A method for controlling a user equipment (UE) capable of receiving a point-to-multipoint service in a wireless communication system comprises receiving a point-to-multipoint service and performing a cell reselection in response to completion of the receiving of the point-to-multipoint service. The cell reselection is performed among multiple frequencies. The cell reselection may be performed in response to signaling from the network. The cell reselection may be performed regardless of whether cell reselection criteria are satisfied. The cell reselection criteria may comprise at least one of a cell reselection reference value between frequencies and a cell reselection reference value within a frequency. The cell reselection criteria may be embodied in frequency layer dispersion (FLD) information. Alternatively, the cell reselection criteria may be embodied in frequency layer convergence (FLC) information.

The UMTS (universal mobile telecommunications system) is a third generation mobile communications system evolved from the European GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) system and aims to provide improved mobile communication services based on a GSM core network and a wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA) technology.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of a UMTS network.
Referring to FIG. 1, the UMTS system generally consists of a terminal (e.g., user equipment (UE)), a UTRAN (UTMS radio access network) and a CN (core network). The UTRAN includes one or more RNSs (radio network sub-systems). Each RNS includes a single RNC (radio network controller) and one or more base stations (e.g., node-Bs) managed by the RNC. Each Node B managed by the RNC receives information sent from a physical layer of a terminal on the uplink, and transmits data to the terminal on the downlink. Thus, the node-B serves as an access point to the UTRAN for the terminal. The RNC allocates and manages radio resources, and serves as an access point to the CN for the UTRAN.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a connection structure between a UTRAN and a terminal in a UMTS network. As such, FIG. 2 shows an exemplary architecture of radio interface protocols between a terminal and a UTRAN based on a 3GPP radio access network specification.
Referring to FIG. 2, the radio protocol is horizontally arranged to include a physical layer, a data link layer and a network layer. The radio protocol is vertically divided into a user plane for transmitting data information and a control plane for transferring control signals. Furthermore, the protocol layers shown in FIG. 2 may be divided into a first layer L1, a second layer L2 and a third layer L3, based upon the three lower layers of an open system interconnection (OSI) specification model that is well-known in the art of communications systems.
The first layer L1 (e.g., the physical layer) uses physical channels to provide information transfer service to its upper layers. The physical layer is connected via a transport channel to a medium access control (MAC) layer located at an upper layer thereof. Data between the medium access control layer and the physical layer is transferred via this transport channel. Furthermore, the data between different physical layers, i.e. between physical layers of transmitting side and receiving side, is transferred via the physical layer.
The MAC layer of the second layer L2 provides services to an upper radio link control (RLC) layer via a logical channel. The RLC layer of the L2 supports reliable data transmissions and performs segmentation and concatenation of RLC SDUs (service data units).
The RRC (Radio Resource Control) layer positioned in the lowest portion of the third layer (L3) is defined in the control plane and controls the transport channels and the physical channels for establishment, reconfiguration, and release of radio bearers (RBs). The RB indicates a service by the L2 for a data transfer between the terminal and the UTRAN. In general, establishing the RB denotes processes of stipulating the characteristics of a protocol layer and a channel, which are required for providing a specific service, and setting corresponding parameters and operation methods.
When the RRC layer of a specific terminal and the RRC layer of the UTRAN are connected to each other to exchange RRC messages, the corresponding terminal is in a RRC connected state. On the contrary, when not connected to each other, the corresponding terminal is in an idle state. The terminal in the RRC connected state is further divided into URA_PCH state and CELL_PCH state, CELL_FACH state and CELL_DCH state. Terminals in the idle state or the URA_PCH state and CELL_PCH state use a discontinuous reception (DRX) method to reduce power consumption, thereby discontinuously receiving a physical channel (i.e., SCCPCH (secondary common control physical channel)) to which a physical channel (i.e., PICH (paging indicator channel)) and a transport channel (i.e., PCH (paging channel)) are mapped. The terminal is in a sleeping mode during the remaining time periods excluding those times when receiving the PICH or the SCCPCH. The terminal performing the DRX method wakes up once per DRX cycle length to receive a PI (paging indicator) of the PICH channel.
The terminal in the RRC connected state may further have a signaling connection with the CN. In this case, the signaling connection indicates a path for exchanging control messages between the terminal and the CN. The RRC connected state denotes a connection between the terminal the UTRAN, while the signaling connection denotes a connection between the terminal and the CN. The terminal uses the signaling connection to inform the CN of its position and/or to request services. The terminal should be in the RRC connected state to have a signaling connection.
A MBMS (multimedia broadcast/multicast service) is described below.
The MBMS refers to a service for providing streaming or background services to a plurality of terminals using a downlink dedicated MBMS bearer service. In the UTRAN, the MBMS bearer uses a point-to-multipoint radio bearer (RB) and a point-to-point RB. At this time, the point-to-multipoint RB uses a common channel (e.g., using the SCCPCH as a physical layer) so that a plurality of terminals subscribed to a corresponding service may receive the service.
The MBMS is divided into a broadcast mode and a multicast mode. The MBMS broadcast mode is a service for transmitting multimedia data to all users within a broadcast area. Conversely, the MBMS multicast mode is a service for transmitting the multimedia data only to a specific user group within a multicast area. The broadcast area refers to a region in which it is possible to transmit the broadcast service, and the multicast area refers to a region in which it is possible to transmit the multicast service.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the UMTS network providing a point-to-multipoint service to the terminal.
Referring to FIG. 3, a UE1 performs a subscribing process in order to receive an MBMS service. The UE1 also receives a service announcement provided by the network regarding the MBMS service. Subscribing refers to the establishment of a relationship between a service provider and a user. A service announcement refers to providing the terminal an index and other information related to the services to be provided. For example, a terminal that desires to receive the MBMS service of a multicast mode should join a multicast group. The multicast group refers to a group of terminals receiving a specific multicast service. Joining refers to a user merging with other users in a multicast group to receive a particular multicast service. The terminal may inform the UMTS network that it desires to receive specific multicast data through MBMS multicast joining. On the contrary, leaving is a procedure in which a terminal that joined a specific multicast group releases its joining to the multicast group. Each terminal performs such subscribing, joining and leaving processes. The terminal may perform the subscribing, joining, and leaving processes any time of before, during, or after data transmission.
During performance of a specific MBMS service, one or more sessions may sequentially be generated with respect to the MBMS service. If data to be transmitted for the specific MBMS service is generated in a MBMS service source, the CN notifies a session start to the RNC. However, if there is no data to be transmitted for the specific MBMS service in the MBMS service source, the CN notifies a session end to the RNC. The data transmission with respect to the specific MBMS service may be carried out between the session start and the session end. At this time, the data transmitted through the data transmission process is transmitted only to terminals that have joined the multicast group.
In the session start process, the UTRAN receives the session start notification from the CN and transfers a MBMS notification to the terminals. The MBMS notification refers to the UTRAN informing a terminal that the data transmission of the specific MBMS service in a cell is imminent. The MBMS notification may be transmitted multiple times before the transmission of the data pertaining to the service. When carrying out the MBMS notification process, the UTRAN may also count the number of terminals receiving the specific MBMS service within a cell. The counting may be used for determining whether a point-to-multipoint RB or a point-to-point RB is set as the RB for transmitting the specific MBMS service data, or whether no RB is set.
The UTRAN internally establishes a threshold value to select an appropriate MBMS RB. After the UTRAN counts the number of terminals, if the counted number of terminals receiving the corresponding MBMS service within the corresponding cell is smaller than the threshold value, the UTRAN establishes a point-to-point RB. However, a point-to-multipoint RB is established if the counted number of terminals is greater than the threshold value. After determining the MBMS RB, the UTRAN informs the terminals of the establishment information of the corresponding RB.
When the point-to-point RB is established for the specific service, the terminals that desire to receive the service must be in the RRC connected mode state. However, when the point-to-multipoint RB is established for the specific service, the terminals that desire to receive the service do not have to be in the RRC connected mode state. That is, terminals in an idle state may also receive the MBMS service data by using the point-to-multipoint RB. However, if no terminals are counted, the UTRAN does not establish any RB and does not transmit the MBMS service data. As such, the UTRAN establishing an RB when there is no user who wants to receive the service may cause undesirable consumption of radio resources. The UTRAN initiates a transmission for MBMS service data received from the CN during a session using the determined RB.
During the counting process, the UTRAN does not have any information pertaining to terminals in an RRC idle mode. Accordingly, when the terminals in the RRC idle mode are requested by the UTRAN for counting (with respect to MBMS services subscribed by the terminals), the terminals in the RRC idle mode implement an RRC connection with the UTRAN. As a result, the terminals notify the UTRAN that the terminals in the RRC idle mode want to receive the specific MBMS service.
However, when the terminals have a signaling connection with the SGSN (serving general packet radio service support node), the SGSN informs the UTRAN of information related to the MBMS of the terminals. The information includes a list of MBMS services subscribed to by the terminals. Therefore, the UTRAN may recognize whether the terminals have subscribed to a specific MBMS service. Accordingly, the terminals do not respond to the request for the counting from the UTRAN. Terminals which do not have the signaling connection with the SGSN but are in the RRC connected state may inform the UTRAN of the list of MBMS services subscribed to by the terminals. Hence, the UTRAN may recognize the number of terminals desiring to receive the specific MBMS service without receiving any response from the terminals in the RRC connected state.
The UTRAN may perform the counting process during a session of the MBMS service or in the initial step of the MBMS service. This is because, during the MBMS session, the terminal may move into another cell, turn off its power, or discontinue use of the MBMS service. Therefore, the number of terminals desiring to receive the MBMS service in a cell may change. Thus, the UTRAN may perform the counting process to establish the RB more efficiently even while the MBMS session is ongoing.
A FLC (Frequency Layer Convergence) is described below.
In the UMTS system, a base station may actually use one or more frequency bandwidths. That is, because all users may not receive services with appropriate qualities using only one frequency bandwidth in an area where many users are congregated (e.g., in a hot-spot), service providers consider the service demand in a region where the base station is positioned in order to provide services by using more than one frequency bandwidth.
When one base station uses several frequencies, for example several adjacent frequencies, the propagation characteristics of radio waves in each frequency have many similarities. If one MBMS service is provided using a power level corresponding to approximately ten percent of the entire power available for a specific frequency in a specific cell, when the base station provides the same MBMS service at other frequencies, significant radio resources may be consumed.
Therefore, when a base station uses several frequencies, the base station selects one frequency among the available frequencies to provide the MBMS service. The terminals then move to the selected frequency. The preceding operations are referred to as FLC (Frequency Layer Convergence). The specific frequency selected by the base station to provide the MBMS service is referred to as a preferred frequency.
In FLC, when notifying terminals of a MBMS start, the base station informs the terminals of the preferred frequency on which the MBMS service is provided to induce the terminals to move to the specific frequency. To this end, the base station informs the terminals positioned at frequencies other than the preferred frequency that the MBMS service is provided only at the preferred frequency. Then, the terminals carry out a cell reselection procedure. When a condition for changing a cell is satisfied, the terminals reselect a cell to move to the preferred frequency.
The cell reselection by the terminals is described below.
The cell reselection process is a process for positioning a terminal in a cell that provides services of at least a minimum quality. In this process, the terminal compares the quality of a serving cell against the quality of a neighboring cell. If the quality of the neighboring cell is superior to that of the serving cell, the terminal reestablishes the neighboring cell as its serving cell.
Cell quality may be influenced by radio wave environment, which may change in an irregular manner. As a result, a terminal located at a boundary of more than two cells frequently performs cell reselection in an alternating fashion (e.g., selecting different cells in turn). Whenever cell reselection is performed, the terminal must re-register its location with a new cell or temporarily stop data transmissions. Accordingly, cell reselection should not be performed more frequently than necessary, to prevent waste of resources. Accordingly, when the quality of the serving cell is higher than a specific reference value, the terminal does not perform cell reselection. The specific reference value is set at a value by which services may be provided at a satisfactory level to the terminal. That is, even if the serving cell does not provide better quality than neighboring cells, if the quality of the serving cell is higher than the specific reference, then the terminal does not perform cell reselection.
When a base station uses several frequencies, each frequency may be for a particular cell, and the cell reselection is used in Cell_PCH, Cell_FACH, URA_PCH and idle mode in which the UTRAN does not assign a cell where the terminal should be positioned.
FLC is described in relationship with cell reselection, below. When a frequency in a cell in which a terminal is positioned is not a preferred frequency, the terminal receives information regarding the preferred frequency from a base station at an initial step of the MBMS service. However, as described above, if the quality of the cell in which the terminal is positioned exceeds a specific reference value, the terminal does not perform the cell reselection process. Because the MBMS service subscribed by the terminal is provided only at the preferred frequency, if the terminal does not move to the preferred frequency, the terminal may not receive the service to which it subscribed. Therefore, in order for the terminal to receive the service to which it has subscribed, when a specific MBMS service is provided only at a preferred frequency and the terminal does not position itself at the preferred frequency, the terminal performs the cell reselection process even if the quality of the serving cell where the terminal is positioned is higher than the specific reference value.
In the cell reselection process, the base station informs the terminal of an offset value to facilitate the selection of the preferred frequency by the terminal. The offset value is added to a quality measurement value of a cell positioned at the preferred frequency or is excluded from a quality measurement value of a cell not positioned at the preferred frequency. A specific frequency or a specific cell is determined to have a quality better than that of other cells based on this offset value. Accordingly, the base station may increase the probability that the terminal moves to the preferred frequency or the specific cell.
As mentioned above, the FLC is a method for positioning a plurality of terminals at a specific frequency bandwidth in a certain area. That is, using this FLC method, the base station may reduce consumption of radio resources to provide the MBMS service to the terminals.
However, the FLC deliberately changes a distribution of terminals in order to position many terminals at a preferred frequency. As a result, many terminals are positioned at the preferred frequency, but a relatively small number of terminals are positioned at other frequencies. Therefore, a load is converged only upon a specific cell, causing an imbalance between the frequencies and cells. In addition, as compared to a uniform distribution of terminals over several cells, when FLC is implemented, the terminals may receive services of lesser quality, resulting in an inefficient allocation of radio resources.
As described above, at the initial step of the MBMS service, the terminal performs the cell reselection process to move into the cell of the preferred frequency on the basis of information transmitted from the base station even if the quality of the serving cell in which the terminal is positioned exceeds a certain reference value. However, after completing the MBMS service, when the quality of the cell in which the terminal is positioned exceeds the specific reference value, the terminal does not move into a new cell but remains positioned at the preferred frequency. That is, the state of the MBMS service start, i.e. that terminals positioned at other frequencies are converged upon the preferred frequency, continues until after the MBMS service is completed. A problem may occur, however, in which the number of terminals to which a cell may provide services with the appropriate quality is exceeded. This problem may continue even after the MBMS service has ended.
In general, if the terminal is positioned in a cell with the best quality, much data may be exchanged with the base station even with relatively low power. However, depending on the current FLC method of the MBMS service, although the terminal may receive a service with far better quality from another frequency or cell after the MBMS service is completed, the terminal does not change the frequency. Instead, the terminal remains continuously positioned at the same frequency as long as the quality of the currently selected cell is higher than a certain reference value. This distribution of terminals after the MBMS service is completed may waste power in terminals.

