whether the termination points defined in relation to the available resources fragments the resources such that the connection cannot be established;in the event that the resources are so fragmented, reallocating one or more of the termination points, without breaking the connection to which they relate, thereby defragmenting the resources sufficiently that the requested connection can be established. In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a network element having resources to be allocated, within which a traffic termination point or AAL2 termination point has been established, the network element being configured to:accept a connection request;ascertain whether the available resources have sufficient capacity to establish the requested connection;in the event that there is sufficient capacity, ascertain whether the termination points defined in relation to the available resources fragments the resources such that the connection cannot be established;in the event that the resources are so fragmented, reallocate one or more of the termination points, without breaking the connection to which they relate, thereby defragmenting the resources sufficiently that the requested connection can be established. Preferably, prior to reallocating the termination points, it is determined which of the existing termination points should be reallocated to minimize fragmentation of resources within the network element, the termination points then being changed in accordance with that determination. Preferably, reallocating the one or more termination points includes:sending a Termination Point Switching Request (TPSR) message to a Radio Network Controller (RNC), the TPSR message including port information related to the termination points to be switched;receiving from the RNC a Switching Request Commit (SRC) message, the SRC message including confirmation that the resource reallocation is to take place, and timing information for synchronization of the resource reallocation. In a preferred embodiment, the TPSR includes one or more of the following:a Binding ID;a Transport Layer & Node B Communication Context ID; anda Communication Control Port ID. Preferably, the network element is a Node B element in accordance with a 3GPP UTRA specification. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7845409

FIELD This invention relates to novel low density proppant particles and methods of use thereof. BACKGROUND Fracturing is a well stimulation technique designed to increase the productivity of a well, such as an oil well, by creating highly conductive fractures or channels in the producing geologic formation around the well. One approach is hydraulic fracturing, a process that involves injecting a fluid at a high rate and high pressure to rupture the formation and create cracks in the rock and pumping into these cracks a fluid containing a particulate material (propping agent or proppant) to maintain the cracks or fractures open by resisting the forces which tend to close the fractures. Thus, the function of the propping agent is to provide high permeability in the propped fracture. Hydraulic fracturing has been used with increasing frequency to improve the productivity of gas and oil wells in low permeability reservoirs. Another approach for forming and propping highly conductive fractures utilizes an etching solution such as the acid etching process disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,245,702 and 4,249,609 (both Haafkens et al.). Other illustrative examples of fracturing and propping are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,642,068 (Fitch et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 3,709,300 (Pye), and U.S. Pat. No. 4,029,148 (Emery). The list of particulate materials that have been disclosed as proppants includes: sand, nut shells, aluminum and aluminum alloys, wood chips, crushed coke, granulated slag, pulverized coal, crushed rock, granules of metal such as steel, sintered bauxite, sintered alumina, refractories such as mullite and glass beads. Although sand is still a prevalent proppant, at closure stresses encountered in deep formations, it tends to disintegrate, producing fines or fragments which can reduce permeability of the propped fracture. This tendency begins at closure stresses above about 5,000 psi (34.5 MPa). Proppants developed to withstand increased overburden pressure in deeper wells are sintered bauxite, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,068,718, and zirconium oxide, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,072,193. Coated proppants have also been proposed such as metal coated proppants in U.S. Pat. No. 3,376,930 and plastic coated proppants in U.S. Pat. No. 3,026,938. U.S. Pat. No. 3,976,138 (Colploys, Jr. et al.) discloses the use of alumina proppants. Sintered bauxite has high sphericity and good chemical stability in well formations. However, its cost is much greater than that of the more common sand proppants. Since the specific gravity of bauxite is substantially greater than sand, the cost per unit volume of bauxite is even more expensive than sand. The higher specific gravity of bauxite affects the transport of the proppant into the fracture. Generally speaking, lower specific gravity proppants can be carried further into fractures than those of higher specific gravity. Lower specific gravity proppants permit decreases in pumping rates during proppant placement which in turn reduces bottom hole pressure. The reduction of bottom hole pressure is felt to limit the vertical propagation of fractures (horizontal propagation being desired). In addition, lower proppant density allows for the use of less expensive fracturing fluids. According to a study done for the U.S. Department of Energy, published in April 1982 (Cutler, R. A. and Jones, A. H., “Lightweight Proppants for Deep Gas Well Stimulation” DOE/BC/10038-22) an ideal proppant for hydraulic fracturing would have a specific gravity less than two, be able to withstand a closure stress of 138 MPa; be chemically inert in brine at temperatures to 200° C., have perfect sphericity (a Krumbein roundness of 1), cost the same as sand on a volume basis, and have a narrow proppant size distribution. The same report admits that such a proppant is not likely to be forthcoming in the foreseeable future; however, it states that a proppant capable of withstanding closure stresses of 85 MPa, having a specific gravity of 2.6 to 3 and costing ⅓ to ½ the price of bauxite would solve about 90% of the current hydraulic fracturing problems. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,680,230 and 4,944,905 (both Gibb et al.) disclose particulate ceramics and their use as proppants in hydraulic fracturing. SUMMARY OF INVENTION The present invention provides a novel class of composite particles for use as proppants in underground wells and a method for using such composite proppant particles for improving the flow of subject fluids through propped channels. In brief summary, proppants of the invention are composite particles each of which comprises a plurality of high strength microbubbles and a resin binder. Briefly summarizing, the method of the invention comprises: (a) introducing into a well in an underground formation a fluid mixture of carrier fluid and a plurality of composite proppant particles, wherein the composite proppants comprise a composite of a plurality of high strength microbubbles and a resin binder and the well has fractures in the side walls thereof, and (b) depositing a plurality of said composite proppant particles in fractures in the to yield one or more propped channels. In some embodiments, in addition to propping open fractures in the side wall of bored wells, methods of the invention may further comprise forming fractures in the side walls of a well and/or transmitting a subject fluid, e.g., oil or natural gas, through propped channels. The composite proppant particles of the invention have low density and accordingly may be deposited in fractures using low density carrier fluids if desired. The method of the invention can be used to improve the performance of wells, e.g., for extraction of subject fluid from underground formations or injection of subject fluid into underground reservoirs such as for storage. The invention may be used with a variety of subject fluids, e.g., crude or refined oil, natural gas, and water.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: FIELD This invention relates to novel low density proppant particles and methods of use thereof. BACKGROUND Fracturing is a well stimulation technique designed to increase the productivity of a well, such as an oil well, by creating highly conductive fractures or channels in the producing geologic formation around the well. One approach is hydraulic fracturing, a process that involves injecting a fluid at a high rate and high pressure to rupture the formation and create cracks in the rock and pumping into these cracks a fluid containing a particulate material (propping agent or proppant) to maintain the cracks or fractures open by resisting the forces which tend to close the fractures. Thus, the function of the propping agent is to provide high permeability in the propped fracture. Hydraulic fracturing has been used with increasing frequency to improve the productivity of gas and oil wells in low permeability reservoirs. Another approach for forming and propping highly conductive fractures utilizes an etching solution such as the acid etching process disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,245,702 and 4,249,609 (both Haafkens et al.). Other illustrative examples of fracturing and propping are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,642,068 (Fitch et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 3,709,300 (Pye), and U.S. Pat. No. 4,029,148 (Emery). The list of particulate materials that have been disclosed as proppants includes: sand, nut shells, aluminum and aluminum alloys, wood chips, crushed coke, granulated slag, pulverized coal, crushed rock, granules of metal such as steel, sintered bauxite, sintered alumina, refractories such as mullite and glass beads. Although sand is still a prevalent proppant, at closure stresses encountered in deep formations, it tends to disintegrate, producing fines or fragments which can reduce permeability of the propped fracture. This tendency begins at closure stresses above about 5,000 psi (34.5 MPa). Proppants developed to withstand increased overburden pressure in deeper wells are sintered bauxite, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,068,718, and zirconium oxide, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,072,193. Coated proppants have also been proposed such as metal coated proppants in U.S. Pat. No. 3,376,930 and plastic coated proppants in U.S. Pat. No. 3,026,938. U.S. Pat. No. 3,976,138 (Colploys, Jr. et al.) discloses the use of alumina proppants. Sintered bauxite has high sphericity and good chemical stability in well formations. However, its cost is much greater than that of the more common sand proppants. Since the specific gravity of bauxite is substantially greater than sand, the cost per unit volume of bauxite is even more expensive than sand. The higher specific gravity of bauxite affects the transport of the proppant into the fracture. Generally speaking, lower specific gravity proppants can be carried further into fractures than those of higher specific gravity. Lower specific gravity proppants permit decreases in pumping rates during proppant placement which in turn reduces bottom hole pressure. The reduction of bottom hole pressure is felt to limit the vertical propagation of fractures (horizontal propagation being desired). In addition, lower proppant density allows for the use of less expensive fracturing fluids. According to a study done for the U.S. Department of Energy, published in April 1982 (Cutler, R. A. and Jones, A. H., “Lightweight Proppants for Deep Gas Well Stimulation” DOE/BC/10038-22) an ideal proppant for hydraulic fracturing would have a specific gravity less than two, be able to withstand a closure stress of 138 MPa; be chemically inert in brine at temperatures to 200° C., have perfect sphericity (a Krumbein roundness of 1), cost the same as sand on a volume basis, and have a narrow proppant size distribution. The same report admits that such a proppant is not likely to be forthcoming in the foreseeable future; however, it states that a proppant capable of withstanding closure stresses of 85 MPa, having a specific gravity of 2.6 to 3 and costing ⅓ to ½ the price of bauxite would solve about 90% of the current hydraulic fracturing problems. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,680,230 and 4,944,905 (both Gibb et al.) disclose particulate ceramics and their use as proppants in hydraulic fracturing. SUMMARY OF INVENTION The present invention provides a novel class of composite particles for use as proppants in underground wells and a method for using such composite proppant particles for improving the flow of subject fluids through propped channels. In brief summary, proppants of the invention are composite particles each of which comprises a plurality of high strength microbubbles and a resin binder. Briefly summarizing, the method of the invention comprises: (a) introducing into a well in an underground formation a fluid mixture of carrier fluid and a plurality of composite proppant particles, wherein the composite proppants comprise a composite of a plurality of high strength microbubbles and a resin binder and the well has fractures in the side walls thereof, and (b) depositing a plurality of said composite proppant particles in fractures in the to yield one or more propped channels. In some embodiments, in addition to propping open fractures in the side wall of bored wells, methods of the invention may further comprise forming fractures in the side walls of a well and/or transmitting a subject fluid, e.g., oil or natural gas, through propped channels. The composite proppant particles of the invention have low density and accordingly may be deposited in fractures using low density carrier fluids if desired. The method of the invention can be used to improve the performance of wells, e.g., for extraction of subject fluid from underground formations or injection of subject fluid into underground reservoirs such as for storage. The invention may be used with a variety of subject fluids, e.g., crude or refined oil, natural gas, and water. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7825183

RELATED APPLICATION This is a U.S. National Phase Application under 35 USC 371 of International Application PCT/EP2005/011564, filed on Oct. 28, 2005. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to rubber compositions intended in particular for the manufacture of tires or semi-finished products for tires. It relates more particularly to the plasticising systems which can be used for plasticising such compositions. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Rubber compositions for tires comprise, in a known way, plasticising agents used for the preparation or synthesis of certain diene elastomers, for improving the processability of said compositions in the raw state and some of their use properties in the cured state, such as, for example, in the case of tire treads, their grip on wet ground or also their abrasion and cut resistance. For a very long time, it has essentially been oils derived from petroleum and which are highly aromatic, known under the name of DAE (“Distillate Aromatic Extracts”) oils, which have been used to perform this function of plasticising agent. Many tire manufacturers are today, for environmental reasons, envisaging gradually replacing these DAE oils by substitute oils of the “non-aromatic” type, in particular by oils known as “MES” (“Medium Extracted Solvates”) or “TDAE” (“Treated Distillate Aromatic Extracts”) which are characterized by a very low level of polyaromatics (approximately 20 to 50 times less). The Applicants have noted that the replacement, in tire rubber compositions, of DAE aromatic oils by these MES or TDAE oils is unexpectedly reflected by a reduction in the abrasion and cut resistance of said compositions, it being possible for this reduction to be even totally unacceptable in certain applications, in particular with regard to the problem of chipping of tire treads. “Chipping” (or “scaling”) is a known damaging mechanism which corresponds to lamellar surface pieces, in the form of scales, being torn off from the constituent “rubber” (or rubber composition) of the treads under certain aggressive running conditions. This problem is encountered in particular with regard to tires for off-road vehicles or vehicles found on construction or civil engineering sites, which have to run over different types of soils, some of them stony and relatively aggressive; it has, for example, been described, along with some solutions for overcoming it, in the patent documents EP-A-0 030 579, FR-A-2 080 661 (or GB-A-1 343 487), or also in patent U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,927,144 and 4,968,764, which recommend, for overcoming it, the use of cyclopentadiene-based hydrocarbon resins. On continuing their research, the Applicants have discovered that the replacement of a portion of these MES or TDAE oils by another specific plasticising agent makes it possible not only to solve the above problem but, which is even more surprising, to also improve the abrasion and cut resistance of the rubber compositions using conventional aromatic oils as plasticising agent. Consequently, a first aspect of the invention is a rubber composition based on at least a diene elastomer, a reinforcing filler, a plasticising system and a crosslinking system, characterized in that said plasticising system comprises (phr=parts by weight per 100 parts of elastomer):between 5 and 35 phr of an MES or TDAE oil;between 5 and 35 phr of a C5fraction/vinylaromatic copolymer resin. Another aspect of the invention is a process for preparing a rubber composition having an improved abrasion and cut resistance, this composition being based on a diene elastomer, a reinforcing filler, a plasticising system and a crosslinking system, said process comprising the following stages:incorporating in a diene elastomer, during a first referred to as “non-productive” stage, at least a reinforcing filler and a plasticising system, by kneading thermomechanically the whole, in one or more goes, until a maximum temperature of between 110° C. and 190° C. is reached;cooling the entire mixture to a temperature of less than 100° C.;subsequently incorporating, during a second referred to as “productive” stage, the crosslinking system;kneading everything until a maximum temperature of less than 110° C. is reached, and being characterized in that said plasticising system comprises:between 5 and 35 phr of an MES or TDAE oil;between 5 and 35 phr of a resin formed of C5fraction/vinylaromatic copolymer. Another aspect of the invention relates, to a plasticising system which can be used for the plasticizing of a diene rubber composition, said system comprising, in combination, an MES or TDAE oil and a resin formed of C5fraction/vinylaromatic copolymer, and to the use of such a system for the plasticizing of a diene rubber composition. According to a preferred embodiment, the resin formed of C5fraction/vinylaromatic copolymer comprises a weight fraction of cyclopentadiene and/or dicyclopentadiene which is less than 30%, which has proven to be favorable to the low-temperature hysteresis/high-temperature hysteresis compromise which a person skilled in the art of tires associates in a known way with the grip on wet ground and rolling resistance compromise. Another aspect of the invention is the use of a composition according to the invention for the manufacture of a finished article or of a semi-finished product made of rubber intended for any motor vehicle ground-contact system, such as tire, internal safety support for a tire, wheel, rubber spring, elastomeric joint, other suspension element and vibration damper. Another aspect of the invention is the use of a composition according to the invention for the manufacture of tires or semi-finished products made of rubber intended for these tires, these semi-finished products preferably being chosen from the group consisting of treads, crown reinforcing plies, sidewalls, carcass reinforcement plies, beads, protectors, underlayers, rubber blocks and other internal rubbers, in particular decoupling rubbers, intended to provide the bonding or the interface between the abovementioned regions of the tires. Another aspect of the invention is the use of a composition according to the invention for the manufacture of a tire tread exhibiting in particular an improved cut and chipping resistance. Another aspect of the invention is the finished articles and semi-finished products made of rubber themselves, in particular tires and semi-finished products for tires, when they comprise an elastomeric composition in accordance with the invention. The tires in accordance with the invention are intended in particular for passenger vehicles, such as two-wheel vehicles (motor cycles, bicycles), industrial vehicles chosen from vans, heavy-duty vehicles, i.e. subway, bus, heavy road transportation vehicles (trucks, tractors, trailers) or off-road vehicles, heavy agricultural vehicles or earthmoving equipment, planes, and other transportation or handling vehicles. The invention and its advantages will be more easily understood in the light of the detailed description and of the exemplary embodiments which follow.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: RELATED APPLICATION This is a U.S. National Phase Application under 35 USC 371 of International Application PCT/EP2005/011564, filed on Oct. 28, 2005. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to rubber compositions intended in particular for the manufacture of tires or semi-finished products for tires. It relates more particularly to the plasticising systems which can be used for plasticising such compositions. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Rubber compositions for tires comprise, in a known way, plasticising agents used for the preparation or synthesis of certain diene elastomers, for improving the processability of said compositions in the raw state and some of their use properties in the cured state, such as, for example, in the case of tire treads, their grip on wet ground or also their abrasion and cut resistance. For a very long time, it has essentially been oils derived from petroleum and which are highly aromatic, known under the name of DAE (“Distillate Aromatic Extracts”) oils, which have been used to perform this function of plasticising agent. Many tire manufacturers are today, for environmental reasons, envisaging gradually replacing these DAE oils by substitute oils of the “non-aromatic” type, in particular by oils known as “MES” (“Medium Extracted Solvates”) or “TDAE” (“Treated Distillate Aromatic Extracts”) which are characterized by a very low level of polyaromatics (approximately 20 to 50 times less). The Applicants have noted that the replacement, in tire rubber compositions, of DAE aromatic oils by these MES or TDAE oils is unexpectedly reflected by a reduction in the abrasion and cut resistance of said compositions, it being possible for this reduction to be even totally unacceptable in certain applications, in particular with regard to the problem of chipping of tire treads. “Chipping” (or “scaling”) is a known damaging mechanism which corresponds to lamellar surface pieces, in the form of scales, being torn off from the constituent “rubber” (or rubber composition) of the treads under certain aggressive running conditions. This problem is encountered in particular with regard to tires for off-road vehicles or vehicles found on construction or civil engineering sites, which have to run over different types of soils, some of them stony and relatively aggressive; it has, for example, been described, along with some solutions for overcoming it, in the patent documents EP-A-0 030 579, FR-A-2 080 661 (or GB-A-1 343 487), or also in patent U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,927,144 and 4,968,764, which recommend, for overcoming it, the use of cyclopentadiene-based hydrocarbon resins. On continuing their research, the Applicants have discovered that the replacement of a portion of these MES or TDAE oils by another specific plasticising agent makes it possible not only to solve the above problem but, which is even more surprising, to also improve the abrasion and cut resistance of the rubber compositions using conventional aromatic oils as plasticising agent. Consequently, a first aspect of the invention is a rubber composition based on at least a diene elastomer, a reinforcing filler, a plasticising system and a crosslinking system, characterized in that said plasticising system comprises (phr=parts by weight per 100 parts of elastomer):between 5 and 35 phr of an MES or TDAE oil;between 5 and 35 phr of a C5fraction/vinylaromatic copolymer resin. Another aspect of the invention is a process for preparing a rubber composition having an improved abrasion and cut resistance, this composition being based on a diene elastomer, a reinforcing filler, a plasticising system and a crosslinking system, said process comprising the following stages:incorporating in a diene elastomer, during a first referred to as “non-productive” stage, at least a reinforcing filler and a plasticising system, by kneading thermomechanically the whole, in one or more goes, until a maximum temperature of between 110° C. and 190° C. is reached;cooling the entire mixture to a temperature of less than 100° C.;subsequently incorporating, during a second referred to as “productive” stage, the crosslinking system;kneading everything until a maximum temperature of less than 110° C. is reached, and being characterized in that said plasticising system comprises:between 5 and 35 phr of an MES or TDAE oil;between 5 and 35 phr of a resin formed of C5fraction/vinylaromatic copolymer. Another aspect of the invention relates, to a plasticising system which can be used for the plasticizing of a diene rubber composition, said system comprising, in combination, an MES or TDAE oil and a resin formed of C5fraction/vinylaromatic copolymer, and to the use of such a system for the plasticizing of a diene rubber composition. According to a preferred embodiment, the resin formed of C5fraction/vinylaromatic copolymer comprises a weight fraction of cyclopentadiene and/or dicyclopentadiene which is less than 30%, which has proven to be favorable to the low-temperature hysteresis/high-temperature hysteresis compromise which a person skilled in the art of tires associates in a known way with the grip on wet ground and rolling resistance compromise. Another aspect of the invention is the use of a composition according to the invention for the manufacture of a finished article or of a semi-finished product made of rubber intended for any motor vehicle ground-contact system, such as tire, internal safety support for a tire, wheel, rubber spring, elastomeric joint, other suspension element and vibration damper. Another aspect of the invention is the use of a composition according to the invention for the manufacture of tires or semi-finished products made of rubber intended for these tires, these semi-finished products preferably being chosen from the group consisting of treads, crown reinforcing plies, sidewalls, carcass reinforcement plies, beads, protectors, underlayers, rubber blocks and other internal rubbers, in particular decoupling rubbers, intended to provide the bonding or the interface between the abovementioned regions of the tires. Another aspect of the invention is the use of a composition according to the invention for the manufacture of a tire tread exhibiting in particular an improved cut and chipping resistance. Another aspect of the invention is the finished articles and semi-finished products made of rubber themselves, in particular tires and semi-finished products for tires, when they comprise an elastomeric composition in accordance with the invention. The tires in accordance with the invention are intended in particular for passenger vehicles, such as two-wheel vehicles (motor cycles, bicycles), industrial vehicles chosen from vans, heavy-duty vehicles, i.e. subway, bus, heavy road transportation vehicles (trucks, tractors, trailers) or off-road vehicles, heavy agricultural vehicles or earthmoving equipment, planes, and other transportation or handling vehicles. The invention and its advantages will be more easily understood in the light of the detailed description and of the exemplary embodiments which follow. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7698970

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention generally relates to tools for use in care and maintenance in sports equipment and work requiring the handy storage of various tools. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In many fields, especially many modern sports, such as skateboarding and the like, the equipment serves best if care and maintenance are practiced regularly. While skateboards and the like are used herein for a convenient example, it will be understood that the tools referred to might be used with virtually any activity where such tools are kept handy for quick and multiple use. Skateboarding is referred to specifically as an example of equipment which, because of the complexity of much of the equipment adjustments, tightening, and other factors may need constant attention. To perform this care and maintenance in many instances requires special tools that can be cumbersome and inconvenient to carry along during performance or use of the equipment. It would be highly advantageous, therefore, to remedy the foregoing and other deficiencies inherent in the prior art. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved carabiner multi-tool. It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved carabiner multi-tool including a carabiner-type arrangement for easy and convenient carrying. Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved carabiner multi-tool including multiple tools and multiple types of tools in a single carabiner-type unit. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Briefly, to achieve the desired objects of the instant invention in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, carabiner multi-tool includes a first generally C-shaped portion, a central extended portion, and a second generally C-shaped portion with the central extended portion joining the first and second C-shaped portions into a continuous body. Second ends of the first and the second C-shaped portions form first and second body ends positioned in spaced apart substantially opposed relationship. A shaft has one end pivotally attached to the first body end and a free end pivotally movable into a closed orientation with the second body end and an open orientation with the second body end. An engagement member is mounted on either the free end of the shaft or the second body end for engaging the free end of the shaft and the second body end in a closed orientation. Multiple tools are formed in the first and the second generally C-shaped portions. The desired objects of the instant invention are further realized in accordance with a specific embodiment in which a carabiner multi-tool includes a first generally C-shaped portion defining a first socket wrench opening therein, a second generally C-shaped portion defining a second socket wrench opening therein, and a central extended portion joining a first end of the first C-shaped portion and a first end of the second C-shaped portion into a continuous body with a second end of the first C-shaped portion and a second end of the second C-shaped portion forming a first body end and a second body end positioned in spaced apart substantially opposed relationship. An elongated shaft has a fixed end pivotally attached to the first body end and a free end with the free end being pivotally movable into a closed orientation and an open orientation. An engagement member including an axially extending socket wrench opening is mounted on the free end of the elongated shaft for limited axial movement therealong. The axially extending socket wrench opening is mounted on the free end of the shaft for engaging the second body end in the closed orientation and locking the shaft in the closed orientation.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention generally relates to tools for use in care and maintenance in sports equipment and work requiring the handy storage of various tools. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In many fields, especially many modern sports, such as skateboarding and the like, the equipment serves best if care and maintenance are practiced regularly. While skateboards and the like are used herein for a convenient example, it will be understood that the tools referred to might be used with virtually any activity where such tools are kept handy for quick and multiple use. Skateboarding is referred to specifically as an example of equipment which, because of the complexity of much of the equipment adjustments, tightening, and other factors may need constant attention. To perform this care and maintenance in many instances requires special tools that can be cumbersome and inconvenient to carry along during performance or use of the equipment. It would be highly advantageous, therefore, to remedy the foregoing and other deficiencies inherent in the prior art. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved carabiner multi-tool. It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved carabiner multi-tool including a carabiner-type arrangement for easy and convenient carrying. Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved carabiner multi-tool including multiple tools and multiple types of tools in a single carabiner-type unit. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Briefly, to achieve the desired objects of the instant invention in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, carabiner multi-tool includes a first generally C-shaped portion, a central extended portion, and a second generally C-shaped portion with the central extended portion joining the first and second C-shaped portions into a continuous body. Second ends of the first and the second C-shaped portions form first and second body ends positioned in spaced apart substantially opposed relationship. A shaft has one end pivotally attached to the first body end and a free end pivotally movable into a closed orientation with the second body end and an open orientation with the second body end. An engagement member is mounted on either the free end of the shaft or the second body end for engaging the free end of the shaft and the second body end in a closed orientation. Multiple tools are formed in the first and the second generally C-shaped portions. The desired objects of the instant invention are further realized in accordance with a specific embodiment in which a carabiner multi-tool includes a first generally C-shaped portion defining a first socket wrench opening therein, a second generally C-shaped portion defining a second socket wrench opening therein, and a central extended portion joining a first end of the first C-shaped portion and a first end of the second C-shaped portion into a continuous body with a second end of the first C-shaped portion and a second end of the second C-shaped portion forming a first body end and a second body end positioned in spaced apart substantially opposed relationship. An elongated shaft has a fixed end pivotally attached to the first body end and a free end with the free end being pivotally movable into a closed orientation and an open orientation. An engagement member including an axially extending socket wrench opening is mounted on the free end of the elongated shaft for limited axial movement therealong. The axially extending socket wrench opening is mounted on the free end of the shaft for engaging the second body end in the closed orientation and locking the shaft in the closed orientation. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7646976

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a digital camera, more specifically relates to an AF (autofocus) digital camera capable of taking color images. 2. Description of the Prior Art In AF digital cameras, a part of the light bundle of an object which is formed through a photographing lens is lead to an AF sensor unit to measure an object distance (defocus amount) at the AF sensor unit.FIGS. 7A,7B and7C are diagrams illustrating the principle of operation of such an AF sensor unit which is incorporated in an SLR type of digital camera. Each of these diagrams shows a state of the aforementioned part of the light bundle of an object, which is formed through a photographing lens, in the AF sensor unit, and further shows the distance (image-to-image distance) between two separate images received by an AF sensor226thereon (between two peaks of a signal output from the AF sensor). The above-mentioned part of the light bundle of an object, which is formed through a photographing lens, is separated into two light bundles by an aperture mask224having two apertures, which are in turn focused on the AF sensor226via two separator lenses225, respectively. The AF sensor226is a line sensor, or the like, and measures the distance between two images of the two light bundles focused on the AF sensor226. Thereafter, an in-focus state is achieved by driving a focusing lens system (focusing lens group) of the photographing lens by feedback control performed by an AF controller (focusing device (not shown)) so that the aforementioned image-to-image distance becomes a predetermined distance. In this type of AF sensor unit, the effective focal length of the optical system of the AF sensor unit varies depending on differences in color of light of an object, i.e., differences in wavelength of light incident on the AF sensor unit, and therefore, the imaging position in the AF sensor226varies depending on wavelengths of the received light, which makes it impossible for the aforementioned focusing lens system of the photographing lens to obtain a correct in-focus state, i.e., which becomes a cause of an AF error. For instance, if the image-to-image distance Lg at the AF sensor226upon receiving green light is regarded as a reference distance (seeFIG. 7A), the effective focal length of the optical system of the AF sensor unit increases as shown inFIG. 7Bwhen the AF sensor unit226receives red light (long-wavelength light), and accordingly, the image-to-image distance Lr at the AF sensor226upon receiving red light becomes shorter than the reference distance, and the effective focal length of the optical system of the AF sensor unit decreases as shown inFIG. 7Cupon the AF sensor unit226receiving blue light (short-wavelength light), and accordingly, the image-to-image distance Lb at the AF sensor226upon receiving blue light becomes longer than the reference distance. Note that the optical path difference of a light bundle of an object due to the difference of light wavelength is exaggerated inFIGS. 7A,7B and7C for the purpose of illustration. Such variations of the image-to-image distance that depend on wavelengths of the received light cause variations in measured distance value, thus becoming a cause of an AF error. To overcome this problem of AF error, a technique of eliminating AF error such as noted above, which is caused by color difference in light of an object the object distance of which is to be measured, by measuring color of the object light and correcting the output of the AF sensor unit (i.e., a measured object distance value or an in-focus position) in accordance with the measured color has been proposed in Japanese unexamined patent publication 2003-241064. In this publication, the photometric sensor is provided on a part of the light receptive surface with an optical filter so that the photometric sensor measures the object color by receiving light which is passed through the optical filter. In order to correct the AF error in an effective manner, colorimetric (color measuring) elements are disposed to carry out color measurements at positions corresponding to distance measuring points on an object which is to be photographed, i.e., at positions corresponding to points on object images which are formed on an AF sensor via separator lenses in the AF sensor unit. In the technique shown in the aforementioned publication, since the photometric sensor is constructed so that the color measurements are performed with a part of the light receptive surface of the photometric sensor, it can be said that the photometric sensor and a calorimetric sensor (which includes the aforementioned colorimetric elements) are formed integral with each other, and accordingly, it is considered that the color measurements may exert an influence upon a photometering operation. More specifically, in the technique shown in the aforementioned publication, the photometric sensor measures the intensity of visible light over all wavelengths thereof, whereas the colorimetric sensor measures the intensities of red, green and blue lights by a plurality of photoreceivers of the calorimetric sensor which include spectroscopic color filters for red, green and blue lights. Since the colorimetric sensor performs color measurements for distance measuring points on an object to exercise AF control in the AF sensor unit such as the aforementioned feedback control, the calorimetric sensor influences the photometric values measured at the distance measuring points. Namely, when taking a picture with a camera, it is generally the case that the object distance is measured to bring a portion of the object which is to be photographed into focus; however, if the photometric value measured at this portion of the object is influenced by the operation of the colorimetric sensor, this results in the colorimetric sensor influencing the correct exposure at object. A solution to this problem is to separate the photometric sensor and the calorimetric sensor from each other; however, this inevitably requires two sensors. Specifically, in the case where the aforementioned type of photometric and calorimetric techniques is applied to a digital camera, it is necessary for the digital camera to be provided with a color temperature sensor (white balance sensor) for determining a standard of reference used for photographing white light as a true white, which requires not only a photometric sensor and a calorimetric sensor but also a color temperature sensor, i.e., three sensors in total. This increase in number of sensors complicates the overall structure of the digital camera. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an AF digital camera, capable of taking color images, which includes a color temperature sensor, a photometric sensor and a colorimetric sensor, wherein the structure of the digital camera is simplified by a reduction in the number of sensors included in the digital camera. According to an aspect of the present invention, a digital camera is provided, including an imaging device for capturing images of an object; a signal processor which performs signal processing on a signal captured by the imaging device to obtain an image signal; and a single measuring device for measuring color of at least a part of the object, and for measuring a color temperature of the object to adjust white balance of the image signal. It is desirable for the digital camera to include an AF controller which measures an object distance of the object and performs AF control on operation of a focusing lens system of a photographing lens to bring the object into focus automatically; and a controller which makes an adjustment to the AF control based on the color of the object that is measured by the single measuring device. It is desirable for the digital camera to include a white balance adjustment device, wherein the white balance adjustment device adjusts a white balance of the image signal captured by the imaging device in accordance with the measured object color temperature of the object. It is desirable for the digital camera to include a look-up table from which the controller obtains a correction value used for the adjustment to the AF control based on the color of the object that is measured by the single measuring device. It is desirable for the AF controller to be configured to measure an object distance at least one predetermined point on the object, and for the single measuring device to be configured so that a photoreceptive area thereof measures color of the object at the predetermined point on the object. It is desirable for the single measuring device to include a photoreceptor, a light receptive surface of which is sectioned into a plurality of light receptive areas; and an optical plate positioned in front of the photoreceptor. A portion of the plurality of light receptive areas is configured to measure the color of the object and the remaining portion of the plurality of light receptive areas is configured to measure the color temperature of the object. A portion of the optical plate which corresponds to the portion of the plurality of light receptive areas is formed as a transparent portion which allows light of the object to pass therethrough. A portion of the optical plate which corresponds to the remaining portion of the plurality of light receptive areas is formed as a diffusing portion which diffuses light of the object which is incident thereon. It is desirable for the single measuring device to include at least one color filter, fixed to cover the plurality of light receptive areas, for having each the plurality of light receptive areas receive light of the object spectroscopically. It is desirable for each of a plurality of portions of the color filter which respectively correspond to the plurality of light receptive areas to include at least one red-light filter portion, at least one green-light filter portion and at least one blue-light filter portion. It is desirable for the single measuring device to be configured so that the photoreceptive area and the transparent portion are arranged to correspond to at least one specific point in the AF controller. It is desirable for the digital camera to include a photometer adapted for exposure settings for capturing images with the imaging device, wherein the photometer is independent of the single measuring device. It is desirable for the photographing lens to be an interchangeable lens. It is desirable for the digital camera to include an SLR digital camera having an image-erecting optical system, the single measuring device being positioned in a vicinity of an exit surface of the image-erecting optical system so that a portion of light which exits out of the exit surface is incident on the single measuring device. It is desirable for the AF controller to include an AF sensor unit and an AF driving mechanism including a motor which drives the focusing lens system. According to the present invention, a single measuring device is configured to be capable of performing not only color measurements but also color temperature measurements. Therefore, even if the camera is provided with a photometer independently of the single measuring device, the camera only needs to be provided with two measuring devices, which simplifies the structure of the digital camera. Moreover, since the photometer can be provided independently of the single measuring device, an influence upon a photometering operation of the photometer which is caused by a color filter used in performing object color measurements can be eliminated, which makes both accurate photometric measurements and picture taking with correct exposure possible. Furthermore, since the single measuring device can carry out color measurements on at least one predetermined point on an object at which the object distance is measured, a high-precision AF control is achieved. Furthermore, since the single measuring device can carry out color measurements and color temperature measurements at the same time, an appropriate color temperature adjustment (white balance adjustment) can be made when photographing color images. The present disclosure relates to subject matter contained in Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-143526 (filed on May 17, 2005) which is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a digital camera, more specifically relates to an AF (autofocus) digital camera capable of taking color images. 2. Description of the Prior Art In AF digital cameras, a part of the light bundle of an object which is formed through a photographing lens is lead to an AF sensor unit to measure an object distance (defocus amount) at the AF sensor unit.FIGS. 7A,7B and7C are diagrams illustrating the principle of operation of such an AF sensor unit which is incorporated in an SLR type of digital camera. Each of these diagrams shows a state of the aforementioned part of the light bundle of an object, which is formed through a photographing lens, in the AF sensor unit, and further shows the distance (image-to-image distance) between two separate images received by an AF sensor226thereon (between two peaks of a signal output from the AF sensor). The above-mentioned part of the light bundle of an object, which is formed through a photographing lens, is separated into two light bundles by an aperture mask224having two apertures, which are in turn focused on the AF sensor226via two separator lenses225, respectively. The AF sensor226is a line sensor, or the like, and measures the distance between two images of the two light bundles focused on the AF sensor226. Thereafter, an in-focus state is achieved by driving a focusing lens system (focusing lens group) of the photographing lens by feedback control performed by an AF controller (focusing device (not shown)) so that the aforementioned image-to-image distance becomes a predetermined distance. In this type of AF sensor unit, the effective focal length of the optical system of the AF sensor unit varies depending on differences in color of light of an object, i.e., differences in wavelength of light incident on the AF sensor unit, and therefore, the imaging position in the AF sensor226varies depending on wavelengths of the received light, which makes it impossible for the aforementioned focusing lens system of the photographing lens to obtain a correct in-focus state, i.e., which becomes a cause of an AF error. For instance, if the image-to-image distance Lg at the AF sensor226upon receiving green light is regarded as a reference distance (seeFIG. 7A), the effective focal length of the optical system of the AF sensor unit increases as shown inFIG. 7Bwhen the AF sensor unit226receives red light (long-wavelength light), and accordingly, the image-to-image distance Lr at the AF sensor226upon receiving red light becomes shorter than the reference distance, and the effective focal length of the optical system of the AF sensor unit decreases as shown inFIG. 7Cupon the AF sensor unit226receiving blue light (short-wavelength light), and accordingly, the image-to-image distance Lb at the AF sensor226upon receiving blue light becomes longer than the reference distance. Note that the optical path difference of a light bundle of an object due to the difference of light wavelength is exaggerated inFIGS. 7A,7B and7C for the purpose of illustration. Such variations of the image-to-image distance that depend on wavelengths of the received light cause variations in measured distance value, thus becoming a cause of an AF error. To overcome this problem of AF error, a technique of eliminating AF error such as noted above, which is caused by color difference in light of an object the object distance of which is to be measured, by measuring color of the object light and correcting the output of the AF sensor unit (i.e., a measured object distance value or an in-focus position) in accordance with the measured color has been proposed in Japanese unexamined patent publication 2003-241064. In this publication, the photometric sensor is provided on a part of the light receptive surface with an optical filter so that the photometric sensor measures the object color by receiving light which is passed through the optical filter. In order to correct the AF error in an effective manner, colorimetric (color measuring) elements are disposed to carry out color measurements at positions corresponding to distance measuring points on an object which is to be photographed, i.e., at positions corresponding to points on object images which are formed on an AF sensor via separator lenses in the AF sensor unit. In the technique shown in the aforementioned publication, since the photometric sensor is constructed so that the color measurements are performed with a part of the light receptive surface of the photometric sensor, it can be said that the photometric sensor and a calorimetric sensor (which includes the aforementioned colorimetric elements) are formed integral with each other, and accordingly, it is considered that the color measurements may exert an influence upon a photometering operation. More specifically, in the technique shown in the aforementioned publication, the photometric sensor measures the intensity of visible light over all wavelengths thereof, whereas the colorimetric sensor measures the intensities of red, green and blue lights by a plurality of photoreceivers of the calorimetric sensor which include spectroscopic color filters for red, green and blue lights. Since the colorimetric sensor performs color measurements for distance measuring points on an object to exercise AF control in the AF sensor unit such as the aforementioned feedback control, the calorimetric sensor influences the photometric values measured at the distance measuring points. Namely, when taking a picture with a camera, it is generally the case that the object distance is measured to bring a portion of the object which is to be photographed into focus; however, if the photometric value measured at this portion of the object is influenced by the operation of the colorimetric sensor, this results in the colorimetric sensor influencing the correct exposure at object. A solution to this problem is to separate the photometric sensor and the calorimetric sensor from each other; however, this inevitably requires two sensors. Specifically, in the case where the aforementioned type of photometric and calorimetric techniques is applied to a digital camera, it is necessary for the digital camera to be provided with a color temperature sensor (white balance sensor) for determining a standard of reference used for photographing white light as a true white, which requires not only a photometric sensor and a calorimetric sensor but also a color temperature sensor, i.e., three sensors in total. This increase in number of sensors complicates the overall structure of the digital camera. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an AF digital camera, capable of taking color images, which includes a color temperature sensor, a photometric sensor and a colorimetric sensor, wherein the structure of the digital camera is simplified by a reduction in the number of sensors included in the digital camera. According to an aspect of the present invention, a digital camera is provided, including an imaging device for capturing images of an object; a signal processor which performs signal processing on a signal captured by the imaging device to obtain an image signal; and a single measuring device for measuring color of at least a part of the object, and for measuring a color temperature of the object to adjust white balance of the image signal. It is desirable for the digital camera to include an AF controller which measures an object distance of the object and performs AF control on operation of a focusing lens system of a photographing lens to bring the object into focus automatically; and a controller which makes an adjustment to the AF control based on the color of the object that is measured by the single measuring device. It is desirable for the digital camera to include a white balance adjustment device, wherein the white balance adjustment device adjusts a white balance of the image signal captured by the imaging device in accordance with the measured object color temperature of the object. It is desirable for the digital camera to include a look-up table from which the controller obtains a correction value used for the adjustment to the AF control based on the color of the object that is measured by the single measuring device. It is desirable for the AF controller to be configured to measure an object distance at least one predetermined point on the object, and for the single measuring device to be configured so that a photoreceptive area thereof measures color of the object at the predetermined point on the object. It is desirable for the single measuring device to include a photoreceptor, a light receptive surface of which is sectioned into a plurality of light receptive areas; and an optical plate positioned in front of the photoreceptor. A portion of the plurality of light receptive areas is configured to measure the color of the object and the remaining portion of the plurality of light receptive areas is configured to measure the color temperature of the object. A portion of the optical plate which corresponds to the portion of the plurality of light receptive areas is formed as a transparent portion which allows light of the object to pass therethrough. A portion of the optical plate which corresponds to the remaining portion of the plurality of light receptive areas is formed as a diffusing portion which diffuses light of the object which is incident thereon. It is desirable for the single measuring device to include at least one color filter, fixed to cover the plurality of light receptive areas, for having each the plurality of light receptive areas receive light of the object spectroscopically. It is desirable for each of a plurality of portions of the color filter which respectively correspond to the plurality of light receptive areas to include at least one red-light filter portion, at least one green-light filter portion and at least one blue-light filter portion. It is desirable for the single measuring device to be configured so that the photoreceptive area and the transparent portion are arranged to correspond to at least one specific point in the AF controller. It is desirable for the digital camera to include a photometer adapted for exposure settings for capturing images with the imaging device, wherein the photometer is independent of the single measuring device. It is desirable for the photographing lens to be an interchangeable lens. It is desirable for the digital camera to include an SLR digital camera having an image-erecting optical system, the single measuring device being positioned in a vicinity of an exit surface of the image-erecting optical system so that a portion of light which exits out of the exit surface is incident on the single measuring device. It is desirable for the AF controller to include an AF sensor unit and an AF driving mechanism including a motor which drives the focusing lens system. According to the present invention, a single measuring device is configured to be capable of performing not only color measurements but also color temperature measurements. Therefore, even if the camera is provided with a photometer independently of the single measuring device, the camera only needs to be provided with two measuring devices, which simplifies the structure of the digital camera. Moreover, since the photometer can be provided independently of the single measuring device, an influence upon a photometering operation of the photometer which is caused by a color filter used in performing object color measurements can be eliminated, which makes both accurate photometric measurements and picture taking with correct exposure possible. Furthermore, since the single measuring device can carry out color measurements on at least one predetermined point on an object at which the object distance is measured, a high-precision AF control is achieved. Furthermore, since the single measuring device can carry out color measurements and color temperature measurements at the same time, an appropriate color temperature adjustment (white balance adjustment) can be made when photographing color images. The present disclosure relates to subject matter contained in Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-143526 (filed on May 17, 2005) which is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7780721

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT n/a FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention lies in the field of vascular stents. In particular, the invention is in the field of helical stents for peripheral arteries, the biliary tree, and other body lumens. Stents have been developed for use in various lumens of the body, including the biliary tree, venous system, peripheral arteries, and coronary arteries. Stents are used to open or hold open a lumen that has been blocked (occluded) or reduced in size (stenosed) by some disease process, such as atherosclerosis or cancer. Previously developed stents for use in the biliary, venous, and arterial systems have been of two broad classes: balloon-expanded and self-expanding. In both of these classes, stents have generally been made by two different techniques: either formed from wire or machined from a hollow tube. Other manufacturing techniques have been proposed, such as vacuum or chemical deposition of material or forming a tube of machined flat material, but those “exotic” methods have not been widely commercialized. The vast majority of stents for use in the arterial and venous systems have been made by machining a pattern of struts and connecting elements from a metallic tubular preform (typically, by laser machining). Of these machined-tube stents, there have been two basic architectures: circumferential and helical. Circumferential configurations are based upon a series of cylindrical bands joined longitudinally by bridges to make a tubular structure. Helical configurations include a continuous helical structure (typically made of an undulating pattern of struts and end-loops) with joining structures (referred to as “bridges”) joining adjacent turns of the helix to provide mechanical integrity to the tubular structure (to prevent unwinding, kinking, and buckling). Fine Cell Structure of Stents Clinicians recommend the use of stents with relatively small openings to minimize the chances of friable material from the lumen wall penetrating into the interior of the stent where it may result in narrowing of the lumen by cellular proliferation or where it may embolize downstream, causing damage or ischemia. U.S. Pat. No. 6,537,310 to Palmaz et al. teaches that it is advantageous to cover a stent with a porous film having openings no larger than 17 microns in their smallest dimension to minimize the migration of embolic debris and plaque into the lumen of a stent. However, Palmaz teaches use of a stent that is very difficult to manufacture because of the great number of very small openings in the covering film or “web.” Clinicians have asked for stents with “thin, equi-spaced struts for optimal wall coverage and drug elution” (“Clinical Impact of Stent Design: Results from 10 Years Experience,” C. DiMario, TCT2003). DiMario demonstrates 15.0% restenosis versus 36.6% for stents with thin struts (50 microns, Multilink) versus thick struts (average of all stents evaluated with struts greater than or equal to 100 microns). DiMario also relates stent efficacy to “integrated cell size,” showing better results for the BX VELOCITY® stent with cells of 3.3 mm2versus stents with larger cell sizes. DiMario reports reduced neointimal hyperplasia for smaller struts (0.8 mm thickness for closely-spaced 125-micron struts versus 1.54 mm thickness for wider-spaced 200-micron struts). Because prior art stent designs have large gaps between stent parts, drug elution about these parts does not adequately cover all of the tissue within the bounds of the stent. In “Clinical Impact of Stent Design: Results From Randomized Trials” (TCT 2003), A. Kastrati reports reduced residual percent-diameter stenosis after stenting (4.0% versus 5.7%) with 50-micron struts (Multi-link) versus 140-micron (Multi-link Duet). In his report “Era of Drug-Coated and Drug-Eluting Stents” (TCT 2002), G. Grube states that the typical open-cell configuration gives poor distribution of the drug into the arterial wall because of the large open gaps when the stent is situated in a bend of the artery. Number-of-Struts to Strut-Length Ratio U.S. Pat. No. 6,129,755 to Mathis et al. (hereinafter “Mathis”) teaches improved self-expanding stents with circumferential hoops of struts joined by oblique longitudinal bridges. Described therein is the importance of having a large number of struts per hoop (the number of struts counted by going around the circumference) and minimum strut length to minimize strains in superelastic materials and to prevent emboli from passing through the wall of the stent. Mathis defines a figure of merit that is the ratio of number of struts around the circumference to the length (in inches) of a strut, measured longitudinally. This ratio, which has the units of reciprocal inches, will be referred to herein as the M-D Ratio because the inventors were Mathis and Duerig. Mathis describes prior-art stents as having a ratio of about 200 and that their improved stent has an M-D Ratio of over 400. A representative stent produced by Cordis Corporation according to the Mathis-Duerig invention—referred to as the “SmartStent”—has 32 struts per circumference and strut lengths of approximately 0.077 inch, resulting in an M-D Ratio of approximately 416. The M-D Ratio is determined by number of struts divided by strut length. For a given diameter stent, assuming “maximum-metal” configuration, which is typical for self-expanding stents, the number of struts around the circumference is inversely proportional to the strut width. Thus, the M-D Ratio is inversely proportional to the product of strut width and length. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a helical stent and a method for manufacturing the stent that overcome the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices of this general type and that improves helical machined-tube stents, whether balloon-expanded or self-expanding. The self-expended stent of the present invention is suitable for use in peripheral arteries, the biliary tree, and other body lumens. In particular, it will be most advantageous for use in arteries where flexure is an important factor, such as iliac arteries and carotid arteries. It is not traditional for cardiologists to use self-expanding stents in coronary arteries or coronary bypass grafts. Nonetheless, the present invention is especially suitable for the diffuse disease often encountered in these locations. Also, because of the high total surface area of the present configuration, the stent is particularly suitable for the application of drug-eluting coatings intended to reduce restenosis or for other therapies. Specifically, the stent according to the present invention allows virtually all tissue within the coverage area of the stent to be in the elution areas. In particular, the stent provides tissue coverage so that no element of wall tissue is more than 350 microns to 400 microns away from the nearest strut. Such a configuration assures a short diffusion path from a strut covered with a drug-eluting agent to any portion of the tissue. With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a stent, including a stent body having a circumference and struts disposed helically about the circumference, each of the struts having a strut length. A ratio of a number of the struts around the circumference to the strut length being greater than 800 per inch. In particular, the ratio is greater than 1000 per inch. The diameter is between approximately 4 mm and approximately 8 mm. The length is between approximately 25 mm and approximately 150 mm. The struts are disposed helically about the circumference along at least one helical turn and a number of the struts in the helical turn is between 36 and 50. With the objects of the invention in view, there is also provided a stent, including a stent body having struts in an M-D Ratio of greater than 800 per inch. In particular, the ratio is greater than 1000 per inch. The diameter is between approximately 4 mm and approximately 8 mm. The length is between approximately 25 mm and approximately 150 mm. The struts are disposed helically about the circumference along at least one helical turn and a number of the struts in the helical turn is between 36 and 50. With the objects of the invention in view, there is also provided a stent, including a stent body having a diameter of between approximately 4 mm and approximately 12 mm and a length of between approximately 10 mm and approximately 250 mm, struts disposed helically about the circumference along at least one helical turn, and each of the struts having a strut length of between approximately 600 and approximately 1200 microns. The diameter, in particular, is between approximately 4 mm and approximately 8 mm and the length is between approximately 25 mm and approximately 150 mm. The struts are disposed helically about the circumference along at least one helical turn and a number of the struts in the helical turn is between 36 and 50. In accordance with another feature of the invention, the stent body has a circumference and a ratio of a number of the struts around the circumference to the strut length is greater than 800 per inch, in particular, greater than 1000 per inch. In accordance with a further feature of the invention, the stent body has a circumference and a number of the struts in the at least one helical turn is between 36 and 50. With the objects of the invention in view, there is also provided a stent, including a stent body having a diameter of between approximately 4 mm and approximately 12 mm and a length of between approximately 10 mm and approximately 250 mm, struts disposed helically about the circumference along at least one helical turn, and a number of the struts in the at least one helical turn being between 36 and 50. In particular, the diameter is between approximately 4 mm and approximately 8 mm and the length is between approximately 25 mm and approximately 150 mm. In accordance with a concomitant feature of the invention, the stent body has a circumference, each of the struts has a strut length, and a ratio of a number of the struts around the circumference to the strut length is greater than 800 per inch, in particular, greater than 1000 per inch. The present invention relies on a helical configuration with much shorter struts and significantly higher number of struts around the circumference than the prior art. Indeed, helical stent configurations according to the present invention are not limited to even-integral numbers of struts—as are “hoop” configurations taught by Mathis. In fact, odd-integral numbers of struts around the circumferential or even non-integral numbers of struts around the circumference are possible in the helical configuration of the present invention because there is no requirement for the struts to rejoin themselves to make complete hoops. In other words, a helical stent could have 31.567 struts per revolution, or any other arbitrary number. Mathis teaches that increasing the M-D ratio increases the rigidity of a stent, yet the rigidity of two comparative stents bears this relationship only if the stents being compared are expanded to comparable opening angles between the struts. In fact, with commercially available stent product lines produced to the M-D configuration, stents of different diameters frequently have the same number of struts. Even so, such a configuration family has smaller opening angles in smaller sizes than in larger sizes; this is because similar stent preforms are used to make a range of final stent sizes. The smaller stents in a product family sharing the same preform configuration (including the number of struts) have smaller opening angles, of course, resulting in lower chronic outward force (COF) and lower radial resistive force (RRF) to collapse, because the effective bending-lever length is longer in struts with lower opening angles. Mathis teaches M-D Ratios of over 400 and numbers of struts up to 32 or more but does not teach or suggest ratios of near or over eight-hundred (800 per inch), let alone over one thousand (1000 per inch). Mathis, specifically, does not mention what effects a much larger number of struts would have, and does not imply implementation of significantly shorter struts. In the present invention, an exemplary configuration for an 8 mm diameter stent incorporates 46 struts around the helical circumference and the struts have a length of approximately 0.99 mm (0.039 inches). The M-D Ratio for this exemplary configuration according to the present invention is, therefore, 1180—nearly three times the ratios taught in the prior art. Stents according to the present invention have new and unexpected properties, even though they require greater attention to opening angles (and, hence, have a more limited useful size range for a given configuration). In comparison with prior art stents having cells of 3.3 mm2, the present invention gives an integrated cell size of 1.6 mm2per cell unit in an 8 mm diameter stent. In a configuration with bridges every three cell units, the total integrated cell size would be 4.8 mm2, which is proportionately smaller than that of the BX VELOCITY® 3 mm stent. Specifically, configurations according to the present invention have much smaller openings when expanded and, particularly, when the expanded stent is flexed in bending. The substantially smaller openings result in greatly improved resistance to the passage of emboli through the stent wall. Another characteristic of stents according to the present invention is a greatly increased flexibility and resistance to buckling in bending or torsion. Stents according to the present invention also have improved fatigue life in real-life applications, resulting from a large number of struts and bending segments to absorb irregular, localized deformations caused by the anatomy—as opposed to such local deformations being placed on a small number of struts and bending segments, which results in over-straining some of these elements. Stent configurations optimized for a particular expanded diameter will have struts as wide as possible, consistent with the maximum allowable strain during storage and compression. The result of such a criterion is that stent configurations according to the present invention, with a greater number of struts of shorter length and narrower width than prior art configurations, will allow greater bending deflections, resulting in greater possible opening angles. Constructing an expanded stent with greater allowed opening angles also results in a relatively shorter projected lever-arm length acting on the struts and bending segments when the stent is expanded in the anatomy. These shorter lever arms result in higher outward forces applied to the vessel walls when the stent is expanded. It should be noted that the present invention results in configurations that are optimized for a small range of expanded sizes, creating the need to have individualized configurations for each expanded size of stent. This approach deviates from the prior art and results in higher configuration and validation costs, but results in stents with significantly improved flexural and fatigue properties while at the same time, providing optimized radial outward forces and collapse resistance for each size. Another characteristic of stents made according to this invention is the increased difficulty of collapsing the stent when preparing it for insertion into a delivery catheter. The struts of stents made according to the present invention are proportionately narrower and, hence, less stiff in bending (in proportion to the cube of the width of the struts) when compared to prior art stent designs. This decrement in stiffness may be offset by increasing the opening angle of the stent, as described elsewhere herein, but the reduced stiffness of the struts (and also the increased opening angles) results in a tendency for portions of the helix to buckle when subjected to the stresses and strains required to fully collapse the stent prior to insertion into its delivery system. The result of this buckling is that a series of struts and loops forming a portion of the helical winding will resist collapsing uniformly along the helical axis, but rather buckle away from the helical axis (usually remaining in the plane of the cylindrical surface of the stent). When a portion of the helix buckles, the struts of that turn may begin to interfere or interdigitate with the struts of an adjacent helical turn. Thus, stents made according to the present invention are more difficult to compress into their delivery system. This tendency for a series of struts and loops to buckle away from the helical axis is aggravated when the struts are very narrow, when the opening angles are higher, and when there is a long series of struts between the connecting bridges. The presence of the connecting bridges that join adjacent turns of the stent stabilizes the stent during compression; this stability is greater when there are only a few struts between bridges, and the stability is reduced when there is a large number of struts between bridges. For example, stents made with series of seven or nine struts between bridges have a high tendency toward buckling when compressed; stents made with five struts between bridges have an intermediate tendency toward buckling when compressed; and, stents with only three struts between bridges have a low tendency toward buckling when compressed. It should be noted that this tendency toward buckling does not adversely affect the characteristics of the stent when expanded in the body, because the compressive strains experienced in the body are insufficient to cause the buckling seen during compression into the delivery system. However, it has been found that stents with very low numbers of struts between bridges (e.g., one or three), though they are very easy to fully compress, do not have flexibility as great as that of stents with larger numbers of struts between bridges (e.g., seven or nine). As a result, it has been found that there is a tradeoff between design choices which create a stent that is easy to compress versus choices which make the stent flexible. It has been found that stents made according to this invention, configured with an M-D ratio in the range of 1000 per inch, have the most favorable balance of flexibility and buckling during compression when the number of struts between bridges is in the range of three to five. Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a helical stent and a method for manufacturing the stent, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT n/a FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention lies in the field of vascular stents. In particular, the invention is in the field of helical stents for peripheral arteries, the biliary tree, and other body lumens. Stents have been developed for use in various lumens of the body, including the biliary tree, venous system, peripheral arteries, and coronary arteries. Stents are used to open or hold open a lumen that has been blocked (occluded) or reduced in size (stenosed) by some disease process, such as atherosclerosis or cancer. Previously developed stents for use in the biliary, venous, and arterial systems have been of two broad classes: balloon-expanded and self-expanding. In both of these classes, stents have generally been made by two different techniques: either formed from wire or machined from a hollow tube. Other manufacturing techniques have been proposed, such as vacuum or chemical deposition of material or forming a tube of machined flat material, but those “exotic” methods have not been widely commercialized. The vast majority of stents for use in the arterial and venous systems have been made by machining a pattern of struts and connecting elements from a metallic tubular preform (typically, by laser machining). Of these machined-tube stents, there have been two basic architectures: circumferential and helical. Circumferential configurations are based upon a series of cylindrical bands joined longitudinally by bridges to make a tubular structure. Helical configurations include a continuous helical structure (typically made of an undulating pattern of struts and end-loops) with joining structures (referred to as “bridges”) joining adjacent turns of the helix to provide mechanical integrity to the tubular structure (to prevent unwinding, kinking, and buckling). Fine Cell Structure of Stents Clinicians recommend the use of stents with relatively small openings to minimize the chances of friable material from the lumen wall penetrating into the interior of the stent where it may result in narrowing of the lumen by cellular proliferation or where it may embolize downstream, causing damage or ischemia. U.S. Pat. No. 6,537,310 to Palmaz et al. teaches that it is advantageous to cover a stent with a porous film having openings no larger than 17 microns in their smallest dimension to minimize the migration of embolic debris and plaque into the lumen of a stent. However, Palmaz teaches use of a stent that is very difficult to manufacture because of the great number of very small openings in the covering film or “web.” Clinicians have asked for stents with “thin, equi-spaced struts for optimal wall coverage and drug elution” (“Clinical Impact of Stent Design: Results from 10 Years Experience,” C. DiMario, TCT2003). DiMario demonstrates 15.0% restenosis versus 36.6% for stents with thin struts (50 microns, Multilink) versus thick struts (average of all stents evaluated with struts greater than or equal to 100 microns). DiMario also relates stent efficacy to “integrated cell size,” showing better results for the BX VELOCITY® stent with cells of 3.3 mm2versus stents with larger cell sizes. DiMario reports reduced neointimal hyperplasia for smaller struts (0.8 mm thickness for closely-spaced 125-micron struts versus 1.54 mm thickness for wider-spaced 200-micron struts). Because prior art stent designs have large gaps between stent parts, drug elution about these parts does not adequately cover all of the tissue within the bounds of the stent. In “Clinical Impact of Stent Design: Results From Randomized Trials” (TCT 2003), A. Kastrati reports reduced residual percent-diameter stenosis after stenting (4.0% versus 5.7%) with 50-micron struts (Multi-link) versus 140-micron (Multi-link Duet). In his report “Era of Drug-Coated and Drug-Eluting Stents” (TCT 2002), G. Grube states that the typical open-cell configuration gives poor distribution of the drug into the arterial wall because of the large open gaps when the stent is situated in a bend of the artery. Number-of-Struts to Strut-Length Ratio U.S. Pat. No. 6,129,755 to Mathis et al. (hereinafter “Mathis”) teaches improved self-expanding stents with circumferential hoops of struts joined by oblique longitudinal bridges. Described therein is the importance of having a large number of struts per hoop (the number of struts counted by going around the circumference) and minimum strut length to minimize strains in superelastic materials and to prevent emboli from passing through the wall of the stent. Mathis defines a figure of merit that is the ratio of number of struts around the circumference to the length (in inches) of a strut, measured longitudinally. This ratio, which has the units of reciprocal inches, will be referred to herein as the M-D Ratio because the inventors were Mathis and Duerig. Mathis describes prior-art stents as having a ratio of about 200 and that their improved stent has an M-D Ratio of over 400. A representative stent produced by Cordis Corporation according to the Mathis-Duerig invention—referred to as the “SmartStent”—has 32 struts per circumference and strut lengths of approximately 0.077 inch, resulting in an M-D Ratio of approximately 416. The M-D Ratio is determined by number of struts divided by strut length. For a given diameter stent, assuming “maximum-metal” configuration, which is typical for self-expanding stents, the number of struts around the circumference is inversely proportional to the strut width. Thus, the M-D Ratio is inversely proportional to the product of strut width and length. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a helical stent and a method for manufacturing the stent that overcome the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices of this general type and that improves helical machined-tube stents, whether balloon-expanded or self-expanding. The self-expended stent of the present invention is suitable for use in peripheral arteries, the biliary tree, and other body lumens. In particular, it will be most advantageous for use in arteries where flexure is an important factor, such as iliac arteries and carotid arteries. It is not traditional for cardiologists to use self-expanding stents in coronary arteries or coronary bypass grafts. Nonetheless, the present invention is especially suitable for the diffuse disease often encountered in these locations. Also, because of the high total surface area of the present configuration, the stent is particularly suitable for the application of drug-eluting coatings intended to reduce restenosis or for other therapies. Specifically, the stent according to the present invention allows virtually all tissue within the coverage area of the stent to be in the elution areas. In particular, the stent provides tissue coverage so that no element of wall tissue is more than 350 microns to 400 microns away from the nearest strut. Such a configuration assures a short diffusion path from a strut covered with a drug-eluting agent to any portion of the tissue. With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a stent, including a stent body having a circumference and struts disposed helically about the circumference, each of the struts having a strut length. A ratio of a number of the struts around the circumference to the strut length being greater than 800 per inch. In particular, the ratio is greater than 1000 per inch. The diameter is between approximately 4 mm and approximately 8 mm. The length is between approximately 25 mm and approximately 150 mm. The struts are disposed helically about the circumference along at least one helical turn and a number of the struts in the helical turn is between 36 and 50. With the objects of the invention in view, there is also provided a stent, including a stent body having struts in an M-D Ratio of greater than 800 per inch. In particular, the ratio is greater than 1000 per inch. The diameter is between approximately 4 mm and approximately 8 mm. The length is between approximately 25 mm and approximately 150 mm. The struts are disposed helically about the circumference along at least one helical turn and a number of the struts in the helical turn is between 36 and 50. With the objects of the invention in view, there is also provided a stent, including a stent body having a diameter of between approximately 4 mm and approximately 12 mm and a length of between approximately 10 mm and approximately 250 mm, struts disposed helically about the circumference along at least one helical turn, and each of the struts having a strut length of between approximately 600 and approximately 1200 microns. The diameter, in particular, is between approximately 4 mm and approximately 8 mm and the length is between approximately 25 mm and approximately 150 mm. The struts are disposed helically about the circumference along at least one helical turn and a number of the struts in the helical turn is between 36 and 50. In accordance with another feature of the invention, the stent body has a circumference and a ratio of a number of the struts around the circumference to the strut length is greater than 800 per inch, in particular, greater than 1000 per inch. In accordance with a further feature of the invention, the stent body has a circumference and a number of the struts in the at least one helical turn is between 36 and 50. With the objects of the invention in view, there is also provided a stent, including a stent body having a diameter of between approximately 4 mm and approximately 12 mm and a length of between approximately 10 mm and approximately 250 mm, struts disposed helically about the circumference along at least one helical turn, and a number of the struts in the at least one helical turn being between 36 and 50. In particular, the diameter is between approximately 4 mm and approximately 8 mm and the length is between approximately 25 mm and approximately 150 mm. In accordance with a concomitant feature of the invention, the stent body has a circumference, each of the struts has a strut length, and a ratio of a number of the struts around the circumference to the strut length is greater than 800 per inch, in particular, greater than 1000 per inch. The present invention relies on a helical configuration with much shorter struts and significantly higher number of struts around the circumference than the prior art. Indeed, helical stent configurations according to the present invention are not limited to even-integral numbers of struts—as are “hoop” configurations taught by Mathis. In fact, odd-integral numbers of struts around the circumferential or even non-integral numbers of struts around the circumference are possible in the helical configuration of the present invention because there is no requirement for the struts to rejoin themselves to make complete hoops. In other words, a helical stent could have 31.567 struts per revolution, or any other arbitrary number. Mathis teaches that increasing the M-D ratio increases the rigidity of a stent, yet the rigidity of two comparative stents bears this relationship only if the stents being compared are expanded to comparable opening angles between the struts. In fact, with commercially available stent product lines produced to the M-D configuration, stents of different diameters frequently have the same number of struts. Even so, such a configuration family has smaller opening angles in smaller sizes than in larger sizes; this is because similar stent preforms are used to make a range of final stent sizes. The smaller stents in a product family sharing the same preform configuration (including the number of struts) have smaller opening angles, of course, resulting in lower chronic outward force (COF) and lower radial resistive force (RRF) to collapse, because the effective bending-lever length is longer in struts with lower opening angles. Mathis teaches M-D Ratios of over 400 and numbers of struts up to 32 or more but does not teach or suggest ratios of near or over eight-hundred (800 per inch), let alone over one thousand (1000 per inch). Mathis, specifically, does not mention what effects a much larger number of struts would have, and does not imply implementation of significantly shorter struts. In the present invention, an exemplary configuration for an 8 mm diameter stent incorporates 46 struts around the helical circumference and the struts have a length of approximately 0.99 mm (0.039 inches). The M-D Ratio for this exemplary configuration according to the present invention is, therefore, 1180—nearly three times the ratios taught in the prior art. Stents according to the present invention have new and unexpected properties, even though they require greater attention to opening angles (and, hence, have a more limited useful size range for a given configuration). In comparison with prior art stents having cells of 3.3 mm2, the present invention gives an integrated cell size of 1.6 mm2per cell unit in an 8 mm diameter stent. In a configuration with bridges every three cell units, the total integrated cell size would be 4.8 mm2, which is proportionately smaller than that of the BX VELOCITY® 3 mm stent. Specifically, configurations according to the present invention have much smaller openings when expanded and, particularly, when the expanded stent is flexed in bending. The substantially smaller openings result in greatly improved resistance to the passage of emboli through the stent wall. Another characteristic of stents according to the present invention is a greatly increased flexibility and resistance to buckling in bending or torsion. Stents according to the present invention also have improved fatigue life in real-life applications, resulting from a large number of struts and bending segments to absorb irregular, localized deformations caused by the anatomy—as opposed to such local deformations being placed on a small number of struts and bending segments, which results in over-straining some of these elements. Stent configurations optimized for a particular expanded diameter will have struts as wide as possible, consistent with the maximum allowable strain during storage and compression. The result of such a criterion is that stent configurations according to the present invention, with a greater number of struts of shorter length and narrower width than prior art configurations, will allow greater bending deflections, resulting in greater possible opening angles. Constructing an expanded stent with greater allowed opening angles also results in a relatively shorter projected lever-arm length acting on the struts and bending segments when the stent is expanded in the anatomy. These shorter lever arms result in higher outward forces applied to the vessel walls when the stent is expanded. It should be noted that the present invention results in configurations that are optimized for a small range of expanded sizes, creating the need to have individualized configurations for each expanded size of stent. This approach deviates from the prior art and results in higher configuration and validation costs, but results in stents with significantly improved flexural and fatigue properties while at the same time, providing optimized radial outward forces and collapse resistance for each size. Another characteristic of stents made according to this invention is the increased difficulty of collapsing the stent when preparing it for insertion into a delivery catheter. The struts of stents made according to the present invention are proportionately narrower and, hence, less stiff in bending (in proportion to the cube of the width of the struts) when compared to prior art stent designs. This decrement in stiffness may be offset by increasing the opening angle of the stent, as described elsewhere herein, but the reduced stiffness of the struts (and also the increased opening angles) results in a tendency for portions of the helix to buckle when subjected to the stresses and strains required to fully collapse the stent prior to insertion into its delivery system. The result of this buckling is that a series of struts and loops forming a portion of the helical winding will resist collapsing uniformly along the helical axis, but rather buckle away from the helical axis (usually remaining in the plane of the cylindrical surface of the stent). When a portion of the helix buckles, the struts of that turn may begin to interfere or interdigitate with the struts of an adjacent helical turn. Thus, stents made according to the present invention are more difficult to compress into their delivery system. This tendency for a series of struts and loops to buckle away from the helical axis is aggravated when the struts are very narrow, when the opening angles are higher, and when there is a long series of struts between the connecting bridges. The presence of the connecting bridges that join adjacent turns of the stent stabilizes the stent during compression; this stability is greater when there are only a few struts between bridges, and the stability is reduced when there is a large number of struts between bridges. For example, stents made with series of seven or nine struts between bridges have a high tendency toward buckling when compressed; stents made with five struts between bridges have an intermediate tendency toward buckling when compressed; and, stents with only three struts between bridges have a low tendency toward buckling when compressed. It should be noted that this tendency toward buckling does not adversely affect the characteristics of the stent when expanded in the body, because the compressive strains experienced in the body are insufficient to cause the buckling seen during compression into the delivery system. However, it has been found that stents with very low numbers of struts between bridges (e.g., one or three), though they are very easy to fully compress, do not have flexibility as great as that of stents with larger numbers of struts between bridges (e.g., seven or nine). As a result, it has been found that there is a tradeoff between design choices which create a stent that is easy to compress versus choices which make the stent flexible. It has been found that stents made according to this invention, configured with an M-D ratio in the range of 1000 per inch, have the most favorable balance of flexibility and buckling during compression when the number of struts between bridges is in the range of three to five. Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a helical stent and a method for manufacturing the stent, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

PP20680

Botanical/commercial classification:Salvia hybrida/Salviaplant. Varietal denomination: cv. Shell Dancer. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The newSalviaplant was created during 2004 at Watsonville, Calif., U.S.A., by artificial pollination wherein two parents were crossed which previously had been studied in the hope that they would contribute the desired characteristics. The female parent (i.e., the seed parent) of the new cultivar was an unnamedSalvia microphylla(non-patented in the United States). The male parent (i.e., the pollen parent was theSalvia×jamensisplant named ‘Sierra San Antonio’ (non-patented in the United States). The parentage of the new cultivar can be summarized as follows: [Salvia microphylla]×[Salvia×jamensis‘Sierra San Antonio’]. The seeds resulting from the pollination were sown and small plants were obtained which were physically and biologically different from each other. Selective study resulted in the identification of a single plant of the new cultivar. It was found that the newSalviacultivar of the present invention displays the following combination of characteristics:(a) displays a bushy growth habit,(b) prolifically forms attractive substantial multi-toned blossoms over an extended period of time,(c) displays attractive large bright leaves, and(d) exhibits a propensity to vigorously regrow following pruning. When compared to other knownSalviacultivars, the new cultivar of the present invention can be readily distinguished in view of the above combination of characteristics. The new cultivar of the present invention can be grown to advantage to provide colorful ornamentation in gardens, in the landscapes, and in other residential settings. The new cultivar can be readily distinguished from its ancestors. More specifically, the blossoms of theSalvia microphyllafemale parent are of a dissimilar solid pink coloration, and the blossoms of the male parent ‘Sierra San Antonio’ are a dissimilar yellow blushed with peach coloration. Also, the new cultivar can be readily distinguished from the ‘Hot Lips’ cultivar (non-patented in the United States) and the ‘Wild Watermelon’ cultivar (non-patented in the United States). More specifically, the blossoms of the ‘Hot Lips’ cultivar are a dissimilar cherry red and white coloration, and the blossoms of the ‘Wild Watermelon’ cultivar are a dissimilar solid hot pink coloration. Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar by the rooting of cuttings has been carried out at Watsonville, Calif., U.S.A. Such propagation has confirmed that the unique combination of characteristics of the new cultivar has been stably established and is well transmitted to successive generations. The new cultivar asexually reproduces in a true-to-type manner. It commonly takes approximately 14 days on average to initiate root development when the plant is asexually reproduced by the rooting of cuttings. The new cultivar has been named ‘Shell Dancer’.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: Botanical/commercial classification:Salvia hybrida/Salviaplant. Varietal denomination: cv. Shell Dancer. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The newSalviaplant was created during 2004 at Watsonville, Calif., U.S.A., by artificial pollination wherein two parents were crossed which previously had been studied in the hope that they would contribute the desired characteristics. The female parent (i.e., the seed parent) of the new cultivar was an unnamedSalvia microphylla(non-patented in the United States). The male parent (i.e., the pollen parent was theSalvia×jamensisplant named ‘Sierra San Antonio’ (non-patented in the United States). The parentage of the new cultivar can be summarized as follows: [Salvia microphylla]×[Salvia×jamensis‘Sierra San Antonio’]. The seeds resulting from the pollination were sown and small plants were obtained which were physically and biologically different from each other. Selective study resulted in the identification of a single plant of the new cultivar. It was found that the newSalviacultivar of the present invention displays the following combination of characteristics:(a) displays a bushy growth habit,(b) prolifically forms attractive substantial multi-toned blossoms over an extended period of time,(c) displays attractive large bright leaves, and(d) exhibits a propensity to vigorously regrow following pruning. When compared to other knownSalviacultivars, the new cultivar of the present invention can be readily distinguished in view of the above combination of characteristics. The new cultivar of the present invention can be grown to advantage to provide colorful ornamentation in gardens, in the landscapes, and in other residential settings. The new cultivar can be readily distinguished from its ancestors. More specifically, the blossoms of theSalvia microphyllafemale parent are of a dissimilar solid pink coloration, and the blossoms of the male parent ‘Sierra San Antonio’ are a dissimilar yellow blushed with peach coloration. Also, the new cultivar can be readily distinguished from the ‘Hot Lips’ cultivar (non-patented in the United States) and the ‘Wild Watermelon’ cultivar (non-patented in the United States). More specifically, the blossoms of the ‘Hot Lips’ cultivar are a dissimilar cherry red and white coloration, and the blossoms of the ‘Wild Watermelon’ cultivar are a dissimilar solid hot pink coloration. Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar by the rooting of cuttings has been carried out at Watsonville, Calif., U.S.A. Such propagation has confirmed that the unique combination of characteristics of the new cultivar has been stably established and is well transmitted to successive generations. The new cultivar asexually reproduces in a true-to-type manner. It commonly takes approximately 14 days on average to initiate root development when the plant is asexually reproduced by the rooting of cuttings. The new cultivar has been named ‘Shell Dancer’. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7752297

COPYRIGHT NOTICE Contained herein is material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction of the patent disclosure by any person as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all rights to the copyright whatsoever. Copyright© 2006 Level 3 Communications, Inc. TECHNICAL FIELD Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to network-based communication. More specifically, embodiments relate to creation and use of signatures that are characteristic of network communications. BACKGROUND Today, network service providers (NSPs) provide networks and communication services to facilitate communications, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls. Millions of calls take place everyday. In most cases, the calls occur without any problems. For example, typically a caller calls another person, the call is successfully set up, the participants have a conversation, and the call is successfully torn down when one of the participants disconnects. However, not all calls occur without problems. For example, the call may not be set up or torn down properly. These and other problems can occur for any number of reasons. Failure of calls to complete can indicate network problems, such as device failure, incompatibility, or misconfiguration. As such, NSPs should identify problematic calls and determine the reason(s) for the problems in order to provide quality communication service. However, given the vast number of calls attempted everyday, and the network complexities involved, call problem identification and analysis can be a daunting task. NSPs have traditionally dealt with call problem identification in different ways. Sometimes NSPs do not monitor for call success or failure, but merely react to problems when they are notified of them. For example, subscriber complaints may prompt the NSP to identify and fix problems. Merely reacting to subscriber complaints is clearly not a prudent business model for providing quality communication service. As such, most NSPs would prefer to monitor for problems and fix the problems before they impact future calls. Unfortunately, conventional approaches have been inefficient, inflexible, and/or incomplete. Another significant challenge to network problem monitoring and identification relates to physical changes in the network. This can include situations in which one NSP begins interfacing with another NSP or when an NSP switches network architecture. Typically when two NSPs interface their networks, they perform “interoperability” testing to ensure that the two networks operate properly together. Interoperability testing can be a very complicated task, given the complexity of the networks. After interoperability testing is complete, and the networks are working properly together, if one NSP switches to a different network architecture, this may necessitate more interoperability testing by interfacing NSPs. However, the NSP that has not switched network architecture will not want to invest the time and expense for additional interoperability testing merely to accommodate changes in the other NSP's network. Another problem relates to extensibility in some communication or messaging protocols. For example, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), which is often used to set up calls over VoIP networks, allows for variation in the definitions of message format and parameters. In SIP, for example, an NSP can define different message headers. As a result, multiple different types of messages may be communicated over the network. Some of the message definitions may result in failed calls. Message variation problems can be particularly relevant when switching to a new network architecture. Messages that worked on the first architecture may not work on a new architecture. Conventional systems cannot quickly or efficiently identify network problems that arise due, at least in part, to message variations. SUMMARY Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for automatically monitoring and classifying network communications. Monitoring network communications involves generating and analyzing transaction signatures. Transaction signatures can be classified as good or bad, which indicate success or failure of a transaction, respectively. Transaction signatures can be created using transaction elements, which may include signaling elements, header elements, or parameter elements. Identified signatures can be named, classified, and stored as signature patterns. The signature patterns can be used to analyze and classify future transaction signatures. An embodiment of a method includes receiving a transaction signature composed of multiple transaction elements characteristic of a communication transaction, and determining whether the received transaction signature corresponds to a previously identified transaction signature pattern. If the received transaction signature does not correspond to a previously identified transaction signature pattern, the method involves creating a new transaction signature pattern, and classifying the new transaction signature pattern as one of a plurality of classifications indicative of completion or failure of the communication transaction. An embodiment of a computer program product readable by a computer has instructions that cause the computer to carry out a process that includes receiving a transaction signature composed of multiple transaction elements characteristic of a communication transaction, and determining whether the received transaction signature corresponds to a previously identified transaction signature pattern. If the received transaction signature does not correspond to a previously identified transaction signature pattern, the process involves creating a new transaction signature pattern, and classifying the new transaction signature pattern as one of a plurality of classifications indicative of completion or failure of the communication transaction. Another embodiment of a method for identifying successful and unsuccessful calls conducted over a packet network includes collecting messages associated with a selected call and forming a signature out of the collected messages by normalizing a parameter in at least one of the messages, so that the signature can be compared to known classified signature patterns with normalized parameters. Each of the signature patterns are classified as a good call signature or a bad call signature. The method can further include searching for a known signature pattern that corresponds to the formed signature, and if a known signature pattern is found that corresponds to the formed signature, classifying the formed signature with the classification associated with the corresponding known signature pattern. The method may still further include generating a new signature pattern based on the formed signature pattern and classifying the new signature pattern as either a good call signature or a bad call signature if a known signature pattern is not found that corresponds to the formed signature. Another embodiment of a computer program product readable by a computer has instructions that cause the computer to carry out a process that includes collecting messages associated with a selected call and forming a signature out of the collected messages by normalizing a parameter in at least one of the messages, so that the signature can be compared to known classified signature patterns with normalized parameters. Each of the signature patterns are classified as a good call signature or a bad call signature. The process can further include searching for a known signature pattern that corresponds to the formed signature, and if a known signature pattern is found that corresponds to the formed signature, classifying the formed signature with the classification associated with the corresponding known signature pattern. The process may still further include generating a new signature pattern based on the formed signature pattern and classifying the new signature pattern as either a good call signature or a bad call signature if a known signature pattern is not found that corresponds to the formed signature. Yet another embodiment of a method for use in performing interoperability testing between two network architectures includes steps of forming multiple transaction signatures that each characterizes a communication transaction conducted over the two networks and analyzing each of the transaction signatures to determine if the transaction signature matches a previously classified pattern. The method may further include generating a report identifying each of the communication transactions and indicating that each of the communication transactions is classified with a classification associated with a previously classified pattern or are of unknown classification. The method can be performed before a new or upgraded network architecture is put into operation in order to verify that the new or upgraded architecture will operate with minimal failed calls when put into operation. Yet another embodiment of a computer program product readable by a computer has instructions that cause the computer to carry out a process that includes forming multiple transaction signatures that each characterizes a communication transaction conducted over the two networks and analyzing each of the transaction signatures to determine if the transaction signature matches a previously classified pattern. The process may further include generating a report identifying each of the communication transactions and indicating that each of the communication transactions is classified with a classification associated with a previously classified pattern or are of unknown classification.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: COPYRIGHT NOTICE Contained herein is material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction of the patent disclosure by any person as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all rights to the copyright whatsoever. Copyright© 2006 Level 3 Communications, Inc. TECHNICAL FIELD Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to network-based communication. More specifically, embodiments relate to creation and use of signatures that are characteristic of network communications. BACKGROUND Today, network service providers (NSPs) provide networks and communication services to facilitate communications, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls. Millions of calls take place everyday. In most cases, the calls occur without any problems. For example, typically a caller calls another person, the call is successfully set up, the participants have a conversation, and the call is successfully torn down when one of the participants disconnects. However, not all calls occur without problems. For example, the call may not be set up or torn down properly. These and other problems can occur for any number of reasons. Failure of calls to complete can indicate network problems, such as device failure, incompatibility, or misconfiguration. As such, NSPs should identify problematic calls and determine the reason(s) for the problems in order to provide quality communication service. However, given the vast number of calls attempted everyday, and the network complexities involved, call problem identification and analysis can be a daunting task. NSPs have traditionally dealt with call problem identification in different ways. Sometimes NSPs do not monitor for call success or failure, but merely react to problems when they are notified of them. For example, subscriber complaints may prompt the NSP to identify and fix problems. Merely reacting to subscriber complaints is clearly not a prudent business model for providing quality communication service. As such, most NSPs would prefer to monitor for problems and fix the problems before they impact future calls. Unfortunately, conventional approaches have been inefficient, inflexible, and/or incomplete. Another significant challenge to network problem monitoring and identification relates to physical changes in the network. This can include situations in which one NSP begins interfacing with another NSP or when an NSP switches network architecture. Typically when two NSPs interface their networks, they perform “interoperability” testing to ensure that the two networks operate properly together. Interoperability testing can be a very complicated task, given the complexity of the networks. After interoperability testing is complete, and the networks are working properly together, if one NSP switches to a different network architecture, this may necessitate more interoperability testing by interfacing NSPs. However, the NSP that has not switched network architecture will not want to invest the time and expense for additional interoperability testing merely to accommodate changes in the other NSP's network. Another problem relates to extensibility in some communication or messaging protocols. For example, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), which is often used to set up calls over VoIP networks, allows for variation in the definitions of message format and parameters. In SIP, for example, an NSP can define different message headers. As a result, multiple different types of messages may be communicated over the network. Some of the message definitions may result in failed calls. Message variation problems can be particularly relevant when switching to a new network architecture. Messages that worked on the first architecture may not work on a new architecture. Conventional systems cannot quickly or efficiently identify network problems that arise due, at least in part, to message variations. SUMMARY Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for automatically monitoring and classifying network communications. Monitoring network communications involves generating and analyzing transaction signatures. Transaction signatures can be classified as good or bad, which indicate success or failure of a transaction, respectively. Transaction signatures can be created using transaction elements, which may include signaling elements, header elements, or parameter elements. Identified signatures can be named, classified, and stored as signature patterns. The signature patterns can be used to analyze and classify future transaction signatures. An embodiment of a method includes receiving a transaction signature composed of multiple transaction elements characteristic of a communication transaction, and determining whether the received transaction signature corresponds to a previously identified transaction signature pattern. If the received transaction signature does not correspond to a previously identified transaction signature pattern, the method involves creating a new transaction signature pattern, and classifying the new transaction signature pattern as one of a plurality of classifications indicative of completion or failure of the communication transaction. An embodiment of a computer program product readable by a computer has instructions that cause the computer to carry out a process that includes receiving a transaction signature composed of multiple transaction elements characteristic of a communication transaction, and determining whether the received transaction signature corresponds to a previously identified transaction signature pattern. If the received transaction signature does not correspond to a previously identified transaction signature pattern, the process involves creating a new transaction signature pattern, and classifying the new transaction signature pattern as one of a plurality of classifications indicative of completion or failure of the communication transaction. Another embodiment of a method for identifying successful and unsuccessful calls conducted over a packet network includes collecting messages associated with a selected call and forming a signature out of the collected messages by normalizing a parameter in at least one of the messages, so that the signature can be compared to known classified signature patterns with normalized parameters. Each of the signature patterns are classified as a good call signature or a bad call signature. The method can further include searching for a known signature pattern that corresponds to the formed signature, and if a known signature pattern is found that corresponds to the formed signature, classifying the formed signature with the classification associated with the corresponding known signature pattern. The method may still further include generating a new signature pattern based on the formed signature pattern and classifying the new signature pattern as either a good call signature or a bad call signature if a known signature pattern is not found that corresponds to the formed signature. Another embodiment of a computer program product readable by a computer has instructions that cause the computer to carry out a process that includes collecting messages associated with a selected call and forming a signature out of the collected messages by normalizing a parameter in at least one of the messages, so that the signature can be compared to known classified signature patterns with normalized parameters. Each of the signature patterns are classified as a good call signature or a bad call signature. The process can further include searching for a known signature pattern that corresponds to the formed signature, and if a known signature pattern is found that corresponds to the formed signature, classifying the formed signature with the classification associated with the corresponding known signature pattern. The process may still further include generating a new signature pattern based on the formed signature pattern and classifying the new signature pattern as either a good call signature or a bad call signature if a known signature pattern is not found that corresponds to the formed signature. Yet another embodiment of a method for use in performing interoperability testing between two network architectures includes steps of forming multiple transaction signatures that each characterizes a communication transaction conducted over the two networks and analyzing each of the transaction signatures to determine if the transaction signature matches a previously classified pattern. The method may further include generating a report identifying each of the communication transactions and indicating that each of the communication transactions is classified with a classification associated with a previously classified pattern or are of unknown classification. The method can be performed before a new or upgraded network architecture is put into operation in order to verify that the new or upgraded architecture will operate with minimal failed calls when put into operation. Yet another embodiment of a computer program product readable by a computer has instructions that cause the computer to carry out a process that includes forming multiple transaction signatures that each characterizes a communication transaction conducted over the two networks and analyzing each of the transaction signatures to determine if the transaction signature matches a previously classified pattern. The process may further include generating a report identifying each of the communication transactions and indicating that each of the communication transactions is classified with a classification associated with a previously classified pattern or are of unknown classification. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7758467

