Abstract: Push-pull signal is created on the basis of reflected-light detection signals output from four divided light receiving elements that receive a reflection of a recording laser light beam off an optical disk. The push-pull signal is sent to a gain variation circuit. The push-pull signal is normalized by setting the gain of the gain variation circuit to a low level in response to a mark forming section of a recording signal, but to a high level in response to a blank forming section of the recording signal. Wobble detection and pre-pit detection are performed on the basis of the normalized push-pull signal.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of medical devices for delivering contrast media during medical diagnostic and therapeutic imaging procedures and more particularly, this invention relates to improved contrast media delivery systems and methods of use which allow adjustment of contrast media concentration and injection parameters either before or during an injection procedure to provide patient specific dosing of contrast media, thus decreasing the waste and cost of these procedures while increasing their efficiency.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical extraction port (LSEP) includes a port having a radially-enlarged distal end. A sheath having a plurality of circumferentially-spaced prongs is slidingly mounted onto the port. With the prongs contracted radially-inwardly and the LSEP in its contracted position, a surgeon inserts the LSEP into a patient's abdominal cavity through an incision. The surgeon then expands the LSEP by pulling the port rearwardly such that the radially-enlarged distal end expands the prongs radially-outwardly. The surgeon then positions a specimen and endo-bag in the funnel formed by the expanded prongs. The specimen, endo-bag, and prongs are thereafter simultaneously extracted through the incision. A radially-inward force that is applied to the prongs by the incision substantially prevents the specimen from bunching or rupturing during the extraction process.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention includes an image sensing device configured and arranged to measure a pattern in a patterned beam of radiation. The image sensing device comprises a slab on which at least two sensors are formed. The sensors are sensitive to radiation of the beam and are arranged on a first side of the slab. A film that is non-transparent to radiation of the beam is provided at the first side over the sensors. The film includes a patterned segment above each sensor.

Abstract: A vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) device with improved power and beam characteristics. The VCSEL device contains one VCSEL or an array of VCSELs. Each VCSEL has a corresponding integrated microlens, and a heat sink is attached to the device side of the VCSEL device. The heat sink allows improved heat dissipation, and therefore provides improved power characteristics of the VCSEL device output laser beam. The microlens or microlens array allows easier and more compact focussing of the VCSEL device output laser beam. The VCSEL device can be used in a variety of optical systems, and its improved power and focusing characteristics provide a compact, low power, low cost laser system.

Abstract: In a mask pattern for a device such as a DRAM including a nearly regular array of isolated features, assist features are positioned so as to make the array more symmetric. Where the isolated features are positioned at most but not all of the points of a regular unit cell, the assist features may be positioned at the points of the unit cell not occupied by the isolated features. The isolated features may represent contact holes.

Abstract: Recombinantly produced L1 major capsid proteins which mimic conformational naturalizing epitopes on human and animal papilloma virions including canine and equine papilloma virions are provided. These recombinant proteins are useful as vaccines for conferring protection against papillomavirus infection. Antibodies to the recombinant protein are also provided. Such antibodies are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of viral infection.

Abstract: Serially transmitted digital data are received in a predetermined format such as an SPDIF format. In the format, identification data are incorporated in the serial data in predetermined cycles. Generation of a train of bit-extracting pulses having a predetermined pulse generation pattern is triggered by detection of a pulse edge of the received serial data. By counting the bit-extracting pulses, bit location information is generated which identifies each bit location in the received serial data. Each identification data is detected from among the received digital data and the number of detections of the identification data within a predetermined time period is calculated, so as to identify a transmission rate of the digital data on the basis of the number of detections.

Abstract: A novel compression method uses bitmaps to reduce the memory storage requirement of routing table information to about 3 MB. The data structure can be used for both route lookup and update. It does not require a separate data structure to be used for route update. A fast route lookup method is also disclosed. An efficient update method supports incremental route update. Through configuring a processor properly and developing a few customized instructions specifically for route lookup, the system can achieve more than 10 million lookups per second (MLPS) at 200 MHz. Using a configurable processor for route lookup/update provides more flexibility and extensibility which supports different data structures and lookup/update methods to meet application specific needs. The data structure and lookup method can be implemented in pure hardware in a pipelined fashion to achieve approximately 100 MLPS.