Terminal distribution control for point-to-multipoint service in wireless communication system


A method for increasing surface deposition of silicone from soap and improving processing characteristics of soap and a corresponding composition are disclosed. The composition includes a fatty alkyl silicone, a fatty silicate ester, a high viscosity lower alkyl silicone fluid, a silicone surfactant, and an organic surfactant. The organic surfactant is one or more of a nonionic, cationic or anionic surfactant, a fatly ester sulfonate, sorbitan monostearate, and sodium lauryl sulfate.

Soaps are widely used as skin cleansers, cleaning skin effectively and economically. However, they are not particularly mild. Soaps irritate skin, resulting in reddening, roughening and dryness. Therefore, materials which can counteract the irritating effects of soap, including moisturizers, synthetic surfactants and silicones are commonly included in the formulation of a soap bar.
Silicones have long been known to provide a light, silky feel on hair and skin. However, when silicones are incorporated in bar soaps, they have a tendency to wash off along with the soap, leaving no silicone residue on the skin. When silicones are added to bar soaps in the form of fluids, they tend to become emulsified and the emulsion is washed away with the lather of the soap. Therefore, even very viscous fluids fail to provide the sensory benefits of silicones when applied through bar soaps. Compositions containing silicones also show reduced lather formation.
Surprisingly, it has now been discovered that when a blend of a fatty alkyl modified silicone, a fatty silicate ester, a high viscosity fluid silicone, a silicone surfactant and a nonionic/cationic/anionic organic surfactant are incorporated in a bar soap, enough silicone is deposited on the skin surface to provide superior sensory benefits while maintaining the lathering and cleaning properties of the soap. Further, the film deposited is not highly stable, so an undesirable build up of silicone on the surface over time is avoided.
The present composition offers the flexibility to incorporate the silicones using nonionic, cationic and anionic surfactants in bar soap formulations based on very different oil-based raw materials. The composition can be used as an emulsion and added to soap noodles or converted to a granular additive with conventional fillers and added directly to soap during amalgamation. The practical difficulty of mixing high viscosity fluids during soap manufacture is therefore overcome.
The use of silicones in cleansing bar compositions has been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,849 to Visscher et al., issued Oct. 13, 1992 and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,661,120 to Finucane et al., issued Aug. 26, 1997. The silicones disclosed, however, are difficult to incorporate in a soap bar because of their high viscosity. The art does not suggest a blend of long chain substituted silicones and short chain substituted silicones with organic surfactants.