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2006-232059, filed on Aug. 29, 2006 and 2007-149568, filed on Jun. 5, 2007. The entire disclosures of Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2006-232059 and 2007-149568 are hereby incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to a hybrid vehicle control apparatus for selectively controlling power from a motor/generator as well as power from an engine to selectively obtain an electric drive (EV) mode in which the vehicle is driven solely with power from the motor/generator and a hybrid drive (HEV) mode in which the vehicle is driven with power from both the engine and the motor/generator. 2. Background Information Various hybrid drive apparatus configurations have been proposed for use in hybrid vehicles. One known example of such a configuration is disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 11-082260. The hybrid drive apparatus disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 11-082260 has a motor/generator that is disposed between an engine and a transmission. In this hybrid drive apparatus, the motor/generator is connected to a shaft that directs engine rotation to the transmission, with a first clutch arranged to connect and disconnect a connection between the engine and the motor/generator, and a second clutch arranged between the motor/generator and an output shaft of the transmission to connect and disconnect a connection between the motor/generator and the output shaft of the transmission. The second clutch replaces a torque converter. In a hybrid vehicle equipped with such a hybrid drive apparatus, an electric drive (EV) mode in which the vehicle is driven solely with power from the motor/generator is obtained when the first clutch is released and the second clutch is connected. Meanwhile, a hybrid drive (HEV) mode in which the vehicle can be driven with power from both the engine and the motor/generator is obtained when both the first clutch and the second clutch are connected. 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 hybrid vehicle control apparatus. 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. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It has been discovered that in the automatic transmission used in the above mentioned hybrid vehicle, the automatic transmission is often provided with a gear in which power from the engine and/or the motor/generator is transmitted through a one-way clutch such that physical shock resulting from gear shifting can be eliminated with a simple shift control. When the transmission is in such gear and the hybrid vehicle is accelerating by depressing an accelerator pedal, the power is transmitted through the one-way clutch which is engaged. Conversely, when the accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is coasting due to inertia, the input side of the one-way clutch rotates more slowly than the output side and the one-way clutch is released such that the input side is rotating freely without being driven by the output side. Additionally, when a hybrid vehicle is coasting, the power sources, i.e., the engine and the motor/generator, are typically stopped to improve the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. Consequently, an undesirably large response delay can occur between when the driver starts to accelerate with the one-way clutch being engaged again. The present invention was conceived based on recognition of the fact that in the kind of hybrid vehicle described above, it is possible to control a rotational speed of the input side of the one-way clutch when the vehicle is coasting before an acceleration operation is performed by controlling the rotational speed of the motor/generator in such a fashion that power is not transmitted from the motor/generator to the wheels. One object of the present invention is to provide a hybrid vehicle control apparatus that can resolve the aforementioned problems of a long response delay and one-way clutch engagement shock by controlling the rotational speed of the motor/generator while the vehicle is coasting prior to re-acceleration. In order to achieve the object described above, a hybrid vehicle control apparatus is provided with an engine, a transmission, a motor/generator, a first clutch, a second clutch and a controller in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. The transmission includes at least one torque transmitting path that transmits power through a one-way clutch. The motor/generator is arranged between the engine and the transmission. The first clutch has a variable torque transmission capacity and is disposed between the engine and the motor/generator. The second clutch has a variable torque transmission capacity and is disposed in a power train that spans from the motor/generator to a drive wheel via the transmission. The controller is configured to disengage the first clutch and engage the second clutch to select an electric drive mode in which the engine is stopped and the drive wheel is driven solely with power from the motor/generator. The controller is configured to engage both the first and second clutches to select a hybrid drive mode in which the drive wheel is driven with power from both the engine and the motor/generator. The controller is further configured to execute a rotational speed control of the motor/generator while in a coasting state with the transmission in the torque transmitting path that transmits power through the one-way clutch such that the rotational speed control increases a rotational speed of an input side of the one-way clutch to a value closer to a rotational speed of an output side of the one-way clutch with a difference between the rotational speeds of the input and output sides of the one-way clutch becoming equal to a target value. These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2006-232059, filed on Aug. 29, 2006 and 2007-149568, filed on Jun. 5, 2007. The entire disclosures of Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2006-232059 and 2007-149568 are hereby incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to a hybrid vehicle control apparatus for selectively controlling power from a motor/generator as well as power from an engine to selectively obtain an electric drive (EV) mode in which the vehicle is driven solely with power from the motor/generator and a hybrid drive (HEV) mode in which the vehicle is driven with power from both the engine and the motor/generator. 2. Background Information Various hybrid drive apparatus configurations have been proposed for use in hybrid vehicles. One known example of such a configuration is disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 11-082260. The hybrid drive apparatus disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 11-082260 has a motor/generator that is disposed between an engine and a transmission. In this hybrid drive apparatus, the motor/generator is connected to a shaft that directs engine rotation to the transmission, with a first clutch arranged to connect and disconnect a connection between the engine and the motor/generator, and a second clutch arranged between the motor/generator and an output shaft of the transmission to connect and disconnect a connection between the motor/generator and the output shaft of the transmission. The second clutch replaces a torque converter. In a hybrid vehicle equipped with such a hybrid drive apparatus, an electric drive (EV) mode in which the vehicle is driven solely with power from the motor/generator is obtained when the first clutch is released and the second clutch is connected. Meanwhile, a hybrid drive (HEV) mode in which the vehicle can be driven with power from both the engine and the motor/generator is obtained when both the first clutch and the second clutch are connected. 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 hybrid vehicle control apparatus. 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. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It has been discovered that in the automatic transmission used in the above mentioned hybrid vehicle, the automatic transmission is often provided with a gear in which power from the engine and/or the motor/generator is transmitted through a one-way clutch such that physical shock resulting from gear shifting can be eliminated with a simple shift control. When the transmission is in such gear and the hybrid vehicle is accelerating by depressing an accelerator pedal, the power is transmitted through the one-way clutch which is engaged. Conversely, when the accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is coasting due to inertia, the input side of the one-way clutch rotates more slowly than the output side and the one-way clutch is released such that the input side is rotating freely without being driven by the output side. Additionally, when a hybrid vehicle is coasting, the power sources, i.e., the engine and the motor/generator, are typically stopped to improve the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. Consequently, an undesirably large response delay can occur between when the driver starts to accelerate with the one-way clutch being engaged again. The present invention was conceived based on recognition of the fact that in the kind of hybrid vehicle described above, it is possible to control a rotational speed of the input side of the one-way clutch when the vehicle is coasting before an acceleration operation is performed by controlling the rotational speed of the motor/generator in such a fashion that power is not transmitted from the motor/generator to the wheels. One object of the present invention is to provide a hybrid vehicle control apparatus that can resolve the aforementioned problems of a long response delay and one-way clutch engagement shock by controlling the rotational speed of the motor/generator while the vehicle is coasting prior to re-acceleration. In order to achieve the object described above, a hybrid vehicle control apparatus is provided with an engine, a transmission, a motor/generator, a first clutch, a second clutch and a controller in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. The transmission includes at least one torque transmitting path that transmits power through a one-way clutch. The motor/generator is arranged between the engine and the transmission. The first clutch has a variable torque transmission capacity and is disposed between the engine and the motor/generator. The second clutch has a variable torque transmission capacity and is disposed in a power train that spans from the motor/generator to a drive wheel via the transmission. The controller is configured to disengage the first clutch and engage the second clutch to select an electric drive mode in which the engine is stopped and the drive wheel is driven solely with power from the motor/generator. The controller is configured to engage both the first and second clutches to select a hybrid drive mode in which the drive wheel is driven with power from both the engine and the motor/generator. The controller is further configured to execute a rotational speed control of the motor/generator while in a coasting state with the transmission in the torque transmitting path that transmits power through the one-way clutch such that the rotational speed control increases a rotational speed of an input side of the one-way clutch to a value closer to a rotational speed of an output side of the one-way clutch with a difference between the rotational speeds of the input and output sides of the one-way clutch becoming equal to a target value. These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7687424

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for producing electrical energy. Particularly, the present invention is directed to an electrochemical fuel cell that produces electricity by irradiating an electrode of the fuel cell with a light source. 2. Description of Related Art A variety of fuel cell devices are known in the art for generating electric power. Of such devices, most include graphite anodes and cathodes comprising a finely dispersed platinum catalyst. For example, a phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC) is a power generation cell which employs a porous electrolyte layer of silicon carbide matrix for retaining concentrated phosphoric acid. The electrolyte layer is interposed between carbon-based electrodes (an anode and a cathode) to form an electrolyte electrode assembly, sometimes referred to as a membrane electrode assembly (“MEA”). The membrane electrode assembly is then interposed between electrically conductive bipolar plates. The electrolyte electrode assembly and the bipolar plates form a single fuel cell for generating electricity by reacting a fuel such as hydrogen with oxygen across the electrolyte. A single fuel cell as described generally herein has an electrical power output of about 0.8 volts. To raise the voltage of the electrical output, a fuel cell stack can be formed by arranging any desired number of fuel cells in electrical series on top of one another. Since the bipolar plates are electrically conductive, current flows through the stack via the end plates. Another type of fuel cell device is a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell which employs a membrane electrode assembly including electrodes separated by a polymer ion exchange membrane (proton exchange membrane or PEM). Similarly, the membrane electrode assembly and the bipolar plates make up a unit of the power generation cell. Once again, a predetermined number of the power generation cells can be stacked together to form a fuel cell stack having a desired output voltage. In the fuel cell stacks, a fuel gas such as a hydrogen-containing gas is supplied to the anode. The anode includes a catalyst that induces a chemical reaction of the fuel gas to split the hydrogen molecule into hydrogen ions (protons) and electrons. The hydrogen ions move toward the cathode through the electrolyte, and the electrons flow through an external circuit to the cathode, creating a DC electric current. The fuel cell should be operated at or near an optimum temperature for the performance of power generation. Generally, fuel cells known in the art operate at temperatures significantly above ambient or room temperature (e.g., 75° F.). The optimum temperature for operation can vary with each type of fuel cell system. For example, a phosphoric acid fuel cell is operated in the temperature range of 120° C. to 200° C., and a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell is operated in the temperature range of 60° C. to 90° C. In order to maintain the temperature of the power generation cells in the desirable temperature range, various cooling systems have been adopted. Typically, the power generation cells are cooled by supplying coolant such as water to a coolant passage formed in the bipolar plates of the fuel cell stack. Generally, fuel cells provide an environmentally clean alternative to energy production from fossil fuel combustion. The electrochemical efficiency of a fuel cell (currently ≈65%) handily exceeds that of internal combustion engines (<30%). However, in spite of recent increases in the prices of crude oil and natural gas, fossil fuel combustion continues to hold a significant economic advantage over fuel cells. The high cost of fuel cell energy production is attributable to the need for addition of expensive catalysts (platinum) to accelerate the oxidation of the fuel (hydrogen) at the anode and the reduction of oxygen at the cathode. The slow oxygen reduction reaction alone accounts for the largest limitation to the fuel cell efficiency, even in the presence of platinum catalyst. The demand by dioxygen molecules (O2) for electrons during reduction at electropositive metal electrodes forces the electrostatic potential of the metal to wander negatively (referred to as a large negative overvoltage) before giving up the electrons needed by oxygen. Because the output power of a fuel cell is defined by the product of the cell potential (V) and current (I), i.e., P=VI, a drop in the potential lowers the power output and the cell efficiency linearly. Typically, a platinum-catalyzed hydrogen fuel cell operates at moderate current levels at cell voltages close to +0.75 volts instead of the thermodynamic equilibrium cell voltage of +1.23 volts. This amounts to an overvoltage of −0.48 volts below the thermodynamic voltage, thus limiting the efficiency to near 60%. Experiments probing alternatives to platinum catalysis of the electroreduction of oxygen continue to define a vigorous area of research. Nonetheless, platinum remains the best known electrocatalyst of the oxygen reduction reaction. In recent years, advances in fuel cell utility have relied upon improved methods for dispersing the platinum catalyst only at the active sites of graphite electrodes. The total amount of platinum needed to sustain operational currents was thereby reduced, along with the overall cost of fuel cells. However, the fundamental limitation caused by the overvoltage problem still persists. Thus, there remains a compelling need in the art for a fuel cell that is more electrochemically efficient and/or more cost effective than known fuel cells. There is also a continuing need for a fuel cell system that can be operated at lower temperatures, such as at room temperature. The present invention provides a solution for these problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The purpose and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in and become apparent from the description that follows, as well as will be learned by practice of the invention. Additional advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the methods and systems particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof, as well as from the appended drawings. To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied herein and broadly described, in one aspect, the invention includes an electrode comprising an electrically conductive material having a metal complex adsorbed at its surface (such as a metal-halide complex) such that the electrode is capable of producing surface enhanced Raman scattering of incident light. In accordance with another aspect, the invention includes an electrode comprising an electrically conductive material having a roughened surface capable of producing surface enhanced Raman scattering of incident light from an adsorbate material adsorbed on the surface of the electrode. In both cases, the adsorbate is substantially reducible but not appreciably oxidizable. An appropriately reducible adsorbate would reduce, for example, by addition of multiple electrons, with the first electron creating an intermediate radical anion. These electrodes find utility in a variety of applications, such as in a fuel cell as the cathode which, when irradiated with light, catalyzes the electroreduction of oxygen overcoming the overvoltage problem and improving the efficiency of the fuel cell. The invention also includes, for example, a method for making the electrode in various manners, and a method of generating electricity using the electrode. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a fuel cell is provided including the electrode of the invention. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, are included to illustrate and provide a further understanding of the method and system of the invention. Together with the description, the drawings serve to explain the principles of the invention.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for producing electrical energy. Particularly, the present invention is directed to an electrochemical fuel cell that produces electricity by irradiating an electrode of the fuel cell with a light source. 2. Description of Related Art A variety of fuel cell devices are known in the art for generating electric power. Of such devices, most include graphite anodes and cathodes comprising a finely dispersed platinum catalyst. For example, a phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC) is a power generation cell which employs a porous electrolyte layer of silicon carbide matrix for retaining concentrated phosphoric acid. The electrolyte layer is interposed between carbon-based electrodes (an anode and a cathode) to form an electrolyte electrode assembly, sometimes referred to as a membrane electrode assembly (“MEA”). The membrane electrode assembly is then interposed between electrically conductive bipolar plates. The electrolyte electrode assembly and the bipolar plates form a single fuel cell for generating electricity by reacting a fuel such as hydrogen with oxygen across the electrolyte. A single fuel cell as described generally herein has an electrical power output of about 0.8 volts. To raise the voltage of the electrical output, a fuel cell stack can be formed by arranging any desired number of fuel cells in electrical series on top of one another. Since the bipolar plates are electrically conductive, current flows through the stack via the end plates. Another type of fuel cell device is a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell which employs a membrane electrode assembly including electrodes separated by a polymer ion exchange membrane (proton exchange membrane or PEM). Similarly, the membrane electrode assembly and the bipolar plates make up a unit of the power generation cell. Once again, a predetermined number of the power generation cells can be stacked together to form a fuel cell stack having a desired output voltage. In the fuel cell stacks, a fuel gas such as a hydrogen-containing gas is supplied to the anode. The anode includes a catalyst that induces a chemical reaction of the fuel gas to split the hydrogen molecule into hydrogen ions (protons) and electrons. The hydrogen ions move toward the cathode through the electrolyte, and the electrons flow through an external circuit to the cathode, creating a DC electric current. The fuel cell should be operated at or near an optimum temperature for the performance of power generation. Generally, fuel cells known in the art operate at temperatures significantly above ambient or room temperature (e.g., 75° F.). The optimum temperature for operation can vary with each type of fuel cell system. For example, a phosphoric acid fuel cell is operated in the temperature range of 120° C. to 200° C., and a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell is operated in the temperature range of 60° C. to 90° C. In order to maintain the temperature of the power generation cells in the desirable temperature range, various cooling systems have been adopted. Typically, the power generation cells are cooled by supplying coolant such as water to a coolant passage formed in the bipolar plates of the fuel cell stack. Generally, fuel cells provide an environmentally clean alternative to energy production from fossil fuel combustion. The electrochemical efficiency of a fuel cell (currently ≈65%) handily exceeds that of internal combustion engines (<30%). However, in spite of recent increases in the prices of crude oil and natural gas, fossil fuel combustion continues to hold a significant economic advantage over fuel cells. The high cost of fuel cell energy production is attributable to the need for addition of expensive catalysts (platinum) to accelerate the oxidation of the fuel (hydrogen) at the anode and the reduction of oxygen at the cathode. The slow oxygen reduction reaction alone accounts for the largest limitation to the fuel cell efficiency, even in the presence of platinum catalyst. The demand by dioxygen molecules (O2) for electrons during reduction at electropositive metal electrodes forces the electrostatic potential of the metal to wander negatively (referred to as a large negative overvoltage) before giving up the electrons needed by oxygen. Because the output power of a fuel cell is defined by the product of the cell potential (V) and current (I), i.e., P=VI, a drop in the potential lowers the power output and the cell efficiency linearly. Typically, a platinum-catalyzed hydrogen fuel cell operates at moderate current levels at cell voltages close to +0.75 volts instead of the thermodynamic equilibrium cell voltage of +1.23 volts. This amounts to an overvoltage of −0.48 volts below the thermodynamic voltage, thus limiting the efficiency to near 60%. Experiments probing alternatives to platinum catalysis of the electroreduction of oxygen continue to define a vigorous area of research. Nonetheless, platinum remains the best known electrocatalyst of the oxygen reduction reaction. In recent years, advances in fuel cell utility have relied upon improved methods for dispersing the platinum catalyst only at the active sites of graphite electrodes. The total amount of platinum needed to sustain operational currents was thereby reduced, along with the overall cost of fuel cells. However, the fundamental limitation caused by the overvoltage problem still persists. Thus, there remains a compelling need in the art for a fuel cell that is more electrochemically efficient and/or more cost effective than known fuel cells. There is also a continuing need for a fuel cell system that can be operated at lower temperatures, such as at room temperature. The present invention provides a solution for these problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The purpose and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in and become apparent from the description that follows, as well as will be learned by practice of the invention. Additional advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the methods and systems particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof, as well as from the appended drawings. To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied herein and broadly described, in one aspect, the invention includes an electrode comprising an electrically conductive material having a metal complex adsorbed at its surface (such as a metal-halide complex) such that the electrode is capable of producing surface enhanced Raman scattering of incident light. In accordance with another aspect, the invention includes an electrode comprising an electrically conductive material having a roughened surface capable of producing surface enhanced Raman scattering of incident light from an adsorbate material adsorbed on the surface of the electrode. In both cases, the adsorbate is substantially reducible but not appreciably oxidizable. An appropriately reducible adsorbate would reduce, for example, by addition of multiple electrons, with the first electron creating an intermediate radical anion. These electrodes find utility in a variety of applications, such as in a fuel cell as the cathode which, when irradiated with light, catalyzes the electroreduction of oxygen overcoming the overvoltage problem and improving the efficiency of the fuel cell. The invention also includes, for example, a method for making the electrode in various manners, and a method of generating electricity using the electrode. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a fuel cell is provided including the electrode of the invention. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, are included to illustrate and provide a further understanding of the method and system of the invention. Together with the description, the drawings serve to explain the principles of the invention. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7835978

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a method for automatically linking an anonymous electronic trade order having an order quantity to an identity of a trader such as a share trader. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Electronic trading is a mode of trading that uses information technology to bring together a buyer and a seller of a tradable object through electronic media to create a virtual market place. Originally stock markets used to be a physical location where buyers and sellers met and negotiated. With the improvement of the communication technology the need for physical co-location no longer is of any importance as the buyers and sellers can electronically exchange trade orders as well as negotiate with each other from a remote location. An increasing number of financial assets are traded in “limit order” markets around the world. In such markets traders can submit market orders and limit orders. Market orders trade at the best available price posted by previously submitted limit orders which make up the electronic limit order book. A limit trade order is a conditional buy or sell at a pre-specified price and is stored in the electronic book until cancelled or hit by an incoming market order. A limit trade order trades at a better price than a market trade order. However, there are two types of costs to submitting a limit order. First, the order may fail to be executed. Second, the limit order may execute against a market order that is based on private information (adverse selection). In this case, limit orders trade at the wrong side of the market. This is also referred to as a picking-off risk. Share trading is anonymous in most major stock exchanges in that only the price p and quantity q for bids and asks are visible in the electronic order book. Traders include in their trading decisions allowance for adverse selection, i.e. the risk that posted bids and asks include private information about future stock price movements. Thus, trading with anonymous orders has the consequence that traders wishing to trade for non informational reasons, i.e. for liquidity, have also to pay an adverse selection penalty. FIG. 1shows a typical limit electronic order book as employed in most stock markets. Electronic order books are real time systems that typically have latencies from order arrival to action, i.e. execution or placement of orders on the book. In a typical electronic order book a trader can communicate by means of five message types, i.e. market buy, market sell, bid, offer and cancel. The bid and offer messages contain prices as well as quantities. Market buys and sells are executed immediately or cancelled. All messages are cancelled at the end of each trading day. As long as the orders are in the FIFO-buffer they are matched against each other. Any exact match of two orders on price and quantity is executed. Unmatched orders are executed immediately against the book in a strict price and time priority if possible, or placed on the book with a time-stamp. A confirmation message is then returned to the trader with an order confirmation number that can be used for cancellation. The trading occurs on screen based anonymous electronic markets such as NASDAQ or more recently alternative creating platforms such as INET or ECN. These venues are generally called “downstairs markets”. Trading is anonymous in that only trade direction (buy/sell), price p, quantity q and a time-stamp are visible. For large traders so called “upstairs markets” exist and traders with reputations for non informational trading obtain improved prices. Prices in upstairs markets are better for the traders because the participants do not have to pay the worst selection costs of trading with potentially better informed counter parties. In these upstairs markets it is vital for the traders to have a reputation that they are trading for non informational purposes, e.g. liquidity, in order to obtain improved prices. However, the upstairs markets have the disadvantage that they are not automated and do not have the participation of the full trader population. Because of the existence of upstairs markets, the anonymous electronic markets (i.e. the downstairs markets) lose liquidity and value streams because traders cannot build an identity linked reputation in these downstairs markets in order to obtain improved prices. Accordingly, it is an aspect of the present invention to provide a method and a system to link anonymous trade orders with an identity of the respective trader. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention provides a method for automatically linking an anonymous electronic trade order having an order quantity to an identity of a trader comprising the steps of providing an identity marker (s) of said trader; embedding the identity marker(s) by splitting the anonymous trade order into a number (n) of trade orders each having a corresponding order quantity x (i) to generate a trade order set; and placing the generated trade order set in an electronic order book. In one embodiment of the method according to the present invention the identity marker is derived from a generated cryptographic signature of the trader. In an alternative embodiment of the method according to the present invention the identity marker is derived from a generated random number. An advantage of the method according to the present invention resides in that it can use the existing platform of the electronic order books used in conventional electronic markets. The embedding is performed in a preferred embodiment either via a direct mapping algorithm or a constructive embedding algorithm. In a preferred embodiment the cryptographic signature is generated by an elliptic curve signature generation algorithm. In the following preferred embodiments of the method and system for automatically linking an anonymous electronic trade order to an identity of a trader are described with reference to the enclosed figures.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a method for automatically linking an anonymous electronic trade order having an order quantity to an identity of a trader such as a share trader. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Electronic trading is a mode of trading that uses information technology to bring together a buyer and a seller of a tradable object through electronic media to create a virtual market place. Originally stock markets used to be a physical location where buyers and sellers met and negotiated. With the improvement of the communication technology the need for physical co-location no longer is of any importance as the buyers and sellers can electronically exchange trade orders as well as negotiate with each other from a remote location. An increasing number of financial assets are traded in “limit order” markets around the world. In such markets traders can submit market orders and limit orders. Market orders trade at the best available price posted by previously submitted limit orders which make up the electronic limit order book. A limit trade order is a conditional buy or sell at a pre-specified price and is stored in the electronic book until cancelled or hit by an incoming market order. A limit trade order trades at a better price than a market trade order. However, there are two types of costs to submitting a limit order. First, the order may fail to be executed. Second, the limit order may execute against a market order that is based on private information (adverse selection). In this case, limit orders trade at the wrong side of the market. This is also referred to as a picking-off risk. Share trading is anonymous in most major stock exchanges in that only the price p and quantity q for bids and asks are visible in the electronic order book. Traders include in their trading decisions allowance for adverse selection, i.e. the risk that posted bids and asks include private information about future stock price movements. Thus, trading with anonymous orders has the consequence that traders wishing to trade for non informational reasons, i.e. for liquidity, have also to pay an adverse selection penalty. FIG. 1shows a typical limit electronic order book as employed in most stock markets. Electronic order books are real time systems that typically have latencies from order arrival to action, i.e. execution or placement of orders on the book. In a typical electronic order book a trader can communicate by means of five message types, i.e. market buy, market sell, bid, offer and cancel. The bid and offer messages contain prices as well as quantities. Market buys and sells are executed immediately or cancelled. All messages are cancelled at the end of each trading day. As long as the orders are in the FIFO-buffer they are matched against each other. Any exact match of two orders on price and quantity is executed. Unmatched orders are executed immediately against the book in a strict price and time priority if possible, or placed on the book with a time-stamp. A confirmation message is then returned to the trader with an order confirmation number that can be used for cancellation. The trading occurs on screen based anonymous electronic markets such as NASDAQ or more recently alternative creating platforms such as INET or ECN. These venues are generally called “downstairs markets”. Trading is anonymous in that only trade direction (buy/sell), price p, quantity q and a time-stamp are visible. For large traders so called “upstairs markets” exist and traders with reputations for non informational trading obtain improved prices. Prices in upstairs markets are better for the traders because the participants do not have to pay the worst selection costs of trading with potentially better informed counter parties. In these upstairs markets it is vital for the traders to have a reputation that they are trading for non informational purposes, e.g. liquidity, in order to obtain improved prices. However, the upstairs markets have the disadvantage that they are not automated and do not have the participation of the full trader population. Because of the existence of upstairs markets, the anonymous electronic markets (i.e. the downstairs markets) lose liquidity and value streams because traders cannot build an identity linked reputation in these downstairs markets in order to obtain improved prices. Accordingly, it is an aspect of the present invention to provide a method and a system to link anonymous trade orders with an identity of the respective trader. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention provides a method for automatically linking an anonymous electronic trade order having an order quantity to an identity of a trader comprising the steps of providing an identity marker (s) of said trader; embedding the identity marker(s) by splitting the anonymous trade order into a number (n) of trade orders each having a corresponding order quantity x (i) to generate a trade order set; and placing the generated trade order set in an electronic order book. In one embodiment of the method according to the present invention the identity marker is derived from a generated cryptographic signature of the trader. In an alternative embodiment of the method according to the present invention the identity marker is derived from a generated random number. An advantage of the method according to the present invention resides in that it can use the existing platform of the electronic order books used in conventional electronic markets. The embedding is performed in a preferred embodiment either via a direct mapping algorithm or a constructive embedding algorithm. In a preferred embodiment the cryptographic signature is generated by an elliptic curve signature generation algorithm. In the following preferred embodiments of the method and system for automatically linking an anonymous electronic trade order to an identity of a trader are described with reference to the enclosed figures. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7811302

A. BACKGROUND 1. Field The invention relates to a lancet device for puncturing the skin of mammals, in particular humans. The lancet device includes a punch element, provided with a manipulator device, and a bushing element, provided with a grip, for internally receiving the punch element in an axially displaceable relationship. The punch element, on its free end pointing away from the manipulator, carries a lancet provided with a sharp tip for deliberate puncturing of the skin. The lancet, via the punch element, and by means of a force acting in the axial direction on the free end of the bushing, is caused to enter the skin in a direction from the end of the bushing outwardly with a preadjustable force. Blocking means are provided which, once the lancet has entered the skin, prevents the lancet from being able to reenter the skin a second time. 2. Related Art A lancet device of this kind is known (Published European Patent Application EP A 0 565 819). Many embodiments of lancet devices for puncturing the skin, particularly human skin, have long been known and have long been used with more or less good success for example in outpatient care, medical facilities, hospitals, doctors' offices, Red Cross facilities, disaster shelters, and the like, in order to obtain small quantities of blood for blood tests. The essential prerequisite for these lancet devices is that they must be capable of being produced very economically, since they are often used in great quantities by the above-listed institutions and have to be kept on hand there in large quantities as well, and they are also intended for use in Third World countries. Another requirement of this lancet device is that at least those parts of the lancet device that directedly punch through human skin, or in other words have direct contact with the human tissue and blood located under the outer skin, must be kept absolutely sterile continuously until the lancet device is used. As a rule, these are the parts of the lancet device that are meant to penetrate the skin tissue to a predetermined depth in order to penetrate blood vessels and cause the blood to leave the entry opening of the wound, namely lancets comprising a steel body of substantially circular cross section that is sharpened on its end pointing toward the skin to be punctured. Generic lancet devices as described above include blocking means that prevent the lancet device, once it has been used as intended, from being re-used ever again. Lancet devices that do not have these blocking means can in principle be re-used, but this can lead to major diagnostic mistakes or, much more seriously, to infections of the user of the lancet device from germs from the previous user that were not eliminated. For the above reasons, the trend is to employ only lancet devices that can in fact be used only once; that is, re-use, even if desired, should always be prevented by mechanical means in the lancet device, especially when it is not possible to preclude re-use of the lancet device by some groups of users. In many countries, regulations exist whereby only single-use lancet devices can be used. The prior art lancet devices that use mechanical means to allow only a single use of the lancet device are characterized by a comparatively complex construction. While the capabilities of these known lancet devices to be tripped or used only once is typically assured, they do have a major disadvantage, namely that their production costs are considerably higher compared to lancet devices that can be used multiple times. As a result, these lancet devices that can be used only once are not used throughout the groups of users in question, even though it is intrinsically desirable, for both health reasons and health policy reasons, that they be so used by such users. B. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore the object of the present invention to create a lancet device of the type described above, that is, a lancet device that is capable of being used only once and does not allow any re-use; which is very simple in construction and can be produced more economically than prior art lancet devices of this type; which assures absolute sterility of the parts of the lancet device that penetrate human skin until just before use; which always assures a uniform entry of the lancet tip into the skin, regardless of the skill or aptitude of the person using it; and which, once the skin has been punctured, assures that the lancet tip is shielded to prevent unintentional and accidental injury to an attendant by infection from blood adhering to the lancet tip. This object is attained according to the invention in that within the interior of the bushing element, an axially displaceable sleeve element is provided, and the sleeve element has a projection or projections pointing essentially toward the axis. A first projection on the punch element that points away from the axis is slidingly displaceable in such a way relative to the sleeve that it engages the projection axially from behind the sleeve in the course of the entry of the lancet into the skin, and in the course of the retraction of the lancet into the end of the bushing displaces the sleeve element axially in the direction of the punch manipulator. The advantage of the embodiment according to the invention is essentially that by the structural means provided by the invention, there is no possibility for a user of such a lancet device to trip it or use it again once it has been used once. Because of the structural arrangement of the invention, it is not possible once the lancet device has been used or tripped for a first time, to trip it one more time, since the sleeve element, after tripping, immovably engages the manipulator of the punch element that holds the lancet, and thus the manipulator of the punch element is no longer movable in the axial direction. In accordance with the objective of the invention, after use of the lancet device, the lancet tip, after reentering the end of the bushing, is shielded and is immovable; that is, the lancet tip cannot be touched either intentionally or accidentally, so that transferring an infection to third parties by blood adhering to the lancet tip is no longer possible. Finally, the preferred embodiment of the invention is distinguished by a very simple but highly effective construction, since compared to the prior art lancet devices which otherwise are of the same design as the lancet devices of the known type that are capable of repeated use, has only one additional element, namely the sleeve element. The production costs for the lancet device according to the invention are thus only slightly above those for lancet devices of the same design that have no means by which tripping of the lancet device after a first use is prevented. In accordance with another advantageous feature of the lancet device, the sleeve element, on its end essentially opposite the first projection, has a shoulder which, after the conclusion of the axial displacement in the direction of the punch manipulator, engages a bushing shoulder, provided on the inside of the bushing element, from behind. The locking of the lancet device once it has been used thus occurs in the final analysis between the sleeve element and the bushing element. The sleeve thus is axially displaced in the retraction direction of the lancet into the bushing element far enough so that the shoulder of the sleeve element engages the bushing shoulder from behind. In the process, the sleeve element comes to rest on the inside of the grip device of the bushing, so that the manipulator of the punch element is no longer movable. A number of possible construction options provide assurance that after the conclusion of the axial displacement in the direction of the manipulator, the sleeve element will engage the bushing shoulder provided on the inside of the bushing element from behind. The illustrated embodiment advantageously provides that the sleeve element, at least in the region of its shoulder, is prestressed radially away from the lancet device axis. This can be accomplished, for instance, by providing that the sleeve element, during the production process, is radially dimensioned such that, due to its elastic deformability, it is slightly compressed radially, or in other words, its diameter is compressed, by the interior of the bushing element in the course of assembly as it is introduced into the bushing interior. The self-actuation resulting from the elastic restoration of the sleeve element is then utilized, so that the sleeve element first engages at least partly the inner wall of the bushing element, and after the aforementioned axial displacement, increases in size radially outward again and thus engages the bushing shoulder from behind. In accordance with still another advantageous feature of the lancet device according to the invention, the punch element, at its free end, has a cap element which in sterile fashion sheathes the lancet tip protruding from that end, such that only just before use of the lancet device does the cap element have to be removed from the lancet tip, whereby the cap element of the lancet tip is kept sterile for an unlimited length of time. In accordance with still another advantageous feature of the lancet device of the invention, the punch element and the cap element may be formed as an integral, one-piece molded part, with the result that this feature can be produced in a single operation and hence economically. To make possible the removal of the cap element quickly and easily from the punch element and to thus expose the lancet tip for the puncturing operation using the lancet device, the punch element, in the region of the connection with the cap element, is preferably provided with a weakened breaking zone. The breaking zone permits fast removal of the cap element, preferably where the breaking zone is advantageously formed by radially tapering an area of the connection region, so that the cap element merely needs to be rotated relative to the punch element slightly by an angle α for its removal, thereby breaking the connection between the punch element and the cap element, or in other words breaking the taper area of the connection region. To prevent the lancet device from being tripped unintentionally in the unused state, in accordance with another advantageous feature, the cap element, on its end that in the untripped state of the lancet device is positioned within the bushing element, has essentially two locking ribs protruding essentially radially from the cap element, and which, upon movement of the punch manipulator in the axial direction, strike an abutment provided in a region at the free end of the bushing element. Thus as long as the cap is covering or enclosing the lancet tip in sterile fashion, it is impossible to trip the lancet device unintentionally. Preferably, upon rotation of the cap element about an axis by an angle α, the locking ribs are located so they face an abutment-free portion in the region at the free end of the bushing element, and because of the rotation of the cap element about the angle α, the cap element being grasped with the thumb and index finger of a user during the rotation process, the connection between the cap element and the punch element is broken, and the cap element can then be pulled out of the bushing element. Advantageously, the punch element has a second punch element projection, which extends away from the axis of the lancet device and is located downstream, in terms of the direction of projection of the lancet, of the first punch element projection and spaced apart axially from it, whereby contact of the second projection with a shoulder of the bushing element limits the axial displacement travel of the lancet into the bushing element opposite to the projection direction. Thus after the lancet device has been used, the lancet, traversing a defined reverse travel distance, can be received securely in the bushing element again, sufficiently deep inside it to assure that the tip of the lancet can no longer be touched, even accidentally. As already noted at the outset, the means which cooperate with the manipulator of the punch element for generating a force which drives the lancet when the lancet device is tripped so the lancet enters the skin of a subject, can be different in terms of construction. However, it is particularly advantageous to embody the manipulator of the punch element at least partially as an elastic spring body resembling a diaphragm, which causes the lancet, via motion of the punch element after an adjustable pressure point of the diaphragm has been overcome, to enter the skin with a predeterminable momentum. As a result, in a structurally simple way, the tripping of a puncturing operation with the lancet device of the invention is accomplished entirely regardless of the individual skill or aptitude of the person or persons using the lancet device, or in other words free of variables that could affect this operation, since the user has to make sure only to overcome the pressure point of the spring diaphragm of the punch element manipulator. Once the pressure point is overcome, the momentum with which the lancet tip, carried by the punch element, moves ahead and penetrates the skin of a subject to a predeterminable depth is determined exclusively by the spring constant of the diaphragm. Preferably, the diaphragm is embodied as a substantially disc-like body, which is curved in concave fashion in cross section; the concave curvature in the unused state of the lancet device is configured such that it curves away from the bushing element in an axial direction. Although it is fundamentally possible for the diaphragm to be embodied and produced in any arbitrary suitable way, it is nevertheless advantageous to construct the diaphragm and the shaftlike punch element as a one-piece, integrally molded part, so that in principle the lancet device comprises only the punch element with the diaphragm, the bushing element in which the punch element is received, and the sleeve element, along with the metal lancet. In accordance with the objective of the invention, the lancet device of the invention should be capable of being produced as economically as possible, to make it as widely usable as possible and even to reach users for whom the possibility of using the lancet devices of the generic type has remained closed until now. From this standpoint, it is extraordinarily advantageous to provide both the grip device of the bushing element and the manipulator of the punch element with a disc-like structure and to make a connection between the manipulator and grip via mutual engagement means formed on them. Accordingly, structurally complex connecting means are not needed; instead, the manipulator and grip parts, which jointly form the actual grip of the lancet device, can be connected in the above-described simple way without having to provide additional connecting means, locking means, or adhesive means. The diaphragm, which is pressed in the direction of the lancet tip by the user, for instance by pressing on the diaphragm with the user's thumb, is deformed elastically until the preset pressure point is reached and in this deformation a slight increase in diameter or generally an increase in external dimensions of the diaphragm results, and in order not to hinder this, which has an adverse effect on the lancet reaching the desired momentum of a predetermined magnitude, the engagement means on the grip of the bushing element is configured in the form of a circumferentially extending groove, and the engagement means on the manipulator of the punch element is formed as a circumferential spring. For connecting the two manipulator and grip sections, the spring engages the groove; however, the connection between the manipulator and grip, that is, the engagement of the spring with the groove, nevertheless allows a slight radial play, so that the aforementioned increase in diameter or radial dimension of the diaphragm until the pressure point is reached can proceed without decreasing the momentum given to the lancet upon tripping. Finally, it is advantageous to make the punch element, the bushing element, and the sleeve element of plastic, such as injection-moldable plastic such as polypropylene. Optionally, it may be advantageous to form the sleeve element of some injection-moldable plastic material different from that of the punch element and that of the bushing element, so that if needed the specific desired elastic deformability of the sleeve element in the radial direction can be more suitably accommodated.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: A. BACKGROUND 1. Field The invention relates to a lancet device for puncturing the skin of mammals, in particular humans. The lancet device includes a punch element, provided with a manipulator device, and a bushing element, provided with a grip, for internally receiving the punch element in an axially displaceable relationship. The punch element, on its free end pointing away from the manipulator, carries a lancet provided with a sharp tip for deliberate puncturing of the skin. The lancet, via the punch element, and by means of a force acting in the axial direction on the free end of the bushing, is caused to enter the skin in a direction from the end of the bushing outwardly with a preadjustable force. Blocking means are provided which, once the lancet has entered the skin, prevents the lancet from being able to reenter the skin a second time. 2. Related Art A lancet device of this kind is known (Published European Patent Application EP A 0 565 819). Many embodiments of lancet devices for puncturing the skin, particularly human skin, have long been known and have long been used with more or less good success for example in outpatient care, medical facilities, hospitals, doctors' offices, Red Cross facilities, disaster shelters, and the like, in order to obtain small quantities of blood for blood tests. The essential prerequisite for these lancet devices is that they must be capable of being produced very economically, since they are often used in great quantities by the above-listed institutions and have to be kept on hand there in large quantities as well, and they are also intended for use in Third World countries. Another requirement of this lancet device is that at least those parts of the lancet device that directedly punch through human skin, or in other words have direct contact with the human tissue and blood located under the outer skin, must be kept absolutely sterile continuously until the lancet device is used. As a rule, these are the parts of the lancet device that are meant to penetrate the skin tissue to a predetermined depth in order to penetrate blood vessels and cause the blood to leave the entry opening of the wound, namely lancets comprising a steel body of substantially circular cross section that is sharpened on its end pointing toward the skin to be punctured. Generic lancet devices as described above include blocking means that prevent the lancet device, once it has been used as intended, from being re-used ever again. Lancet devices that do not have these blocking means can in principle be re-used, but this can lead to major diagnostic mistakes or, much more seriously, to infections of the user of the lancet device from germs from the previous user that were not eliminated. For the above reasons, the trend is to employ only lancet devices that can in fact be used only once; that is, re-use, even if desired, should always be prevented by mechanical means in the lancet device, especially when it is not possible to preclude re-use of the lancet device by some groups of users. In many countries, regulations exist whereby only single-use lancet devices can be used. The prior art lancet devices that use mechanical means to allow only a single use of the lancet device are characterized by a comparatively complex construction. While the capabilities of these known lancet devices to be tripped or used only once is typically assured, they do have a major disadvantage, namely that their production costs are considerably higher compared to lancet devices that can be used multiple times. As a result, these lancet devices that can be used only once are not used throughout the groups of users in question, even though it is intrinsically desirable, for both health reasons and health policy reasons, that they be so used by such users. B. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore the object of the present invention to create a lancet device of the type described above, that is, a lancet device that is capable of being used only once and does not allow any re-use; which is very simple in construction and can be produced more economically than prior art lancet devices of this type; which assures absolute sterility of the parts of the lancet device that penetrate human skin until just before use; which always assures a uniform entry of the lancet tip into the skin, regardless of the skill or aptitude of the person using it; and which, once the skin has been punctured, assures that the lancet tip is shielded to prevent unintentional and accidental injury to an attendant by infection from blood adhering to the lancet tip. This object is attained according to the invention in that within the interior of the bushing element, an axially displaceable sleeve element is provided, and the sleeve element has a projection or projections pointing essentially toward the axis. A first projection on the punch element that points away from the axis is slidingly displaceable in such a way relative to the sleeve that it engages the projection axially from behind the sleeve in the course of the entry of the lancet into the skin, and in the course of the retraction of the lancet into the end of the bushing displaces the sleeve element axially in the direction of the punch manipulator. The advantage of the embodiment according to the invention is essentially that by the structural means provided by the invention, there is no possibility for a user of such a lancet device to trip it or use it again once it has been used once. Because of the structural arrangement of the invention, it is not possible once the lancet device has been used or tripped for a first time, to trip it one more time, since the sleeve element, after tripping, immovably engages the manipulator of the punch element that holds the lancet, and thus the manipulator of the punch element is no longer movable in the axial direction. In accordance with the objective of the invention, after use of the lancet device, the lancet tip, after reentering the end of the bushing, is shielded and is immovable; that is, the lancet tip cannot be touched either intentionally or accidentally, so that transferring an infection to third parties by blood adhering to the lancet tip is no longer possible. Finally, the preferred embodiment of the invention is distinguished by a very simple but highly effective construction, since compared to the prior art lancet devices which otherwise are of the same design as the lancet devices of the known type that are capable of repeated use, has only one additional element, namely the sleeve element. The production costs for the lancet device according to the invention are thus only slightly above those for lancet devices of the same design that have no means by which tripping of the lancet device after a first use is prevented. In accordance with another advantageous feature of the lancet device, the sleeve element, on its end essentially opposite the first projection, has a shoulder which, after the conclusion of the axial displacement in the direction of the punch manipulator, engages a bushing shoulder, provided on the inside of the bushing element, from behind. The locking of the lancet device once it has been used thus occurs in the final analysis between the sleeve element and the bushing element. The sleeve thus is axially displaced in the retraction direction of the lancet into the bushing element far enough so that the shoulder of the sleeve element engages the bushing shoulder from behind. In the process, the sleeve element comes to rest on the inside of the grip device of the bushing, so that the manipulator of the punch element is no longer movable. A number of possible construction options provide assurance that after the conclusion of the axial displacement in the direction of the manipulator, the sleeve element will engage the bushing shoulder provided on the inside of the bushing element from behind. The illustrated embodiment advantageously provides that the sleeve element, at least in the region of its shoulder, is prestressed radially away from the lancet device axis. This can be accomplished, for instance, by providing that the sleeve element, during the production process, is radially dimensioned such that, due to its elastic deformability, it is slightly compressed radially, or in other words, its diameter is compressed, by the interior of the bushing element in the course of assembly as it is introduced into the bushing interior. The self-actuation resulting from the elastic restoration of the sleeve element is then utilized, so that the sleeve element first engages at least partly the inner wall of the bushing element, and after the aforementioned axial displacement, increases in size radially outward again and thus engages the bushing shoulder from behind. In accordance with still another advantageous feature of the lancet device according to the invention, the punch element, at its free end, has a cap element which in sterile fashion sheathes the lancet tip protruding from that end, such that only just before use of the lancet device does the cap element have to be removed from the lancet tip, whereby the cap element of the lancet tip is kept sterile for an unlimited length of time. In accordance with still another advantageous feature of the lancet device of the invention, the punch element and the cap element may be formed as an integral, one-piece molded part, with the result that this feature can be produced in a single operation and hence economically. To make possible the removal of the cap element quickly and easily from the punch element and to thus expose the lancet tip for the puncturing operation using the lancet device, the punch element, in the region of the connection with the cap element, is preferably provided with a weakened breaking zone. The breaking zone permits fast removal of the cap element, preferably where the breaking zone is advantageously formed by radially tapering an area of the connection region, so that the cap element merely needs to be rotated relative to the punch element slightly by an angle α for its removal, thereby breaking the connection between the punch element and the cap element, or in other words breaking the taper area of the connection region. To prevent the lancet device from being tripped unintentionally in the unused state, in accordance with another advantageous feature, the cap element, on its end that in the untripped state of the lancet device is positioned within the bushing element, has essentially two locking ribs protruding essentially radially from the cap element, and which, upon movement of the punch manipulator in the axial direction, strike an abutment provided in a region at the free end of the bushing element. Thus as long as the cap is covering or enclosing the lancet tip in sterile fashion, it is impossible to trip the lancet device unintentionally. Preferably, upon rotation of the cap element about an axis by an angle α, the locking ribs are located so they face an abutment-free portion in the region at the free end of the bushing element, and because of the rotation of the cap element about the angle α, the cap element being grasped with the thumb and index finger of a user during the rotation process, the connection between the cap element and the punch element is broken, and the cap element can then be pulled out of the bushing element. Advantageously, the punch element has a second punch element projection, which extends away from the axis of the lancet device and is located downstream, in terms of the direction of projection of the lancet, of the first punch element projection and spaced apart axially from it, whereby contact of the second projection with a shoulder of the bushing element limits the axial displacement travel of the lancet into the bushing element opposite to the projection direction. Thus after the lancet device has been used, the lancet, traversing a defined reverse travel distance, can be received securely in the bushing element again, sufficiently deep inside it to assure that the tip of the lancet can no longer be touched, even accidentally. As already noted at the outset, the means which cooperate with the manipulator of the punch element for generating a force which drives the lancet when the lancet device is tripped so the lancet enters the skin of a subject, can be different in terms of construction. However, it is particularly advantageous to embody the manipulator of the punch element at least partially as an elastic spring body resembling a diaphragm, which causes the lancet, via motion of the punch element after an adjustable pressure point of the diaphragm has been overcome, to enter the skin with a predeterminable momentum. As a result, in a structurally simple way, the tripping of a puncturing operation with the lancet device of the invention is accomplished entirely regardless of the individual skill or aptitude of the person or persons using the lancet device, or in other words free of variables that could affect this operation, since the user has to make sure only to overcome the pressure point of the spring diaphragm of the punch element manipulator. Once the pressure point is overcome, the momentum with which the lancet tip, carried by the punch element, moves ahead and penetrates the skin of a subject to a predeterminable depth is determined exclusively by the spring constant of the diaphragm. Preferably, the diaphragm is embodied as a substantially disc-like body, which is curved in concave fashion in cross section; the concave curvature in the unused state of the lancet device is configured such that it curves away from the bushing element in an axial direction. Although it is fundamentally possible for the diaphragm to be embodied and produced in any arbitrary suitable way, it is nevertheless advantageous to construct the diaphragm and the shaftlike punch element as a one-piece, integrally molded part, so that in principle the lancet device comprises only the punch element with the diaphragm, the bushing element in which the punch element is received, and the sleeve element, along with the metal lancet. In accordance with the objective of the invention, the lancet device of the invention should be capable of being produced as economically as possible, to make it as widely usable as possible and even to reach users for whom the possibility of using the lancet devices of the generic type has remained closed until now. From this standpoint, it is extraordinarily advantageous to provide both the grip device of the bushing element and the manipulator of the punch element with a disc-like structure and to make a connection between the manipulator and grip via mutual engagement means formed on them. Accordingly, structurally complex connecting means are not needed; instead, the manipulator and grip parts, which jointly form the actual grip of the lancet device, can be connected in the above-described simple way without having to provide additional connecting means, locking means, or adhesive means. The diaphragm, which is pressed in the direction of the lancet tip by the user, for instance by pressing on the diaphragm with the user's thumb, is deformed elastically until the preset pressure point is reached and in this deformation a slight increase in diameter or generally an increase in external dimensions of the diaphragm results, and in order not to hinder this, which has an adverse effect on the lancet reaching the desired momentum of a predetermined magnitude, the engagement means on the grip of the bushing element is configured in the form of a circumferentially extending groove, and the engagement means on the manipulator of the punch element is formed as a circumferential spring. For connecting the two manipulator and grip sections, the spring engages the groove; however, the connection between the manipulator and grip, that is, the engagement of the spring with the groove, nevertheless allows a slight radial play, so that the aforementioned increase in diameter or radial dimension of the diaphragm until the pressure point is reached can proceed without decreasing the momentum given to the lancet upon tripping. Finally, it is advantageous to make the punch element, the bushing element, and the sleeve element of plastic, such as injection-moldable plastic such as polypropylene. Optionally, it may be advantageous to form the sleeve element of some injection-moldable plastic material different from that of the punch element and that of the bushing element, so that if needed the specific desired elastic deformability of the sleeve element in the radial direction can be more suitably accommodated. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7731868

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention is directed primarily to a silicon semiconductor device. In particular, it is directed to a conductive silver paste for use in the front side of a solar cell device. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention can be applied to a broad range of semiconductor devices, although it is especially effective in light-receiving elements such as photodiodes and solar cells. The background of the invention is described below with reference to solar cells as a specific example of the prior art. A conventional solar cell structure with a p-type base has a negative electrode that is typically on the front-side or sun side of the cell and a positive electrode on the backside. It is well-known that radiation of an appropriate wavelength falling on a p-n junction of a semiconductor body serves as a source of external energy to generate hole-electron pairs in that body. Because of the potential difference which exists at a p-n junction, holes and electrons move across the junction in opposite directions and thereby give rise to flow of an electric current that is capable of delivering power to an external circuit. Most solar cells are in the form of a silicon wafer that has been metallized, i.e., provided with metal contacts that are electrically conductive. Most terrestrial electric power-generating solar cells currently are silicon solar cells. Process flow in mass production is generally aimed at achieving maximum simplification and minimizing manufacturing costs. Electrodes in particular are made by using a method such as screen printing to form a metal paste. An example of this method of production is described below in conjunction withFIG. 1. FIG. 1Ashows a p-type silicon substrate,10. InFIG. 1B, an n-type diffusion layer,20, of the reverse conductivity type is formed by the thermal diffusion of phosphorus (P) or the like. Phosphorus oxychloride (POCl3) is commonly used as the phosphorus diffusion source. In the absence of any particular modification, the diffusion layer,20, is formed over the entire surface of the silicon substrate,10. This diffusion layer typically has a sheet resistivity on the order of several tens of ohms per square (Ω/□), and a thickness of about 0.3 to 0.5 μm. After protecting one surface of this diffusion layer with a resist or the like, as shown inFIG. 1C, the diffusion layer,20, is removed from most surfaces by etching so that it remains only on one main surface. The resist is then removed using an organic solvent or the like. Next, a silicon nitride film,30, is formed as an anti-reflection coating on the n-type diffusion layer,20, to a thickness of typically about 700 to 900 Å in the manner shown inFIG. 1Dby a process such as plasma chemical vapor deposition (CVD). As shown inFIG. 1E, a silver paste,500, for the front electrode is screen printed then dried over the silicon nitride film,30. In addition, a backside silver or silver/aluminum paste,70, and an aluminum paste,60, are then screen printed and successively dried on the backside of the substrate. Firing is then carried out in an infrared furnace at a temperature range of approximately 700° C. to 975° C. for a period of from several minutes to several tens of minutes. Consequently, as shown inFIG. 1F, aluminum diffuses from the aluminum paste into the silicon substrate,10, as a dopant during firing, forming a p+ layer,40, containing a high concentration of aluminum dopant. This layer is generally called the back surface field (BSF) layer, and helps to improve the energy conversion efficiency of the solar cell. The aluminum paste is transformed by firing from a dried state,60, to an aluminum back electrode,61. The backside silver or silver/aluminum paste,70, is fired at the same time, becoming a silver or silver/aluminum back electrode,71. During firing, the boundary between the back side aluminum and the back side silver or silver/aluminum assumes an alloy state, and is connected electrically as well. The aluminum electrode accounts for most areas of the back electrode, owing in part to the need to form a p+ layer,40. Because soldering to an aluminum electrode is impossible, a silver back electrode is formed over portions of the back side as an electrode for interconnecting solar cells by means of copper ribbon or the like. In addition, the front electrode-forming silver paste,500, sinters and penetrates through the silicon nitride film,30, during firing, and is thereby able to electrically contact the n-type layer,20. This type of process is generally called “fire through.” This fired through state is apparent in layer501ofFIG. 1F. JP-2001-313400A to Fujii et al. teaches a solar cell which is obtained by forming, on one main surface of a semiconductor substrate, regions that exhibit the other type of conductivity and forming an antireflection coating on this main surface of the semiconductor substrate. The resulting solar cell has an electrode material coated over the antireflection coating and fired. The electrode material includes, for example, lead, boron and silicon, and additionally contains, in a glass frit having a softening point of about 300 to 600° C., and one or more powders from among titanium, bismuth, cobalt, zinc, zirconium, iron, and chromium. U.S. Pat. No. 4,737,197 to Nagahara et al. discloses a solar cell including a semiconductor substrate, a diffused layer provided in the semiconductor substrate by diffusion of dopant impurities, and a contact made of metal paste formed on the diffusion layer. The metal paste includes metal powder, which functions as the main contact material, glass frits, an organic binder, a solvent, and an element belonging to the fifth group of the periodic table. U.S. Patent Publication 2006-0231801 A1 to Alan et al. teaches a thick film conductive composition comprising: (a) electrically conductive silver powder; (b) zinc-containing additive; (c) glass frit wherein said glass frit is lead-free; dispersed in (d) organic medium. As a preferred glass, the following composition is referred to: SiO20.1-8 wt %, Al2O30-4 wt %, B2O38-25 wt %, CaO 0-1 wt %, ZnO 0-42 wt %, Na2O 0-4 wt %, Li2O 0-3.5 wt %, Bi2O328-85 wt %, Ag2O 0-3 wt %, CeO20-4.5 wt %, SnO20-3.5 wt %, and BiF30-15 wt %. U.S. Patent Publication 2006-0289055 to Sridharan et al. teaches a solar cell comprising a contact made from a mixture wherein, prior to firing, the mixture comprises: solids portion and organics portion, wherein the solids portion comprises (i) from about 85 to about 99 wt % of a conductive metal component, and (ii) from about 1 to about 15 wt % of a glass component, wherein the glass component is lead-free. Although, as noted, various methods and compositions for forming solar cells exist, there is an on-going effort to provide compositions which are Pb-free while at the same time maintaining electrical performance. The present inventors create a novel composition and method of manufacturing a semiconductor device which provides such a Pb-free system and maintains electrical performance and solder adhesion. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a thick film conductive composition comprising: a) electrically conductive silver powder; b) ZnO powder; c) lead-free glass frits wherein based on total glass frits: Bi2O3: >5 mol %, B2O3: <15 mol %, BaO: <5 mol %, SrO: <5 mol %, Al2O3: <5 mol %; and d) organic medium, wherein (the content of ZnO/the content of the silver powder)×100 is more than 2.5. The present invention is further directed to an electrode formed from the composition above wherein said composition has been fired to remove the organic medium and to sinter said glass particles. Still further, the invention is directed to a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device from a structural element composed of a semiconductor having a p-n junction and an insulating film formed on a main surface of the semiconductor comprising the steps of (a) applying onto said insulating film the thick film composition detailed above; and (b) firing said semiconductor, insulating film and thick film composition to form an electrode. Additionally, the present invention is directed to a semiconductor device formed by the method detailed above and a semiconductor device formed from the thick film conductive composition detailed above.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention is directed primarily to a silicon semiconductor device. In particular, it is directed to a conductive silver paste for use in the front side of a solar cell device. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention can be applied to a broad range of semiconductor devices, although it is especially effective in light-receiving elements such as photodiodes and solar cells. The background of the invention is described below with reference to solar cells as a specific example of the prior art. A conventional solar cell structure with a p-type base has a negative electrode that is typically on the front-side or sun side of the cell and a positive electrode on the backside. It is well-known that radiation of an appropriate wavelength falling on a p-n junction of a semiconductor body serves as a source of external energy to generate hole-electron pairs in that body. Because of the potential difference which exists at a p-n junction, holes and electrons move across the junction in opposite directions and thereby give rise to flow of an electric current that is capable of delivering power to an external circuit. Most solar cells are in the form of a silicon wafer that has been metallized, i.e., provided with metal contacts that are electrically conductive. Most terrestrial electric power-generating solar cells currently are silicon solar cells. Process flow in mass production is generally aimed at achieving maximum simplification and minimizing manufacturing costs. Electrodes in particular are made by using a method such as screen printing to form a metal paste. An example of this method of production is described below in conjunction withFIG. 1. FIG. 1Ashows a p-type silicon substrate,10. InFIG. 1B, an n-type diffusion layer,20, of the reverse conductivity type is formed by the thermal diffusion of phosphorus (P) or the like. Phosphorus oxychloride (POCl3) is commonly used as the phosphorus diffusion source. In the absence of any particular modification, the diffusion layer,20, is formed over the entire surface of the silicon substrate,10. This diffusion layer typically has a sheet resistivity on the order of several tens of ohms per square (Ω/□), and a thickness of about 0.3 to 0.5 μm. After protecting one surface of this diffusion layer with a resist or the like, as shown inFIG. 1C, the diffusion layer,20, is removed from most surfaces by etching so that it remains only on one main surface. The resist is then removed using an organic solvent or the like. Next, a silicon nitride film,30, is formed as an anti-reflection coating on the n-type diffusion layer,20, to a thickness of typically about 700 to 900 Å in the manner shown inFIG. 1Dby a process such as plasma chemical vapor deposition (CVD). As shown inFIG. 1E, a silver paste,500, for the front electrode is screen printed then dried over the silicon nitride film,30. In addition, a backside silver or silver/aluminum paste,70, and an aluminum paste,60, are then screen printed and successively dried on the backside of the substrate. Firing is then carried out in an infrared furnace at a temperature range of approximately 700° C. to 975° C. for a period of from several minutes to several tens of minutes. Consequently, as shown inFIG. 1F, aluminum diffuses from the aluminum paste into the silicon substrate,10, as a dopant during firing, forming a p+ layer,40, containing a high concentration of aluminum dopant. This layer is generally called the back surface field (BSF) layer, and helps to improve the energy conversion efficiency of the solar cell. The aluminum paste is transformed by firing from a dried state,60, to an aluminum back electrode,61. The backside silver or silver/aluminum paste,70, is fired at the same time, becoming a silver or silver/aluminum back electrode,71. During firing, the boundary between the back side aluminum and the back side silver or silver/aluminum assumes an alloy state, and is connected electrically as well. The aluminum electrode accounts for most areas of the back electrode, owing in part to the need to form a p+ layer,40. Because soldering to an aluminum electrode is impossible, a silver back electrode is formed over portions of the back side as an electrode for interconnecting solar cells by means of copper ribbon or the like. In addition, the front electrode-forming silver paste,500, sinters and penetrates through the silicon nitride film,30, during firing, and is thereby able to electrically contact the n-type layer,20. This type of process is generally called “fire through.” This fired through state is apparent in layer501ofFIG. 1F. JP-2001-313400A to Fujii et al. teaches a solar cell which is obtained by forming, on one main surface of a semiconductor substrate, regions that exhibit the other type of conductivity and forming an antireflection coating on this main surface of the semiconductor substrate. The resulting solar cell has an electrode material coated over the antireflection coating and fired. The electrode material includes, for example, lead, boron and silicon, and additionally contains, in a glass frit having a softening point of about 300 to 600° C., and one or more powders from among titanium, bismuth, cobalt, zinc, zirconium, iron, and chromium. U.S. Pat. No. 4,737,197 to Nagahara et al. discloses a solar cell including a semiconductor substrate, a diffused layer provided in the semiconductor substrate by diffusion of dopant impurities, and a contact made of metal paste formed on the diffusion layer. The metal paste includes metal powder, which functions as the main contact material, glass frits, an organic binder, a solvent, and an element belonging to the fifth group of the periodic table. U.S. Patent Publication 2006-0231801 A1 to Alan et al. teaches a thick film conductive composition comprising: (a) electrically conductive silver powder; (b) zinc-containing additive; (c) glass frit wherein said glass frit is lead-free; dispersed in (d) organic medium. As a preferred glass, the following composition is referred to: SiO20.1-8 wt %, Al2O30-4 wt %, B2O38-25 wt %, CaO 0-1 wt %, ZnO 0-42 wt %, Na2O 0-4 wt %, Li2O 0-3.5 wt %, Bi2O328-85 wt %, Ag2O 0-3 wt %, CeO20-4.5 wt %, SnO20-3.5 wt %, and BiF30-15 wt %. U.S. Patent Publication 2006-0289055 to Sridharan et al. teaches a solar cell comprising a contact made from a mixture wherein, prior to firing, the mixture comprises: solids portion and organics portion, wherein the solids portion comprises (i) from about 85 to about 99 wt % of a conductive metal component, and (ii) from about 1 to about 15 wt % of a glass component, wherein the glass component is lead-free. Although, as noted, various methods and compositions for forming solar cells exist, there is an on-going effort to provide compositions which are Pb-free while at the same time maintaining electrical performance. The present inventors create a novel composition and method of manufacturing a semiconductor device which provides such a Pb-free system and maintains electrical performance and solder adhesion. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a thick film conductive composition comprising: a) electrically conductive silver powder; b) ZnO powder; c) lead-free glass frits wherein based on total glass frits: Bi2O3: >5 mol %, B2O3: <15 mol %, BaO: <5 mol %, SrO: <5 mol %, Al2O3: <5 mol %; and d) organic medium, wherein (the content of ZnO/the content of the silver powder)×100 is more than 2.5. The present invention is further directed to an electrode formed from the composition above wherein said composition has been fired to remove the organic medium and to sinter said glass particles. Still further, the invention is directed to a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device from a structural element composed of a semiconductor having a p-n junction and an insulating film formed on a main surface of the semiconductor comprising the steps of (a) applying onto said insulating film the thick film composition detailed above; and (b) firing said semiconductor, insulating film and thick film composition to form an electrode. Additionally, the present invention is directed to a semiconductor device formed by the method detailed above and a semiconductor device formed from the thick film conductive composition detailed above. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7777947

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention, relates to a projection screen, intended in particular for video applications. To be more precise, it is directed to a screen that is permeable to sound waves. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The advantages of screens that are permeable to sound waves are known, in that they enable sound sources to be placed behind the screen, thereby achieving a perceptible cohesion between the projected image and the sound (whether the image is front-projected or back-projected). Those advantages are described in particular in the document FR 2810122 (CONGARD) and its counterparts EP-1162499 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,552,847. Disposing the sound sources, in practice loudspeakers, behind a screen in this way is routine in movie theaters, where the screen is conventionally perforated with small holes intended to enable sound to pass through. In video applications, and in domestic applications in particular, the visibility of the holes is often increased by the proximity of the spectators to the screen. The size and spacing of the holes are conventionally determined by the tools used to produce them, independently of the size of the screen. Certain manufacturers have recently developed tools for reducing the size and spacing of the perforations whilst preserving a substantially constant ratio of the perforated area to the total area of the screen. Screens using “woven” technology are also used for these applications. Most recent video projectors are of the fixed pixel matrix type, using the digital light processor (DLP) or liquid crystal display (LCD) technique, for example. These fixed pixel projectors divide the video image into individual elements each of which is assigned a color and a value. Projectors of the above kind project an image in which the rows of pixels are visible under certain conditions, especially if the image is viewed from a distance less than the recommended distance. The rows of pixels are in particular apparent as orthogonal alignments of the spaces between pixels parallel to the edges of the image. In practice, it is found that the order of magnitude of the spacing between the holes in perforated video screens and the dimensions of a projected pixel are often similar. This results in visible interference between two periodic alignments, producing unwanted Moiré effects. Disposing the holes in a quincunx arrangement to reduce their visibility has already been proposed, but has achieved mixed results. One makeshift solution is to adjust the distance between the projector and the projection screen, which varies the size of the projected image and therefore the size of the pixels, to find positions that generate the least Moiré effect. The results are mixed and do not guarantee that changing projector, for example for one with a higher definition and therefore a different pixel size, will not generate Moiré phenomena again. These unwanted effects are also encountered with woven screens. When the structure of the canvas causes spaces or projected shadow effects to appear, the periodic alignment thereof generates the same unwanted Moiré effects as in perforated video screens. Technologies developed with the object of obtaining a good compromise between image quality and permeability to sound waves that do not take account of the risk of the effects of resonance with the fixed matrix type technology (Moiré effects), have therefore proven to be incapable of achieving really good results. In the situation where the flatness of the screen and/or its orthogonality to the projection axis are not perfect, which is the case in many installations in practice, the Moiré effects are much worse, whence even worse results. For these reasons, screens that are permeable to sound are at present considered to be problematical in terms of compatibility with fixed pixel projectors, i.e. in practice with the great majority of projectors available, in particular for video projection. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to propose a screen that is permeable to sound waves and that produces little or no visible optical interference when it is used with a fixed pixel projector, whilst at the same time being simple and inexpensive, and which can be stretched on a frame or of the roll-up type. To this end the invention proposes a projection screen including a sheet having a projection face and provided with a plurality of passages adapted to allow sound waves to pass through the sheet, characterized in that the disposition of the passages of said plurality is such that, if alignments thereof can be detected, at least the main alignments have a non-zero inclination relative to the vertical and horizontal edges of the screen. In the context of the invention, if there are any alignments, the main ones are those that are the most dense, i.e. that have the most passages per unit length. It has become apparent that this absence of parallelism at the edges of the screen (and thus the existence of this inclination) cancels out or greatly reduces unwanted Moiré effects by reducing the risk of coincidence between the vertical and horizontal alignments of the projected image pixel structures and the projection screen passage or weft structure, since the sides of the screen are in practice parallel to the edges of the projected image. The non-zero inclination is preferably greater than 5° or even greater than 10°, for example from 5° to 25°. If the passages or, where applicable, the weft of the sheet form many alignments, the latter are inclined with the result that none of them, or as few of them as possible, are parallel to the vertical and horizontal edges of the screen. The sheet is preferably made from a plurality of threads or by a method simulating the appearance of an array of threads (for example by molding plastics materials or by cutting out or “expanding” a sheet of solid material), but may also be made from a solid sheet perforated with small holes. The risk of interference is further reduced if the plurality of passages or the weft features substantial geometry or orientation variations. Because of these substantial geometry or orientation variations, when a light beam is directed toward the projection face, there are different physical interactions from one passage to another, which further reduces Moiré effects. These variations may exist at the level of the passages considered individually, for example by virtue of the use of threads that are not smooth, for example bouclé threads (the contours of the passages are then irregular, including lengthwise) and/or by virtue of a treatment of the sheet, such as a dressing treatment (the contours of the passages are modified relative to their initial shape under the dressing). Thus the sheet is advantageously a crepe (woven or knitted, often using a bouclé and/or undulating thread, and being subjected to a dressing treatment). There may also be variations from one passage to another. Thus the variations may result from a difference of shape or orientation (in the plane of the sheet) from one passage to another: thus the passages may have an elongate shape, for example, with a greater dimension whose orientation varies from one hole to another. Accordingly, even if the locations of the passages form a periodic array, those of the passages that are strictly identical and therefore react identically to the incident light beams form an array that is much larger than that of the locations of the passages; without wishing to limit the invention by virtue of this interpretation, this would seem to be beneficial for reducing the risk of Moiré effects. These variations may be fluctuations, where appropriate periodic fluctuations. These variations may also result from different orientations of the passages relative to the plane of the sheet, for example by virtue of the existence of surface patterns in one or more dimensions; one example of a multidimensional pattern is a lozenge or rectangle pattern, and one example of a unidimensional pattern is a linear array of undulations, for example a set of ribs. Accordingly, even if the passages are formed at locations forming a periodic array, the surface undulations mean that the passages react differently to light beams. The sheet may advantageously be made of tweed, which yields passages (of different shapes) that are substantially aligned in more than one direction inclined to the plane of the sheet, for example with a chevron disposition (the woven threads follow a zig-zag path). Another form of weaving is weaving individual threads in one direction and double threads in another direction, which combines the advantages of different passage shapes with those of surface undulations (lines in relief, in a direction inclined to each of the global directions of the woven threads). Note that this kind of weave is similar to that of denim jeans. It might be emphasized that, in practice, the passages of a sheet of the invention are not very visible, if at all, to a spectator situated at the usual viewing distance and in the usual viewing direction (typically one and a half times the width of the screen, even in a domestic application, and thus with small screens). The sheet may be produced from textile threads, but also from plastics material threads, for example polyester threads, advantageously bouclé polyester threads. The threads may be assembled by weaving or by any other process, for example knitting. The sheet may also be non-woven. Preferred features of the invention, which may be used individually or in combination, include:said sheet is solid but perforated;said sheet is woven;said sheet is woven with different numbers of warp threads and weft threads;the spaces between the threads do not exceed 0.3 mm;the projection face of the sheet has ribs inclined to the general directions of the warp and weft threads;a coated polyvinyl chloride thread is used for weaving;said sheet is of knitted thread;the thread is a bouclé thread;the thread is a polyester thread;no weft is visible;said surface is of crepe;the sheet is woven and is of the satin type;the sheet is woven and is of the tweed type;the projection screen includes a second layer that is permeable to sound waves, substantially superposed on the first layer and placed behind said first layer relative to the light flux from the projector; anda sound source is disposed behind said screen and a light source is disposed in front of it. The invention also proposes an installation including a screen of the type cited above, a sound source disposed behind that screen and a light source disposed in front of it.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention, relates to a projection screen, intended in particular for video applications. To be more precise, it is directed to a screen that is permeable to sound waves. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The advantages of screens that are permeable to sound waves are known, in that they enable sound sources to be placed behind the screen, thereby achieving a perceptible cohesion between the projected image and the sound (whether the image is front-projected or back-projected). Those advantages are described in particular in the document FR 2810122 (CONGARD) and its counterparts EP-1162499 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,552,847. Disposing the sound sources, in practice loudspeakers, behind a screen in this way is routine in movie theaters, where the screen is conventionally perforated with small holes intended to enable sound to pass through. In video applications, and in domestic applications in particular, the visibility of the holes is often increased by the proximity of the spectators to the screen. The size and spacing of the holes are conventionally determined by the tools used to produce them, independently of the size of the screen. Certain manufacturers have recently developed tools for reducing the size and spacing of the perforations whilst preserving a substantially constant ratio of the perforated area to the total area of the screen. Screens using “woven” technology are also used for these applications. Most recent video projectors are of the fixed pixel matrix type, using the digital light processor (DLP) or liquid crystal display (LCD) technique, for example. These fixed pixel projectors divide the video image into individual elements each of which is assigned a color and a value. Projectors of the above kind project an image in which the rows of pixels are visible under certain conditions, especially if the image is viewed from a distance less than the recommended distance. The rows of pixels are in particular apparent as orthogonal alignments of the spaces between pixels parallel to the edges of the image. In practice, it is found that the order of magnitude of the spacing between the holes in perforated video screens and the dimensions of a projected pixel are often similar. This results in visible interference between two periodic alignments, producing unwanted Moiré effects. Disposing the holes in a quincunx arrangement to reduce their visibility has already been proposed, but has achieved mixed results. One makeshift solution is to adjust the distance between the projector and the projection screen, which varies the size of the projected image and therefore the size of the pixels, to find positions that generate the least Moiré effect. The results are mixed and do not guarantee that changing projector, for example for one with a higher definition and therefore a different pixel size, will not generate Moiré phenomena again. These unwanted effects are also encountered with woven screens. When the structure of the canvas causes spaces or projected shadow effects to appear, the periodic alignment thereof generates the same unwanted Moiré effects as in perforated video screens. Technologies developed with the object of obtaining a good compromise between image quality and permeability to sound waves that do not take account of the risk of the effects of resonance with the fixed matrix type technology (Moiré effects), have therefore proven to be incapable of achieving really good results. In the situation where the flatness of the screen and/or its orthogonality to the projection axis are not perfect, which is the case in many installations in practice, the Moiré effects are much worse, whence even worse results. For these reasons, screens that are permeable to sound are at present considered to be problematical in terms of compatibility with fixed pixel projectors, i.e. in practice with the great majority of projectors available, in particular for video projection. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to propose a screen that is permeable to sound waves and that produces little or no visible optical interference when it is used with a fixed pixel projector, whilst at the same time being simple and inexpensive, and which can be stretched on a frame or of the roll-up type. To this end the invention proposes a projection screen including a sheet having a projection face and provided with a plurality of passages adapted to allow sound waves to pass through the sheet, characterized in that the disposition of the passages of said plurality is such that, if alignments thereof can be detected, at least the main alignments have a non-zero inclination relative to the vertical and horizontal edges of the screen. In the context of the invention, if there are any alignments, the main ones are those that are the most dense, i.e. that have the most passages per unit length. It has become apparent that this absence of parallelism at the edges of the screen (and thus the existence of this inclination) cancels out or greatly reduces unwanted Moiré effects by reducing the risk of coincidence between the vertical and horizontal alignments of the projected image pixel structures and the projection screen passage or weft structure, since the sides of the screen are in practice parallel to the edges of the projected image. The non-zero inclination is preferably greater than 5° or even greater than 10°, for example from 5° to 25°. If the passages or, where applicable, the weft of the sheet form many alignments, the latter are inclined with the result that none of them, or as few of them as possible, are parallel to the vertical and horizontal edges of the screen. The sheet is preferably made from a plurality of threads or by a method simulating the appearance of an array of threads (for example by molding plastics materials or by cutting out or “expanding” a sheet of solid material), but may also be made from a solid sheet perforated with small holes. The risk of interference is further reduced if the plurality of passages or the weft features substantial geometry or orientation variations. Because of these substantial geometry or orientation variations, when a light beam is directed toward the projection face, there are different physical interactions from one passage to another, which further reduces Moiré effects. These variations may exist at the level of the passages considered individually, for example by virtue of the use of threads that are not smooth, for example bouclé threads (the contours of the passages are then irregular, including lengthwise) and/or by virtue of a treatment of the sheet, such as a dressing treatment (the contours of the passages are modified relative to their initial shape under the dressing). Thus the sheet is advantageously a crepe (woven or knitted, often using a bouclé and/or undulating thread, and being subjected to a dressing treatment). There may also be variations from one passage to another. Thus the variations may result from a difference of shape or orientation (in the plane of the sheet) from one passage to another: thus the passages may have an elongate shape, for example, with a greater dimension whose orientation varies from one hole to another. Accordingly, even if the locations of the passages form a periodic array, those of the passages that are strictly identical and therefore react identically to the incident light beams form an array that is much larger than that of the locations of the passages; without wishing to limit the invention by virtue of this interpretation, this would seem to be beneficial for reducing the risk of Moiré effects. These variations may be fluctuations, where appropriate periodic fluctuations. These variations may also result from different orientations of the passages relative to the plane of the sheet, for example by virtue of the existence of surface patterns in one or more dimensions; one example of a multidimensional pattern is a lozenge or rectangle pattern, and one example of a unidimensional pattern is a linear array of undulations, for example a set of ribs. Accordingly, even if the passages are formed at locations forming a periodic array, the surface undulations mean that the passages react differently to light beams. The sheet may advantageously be made of tweed, which yields passages (of different shapes) that are substantially aligned in more than one direction inclined to the plane of the sheet, for example with a chevron disposition (the woven threads follow a zig-zag path). Another form of weaving is weaving individual threads in one direction and double threads in another direction, which combines the advantages of different passage shapes with those of surface undulations (lines in relief, in a direction inclined to each of the global directions of the woven threads). Note that this kind of weave is similar to that of denim jeans. It might be emphasized that, in practice, the passages of a sheet of the invention are not very visible, if at all, to a spectator situated at the usual viewing distance and in the usual viewing direction (typically one and a half times the width of the screen, even in a domestic application, and thus with small screens). The sheet may be produced from textile threads, but also from plastics material threads, for example polyester threads, advantageously bouclé polyester threads. The threads may be assembled by weaving or by any other process, for example knitting. The sheet may also be non-woven. Preferred features of the invention, which may be used individually or in combination, include:said sheet is solid but perforated;said sheet is woven;said sheet is woven with different numbers of warp threads and weft threads;the spaces between the threads do not exceed 0.3 mm;the projection face of the sheet has ribs inclined to the general directions of the warp and weft threads;a coated polyvinyl chloride thread is used for weaving;said sheet is of knitted thread;the thread is a bouclé thread;the thread is a polyester thread;no weft is visible;said surface is of crepe;the sheet is woven and is of the satin type;the sheet is woven and is of the tweed type;the projection screen includes a second layer that is permeable to sound waves, substantially superposed on the first layer and placed behind said first layer relative to the light flux from the projector; anda sound source is disposed behind said screen and a light source is disposed in front of it. The invention also proposes an installation including a screen of the type cited above, a sound source disposed behind that screen and a light source disposed in front of it. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7846954