Abstract: An automatic piston installation apparatus according to the present invention includes a block positioning mechanism for positioning a cylinder block in a working area separated from a conveying line by moving the cylinder block in vertical and horizontal directions and by rotating the cylinder block around the crankshaft, a piston positioning mechanism for positioning the piston at an insertion position by moving the piston to the working area, a piston inserting mechanism for inserting the piston into a cylinder bore from above in the vertical direction, a cap positioning mechanism for positioning the connecting-rod cap by moving the connecting-rod cap to a fastened position in the working area, and a fastening mechanism for fastening the connecting-rod cap from below in the vertical direction. Thereby, the piston can be installed in various engines, such as inline-type and V-type engines, automatically, with a high degree of accuracy, and reliably, and productivity can also be improved.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus for spatial control of dissociation and ionization and a method for controlling the dissociation and ionization in the plasma. An aspect of the present invention provides a plasma processing apparatus for spatial control of dissociation and ionization includes a process chamber, a plasma generating system configured and arranged to produce a plasma in the process chamber, a substrate holder configured to hold a substrate during substrate processing, a gas source configured to introduce gases into the process chamber, a pressure-control system for maintaining a selected pressure within the process chamber, and, a plurality of partitions dividing the internal volume of the process chamber into one or more spatial zones. These partitions extend from a wall of the process chamber toward said substrate holder.

Abstract: A position control apparatus and method has been devised which provides for an improved means of suppressing tracking error from a variable position reference occurring when a control object positioned via a transmission mechanism with mechanical transmission error resumes movement from a state stopped at a target position. A selection between two alternative tracking error compensating means within the control apparatus is made based on whether the detected position of the control object changes in a period after the control object stops and before the variable position reference is input again to a control deviation generating unit.

Abstract: An antenna assembly for mounting on a backstay of a sailboat. An insulative support apparatus includes a slotted center tube that can be forced over the backstay for mounting thereon. First and second outer tubes are attached on opposite sides of the center tube for holding first and second elongated radiators. Proximal ends of the radiators are electrically joined together and to a lead in-wire for connection to a receiver and/or transmitter. Distal ends of the radiators are secured at distal ends of the outer tubes by attachment to eyelets on the bottoms of plugs inserted into the distal ends of the outer tubes, which serve additionally to prevent water from entering the tubes. The outer tubes each include a water drainage channel to allow moisture accumulating to run out a bottom, proximal end of each tube.

Abstract: A fluid machinery includes a helical mechanism connected to a driving mechanism, which is driven via a crank shaft. The helical mechanism includes a cylinder defining an inner space, a roller disposed inside the cylinder so as to be rotated in an eccentric manner, the roller being formed with a plurality of helical grooves on an outer peripheral surface, and at least one seal ring groove between respective helical grooves, a plurality of helical blades fitted to the helical grooves so as to be disposed between as inner peripheral surface of the cylinder and the outer peripheral surface of the roller, and at least one seal ring fitted to the seal ring groove so as to tightly seal the inner space as a plurality of operation sections. Furthermore, a plurality of suction ports and a plurality of drain ports, associated with respective operation sections, communicate with each other.

Abstract: An optical element which is capable of varying an optical characteristic thereof using a polymer dispersive liquid crystal and usable as a vari-focal lens element, a vari-focal diffractive optical element, a variable declination prism or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for testing the condition of a cellular radio system. The cellular radio system comprises a testing device which is a fixed part of the cellular radio system and operationally connected to a data network. The testing device has a connection over radio path to one or more base stations, and the operational condition of the cellular radio system is examined by means of the testing device by utilizing the radio connection of the testing device to at least one base station. In addition, the data network is utilized.

Abstract: An expanding, inner diameter gripping collet assembly for a pick-off spindle. An arbor base is connected to the pick-off spindle and is moveably connected to a moveable arbor. The moveable arbor engages and is driven by the pick-off spindle nose. The moveable arbor has motion-translating cam surfaces on one end that engage corresponding surfaces on one end of an expanding collet. A drawplug having motion-translating cam surfaces that engage corresponding ones on the other end of an expanding collet is inserted through the moveable arbor and secured into the arbor base. The collet assembly also includes an ejector housing, in which an ejector is positioned for sliding movement. A compression spring biases the ejector forwardly.

Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing facility has a proper strength and an anti-vibration effect. The semiconductor facility contains processing apparatuses, installation tables and an installation floor. An apparatus having a vibration source is installed on an installation table having a rigid structure. The installation table is installed on the installation floor having a floor construction including a plurality of columns, which support a floor member extending in horizontal directions. An interval of the columns is 4 m to 12 m.

Abstract: An IC card having nonvolatile and volatile memory is disclosed. An IC card generates a volatile object, and accesses the volatile object using a reference address on a nonvolatile memory. These volatile objects are dynamically generated. The objects are allocated addresses in order from volatile objects with shorter terms to volatile objects with longer terms, so as to allow garbage collection and reuse of a volatile memory.

Abstract: A magnetic actuator for adjusting a force on a load is presented herein. The magnetic actuator comprises a first actuating part that includes a first magnetic element and a second magnetic element, a second actuating part that includes a third magnetic element and a piezoelectric element attached to the first and second magnetic elements to relatively displace the first and second magnetic elements. The first actuating part and said second actuating part are constructed and arranged to generate a magnetic force between both actuating parts along a first direction with a load being attached to one of the first and second actuating parts.