Silicone composition for bar soap applications


An electrical connector for electrically connecting an electronic package such as a central processing unit with a circuit substrate such as a printed circuit board. The electrical connector includes an insulative base (1), and a cover (2) slidably attached on the base. The cover includes a pair of opposite retention flanges (22). A pair of sliding slots (222) is defined in the flanges, and a pair of locating recesses (221) is defined in the flanges respectively adjacent the sliding slots. The base includes a pair of opposite sliding rails (1222), and a pair of locating protrusions (1221) formed respectively adjacent the sliding rails. When the cover is attached to the base, the sliding slots guide and receive the sliding rails therein, and the locating recesses retainingly receive the locating protrusions therein.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electrical connector for electrically connecting an electronic package such as a central processing unit (CPU) with a circuit substrate such as a printed circuit board (PCB), and particularly to a CPU socket with a cover and base that-facilitates safe and reliable assembly of the cover and the base.
2. Description of the Prior Art
CPU sockets axe widely used in personal computer (PC) systems to electrically connect CPUs with PCBs. Referring to FIG. 3, a conventional CPU socket 5 comprises a base 51, and a cover 52 slidably engaged on the base 51. Typically, the base 51 comprises two tabs 511 formed on each of two opposite aide walls (not labeled) thereof. The cover 52 comprises a supporting plate 521 for supporting the CPU when the CPU is electrically connected with the CPU socket 5. Two retention flanges 522 extend perpendicularly from opposite lateral sides of the supporting plate 521, for fittingly receiving the two side walls of the base 51 therebetween. Two slots 5221 are defined in each retention flange 522, for retainingly receiving the corresponding tabs 511 therein when the cover 52 is pressed onto the base 51. Thus, the retention flanges 522 abut the side walls of the base 51, and the cover 52 is attached to the base 51.
However, because the cover 52 is pressed onto the base 51 in a vertical direction, the tabs 511 outwardly deform the retention flanges 522 before the tabs 511 are received in the slots 5221. Occasionally, such deformation of the retention flanges 522 results in unduly loose engagement between the cover 52 and the base 51. When this happens, the cover 52 may not slide properly or may fail to slide altogether. Furthermore, damage to the whole CPU socket 5 may result.
In view of the above, a new CPU socket that overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages is desired.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector for electrically connecting an electronic package such as a CPU with a circuit substrate such as a PCB, whereby the electrical connector can prevent undue deformation of a cover thereof.
To achieve the above-mentioned object, an electrical connector in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes an insulative base and a cover slidably attached on the base. The cover includes a pair of opposite retention flanges. A pair of sliding slots is defined in the flanges, and a pair of locating recesses is defined in the flanges respectively adjacent the sliding slots. The base includes a pair of opposite sliding rails, and a pair of locating protrusions formed respectively adjacent the sliding rails. When the cover is attached to the base, the sliding slots guide and receive the sliding rails therein, and the locating recesses retainingly receive the locating protrusions therein.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Socket connector with reliable cover and base configuration


A congestion notification method includes receiving, by a network side device, a congestion status of a target network area sent by a radio access network (RAN) congestion awareness function (RCAF) entity, where the target network area is a network area involved in an application service provided by a target application server; and sending, by the network side device, the congestion status of the target network area to the target application server.

When a network in an area is congested, a service provided by an application server for user equipment (UE) in the area is affected. For example, a service transmission delay increases, service bearer establishment fails, and a transmission rate is limited. Because the application server cannot perceive a congestion status, the application server continues performing downlink data transmission, which causes a waste of a network resource and may lead to a failure to properly use some important services due to a poor network condition.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Congestion notification method, related device, and system


A system and method of monitoring a signal repeating device in a wireless communication system is provided. An operational noise measurement is obtained by measuring a noise value outside of a bandwidth of a first element, but within a bandwidth of a second, subsequent element in a signal path of the device. The operational noise measurement is alternatively obtained by tuning an input band of the device to shift the input band partially or completely outside of a bandwidth of a first element to create an open band or by suppressing an input of an antenna and measuring noise within the open bandwidth of the device. A stored parameter is retrieved and compared to the measured operational noise. Alternatively, a leakage signal of the device may be received at a signal receiver and compared to a reference. The reference is a function of elements of the device in a leakage path of the leakage signal.

The present invention is directed to wireless transceiver systems for use in wireless communication systems, and specifically is directed to gain monitoring in the wireless transceiver systems.
Contemporary cellular phone systems and broadband wireless metropolitan networks are generally divided into a number of cells distributed in a pattern to preclude co-channel interferences and provide coverage of mobile and fixed subscriber units operating within the service area of the system. Each cell generally includes a base station that employs radio frequency (RF) transceiver equipment, antennas, and wire line communication equipment. In addition, some cells also include repeaters, distributed antenna systems (DAS), and/or remote radio heads in order to extend the coverage of the base station over longer distances, throughout buildings or tunnels, around obstacles, etc. These coverage extension elements, hereafter generically referred to as "repeaters", serve to filter, amplify, and re-radiate signals in both directions, from the base station to subscriber units (the "downlink" direction), and from subscriber units back to the base station (the "uplink" direction).
A repeater is normally configured to provide either a fixed amount of output power or a fixed amount of gain in each direction. Maintaining the desired operating levels is critical to achieving optimal network coverage and performance. Simply measuring the output power of the repeater at any given time is inadequate to guarantee proper operation, as the input signal levels may vary over time.
Therefore there is a need in the art for an inexpensive system able to monitor the total system gain and overall performance of a repeater, and to provide an indication if its performance falls outside pre-determined limits.

Gain measurement and monitoring for wireless communication systems


An apparatus, based on a conventional lathe, for the screening of ink transfer rollers including a rotatable screen forming tool rotably held above the ink transfer roller by a pivoted arm, is disclosed. The arm pivots about an axis parallel with the axis of rotation of the roller and to one side thereof with a damping device extending from the arm on a side opposite the pivot to a base. The base transverses along the lathe bed and rigidly supports a post to which the arm pivot is attached for adjustable height. The arm also includes a variable weight for adjusting the force of the tool upon the roller.

In the process of flexographic printing, or flexography, ink is transferred by an ink transfer roller from an ink source to a flexible printing plate or roller. The ink transfer roller is provided on its cylindrical surface with an array of small depressions or indentations called cells. The array of cells on the surface of the ink transfer roller is known as a screen. The screen receives and holds ink from a supply source, a scraper blade or a rubber roller removes excess ink from the surface of the roller, and the ink from the screen is then transferred, directly or indirectly to the flexographic printing plate or roller.
The ink transfer rollers are produced by forming a roller with a smooth cylindrical surface of a suitable material, usually a metal such as copper, and then forming a screen thereon. The screen is normally formed by rotating the ink transfer roller, bringing a rotatable screen forming tool into contact with the surface of the roller such that it rotates about an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the transfer roller and moving the rotating tool along the roller such that a helical path of cells is formed with adjacent turns of the helix in register.
The present invention provides an alternative to the conventional apparatus for the screening of ink transfer rollers i.e. forming a screen of cells on the cylindrical surface of the ink transfer roller.


An air-conditioner indoor unit (10) is configured to be capable of changing the direction of an airflow that is blown out through a blow-out port (15). The air-conditioner indoor unit (10) includes a control unit (40) that switches between a normal mode and a wide mode. The control unit (40) switches to the wide mode when an air conditioning load is higher than a predetermined value and extends at least vertically a range that is to be reached by the airflow in an air-conditioning target space in the wide mode compared with the normal mode.

To avoid wind of an indoor unit for an air conditioner from hitting a person and generating a draft feeling, PTL 1 suggests using a circulation airflow and a perpendicular airflow as airflows for uniform air conditioning of the entirety of a room without causing a person to feel wind.


The invention discloses an electrostatic discharge protection circuit suitable for an integrated circuit system. The integrated circuit system includes a first power terminal, a second power terminal, an internal circuit and a reset signal wiring. The electrostatic discharge protection circuit includes a first transistor and a second transistor. The first transistor has a first gate, a first electrode and a second electrode. The first gate is coupled to the first power-source. The first electrode is electrically connected to the second power-source. The second transistor has a second gate, a third electrode and a fourth electrode, which are electrically connected to the second electrode, the first power-source and the reset signal wiring respectively. When the integrated circuit system is under an electrostatic discharge condition, the first and the second transistors are switched on, so as to equalize the voltage level of the reset signal wiring to the voltage level of the first power terminal.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an electrostatic discharge protection circuit. More particularly, the invention relates to an electrostatic discharge protection circuit corresponding to a reset signal wiring.
2. Description of the Related Art
With the development of semiconductor technology, the integrated circuit imports some cutting-edged producing procedure. Therefore, the electronic product may have higher performance, smaller size, and lower power consumption. More and more circuit components are integrated into a compact system-on-chip (SoC) especially on some handheld electronic devices, e.g. mobile phone, digital camera, and personal digital assistant (PDA). Accordingly, the digital product with a tiny size may provide best performance.
In modern microelectronic circuits, the die size is shrinking with an exponential speed. Highly integrated electronic system nowadays is driven by some precise triggering signal, so as to perform some functions or judgment at a high frequency. However, the electronic system may be affected by the external or internal noise. For example, the electrostatic discharge (ESD) is one of the unstable factors in the microelectronic system. Unexpected ESD may cause malfunctions to some circuit components within the electronic system.
In general, there are two main effects of the ESD to the internal circuit. The first one is that a high discharging current may impact and damage the electron channel of the internal circuit during the electrostatic discharging. The other one is that the control signal wiring or input/output port of the IC may be interfered by the discharging current during the electrostatic discharging, and it may cause the system crash or malfunction.
In an integrated circuit chip, there are usually some important signal wirings, e.g. clock (CLK) wiring, enable (EN) wiring and reset (RST) wiring. For example, unexpected ESD may false-trigger the reset wiring in the chips, such that some working components or important references may be forced to reset accidentally. In this case, some function of the system may fail, or even the whole system may crash down. Sometimes, it needs to reboot the whole system or re-install firmware to repair the system. Therefore, the repair procedure may cost a lot of time and effort.
In order to prevent the ESD current from damaging the internal circuit, most electronic devices in prior art implement the ESD protection system. The ESD protection system is used for maintaining the reference voltage of the control signal wiring on a specific level, so as to prevent the false-triggering. However, the ESD protection system in prior art needs some specific circuit structure and firmware for operating and judging, so that the traditional ESD protection system is more complex. In other words, it needs both hardware and firmware working together for elevating the ESD protection capability.
The invention discloses an ESD protection circuit capable of detecting the electrostatic discharging, and it can maintain the level of the reset signal wiring when the electrostatic discharge is happening. In this way, the ESD protection circuit may avoid false-triggering on the reset signal wiring, so as to solve aforesaid problems.