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of ion channels. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising the compounds of the invention and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disorders. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Na channels are central to the generation of action potentials in all excitable cells such as neurons and myocytes. They play key roles in excitable tissue including brain, smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, skeletal muscle, the peripheral nervous system, spinal cord and airway. As such they play key roles in a variety of disease states such as epilepsy (See, Moulard, B. and D. Bertrand (2002) “Epilepsy and sodium channel blockers”Expert Opin. Ther. Patents12(1): 85-91)), pain (See, Waxman, S. G., S. Dib-Hajj, et al. (1999) “Sodium channels and pain”Proc Natl Acad Sci USA96(14): 7635-9 and Waxman, S. G., T. R. Cummins, et al. (2000) “Voltage-gated sodium channels and the molecular pathogenesis of pain: a review”J Rehabil Res Dev37(5): 517-28), myotonia (See, Meola, G. and V. Sansone (2000) “Therapy in myotonic disorders and in muscle channelopathies”Neurol Sci21(5): S953-61 and Mankodi, A. and C. A. Thornton (2002) “Myotonic syndromes”Curr Opin Neurol15(5): 545-52), ataxia (See, Meisler, M. H., J. A. Kearney, et al. (2002) “Mutations of voltage-gated sodium channels in movement disorders and epilepsy”Novartis Found Symp241: 72-81), multiple sclerosis (See, Black, J. A., S. Dib-Hajj, et al. (2000) “Sensory neuron-specific sodium channel SNS is abnormally expressed in the brains of mice with experimental allergic encephalomyelitis and humans with multiple sclerosis”Proc Natl Acad Sci USA97(21): 11598-602, and Renganathan, M., M. Gelderblom, et al. (2003) “Expression of Na(v)1.8 sodium channels perturbs the firing patterns of cerebellar purkinje cells”Brain Res959(2): 235-42), irritable bowel (See, Su, X., R. E. Wachtel, et al. (1999) “Capsaicin sensitivity and voltage-gated sodium currents in colon sensory neurons from rat dorsal root ganglia”Am J Physiol277(6 Pt 1): G1180-8, and Laird, J. M., V. Souslova, et al. (2002) “Deficits in visceral pain and referred hyperalgesia in Nav1.8 (SNS/PN3)-null mice”J Neurosci22(19): 8352-6), urinary incontinence and visceral pain (See, Yoshimura, N., S. Seki, et al. (2001) “The involvement of the tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium channel Na(v)1.8 (PN3/SNS) in a rat model of visceral pain”J Neurosci21(21): 8690-6), as well as an array of psychiatry dysfunctions such as anxiety and depression (See, Hurley, S. C. (2002) “Lamotrigine update and its use in mood disorders”Ann Pharmacother36(5): 860-73). Voltage gated Na channels comprise a gene family consisting of 9 different subtypes (NaV1.1-NaV1.9). As shown in Table 1, these subtypes show tissue specific localization and functional differences (See, Goldin, A. L. (2001) “Resurgence of sodium channel research”Annu Rev Physiol63: 871-94). Three members of the gene family (NaV1.8, 1.9, 1.5) are resistant to block by the well-known Na channel blocker TTX, demonstrating subtype specificity within this gene family. Mutational analysis has identified glutamate 387 as a critical residue for TTX binding (See, Noda, M., H. Suzuki, et al. (1989) “A single point mutation confers tetrodotoxin and saxitoxin insensitivity on the sodium channel II”FEBS Lett259(1): 213-6). TABLE 1(Abbreviations: CNS = central nervous system, PNS = peripheralnervous sytem, DRG = dorsal root ganglion,TG = Trigeminal ganglion):NaisoformTissueTTX IC50IndicationsNaV1.1CNS, PNS soma of10nMPain, Epilepsy,neuronsneurodegenerationNaV1.2CNS, high in axons10nMNeurodegenerationEpilepsyNaV1.3CNS, embryonic,15nMPaininjured nervesNaV1.4Skeletal muscle25nMMyotoniaNaV1.5Heart2μMArrhythmia, long QTNaV1.6CNS widespread,6nMPain, movement disordersmost abundantNaV1.7PNS, DRG,25nMPain, NeuroendocrineterminalsdisordersneuroendocrineNaV1.8PNS, small neurons>50μMPainin DRG & TGNaV1.9PNS, small neurons1μMPainin DRG & TG In general, voltage-gated sodium channels (NaVs) are responsible for initiating the rapid upstroke of action potentials in excitable tissue in nervous system, which transmit the electrical signals that compose and encode normal and aberrant pain sensations. Antagonists of NaV channels can attenuate these pain signals and are useful for treating a variety of pain conditions, including but not limited to acute, chronic, inflammatory, and neuropathic pain. Known NaV antagonists, such as TTX, lidocaine (See, Mao, J. and L. L. Chen (2000) “Systemic lidocaine for neuropathic pain relief”Pain87(1): 7-17.) bupivacaine, phenytoin (See, Jensen, T. S. (2002) “Anticonvulsants in neuropathic pain: rationale and clinical evidence”Eur J Pain6 (Suppl A): 61-8), lamotrigine (See, Rozen, T. D. (2001) “Antiepileptic drugs in the management of cluster headache and trigeminal neuralgia”Headache41 Suppl 1: S25-32 and Jensen, T. S. (2002) “Anticonvulsants in neuropathic pain: rationale and clinical evidence”Eur J Pain6 (Suppl A): 61-8.), and carbamazepine (See, Backonja, M. M. (2002) “Use of anticonvulsants for treatment of neuropathic pain”Neurology59(5 Suppl 2): S14-7), have been shown to be useful attenuating pain in humans and animal models. Hyperalgesia (extreme sensitivity to something painful) that develops in the presence of tissue injury or inflammation reflects, at least in part, an increase in the excitability of high-threshold primary afferent neurons innervating the site of injury. Voltage sensitive sodium channels activation is critical for the generation and propagation of neuronal action potentials. There is a growing body of evidence indicating that modulation of NaV currents is an endogenous mechanism used to control neuronal excitability (See, Goldin, A. L. (2001) “Resurgence of sodium channel research”Annu Rev Physiol63: 871-94). Several kinetically and pharmacologically distinct voltage-gated sodium channels are found in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. The TTX-resistant current is insensitive to micromolar concentrations of tetrodotoxin, and displays slow activation and inactivation kinetics and a more depolarized activation threshold when compared to other voltage-gated sodium channels. TTX-resistant sodium currents are primarily restricted to a subpopulation of sensory neurons likely to be involved in nociception. Specifically, TTX-resistant sodium currents are expressed almost exclusively in neurons that have a small cell-body diameter; and give rise to small-diameter slow-conducting axons and that are responsive to capsaicin. A large body of experimental evidence demonstrates that TTX-resistant sodium channels are expressed on C-fibers and are important in the transmission of nociceptive information to the spinal cord. Intrathecal administration of antisense oligo-deoxynucleotides targeting a unique region of the TTX-resistant sodium channel (NaV1.8) resulted in a significant reduction in PGE2-induced hyperalgesia (See, Khasar, S. G., M. S. Gold, et al. (1998) “A tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium current mediates inflammatory pain in the rat”Neurosci Lett256(1): 17-20). More recently, a knockout mouse line was generated by Wood and colleagues, which lacks functional NaV1.8. The mutation has an analgesic effect in tests assessing the animal's response to the inflammatory agent carrageenan (See, Akopian, A. N., V. Souslova, et al. (1999) “The tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium channel SNS has a specialized function in pain pathways”Nat Neurosci2(6): 541-8.). In addition, deficit in both mechano- and thermoreception were observed in these animals. The analgesia shown by the Nav1.8 knockout mutants is consistent with observations about the role of TTX-resistant currents in nociception. Immunohistochemical, in-situ hybridization and in-vitro electrophysiology experiments have all shown that the sodium channel NaV1.8 is selectively localized to the small sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglion and trigeminal ganglion (See, Akopian, A. N., L. Sivilotti, et al. (1996) “A tetrodotoxin-resistant voltage-gated sodium channel expressed by sensory neurons”Nature379(6562): 257-62.). The primary role of these neurons is the detection and transmission of nociceptive stimuli. Antisense and immunohistochemical evidence also supports a role for NaV1.8 in neuropathic pain (See, Lai, J., M. S. Gold, et al. (2002) “Inhibition of neuropathic pain by decreased expression of the tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium channel, NaV1.8”Pain95(1-2): 143-52, and Lai, J., J. C. Hunter, et al. (2000) “Blockade of neuropathic pain by antisense targeting of tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium channels in sensory neurons”Methods Enzymol314: 201-13.). NaV1.8 protein is upregulated along uninjured C-fibers adjacent to the nerve injury. Antisense treatment prevents the redistribution of NaV1.8 along the nerve and reverses neuropathic pain. Taken together the gene-knockout and antisense data support a role for NaV1.8 in the detection and transmission of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. In neuropathic pain states there is a remodeling of Na channel distribution and subtype. In the injured nerve, expression of NaV1.8 and NaV1.9 are greatly reduced whereas expression of the TTX sensitive subunit NaV1.3 is 5-10 fold upregulated (See, Dib-Hajj, S. D., J. Fjell, et al. (1999) “Plasticity of sodium channel expression in DRG neurons in the chronic constriction injury model of neuropathic pain.”Pain83(3): 591-600.) The timecourse of the increase in NaV1.3 parallels the appearance of allodynia in animal models subsequent to nerve injury. The biophysics of the NaV1.3 channel is distinctive in that it shows very fast repriming after inactivation following an action potential. This allows for sustained rates of high firing as is often seen in the injured nerve (See, Cummins, T. R., F. Aglieco, et al. (2001) “Nav1.3 sodium channels: rapid repriming and slow closed-state inactivation display quantitative differences after expression in a mammalian cell line and in spinal sensory neurons”J Neurosci21(16): 5952-61.). NaV1.3 is expressed in the central and peripheral systems of man. NaV1.9 is similar to NaV1.8 as it is selectively localized to small sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglion and trigeminal ganglion (See, Fang, X., L. Djouhri, et al. (2002). “The presence and role of the tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium channel Na(v)1.9 (NaN) in nociceptive primary afferent neurons.”J Neurosci22(17): 7425-33.). It has a slow rate of inactivation and left-shifted voltage dependence for activation (See, Dib-Hajj, S., J. A. Black, et al. (2002) “NaN/Nav1.9: a sodium channel with unique properties”Trends Neurosci25(5): 253-9.). These two biophysical properties allow NaV1.9 to play a role in establishing the resting membrane potential of nociceptive neurons. The resting membrane potential of NaV1.9 expressing cells is in the −55 to −50 mV range compared to −65 mV for most other peripheral and central neurons. This persistent depolarization is in large part due to the sustained low-level activation of NaV1.9 channels. This depolarization allows the neurons to more easily reach the threshold for firing action potentials in response to nociceptive stimuli. Compounds that block the NaV1.9 channel may play an important role in establishing the set point for detection of painful stimuli. In chronic pain states, nerve and nerve ending can become swollen and hypersensitive exhibiting high frequency action potential firing with mild or even no stimulation. These pathologic nerve swellings are termed neuromas and the primary Na channels expressed in them are NaV1.8 and NaV1.7 (See, Kretschmer, T., L. T. Happel, et al. (2002) “Accumulation of PN1 and PN3 sodium channels in painful human neuroma-evidence from immunocytochemistry”Acta Neurochir(Wien) 144(8): 803-10; discussion 810.). NaV1.6 and NaV1.7 are also expressed in dorsal root ganglion neurons and contribute to the small TTX sensitive component seen in these cells. NaV1.7 in particular may therefore be a potential pain target in addition to it's role in neuroendocrine excitability (See, Klugbauer, N., L. Lacinova, et al. (1995) “Structure and functional expression of a new member of the tetrodotoxin-sensitive voltage-activated sodium channel family from human neuroendocrine cells”Embo J14(6): 1084-90). NaV1.1 (See, Sugawara, T., E. Mazaki-Miyazaki, et al. (2001) “Nav1.1 mutations cause febrile seizures associated with afebrile partial seizures.”Neurology57(4): 703-5.) and NaV1.2 (See, Sugawara, T., Y. Tsurubuchi, et al. (2001) “A missense mutation of the Na+ channel alpha II subunit gene Na(v)1.2 in a patient with febrile and afebrile seizures causes channel dysfunction”Proc Natl Acad Sci USA98(11): 6384-9) have been linked to epilepsy conditions including febrile seizures. There are over 9 genetic mutations in NaV1.1 associated with febrile seizures (See, Meisler, M. H., J. A. Kearney, et al. (2002) “Mutations of voltage-gated sodium channels in movement disorders and epilepsy”Novartis Found Symp241: 72-81) Antagonists for NaV1.5 have been developed and used to treat cardiac arrhythmias. A gene defect in NaV1.5 that produces a larger noninactivating component to the current has been linked to long QT in man and the orally available local anesthetic mexilitine has been used to treat this condition (See, Wang, D. W., K. Yazawa, et al. (1997) “Pharmacological targeting of long QT mutant sodium channels.”J Clin Invest99(7): 1714-20). Several Na channel blockers are currently used or being tested in the clinic to treat epilepsy (See, Moulard, B. and D. Bertrand (2002) “Epilepsy and sodium channel blockers”Expert Opin. Ther. Patents12(1): 85-91.); acute (See, Wiffen, P., S. Collins, et al. (2000) “Anticonvulsant drugs for acute and chronic pain”Cochrane Database Syst Rev3), chronic (See, Wiffen, P., S. Collins, et al. (2000) “Anticonvulsant drugs for acute and chronic pain”Cochrane Database Syst Rev3, and Guay, D. R. (2001) “Adjunctive agents in the management of chronic pain”Pharmacotherapy21(9): 1070-81), inflammatory (See, Gold, M. S. (1999) “Tetrodotoxin-resistant Na+ currents and inflammatory hyperalgesia.”Proc Natl Acad Sci USA96(14): 7645-9), and neuropathic pain (See, Strichartz, G. R., Z. Zhou, et al. (2002) “Therapeutic concentrations of local anaesthetics unveil the potential role of sodium channels in neuropathic pain”Novartis Found Symp241: 189-201, and Sandner-Kiesling, A., G. Rumpold Seitlinger, et al. (2002) “Lamotrigine monotherapy for control of neuralgia after nerve section”Acta Anaesthesiol Scand46(10): 1261-4); cardiac arrhythmias (See, An, R. H., R. Bangalore, et al. (1996) “Lidocaine block of LQT-3 mutant human Na+ channels”Circ Res79(1): 103-8, and Wang, D. W., K. Yazawa, et al. (1997) “Pharmacological targeting of long QT mutant sodium channels”J Clin Invest99(7): 1714-20); neuroprotection (See, Taylor, C. P. and L. S. Narasimhan (1997) “Sodium channels and therapy of central nervous system diseases”Adv Pharmacol39: 47-98) and as anesthetics (See, Strichartz, G. R., Z. Zhou, et al. (2002) “Therapeutic concentrations of local anaesthetics unveil the potential role of sodium channels in neuropathic pain”Novartis Found Symp241: 189-201). Various animal models with clinical significance have been developed for the study of sodium channel modulators for numerous different pain indications. E.g., malignant chronic pain, see, Kohase, H., et al., Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. 2004; 48(3):382-3; femur cancer pain (see, Kohase, H., et al., Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. 2004; 48(3):382-3); non-malignant chronic bone pain (see, Ciocon, J. O. et al., J Am Geriatr Soc. 1994; 42(6):593-6); rheumatoid arthritis (see, Calvino, B. et al., Behav Brain Res. 1987; 24(1):11-29); osteoarthritis (see, Guzman, R. E., et al., Toxicol Pathol. 2003; 31(6):619-24); spinal stenosis (see, Takenobu, Y. et al., J Neurosci Methods. 2001; 104(2):191-8); Neuropathic low back pain (see, Hines, R., et al., Pain Med. 2002; 3(4):361-5; Massie, J. B., et al., J Neurosci Methods. 2004; 137(2):283-9; neuropathic low back pain (see, Hines, R., et al., Pain Med. 2002; 3(4):361-5; Massie, J. B., et al., J Neurosci Methods. 2004; 137(2):283-9); myofascial pain syndrome (see, Dalpiaz & Dodds, J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother. 2002; 16(1):99-104; Sluka K A et al., Muscle Nerve. 2001; 24(1):37-46); fibromyalgia (see, Bennet & Tai, Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 1995; 15(3):115-9); temporomandibular joint pain (see, Ime H, Ren K, Brain Res Mol Brain Res. 1999; 67(1):87-97); chronic visceral pain, including, abdominal (see, Al-Chaer, E. D., et al., Gastroenterology. 2000; 119(5):1276-85); pelvic/perineal pain, (see, Wesselmann et al., Neurosci Lett. 1998; 246(2):73-6); pancreatic (see, Vera-Portocarrero, L. B., et al., Anesthesiology. 2003; 98(2):474-84); IBS pain (see, Verne, G. N., et al., Pain. 2003; 105(1-2):223-30; La J H et al., World Gastroenterol. 2003; 9(12):2791-5); chronic headache pain (see, Willimas & Stark, Cephalalgia. 2003; 23(10):963-71); migraine (see, Yamamura, H., et al., J Neurophysiol. 1999; 81(2):479-93); tension headache, including, cluster headaches (see, Costa, A., et al., Cephalalgia. 2000; 20(2):85-91); chronic neuropathic pain, including, post-herpetic neuralgia (see, Attal, N., et al., Neurology. 2004; 62(2):218-25; Kim & Chung 1992, Pain 50:355); diabetic neuropathy (see, Beidoun A et al., Clin J Pain. 2004; 20(3):174-8; Courteix, C., et al., Pain. 1993; 53(1):81-8); HIV-associated neuropathy (see, Portegies & Rosenberg, Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2001; 145(15):731-5; Joseph EK et al., Pain. 2004; 107(1-2):147-58; Oh, S. B., et al., J Neurosci. 2001; 21(14):5027-35); trigeminal neuralgia (see, Sato, J., et al., Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2004; 97(1):18-22; Imamura Y et al., Exp Brain Res. 1997; 116(1):97-103); Charcot-Marie Tooth neuropathy (see, Sereda, M., et al., Neuron. 1996; 16(5):1049-60); hereditary sensory neuropathies (see, Lee, M. J., et al., Hum Mol Genet. 2003; 12(15):1917-25); peripheral nerve injury (see, Attal, N., et al., Neurology. 2004; 62(2):218-25; Kim & Chung 1992, Pain 50:355; Bennett & Xie, 1988, Pain 33:87; Decostered, I. & Woolf, C. J., 2000, Pain 87:149; Shir, Y. & Seltzer, Z. 1990; Neurosci Lett 115:62); painful neuromas (see, Nahabedian & Johnson, Ann Plast Surg. 2001; 46(1):15-22; Devor & Raber, Behav Neural Biol. 1983; 37(2):276-83); ectopic proximal and distal discharges (see, Liu, X. et al., Brain Res. 2001; 900(1):119-27); radiculopathy (see, Devers & Galer, (see, Clin J Pain. 2000; 16(3):205-8; Hayashi N et al., Spine. 1998; 23(8):877-85); chemotherapy induced neuropathic pain (see, Aley, K. O., et al., Neuroscience. 1996; 73(1):259-65); radiotherapy-induced neuropathic pain; post-mastectomy pain (see, Devers & Galer, Clin J Pain. 2000; 16(3):205-8); central pain (Cahana, A., et al., Anesth Analg. 2004; 98(6):1581-4), spinal cord injury pain (see, Hains, B. C., et al., Exp Neurol. 2000; 164(2):426-37); post-stroke pain; thalamic pain (see, LaBuda, C. J., et al., Neurosci Lett. 2000; 290(1):79-83); complex regional pain syndrome (see, Wallace, M. S., et al., Anesthesiology. 2000; 92(1):75-83; Xantos D et al., J Pain. 2004; 5(3 Suppl 2):S1); phanton pain (see, Weber, W. E., Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2001; 145(17):813-7; Levitt & Heyback, Pain. 1981; 10(1):67-73); intractable pain (see, Yokoyama, M., et al., Can J Anaesth. 2002; 49(8):810-3); acute pain, acute post-operative pain (see, Koppert, W., et al., Anesth Analg. 2004; 98(4):1050-5; Brennan, T. J., et al., Pain. 1996; 64(3):493-501); acute musculoskeletal pain; joint pain (see, Gotoh, S., et al., Ann Rheum Dis. 1993; 52(11):817-22); mechanical low back pain (see, Kehl, L. J., et al., Pain. 2000; 85(3):333-43); neck pain; tendonitis; injury/exercise pain (see, Sesay, M., et al., Can J Anaesth. 2002; 49(2):137-43); acute visceral pain, including, abdominal pain; pyelonephritis; appendicitis; cholecystitis; intestinal obstruction; hernias; etc (see, Giambernardino, M. A., et al., Pain. 1995; 61(3):459-69); chest pain, including, cardiac Pain (see, Vergona, R. A., et al., Life Sci. 1984; 35(18):1877-84); pelvic pain, renal colic pain, acute obstetric pain, including, labor pain (see, Segal, S., et al., Anesth Analg. 1998; 87(4):864-9); cesarean section pain; acute inflammatory, burn and trauma pain; acute intermittent pain, including, endometriosis (see, Cason, A. M., et al.,Horm Behav. 2003; 44(2):123-31); acute herpes zoster pain; sickle cell anemia; acute pancreatitis (see, Toma, H; Gastroenterology. 2000; 119(5):1373-81); breakthrough pain; orofacial pain, including, sinusitis pain, dental pain (see, Nusstein, J., et al., J Endod. 1998; 24(7):487-91; Chidiac, J. J., et al., Eur J Pain. 2002; 6(1):55-67); multiple sclerosis (MS) pain (see, Sakurai & Kanazawa, J Neurol Sci. 1999; 162(2):162-8); pain in depression (see, Greene B, Curr Med Res Opin. 2003; 19(4):272-7); leprosy pain; behcet's disease pain; adiposis dolorosa (see, Devillers & Oranje, Clin Exp Dermatol. 1999; 24(3):240-1); phlebitic pain; Guillain-Barre pain; painful legs and moving toes; Haglund syndrome; erythromelalgia pain (see, Legroux-Crespel, E., et al., Ann Dermatol Venereol. 2003; 130(4):429-33); Fabry's disease pain (see, Germain, D. P., J Soc Biol. 2002;196(2):183-90); Bladder and urogenital disease, including, urinary incontinence (see, Berggren, T., et al., J Urol. 1993; 150(5 Pt 1):1540-3); hyperactivity bladder (see, Chuang, Y. C., et al., Urology. 2003; 61(3):664-70); painful bladder syndrome (see, Yoshimura, N., et al., J Neurosci. 2001; 21(21):8690-6); interstitial cyctitis (IC) (see, Giannakopoulos& Campilomatos, Arch Ital Urol Nefrol Androl. 1992; 64(4):337-9; Boucher, M., et al., J Urol. 2000; 164(1):203-8); and prostatitis (see, Mayersak, J. S., Int Surg. 1998; 83(4):347-9; Keith, I. M., et al., J Urol. 2001; 166(1):323-8). Unfortunately, as described above, the efficacy of currently used sodium channel blockers for the disease states described above has been to a large extent limited by a number of side effects. These side effects include various CNS disturbances such as blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, and sedation as well more potentially life threatening cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac failure. Accordingly, there remains a need to develop additional Na channel antagonists, preferably those with higher potency and fewer side effects. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It has now been found that compounds of this invention, and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof, are useful as inhibitors of NaV1.1 and NaV1.3 voltage-gated sodium channels. These compounds have the general formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. These compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions are useful for treating or lessening the severity of a variety of diseases, disorders, or conditions, including, but not limited to, acute, chronic, neuropathic, or inflammatory pain, arthritis, migraine, cluster headaches, trigeminal neuralgia, herpetic neuralgia, general neuralgias, epilepsy or epilepsy conditions, neurodegenerative disorders, psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression, myotonia, arrhythmia, movement disorders, neuroendocrine disorders, ataxia, multiple sclerosis, irritable bowel syndrome, incontinence, visceral pain, osteoarthritis pain, postherpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, radicular pain, sciatica, back pain, head or neck pain, severe or intractable pain, nociceptive pain, breakthrough pain, postsurgical pain, or cancer pain.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of ion channels. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising the compounds of the invention and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disorders. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Na channels are central to the generation of action potentials in all excitable cells such as neurons and myocytes. They play key roles in excitable tissue including brain, smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, skeletal muscle, the peripheral nervous system, spinal cord and airway. As such they play key roles in a variety of disease states such as epilepsy (See, Moulard, B. and D. Bertrand (2002) “Epilepsy and sodium channel blockers”Expert Opin. Ther. Patents12(1): 85-91)), pain (See, Waxman, S. G., S. Dib-Hajj, et al. (1999) “Sodium channels and pain”Proc Natl Acad Sci USA96(14): 7635-9 and Waxman, S. G., T. R. Cummins, et al. (2000) “Voltage-gated sodium channels and the molecular pathogenesis of pain: a review”J Rehabil Res Dev37(5): 517-28), myotonia (See, Meola, G. and V. Sansone (2000) “Therapy in myotonic disorders and in muscle channelopathies”Neurol Sci21(5): S953-61 and Mankodi, A. and C. A. Thornton (2002) “Myotonic syndromes”Curr Opin Neurol15(5): 545-52), ataxia (See, Meisler, M. H., J. A. Kearney, et al. (2002) “Mutations of voltage-gated sodium channels in movement disorders and epilepsy”Novartis Found Symp241: 72-81), multiple sclerosis (See, Black, J. A., S. Dib-Hajj, et al. (2000) “Sensory neuron-specific sodium channel SNS is abnormally expressed in the brains of mice with experimental allergic encephalomyelitis and humans with multiple sclerosis”Proc Natl Acad Sci USA97(21): 11598-602, and Renganathan, M., M. Gelderblom, et al. (2003) “Expression of Na(v)1.8 sodium channels perturbs the firing patterns of cerebellar purkinje cells”Brain Res959(2): 235-42), irritable bowel (See, Su, X., R. E. Wachtel, et al. (1999) “Capsaicin sensitivity and voltage-gated sodium currents in colon sensory neurons from rat dorsal root ganglia”Am J Physiol277(6 Pt 1): G1180-8, and Laird, J. M., V. Souslova, et al. (2002) “Deficits in visceral pain and referred hyperalgesia in Nav1.8 (SNS/PN3)-null mice”J Neurosci22(19): 8352-6), urinary incontinence and visceral pain (See, Yoshimura, N., S. Seki, et al. (2001) “The involvement of the tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium channel Na(v)1.8 (PN3/SNS) in a rat model of visceral pain”J Neurosci21(21): 8690-6), as well as an array of psychiatry dysfunctions such as anxiety and depression (See, Hurley, S. C. (2002) “Lamotrigine update and its use in mood disorders”Ann Pharmacother36(5): 860-73). Voltage gated Na channels comprise a gene family consisting of 9 different subtypes (NaV1.1-NaV1.9). As shown in Table 1, these subtypes show tissue specific localization and functional differences (See, Goldin, A. L. (2001) “Resurgence of sodium channel research”Annu Rev Physiol63: 871-94). Three members of the gene family (NaV1.8, 1.9, 1.5) are resistant to block by the well-known Na channel blocker TTX, demonstrating subtype specificity within this gene family. Mutational analysis has identified glutamate 387 as a critical residue for TTX binding (See, Noda, M., H. Suzuki, et al. (1989) “A single point mutation confers tetrodotoxin and saxitoxin insensitivity on the sodium channel II”FEBS Lett259(1): 213-6). TABLE 1(Abbreviations: CNS = central nervous system, PNS = peripheralnervous sytem, DRG = dorsal root ganglion,TG = Trigeminal ganglion):NaisoformTissueTTX IC50IndicationsNaV1.1CNS, PNS soma of10nMPain, Epilepsy,neuronsneurodegenerationNaV1.2CNS, high in axons10nMNeurodegenerationEpilepsyNaV1.3CNS, embryonic,15nMPaininjured nervesNaV1.4Skeletal muscle25nMMyotoniaNaV1.5Heart2μMArrhythmia, long QTNaV1.6CNS widespread,6nMPain, movement disordersmost abundantNaV1.7PNS, DRG,25nMPain, NeuroendocrineterminalsdisordersneuroendocrineNaV1.8PNS, small neurons>50μMPainin DRG & TGNaV1.9PNS, small neurons1μMPainin DRG & TG In general, voltage-gated sodium channels (NaVs) are responsible for initiating the rapid upstroke of action potentials in excitable tissue in nervous system, which transmit the electrical signals that compose and encode normal and aberrant pain sensations. Antagonists of NaV channels can attenuate these pain signals and are useful for treating a variety of pain conditions, including but not limited to acute, chronic, inflammatory, and neuropathic pain. Known NaV antagonists, such as TTX, lidocaine (See, Mao, J. and L. L. Chen (2000) “Systemic lidocaine for neuropathic pain relief”Pain87(1): 7-17.) bupivacaine, phenytoin (See, Jensen, T. S. (2002) “Anticonvulsants in neuropathic pain: rationale and clinical evidence”Eur J Pain6 (Suppl A): 61-8), lamotrigine (See, Rozen, T. D. (2001) “Antiepileptic drugs in the management of cluster headache and trigeminal neuralgia”Headache41 Suppl 1: S25-32 and Jensen, T. S. (2002) “Anticonvulsants in neuropathic pain: rationale and clinical evidence”Eur J Pain6 (Suppl A): 61-8.), and carbamazepine (See, Backonja, M. M. (2002) “Use of anticonvulsants for treatment of neuropathic pain”Neurology59(5 Suppl 2): S14-7), have been shown to be useful attenuating pain in humans and animal models. Hyperalgesia (extreme sensitivity to something painful) that develops in the presence of tissue injury or inflammation reflects, at least in part, an increase in the excitability of high-threshold primary afferent neurons innervating the site of injury. Voltage sensitive sodium channels activation is critical for the generation and propagation of neuronal action potentials. There is a growing body of evidence indicating that modulation of NaV currents is an endogenous mechanism used to control neuronal excitability (See, Goldin, A. L. (2001) “Resurgence of sodium channel research”Annu Rev Physiol63: 871-94). Several kinetically and pharmacologically distinct voltage-gated sodium channels are found in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. The TTX-resistant current is insensitive to micromolar concentrations of tetrodotoxin, and displays slow activation and inactivation kinetics and a more depolarized activation threshold when compared to other voltage-gated sodium channels. TTX-resistant sodium currents are primarily restricted to a subpopulation of sensory neurons likely to be involved in nociception. Specifically, TTX-resistant sodium currents are expressed almost exclusively in neurons that have a small cell-body diameter; and give rise to small-diameter slow-conducting axons and that are responsive to capsaicin. A large body of experimental evidence demonstrates that TTX-resistant sodium channels are expressed on C-fibers and are important in the transmission of nociceptive information to the spinal cord. Intrathecal administration of antisense oligo-deoxynucleotides targeting a unique region of the TTX-resistant sodium channel (NaV1.8) resulted in a significant reduction in PGE2-induced hyperalgesia (See, Khasar, S. G., M. S. Gold, et al. (1998) “A tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium current mediates inflammatory pain in the rat”Neurosci Lett256(1): 17-20). More recently, a knockout mouse line was generated by Wood and colleagues, which lacks functional NaV1.8. The mutation has an analgesic effect in tests assessing the animal's response to the inflammatory agent carrageenan (See, Akopian, A. N., V. Souslova, et al. (1999) “The tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium channel SNS has a specialized function in pain pathways”Nat Neurosci2(6): 541-8.). In addition, deficit in both mechano- and thermoreception were observed in these animals. The analgesia shown by the Nav1.8 knockout mutants is consistent with observations about the role of TTX-resistant currents in nociception. Immunohistochemical, in-situ hybridization and in-vitro electrophysiology experiments have all shown that the sodium channel NaV1.8 is selectively localized to the small sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglion and trigeminal ganglion (See, Akopian, A. N., L. Sivilotti, et al. (1996) “A tetrodotoxin-resistant voltage-gated sodium channel expressed by sensory neurons”Nature379(6562): 257-62.). The primary role of these neurons is the detection and transmission of nociceptive stimuli. Antisense and immunohistochemical evidence also supports a role for NaV1.8 in neuropathic pain (See, Lai, J., M. S. Gold, et al. (2002) “Inhibition of neuropathic pain by decreased expression of the tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium channel, NaV1.8”Pain95(1-2): 143-52, and Lai, J., J. C. Hunter, et al. (2000) “Blockade of neuropathic pain by antisense targeting of tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium channels in sensory neurons”Methods Enzymol314: 201-13.). NaV1.8 protein is upregulated along uninjured C-fibers adjacent to the nerve injury. Antisense treatment prevents the redistribution of NaV1.8 along the nerve and reverses neuropathic pain. Taken together the gene-knockout and antisense data support a role for NaV1.8 in the detection and transmission of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. In neuropathic pain states there is a remodeling of Na channel distribution and subtype. In the injured nerve, expression of NaV1.8 and NaV1.9 are greatly reduced whereas expression of the TTX sensitive subunit NaV1.3 is 5-10 fold upregulated (See, Dib-Hajj, S. D., J. Fjell, et al. (1999) “Plasticity of sodium channel expression in DRG neurons in the chronic constriction injury model of neuropathic pain.”Pain83(3): 591-600.) The timecourse of the increase in NaV1.3 parallels the appearance of allodynia in animal models subsequent to nerve injury. The biophysics of the NaV1.3 channel is distinctive in that it shows very fast repriming after inactivation following an action potential. This allows for sustained rates of high firing as is often seen in the injured nerve (See, Cummins, T. R., F. Aglieco, et al. (2001) “Nav1.3 sodium channels: rapid repriming and slow closed-state inactivation display quantitative differences after expression in a mammalian cell line and in spinal sensory neurons”J Neurosci21(16): 5952-61.). NaV1.3 is expressed in the central and peripheral systems of man. NaV1.9 is similar to NaV1.8 as it is selectively localized to small sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglion and trigeminal ganglion (See, Fang, X., L. Djouhri, et al. (2002). “The presence and role of the tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium channel Na(v)1.9 (NaN) in nociceptive primary afferent neurons.”J Neurosci22(17): 7425-33.). It has a slow rate of inactivation and left-shifted voltage dependence for activation (See, Dib-Hajj, S., J. A. Black, et al. (2002) “NaN/Nav1.9: a sodium channel with unique properties”Trends Neurosci25(5): 253-9.). These two biophysical properties allow NaV1.9 to play a role in establishing the resting membrane potential of nociceptive neurons. The resting membrane potential of NaV1.9 expressing cells is in the −55 to −50 mV range compared to −65 mV for most other peripheral and central neurons. This persistent depolarization is in large part due to the sustained low-level activation of NaV1.9 channels. This depolarization allows the neurons to more easily reach the threshold for firing action potentials in response to nociceptive stimuli. Compounds that block the NaV1.9 channel may play an important role in establishing the set point for detection of painful stimuli. In chronic pain states, nerve and nerve ending can become swollen and hypersensitive exhibiting high frequency action potential firing with mild or even no stimulation. These pathologic nerve swellings are termed neuromas and the primary Na channels expressed in them are NaV1.8 and NaV1.7 (See, Kretschmer, T., L. T. Happel, et al. (2002) “Accumulation of PN1 and PN3 sodium channels in painful human neuroma-evidence from immunocytochemistry”Acta Neurochir(Wien) 144(8): 803-10; discussion 810.). NaV1.6 and NaV1.7 are also expressed in dorsal root ganglion neurons and contribute to the small TTX sensitive component seen in these cells. NaV1.7 in particular may therefore be a potential pain target in addition to it's role in neuroendocrine excitability (See, Klugbauer, N., L. Lacinova, et al. (1995) “Structure and functional expression of a new member of the tetrodotoxin-sensitive voltage-activated sodium channel family from human neuroendocrine cells”Embo J14(6): 1084-90). NaV1.1 (See, Sugawara, T., E. Mazaki-Miyazaki, et al. (2001) “Nav1.1 mutations cause febrile seizures associated with afebrile partial seizures.”Neurology57(4): 703-5.) and NaV1.2 (See, Sugawara, T., Y. Tsurubuchi, et al. (2001) “A missense mutation of the Na+ channel alpha II subunit gene Na(v)1.2 in a patient with febrile and afebrile seizures causes channel dysfunction”Proc Natl Acad Sci USA98(11): 6384-9) have been linked to epilepsy conditions including febrile seizures. There are over 9 genetic mutations in NaV1.1 associated with febrile seizures (See, Meisler, M. H., J. A. Kearney, et al. (2002) “Mutations of voltage-gated sodium channels in movement disorders and epilepsy”Novartis Found Symp241: 72-81) Antagonists for NaV1.5 have been developed and used to treat cardiac arrhythmias. A gene defect in NaV1.5 that produces a larger noninactivating component to the current has been linked to long QT in man and the orally available local anesthetic mexilitine has been used to treat this condition (See, Wang, D. W., K. Yazawa, et al. (1997) “Pharmacological targeting of long QT mutant sodium channels.”J Clin Invest99(7): 1714-20). Several Na channel blockers are currently used or being tested in the clinic to treat epilepsy (See, Moulard, B. and D. Bertrand (2002) “Epilepsy and sodium channel blockers”Expert Opin. Ther. Patents12(1): 85-91.); acute (See, Wiffen, P., S. Collins, et al. (2000) “Anticonvulsant drugs for acute and chronic pain”Cochrane Database Syst Rev3), chronic (See, Wiffen, P., S. Collins, et al. (2000) “Anticonvulsant drugs for acute and chronic pain”Cochrane Database Syst Rev3, and Guay, D. R. (2001) “Adjunctive agents in the management of chronic pain”Pharmacotherapy21(9): 1070-81), inflammatory (See, Gold, M. S. (1999) “Tetrodotoxin-resistant Na+ currents and inflammatory hyperalgesia.”Proc Natl Acad Sci USA96(14): 7645-9), and neuropathic pain (See, Strichartz, G. R., Z. Zhou, et al. (2002) “Therapeutic concentrations of local anaesthetics unveil the potential role of sodium channels in neuropathic pain”Novartis Found Symp241: 189-201, and Sandner-Kiesling, A., G. Rumpold Seitlinger, et al. (2002) “Lamotrigine monotherapy for control of neuralgia after nerve section”Acta Anaesthesiol Scand46(10): 1261-4); cardiac arrhythmias (See, An, R. H., R. Bangalore, et al. (1996) “Lidocaine block of LQT-3 mutant human Na+ channels”Circ Res79(1): 103-8, and Wang, D. W., K. Yazawa, et al. (1997) “Pharmacological targeting of long QT mutant sodium channels”J Clin Invest99(7): 1714-20); neuroprotection (See, Taylor, C. P. and L. S. Narasimhan (1997) “Sodium channels and therapy of central nervous system diseases”Adv Pharmacol39: 47-98) and as anesthetics (See, Strichartz, G. R., Z. Zhou, et al. (2002) “Therapeutic concentrations of local anaesthetics unveil the potential role of sodium channels in neuropathic pain”Novartis Found Symp241: 189-201). Various animal models with clinical significance have been developed for the study of sodium channel modulators for numerous different pain indications. E.g., malignant chronic pain, see, Kohase, H., et al., Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. 2004; 48(3):382-3; femur cancer pain (see, Kohase, H., et al., Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. 2004; 48(3):382-3); non-malignant chronic bone pain (see, Ciocon, J. O. et al., J Am Geriatr Soc. 1994; 42(6):593-6); rheumatoid arthritis (see, Calvino, B. et al., Behav Brain Res. 1987; 24(1):11-29); osteoarthritis (see, Guzman, R. E., et al., Toxicol Pathol. 2003; 31(6):619-24); spinal stenosis (see, Takenobu, Y. et al., J Neurosci Methods. 2001; 104(2):191-8); Neuropathic low back pain (see, Hines, R., et al., Pain Med. 2002; 3(4):361-5; Massie, J. B., et al., J Neurosci Methods. 2004; 137(2):283-9; neuropathic low back pain (see, Hines, R., et al., Pain Med. 2002; 3(4):361-5; Massie, J. B., et al., J Neurosci Methods. 2004; 137(2):283-9); myofascial pain syndrome (see, Dalpiaz & Dodds, J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother. 2002; 16(1):99-104; Sluka K A et al., Muscle Nerve. 2001; 24(1):37-46); fibromyalgia (see, Bennet & Tai, Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 1995; 15(3):115-9); temporomandibular joint pain (see, Ime H, Ren K, Brain Res Mol Brain Res. 1999; 67(1):87-97); chronic visceral pain, including, abdominal (see, Al-Chaer, E. D., et al., Gastroenterology. 2000; 119(5):1276-85); pelvic/perineal pain, (see, Wesselmann et al., Neurosci Lett. 1998; 246(2):73-6); pancreatic (see, Vera-Portocarrero, L. B., et al., Anesthesiology. 2003; 98(2):474-84); IBS pain (see, Verne, G. N., et al., Pain. 2003; 105(1-2):223-30; La J H et al., World Gastroenterol. 2003; 9(12):2791-5); chronic headache pain (see, Willimas & Stark, Cephalalgia. 2003; 23(10):963-71); migraine (see, Yamamura, H., et al., J Neurophysiol. 1999; 81(2):479-93); tension headache, including, cluster headaches (see, Costa, A., et al., Cephalalgia. 2000; 20(2):85-91); chronic neuropathic pain, including, post-herpetic neuralgia (see, Attal, N., et al., Neurology. 2004; 62(2):218-25; Kim & Chung 1992, Pain 50:355); diabetic neuropathy (see, Beidoun A et al., Clin J Pain. 2004; 20(3):174-8; Courteix, C., et al., Pain. 1993; 53(1):81-8); HIV-associated neuropathy (see, Portegies & Rosenberg, Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2001; 145(15):731-5; Joseph EK et al., Pain. 2004; 107(1-2):147-58; Oh, S. B., et al., J Neurosci. 2001; 21(14):5027-35); trigeminal neuralgia (see, Sato, J., et al., Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2004; 97(1):18-22; Imamura Y et al., Exp Brain Res. 1997; 116(1):97-103); Charcot-Marie Tooth neuropathy (see, Sereda, M., et al., Neuron. 1996; 16(5):1049-60); hereditary sensory neuropathies (see, Lee, M. J., et al., Hum Mol Genet. 2003; 12(15):1917-25); peripheral nerve injury (see, Attal, N., et al., Neurology. 2004; 62(2):218-25; Kim & Chung 1992, Pain 50:355; Bennett & Xie, 1988, Pain 33:87; Decostered, I. & Woolf, C. J., 2000, Pain 87:149; Shir, Y. & Seltzer, Z. 1990; Neurosci Lett 115:62); painful neuromas (see, Nahabedian & Johnson, Ann Plast Surg. 2001; 46(1):15-22; Devor & Raber, Behav Neural Biol. 1983; 37(2):276-83); ectopic proximal and distal discharges (see, Liu, X. et al., Brain Res. 2001; 900(1):119-27); radiculopathy (see, Devers & Galer, (see, Clin J Pain. 2000; 16(3):205-8; Hayashi N et al., Spine. 1998; 23(8):877-85); chemotherapy induced neuropathic pain (see, Aley, K. O., et al., Neuroscience. 1996; 73(1):259-65); radiotherapy-induced neuropathic pain; post-mastectomy pain (see, Devers & Galer, Clin J Pain. 2000; 16(3):205-8); central pain (Cahana, A., et al., Anesth Analg. 2004; 98(6):1581-4), spinal cord injury pain (see, Hains, B. C., et al., Exp Neurol. 2000; 164(2):426-37); post-stroke pain; thalamic pain (see, LaBuda, C. J., et al., Neurosci Lett. 2000; 290(1):79-83); complex regional pain syndrome (see, Wallace, M. S., et al., Anesthesiology. 2000; 92(1):75-83; Xantos D et al., J Pain. 2004; 5(3 Suppl 2):S1); phanton pain (see, Weber, W. E., Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2001; 145(17):813-7; Levitt & Heyback, Pain. 1981; 10(1):67-73); intractable pain (see, Yokoyama, M., et al., Can J Anaesth. 2002; 49(8):810-3); acute pain, acute post-operative pain (see, Koppert, W., et al., Anesth Analg. 2004; 98(4):1050-5; Brennan, T. J., et al., Pain. 1996; 64(3):493-501); acute musculoskeletal pain; joint pain (see, Gotoh, S., et al., Ann Rheum Dis. 1993; 52(11):817-22); mechanical low back pain (see, Kehl, L. J., et al., Pain. 2000; 85(3):333-43); neck pain; tendonitis; injury/exercise pain (see, Sesay, M., et al., Can J Anaesth. 2002; 49(2):137-43); acute visceral pain, including, abdominal pain; pyelonephritis; appendicitis; cholecystitis; intestinal obstruction; hernias; etc (see, Giambernardino, M. A., et al., Pain. 1995; 61(3):459-69); chest pain, including, cardiac Pain (see, Vergona, R. A., et al., Life Sci. 1984; 35(18):1877-84); pelvic pain, renal colic pain, acute obstetric pain, including, labor pain (see, Segal, S., et al., Anesth Analg. 1998; 87(4):864-9); cesarean section pain; acute inflammatory, burn and trauma pain; acute intermittent pain, including, endometriosis (see, Cason, A. M., et al.,Horm Behav. 2003; 44(2):123-31); acute herpes zoster pain; sickle cell anemia; acute pancreatitis (see, Toma, H; Gastroenterology. 2000; 119(5):1373-81); breakthrough pain; orofacial pain, including, sinusitis pain, dental pain (see, Nusstein, J., et al., J Endod. 1998; 24(7):487-91; Chidiac, J. J., et al., Eur J Pain. 2002; 6(1):55-67); multiple sclerosis (MS) pain (see, Sakurai & Kanazawa, J Neurol Sci. 1999; 162(2):162-8); pain in depression (see, Greene B, Curr Med Res Opin. 2003; 19(4):272-7); leprosy pain; behcet's disease pain; adiposis dolorosa (see, Devillers & Oranje, Clin Exp Dermatol. 1999; 24(3):240-1); phlebitic pain; Guillain-Barre pain; painful legs and moving toes; Haglund syndrome; erythromelalgia pain (see, Legroux-Crespel, E., et al., Ann Dermatol Venereol. 2003; 130(4):429-33); Fabry's disease pain (see, Germain, D. P., J Soc Biol. 2002;196(2):183-90); Bladder and urogenital disease, including, urinary incontinence (see, Berggren, T., et al., J Urol. 1993; 150(5 Pt 1):1540-3); hyperactivity bladder (see, Chuang, Y. C., et al., Urology. 2003; 61(3):664-70); painful bladder syndrome (see, Yoshimura, N., et al., J Neurosci. 2001; 21(21):8690-6); interstitial cyctitis (IC) (see, Giannakopoulos& Campilomatos, Arch Ital Urol Nefrol Androl. 1992; 64(4):337-9; Boucher, M., et al., J Urol. 2000; 164(1):203-8); and prostatitis (see, Mayersak, J. S., Int Surg. 1998; 83(4):347-9; Keith, I. M., et al., J Urol. 2001; 166(1):323-8). Unfortunately, as described above, the efficacy of currently used sodium channel blockers for the disease states described above has been to a large extent limited by a number of side effects. These side effects include various CNS disturbances such as blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, and sedation as well more potentially life threatening cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac failure. Accordingly, there remains a need to develop additional Na channel antagonists, preferably those with higher potency and fewer side effects. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It has now been found that compounds of this invention, and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof, are useful as inhibitors of NaV1.1 and NaV1.3 voltage-gated sodium channels. These compounds have the general formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. These compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions are useful for treating or lessening the severity of a variety of diseases, disorders, or conditions, including, but not limited to, acute, chronic, neuropathic, or inflammatory pain, arthritis, migraine, cluster headaches, trigeminal neuralgia, herpetic neuralgia, general neuralgias, epilepsy or epilepsy conditions, neurodegenerative disorders, psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression, myotonia, arrhythmia, movement disorders, neuroendocrine disorders, ataxia, multiple sclerosis, irritable bowel syndrome, incontinence, visceral pain, osteoarthritis pain, postherpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, radicular pain, sciatica, back pain, head or neck pain, severe or intractable pain, nociceptive pain, breakthrough pain, postsurgical pain, or cancer pain. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7737766

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is related to U.S. Ser. No. 12/031,729, filed Feb. 15, 2008, currently pending and is related to US Patent Application having U.S. Ser. No. 12/031,731, filed Feb. 15, 2008, and currently pending. All related US Applications referenced above have common inventors and are assigned to the same assignee. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The disclosure relates generally to voltage boost circuits. A voltage boost circuit or charge pump is an electronic circuit that uses capacitors for energy storage to create a higher voltage power source. One challenge with charge pumps is that when creating a higher voltage power source, such as in a three times a supply voltage (3× Vdd) charge pump, voltages may be generated in excess of the oxide-stress limit of a field effect transistor (FET), i.e., a stress limit of the gate oxide thickness. Previous approaches have used FET devices with an oxide stress limit greater than the output voltage of the pumping system. This situation forces inclusion of a thicker, and typically lower performance FET in a technology menu which adds cost and complexity such as additional mask steps and extra characterization requirements. For example, a “medium” gate oxide thickness FET may have a gate oxide of approximately 22 Angstroms (Å), while a thicker gate oxide, lower performance FET may require a gate oxide of approximately 52 Å. Gate voltage controllers for generating a safe gate drive level below an excessive stress level of the oxide have been implemented, but they are limited in terms of the amount of boost permissible and require a precision current source for calibration. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A two stage voltage boost circuit, IC and design structure are disclosed for boosting a supply voltage using gate control circuitry to reduce gate oxide stress, thus allowing lower voltage level FETs to be used. The voltage boost circuit may include a first stage for boosting the supply voltage to a first boosted voltage; a first passgate coupled to the first stage; a first gate control circuit for generating an on-state gate voltage level for the first passgate adjusted to reduce gate oxide voltage stress on the passgate; a second stage for boosting the first boosted voltage to a second boosted voltage; a second passgate coupled to the second stage, and a second gate control circuit for generating an on-state gate voltage level for the second passgate adjusted to reduce gate oxide voltage stress on the second passgate. A first aspect of the disclosure provides a voltage boost circuit for boosting a supply voltage, the voltage boost circuit comprising: a first stage for boosting the supply voltage to a first boosted voltage, the first stage including a first voltage boost capacitor with a low node and a high node, the high node having an output of the first boosted voltage; a first passgate coupled to the high node of the first stage; a first gate control circuit for generating an on-state gate voltage level for the first passgate adjusted to reduce gate oxide voltage stress on the passgate; a second stage for boosting the first boosted voltage to a second boosted voltage, the second stage including a second voltage boost capacitor with a low node coupled to the high node of the first stage and a high node; a second pass-gate coupled to the high node of the second stage for transferring the second boosted voltage to an output node; and a gate control circuit for generating an on-state gate voltage level for the second passgate adjusted to reduce gate oxide voltage stress on the second pass-gate. A second aspect of the disclosure provides an integrated circuit (IC) designed to substantially operate at a supply voltage, the IC comprising: circuitry requiring a boosted voltage relative to the supply voltage; a voltage boost circuit including: a first stage for boosting the supply voltage to a first boosted voltage, the first stage including a first voltage boost capacitor with a low node and a high node, the high node having an output of the first boosted voltage, a first passgate coupled to the high node of the first stage, a first gate control circuit for generating an on-state gate voltage level for the first passgate adjusted to reduce gate oxide voltage stress on the passgate, a second stage for boosting the first boosted voltage to a second boosted voltage, the second stage including a second voltage boost capacitor with a low node coupled to the high node of the first stage and a high node, wherein the second boosted voltage is the boosted voltage required by the circuitry; a second passgate coupled to the high node of the second stage for transferring the second boosted voltage to an output node, and a second gate control circuit for generating an on-state gate voltage level for the second passgate adjusted to reduce gate oxide voltage stress on the second passgate. A third aspect of the disclosure provides a design structure embodied in a machine readable medium for designing, manufacturing, or testing an integrated circuit, the design structure comprising: an integrated circuit (IC) designed to substantially operate at a supply voltage, the IC including: circuitry requiring a boosted voltage relative to the supply voltage; a voltage boost circuit including: a first stage for boosting the supply voltage to a first boosted voltage, the first stage including a first voltage boost capacitor with a low node and a high node, the high node having an output of the first boosted voltage, a first passgate coupled to the high node of the first stage, a first gate control circuit for generating an on-state gate voltage level for the first passgate adjusted to reduce gate oxide voltage stress on the passgate, a second stage for boosting the first boosted voltage to a second boosted voltage, the second stage including a second voltage boost capacitor with a low node coupled to the high node of the first stage and a high node, wherein the second boosted voltage is the boosted voltage required by the circuitry, a second passgate coupled to the high node of the second stage for transferring the second boosted voltage to an output node, and a second gate control circuit for generating an on-state gate voltage level for the second passgate adjusted to reduce gate oxide voltage stress on the second passgate. The illustrative aspects of the present disclosure are designed to solve the problems herein described and/or other problems not discussed.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is related to U.S. Ser. No. 12/031,729, filed Feb. 15, 2008, currently pending and is related to US Patent Application having U.S. Ser. No. 12/031,731, filed Feb. 15, 2008, and currently pending. All related US Applications referenced above have common inventors and are assigned to the same assignee. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The disclosure relates generally to voltage boost circuits. A voltage boost circuit or charge pump is an electronic circuit that uses capacitors for energy storage to create a higher voltage power source. One challenge with charge pumps is that when creating a higher voltage power source, such as in a three times a supply voltage (3× Vdd) charge pump, voltages may be generated in excess of the oxide-stress limit of a field effect transistor (FET), i.e., a stress limit of the gate oxide thickness. Previous approaches have used FET devices with an oxide stress limit greater than the output voltage of the pumping system. This situation forces inclusion of a thicker, and typically lower performance FET in a technology menu which adds cost and complexity such as additional mask steps and extra characterization requirements. For example, a “medium” gate oxide thickness FET may have a gate oxide of approximately 22 Angstroms (Å), while a thicker gate oxide, lower performance FET may require a gate oxide of approximately 52 Å. Gate voltage controllers for generating a safe gate drive level below an excessive stress level of the oxide have been implemented, but they are limited in terms of the amount of boost permissible and require a precision current source for calibration. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A two stage voltage boost circuit, IC and design structure are disclosed for boosting a supply voltage using gate control circuitry to reduce gate oxide stress, thus allowing lower voltage level FETs to be used. The voltage boost circuit may include a first stage for boosting the supply voltage to a first boosted voltage; a first passgate coupled to the first stage; a first gate control circuit for generating an on-state gate voltage level for the first passgate adjusted to reduce gate oxide voltage stress on the passgate; a second stage for boosting the first boosted voltage to a second boosted voltage; a second passgate coupled to the second stage, and a second gate control circuit for generating an on-state gate voltage level for the second passgate adjusted to reduce gate oxide voltage stress on the second passgate. A first aspect of the disclosure provides a voltage boost circuit for boosting a supply voltage, the voltage boost circuit comprising: a first stage for boosting the supply voltage to a first boosted voltage, the first stage including a first voltage boost capacitor with a low node and a high node, the high node having an output of the first boosted voltage; a first passgate coupled to the high node of the first stage; a first gate control circuit for generating an on-state gate voltage level for the first passgate adjusted to reduce gate oxide voltage stress on the passgate; a second stage for boosting the first boosted voltage to a second boosted voltage, the second stage including a second voltage boost capacitor with a low node coupled to the high node of the first stage and a high node; a second pass-gate coupled to the high node of the second stage for transferring the second boosted voltage to an output node; and a gate control circuit for generating an on-state gate voltage level for the second passgate adjusted to reduce gate oxide voltage stress on the second pass-gate. A second aspect of the disclosure provides an integrated circuit (IC) designed to substantially operate at a supply voltage, the IC comprising: circuitry requiring a boosted voltage relative to the supply voltage; a voltage boost circuit including: a first stage for boosting the supply voltage to a first boosted voltage, the first stage including a first voltage boost capacitor with a low node and a high node, the high node having an output of the first boosted voltage, a first passgate coupled to the high node of the first stage, a first gate control circuit for generating an on-state gate voltage level for the first passgate adjusted to reduce gate oxide voltage stress on the passgate, a second stage for boosting the first boosted voltage to a second boosted voltage, the second stage including a second voltage boost capacitor with a low node coupled to the high node of the first stage and a high node, wherein the second boosted voltage is the boosted voltage required by the circuitry; a second passgate coupled to the high node of the second stage for transferring the second boosted voltage to an output node, and a second gate control circuit for generating an on-state gate voltage level for the second passgate adjusted to reduce gate oxide voltage stress on the second passgate. A third aspect of the disclosure provides a design structure embodied in a machine readable medium for designing, manufacturing, or testing an integrated circuit, the design structure comprising: an integrated circuit (IC) designed to substantially operate at a supply voltage, the IC including: circuitry requiring a boosted voltage relative to the supply voltage; a voltage boost circuit including: a first stage for boosting the supply voltage to a first boosted voltage, the first stage including a first voltage boost capacitor with a low node and a high node, the high node having an output of the first boosted voltage, a first passgate coupled to the high node of the first stage, a first gate control circuit for generating an on-state gate voltage level for the first passgate adjusted to reduce gate oxide voltage stress on the passgate, a second stage for boosting the first boosted voltage to a second boosted voltage, the second stage including a second voltage boost capacitor with a low node coupled to the high node of the first stage and a high node, wherein the second boosted voltage is the boosted voltage required by the circuitry, a second passgate coupled to the high node of the second stage for transferring the second boosted voltage to an output node, and a second gate control circuit for generating an on-state gate voltage level for the second passgate adjusted to reduce gate oxide voltage stress on the second passgate. The illustrative aspects of the present disclosure are designed to solve the problems herein described and/or other problems not discussed. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7641559

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION a. Field of Invention The present invention relates to a plunging type tripod constant velocity universal joint for use in transmission of power in automobiles, industrial machines, and the like. b. Prior Art A conventional tripod constant velocity universal joint, as shown in theFIG. 4A, comprises an outer joint member10′ having three axial track grooves12′ in the inner periphery thereof and formed with roller guide surfaces14′ in the opposed side walls of each track groove12′, a tripod member20′ having a trunnion barrel21′ adapted to be fitted to a shaft for torque transmission and trunnion journals22′ radially projecting from three circumferentially equispaced positions on the trunnion barrel21′, and rollers30′ each rotatable around the trunnion journal22′ through a plurality of needle rollers32′ and received in the track groves12′ of the outer joint member10′, the roller30′ being guided in the outer peripheral surface by the roller guide surfaces14′. There are two forms of contact between the roller30′ and the roller guide surfaces14′; angular contact and circular contact. Angular contact has a certain contact angle and occurs at two points (FIG. 5A). Circular contact occurs at one point and the contact ratio generally employed ranges from 1.002 to 1.008 (FIG. 5B). In the case of angular contact, when a contact ellipse is produced at two points in the direction of the contact angle and a predetermined torque T is applied, it is necessary that the contact ellipse be in the width of the roller30′. For this reason, in the existing circumstance, the proportion of the width of the roller30′ to the outer diameter ranges from 32% to 36%. Further, even if the contact angle and contact ratio are reconsidered, the total widthwise contact length exceeds the width of the roller30′. The phenomenon of both ends of the roller30′ cutting into the roller guide surfaces14′ or the phenomenon of two contact ellipses overlapping each other in the middle of the roller30′, which has been an obstacle to improvement of life and to the reduction of vibration, cannot be avoided. In the case of conventional circular contact, since the contact ratio ranges from 1.002 to 1.008 when a predetermined torque T is applied, the widthwise contact ellipse length some times exceeds the width of the roller30′. For this reason, there is a limit to the reduction of the width of the roller30′ as in the case of angular contact. In the existing circumstances, the proportion of the width of the roller30′ to the outer diameter ranges from 32% to 36%. Further, if the width of the roller30′ is reduced, the total widthwise contact length far exceeds the width of the roller30′, obstructing the improvement of life and the reduction of vibration. Further, in both angular contact and circular contact, the roller guide surfaces14′ have a radius of curvature R at a certain contact ratio and the major and minor inner diameters are, as such, connected. When the tripod joint is rotating while taking an operating angle, an angular displacement also occurs between the roller30′ and the roller guide surfaces14′. This causes wearing of the roller guide surfaces to proceed. Then, there occurs on both the major and minor diameter sides the phenomenon of both ends of the roller30′ cutting into the roller guide surfaces14′, forming a cause of increasing the vibration. Accordingly, an object of the invention is to solve the problems as described, so as to achieve reduced vibration and hence weight reduction and compactification of a tripod joint without aggravating the vibration characteristics. In the conventional tripod joint, the clearances (radial clearance, circumferential clearance) between the trunnion journal22′, the needle rollers32′ and the roller30′ have not been set in consideration of the skew angle. The skew of a roller, as shown inFIGS. 6A,6B and6C, means that the axis of the roller inclines at a certain small angle (θ) rather than forming right angles with the direction of travel. It has been found that the noise, vibration, hardness (hereinafter “NVH”) characteristic of tripod joints depends on the angle at which needle rollers can actually skew. The skew angle is determined by the radial clearance and circumferential clearance but this has not heretofore been taken into consideration. Therefore, the NVH characteristic differs according to differences in the proportions or size of a tripod joint and optimization of this situation has not been made at present. Another object of the invention is, therefore, to reduce vibration of tripod constant velocity universal joints by suppressing the skew of needle rollers. Generally, tripod joints are designed with particular attention paid to the aspect of strength (torsional strength). The strength is uniquely determined usually by the minimum outer diameter of the shaft, and then the strength of the tripod member or the strength of the roller is considered. The strength is evaluated mainly in two ways: static torsional strength (test), and pulsating fatigue strength (test). Usually, in the two tests, it is arranged that the shaft is the first to break. Therefore, it is arranged that the tripod member or the roller has a strength not less than that of the shaft. The static torsional strength is evaluated, in a static torsional test with torque applied to a tripod joint, by a torque with which one region or another is torsionally broken. The pulsating fatigue strength is evaluated by the number of cycles with which one region or another breaks when a predetermined pulsating torque is applied to a tripod joint. The strength of the tripod member depends on the strength of the root of the trunnion journal and the strength of the trunnion barrel. Increasing the trunnion journal diameter increases the strength of the root of the trunnion journal, and increasing the outer diameter of the trunnion barrel increases the strength of the trunnion barrel. However, increasing the trunnion journal diameter would necessarily increase the outer diameter of the roller, while increasing the outer diameter of the trunnion barrel would involve an increase in the minor inner diameter of the outer joint member. Therefore, in achieving the weight reduction and compactification of the tripod joint, it is not sufficient simply to reduce the size of the shell of the outer joint member, since limitation is imposed on the operating region (geometry) of the tripod joint; therefore, balanced design of the various portions becomes important. Further, rolling fatigue life (flaking life) of the rolling section, particularly between the needle rollers and the trunnion journal also has to be considered. In durability tests, when the tripod joint is driven at a predetermined rpm while applying a predetermined torque, the evaluation of durability is made by the number of cycles or time taken for flaking to occur. Usually, this durability can be improved by increasing the outer diameter or length of needle rollers or their number, as is known; however, this would lead to an increase in the size of the shell of the outer joint member. Therefore, with the balance between strength and durability in mind, the present invention is also intended to reduce the size of the shell of the outer joint member as much as possible so as to achieve weight reduction and compactification of a tripod joint. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to an embodiment of the invention, a tripod type constant velocity universal joint comprises an outer joint member having three axial track grooves in the inner periphery and roller guide surfaces formed in the opposed side walls of each track groove, a tripod member having three radially projecting trunnion journals, and rollers rotatable around the respective trunnion journals through a plurality of needle rollers and received in the track grooves of the outer joint member, each roller being guided in the outer peripheral surface by the roller guide surfaces, wherein contact between the roller and the roller guide surfaces is circular contact whose contact ratio is 1.01 or above and the width dimension of the roller is reduced to the extent that the contact ellipse produced in the roller during the application of a predetermined torque does not deviate from the end surface of the roller. In other words, as will become clear from the following discussion, the contact ratio defines the ratio of the radius of curvature R of the roller guide surface relative to the radius of curvature r of the roller outer peripheral surface. By ensuring that the form of contact between the roller and the roller guide surfaces is circular contact and setting the contact ratio such that the widthwise contact ellipse length under a predetermined torque load is not more than the widthwise length of the roller, it is made possible to achieve weight reduction, compactification and good durability. The contact ratio of the roller to the roller guide surface may be so set that the surface contact pressure produced by the roller during the application of a predetermined torque is not more than the contact surface pressure produced between the trunnion journal and the needle rollers. In particular, the contact ratio of the roller to the roller guide surface may range from 1.02 to 1.2. The ratio Ls/do of the width (Ls) to the outer diameter (do) of the roller may be equal to or less than 0.32. Preferably, the ratio Ls/do may range from 0.24 to 0.27. As the result of setting the contact ratio so that the contact ellipse length is equal to or less than the widthwise length of the roller, it becomes possible to reduce the roller width, contributing to the compactification of the outer joint member and hence of the tripod joint. The portion of the roller guide surface corresponding to the end of the roller may be formed with a relief portion. The provision of such relief portion prevents the roller from cutting into the roller guide surfaces and makes it possible to obtain good vibration characteristics. Since the corner portion (which is a cold forged surface, thus having no edge) which connects the radius of curvature, R, of the roller guide surfaces to the relief portion makes contact within the range of the roller outer diameter surface, no cutting-in occurs. Preferably, the relief portion may be in the form of an arc smoothly connected to the roller guide surface. The angle at which a needle roller can actually skew, that is, the freedom of making of skew angle is restricted by the diametrical clearance (radial clearance) shown inFIG. 10Aand by the clearance between rollers in the pitch circle (circumferential clearance Σcr) shown inFIG. 10B, and the smaller of the two clearances has a greater influence. In the case of skew due to circumferential clearance, skewing is allowed until needle rollers contact each other; thus, the skew angle θ1) in this case is expressed by formula 1: θ1=COS−1{d/(D−d)}SIN(π/Z)}  (1) In formula 1, D is the inner diameter of the rollers, d is the needle roller diameter and Z is the number of rollers. Further, in the case of skewing based on the radial clearance, since skewing can continue until both ends of the roller contact the roller inner diameter, the skew angle θ2this time is expressed by formula 2: θ2□ sin−1(2√{square root over (Dgr)}/l)  (2) In formula 2, gr is the radial clearance and l is the effective length of the roller. These skew angles θ1and θ2are obtained and the smaller one is the skew angle that can actually occur. And when the radial clearance is set so that the relation between both skew angles θ1and θ2is θ1>θ2and so that the skew angle θ2is 4.0°-4.5°, it has been found that the vibration producing force on the tripod joint is at a minimum. With this taken into consideration, it is possible to attain optimization concerning the reduction of vibration of the tripod joint. According to another embodiment of the invention, the tripod constant velocity universal joint comprises an outer joint member having axially extending track grooves formed at three circumferentially equispaced positions in the inner periphery, a tripod member consisting of a trunnion barrel adapted to be fitted to a shaft for torque transmission and trunnion journals radially projecting from three circumferentially equispaced positions in the trunnion barrel, and rollers respectively attached to the trunnion journals for rotation through a plurality of needle rollers and received in the track grooves, each roller being guided at its outer peripheral surface by roller guide surfaces formed in opposite lateral walls of the track groove, wherein the skew angle of the needle rollers is controlled so that it is within a predetermined specified value. The skew angle (θ2) of the needle rollers which is caused by the radial clearances in the needle rollers in an annular space AS shown inFIG. 10Abetween the roller and the trunnion journal may be controlled so that it is within a predetermined specified value. The skew angle (θ2) can be determined by suitably combining the values of the roller inner diameter D, radial clearance gr, effective length l of the needle roller, on the basis of formula 2 as previously referred to. Specifically, the preferable range of skew angle (θ2) may range from 4.0° to 4.5°. This is based on the finding that the thrust force is at a minimum when the skew angle (θ2) is in the range of 4.0°-4.5°. If the skew angle (θ2) exceeds 4.5°, the thrust force increases until it is saturated at a certain level, while, reversely if the skew angle (θ2) is less than 4.0°, the thrust force tends to increase. The skew angle (θ1) of the needle rollers which can be produced by the circumferential clearances may be larger than the skew angle (θ2) of the needle rollers which can be produced by the radial clearances in an annular space between the roller and the trunnion journal. As described above, the smaller of the two types of skew angles, the skew angle (θ1) which can occur due to the circumferential clearance and the skew angle (θ2) which can occur due to the radial clearance, is the skew angle which can actually occur; therefore, measures against skewing of needle rollers can be taken by controlling only this skew angle (θ2) by reducing the latter. The contact ratio between the roller and the roller guide surfaces may ranges from 1.02 to 1.2 and the width dimension of the roller may be reduced to such a degree that the contact ellipse produced in the roller does not deviate from the end surface of the roller during the application of a predetermined torque. The reason is that if the contact ratio is small during the torque application, the contact ellipse becomes larger, exceeding the width dimension of the roller, leading to a short life, while, reversely, if the contact ratio is large, the contact ellipse becomes smaller, but the surface pressure increases, accelerating the wearing of contact portions, leading to a short life. Further, reducing the width dimension of the roller contributes to the compactification of the outer joint member and hence the tripod joint in its entirety. Specifically, it may be preferable that the ratio (Ls/do) of the width (Ls) to the outer diameter (do) of the roller be in the range of 0.24-0.27. The smaller this ratio (Ls/do), the smaller the width (Ls) of the roller for its outer diameter (do), contributing more greatly to the compactification. However, excessively reducing the ratio would increase the surface pressure, leading to lowering the strength and durability; thus, the lower limit has been determined from this point of view. The width dimension of the rollers and the length of the needle rollers may be so set that the contact surface pressure produced between the roller and the roller guide surfaces is substantially equal to the contact surface pressure produced between the trunnion journal and the needle rollers. The reason is that equalizing the contract pressures prevents premature wearing of either one to ensure that the durability of the tripod joint in its entirety will not be degraded. The strength and durability of a tripod joint are governed mainly by the following design parameters. Strength parameters: shaft diameter, trunnion journal diameter, trunnion barrel diameter, trunnion barrel width, serration length, roller wall-thickness, roller width. Durability parameters: PCD, trunnion journal diameter, needle roller length (effective diameter)□roller width, needle roller diameter. As for balance between strength and durability of a conventional article, too much weight is given to the durability side, making it difficult to secure torsional strength when weight reduction and compactification are to be achieved. Further, in the operating region (geometry), if the shaft diameter is kept unchanged and similarity design is made with the minor inner diameter/major inner diameter ratio of the outer joint member as it is, the operating region will decrease.□ Shaft diameter/roller guide surface pitch circle diameter (φds/PCD)□ Trunnion barrel diameter/trunnion outer diameter (φdr/SDj)□ Minor inner diameter/major inner diameter of outer joint member (φD2/φD1)□ Roller width/roller outer diameter (Ls/φDs)□ Trunnion journal diameter/roller outer diameter (φDj/φDs)□ Trunnion journal diameter/shaft diameter (φDj/φds)□ Needle roller length/trunnion journal diameter (Ln/φDj). Reconsideration of the dimensional proportions in the seven above-mentioned items provides an arrangement for tripod joints which is balanced between strength and durability and which is light in weight and compact. Further, it becomes possible to secure the slide amount without decreasing the operating region (geometry). And the reduction of the difference in wall thickness between the major and minor inner diameters of the outer joint member, and the reduction of the trunnion journal length make it possible to improve forgeability. According to other embodiment of the invention, the tripod joint comprises an outer joint member having axially extending track grooves formed at three circumferentially equispaced positions in the inner periphery, a tripod member consisting of a trunnion barrel adapted to be fitted to a shaft for torque transmission and trunnion journals radially projecting from three circumferentially equispaced positions in the trunnion barrel, and rollers each rotatable around the associated trunnion journal through a plurality of needle rollers and received in the track grooves, each roller being guided at its outer peripheral surface by roller guide surfaces formed in opposite lateral walls of the track groove. The torsional strength of the tripod member and the torsional strength of the smallest outer diameter portion of the shaft are set to be substantially equal, and the surface pressure on the trunnion journals in rolling contact with the needle rollers is allowed up to a predetermined value. The ratio dr/SDj of the outer diameter dr of the trunnion barrel to the outer diameter SDj of the trunnion may range from 0.65 to 0.70. The ratio ds/PCD of the diameter ds of the shaft to the pitch circle diameter PCD of the roller guide surfaces may range from 0.50 to 0.55. The ratio D2/D1of the minor inner diameter D2to the major inner diameter D1of the outer joint member may range from 0.66 to 0.72. The ratio Ls/Ds of the width Ls to the outer diameter Ds of the rollers may range from 0.24 to 0.27. The ratio (Ln/Dj) of the length Ln of the needle rollers to the trunnion journal diameter Dj may range from 0.47 to 0.50. The ratio Dj/Ds of the trunnion journal diameter Dj to the roller outer diameter Ds may range from 0.54 to 0.57. The the ratio Dj/d of the trunnion journal diameter Dj to the diameter d of the shaft may range from 0.83 to 0.86. The roots of the trunnion barrel and the trunnion journal may be of two-step shape, and the corner at the trunnion journal may be continuous surface having a predetermined radius of curvature.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION a. Field of Invention The present invention relates to a plunging type tripod constant velocity universal joint for use in transmission of power in automobiles, industrial machines, and the like. b. Prior Art A conventional tripod constant velocity universal joint, as shown in theFIG. 4A, comprises an outer joint member10′ having three axial track grooves12′ in the inner periphery thereof and formed with roller guide surfaces14′ in the opposed side walls of each track groove12′, a tripod member20′ having a trunnion barrel21′ adapted to be fitted to a shaft for torque transmission and trunnion journals22′ radially projecting from three circumferentially equispaced positions on the trunnion barrel21′, and rollers30′ each rotatable around the trunnion journal22′ through a plurality of needle rollers32′ and received in the track groves12′ of the outer joint member10′, the roller30′ being guided in the outer peripheral surface by the roller guide surfaces14′. There are two forms of contact between the roller30′ and the roller guide surfaces14′; angular contact and circular contact. Angular contact has a certain contact angle and occurs at two points (FIG. 5A). Circular contact occurs at one point and the contact ratio generally employed ranges from 1.002 to 1.008 (FIG. 5B). In the case of angular contact, when a contact ellipse is produced at two points in the direction of the contact angle and a predetermined torque T is applied, it is necessary that the contact ellipse be in the width of the roller30′. For this reason, in the existing circumstance, the proportion of the width of the roller30′ to the outer diameter ranges from 32% to 36%. Further, even if the contact angle and contact ratio are reconsidered, the total widthwise contact length exceeds the width of the roller30′. The phenomenon of both ends of the roller30′ cutting into the roller guide surfaces14′ or the phenomenon of two contact ellipses overlapping each other in the middle of the roller30′, which has been an obstacle to improvement of life and to the reduction of vibration, cannot be avoided. In the case of conventional circular contact, since the contact ratio ranges from 1.002 to 1.008 when a predetermined torque T is applied, the widthwise contact ellipse length some times exceeds the width of the roller30′. For this reason, there is a limit to the reduction of the width of the roller30′ as in the case of angular contact. In the existing circumstances, the proportion of the width of the roller30′ to the outer diameter ranges from 32% to 36%. Further, if the width of the roller30′ is reduced, the total widthwise contact length far exceeds the width of the roller30′, obstructing the improvement of life and the reduction of vibration. Further, in both angular contact and circular contact, the roller guide surfaces14′ have a radius of curvature R at a certain contact ratio and the major and minor inner diameters are, as such, connected. When the tripod joint is rotating while taking an operating angle, an angular displacement also occurs between the roller30′ and the roller guide surfaces14′. This causes wearing of the roller guide surfaces to proceed. Then, there occurs on both the major and minor diameter sides the phenomenon of both ends of the roller30′ cutting into the roller guide surfaces14′, forming a cause of increasing the vibration. Accordingly, an object of the invention is to solve the problems as described, so as to achieve reduced vibration and hence weight reduction and compactification of a tripod joint without aggravating the vibration characteristics. In the conventional tripod joint, the clearances (radial clearance, circumferential clearance) between the trunnion journal22′, the needle rollers32′ and the roller30′ have not been set in consideration of the skew angle. The skew of a roller, as shown inFIGS. 6A,6B and6C, means that the axis of the roller inclines at a certain small angle (θ) rather than forming right angles with the direction of travel. It has been found that the noise, vibration, hardness (hereinafter “NVH”) characteristic of tripod joints depends on the angle at which needle rollers can actually skew. The skew angle is determined by the radial clearance and circumferential clearance but this has not heretofore been taken into consideration. Therefore, the NVH characteristic differs according to differences in the proportions or size of a tripod joint and optimization of this situation has not been made at present. Another object of the invention is, therefore, to reduce vibration of tripod constant velocity universal joints by suppressing the skew of needle rollers. Generally, tripod joints are designed with particular attention paid to the aspect of strength (torsional strength). The strength is uniquely determined usually by the minimum outer diameter of the shaft, and then the strength of the tripod member or the strength of the roller is considered. The strength is evaluated mainly in two ways: static torsional strength (test), and pulsating fatigue strength (test). Usually, in the two tests, it is arranged that the shaft is the first to break. Therefore, it is arranged that the tripod member or the roller has a strength not less than that of the shaft. The static torsional strength is evaluated, in a static torsional test with torque applied to a tripod joint, by a torque with which one region or another is torsionally broken. The pulsating fatigue strength is evaluated by the number of cycles with which one region or another breaks when a predetermined pulsating torque is applied to a tripod joint. The strength of the tripod member depends on the strength of the root of the trunnion journal and the strength of the trunnion barrel. Increasing the trunnion journal diameter increases the strength of the root of the trunnion journal, and increasing the outer diameter of the trunnion barrel increases the strength of the trunnion barrel. However, increasing the trunnion journal diameter would necessarily increase the outer diameter of the roller, while increasing the outer diameter of the trunnion barrel would involve an increase in the minor inner diameter of the outer joint member. Therefore, in achieving the weight reduction and compactification of the tripod joint, it is not sufficient simply to reduce the size of the shell of the outer joint member, since limitation is imposed on the operating region (geometry) of the tripod joint; therefore, balanced design of the various portions becomes important. Further, rolling fatigue life (flaking life) of the rolling section, particularly between the needle rollers and the trunnion journal also has to be considered. In durability tests, when the tripod joint is driven at a predetermined rpm while applying a predetermined torque, the evaluation of durability is made by the number of cycles or time taken for flaking to occur. Usually, this durability can be improved by increasing the outer diameter or length of needle rollers or their number, as is known; however, this would lead to an increase in the size of the shell of the outer joint member. Therefore, with the balance between strength and durability in mind, the present invention is also intended to reduce the size of the shell of the outer joint member as much as possible so as to achieve weight reduction and compactification of a tripod joint. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to an embodiment of the invention, a tripod type constant velocity universal joint comprises an outer joint member having three axial track grooves in the inner periphery and roller guide surfaces formed in the opposed side walls of each track groove, a tripod member having three radially projecting trunnion journals, and rollers rotatable around the respective trunnion journals through a plurality of needle rollers and received in the track grooves of the outer joint member, each roller being guided in the outer peripheral surface by the roller guide surfaces, wherein contact between the roller and the roller guide surfaces is circular contact whose contact ratio is 1.01 or above and the width dimension of the roller is reduced to the extent that the contact ellipse produced in the roller during the application of a predetermined torque does not deviate from the end surface of the roller. In other words, as will become clear from the following discussion, the contact ratio defines the ratio of the radius of curvature R of the roller guide surface relative to the radius of curvature r of the roller outer peripheral surface. By ensuring that the form of contact between the roller and the roller guide surfaces is circular contact and setting the contact ratio such that the widthwise contact ellipse length under a predetermined torque load is not more than the widthwise length of the roller, it is made possible to achieve weight reduction, compactification and good durability. The contact ratio of the roller to the roller guide surface may be so set that the surface contact pressure produced by the roller during the application of a predetermined torque is not more than the contact surface pressure produced between the trunnion journal and the needle rollers. In particular, the contact ratio of the roller to the roller guide surface may range from 1.02 to 1.2. The ratio Ls/do of the width (Ls) to the outer diameter (do) of the roller may be equal to or less than 0.32. Preferably, the ratio Ls/do may range from 0.24 to 0.27. As the result of setting the contact ratio so that the contact ellipse length is equal to or less than the widthwise length of the roller, it becomes possible to reduce the roller width, contributing to the compactification of the outer joint member and hence of the tripod joint. The portion of the roller guide surface corresponding to the end of the roller may be formed with a relief portion. The provision of such relief portion prevents the roller from cutting into the roller guide surfaces and makes it possible to obtain good vibration characteristics. Since the corner portion (which is a cold forged surface, thus having no edge) which connects the radius of curvature, R, of the roller guide surfaces to the relief portion makes contact within the range of the roller outer diameter surface, no cutting-in occurs. Preferably, the relief portion may be in the form of an arc smoothly connected to the roller guide surface. The angle at which a needle roller can actually skew, that is, the freedom of making of skew angle is restricted by the diametrical clearance (radial clearance) shown inFIG. 10Aand by the clearance between rollers in the pitch circle (circumferential clearance Σcr) shown inFIG. 10B, and the smaller of the two clearances has a greater influence. In the case of skew due to circumferential clearance, skewing is allowed until needle rollers contact each other; thus, the skew angle θ1) in this case is expressed by formula 1: θ1=COS−1{d/(D−d)}SIN(π/Z)}  (1) In formula 1, D is the inner diameter of the rollers, d is the needle roller diameter and Z is the number of rollers. Further, in the case of skewing based on the radial clearance, since skewing can continue until both ends of the roller contact the roller inner diameter, the skew angle θ2this time is expressed by formula 2: θ2□ sin−1(2√{square root over (Dgr)}/l)  (2) In formula 2, gr is the radial clearance and l is the effective length of the roller. These skew angles θ1and θ2are obtained and the smaller one is the skew angle that can actually occur. And when the radial clearance is set so that the relation between both skew angles θ1and θ2is θ1>θ2and so that the skew angle θ2is 4.0°-4.5°, it has been found that the vibration producing force on the tripod joint is at a minimum. With this taken into consideration, it is possible to attain optimization concerning the reduction of vibration of the tripod joint. According to another embodiment of the invention, the tripod constant velocity universal joint comprises an outer joint member having axially extending track grooves formed at three circumferentially equispaced positions in the inner periphery, a tripod member consisting of a trunnion barrel adapted to be fitted to a shaft for torque transmission and trunnion journals radially projecting from three circumferentially equispaced positions in the trunnion barrel, and rollers respectively attached to the trunnion journals for rotation through a plurality of needle rollers and received in the track grooves, each roller being guided at its outer peripheral surface by roller guide surfaces formed in opposite lateral walls of the track groove, wherein the skew angle of the needle rollers is controlled so that it is within a predetermined specified value. The skew angle (θ2) of the needle rollers which is caused by the radial clearances in the needle rollers in an annular space AS shown inFIG. 10Abetween the roller and the trunnion journal may be controlled so that it is within a predetermined specified value. The skew angle (θ2) can be determined by suitably combining the values of the roller inner diameter D, radial clearance gr, effective length l of the needle roller, on the basis of formula 2 as previously referred to. Specifically, the preferable range of skew angle (θ2) may range from 4.0° to 4.5°. This is based on the finding that the thrust force is at a minimum when the skew angle (θ2) is in the range of 4.0°-4.5°. If the skew angle (θ2) exceeds 4.5°, the thrust force increases until it is saturated at a certain level, while, reversely if the skew angle (θ2) is less than 4.0°, the thrust force tends to increase. The skew angle (θ1) of the needle rollers which can be produced by the circumferential clearances may be larger than the skew angle (θ2) of the needle rollers which can be produced by the radial clearances in an annular space between the roller and the trunnion journal. As described above, the smaller of the two types of skew angles, the skew angle (θ1) which can occur due to the circumferential clearance and the skew angle (θ2) which can occur due to the radial clearance, is the skew angle which can actually occur; therefore, measures against skewing of needle rollers can be taken by controlling only this skew angle (θ2) by reducing the latter. The contact ratio between the roller and the roller guide surfaces may ranges from 1.02 to 1.2 and the width dimension of the roller may be reduced to such a degree that the contact ellipse produced in the roller does not deviate from the end surface of the roller during the application of a predetermined torque. The reason is that if the contact ratio is small during the torque application, the contact ellipse becomes larger, exceeding the width dimension of the roller, leading to a short life, while, reversely, if the contact ratio is large, the contact ellipse becomes smaller, but the surface pressure increases, accelerating the wearing of contact portions, leading to a short life. Further, reducing the width dimension of the roller contributes to the compactification of the outer joint member and hence the tripod joint in its entirety. Specifically, it may be preferable that the ratio (Ls/do) of the width (Ls) to the outer diameter (do) of the roller be in the range of 0.24-0.27. The smaller this ratio (Ls/do), the smaller the width (Ls) of the roller for its outer diameter (do), contributing more greatly to the compactification. However, excessively reducing the ratio would increase the surface pressure, leading to lowering the strength and durability; thus, the lower limit has been determined from this point of view. The width dimension of the rollers and the length of the needle rollers may be so set that the contact surface pressure produced between the roller and the roller guide surfaces is substantially equal to the contact surface pressure produced between the trunnion journal and the needle rollers. The reason is that equalizing the contract pressures prevents premature wearing of either one to ensure that the durability of the tripod joint in its entirety will not be degraded. The strength and durability of a tripod joint are governed mainly by the following design parameters. Strength parameters: shaft diameter, trunnion journal diameter, trunnion barrel diameter, trunnion barrel width, serration length, roller wall-thickness, roller width. Durability parameters: PCD, trunnion journal diameter, needle roller length (effective diameter)□roller width, needle roller diameter. As for balance between strength and durability of a conventional article, too much weight is given to the durability side, making it difficult to secure torsional strength when weight reduction and compactification are to be achieved. Further, in the operating region (geometry), if the shaft diameter is kept unchanged and similarity design is made with the minor inner diameter/major inner diameter ratio of the outer joint member as it is, the operating region will decrease.□ Shaft diameter/roller guide surface pitch circle diameter (φds/PCD)□ Trunnion barrel diameter/trunnion outer diameter (φdr/SDj)□ Minor inner diameter/major inner diameter of outer joint member (φD2/φD1)□ Roller width/roller outer diameter (Ls/φDs)□ Trunnion journal diameter/roller outer diameter (φDj/φDs)□ Trunnion journal diameter/shaft diameter (φDj/φds)□ Needle roller length/trunnion journal diameter (Ln/φDj). Reconsideration of the dimensional proportions in the seven above-mentioned items provides an arrangement for tripod joints which is balanced between strength and durability and which is light in weight and compact. Further, it becomes possible to secure the slide amount without decreasing the operating region (geometry). And the reduction of the difference in wall thickness between the major and minor inner diameters of the outer joint member, and the reduction of the trunnion journal length make it possible to improve forgeability. According to other embodiment of the invention, the tripod joint comprises an outer joint member having axially extending track grooves formed at three circumferentially equispaced positions in the inner periphery, a tripod member consisting of a trunnion barrel adapted to be fitted to a shaft for torque transmission and trunnion journals radially projecting from three circumferentially equispaced positions in the trunnion barrel, and rollers each rotatable around the associated trunnion journal through a plurality of needle rollers and received in the track grooves, each roller being guided at its outer peripheral surface by roller guide surfaces formed in opposite lateral walls of the track groove. The torsional strength of the tripod member and the torsional strength of the smallest outer diameter portion of the shaft are set to be substantially equal, and the surface pressure on the trunnion journals in rolling contact with the needle rollers is allowed up to a predetermined value. The ratio dr/SDj of the outer diameter dr of the trunnion barrel to the outer diameter SDj of the trunnion may range from 0.65 to 0.70. The ratio ds/PCD of the diameter ds of the shaft to the pitch circle diameter PCD of the roller guide surfaces may range from 0.50 to 0.55. The ratio D2/D1of the minor inner diameter D2to the major inner diameter D1of the outer joint member may range from 0.66 to 0.72. The ratio Ls/Ds of the width Ls to the outer diameter Ds of the rollers may range from 0.24 to 0.27. The ratio (Ln/Dj) of the length Ln of the needle rollers to the trunnion journal diameter Dj may range from 0.47 to 0.50. The ratio Dj/Ds of the trunnion journal diameter Dj to the roller outer diameter Ds may range from 0.54 to 0.57. The the ratio Dj/d of the trunnion journal diameter Dj to the diameter d of the shaft may range from 0.83 to 0.86. The roots of the trunnion barrel and the trunnion journal may be of two-step shape, and the corner at the trunnion journal may be continuous surface having a predetermined radius of curvature. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7759675