Electrostatic discharge protection circuit


Hierarchical built-in self-test methods and arrangement for verifying system functionality. As a result, an effective built-in self-test methodology is provided for conducting complete system-on-chip testing, to ensure both the circuit reliability and performance of system-on-chip design. As an added advantage, development costs are reduced for system-on-chip applications.

The present invention relates generally to built-in-self-test design in and for computer chips.
Built-in self-test (BIST) design has been commonly implemented in memory and microprocessor chips. Some BIST designs are used only once during wafer-level or module-level testing to screen out bad chips. Other BIST designs are used to conduct self-checking and repairing after each power-on, throughout the lifetime of the chip. In today""s high-density, high-performance chip design, BIST has become a critical circuit component that determines the product""s development cost and time to market.
A typical BIST circuit in a high-density dynamic random access memory (DRAM) includes a controller, cache, pattern generator, and data comparator. (For instance, see Jeffery Dreibelbis, et al, xe2x80x9cProcessor-Based Built-In Self-Test for Embedded DRAMxe2x80x9d, IEEE Journal of Solid State Circuits, Vol. 33, No. 11, November 1988, pp. 1731-1739.) The controller uses signal bits to communicate with an external tester. Different test modes such as START, STOP, CONTINUE, REFRESH, READ, and WRITE can be carried out by programming the signal bits. Typically, the cache can store 256 20-bit instruction words in multiple programs. After the chip is powered on, the cache will be loaded with a set of test programs, which determines how the DRAM will be tested. The pattern generator is capable of generating common test patterns such as solid xe2x80x981xe2x80x99, solid xe2x80x980xe2x80x99, checkerboard, row stripe, column stripe, and march pattern. The data comparator compares the data read from DRAM with the expected data that are written to DRAM, and determines whether the circuit passes or fails the test.
A more detailed analysis can be performed during wafer burn-in or module burn-in. After scanning each row and column of the DRAM array, a built-in address stack register array will store the addresses with the highest fail counts. These addresses will be used for repairing by activating redundancies via fuse programming techniques.
By placing many different macros on a single chip, a system-on-chip (SOC) design takes full advantage of the integration technique to achieve multi-function operations. For example, a wireless communication chip may comprise an embedded DRAM memory macro, a Flash memory macro, a microprocessor core, a mixed signal macro, and some analog macros. One of the challenges of designing a complicated system chip is to verify its design. However, since most input and output pins of each macro become inaccessible after integration, it is difficult to conduct a reliable high-speed and low-cost testing of a system chip.
Since most existing built-in self-test circuits are tailored to the individual macros, the BIST design for single memory or processor chips cannot be applied to the system chip that includes both the memory and processor macros. The BIST design for memory testing cannot be used directly for processor testing, and vice versa. In addition, there is no known BIST design for analog, radio frequency (RF), and mixed signal macros. The lack of communication and coordination among the tests of different macros will further compound the complexity of the problem.
Accordingly, a need has been recognized in connection with providing an effective built-in self-test methodology to conduct the complete system-on-chip testing, to ensure the circuit reliability and performance of system-on-chip design.
In accordance with at least one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, a hierarchical built-in self-test (BIST) design method is provided for testing an integrated system chip with various functional blocks and macros.
The present invention also broadly contemplates, in accordance with at least one embodiment, the provision of a central BIST controller, one or more local BIST circuits for each macro, and data/control paths to perform the system on chip (SOC) test operations.
Further contemplated herein is the provision of a hierarchical test methodology that allows various levels (or more than one level) of testing on different macros. For example, the highest level of testing detects each macro""s faults that are not reparable. The next level of testing detects the macro interface""s faults that are not reparable. The following levels of testing may include self-repairing, self-tuning, and parameter adjustment for each macro to ensure its performance and functionality. The last level of testing conducts interface debugging and yield analysis, and sends reports to the external tester.
In accordance with at least one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, a central BIST controller comprises: programmable devices for storing the test patterns and programming the test commands for each macro; a state machine for executing the test sequence for each macro in an orderly manner; a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) for collecting the feedback data from the local BIST circuits; and a built-in processor for conducting intra-macro and inter-macro testing via programs from an external tester.
Additionally contemplated herein is the provision of a test algorithm that performs self-testing and sets stopping criteria in a hierarchical and parallel manner to reduce the total test time.
In summary, one aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for providing hierarchical built-in self-testing for a system-on-chip, the apparatus comprising: a central BIST controller; at least one local BIST circuit; and at least one communication medium provided between the central BIST controller and the at least one local BIST circuit.
Another aspect of the invention provides a method of providing hierarchical built-in self-testing for a system-on-chip, the method comprising the steps of: providing a central BIST controller; providing at least one local BIST circuit; and communicating between the central BIST controller and the at least one local BIST circuit.
Furthermore, another aspect of the invention provides a program storage device readable by machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform method steps for providing hierarchical built-in self-testing for a system-on-chip, the method comprising the steps of: providing a central BIST controller; providing at least one local BIST circuit; and communicating between the central BIST controller and the at least one local BIST circuit.
For a better understanding of the present invention, together with other and further features and advantages thereof, reference is made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and the scope of the invention will be pointed out in the appended claims.

Hierarchical built-in self-test for system-on-chip design

International Business Machines Corporation


A countershaft-type transmission device has an input central shaft and an input hollow shaft and two powershift elements. One first half of the powershift elements is in connection with one drive unit and a second half of the powershift elements is connected with the input central shaft or the input hollow shaft. The input central shaft, the input hollow shaft and countershafts are supported in one housing and connected with gear wheels, which are engaged with each other by pairs and can be connected and disconnected to produce a transmission total ratio in the power flow. The input central shaft is supported in the housing via a first bearing device and the drive unit is supported via a second bearing device on a shaft connected with a drive unit, the input hollow shaft being supported on the input central shaft via a third bearing device and a fourth bearing device.

DE 43 30 170 C2 disclosed a six-gear dual clutch transmission designed on the input side with a so-called dual clutch formed by two frictionally coupled shifting elements. In this dual clutch transmission, input torque of a prime mover applied via a motor output shaft, depending on a transmitting capacity adjusted at the time in the shifting elements, is passed to a first central input shaft or to a second input shaft supported on the central input shaft and designed as a hollow shaft. The input central shaft and the input hollow shaft are each non-rotatably connected with one gear wheel which, in turn, meshes with respective gear wheels, each non-rotatably connected with one countershaft. Both countershafts are disposed concentrically to each other, one countershaft designed as a hollow shaft being supported on one other central countershaft.
To produce different gear steps, the six-gear dual clutch transmission is designed with added gear wheel pairs connectable via synchronizer units, the input torque of the prime mover changed according to the total ratio of the transmission adjusted at the moment being relayed via a transmission output shaft disposed coaxially to the transmission input.
The strong toothing forces acting in the area of the gear wheel pairs connected with the input shaft designed as a hollow shaft, hereinafter designated as a transmission input hollow shaft, are introduced in the transmission housing via supports on the housing side. The forces engaging on the input central shaft are introduced in the housing via bearing devices on the housing side of the input central shaft.
This arrangement, however, is disadvantageously distinguished by unfavorable load characteristic values which result in a short service life of the transmission and undesirable with regard to the operation costs of a motor vehicle throughout the service life thereof. Furthermore, supports of wheel sets on the housing side, in general, increase the production costs and the required installation space of a transmission, in addition, making and assembly difficult.
Accordingly, the problem on which this invention is based is to make a transmission device of countershaft type available which, in the area of the bearings of the input shafts, stands out by low load characteristic values, long service life and easy assemblage.


This invention relates to a coating comprising prepolymer and monomers for application onto polyurethane for chemical resistance, abrasion resistance, water proof etc. Usually polyurethane is porous and does not have sufficient stain, abrasion and chemical resistance. The said coatings developed using technology of chemical grafting that involves the use of prepolymers, monomers, catalyst, graft initiator, wetting agents, fillers and other ingredients of the composition. The coating thus obtained when applied on the polyurethane allows obtaining graft polymerization, thereby forming a polymeric film chemically attached to the substrate. The polyurethane substrate is reacted with craft initiator which creates the reaction sites on the substrate via free radical mechanism. This in turn renders the substrate receptive to attachment of monomers/prepolymers forming polymeric film that is chemically bonded to the substrate which has then the desired property in terms of stain resistance, abrasion wear, crock, water, chemical resistance and other properties.