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a light emitting device, particularly to an organic electroluminescent device, that can prevent corrosion of data lines and scan lines, and improve the adhesive strength of a sealant. 2. Description of the Related Art Organic electroluminescence is a phenomenon of making an exciton by recombining an electron and a hole injected into an organic (high or low molecular) thin film through an anode and a cathode, and emitting a light having a predetermined wavelength by energy from the exciton. An organic electroluminescent device in the art includes anode electrode layers, cathode electrode layers, scan lines, and data lines. A plurality of pixels are formed on an emitting area crossing over the anode electrode layers and the cathode electrode layers. The data lines each are connected to the anode electrode layers to receive data signals transmitted from an integrated circuit chip and transmit the received data signals to the anode electrode layers. The scan lines each are connected to the cathode electrode layers to transmit scan signals transmitted from the integrated circuit chip to the cathode electrode layers. In case a positive voltage and a negative voltage are respectively applied to the anode electrode layer and the cathode electrode layer, a light having a certain wavelength is emitted from the organic layer. The scan lines and data lines are also located on an area to which a cap for encapsulating the organic electroluminescent device is adhered. Thus, if a sealant that is an adhesive used for adhering the cap is spread on the above cap-adhering area, the sealant is placed on each of the scan lines and data lines. FIG. 1is a sectional view illustrating the structure of a scan line in the art. InFIG. 1, each scan line4A includes an ITO layer (Indium Tin Oxide layer,4A-1) formed on a substrate1and a sub-electrode layer4A-2formed on the ITO layer4A-1. To lower resistance of the scan line4A, the sub-electrode layer4A-2consisted of a metal having better conductivity than the ITO, for example Mo, is formed on the ITO layer4A-1. The sub-electrode layer4A-2is connected to the cathode electrode layer. Thus, in the scan line4A shown inFIG. 1, galvanic corrosion by moisture occurs at an interface of the ITO layer4A-1and the sub-electrode layer4A-2. Galvanic corrosion is a phenomenon that a metal is corroded by forming an oxidation-deoxidation reaction through movement of an electron when there is a voltage difference between two metals (or same type of two metals) whose corrosion conditions are locally different. The galvanic corrosion occurred in the interface of the ITO layer4A-1and the sub-electrode layer4A-2increases resistance of the scan line4A to lower transmittance velocity of scan data to a pixel. Also, the data line is formed in the same structure as the scan line4A inFIG. 1. Thus, the galvanic corrosion is occurred in the data line the same manner, and increases resistance of the data line to lower the transmittance velocity of data to the pixel, resulting in serious effect to the light emitting device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the above problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least one advantage described hereinafter. Another object of the present invention is to provide an organic electroluminescent device that can prevent corrosion of data lines and scan lines and improve the adhesive strength of a sealant. In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, the organic electroluminescent device includes a substrate, a plurality of anode electrode layers disposed in a first direction on the substrate, a plurality of cathode electrode layers disposed in a second direction different from the first direction on the substrate, luminescent areas formed by the anode electrode layers and the cathode electrode layers, a plurality of data lines electrically communicated with the anode electrode layers, and a plurality of scan lines electrically communicated with the cathode electrode layers. At least one of the data lines and the scan lines is formed by a transparent electrode layer and a sub-electrode layer formed on the substrate, wherein the sub-electrode layer completely encloses the transparent electrode layer. The light emitting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of pixels formed on crossing areas of anode electrode layers and cathode electrode layers on a substrate, and further includes a plurality of data lines electrically communicated with the anode electrode layers and a plurality of scan lines electrically communicated with the cathode electrode layers. At least one of the data lines and the scan lines is formed by a transparent electrode layer and a sub-electrode layer formed on the substrate, wherein the sub-electrode layer completely encloses the transparent electrode layer. In short, the organic electroluminescent device of the present invention can maintain normal function of the device by preventing corrosion of the scan lines and data lines. Also, the organic electroluminescent device of the present invention can uniformly spread the sealant to obtain complete enclosing effect by cap.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a light emitting device, particularly to an organic electroluminescent device, that can prevent corrosion of data lines and scan lines, and improve the adhesive strength of a sealant. 2. Description of the Related Art Organic electroluminescence is a phenomenon of making an exciton by recombining an electron and a hole injected into an organic (high or low molecular) thin film through an anode and a cathode, and emitting a light having a predetermined wavelength by energy from the exciton. An organic electroluminescent device in the art includes anode electrode layers, cathode electrode layers, scan lines, and data lines. A plurality of pixels are formed on an emitting area crossing over the anode electrode layers and the cathode electrode layers. The data lines each are connected to the anode electrode layers to receive data signals transmitted from an integrated circuit chip and transmit the received data signals to the anode electrode layers. The scan lines each are connected to the cathode electrode layers to transmit scan signals transmitted from the integrated circuit chip to the cathode electrode layers. In case a positive voltage and a negative voltage are respectively applied to the anode electrode layer and the cathode electrode layer, a light having a certain wavelength is emitted from the organic layer. The scan lines and data lines are also located on an area to which a cap for encapsulating the organic electroluminescent device is adhered. Thus, if a sealant that is an adhesive used for adhering the cap is spread on the above cap-adhering area, the sealant is placed on each of the scan lines and data lines. FIG. 1is a sectional view illustrating the structure of a scan line in the art. InFIG. 1, each scan line4A includes an ITO layer (Indium Tin Oxide layer,4A-1) formed on a substrate1and a sub-electrode layer4A-2formed on the ITO layer4A-1. To lower resistance of the scan line4A, the sub-electrode layer4A-2consisted of a metal having better conductivity than the ITO, for example Mo, is formed on the ITO layer4A-1. The sub-electrode layer4A-2is connected to the cathode electrode layer. Thus, in the scan line4A shown inFIG. 1, galvanic corrosion by moisture occurs at an interface of the ITO layer4A-1and the sub-electrode layer4A-2. Galvanic corrosion is a phenomenon that a metal is corroded by forming an oxidation-deoxidation reaction through movement of an electron when there is a voltage difference between two metals (or same type of two metals) whose corrosion conditions are locally different. The galvanic corrosion occurred in the interface of the ITO layer4A-1and the sub-electrode layer4A-2increases resistance of the scan line4A to lower transmittance velocity of scan data to a pixel. Also, the data line is formed in the same structure as the scan line4A inFIG. 1. Thus, the galvanic corrosion is occurred in the data line the same manner, and increases resistance of the data line to lower the transmittance velocity of data to the pixel, resulting in serious effect to the light emitting device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the above problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least one advantage described hereinafter. Another object of the present invention is to provide an organic electroluminescent device that can prevent corrosion of data lines and scan lines and improve the adhesive strength of a sealant. In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, the organic electroluminescent device includes a substrate, a plurality of anode electrode layers disposed in a first direction on the substrate, a plurality of cathode electrode layers disposed in a second direction different from the first direction on the substrate, luminescent areas formed by the anode electrode layers and the cathode electrode layers, a plurality of data lines electrically communicated with the anode electrode layers, and a plurality of scan lines electrically communicated with the cathode electrode layers. At least one of the data lines and the scan lines is formed by a transparent electrode layer and a sub-electrode layer formed on the substrate, wherein the sub-electrode layer completely encloses the transparent electrode layer. The light emitting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of pixels formed on crossing areas of anode electrode layers and cathode electrode layers on a substrate, and further includes a plurality of data lines electrically communicated with the anode electrode layers and a plurality of scan lines electrically communicated with the cathode electrode layers. At least one of the data lines and the scan lines is formed by a transparent electrode layer and a sub-electrode layer formed on the substrate, wherein the sub-electrode layer completely encloses the transparent electrode layer. In short, the organic electroluminescent device of the present invention can maintain normal function of the device by preventing corrosion of the scan lines and data lines. Also, the organic electroluminescent device of the present invention can uniformly spread the sealant to obtain complete enclosing effect by cap. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7677424

This is a National Stage entry of International Application PCT/JP2004/003209, with an international filing date of Mar. 11, 2004, which was published under PCT Article 21(2) as WO Publication 2004/098356 A1, and the complete disclosure of which is incorporated into this application by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a portable shoehorn which can be carried around in a bag at any time. BACKGROUND ART A portable shoehorn, in which a shoehorn formed in a slender and flat plate shape with the same shape which is bent in the breadth direction and a backscratcher are jointed together at each supporting end with a pin, has been well known so far. The above-described conventional portable shoehorn has a configuration in which a backscratcher and a shoehorn which are conventionally individual products, are integrated to one unit such that the conventional portable shoehorn can be carried in a bag, and can be used in quick response to requirements while a user is going out, for example, during traveling. These examples are disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-306554. On the other hand, when a person takes the same posture for a long time, for example, at traveling, he/she wish to take an action for better circulation of blood by relieving a part of his/her body. However, the above-described conventional portable shoehorn has been not provided with the above relieving function. Accordingly, it has been required that a tool which is carried, for example, at travelling is provided with the above relieving function. The present invention has been made, in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a portable shoehorn which can be easily and quickly used when a user puts on his/her shoes, his/her backs are itchy, and a part of his/her body are required to be relieved. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION A portable shoehorn according to the present invention is a shoehorn obtained by bending a plate member which has been bent a breadth direction thereof, in a longitudinal direction thereof approximately like a bow to form a slender plate shape, where a grip section of the shoehorn is folded into two parts at a central portion to reduce the entire length thereof approximately by half. Moreover, the portable shoehorn according to the present invention has a configuration in which a backscratcher is formed at a distal end portion of the grip section and an elastic body for patting a human body is attachably/detachably mounted to the backscratcher and to the shoehorn portion of the shoehorn. According to the above-described portable shoehorn of the present invention, the portable shoehorn can be easily and quickly used, while being carried during his/her travelling, such that the shoehorn portion of the shoehorn is used when a user puts on his/her shoes, the backscratcher is utilized when his/her back is itchy, and the elastic body for patting a human body pat his/her body like a shoulder tapper when a part of his/her body is required to be relieved, because the portable shoehorn has a configuration in which the portable shoehorn can be folded and can be also used as a backscratcher and a tool with a function for patting a human body.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: This is a National Stage entry of International Application PCT/JP2004/003209, with an international filing date of Mar. 11, 2004, which was published under PCT Article 21(2) as WO Publication 2004/098356 A1, and the complete disclosure of which is incorporated into this application by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a portable shoehorn which can be carried around in a bag at any time. BACKGROUND ART A portable shoehorn, in which a shoehorn formed in a slender and flat plate shape with the same shape which is bent in the breadth direction and a backscratcher are jointed together at each supporting end with a pin, has been well known so far. The above-described conventional portable shoehorn has a configuration in which a backscratcher and a shoehorn which are conventionally individual products, are integrated to one unit such that the conventional portable shoehorn can be carried in a bag, and can be used in quick response to requirements while a user is going out, for example, during traveling. These examples are disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-306554. On the other hand, when a person takes the same posture for a long time, for example, at traveling, he/she wish to take an action for better circulation of blood by relieving a part of his/her body. However, the above-described conventional portable shoehorn has been not provided with the above relieving function. Accordingly, it has been required that a tool which is carried, for example, at travelling is provided with the above relieving function. The present invention has been made, in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a portable shoehorn which can be easily and quickly used when a user puts on his/her shoes, his/her backs are itchy, and a part of his/her body are required to be relieved. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION A portable shoehorn according to the present invention is a shoehorn obtained by bending a plate member which has been bent a breadth direction thereof, in a longitudinal direction thereof approximately like a bow to form a slender plate shape, where a grip section of the shoehorn is folded into two parts at a central portion to reduce the entire length thereof approximately by half. Moreover, the portable shoehorn according to the present invention has a configuration in which a backscratcher is formed at a distal end portion of the grip section and an elastic body for patting a human body is attachably/detachably mounted to the backscratcher and to the shoehorn portion of the shoehorn. According to the above-described portable shoehorn of the present invention, the portable shoehorn can be easily and quickly used, while being carried during his/her travelling, such that the shoehorn portion of the shoehorn is used when a user puts on his/her shoes, the backscratcher is utilized when his/her back is itchy, and the elastic body for patting a human body pat his/her body like a shoulder tapper when a part of his/her body is required to be relieved, because the portable shoehorn has a configuration in which the portable shoehorn can be folded and can be also used as a backscratcher and a tool with a function for patting a human body. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7640724

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates in general to power generating plants and more particularly to a method and apparatus for deaerating make-up water thereby improving the efficiency of a steam turbine. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Power generating plants, such as one operating a combined cycle power plant are well known for generating electricity. Combined cycle power plants use both gas and steam turbines. In such a plant, the power produced by a combustion turbine may be augmented by injecting steam or water into the gas flow path. In general, the amount of power produced in the combustion turbine through such power augmentation is greater than the amount lost in the steam cycle due to the removal of steam. Power augmentation uses an appreciable quantity of steam generated from the heat recovery steam generator. When steam is removed for power augmentation, it is necessary to supply an equivalent amount of water as ‘make-up’ to the steam cycle. The make-up water is typically fully oxygenated in equilibrium with the oxygen in air. The concentration of oxygen in the make-up water is higher than that required in the feedwater to the heat recovery steam generator. Thus, there is a need to remove oxygen from the make-up water. Removal of oxygen from make-up water for deaerating is typically accomplished by spraying the make-up water into a deaerator in the condenser then transferring the deaerated make-up water to a hotwell. In the deaerator, steam may be used to strip the oxygen from the water. At low make-up water flow volumes, low-pressure exhaust steam may be used for stripping in the deaerator. However, at higher make-up water flow volumes, low-pressure steam from the heat recovery steam generator may be required for the deaerator to function properly. Using low-pressure steam to deaerate higher flow volumes of make-up water may significantly reduce the steam turbine power output thereby reducing the overall efficiency of the power plant.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates in general to power generating plants and more particularly to a method and apparatus for deaerating make-up water thereby improving the efficiency of a steam turbine. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Power generating plants, such as one operating a combined cycle power plant are well known for generating electricity. Combined cycle power plants use both gas and steam turbines. In such a plant, the power produced by a combustion turbine may be augmented by injecting steam or water into the gas flow path. In general, the amount of power produced in the combustion turbine through such power augmentation is greater than the amount lost in the steam cycle due to the removal of steam. Power augmentation uses an appreciable quantity of steam generated from the heat recovery steam generator. When steam is removed for power augmentation, it is necessary to supply an equivalent amount of water as ‘make-up’ to the steam cycle. The make-up water is typically fully oxygenated in equilibrium with the oxygen in air. The concentration of oxygen in the make-up water is higher than that required in the feedwater to the heat recovery steam generator. Thus, there is a need to remove oxygen from the make-up water. Removal of oxygen from make-up water for deaerating is typically accomplished by spraying the make-up water into a deaerator in the condenser then transferring the deaerated make-up water to a hotwell. In the deaerator, steam may be used to strip the oxygen from the water. At low make-up water flow volumes, low-pressure exhaust steam may be used for stripping in the deaerator. However, at higher make-up water flow volumes, low-pressure steam from the heat recovery steam generator may be required for the deaerator to function properly. Using low-pressure steam to deaerate higher flow volumes of make-up water may significantly reduce the steam turbine power output thereby reducing the overall efficiency of the power plant. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7734493

TECHNICAL FIELD This description relates to schedule and route planning, and more particularly to using mathematical programming to develop a schedule that results in an improved allocation of transportation resources. BACKGROUND Commercial airlines typically have significant numbers of aircraft and serve dozens, if not more, of geographically diverse markets. Day-to-day operations require coordination of a variety of different business functions, including crew scheduling, maintenance, equipment scheduling, purchasing, and the like. Because many of the different business functions are interdependent, changes to one aspect of the operations can have an effect on other parts of the overall business. The logistics behind coordinating operations is further complicated by the geographic distribution of markets. Generally, most of the operations of a commercial airline are centered around flight schedules. As with the coordination of day-to-day operations, the design of the overall flight schedule for a commercial airline involves complex interactions of numerous factors. Schedule design must take into account consumer demand, the ability to make connecting flights, maintenance requirements, gate availability, flight times and distances, airport restrictions and curfews, the number of available aircraft, and the like. Because of these various factors and the need to coordinate other business functions with the overall flight schedule, changes to a schedule design are generally performed weeks or even months in advance of implementing a change. The need for such advance planning limits the flexibility of commercial airlines in adapting to an evolving business environment, increasing efficiency, or otherwise modifying the overall flight schedule. SUMMARY Generating a schedule that meets demand and tends to maximize efficiency can help avoid the need to make wholesale changes on a frequent basis. In addition, mathematical programming techniques can be implemented to help refine new or existing schedules in a more rapid and efficient manner. For example, mathematical programming can be used to refine an existing or proposed schedule to ensure that the schedule satisfies constraints, meets demand efficiently, provides desired benefits, and/or minimizes undesired features. In one general aspect, multiple schedule alternatives are identified based on an original schedule. One or more substitute schedules are generated using one or more of the schedule alternatives. An objective function performs an analysis of the original schedule and the one or more substitute schedules, and a refined schedule is selected based on the analysis. Implementations can include one or more of the following features. The schedule alternatives are identified by identifying possible variations of instances in the original schedule. Each possible variation of an instance includes a time and/or a sequential connection between segments of a route that differs from a time or a sequential connection associated with the instance. The time and/or the sequential connection for the possible variation are associated with at least one particular segment of the route. Each instance in the original schedule includes a segment of a route, and each instance corresponds to a departure time, an arrival time, or a sequential connection with another segment of the route. Each possible variation of an instance includes a different departure time within a particular deviation from the departure time of the instance, a different arrival time within a particular deviation from the arrival time of the instance, and/or a sequential connection with a segment from a different route of the original schedule. Each schedule alternative includes a possible variation of at least one instance in the original schedule. Each substitute schedule includes portions of the original schedule and a set of schedule alternatives. The original schedule and each substitute schedule include service for a predetermined set of segments. One or more segments in each substitute schedule includes a different associated sequential connection than a sequential connection associated with the one or more segments in the original schedule. An objective function performs an analysis of the original schedule and the one or more substitute schedules by calculating a score associated with the original schedule and with each substitute schedule based on values relating to schedule characteristics. The values relating to schedule characteristics relate to an estimated ability to meet demand, estimated revenues, estimated costs, and/or and estimated resource utilization. The scores associated with the original schedule and the substitute schedules are compared, and a refined schedule is selected based on the analysis by selecting the original schedule or one of the substitute schedules as the refined schedule based on comparing the scores. In another general aspect, a refined schedule is generated by identifying an original schedule that includes routes to be traveled by transportation resources and generating alternative schedules by modifying one or more features of the original schedule. The alternative schedules include routes to be traveled by the transportation resources. A comparison of the original schedule and the alternative schedules is performed using an objective function that quantifies a desirability of at least one schedule characteristic. A refined schedule is selected from the original schedule and the alternative schedules based on the comparison. Implementations can include one or more of the following features. Each route in the original schedule includes an associated sequence of segments, and each segment has one or more associated times. One or more features of the original schedule are modified by creating possible routes by changing a time associated with a segment or exchanging segments between at least two routes. The alternative schedules are generated by selecting a sample of the routes in the original schedule, identifying alternative times for segments from each of the routes in the sample, and identifying alternative sequences of segments using segments from at least some of the routes in the sample. The alternative times include times within a predetermined deviation from a corresponding time in the original schedule. A sample of the routes in the original schedule are selected using a selection function to select routes having a relatively higher probability that modifications will produce a schedule that compares favorably to the original schedule, as measured by the objective function. A sample of the routes is selected by iteratively selecting routes using the selection function. Each alternative schedule includes a combination of routes selected from the routes in the original schedule and the possible routes. A comparison of the original schedule and the alternative schedules is performed using the objective function to calculate a route score for each route and calculating a composite score for each alternative schedule by combining the scores of the routes for the alternative schedule. The composite score for each alternative schedule further includes accounting for one or more values that reflect a desirability of the combination of two or more of the routes in the alternative schedule. The refined schedule is a schedule that has a composite score indicating an increased desirability relative to the other schedules. The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: TECHNICAL FIELD This description relates to schedule and route planning, and more particularly to using mathematical programming to develop a schedule that results in an improved allocation of transportation resources. BACKGROUND Commercial airlines typically have significant numbers of aircraft and serve dozens, if not more, of geographically diverse markets. Day-to-day operations require coordination of a variety of different business functions, including crew scheduling, maintenance, equipment scheduling, purchasing, and the like. Because many of the different business functions are interdependent, changes to one aspect of the operations can have an effect on other parts of the overall business. The logistics behind coordinating operations is further complicated by the geographic distribution of markets. Generally, most of the operations of a commercial airline are centered around flight schedules. As with the coordination of day-to-day operations, the design of the overall flight schedule for a commercial airline involves complex interactions of numerous factors. Schedule design must take into account consumer demand, the ability to make connecting flights, maintenance requirements, gate availability, flight times and distances, airport restrictions and curfews, the number of available aircraft, and the like. Because of these various factors and the need to coordinate other business functions with the overall flight schedule, changes to a schedule design are generally performed weeks or even months in advance of implementing a change. The need for such advance planning limits the flexibility of commercial airlines in adapting to an evolving business environment, increasing efficiency, or otherwise modifying the overall flight schedule. SUMMARY Generating a schedule that meets demand and tends to maximize efficiency can help avoid the need to make wholesale changes on a frequent basis. In addition, mathematical programming techniques can be implemented to help refine new or existing schedules in a more rapid and efficient manner. For example, mathematical programming can be used to refine an existing or proposed schedule to ensure that the schedule satisfies constraints, meets demand efficiently, provides desired benefits, and/or minimizes undesired features. In one general aspect, multiple schedule alternatives are identified based on an original schedule. One or more substitute schedules are generated using one or more of the schedule alternatives. An objective function performs an analysis of the original schedule and the one or more substitute schedules, and a refined schedule is selected based on the analysis. Implementations can include one or more of the following features. The schedule alternatives are identified by identifying possible variations of instances in the original schedule. Each possible variation of an instance includes a time and/or a sequential connection between segments of a route that differs from a time or a sequential connection associated with the instance. The time and/or the sequential connection for the possible variation are associated with at least one particular segment of the route. Each instance in the original schedule includes a segment of a route, and each instance corresponds to a departure time, an arrival time, or a sequential connection with another segment of the route. Each possible variation of an instance includes a different departure time within a particular deviation from the departure time of the instance, a different arrival time within a particular deviation from the arrival time of the instance, and/or a sequential connection with a segment from a different route of the original schedule. Each schedule alternative includes a possible variation of at least one instance in the original schedule. Each substitute schedule includes portions of the original schedule and a set of schedule alternatives. The original schedule and each substitute schedule include service for a predetermined set of segments. One or more segments in each substitute schedule includes a different associated sequential connection than a sequential connection associated with the one or more segments in the original schedule. An objective function performs an analysis of the original schedule and the one or more substitute schedules by calculating a score associated with the original schedule and with each substitute schedule based on values relating to schedule characteristics. The values relating to schedule characteristics relate to an estimated ability to meet demand, estimated revenues, estimated costs, and/or and estimated resource utilization. The scores associated with the original schedule and the substitute schedules are compared, and a refined schedule is selected based on the analysis by selecting the original schedule or one of the substitute schedules as the refined schedule based on comparing the scores. In another general aspect, a refined schedule is generated by identifying an original schedule that includes routes to be traveled by transportation resources and generating alternative schedules by modifying one or more features of the original schedule. The alternative schedules include routes to be traveled by the transportation resources. A comparison of the original schedule and the alternative schedules is performed using an objective function that quantifies a desirability of at least one schedule characteristic. A refined schedule is selected from the original schedule and the alternative schedules based on the comparison. Implementations can include one or more of the following features. Each route in the original schedule includes an associated sequence of segments, and each segment has one or more associated times. One or more features of the original schedule are modified by creating possible routes by changing a time associated with a segment or exchanging segments between at least two routes. The alternative schedules are generated by selecting a sample of the routes in the original schedule, identifying alternative times for segments from each of the routes in the sample, and identifying alternative sequences of segments using segments from at least some of the routes in the sample. The alternative times include times within a predetermined deviation from a corresponding time in the original schedule. A sample of the routes in the original schedule are selected using a selection function to select routes having a relatively higher probability that modifications will produce a schedule that compares favorably to the original schedule, as measured by the objective function. A sample of the routes is selected by iteratively selecting routes using the selection function. Each alternative schedule includes a combination of routes selected from the routes in the original schedule and the possible routes. A comparison of the original schedule and the alternative schedules is performed using the objective function to calculate a route score for each route and calculating a composite score for each alternative schedule by combining the scores of the routes for the alternative schedule. The composite score for each alternative schedule further includes accounting for one or more values that reflect a desirability of the combination of two or more of the routes in the alternative schedule. The refined schedule is a schedule that has a composite score indicating an increased desirability relative to the other schedules. The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7708712

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The American Lung Association (ALA) estimates that nearly 16 million Americans suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which includes diseases such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and some types of asthma. The ALA estimated that COPD was the fourth-ranking cause of death in the U.S. The ALA estimates that about 14 million and 2 million Americans suffer from emphysema and chronic bronchitis respectively. Those inflicted with COPD face disabilities due to the limited pulmonary functions. Usually, individuals afflicted by COPD also face loss in muscle strength and an inability to perform common daily activities. Often, those patients desiring treatment for COPD seek a physician at a point where the disease is advanced. Since the damage to the lungs is irreversible, there is little hope of recovery. Most times, the physician cannot reverse the effects of the disease but can only offer treatment and advice to halt the progression of the disease. To understand the detrimental effects of COPD, the workings of the lungs requires a cursory discussion. The primary function of the lungs is to permit the exchange of two gasses by removing carbon dioxide from arterial blood and replacing it with oxygen. Thus, to facilitate this exchange, the lungs provide a blood gas interface. The oxygen and carbon dioxide move between the gas (air) and blood by diffusion. This diffusion is possible since the blood is delivered to one side of the blood-gas interface via small blood vessels (capillaries). The capillaries are wrapped around numerous air sacs called alveoli which function as the blood-gas interface. A typical human lung contains about 300 million alveoli. The air is brought to the other side of this blood-gas interface by a natural respiratory airway, hereafter referred to as a natural airway or airway, consisting of branching tubes which become narrower, shorter, and more numerous as they penetrate deeper into the lung. Specifically, the airway begins with the trachea which branches into the left and right bronchi which divide into lobar, then segmental bronchi. Ultimately, the branching continues down to the terminal bronchioles which lead to the alveoli. Plates of cartilage may be found as part of the walls throughout most of the airway from the trachea to the bronchi. The cartilage plates become less prevalent as the airways branch. Eventually, in the last generations of the bronchi, the cartilage plates are found only at the branching points. The bronchi and bronchioles may be distinguished as the bronchi lie proximal to the last plate of cartilage found along the airway, while the bronchiole lies distal to the last plate of cartilage. The bronchioles are the smallest airways that do not contain alveoli. The function of the bronchi and bronchioles is to provide conducting airways that lead air to and from the gas-blood interface. However, these conducting airways do not take part in gas exchange because they do not contain alveoli. Rather, the gas exchange takes place in the alveoli which are found in the distal most end of the airways. The mechanics of breathing include the lungs, the rib cage, the diaphragm and abdominal wall. During inspiration, inspiratory muscles contract increasing the volume of the chest cavity. As a result of the expansion of the chest cavity, the pleural pressure, the pressure within the chest cavity, becomes sub-atmospheric. Consequently, air flows into the lungs and the lungs expand. During unforced expiration, the inspiratory muscles relax and the lungs begin to recoil and reduce in size. The lungs recoil because they contain elastic fibers that allow for expansion, as the lungs inflate, and relaxation, as the lungs deflate, with each breath. This characteristic is called elastic recoil. The recoil of the lungs causes alveolar pressure to exceed atmospheric pressure causing air to flow out of the lungs and deflate the lungs. If the lungs' ability to recoil is damaged, the lungs cannot contract and reduce in size from their inflated state. As a result, the lungs cannot evacuate all of the inspired air. In addition to elastic recoil, the lung's elastic fibers also assist in keeping small airways open during the exhalation cycle. This effect is also known as “tethering” of the airways. Tethering is desirable since small airways do not contain cartilage that would otherwise provide structural rigidity for these airways. Without tethering, and in the absence of structural rigidity, the small airways collapse during exhalation and prevent air from exiting thereby trapping air within the lung. Emphysema is characterized by irreversible biochemical destruction of the alveolar walls that contain the elastic fibers, called elastin, described above. The destruction of the alveolar walls results in a dual problem of reduction of elastic recoil and the loss of tethering of the airways. Unfortunately for the individual suffering from emphysema, these two problems combine to result in extreme hyperinflation (air trapping) of the lung and an inability of the person to exhale. In this situation, the individual will be debilitated since the lungs are unable to perform gas exchange at a satisfactory rate. One further aspect of alveolar wall destruction is that the airflow between neighboring air sacs, known as collateral ventilation or collateral air flow, is markedly increased as when compared to a healthy lung. While alveolar wall destruction decreases resistance to collateral ventilation, the resulting increased collateral ventilation does not benefit the individual since air is still unable to flow into and out of the lungs. Hence, because this trapped air is rich in CO2, it is of little or no benefit to the individual. Chronic bronchitis is characterized by excessive mucus production in the bronchial tree. Usually there is a general increase in bulk (hypertrophy) of the large bronchi and chronic inflammatory changes in the small airways. Excessive amounts of mucus are found in the airways and semisolid plugs of this mucus may occlude some small bronchi. Also, the small airways are usually narrowed and show inflammatory changes. Currently, although there is no cure for COPD, treatment includes bronchodilator drugs, and lung reduction surgery. The bronchodilator drugs relax and widen the air passages thereby reducing the residual volume and increasing gas flow permitting more oxygen to enter the lungs. Yet, bronchodilator drugs are only effective for a short period of time and require repeated application. Moreover, the bronchodilator drugs are only effective in a certain percentage of the population of those diagnosed with COPD. In some cases, patients suffering from COPD are given supplemental oxygen to assist in breathing. Unfortunately, aside from the impracticalities of needing to maintain and transport a source of oxygen for everyday activities, the oxygen is only partially functional and does not eliminate the effects of the COPD. Moreover, patients requiring a supplemental source of oxygen are usually never able to return to functioning without the oxygen. Lung volume reduction surgery is a procedure which removes portions of the lung that are over-inflated. The portion of the lung that remains has relatively better elastic recoil, providing reduced airway obstruction. The reduced lung volume also improves the efficiency of the respiratory muscles. However, lung reduction surgery is an extremely traumatic procedure which involves opening the chest and thoracic cavity to remove a portion of the lung. As such, the procedure involves an extended recovery period. Hence, the long term benefits of this surgery are still being evaluated. In any case, it is thought that lung reduction surgery is sought in those cases of emphysema where only a portion of the lung is emphysematous as opposed to the case where the entire lung is emphysematous. In cases where the lung is only partially emphysematous, removal of a portion of emphysematous lung which was compressing healthier portions of the lung allows the healthier portions to expand, increasing the overall efficiency of the lung. If the entire lung is emphysematous, however, removal of a portion of the lung removes gas exchanging alveolar surfaces, reducing the overall efficiency of the lung. Lung volume reduction surgery is thus not a practical solution for treatment of emphysema where the entire lung is diseased. Moreover, conventional lung volume reduction surgery is an open surgical procedure which carries the risk of surgical complications and requires a significant period of time for recuperation. Both bronchodilator drugs and lung reduction surgery fail to capitalize on the increased collateral ventilation taking place in the diseased lung. There remains a need for a medical procedure that can alleviate some of the problems caused by COPD. There is also a need for a medical procedure that alleviates some of the problems caused by COPD irrespective of whether a portion of the lung, or the entire lung is emphysematous. The production and maintenance of collateral openings through an airway wall allows air to pass directly out of the lung tissue responsible for gas exchange. These collateral openings serve to decompress hyperinflated lungs and/or facilitate an exchange of oxygen into the blood. Methods and devices for creating and maintaining collateral channels are discussed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/633,651, filed on Aug. 7, 2000; U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 09/947,144, 09/946,706, and 09/947,126 all filed on Sep. 4, 2001; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/317,338 filed on Sep. 4, 2001; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/334,642 filed on Nov. 29, 2001; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/367,436 filed on Mar. 20, 2002; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/374,022 filed on Apr. 19, 2002 each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Although creating an opening through an airway wall may overcome the shortcomings associated with bronchodilator drugs and lung volume reduction surgery, various problems can still arise. When a hole is surgically created in tissue the healing cascade is triggered. This process is characterized by an orderly sequence of events, which can be broadly classified into distinct phases. These phases proceed in a systematic fashion, with a high degree of integration, organization, and control. However, the various stages are not sharply delineated, but overlap considerably, and factors affecting one phase have a stimulatory or inhibitory effect on the overall process. The result of this wound healing process is tissue proliferation that can occlude or otherwise close the surgically created opening. Additionally, in the event an implant is deployed in the surgically created opening to maintain the patency of the opening, the implant may become encapsulated or filled with tissue thereby occluding the channel. Drug eluting coronary-type stents are not known to overcome the above mentioned events because these stents are often substantially cylindrical (or otherwise have a shape that conforms to the shape of a tubular blood vessel). Hence, they may slide and eject from surgically created openings in an airway wall leading to rapid closure of any channel. Additionally, the design and structure of the coronary-type stents reflect the fact that these stents operate in an environment that contains different tissues when compared to the airways not to mention an environment where there is a constant flow of blood against the stent. Moreover, the design of coronary stents also acknowledges the need to place the stent within a tubular vessel and avoid partial restenosis of the vessel after stent placement so that blood may continue to flow. In view of the above, implants suited for placement in the coronary are often designed to account for factors that may be insignificant when considering a device for the airways. Not surprisingly, experiments in animal models found that placement of coronary drug eluting stents (i.e., paclitaxel drug eluting vascular stents and sirolimus drug eluting stents) into the airway openings did not yield positive results in maintaining the patency of the opening. The shortcomings were both in the physical structure of the stent which did not lend itself to the airways as well as the inability of those drug eluting devices to control the healing cascade caused by creation of the channel. The majority of these devices filled with tissue at an early stage and an inspection of the remainder of the implanted devices indicated imminent closure. An understanding of the distinctions between the healing response in the coronary versus the airways may explain this outcome. For purposes of our discussion, the healing response in both the coronary and the lungs may be divided into approximately four stages as measured relative to the time of the injury: 1) acute phase; 2) sub-chronic phase; 3) chronic phase; and 4) late phase. In the coronary, after trauma caused by the placement of a coronary stent, the healing process begins in the acute phase with thrombus and acute inflammation. During the sub-chronic phase, there is an organization of the thrombus, an acute/chronic inflammation and early neointima hyperplasia. In the following chronic phase, there is a proliferation of smooth muscle cells along with chronic inflammation and adventitial thickening. In the late stage of the healing process there is chronic inflammation, neointimal remodeling, medial hypertrophy and adventitial thickening. Based upon the observations in a rabbit model, the healing response in the airway begins with a fibrinous clot, edema hemorrhage, and fibrin deposition. In the sub-chronic phase there is re-epithelialization, mucosal hypertrophy, squamous metaplasia, fibroplasias and fibrosis. In the chronic phase, while the epithelium is intact and there is less mucosal hypertrophy, there is still fibroplasia and fibrosis. In the late stage the respiratory epithelium is intact and there is evidence of a scar. Accordingly, the unique requirements of the airways and collateral channels calls for specific features for any implant used in collateral channels. For example, these implants/conduits are often placed across three different tissue zones; namely the parenchyma, the newly sectioned airway wall, and the interior of the airway surface. Each different zone may have a different reaction to the presence of the implant/conduit. The parenchyma may build up a layer of scar tissue around the conduit, which may eventually eject the implant or block the air path on the parenchyma side of the conduit. The airway wall may undergo a healing response as a result of the trauma of the procedure. This healing response and associated tissue growth may restrict air-flow through the implant. Furthermore, mucus from the airways may deposit in to the conduit thereby further occluding the conduit. In addition, placement of an implant or conduit within the collateral channel may present additional structure requirements for the devices. For example, surgeons often use radiological imaging to place coronary stents within the vasculature. In most cases, placement of coronary stents is critical so that the ends of the coronary stent straddle the vascular obstruction. In contrast, a surgeon placing an implant in collateral channels is often using a remote access device such as a bronchoscope or endoscope that allows for direct observation of the device during placement. For proper placement of the implant, and in cases where it is important to “sandwich” the airway wall, it is necessary to identify the center and/or edges of the conduit or implant prior to expansion of the device. It follows that failure to properly place the implant may result in detachment of the implant (via insufficient attachment to the airway wall), pneumothorax (if the implant is advanced too distally and breaches the pleural cavity), or deployment of the implant wholly in the lung parenchyma exterior to the airway wall. Accordingly, such devices may require a visual indicator to assist the medical practitioner during placement and to offer a measure of safety so that the device is not improperly advanced/deployed thus creating additional complications. Accordingly, there remains a need for devices and methods that specifically address the requirements discussed herein. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The devices and methods described herein serve to maintain the patency of a channel surgically created in an organ such as an airway wall. In particular, the devices and methods are suited for placement within a channel created within the airway wall and prevent closure of the channel such that air may flow through the channel and into the airway. It is noted that the devices and methods described herein have particular use for individuals having emphysema and COPD. However, the devices and methods could also benefit any individuals having hyperinflation of the lungs. Delivery devices for delivering the implants and/or creating the opening are described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/488,33, filed Jul. 18, 2003, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/894,876 (U.S 2005/0056292A1 ) entitled DEVICES FOR MAINTAINING PATENCY OF SURGICALLY CREATED CHANNELS IN TISSUE, and filed on Jul. 19, 2004, the entirety of both are herein incorporated by reference. Implants of the present invention may include a support member having a structure that is adapted for placement within a wall of a body organ, especially an airway wall. When used in the lungs implants of the present invention modify the healing response of the lung tissue (e.g., at the site of newly created hole/channel) for a sufficient time until the healing response of the lung tissue subsides or reduces such that the hole/channel becomes a persistent air path. For example, the implant and bioactive substance will modify the healing response for a sufficient time until the healing response is reduced and, from a visual observation, the body treats the opening essentially as a natural airway passage rather than as an injury to the airway wall. Variations of the invention include implants having compositions comprising a polymer which either serves as a carrier for the agent or as a delivery barrier for the agent. In those variations of the implant used in the airways, the composition may provide a steady release rate of bio-active substance as well as have a sufficient amount of available bio-active substance to modify the healing response of the lung tissue. As described herein, such a delivery system takes advantage of the tissue environment surrounding the airways. The antiproliferative agent of the present invention is one that modifies a healing response. Various agents are discussed below, examples include a microtubule stabilizing agent such as taxol or paclitaxel, or a microtubule destabilizing agent such as vincristine, vinblastine, podophylotoxin, estramustine, noscapine, griseofulvin, dicoumarol, a vinca alkaloid, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the agent may include steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, rapamnycin, dactinomycin, sirolimus, everolimus, Abt-578, tacrolimus, and a combination thereof. It is noted that the composition or implant may also include additional substance as required by the location of the implant. Such substances may affect/suppress mucus production, provide protection against bacteria, or maintain sterility of the implant site or surrounding tissue. It is contemplated that the bio-active substances listed herein includes all forms of the substances (e.g., analogs, derivatives, salt forms and crystalline forms.) Variations of the invention also may include visualization features which provide assistance when attempting to place the implant from within an organ and having no or little direct visibility outside of the organ. The invention may also include additional features such as valves within the implant to regulate flow or provide a protective barrier. It is contemplated that though the invention includes a combination of support member and bioactive substance, it is noted that the structural configurations of several, if not all, of the support members provide unique advantages that lend themselves to use in securing the implant about a wall of an organ. Therefore, it is further contemplated that the structural configurations may also provide inventive embodiments without the bioactive substance. This application is also related to the following applications 60/420,440 filed Oct. 21, 2002; 60/387,163 filed Jun. 7, 2002; Ser. No. 10/235,240 filed Sep. 4, 2002; Ser. No. 09/947,144 filed Sep. 4, 2001; Ser. No. 09/908,177 filed Jul. 18, 2001; Ser. No. 09/633,651 filed Aug. 7, 2000; and 60/176,141 filed Jan. 14, 2000; Ser. No. 10/080,344 filed Feb. 21, 2002; Ser. No. 10/079,605 filed Feb. 21, 2002; and Ser. No. 10/280,851 filed Oct. 25, 2002. Each of which is incorporated by reference herein. Accordingly, where not inconsistent with the principles described herein, features and aspects of the invention may be combined with the various implants and conduits described in the above related applications.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The American Lung Association (ALA) estimates that nearly 16 million Americans suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which includes diseases such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and some types of asthma. The ALA estimated that COPD was the fourth-ranking cause of death in the U.S. The ALA estimates that about 14 million and 2 million Americans suffer from emphysema and chronic bronchitis respectively. Those inflicted with COPD face disabilities due to the limited pulmonary functions. Usually, individuals afflicted by COPD also face loss in muscle strength and an inability to perform common daily activities. Often, those patients desiring treatment for COPD seek a physician at a point where the disease is advanced. Since the damage to the lungs is irreversible, there is little hope of recovery. Most times, the physician cannot reverse the effects of the disease but can only offer treatment and advice to halt the progression of the disease. To understand the detrimental effects of COPD, the workings of the lungs requires a cursory discussion. The primary function of the lungs is to permit the exchange of two gasses by removing carbon dioxide from arterial blood and replacing it with oxygen. Thus, to facilitate this exchange, the lungs provide a blood gas interface. The oxygen and carbon dioxide move between the gas (air) and blood by diffusion. This diffusion is possible since the blood is delivered to one side of the blood-gas interface via small blood vessels (capillaries). The capillaries are wrapped around numerous air sacs called alveoli which function as the blood-gas interface. A typical human lung contains about 300 million alveoli. The air is brought to the other side of this blood-gas interface by a natural respiratory airway, hereafter referred to as a natural airway or airway, consisting of branching tubes which become narrower, shorter, and more numerous as they penetrate deeper into the lung. Specifically, the airway begins with the trachea which branches into the left and right bronchi which divide into lobar, then segmental bronchi. Ultimately, the branching continues down to the terminal bronchioles which lead to the alveoli. Plates of cartilage may be found as part of the walls throughout most of the airway from the trachea to the bronchi. The cartilage plates become less prevalent as the airways branch. Eventually, in the last generations of the bronchi, the cartilage plates are found only at the branching points. The bronchi and bronchioles may be distinguished as the bronchi lie proximal to the last plate of cartilage found along the airway, while the bronchiole lies distal to the last plate of cartilage. The bronchioles are the smallest airways that do not contain alveoli. The function of the bronchi and bronchioles is to provide conducting airways that lead air to and from the gas-blood interface. However, these conducting airways do not take part in gas exchange because they do not contain alveoli. Rather, the gas exchange takes place in the alveoli which are found in the distal most end of the airways. The mechanics of breathing include the lungs, the rib cage, the diaphragm and abdominal wall. During inspiration, inspiratory muscles contract increasing the volume of the chest cavity. As a result of the expansion of the chest cavity, the pleural pressure, the pressure within the chest cavity, becomes sub-atmospheric. Consequently, air flows into the lungs and the lungs expand. During unforced expiration, the inspiratory muscles relax and the lungs begin to recoil and reduce in size. The lungs recoil because they contain elastic fibers that allow for expansion, as the lungs inflate, and relaxation, as the lungs deflate, with each breath. This characteristic is called elastic recoil. The recoil of the lungs causes alveolar pressure to exceed atmospheric pressure causing air to flow out of the lungs and deflate the lungs. If the lungs' ability to recoil is damaged, the lungs cannot contract and reduce in size from their inflated state. As a result, the lungs cannot evacuate all of the inspired air. In addition to elastic recoil, the lung's elastic fibers also assist in keeping small airways open during the exhalation cycle. This effect is also known as “tethering” of the airways. Tethering is desirable since small airways do not contain cartilage that would otherwise provide structural rigidity for these airways. Without tethering, and in the absence of structural rigidity, the small airways collapse during exhalation and prevent air from exiting thereby trapping air within the lung. Emphysema is characterized by irreversible biochemical destruction of the alveolar walls that contain the elastic fibers, called elastin, described above. The destruction of the alveolar walls results in a dual problem of reduction of elastic recoil and the loss of tethering of the airways. Unfortunately for the individual suffering from emphysema, these two problems combine to result in extreme hyperinflation (air trapping) of the lung and an inability of the person to exhale. In this situation, the individual will be debilitated since the lungs are unable to perform gas exchange at a satisfactory rate. One further aspect of alveolar wall destruction is that the airflow between neighboring air sacs, known as collateral ventilation or collateral air flow, is markedly increased as when compared to a healthy lung. While alveolar wall destruction decreases resistance to collateral ventilation, the resulting increased collateral ventilation does not benefit the individual since air is still unable to flow into and out of the lungs. Hence, because this trapped air is rich in CO2, it is of little or no benefit to the individual. Chronic bronchitis is characterized by excessive mucus production in the bronchial tree. Usually there is a general increase in bulk (hypertrophy) of the large bronchi and chronic inflammatory changes in the small airways. Excessive amounts of mucus are found in the airways and semisolid plugs of this mucus may occlude some small bronchi. Also, the small airways are usually narrowed and show inflammatory changes. Currently, although there is no cure for COPD, treatment includes bronchodilator drugs, and lung reduction surgery. The bronchodilator drugs relax and widen the air passages thereby reducing the residual volume and increasing gas flow permitting more oxygen to enter the lungs. Yet, bronchodilator drugs are only effective for a short period of time and require repeated application. Moreover, the bronchodilator drugs are only effective in a certain percentage of the population of those diagnosed with COPD. In some cases, patients suffering from COPD are given supplemental oxygen to assist in breathing. Unfortunately, aside from the impracticalities of needing to maintain and transport a source of oxygen for everyday activities, the oxygen is only partially functional and does not eliminate the effects of the COPD. Moreover, patients requiring a supplemental source of oxygen are usually never able to return to functioning without the oxygen. Lung volume reduction surgery is a procedure which removes portions of the lung that are over-inflated. The portion of the lung that remains has relatively better elastic recoil, providing reduced airway obstruction. The reduced lung volume also improves the efficiency of the respiratory muscles. However, lung reduction surgery is an extremely traumatic procedure which involves opening the chest and thoracic cavity to remove a portion of the lung. As such, the procedure involves an extended recovery period. Hence, the long term benefits of this surgery are still being evaluated. In any case, it is thought that lung reduction surgery is sought in those cases of emphysema where only a portion of the lung is emphysematous as opposed to the case where the entire lung is emphysematous. In cases where the lung is only partially emphysematous, removal of a portion of emphysematous lung which was compressing healthier portions of the lung allows the healthier portions to expand, increasing the overall efficiency of the lung. If the entire lung is emphysematous, however, removal of a portion of the lung removes gas exchanging alveolar surfaces, reducing the overall efficiency of the lung. Lung volume reduction surgery is thus not a practical solution for treatment of emphysema where the entire lung is diseased. Moreover, conventional lung volume reduction surgery is an open surgical procedure which carries the risk of surgical complications and requires a significant period of time for recuperation. Both bronchodilator drugs and lung reduction surgery fail to capitalize on the increased collateral ventilation taking place in the diseased lung. There remains a need for a medical procedure that can alleviate some of the problems caused by COPD. There is also a need for a medical procedure that alleviates some of the problems caused by COPD irrespective of whether a portion of the lung, or the entire lung is emphysematous. The production and maintenance of collateral openings through an airway wall allows air to pass directly out of the lung tissue responsible for gas exchange. These collateral openings serve to decompress hyperinflated lungs and/or facilitate an exchange of oxygen into the blood. Methods and devices for creating and maintaining collateral channels are discussed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/633,651, filed on Aug. 7, 2000; U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 09/947,144, 09/946,706, and 09/947,126 all filed on Sep. 4, 2001; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/317,338 filed on Sep. 4, 2001; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/334,642 filed on Nov. 29, 2001; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/367,436 filed on Mar. 20, 2002; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/374,022 filed on Apr. 19, 2002 each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Although creating an opening through an airway wall may overcome the shortcomings associated with bronchodilator drugs and lung volume reduction surgery, various problems can still arise. When a hole is surgically created in tissue the healing cascade is triggered. This process is characterized by an orderly sequence of events, which can be broadly classified into distinct phases. These phases proceed in a systematic fashion, with a high degree of integration, organization, and control. However, the various stages are not sharply delineated, but overlap considerably, and factors affecting one phase have a stimulatory or inhibitory effect on the overall process. The result of this wound healing process is tissue proliferation that can occlude or otherwise close the surgically created opening. Additionally, in the event an implant is deployed in the surgically created opening to maintain the patency of the opening, the implant may become encapsulated or filled with tissue thereby occluding the channel. Drug eluting coronary-type stents are not known to overcome the above mentioned events because these stents are often substantially cylindrical (or otherwise have a shape that conforms to the shape of a tubular blood vessel). Hence, they may slide and eject from surgically created openings in an airway wall leading to rapid closure of any channel. Additionally, the design and structure of the coronary-type stents reflect the fact that these stents operate in an environment that contains different tissues when compared to the airways not to mention an environment where there is a constant flow of blood against the stent. Moreover, the design of coronary stents also acknowledges the need to place the stent within a tubular vessel and avoid partial restenosis of the vessel after stent placement so that blood may continue to flow. In view of the above, implants suited for placement in the coronary are often designed to account for factors that may be insignificant when considering a device for the airways. Not surprisingly, experiments in animal models found that placement of coronary drug eluting stents (i.e., paclitaxel drug eluting vascular stents and sirolimus drug eluting stents) into the airway openings did not yield positive results in maintaining the patency of the opening. The shortcomings were both in the physical structure of the stent which did not lend itself to the airways as well as the inability of those drug eluting devices to control the healing cascade caused by creation of the channel. The majority of these devices filled with tissue at an early stage and an inspection of the remainder of the implanted devices indicated imminent closure. An understanding of the distinctions between the healing response in the coronary versus the airways may explain this outcome. For purposes of our discussion, the healing response in both the coronary and the lungs may be divided into approximately four stages as measured relative to the time of the injury: 1) acute phase; 2) sub-chronic phase; 3) chronic phase; and 4) late phase. In the coronary, after trauma caused by the placement of a coronary stent, the healing process begins in the acute phase with thrombus and acute inflammation. During the sub-chronic phase, there is an organization of the thrombus, an acute/chronic inflammation and early neointima hyperplasia. In the following chronic phase, there is a proliferation of smooth muscle cells along with chronic inflammation and adventitial thickening. In the late stage of the healing process there is chronic inflammation, neointimal remodeling, medial hypertrophy and adventitial thickening. Based upon the observations in a rabbit model, the healing response in the airway begins with a fibrinous clot, edema hemorrhage, and fibrin deposition. In the sub-chronic phase there is re-epithelialization, mucosal hypertrophy, squamous metaplasia, fibroplasias and fibrosis. In the chronic phase, while the epithelium is intact and there is less mucosal hypertrophy, there is still fibroplasia and fibrosis. In the late stage the respiratory epithelium is intact and there is evidence of a scar. Accordingly, the unique requirements of the airways and collateral channels calls for specific features for any implant used in collateral channels. For example, these implants/conduits are often placed across three different tissue zones; namely the parenchyma, the newly sectioned airway wall, and the interior of the airway surface. Each different zone may have a different reaction to the presence of the implant/conduit. The parenchyma may build up a layer of scar tissue around the conduit, which may eventually eject the implant or block the air path on the parenchyma side of the conduit. The airway wall may undergo a healing response as a result of the trauma of the procedure. This healing response and associated tissue growth may restrict air-flow through the implant. Furthermore, mucus from the airways may deposit in to the conduit thereby further occluding the conduit. In addition, placement of an implant or conduit within the collateral channel may present additional structure requirements for the devices. For example, surgeons often use radiological imaging to place coronary stents within the vasculature. In most cases, placement of coronary stents is critical so that the ends of the coronary stent straddle the vascular obstruction. In contrast, a surgeon placing an implant in collateral channels is often using a remote access device such as a bronchoscope or endoscope that allows for direct observation of the device during placement. For proper placement of the implant, and in cases where it is important to “sandwich” the airway wall, it is necessary to identify the center and/or edges of the conduit or implant prior to expansion of the device. It follows that failure to properly place the implant may result in detachment of the implant (via insufficient attachment to the airway wall), pneumothorax (if the implant is advanced too distally and breaches the pleural cavity), or deployment of the implant wholly in the lung parenchyma exterior to the airway wall. Accordingly, such devices may require a visual indicator to assist the medical practitioner during placement and to offer a measure of safety so that the device is not improperly advanced/deployed thus creating additional complications. Accordingly, there remains a need for devices and methods that specifically address the requirements discussed herein. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The devices and methods described herein serve to maintain the patency of a channel surgically created in an organ such as an airway wall. In particular, the devices and methods are suited for placement within a channel created within the airway wall and prevent closure of the channel such that air may flow through the channel and into the airway. It is noted that the devices and methods described herein have particular use for individuals having emphysema and COPD. However, the devices and methods could also benefit any individuals having hyperinflation of the lungs. Delivery devices for delivering the implants and/or creating the opening are described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/488,33, filed Jul. 18, 2003, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/894,876 (U.S 2005/0056292A1 ) entitled DEVICES FOR MAINTAINING PATENCY OF SURGICALLY CREATED CHANNELS IN TISSUE, and filed on Jul. 19, 2004, the entirety of both are herein incorporated by reference. Implants of the present invention may include a support member having a structure that is adapted for placement within a wall of a body organ, especially an airway wall. When used in the lungs implants of the present invention modify the healing response of the lung tissue (e.g., at the site of newly created hole/channel) for a sufficient time until the healing response of the lung tissue subsides or reduces such that the hole/channel becomes a persistent air path. For example, the implant and bioactive substance will modify the healing response for a sufficient time until the healing response is reduced and, from a visual observation, the body treats the opening essentially as a natural airway passage rather than as an injury to the airway wall. Variations of the invention include implants having compositions comprising a polymer which either serves as a carrier for the agent or as a delivery barrier for the agent. In those variations of the implant used in the airways, the composition may provide a steady release rate of bio-active substance as well as have a sufficient amount of available bio-active substance to modify the healing response of the lung tissue. As described herein, such a delivery system takes advantage of the tissue environment surrounding the airways. The antiproliferative agent of the present invention is one that modifies a healing response. Various agents are discussed below, examples include a microtubule stabilizing agent such as taxol or paclitaxel, or a microtubule destabilizing agent such as vincristine, vinblastine, podophylotoxin, estramustine, noscapine, griseofulvin, dicoumarol, a vinca alkaloid, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the agent may include steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, rapamnycin, dactinomycin, sirolimus, everolimus, Abt-578, tacrolimus, and a combination thereof. It is noted that the composition or implant may also include additional substance as required by the location of the implant. Such substances may affect/suppress mucus production, provide protection against bacteria, or maintain sterility of the implant site or surrounding tissue. It is contemplated that the bio-active substances listed herein includes all forms of the substances (e.g., analogs, derivatives, salt forms and crystalline forms.) Variations of the invention also may include visualization features which provide assistance when attempting to place the implant from within an organ and having no or little direct visibility outside of the organ. The invention may also include additional features such as valves within the implant to regulate flow or provide a protective barrier. It is contemplated that though the invention includes a combination of support member and bioactive substance, it is noted that the structural configurations of several, if not all, of the support members provide unique advantages that lend themselves to use in securing the implant about a wall of an organ. Therefore, it is further contemplated that the structural configurations may also provide inventive embodiments without the bioactive substance. This application is also related to the following applications 60/420,440 filed Oct. 21, 2002; 60/387,163 filed Jun. 7, 2002; Ser. No. 10/235,240 filed Sep. 4, 2002; Ser. No. 09/947,144 filed Sep. 4, 2001; Ser. No. 09/908,177 filed Jul. 18, 2001; Ser. No. 09/633,651 filed Aug. 7, 2000; and 60/176,141 filed Jan. 14, 2000; Ser. No. 10/080,344 filed Feb. 21, 2002; Ser. No. 10/079,605 filed Feb. 21, 2002; and Ser. No. 10/280,851 filed Oct. 25, 2002. Each of which is incorporated by reference herein. Accordingly, where not inconsistent with the principles described herein, features and aspects of the invention may be combined with the various implants and conduits described in the above related applications. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7821174

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is the U.S. National Stage of PCT/JP2006/311199, filed Jun. 5, 2006, which claims priority from JP2005-166349, filed Jun. 7, 2005, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference hereto. BACKGROUND The present disclosure relates to an armature. There exists rotating electric machines that include an armature that is formed with a core that is wound around by a coil and fitted by a shaft so as to be supported. The core is constructed by laminating, via integration, a plurality of ring-shaped plate materials that are each formed by punching a metallic plate material. The shaft is pressed into a shaft hole formed in the core so as to fix the shaft to the core. For the rotating electric machines, it is necessary to fix the shaft (to reach a strongly integrated state) to the core in a state where relative movement in the axial direction and in the direction around the axis is restricted (an integrating, fixing, and fastening state). In order to achieve a strongly integrated state between the shaft and the core, an outside diameter of the shaft has been set to be larger than an inside diameter of the shaft hole so as to press the shaft into the shaft hole. Such a construction, however, has disadvantages. Not only is the press-in work difficult, but deformation also occurs in the core due to a press-in load that distorts the shape of the shaft hole. Shaft core accuracy of the shaft is thus impaired, and a crack also occurs in the core so as to deteriorate durability. In order to resolve those problems, a proposed armature is constructed by forming projections (knurls) on an outer circumferential surface of a shaft and press-fitting so that the projections are caught in the inner circumferential surface of a shaft hole. This construction attempts to reach a state (a fastening state) that prevents rotation with respect to the shaft hole and restricts movement in an axial direction (see Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 2003-111326, for example). SUMMARY The above proposed armature has problems because an inside diameter of the shaft hole has been set slightly larger than an outside diameter of the shaft and a slight clearance exists therebetween. It is not only difficult securing coaxial shaft core accuracy between the shaft and shaft hole without spoiling the rotation balance, but it is also difficult maintaining a side surface of the core and the shaft in an orthogonal relationship in order to avoid a wobbling surface at the time of a rotary drive. In order to improve shaft core accuracy of the armature, accordingly, the projections have not been provided on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft. On the other hand, because the core is constructed by laminating a plurality of core materials, a lamination misalignment inevitably occurs and another misalignment also occurs in the shaft hole. As a result, a cylindrical hole inner circumference of the shaft hole is stepped, and shaft core accuracy of the cylindrical hole is degraded. When a shaft without projections is pressed into such a core so as to construct an armature, rotation balance is inferior and a surface shake occurs because the lamination misalignment directly affects shaft core accuracy of the shaft. In addition, a sufficient contact area may not be secured between the shaft and the shaft hole. A fastening force between the core and the shaft thus becomes insufficient. The present disclosure solves those problems as well as other problems and is also able to achieve various advantages. The disclosure addresses an exemplary aspect of a rotating electric machine that includes a shaft and an armature with a core that includes a shaft hole. The core includes a plurality of core materials that are laminated. When pressing in and fixing the shaft to the shaft hole, the shaft hole is applied with an ironing process in advance in order to rectify a cylindrical hole shape of the shaft hole. In another exemplary aspect, a part of the shaft, whose outer circumferential surface is fitted with the shaft hole, is formed in a perfect circular shape. In another exemplary aspect, the core includes a space passing therethrough in an axial direction at an inner radial-side part of the core that defines the shaft hole with the space located at an inner radial side further than a location where the core materials are integrated. In another exemplary aspect, the core materials are formed by a punching process of metallic plate materials, and the ironing process is performed in a same direction as a punching direction of the punching process. In another exemplary aspect, a manufacturing method of an armature includes forming a core that includes a shaft hole by laminating a plurality of core materials and applying an ironing process to the shaft hole in order to rectify a cylindrical hole shape of the shaft hole. According to various exemplary aspects of the disclosure, even if a lamination misalignment has occurred in a shaft hole of a core for which a plurality of core materials are laminated, the lamination misalignment is eliminated, and the cylindrical hole shape is rectified. A shaft hole that is excellent in shaft core accuracy of the cylindrical hole can be achieved, whereby an armature excellent in rotation balance can be provided. According to various exemplary aspects of the disclosure, the core can be constructed by integration without being impaired. According to various exemplary aspects of the disclosure, an ironing process can be smoothly performed. According to various exemplary aspects of the disclosure, the cylindrical hole shape of the shaft hole can be rectified with high accuracy.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is the U.S. National Stage of PCT/JP2006/311199, filed Jun. 5, 2006, which claims priority from JP2005-166349, filed Jun. 7, 2005, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference hereto. BACKGROUND The present disclosure relates to an armature. There exists rotating electric machines that include an armature that is formed with a core that is wound around by a coil and fitted by a shaft so as to be supported. The core is constructed by laminating, via integration, a plurality of ring-shaped plate materials that are each formed by punching a metallic plate material. The shaft is pressed into a shaft hole formed in the core so as to fix the shaft to the core. For the rotating electric machines, it is necessary to fix the shaft (to reach a strongly integrated state) to the core in a state where relative movement in the axial direction and in the direction around the axis is restricted (an integrating, fixing, and fastening state). In order to achieve a strongly integrated state between the shaft and the core, an outside diameter of the shaft has been set to be larger than an inside diameter of the shaft hole so as to press the shaft into the shaft hole. Such a construction, however, has disadvantages. Not only is the press-in work difficult, but deformation also occurs in the core due to a press-in load that distorts the shape of the shaft hole. Shaft core accuracy of the shaft is thus impaired, and a crack also occurs in the core so as to deteriorate durability. In order to resolve those problems, a proposed armature is constructed by forming projections (knurls) on an outer circumferential surface of a shaft and press-fitting so that the projections are caught in the inner circumferential surface of a shaft hole. This construction attempts to reach a state (a fastening state) that prevents rotation with respect to the shaft hole and restricts movement in an axial direction (see Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 2003-111326, for example). SUMMARY The above proposed armature has problems because an inside diameter of the shaft hole has been set slightly larger than an outside diameter of the shaft and a slight clearance exists therebetween. It is not only difficult securing coaxial shaft core accuracy between the shaft and shaft hole without spoiling the rotation balance, but it is also difficult maintaining a side surface of the core and the shaft in an orthogonal relationship in order to avoid a wobbling surface at the time of a rotary drive. In order to improve shaft core accuracy of the armature, accordingly, the projections have not been provided on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft. On the other hand, because the core is constructed by laminating a plurality of core materials, a lamination misalignment inevitably occurs and another misalignment also occurs in the shaft hole. As a result, a cylindrical hole inner circumference of the shaft hole is stepped, and shaft core accuracy of the cylindrical hole is degraded. When a shaft without projections is pressed into such a core so as to construct an armature, rotation balance is inferior and a surface shake occurs because the lamination misalignment directly affects shaft core accuracy of the shaft. In addition, a sufficient contact area may not be secured between the shaft and the shaft hole. A fastening force between the core and the shaft thus becomes insufficient. The present disclosure solves those problems as well as other problems and is also able to achieve various advantages. The disclosure addresses an exemplary aspect of a rotating electric machine that includes a shaft and an armature with a core that includes a shaft hole. The core includes a plurality of core materials that are laminated. When pressing in and fixing the shaft to the shaft hole, the shaft hole is applied with an ironing process in advance in order to rectify a cylindrical hole shape of the shaft hole. In another exemplary aspect, a part of the shaft, whose outer circumferential surface is fitted with the shaft hole, is formed in a perfect circular shape. In another exemplary aspect, the core includes a space passing therethrough in an axial direction at an inner radial-side part of the core that defines the shaft hole with the space located at an inner radial side further than a location where the core materials are integrated. In another exemplary aspect, the core materials are formed by a punching process of metallic plate materials, and the ironing process is performed in a same direction as a punching direction of the punching process. In another exemplary aspect, a manufacturing method of an armature includes forming a core that includes a shaft hole by laminating a plurality of core materials and applying an ironing process to the shaft hole in order to rectify a cylindrical hole shape of the shaft hole. According to various exemplary aspects of the disclosure, even if a lamination misalignment has occurred in a shaft hole of a core for which a plurality of core materials are laminated, the lamination misalignment is eliminated, and the cylindrical hole shape is rectified. A shaft hole that is excellent in shaft core accuracy of the cylindrical hole can be achieved, whereby an armature excellent in rotation balance can be provided. According to various exemplary aspects of the disclosure, the core can be constructed by integration without being impaired. According to various exemplary aspects of the disclosure, an ironing process can be smoothly performed. According to various exemplary aspects of the disclosure, the cylindrical hole shape of the shaft hole can be rectified with high accuracy. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7777468

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to a semiconductor apparatus configured to function as a step-down type switching regulator, and especially relates to a semiconductor apparatus configured to function as a step-down type switching regulator wherein asynchronous rectification is carried out if a load current is small, and synchronous rectification is carried out when the load current is great. 2. Description of the Related Art Rectification methods employed by step-down type switching regulators that use an inductor include a synchronous rectification method and an asynchronous rectification method. The step-down type switching regulators work in two modes, namely, a continuous operation mode and an intermittent mode. The continuous mode is where a great load current flows and a current continues flowing through the inductor. The intermittent mode is where the load current is small and the current may not always flow through the inductor. FIG. 7is a circuit diagram of an example of an output circuit of a conventional step-down type switching regulator using the synchronous rectification method. According to the conventional step-down type switching regulator with the output circuit as shown inFIG. 7, efficiency is high in the continuous operation mode; however, efficiency is remarkably degraded in the intermittent mode, because a reverse current flows from a load (Vout) to ground potential through a transistor M102for synchronous rectification. When the load is light, switching between a switching transistor M101and the transistor M102for synchronous rectification is frequently carried out, which generates a switching loss. In order to mitigate the switching loss, switching to PFM control from PWM control is often performed. Further, while the PFM control takes place, the output circuit is arranged to provide asynchronous rectification in order to prevent efficiency degradation by the reverse current. As shown inFIG. 8, a common practice is to use a diode D101as a component for rectification in the output circuit of the step-down type switching regulator using the asynchronous rectification method. According to the circuit shown inFIG. 8, the reverse current can be prevented because a potential on the side of the load serves as a backward bias for the diode D101even if the intermittent mode takes place. However, since the diode D101has a relatively great forward voltage such as 0.6 V, power consumption by the diode D101is great, and the efficiency cannot be remarkably improved. In this connection, Patent Reference 1, for example, discloses a circuit of a switching regulator as shown inFIG. 9, whereby efficiency of the asynchronous rectification method is improved. As shown inFIG. 9, the circuit includes a bipolar transistor Q101for switching, which transistor is a PNP transistor. A driving signal is provided to the base of the bipolar transistor Q101, wherein the driving signal is provided by a PWM comparator that is not illustrated. If the driving signal is H (high level) and the bipolar transistor Q101is turned off, a voltage V101at an end of an inductor L101falls to a negative voltage. The circuit further includes a comparator CMP101. A non-inverting input terminal of the comparator CMP101is connected to ground potential. An inverting input terminal of the comparator CMP101is provided with the voltage V101at a connecting point of the bipolar transistor Q101and an inductor L101. The comparator CMP101has hysteresis. If the voltage V101is a negative voltage, an output of the comparator CMP101becomes H (high level). The output of the comparator CMP101is provided to the gate of a MOS transistor M102for rectification and the MOS transistor M102is turned on. Accordingly, no current flows into the inductor L101. If the voltage V101becomes greater than ground potential, the output of the comparator CMP101is L (low level), and turns off the MOS transistor M102such that a reverse current from the load (Vout) is prevented. By using a device having an ON resistance that is smaller than a Schottky diode D101as the MOS transistor M102for rectification, the efficiency of the asynchronous rectification is raised. [Patent Reference 1] JP 3402983 DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Objective of the Invention However, according to the circuit shown inFIG. 9, since the MOS transistor M102for rectification is controlled by the comparator CMP101, there is a delay in operations before the MOS transistor M102for rectification is turned on when the voltage V101falls to negative voltage. In order to compensate for the operational delay, the Schottky diode D101is provided. For this reason, the MOS transistor M102for rectification and the comparator CMP101are added to the circuit shown inFIG. 8, posing a problem that a circuit area (space required for the circuit) is increased. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a semiconductor apparatus that substantially obviates one or more of the problems caused by the limitations and disadvantages of the related art. Specifically, the present invention provides a semiconductor apparatus configured to efficiently function as a step-down type switching regulator without increasing the circuit area (space required for the circuit). Features of embodiments of the present invention are set forth in the description that follows, and in part will become apparent from the description and the accompanying drawings, or may be learned by practice of the invention according to the teachings provided in the description. Problem solutions provided by an embodiment of the present invention may be realized and attained by a semiconductor apparatus particularly pointed out in the specification in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention. Means for Solving a Problem To achieve these solutions and in accordance with an aspect of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, an embodiment of the invention provides a semiconductor apparatus as follows. The semiconductor apparatus is for receiving an input voltage at an input terminal, for stepping down the input voltage to a predetermined constant output voltage, and for providing the output voltage from an output terminal, wherein a step-down type switching regulator including a serial circuit of a switching transistor and an inductor is provided between the input terminal and the output terminal. According to an aspect of the embodiment, the semiconductor apparatus comprises: a P type transistor for rectification connected between a negative side of a power supply voltage and a connection point of the switching transistor and the inductor, wherein a control electrode of the P type transistor is connected to the connection point of the switching transistor and the inductor, and a transistor for synchronous rectification, wherein a control signal is provided to a control electrode of the transistor for synchronous rectification for performing a switching operation that is opposite to the switching transistor, wherein the transistor for synchronous rectification is connected parallel to the P type transistor for rectification, wherein the transistor for synchronous rectification is arranged closer to the connection point of the switching transistor and the inductor than the P type transistor for rectification. According to another aspect of the embodiment, the semiconductor apparatus further includes a drive controlling circuit for controlling a drive of the transistor for synchronous rectification, wherein the drive controlling circuit causes the transistor for synchronous rectification to perform switching if the control signal provided is for triggering the synchronous rectification mode, and causes the transistor for synchronous rectification to be turned off if the control signal provided is for triggering the asynchronous rectification mode. Here, when the load is light and consumption current is low, the control signal for triggering the asynchronous rectification mode is provided to the drive controlling circuit; and when the load is normal, the control signal for triggering the synchronous rectification mode is provided to the drive controlling circuit. According to another aspect of the embodiment, the transistor for rectification is one of a PMOS transistor and a PNP transistor. EFFECTIVENESS OF INVENTION According to the semiconductor apparatus of the embodiment of the present invention, the transistor for synchronous rectification is arranged closer to the connection point of the switching transistor and the inductor than the transistor for rectification. In this way, the efficiency is improved whether or not the load is light, but without increasing the area (space) required for the circuit.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to a semiconductor apparatus configured to function as a step-down type switching regulator, and especially relates to a semiconductor apparatus configured to function as a step-down type switching regulator wherein asynchronous rectification is carried out if a load current is small, and synchronous rectification is carried out when the load current is great. 2. Description of the Related Art Rectification methods employed by step-down type switching regulators that use an inductor include a synchronous rectification method and an asynchronous rectification method. The step-down type switching regulators work in two modes, namely, a continuous operation mode and an intermittent mode. The continuous mode is where a great load current flows and a current continues flowing through the inductor. The intermittent mode is where the load current is small and the current may not always flow through the inductor. FIG. 7is a circuit diagram of an example of an output circuit of a conventional step-down type switching regulator using the synchronous rectification method. According to the conventional step-down type switching regulator with the output circuit as shown inFIG. 7, efficiency is high in the continuous operation mode; however, efficiency is remarkably degraded in the intermittent mode, because a reverse current flows from a load (Vout) to ground potential through a transistor M102for synchronous rectification. When the load is light, switching between a switching transistor M101and the transistor M102for synchronous rectification is frequently carried out, which generates a switching loss. In order to mitigate the switching loss, switching to PFM control from PWM control is often performed. Further, while the PFM control takes place, the output circuit is arranged to provide asynchronous rectification in order to prevent efficiency degradation by the reverse current. As shown inFIG. 8, a common practice is to use a diode D101as a component for rectification in the output circuit of the step-down type switching regulator using the asynchronous rectification method. According to the circuit shown inFIG. 8, the reverse current can be prevented because a potential on the side of the load serves as a backward bias for the diode D101even if the intermittent mode takes place. However, since the diode D101has a relatively great forward voltage such as 0.6 V, power consumption by the diode D101is great, and the efficiency cannot be remarkably improved. In this connection, Patent Reference 1, for example, discloses a circuit of a switching regulator as shown inFIG. 9, whereby efficiency of the asynchronous rectification method is improved. As shown inFIG. 9, the circuit includes a bipolar transistor Q101for switching, which transistor is a PNP transistor. A driving signal is provided to the base of the bipolar transistor Q101, wherein the driving signal is provided by a PWM comparator that is not illustrated. If the driving signal is H (high level) and the bipolar transistor Q101is turned off, a voltage V101at an end of an inductor L101falls to a negative voltage. The circuit further includes a comparator CMP101. A non-inverting input terminal of the comparator CMP101is connected to ground potential. An inverting input terminal of the comparator CMP101is provided with the voltage V101at a connecting point of the bipolar transistor Q101and an inductor L101. The comparator CMP101has hysteresis. If the voltage V101is a negative voltage, an output of the comparator CMP101becomes H (high level). The output of the comparator CMP101is provided to the gate of a MOS transistor M102for rectification and the MOS transistor M102is turned on. Accordingly, no current flows into the inductor L101. If the voltage V101becomes greater than ground potential, the output of the comparator CMP101is L (low level), and turns off the MOS transistor M102such that a reverse current from the load (Vout) is prevented. By using a device having an ON resistance that is smaller than a Schottky diode D101as the MOS transistor M102for rectification, the efficiency of the asynchronous rectification is raised. [Patent Reference 1] JP 3402983 DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Objective of the Invention However, according to the circuit shown inFIG. 9, since the MOS transistor M102for rectification is controlled by the comparator CMP101, there is a delay in operations before the MOS transistor M102for rectification is turned on when the voltage V101falls to negative voltage. In order to compensate for the operational delay, the Schottky diode D101is provided. For this reason, the MOS transistor M102for rectification and the comparator CMP101are added to the circuit shown inFIG. 8, posing a problem that a circuit area (space required for the circuit) is increased. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a semiconductor apparatus that substantially obviates one or more of the problems caused by the limitations and disadvantages of the related art. Specifically, the present invention provides a semiconductor apparatus configured to efficiently function as a step-down type switching regulator without increasing the circuit area (space required for the circuit). Features of embodiments of the present invention are set forth in the description that follows, and in part will become apparent from the description and the accompanying drawings, or may be learned by practice of the invention according to the teachings provided in the description. Problem solutions provided by an embodiment of the present invention may be realized and attained by a semiconductor apparatus particularly pointed out in the specification in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention. Means for Solving a Problem To achieve these solutions and in accordance with an aspect of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, an embodiment of the invention provides a semiconductor apparatus as follows. The semiconductor apparatus is for receiving an input voltage at an input terminal, for stepping down the input voltage to a predetermined constant output voltage, and for providing the output voltage from an output terminal, wherein a step-down type switching regulator including a serial circuit of a switching transistor and an inductor is provided between the input terminal and the output terminal. According to an aspect of the embodiment, the semiconductor apparatus comprises: a P type transistor for rectification connected between a negative side of a power supply voltage and a connection point of the switching transistor and the inductor, wherein a control electrode of the P type transistor is connected to the connection point of the switching transistor and the inductor, and a transistor for synchronous rectification, wherein a control signal is provided to a control electrode of the transistor for synchronous rectification for performing a switching operation that is opposite to the switching transistor, wherein the transistor for synchronous rectification is connected parallel to the P type transistor for rectification, wherein the transistor for synchronous rectification is arranged closer to the connection point of the switching transistor and the inductor than the P type transistor for rectification. According to another aspect of the embodiment, the semiconductor apparatus further includes a drive controlling circuit for controlling a drive of the transistor for synchronous rectification, wherein the drive controlling circuit causes the transistor for synchronous rectification to perform switching if the control signal provided is for triggering the synchronous rectification mode, and causes the transistor for synchronous rectification to be turned off if the control signal provided is for triggering the asynchronous rectification mode. Here, when the load is light and consumption current is low, the control signal for triggering the asynchronous rectification mode is provided to the drive controlling circuit; and when the load is normal, the control signal for triggering the synchronous rectification mode is provided to the drive controlling circuit. According to another aspect of the embodiment, the transistor for rectification is one of a PMOS transistor and a PNP transistor. EFFECTIVENESS OF INVENTION According to the semiconductor apparatus of the embodiment of the present invention, the transistor for synchronous rectification is arranged closer to the connection point of the switching transistor and the inductor than the transistor for rectification. In this way, the efficiency is improved whether or not the load is light, but without increasing the area (space) required for the circuit. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7766417

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2007-011352, filed on Jan. 22, 2007, and 2007-259948, filed on Oct. 3, 2007. The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-011352 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-259948 are hereby incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 1. Field of the Disclosure The present invention relates to cowl structures of motor vehicles. 2. Description of the Related Art In the field of motor vehicles, for protecting pedestrians, there have been proposed cowl structures that dampen a shock applied to the pedestrian when his or her head collides against the windshield. In the motor vehicles of such type, in a space located in front of an instrument panel and below the windshield, there may be installed a cowl box having a generally rectangular closed cross section and extending transversely (i.e., in the direction of the width of the vehicle). Fresh air is led into a vehicle cabin through the cowl box. A lower end of the windshield may be bonded to a glass holding surface provided on an upper wall of a dash upper panel that constitutes a rear part of the cowl box. For dampening a shock applied to the windshield, a vertical wall that constitutes an inboard part of the cowl box may be formed having a transversely-extending opening. Proximate to the opening, there may be a part having a generally bent cross section, so that upon receiving a shock load, the bent part may fold and deform, thereby dampening the shock load. One technique for such shock damping is disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Application (Tokkai) 2006-27417 at pages 45 and FIG. 1. SUMMARY OF THE CLAIMED SUBJECT MATTER In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle cowl structure including a cowl box having a closed cross section, an inclined holding surface configured to hold a lower end portion of a windshield, an upper wall extending toward an interior of a vehicle cabin from an upper end of the inclined holding surface, a vertical wall extending downward from an inside end of the upper wall, a bottom wall extending toward a front portion of the vehicle from a lower end of the vertical wall, and a recessed portion formed on the upper wall extending in a direction of the width of the vehicle, wherein the recessed portion is depressed toward an inside of the cowl box and is smoothly curved from the inclined holding surface to the vertical wall. In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle cowl structure including a cowl box having a closed cross-section, wherein the cowl box includes a holding surface means for holding a lower end portion of a windshield, an upper wall means for extending toward an interior of a vehicle cabin from an upper end of the holding surface means, a vertical wall means for extending downward from an inside end of the upper wall means, a bottom wall means for extending toward a front portion of the vehicle from a lower end of the vertical wall means, and a recess means formed on the upper wall means, the recess means extending in a direction of the width of the vehicle, wherein the recess means is depressed toward an inside of the cowl box and is smoothly curved from the holding surface means to the vertical wall means.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2007-011352, filed on Jan. 22, 2007, and 2007-259948, filed on Oct. 3, 2007. The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-011352 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-259948 are hereby incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 1. Field of the Disclosure The present invention relates to cowl structures of motor vehicles. 2. Description of the Related Art In the field of motor vehicles, for protecting pedestrians, there have been proposed cowl structures that dampen a shock applied to the pedestrian when his or her head collides against the windshield. In the motor vehicles of such type, in a space located in front of an instrument panel and below the windshield, there may be installed a cowl box having a generally rectangular closed cross section and extending transversely (i.e., in the direction of the width of the vehicle). Fresh air is led into a vehicle cabin through the cowl box. A lower end of the windshield may be bonded to a glass holding surface provided on an upper wall of a dash upper panel that constitutes a rear part of the cowl box. For dampening a shock applied to the windshield, a vertical wall that constitutes an inboard part of the cowl box may be formed having a transversely-extending opening. Proximate to the opening, there may be a part having a generally bent cross section, so that upon receiving a shock load, the bent part may fold and deform, thereby dampening the shock load. One technique for such shock damping is disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Application (Tokkai) 2006-27417 at pages 45 and FIG. 1. SUMMARY OF THE CLAIMED SUBJECT MATTER In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle cowl structure including a cowl box having a closed cross section, an inclined holding surface configured to hold a lower end portion of a windshield, an upper wall extending toward an interior of a vehicle cabin from an upper end of the inclined holding surface, a vertical wall extending downward from an inside end of the upper wall, a bottom wall extending toward a front portion of the vehicle from a lower end of the vertical wall, and a recessed portion formed on the upper wall extending in a direction of the width of the vehicle, wherein the recessed portion is depressed toward an inside of the cowl box and is smoothly curved from the inclined holding surface to the vertical wall. In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle cowl structure including a cowl box having a closed cross-section, wherein the cowl box includes a holding surface means for holding a lower end portion of a windshield, an upper wall means for extending toward an interior of a vehicle cabin from an upper end of the holding surface means, a vertical wall means for extending downward from an inside end of the upper wall means, a bottom wall means for extending toward a front portion of the vehicle from a lower end of the vertical wall means, and a recess means formed on the upper wall means, the recess means extending in a direction of the width of the vehicle, wherein the recess means is depressed toward an inside of the cowl box and is smoothly curved from the holding surface means to the vertical wall means. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7717599

BACKGROUND Light source modules are most widely used in illumination systems which have a variety of applications, including projection displays, backlights for liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and others. Projection systems usually include a source of light, illumination optics, an image-forming device, projection optics and a projection screen. The illumination optics collect light from a light source and direct it to one or more image-forming devices in a predetermined manner. The image-forming devices, controlled by an electronically conditioned and processed digital video signal, produce an image corresponding to the video signal. Projection optics then magnify the image and project it onto the projection screen. White light sources, such as arc lamps, in conjunction with color wheels have been and still are predominantly used as light sources for projection display systems. However, recently, light emitting diodes (LEDs) were introduced as an alternative due to their longer lifetime, higher efficiency and superior thermal characteristics. LEDs typically include an LED die or chip mounted on a metal header. The header can have a reflective cup in which the LED die is mounted, and electrical leads connected to the LED die. Some packages may also include a molded transparent resin that encapsulates the LED die. The encapsulating resin can have either a nominally hemispherical front surface to partially collimate light emitted from the die, or a nominally flat surface. Moreover, an optical element may be brought into contact or close proximity with a surface of an LED die to couple or “extract” light therefrom in order to reduce the amount of light trapped within the die. Also, extraction structures can be formed or positioned on the LED emitter to help couple light out of the LED die, thereby preventing the light from being trapped therein and wasted. For example, roughening the emitting surface of the LED die or providing a large number of facets or other structures on such surface, such as sub-wavelength structure, can be used to enhance light extraction from the LED die. Other extraction structures include high extraction photonic crystal structures and wire grid extraction components. Still other extraction structures include glass or ceramic extractors or extractor arrays as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publications US2006/0091411 (Ouderkirk et al.) “High Brightness LED Package”, US2006/0091798 (Ouderkirk et al.) “High Brightness LED Package With Compound Optical Element(s)”, and US2006/0092532 (Ouderkirk et al.) “High Brightness LED Package With Multiple Optical Elements”, all incorporated herein by reference. Recent advances in solid state lighting, optics, and display elements are allowing the creation of extremely small, full-color projectors. In order to make these color projectors small enough to be incorporated into a cell phone, it is necessary to explore very efficient and compact means of combining colors. There are two predominant methods of creating color projection. The first method, known as “Color-Sequential,” uses a dichroic X-cube to overlay light from individual red, green and blue light sources and image these colors onto a monochrome microdisplay in a specific time-sequential fashion. The second method, known as “Color-Filtering,” entails imaging a white light source onto a microdisplay with red/green/blue color filters. The discussion above is merely provided for general background information and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. SUMMARY A light source module is provided comprising an emitter having at least one light emitting surface and an at least partially hollow integrating optic mounted over the emitting surface; where the index of refraction within the hollowed area is less then the index of the subsequent medium along the optical path. The integrating optic has a proximal end facing the emitting surface and a distal end facing away from the emitting surface. The distal end of the integrating optic is flat and has a rectangular aspect ratio which can differ from the aspect ratio of the emitter. Optical films and/or an optical component such as a collection lens can be adhered to the distal end of the integrating optic. This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND Light source modules are most widely used in illumination systems which have a variety of applications, including projection displays, backlights for liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and others. Projection systems usually include a source of light, illumination optics, an image-forming device, projection optics and a projection screen. The illumination optics collect light from a light source and direct it to one or more image-forming devices in a predetermined manner. The image-forming devices, controlled by an electronically conditioned and processed digital video signal, produce an image corresponding to the video signal. Projection optics then magnify the image and project it onto the projection screen. White light sources, such as arc lamps, in conjunction with color wheels have been and still are predominantly used as light sources for projection display systems. However, recently, light emitting diodes (LEDs) were introduced as an alternative due to their longer lifetime, higher efficiency and superior thermal characteristics. LEDs typically include an LED die or chip mounted on a metal header. The header can have a reflective cup in which the LED die is mounted, and electrical leads connected to the LED die. Some packages may also include a molded transparent resin that encapsulates the LED die. The encapsulating resin can have either a nominally hemispherical front surface to partially collimate light emitted from the die, or a nominally flat surface. Moreover, an optical element may be brought into contact or close proximity with a surface of an LED die to couple or “extract” light therefrom in order to reduce the amount of light trapped within the die. Also, extraction structures can be formed or positioned on the LED emitter to help couple light out of the LED die, thereby preventing the light from being trapped therein and wasted. For example, roughening the emitting surface of the LED die or providing a large number of facets or other structures on such surface, such as sub-wavelength structure, can be used to enhance light extraction from the LED die. Other extraction structures include high extraction photonic crystal structures and wire grid extraction components. Still other extraction structures include glass or ceramic extractors or extractor arrays as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publications US2006/0091411 (Ouderkirk et al.) “High Brightness LED Package”, US2006/0091798 (Ouderkirk et al.) “High Brightness LED Package With Compound Optical Element(s)”, and US2006/0092532 (Ouderkirk et al.) “High Brightness LED Package With Multiple Optical Elements”, all incorporated herein by reference. Recent advances in solid state lighting, optics, and display elements are allowing the creation of extremely small, full-color projectors. In order to make these color projectors small enough to be incorporated into a cell phone, it is necessary to explore very efficient and compact means of combining colors. There are two predominant methods of creating color projection. The first method, known as “Color-Sequential,” uses a dichroic X-cube to overlay light from individual red, green and blue light sources and image these colors onto a monochrome microdisplay in a specific time-sequential fashion. The second method, known as “Color-Filtering,” entails imaging a white light source onto a microdisplay with red/green/blue color filters. The discussion above is merely provided for general background information and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. SUMMARY A light source module is provided comprising an emitter having at least one light emitting surface and an at least partially hollow integrating optic mounted over the emitting surface; where the index of refraction within the hollowed area is less then the index of the subsequent medium along the optical path. The integrating optic has a proximal end facing the emitting surface and a distal end facing away from the emitting surface. The distal end of the integrating optic is flat and has a rectangular aspect ratio which can differ from the aspect ratio of the emitter. Optical films and/or an optical component such as a collection lens can be adhered to the distal end of the integrating optic. This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7674031

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an optical modulation means, and more particularly, to an optical film capable of collect an incident light thereof to its frontal and normalized view angle, and thereby, increasing the brightness of the normal direction of a backlight system using the same. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Nowadays, it is commonly seen that backlight modules are used in electronic devices with planar displays, which includes devices as small as hand-held palm pilots and as large as big-screen TVs. The design challenge of a backlight module is to generate uniform illumination across the LCD surface and luminance that is high enough to produce good contrast in a day environment, so that most backlight modules had configured therein a brightness enhancement film (BEF) or a dual brightness enhancement film (DBEF) for such light management. It is noted that most optical film used in backlight module, such as a BEF or a DBEF, is thin matte surface reflective polarizer with tiny triangular structures on the film surface, as that shown inFIG. 1A. Conventionally, for enabling an optical film to guide an incident light thereof to its frontal and normalized view angle of the backlight module while enhancing the light emission efficiency of the same, the optical film can be a film fabricated from at least two overlapping BEFs or DBEFs for enhancing collecting light ability. Please refer toFIG. 1B, which is a schematic diagram showing light paths of beams traveling in a conventional optical film. InFIG. 1B, only a potion of the optical field generated from the light guide plate11and guided toward the optical film10, represented by the light91, is going to travel pass the optical film10by a direction normal to the light-emitting surface of the optical film10while the rest of the optical field, represented by the light91, will be guided back to the light guide plate11, by that the light emission efficiency of the optical film10is adversely affected as the light is directed to travel back and forth in the optical film10. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,791,540, entitled “Light fixture providing normalized output”, an optical structure is provided which is substantially a light guide plate having two optical films placed thereon while each optical film is configured with microstructures on a surface thereof. The aforesaid optical structure is capable of enabling light to be reflected back and forth between the two films and the light guide plate so as to provide normalized output. Instead of modifying the optical field of the light guide plate itself, the optical structure will reflect to optical field back to the light guide plate where it is redistributed and scattered so as to be redirected to the optical film for emitting. As the microstructure formed on the optical film is going to refract those incident beams of certain specific incident angles for enabling the same to be emitted away from the normal of the optical film while enabling others to be refracted/reflected back to the light guide plate where they are redistributed and scattered so as to be redirected to the optical film in an back and forth manner until they are able to be emitted away from the normal of the optical film. Thereby, eventually all the beams from the light guide plate will be emitted away from the normal of the optical film so that the luminous efficiency is enhanced. However, also because of the light is reflected back and forth between the optical films and the light guide plate, the energy of the light is lost during the process by a great amount. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,863,113, entitled “Plane light source unit”, an optical film with microstructure being adapted for backlight module is provided, in which the plural prism units formed on the optical film on a surface thereof facing toward a light guide plate will reflect/refract the beams emitted from the light guide plate for enabling the same to be emitted away from the normal of the optical film. The aforesaid optical film is able to provide a normalized output directly without having the beams to be reflected back and forth between the optical film and the light guide plate. However, the friction between the prism units of the optical film and the light guide plate is going to cause damage to the prism units, defecting the backlight module accordingly. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is to provide an optical film capable of modulating beams emitted from a light guide plate by the use of microstructures formed thereon so as to collect an incident light thereof to its frontal and normalized view angle, and thereby, increasing the brightness of the normal direction of a backlight system using the same. It is another object of the invention to provide a backlight system, capable of using a single optical film to collect an incident light thereof to its frontal and normalized view angle for eliminating the energy loss happening during the light reflected back and forth between the optical film and the light guide plate, by that not only the frontal bright of the backlight system is enhanced, but also the amount of optical film required in the backlight system is reduced. Yet, another object of the invention is to provide a backlight system, capable of using a optical film to modulate an optical film incident thereto effectively so as to enhancing its light emission efficiency with less light sources required. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, an optical film is provided which comprises: an entrance surface, for receiving an incident light where it is refracted inside the optical film to form a refracted optical field; and an exit surface, having a plurality of microstructures formed thereon, each microstructure being configured with a first curved surface and a second curved surface; wherein by the cooperation of the first and the second curved surfaces, the refracted optical field is collected to a frontal and normalized view angle of the exit surface where it is emitted. In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a backlight system is provided, which comprises: a planar light source; and an optical film, arranged at a side of the planar light source for receiving an incident light provided from the planar light source; wherein the optical film further comprises: an entrance surface, for receiving the incident light where it is refracted inside the optical film to form a refracted optical field; and an exit surface, having a plurality of microstructures formed thereon, each microstructure being configured with a first curved surface and a second curved surface for working cooperatively to collect the refracted optical field to a frontal and normalized view angle of the exit surface where it is emitted. Further scope of applicability of the present application will become more apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating several embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an optical modulation means, and more particularly, to an optical film capable of collect an incident light thereof to its frontal and normalized view angle, and thereby, increasing the brightness of the normal direction of a backlight system using the same. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Nowadays, it is commonly seen that backlight modules are used in electronic devices with planar displays, which includes devices as small as hand-held palm pilots and as large as big-screen TVs. The design challenge of a backlight module is to generate uniform illumination across the LCD surface and luminance that is high enough to produce good contrast in a day environment, so that most backlight modules had configured therein a brightness enhancement film (BEF) or a dual brightness enhancement film (DBEF) for such light management. It is noted that most optical film used in backlight module, such as a BEF or a DBEF, is thin matte surface reflective polarizer with tiny triangular structures on the film surface, as that shown inFIG. 1A. Conventionally, for enabling an optical film to guide an incident light thereof to its frontal and normalized view angle of the backlight module while enhancing the light emission efficiency of the same, the optical film can be a film fabricated from at least two overlapping BEFs or DBEFs for enhancing collecting light ability. Please refer toFIG. 1B, which is a schematic diagram showing light paths of beams traveling in a conventional optical film. InFIG. 1B, only a potion of the optical field generated from the light guide plate11and guided toward the optical film10, represented by the light91, is going to travel pass the optical film10by a direction normal to the light-emitting surface of the optical film10while the rest of the optical field, represented by the light91, will be guided back to the light guide plate11, by that the light emission efficiency of the optical film10is adversely affected as the light is directed to travel back and forth in the optical film10. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,791,540, entitled “Light fixture providing normalized output”, an optical structure is provided which is substantially a light guide plate having two optical films placed thereon while each optical film is configured with microstructures on a surface thereof. The aforesaid optical structure is capable of enabling light to be reflected back and forth between the two films and the light guide plate so as to provide normalized output. Instead of modifying the optical field of the light guide plate itself, the optical structure will reflect to optical field back to the light guide plate where it is redistributed and scattered so as to be redirected to the optical film for emitting. As the microstructure formed on the optical film is going to refract those incident beams of certain specific incident angles for enabling the same to be emitted away from the normal of the optical film while enabling others to be refracted/reflected back to the light guide plate where they are redistributed and scattered so as to be redirected to the optical film in an back and forth manner until they are able to be emitted away from the normal of the optical film. Thereby, eventually all the beams from the light guide plate will be emitted away from the normal of the optical film so that the luminous efficiency is enhanced. However, also because of the light is reflected back and forth between the optical films and the light guide plate, the energy of the light is lost during the process by a great amount. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,863,113, entitled “Plane light source unit”, an optical film with microstructure being adapted for backlight module is provided, in which the plural prism units formed on the optical film on a surface thereof facing toward a light guide plate will reflect/refract the beams emitted from the light guide plate for enabling the same to be emitted away from the normal of the optical film. The aforesaid optical film is able to provide a normalized output directly without having the beams to be reflected back and forth between the optical film and the light guide plate. However, the friction between the prism units of the optical film and the light guide plate is going to cause damage to the prism units, defecting the backlight module accordingly. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is to provide an optical film capable of modulating beams emitted from a light guide plate by the use of microstructures formed thereon so as to collect an incident light thereof to its frontal and normalized view angle, and thereby, increasing the brightness of the normal direction of a backlight system using the same. It is another object of the invention to provide a backlight system, capable of using a single optical film to collect an incident light thereof to its frontal and normalized view angle for eliminating the energy loss happening during the light reflected back and forth between the optical film and the light guide plate, by that not only the frontal bright of the backlight system is enhanced, but also the amount of optical film required in the backlight system is reduced. Yet, another object of the invention is to provide a backlight system, capable of using a optical film to modulate an optical film incident thereto effectively so as to enhancing its light emission efficiency with less light sources required. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, an optical film is provided which comprises: an entrance surface, for receiving an incident light where it is refracted inside the optical film to form a refracted optical field; and an exit surface, having a plurality of microstructures formed thereon, each microstructure being configured with a first curved surface and a second curved surface; wherein by the cooperation of the first and the second curved surfaces, the refracted optical field is collected to a frontal and normalized view angle of the exit surface where it is emitted. In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a backlight system is provided, which comprises: a planar light source; and an optical film, arranged at a side of the planar light source for receiving an incident light provided from the planar light source; wherein the optical film further comprises: an entrance surface, for receiving the incident light where it is refracted inside the optical film to form a refracted optical field; and an exit surface, having a plurality of microstructures formed thereon, each microstructure being configured with a first curved surface and a second curved surface for working cooperatively to collect the refracted optical field to a frontal and normalized view angle of the exit surface where it is emitted. Further scope of applicability of the present application will become more apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating several embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7698245

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a system and method for validating data for a machine. 2. Background Art Machine monitoring is a process by which a controller controlling a machine—e.g., a programmable logic controller (PLC) controlling a machine tool in a production facility—runs a program to automatically report the performance status of that machine. This reporting may be in the form of a transfer of information in standardized data blocks to a machine management system, such as a factory information system (FIS). Machine monitoring systems (MMS's) can provide important information about the condition of a machine on a plant floor. Examples of such information include: the number of units produced in a given time period, process cycle times, error conditions, machine failure conditions, blockages, etc. Based on this information, plant personnel can make educated decisions about resource allocations, production levels, and resolution of machine stoppages. The system is, however, only valuable if the information being provided is accurate. When the information is inaccurate, the system cannot be used to its full potential, causing inefficient work practices and decision making. In order to determine the validity of the data captured in an MMS, an individual, such as a subject matter expert, may review thousands of pieces of information to determine anomalies in the data that may indicate that some of the data is inaccurate. Such a subject matter expert may learn to identify these anomalies only after years of training and experience. Moreover, regardless of the level of training and experience of a particular individual, the sheer quantity of data generated in a large scale production facility may be impossible to completely review. This can lead to data inaccuracies being missed, inaccurate data being erroneously assumed to be accurate, and a loss of confidence in the data by decision-making personnel. As an example of the amount of data that may need to be reviewed, consider that if one machine on one assembly line generates 4000-5000 blocks of data per day, and each block of data consists of 32 status registers denoting the status of the machine at any given time, approximately 150,000 data entries will be generated, and will need to be reviewed. It is worth noting that the approximately 150,000 data entries represent only one machine on one assembly line. In a particular facility, there may be dozens of assembly lines, each consisting of 5-10 machines. Thus, for a single production facility for a single day, there may be tens of millions of data entries generated that need to be reviewed for accuracy by a subject matter expert. As a practical matter, the subject matter expert cannot handle such an overwhelming amount of data, and is therefore required to limit the focus to a single area. Moreover, logistical considerations present limitations on this type of analysis—i.e., there are far more production facilities and machines than there are subject matter experts to cover them. Thus, the current state of the art requires a labor and time intensive effort executed by a few highly trained individuals who, despite their skills, are limited in the amount of data they can validate. Therefore, a need exists for a system and method for validating data for a machine that takes advantage of electronic processing speed and the knowledge and skill of subject matter experts to quickly and accurately analyze large quantities of data to determine their validity. This, in turn, will allow an FIS or other machine management system to perform its tasks with some assurance that the data on which it is basing its decisions are accurate. One of the applications where a subject matter expert may be used to review machine monitoring data is prior to a particular machine being implemented in a production setting. For example, a subject matter expert may visit the machine builder prior to a new machine being certified for delivery to a production facility. In this environment, the machine may be operated by itself, or in conjunction with other machines as part of a work cell or assembly line, and machine monitoring data gathered during this preproduction operation. The subject matter expert can then review and analyze the recorded data to determine its accuracy. Once the machine has passed any required certification test, and the subject matter expert has determined that it is providing accurate machine monitoring data, it may then be shipped to a customer for use in a production facility. As discussed above, the machine monitoring data may be sent to an FIS to use the data to generate reports on which management decisions can be based. Unfortunately, setting up the interface between the MMS and the FIS often requires interruption of the machine data validation and machine certification at the machine builder. In a practical sense, this requires the FIS to be temporarily installed onsite at the machine builder's location to fine tune the interface between the MMS and the FIS. This process is costly, time consuming, and disruptive to the testing required of the newly built machine. Therefore, it would be desirable to have a system and method for validating data for a machine that also facilitates recordation of machine data that can later be output to an FIS at an offsite facility. For example, it would be desirable to prepare the interface between the MMS and the FIS at the production facility where the FIS will be permanently installed. This would avoid the undesirable extra steps of moving the FIS to the machine builder's location and disrupting the other testing on the newly built machine. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention provides a system and method for validating data for a machine using an algorithm executable by an electronic processor that can process large quantities of data and determine its validity based on the algorithm. Embodiments of the invention include a machine monitoring data mining and analysis engine that utilizes control simulation tools to capture real time machine monitoring data for analysis. The analysis engine is based on data rules that can identify patterns expected in good data sets, and that can be programmed into an electronic processor for speed and accuracy of application. Embodiments of the invention also provide a system and method for validating data for a machine wherein an output is generated indicating the validity of the machine management data. The machine monitoring data is recorded, and is then output to a machine management system, such as an FIS, so that operation of the machine can be simulated. This allows the data exchange interface between the MMS and the FIS to be developed without requiring the FIS to be installed at the location of the machine. The FIS can then generate its own output, which can be compared to the previously recorded output to verify the accuracy of the interaction between the MMS and FIS. Embodiments of the invention also include a method for validating data for a machine arrangement using a data collection and analysis system including a controller operatively connected to the machine arrangement and configured to output data related to operation of the machine arrangement. The data collection and analysis system further includes a processing arrangement having a processor and a memory, and which is programmed with an algorithm that includes a plurality of rules for determining validity of the data output from the controller. The method includes operating the machine arrangement, and capturing data from the controller during the machine arrangement operation. The captured data includes a plurality of registers, each of which is filled at predetermined time intervals with data related to operation of the machine arrangement. This generates a data set that is indicative of the machine arrangement operation over time, and which includes a plurality of data entries for each register. Each of the entries is associated with a certain time during the machine arrangement operation. An algorithm is executed from the processing arrangement using at least some of the captured data to determine validity of the data captured. The algorithm includes at least one of the following steps: applying a first rule to at least two of the data entries in a single register to determine if the data in the single register violate the first rule, or applying a second rule to data entries associated with the same time of the machine arrangement operation for at least two different registers to determine if the data in the at least two registers violate the second rule. The method also includes the step of indicating that at least some of the data in the data set is invalid when at least one of the rules is violated. Embodiments of the invention also include a system for validating data for a machine arrangement. The system includes a controller operatively connected to the machine arrangement and configured to output data at predetermined time intervals related to operation of the machine arrangement. A processing arrangement is operatively connected to the controller, and includes a processor and a memory. The processing arrangement is configured to receive into the memory data output from the controller. The data received is arranged into a plurality of registers, each of which includes data entries associated with different machine arrangement operation times. This forms a data set that is indicative of the machine arrangement operation over time, and which has a plurality of data entries for each register. The processor is programmed with an executable algorithm for determining validity of the data output from the controller. The algorithm includes at least one of a first rule or a second rule. The first rule is applicable to at least two of the data entries in a single one of the registers to determine if the data in the single register violate the first rule. The second rule is applicable to data entries associated with the same time of the machine operation for at least two different registers to determine if the data in the at least two registers violate the second rule. The processing arrangement is further configured to provide output indicating that at least some of the data in the data set is invalid when at least one of the rules is violated.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a system and method for validating data for a machine. 2. Background Art Machine monitoring is a process by which a controller controlling a machine—e.g., a programmable logic controller (PLC) controlling a machine tool in a production facility—runs a program to automatically report the performance status of that machine. This reporting may be in the form of a transfer of information in standardized data blocks to a machine management system, such as a factory information system (FIS). Machine monitoring systems (MMS's) can provide important information about the condition of a machine on a plant floor. Examples of such information include: the number of units produced in a given time period, process cycle times, error conditions, machine failure conditions, blockages, etc. Based on this information, plant personnel can make educated decisions about resource allocations, production levels, and resolution of machine stoppages. The system is, however, only valuable if the information being provided is accurate. When the information is inaccurate, the system cannot be used to its full potential, causing inefficient work practices and decision making. In order to determine the validity of the data captured in an MMS, an individual, such as a subject matter expert, may review thousands of pieces of information to determine anomalies in the data that may indicate that some of the data is inaccurate. Such a subject matter expert may learn to identify these anomalies only after years of training and experience. Moreover, regardless of the level of training and experience of a particular individual, the sheer quantity of data generated in a large scale production facility may be impossible to completely review. This can lead to data inaccuracies being missed, inaccurate data being erroneously assumed to be accurate, and a loss of confidence in the data by decision-making personnel. As an example of the amount of data that may need to be reviewed, consider that if one machine on one assembly line generates 4000-5000 blocks of data per day, and each block of data consists of 32 status registers denoting the status of the machine at any given time, approximately 150,000 data entries will be generated, and will need to be reviewed. It is worth noting that the approximately 150,000 data entries represent only one machine on one assembly line. In a particular facility, there may be dozens of assembly lines, each consisting of 5-10 machines. Thus, for a single production facility for a single day, there may be tens of millions of data entries generated that need to be reviewed for accuracy by a subject matter expert. As a practical matter, the subject matter expert cannot handle such an overwhelming amount of data, and is therefore required to limit the focus to a single area. Moreover, logistical considerations present limitations on this type of analysis—i.e., there are far more production facilities and machines than there are subject matter experts to cover them. Thus, the current state of the art requires a labor and time intensive effort executed by a few highly trained individuals who, despite their skills, are limited in the amount of data they can validate. Therefore, a need exists for a system and method for validating data for a machine that takes advantage of electronic processing speed and the knowledge and skill of subject matter experts to quickly and accurately analyze large quantities of data to determine their validity. This, in turn, will allow an FIS or other machine management system to perform its tasks with some assurance that the data on which it is basing its decisions are accurate. One of the applications where a subject matter expert may be used to review machine monitoring data is prior to a particular machine being implemented in a production setting. For example, a subject matter expert may visit the machine builder prior to a new machine being certified for delivery to a production facility. In this environment, the machine may be operated by itself, or in conjunction with other machines as part of a work cell or assembly line, and machine monitoring data gathered during this preproduction operation. The subject matter expert can then review and analyze the recorded data to determine its accuracy. Once the machine has passed any required certification test, and the subject matter expert has determined that it is providing accurate machine monitoring data, it may then be shipped to a customer for use in a production facility. As discussed above, the machine monitoring data may be sent to an FIS to use the data to generate reports on which management decisions can be based. Unfortunately, setting up the interface between the MMS and the FIS often requires interruption of the machine data validation and machine certification at the machine builder. In a practical sense, this requires the FIS to be temporarily installed onsite at the machine builder's location to fine tune the interface between the MMS and the FIS. This process is costly, time consuming, and disruptive to the testing required of the newly built machine. Therefore, it would be desirable to have a system and method for validating data for a machine that also facilitates recordation of machine data that can later be output to an FIS at an offsite facility. For example, it would be desirable to prepare the interface between the MMS and the FIS at the production facility where the FIS will be permanently installed. This would avoid the undesirable extra steps of moving the FIS to the machine builder's location and disrupting the other testing on the newly built machine. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention provides a system and method for validating data for a machine using an algorithm executable by an electronic processor that can process large quantities of data and determine its validity based on the algorithm. Embodiments of the invention include a machine monitoring data mining and analysis engine that utilizes control simulation tools to capture real time machine monitoring data for analysis. The analysis engine is based on data rules that can identify patterns expected in good data sets, and that can be programmed into an electronic processor for speed and accuracy of application. Embodiments of the invention also provide a system and method for validating data for a machine wherein an output is generated indicating the validity of the machine management data. The machine monitoring data is recorded, and is then output to a machine management system, such as an FIS, so that operation of the machine can be simulated. This allows the data exchange interface between the MMS and the FIS to be developed without requiring the FIS to be installed at the location of the machine. The FIS can then generate its own output, which can be compared to the previously recorded output to verify the accuracy of the interaction between the MMS and FIS. Embodiments of the invention also include a method for validating data for a machine arrangement using a data collection and analysis system including a controller operatively connected to the machine arrangement and configured to output data related to operation of the machine arrangement. The data collection and analysis system further includes a processing arrangement having a processor and a memory, and which is programmed with an algorithm that includes a plurality of rules for determining validity of the data output from the controller. The method includes operating the machine arrangement, and capturing data from the controller during the machine arrangement operation. The captured data includes a plurality of registers, each of which is filled at predetermined time intervals with data related to operation of the machine arrangement. This generates a data set that is indicative of the machine arrangement operation over time, and which includes a plurality of data entries for each register. Each of the entries is associated with a certain time during the machine arrangement operation. An algorithm is executed from the processing arrangement using at least some of the captured data to determine validity of the data captured. The algorithm includes at least one of the following steps: applying a first rule to at least two of the data entries in a single register to determine if the data in the single register violate the first rule, or applying a second rule to data entries associated with the same time of the machine arrangement operation for at least two different registers to determine if the data in the at least two registers violate the second rule. The method also includes the step of indicating that at least some of the data in the data set is invalid when at least one of the rules is violated. Embodiments of the invention also include a system for validating data for a machine arrangement. The system includes a controller operatively connected to the machine arrangement and configured to output data at predetermined time intervals related to operation of the machine arrangement. A processing arrangement is operatively connected to the controller, and includes a processor and a memory. The processing arrangement is configured to receive into the memory data output from the controller. The data received is arranged into a plurality of registers, each of which includes data entries associated with different machine arrangement operation times. This forms a data set that is indicative of the machine arrangement operation over time, and which has a plurality of data entries for each register. The processor is programmed with an executable algorithm for determining validity of the data output from the controller. The algorithm includes at least one of a first rule or a second rule. The first rule is applicable to at least two of the data entries in a single one of the registers to determine if the data in the single register violate the first rule. The second rule is applicable to data entries associated with the same time of the machine operation for at least two different registers to determine if the data in the at least two registers violate the second rule. The processing arrangement is further configured to provide output indicating that at least some of the data in the data set is invalid when at least one of the rules is violated. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7781872

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A number of semiconductor die packages for power MOSFETs (metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors) exist. While existing semiconductor die packages are useful, a number of improvements can be made. For example, it would be desirable if semiconductor die packages could be made smaller and could be designed so that they dissipate heat more efficiently. Further, existing lead configurations are not always easy for an OEM (original equipment manufacturers) to use. For example, in some cases, a package may have alternating gate and source leads on one side of package. This alternating configuration can make it more difficult for an OEM to use as it may require more corresponding conductive pads on a circuit substrate. For example, a gate lead in a package is sandwiched between two source leads, then any circuit board that is used to support the package would need to have circuit traces (e.g., pads) that are similarly separated. This makes it difficult for one designing the circuit board. In addition, in some cases, more source leads may be desirable in a package so that greater source current can be provided to the die package. Embodiments of the invention address the above problems and other problems individually and collectively. BRIEF SUMMARY Embodiments of the invention are directed to semiconductor die packages. One embodiment of the invention is directed to a semiconductor die package comprising a leadframe structure comprising a first die attach pad and a second die attach pad. A plurality of leads extends from the first and second die attach pads. The plurality of leads comprising at least a first control lead and a second control lead. A first semiconductor die comprises a first device and is mounted on the first die attach pad, and a second semiconductor die comprising a second device is mounted on the second die attach pad. A housing is provided in the semiconductor die package and protects the first and second dies. The housing may comprise an exterior surface and at least partially covering the first semiconductor die and the second semiconductor die. The first control lead and the second control lead are at opposite sides of the semiconductor die package. They are preferably at two opposing corner regions of the package, and are along one side region of the package. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a semiconductor die package comprising a leadframe structure comprising a first die attach pad and a second die attach pad. A plurality of leads extends from the first and second die attach pads, where the plurality of leads comprises at least a first gate lead and a second gate lead. A first semiconductor die comprising a first MOSFET is mounted on the first die attach pad, and a second semiconductor die comprising a second MOSFET is mounted on the second die attach pad, where the first semiconductor die and the second semiconductor die are connected in series. A housing comprising an exterior surface is provided in the semiconductor die package and at least partially covers the first semiconductor die and the second semiconductor die. The surfaces of the leads are substantially co-planar with the exterior surface of the housing, and the first gate lead and the second gate lead are at opposite sides of the semiconductor die package. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a semiconductor die package comprising obtaining a leadframe structure comprising a first die attach pad and a second die attach pad, and plurality of leads extending from the first and second die attach pads. The plurality of leads comprises at least a first control lead and a second control lead. The method also comprises attaching a first semiconductor die comprising a first device to the first die attach pad, attaching a second semiconductor die to comprising a second device to the second die attach pad, and providing a housing comprising an exterior surface on the first semiconductor die and the second semiconductor die to form the semiconductor die package. The first control lead and the second control lead are at opposite sides of the semiconductor die package. These and other embodiments of the invention are described in further detail below.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A number of semiconductor die packages for power MOSFETs (metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors) exist. While existing semiconductor die packages are useful, a number of improvements can be made. For example, it would be desirable if semiconductor die packages could be made smaller and could be designed so that they dissipate heat more efficiently. Further, existing lead configurations are not always easy for an OEM (original equipment manufacturers) to use. For example, in some cases, a package may have alternating gate and source leads on one side of package. This alternating configuration can make it more difficult for an OEM to use as it may require more corresponding conductive pads on a circuit substrate. For example, a gate lead in a package is sandwiched between two source leads, then any circuit board that is used to support the package would need to have circuit traces (e.g., pads) that are similarly separated. This makes it difficult for one designing the circuit board. In addition, in some cases, more source leads may be desirable in a package so that greater source current can be provided to the die package. Embodiments of the invention address the above problems and other problems individually and collectively. BRIEF SUMMARY Embodiments of the invention are directed to semiconductor die packages. One embodiment of the invention is directed to a semiconductor die package comprising a leadframe structure comprising a first die attach pad and a second die attach pad. A plurality of leads extends from the first and second die attach pads. The plurality of leads comprising at least a first control lead and a second control lead. A first semiconductor die comprises a first device and is mounted on the first die attach pad, and a second semiconductor die comprising a second device is mounted on the second die attach pad. A housing is provided in the semiconductor die package and protects the first and second dies. The housing may comprise an exterior surface and at least partially covering the first semiconductor die and the second semiconductor die. The first control lead and the second control lead are at opposite sides of the semiconductor die package. They are preferably at two opposing corner regions of the package, and are along one side region of the package. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a semiconductor die package comprising a leadframe structure comprising a first die attach pad and a second die attach pad. A plurality of leads extends from the first and second die attach pads, where the plurality of leads comprises at least a first gate lead and a second gate lead. A first semiconductor die comprising a first MOSFET is mounted on the first die attach pad, and a second semiconductor die comprising a second MOSFET is mounted on the second die attach pad, where the first semiconductor die and the second semiconductor die are connected in series. A housing comprising an exterior surface is provided in the semiconductor die package and at least partially covers the first semiconductor die and the second semiconductor die. The surfaces of the leads are substantially co-planar with the exterior surface of the housing, and the first gate lead and the second gate lead are at opposite sides of the semiconductor die package. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a semiconductor die package comprising obtaining a leadframe structure comprising a first die attach pad and a second die attach pad, and plurality of leads extending from the first and second die attach pads. The plurality of leads comprises at least a first control lead and a second control lead. The method also comprises attaching a first semiconductor die comprising a first device to the first die attach pad, attaching a second semiconductor die to comprising a second device to the second die attach pad, and providing a housing comprising an exterior surface on the first semiconductor die and the second semiconductor die to form the semiconductor die package. The first control lead and the second control lead are at opposite sides of the semiconductor die package. These and other embodiments of the invention are described in further detail below. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7681453

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to the calibration of inspection sensors, and more particularly, to a system and method for calibrating multiple sensors using a multi-mode target system. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In recent years, the use of advanced composite structures has experienced tremendous growth in the aerospace, automotive, and many other commercial industries. While composite materials offer significant improvements in performance, they require strict quality control procedures in both the manufacturing processes and after the materials are in service in finished products. Specifically, non-destructive evaluation (NDE) methods must assess the structural integrity of composite materials. This assessment detects inclusions, delaminations and porosities. Conventional NDE methods are slow, labor-intensive, and costly. As a result, testing procedures adversely increase the manufacturing costs associated with composite structures. Various methods and apparatuses have been proposed to assess the structural integrity of composite structures. One solution uses an ultrasonic source to generate ultrasonic surface displacements in a work piece which are then measured and analyzed. Often, the external source of ultrasound is a pulsed generation laser beam directed at the target. Laser light from a separate detection laser is scattered by ultrasonic surface displacements at the work piece. Collection optics then collect the scattered laser energy. The collection optics are coupled to an interferometer or other device, and data about the structural integrity of the composite structure can be obtained through analysis of the scattered laser energy. Laser ultrasound has been shown to be very effective for the inspection of parts during the manufacturing process. However, the equipment used for laser ultrasound must be precisely calibrated to obtain accurate measurements. Calibration of optical components requires placing calibration targets at specific locations in the inspection field, aiming and focusing the optical systems at the target, and recording optical system data such as lens position, azimuth and elevation. The target is then moved to other locations in the inspection field, and the process is repeated. After repeating the process at multiple locations within the inspection field, algorithms can correlate the camera position in the inspection field. Additional optics and sensors, such visual cameras, depth cameras, and other like sensors can establish the position and orientation of the work piece. Highly accurate measurements require calibration of the multiple sensors and the ability to correlate measurements to the work piece or final world framework. Single-mode targets, when used to calibrate equipment, require a different target to calibrate each optical component. This is because each optical component may operate at different wavelengths. A single-mode target, designed to work for one optical sensor, will not function properly as a target for a different optical system operating at a different wavelength. For example, a flat target having a contrasting pattern can serve as a suitable target for an optical camera, but will not serve as a suitable target for a depth camera. The flat target provides no depth contrast. Calibrating each optical sensor independently with a single-mode target is labor intensive, time consuming and can introduce intersection errors in the calibration process. Errors introduced in the calibration process will result in imprecise measurements when the laser ultrasound system is operating in the final world framework. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a system and method to calibrate a laser ultrasound system using a multi-mode calibration target that substantially addresses the above-identified needs and others. A multi-mode calibration target may provide both depth and visual contrast in a single target, providing a common focal point for the optical components of a laser ultrasound system. A laser diode may be added to a multi-mode target to provide an additional target mode for optical components of the system. By using a multi-mode calibration target to calibrate the optical sensors of a laser inspection system, a common focal point for many optical systems can be created. By combining several multi-mode targets on a fixed or adjustable array, a multi-mode target array can allow operators to quickly and accurately calibrate multiple sensors prior to using laser ultrasound equipment while limiting the errors associated with calibration. Prior to performing an ultrasonic inspection, ultrasonic inspection systems must be calibrated. The multi-mode target is operable to calibrate the multiple optical sensors and components without repeating time consuming setups that can introduce differing errors. The multi-mode target may introduce a single multi-mode target, a fixed array of multi-mode targets or an adjustable array of multi-mode targets. The multi-mode target has at least two parallel planar surfaces separated at a distance sufficient to provide depth contrast for depth cameras and contrasting colored surfaces that provide sufficient optical contrast for visual cameras. The parallel planar surfaces may be created by a peg on a first planar surface which elevates a second planar surface above the first planar surface or by inscribing a shape, such as a circle, in a first planar surface to create a second planar surface below the first planar surface. A laser diode may also be included at a specified position to calibrate narrowband detectors such as a visual camera with a notch filter. The multi-mode target is positioned in the inspection field of the optical components of the system calibrated. After calibration, the multi-mode target may be removed from the inspection field. Materials to be tested using an inspection system, such as a laser ultrasound system, are then placed in the inspection field for inspection. An inspection system, such as the one described above, may use a laser ultrasound. An external ultrasound source may produce ultrasonic displacements at the surface of the remote target. This external ultrasound source may be a continuous or pulsed laser beam. A detection laser source generates a detection laser beam that is scattered by the ultrasonic displacements. Ultrasonic surface displacements scatter the detection beam to produce phase-modulated light that may be collected and processed to obtain data about the material under test. The fixed or adjustable array of multi-mode targets enables operators to place an array of multi-mode targets in the inspection field and establish several calibration setpoints for the optical components of the laser ultrasound system. This eliminates the need to move a single target to different parts of the inspection field, saving time and providing greater accuracy in target placement. By reducing or eliminating the need for unique calibration targets for each optical component of the laser ultrasound system that previously each required a unique setup and time consuming calibration procedures, overall system efficiency is improved. Using a multi-mode calibration target provides a common focal point for the optical components and delivers greater accuracy. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to the calibration of inspection sensors, and more particularly, to a system and method for calibrating multiple sensors using a multi-mode target system. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In recent years, the use of advanced composite structures has experienced tremendous growth in the aerospace, automotive, and many other commercial industries. While composite materials offer significant improvements in performance, they require strict quality control procedures in both the manufacturing processes and after the materials are in service in finished products. Specifically, non-destructive evaluation (NDE) methods must assess the structural integrity of composite materials. This assessment detects inclusions, delaminations and porosities. Conventional NDE methods are slow, labor-intensive, and costly. As a result, testing procedures adversely increase the manufacturing costs associated with composite structures. Various methods and apparatuses have been proposed to assess the structural integrity of composite structures. One solution uses an ultrasonic source to generate ultrasonic surface displacements in a work piece which are then measured and analyzed. Often, the external source of ultrasound is a pulsed generation laser beam directed at the target. Laser light from a separate detection laser is scattered by ultrasonic surface displacements at the work piece. Collection optics then collect the scattered laser energy. The collection optics are coupled to an interferometer or other device, and data about the structural integrity of the composite structure can be obtained through analysis of the scattered laser energy. Laser ultrasound has been shown to be very effective for the inspection of parts during the manufacturing process. However, the equipment used for laser ultrasound must be precisely calibrated to obtain accurate measurements. Calibration of optical components requires placing calibration targets at specific locations in the inspection field, aiming and focusing the optical systems at the target, and recording optical system data such as lens position, azimuth and elevation. The target is then moved to other locations in the inspection field, and the process is repeated. After repeating the process at multiple locations within the inspection field, algorithms can correlate the camera position in the inspection field. Additional optics and sensors, such visual cameras, depth cameras, and other like sensors can establish the position and orientation of the work piece. Highly accurate measurements require calibration of the multiple sensors and the ability to correlate measurements to the work piece or final world framework. Single-mode targets, when used to calibrate equipment, require a different target to calibrate each optical component. This is because each optical component may operate at different wavelengths. A single-mode target, designed to work for one optical sensor, will not function properly as a target for a different optical system operating at a different wavelength. For example, a flat target having a contrasting pattern can serve as a suitable target for an optical camera, but will not serve as a suitable target for a depth camera. The flat target provides no depth contrast. Calibrating each optical sensor independently with a single-mode target is labor intensive, time consuming and can introduce intersection errors in the calibration process. Errors introduced in the calibration process will result in imprecise measurements when the laser ultrasound system is operating in the final world framework. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a system and method to calibrate a laser ultrasound system using a multi-mode calibration target that substantially addresses the above-identified needs and others. A multi-mode calibration target may provide both depth and visual contrast in a single target, providing a common focal point for the optical components of a laser ultrasound system. A laser diode may be added to a multi-mode target to provide an additional target mode for optical components of the system. By using a multi-mode calibration target to calibrate the optical sensors of a laser inspection system, a common focal point for many optical systems can be created. By combining several multi-mode targets on a fixed or adjustable array, a multi-mode target array can allow operators to quickly and accurately calibrate multiple sensors prior to using laser ultrasound equipment while limiting the errors associated with calibration. Prior to performing an ultrasonic inspection, ultrasonic inspection systems must be calibrated. The multi-mode target is operable to calibrate the multiple optical sensors and components without repeating time consuming setups that can introduce differing errors. The multi-mode target may introduce a single multi-mode target, a fixed array of multi-mode targets or an adjustable array of multi-mode targets. The multi-mode target has at least two parallel planar surfaces separated at a distance sufficient to provide depth contrast for depth cameras and contrasting colored surfaces that provide sufficient optical contrast for visual cameras. The parallel planar surfaces may be created by a peg on a first planar surface which elevates a second planar surface above the first planar surface or by inscribing a shape, such as a circle, in a first planar surface to create a second planar surface below the first planar surface. A laser diode may also be included at a specified position to calibrate narrowband detectors such as a visual camera with a notch filter. The multi-mode target is positioned in the inspection field of the optical components of the system calibrated. After calibration, the multi-mode target may be removed from the inspection field. Materials to be tested using an inspection system, such as a laser ultrasound system, are then placed in the inspection field for inspection. An inspection system, such as the one described above, may use a laser ultrasound. An external ultrasound source may produce ultrasonic displacements at the surface of the remote target. This external ultrasound source may be a continuous or pulsed laser beam. A detection laser source generates a detection laser beam that is scattered by the ultrasonic displacements. Ultrasonic surface displacements scatter the detection beam to produce phase-modulated light that may be collected and processed to obtain data about the material under test. The fixed or adjustable array of multi-mode targets enables operators to place an array of multi-mode targets in the inspection field and establish several calibration setpoints for the optical components of the laser ultrasound system. This eliminates the need to move a single target to different parts of the inspection field, saving time and providing greater accuracy in target placement. By reducing or eliminating the need for unique calibration targets for each optical component of the laser ultrasound system that previously each required a unique setup and time consuming calibration procedures, overall system efficiency is improved. Using a multi-mode calibration target provides a common focal point for the optical components and delivers greater accuracy. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention made with reference to the accompanying drawings. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7695099

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a head liquid used to efficiently remove an ink residue and the like which adhere on a surface (hereinafter also referred to as ejection face) on which ink ejection openings of an inkjet head (hereinafter also referred to as a recording head) is formed. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method of determining the contents of components and a method of stabilizing a component ratio of the liquid as well as an inkjet recording apparatus using the liquid. 2. Description of the Related Art A cleaning technique for a recording head which ejects an ink is a very important factor of an inkjet recording method because the method is the system in which input image data is converted to the output image using a liquid ink as a medium. Main problems in requiring the cleaning are briefly described as follows. An ink ejection recording head directly ejects an ink through a fine nozzle (hereinafter, as such collectively referred to as an ejection opening, a liquid passage communicated therewith, and an element for generating energy utilized to eject ink unless otherwise stated) to a recording medium. Accordingly, the ejected ink hits against the recording medium and bounces back, and, in addition to the main ink involved in the recording when the ink is ejected, fine ink droplets (satellites) are ejected and drift in the atmosphere in some cases. Then, these droplets become ink mists, and, in some cases, adhere around the ink ejection opening of the recording head. Furthermore, dust drifting in the air may sometimes adhere thereto. Subsequently, the ejected main ink droplets are pulled by these attached matters, thereby the ink ejection direction is deflected, i.e., the main ink droplets are blocked from going straight in some cases. Then, as a cleaning technique for solving this problem, an instrument called a wiping is employed to remove attached matters in the inkjet recording apparatus. The instrument wipes, at a predetermined timing, the ejection face of the recording head by means of a wiping member (wiper) made of an elastic material such as rubber. Meanwhile, for the purpose of improving the recording density, water-resistance, light-resistance and the like of a recorded matter, an ink containing pigment components as a color material (pigment-based ink) has recently been used in many cases. The pigment-based ink is made by dispersing, in water, the color material which is originally solid by introducing a dispersant or a functional group on the surface of the pigment. Accordingly, the dried matter of the pigment ink formed by evaporating and drying the water content in the ink on the ejection face damages the ejection face seriously as compared to the dried sticky matter of a dye-based ink in which a color material itself is dissolved at a molecular level. A characteristic is also recognized that a high molecular compound used to disperse the pigment in a solvent tends to be adsorbed on the ejection face. This is a problem which occurs even in inks other than the pigment-based one in a case where a reaction liquid is added to an ink for the purpose of controlling the viscosity of the ink, improving light-resistance and for others, resulting in the presence of a high molecular compound in the ink. To solve these problems, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, disclosed are techniques for removing an accumulated matter by applying a head liquid on the ejection face to reduce the wear of a wiper and dissolve the ink residue accumulated on the recording head in wiping the recording head. Moreover, the adhesion of a foreign matter to the recording head is prevented by forming a thin film of the head liquid on the recording head, and wiping easiness is improved by these. A construction in which the head liquid used in these wiping is stored in the body of a printer is employed. In addition, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, disclosed are a step of cleaning by moving the wiper relative to the ejection face, and a step of supplying a nonvolatile solvent as a head liquid on the ejection face prior to the previous step. However, disclosed contents of the nonvolatile solvent are very few. Specifically, polyethylene glycol (PEG) having a molecular weight of 200 to 600 in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-138503, and polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of 300 (PEG300) in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-203037 are the only things that have been disclosed. The present inventors found a problem that there were a large number of variations of the supply conditions of the solvent to the head, when a nonvolatile solvent was supplied prior to the cleaning step with the method disclosed in the above Patent Documents. When researching this problem further, the present inventors found that the causes which the nonvolatile solvent itself had were dominant. As long as the nonvolatile solvent is used by itself as the head liquid, it is usually natural that those skilled in the art select the nonvolatile solvent based on evaporation properties. Therefore, the present inventors researched processing solvents which do not tend to evaporate when the solvents are used as a head liquid. In this research process, the present inventors found that it was difficult to control the correlation between properties of the nonvolatile solvent itself and the moisture absorption property thereof attributable to the environment in which the nonvolatile solvent was placed. In addition, it was found that the nonvolatile solvent exhibited extremely large changes in weight due to moisture absorption, and thereby that the variation on the above supply amounts was not able to be reduced. Then, the present inventors saw that the main technical problem is to stabilize the supply amount of the liquid by substantially reviewing the above liquid supplied to the ejection face to inhibit changes in weight (mass) due to the moisture absorption. When this problem was pursued, knowledge was obtained that the above problem can be solved by intentionally adding water to a nonvolatile liquid in advance. This is based on a completely reversed idea. On the other hand, there has so far been a problem that the head liquid leaks out of the storage section due to changes in posture, vibration, and the like of the printer main body during the distribution. To be more specific, how the head liquid can be retained against leaking due to the posture, vibration, and the like during the distribution exists as an important problem to be solved. Moreover, the content of technique for inhibiting the changes in the physical properties (composition) of the head liquid due to the evaporation caused by the environmental changes during distribution and what kind of actions will be taken when drastic environmental change occurs are also important problems to be solved. The change in the physical properties (composition) of the head liquid due to the evaporation does not allow the head to sufficiently exert the cleaning effect at which the head liquid aims, thus resulting in damages to the ejection face. Furthermore, when the change in physical properties of the head liquid occurs by not only environmental change during distribution but also the change in the environment in which the printer is used, a problem occurs that the cleaning of the recording head at which an object of the head liquid aims cannot sufficiently be performed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a technology of solving at least one problem described above. Specifically, the present invention is to inhibit the change in physical properties (composition) of a head liquid caused by moisture absorption or evaporation due to the change in the environments during distribution and during use of the printer. Moreover, it is to remove the ink residues which adhere on an ejection face of a recording head stably and efficiently at any time. Furthermore, it is to prevent the liquid leaking from occurring. Therefore, in the present invention related to a first aspect, a head liquid applied on a surface of an inkjet head provided with ejection openings to eject an ink containing a pigment as a color material therethrough by an application member moving relative to the surface, is characterized in that the head liquid to be applied on the surface of the head is supplied on the application member for applying, and is composed of glycerin and water within a range of a mass ratio from 75:25 to 95:5, respectively. Here, the head liquid may be contained in a container. Further, the head liquid may be supplied to the application member by moving the application member relative to the container. In the present invention related to a second aspect, a method of determining contents of components of a head liquid which can be supplied on a surface of an inkjet head provided with ejection openings to eject an ink containing a color material therethrough, and which contains a previously mixed nonvolatile solvent and water as components, is characterized in that an amount of water mixed with the nonvolatile solvent is determined as an amount which provides a smaller change in mass than that in a case where the nonvolatile solvent by itself is caused to absorb moisture. In the present invention related to a third aspect, a method of stabilizing a component ratio of a head liquid which can be supplied to a surface of an inkjet head provided with ejection openings to eject an ink containing a color material therethrough, and which contains a previously mixed nonvolatile solvent and water as components, is characterized by comprising a step of replenishing water in the head liquid to maintain a ratio of water mixed with the nonvolatile solvent within a range of a ratio which provides a smaller change in mass than that in a case where the nonvolatile solvent by itself is caused to absorb moisture. The present invention related to a fourth aspect of exists on an inkjet recording apparatus characterized by comprising: means for applying a head liquid containing a previously mixed nonvolatile solvent and water as components to clean a surface of a inkjet head provided with ejection openings to eject an ink containing a pigment as a color material therethrough; a head liquid container for supplying the head liquid to the application means; means for replenishing water in the head liquid contained in the head liquid container, wherein the head liquid contains glycerin as the nonvolatile solvent, and that the replenishing means replenishes water so that the glycerin and water are within a range of a mass ratio from 75:25 to 95:5, respectively. According to the invention related to the first aspect, the problem of moisture absorption is solved, and the property of the head liquid can be stabilized. According to the invention related to the second aspect, in addition to the invention related to the first aspect, it is possible to respond to the change in the posture of the main body of the recording apparatus, the vibration, and the like during the distribution. According to the invention related to the third aspect, guidelines can be provided for stabilizing the property of the head liquid. According to the invention related to the fourth aspect, the property of the head liquid can be maintained even if the environment is drastically changed. According to the invention related to the fifth aspect, the property of the head liquid is maintained, and thereby it is possible to perform the cleaning of the ejection face utilizing the property thereof. Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments (with reference to the attached drawings).

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a head liquid used to efficiently remove an ink residue and the like which adhere on a surface (hereinafter also referred to as ejection face) on which ink ejection openings of an inkjet head (hereinafter also referred to as a recording head) is formed. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method of determining the contents of components and a method of stabilizing a component ratio of the liquid as well as an inkjet recording apparatus using the liquid. 2. Description of the Related Art A cleaning technique for a recording head which ejects an ink is a very important factor of an inkjet recording method because the method is the system in which input image data is converted to the output image using a liquid ink as a medium. Main problems in requiring the cleaning are briefly described as follows. An ink ejection recording head directly ejects an ink through a fine nozzle (hereinafter, as such collectively referred to as an ejection opening, a liquid passage communicated therewith, and an element for generating energy utilized to eject ink unless otherwise stated) to a recording medium. Accordingly, the ejected ink hits against the recording medium and bounces back, and, in addition to the main ink involved in the recording when the ink is ejected, fine ink droplets (satellites) are ejected and drift in the atmosphere in some cases. Then, these droplets become ink mists, and, in some cases, adhere around the ink ejection opening of the recording head. Furthermore, dust drifting in the air may sometimes adhere thereto. Subsequently, the ejected main ink droplets are pulled by these attached matters, thereby the ink ejection direction is deflected, i.e., the main ink droplets are blocked from going straight in some cases. Then, as a cleaning technique for solving this problem, an instrument called a wiping is employed to remove attached matters in the inkjet recording apparatus. The instrument wipes, at a predetermined timing, the ejection face of the recording head by means of a wiping member (wiper) made of an elastic material such as rubber. Meanwhile, for the purpose of improving the recording density, water-resistance, light-resistance and the like of a recorded matter, an ink containing pigment components as a color material (pigment-based ink) has recently been used in many cases. The pigment-based ink is made by dispersing, in water, the color material which is originally solid by introducing a dispersant or a functional group on the surface of the pigment. Accordingly, the dried matter of the pigment ink formed by evaporating and drying the water content in the ink on the ejection face damages the ejection face seriously as compared to the dried sticky matter of a dye-based ink in which a color material itself is dissolved at a molecular level. A characteristic is also recognized that a high molecular compound used to disperse the pigment in a solvent tends to be adsorbed on the ejection face. This is a problem which occurs even in inks other than the pigment-based one in a case where a reaction liquid is added to an ink for the purpose of controlling the viscosity of the ink, improving light-resistance and for others, resulting in the presence of a high molecular compound in the ink. To solve these problems, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, disclosed are techniques for removing an accumulated matter by applying a head liquid on the ejection face to reduce the wear of a wiper and dissolve the ink residue accumulated on the recording head in wiping the recording head. Moreover, the adhesion of a foreign matter to the recording head is prevented by forming a thin film of the head liquid on the recording head, and wiping easiness is improved by these. A construction in which the head liquid used in these wiping is stored in the body of a printer is employed. In addition, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, disclosed are a step of cleaning by moving the wiper relative to the ejection face, and a step of supplying a nonvolatile solvent as a head liquid on the ejection face prior to the previous step. However, disclosed contents of the nonvolatile solvent are very few. Specifically, polyethylene glycol (PEG) having a molecular weight of 200 to 600 in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-138503, and polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of 300 (PEG300) in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-203037 are the only things that have been disclosed. The present inventors found a problem that there were a large number of variations of the supply conditions of the solvent to the head, when a nonvolatile solvent was supplied prior to the cleaning step with the method disclosed in the above Patent Documents. When researching this problem further, the present inventors found that the causes which the nonvolatile solvent itself had were dominant. As long as the nonvolatile solvent is used by itself as the head liquid, it is usually natural that those skilled in the art select the nonvolatile solvent based on evaporation properties. Therefore, the present inventors researched processing solvents which do not tend to evaporate when the solvents are used as a head liquid. In this research process, the present inventors found that it was difficult to control the correlation between properties of the nonvolatile solvent itself and the moisture absorption property thereof attributable to the environment in which the nonvolatile solvent was placed. In addition, it was found that the nonvolatile solvent exhibited extremely large changes in weight due to moisture absorption, and thereby that the variation on the above supply amounts was not able to be reduced. Then, the present inventors saw that the main technical problem is to stabilize the supply amount of the liquid by substantially reviewing the above liquid supplied to the ejection face to inhibit changes in weight (mass) due to the moisture absorption. When this problem was pursued, knowledge was obtained that the above problem can be solved by intentionally adding water to a nonvolatile liquid in advance. This is based on a completely reversed idea. On the other hand, there has so far been a problem that the head liquid leaks out of the storage section due to changes in posture, vibration, and the like of the printer main body during the distribution. To be more specific, how the head liquid can be retained against leaking due to the posture, vibration, and the like during the distribution exists as an important problem to be solved. Moreover, the content of technique for inhibiting the changes in the physical properties (composition) of the head liquid due to the evaporation caused by the environmental changes during distribution and what kind of actions will be taken when drastic environmental change occurs are also important problems to be solved. The change in the physical properties (composition) of the head liquid due to the evaporation does not allow the head to sufficiently exert the cleaning effect at which the head liquid aims, thus resulting in damages to the ejection face. Furthermore, when the change in physical properties of the head liquid occurs by not only environmental change during distribution but also the change in the environment in which the printer is used, a problem occurs that the cleaning of the recording head at which an object of the head liquid aims cannot sufficiently be performed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a technology of solving at least one problem described above. Specifically, the present invention is to inhibit the change in physical properties (composition) of a head liquid caused by moisture absorption or evaporation due to the change in the environments during distribution and during use of the printer. Moreover, it is to remove the ink residues which adhere on an ejection face of a recording head stably and efficiently at any time. Furthermore, it is to prevent the liquid leaking from occurring. Therefore, in the present invention related to a first aspect, a head liquid applied on a surface of an inkjet head provided with ejection openings to eject an ink containing a pigment as a color material therethrough by an application member moving relative to the surface, is characterized in that the head liquid to be applied on the surface of the head is supplied on the application member for applying, and is composed of glycerin and water within a range of a mass ratio from 75:25 to 95:5, respectively. Here, the head liquid may be contained in a container. Further, the head liquid may be supplied to the application member by moving the application member relative to the container. In the present invention related to a second aspect, a method of determining contents of components of a head liquid which can be supplied on a surface of an inkjet head provided with ejection openings to eject an ink containing a color material therethrough, and which contains a previously mixed nonvolatile solvent and water as components, is characterized in that an amount of water mixed with the nonvolatile solvent is determined as an amount which provides a smaller change in mass than that in a case where the nonvolatile solvent by itself is caused to absorb moisture. In the present invention related to a third aspect, a method of stabilizing a component ratio of a head liquid which can be supplied to a surface of an inkjet head provided with ejection openings to eject an ink containing a color material therethrough, and which contains a previously mixed nonvolatile solvent and water as components, is characterized by comprising a step of replenishing water in the head liquid to maintain a ratio of water mixed with the nonvolatile solvent within a range of a ratio which provides a smaller change in mass than that in a case where the nonvolatile solvent by itself is caused to absorb moisture. The present invention related to a fourth aspect of exists on an inkjet recording apparatus characterized by comprising: means for applying a head liquid containing a previously mixed nonvolatile solvent and water as components to clean a surface of a inkjet head provided with ejection openings to eject an ink containing a pigment as a color material therethrough; a head liquid container for supplying the head liquid to the application means; means for replenishing water in the head liquid contained in the head liquid container, wherein the head liquid contains glycerin as the nonvolatile solvent, and that the replenishing means replenishes water so that the glycerin and water are within a range of a mass ratio from 75:25 to 95:5, respectively. According to the invention related to the first aspect, the problem of moisture absorption is solved, and the property of the head liquid can be stabilized. According to the invention related to the second aspect, in addition to the invention related to the first aspect, it is possible to respond to the change in the posture of the main body of the recording apparatus, the vibration, and the like during the distribution. According to the invention related to the third aspect, guidelines can be provided for stabilizing the property of the head liquid. According to the invention related to the fourth aspect, the property of the head liquid can be maintained even if the environment is drastically changed. According to the invention related to the fifth aspect, the property of the head liquid is maintained, and thereby it is possible to perform the cleaning of the ejection face utilizing the property thereof. Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments (with reference to the attached drawings). Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7759799

This application is based on Japanese patent application No. 2006-005697 the content of which is incorporated hereinto by reference. BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field The present invention relates to a substrate on which a semiconductor chip is mounted, and a semiconductor device using the same. 2. Related Art In semiconductor devices, semiconductor chips having a large number of circuit elements such as transistors, resistors, capacitors and so forth formed therein are mounted typically on interconnect substrates. The circuit elements are interconnected so as to allow the semiconductor devices to exhibit circuit operations and functions required thereto. Methods of interconnecting the semiconductor chips and the interconnect substrates include the wire bonding method using gold wires, and the flip-chip bonding method connecting so as to oppose the circuit-formed surfaces with the surfaces of the interconnect substrates. High-density mounting technologies of the semiconductor devices include a technology called SoC (system-on-chip) realizing a plurality of functions in a single system on the silicon basis, and a SiP (system-in-package) realizing a plurality of functions including those of memories, CPUs (central processing units) and so forth in a single package mounting. At present, the SiP technique attracts a public attention as a complementary technology for SoC. In addition, PoP (package-on-package) technology has appeared as the next-generation technology coming after the SiP technology, characterized by mutually stacking packages. Major advantages of the PoP technology over the chip-stacking technology, which has currently been a mainstream of the SiP technology, reside in that production efficiency and cost are improved through improving yield ratio or facilitating tests, in that problem analysis in case of nonconformities is facilitated, in that passive components can be mounted together therewith, so that high-speed, high-density mounting can be realized, in that commercial packages are mountable, so that the technology is versatile for many applications, and in that the technology can flexibly afford various module types and geometries, and is consequently excellent in design flexibility. A semiconductor device based on the PoP technology is composed of two or more packages, wherein the individual terminals are mutually connected by solder balls. In the base package, semiconductor chips are mounted on the interconnect substrate making use of various techniques, and thereby the semiconductor chips and the interconnect substrate are connected. One of representative bonding techniques is such as mounting semiconductor chips onto any one of the upper or the lower surface, or onto both surfaces of the interconnect substrate through gold bumps or solder bumps, while making the circuit-formed surfaces of the semiconductor chips opposed to the interconnect substrate surfaces so as to attain flip-chip mounting, and then reinforcing the bond portion of the flip-chip bonding with an underfill resin. Another technique is such as bonding the semiconductor chips and the interconnect substrate by the wire bonding method using gold wires, and then molding them with a resin material by the potting process, the top-gate process or the printing process. Still other techniques include a technique of burying the semiconductor chips into the interconnect substrate, and a technique of disposing through-hole electrodes so as to mold entire surfaces of the bonded semiconductor chips. The base package has lands, or bumps composed of an electro-conductive material such as solder balls, on the external terminal thereof on the lower surface of the bonding portion on the upper surface of the base package. This sort of base package is stacked and bonded with a package (also referred to as “infant package”, hereinafter) having bonding portion terminals corresponded to the bonding portion terminals formed on the upper surface of the base package. The base package is occasionally stacked with an interconnect substrate having semiconductor chips, chip-type capacitors, chip-type resistors and so forth mounted thereon. Still another case relates to the base package stacked with a relay substrate which plays a role of a spacer for the convenience of mounting of packages and so forth. The infant packages, the interconnect substrate, the relay substrate and so forth are stacked on the base package through the solder balls, a solder paste and the like, heated typically by the re-flow process, and thereby bonded. In this sort of PoP technology, there has conventionally been concerned that warping generated in the packages may result in bonding failure between the packages. This sort of problem is ascribable to difference in the thermal expansion coefficients depending on configurations of the individual packages. Any efforts of ensuring a desirable bonding have occasionally limited the package design and materials. Paragraphs below will described the bonding failure between the packages, referring toFIGS. 13A to 15B. These drawings are sectional views showing semiconductor devices at a temperature where solder is fused. In the semiconductor devices shown inFIGS. 13A to 15B, andFIGS. 16A to 17B, a first interconnect substrate203and a second interconnect substrate201are stacked. The first interconnect substrate203is an interconnect substrate composing the base package, and the second interconnect substrate201is an interconnect substrate composing the infant package. The first interconnect substrate203has a plurality of lands213provided on the surface thereof opposed to the second interconnect substrate201. The first interconnect substrate203has the lands213arranged at the locations corresponded to the locations of the lands provided on the second interconnect substrate201. The first interconnect substrate203also has a plurality of second solder balls219provided on the back surface opposite to the chip-mounting surface. Also the second interconnect substrate201has a plurality of lands213provided on the surface thereof opposed to the first interconnect substrate203. The individual lands213are respectively connected with first solder balls215. The second interconnect substrate201is molded with a molding resin221on the back surface thereof opposite to the surface faced to the first interconnect substrate203. As shown inFIG. 13A,FIG. 14A,FIG. 15A,FIG. 16AandFIG. 16B, the first interconnect substrate203has a semiconductor chip205mounted on the surface thereof opposite to the second interconnect substrate201. As shown inFIG. 13B,FIG. 14B,FIG. 15B,FIG. 17AandFIG. 17B, the semiconductor chip205is formed on the first interconnect substrate203specifically on the back surface thereof opposite to the surface opposed with the second interconnect substrate201. Whichever for the case where the semiconductor chip205is mounted on either surface of the first interconnect substrate203, an underfill resin207is provided between the semiconductor chip205and the first interconnect substrate203. Conductive components (not shown) of the semiconductor chip205and conductive components (not shown) of the first interconnect substrate203are connected through bonding bumps209. FIG. 13AtoFIG. 15Bshows problems of concave warping and convex warping of the base wafer, encountered when the infant package, after being molded with a resin together with a semiconductor chip mounted thereon, is stacked on the base package having the semiconductor chip205mounted by flip-chip bonding onto the first interconnect substrate203, and subjected to the re-flow process. FIG. 13AandFIG. 13Bshow the first solder balls215on the infant package failed in making contact with the lands213on the base package, while leaving unconnected portion251, in a region where a gap between the individual packages is widened due to the warping. FIG. 14AandFIG. 14Bshow the first solder balls215collapsed and flattened in a region where a gap between the packages is narrowed due to the wrapping. The solder balls swells out from the lands213to contact with the substrate, no more keeping the spherical geometry, and is almost likely to produce bridged portions253. FIG. 15AandFIG. 15Bshows the first solder balls215collapsed and flattened in a portion where the gap between the packages is narrowed due to the warping, forming solder ball collapsed portion257. The solder ball collapsed portion257swells out from the lands213to contact with the substrate, deforming themselves into distorted geometry rather than sphere.FIG. 15AandFIG. 15Bshow the first solder balls215once fused and bonded but stretched to produce a cylindrical form in a region where the gap between the packages is widened, forming solder ball stretched portion255. Formation of the solder ball stretched portion255and the solder ball collapsed portion257may also result in separation of the first solder balls215from the lands213in these portions, in the re-flow process for mounting onto mounting boards. Conventionally known techniques of suppressing this sort of problems include those described in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. H9-8081 and Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2004-289002. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. H9-8081 describes a technique of making difference in the land area depending on the degree of warping of a BGA substrate. According to Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2004-289002, an effort is made on adjusting the height of the solder balls by varying aperture of the bonding lands used for bonding with a package. This configuration reportedly makes it possible to stack packages different in states of warping. FIG. 16A,FIG. 16B,FIG. 17AandFIG. 17Bare sectional views showing a semiconductor device corresponded to the device configuration described in this patent publication. As shown inFIG. 16AandFIG. 16B, the base package having the semiconductor chip205mounted on the top surface of the first interconnect substrate203is stacked with the second interconnect substrate201of the infant package after being molded with a resin together with a semiconductor chip mounted thereon. As shown inFIG. 17AandFIG. 17B, the base package having the semiconductor chip205mounted on the lower surface of the interconnect substrate203is stacked with the second interconnect substrate201of the infant package after being molded with a resin together with a semiconductor chip mounted thereon. The base package shown inFIG. 16AandFIG. 16Bshows concave warping. The base package shown inFIG. 17AandFIG. 17Bshows convex warping. Due to the warping, the gap between the individual packages causes variation in the width by locations. According to this patent publication, exposed area of the lands is then adjusted by providing an insulating film for adjusting aperture thereof on the lands on the interconnect substrate203. More specifically, second lands263are provided in a region where the gap between the packages is widened. The second lands263have, formed thereon, second openings267having a smaller aperture than in the other region. On the other hand, first lands261are provided in a region where the gap between the packages is narrowed. The first lands261have, formed thereon, first openings265having a larger aperture than in the other region. However, the above-described techniques described in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. H9-8081 and Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2004-289002 are still remained for further improvement in bonding reliability between the substrates only with simple configurations. For example, the exposed area of the lands in the above-described Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2004-289002 has been adjusted by controlling the aperture of the insulating film provided on the lands, while leaving the plane geometry of the lands unchanged. It has, therefore, been anticipated that design of the insulating film is more complicated. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, there is provided a substrate comprising a first land and a second land provided on one surface thereof, wherein the plane geometry of the second land is a polygon characterized by the inscribed circle thereof having an area smaller than the area of the inscribed circle of the first land. According to the present invention, there is provided also a semiconductor device comprising the substrate of the present invention described in the above, and a semiconductor chip stacked thereon. According to the present invention, there is provided still also a semiconductor device which include: a first substrate; a second substrate provided as being opposed with the first substrate; and a semiconductor chip mounted on the first substrate or on the second substrate, wherein the first substrate is the substrate of the present invention described in the above, and a gap between the first substrate and the second substrate in the region having the second lands arranged therein is larger than a gap between the first substrate and the second substrate in the region having the first lands arranged therein. In the present invention, a plurality of lands differed in the plane geometry are provided on one surface of the substrate, wherein the plane geometry of the second lands is a polygon characterized by the inscribed circle thereof having an area smaller than the area of the inscribed circle of the first lands. By making difference between the areas of the inscribed circles of the first lands and the second lands, areas of regions in the lands, over which the bump electrodes connected thereto tend to spread, can be differed from each other. The bump electrodes herein can spread over the entire lands when materials of the bump electrodes are heated and liquefied, and the both are bonded. The liquefied electrode material, however, tend to form spheres on the lands. The bump electrodes have a tendency of staying on the lands, particularly within the inscribed circle thereof. In other words, the degree of in-plane spreading of the bump electrodes is determined by the area of inscribed circle of the lands, and the bumps mainly reside in a region on the inscribed circles. In particular on the second lands, the bump electrodes are bonded mainly within the inscribed circles of the second lands, as a result of surface tension acts on the corners of the polygon. In the present invention, the height of the bump electrodes are adjusted by making difference in the area of the inscribed circles of a plurality of lands, making use of the sphere-forming nature of solder. The degree of spreading of the bump electrodes over the second lands can be adjusted, depending on the polygonal geometry of the second lands. According to the present invention, it is therefore made possible to adjust the height of the bump electrodes to be bonded to the first lands and the second lands, without altering the volume of the bump electrodes. The height of the bump electrodes is, therefore, adjustable corresponding to the gap between the packages. As a consequence, the height of the bump electrodes is adjustable corresponding to the distance between the substrates, even when warping occurs at least on a substrate or a separate substrate provided as being opposed thereto, and the distance between the substrates is not uniform. It is therefore made possible to suppress bonding failure otherwise occurs when the substrates are connected through the bumps. More specifically, the inscribed circle of the second lands is smaller than the inscribed circle of the first lands, so that the height of the bumps to be bonded to the second lands can be made larger than the height of the bumps to be bonded to the first lands, without altering the volume of the bump electrodes to be bonded to these lands. By virtue of this configuration, the substrates can reliably be bonded while avoiding bonding failure, even when the distance between the first substrate and the second substrate in the region having the second lands disposed therein is larger than the distance between these substrates in the region having the first lands formed therein. The polygon of the second lands may have sharp corners or rounded corners, so far as the bump electrodes on the second lands can be bonded while keeping themselves within the inscribed circle thereof. Examples of the polygon include regular polygon and cross allowing the inscribed circle to contact with four corners thereof. In the present invention, the first lands and the second lands may have a nearly equal area. This configuration can nearly equalize the bonding areas of the solder bumps on the first lands and the second lands, and can thereby more exactly suppress variation in the bonding strength at the first lands and the second lands. When a plurality of lands are disposed at a regular pitch in rows or in a lattice, either one of the space between the adjacent first lands and the space between the adjacent second lands can be adjusted so that either one of which never becomes extremely narrower than the other. This configuration can therefor ensure a sufficient interconnect space both between the adjacent first lands and between the adjacent second lands. It is to be noted that any arbitrary combination of these configurations, and any expressions of the present invention exchanged among method, apparatus and so forth are effective as embodiments of the present invention. As has been described in the above, the present invention can readily adjust the height of the bump electrodes to be bonded to the lands on the substrates.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: This application is based on Japanese patent application No. 2006-005697 the content of which is incorporated hereinto by reference. BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field The present invention relates to a substrate on which a semiconductor chip is mounted, and a semiconductor device using the same. 2. Related Art In semiconductor devices, semiconductor chips having a large number of circuit elements such as transistors, resistors, capacitors and so forth formed therein are mounted typically on interconnect substrates. The circuit elements are interconnected so as to allow the semiconductor devices to exhibit circuit operations and functions required thereto. Methods of interconnecting the semiconductor chips and the interconnect substrates include the wire bonding method using gold wires, and the flip-chip bonding method connecting so as to oppose the circuit-formed surfaces with the surfaces of the interconnect substrates. High-density mounting technologies of the semiconductor devices include a technology called SoC (system-on-chip) realizing a plurality of functions in a single system on the silicon basis, and a SiP (system-in-package) realizing a plurality of functions including those of memories, CPUs (central processing units) and so forth in a single package mounting. At present, the SiP technique attracts a public attention as a complementary technology for SoC. In addition, PoP (package-on-package) technology has appeared as the next-generation technology coming after the SiP technology, characterized by mutually stacking packages. Major advantages of the PoP technology over the chip-stacking technology, which has currently been a mainstream of the SiP technology, reside in that production efficiency and cost are improved through improving yield ratio or facilitating tests, in that problem analysis in case of nonconformities is facilitated, in that passive components can be mounted together therewith, so that high-speed, high-density mounting can be realized, in that commercial packages are mountable, so that the technology is versatile for many applications, and in that the technology can flexibly afford various module types and geometries, and is consequently excellent in design flexibility. A semiconductor device based on the PoP technology is composed of two or more packages, wherein the individual terminals are mutually connected by solder balls. In the base package, semiconductor chips are mounted on the interconnect substrate making use of various techniques, and thereby the semiconductor chips and the interconnect substrate are connected. One of representative bonding techniques is such as mounting semiconductor chips onto any one of the upper or the lower surface, or onto both surfaces of the interconnect substrate through gold bumps or solder bumps, while making the circuit-formed surfaces of the semiconductor chips opposed to the interconnect substrate surfaces so as to attain flip-chip mounting, and then reinforcing the bond portion of the flip-chip bonding with an underfill resin. Another technique is such as bonding the semiconductor chips and the interconnect substrate by the wire bonding method using gold wires, and then molding them with a resin material by the potting process, the top-gate process or the printing process. Still other techniques include a technique of burying the semiconductor chips into the interconnect substrate, and a technique of disposing through-hole electrodes so as to mold entire surfaces of the bonded semiconductor chips. The base package has lands, or bumps composed of an electro-conductive material such as solder balls, on the external terminal thereof on the lower surface of the bonding portion on the upper surface of the base package. This sort of base package is stacked and bonded with a package (also referred to as “infant package”, hereinafter) having bonding portion terminals corresponded to the bonding portion terminals formed on the upper surface of the base package. The base package is occasionally stacked with an interconnect substrate having semiconductor chips, chip-type capacitors, chip-type resistors and so forth mounted thereon. Still another case relates to the base package stacked with a relay substrate which plays a role of a spacer for the convenience of mounting of packages and so forth. The infant packages, the interconnect substrate, the relay substrate and so forth are stacked on the base package through the solder balls, a solder paste and the like, heated typically by the re-flow process, and thereby bonded. In this sort of PoP technology, there has conventionally been concerned that warping generated in the packages may result in bonding failure between the packages. This sort of problem is ascribable to difference in the thermal expansion coefficients depending on configurations of the individual packages. Any efforts of ensuring a desirable bonding have occasionally limited the package design and materials. Paragraphs below will described the bonding failure between the packages, referring toFIGS. 13A to 15B. These drawings are sectional views showing semiconductor devices at a temperature where solder is fused. In the semiconductor devices shown inFIGS. 13A to 15B, andFIGS. 16A to 17B, a first interconnect substrate203and a second interconnect substrate201are stacked. The first interconnect substrate203is an interconnect substrate composing the base package, and the second interconnect substrate201is an interconnect substrate composing the infant package. The first interconnect substrate203has a plurality of lands213provided on the surface thereof opposed to the second interconnect substrate201. The first interconnect substrate203has the lands213arranged at the locations corresponded to the locations of the lands provided on the second interconnect substrate201. The first interconnect substrate203also has a plurality of second solder balls219provided on the back surface opposite to the chip-mounting surface. Also the second interconnect substrate201has a plurality of lands213provided on the surface thereof opposed to the first interconnect substrate203. The individual lands213are respectively connected with first solder balls215. The second interconnect substrate201is molded with a molding resin221on the back surface thereof opposite to the surface faced to the first interconnect substrate203. As shown inFIG. 13A,FIG. 14A,FIG. 15A,FIG. 16AandFIG. 16B, the first interconnect substrate203has a semiconductor chip205mounted on the surface thereof opposite to the second interconnect substrate201. As shown inFIG. 13B,FIG. 14B,FIG. 15B,FIG. 17AandFIG. 17B, the semiconductor chip205is formed on the first interconnect substrate203specifically on the back surface thereof opposite to the surface opposed with the second interconnect substrate201. Whichever for the case where the semiconductor chip205is mounted on either surface of the first interconnect substrate203, an underfill resin207is provided between the semiconductor chip205and the first interconnect substrate203. Conductive components (not shown) of the semiconductor chip205and conductive components (not shown) of the first interconnect substrate203are connected through bonding bumps209. FIG. 13AtoFIG. 15Bshows problems of concave warping and convex warping of the base wafer, encountered when the infant package, after being molded with a resin together with a semiconductor chip mounted thereon, is stacked on the base package having the semiconductor chip205mounted by flip-chip bonding onto the first interconnect substrate203, and subjected to the re-flow process. FIG. 13AandFIG. 13Bshow the first solder balls215on the infant package failed in making contact with the lands213on the base package, while leaving unconnected portion251, in a region where a gap between the individual packages is widened due to the warping. FIG. 14AandFIG. 14Bshow the first solder balls215collapsed and flattened in a region where a gap between the packages is narrowed due to the wrapping. The solder balls swells out from the lands213to contact with the substrate, no more keeping the spherical geometry, and is almost likely to produce bridged portions253. FIG. 15AandFIG. 15Bshows the first solder balls215collapsed and flattened in a portion where the gap between the packages is narrowed due to the warping, forming solder ball collapsed portion257. The solder ball collapsed portion257swells out from the lands213to contact with the substrate, deforming themselves into distorted geometry rather than sphere.FIG. 15AandFIG. 15Bshow the first solder balls215once fused and bonded but stretched to produce a cylindrical form in a region where the gap between the packages is widened, forming solder ball stretched portion255. Formation of the solder ball stretched portion255and the solder ball collapsed portion257may also result in separation of the first solder balls215from the lands213in these portions, in the re-flow process for mounting onto mounting boards. Conventionally known techniques of suppressing this sort of problems include those described in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. H9-8081 and Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2004-289002. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. H9-8081 describes a technique of making difference in the land area depending on the degree of warping of a BGA substrate. According to Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2004-289002, an effort is made on adjusting the height of the solder balls by varying aperture of the bonding lands used for bonding with a package. This configuration reportedly makes it possible to stack packages different in states of warping. FIG. 16A,FIG. 16B,FIG. 17AandFIG. 17Bare sectional views showing a semiconductor device corresponded to the device configuration described in this patent publication. As shown inFIG. 16AandFIG. 16B, the base package having the semiconductor chip205mounted on the top surface of the first interconnect substrate203is stacked with the second interconnect substrate201of the infant package after being molded with a resin together with a semiconductor chip mounted thereon. As shown inFIG. 17AandFIG. 17B, the base package having the semiconductor chip205mounted on the lower surface of the interconnect substrate203is stacked with the second interconnect substrate201of the infant package after being molded with a resin together with a semiconductor chip mounted thereon. The base package shown inFIG. 16AandFIG. 16Bshows concave warping. The base package shown inFIG. 17AandFIG. 17Bshows convex warping. Due to the warping, the gap between the individual packages causes variation in the width by locations. According to this patent publication, exposed area of the lands is then adjusted by providing an insulating film for adjusting aperture thereof on the lands on the interconnect substrate203. More specifically, second lands263are provided in a region where the gap between the packages is widened. The second lands263have, formed thereon, second openings267having a smaller aperture than in the other region. On the other hand, first lands261are provided in a region where the gap between the packages is narrowed. The first lands261have, formed thereon, first openings265having a larger aperture than in the other region. However, the above-described techniques described in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. H9-8081 and Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2004-289002 are still remained for further improvement in bonding reliability between the substrates only with simple configurations. For example, the exposed area of the lands in the above-described Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2004-289002 has been adjusted by controlling the aperture of the insulating film provided on the lands, while leaving the plane geometry of the lands unchanged. It has, therefore, been anticipated that design of the insulating film is more complicated. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, there is provided a substrate comprising a first land and a second land provided on one surface thereof, wherein the plane geometry of the second land is a polygon characterized by the inscribed circle thereof having an area smaller than the area of the inscribed circle of the first land. According to the present invention, there is provided also a semiconductor device comprising the substrate of the present invention described in the above, and a semiconductor chip stacked thereon. According to the present invention, there is provided still also a semiconductor device which include: a first substrate; a second substrate provided as being opposed with the first substrate; and a semiconductor chip mounted on the first substrate or on the second substrate, wherein the first substrate is the substrate of the present invention described in the above, and a gap between the first substrate and the second substrate in the region having the second lands arranged therein is larger than a gap between the first substrate and the second substrate in the region having the first lands arranged therein. In the present invention, a plurality of lands differed in the plane geometry are provided on one surface of the substrate, wherein the plane geometry of the second lands is a polygon characterized by the inscribed circle thereof having an area smaller than the area of the inscribed circle of the first lands. By making difference between the areas of the inscribed circles of the first lands and the second lands, areas of regions in the lands, over which the bump electrodes connected thereto tend to spread, can be differed from each other. The bump electrodes herein can spread over the entire lands when materials of the bump electrodes are heated and liquefied, and the both are bonded. The liquefied electrode material, however, tend to form spheres on the lands. The bump electrodes have a tendency of staying on the lands, particularly within the inscribed circle thereof. In other words, the degree of in-plane spreading of the bump electrodes is determined by the area of inscribed circle of the lands, and the bumps mainly reside in a region on the inscribed circles. In particular on the second lands, the bump electrodes are bonded mainly within the inscribed circles of the second lands, as a result of surface tension acts on the corners of the polygon. In the present invention, the height of the bump electrodes are adjusted by making difference in the area of the inscribed circles of a plurality of lands, making use of the sphere-forming nature of solder. The degree of spreading of the bump electrodes over the second lands can be adjusted, depending on the polygonal geometry of the second lands. According to the present invention, it is therefore made possible to adjust the height of the bump electrodes to be bonded to the first lands and the second lands, without altering the volume of the bump electrodes. The height of the bump electrodes is, therefore, adjustable corresponding to the gap between the packages. As a consequence, the height of the bump electrodes is adjustable corresponding to the distance between the substrates, even when warping occurs at least on a substrate or a separate substrate provided as being opposed thereto, and the distance between the substrates is not uniform. It is therefore made possible to suppress bonding failure otherwise occurs when the substrates are connected through the bumps. More specifically, the inscribed circle of the second lands is smaller than the inscribed circle of the first lands, so that the height of the bumps to be bonded to the second lands can be made larger than the height of the bumps to be bonded to the first lands, without altering the volume of the bump electrodes to be bonded to these lands. By virtue of this configuration, the substrates can reliably be bonded while avoiding bonding failure, even when the distance between the first substrate and the second substrate in the region having the second lands disposed therein is larger than the distance between these substrates in the region having the first lands formed therein. The polygon of the second lands may have sharp corners or rounded corners, so far as the bump electrodes on the second lands can be bonded while keeping themselves within the inscribed circle thereof. Examples of the polygon include regular polygon and cross allowing the inscribed circle to contact with four corners thereof. In the present invention, the first lands and the second lands may have a nearly equal area. This configuration can nearly equalize the bonding areas of the solder bumps on the first lands and the second lands, and can thereby more exactly suppress variation in the bonding strength at the first lands and the second lands. When a plurality of lands are disposed at a regular pitch in rows or in a lattice, either one of the space between the adjacent first lands and the space between the adjacent second lands can be adjusted so that either one of which never becomes extremely narrower than the other. This configuration can therefor ensure a sufficient interconnect space both between the adjacent first lands and between the adjacent second lands. It is to be noted that any arbitrary combination of these configurations, and any expressions of the present invention exchanged among method, apparatus and so forth are effective as embodiments of the present invention. As has been described in the above, the present invention can readily adjust the height of the bump electrodes to be bonded to the lands on the substrates. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7674585