Vinyl is commonly used in seating systems and other articles. A more durable alternative to vinyl is polyurethane but generally speaking polyurethane is a porous material and does not have sufficient stain, abrasion and chemical resistance. Furthermore, vinyl is commonly used in the healthcare environment such as hospitals or the like, as material for seating and beds. However, vinyl is easily punctured or torn and over time the exterior surface of vinyl beds and chairs break down, so as to provide areas where bacteria, viruses, bed bugs or the like can breed.
The present invention relates to a chemical resistant grafted coating applied to polyurethane for use in seating, beds and other articles. It also relates to a method of grafting a protective coating on polyurethane parts for stain, abrasion and chemical resistance, water resistance and other adverse effects of the environment.
In particular, this invention relates to a polymeric composition for application onto polyurethane for chemical resistance, abrasion resistance, stain resistance, water proof etc. Usually the polyurethane does not have water proof, chemical resistance. The coating developed herein uses technology of chemical grafting that involves the use of prepolymers, monomers, catalyst, graft initiator, wetting agents, fillers and other ingredients of the composition. The coating thus obtained when applied on the polyurethane allows to obtain graft polymerization, thereby forming a polymeric film chemically attached to the substrate. The polyurethane substrate is reacted with graft initiator which creates the reaction sites on the substrate via free radical mechanism. This in turn renders the substrate receptive to attachment of monomers/prepolymers thus forming the polymeric film is chemically bonded to the substrate which has then the desired property in terms of stain resistance, abrasion, wear, crock, water, chemical, and U.V. resistance.
Even when the polyurethane is coated with commercial coatings, it does not have the desired properties. These coatings adhere to the substrate through only physical bonds, that can be readily dislodged from the polyurethane substrate over a short period of time as moisture, oxygen and other corrosive gases permeate beneath the physically bonded commercial coating on the polyurethane substrate. Thus, there is a need for a chemically bonded coating for polyurethane against abrasion and staining, healthcare cleaning and disinfecting agents and to reduce porosity.
General
Grafting by definition means to transplant or to be transplanted from one body to another in such a way that the new growth can continue. Similarly, chemical grafting involves the transplantation of monomers to various substrates, to improve their positive properties without any basic change to the substrate itself.
The invention as described herein uses monomers/prepolymers as grafting components and graft initiators to start and continue the grafting process.
Originally, grafting has been done by using various types of electromechanical and electronic devices which performed very well, but as the pace of technological advancement quickened, such equipment became either too expensive or inadequate. Prior art devices that have been and still are used are: gamma radiation, X-ray, Corona discharge, sputtering and other similar methods.
Chemical grafting on the other hand generally relates to chemical bonding and may be divided into three basic areas depending on their functional capability. They are:
1. Coatings
As the term implies, surface characteristics of a substrate are changed by applying a coating. Coatings may be used to improve the appearance of the substrate, for corrosion protection, for electrical insulation, or adhering two materials together and the like. In each case, conventional coatings adhere to substrates by simple physical forces which can be easily broken, and consequently peeling or delamination may occur.
Such is not the case in chemical grafting
Since the attachment of coatings is accomplished by forming a chemical, covalent bond, much thinner coatings can provide extended life and superior adhesion. Successful grafting of a multitude of monomers and substrates such as metals, plastics, rubber, cellulosic materials, liquids and nature formed, living organisms can be accomplished. The chemical reaction that takes place on the surface provides a monomolecular layer of chemically bonded coating, which can be increased in thickness to the desired amount. Results have shown that coatings of ½ mil thickness can provide up to 2000 hours of salt spray protection.
2. In Depth Grafting
In many instances the fine layer of grafted material which can be easily deposited on the surface is not sufficient to alter and improve on the existing substrate. Sometimes it is necessary for the monomers to penetrate into a certain depth or even throughout the matrix of the substrate to perform correctly. For example, to achieve total wettability of plastics such as porous Teflon, nylon and many others, one must be able to chemically graft water absorbing chemicals in depth. Similarly, to obtain permanent flame retardancy, one must totally penetrate a textile or a bundle of yarn filaments or even saturated wood.
3. Laminating
In a multitude of applications it is necessary to combine more than one substrate together in a form of a laminate. Sometimes several layers of various materials are laminated (sandwiched) together to eventually have the specified characteristics. An off-the-shelf adhesive (glue) that is normally used for such applications will typically fail when temperature changes occur. The adhesive will fail in shear, when various layers comprising the laminate have different coefficient of thermal expansion.
To avoid such failures a group of graft initiators have been developed which can be instrumental in grafting difunctional monomers in such a way that one of the carbon-carbon chains will attach itself to one of the substrates at temperature T1 and the other end will follow suit at some temperature T2, higher than T1. It is known, that carbon-carbon chains are in the form of a helix, which can extend and contract depending on temperature.
By utilizing this technology even substrates such as glass ribbon and polypropylene have been sandwiched and subjected to thermal shock without showing ill effects. In total, molecular grafting is a tool for the industry which permits alterations of the properties of substrates inexpensively, with very small dimensionally stable coating which outlasts all conventional and expensive ones.
Chemical Grafting
The idea that a second polymeric species can be attached by a covalent linkage to an existing polymeric material was first suggested in the late 1930's. A substance of this type was first produced in the laboratory in the early 1940's. Since that time, sufficient data has been accumulated about such processes, so that they have gained an important position for a variety of industrial applications. This method, where a "foreign" material becomes attached to another material by means of a chemical bond is referred to as "chemical grafting". One example is the production of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin obtained by the direct attaching of styrene-acrylonitrile on to a polybutadiene backbone. This often is achieved by the polymerization of styrene and acrylonitrile in the presence of butadiene and is an example of chemical bonding technology.
Chemical grafting might be visualized as the growth of "whiskers" onto a material. These whiskers are joined to the substrate (basic material) by means of a chemical bond. This is in direct contradiction to ordinary coatings where the bond between the substrate and the coatings is only physical in nature. By chemical grafting a much higher degree of permanency is achievable.
Chemical grafting involves the activation of the substrate. Once the substrate has been activated, chains of monomers linked by carbon bonds grow on the substrate.
The present invention relates to a chemical resistant graft coating used on polyurethane for use in seating systems and other articles. It also relates to a method of grafting a protective coating in polyurethane parts for chemical resistance, water resistance and other adverse effects of the environmental condition of temperature, U.V. light, crocking along with excellent degree of abrasion resistance. Even when the polyurethane is coated with commercial coatings, they do not give the desired properties. These coatings adhere to the substrate through only physical bonds, they can be readily dislodged from the polyurethane substrate over a short period of time as moisture, oxygen and other corrosive gases permeate beneath the physically bonded polyurethane substrate. Thus, there is a need for a chemically bonded coating for polyurethane against abrasion, stain and U.V. resistance.
There are a number of patents that relate to chemical methods that allows for the activation and attachment of a wide variety of monomers to fabrics (for example, cotton, rayon, nylon, polyester, fiberglass, acrylics, polypropylene and the like), wood, paper, cellulose, metals (steel, copper, brass, lead aluminum, silver, zinc, etc), glass, plastics (polyethylene, polypropylene, Teflon, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, etc), Kevlar, biopolymers, hair (human and animal), human tissue (skin), liquid resins, liquid polymers, and the like.
For example U.S. Pat. No. 6,726,960 teaches a coated steel workpiece and a process for providing a steel workpiece with a coating of organic polymeric material, which comprises the steps of (i) applying to a surface of the workpiece a composition, comprising a) a polymerizable material that comprises at least one of epoxy prepolymers and urethane prepolymers; b) a monomer or prepolymer having at least one active group adapted to form graft polymerization linkages with the steel and with the polymerizable material containing hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxyl, esters of carboxyl, amino, or epoxy group; c) catalytic initiator comprising ions of iron, silver, cobalt, or copper; and d) a peroxide; (ii) curing the resulting workpiece.
Moreover U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,188,228, 3,386,649, 3,873,407, 3,998,602, 4,875,410, 4,814,546, 6,001,894, 5,050,256, 5,741,548, 5,938,993, 5,278,200, 5,486,210, 6,358,557, US 2003/0046770, US2008/0007029, US 2003/0113497 relate to substrates with a coating layer.
Furthermore applicant has filed US 2014/0335362 for a method, composition, and device in relation to polyurethane seating which is an advance and improvement of the prior art including the prior art discussed above.
It is an object of this invention to increase the shelf life of the grafting composition, increase the stain resistance, UV resistance of exterior surfaces of beds, chairs, using the composition and method as described herein, as well as having a surface which is less shiny than applicants previous formulation as disclosed in US 2014/0335362.