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention pertains to the field of combination oligomers, including the block synthesis of combination oligomers in the absence of a template, as well as methods, kits, libraries and other compositions. 2. Introduction Nucleic acid hybridization is a fundamental process in molecular biology. Probe-based assays are useful in the detection, quantitation and/or analysis of nucleic acids. Nucleic acid probes have long been used to analyze samples for the presence of nucleic acid from bacteria, fungi, virus or other organisms and are also useful in examining genetically-based disease states or clinical conditions of interest. Nonetheless, nucleic acid probe-based assays have been slow to achieve commercial success. This lack of commercial success is, at least partially, the result of difficulties associated with specificity, sensitivity and/or reliability. Nucleic acid amplification assays comprise an important class of specific target sequence detection methods in modern biology, with diverse applications in diagnosis of inherited disease, human identification, identification of microorganisms, paternity testing, virology, and DNA sequencing. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification method allows for the production and detection of target nucleic acid sequences with great sensitivity and specificity. PCR methods are integral to cloning, analysis of genetic expression, DNA sequencing, genetic mapping, drug discovery, and the like (Gilliland,Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.,87: 2725-2729 (1990); Bevan,PCR Methods and Applications1: 222-228 (1992); Green,PCR Methods and Applications,1: 77-90 (1991); McPherson, M. J., Quirke, P., and Taylor, G. R. inPCR2: A Practical ApproachOxford University Press, Oxford (1995)). Methods for detecting a PCR product (amplicon) using an oligonucleotide probe capable of hybridizing with the target sequence or amplicon are described in Mullis, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,683,195 and 4,683,202; EP No. 237,362. Despite its name, Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA) is neither a peptide, a nucleic acid nor is it an acid. Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA) is a non-naturally occurring polyamide (pseudopeptide) that can hybridize to nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) with sequence specificity (See: U.S. Pat. No. 5,539,082 and Egholm et al.,Nature365: 566-568 (1993)). PNA has been characterized in the scientific literature as a nucleic acid mimic, rather than a nucleic acid analog, since its structure is completely synthetic and not derived from nucleic acid (See: Nielsen, P. E.,Acc. Chem. Res.32: 624-630 (1999)). Being a non-naturally occurring molecule, unmodified PNA is not known to be a substrate for the enzymes that are known to degrade peptides or nucleic acids. Therefore, PNA should be stable in biological samples, as well as have a long shelf-life. Unlike nucleic acid hybridization, which is very dependent on ionic strength, the hybridization of a PNA with a nucleic acid is fairly independent of ionic strength and is favored at low ionic strength, conditions that strongly disfavor the hybridization of nucleic acid to nucleic acid (Egholm et al.,Nature, at p. 567). Because of their unique properties, it is clear that PNA is not the equivalent of a nucleic acid in either structure or function. In addition to the limitations of selectivity/discrimination, there is a need to be able to rapidly and efficiently prepare numerous oligomers that can be used as probes or primers in an assay at a defined scale that is small enough to be cost effective. This need has arisen because genome sequencing has provided massive amounts of raw sequence data that can be mined for useful information. Because the volume of information is so massive, screening results that are generated from the mining operations typically involve high throughput analysis that requires tens or even hundreds of thousands of probes and primers. However, commercially available instruments that build nucleic acid and peptide nucleic acids based upon stepwise monomer assembly (de novo synthesis) require hours to produce single probes in a scale that is cost prohibitive for the manufacture of thousands or tens of thousands of probes or primers. Moreover, because the probes are synthesized de novo, it is difficult to expedite the delivery of the tens to hundreds of thousands of probes or primers within a short period, for example six months or less, without a massive investment in capital equipment. Therefore, it would be advantageous to be able to have a method for the rapid (days or weeks), efficient and cost effective production of tens or even hundreds of thousands of oligomers of desired nucleobase sequence that could be used as probes or primers for high throughput applications such as for expression analysis or the mining of genomes. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention pertains to the field of combination oligomers, including the block synthesis of combination oligomers in the absence of a template, as well as related methods, kits, libraries and other compositions. As used herein a combination oligomer is a composition comprising two or more oligomer blocks independently selected from peptide nucleic acid, PNA chimera and PNA combination oligomer, whether or not labeled, wherein said oligomer blocks are linked by a linker. This linker can optionally be a cleavage site for an enzyme. The aforementioned composition is referred to herein as a combination oligomer, without regard to its method of production, because its hybridization properties result from the combined properties of the two component oligomer blocks as well as the nature of the linker and the opportunity for interaction between the blocks when the combination oligomer hybridizes to a target sequence. In one embodiment, this invention pertains to novel combination oligomers. The novel combination oligomers of this invention are referred to herein as self-indicating combination oligomers and substrate combination oligomers; each of which is described in more detail below (See also: Examples 4 & 5, below). It is to be understood that combination oligomers can be used as probes or primers in numerous applications. The requirement for probes is merely that they hybridize to a target sequence with sequence specificity. Thus, when used as a probe, there are no additional limitations on specific features of the combination oligomer. However, when used as a primer, it is a requirement that the combination oligomer contain moieties suitable for the recognition and operation of an enzyme since polymerase enzymes are not known to operate on unmodified PNA oligomers (See: Lutz et al.,J. Am. Chem. Soc.119: 3177-3178 (1997)). In another embodiment, this invention pertains to a composition comprising a polynucleobase strand and a combination oligomer sequence specifically hybridized to a target sequence of contiguous nucleobases within the polynucleobase strand to thereby form a double stranded target sequence/combination oligomer complex (SeeFIG. 1; Also note that this configuration is sometimes referred to herein as being hybridized juxtaposed to the target sequence such that there is no gap or gap base). The combination oligomer comprises a first and a second oligomer block that are each independently a peptide nucleic acid, PNA chimera or PNA combination oligomer. The first and second oligomer blocks are covalently linked by a linker of at least three atoms in length. In yet another embodiment, this invention pertains to a method for determining a target sequence of contiguous nucleobases. The method comprises contacting the target sequence with a combination oligomer, under suitable hybridization conditions, wherein the combination oligomer comprises a first oligomer block and a second oligomer block that are each independently a peptide nucleic acid, PNA chimera or PNA combination oligomer. The first and second oligomer blocks are linked covalently to each other by a linker that is at least three atoms in length. Moreover, the first and second oligomer blocks can sequence specifically hybridize to the target sequence of contiguous nucleobases to thereby form a double stranded target sequence/combination oligomer complex. Complex formation is determined to thereby determine the target sequence since the complex does not form in the absence of the target sequence. Determination of the complex includes, but is not limited to, determining the presence, absence, quantity (amount) or position of the complex to thereby determine the presence, absence, quantity (amount), position or identity of the target sequence (See for example: Examples 3-5). In still another embodiment, this invention pertains to a method for determining the zygosity of a nucleic acid for a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). The method comprises contacting a nucleic acid sample with at least two independently detectable combination oligomers. Each independently detectable combination oligomer comprises a first oligomer block and a second oligomer block that are each independently a peptide nucleic acid, PNA chimera or PNA combination oligomer and the oligomer blocks are linked covalently to each other by a linker that is at least three atoms in length. The first and second oligomer blocks taken together encode a probing nucleobase sequence that is designed to sequence specifically hybridize to a target sequence of contiguous nucleobases in a polynucleobase strand of the nucleic acid sample, if present, to thereby form a double stranded target sequence/independently detectable combination oligomer complex. The probing nucleobase sequence in each independently detectable combination oligomer differs from the other by at least one nucleobase (the SNP nucleobase). However, the probing nucleobase sequence may differ by more than one nucleobase, depending on probe design, provided however that they differ by a single nucleobase at the SNP to be determined (See for example: Example 5, Table 9 and particularly the sets of PNA combination oligomer probes for SNPs 6876 and 6879). According to the method, the nucleic acid sample and combination oligomers are contacted with one or more reagents suitable for performing a nucleic amplification reaction that amplifies the nucleic acid present in the sample and nucleic acid amplification is performed in the presence of the nucleic acid, the combination oligomers and the reagents. Complex formation for each independently detectable combination oligomer/target sequence complex is determined to thereby determine whether the nucleic acid is heterozygous or homozygous for a particular SNP. Complex determination can be correlated with the zygosity state of a particular SNP, since the complexes will not form in the absence of the respective target sequence of contiguous nucleobases for each particular combination oligomer. Moreover, the two independently detectable combination oligomers provide all of the information needed to determine the three possible genotype states depending on which complexes do and do not form. In one embodiment, the independently detectable combination oligomers are independently detectable, self-indicating combination oligomers. According to the method a determination, under suitable hybridization conditions, is made of any change in detectable signal arising from at least one of the labels of each of the independently detectable energy transfer sets as a measure of whether or not each of the combination oligomers is hybridized to their respective target sequence of contiguous nucleobases. Such determination can be performed either during the process of the nucleic acid amplification (e.g. in real-time) or after the nucleic acid amplification reaction is completed (e.g. at the end-point). According to the method, the result of the change in signal for at least one label of each energy transfer set of each combination oligomer is correlated with a determination of the formation of each of the two possible target sequence/independently detectable self-indicating combination oligomer complexes. Based upon this data, one of the three possible states of zygosity of the sample for a particular SNP can be determined (See for example: Example 5). In another embodiment, this invention is directed to a method for forming a combination oligomer from oligomer blocks. The method comprises reacting a first oligomer block, a second oligomer block, and optionally a condensation reagent or reagents under condensation conditions to thereby form a combination oligomer having a linker of at least three atoms in length that covalently links the first oligomer block to the second oligomer block. According to the method, the first and second oligomer blocks are each independently a peptide nucleic acid, PNA chimera or PNA combination oligomer. Neither of the first or second oligomer blocks is support bound and the combination oligomer forms in the absence of a template. The ligation/condensation reaction can be performed in aqueous solution. The nucleobases need not be protected during the condensation/ligation reaction. In yet another embodiment, this invention pertains to another method for forming combination oligomers from oligomer blocks. The method comprises reacting a first oligomer block, a second oligomer block, and optionally a condensation reagent or reagents under condensation conditions to thereby form a combination oligomer having a linker of at least three atoms in length that covalently links the first oligomer block to the second oligomer block. The first and second oligomer blocks are each independently a peptide nucleic acid, PNA chimera or PNA combination oligomer. The nucleobases of the oligomer blocks do not comprise protecting groups and the combination oligomer forms in the absence of a template. The ligation/condensation can be performed in aqueous solution. Regardless of the method of forming a combination oligomer as described above, in another embodiment, the product of the condensation/ligation reaction can optionally be further lengthened/elongated. Hence, the combination oligomer, as formed, can be used as an oligomer block such that repeating the method produces a further lengthened/elongated oligomer. According to the method, the combination oligomer, as previously formed, can optionally be deprotected, as may be required, to facilitate the next condensation/ligation step. The combination oligomer, as previously formed and optionally deprotected, is reacted with a third oligomer block and optionally a condensation reagent or reagents under condensation conditions. This forms the elongated combination oligomer having a covalent linkage of at least three atoms in length that covalently links the third oligomer block to the combination oligomer wherein, the elongated combination oligomer forms in the absence of a template. In accordance with this method, this process can be optionally repeated until the combination oligomer is of the desired length. Such a process of continued elongation can, for example, be useful for the preparation of arrays since longer oligomers are often used for this application. In certain other embodiments of this invention, a combination oligomer is formed that possesses a cleavage site for an enzyme wherein the cleavage site is protected from cleavage upon the binding of the combination oligomer to a binding pair. Hence, this invention also pertains to a method for determining whether or not a combination oligomer binds to a possible binding partner (e.g. an aptmer or target sequence). The method comprises contacting the combination oligomer and the possible binding partner under suitable binding conditions to thereby possibly form a combination oligomer/binding partner complex. According to the method the combination oligomer is a polymer comprising a segment of the formula: A-W-C, wherein A and C are oligomer blocks that are optionally linked to other moieties and that are each independently a peptide nucleic acid, PNA chimera or PNA combination oligomer. The group W is a linker of at least three atoms in length that covalently links oligomer block A to oligomer block C and that is a cleavage site for an enzyme. According to the method the binding partner and the combination oligomer are treated with an enzyme suitable for cleaving the cleavage site under suitable enzyme cleaving conditions. Then a determination is made of whether or not the combination oligomer has been cleaved by the activity of the enzyme to thereby determine whether or not the combination oligomer/binding partner complex formed. Where the binding partner is a target sequence, and the combination oligomer is bound to the target sequence, it is protected from the activity of the enzyme. Accordingly, if the assay determines that the combination oligomer is not substantially degraded, it must have bound to the target sequence (See: Example 4). Conversely, where the combination oligomer was not protected from degradation, it can be concluded that the target sequence was not present. It is also to be understood that since such an assay relies upon an enzymatic event, quantitation of the target sequence can be determined by determining enzyme activity. In still another embodiment, this invention pertains to kits. In one embodiment said kit comprises two or more independently detectable combination oligomers wherein each of said independently detectable combination oligomers comprises a first oligomer block and a second oligomer block that are each independently a peptide nucleic acid, a PNA chimera or PNA combination oligomer. The oligomer blocks are linked covalently to each other by a linker that is at least three atoms in length. In each independently detectable combination oligomer, the first and second oligomer blocks taken together encode a probing nucleobase sequence that is designed to sequence specifically hybridize to a target sequence of contiguous nucleobases that is suitable for the formation of a double stranded target sequence/combination oligomer complex. The probing nucleobase sequence in each independently detectable combination oligomer differs from the probing nucleobase sequences of the other independently detectable combination oligomer(s) by at least one nucleobase. Each independently detectable combination oligomer contains at least one independently detectable label. The kit optionally comprises; (i) one or more oligonucleotides; (ii) one or more buffers; (iii) one or more nucleotide triphosphates; (iv) a nucleic acid amplification master mix; or (v) one or more polymerase enzymes. In yet another embodiment, this invention pertains to a set of two or more independently detectable combination oligomers. The combination oligomers of the set each comprise a first oligomer block and a second oligomer block that are each independently a peptide nucleic acid, PNA chimera or PNA combination oligomer. The oligomer blocks are linked covalently to each other by a linker that is at least three atoms in length. In each independently detectable combination oligomer, the first and second oligomer blocks taken together encode a probing nucleobase sequence that is designed to sequence specifically hybridize to a target sequence of contiguous nucleobases to thereby form a double stranded target sequence/combination oligomer complex. The probing nucleobase sequence in each independently detectable combination oligomer differs from the probing nucleobase sequences of the other independently detectable combination oligomer(s) of the set by at least one nucleobase. Each independently detectable combination oligomer contains at least one independently detectable label. This invention is also directed to a method for forming a terminal oligomer block and a condensing oligomer block from a bifunctional single set library. The method comprises providing a bifunctional single set library of at least two oligomer blocks. One oligomer block of the bifunctional single set library is treated to thereby remove one or more of the protecting groups to thereby produce a terminal oligomer. One oligomer block of the bifunctional single set library is also treated to remove one or more different protecting groups, as compared with those that produce the terminal oligomer block, to thereby produce a condensing oligomer block. Thus, this invention is also directed to a compound library comprising a bifunctional single set of oligomer blocks. The oligomer blocks of the set can be used to produce both terminal oligomer blocks and condensation oligomer blocks by the removal of certain protecting groups. The oligomer blocks of the bifunctional set are peptide nucleic acid oligomer, PNA chimera or PNA combination oligomer. The oligomer blocks of the bifunctional set are selected to comprise functional moieties that form a linker of at least three atoms in length when a terminal oligomer block is condensed with a condensation oligomer block. Furthermore, the oligomer blocks are not support bound and do not comprise nucleobase protecting groups. In still another embodiment, this invention pertains to another compound library. According the invention, this compound library comprises at least one set of terminal oligomer blocks and at least one set of condensing oligomer blocks wherein each set of blocks comprises two or more different oligomers and said oligomer blocks are selected from the group consisting of: peptide nucleic acid oligomer, PNA chimera and PNA combination oligomer. The oligomer blocks are selected to comprise functional moieties that form a linker of at least three atoms in length when a terminal oligomer block is condensed with a condensation oligomer block. Additionally, the oligomer blocks are not support bound and the oligomer blocks do not comprise nucleobase-protecting groups. It is to be understood that a compound library of this invention is not to be limited to one or two sets of block oligomers. By way of a non-limiting example, the library may comprise three or more sets of oligomer blocks. Accordingly, in still another embodiment, this invention pertains to another compound library. The compound library comprises at least one set of terminal oligomer blocks and at least two sets of condensing oligomer blocks. According to the invention, each set of oligomer blocks comprises two or more different oligomers and the oligomer blocks of each set are independently either peptide nucleic acid oligomer, PNA chimera or PNA combination oligomer. The oligomer blocks are selected to comprise functional moieties that form a linker of at least three atoms in length that covalently links the oligomer blocks when a terminal oligomer block is condensed with a condensation oligomer block. Additionally, the oligomer blocks are not support bound and the oligomer blocks do not comprise nucleobase-protecting groups. Furthermore, all of the oligomer blocks of a set of condensing oligomer blocks contain the same independently detectable reporter moiety and all of the oligomer blocks of the at least one set of terminal oligomer blocks comprise the same quencher moiety. In still another embodiment, this invention pertains to novel combination oligomers such as a self-indicating combination oligomer. Accordingly, this invention also pertains to a composition of covalently linked oligomer blocks comprising a segment of the formula: A-B-C. According to the invention, oligomer blocks A and C are each independently a peptide nucleic acid, PNA chimera or PNA combination oligomer and are optionally linked to other moieties of the segment. The linker B is at least three atoms in length and covalently links oligomer block A to oligomer block C. Moreover, oligomer blocks A and C taken together encode a probing nucleobase sequence that is designed to sequence specifically hybridize to a target sequence of contiguous nucleobases to thereby form a double stranded target sequence/combination oligomer complex. The self-indicating combination oligomer further comprises an energy transfer set of labels such that at least one acceptor moiety of the energy transfer set is linked to one of the linked oligomer blocks of the composition whilst at least one donor moiety of the energy transfer set is linked to another of the linked oligomer blocks of the composition wherein labels of the set are linked to the combination oligomer at positions that facilitate a change in detectable signal of at least one label when the combination oligomer is sequence specifically hybridized to a target sequence as compared to when the combination oligomer is in a non-hybridized state. In yet another embodiment, this invention pertains to an array of at least two combination oligomers wherein at least one of the combination oligomers comprises a segment having the formula: A-B-C. According to the invention, oligomer blocks A and C are each independently a peptide nucleic acid, PNA chimera or PNA combination oligomer and are optionally linked to other moieties. The linker B is at least three atoms in length and covalently links oligomer block A to oligomer block C. Oligomer blocks A and C taken together encode a probing nucleobase sequence that is designed to sequence specifically hybridize to a target sequence of contiguous nucleobases to thereby form a double stranded target sequence/combination oligomer complex. In yet another embodiment, this invention pertains to methods for forming an array of combination oligomers. In one embodiment, the method comprises reacting, at a site on a solid carrier, a first oligomer block, a second oligomer block, and optionally a condensation reagent or reagents under condensation conditions to thereby form a combination oligomer having a linker of at least three atoms in length that covalently links the first oligomer block to the second oligomer block. According to the invention, one of said two oligomer blocks is support bound. Further, the first and second oligomer blocks are each independently a peptide nucleic acid oligomer, PNA chimera or PNA combination oligomer. Additionally, one or both oligomer blocks do not comprise nucleobase protecting groups and the combination oligomer forms in the absence of a template. The method further comprises repeating the method with one or more different oligomer blocks at one or more different sites until the desired array of combination oligomers is constructed. In still another embodiment, this invention pertains to another method for forming an array of combination oligomers. The method comprises reacting, at a site on a solid carrier, a functional group of a combination oligomer having a linker of at least three atoms in length that covalently links the first oligomer block to the second oligomer block with a surface functional group to thereby covalently attach the combination oligomer to the surface. According to the method, the first and second oligomer blocks of the combination oligomer are each independently a peptide nucleic acid oligomer, PNA chimera or PNA combination oligomer. Moreover, one or both oligomer blocks do not comprise nucleobase-protecting groups. The method further comprises repeating the method for attachment of the combination oligomer with one or more different combination oligomers at one or more different sites until the desired array of combination oligomers is constructed.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention pertains to the field of combination oligomers, including the block synthesis of combination oligomers in the absence of a template, as well as methods, kits, libraries and other compositions. 2. Introduction Nucleic acid hybridization is a fundamental process in molecular biology. Probe-based assays are useful in the detection, quantitation and/or analysis of nucleic acids. Nucleic acid probes have long been used to analyze samples for the presence of nucleic acid from bacteria, fungi, virus or other organisms and are also useful in examining genetically-based disease states or clinical conditions of interest. Nonetheless, nucleic acid probe-based assays have been slow to achieve commercial success. This lack of commercial success is, at least partially, the result of difficulties associated with specificity, sensitivity and/or reliability. Nucleic acid amplification assays comprise an important class of specific target sequence detection methods in modern biology, with diverse applications in diagnosis of inherited disease, human identification, identification of microorganisms, paternity testing, virology, and DNA sequencing. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification method allows for the production and detection of target nucleic acid sequences with great sensitivity and specificity. PCR methods are integral to cloning, analysis of genetic expression, DNA sequencing, genetic mapping, drug discovery, and the like (Gilliland,Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.,87: 2725-2729 (1990); Bevan,PCR Methods and Applications1: 222-228 (1992); Green,PCR Methods and Applications,1: 77-90 (1991); McPherson, M. J., Quirke, P., and Taylor, G. R. inPCR2: A Practical ApproachOxford University Press, Oxford (1995)). Methods for detecting a PCR product (amplicon) using an oligonucleotide probe capable of hybridizing with the target sequence or amplicon are described in Mullis, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,683,195 and 4,683,202; EP No. 237,362. Despite its name, Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA) is neither a peptide, a nucleic acid nor is it an acid. Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA) is a non-naturally occurring polyamide (pseudopeptide) that can hybridize to nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) with sequence specificity (See: U.S. Pat. No. 5,539,082 and Egholm et al.,Nature365: 566-568 (1993)). PNA has been characterized in the scientific literature as a nucleic acid mimic, rather than a nucleic acid analog, since its structure is completely synthetic and not derived from nucleic acid (See: Nielsen, P. E.,Acc. Chem. Res.32: 624-630 (1999)). Being a non-naturally occurring molecule, unmodified PNA is not known to be a substrate for the enzymes that are known to degrade peptides or nucleic acids. Therefore, PNA should be stable in biological samples, as well as have a long shelf-life. Unlike nucleic acid hybridization, which is very dependent on ionic strength, the hybridization of a PNA with a nucleic acid is fairly independent of ionic strength and is favored at low ionic strength, conditions that strongly disfavor the hybridization of nucleic acid to nucleic acid (Egholm et al.,Nature, at p. 567). Because of their unique properties, it is clear that PNA is not the equivalent of a nucleic acid in either structure or function. In addition to the limitations of selectivity/discrimination, there is a need to be able to rapidly and efficiently prepare numerous oligomers that can be used as probes or primers in an assay at a defined scale that is small enough to be cost effective. This need has arisen because genome sequencing has provided massive amounts of raw sequence data that can be mined for useful information. Because the volume of information is so massive, screening results that are generated from the mining operations typically involve high throughput analysis that requires tens or even hundreds of thousands of probes and primers. However, commercially available instruments that build nucleic acid and peptide nucleic acids based upon stepwise monomer assembly (de novo synthesis) require hours to produce single probes in a scale that is cost prohibitive for the manufacture of thousands or tens of thousands of probes or primers. Moreover, because the probes are synthesized de novo, it is difficult to expedite the delivery of the tens to hundreds of thousands of probes or primers within a short period, for example six months or less, without a massive investment in capital equipment. Therefore, it would be advantageous to be able to have a method for the rapid (days or weeks), efficient and cost effective production of tens or even hundreds of thousands of oligomers of desired nucleobase sequence that could be used as probes or primers for high throughput applications such as for expression analysis or the mining of genomes. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention pertains to the field of combination oligomers, including the block synthesis of combination oligomers in the absence of a template, as well as related methods, kits, libraries and other compositions. As used herein a combination oligomer is a composition comprising two or more oligomer blocks independently selected from peptide nucleic acid, PNA chimera and PNA combination oligomer, whether or not labeled, wherein said oligomer blocks are linked by a linker. This linker can optionally be a cleavage site for an enzyme. The aforementioned composition is referred to herein as a combination oligomer, without regard to its method of production, because its hybridization properties result from the combined properties of the two component oligomer blocks as well as the nature of the linker and the opportunity for interaction between the blocks when the combination oligomer hybridizes to a target sequence. In one embodiment, this invention pertains to novel combination oligomers. The novel combination oligomers of this invention are referred to herein as self-indicating combination oligomers and substrate combination oligomers; each of which is described in more detail below (See also: Examples 4 & 5, below). It is to be understood that combination oligomers can be used as probes or primers in numerous applications. The requirement for probes is merely that they hybridize to a target sequence with sequence specificity. Thus, when used as a probe, there are no additional limitations on specific features of the combination oligomer. However, when used as a primer, it is a requirement that the combination oligomer contain moieties suitable for the recognition and operation of an enzyme since polymerase enzymes are not known to operate on unmodified PNA oligomers (See: Lutz et al.,J. Am. Chem. Soc.119: 3177-3178 (1997)). In another embodiment, this invention pertains to a composition comprising a polynucleobase strand and a combination oligomer sequence specifically hybridized to a target sequence of contiguous nucleobases within the polynucleobase strand to thereby form a double stranded target sequence/combination oligomer complex (SeeFIG. 1; Also note that this configuration is sometimes referred to herein as being hybridized juxtaposed to the target sequence such that there is no gap or gap base). The combination oligomer comprises a first and a second oligomer block that are each independently a peptide nucleic acid, PNA chimera or PNA combination oligomer. The first and second oligomer blocks are covalently linked by a linker of at least three atoms in length. In yet another embodiment, this invention pertains to a method for determining a target sequence of contiguous nucleobases. The method comprises contacting the target sequence with a combination oligomer, under suitable hybridization conditions, wherein the combination oligomer comprises a first oligomer block and a second oligomer block that are each independently a peptide nucleic acid, PNA chimera or PNA combination oligomer. The first and second oligomer blocks are linked covalently to each other by a linker that is at least three atoms in length. Moreover, the first and second oligomer blocks can sequence specifically hybridize to the target sequence of contiguous nucleobases to thereby form a double stranded target sequence/combination oligomer complex. Complex formation is determined to thereby determine the target sequence since the complex does not form in the absence of the target sequence. Determination of the complex includes, but is not limited to, determining the presence, absence, quantity (amount) or position of the complex to thereby determine the presence, absence, quantity (amount), position or identity of the target sequence (See for example: Examples 3-5). In still another embodiment, this invention pertains to a method for determining the zygosity of a nucleic acid for a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). The method comprises contacting a nucleic acid sample with at least two independently detectable combination oligomers. Each independently detectable combination oligomer comprises a first oligomer block and a second oligomer block that are each independently a peptide nucleic acid, PNA chimera or PNA combination oligomer and the oligomer blocks are linked covalently to each other by a linker that is at least three atoms in length. The first and second oligomer blocks taken together encode a probing nucleobase sequence that is designed to sequence specifically hybridize to a target sequence of contiguous nucleobases in a polynucleobase strand of the nucleic acid sample, if present, to thereby form a double stranded target sequence/independently detectable combination oligomer complex. The probing nucleobase sequence in each independently detectable combination oligomer differs from the other by at least one nucleobase (the SNP nucleobase). However, the probing nucleobase sequence may differ by more than one nucleobase, depending on probe design, provided however that they differ by a single nucleobase at the SNP to be determined (See for example: Example 5, Table 9 and particularly the sets of PNA combination oligomer probes for SNPs 6876 and 6879). According to the method, the nucleic acid sample and combination oligomers are contacted with one or more reagents suitable for performing a nucleic amplification reaction that amplifies the nucleic acid present in the sample and nucleic acid amplification is performed in the presence of the nucleic acid, the combination oligomers and the reagents. Complex formation for each independently detectable combination oligomer/target sequence complex is determined to thereby determine whether the nucleic acid is heterozygous or homozygous for a particular SNP. Complex determination can be correlated with the zygosity state of a particular SNP, since the complexes will not form in the absence of the respective target sequence of contiguous nucleobases for each particular combination oligomer. Moreover, the two independently detectable combination oligomers provide all of the information needed to determine the three possible genotype states depending on which complexes do and do not form. In one embodiment, the independently detectable combination oligomers are independently detectable, self-indicating combination oligomers. According to the method a determination, under suitable hybridization conditions, is made of any change in detectable signal arising from at least one of the labels of each of the independently detectable energy transfer sets as a measure of whether or not each of the combination oligomers is hybridized to their respective target sequence of contiguous nucleobases. Such determination can be performed either during the process of the nucleic acid amplification (e.g. in real-time) or after the nucleic acid amplification reaction is completed (e.g. at the end-point). According to the method, the result of the change in signal for at least one label of each energy transfer set of each combination oligomer is correlated with a determination of the formation of each of the two possible target sequence/independently detectable self-indicating combination oligomer complexes. Based upon this data, one of the three possible states of zygosity of the sample for a particular SNP can be determined (See for example: Example 5). In another embodiment, this invention is directed to a method for forming a combination oligomer from oligomer blocks. The method comprises reacting a first oligomer block, a second oligomer block, and optionally a condensation reagent or reagents under condensation conditions to thereby form a combination oligomer having a linker of at least three atoms in length that covalently links the first oligomer block to the second oligomer block. According to the method, the first and second oligomer blocks are each independently a peptide nucleic acid, PNA chimera or PNA combination oligomer. Neither of the first or second oligomer blocks is support bound and the combination oligomer forms in the absence of a template. The ligation/condensation reaction can be performed in aqueous solution. The nucleobases need not be protected during the condensation/ligation reaction. In yet another embodiment, this invention pertains to another method for forming combination oligomers from oligomer blocks. The method comprises reacting a first oligomer block, a second oligomer block, and optionally a condensation reagent or reagents under condensation conditions to thereby form a combination oligomer having a linker of at least three atoms in length that covalently links the first oligomer block to the second oligomer block. The first and second oligomer blocks are each independently a peptide nucleic acid, PNA chimera or PNA combination oligomer. The nucleobases of the oligomer blocks do not comprise protecting groups and the combination oligomer forms in the absence of a template. The ligation/condensation can be performed in aqueous solution. Regardless of the method of forming a combination oligomer as described above, in another embodiment, the product of the condensation/ligation reaction can optionally be further lengthened/elongated. Hence, the combination oligomer, as formed, can be used as an oligomer block such that repeating the method produces a further lengthened/elongated oligomer. According to the method, the combination oligomer, as previously formed, can optionally be deprotected, as may be required, to facilitate the next condensation/ligation step. The combination oligomer, as previously formed and optionally deprotected, is reacted with a third oligomer block and optionally a condensation reagent or reagents under condensation conditions. This forms the elongated combination oligomer having a covalent linkage of at least three atoms in length that covalently links the third oligomer block to the combination oligomer wherein, the elongated combination oligomer forms in the absence of a template. In accordance with this method, this process can be optionally repeated until the combination oligomer is of the desired length. Such a process of continued elongation can, for example, be useful for the preparation of arrays since longer oligomers are often used for this application. In certain other embodiments of this invention, a combination oligomer is formed that possesses a cleavage site for an enzyme wherein the cleavage site is protected from cleavage upon the binding of the combination oligomer to a binding pair. Hence, this invention also pertains to a method for determining whether or not a combination oligomer binds to a possible binding partner (e.g. an aptmer or target sequence). The method comprises contacting the combination oligomer and the possible binding partner under suitable binding conditions to thereby possibly form a combination oligomer/binding partner complex. According to the method the combination oligomer is a polymer comprising a segment of the formula: A-W-C, wherein A and C are oligomer blocks that are optionally linked to other moieties and that are each independently a peptide nucleic acid, PNA chimera or PNA combination oligomer. The group W is a linker of at least three atoms in length that covalently links oligomer block A to oligomer block C and that is a cleavage site for an enzyme. According to the method the binding partner and the combination oligomer are treated with an enzyme suitable for cleaving the cleavage site under suitable enzyme cleaving conditions. Then a determination is made of whether or not the combination oligomer has been cleaved by the activity of the enzyme to thereby determine whether or not the combination oligomer/binding partner complex formed. Where the binding partner is a target sequence, and the combination oligomer is bound to the target sequence, it is protected from the activity of the enzyme. Accordingly, if the assay determines that the combination oligomer is not substantially degraded, it must have bound to the target sequence (See: Example 4). Conversely, where the combination oligomer was not protected from degradation, it can be concluded that the target sequence was not present. It is also to be understood that since such an assay relies upon an enzymatic event, quantitation of the target sequence can be determined by determining enzyme activity. In still another embodiment, this invention pertains to kits. In one embodiment said kit comprises two or more independently detectable combination oligomers wherein each of said independently detectable combination oligomers comprises a first oligomer block and a second oligomer block that are each independently a peptide nucleic acid, a PNA chimera or PNA combination oligomer. The oligomer blocks are linked covalently to each other by a linker that is at least three atoms in length. In each independently detectable combination oligomer, the first and second oligomer blocks taken together encode a probing nucleobase sequence that is designed to sequence specifically hybridize to a target sequence of contiguous nucleobases that is suitable for the formation of a double stranded target sequence/combination oligomer complex. The probing nucleobase sequence in each independently detectable combination oligomer differs from the probing nucleobase sequences of the other independently detectable combination oligomer(s) by at least one nucleobase. Each independently detectable combination oligomer contains at least one independently detectable label. The kit optionally comprises; (i) one or more oligonucleotides; (ii) one or more buffers; (iii) one or more nucleotide triphosphates; (iv) a nucleic acid amplification master mix; or (v) one or more polymerase enzymes. In yet another embodiment, this invention pertains to a set of two or more independently detectable combination oligomers. The combination oligomers of the set each comprise a first oligomer block and a second oligomer block that are each independently a peptide nucleic acid, PNA chimera or PNA combination oligomer. The oligomer blocks are linked covalently to each other by a linker that is at least three atoms in length. In each independently detectable combination oligomer, the first and second oligomer blocks taken together encode a probing nucleobase sequence that is designed to sequence specifically hybridize to a target sequence of contiguous nucleobases to thereby form a double stranded target sequence/combination oligomer complex. The probing nucleobase sequence in each independently detectable combination oligomer differs from the probing nucleobase sequences of the other independently detectable combination oligomer(s) of the set by at least one nucleobase. Each independently detectable combination oligomer contains at least one independently detectable label. This invention is also directed to a method for forming a terminal oligomer block and a condensing oligomer block from a bifunctional single set library. The method comprises providing a bifunctional single set library of at least two oligomer blocks. One oligomer block of the bifunctional single set library is treated to thereby remove one or more of the protecting groups to thereby produce a terminal oligomer. One oligomer block of the bifunctional single set library is also treated to remove one or more different protecting groups, as compared with those that produce the terminal oligomer block, to thereby produce a condensing oligomer block. Thus, this invention is also directed to a compound library comprising a bifunctional single set of oligomer blocks. The oligomer blocks of the set can be used to produce both terminal oligomer blocks and condensation oligomer blocks by the removal of certain protecting groups. The oligomer blocks of the bifunctional set are peptide nucleic acid oligomer, PNA chimera or PNA combination oligomer. The oligomer blocks of the bifunctional set are selected to comprise functional moieties that form a linker of at least three atoms in length when a terminal oligomer block is condensed with a condensation oligomer block. Furthermore, the oligomer blocks are not support bound and do not comprise nucleobase protecting groups. In still another embodiment, this invention pertains to another compound library. According the invention, this compound library comprises at least one set of terminal oligomer blocks and at least one set of condensing oligomer blocks wherein each set of blocks comprises two or more different oligomers and said oligomer blocks are selected from the group consisting of: peptide nucleic acid oligomer, PNA chimera and PNA combination oligomer. The oligomer blocks are selected to comprise functional moieties that form a linker of at least three atoms in length when a terminal oligomer block is condensed with a condensation oligomer block. Additionally, the oligomer blocks are not support bound and the oligomer blocks do not comprise nucleobase-protecting groups. It is to be understood that a compound library of this invention is not to be limited to one or two sets of block oligomers. By way of a non-limiting example, the library may comprise three or more sets of oligomer blocks. Accordingly, in still another embodiment, this invention pertains to another compound library. The compound library comprises at least one set of terminal oligomer blocks and at least two sets of condensing oligomer blocks. According to the invention, each set of oligomer blocks comprises two or more different oligomers and the oligomer blocks of each set are independently either peptide nucleic acid oligomer, PNA chimera or PNA combination oligomer. The oligomer blocks are selected to comprise functional moieties that form a linker of at least three atoms in length that covalently links the oligomer blocks when a terminal oligomer block is condensed with a condensation oligomer block. Additionally, the oligomer blocks are not support bound and the oligomer blocks do not comprise nucleobase-protecting groups. Furthermore, all of the oligomer blocks of a set of condensing oligomer blocks contain the same independently detectable reporter moiety and all of the oligomer blocks of the at least one set of terminal oligomer blocks comprise the same quencher moiety. In still another embodiment, this invention pertains to novel combination oligomers such as a self-indicating combination oligomer. Accordingly, this invention also pertains to a composition of covalently linked oligomer blocks comprising a segment of the formula: A-B-C. According to the invention, oligomer blocks A and C are each independently a peptide nucleic acid, PNA chimera or PNA combination oligomer and are optionally linked to other moieties of the segment. The linker B is at least three atoms in length and covalently links oligomer block A to oligomer block C. Moreover, oligomer blocks A and C taken together encode a probing nucleobase sequence that is designed to sequence specifically hybridize to a target sequence of contiguous nucleobases to thereby form a double stranded target sequence/combination oligomer complex. The self-indicating combination oligomer further comprises an energy transfer set of labels such that at least one acceptor moiety of the energy transfer set is linked to one of the linked oligomer blocks of the composition whilst at least one donor moiety of the energy transfer set is linked to another of the linked oligomer blocks of the composition wherein labels of the set are linked to the combination oligomer at positions that facilitate a change in detectable signal of at least one label when the combination oligomer is sequence specifically hybridized to a target sequence as compared to when the combination oligomer is in a non-hybridized state. In yet another embodiment, this invention pertains to an array of at least two combination oligomers wherein at least one of the combination oligomers comprises a segment having the formula: A-B-C. According to the invention, oligomer blocks A and C are each independently a peptide nucleic acid, PNA chimera or PNA combination oligomer and are optionally linked to other moieties. The linker B is at least three atoms in length and covalently links oligomer block A to oligomer block C. Oligomer blocks A and C taken together encode a probing nucleobase sequence that is designed to sequence specifically hybridize to a target sequence of contiguous nucleobases to thereby form a double stranded target sequence/combination oligomer complex. In yet another embodiment, this invention pertains to methods for forming an array of combination oligomers. In one embodiment, the method comprises reacting, at a site on a solid carrier, a first oligomer block, a second oligomer block, and optionally a condensation reagent or reagents under condensation conditions to thereby form a combination oligomer having a linker of at least three atoms in length that covalently links the first oligomer block to the second oligomer block. According to the invention, one of said two oligomer blocks is support bound. Further, the first and second oligomer blocks are each independently a peptide nucleic acid oligomer, PNA chimera or PNA combination oligomer. Additionally, one or both oligomer blocks do not comprise nucleobase protecting groups and the combination oligomer forms in the absence of a template. The method further comprises repeating the method with one or more different oligomer blocks at one or more different sites until the desired array of combination oligomers is constructed. In still another embodiment, this invention pertains to another method for forming an array of combination oligomers. The method comprises reacting, at a site on a solid carrier, a functional group of a combination oligomer having a linker of at least three atoms in length that covalently links the first oligomer block to the second oligomer block with a surface functional group to thereby covalently attach the combination oligomer to the surface. According to the method, the first and second oligomer blocks of the combination oligomer are each independently a peptide nucleic acid oligomer, PNA chimera or PNA combination oligomer. Moreover, one or both oligomer blocks do not comprise nucleobase-protecting groups. The method further comprises repeating the method for attachment of the combination oligomer with one or more different combination oligomers at one or more different sites until the desired array of combination oligomers is constructed. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7643512

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to wireless communication systems, and particularly to methods and systems for using variable data rates in wireless data links. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In some wireless communication systems, transmission and reception functions are divided between an indoor unit (IDU) and an outdoor unit (ODU), typically located adjacent to the antenna. The IDU and ODU are connected by a link, which may be analog or digital. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,987,060, whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference, describes a system and method for communication having a digital signal link connecting the IDU and ODU. In some cases, the data rate of the communication system is variable. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,016,296, whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference, describes methods and systems that enable subscribers to share a wireless channel by using different modulation schemes. The modulation scheme assigned to a subscriber is determined based on measurements of the quality of signals received from that subscriber. In one embodiment, the system is capable of transmitting data using one of a number of encoding and symbol constellation configurations. As another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,836,515, whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference, describes a radio consisting of a multi-modulation modem, which modulates and demodulates signals using a plurality of modulations. The radio also comprises a frequency converter for converting the signals to a radio frequency and a transceiver unit including an antenna coupled to the frequency converter for transmitting the signals over a radio communications link. As yet another example, PCT Publication WO 0076114 A1, which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a system for providing adjustable levels of information density in a communicated data stream in response to monitored communication link conditions. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Some wireless communication systems are partitioned into first and second communication units, which are connected by a cable connection. The first unit communicates with a remote communication system over a wireless link having a variable data rate. The second unit exchanges data with the remote communication system by communicating with the first unit over the cable connection. For example, some wireless communication systems comprise an indoor unit (IDU) and an outdoor unit (ODU), which is located adjacent to the antenna. The IDU and ODU communicate with one another over a cable connection, such as a coaxial cable, twisted pair or optical fiber. A variable-rate modem in the ODU, such as a modem that uses adaptive coding and modulation (ACM), transmits and receives data over a wireless channel to another communication system. Locating the modem adjacent to the antenna significantly simplifies the radio frequency (RF) design of the communication system. However, when the data rate over the wireless link varies, the data rate over the cable connection between the first and second communication units should be modified accordingly. Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for performing such data rate coordination between the wireless link and the cable connection. In some embodiments, the cable connection is operated at a constant data rate, which is sufficiently high to support the highest possible data rate of the wireless link. When the wireless link uses a lower data rate, dummy data is transmitted over the cable connection so as to compensate for the data rate difference. Additionally or alternatively, the data rate of the cable connection is modified to match the data rate of the wireless link by modifying at least one of a modulation scheme and a coding rate used for communicating over the cable connection. Further additionally or alternatively, the data rate of the cable connection is modified by modifying the baud rate of the cable connection, either by modifying the physical clock rate of the cable connection, or by applying a suitable signal processing method that emulates a baud rate modification. There is therefore provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a communication system, including: a first communication unit, which is arranged to communicate with a remote communication system over a first communication link having a first, variable data rate; and a second communication unit, which is arranged to exchange data with the remote communication system by communicating with the first communication unit over a second communication link having a second data rate, wherein the first and second communication units are arranged to modify the second data rate responsively to variations in the first data rate, so as to match the second data rate to the first data rate. In a disclosed embodiment, the first communication link includes a wireless link, and the second communication link includes a wireline link. Typically, the second link includes at least one of a coaxial cable, a twisted pair and an optical link. Alternatively, the first and second links include wireless links for relaying data between the second communication unit and the remote communication system. In one embodiment, the first communication unit includes an outdoor unit (ODU) located adjacent to an antenna of the first communication link, and the second communication unit includes an indoor unit (IDU) of the system. In some embodiments, the first and second communication units are arranged to modify the second data rate without modifying a physical data rate of the second communication link. Typically, the first and second communication units are arranged to insert dummy data into the data transmitted over the second communication link so as to modify an effective data rate of the second communication link without modifying the physical data rate of the second communication link. The first and second communication units may be arranged to determine an amount of the dummy data to be inserted based on a difference between the first data rate and the physical data rate of the second communication link, and to insert fields identifying locations of the dummy data into the data transmitted over the second communication link. Additionally or alternatively, the first and second communication units are arranged to encode the data transmitted over the second communication link using an error correcting code (ECC), and to modify the second data rate by selecting a code rate of the ECC based on a difference between the first data rate and the physical data rate of the second communication link. In another embodiment, the first and second communication units are arranged to modulate the data transmitted over the second communication link using a modulation scheme, and to modify the second data rate by selecting a symbol constellation of the modulation scheme so as to match the first data rate. Additionally or alternatively, the first communication unit includes a variable-rate modem, which is arranged to vary the first data rate by modifying at least one of a modulation scheme and a code rate used to communicate over the first communication link. In a disclosed embodiment, at least one of the first and second communication units are arranged to determine a value of the first data rate based on a quality of reception over the first communication link. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the first and second communication units is arranged to determine the value of the first data rate based on a prediction of future channel conditions of the first communication link. Typically, the prediction is based on at least one of a mean square error (MSE), a received signal level (RSL), a bit error rate (BER) and equalizer coefficient values at a receiver of the remote communication system. In some embodiments, the second communication unit is arranged to format the data in a first sequence of data frames, to encapsulate the first sequence of data frames in a second sequence of cable frames and to transmit the second sequence of cable over the second communication link, and wherein the first communication unit is arranged to de-capsulate the second sequence of cable frames received over the second communication link so as to extract the first sequence of data frames, and to transmit the first sequence of data frames over the first communication link. Typically, the second communication unit is arranged to insert into the cable frames fields indicating locations of the data frames in the cable frames, and the first communication unit is arranged to determine the locations of the data frames based on the fields. Additionally or alternatively, the first and second communication units include respective first and second controllers, which are arranged to exchange management data with one another by inserting the management data into the cable frames. The first communication link may use adaptive coding and modulation (ACM) in order to vary the first data rate, wherein the management data includes indications of ACM settings to be used by the first communication link. In some embodiments, the first and second communication units are arranged to modify the second data rate by modifying a physical data rate of the second communication link. Typically, the first and second communication units are arranged to determine a modification to the physical data rate of the second communication link based on a difference between the first data rate and the physical data rate of the second communication link. Additionally or alternatively, the first and second communication units are arranged to modify the physical data rate of the second communication link by selecting a baud rate responsively to the first data rate. There is also provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method for communication, including: communicating between first and second communication systems over a cascaded connection of a first communication link having a first, variable data rate, and a second communication link having a second data rate; and modifying the second data rate responsively to variations in the first data rate, so as to match the second data rate to the first data rate. There is additionally provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a communication network, including: a first communication system, including:a first communication unit, which is arranged to communicate over a first communication link having a first, variable data rate; anda second communication unit, which is arranged to communicate with the first communication unit over a second communication link having a second data rate; and a second communication system, including:a third communication unit, which is arranged to communicate with the first communication unit over the first communication link; anda fourth communication unit, which is arranged to send data to the second communication unit via the first and second communication links by communicating with the third communication unit over a third communication link having a third data rate, wherein the first, second, third and fourth communication units are arranged to modify at least one of the second and third data rates responsively to variations in the first data rate, so as to match the at least one of the second and third data rates to the first data rate. Typically, the first communication unit includes a variable rate modem, which is arranged to assess a quality of reception over the first communication link, and the variations in the first data rate are determined responsively to the assessed reception quality. In a disclosed embodiment, the first communication unit is arranged to indicate the variations in the first data rate to the fourth communication unit, and the fourth communication unit is arranged to initiate a modification of the first data rate and the at least one of the second and third data rates based on the indicated variations. The first communication unit may be arranged to indicate the variations to the fourth communication unit via the second communication unit. Additionally or alternatively, the first communication unit is arranged to indicate the variations to the fourth communication unit via the third communication unit. The present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of the embodiments thereof, taken together with the drawings in which:

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to wireless communication systems, and particularly to methods and systems for using variable data rates in wireless data links. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In some wireless communication systems, transmission and reception functions are divided between an indoor unit (IDU) and an outdoor unit (ODU), typically located adjacent to the antenna. The IDU and ODU are connected by a link, which may be analog or digital. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,987,060, whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference, describes a system and method for communication having a digital signal link connecting the IDU and ODU. In some cases, the data rate of the communication system is variable. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,016,296, whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference, describes methods and systems that enable subscribers to share a wireless channel by using different modulation schemes. The modulation scheme assigned to a subscriber is determined based on measurements of the quality of signals received from that subscriber. In one embodiment, the system is capable of transmitting data using one of a number of encoding and symbol constellation configurations. As another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,836,515, whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference, describes a radio consisting of a multi-modulation modem, which modulates and demodulates signals using a plurality of modulations. The radio also comprises a frequency converter for converting the signals to a radio frequency and a transceiver unit including an antenna coupled to the frequency converter for transmitting the signals over a radio communications link. As yet another example, PCT Publication WO 0076114 A1, which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a system for providing adjustable levels of information density in a communicated data stream in response to monitored communication link conditions. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Some wireless communication systems are partitioned into first and second communication units, which are connected by a cable connection. The first unit communicates with a remote communication system over a wireless link having a variable data rate. The second unit exchanges data with the remote communication system by communicating with the first unit over the cable connection. For example, some wireless communication systems comprise an indoor unit (IDU) and an outdoor unit (ODU), which is located adjacent to the antenna. The IDU and ODU communicate with one another over a cable connection, such as a coaxial cable, twisted pair or optical fiber. A variable-rate modem in the ODU, such as a modem that uses adaptive coding and modulation (ACM), transmits and receives data over a wireless channel to another communication system. Locating the modem adjacent to the antenna significantly simplifies the radio frequency (RF) design of the communication system. However, when the data rate over the wireless link varies, the data rate over the cable connection between the first and second communication units should be modified accordingly. Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for performing such data rate coordination between the wireless link and the cable connection. In some embodiments, the cable connection is operated at a constant data rate, which is sufficiently high to support the highest possible data rate of the wireless link. When the wireless link uses a lower data rate, dummy data is transmitted over the cable connection so as to compensate for the data rate difference. Additionally or alternatively, the data rate of the cable connection is modified to match the data rate of the wireless link by modifying at least one of a modulation scheme and a coding rate used for communicating over the cable connection. Further additionally or alternatively, the data rate of the cable connection is modified by modifying the baud rate of the cable connection, either by modifying the physical clock rate of the cable connection, or by applying a suitable signal processing method that emulates a baud rate modification. There is therefore provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a communication system, including: a first communication unit, which is arranged to communicate with a remote communication system over a first communication link having a first, variable data rate; and a second communication unit, which is arranged to exchange data with the remote communication system by communicating with the first communication unit over a second communication link having a second data rate, wherein the first and second communication units are arranged to modify the second data rate responsively to variations in the first data rate, so as to match the second data rate to the first data rate. In a disclosed embodiment, the first communication link includes a wireless link, and the second communication link includes a wireline link. Typically, the second link includes at least one of a coaxial cable, a twisted pair and an optical link. Alternatively, the first and second links include wireless links for relaying data between the second communication unit and the remote communication system. In one embodiment, the first communication unit includes an outdoor unit (ODU) located adjacent to an antenna of the first communication link, and the second communication unit includes an indoor unit (IDU) of the system. In some embodiments, the first and second communication units are arranged to modify the second data rate without modifying a physical data rate of the second communication link. Typically, the first and second communication units are arranged to insert dummy data into the data transmitted over the second communication link so as to modify an effective data rate of the second communication link without modifying the physical data rate of the second communication link. The first and second communication units may be arranged to determine an amount of the dummy data to be inserted based on a difference between the first data rate and the physical data rate of the second communication link, and to insert fields identifying locations of the dummy data into the data transmitted over the second communication link. Additionally or alternatively, the first and second communication units are arranged to encode the data transmitted over the second communication link using an error correcting code (ECC), and to modify the second data rate by selecting a code rate of the ECC based on a difference between the first data rate and the physical data rate of the second communication link. In another embodiment, the first and second communication units are arranged to modulate the data transmitted over the second communication link using a modulation scheme, and to modify the second data rate by selecting a symbol constellation of the modulation scheme so as to match the first data rate. Additionally or alternatively, the first communication unit includes a variable-rate modem, which is arranged to vary the first data rate by modifying at least one of a modulation scheme and a code rate used to communicate over the first communication link. In a disclosed embodiment, at least one of the first and second communication units are arranged to determine a value of the first data rate based on a quality of reception over the first communication link. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the first and second communication units is arranged to determine the value of the first data rate based on a prediction of future channel conditions of the first communication link. Typically, the prediction is based on at least one of a mean square error (MSE), a received signal level (RSL), a bit error rate (BER) and equalizer coefficient values at a receiver of the remote communication system. In some embodiments, the second communication unit is arranged to format the data in a first sequence of data frames, to encapsulate the first sequence of data frames in a second sequence of cable frames and to transmit the second sequence of cable over the second communication link, and wherein the first communication unit is arranged to de-capsulate the second sequence of cable frames received over the second communication link so as to extract the first sequence of data frames, and to transmit the first sequence of data frames over the first communication link. Typically, the second communication unit is arranged to insert into the cable frames fields indicating locations of the data frames in the cable frames, and the first communication unit is arranged to determine the locations of the data frames based on the fields. Additionally or alternatively, the first and second communication units include respective first and second controllers, which are arranged to exchange management data with one another by inserting the management data into the cable frames. The first communication link may use adaptive coding and modulation (ACM) in order to vary the first data rate, wherein the management data includes indications of ACM settings to be used by the first communication link. In some embodiments, the first and second communication units are arranged to modify the second data rate by modifying a physical data rate of the second communication link. Typically, the first and second communication units are arranged to determine a modification to the physical data rate of the second communication link based on a difference between the first data rate and the physical data rate of the second communication link. Additionally or alternatively, the first and second communication units are arranged to modify the physical data rate of the second communication link by selecting a baud rate responsively to the first data rate. There is also provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method for communication, including: communicating between first and second communication systems over a cascaded connection of a first communication link having a first, variable data rate, and a second communication link having a second data rate; and modifying the second data rate responsively to variations in the first data rate, so as to match the second data rate to the first data rate. There is additionally provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a communication network, including: a first communication system, including:a first communication unit, which is arranged to communicate over a first communication link having a first, variable data rate; anda second communication unit, which is arranged to communicate with the first communication unit over a second communication link having a second data rate; and a second communication system, including:a third communication unit, which is arranged to communicate with the first communication unit over the first communication link; anda fourth communication unit, which is arranged to send data to the second communication unit via the first and second communication links by communicating with the third communication unit over a third communication link having a third data rate, wherein the first, second, third and fourth communication units are arranged to modify at least one of the second and third data rates responsively to variations in the first data rate, so as to match the at least one of the second and third data rates to the first data rate. Typically, the first communication unit includes a variable rate modem, which is arranged to assess a quality of reception over the first communication link, and the variations in the first data rate are determined responsively to the assessed reception quality. In a disclosed embodiment, the first communication unit is arranged to indicate the variations in the first data rate to the fourth communication unit, and the fourth communication unit is arranged to initiate a modification of the first data rate and the at least one of the second and third data rates based on the indicated variations. The first communication unit may be arranged to indicate the variations to the fourth communication unit via the second communication unit. Additionally or alternatively, the first communication unit is arranged to indicate the variations to the fourth communication unit via the third communication unit. The present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of the embodiments thereof, taken together with the drawings in which: Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7805607

This application claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. §365 of International Application PCT/FR03/01169, filed Apr. 11, 2003, which was published in accordance with PCT Article 21(2) on Oct. 23, 2003 in French and which claims the benefit of French patent application No. 0204840, filed Apr. 12, 2002. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the secure exchange of data over a network linking various devices and to the authentication of the source of data sent over a network. STATE OF THE ART In certain cases, it is necessary for a data receiver device to be sure that the transmitter that has transmitted the data was indeed authorized to do so by a trusted third party without the receiver of the data knowing the identity of the transmitter, the data also being likely to be relayed by an intermediate device. All known schemes of authenticating a data transmitter imply that the receiver of the data knows the transmitter. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One aim of the invention is therefore to propose a method by which a transmitter of data can prove that it was indeed authorized to transmit the data by a trusted third party without the receiver of the data knowing the identity of the transmitter. Accordingly, the invention concerns a method for verifying that data received by a receiver have been sent by a transmitter authorized by a trusted third party, the transmitter and the receiver being connected to a digital network. According to the invention, an identifier is associated with the data sent by the transmitter and the method comprises the steps consisting, for the receiver, in: (a) generating a random number; (b) broadcasting said random number over the network; (c) receiving from the transmitter a response computed by applying a first function to said random number and to said identifier; and (d) verifying the received response by applying a second function to the received response, to said random number and to said identifier; the first function having previously been delivered to the transmitter by the trusted third party and the second function being a function for verifying the result of the first function, previously delivered by the trusted third party to the receiver. The transmitter may be either the initial transmitter of the data in the network, or an intermediate device between the initial transmitter and the receiver of the data which has for example stored the data transmitted by the initial transmitter. According to a variant of the invention, the step (b) is replaced by a step consisting in sending the random number to the transmitter. According to an embodiment of the invention, the receiver inhibits access to the data if the response received in the step (c) is not correct or if no response is received after the expiry of a predetermined time starting from the transmission of the random number. The identifier associated with the data sent by the transmitter is preferably a random number generated by the initial transmitter of the data in the network and attached to these data by the initial transmitter. Naturally, this identifier gives no information on the identity of the transmitter. The invention also relates to a method for proving that data sent to a receiver have been transmitted by a transmitter authorized by a trusted third party, the transmitter and the receiver being connected to a digital network. According to this aspect of the invention, an identifier is associated with the data sent by the transmitter and the method comprises the steps consisting, for the transmitter, in:(a) receiving a random number from the receiver;(b) computing a response by applying a first function to said random number and to said identifier;(c) sending the response to the receiver. The response is likely to be verified by the receiver by applying a second function to the received response, to said random number and to said identifier; the first function having previously been delivered to the transmitter by the trusted third party and the second function being a function for verifying the result of the first function, previously delivered by the trusted third party to the receiver. According to the principle of the invention, a trusted third party delivers to all the devices likely to be initial or intermediate transmitters in a network, the first function used to compute the response in the context of the above method. The trusted third party also delivers to all the devices likely to be receivers in the network, the second function for verifying the response computed with the aid of the first function.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: This application claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. §365 of International Application PCT/FR03/01169, filed Apr. 11, 2003, which was published in accordance with PCT Article 21(2) on Oct. 23, 2003 in French and which claims the benefit of French patent application No. 0204840, filed Apr. 12, 2002. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the secure exchange of data over a network linking various devices and to the authentication of the source of data sent over a network. STATE OF THE ART In certain cases, it is necessary for a data receiver device to be sure that the transmitter that has transmitted the data was indeed authorized to do so by a trusted third party without the receiver of the data knowing the identity of the transmitter, the data also being likely to be relayed by an intermediate device. All known schemes of authenticating a data transmitter imply that the receiver of the data knows the transmitter. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One aim of the invention is therefore to propose a method by which a transmitter of data can prove that it was indeed authorized to transmit the data by a trusted third party without the receiver of the data knowing the identity of the transmitter. Accordingly, the invention concerns a method for verifying that data received by a receiver have been sent by a transmitter authorized by a trusted third party, the transmitter and the receiver being connected to a digital network. According to the invention, an identifier is associated with the data sent by the transmitter and the method comprises the steps consisting, for the receiver, in: (a) generating a random number; (b) broadcasting said random number over the network; (c) receiving from the transmitter a response computed by applying a first function to said random number and to said identifier; and (d) verifying the received response by applying a second function to the received response, to said random number and to said identifier; the first function having previously been delivered to the transmitter by the trusted third party and the second function being a function for verifying the result of the first function, previously delivered by the trusted third party to the receiver. The transmitter may be either the initial transmitter of the data in the network, or an intermediate device between the initial transmitter and the receiver of the data which has for example stored the data transmitted by the initial transmitter. According to a variant of the invention, the step (b) is replaced by a step consisting in sending the random number to the transmitter. According to an embodiment of the invention, the receiver inhibits access to the data if the response received in the step (c) is not correct or if no response is received after the expiry of a predetermined time starting from the transmission of the random number. The identifier associated with the data sent by the transmitter is preferably a random number generated by the initial transmitter of the data in the network and attached to these data by the initial transmitter. Naturally, this identifier gives no information on the identity of the transmitter. The invention also relates to a method for proving that data sent to a receiver have been transmitted by a transmitter authorized by a trusted third party, the transmitter and the receiver being connected to a digital network. According to this aspect of the invention, an identifier is associated with the data sent by the transmitter and the method comprises the steps consisting, for the transmitter, in:(a) receiving a random number from the receiver;(b) computing a response by applying a first function to said random number and to said identifier;(c) sending the response to the receiver. The response is likely to be verified by the receiver by applying a second function to the received response, to said random number and to said identifier; the first function having previously been delivered to the transmitter by the trusted third party and the second function being a function for verifying the result of the first function, previously delivered by the trusted third party to the receiver. According to the principle of the invention, a trusted third party delivers to all the devices likely to be initial or intermediate transmitters in a network, the first function used to compute the response in the context of the above method. The trusted third party also delivers to all the devices likely to be receivers in the network, the second function for verifying the response computed with the aid of the first function. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7713686

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The period between harvesting an organ and transplantation of the organ or cells from the organ into the recipient usually involves cold storage and transportation. During this period, the supply of blood, and consequently oxygen, is cut off from the organ. This period of cold ischemia is, at present, unavoidable and results in the gradual deterioration of cell function, eventually progressing to irreversible damage. A new rapidly emerging technique for improved preservation of donor pancreata and possibly other organs has been established and several groups are now testing it in research and clinical trials. The technique is called the 2 layer method and calls for the utilization of a solution of perfluorocarbon (PFC) or other oxygen-dissolving solution in combination with a cold storage preservation solution such as the University of Wisconsin preservation solution (the “UW solution”). The UW solution contains as its primary agents lactobionate and raffinose. These compounds are too large to enter the cells and therefore remain in the extracellular spaces. These impermeants act through osmotic forces to prevent cell swelling that would otherwise damage the stored organ. Liver is another common organ for transplantation, as transplantation can be the only option for many patients suffering from treatable liver diseases. A successful transplantation requires that the donor liver be optimally preserved. Although the liver can be preserved for 10-20 h, its cellular energy levels fall to critically low values within the first 1-4 h. The consequences of a poorly functioning transplanted liver are potentially fatal, and requires retransplantation at a significant increase in cost. It is therefore vital that adequate procedures and systems be provided for organ storage and transportation. It is a well known fact that maintaining an organ partially submerged in oxygenated PFC greatly extends its useful life for transplantation or for cell procurement. The density of most organs is approximately 1 g/cm3. The density of PFC is approximately 2 times that of the organ or 1.95 g/cm3and the density of the UW solution is approximately equal to that of the organ. Accordingly, the PFC settles at the bottom of the container while the UW solution settles on top of it. The organ typically rests partially submerged in the PFC while also being contacted by the UW solution. It is difficult to maintain this partial submersion especially during transportation of the organ because of the different sizes and shapes of organs and because the position of the container may also change. Walsh, U.S. Pat. No. 6,490,8890, discloses a regulated organ containment shipping system using dual-layer preservation liquid. The organ containment shipping system has an outer container adapted to receive a passive cooling medium and an inner container positioned within the outer container by structure that includes a gimbal mechanism to substantially maintain the inner container in a predefined orientation in the event of a change of orientation of the outer container. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An organ preservation container comprises a gas impermeable housing for containing the organ in two liquids having a liquid-liquid interface, preferably a preservation solution, and an oxygen-dissolving solution. A closure is provided for hermetically sealing the housing. Structure within the housing is provided for maintaining the organ partially in the oxygen-dissolving solution and partially in the preservation solution. The structure is not connected to the housing and is rotatable with respect thereto. The structure for maintaining the organ partially in the oxygen-dissolving solution and partially in the preservation solution can comprise ballast structure. The ballast structure can be a permeable enclosure for the organ. The enclosure has a density less than one of the solutions and greater than the other, such that the enclosure will assist in maintaining the organ partially in one of the solutions and partially in the other solution. The density of the enclosure can be adjusted by providing an enclosure of a first material and weights having a density greater than the first material. The enclosure preferably has an average density between about 1.5-2.5 g/cm3and preferably has an average density of about 2 g/cm3. The enclosure can have different sizes and shapes. In one aspect, the enclosure has a top portion and depending side portions. At least the top portion is preferably liquid permeable to allow the solutions to freely contact the organ. In one embodiment, the density of the structure preferably is selected to maintain about ⅔ of the mass of the organ in an oxygen-dissolving solution and about ⅓ of the mass of the organ in a preservation solution. The organ preservation container can have structure for engaging the organ. This structure can be an enclosure that is not connected to the housing. The enclosure is rotatable with respect to the housing, such that the enclosure can right itself when the housing is tilted from the upright position in almost any direction. The container can have a substantially spherical interior volume. The substantially spherical interior volume permits the enclosure to freely rotate when the container is tilted in one direction or another, to facilitate maintaining contact of the organ with the oxygen-dissolving solution and the preservation solution. The structure for engaging the organ can comprise a holder for the organ. The holder applies a force to the organ that is selected to maintain the organ partially in both of the liquids. A spring can be used to apply the force to the holder and the organ. The spring has a force selected to maintain the organ partially in both of the liquids. The structure for engaging the organ can comprise an enclosure having a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion and the bottom portion can comprise apertures for permitting the ingress and egress of liquid. The bottom portion can comprise ballast, such that the organ is held within the enclosure and is maintained partially in both of the liquids. The oxygen-dissolving solution can be any suitable solution. Perfluorocarbon is a suitable oxygen-dissolving solution. The preservation solution can also be any suitable preservation solution. The University of Wisconsin solution is a suitable preservation solution. A method for preserving organs comprises the steps of providing an organ preservation container with a gas impermeable housing for containing the organ, and at least two liquids forming a liquid-liquid interface. A closure is provided for hermetically sealing the housing. Structure within the housing is provided for maintaining the organ partially in both of the liquids. The structure is not connected to the housing and is rotatable with respect thereto. The organ is placed in the housing in contact with the structure for maintaining the organ partially in both of the liquids. The housing is then hermetically sealed with the closure. The organ is preferably placed within an enclosure which is positioned within the housing. The enclosure has a density that is selected to maintain the organ at a desired location relative to the liquid-liquid interface, partially in each liquid. The enclosure is adapted to permit contact of the organ with the liquids. The liquids preferably comprise an oxygen-dissolving solution and a preservation solution. The average density of the enclosure is preferably selected to maintain about ⅔ of the organ in the oxygen-dissolving solution and about ⅓ of the organ in the preservation solution.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The period between harvesting an organ and transplantation of the organ or cells from the organ into the recipient usually involves cold storage and transportation. During this period, the supply of blood, and consequently oxygen, is cut off from the organ. This period of cold ischemia is, at present, unavoidable and results in the gradual deterioration of cell function, eventually progressing to irreversible damage. A new rapidly emerging technique for improved preservation of donor pancreata and possibly other organs has been established and several groups are now testing it in research and clinical trials. The technique is called the 2 layer method and calls for the utilization of a solution of perfluorocarbon (PFC) or other oxygen-dissolving solution in combination with a cold storage preservation solution such as the University of Wisconsin preservation solution (the “UW solution”). The UW solution contains as its primary agents lactobionate and raffinose. These compounds are too large to enter the cells and therefore remain in the extracellular spaces. These impermeants act through osmotic forces to prevent cell swelling that would otherwise damage the stored organ. Liver is another common organ for transplantation, as transplantation can be the only option for many patients suffering from treatable liver diseases. A successful transplantation requires that the donor liver be optimally preserved. Although the liver can be preserved for 10-20 h, its cellular energy levels fall to critically low values within the first 1-4 h. The consequences of a poorly functioning transplanted liver are potentially fatal, and requires retransplantation at a significant increase in cost. It is therefore vital that adequate procedures and systems be provided for organ storage and transportation. It is a well known fact that maintaining an organ partially submerged in oxygenated PFC greatly extends its useful life for transplantation or for cell procurement. The density of most organs is approximately 1 g/cm3. The density of PFC is approximately 2 times that of the organ or 1.95 g/cm3and the density of the UW solution is approximately equal to that of the organ. Accordingly, the PFC settles at the bottom of the container while the UW solution settles on top of it. The organ typically rests partially submerged in the PFC while also being contacted by the UW solution. It is difficult to maintain this partial submersion especially during transportation of the organ because of the different sizes and shapes of organs and because the position of the container may also change. Walsh, U.S. Pat. No. 6,490,8890, discloses a regulated organ containment shipping system using dual-layer preservation liquid. The organ containment shipping system has an outer container adapted to receive a passive cooling medium and an inner container positioned within the outer container by structure that includes a gimbal mechanism to substantially maintain the inner container in a predefined orientation in the event of a change of orientation of the outer container. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An organ preservation container comprises a gas impermeable housing for containing the organ in two liquids having a liquid-liquid interface, preferably a preservation solution, and an oxygen-dissolving solution. A closure is provided for hermetically sealing the housing. Structure within the housing is provided for maintaining the organ partially in the oxygen-dissolving solution and partially in the preservation solution. The structure is not connected to the housing and is rotatable with respect thereto. The structure for maintaining the organ partially in the oxygen-dissolving solution and partially in the preservation solution can comprise ballast structure. The ballast structure can be a permeable enclosure for the organ. The enclosure has a density less than one of the solutions and greater than the other, such that the enclosure will assist in maintaining the organ partially in one of the solutions and partially in the other solution. The density of the enclosure can be adjusted by providing an enclosure of a first material and weights having a density greater than the first material. The enclosure preferably has an average density between about 1.5-2.5 g/cm3and preferably has an average density of about 2 g/cm3. The enclosure can have different sizes and shapes. In one aspect, the enclosure has a top portion and depending side portions. At least the top portion is preferably liquid permeable to allow the solutions to freely contact the organ. In one embodiment, the density of the structure preferably is selected to maintain about ⅔ of the mass of the organ in an oxygen-dissolving solution and about ⅓ of the mass of the organ in a preservation solution. The organ preservation container can have structure for engaging the organ. This structure can be an enclosure that is not connected to the housing. The enclosure is rotatable with respect to the housing, such that the enclosure can right itself when the housing is tilted from the upright position in almost any direction. The container can have a substantially spherical interior volume. The substantially spherical interior volume permits the enclosure to freely rotate when the container is tilted in one direction or another, to facilitate maintaining contact of the organ with the oxygen-dissolving solution and the preservation solution. The structure for engaging the organ can comprise a holder for the organ. The holder applies a force to the organ that is selected to maintain the organ partially in both of the liquids. A spring can be used to apply the force to the holder and the organ. The spring has a force selected to maintain the organ partially in both of the liquids. The structure for engaging the organ can comprise an enclosure having a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion and the bottom portion can comprise apertures for permitting the ingress and egress of liquid. The bottom portion can comprise ballast, such that the organ is held within the enclosure and is maintained partially in both of the liquids. The oxygen-dissolving solution can be any suitable solution. Perfluorocarbon is a suitable oxygen-dissolving solution. The preservation solution can also be any suitable preservation solution. The University of Wisconsin solution is a suitable preservation solution. A method for preserving organs comprises the steps of providing an organ preservation container with a gas impermeable housing for containing the organ, and at least two liquids forming a liquid-liquid interface. A closure is provided for hermetically sealing the housing. Structure within the housing is provided for maintaining the organ partially in both of the liquids. The structure is not connected to the housing and is rotatable with respect thereto. The organ is placed in the housing in contact with the structure for maintaining the organ partially in both of the liquids. The housing is then hermetically sealed with the closure. The organ is preferably placed within an enclosure which is positioned within the housing. The enclosure has a density that is selected to maintain the organ at a desired location relative to the liquid-liquid interface, partially in each liquid. The enclosure is adapted to permit contact of the organ with the liquids. The liquids preferably comprise an oxygen-dissolving solution and a preservation solution. The average density of the enclosure is preferably selected to maintain about ⅔ of the organ in the oxygen-dissolving solution and about ⅓ of the organ in the preservation solution. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7785636

RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to the Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2002-91530 filed on Mar. 28, 2002 and 2002-344179 filed on Nov. 27, 2002 is hereby incorporated with reference for all purposes. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to an insoluble powder, in particular, skin barrier function recovering effect and skin roughening preventing and improving effect of the same powder. 2. Prior Art The skin is anatomically divided to epidermis, derma, and subcutaneous tissue. And said epidermis is composed of basal layer, spinosum layer, granular layer and horny layer. The horny layer of the epidermis is very thin and the thickness is below 20 μm. Accordingly drying and skin roughness are easy to be caused by the external stimulation such as ultraviolet rays, drying, air pollution, and microorganism, and internal factors such as sebum excretion, sweat gland functions, epidermis metabolism, and aging. Hitherto it was carried out that amino acids, polysaccharides, lipids, natural polymeric compounds and so on having high moisturizing effect and water retention effect are blended to skin external composition. However, the skin external composition that blended a large quantity of these moisturizing agents tends to become sticky, so sometimes happen the harmful effect on use. On the other hand, it is considered that, if a solid not permeating into the interior of a skin such as a powder can be used as an active ingredient for improving skin roughening, safety can be further enhanced. The present invention was done in view of the previous problems, and an object thereof is to provide an insoluble powder having excellent skin barrier function recovering effect and skin roughening preventing and improving effect, and a skin external composition containing the same. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the aforementioned problems, the present inventors intensively studied and, as a result, found that a specified insoluble powder has excellent skin barrier function recovering effect, and skin roughening preventing and improving effect, which resulted in completion of the present invention. That is, a first subject of the present invention is an insoluble powder characterized in that a zeta-potential is a negative value. The zeta-potential refers to a part involved in electrophoresis phenomenon among a contact potential difference generated when a liquid is contacted with a solid, and is suitably used for assessing the surface charge state of a subject. A method of measuring the zeta-potential in the present invention is as follows: A sample was dispersed in a Tris.HCl buffer of pH 7.5, treated by ultrasonic and allowed to stand for 18 hours to obtain a supernatant liquid, which was used for measurement. The zeta-potential was measured by using an electrophoresis light scattering photometer LEZA-600 manufactured by Otsuka Electronics Co., Ltd. Measurement was performed three times, and results were shown as an average value thereof. It is preferable that barium sulfate is a main ingredient in the insoluble powder. It is preferable that an average primary particle diameter is 3 to 100 μm, and an aspect ratio is 3 to 250 in the insoluble powder. In addition, the aspect ratio expresses (average primary particle diameter)/(average thickness). It is preferable that the insoluble powder is a metal-doped barium sulfate powder obtained by reacting a barium ion with a sulfate ion in the presence of a metal ion. It is preferable that a mole ratio of the barium ion, the sulfate ion, and the metal ion is 1:0.5 to 2:0.001 to 10 in the insoluble powder. It is preferable that the metal ion is one or more selected from the group consisting of a lithium ion, a sodium ion and a zinc ion in the insoluble powder. A second subject of the present invention is a skin barrier function recovering powder, or a skin roughening preventing and improving powder, which comprises the aforementioned powder. A third subject of the present invention is a skin external composition characterized in that a content of the aforementioned powder is 1 to 40% by weight. The insoluble powder of the present invention can be used as a skin barrier function recovering agent, and a skin roughening preventing and improving agent.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to the Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2002-91530 filed on Mar. 28, 2002 and 2002-344179 filed on Nov. 27, 2002 is hereby incorporated with reference for all purposes. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to an insoluble powder, in particular, skin barrier function recovering effect and skin roughening preventing and improving effect of the same powder. 2. Prior Art The skin is anatomically divided to epidermis, derma, and subcutaneous tissue. And said epidermis is composed of basal layer, spinosum layer, granular layer and horny layer. The horny layer of the epidermis is very thin and the thickness is below 20 μm. Accordingly drying and skin roughness are easy to be caused by the external stimulation such as ultraviolet rays, drying, air pollution, and microorganism, and internal factors such as sebum excretion, sweat gland functions, epidermis metabolism, and aging. Hitherto it was carried out that amino acids, polysaccharides, lipids, natural polymeric compounds and so on having high moisturizing effect and water retention effect are blended to skin external composition. However, the skin external composition that blended a large quantity of these moisturizing agents tends to become sticky, so sometimes happen the harmful effect on use. On the other hand, it is considered that, if a solid not permeating into the interior of a skin such as a powder can be used as an active ingredient for improving skin roughening, safety can be further enhanced. The present invention was done in view of the previous problems, and an object thereof is to provide an insoluble powder having excellent skin barrier function recovering effect and skin roughening preventing and improving effect, and a skin external composition containing the same. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the aforementioned problems, the present inventors intensively studied and, as a result, found that a specified insoluble powder has excellent skin barrier function recovering effect, and skin roughening preventing and improving effect, which resulted in completion of the present invention. That is, a first subject of the present invention is an insoluble powder characterized in that a zeta-potential is a negative value. The zeta-potential refers to a part involved in electrophoresis phenomenon among a contact potential difference generated when a liquid is contacted with a solid, and is suitably used for assessing the surface charge state of a subject. A method of measuring the zeta-potential in the present invention is as follows: A sample was dispersed in a Tris.HCl buffer of pH 7.5, treated by ultrasonic and allowed to stand for 18 hours to obtain a supernatant liquid, which was used for measurement. The zeta-potential was measured by using an electrophoresis light scattering photometer LEZA-600 manufactured by Otsuka Electronics Co., Ltd. Measurement was performed three times, and results were shown as an average value thereof. It is preferable that barium sulfate is a main ingredient in the insoluble powder. It is preferable that an average primary particle diameter is 3 to 100 μm, and an aspect ratio is 3 to 250 in the insoluble powder. In addition, the aspect ratio expresses (average primary particle diameter)/(average thickness). It is preferable that the insoluble powder is a metal-doped barium sulfate powder obtained by reacting a barium ion with a sulfate ion in the presence of a metal ion. It is preferable that a mole ratio of the barium ion, the sulfate ion, and the metal ion is 1:0.5 to 2:0.001 to 10 in the insoluble powder. It is preferable that the metal ion is one or more selected from the group consisting of a lithium ion, a sodium ion and a zinc ion in the insoluble powder. A second subject of the present invention is a skin barrier function recovering powder, or a skin roughening preventing and improving powder, which comprises the aforementioned powder. A third subject of the present invention is a skin external composition characterized in that a content of the aforementioned powder is 1 to 40% by weight. The insoluble powder of the present invention can be used as a skin barrier function recovering agent, and a skin roughening preventing and improving agent. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7760983

TECHNICAL FIELD TO WHICH THE INVENTION RELATES In general manner, the present invention relates to cable trays of the type used, for example, for supporting, housing, and protecting conductors, pipes, or other equipment needed for serving appliances, in particular electrical appliances. More particularly, the invention relates to a distribution cable tray comprising at least one receiver device for receiving a clamping collar for clamping cables or conductors extending in the base of said cable tray. A particularly advantageous application of the invention lies in making an electric cable tray of small thickness in which the base is obtained by extruding a plastics material that tends to soften when the electric cables extending in said base reach their maximum operating temperatures. Nevertheless, the invention can also be applied to any type of section member receiving electrical conductors, such as service trunks or cable troughs, for example. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND Distribution cable trays of the above-specified type are already known, in particular from documents FR 2 719 167, EP 1 113 552, and EP 0 554 702, in which the clamping collar receiver device is an accessory or a cutout in the form of a bridge defining a strap on a wall of the base of the cable tray through which the clamping collar can be threaded. Nevertheless, threading a clamping collar under a receiver strap is an operation that an installer finds difficult to perform on a worksite. Furthermore, the use of a receiver accessory for fitting to the cable tray base presents a certain amount of extra cost in terms of fabricating and positioning said accessory. Electrical distribution cable trays are also known from documents DE 43 44 144, ES 1 057 705 U, FR 2 749 914, EP 0 813 012, and WO 2004/049531, in which the clamping collar receiver device is a simple hook or catch finger formed in or fitted to a wall of the cable tray base. Such devices for receiving a clamping collar merely by hooking can allow a clamping collar clamped around conductors or cables to escape and cannot provide good mechanical opposition against said collar being pulled out. In addition, the electrical cable installer needs to take account of the direction in which the hooks are pointing when positioning the bases of such distribution cable trays, so as to ensure that the hooks do not face downwards. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION In order to remedy the drawbacks of the above-mentioned state of the art, the present invention provides a cable tray as defined in the introduction, in which the receiver device comprises a pair of hooks projecting from a wall of said base, the hooks being open in opposite directions, and together defining a reception housing for said clamping collar. Thus, inserting the clamping collar in a pair of hooks of a cable tray of the invention is an operation that is simple for an installer to implement on a worksite. Furthermore, the two-hook receiver device of the invention provides good retention of a collar that is clamped around conductors or cables and provides good mechanical opposition against said collar being pulled out. Other characteristics of the cable tray of the invention that are non-limiting and are advantageous, are as follows:the two hooks are positioned head-to-tail, side-by-side;the two hooks are offset relative to each other in the direction of their openings such that the free end of one hook extends beyond the back of the other hook;the two hooks are offset laterally relative to each other by a distance that is substantially equal to the width of said clamping collar, ignoring clearance;the two hooks are disposed facing each other;the two hooks present parallel free end edges that extend at an angle relative to the direction in which said hooks extend;the hooks extend along the longitudinal axis of the base of the cable tray;the hooks extend along the transverse axis of the base of the cable tray;the hooks are formed integrally with the base of the cable tray by extruding a plastics material;a plurality of pairs of hooks are provided on said wall of the base of the cable tray;each pair of hooks is positioned on a bottom web of said base; andeach pair of hooks is positioned on a side flange of the base.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: TECHNICAL FIELD TO WHICH THE INVENTION RELATES In general manner, the present invention relates to cable trays of the type used, for example, for supporting, housing, and protecting conductors, pipes, or other equipment needed for serving appliances, in particular electrical appliances. More particularly, the invention relates to a distribution cable tray comprising at least one receiver device for receiving a clamping collar for clamping cables or conductors extending in the base of said cable tray. A particularly advantageous application of the invention lies in making an electric cable tray of small thickness in which the base is obtained by extruding a plastics material that tends to soften when the electric cables extending in said base reach their maximum operating temperatures. Nevertheless, the invention can also be applied to any type of section member receiving electrical conductors, such as service trunks or cable troughs, for example. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND Distribution cable trays of the above-specified type are already known, in particular from documents FR 2 719 167, EP 1 113 552, and EP 0 554 702, in which the clamping collar receiver device is an accessory or a cutout in the form of a bridge defining a strap on a wall of the base of the cable tray through which the clamping collar can be threaded. Nevertheless, threading a clamping collar under a receiver strap is an operation that an installer finds difficult to perform on a worksite. Furthermore, the use of a receiver accessory for fitting to the cable tray base presents a certain amount of extra cost in terms of fabricating and positioning said accessory. Electrical distribution cable trays are also known from documents DE 43 44 144, ES 1 057 705 U, FR 2 749 914, EP 0 813 012, and WO 2004/049531, in which the clamping collar receiver device is a simple hook or catch finger formed in or fitted to a wall of the cable tray base. Such devices for receiving a clamping collar merely by hooking can allow a clamping collar clamped around conductors or cables to escape and cannot provide good mechanical opposition against said collar being pulled out. In addition, the electrical cable installer needs to take account of the direction in which the hooks are pointing when positioning the bases of such distribution cable trays, so as to ensure that the hooks do not face downwards. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION In order to remedy the drawbacks of the above-mentioned state of the art, the present invention provides a cable tray as defined in the introduction, in which the receiver device comprises a pair of hooks projecting from a wall of said base, the hooks being open in opposite directions, and together defining a reception housing for said clamping collar. Thus, inserting the clamping collar in a pair of hooks of a cable tray of the invention is an operation that is simple for an installer to implement on a worksite. Furthermore, the two-hook receiver device of the invention provides good retention of a collar that is clamped around conductors or cables and provides good mechanical opposition against said collar being pulled out. Other characteristics of the cable tray of the invention that are non-limiting and are advantageous, are as follows:the two hooks are positioned head-to-tail, side-by-side;the two hooks are offset relative to each other in the direction of their openings such that the free end of one hook extends beyond the back of the other hook;the two hooks are offset laterally relative to each other by a distance that is substantially equal to the width of said clamping collar, ignoring clearance;the two hooks are disposed facing each other;the two hooks present parallel free end edges that extend at an angle relative to the direction in which said hooks extend;the hooks extend along the longitudinal axis of the base of the cable tray;the hooks extend along the transverse axis of the base of the cable tray;the hooks are formed integrally with the base of the cable tray by extruding a plastics material;a plurality of pairs of hooks are provided on said wall of the base of the cable tray;each pair of hooks is positioned on a bottom web of said base; andeach pair of hooks is positioned on a side flange of the base. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7815694

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to lubricants and fuels derived from biomass, and specifically to methods and systems for efficiently making biolubricants and biofuels from vegetable or crop oils. BACKGROUND Biofuels are of increasing interest for a number of reasons including: (1) they are a renewable resource, (2) their production is less dependent on geopolitical considerations, (3) they provide the possibility of a direct replacement of petroleum-based fuels in existing vehicles, and (4) the net greenhouse gas emissions can be substantially reduced by virtue of CO2uptake by biofuel precursors-particularly in the case of cellulose feedstocks. See Pearce, “Fuels Gold,” New Scientist, 23 Sep. 2006 pp. 36-41. An easily-obtainable biofuel is vegetable oil, which largely comprises triglycerides and some free fatty acids. The properties of vegetable oil, however, make it generally inappropriate for use as a direct replacement for petroleum diesel in vehicle engines, as the vegetable oils' viscosities are generally too high and do not burn cleanly enough, thereby leaving damaging carbon deposits on the engine. Additionally, vegetable oils tend to gel at lower temperatures, thereby hindering their use in colder climates. These problems are mitigated when the vegetable oils are blended with petroleum fuels, but still remain an impediment for long-term use in diesel engines. See Pearce, 2006; Huber et al., “Synthesis of Transportation Fuels from Biomass: Chemistry, Catalysts, and Engineering,” Chem. Rev., vol. 106, pp. 4044-4098, 2006. Transesterification is currently a method used to convert vegetable oils into diesel-compatible fuels (i.e., biodiesel) that can be burned in conventional diesel engines. However, a similar cold flow problem with conventional biodiesel fuels still remains. This problem is at least partly due to the fact that at lower temperatures, e.g., around freezing (ca. 0° C.), biodiesel often thickens and does not flow as readily. Conventional biodiesel is primarily composed of methyl esters which have long straight chain aliphatic groups attached to the carbonyl group. Also, the transesterification of vegetable oils exhibits a problem of producing more than 90% diesel range fuels with little or no kerosene or gasoline range fractions, thereby limiting the types of fuels produced therefrom. For the conversion of vegetable and other oils to some fuels (e.g., non-diesel), it is likely that the oils must first be converted to alkanes (paraffins). It is also worth noting that unsaturation in the fatty acid contributes to poor oxidation stability and deposits, and that while hydrogenation will generally improve the oxidation stability of the fuel, it can make the already poor low temperature performance of the fuel even worse. Isomerization of the parrafins can ameliorate this problem. Accordingly, methods and systems for efficiently processing vegetable and/or crop oils into a broader range of fuel types and lubricants, often simultaneously, would be highly beneficial. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to methods (processes) and systems for processing triglyceride-containing, biologically-derived oils, wherein such processing comprises conversion of triglycerides to free fatty acids and the separation of these fatty acids by saturation type. Such separation by type enables the efficient preparation of both lubricants and transportation fuels from a common source using a single integrated method and/or system. In some embodiments, the transportation fuel (or transportation fuel component) is largely paraffinic, while in other embodiments it is substantially comprised of monoester species. In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to methods comprising the steps of: (a) providing a quantity of biologically-derived oil comprising triglycerides; (b) processing the biologically-derived oil so as to hydrolyze at least some of the triglycerides and form free fatty acids therefrom, wherein the fatty acids are of a type selected from the group consisting of saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, and combinations thereof; (c) separating the fatty acids by type, such that at least the monounsaturated fatty acids are substantially isolated from the saturated fatty acids and the polyunsaturated fatty acids; (d) modifying at least some of the monounsaturated fatty acids to form an ester product (comprising, e.g., mono-, di-, and/or triesters); and (e) hydrotreating at least some of the saturated fatty acids and/or polyunsaturated fatty acids to yield alkanes (paraffins). In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to systems for processing triglyceride-containing, biologically-derived oil, the systems comprising the following elements: (1) a hydrolysis unit for treating the biologically-derived oil (bio-oil) so as to hydrolyze at least some of the triglycerides contained therein, thereby forming free fatty acids; (2) a separation unit for separating the free fatty acids by saturation type, wherein said separating provides for a first portion comprising predominately monounsaturated fatty acids, and a second portion comprising predominately fatty acids other than monounsaturated fatty acids (i.e., saturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and combinations thereof); (3) an esterification unit for converting at least some of the monounsaturated fatty acids in the first portion into an ester product (comprising, e.g., triesters) suitable for use as biolubricants; and (4) a hydroprocessing unit for hydrotreating saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids in the second portion so as to produce paraffinic species suitable for use as (or in) transportation fuels. In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to methods comprising the steps of: (a′) providing a quantity of biologically-derived oil, said oil comprising triglycerides; (b′) processing the biologically-derived oil so as to hydrolyze at least some of the triglycerides and form free fatty acids therefrom, wherein the fatty acids are of a type selected from the group consisting of saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, and combinations thereof; (c′) separating the fatty acids by type, such that at least the monounsaturated fatty acids are substantially isolated from the saturated fatty acids and the polyunsaturated fatty acids; (d′) modifying at least some of the monounsaturated fatty acids to form an ester product (e.g., comprising triesters); and (e′) esterifying at least some of the saturated fatty acids with a quantity of at least one alcohol species so as to yield a quantity of monoesters. In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to a system for processing triglyceride-containing, biologically-derived oil, the system comprising the following elements: (1′) a hydrolysis unit for treating the biologically-derived oil so as to hydrolyze at least some of the triglycerides contained therein, thereby forming free fatty acids; (2′) a separation unit for separating the free fatty acids by saturation type, wherein said separating provides for (i) a first portion comprising predominately monounsaturated fatty acids, and (ii) a second portion comprising saturated fatty acids; (3′) a first esterification unit for converting at least some of the monounsaturated fatty acids in the first portion into a first ester product (e.g., comprising triester species) suitable for use as a biolubricant; and (4′) a second esterification unit for saturated (and possibly polyunsaturated) fatty acids in the second portion so as to produce a second (e.g., monoester) product. The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to lubricants and fuels derived from biomass, and specifically to methods and systems for efficiently making biolubricants and biofuels from vegetable or crop oils. BACKGROUND Biofuels are of increasing interest for a number of reasons including: (1) they are a renewable resource, (2) their production is less dependent on geopolitical considerations, (3) they provide the possibility of a direct replacement of petroleum-based fuels in existing vehicles, and (4) the net greenhouse gas emissions can be substantially reduced by virtue of CO2uptake by biofuel precursors-particularly in the case of cellulose feedstocks. See Pearce, “Fuels Gold,” New Scientist, 23 Sep. 2006 pp. 36-41. An easily-obtainable biofuel is vegetable oil, which largely comprises triglycerides and some free fatty acids. The properties of vegetable oil, however, make it generally inappropriate for use as a direct replacement for petroleum diesel in vehicle engines, as the vegetable oils' viscosities are generally too high and do not burn cleanly enough, thereby leaving damaging carbon deposits on the engine. Additionally, vegetable oils tend to gel at lower temperatures, thereby hindering their use in colder climates. These problems are mitigated when the vegetable oils are blended with petroleum fuels, but still remain an impediment for long-term use in diesel engines. See Pearce, 2006; Huber et al., “Synthesis of Transportation Fuels from Biomass: Chemistry, Catalysts, and Engineering,” Chem. Rev., vol. 106, pp. 4044-4098, 2006. Transesterification is currently a method used to convert vegetable oils into diesel-compatible fuels (i.e., biodiesel) that can be burned in conventional diesel engines. However, a similar cold flow problem with conventional biodiesel fuels still remains. This problem is at least partly due to the fact that at lower temperatures, e.g., around freezing (ca. 0° C.), biodiesel often thickens and does not flow as readily. Conventional biodiesel is primarily composed of methyl esters which have long straight chain aliphatic groups attached to the carbonyl group. Also, the transesterification of vegetable oils exhibits a problem of producing more than 90% diesel range fuels with little or no kerosene or gasoline range fractions, thereby limiting the types of fuels produced therefrom. For the conversion of vegetable and other oils to some fuels (e.g., non-diesel), it is likely that the oils must first be converted to alkanes (paraffins). It is also worth noting that unsaturation in the fatty acid contributes to poor oxidation stability and deposits, and that while hydrogenation will generally improve the oxidation stability of the fuel, it can make the already poor low temperature performance of the fuel even worse. Isomerization of the parrafins can ameliorate this problem. Accordingly, methods and systems for efficiently processing vegetable and/or crop oils into a broader range of fuel types and lubricants, often simultaneously, would be highly beneficial. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to methods (processes) and systems for processing triglyceride-containing, biologically-derived oils, wherein such processing comprises conversion of triglycerides to free fatty acids and the separation of these fatty acids by saturation type. Such separation by type enables the efficient preparation of both lubricants and transportation fuels from a common source using a single integrated method and/or system. In some embodiments, the transportation fuel (or transportation fuel component) is largely paraffinic, while in other embodiments it is substantially comprised of monoester species. In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to methods comprising the steps of: (a) providing a quantity of biologically-derived oil comprising triglycerides; (b) processing the biologically-derived oil so as to hydrolyze at least some of the triglycerides and form free fatty acids therefrom, wherein the fatty acids are of a type selected from the group consisting of saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, and combinations thereof; (c) separating the fatty acids by type, such that at least the monounsaturated fatty acids are substantially isolated from the saturated fatty acids and the polyunsaturated fatty acids; (d) modifying at least some of the monounsaturated fatty acids to form an ester product (comprising, e.g., mono-, di-, and/or triesters); and (e) hydrotreating at least some of the saturated fatty acids and/or polyunsaturated fatty acids to yield alkanes (paraffins). In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to systems for processing triglyceride-containing, biologically-derived oil, the systems comprising the following elements: (1) a hydrolysis unit for treating the biologically-derived oil (bio-oil) so as to hydrolyze at least some of the triglycerides contained therein, thereby forming free fatty acids; (2) a separation unit for separating the free fatty acids by saturation type, wherein said separating provides for a first portion comprising predominately monounsaturated fatty acids, and a second portion comprising predominately fatty acids other than monounsaturated fatty acids (i.e., saturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and combinations thereof); (3) an esterification unit for converting at least some of the monounsaturated fatty acids in the first portion into an ester product (comprising, e.g., triesters) suitable for use as biolubricants; and (4) a hydroprocessing unit for hydrotreating saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids in the second portion so as to produce paraffinic species suitable for use as (or in) transportation fuels. In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to methods comprising the steps of: (a′) providing a quantity of biologically-derived oil, said oil comprising triglycerides; (b′) processing the biologically-derived oil so as to hydrolyze at least some of the triglycerides and form free fatty acids therefrom, wherein the fatty acids are of a type selected from the group consisting of saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, and combinations thereof; (c′) separating the fatty acids by type, such that at least the monounsaturated fatty acids are substantially isolated from the saturated fatty acids and the polyunsaturated fatty acids; (d′) modifying at least some of the monounsaturated fatty acids to form an ester product (e.g., comprising triesters); and (e′) esterifying at least some of the saturated fatty acids with a quantity of at least one alcohol species so as to yield a quantity of monoesters. In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to a system for processing triglyceride-containing, biologically-derived oil, the system comprising the following elements: (1′) a hydrolysis unit for treating the biologically-derived oil so as to hydrolyze at least some of the triglycerides contained therein, thereby forming free fatty acids; (2′) a separation unit for separating the free fatty acids by saturation type, wherein said separating provides for (i) a first portion comprising predominately monounsaturated fatty acids, and (ii) a second portion comprising saturated fatty acids; (3′) a first esterification unit for converting at least some of the monounsaturated fatty acids in the first portion into a first ester product (e.g., comprising triester species) suitable for use as a biolubricant; and (4′) a second esterification unit for saturated (and possibly polyunsaturated) fatty acids in the second portion so as to produce a second (e.g., monoester) product. The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7827688

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to heat dissipation, and in particular to a method for riveting fins into a bottom plate of a heat dissipating device. The present invention can be used for high-level electronic device or IC circuits. Further more fins can be embedded in a seat so as to increase the heat dissipating area. Moreover in the process of the present invention, the punching force is uniformly distributed on the seat so that the fins can be densely arranged to provide high efficiency heat dissipation function. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the current integrated circuit (IC) or electronic devices, the heat dissipating device has a bottom plate and a heat dissipating unit. The bottom plate has a plurality of trenches. Fins are inserted into the trenches. The method for fixing the fins to the bottom plate can be referred toFIG. 1. The bottom plate10of the heat dissipating device1is formed with trenches11. The bottom plate10is fixed to the fixture (not shown). Then they are fixed below a punching device12. The punching device12has a plurality of weights13. The weights13are driven by a puncher to move upwards and downwards. The weights13pass through the gaps between the fins14to collide a surface of the bottom plate10so that the fins14are riveted into the bottom plate10. Thus a heat dissipating device1is formed. With the progress of the chip and IC technologies, more and more heats are generated and are concentrated in some predetermined parts of the devices and the increment of temperature is more and more rapid. To have high heat dissipating ability, the material of the heat dissipating device1is improved, such as using copper to replace aluminum. Further, more fins14are planted in the bottom plate10so as to increase the heat dissipating area. As a result, the density of the fins14on the bottom plate10is increased. To cause the weights13can be inserted into the gaps between the fins14and thus they can punch the bottom plate10. However this will break the bottom plate10. Moreover, the fins14have errors so that the weights13cannot be accurately aligned to the gaps between fins14. As a result, in the punching process, it is possible that the fins14will be destroyed and thus the yield ratio is low. Thereby the weights13are possibly destroyed in the punching process. However the weights13are expensive. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the primary object of the present invention is to provide a method for riveting fins into a bottom plate of a heat dissipating device. The present invention can be used for high level electronic device or IC circuits. Further more fins can be embedded in a seat so as to increase the heat dissipating area. Moreover in the process of the present invention, the punching force is uniformly distributed on the seat so that the fins can be densely arranged to provide a high efficiency heat dissipation function. To achieve above objects, the present invention provides a method for riveting fins into a bottom plate of a heat dissipating device. A punching device has a plurality of weights each of which is formed as a thin sheet. The punching device is installed to a fixture; a plurality of fins are spaced with a predetermined gap; and a bottom plate is formed with a plurality of trenches for receiving the fins. The method comprising the step of: positioning the bottom plate at the fixture; inserting the fins into the trenches of the bottom plate; inserting the weights of the punching device into the fins so that a space between two fins has a weight; and punching a backside of the bottom plate by a puncher so that the bottom plate moves; the weights colliding portions of the bottom plate between the fins so as to deform and rivet the fins into the bottom plate; and thus the fins are firmly secured in the bottom plate. The various objects and advantages of the present invention will be more readily understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the appended drawing.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to heat dissipation, and in particular to a method for riveting fins into a bottom plate of a heat dissipating device. The present invention can be used for high-level electronic device or IC circuits. Further more fins can be embedded in a seat so as to increase the heat dissipating area. Moreover in the process of the present invention, the punching force is uniformly distributed on the seat so that the fins can be densely arranged to provide high efficiency heat dissipation function. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the current integrated circuit (IC) or electronic devices, the heat dissipating device has a bottom plate and a heat dissipating unit. The bottom plate has a plurality of trenches. Fins are inserted into the trenches. The method for fixing the fins to the bottom plate can be referred toFIG. 1. The bottom plate10of the heat dissipating device1is formed with trenches11. The bottom plate10is fixed to the fixture (not shown). Then they are fixed below a punching device12. The punching device12has a plurality of weights13. The weights13are driven by a puncher to move upwards and downwards. The weights13pass through the gaps between the fins14to collide a surface of the bottom plate10so that the fins14are riveted into the bottom plate10. Thus a heat dissipating device1is formed. With the progress of the chip and IC technologies, more and more heats are generated and are concentrated in some predetermined parts of the devices and the increment of temperature is more and more rapid. To have high heat dissipating ability, the material of the heat dissipating device1is improved, such as using copper to replace aluminum. Further, more fins14are planted in the bottom plate10so as to increase the heat dissipating area. As a result, the density of the fins14on the bottom plate10is increased. To cause the weights13can be inserted into the gaps between the fins14and thus they can punch the bottom plate10. However this will break the bottom plate10. Moreover, the fins14have errors so that the weights13cannot be accurately aligned to the gaps between fins14. As a result, in the punching process, it is possible that the fins14will be destroyed and thus the yield ratio is low. Thereby the weights13are possibly destroyed in the punching process. However the weights13are expensive. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the primary object of the present invention is to provide a method for riveting fins into a bottom plate of a heat dissipating device. The present invention can be used for high level electronic device or IC circuits. Further more fins can be embedded in a seat so as to increase the heat dissipating area. Moreover in the process of the present invention, the punching force is uniformly distributed on the seat so that the fins can be densely arranged to provide a high efficiency heat dissipation function. To achieve above objects, the present invention provides a method for riveting fins into a bottom plate of a heat dissipating device. A punching device has a plurality of weights each of which is formed as a thin sheet. The punching device is installed to a fixture; a plurality of fins are spaced with a predetermined gap; and a bottom plate is formed with a plurality of trenches for receiving the fins. The method comprising the step of: positioning the bottom plate at the fixture; inserting the fins into the trenches of the bottom plate; inserting the weights of the punching device into the fins so that a space between two fins has a weight; and punching a backside of the bottom plate by a puncher so that the bottom plate moves; the weights colliding portions of the bottom plate between the fins so as to deform and rivet the fins into the bottom plate; and thus the fins are firmly secured in the bottom plate. The various objects and advantages of the present invention will be more readily understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the appended drawing. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7727672

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a battery having a structure with a metal plate welded to an electrode, a method of manufacturing the same comprising the welding step, a method of manufacturing weldment, and pedestal. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Lithium ion secondary batteries have been used in recent years as a power supply with ability of charge and discharge of electricity which is incorporated in cellular phones or portable electric devices. Moreover, for example, batteries using a solid-like unfluidized electrolyte as the electrolyte without danger of liquid leakage are also known. There are various outside forms of such a lithium ion secondary battery, and the batteries, generally used for notebook type or pocketbook type portable electric devices and cellular phones, are flat type in many cases. In such a flat type lithium ion secondary battery, in order to produce electric current continuity between a main body of a secondary battery cell and the exterior, board-like electrodes are respectively located on the positive pole/terminal and the negative pole/terminal. The pole/terminal of positive electrode is generally formed with thin aluminum or an aluminum base alloy having a thickness of about 0.07-0.1 mm by the press cut or the like, in order to satisfy the structural limitations in a part connected to the main body of the secondary battery cell, restrain and reduce the thickness of the whole secondary battery, and ensure high conductivity, and a metal plate (the so-called tab) further connected with the exterior terminal lead is welded to the tip portion in many cases. As the metal plate, materials with low electric resistance, excellent mechanical strength, and excellent weather resistance such as a nickel base alloy are used suitably in order to electrically and mechanically (based on strength of material) ensure the connection with the exterior. Moreover, the plate thickness is set, for example, to 0.1 mm or more in many cases. The metal plate and the electrode are generally welded by the electric resistance welding or the ultrasonic welding, and the sure welding is strongly needed so that the metal plate may not be separated nor omitted from the electrode, while using the secondary battery or the like. However, there is a problem that poor welding occurs in the case of the electric resistance welding between the above electrode and the metal plate. The first reason for the difficulty of the electric resistance welding is the difference between aluminum and nickel melting points. That is, the pole/terminal of positive electrode is formed with aluminum or the aluminum base alloy, so the melting point is 660-700° C. On the other hand, the metal plate is formed with the material with both high mechanical strength and a comparatively high melting point, so the melting point is, for example, 1400-1455° C. in the case of the nickel base alloy. Therefore, the difference between the electrode and the metal plate melting points reaches about 800° C. Moreover, the boiling point of aluminum is 2486° C., the boiling point of nickel is 2731° C., and the boiling points also differ greatly. The second reason for the difficulty of the electric resistance welding is the existence of an oxide film (aluminum oxide) formed on the surface of the aluminum plate. The melting point of aluminum oxide is as high as 2050° C., and in the case of the electric resistance welding between the aluminum plate and the nickel plate, it is necessary to dissolve the thin oxide film under the temperature of the weld part of about 2050° C. or higher. Here, the aluminum oxide film on the aluminum surface is generally called alumina, and the chemical formula thereof is Al2O3. Thus, if a welding condition is set up so that the welding temperature may reach the melting point or more of the metal plate made of the nickel base alloy or the like, in the case of welding a pile of one electrode and one metal plate by the conventional general electric resistance welding process, aluminum or the aluminum base alloy of the electrode dissolves completely over a large area to the extent that the plate thickness is penetrated exceeding the size of a normal/regular nugget. Accordingly, the dissolved metal is spilt out, aluminum evaporates and scatters around violently after the aluminum plate of the weld part reaches the boiling point, or the like phenomenon occurs, which causes generation of a hole in the part and poor welding without the sure welding. Moreover, when the welding temperature is adjusted under the melting point of the metal plate, such as the nickel base alloy, in order to avoid such a complete broad dissolution of the electrode, the poor welding such as the hole generation in the electrode or the spill of the dissolved metal does not occur. However, since the nickel base alloy on the metal plate surface does not fuse, the normal nugget of both the nickel base alloy and the aluminum base alloy is not formed, only the trace of the aluminum base alloy melting is left on the cross section surface after the welding, and the poor welding of the unsure welding occurs. Consequently, for example, the peeling test reveals that the electrode and the metal plate separate easily under very lower power than the specific tensile proof stress. Then, it is desired that various conditions of the electric resistance welding are set in order to generate a distribution of the welding temperature in which the normal nugget can be formed from the junction surface between the metal plate and the electrode to the peripheral part. However, such a condition setup unavoidably becomes very delicate, since the difference between the metal of the metal plate such as the nickel base alloy and metal of the electrode such as the aluminum base alloy melting points, is too large. Moreover, the tip of the electrode pole is degraded and deformed as the welding is continued, so it is very difficult to continuously maintain the setup of the above preferable delicate welding conditions in the actual mass production process, and therefore it is difficult to reduce the occurrence rate of the poor welding. In addition, if the positive electrode terminal strip is composed of a nickel plate like the negative electrode terminal strip, the electric resistance welding can be carried out. However, if the nickel plate composes the positive electrode terminal strip, the nickel plate may react electrically in the inside of the battery and dissolve, and thus it is not preferable. As described above, it is technically difficult to perform the electric resistance welding of the thin aluminum plate and the nickel plate, and particularly, the welding of the positive electrode terminal strip and a wiring board is conventionally performed by the ultrasonic welding. However, there have been the following problems in the ultrasonic welding. First, the setting ranges of oscillating strength and amplitude time of the ultrasonic welding are small, and it is difficult to maintain the optimum conditions of the welding. Secondly, it is difficult to stabilize the welding strength, and the poor welding may occur at a certain rate in the mass production process for manufacturing the products in large quantities. Because, in the ultrasonic welding, only a very thin alloy layer is produced at the interface between the electrode and the metal plate, both are in the weakly connecting state only on the surface in many cases due to increasing the roughness of both the surfaces, and it is difficult to accomplish the demanded electrically and mechanically sure welding state for the welded surface. Moreover, the natural oxide film generated on the surface of the metal plate made of aluminum or the aluminum base alloy presents obstacles, and the weak welding action by the ultrasonic welding tends to be still weaker. And if the electrode and the metal plate are welded weakly as described above, the electric resistance becomes high in the part thereof, with such unfortunate consequences as the voltage which can be transferred from the secondary battery cell outside through the electrode and the metal plate decreases or the electric current can be limited. Thirdly, ultrasonic welding devices are more expensive than resistance welding devices, and the equipment expenses for mass production becomes high. Fourthly, the ultrasonic welding devices are larger than the resistance welding devices, and a larger floor space is required. Then, developments in the technique for welding the thin aluminum plate and the nickel plate by the electric resistance welding have been demanded. It is necessary, for example, to weld for long time using the supersonic wave with still stronger energy density or the like in order to produce the still stronger welding state by such ultrasonic welding. However, if the welding is performed with such strong supersonic wave for long time, the electrode, made of the aluminum base alloy with the thin thickness and the lower melting point, dissolves in the range exceeding the size required for welding like the case of the above electric resistance welding, and the advantages of the ultrasonic welding itself cannot be employed efficiently. For example, if too strong ultrasonic welding is performed, a part of the electrode made of the aluminum base alloy is cut. Moreover, although the utilization of the soldering method is also considered as a method of electrically and mechanically fixing the metal plate to the electrode other than the welding, the natural oxide film (alumina) as described above is generated on the surface of the electrode made of the aluminum base alloy, and therefore presents obstacles to the wettability and attachment of the solder, and the soldering becomes difficult. It is thought that the treatment of pre-applying powerful flux or the like to the surface of the electrode for processing the natural oxide film of the surface before the soldering is effective to overcome the above obstacles. However, the inevitable result is that the component of such a strong flux remains on the electrode or the metal plate after soldering, so there are unfortunate consequences that the remaining component may remarkably degrade the durability of the connection part between the electrode and the metal plate. For example, the remaining components may gradually corrode the electrode during the period of using the secondary battery, which would eventually be damaged, dropped out, or the like. Moreover, soldering the positive electrode terminal strip and the wiring board is not preferable, since the thin aluminum plate composing the positive electrode terminal strip is brought to high temperature, and the inside temperature of the battery also becomes high, resulting in the battery degradation. The present invention has been achieved in view of the above problems. It is an object of the invention to provide a method of manufacturing a battery comprising the step of welding an electrode made of aluminum, an aluminum base alloy, or the like, and a metal plate made of a nickel base alloy or the like, in a polymer lithium ion secondary battery or the like, by means of an electric resistance welding process comprising an electric resistance welding step of securely welding the electrode and the metal plate, with eliminating the problems of poor welding such as hole generation or scattering to the surroundings due to the spilled metal in a welding part, and a battery with high reliability and durability in which a metal plate and an electrode are securely welded by such method. It is another object of the invention to provide a method of manufacturing a weldment in which two or more objects being welded which made of a different material are easily welded by the electric resistance welding with high reliability, and a pedestal used for the method. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A battery according to the present invention comprises a secondary battery cell with ability of charge and discharge of electricity, a plate-like electrode which is connected to the secondary battery cell and produces conduction of the electricity during charging and discharging, and metal plates being welded to the electrode, which have a melting point higher than that of the electrode or which are thicker than the electrode and have the same melting point, wherein at least one of the metal plates is welded to each of the sides of the electrode. Moreover, a battery according to the present invention comprises a secondary battery cell with ability of charge and discharge of electricity, a plate-like electrode which is connected to the secondary battery cell and produces conduction of the electricity during charging and discharging, and a metal plate being welded to the electrode, which has a melting point higher than that of the electrode or which is thicker than the electrode and has the same melting point, wherein the metal plate has a part with a form like a single piece of plate bent into a roughly horseshoe shape, the electrode is sandwiched between two boards of the roughly horseshoe shape, and at least one of the two boards is welded to the electrode. A method of manufacturing a battery according to the present invention comprises the step of welding metal plates which have a melting point higher than that of a plate-like electrode or which are thicker than the plate-like electrode and have the same melting point, to the plate-like electrode which is connected to a secondary battery and produces electricity conduction during charging and discharging of the secondary battery, wherein at least one of the metal plates is welded to each of the sides of the electrode by means of an electric resistance welding process or other welding method in the step of welding the metal plates. Moreover, another method of manufacturing a battery according to the present invention comprises the step of welding a metal plate which has a melting point higher than that of a plate-like electrode or which is thicker than the plate-like electrode and has the same melting point, to the plate-like electrode which is connected to a secondary battery and produces electricity conduction during charging and discharging of the secondary battery, wherein in the step of welding the metal plates, the metal plate has a part with a form like a single piece of plate bent into a roughly horseshoe shape, and the step of welding comprises sandwiching the electrode between two boards of the roughly horseshoe shape, and performing a electric resistance welding of at least one of the two boards and the electrode. A method of manufacturing a weldment according to the present invention comprises placing two or more objects being welded which made of a different material on a pedestal, and performing the electric resistance welding with pressing a welding rod, wherein at least a placing surface of the pedestal is composed of a refractory metal with a melting point higher than those of the two or more objects being welded. A pedestal according to the present invention is the one where objects being welded are placed onto during the welding thereof and at least a placing surface is composed of a metal with a melting point higher than 1455° C. According to the battery and the method of manufacturing the same of the invention, the electrode made of the metal material with a comparatively low melting point like aluminum or the aluminum base alloy is sandwiched between the metal plates with the melting point higher than that of the electrode, and the welding is performed by raising the welding temperature to the high temperature at which the surfaces of the metal plates facing the electrode can be fused to form an alloy together with the surfaces of the electrode by means of the electric resistance welding. Even if the electrode made of the metal material with the melting point lower than that of the metal plate, at this time, is dissolved enough to be penetrated in the thickness direction, no dissolved metal of the electrode is spilt out or scattered to the exterior, because the upper and lower sides of the corresponding part of the electrode are sandwiched between the metal plates. And the metal plates are welded to both the upper and lower sides of one plate of the electrode, and the mechanical strength is higher and the area of the electric connection is larger than the conventional case where the metal plate is welded only to either of the upper and lower sides. According to another battery and the method of manufacturing the same of the present invention, furthermore, the metal plate is formed by bending a single piece of plate (one plate) into a roughly horseshoe shape, and the electrode is sandwiched between the two boards of the horseshoe shape. Therefore, the step of positioning and fixing individually the metal plates respectively to the upper and lower sides of the electrode in the electric resistance welding, is not required. According to the method of manufacturing the weldment of the invention, at least the placing surface of the pedestal is composed of the refractory metal with the melting point higher than those of the objects being welded, which prevents the pedestal from dissolving with the objects being welded at the time of the welding, and also prevents the objects being welded from adhering on the pedestal. Moreover, the excessive dissolution of the objects being welded is prevented because of the heat release effect of the pedestal. Furthermore, since a welding current flows also through the pedestal, more welding current flows through the weld part of the objects being welded. According to pedestal of the present invention, at least the placing surface is composed of the metal with the melting point higher than 1455° C., as well as the method of manufacturing the weldment of the invention, so the adhesion and the excessive dissolution of the object being welded are prevented, and a large welding current flows through the weld part. Other and further objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear more fully from the following description.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a battery having a structure with a metal plate welded to an electrode, a method of manufacturing the same comprising the welding step, a method of manufacturing weldment, and pedestal. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Lithium ion secondary batteries have been used in recent years as a power supply with ability of charge and discharge of electricity which is incorporated in cellular phones or portable electric devices. Moreover, for example, batteries using a solid-like unfluidized electrolyte as the electrolyte without danger of liquid leakage are also known. There are various outside forms of such a lithium ion secondary battery, and the batteries, generally used for notebook type or pocketbook type portable electric devices and cellular phones, are flat type in many cases. In such a flat type lithium ion secondary battery, in order to produce electric current continuity between a main body of a secondary battery cell and the exterior, board-like electrodes are respectively located on the positive pole/terminal and the negative pole/terminal. The pole/terminal of positive electrode is generally formed with thin aluminum or an aluminum base alloy having a thickness of about 0.07-0.1 mm by the press cut or the like, in order to satisfy the structural limitations in a part connected to the main body of the secondary battery cell, restrain and reduce the thickness of the whole secondary battery, and ensure high conductivity, and a metal plate (the so-called tab) further connected with the exterior terminal lead is welded to the tip portion in many cases. As the metal plate, materials with low electric resistance, excellent mechanical strength, and excellent weather resistance such as a nickel base alloy are used suitably in order to electrically and mechanically (based on strength of material) ensure the connection with the exterior. Moreover, the plate thickness is set, for example, to 0.1 mm or more in many cases. The metal plate and the electrode are generally welded by the electric resistance welding or the ultrasonic welding, and the sure welding is strongly needed so that the metal plate may not be separated nor omitted from the electrode, while using the secondary battery or the like. However, there is a problem that poor welding occurs in the case of the electric resistance welding between the above electrode and the metal plate. The first reason for the difficulty of the electric resistance welding is the difference between aluminum and nickel melting points. That is, the pole/terminal of positive electrode is formed with aluminum or the aluminum base alloy, so the melting point is 660-700° C. On the other hand, the metal plate is formed with the material with both high mechanical strength and a comparatively high melting point, so the melting point is, for example, 1400-1455° C. in the case of the nickel base alloy. Therefore, the difference between the electrode and the metal plate melting points reaches about 800° C. Moreover, the boiling point of aluminum is 2486° C., the boiling point of nickel is 2731° C., and the boiling points also differ greatly. The second reason for the difficulty of the electric resistance welding is the existence of an oxide film (aluminum oxide) formed on the surface of the aluminum plate. The melting point of aluminum oxide is as high as 2050° C., and in the case of the electric resistance welding between the aluminum plate and the nickel plate, it is necessary to dissolve the thin oxide film under the temperature of the weld part of about 2050° C. or higher. Here, the aluminum oxide film on the aluminum surface is generally called alumina, and the chemical formula thereof is Al2O3. Thus, if a welding condition is set up so that the welding temperature may reach the melting point or more of the metal plate made of the nickel base alloy or the like, in the case of welding a pile of one electrode and one metal plate by the conventional general electric resistance welding process, aluminum or the aluminum base alloy of the electrode dissolves completely over a large area to the extent that the plate thickness is penetrated exceeding the size of a normal/regular nugget. Accordingly, the dissolved metal is spilt out, aluminum evaporates and scatters around violently after the aluminum plate of the weld part reaches the boiling point, or the like phenomenon occurs, which causes generation of a hole in the part and poor welding without the sure welding. Moreover, when the welding temperature is adjusted under the melting point of the metal plate, such as the nickel base alloy, in order to avoid such a complete broad dissolution of the electrode, the poor welding such as the hole generation in the electrode or the spill of the dissolved metal does not occur. However, since the nickel base alloy on the metal plate surface does not fuse, the normal nugget of both the nickel base alloy and the aluminum base alloy is not formed, only the trace of the aluminum base alloy melting is left on the cross section surface after the welding, and the poor welding of the unsure welding occurs. Consequently, for example, the peeling test reveals that the electrode and the metal plate separate easily under very lower power than the specific tensile proof stress. Then, it is desired that various conditions of the electric resistance welding are set in order to generate a distribution of the welding temperature in which the normal nugget can be formed from the junction surface between the metal plate and the electrode to the peripheral part. However, such a condition setup unavoidably becomes very delicate, since the difference between the metal of the metal plate such as the nickel base alloy and metal of the electrode such as the aluminum base alloy melting points, is too large. Moreover, the tip of the electrode pole is degraded and deformed as the welding is continued, so it is very difficult to continuously maintain the setup of the above preferable delicate welding conditions in the actual mass production process, and therefore it is difficult to reduce the occurrence rate of the poor welding. In addition, if the positive electrode terminal strip is composed of a nickel plate like the negative electrode terminal strip, the electric resistance welding can be carried out. However, if the nickel plate composes the positive electrode terminal strip, the nickel plate may react electrically in the inside of the battery and dissolve, and thus it is not preferable. As described above, it is technically difficult to perform the electric resistance welding of the thin aluminum plate and the nickel plate, and particularly, the welding of the positive electrode terminal strip and a wiring board is conventionally performed by the ultrasonic welding. However, there have been the following problems in the ultrasonic welding. First, the setting ranges of oscillating strength and amplitude time of the ultrasonic welding are small, and it is difficult to maintain the optimum conditions of the welding. Secondly, it is difficult to stabilize the welding strength, and the poor welding may occur at a certain rate in the mass production process for manufacturing the products in large quantities. Because, in the ultrasonic welding, only a very thin alloy layer is produced at the interface between the electrode and the metal plate, both are in the weakly connecting state only on the surface in many cases due to increasing the roughness of both the surfaces, and it is difficult to accomplish the demanded electrically and mechanically sure welding state for the welded surface. Moreover, the natural oxide film generated on the surface of the metal plate made of aluminum or the aluminum base alloy presents obstacles, and the weak welding action by the ultrasonic welding tends to be still weaker. And if the electrode and the metal plate are welded weakly as described above, the electric resistance becomes high in the part thereof, with such unfortunate consequences as the voltage which can be transferred from the secondary battery cell outside through the electrode and the metal plate decreases or the electric current can be limited. Thirdly, ultrasonic welding devices are more expensive than resistance welding devices, and the equipment expenses for mass production becomes high. Fourthly, the ultrasonic welding devices are larger than the resistance welding devices, and a larger floor space is required. Then, developments in the technique for welding the thin aluminum plate and the nickel plate by the electric resistance welding have been demanded. It is necessary, for example, to weld for long time using the supersonic wave with still stronger energy density or the like in order to produce the still stronger welding state by such ultrasonic welding. However, if the welding is performed with such strong supersonic wave for long time, the electrode, made of the aluminum base alloy with the thin thickness and the lower melting point, dissolves in the range exceeding the size required for welding like the case of the above electric resistance welding, and the advantages of the ultrasonic welding itself cannot be employed efficiently. For example, if too strong ultrasonic welding is performed, a part of the electrode made of the aluminum base alloy is cut. Moreover, although the utilization of the soldering method is also considered as a method of electrically and mechanically fixing the metal plate to the electrode other than the welding, the natural oxide film (alumina) as described above is generated on the surface of the electrode made of the aluminum base alloy, and therefore presents obstacles to the wettability and attachment of the solder, and the soldering becomes difficult. It is thought that the treatment of pre-applying powerful flux or the like to the surface of the electrode for processing the natural oxide film of the surface before the soldering is effective to overcome the above obstacles. However, the inevitable result is that the component of such a strong flux remains on the electrode or the metal plate after soldering, so there are unfortunate consequences that the remaining component may remarkably degrade the durability of the connection part between the electrode and the metal plate. For example, the remaining components may gradually corrode the electrode during the period of using the secondary battery, which would eventually be damaged, dropped out, or the like. Moreover, soldering the positive electrode terminal strip and the wiring board is not preferable, since the thin aluminum plate composing the positive electrode terminal strip is brought to high temperature, and the inside temperature of the battery also becomes high, resulting in the battery degradation. The present invention has been achieved in view of the above problems. It is an object of the invention to provide a method of manufacturing a battery comprising the step of welding an electrode made of aluminum, an aluminum base alloy, or the like, and a metal plate made of a nickel base alloy or the like, in a polymer lithium ion secondary battery or the like, by means of an electric resistance welding process comprising an electric resistance welding step of securely welding the electrode and the metal plate, with eliminating the problems of poor welding such as hole generation or scattering to the surroundings due to the spilled metal in a welding part, and a battery with high reliability and durability in which a metal plate and an electrode are securely welded by such method. It is another object of the invention to provide a method of manufacturing a weldment in which two or more objects being welded which made of a different material are easily welded by the electric resistance welding with high reliability, and a pedestal used for the method. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A battery according to the present invention comprises a secondary battery cell with ability of charge and discharge of electricity, a plate-like electrode which is connected to the secondary battery cell and produces conduction of the electricity during charging and discharging, and metal plates being welded to the electrode, which have a melting point higher than that of the electrode or which are thicker than the electrode and have the same melting point, wherein at least one of the metal plates is welded to each of the sides of the electrode. Moreover, a battery according to the present invention comprises a secondary battery cell with ability of charge and discharge of electricity, a plate-like electrode which is connected to the secondary battery cell and produces conduction of the electricity during charging and discharging, and a metal plate being welded to the electrode, which has a melting point higher than that of the electrode or which is thicker than the electrode and has the same melting point, wherein the metal plate has a part with a form like a single piece of plate bent into a roughly horseshoe shape, the electrode is sandwiched between two boards of the roughly horseshoe shape, and at least one of the two boards is welded to the electrode. A method of manufacturing a battery according to the present invention comprises the step of welding metal plates which have a melting point higher than that of a plate-like electrode or which are thicker than the plate-like electrode and have the same melting point, to the plate-like electrode which is connected to a secondary battery and produces electricity conduction during charging and discharging of the secondary battery, wherein at least one of the metal plates is welded to each of the sides of the electrode by means of an electric resistance welding process or other welding method in the step of welding the metal plates. Moreover, another method of manufacturing a battery according to the present invention comprises the step of welding a metal plate which has a melting point higher than that of a plate-like electrode or which is thicker than the plate-like electrode and has the same melting point, to the plate-like electrode which is connected to a secondary battery and produces electricity conduction during charging and discharging of the secondary battery, wherein in the step of welding the metal plates, the metal plate has a part with a form like a single piece of plate bent into a roughly horseshoe shape, and the step of welding comprises sandwiching the electrode between two boards of the roughly horseshoe shape, and performing a electric resistance welding of at least one of the two boards and the electrode. A method of manufacturing a weldment according to the present invention comprises placing two or more objects being welded which made of a different material on a pedestal, and performing the electric resistance welding with pressing a welding rod, wherein at least a placing surface of the pedestal is composed of a refractory metal with a melting point higher than those of the two or more objects being welded. A pedestal according to the present invention is the one where objects being welded are placed onto during the welding thereof and at least a placing surface is composed of a metal with a melting point higher than 1455° C. According to the battery and the method of manufacturing the same of the invention, the electrode made of the metal material with a comparatively low melting point like aluminum or the aluminum base alloy is sandwiched between the metal plates with the melting point higher than that of the electrode, and the welding is performed by raising the welding temperature to the high temperature at which the surfaces of the metal plates facing the electrode can be fused to form an alloy together with the surfaces of the electrode by means of the electric resistance welding. Even if the electrode made of the metal material with the melting point lower than that of the metal plate, at this time, is dissolved enough to be penetrated in the thickness direction, no dissolved metal of the electrode is spilt out or scattered to the exterior, because the upper and lower sides of the corresponding part of the electrode are sandwiched between the metal plates. And the metal plates are welded to both the upper and lower sides of one plate of the electrode, and the mechanical strength is higher and the area of the electric connection is larger than the conventional case where the metal plate is welded only to either of the upper and lower sides. According to another battery and the method of manufacturing the same of the present invention, furthermore, the metal plate is formed by bending a single piece of plate (one plate) into a roughly horseshoe shape, and the electrode is sandwiched between the two boards of the horseshoe shape. Therefore, the step of positioning and fixing individually the metal plates respectively to the upper and lower sides of the electrode in the electric resistance welding, is not required. According to the method of manufacturing the weldment of the invention, at least the placing surface of the pedestal is composed of the refractory metal with the melting point higher than those of the objects being welded, which prevents the pedestal from dissolving with the objects being welded at the time of the welding, and also prevents the objects being welded from adhering on the pedestal. Moreover, the excessive dissolution of the objects being welded is prevented because of the heat release effect of the pedestal. Furthermore, since a welding current flows also through the pedestal, more welding current flows through the weld part of the objects being welded. According to pedestal of the present invention, at least the placing surface is composed of the metal with the melting point higher than 1455° C., as well as the method of manufacturing the weldment of the invention, so the adhesion and the excessive dissolution of the object being welded are prevented, and a large welding current flows through the weld part. Other and further objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear more fully from the following description. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7714151

This application is a 371 of PCT/AU2003/001446, filed Nov. 3, 2003; the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to aminated isoflavonoid derivatives based on nitrogen substitution of the 4-keto group of isoflavone and isoflavanone ring systems. The present invention further relates to the synthesis of the aminated isoflavonoid derivatives, compositions containing same and uses thereof as therapeutic agents. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Naturally-occurring plant isoflavones are known to possess a wide range of fundamental biological effects on human cells including anti-oxidation and the up-regulation and down-regulation of a wide variety of enzymes and signal transduction mechanisms. Mitotic arrest and cytotoxicity of human cancer cells, increased capillary permeability, increased cellular adhesion, increased response of vascular smooth muscle cells to vaso-relaxants, and agonism of estrogen receptors, are just a few examples of the responses of animal cells to the biological effects of naturally-occurring isoflavonoids. A range of therapeutic benefits as a result of these biological outcomes have been identified including the treatment and prevention of pre-menopausal symptoms such as pre-menstrual syndrome, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, hyperlipidaemia, cardiovascular disease, menopausal symptoms such as osteoporosis and senile dementia, alcoholism, benign prostatic hypertrophy, and cancers such as prostate, breast and large bowel carcinomas [see WO 93/23069; WO 96/10341; U.S. Pat. No. 5,424,331; JP 62-106017; JP 62-106016; U.S. Pat. No. 5,516,528; JP 62-106016A2; JP 62-106017A2; JP 61-246124; WO 98/50026; WO 99/43335; WO 00/49009; WO 00/644438; WO 99/48496]. While over 700 different naturally occurring isoflavones are described, only a few are confirmed as having potential therapeutic benefits in animals including humans. These include daidzein, genistein, formononetin, biochanin and glycitein. These and all naturally occurring isoflavones are found in nature as the monomeric form either in a free state, or, more likely, bound to a carbohydrate moiety (glycoside). The isoflavone has to be separated from this moiety before it becomes biologically active. A number of compounds with a structure related to naturally occurring plant isoflavones are also described as having biological properties with potential therapeutic benefit to animals including humans. These include compounds that are naturally occurring metabolites of plant isoflavones produced by bacterial fermentation by gut flora and embrace compounds such as equol and 0-desmethylangolensin [WO 93/23069; WO 98/08503; WO 01/17986; WO 00/66576]. Also included in this group is the synthetic isoflavonoid ipriflavone, which is developed for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis [WO 91/14429] and a wide range of synthetic isoflavonoid analogues [WO 98/08503]. Despite the considerable research and accumulated knowledge in relation to isoflavonoid compounds and derivatives thereof, the full ambit of therapeutically useful isoflavonoid compounds and their activities is yet to be realised. Moreover, there is a continual need for new, improved or at least alternative active agents for the treatment, prophylaxis, amelioration, defence against and/or prevention of various diseases and disorders. A requirement accordingly exists for new generation compounds that exhibit physiological properties important to the health and well-being of animals, particularly humans, and to find new methods which exploit these properties for the treatment, amelioration and prophylaxis of disease. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Surprisingly, the present inventors have discovered a new class of molecules based on aminated isoflav-4-one and isoflavan-4-one compounds. In particular the aminated isoflavonoid compounds of the invention relate to imine, hydrazone, semicarbazone, azine, oxime and amine derivatives of isoflav-4-ones and isoflavan-4-ones. The activities of the compounds of the invention are surprising and quite unexpected, even in light of what is presently known about the non-aminated isoflav-4-one and isoflavan-4-one compounds from which these can be derived. Thus according to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a compound of the general formula (I): whereinR1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7and R8are independently hydrogen, hydroxy, OR9, OC(O)H, OC(O)R9, OS(O)R9, OSi(R10)3, C(O)R11, CO2R12, alkyl, haloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, thio, alkylthio, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, nitro or halo, or any two of the substituents R2R3and R4together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached form a cyclic alkyl, cyclic heteroalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl structure,R9is alkyl, haloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl or alkylaryl,R10is independently hydrogen, alkyl or aryl,R11is hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, arylalkyl or an amino acid, andR12is hydrogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl or alkylaryl,X is O, NR12or S,Z is R13, NR14R15, NR13CONR14R15, N═CR16R17or OR13,R13, R14and R15are independently hydrogen, amino, thio, nitro, cyano, or optionally substituted alkyl, haloalkyl, acyl, aryl, heteroaryl, arylalkyl or alkylaryl, or the substituents R14and R15together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form an optionally substituted cyclic heteroalkyl or heteroaromatic structure, andR16and R17are independently hydrogen, amino, thio, nitro, cyano, or optionally substituted alkyl, haloalkyl, acyl, aryl, heteroaryl, arylalkyl or alkylaryl, or the substituents R16and R17taken together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form an optionally substituted isoflavonoid ring system, or when X is NR12, the substituent R12may be a bond such that R8and X together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached form one of the following structures: where Y is and wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8and Z are as defined above, and the drawingrepresents either a single bond or a double bond, which compounds include pharmaceutically acceptable salts and derivatives thereof. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) comprising the step of reacting the 4-keto group of a compound of the formula (X): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8and X are as defined above, and the drawingrepresents either a single bond or a double bond, with an aminating agent. It has surprisingly been found by the inventors that the aminated isoflavonoid derivatives of the general formula (I) have particular utility and effectiveness in the regulation of a range of molecular targets in animal cells, and that these molecular targets are intimately involved in signal transduction processes that are fundamental to critical cellular processes such as cell growth, differentiation, migration, and death. The aminated compounds of the present invention are found to regulate a wide variety of signal transduction processes within animal cells and that these signal transduction processes are involved in a wide range of functions that are vital to the survival and function of all animal cells. Therefore, these compounds have broad-ranging and important health benefits in animals including humans, and in particular have the potential to prevent and treat important and common human diseases, disorders and functions. The particular benefits of this invention lie in (a) the large range of signal transduction processes targeted by the compounds, (b) the fact that regulation of these various processes includes both up-regulation of some processes and down-regulation of others, and (c) that such a broad and varied effect on signal transduction processes also is accompanied by an independent effect on a range of important enzymes that are fundamental to metabolism and steroidogenesis. Thus, according to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for the treatment, prophylaxis or amelioration of a disease or disorder which method includes the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of one or more compounds of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof to a subject. In particular the present invention provides a method for the treatment, prevention or amelioration of diseases associated with aberrant cell survival, aberrant cell proliferation, abnormal cellular migration, abnormal angiogenesis, abnormal estrogen/androgen balance, dysfunctional or abnormal steroid genesis, degeneration including degenerative changes within blood vessel walls, inflammation, and immunological imbalance, which comprises administering to a subject one or more compounds of the formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof optionally in association with a carrier and/or excipient. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of inducing apoptosis in cells expressing abnormal prosurvival phenotype which comprises contacting said cells with one or more compounds of the formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof optionally in association with a carrier or excipient. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for inhibiting migration of cells having an abnormal cellular migration phenotype which comprises contacting said cells with a compound of the formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof optionally in association with a carrier or excipient. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for inhibiting angiogenesis in tissue expressing aberrant angiogenic phenotype which comprises contacting said tissue with a compound of the formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof optionally in association with a carrier or excipient. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for the treatment, prevention or amelioration of cancer in a mammal which method comprises the step of bringing a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof into contact with cancerous tissue in a mammal that is suffering from a tumour, such that neoplastic development in said cancerous tissue is retarded or arrested. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of one or more compounds of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a disease or disorder. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an agent for the treatment, prophylaxis or amelioration of a disease or disorder which agent comprises one or more compounds of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a pharmaceutical composition which comprises one or more compounds of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof in association with one or more pharmaceutical carriers, excipients, auxiliaries and/or diluents. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a drink or food-stuff, which contains one or more compounds of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof. In a particularly preferred embodiment the aminated compounds of the present invention exhibit the following therapeutic activities:1. Direct anticancer function via signal transduction inhibition, cell cycle regulation and apoptosis induction.2. Prevention of cancer onset and proliferation via COX inhibition3. Prevention of cancer onset and proliferation via specific 5′alphareductase inhibition4. Anti-inflammatory effects. These and other aspects of the invention will become evident from the description and claims which follow, together with the accompanying drawings. Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: This application is a 371 of PCT/AU2003/001446, filed Nov. 3, 2003; the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to aminated isoflavonoid derivatives based on nitrogen substitution of the 4-keto group of isoflavone and isoflavanone ring systems. The present invention further relates to the synthesis of the aminated isoflavonoid derivatives, compositions containing same and uses thereof as therapeutic agents. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Naturally-occurring plant isoflavones are known to possess a wide range of fundamental biological effects on human cells including anti-oxidation and the up-regulation and down-regulation of a wide variety of enzymes and signal transduction mechanisms. Mitotic arrest and cytotoxicity of human cancer cells, increased capillary permeability, increased cellular adhesion, increased response of vascular smooth muscle cells to vaso-relaxants, and agonism of estrogen receptors, are just a few examples of the responses of animal cells to the biological effects of naturally-occurring isoflavonoids. A range of therapeutic benefits as a result of these biological outcomes have been identified including the treatment and prevention of pre-menopausal symptoms such as pre-menstrual syndrome, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, hyperlipidaemia, cardiovascular disease, menopausal symptoms such as osteoporosis and senile dementia, alcoholism, benign prostatic hypertrophy, and cancers such as prostate, breast and large bowel carcinomas [see WO 93/23069; WO 96/10341; U.S. Pat. No. 5,424,331; JP 62-106017; JP 62-106016; U.S. Pat. No. 5,516,528; JP 62-106016A2; JP 62-106017A2; JP 61-246124; WO 98/50026; WO 99/43335; WO 00/49009; WO 00/644438; WO 99/48496]. While over 700 different naturally occurring isoflavones are described, only a few are confirmed as having potential therapeutic benefits in animals including humans. These include daidzein, genistein, formononetin, biochanin and glycitein. These and all naturally occurring isoflavones are found in nature as the monomeric form either in a free state, or, more likely, bound to a carbohydrate moiety (glycoside). The isoflavone has to be separated from this moiety before it becomes biologically active. A number of compounds with a structure related to naturally occurring plant isoflavones are also described as having biological properties with potential therapeutic benefit to animals including humans. These include compounds that are naturally occurring metabolites of plant isoflavones produced by bacterial fermentation by gut flora and embrace compounds such as equol and 0-desmethylangolensin [WO 93/23069; WO 98/08503; WO 01/17986; WO 00/66576]. Also included in this group is the synthetic isoflavonoid ipriflavone, which is developed for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis [WO 91/14429] and a wide range of synthetic isoflavonoid analogues [WO 98/08503]. Despite the considerable research and accumulated knowledge in relation to isoflavonoid compounds and derivatives thereof, the full ambit of therapeutically useful isoflavonoid compounds and their activities is yet to be realised. Moreover, there is a continual need for new, improved or at least alternative active agents for the treatment, prophylaxis, amelioration, defence against and/or prevention of various diseases and disorders. A requirement accordingly exists for new generation compounds that exhibit physiological properties important to the health and well-being of animals, particularly humans, and to find new methods which exploit these properties for the treatment, amelioration and prophylaxis of disease. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Surprisingly, the present inventors have discovered a new class of molecules based on aminated isoflav-4-one and isoflavan-4-one compounds. In particular the aminated isoflavonoid compounds of the invention relate to imine, hydrazone, semicarbazone, azine, oxime and amine derivatives of isoflav-4-ones and isoflavan-4-ones. The activities of the compounds of the invention are surprising and quite unexpected, even in light of what is presently known about the non-aminated isoflav-4-one and isoflavan-4-one compounds from which these can be derived. Thus according to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a compound of the general formula (I): whereinR1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7and R8are independently hydrogen, hydroxy, OR9, OC(O)H, OC(O)R9, OS(O)R9, OSi(R10)3, C(O)R11, CO2R12, alkyl, haloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, thio, alkylthio, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, nitro or halo, or any two of the substituents R2R3and R4together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached form a cyclic alkyl, cyclic heteroalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl structure,R9is alkyl, haloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl or alkylaryl,R10is independently hydrogen, alkyl or aryl,R11is hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, arylalkyl or an amino acid, andR12is hydrogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl or alkylaryl,X is O, NR12or S,Z is R13, NR14R15, NR13CONR14R15, N═CR16R17or OR13,R13, R14and R15are independently hydrogen, amino, thio, nitro, cyano, or optionally substituted alkyl, haloalkyl, acyl, aryl, heteroaryl, arylalkyl or alkylaryl, or the substituents R14and R15together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form an optionally substituted cyclic heteroalkyl or heteroaromatic structure, andR16and R17are independently hydrogen, amino, thio, nitro, cyano, or optionally substituted alkyl, haloalkyl, acyl, aryl, heteroaryl, arylalkyl or alkylaryl, or the substituents R16and R17taken together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form an optionally substituted isoflavonoid ring system, or when X is NR12, the substituent R12may be a bond such that R8and X together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached form one of the following structures: where Y is and wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8and Z are as defined above, and the drawingrepresents either a single bond or a double bond, which compounds include pharmaceutically acceptable salts and derivatives thereof. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) comprising the step of reacting the 4-keto group of a compound of the formula (X): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8and X are as defined above, and the drawingrepresents either a single bond or a double bond, with an aminating agent. It has surprisingly been found by the inventors that the aminated isoflavonoid derivatives of the general formula (I) have particular utility and effectiveness in the regulation of a range of molecular targets in animal cells, and that these molecular targets are intimately involved in signal transduction processes that are fundamental to critical cellular processes such as cell growth, differentiation, migration, and death. The aminated compounds of the present invention are found to regulate a wide variety of signal transduction processes within animal cells and that these signal transduction processes are involved in a wide range of functions that are vital to the survival and function of all animal cells. Therefore, these compounds have broad-ranging and important health benefits in animals including humans, and in particular have the potential to prevent and treat important and common human diseases, disorders and functions. The particular benefits of this invention lie in (a) the large range of signal transduction processes targeted by the compounds, (b) the fact that regulation of these various processes includes both up-regulation of some processes and down-regulation of others, and (c) that such a broad and varied effect on signal transduction processes also is accompanied by an independent effect on a range of important enzymes that are fundamental to metabolism and steroidogenesis. Thus, according to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for the treatment, prophylaxis or amelioration of a disease or disorder which method includes the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of one or more compounds of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof to a subject. In particular the present invention provides a method for the treatment, prevention or amelioration of diseases associated with aberrant cell survival, aberrant cell proliferation, abnormal cellular migration, abnormal angiogenesis, abnormal estrogen/androgen balance, dysfunctional or abnormal steroid genesis, degeneration including degenerative changes within blood vessel walls, inflammation, and immunological imbalance, which comprises administering to a subject one or more compounds of the formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof optionally in association with a carrier and/or excipient. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of inducing apoptosis in cells expressing abnormal prosurvival phenotype which comprises contacting said cells with one or more compounds of the formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof optionally in association with a carrier or excipient. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for inhibiting migration of cells having an abnormal cellular migration phenotype which comprises contacting said cells with a compound of the formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof optionally in association with a carrier or excipient. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for inhibiting angiogenesis in tissue expressing aberrant angiogenic phenotype which comprises contacting said tissue with a compound of the formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof optionally in association with a carrier or excipient. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for the treatment, prevention or amelioration of cancer in a mammal which method comprises the step of bringing a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof into contact with cancerous tissue in a mammal that is suffering from a tumour, such that neoplastic development in said cancerous tissue is retarded or arrested. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of one or more compounds of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a disease or disorder. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an agent for the treatment, prophylaxis or amelioration of a disease or disorder which agent comprises one or more compounds of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a pharmaceutical composition which comprises one or more compounds of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof in association with one or more pharmaceutical carriers, excipients, auxiliaries and/or diluents. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a drink or food-stuff, which contains one or more compounds of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof. In a particularly preferred embodiment the aminated compounds of the present invention exhibit the following therapeutic activities:1. Direct anticancer function via signal transduction inhibition, cell cycle regulation and apoptosis induction.2. Prevention of cancer onset and proliferation via COX inhibition3. Prevention of cancer onset and proliferation via specific 5′alphareductase inhibition4. Anti-inflammatory effects. These and other aspects of the invention will become evident from the description and claims which follow, together with the accompanying drawings. Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7856299

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is the National Stage filing under 35 U.S.C. 371 of International Application No. PCT/EP2005/009076, filed Aug. 23, 2005, and claims priority of German Patent Application 10 2004 041 740.7, filed Aug. 28, 2004 the subject matter of which in its entirety, is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a diagnostic system and a diagnostic tester for checking motor vehicle control devices with which not only is it possible to find faults, as previously customary, but also with which it is likewise possible to check whether a repair which has been performed was successful. The diagnostic tester is likewise used to present a method for the improved checking of repairs. Diagnostic systems and diagnostic testers for motor vehicle control devices are nowadays predominantly computer based in motor vehicle workshops. BMW were leaders in the introduction of computer-based diagnostic testers in 1994 with the diagnostic system BMW-DIS which set the standard for contemporary diagnostic systems and diagnostic testers in motor vehicle workshops. This system is described, for example, in the vocational training manual by Rauner/Schreier/Spöttel: “Die Zukunft computergestützter Kfz-Diagnose [The future of computer-supported motor vehicle diagnostics]” published by Bertelsmann in Bielefeld, 2002, ISBN 3-7639-3022-1. The following diagnostic testers have repeatedly resorted to the basic structure of this diagnostic system. For example, there is also a German patent application by Bosch, DE 199 21 845 A1 which is mentioned here by way of example because it summarizes this basic structure in a particularly concise and brief way. A diagnostic test device for motor vehicles is described in which programmable control devices are provided with self-diagnostic means in the motor vehicle, said means using program control to control and monitor the engine controller and other systems of the motor vehicle, generate fault codes and store them and said means can be connected to an external diagnostic tester via a motor vehicle-mounted diagnostic/test plug. The invention is also based on such a basic structure for a diagnostic tester. The interface or the diagnostic plug for connecting an external diagnostic tester to the motor vehicle-mounted control devices was in the past, and is to a certain extent still today, the object of efforts at standardization. In particular in the USA these efforts at standardization with which access to motor vehicle-mounted control devices, and thus the ability to perform diagnostics on them, is made possible and regulated, still involve measures by legislators. A standard which has become established is referred to as the keyword protocol 2000. The standardization bases for this keyword protocol 2000 can be found in the international standard ISO 14 230-3, which is concerned with the application layer, and in ISO 14 230-2 which is concerned with what is referred to as the data link layer. A supplementary standard on which the keyword protocol 2000 is based and which has become a component of the abovementioned standards is the service vehicle standard SAE J1979. In particular the possibilities for reading out the data memories in the control devices which are provided for a diagnostic tester by the keyword protocol 2000 are significant for the invention described here. Known diagnostic systems and diagnostic testers are restricted to reading out existing fault codes from the control devices in the motor vehicle, processing and interpreting them with a diagnostic program and displaying the result of this interpretation on a screen of the diagnostic tester. In the motor vehicle workshop, a motor vehicle mechanic then works through the displayed list of deficiencies, during which process he can call up further information about the individually specified deficiencies using the diagnostic tester. In this context, further technical information resources such as technical drawings and of course the repair instructions with which he can eliminate the detected fault are of particular interest for him. If the motor vehicle mechanic has worked through the list of deficiencies, he uses the diagnostic tester to clear the stored and read-out fault codes in the motor vehicle-mounted control devices and in the diagnostic tester itself. Final checking as to whether the repairs which have been performed were successful or whether consequential faults have arisen as a result of the repair, is performed with a final test drive depending on the working organization in the motor vehicle workshop. Diagnostic systems and diagnostic testers which are known to the patent applicant do not support the quality checking of the repairs performed. They are not suitable for this either since the list of deficiencies and the fault codes in the control devices are cleared by the motor vehicle mechanic by a clear command. Of course, as a result the information about a malfunction which has occurred once and been detected is lost. Therefore, until now a diagnostic tester did not provide a motor vehicle mechanic with any support as to whether or not his repair was successful. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Taking the previously described prior art as a starting point, the aim of the invention is therefore to specify a diagnostic system and a diagnostic tester which permit improved checking of repairs using the diagnostic tester. This object is achieved with a diagnostic system and a diagnostic tester corresponding to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are presented in the dependent claims or clarified in the following description. The solution is arrived at with a computer-based diagnostic tester which can exchange information with the control devices installed in the motor vehicle using a diagnostic program via a diagnostic interface and via data lines. The motor vehicle-mounted control devices have program routines for self-diagnostics of the control devices and are capable of storing identified faults in the form of fault codes in reserved memory areas. The diagnostic program which is implemented in the diagnostic tester reads the fault codes out from the reserved memory areas, interprets the fault codes and displays them on a display together with the interpretations. In order to check to what extent repairs which have been performed have been successfully concluded, status polling is carried out using the diagnostic program implemented in the diagnostic tester. During this status polling, the status information of all the fault codes known in the system is interrogated and evaluated. In the process, all the fault codes whose fault setting conditions have either been tested positively or whose test requirements were not present in order to be able to carry out a test are displayed. Status polling mainly has the advantage that not only those faults whose fault setting conditions were once positively met in the past but also the potentially possible faults whose functions could not be checked because the test requirements were not present for this are displayed in the form of fault codes on the diagnostic tester. In order to support the workshop mechanic in the motor vehicle workshop, the status polling points to the display of the diagnostic tester as long as a list of deficiencies appears, until all the identified faults and also all potential faults have been tested in accordance with the test requirements and the test result has not yielded a positive infringement of a fault setting condition. For repair measures which have been carried out this means that the repair measure is not concluded until the test requirements for the repair measure which has been carried out have been run through at least once with the diagnostic tester and this run has shown that there is no longer a fault setting condition present for the measure checked. In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the clearing of fault codes using the diagnostic tester is tied to the fact that at least one further diagnostic run has been carried out for the fault code to be cleared, the test requirements for checking the respective fault codes having been met during this diagnostic run and the test result revealing that there are no longer any faults. This has the advantage that once faults have been diagnosed they cannot then be cleared by the workshop mechanic until a repair which has possibly been carried out has been monitored and checked at least once with the diagnostic tester and found to be satisfactory. Incorrectly carried out repair measures can thus be identified using the diagnostic tester directly after the repair. It is even more important that with the prescribed status polling those potential fault possibilities which were only found to be satisfactory because the test requirements for appropriate checking were not present are also identified. This is significant in particular if a repair is to be carried out by completely exchanging a control device. According to the previously known prior art, each diagnostic tester would find the newly installed control device to be satisfactory only because no fault codes were stored in its fault memory. On the other hand, with the invention the repair measure is not regarded as concluded until the control device has been tested using the diagnostic tester at least once in accordance with the test requirements applicable for the control device and no faults could be found in the process. The menu prompting or the screen display of the diagnostic tester such as is described here, alerts the workshop mechanic to fault possibilities which have not been tested and in the process helps him to think of checking the executed repair measures at least once in a satisfactory fashion. The test requirements for each known fault code are appropriately implemented here in the diagnostic program of the diagnostic tester so that the workshop mechanic does not need to commit to memory the predefined test requirements for each possible fault in the motor vehicle. In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the status check is initiated by the motor vehicle mechanic using the diagnostic tester. To do this, during the menu prompting of the diagnostic tester a menu item which is reserved for the status polling and during the activation of which a status check of the fault displayed by the diagnostic tester is performed can be provided. This has the advantage that the motor vehicle mechanic can use the diagnostic tester near to the repair and whenever he believes he has concluded a repair measure he can check this repair measure immediately with the diagnostic tester. In another embodiment of the invention, the status checking of the diagnostic tester can be initiated automatically whenever a deficiency indicated by the diagnostic tester is to be cleared. In this case, the starting of the status poling is tied to the calling of the delete function for the resetting of the fault codes in the control devices. In less preferred embodiments of the invention, the status checks can be started automatically by the diagnostic tester in that, for example after the diagnostic tester has been connected to the diagnostic interface of the motor vehicle, a status check of the fault codes is initiated and carried out by the diagnostic tester at regular time intervals. For this purpose, a clock can run concurrently and a status check can be carried out, for example triggered automatically every 10 minutes. In one further embodiment, in the diagnostic tester the functions for clearing the fault codes which have been written into the fault memories of the control devices in the motor vehicle during a diagnostic routine are blocked until a status check is carried out by means of a further diagnostic routine, and both fault-free functioning of the executed repair measure and correct checking of the repair measure have been carried out by reference to the test requirements prescribed for the respective repair. This embodiment has the advantage that for the motor vehicle mechanic the repair is not ended until all the faults have been eliminated and have also been satisfactorily checked. Random clearing of fault codes once they have been detected by means of clear commands such as individual fault clearing or a complete reset of all the fault memories can then no longer lead to a service which appears to be satisfactory.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is the National Stage filing under 35 U.S.C. 371 of International Application No. PCT/EP2005/009076, filed Aug. 23, 2005, and claims priority of German Patent Application 10 2004 041 740.7, filed Aug. 28, 2004 the subject matter of which in its entirety, is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a diagnostic system and a diagnostic tester for checking motor vehicle control devices with which not only is it possible to find faults, as previously customary, but also with which it is likewise possible to check whether a repair which has been performed was successful. The diagnostic tester is likewise used to present a method for the improved checking of repairs. Diagnostic systems and diagnostic testers for motor vehicle control devices are nowadays predominantly computer based in motor vehicle workshops. BMW were leaders in the introduction of computer-based diagnostic testers in 1994 with the diagnostic system BMW-DIS which set the standard for contemporary diagnostic systems and diagnostic testers in motor vehicle workshops. This system is described, for example, in the vocational training manual by Rauner/Schreier/Spöttel: “Die Zukunft computergestützter Kfz-Diagnose [The future of computer-supported motor vehicle diagnostics]” published by Bertelsmann in Bielefeld, 2002, ISBN 3-7639-3022-1. The following diagnostic testers have repeatedly resorted to the basic structure of this diagnostic system. For example, there is also a German patent application by Bosch, DE 199 21 845 A1 which is mentioned here by way of example because it summarizes this basic structure in a particularly concise and brief way. A diagnostic test device for motor vehicles is described in which programmable control devices are provided with self-diagnostic means in the motor vehicle, said means using program control to control and monitor the engine controller and other systems of the motor vehicle, generate fault codes and store them and said means can be connected to an external diagnostic tester via a motor vehicle-mounted diagnostic/test plug. The invention is also based on such a basic structure for a diagnostic tester. The interface or the diagnostic plug for connecting an external diagnostic tester to the motor vehicle-mounted control devices was in the past, and is to a certain extent still today, the object of efforts at standardization. In particular in the USA these efforts at standardization with which access to motor vehicle-mounted control devices, and thus the ability to perform diagnostics on them, is made possible and regulated, still involve measures by legislators. A standard which has become established is referred to as the keyword protocol 2000. The standardization bases for this keyword protocol 2000 can be found in the international standard ISO 14 230-3, which is concerned with the application layer, and in ISO 14 230-2 which is concerned with what is referred to as the data link layer. A supplementary standard on which the keyword protocol 2000 is based and which has become a component of the abovementioned standards is the service vehicle standard SAE J1979. In particular the possibilities for reading out the data memories in the control devices which are provided for a diagnostic tester by the keyword protocol 2000 are significant for the invention described here. Known diagnostic systems and diagnostic testers are restricted to reading out existing fault codes from the control devices in the motor vehicle, processing and interpreting them with a diagnostic program and displaying the result of this interpretation on a screen of the diagnostic tester. In the motor vehicle workshop, a motor vehicle mechanic then works through the displayed list of deficiencies, during which process he can call up further information about the individually specified deficiencies using the diagnostic tester. In this context, further technical information resources such as technical drawings and of course the repair instructions with which he can eliminate the detected fault are of particular interest for him. If the motor vehicle mechanic has worked through the list of deficiencies, he uses the diagnostic tester to clear the stored and read-out fault codes in the motor vehicle-mounted control devices and in the diagnostic tester itself. Final checking as to whether the repairs which have been performed were successful or whether consequential faults have arisen as a result of the repair, is performed with a final test drive depending on the working organization in the motor vehicle workshop. Diagnostic systems and diagnostic testers which are known to the patent applicant do not support the quality checking of the repairs performed. They are not suitable for this either since the list of deficiencies and the fault codes in the control devices are cleared by the motor vehicle mechanic by a clear command. Of course, as a result the information about a malfunction which has occurred once and been detected is lost. Therefore, until now a diagnostic tester did not provide a motor vehicle mechanic with any support as to whether or not his repair was successful. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Taking the previously described prior art as a starting point, the aim of the invention is therefore to specify a diagnostic system and a diagnostic tester which permit improved checking of repairs using the diagnostic tester. This object is achieved with a diagnostic system and a diagnostic tester corresponding to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are presented in the dependent claims or clarified in the following description. The solution is arrived at with a computer-based diagnostic tester which can exchange information with the control devices installed in the motor vehicle using a diagnostic program via a diagnostic interface and via data lines. The motor vehicle-mounted control devices have program routines for self-diagnostics of the control devices and are capable of storing identified faults in the form of fault codes in reserved memory areas. The diagnostic program which is implemented in the diagnostic tester reads the fault codes out from the reserved memory areas, interprets the fault codes and displays them on a display together with the interpretations. In order to check to what extent repairs which have been performed have been successfully concluded, status polling is carried out using the diagnostic program implemented in the diagnostic tester. During this status polling, the status information of all the fault codes known in the system is interrogated and evaluated. In the process, all the fault codes whose fault setting conditions have either been tested positively or whose test requirements were not present in order to be able to carry out a test are displayed. Status polling mainly has the advantage that not only those faults whose fault setting conditions were once positively met in the past but also the potentially possible faults whose functions could not be checked because the test requirements were not present for this are displayed in the form of fault codes on the diagnostic tester. In order to support the workshop mechanic in the motor vehicle workshop, the status polling points to the display of the diagnostic tester as long as a list of deficiencies appears, until all the identified faults and also all potential faults have been tested in accordance with the test requirements and the test result has not yielded a positive infringement of a fault setting condition. For repair measures which have been carried out this means that the repair measure is not concluded until the test requirements for the repair measure which has been carried out have been run through at least once with the diagnostic tester and this run has shown that there is no longer a fault setting condition present for the measure checked. In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the clearing of fault codes using the diagnostic tester is tied to the fact that at least one further diagnostic run has been carried out for the fault code to be cleared, the test requirements for checking the respective fault codes having been met during this diagnostic run and the test result revealing that there are no longer any faults. This has the advantage that once faults have been diagnosed they cannot then be cleared by the workshop mechanic until a repair which has possibly been carried out has been monitored and checked at least once with the diagnostic tester and found to be satisfactory. Incorrectly carried out repair measures can thus be identified using the diagnostic tester directly after the repair. It is even more important that with the prescribed status polling those potential fault possibilities which were only found to be satisfactory because the test requirements for appropriate checking were not present are also identified. This is significant in particular if a repair is to be carried out by completely exchanging a control device. According to the previously known prior art, each diagnostic tester would find the newly installed control device to be satisfactory only because no fault codes were stored in its fault memory. On the other hand, with the invention the repair measure is not regarded as concluded until the control device has been tested using the diagnostic tester at least once in accordance with the test requirements applicable for the control device and no faults could be found in the process. The menu prompting or the screen display of the diagnostic tester such as is described here, alerts the workshop mechanic to fault possibilities which have not been tested and in the process helps him to think of checking the executed repair measures at least once in a satisfactory fashion. The test requirements for each known fault code are appropriately implemented here in the diagnostic program of the diagnostic tester so that the workshop mechanic does not need to commit to memory the predefined test requirements for each possible fault in the motor vehicle. In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the status check is initiated by the motor vehicle mechanic using the diagnostic tester. To do this, during the menu prompting of the diagnostic tester a menu item which is reserved for the status polling and during the activation of which a status check of the fault displayed by the diagnostic tester is performed can be provided. This has the advantage that the motor vehicle mechanic can use the diagnostic tester near to the repair and whenever he believes he has concluded a repair measure he can check this repair measure immediately with the diagnostic tester. In another embodiment of the invention, the status checking of the diagnostic tester can be initiated automatically whenever a deficiency indicated by the diagnostic tester is to be cleared. In this case, the starting of the status poling is tied to the calling of the delete function for the resetting of the fault codes in the control devices. In less preferred embodiments of the invention, the status checks can be started automatically by the diagnostic tester in that, for example after the diagnostic tester has been connected to the diagnostic interface of the motor vehicle, a status check of the fault codes is initiated and carried out by the diagnostic tester at regular time intervals. For this purpose, a clock can run concurrently and a status check can be carried out, for example triggered automatically every 10 minutes. In one further embodiment, in the diagnostic tester the functions for clearing the fault codes which have been written into the fault memories of the control devices in the motor vehicle during a diagnostic routine are blocked until a status check is carried out by means of a further diagnostic routine, and both fault-free functioning of the executed repair measure and correct checking of the repair measure have been carried out by reference to the test requirements prescribed for the respective repair. This embodiment has the advantage that for the motor vehicle mechanic the repair is not ended until all the faults have been eliminated and have also been satisfactorily checked. Random clearing of fault codes once they have been detected by means of clear commands such as individual fault clearing or a complete reset of all the fault memories can then no longer lead to a service which appears to be satisfactory. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7802120

TECHNOLOGY FIELD At least some embodiments of the present invention relate generally to data processing systems, and more particularly but not exclusively to the management of power usage in data processing systems. BACKGROUND Traditionally, computer systems are designed to be able to continuously run a fairly worst-case power load. Design according to such a continuous worst-case power load has never been much of a problem, because traditionally the individual components have had modest operating powers and the computer systems have had large power budgets so that the systems could sustain the load fairly naturally. As the operating power consumptions of the individual components of computer system creep upwards, the power budgets of the computer systems have become tighter. It is now becoming a challenge to design a computer system to run a continuous worst-case workload while pursuing other high performance goals, such as high computing power, compactness, quietness, better battery performance, etc. For example, portable computer systems, such as laptop computers, have a limited battery output capability; and thus a worst-case workload for a given battery output capability may limit the performance of the system because the worst case workload may rarely occur. SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIPTION Exemplary embodiments of methods and apparatuses to dynamically redistribute power in a data processing system are described. The system includes a plurality of subsystems. The subsystems may be, for example, a central processing unit (“CPU”) and a graphics processor (“GPU”) of a computer system or other type of data processing system. The system that includes the plurality of the subsystems may be portable, such as a laptop computer. In one embodiment, a load profile of the system is identified. The power is redistributed between the subsystems while tracking the load profile. The load profile may be an asymmetric, or a balanced load profile. For example, if in the system a workload of one subsystem is substantially higher than the workload of another subsystem, the load profile of the system may be asymmetric. That is, for an asymmetric load profile, the power of the system may be shifted toward the subsystem having a higher workload. Thus, higher power draw is allocated to and allowed for the subsystem having a higher workload. If the workloads of each of the subsystems are about the same, the load profile of the system is balanced. That is, for a balanced load profile, the power of the system may be distributed substantially evenly among the subsystems. In one embodiment, when all the subsystems in the system are in a low power operation, e.g., they are idling, the load profile of the system is balanced. In one embodiment, the load profile is identified based on a utilization factor for each of the subsystems. In one embodiment, to determine the utilization factor, the actual power used by each of the subsystems is measured. The actual power used by each of the subsystems may be measured using one or more sensors coupled to the subsystems. Next, the utilization factor is calculated based on the measured power. In one embodiment, the utilization factor is calculated as a ratio of the actual power used by the subsystem to the power allocated to the subsystem. Alternatively, the load profile may be calculated as a ratio of the actual power used by the subsystem to the power allocated to the system. Next, the load profile is determined using the utilization factor for each of the subsystems. A power weighting arrangement between the subsystems is selected based on the load profile. In one embodiment, the power weighting arrangement between the subsystems may be a power distribution table selected out of a plurality of power distribution tables stored in a memory of the system. The plurality of the power distribution tables include the power used by each of the subsystems at various system's settings. In one embodiment, another subsystem is added to the plurality of the subsystems. Then, another load profile of the system that includes the another subsystem is identified. Another load profile may be identified using the utilization factor of each of the subsystems, including the another subsystem. Further, the power of the system is redistributed among the subsystems tracking another load profile. One exemplary embodiment may perform as follows. Power distribution tables that correspond to various load profiles are generated. Each of the power distribution tables may include powers needed for each of the subsystems at various system power settings. An actual power used by each of the subsystems in the system is measured. A utilization factor for each of the subsystems in the system is determined. The utilization factor may be a ratio of the actual power used by the subsystem to the power budgeted (“allocated”) to the subsystem. The power allocated to the subsystem may depend on a setting of the system. That is, the power allocated to the subsystem may be different for different settings of the subsystem. Further, a load profile of the system is determined using the utilization factor for each of the subsystems. In one embodiment, the load profile of the system may be calculated by subtracting the utilization factor of one subsystem from the utilization factor of another subsystem. Next, a power distribution table that corresponds to a current load profile is selected out of a plurality of distribution tables associated with various load profiles. In one embodiment, the load profile of the system may be repeatedly, e.g., periodically, or continuously, identified. Then, the determination may be performed, whether a current load profile is different from the load profile determined previously. If the current load profile is different from the load profile determined previously, the power distribution table that corresponds to the current load profile is selected. In one embodiment, the plurality of the subsystems including, for example, a central processing unit, and a graphics processor perform asymmetric applications that result in asymmetric workloads for each of the subsystems.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: TECHNOLOGY FIELD At least some embodiments of the present invention relate generally to data processing systems, and more particularly but not exclusively to the management of power usage in data processing systems. BACKGROUND Traditionally, computer systems are designed to be able to continuously run a fairly worst-case power load. Design according to such a continuous worst-case power load has never been much of a problem, because traditionally the individual components have had modest operating powers and the computer systems have had large power budgets so that the systems could sustain the load fairly naturally. As the operating power consumptions of the individual components of computer system creep upwards, the power budgets of the computer systems have become tighter. It is now becoming a challenge to design a computer system to run a continuous worst-case workload while pursuing other high performance goals, such as high computing power, compactness, quietness, better battery performance, etc. For example, portable computer systems, such as laptop computers, have a limited battery output capability; and thus a worst-case workload for a given battery output capability may limit the performance of the system because the worst case workload may rarely occur. SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIPTION Exemplary embodiments of methods and apparatuses to dynamically redistribute power in a data processing system are described. The system includes a plurality of subsystems. The subsystems may be, for example, a central processing unit (“CPU”) and a graphics processor (“GPU”) of a computer system or other type of data processing system. The system that includes the plurality of the subsystems may be portable, such as a laptop computer. In one embodiment, a load profile of the system is identified. The power is redistributed between the subsystems while tracking the load profile. The load profile may be an asymmetric, or a balanced load profile. For example, if in the system a workload of one subsystem is substantially higher than the workload of another subsystem, the load profile of the system may be asymmetric. That is, for an asymmetric load profile, the power of the system may be shifted toward the subsystem having a higher workload. Thus, higher power draw is allocated to and allowed for the subsystem having a higher workload. If the workloads of each of the subsystems are about the same, the load profile of the system is balanced. That is, for a balanced load profile, the power of the system may be distributed substantially evenly among the subsystems. In one embodiment, when all the subsystems in the system are in a low power operation, e.g., they are idling, the load profile of the system is balanced. In one embodiment, the load profile is identified based on a utilization factor for each of the subsystems. In one embodiment, to determine the utilization factor, the actual power used by each of the subsystems is measured. The actual power used by each of the subsystems may be measured using one or more sensors coupled to the subsystems. Next, the utilization factor is calculated based on the measured power. In one embodiment, the utilization factor is calculated as a ratio of the actual power used by the subsystem to the power allocated to the subsystem. Alternatively, the load profile may be calculated as a ratio of the actual power used by the subsystem to the power allocated to the system. Next, the load profile is determined using the utilization factor for each of the subsystems. A power weighting arrangement between the subsystems is selected based on the load profile. In one embodiment, the power weighting arrangement between the subsystems may be a power distribution table selected out of a plurality of power distribution tables stored in a memory of the system. The plurality of the power distribution tables include the power used by each of the subsystems at various system's settings. In one embodiment, another subsystem is added to the plurality of the subsystems. Then, another load profile of the system that includes the another subsystem is identified. Another load profile may be identified using the utilization factor of each of the subsystems, including the another subsystem. Further, the power of the system is redistributed among the subsystems tracking another load profile. One exemplary embodiment may perform as follows. Power distribution tables that correspond to various load profiles are generated. Each of the power distribution tables may include powers needed for each of the subsystems at various system power settings. An actual power used by each of the subsystems in the system is measured. A utilization factor for each of the subsystems in the system is determined. The utilization factor may be a ratio of the actual power used by the subsystem to the power budgeted (“allocated”) to the subsystem. The power allocated to the subsystem may depend on a setting of the system. That is, the power allocated to the subsystem may be different for different settings of the subsystem. Further, a load profile of the system is determined using the utilization factor for each of the subsystems. In one embodiment, the load profile of the system may be calculated by subtracting the utilization factor of one subsystem from the utilization factor of another subsystem. Next, a power distribution table that corresponds to a current load profile is selected out of a plurality of distribution tables associated with various load profiles. In one embodiment, the load profile of the system may be repeatedly, e.g., periodically, or continuously, identified. Then, the determination may be performed, whether a current load profile is different from the load profile determined previously. If the current load profile is different from the load profile determined previously, the power distribution table that corresponds to the current load profile is selected. In one embodiment, the plurality of the subsystems including, for example, a central processing unit, and a graphics processor perform asymmetric applications that result in asymmetric workloads for each of the subsystems. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7672087