Protective graft coating for application onto polyurethane for chemical resistance, stain resistance, abrasion resistance and U.V. resistance


Compounds having kappa opioid agonist activity, compositions containing them and 5 method of using them as analgesics and pruritic agents are provided.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to compounds, to processes of their preparation, to pharmaceutical compositions containing them and to their medical use as agonists at kappa opioid receptors.
The present invention also relates to compositions and method for the treatment and/or prevention of itch, also known as pruritus, which has many causes. The compositions, which are formulated for topical and systemic administration, contain kappa opiate receptor agonists that are substantially devoid of central nervous system effects, and, thus, have very little, if any potential for producing side effects associated with centrally acting kappa opiate receptor agonists.
2. Reported Developments
A) Kappa (κ)-Receptor Agonists as Analgesics
Opium and its derivatives are potent analgesics that also have other pharmacological effects, and exert their effects by interacting with high-affinity receptors.
It has been shown by investigators that there are at least three major opioid receptor types in the central nervous system (hereinafter CNS) and in the periphery. These receptors, known as mu (μ), delta (δ) and kappa (κ), have distinct pharmacological profiles, anatomical distributions and functions. [See, for example: Wood, P. L., Neuropharmacology, 21, 487-497, 1982; Simon, E., J. Med. Res. Rev., 11, 357-374, 1991; Lutz et al., J. Recept. Res. 12, 267-286; and Mansour et. al., Opioid I, ed. Herz, A. (Springer, Berlin) pp. 79-106, 1993.] The δ receptors are abundant in CNS and mediate analgesia, gastrointestinal motility and various hormonal functions. The μ receptors bind morphine-like drugs and mediate the opiate phenomena associated with morphine, including analgesia, opiate dependence, cardiovascular and respiratory functions, and several neuroendocrine effects.
The κ receptors have a wide distribution in CNS and mediate a spectrum of functions including the modulation of drinking, water balance, food intake, gut motility, temperature control and various endocrine functions. They also produce analgesia. [See, for example: Leander et al., J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 234, 463-469, 1985; Morley et al, Peptides 4, 797-800, 1983; Manzanares et al., Neuroendocrinology 52, 200-205, 1990; and Iyengar et al., J. Pharmacol, Exp. Ther., 238, 429-436, 1986.]
Most clinically used opioid analgesics such as morphine and codeine act as μ receptor agonists. These opioids have well-known, undesirable and potentially dangerous dependence forming side effects. Compounds which are κ-receptor agonists act as analgesics through interaction with κ opioid receptors. The advantage of these agonists over the classical μ receptor agonists, such as morphine, lies in their ability to cause analgesia while being devoid of morphine-like behavioral effects and addiction liability.
A large number of classes of compounds which act as agonists at κ opioid receptors have been described in the art including the following illustrative classes of compounds.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,065,573 discloses 4-amino-4-phenylcyclohexane ketal compounds having analgesic activity.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,212,878 discloses phenylacetamide derivatives having analgesic properties and reduced physical dependence liability properties, relative to morphine and methadone.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,145,435 discloses N-(2-amino-cycloaliphatic)-phenylacetamide compounds having analgesic activity and narcotic antagonist activity.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,098,904 discloses N-(2-amino-cycloaliphatic)-benzoamides and naphthamides useful for relieving pain.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,359,476 discloses substituted cycloalkane-amides useful as analgesics and having low abuse liability.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,438,130 discloses 1-oxa-, aza- and thia-spirocyclic compounds having analgesic activity, low physical dependence and abuse liability properties and little dysphoric inducing properties.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,663,343 discloses substituted naphthalenyloxy-1,2-diaminocyclohexyl amides as analgesics.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,906,655 discloses 1,2-cyclohexylaminoaryl amides having high kappa-opioid affinity, selectivity and potency and useful as analgesics, diuretics, anti-inflammatory and psychotherapeutic agents.
B) Kappa (κ)-receptor Agonists as Anti-Pruritic Agents
The prior art has investigated the physiology and treatment of pruritus as illustrated hereunder.
Itch is a well known sensory state associated with the desire to scratch. As with pain, itch can be produced by a variety of chemical, mechanical, thermal or electrical stimuli. In addition to the difference in the sensory quality of itch and pain, they also differ in that (1) itch, unlike pain, can only be evoked from the superficial layers of skin, mucosa, and conjunctiva, and (2) itch and pain usually do not occur simultaneously from the same skin region; in fact, mildly painful stimuli, such as scratching, are effective in eliminating itch. In addition, the application of histamine to skin produces itch but not pain. Itch and pain are further dissociated pharmacologically: itch appears to be insensitive to opiate and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) treatment, both of which are effective in treating pain.
Although itch and pain are of a class in that both are modalities of nociception transmitted by small unmyelinated C fibers, evidence that itch is not just a variety of low-threshold pain is overwhelming. Itch leads to the reflex or urge to scratch; pain leads to withdrawal. Itch occurs only in the skin; pain arises from deeper structures as well. Heat may stop pain but usually increases pain. Removal of the epidermis eliminates itch but causes pain. Analgesics, particularly opioids, relieve pain but often cause itch (see, for example J. Am. Acad. Derm. 24: 309-310, 1991). There can be no doubt that itching is of eminent clinical importance; many systemic and skin diseases are accompanied by persistent or recurrent itch attacks. Current knowledge suggests that itch has several features in common with pain but exhibits intriguing differences as well (see, for example, W. Magerl, IASP Newsletter, pp. 4-7, September/October 1996).
McMahon et al. (TINS, Vol. 15, No. 12, pp. 497-501, 1992) provides a description of stimuli (Table a) and a comparison of the established features of itch and pain (Table b):
TABLE aStimuli that can elicit or augment itchPhysicalMechanical. Light touch, pressure, suction.Thermal. Warming.Electrical. Focal transcutaneous repetitive stimulation,transcutaneous constant current stimulation,intraneural microstimulation.ChemicalNon-specific irritants. Acids, alkalis.Inflammatory mediators. Histamine, kallikrein,bradykinin, prostaglandins.Histamine-releasing substances. Compound 48/80, protamine, C3a.Peptidases. Mucunain, papain, trypsin, mast cell chymase.Neuropeptides. Substance P, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide,neurotensin, secretin.Opioids. Morphine, β-endorphin, enkephalin analogues.
TABLE bComparison of the established features of itch and painITCHPAINPsychophysiologyTissueSkin. MucousMost tissuesmembranesStimulusSee Table aMany stimuliIntraneural microstimulationOccasionallyYesSecondary sensationsAlloknesis (itchy skin)HyperalgesiaPsychogenic modificationPronouncedPresentCounterstimuliScratching, pain,Tactile stimuli,coolingcoolingNeurophysiologyPrimary afferent neuronesC- and Aδ-fibresC- and Aδ-fibresFlare sizeLargeSmallSpinal pathwayAnterolateral funiculusAnterolateralfuniculusProtective reflexesScratching, sneezingFlexion, guardingAutonomic reflexesYesYesPharmacologyCapsaicin sensitivityYesChemogenicpain; yesNSAID sensitivityProbably notYesMorphine sensitivityNoYesAbbreviations:NSAID, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Experimental focal itch stimuli are surrounded by a halo of seemingly unaffected tissue where light tactile stimuli are capable of eliciting itch-like sensations. The term itchy skin or alloknesis has been coined for these secondary sensations that are reminiscent of the features of secondary hyperalgesia evolving around a painful focus. A crucial observation is that itch and pain usually do not coexist in the same skin region and a mild noxious stimulus such as scratching is in fact the singly most effective way to abolish itch. This abolition of itch can be prolonged producing an 'antipruritic state'. Although mild scratch is often not painful, microneurographic recordings from humans have directly determined that such stimuli are among the most effective ways to excite cutaneous unmyelinated nociceptive afferents. (See, for example:                Shelly, W. B. and Arthur, R. P. (1957) Arch. Dermatol. 76. 296-323;        Simone, D. A. et al. (1987) Somatosens. Res. 5, 8 1-92;        Graham, D. T., Goodell, H. and Wolff, H. G. (1951) J. Clin. Invest. 30, 37-49;        Simone, D. A., Aireja, M. and LaMotte, R. H. (1991) Somatosens Mot. Res. 8, 27 1-279;        Torebjörk, E (1985) Philos. Trans. R. Soc. London Ser. B 308, 227-234; and        Vailbo, A. B., Hagbarth, K. E., Torebjörk, H. E. and Wallin, B. G. (1979) Physiol. Rev. 59,919-957).
Physiologically, there is evidence that substance P released from nociceptor terminals can cause the release of histamine from mast cells. Activation of mast cells, with release of the pruritogen histamine, occurs in immediate type hypersensitivity diseases, such as anaphylactic reactions and urticaria. Urticarial eruptions are distinctly pruritic and can involve any portion of the body, and have a variety of causes beyond hypersensitivity, including physical stimuli such as cold, solar radiation, exercise and mechanical irritation. Other causes of pruritus include: chiggers, the larval form of which secretes substance that creates a red papule that itches intensely; secondary hyperparathyroidism associated with chronic renal failure; cutaneous larva migrans, caused by burrowing larvae of animal hookworms; dermal myiasis, caused by maggots of the horse botfly, which can afflict horseback riders; onchocerciasis ("river blindness") caused by filarial nematodes; pediculosis, caused by lice infestations; enterobiasis (pinworm) infestations, which afflict about 40 million Americans, particularly school children; schistosome dermatitis (swimmer's itch); and asteatotic eczema ("winter itch"). The role of histamine or other endogenous pruritogens in mediating itch associated with these and other pruritic conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, it is not yet well established. For atopic dermatitis, in particular, it appears that itch is not inhibited by antthistamines, but by cyclosporin A, a drug which inhibits the production of cytokines which have been proposed as potential pruritogens.
Current therapies for the treatment of itch include a variety of topical and systemic agents, such as steroids, antihistamines, and some psychotherapeutic tricyclic compounds, such as doxepin hydrochloride. Many such agents are listed in PDR Generics (see Second Edition, 1996, p. cv for a listing of said agents). The limitations of these agents are well known to medical practitioners, and are summarized in the 'Warnings" and "Precautions" sections for the individual agents listed in PDR Generics. In particular, the lack of complete efficacy of antihistamines is well known, but antihistamines are frequently used in dermatology to treat pruritus due to urticaria, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, and a variety of other conditions. Although sedation has been a frequent side effect of conventional systemically administered antihistamines, a new generation of antihistamines have been developed that are nonsedating, apparently due to their inability to cross the blood-brain barrier.
Intravenous administration of opiate analgesics, such as morphine and hydromorphone has been associated with pruritus, urticaria, other skin rashes, wheal and flare over the vein being injected. These itch and itch-related reactions are believed to be due to a histamine-releasing property of these opiates, via mast cell degranulation. These opiates are thought to act upon the mu subtype of opiate receptor, but the possibility of interactions at the other principal opiate receptor subtypes (delta and kappa) cannot be excluded since these and other pruritogenic analgesics are not pure mu agonists. The cellular loci of the receptor type(s) mediating the itching effect is not known, although the mast cell is a possible candidate since opiates cause histamine release from these cells. However, some investigators have suggested that the frequent inability of antihistamines to block morphine-induced itching suggests a non-histaminergic mediation of opiate-induced itching—a mechanism which could involve central opiate receptors. Although i.v. morphine only occasionally results in generalized itching (in about 1% of patients), pruritus is more prevalent in opiate analgesia with epidural (8.5%) or intraspinal (45.8%) administration. (See, for example: Bernstein et al., "Antipruritic Effect of an Opiate Antagonist, Naloxone Hydrochloride", The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 78:82-83, 1982; and Ballantyne et al., "Itching after epidural and spinal opiates", Pain, 33: 149-160, 1988.)
To date, treatment with opiates has not only proven useless in the treatment of itch, but appears to exacerbate itch in man. The consistent findings from human studies indicate that whether by central or peripheral mechanisms, opiates appear to promote rather than prevent itching, and that opiate antagonists have anti-pruritic activity.
Human clinical studies have generally shown that opiates cause itching and there is evidence that these effects can be reproduced in animal models, where itching sensations per se cannot be reported, but scratching behavior can be observed. (See, for example: Thomas et al., "Microinjection of morphine into the rat medullary dorsal horn produces a dose-dependent increase in facial-scratching", Brain Research, 195: 267-270, 1996; Thomas et al., "Effects of central administration of opioids on facial scratching in monkeys", Brain Res., 585: 315-3 17, 1992; and Thomas et al., "The medullary dorsal horn: A site of action of opioids in producing facial scratching in monkeys", Anesthesiology, 79: 548-554, 1993).
We have now surprisingly discovered that kappa agonist compounds, which are substantially devoid of central nervous system effects, in pharmaceutically acceptable vehicles for systemic and topical formulations possess anti-pruritic activity in addition to anti-hyperalgesic activity.

Kappa agonist compounds and pharmaceutical formulations thereof

Abstract: The compounds of formulae I, II, III and IV have the structure:

Abstract: wherein                X, X4, X5, X7, X9;        R1, R2, R3, R4; and        Y, Z and n are as described in the specification.


Probing incident radar fields in a target test zone of a RCS test facility by exploiting angular radar response of a long and uniform rigid body supported horizontally across or vertically through the test zone. The rigid body is free to rotate about the broadside condition. Thus, the angle of the rigid body is gradually changed with respect to the direction of arrival of the incident wave. Radar echo from the rigid body is measured as a function of the rigid body angle. The data is then processed to yield a profile of the incident wave intensity along the rigid body. By varying the azimuth angle continuously while recording radar data, the data may be processed by the fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm to yield a profile of the incident wave intensity along the rigid body.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to test ranges and, more specifically, to radar test ranges.
2. Related Art
A radar cross-section (RCS) test range is a facility for measuring radar scattering properties of test objects, such as aircraft and missiles. Radar cross-section test ranges have been built to provide a "quiet" test zone for measuring radar signature of a test object. "Quiet" means that the incident radar wave in the test zone is acceptably free from undesired interference or unwanted reflections from elsewhere in or on the test range.
Operating conditions of a test range can change over time, with changes of equipment, and with arrangement of radar absorbers. Thus, it is considered good practice to probe the test zone of the range at regular intervals to ensure that radar fields within the test zone behave as expected. Unfortunately, the time and equipment required for field probing can places additional cost burdens on test programs. Without a probe of the test range, actual measurements remain unquantified.
Thus, there is a need for a fast, accurate, and cost effective method of performing a field probe.

Field probe form the angular response of a rigid body


A transmission including a hydraulic unit (advancing clutch, backing clutch, constant velocity clutch, acceleration clutch, and PTO clutch) which operates with a working fluid; and a housing (transmission housing) which accommodates or supports the hydraulic unit 321, 322, 341, 342, 351). The housing structures a passage for guiding a working fluid to the hydraulic unit. In the housing, an oil chamber is formed on an attachment seating surface of the hydraulic pump, and the oil chamber is plugged by the hydraulic pump.

Traditionally, tractors have been known as typical working vehicles (see Patent Literature 1; hereinafter PTL 1). Each tractor has a transmission that enables changing of the traveling speed. Further, the transmission is provided, in addition to the speed changing mechanism, with a front-wheel drive mechanism or a work-machine drive mechanism.
The transmission has a hydraulic unit which operates with a working fluid (see Patent Literature 2; hereinafter PTL 2). Therefore, in the transmission, a pipe for supplying the working fluid is connected to the hydraulic unit, which caused a complex structure with a large number of components. In view of this, there has been a demand for a transmission which can improve the productivity and reduce the costs by reducing the number of components and simplifying the structure.
Further, the transmission has a hydraulic pump configured to pressure-feeds a working fluid. Therefore, in the transmission, a pipe for supplying the working fluid is connected to the hydraulic pump, which caused a complex structure with a large number of components. In view of this, there has been a demand for a transmission which can improve the productivity and reduce the costs by reducing the number of components and simplifying the structure.


A process for producing high purity isopropyl alcohol. In one embodiment, the process includes the steps of: (a) feeding a feed stream comprising at least about 99.9 wt. % isopropyl alcohol into a separation column; (b) separating the isopropyl alcohol into an overhead stream taken overhead from the separation column and a bottoms stream taken as bottoms from the separation column; and (c) removing the high purity isopropyl alcohol at a point: (i) below where the feed stream enters the separation column but above the bottoms stream, or (ii) above where the feed stream enters the separation column but below the overhead stream. The high purity isopropyl alcohol has a metals content of less than about 1 ppb and a water content of less than about 100 ppm. Optionally, the process includes the step of passing the high purity isopropyl alcohol through an ion exchange resin after removing the high purity isopropyl alcohol from the separation column, thereby forming an ultra-high purity isopropyl alcohol that contains less than 100 ppt of any metal impurity.