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a magnetoresistive (MR) effect element that provides an output based on resistance change according to the intensity of a signal magnetic field, a thin-film magnetic head including the MR effect element, a head gimbal assembly (HGA) provided with the thin-film magnetic head, and a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus provided with the HGA. 2. Description of the Related Art As magnetic recording/reproducing apparatuses as represented by magnetic disk drive apparatuses increase in capacity and reduce in size, thin-film magnetic heads are required to have higher sensitivity and larger output. To respond to the requirement, a giant magnetoresistive (GMR) effect element and a tunnel magnetoresistive (TMR) effect element have been developed, which can detect extremely local signal magnetic field and provide significantly high resistance-change ratio. Actually, in thin-film magnetic heads having the element as a read head element for reading data, output characteristics of the heads are being intensively developed. The MR effect elements such as the above-described TMR and GMR effect elements have a magnetization-pinned layer (pinned layer) and a magnetization-free layer (free layer) which are two ferromagnetic layers opposed to each other so as to sandwich a non-magnetic intermediate layer. The magnetization direction of the pinned layer is fixed due to the exchange coupling with an antiferromagnetic layer having a surface contact with the pinned layer on the opposite side to the non-magnetic intermediate layer. On the other hand, the magnetization direction of the free layer can change according to a signal magnetic field generated from a magnetic recording medium. In this configuration, the signal magnetic field is detected by measuring the element resistance variation as a function of the magnetization direction of the free layer. Therefore, in developing the element output characteristics such as an output intensity and the symmetry of output waveform, it has been one of most significant problems to appropriately control the magnetization directions of respective constituent layers above-described. Generally, as for the magnetization direction of the free layer, it is important to apply an appropriate bias magnetic field to the free layer so that the magnetic domains of the free layer is stabilized and an output responding linearly to the signal magnetic field is obtained. As a method for applying the bias magnetic field, generally used is an abutted junction biasing method. In the method, bias layers formed of a hard-magnetic material are disposed near both ends in the track width direction of the free layer, and then a bias magnetic field in the track width direction is applied to the free layer. The abutted junction biasing method can cause the magnetic domains of the free layer to be stabilized effectively because both end portions in the track width direction of the free layer, which are most affected by demagnetizing field, can receive most amount of bias magnetic field. In the meanwhile, the magnetization of the pinned layer is usually fixed to the direction in-plane of the pinned layer and perpendicular to the track width direction through a pin-annealing process. When the magnetization of the pinned layer is rotated to be tilted from the just perpendicular direction or is dispersed, a problem is likely to occur that sufficient element output cannot be obtained or that the symmetry of the output waveform is degraded. Against the problem, conventionally, many measures with respect to the pin-annealing process have been devised, as described, for example, in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-56538A. However, even if the magnetization of the pinned layer was fixed by a predetermined pin-annealing process, there has been a problem that the magnetization may be rotated or dispersed by annealing afterward under the condition of narrower read gap required for the recent higher density recording. Here, the read gap is defined as a distance between two shield layers sandwiching a magneto-sensitive portion of the MR effect element. The read gap tends to be narrower so that an extremely local signal magnetic field can be detected. Actually, in the wafer thin-film process of the head manufacture, an electromagnetic coil element for writing data is usually formed after forming the MR effect element. The formation process of the electromagnetic coil element involves an annealing step with significantly high temperature. Further, in the machine process in which the wafer substrate that has gone through the wafer thin-film process is separated into individual sliders, various annealing processes are performed. The high temperature environment in these annealing processes causes the exchange coupling between the antiferromagnetic layer and the pinned layer to be weakened. The decrease in the coupling force becomes more significant especially when the thickness of the antiferromagnetic layer becomes smaller according to narrowing the read gap. As a result, even if the magnetization of the pinned layer was fixed by a predetermined pin-annealing process, there has been a case that the magnetization is rotated or dispersed through the annealing afterward, so that the element output decreases and the symmetry of the output waveform is degraded. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an MR effect element in which the magnetization of the pinned layer is stably fixed even after going through high temperature process under the condition that the read gap becomes narrower, a thin-film magnetic head including the MR effect element, an HGA provided with the thin-film magnetic head, and a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus provided with the HGA. Before describing the present invention, terms used herein will be defined. In a multilayer structure of element(s) formed on/above the element formation surface of the substrate in a thin-film magnetic head, a layer or a portion of the layer located on the substrate side (the element formation surface side) in relation to a standard layer is referred to as being located “lower” than, “beneath” or “below” the standard layer, and a layer or a portion of the layer located on the stacking direction side (the opposite side to the substrate) in relation to a standard layer is referred to as being located “upper” than, “on” or “above” the standard layer. According to the present invention, an MR effect element is provided, which comprises: a non-magnetic intermediate layer formed of a non-magnetic material; a pinned layer formed of a ferromagnetic material and a free layer formed of a ferromagnetic material, the pinned layer and the free layer stacked so as to sandwich the non-magnetic intermediate layer; an antiferromagnetic layer stacked to have a surface contact with the pinned layer, for fixing a magnetization of the pinned layer to a direction in-plane of the pinned layer and perpendicular to a track width direction; and hard bias layers provided on both sides in the track width direction of the free layer, for applying a bias field to the free layer, a product λS×σ of a saturation magnetostriction constant λSof the pinned layer and an internal stress σ on a cross-section perpendicular to a layer surface of the hard bias layer being negative. Here, it is preferable that an absolute value |λS×σ| of the product λS×σ is 1040 J/m3or more. The negative product λS×σ is provided in either case of that the saturation magnetostriction constant λSof the pinned layer is positive and the hard bias layer has a compressive stress (σ<0) or that the saturation magnetostriction constant λSof the pinned layer is negative and the hard bias layer has a tensile stress (σ>0). In each case, the pinned layer receives an anisotropic magnetic field in-plane of its own layer and perpendicular to the track width direction due to inverse-magnetostriction effect and shape magnetic anisotropy. The direction of the anisotropic magnetic field is just the direction in which the magnetization of the pinned layer should be fixed through pin-annealing process. As a result, the magnetization of the pinned layer is stably fixed even after going through high temperature environment such as annealing. Consequently, a sufficient element output and favorable symmetry of output waveform are surely obtained. In the above-described MR effect element, it is also preferable that the pinned layer has a positive saturation magnetostriction constant λS, and the hard bias layer has a compressive internal stress on a cross-section perpendicular to the layer surface. In the preferable case, it is more preferable that the positive saturation magnetostriction constant λSof the pinned layer is 2×10−6or more, and the compressive internal stress of the hard bias layer has an absolute value of 520 MPa or more. Further, in the above-described MR effect element, it is also preferable that bias insulating layers formed of a non-magnetic electrically-insulating material are provided between respective the hard bias layers and a multilayer of the pinned layer, the non-magnetic intermediate layer and the free layer. Further, a bias base film formed of an element selected from a group of Cr, Ti, W or Mo or an alloy of at least two selected from the group is preferably provided as a base of the hard bias layer. Furthermore, the MR effect element is preferably a current-perpendicular-to-plane GMR (CPP-GMR) effect element or a TMR effect element, in which a sense current flows in a direction perpendicular to surfaces of stacked layers of the element. According to the present invention, a thin-film magnetic head is further provided, which comprises the above-described MR effect element for reading data. According to the present invention, an HGA is further provided, which comprises: the above-described thin-film magnetic head; signal lines for the above-described MR effect element; and a support means for supporting the thin-film magnetic head. According to the present invention, a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus is further provided, which comprises: at least one HGA described above; at least one magnetic recording medium; and a recording/reproducing means for controlling read and write operations of the above-described thin-film magnetic head to the at least one magnetic recording medium. Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying figures. In each figure, the same element as that shown in other figure is indicated by the same reference numeral. Further, the ratio of dimensions within an element and between elements becomes arbitrary for viewability.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a magnetoresistive (MR) effect element that provides an output based on resistance change according to the intensity of a signal magnetic field, a thin-film magnetic head including the MR effect element, a head gimbal assembly (HGA) provided with the thin-film magnetic head, and a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus provided with the HGA. 2. Description of the Related Art As magnetic recording/reproducing apparatuses as represented by magnetic disk drive apparatuses increase in capacity and reduce in size, thin-film magnetic heads are required to have higher sensitivity and larger output. To respond to the requirement, a giant magnetoresistive (GMR) effect element and a tunnel magnetoresistive (TMR) effect element have been developed, which can detect extremely local signal magnetic field and provide significantly high resistance-change ratio. Actually, in thin-film magnetic heads having the element as a read head element for reading data, output characteristics of the heads are being intensively developed. The MR effect elements such as the above-described TMR and GMR effect elements have a magnetization-pinned layer (pinned layer) and a magnetization-free layer (free layer) which are two ferromagnetic layers opposed to each other so as to sandwich a non-magnetic intermediate layer. The magnetization direction of the pinned layer is fixed due to the exchange coupling with an antiferromagnetic layer having a surface contact with the pinned layer on the opposite side to the non-magnetic intermediate layer. On the other hand, the magnetization direction of the free layer can change according to a signal magnetic field generated from a magnetic recording medium. In this configuration, the signal magnetic field is detected by measuring the element resistance variation as a function of the magnetization direction of the free layer. Therefore, in developing the element output characteristics such as an output intensity and the symmetry of output waveform, it has been one of most significant problems to appropriately control the magnetization directions of respective constituent layers above-described. Generally, as for the magnetization direction of the free layer, it is important to apply an appropriate bias magnetic field to the free layer so that the magnetic domains of the free layer is stabilized and an output responding linearly to the signal magnetic field is obtained. As a method for applying the bias magnetic field, generally used is an abutted junction biasing method. In the method, bias layers formed of a hard-magnetic material are disposed near both ends in the track width direction of the free layer, and then a bias magnetic field in the track width direction is applied to the free layer. The abutted junction biasing method can cause the magnetic domains of the free layer to be stabilized effectively because both end portions in the track width direction of the free layer, which are most affected by demagnetizing field, can receive most amount of bias magnetic field. In the meanwhile, the magnetization of the pinned layer is usually fixed to the direction in-plane of the pinned layer and perpendicular to the track width direction through a pin-annealing process. When the magnetization of the pinned layer is rotated to be tilted from the just perpendicular direction or is dispersed, a problem is likely to occur that sufficient element output cannot be obtained or that the symmetry of the output waveform is degraded. Against the problem, conventionally, many measures with respect to the pin-annealing process have been devised, as described, for example, in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-56538A. However, even if the magnetization of the pinned layer was fixed by a predetermined pin-annealing process, there has been a problem that the magnetization may be rotated or dispersed by annealing afterward under the condition of narrower read gap required for the recent higher density recording. Here, the read gap is defined as a distance between two shield layers sandwiching a magneto-sensitive portion of the MR effect element. The read gap tends to be narrower so that an extremely local signal magnetic field can be detected. Actually, in the wafer thin-film process of the head manufacture, an electromagnetic coil element for writing data is usually formed after forming the MR effect element. The formation process of the electromagnetic coil element involves an annealing step with significantly high temperature. Further, in the machine process in which the wafer substrate that has gone through the wafer thin-film process is separated into individual sliders, various annealing processes are performed. The high temperature environment in these annealing processes causes the exchange coupling between the antiferromagnetic layer and the pinned layer to be weakened. The decrease in the coupling force becomes more significant especially when the thickness of the antiferromagnetic layer becomes smaller according to narrowing the read gap. As a result, even if the magnetization of the pinned layer was fixed by a predetermined pin-annealing process, there has been a case that the magnetization is rotated or dispersed through the annealing afterward, so that the element output decreases and the symmetry of the output waveform is degraded. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an MR effect element in which the magnetization of the pinned layer is stably fixed even after going through high temperature process under the condition that the read gap becomes narrower, a thin-film magnetic head including the MR effect element, an HGA provided with the thin-film magnetic head, and a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus provided with the HGA. Before describing the present invention, terms used herein will be defined. In a multilayer structure of element(s) formed on/above the element formation surface of the substrate in a thin-film magnetic head, a layer or a portion of the layer located on the substrate side (the element formation surface side) in relation to a standard layer is referred to as being located “lower” than, “beneath” or “below” the standard layer, and a layer or a portion of the layer located on the stacking direction side (the opposite side to the substrate) in relation to a standard layer is referred to as being located “upper” than, “on” or “above” the standard layer. According to the present invention, an MR effect element is provided, which comprises: a non-magnetic intermediate layer formed of a non-magnetic material; a pinned layer formed of a ferromagnetic material and a free layer formed of a ferromagnetic material, the pinned layer and the free layer stacked so as to sandwich the non-magnetic intermediate layer; an antiferromagnetic layer stacked to have a surface contact with the pinned layer, for fixing a magnetization of the pinned layer to a direction in-plane of the pinned layer and perpendicular to a track width direction; and hard bias layers provided on both sides in the track width direction of the free layer, for applying a bias field to the free layer, a product λS×σ of a saturation magnetostriction constant λSof the pinned layer and an internal stress σ on a cross-section perpendicular to a layer surface of the hard bias layer being negative. Here, it is preferable that an absolute value |λS×σ| of the product λS×σ is 1040 J/m3or more. The negative product λS×σ is provided in either case of that the saturation magnetostriction constant λSof the pinned layer is positive and the hard bias layer has a compressive stress (σ<0) or that the saturation magnetostriction constant λSof the pinned layer is negative and the hard bias layer has a tensile stress (σ>0). In each case, the pinned layer receives an anisotropic magnetic field in-plane of its own layer and perpendicular to the track width direction due to inverse-magnetostriction effect and shape magnetic anisotropy. The direction of the anisotropic magnetic field is just the direction in which the magnetization of the pinned layer should be fixed through pin-annealing process. As a result, the magnetization of the pinned layer is stably fixed even after going through high temperature environment such as annealing. Consequently, a sufficient element output and favorable symmetry of output waveform are surely obtained. In the above-described MR effect element, it is also preferable that the pinned layer has a positive saturation magnetostriction constant λS, and the hard bias layer has a compressive internal stress on a cross-section perpendicular to the layer surface. In the preferable case, it is more preferable that the positive saturation magnetostriction constant λSof the pinned layer is 2×10−6or more, and the compressive internal stress of the hard bias layer has an absolute value of 520 MPa or more. Further, in the above-described MR effect element, it is also preferable that bias insulating layers formed of a non-magnetic electrically-insulating material are provided between respective the hard bias layers and a multilayer of the pinned layer, the non-magnetic intermediate layer and the free layer. Further, a bias base film formed of an element selected from a group of Cr, Ti, W or Mo or an alloy of at least two selected from the group is preferably provided as a base of the hard bias layer. Furthermore, the MR effect element is preferably a current-perpendicular-to-plane GMR (CPP-GMR) effect element or a TMR effect element, in which a sense current flows in a direction perpendicular to surfaces of stacked layers of the element. According to the present invention, a thin-film magnetic head is further provided, which comprises the above-described MR effect element for reading data. According to the present invention, an HGA is further provided, which comprises: the above-described thin-film magnetic head; signal lines for the above-described MR effect element; and a support means for supporting the thin-film magnetic head. According to the present invention, a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus is further provided, which comprises: at least one HGA described above; at least one magnetic recording medium; and a recording/reproducing means for controlling read and write operations of the above-described thin-film magnetic head to the at least one magnetic recording medium. Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying figures. In each figure, the same element as that shown in other figure is indicated by the same reference numeral. Further, the ratio of dimensions within an element and between elements becomes arbitrary for viewability. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7644005

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention concerns a process and a mechanism (automation) to regulate and/or prevent the stoppage of a flow F of a multi-stage and multi-linked industrial process of the following type:to optimise the production flow F(r) while acting on a parameter of industrial action (r).mastering an uncertain industrial impact I(r) resulting in an uncertain stress chain on the different stages of productionthis stress chain being itself the consequence of an uncertain environmental production variable X The invention is particularly applicable in the cases where one must:optimise the pair, (flow of product F(r) and the uncertain industrial impact I(r)).by regulating the industrial parameter (r), andwhile taking into account the regulatory criteria and the limits imposed by the risk of stoppage imposed by the impact variable I(r). By the term “Industrial Production” (or “production”) is understood, according to this invention, all human activity which has as its goal the production of an added-value product (production flow) that an be directly or indirectly expressed in terms of added value which might be itself associated with an industry that could be manufacturing, energy, agro-food or financial . . . By “Production Flow” F(r) is understood according to the invention, all transfer of materials or measurable content arriving at the final stage Enand providing the chain of production activities of the sub-processes Sijat the different steps Eiof the production cycle. The invention applies to the domains of industry, manufacture and finance, where it is appropriate to estimate, in order to circumscribe it, an uncertain impact I(r), which can be—for manufacturing—pollution, or—for a financial process—risk of loss or failure, and which is connected with a production of a value-added good (manufactured or financial product). The searched-for global goal for which we aim is to optimise the production flow of the value-added good while limiting the uncertain negative impact of this production. This uncertain impact I(r) is normally found to grow with the production of the value-added good. The invention is put to work specifically in the case of a multi-stage multi-linked configuration. The structure of this production of this production can be either tree-like, or, in the more general case, matrix-like. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The invention consists of the control of production according to a probabilistic automatic procedure with an action loop and a reaction loop. Industrially, this automatic control can be electronically implemented with the help of a computer that is programmed and networked to control the stages of the process according to the invention, such as will be described below. The outputs from the computer are transmitted through a system of activators or servomotors which control the industrial parameter (r) to set it to its optimal value. According to the invention, the action loop of the automatic process consists of an inductive probabilistic evaluation simulator of the chain of uncertain stresses in the production chain resulting in a probabilistic measure of the resulting industrial impact I(r), which is a function of the “controlled” level of the industrial parameter (r). The method put to work by the invention, at the heart of the automatic action loop, is generally called “Value at Risk” or “VaR”. The VaR method is actually used principally in financial applications, with a view to grasp the quantifiable risks of the market (value volatility of a portfolio of stock), and of the credit and liquidity risks of financial institutions. The invention's action loop for the probabilistic automatic control of production measures the function of the possible values of the industrial action parameter (r), and the Value at Risk, VaR of the production flow F(r), this for a duration T and a probability level (p). That is, for, the action loop measures the estimate of the of the effect that is described as the value of VaR (p,T) (r), such that the impact I(r) imposed by the production during the time horizon T=[0,t] only exceeds VaR by the probability (p); this, while taking into account the uncertain variations of the sub-uncertainties Xiwhich influence the production. Within the invention's automatic probabilistic reaction loop for production control, the level of the industrial control parameter (r) is set during the time (t) to the external multivariable (rmax) or (rmin), while maintaining the aforementioned effect estimator VaR (p,T) (r) on the right side of of its authorized impact level M. That is, in the general case, where the action parameter r=(ri, . . . , rh, . . . , rn) , the authorized impact level M=(M1, . . . , Mh, . . . , Mn) and the reliability probabilities (p)=(p1, . . . , ph, . . . , pn) are multivariables, the (r) is picked at the extremes such that nevertheless for each index h:VaRh(ph,T) (rmaxor rmin)<Mh(type 1—Minimising the induced effect), orVaRh(ph,T) (rmaxor rmin)>Mh(type 2—Maximising the induced effect) This is with the goal of pushing the industrial production level F(r) to the limit while still being compatible with the aforementioned regulatory condition of controlling the impact Prob[Ih(X,T) (r)<Mh]≧ph(type 1) or Prob[Ih(X,T) (r)>Mh]≧ph(type 2). That is, for each index h, the induced effect Ihstays less than (type 1) or larger than (type 2) the authorized level Mhwith a probable reliability of ph. STATE OF PRIOR ART AT THE APPLICATION OF THIS INVENTION According to prior art, there are three classical techniques to estimate the distribution of the uncertain industrial impact I(r) by a VaR method. For the sake of simplification, we place it here in the realm of financial applications (the most frequent use of prior art), the measure of risk in a portfolio of financial investments, and specifically in a portfolio of stock (the global volatility of their value), tied to the uncertainties of the market. In effect, the applications of the VaR methods on industrial manufacture, while perfectly viable, are actually essentially confined to an academic level. In the realm of this financial application, the Value at Risk of a portfolio during a duration T and a probability level p is understood to be the amount, called VaR, such that the loss incurred in this portfolio during the time horizon T=[0,t] does surpass VaR only with a probability equal to (1−p). That is, formally,: Prob[portfolio loss>VaR]=1−p, this probability being calculated according to an assumed distribution of the external sub-uncertainties Xi(volatility in the market) which influence the portfolio. The first method for estimating the VaR is called the estimated variance/covariance matrix, initially developed by the JP Morgan company (See JP Morgan, RiskMetrics™—Technical documents, 4thed., Morgan Guaranty Trust Company New York, 1996). This method is practically not applicable, an/or very imprecise when applied to complex investment assets (the implicit volatility of options). The second method for estimating the VaR, called historical analysis, was originally advocated by the Chase Manhattan Company, with the Charisma™ and Risk$™ (see CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, N.A., Value at Risk, 1996). This method rests on the hypothesis that the risk factors are stable. In addition to the fact that that it presupposes that the future has a statistical behaviour identical to the past—and more precisely, the recent past—it has a strong tendency to badly evaluate the frequency of catastrophic events. Further, the historical VaR method can not technically simulate the total failure of a stage in the risk process. The third method for estimating the VaR, called “The Monto Carlo Simulation” was initially advocated by the Bankers Trust Company with its RAROC 2020™ system. A general description of these three systems can be found at“Value at Risk” by Esh, Kieffer and Lopez, appearing in the “éditions DeBoeck”;“Mastering Value at Risk” appearing in the Pitman Publishing series“The Practice of Risk Management” by Litterman and Gimerlock, in the Euromoney Books series, New York, 1998;“Value at Risk; the New Benchmark for controlling Market Risk” in the “éditions Professional, 1997”. The invention, in its automatic probabilistic action loop, measures the uncertain industrial impact I(r) resulting from the chained stresses in the production subsystems Sijin the different production steps, according to the third method, i.e. by Monte Carlo Simulation. The systems to determine the final probabilistic impact (VaR) in a production system (especially financial) advocated by prior art:apply to systems that are not multi-stage and/or not multi-linked, that is they are not applicable to the technical domain of this invention, and do not use the additional specifics of this inventionwhen their application is mutli-stage or multi-linked, they do not use an inductive probabilistic model of chained calculations of stress at different stages of production, that is they do not use the characteristics of this invention If one refers to the domain of the risk matrix of financial portfolios and of the optimisation of activities in a clearing house (application of a potentially multi-stage or multi-linked type in the financial industry) where the uncertain values Xiare composed of the variations of the stock values; where the impact I(r) is composed of the potential global loss of the clearing house; where the stresses Wijare composed successively: of the loss-of-customers suffered by members or local offices (step Ei−1), and then the loss of members (step Ei); and/or the the multivariable action parameter (r) is composed of the members' deposited guarantees rito the clearing house:a single-step or non-linked system studies the risk I of the global failure of the clearing house, while taking into account the risk of each counterparty (broker or member), at one stepa system of a type using this invention is applicable to a multi-stage and multi-linked clearing house, that is taking into account several stages of cascading failures: the initial stage of customers or of a member, or of local offices, then the stage of members (brokers) themselves . . . . The prior art systems, are either single-stage and only consider the members' accounts, or are multi-stage but only address a simple combination of members' and customers' accounts in their probability calculation. In other words, the prior art systems which do consider a tree-like structure of counterparties (composed of productive sub-assemblies distributed over stages) consider it sufficient to consider the simultaneous failure of each branch of the “tree”. The invention, on the other hand, measures the inductive probabilistic chain of failures in the branches of the “tree” with a probabilistic calculation at each of the levels. More generally, the prior art systems, unlike the invention, do not take into account the measure of a probabilistic “catastrophic” chain of stresses at several levels of production. The closest prior art systems are found in the domains of analyses of VaR using electronic methods in financial trading environments (banks, brokerage houses, . . . ). Here is a list of systems and various associations and promoters that have developed them: Algorithmics™ by Ron Dembo This system uses first a small-scale Monte Carlo portfolio simulation, and then a simplified portfolio calculation having a similar behaviour. Thereafter, it performs a more complete Monte Carlo simulation for a simplified portfolio. This system can regard the global portfolio of outstanding amounts with a counterparty and study the VaR of this portfolio (which is called the “credit VaR”) as a function of market movements, which take into account the catastrophic movements (deterministic and depending on probability). The failure probabilities retained at each “stage” come from the rating agencies S&P™ or Moody's™, and are thus fixed, are not determined in a probabilistic manner, and do not depend on market movements. The “Credit VaR”s of several counterparties are added on, not included through an inductive method of probabilistic chain of failures. CreditRisk+™ by Mark Holmes This multi-stage system advocates taking into account, for the subsystems of a stage, a failure probability which is not fixed. But the process used is an uncertain process. That is to say, the that the subsystems' failure probabilities Si,jdo not depend on the aggregated stresses Wz,i,jto which they are subjected (neither indirectly through the uncertain values X nor in this particular case, through the market movements). They are notably no higher when the heightened stresses Wz,i,jare more important. This system proposes to combine the possible failures of the different counterparties by calculating the portfolio diversification's efficaciousness. But it does not propose the probabilistic measure of failure at the various stages of the chain of failures and the chain reaction of failures between stages using an inductive method. CATS/Carma™ by Robert Geske This system advocates a multi-period random draw of Monte Carlo to simulate the market movements, and afterwards, a rating of the counterparties by others, and finally the possible failure. The calculation of the Credit VaR is done for each counterparty with a distribution over due dates. This system uses neither the aggregation of the counterparties' failure risk by an inductive probabilistic method, nor do the failure probabilities depend on the stress state (market movements). The proposed systems in the domain of finance by Algorithmics™, Credit Risk+™ amd CATS™, in contradistinction to other more current systems among prior art, apply to a “tree” stress chain structure for the various counterparties. It is in this sense that they can be considered as the closest to this invention. But, in contradistinction to the invention, this particular structure is not intended to succeed in producing a more exact measure of the probabilistic impact. Thus, according to prior art, no account is taken of the fact that the non-mastering of the stress at a prior stage has an effect, i.e. that in this financial application of measure of portfolio risk, that the failure of one customer makes the position of his compensators more fragile, that is, it increases the stress on the next stage. In other words, according to prior art, the failure of the subsystems is not simulated from one stage to the other using a probabilistic inductive method. That is to say that the prior art does not simulate the failure of the system at the 1stlowest level, and does not report this failure to the next 2ndlevel before simulating in a probabilistic fashion the failure of subsystems at level 2, and so on. Also, for the prior art systems, and in particular for the Algorithmics™ and CATS™ systems, the subsystem's (counterparty's) probability of failure is fixed. As the studied portfolio can contain options, the amount to pay by the counterparty at a given date can change from one random draw of the Monte Carlo method to another (that is, by the way, the reason why options are considered in academia as “contingent assets”). For Credit Risk+™, the portfolio contains only bonds. Thus, the amount to pay by the counterparty at a given date is known. Bonds are not “contingent assets” (except if they have floating interest rates or have clauses about convertibility or callback). The failure probability according to Credit Risk+™ results in an uncertain random draw. But the draw and the probability value which result from it are independent of the state of the market during the travel along the Monte Carlo “trajectory”. On the other hand, according to the first variant recommended and described below and implemented by the invention, the distribution of the probability of the coefficient of failure for a subsystem Si,jis neither constant nor unknown, it depends on the state of the stresses on the subsystem Si,j, thus on the state of the market. Instead, once this distribution is known, the coefficient value is unknown, please note, according to this distribution. Additionally, according to prior art, and in contradistinction to the recommendations of the second variant recommended and described below for the implementation of the invented system, the prior art systems are based on that the reliability of the issuer is given by their Moody's™ or S&P™ rating. The prior art systems cannot separate the quality of an issuer and his size. According to the logic implemented by the most evolved systems, the only way to consider the size of an issuer consists of regarding an issuer who is small but reliable as having a very small probability of failure for a small amount, but which probability rises sharply starting from a certain amount, whereas regarding an issuer who is large but unstable as having a probability of failure of the same order of magnitude for a small amount as for a large amount. For the majority of prior art systems, the probability of failure is considered to be independent of the amount due, thus this distinction becomes irrelevant. Finally, and contrary to the recommendations of the third variant recommended and described below in the implementation of the invention, prior art does not, in the probabilistic simulation, propose to implement uncertain catastrophic scenarios with given probabilities. Prior art in general proposes to perform stress tests whose goal is to study the consequences of a catastrophic movement such as a stock market crash. To do this, it is recommended to simulate a catastrophic scenario where all the parameters are introduced by the user, without uncertainty in these parameters. Certain compensation phenomena such as hedging, can then pass unnoticed, which is not the case if the stress test is itself uncertain (such as according to this invention). The following prior art systems are far removed from the specifications of this invention, by the method of measuring impact which it implements.: Credit Metrics™ and Risk Metrics™ by J.P. Morgan These systems function counterparty by counterparty, according to the covariance matrix method, with the failure probabilities independent of market movements and supplied via the Internet. These systems do not advocate the means that are characteristic of this invention. Credit Risk™ Boundary Rider™ by Steve Davis This system, called “close-out netting module” calculates the involvement of each counterparty, while taking into account a tree structure of counterparties. The involvement at one level of the tree generates the “netting” of all branches that it carries. This system recommends neither aggregation of risk-of-failure of the counterparties by an inductive probabilistic method, nor probabilities of failure depending on market movements. This system thus does not advocate the means that are characteristic of this invention. Hedge™ by Richard Sandor This system uses a Monte Carlo draw for market movements, and then a calculation of the effect on the portfolios, and finally a draw for failure of the counterparties using an inductive probabilistic independent of the market movements, and a calculation of the global VaR. Thus, this system does not advocate the means that are characteristic of this invention. KMV “EDF”™ by Oltech Vasicek This system is based on a Markov chain. It evaluates, using a multi-period Monte Carlo method, the expected return from a stock. This system only takes into account loans and bonds and calculates the risk coming from the issuer. This system evaluates the risk from each counterparty. The probabilities of failure for each subsystem Is fixed. Thus, this system advocates neither the aggregation of risk of counterparty failures with a inductive probabilistic method, nor probabilities of failure depending on the amount of stress in the system (market movements). This system thus does not advocate the means that are characteristic of this invention. Midas Kapiti™ by Misys (UK) This system advocates neither the aggregation of risk of counterparty failure using an inductive probabilistic method, nor probabilities of failure that depend on the amount of system stress (market movements). This system thus does not advocate the means that are characteristic of this invention. NetRisk™ by Eugene Shanks This system advocates neither the aggregation of risk of counterparty failure using an inductive probabilistic method, nor probabilities of failure that depend on the amount of system stress (market movements). This system thus does not advocate the means that are characteristic of this invention. The following prior art systems are further removed from the specifications in the current invention because of the fact that they are not concerned with “netting” of the counterparties (aggregation of stress):FEA™ by Mark GarmanFNX™ by Farid NaibLombard Risk™ by John WisbeyRAROC™ by Bankers TrustSummit™ by Jean de FontenayZoologic™ by Kenneth GarbadeOpen Link™ by Coleman Fung INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS OF THE INVENTION The purpose of the invention (automatic probabilistic process for control of a chain of uncertain stress flows) such as desribed below can be used in numerous industries, equally manufacturing, financial or agricultural. Below, there is a description of the invention, firstly its definition and its global characterisation, i.e. applicable notably to the set of types of industrial and financial production that involves stress chains. Secondly, the invention is more specifically described for a manufacturing industry application (optimisation of the production in a factory with noise limitations). Finally, the invention is described for a particularly advantageous application in the financial industry, aiming at optimising the activity level of a clearing house—an exchange for chattels or raw materials—exposed to risks of failure of the counterparties (linked to the volatility of the market for the traded items) while conforming with the criteria for limits on the global risk—“Capital Adequacy”—in order to minimise the failure risk. Outside of the industrial applications described below, the knowledgeable person will be able to apply the invention's principles to numerous other multi-stage industrial domains that have chained uncertainties, and notably for the control of production flow for energy as a function of the uncertainties of demand, of the availability of sources of energy, and the immediate limits on production capacity (local or global), and of the capacity of the energy transmission net; this while respecting “minimal” constraints, notably the availability for each user and/or regulatory constraints on pollution, (air, cooling water temperature, . . . ) and avoiding the disconnection of certain circuits. The process and the device of this invention can equally be applied to chained industrial operational risks, notably in industries whose operation produces certain environmental problems such as noise or pollution; it can also be used in complex industrial systems which have catastrophic risk chains, such as nuclear power plants, oil and gas drilling platforms, and chemical factories. The devices derived from this invention can also be applied to great advantage in the agricultural domain, particularly for the control of the procurement cycles for a country or a region as a function of the chained uncertainties of production (regional or world-wide) and the variations in the consumption of food, all while assuring a minimum supply to each inhabitant.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention concerns a process and a mechanism (automation) to regulate and/or prevent the stoppage of a flow F of a multi-stage and multi-linked industrial process of the following type:to optimise the production flow F(r) while acting on a parameter of industrial action (r).mastering an uncertain industrial impact I(r) resulting in an uncertain stress chain on the different stages of productionthis stress chain being itself the consequence of an uncertain environmental production variable X The invention is particularly applicable in the cases where one must:optimise the pair, (flow of product F(r) and the uncertain industrial impact I(r)).by regulating the industrial parameter (r), andwhile taking into account the regulatory criteria and the limits imposed by the risk of stoppage imposed by the impact variable I(r). By the term “Industrial Production” (or “production”) is understood, according to this invention, all human activity which has as its goal the production of an added-value product (production flow) that an be directly or indirectly expressed in terms of added value which might be itself associated with an industry that could be manufacturing, energy, agro-food or financial . . . By “Production Flow” F(r) is understood according to the invention, all transfer of materials or measurable content arriving at the final stage Enand providing the chain of production activities of the sub-processes Sijat the different steps Eiof the production cycle. The invention applies to the domains of industry, manufacture and finance, where it is appropriate to estimate, in order to circumscribe it, an uncertain impact I(r), which can be—for manufacturing—pollution, or—for a financial process—risk of loss or failure, and which is connected with a production of a value-added good (manufactured or financial product). The searched-for global goal for which we aim is to optimise the production flow of the value-added good while limiting the uncertain negative impact of this production. This uncertain impact I(r) is normally found to grow with the production of the value-added good. The invention is put to work specifically in the case of a multi-stage multi-linked configuration. The structure of this production of this production can be either tree-like, or, in the more general case, matrix-like. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The invention consists of the control of production according to a probabilistic automatic procedure with an action loop and a reaction loop. Industrially, this automatic control can be electronically implemented with the help of a computer that is programmed and networked to control the stages of the process according to the invention, such as will be described below. The outputs from the computer are transmitted through a system of activators or servomotors which control the industrial parameter (r) to set it to its optimal value. According to the invention, the action loop of the automatic process consists of an inductive probabilistic evaluation simulator of the chain of uncertain stresses in the production chain resulting in a probabilistic measure of the resulting industrial impact I(r), which is a function of the “controlled” level of the industrial parameter (r). The method put to work by the invention, at the heart of the automatic action loop, is generally called “Value at Risk” or “VaR”. The VaR method is actually used principally in financial applications, with a view to grasp the quantifiable risks of the market (value volatility of a portfolio of stock), and of the credit and liquidity risks of financial institutions. The invention's action loop for the probabilistic automatic control of production measures the function of the possible values of the industrial action parameter (r), and the Value at Risk, VaR of the production flow F(r), this for a duration T and a probability level (p). That is, for, the action loop measures the estimate of the of the effect that is described as the value of VaR (p,T) (r), such that the impact I(r) imposed by the production during the time horizon T=[0,t] only exceeds VaR by the probability (p); this, while taking into account the uncertain variations of the sub-uncertainties Xiwhich influence the production. Within the invention's automatic probabilistic reaction loop for production control, the level of the industrial control parameter (r) is set during the time (t) to the external multivariable (rmax) or (rmin), while maintaining the aforementioned effect estimator VaR (p,T) (r) on the right side of of its authorized impact level M. That is, in the general case, where the action parameter r=(ri, . . . , rh, . . . , rn) , the authorized impact level M=(M1, . . . , Mh, . . . , Mn) and the reliability probabilities (p)=(p1, . . . , ph, . . . , pn) are multivariables, the (r) is picked at the extremes such that nevertheless for each index h:VaRh(ph,T) (rmaxor rmin)<Mh(type 1—Minimising the induced effect), orVaRh(ph,T) (rmaxor rmin)>Mh(type 2—Maximising the induced effect) This is with the goal of pushing the industrial production level F(r) to the limit while still being compatible with the aforementioned regulatory condition of controlling the impact Prob[Ih(X,T) (r)<Mh]≧ph(type 1) or Prob[Ih(X,T) (r)>Mh]≧ph(type 2). That is, for each index h, the induced effect Ihstays less than (type 1) or larger than (type 2) the authorized level Mhwith a probable reliability of ph. STATE OF PRIOR ART AT THE APPLICATION OF THIS INVENTION According to prior art, there are three classical techniques to estimate the distribution of the uncertain industrial impact I(r) by a VaR method. For the sake of simplification, we place it here in the realm of financial applications (the most frequent use of prior art), the measure of risk in a portfolio of financial investments, and specifically in a portfolio of stock (the global volatility of their value), tied to the uncertainties of the market. In effect, the applications of the VaR methods on industrial manufacture, while perfectly viable, are actually essentially confined to an academic level. In the realm of this financial application, the Value at Risk of a portfolio during a duration T and a probability level p is understood to be the amount, called VaR, such that the loss incurred in this portfolio during the time horizon T=[0,t] does surpass VaR only with a probability equal to (1−p). That is, formally,: Prob[portfolio loss>VaR]=1−p, this probability being calculated according to an assumed distribution of the external sub-uncertainties Xi(volatility in the market) which influence the portfolio. The first method for estimating the VaR is called the estimated variance/covariance matrix, initially developed by the JP Morgan company (See JP Morgan, RiskMetrics™—Technical documents, 4thed., Morgan Guaranty Trust Company New York, 1996). This method is practically not applicable, an/or very imprecise when applied to complex investment assets (the implicit volatility of options). The second method for estimating the VaR, called historical analysis, was originally advocated by the Chase Manhattan Company, with the Charisma™ and Risk$™ (see CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, N.A., Value at Risk, 1996). This method rests on the hypothesis that the risk factors are stable. In addition to the fact that that it presupposes that the future has a statistical behaviour identical to the past—and more precisely, the recent past—it has a strong tendency to badly evaluate the frequency of catastrophic events. Further, the historical VaR method can not technically simulate the total failure of a stage in the risk process. The third method for estimating the VaR, called “The Monto Carlo Simulation” was initially advocated by the Bankers Trust Company with its RAROC 2020™ system. A general description of these three systems can be found at“Value at Risk” by Esh, Kieffer and Lopez, appearing in the “éditions DeBoeck”;“Mastering Value at Risk” appearing in the Pitman Publishing series“The Practice of Risk Management” by Litterman and Gimerlock, in the Euromoney Books series, New York, 1998;“Value at Risk; the New Benchmark for controlling Market Risk” in the “éditions Professional, 1997”. The invention, in its automatic probabilistic action loop, measures the uncertain industrial impact I(r) resulting from the chained stresses in the production subsystems Sijin the different production steps, according to the third method, i.e. by Monte Carlo Simulation. The systems to determine the final probabilistic impact (VaR) in a production system (especially financial) advocated by prior art:apply to systems that are not multi-stage and/or not multi-linked, that is they are not applicable to the technical domain of this invention, and do not use the additional specifics of this inventionwhen their application is mutli-stage or multi-linked, they do not use an inductive probabilistic model of chained calculations of stress at different stages of production, that is they do not use the characteristics of this invention If one refers to the domain of the risk matrix of financial portfolios and of the optimisation of activities in a clearing house (application of a potentially multi-stage or multi-linked type in the financial industry) where the uncertain values Xiare composed of the variations of the stock values; where the impact I(r) is composed of the potential global loss of the clearing house; where the stresses Wijare composed successively: of the loss-of-customers suffered by members or local offices (step Ei−1), and then the loss of members (step Ei); and/or the the multivariable action parameter (r) is composed of the members' deposited guarantees rito the clearing house:a single-step or non-linked system studies the risk I of the global failure of the clearing house, while taking into account the risk of each counterparty (broker or member), at one stepa system of a type using this invention is applicable to a multi-stage and multi-linked clearing house, that is taking into account several stages of cascading failures: the initial stage of customers or of a member, or of local offices, then the stage of members (brokers) themselves . . . . The prior art systems, are either single-stage and only consider the members' accounts, or are multi-stage but only address a simple combination of members' and customers' accounts in their probability calculation. In other words, the prior art systems which do consider a tree-like structure of counterparties (composed of productive sub-assemblies distributed over stages) consider it sufficient to consider the simultaneous failure of each branch of the “tree”. The invention, on the other hand, measures the inductive probabilistic chain of failures in the branches of the “tree” with a probabilistic calculation at each of the levels. More generally, the prior art systems, unlike the invention, do not take into account the measure of a probabilistic “catastrophic” chain of stresses at several levels of production. The closest prior art systems are found in the domains of analyses of VaR using electronic methods in financial trading environments (banks, brokerage houses, . . . ). Here is a list of systems and various associations and promoters that have developed them: Algorithmics™ by Ron Dembo This system uses first a small-scale Monte Carlo portfolio simulation, and then a simplified portfolio calculation having a similar behaviour. Thereafter, it performs a more complete Monte Carlo simulation for a simplified portfolio. This system can regard the global portfolio of outstanding amounts with a counterparty and study the VaR of this portfolio (which is called the “credit VaR”) as a function of market movements, which take into account the catastrophic movements (deterministic and depending on probability). The failure probabilities retained at each “stage” come from the rating agencies S&P™ or Moody's™, and are thus fixed, are not determined in a probabilistic manner, and do not depend on market movements. The “Credit VaR”s of several counterparties are added on, not included through an inductive method of probabilistic chain of failures. CreditRisk+™ by Mark Holmes This multi-stage system advocates taking into account, for the subsystems of a stage, a failure probability which is not fixed. But the process used is an uncertain process. That is to say, the that the subsystems' failure probabilities Si,jdo not depend on the aggregated stresses Wz,i,jto which they are subjected (neither indirectly through the uncertain values X nor in this particular case, through the market movements). They are notably no higher when the heightened stresses Wz,i,jare more important. This system proposes to combine the possible failures of the different counterparties by calculating the portfolio diversification's efficaciousness. But it does not propose the probabilistic measure of failure at the various stages of the chain of failures and the chain reaction of failures between stages using an inductive method. CATS/Carma™ by Robert Geske This system advocates a multi-period random draw of Monte Carlo to simulate the market movements, and afterwards, a rating of the counterparties by others, and finally the possible failure. The calculation of the Credit VaR is done for each counterparty with a distribution over due dates. This system uses neither the aggregation of the counterparties' failure risk by an inductive probabilistic method, nor do the failure probabilities depend on the stress state (market movements). The proposed systems in the domain of finance by Algorithmics™, Credit Risk+™ amd CATS™, in contradistinction to other more current systems among prior art, apply to a “tree” stress chain structure for the various counterparties. It is in this sense that they can be considered as the closest to this invention. But, in contradistinction to the invention, this particular structure is not intended to succeed in producing a more exact measure of the probabilistic impact. Thus, according to prior art, no account is taken of the fact that the non-mastering of the stress at a prior stage has an effect, i.e. that in this financial application of measure of portfolio risk, that the failure of one customer makes the position of his compensators more fragile, that is, it increases the stress on the next stage. In other words, according to prior art, the failure of the subsystems is not simulated from one stage to the other using a probabilistic inductive method. That is to say that the prior art does not simulate the failure of the system at the 1stlowest level, and does not report this failure to the next 2ndlevel before simulating in a probabilistic fashion the failure of subsystems at level 2, and so on. Also, for the prior art systems, and in particular for the Algorithmics™ and CATS™ systems, the subsystem's (counterparty's) probability of failure is fixed. As the studied portfolio can contain options, the amount to pay by the counterparty at a given date can change from one random draw of the Monte Carlo method to another (that is, by the way, the reason why options are considered in academia as “contingent assets”). For Credit Risk+™, the portfolio contains only bonds. Thus, the amount to pay by the counterparty at a given date is known. Bonds are not “contingent assets” (except if they have floating interest rates or have clauses about convertibility or callback). The failure probability according to Credit Risk+™ results in an uncertain random draw. But the draw and the probability value which result from it are independent of the state of the market during the travel along the Monte Carlo “trajectory”. On the other hand, according to the first variant recommended and described below and implemented by the invention, the distribution of the probability of the coefficient of failure for a subsystem Si,jis neither constant nor unknown, it depends on the state of the stresses on the subsystem Si,j, thus on the state of the market. Instead, once this distribution is known, the coefficient value is unknown, please note, according to this distribution. Additionally, according to prior art, and in contradistinction to the recommendations of the second variant recommended and described below for the implementation of the invented system, the prior art systems are based on that the reliability of the issuer is given by their Moody's™ or S&P™ rating. The prior art systems cannot separate the quality of an issuer and his size. According to the logic implemented by the most evolved systems, the only way to consider the size of an issuer consists of regarding an issuer who is small but reliable as having a very small probability of failure for a small amount, but which probability rises sharply starting from a certain amount, whereas regarding an issuer who is large but unstable as having a probability of failure of the same order of magnitude for a small amount as for a large amount. For the majority of prior art systems, the probability of failure is considered to be independent of the amount due, thus this distinction becomes irrelevant. Finally, and contrary to the recommendations of the third variant recommended and described below in the implementation of the invention, prior art does not, in the probabilistic simulation, propose to implement uncertain catastrophic scenarios with given probabilities. Prior art in general proposes to perform stress tests whose goal is to study the consequences of a catastrophic movement such as a stock market crash. To do this, it is recommended to simulate a catastrophic scenario where all the parameters are introduced by the user, without uncertainty in these parameters. Certain compensation phenomena such as hedging, can then pass unnoticed, which is not the case if the stress test is itself uncertain (such as according to this invention). The following prior art systems are far removed from the specifications of this invention, by the method of measuring impact which it implements.: Credit Metrics™ and Risk Metrics™ by J.P. Morgan These systems function counterparty by counterparty, according to the covariance matrix method, with the failure probabilities independent of market movements and supplied via the Internet. These systems do not advocate the means that are characteristic of this invention. Credit Risk™ Boundary Rider™ by Steve Davis This system, called “close-out netting module” calculates the involvement of each counterparty, while taking into account a tree structure of counterparties. The involvement at one level of the tree generates the “netting” of all branches that it carries. This system recommends neither aggregation of risk-of-failure of the counterparties by an inductive probabilistic method, nor probabilities of failure depending on market movements. This system thus does not advocate the means that are characteristic of this invention. Hedge™ by Richard Sandor This system uses a Monte Carlo draw for market movements, and then a calculation of the effect on the portfolios, and finally a draw for failure of the counterparties using an inductive probabilistic independent of the market movements, and a calculation of the global VaR. Thus, this system does not advocate the means that are characteristic of this invention. KMV “EDF”™ by Oltech Vasicek This system is based on a Markov chain. It evaluates, using a multi-period Monte Carlo method, the expected return from a stock. This system only takes into account loans and bonds and calculates the risk coming from the issuer. This system evaluates the risk from each counterparty. The probabilities of failure for each subsystem Is fixed. Thus, this system advocates neither the aggregation of risk of counterparty failures with a inductive probabilistic method, nor probabilities of failure depending on the amount of stress in the system (market movements). This system thus does not advocate the means that are characteristic of this invention. Midas Kapiti™ by Misys (UK) This system advocates neither the aggregation of risk of counterparty failure using an inductive probabilistic method, nor probabilities of failure that depend on the amount of system stress (market movements). This system thus does not advocate the means that are characteristic of this invention. NetRisk™ by Eugene Shanks This system advocates neither the aggregation of risk of counterparty failure using an inductive probabilistic method, nor probabilities of failure that depend on the amount of system stress (market movements). This system thus does not advocate the means that are characteristic of this invention. The following prior art systems are further removed from the specifications in the current invention because of the fact that they are not concerned with “netting” of the counterparties (aggregation of stress):FEA™ by Mark GarmanFNX™ by Farid NaibLombard Risk™ by John WisbeyRAROC™ by Bankers TrustSummit™ by Jean de FontenayZoologic™ by Kenneth GarbadeOpen Link™ by Coleman Fung INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS OF THE INVENTION The purpose of the invention (automatic probabilistic process for control of a chain of uncertain stress flows) such as desribed below can be used in numerous industries, equally manufacturing, financial or agricultural. Below, there is a description of the invention, firstly its definition and its global characterisation, i.e. applicable notably to the set of types of industrial and financial production that involves stress chains. Secondly, the invention is more specifically described for a manufacturing industry application (optimisation of the production in a factory with noise limitations). Finally, the invention is described for a particularly advantageous application in the financial industry, aiming at optimising the activity level of a clearing house—an exchange for chattels or raw materials—exposed to risks of failure of the counterparties (linked to the volatility of the market for the traded items) while conforming with the criteria for limits on the global risk—“Capital Adequacy”—in order to minimise the failure risk. Outside of the industrial applications described below, the knowledgeable person will be able to apply the invention's principles to numerous other multi-stage industrial domains that have chained uncertainties, and notably for the control of production flow for energy as a function of the uncertainties of demand, of the availability of sources of energy, and the immediate limits on production capacity (local or global), and of the capacity of the energy transmission net; this while respecting “minimal” constraints, notably the availability for each user and/or regulatory constraints on pollution, (air, cooling water temperature, . . . ) and avoiding the disconnection of certain circuits. The process and the device of this invention can equally be applied to chained industrial operational risks, notably in industries whose operation produces certain environmental problems such as noise or pollution; it can also be used in complex industrial systems which have catastrophic risk chains, such as nuclear power plants, oil and gas drilling platforms, and chemical factories. The devices derived from this invention can also be applied to great advantage in the agricultural domain, particularly for the control of the procurement cycles for a country or a region as a function of the chained uncertainties of production (regional or world-wide) and the variations in the consumption of food, all while assuring a minimum supply to each inhabitant. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7850924

FIELD OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an apparatus and method for use with a controlled gas atmosphere. More particularly, the apparatus and method of the present invention relates to notifying a user of the proper gas tank to be hooked up to a trigas incubator system. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There are a number of commercial applications that utilizes a controlled gas atmosphere enclosure. For example, in the semiconductor industry, gases are injected into an enclosed chamber wherein one of the gases are plasmarized causing the gas to hit a target on a chamber lid causing the target's materials to deposit on a wafer. Other commercial applications include using controlled gasses to cultivate biological cultures in an enclosed chamber such as an incubator. It is desirable to maintain optimal conditions inside the incubator in order to promote the desired growth of the cultures. In a conventional incubator, gasses such as O2, N2, and CO2are introduced from their respective tanks into the chamber depending on the growing conditions desired. Typically, the user sets the CO2and O2setpoints and appropriate gas are added, if needed. A conventional incubator is generally rectangular in shape and has up to five insulated walls (top, bottom, left side, right side, and rear). Each wall may have an inner space defined by the inner and outer surfaces of the insulated wall and the inner spaces are in communication with each other. An insulated front door together with the insulated walls complete the inner chamber of the incubator and the door is typically mounted on hinges on the front side of one of the side walls. The door allows access into the inner chamber where culture plates are placed or removed from a plethora of shelves provided therein. Most biological incubators are either water jacket or forced draft. In the water jacket incubator, a water jacket is inserted in the inner space of the incubator. A heater is used to heat the water in the water jacket to the desired temperature. Because water can be heated evenly, the water jacket can evenly distribute the desired heat throughout the inner chamber. Such even heating is desired in order to provide a uniform temperature (for the biological cultures) throughout the chamber and to prevent “cold spots,” which can cause condensation on the inner chamber walls. Although heating of the chamber walls in the water jacket incubator is substantially uniform, the chamber atmosphere will stratify thermally if the chamber atmosphere is undisturbed. Due to the stratification, the temperature of the chamber is greater at the top of the chamber than at the bottom of the chamber. Consequently, if a constituent gas such as CO2is maintained in the chamber, the CO2will also stratify and the desired atmosphere for the cultures will not be maintained. Therefore, it is desirable to maintain a certain flow rate of constituent gases within the chamber to assure uniformity of the temperature and the constituent gas. In order to circulate the air, a portion of the inner chamber is separated from the rest of the chamber by a wall to define a duct extending along the side of the chamber. The duct has an upper portion or the duct inlet, where a fan or a blower is used to circulate the air in the chamber and a lower portion (duct outlet) where air exits the chamber to be recirculated. In the forced draft incubator, the inner space is lined with insulation instead of the water jacket. Heating of the chamber is provided by having a duct (previously described), a fan, and a heating element within the chamber. The air is typically circulated by the fan and heated by the heating element within the duct. The air is blown with more force than in the water jacket incubators in order to have more uniform circulation of the air and temperature in the chamber. In most cases for proper culture growth, it is desirable to maintain a certain level of CO2and O2in the chamber. Thus, the O2enhancement levels or depletion changes dynamically depending on the CO2concentration. In order to maintain constituent gas levels such as CO2in conventional incubators, a probe can be inserted into the chamber to take a measurement of the gas level including CO2, O2. Based on the CO2setpoint selected by the user and the information from the probe, the user can determine if O2is needed or if O2needs to be purged by adding N2to the incubator. In a conventional trigas incubator, where the two main gases to be controlled are CO2and O2, there can be a CO2tank connected to an inlet and O2and N2connected to another inlet. A manual switch can switch between the O2and N2tanks depending on the level of O2desired in the incubator. If the user, based on the information from the probe and the CO2setpoint determines that O2is needed by mistake, when N2is really needed, the user can hook up the wrong tank. With the wrong tank in place, the wrong gas will be injected, thereby causing the results from the cultures to be inaccurate or possibly destroying weeks, or months worth of research. Additionally, if too much O2is added, then an explosive situation can be created in the chamber. Therefore, there is a need for a notification system to allow a user to know which tanks to attach to the incubator for a given setpoint of a gas for improved culture growth. Additionally, there is a need for a notification system that helps to prevent the user from hooking up the wrong tank. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to a notification system that when a setpoint for a gas is inputted, a notification is provided to the user indicating an appropriate gas source to connect to an incubator. The notification system helps to ensure that the appropriate gases are available for proper growth of the cultures. One embodiment of the present invention include a notification apparatus for an enclosed chamber that includes a setpoint setter that sets a setpoint threshold concentration for a first gas and a second gas, a gas concentration evaluator that determines the concentration of second gas based on the first gas, a gas concentration comparator that determines if the determined concentration of the second gas meets the setpoint threshold of the second gas, and an indicator that indicates if the determined concentration of the second gas meets the setpoint threshold of the second gas, wherein the setter, evaluator, comparator and indicator are in communication with each other. A user can set the setpoint using the setpoint setter. The first gas and the second gas can be selected from a group that includes CO2, O2, and N2. The evaluator can determine the concentration of the second gas using an algorithm that includes a formula y=−0.297x+20.85 and/or y=−0.209x+20.9, where y can be O2% concentration and x can be CO2% setpoint. The gas concentration comparator can determine if the determined concentration of the second gas is higher or lower than the setpoint threshold of the second gas. The indicator can indicate visually and/or audibly and can notify a user what gas tank needs to be connected to the incubator. A method of notifying a user of tank type can include setting setpoints of a first gas and a second gas, calculating the level of the second gas based on the setpoint of the first gas, comparing the calculated level of the second gas level to the setpoint of the second gas, and displaying the result to the user. Calculating the setpoint can be done by using an algorithm that can include a formula y=−0.297x+20.85 and/or y=−0.209x +20.9, where y can be O2% concentration and x can be CO2% concentration. Displaying the result can include informing the user what gas tank needs to be connected to the incubator. The first and second gas can be selected from CO2, O2, and N2. A notification system for an enclosed chamber that includes a means for setting setpoints for a first gas and a second gas, a means for evaluating the level of the second gas, a means for comparing the evaluated level of second gas to the setpoint of the second gas, and a means for indicating the result to the user. The means for setting can be a user interface. The first gas and the second gas may be selected from CO2, O2, and N2. The means for comparing can compare if the evaluated concentration of the second gas is higher or lower than the setpoint threshold of the second gas. The means for indicating can include notifying the user what gas tank needs to be connected to the chamber. There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described below and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: FIELD OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an apparatus and method for use with a controlled gas atmosphere. More particularly, the apparatus and method of the present invention relates to notifying a user of the proper gas tank to be hooked up to a trigas incubator system. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There are a number of commercial applications that utilizes a controlled gas atmosphere enclosure. For example, in the semiconductor industry, gases are injected into an enclosed chamber wherein one of the gases are plasmarized causing the gas to hit a target on a chamber lid causing the target's materials to deposit on a wafer. Other commercial applications include using controlled gasses to cultivate biological cultures in an enclosed chamber such as an incubator. It is desirable to maintain optimal conditions inside the incubator in order to promote the desired growth of the cultures. In a conventional incubator, gasses such as O2, N2, and CO2are introduced from their respective tanks into the chamber depending on the growing conditions desired. Typically, the user sets the CO2and O2setpoints and appropriate gas are added, if needed. A conventional incubator is generally rectangular in shape and has up to five insulated walls (top, bottom, left side, right side, and rear). Each wall may have an inner space defined by the inner and outer surfaces of the insulated wall and the inner spaces are in communication with each other. An insulated front door together with the insulated walls complete the inner chamber of the incubator and the door is typically mounted on hinges on the front side of one of the side walls. The door allows access into the inner chamber where culture plates are placed or removed from a plethora of shelves provided therein. Most biological incubators are either water jacket or forced draft. In the water jacket incubator, a water jacket is inserted in the inner space of the incubator. A heater is used to heat the water in the water jacket to the desired temperature. Because water can be heated evenly, the water jacket can evenly distribute the desired heat throughout the inner chamber. Such even heating is desired in order to provide a uniform temperature (for the biological cultures) throughout the chamber and to prevent “cold spots,” which can cause condensation on the inner chamber walls. Although heating of the chamber walls in the water jacket incubator is substantially uniform, the chamber atmosphere will stratify thermally if the chamber atmosphere is undisturbed. Due to the stratification, the temperature of the chamber is greater at the top of the chamber than at the bottom of the chamber. Consequently, if a constituent gas such as CO2is maintained in the chamber, the CO2will also stratify and the desired atmosphere for the cultures will not be maintained. Therefore, it is desirable to maintain a certain flow rate of constituent gases within the chamber to assure uniformity of the temperature and the constituent gas. In order to circulate the air, a portion of the inner chamber is separated from the rest of the chamber by a wall to define a duct extending along the side of the chamber. The duct has an upper portion or the duct inlet, where a fan or a blower is used to circulate the air in the chamber and a lower portion (duct outlet) where air exits the chamber to be recirculated. In the forced draft incubator, the inner space is lined with insulation instead of the water jacket. Heating of the chamber is provided by having a duct (previously described), a fan, and a heating element within the chamber. The air is typically circulated by the fan and heated by the heating element within the duct. The air is blown with more force than in the water jacket incubators in order to have more uniform circulation of the air and temperature in the chamber. In most cases for proper culture growth, it is desirable to maintain a certain level of CO2and O2in the chamber. Thus, the O2enhancement levels or depletion changes dynamically depending on the CO2concentration. In order to maintain constituent gas levels such as CO2in conventional incubators, a probe can be inserted into the chamber to take a measurement of the gas level including CO2, O2. Based on the CO2setpoint selected by the user and the information from the probe, the user can determine if O2is needed or if O2needs to be purged by adding N2to the incubator. In a conventional trigas incubator, where the two main gases to be controlled are CO2and O2, there can be a CO2tank connected to an inlet and O2and N2connected to another inlet. A manual switch can switch between the O2and N2tanks depending on the level of O2desired in the incubator. If the user, based on the information from the probe and the CO2setpoint determines that O2is needed by mistake, when N2is really needed, the user can hook up the wrong tank. With the wrong tank in place, the wrong gas will be injected, thereby causing the results from the cultures to be inaccurate or possibly destroying weeks, or months worth of research. Additionally, if too much O2is added, then an explosive situation can be created in the chamber. Therefore, there is a need for a notification system to allow a user to know which tanks to attach to the incubator for a given setpoint of a gas for improved culture growth. Additionally, there is a need for a notification system that helps to prevent the user from hooking up the wrong tank. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to a notification system that when a setpoint for a gas is inputted, a notification is provided to the user indicating an appropriate gas source to connect to an incubator. The notification system helps to ensure that the appropriate gases are available for proper growth of the cultures. One embodiment of the present invention include a notification apparatus for an enclosed chamber that includes a setpoint setter that sets a setpoint threshold concentration for a first gas and a second gas, a gas concentration evaluator that determines the concentration of second gas based on the first gas, a gas concentration comparator that determines if the determined concentration of the second gas meets the setpoint threshold of the second gas, and an indicator that indicates if the determined concentration of the second gas meets the setpoint threshold of the second gas, wherein the setter, evaluator, comparator and indicator are in communication with each other. A user can set the setpoint using the setpoint setter. The first gas and the second gas can be selected from a group that includes CO2, O2, and N2. The evaluator can determine the concentration of the second gas using an algorithm that includes a formula y=−0.297x+20.85 and/or y=−0.209x+20.9, where y can be O2% concentration and x can be CO2% setpoint. The gas concentration comparator can determine if the determined concentration of the second gas is higher or lower than the setpoint threshold of the second gas. The indicator can indicate visually and/or audibly and can notify a user what gas tank needs to be connected to the incubator. A method of notifying a user of tank type can include setting setpoints of a first gas and a second gas, calculating the level of the second gas based on the setpoint of the first gas, comparing the calculated level of the second gas level to the setpoint of the second gas, and displaying the result to the user. Calculating the setpoint can be done by using an algorithm that can include a formula y=−0.297x+20.85 and/or y=−0.209x +20.9, where y can be O2% concentration and x can be CO2% concentration. Displaying the result can include informing the user what gas tank needs to be connected to the incubator. The first and second gas can be selected from CO2, O2, and N2. A notification system for an enclosed chamber that includes a means for setting setpoints for a first gas and a second gas, a means for evaluating the level of the second gas, a means for comparing the evaluated level of second gas to the setpoint of the second gas, and a means for indicating the result to the user. The means for setting can be a user interface. The first gas and the second gas may be selected from CO2, O2, and N2. The means for comparing can compare if the evaluated concentration of the second gas is higher or lower than the setpoint threshold of the second gas. The means for indicating can include notifying the user what gas tank needs to be connected to the chamber. There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described below and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7856329

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to signal processing and in particular, to a method and apparatus for processing an under-sampled chirped sinusoidal waveform using a complex-heterodyne. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Many instruments create an electronic signal that contains a frequency sweep or “chirp” that must be characterized. The frequency-swept optical signal generated by an absolute gravity meter provides a good example. Turning now toFIG. 1, the optical layout for a conventional absolute gravity meter in which one arm of a Michelson interferometer is in free-fall and the other arm of the interferometer is stationary, is shown. The light output L of a frequency-stabilized laser10is split into two beams B1and B2by a partially reflecting mirror or “beam splitter”12. One of the beams B1is reflected by the beam splitter12onto a mirror14in freefall. The other beam B2passes through the beam splitter12and is reflected back towards the beam splitter12by a stationary mirror16. The beam B1reflected by the mirror14passes through the beam splitter12and is recombined with the beam B2reflected by the mirror16to yield a return beam R. The return beam R impinges on a photodiode detector18resulting in an interference signal being generated. The interference signal exhibits a complete cycle of constructive and destructive interference whenever the paths of the two beams B1and B2change by one-half of the laser wavelength (λ/2). This change in intensity of the interference signal is referred to as a “fringe”. As the mirror14accelerates, optical fringes are formed at the photodiode detector18. The frequency of the interference signal depends upon the velocity of the mirror14according to Equation (1) below: f=2v/λ=2gt/λ(1) The mathematical form of the interference signal is a swept sinusoid for a Michelson-type interferometers Gravity causes the velocity of the falling mirror14to increase linearly with time. This in turn causes the frequency of the interference signal to increase as the mirror14falls. Initially, when the velocity of the mirror14is nearly zero, the fringe frequency is close to zero or DC but rises rapidly as the mirror14accelerates. As an example, using red laser light which has a frequency in the order of 633 nm and a typical drop distance of about 20 cm, the frequency will sweep (or “chirp”) from DC to approximately 6 MHz over the 0.2 s it takes the mirror14to fall. The interference signal V(t) is represented by Equation (2) below: V⁡(t)=A⁢⁢sin⁡[4⁢πλ⁢(x0+v0⁢t+12⁢gt2)](2) where: x0and v0are the initial position and velocity of the mirror; and g is the gravitational acceleration of a freely falling body. As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the interference signal is a challenging signal to measure because it is spread over a large bandwidth in the frequency domain but is only present for a short amount of time. Traditionally, this interference or chirped signal has been analyzed using a method that measures time intervals between zero-crossings of the interference signal.FIG. 2shows an interference signal generated by the absolute gravity meter ofFIG. 1and its zero-crossing times. Because each zero-crossing corresponds to the mirror14falling a distance equal to λ/2, the time and distance for each zero-crossing are related by Equation (3) for constant acceleration as expressed below: xn=n⁢⁢λ2=12⁢gtn2(3) A linear least-squares analysis is used to fit for the unknown gravity value. Typically, an arbitrary initial mirror position and initial mirror velocity are included in the fit to allow for offsets in the mirror position and non-zero initial velocity. The model function also usually includes small corrections due to frequency modulation of the laser, gradient of gravity, and even a correction due to the finite speed of light as described in the publication entitled “A New Generation of Absolute Gravimeters”, authored by Niebauer et al., Metrologia Vol. 32, Num. 3, 1995. One advantage of the above zero-crossing method is that the fit is linear in the parameters of initial position, velocity, and acceleration of the mirror14. Another advantage is that the result is, in principle, independent of the amplitude of the interference signal. The zero-crossing method was feasible even before the advent of very fast computers as little data is required to make the fit and time interval analyzers that could make high speed time measurements were available in the early 1970s. For example, the JILAG series of absolute gravity meters (1980-1985) typically scaled the zero-crossings by about 4000 so that only about 100 points were fit during each mirror drop. The FGS absolute gravity meter (2005) typically uses about 600-700 data points per mirror drop. Higher data acquisition rates are possible, but the effect on noise reduction is minimal because of small systematic errors in the interference signal. Although the zero-crossing method presents some advantages, there are several disadvantages associated with the zero-crossing method. In particular, the acquired data are equally spaced in mirror freefall distance but are not equally spaced in the time domain. This makes it difficult to study certain types of noise or look for vibration signals in the time domain. Another difficulty is that the zero-crossing detection system must avoid double triggering and therefore, requires a relatively clean input interference signal. This puts a lower limit on the amount of light needed in the interferometer for the instrument to function properly. Another technique used to analyze au interference signal digitizes the interference signal and then fits the data for the amplitude, the initial phase, the initial frequency, and the frequency chirp of the interference signal. This technique was firstly employed in an absolute gravity meter in 1979 as described in the publication entitled “A Transportable Apparatus for Absolute Measurement of Gravity” authored by Murata, Bulletin of the Earth-quake Research Institute 53: 49-130, 1979. As described, very accurate photographs of an interference signal waveform on an oscilloscope were analyzed and digitized by hand. The procedure was obviously slow and tedious, but it did accomplish the task of determining gravity. Digitizing the interference signal waveform has become more attractive as the technology of analog-to-digital (A/D) converters has advanced. Currently it is possible to digitize an interference signal waveform at frequencies close to 1 GHz, and high speed computers can now automate the non-linear fitting routines needed to determine gravity. However, it is important to note that a large dynamic range is also needed as typical gravity meters try to reach a resolution in the order of 10−9or even 10−10g in one mirror drop. U.S. Pat. No. 5,637,797 to Zumberge et al. describes digitizing an interference signal waveform automatically using a fast A/D personal computer (PC) card, but sampling well below Nyquist (1 MHz). A standard non-linear least-squares fit to Equation (1) is performed. The mirror velocity term appears as an initial frequency, and the gravity term is the frequency chirp. Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to provide initial estimates of the velocity and gravity accurately enough so that the non-linear fit will converge. This becomes increasingly difficult as the sampling frequency is decreased. Zumberge et al. determines apparent zero-crossings and uses first differences of mean-time for zero-crossings to deduce the initial velocity and acceleration (equivalent to initial frequency and chirp) in the time domain. Apparently, 85,000 points from a single drop in 5.3 s can be fit with a 50 MHz 80486 personal computer. The publication entitled “A Method to Estimate the Time-Position Coordinates of a Free-Falling Test-Mass in Absolute Gravimetry” authored by D'Agostino et al., Metrologia 42 (2005) 233-238 discloses a similar method but where the interference signal waveform is digitized above Nyquist at 50 MHz. Unfortunately, both the Zumburge et al. and D'Agostino et al. methods require very large amounts of data and a large number of operations in order to determine accurately the parameters in the nonlinear least-square's fit. For example, if one (1) million points are sampled during each mirror drop, about 2 MB of data storage is needed. In a typical absolute gravity measurement, such a mirror drop is performed every ten (10) seconds, resulting in 1 GB of data being generated every three (3) hours. Even with modern computers, the algorithms proposed by Zumberge et al. and D'Agostino et al. can take many seconds to process one measurement. For example, as D'Agostino et al. state “ . . . the program processes about 750 windows of the interference signal in about 35 s on the adopted computer, which has 1 GB of RAM and uses a 1.8 GHz Pentium IV processor.” As will be appreciated, improvements in measuring chirped signals such as an interference signal generated by an absolute gravity meter are desired. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a novel method and apparatus for processing an under-sampled chirped sinusoidal waveform using a complex-heterodyne. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, in one aspect there is provided a method of processing data acquired by under-sampling a chirped, sinusoidal waveform comprising complex-heterodyning the under-sampled data with a chirped signal having characteristics similar to the sinusoidal waveform to generate a demodulated signal; and analyzing the demodulated signal to determine characteristics of the sinusoidal waveform. The chirped sinusoidal waveform may be an interference signal S(t) and take the form: S⁡(t)=A⁢⁢cos⁡(ω0⁢t+12⁢α⁢⁢t2) where ωois the initial frequency of the interference signal and α is the chirp of the interference signal. In this case, during the analyzing, values for the initial frequency and chirp of the sinusoidal waveform are determined. A least-squares fit can then used or a series of complex-heterodynes can be performed to refine the determined initial frequency and chirp values. The chirped sinusoidal waveform is under-sampled below Nyquist. The under-sampled data can be processed in real-time during under-sampling of the chirped sinusoidal signal. Alternatively, the under-sampled data can be retrieved from storage and processed. The data processing can be embodied in virtually any system or meter where a chirped sinusoidal signal is to be analyzed. For example, the above data processing may be used to analyze data acquired by under-sampling a chirped sinusoidal waveform generated in any interferometer application such as for example a wave meter, an absolute gravity meter etc. or a chirped sinusoidal waveform transmitted into the ground such as in seismic and surveying applications. When the data processing is embodied in the equipment used to acquire the data, real-time processing and analysis of the under-sampled data is permitted. During data acquisition, a conventional anti-aliasing filter is either not employed or if employed, is selected to have a high bandwidth well beyond the typical cut-off frequency (½ of the sampling rate) for conventional anti-aliasing filters. As will be appreciated, it is common practice to use an anti-aliasing filter that cuts off frequencies higher that the Nyquist frequency in order to reduce noise. Doing so however, reduces bandwidth and thus removes information from the sampled waveform that cannot be recovered. By avoiding use of or employing an anti-aliasing filter having a cut-off well above the typical cut-off frequency, signals having frequencies much higher than the sampling frequency that may include important information can be analyzed. According to another aspect there is provided a signal processor for processing under-sampled data extracted from a chirped sinusoidal waveform comprising a multiplier multiplying the under-sampled data with a chirped signal having characteristics similar to the sinusoidal waveform to generate a demodulated signal; and a signal analyzer analyzing the demodulated signal to determine selected characteristics of the sinusoidal waveform. According to yet another aspect there is provided a method of extracting selected characteristics of a chirped, sinusoidal waveform comprising under-sampling the sinusoidal waveform below Nyquist in the absence of all anti-aliasing filter having a bandwidth generally at the typical cut-off rate; and processing the under-sampled data using at least one complex-heterodyne to determine the selected characteristics.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to signal processing and in particular, to a method and apparatus for processing an under-sampled chirped sinusoidal waveform using a complex-heterodyne. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Many instruments create an electronic signal that contains a frequency sweep or “chirp” that must be characterized. The frequency-swept optical signal generated by an absolute gravity meter provides a good example. Turning now toFIG. 1, the optical layout for a conventional absolute gravity meter in which one arm of a Michelson interferometer is in free-fall and the other arm of the interferometer is stationary, is shown. The light output L of a frequency-stabilized laser10is split into two beams B1and B2by a partially reflecting mirror or “beam splitter”12. One of the beams B1is reflected by the beam splitter12onto a mirror14in freefall. The other beam B2passes through the beam splitter12and is reflected back towards the beam splitter12by a stationary mirror16. The beam B1reflected by the mirror14passes through the beam splitter12and is recombined with the beam B2reflected by the mirror16to yield a return beam R. The return beam R impinges on a photodiode detector18resulting in an interference signal being generated. The interference signal exhibits a complete cycle of constructive and destructive interference whenever the paths of the two beams B1and B2change by one-half of the laser wavelength (λ/2). This change in intensity of the interference signal is referred to as a “fringe”. As the mirror14accelerates, optical fringes are formed at the photodiode detector18. The frequency of the interference signal depends upon the velocity of the mirror14according to Equation (1) below: f=2v/λ=2gt/λ(1) The mathematical form of the interference signal is a swept sinusoid for a Michelson-type interferometers Gravity causes the velocity of the falling mirror14to increase linearly with time. This in turn causes the frequency of the interference signal to increase as the mirror14falls. Initially, when the velocity of the mirror14is nearly zero, the fringe frequency is close to zero or DC but rises rapidly as the mirror14accelerates. As an example, using red laser light which has a frequency in the order of 633 nm and a typical drop distance of about 20 cm, the frequency will sweep (or “chirp”) from DC to approximately 6 MHz over the 0.2 s it takes the mirror14to fall. The interference signal V(t) is represented by Equation (2) below: V⁡(t)=A⁢⁢sin⁡[4⁢πλ⁢(x0+v0⁢t+12⁢gt2)](2) where: x0and v0are the initial position and velocity of the mirror; and g is the gravitational acceleration of a freely falling body. As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the interference signal is a challenging signal to measure because it is spread over a large bandwidth in the frequency domain but is only present for a short amount of time. Traditionally, this interference or chirped signal has been analyzed using a method that measures time intervals between zero-crossings of the interference signal.FIG. 2shows an interference signal generated by the absolute gravity meter ofFIG. 1and its zero-crossing times. Because each zero-crossing corresponds to the mirror14falling a distance equal to λ/2, the time and distance for each zero-crossing are related by Equation (3) for constant acceleration as expressed below: xn=n⁢⁢λ2=12⁢gtn2(3) A linear least-squares analysis is used to fit for the unknown gravity value. Typically, an arbitrary initial mirror position and initial mirror velocity are included in the fit to allow for offsets in the mirror position and non-zero initial velocity. The model function also usually includes small corrections due to frequency modulation of the laser, gradient of gravity, and even a correction due to the finite speed of light as described in the publication entitled “A New Generation of Absolute Gravimeters”, authored by Niebauer et al., Metrologia Vol. 32, Num. 3, 1995. One advantage of the above zero-crossing method is that the fit is linear in the parameters of initial position, velocity, and acceleration of the mirror14. Another advantage is that the result is, in principle, independent of the amplitude of the interference signal. The zero-crossing method was feasible even before the advent of very fast computers as little data is required to make the fit and time interval analyzers that could make high speed time measurements were available in the early 1970s. For example, the JILAG series of absolute gravity meters (1980-1985) typically scaled the zero-crossings by about 4000 so that only about 100 points were fit during each mirror drop. The FGS absolute gravity meter (2005) typically uses about 600-700 data points per mirror drop. Higher data acquisition rates are possible, but the effect on noise reduction is minimal because of small systematic errors in the interference signal. Although the zero-crossing method presents some advantages, there are several disadvantages associated with the zero-crossing method. In particular, the acquired data are equally spaced in mirror freefall distance but are not equally spaced in the time domain. This makes it difficult to study certain types of noise or look for vibration signals in the time domain. Another difficulty is that the zero-crossing detection system must avoid double triggering and therefore, requires a relatively clean input interference signal. This puts a lower limit on the amount of light needed in the interferometer for the instrument to function properly. Another technique used to analyze au interference signal digitizes the interference signal and then fits the data for the amplitude, the initial phase, the initial frequency, and the frequency chirp of the interference signal. This technique was firstly employed in an absolute gravity meter in 1979 as described in the publication entitled “A Transportable Apparatus for Absolute Measurement of Gravity” authored by Murata, Bulletin of the Earth-quake Research Institute 53: 49-130, 1979. As described, very accurate photographs of an interference signal waveform on an oscilloscope were analyzed and digitized by hand. The procedure was obviously slow and tedious, but it did accomplish the task of determining gravity. Digitizing the interference signal waveform has become more attractive as the technology of analog-to-digital (A/D) converters has advanced. Currently it is possible to digitize an interference signal waveform at frequencies close to 1 GHz, and high speed computers can now automate the non-linear fitting routines needed to determine gravity. However, it is important to note that a large dynamic range is also needed as typical gravity meters try to reach a resolution in the order of 10−9or even 10−10g in one mirror drop. U.S. Pat. No. 5,637,797 to Zumberge et al. describes digitizing an interference signal waveform automatically using a fast A/D personal computer (PC) card, but sampling well below Nyquist (1 MHz). A standard non-linear least-squares fit to Equation (1) is performed. The mirror velocity term appears as an initial frequency, and the gravity term is the frequency chirp. Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to provide initial estimates of the velocity and gravity accurately enough so that the non-linear fit will converge. This becomes increasingly difficult as the sampling frequency is decreased. Zumberge et al. determines apparent zero-crossings and uses first differences of mean-time for zero-crossings to deduce the initial velocity and acceleration (equivalent to initial frequency and chirp) in the time domain. Apparently, 85,000 points from a single drop in 5.3 s can be fit with a 50 MHz 80486 personal computer. The publication entitled “A Method to Estimate the Time-Position Coordinates of a Free-Falling Test-Mass in Absolute Gravimetry” authored by D'Agostino et al., Metrologia 42 (2005) 233-238 discloses a similar method but where the interference signal waveform is digitized above Nyquist at 50 MHz. Unfortunately, both the Zumburge et al. and D'Agostino et al. methods require very large amounts of data and a large number of operations in order to determine accurately the parameters in the nonlinear least-square's fit. For example, if one (1) million points are sampled during each mirror drop, about 2 MB of data storage is needed. In a typical absolute gravity measurement, such a mirror drop is performed every ten (10) seconds, resulting in 1 GB of data being generated every three (3) hours. Even with modern computers, the algorithms proposed by Zumberge et al. and D'Agostino et al. can take many seconds to process one measurement. For example, as D'Agostino et al. state “ . . . the program processes about 750 windows of the interference signal in about 35 s on the adopted computer, which has 1 GB of RAM and uses a 1.8 GHz Pentium IV processor.” As will be appreciated, improvements in measuring chirped signals such as an interference signal generated by an absolute gravity meter are desired. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a novel method and apparatus for processing an under-sampled chirped sinusoidal waveform using a complex-heterodyne. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, in one aspect there is provided a method of processing data acquired by under-sampling a chirped, sinusoidal waveform comprising complex-heterodyning the under-sampled data with a chirped signal having characteristics similar to the sinusoidal waveform to generate a demodulated signal; and analyzing the demodulated signal to determine characteristics of the sinusoidal waveform. The chirped sinusoidal waveform may be an interference signal S(t) and take the form: S⁡(t)=A⁢⁢cos⁡(ω0⁢t+12⁢α⁢⁢t2) where ωois the initial frequency of the interference signal and α is the chirp of the interference signal. In this case, during the analyzing, values for the initial frequency and chirp of the sinusoidal waveform are determined. A least-squares fit can then used or a series of complex-heterodynes can be performed to refine the determined initial frequency and chirp values. The chirped sinusoidal waveform is under-sampled below Nyquist. The under-sampled data can be processed in real-time during under-sampling of the chirped sinusoidal signal. Alternatively, the under-sampled data can be retrieved from storage and processed. The data processing can be embodied in virtually any system or meter where a chirped sinusoidal signal is to be analyzed. For example, the above data processing may be used to analyze data acquired by under-sampling a chirped sinusoidal waveform generated in any interferometer application such as for example a wave meter, an absolute gravity meter etc. or a chirped sinusoidal waveform transmitted into the ground such as in seismic and surveying applications. When the data processing is embodied in the equipment used to acquire the data, real-time processing and analysis of the under-sampled data is permitted. During data acquisition, a conventional anti-aliasing filter is either not employed or if employed, is selected to have a high bandwidth well beyond the typical cut-off frequency (½ of the sampling rate) for conventional anti-aliasing filters. As will be appreciated, it is common practice to use an anti-aliasing filter that cuts off frequencies higher that the Nyquist frequency in order to reduce noise. Doing so however, reduces bandwidth and thus removes information from the sampled waveform that cannot be recovered. By avoiding use of or employing an anti-aliasing filter having a cut-off well above the typical cut-off frequency, signals having frequencies much higher than the sampling frequency that may include important information can be analyzed. According to another aspect there is provided a signal processor for processing under-sampled data extracted from a chirped sinusoidal waveform comprising a multiplier multiplying the under-sampled data with a chirped signal having characteristics similar to the sinusoidal waveform to generate a demodulated signal; and a signal analyzer analyzing the demodulated signal to determine selected characteristics of the sinusoidal waveform. According to yet another aspect there is provided a method of extracting selected characteristics of a chirped, sinusoidal waveform comprising under-sampling the sinusoidal waveform below Nyquist in the absence of all anti-aliasing filter having a bandwidth generally at the typical cut-off rate; and processing the under-sampled data using at least one complex-heterodyne to determine the selected characteristics. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.

7769008

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to multicasting technology for delivering information, such as a data content. Multicasting is a known communication technique that is effective for delivering the same information (such as content) to multiple (user) terminals. Multicasting is advantageous over unicasting, i.e., point-to-point transmission of information, because it reduces the load on a delivery server and reduces traffic. In multicasting, an Internet Group Membership Protocol (IGMP) may be used for IPv4 and a Multicast Listener Discovery (MLD) protocol may used as a protocol for IPv6. The IGMP is defined in the Request for Comments (RFC) 1112 and RFC 2236 documents, which are Internet standards laid open by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). Likewise, the MLD protocol is defined in the RFC 2710 document. The above-mentioned IGMP and MLD protocols may be used between hosts and packet routing devices (such as gateways and routers). In multicasting, for effective delivery of the same data to multiple hosts, these protocols are used to control host groups (multicast groups) configured for receiving multicast datagrams. The IGMP and MLD protocols are used when a host sends a request to join a multicast group (request for delivery of multicast data) and when a host sends a request to leave a multicast group (request to stop delivery of multicast data). According to the above-described multicasting technique, for example, when a host wishes to join or leave a particular multicast group, it sends an appropriate IGMP or MLD message to a packet routing device. The packet routing device can determine all hosts (registered member hosts) belonging to each of the multicast groups under its management by IGMP or MLD. Therefore, the packet routing device can transmit multicast data efficiently to such member hosts by making as many copies of one multicast packet as the number of specified hosts and transmit the copies simultaneously to all of the hosts. Meanwhile, it is possible that a user of an unregistered host may try to access a multicast group improperly. In this case, the unregistered host transmits, to a packet routing device, a request packet to join the multicast group. However, in the conventional system, the packet routing device rejects the request to join received from the unregistered host and just discards the received packet, thus sending no response to the unregistered host. As a result, the unregistered host cannot recognize why it cannot join the multicast group in response to its request. If a reply were to be sent to the unregistered host, then data delivery refusal messages would be sent to all hosts belonging to the multicast group (which is the object of the request to join the group). Content delivery service providers may wish to provide a preview or digest of a data content to be delivered to unregistered hosts and also to solicit membership registration with a multicast group. However, packet routing devices having the above-described background arrangements have no way of sending responses exclusively to unregistered hosts, as described above.

You are a knowledgeable patent classifier specializing in environmental technology. Examine the following summary of a patent and determine if it relates to green technology. SUMMARY: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to multicasting technology for delivering information, such as a data content. Multicasting is a known communication technique that is effective for delivering the same information (such as content) to multiple (user) terminals. Multicasting is advantageous over unicasting, i.e., point-to-point transmission of information, because it reduces the load on a delivery server and reduces traffic. In multicasting, an Internet Group Membership Protocol (IGMP) may be used for IPv4 and a Multicast Listener Discovery (MLD) protocol may used as a protocol for IPv6. The IGMP is defined in the Request for Comments (RFC) 1112 and RFC 2236 documents, which are Internet standards laid open by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). Likewise, the MLD protocol is defined in the RFC 2710 document. The above-mentioned IGMP and MLD protocols may be used between hosts and packet routing devices (such as gateways and routers). In multicasting, for effective delivery of the same data to multiple hosts, these protocols are used to control host groups (multicast groups) configured for receiving multicast datagrams. The IGMP and MLD protocols are used when a host sends a request to join a multicast group (request for delivery of multicast data) and when a host sends a request to leave a multicast group (request to stop delivery of multicast data). According to the above-described multicasting technique, for example, when a host wishes to join or leave a particular multicast group, it sends an appropriate IGMP or MLD message to a packet routing device. The packet routing device can determine all hosts (registered member hosts) belonging to each of the multicast groups under its management by IGMP or MLD. Therefore, the packet routing device can transmit multicast data efficiently to such member hosts by making as many copies of one multicast packet as the number of specified hosts and transmit the copies simultaneously to all of the hosts. Meanwhile, it is possible that a user of an unregistered host may try to access a multicast group improperly. In this case, the unregistered host transmits, to a packet routing device, a request packet to join the multicast group. However, in the conventional system, the packet routing device rejects the request to join received from the unregistered host and just discards the received packet, thus sending no response to the unregistered host. As a result, the unregistered host cannot recognize why it cannot join the multicast group in response to its request. If a reply were to be sent to the unregistered host, then data delivery refusal messages would be sent to all hosts belonging to the multicast group (which is the object of the request to join the group). Content delivery service providers may wish to provide a preview or digest of a data content to be delivered to unregistered hosts and also to solicit membership registration with a multicast group. However, packet routing devices having the above-described background arrangements have no way of sending responses exclusively to unregistered hosts, as described above. Is this patent green technology? Respond with 'yes' or 'no'.