The present invention relates to a process for producing ultra-high purity isopropyl alcohol. More particularly, the present invention relates to a process for producing ultra-high purity isopropyl alcohol that has less than 100 parts per trillion of metal impurities and less than 100 parts per million water.
Semiconductor manufacturing operations require that wafer surfaces be as clean as possible. At times this is difficult, especially when the wafer or chip is rinsed with an aqueous solution and subsequently dried. The process of drying often leads to the formation of spots, leaving unwanted residue on the surface. This can be a nuisance that leads to defects in the manufacturing process.
One solution to this residue problem is to immediately follow the aqueous rinse with a rinsing solution containing isopropyl alcohol. The isopropyl alcohol quickly evaporates, leaving no residue behind.
In order for this method to be effective, the isopropyl alcohol must be extremely pure. This new requirement has created a need to develop processes that purify isopropyl alcohol to unusually high purity levels, typically where contaminants and water are measured in parts per million and/or lower.
Several patents describe processes used to produce a high purity isopropyl alcohol product. However, none of these patents disclose the processes described and claimed by the present invention:
U.S. Pat. No. 5,868,906 issued to Adams et al. on Feb. 9, 1999 teaches a method for dehydrating and purifying impure isopropyl alcohol by removing substantially all the water and any organic impurities with boiling points less than isopropyl alcohol from an isopropyl alcohol solution containing less than 2000 parts per million water in a first distillation column. The overhead product contains organic substances with boiling points less than isopropyl alcohol and a binary isopropyl alcohol/water azeotrope. The overhead product from the first distillation column feeds a second distillation column, where a low boiling overhead product is taken and filtered to a desired specification.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,604,440 issued to Brooks on Jul. 22, 1952 discloses a process where isopropyl alcohol is purified by removing water from an isopropyl alcohol-water binary azeotrope in the presence of sulfuric acid.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,399,000 issued to Tedder on Aug. 16, 1983, teaches a process for producing alcohol substantially free of water. The process comprises the steps of extracting an aqueous alcohol solution with an organic solvent system containing an extractant for the alcohol, thereby forming an organic solvent-alcohol phase and an aqueous phase, and vacuum distilling the organic solvent-alcohol phase thereby obtaining the product alcohol substantially free of water.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,585,527 issued to Marker on Dec. 17, 1996 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,387 issued to Marker et al. on Nov. 5, 1996, disclose processes that involve distillation by fractionation and membrane separation by vapor permeation in a single vessel. The distillation zone can be positioned upstream or downstream of the membrane separation zone. The process can be used to separate alcohol, e.g. isopropyl alcohol, and water.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,750 issued to Berg on Apr. 27, 1999 describes a method that uses extractive distillation for separating acetone, isopropyl alcohol, and water.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,494,556 issued to Mita et al. discloses a method for separating a liquid mixture, such as isopropyl alcohol and water. In the method, the liquid mixture is heated then supplied to a pervaporation membrane module to separate a permeable component of the liquid, a portion of non-permeated liquid is circulated through a circulation pipe into a liquid mixture feeding pipe before a heater, and the remaining portion of the non-permeated liquid is extracted to the outside of the system, and wherein the temperature of the liquid mixture feeding pipe in which the non-permeated liquid has been mixed with the liquid mixture or in the circulation pipe for the non-permeated liquid, is measured, and when the measured temperature is out of a predetermined range, new supply of the liquid mixture and/or extraction of the non-permeated liquid is stopped.
The methods taught in the prior art, do not necessarily meet the requirements of today""s customers, such as the semiconductor industry. As such, a process for preparing ultra-high purity isopropyl alcohol is needed to meet the new demands of customers.
The present invention also provides many additional advantages which shall become apparent as described below.
The present invention is directed to a process for producing high purity isopropyl alcohol. The process comprises the steps of: (a) feeding a feed stream comprising at least about 99.9 wt. % isopropyl alcohol into a separation column; (b) separating the isopropyl alcohol into an overhead stream which is taken overhead from the separation column and a bottoms stream taken as bottoms from the separation column; and (c) removing the high purity isopropyl alcohol at a point: (i) below where the feed stream enters the separation column but above the bottoms stream, or (ii) above where the feed stream enters the separation column but below the overhead stream, wherein the high purity isopropyl alcohol has a metals content of less than about one part per billion (ppb) and a water content of less than about 100 parts per million (ppm). Optionally, the process includes the further step of passing the high purity isopropyl alcohol through an ion exchange resin after removing the high purity isopropyl alcohol from the separation column, thereby forming an ultra-high purity isopropyl alcohol that contains less than 100 parts per trillion (ppt) of any metal impurity.
High purity isopropyl alcohol may also be produced by a process comprising the steps of: (a) feeding a feed stream comprising at least about 99.9 wt. % isopropyl alcohol into a separation column; (b) separating the isopropyl alcohol into an overhead stream which is taken overhead from the separation column and a bottoms stream taken as bottoms from the separation column, wherein the overhead stream comprises the high purity isopropyl alcohol having a metals content of less than about 1 ppb and a water content of less than about 100 ppm. The high purity isopropyl alcohol may further be processed through an ion exchange resin after collecting the high purity isopropyl alcohol from the overhead stream, thereby forming an ultra-high purity isopropyl alcohol that contains less than 100 ppt metal impurities.

Process for producing ultra-high purity isopropanol


In one embodiment, the method for allocating resources in a wireless system supporting a first radio access technology (RAT) and a second RAT operating in a narrower frequency band than the first RAT includes assigning at least one physical resource block (PRB) of a plurality of PRBs of the frequency band to the second RAT. The method further includes transmitting, in a first sector, over the at least one assigned PRB using the second RAT. The method further includes transmitting, in the first sector, control signals on unassigned PRBs using the first RAT.

General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) is widely used for cellular machine-to-machine (M2M) devices. The cost of GPRS continues to decline over time, making GPRS more attractive to M2M providers. Furthermore, because GPRS is available worldwide, a single technology device based on GPRS can be used for applications deployed internationally. While GPRS may not allow a high level of data transmission, GPRS remains suitable for M2M because most M2M devices require very low data rates for communication.
Explosive data growth is resulting in a spectrum crunch and thus many mobile network operators (MNOs) are studying ways to refarm their 2G spectrum to the more efficient 3G/LTE. However, refarming is complicated in that MNOs must support numerous legacy M2M devices. M2M devices, for example smart meters, typically have long life cycles, and it is expensive to migrate these devices to 3G/LTE because such migration requires a service crew to be dispatched to the site where a device is deployed. Despite this, MNOs require that their 2G M2M customers migrate to 3G/LTE so that MNOs can refarm the spectrum.

Method and apparatus for allocating resources of a frequency band in a wireless system supporting at least two radio access technologies


A printer according to the present invention includes a recording unit that makes recording on recording paper, a cutter unit that has a movable cutter edge to cut the recording paper, and a containing portion that receives recorded matter, which is the recorded paper cut by the cutter unit. Further, the printer includes a cut piece collecting portion that collects cut pieces, which are recording paper cut by the cutter unit, and a cut piece collecting portion cover that opens/closes in conjunction with a cutting operation of the cutter unit. The recording paper cut by the cutter unit is collected by a cut piece collecting portion if the cut piece collecting portion cover is in an open state and is made movable to the containing portion if the cut piece collecting portion cover is in a closed state. Further, the cut piece collecting portion cover performs one opening/closing operation for a predetermined number of cutting operations.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a printer that makes a record on recording paper, and in particular, relates to a printer having a function to cut recording paper.
2. Description of the Related Art
As a kind of printer among printers, copiers, and facsimiles, a thermal printer is known and used in ordinary households as a printer to record image data acquired by a digital camera or the like on recording paper. Thermal printers discharge recording paper at various positions and some printers discharge recording paper to the front side of the printer, or in an upward direction, or even in a direction to the back side. Recently, demand for printers requiring only a smaller installation area that can be installed saving a space, has been growing and the upward discharge system which is superior in this respect is gaining attention.
Some thermal printers use continuous paper such as a roll paper as the recording paper and cuts off a recording completed portion of the continuous paper by a cutter contained in the printer without any margin around the cut recorded matter so that the so-called borderless record can be made.
As a method of making borderless recording, a method of cutting recorded paper to a specified size by using a cutter provided inside a printer after a cutting position of the recorded paper is adjusted by a roller for discharge is known. However, it is difficult to eliminate cutting position shifts when cutting is carried out between a recorded portion and an unrecorded portion of recording paper. Thus, instead of cutting a boundary position between a recorded portion and an unrecorded portion, a method of cutting recording paper before the boundary position between a recorded portion and an unrecorded portion reaches the cutter position is used. According to this method, a small recorded portion remains on the side of the recording paper yet to be recorded (on the side of unrecorded portions) after the recorded matter as cut paper is clipped and the product is cut off as cut paper. Thus, the recording paper is conveyed again so that the boundary between a recorded portion and an unrecorded portion is positioned downstream from the cutter position in consideration of shift of a cutting position. Accordingly, the recording paper is cut while the remaining recorded portion and a small unrecorded portion exist downstream from the cutter position. In this manner, the cut recorded matter can be prevented from containing an unrecorded portion and also the remaining roll paper after the cutting can be prevented from containing a recorded portion. In this case, the cut portion containing the remaining recorded portion and a small unrecorded portion (for the sake of convenience, referred to herein as a "margin portion") becomes cut pieces and needs to be collected.
As an example of conventional technology, a method of providing a movable guide member downstream from the cutting position of the cutter and providing a cut piece collecting portion downward in the vertical direction on the flank downstream from the cutter position is known. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-160855 discusses the downward discharge and horizontal discharge. First, when a recorded portion of the recording paper is cut, the guide member constitutes a part of a conveyance route of recording paper and next, when the remaining recorded portion and an unrecorded portion (margin portion) of the recording paper are cut, the guide member moves to break the conveyance route of the recording paper. In this manner, margin portions which are cut, that is, the cut pieces, get out of the conveyance route of recording paper and fall freely to be collected by the cut piece collecting portion provided in the vertical direction on the flank downstream from the cutter position.
However, the cut piece collecting portion is not sealed according to the above conventional technology and thus, if the printer is tilted when the user carries the printer, cut pieces may be scattered about, causing a recording failure or discharge failure. Moreover, the upward discharge may be desired to improve design or to save the installation area. If an attempt is made to apply the above conventional technology applied to the horizontal discharge or downward discharge, also applicable to the upward discharge, cut pieces will be scattered about inside the printer because cut pieces return to the conveyance route on the upstream side from the cutter position, instead of the downstream side when cut pieces fall freely. Scattering of such cut pieces may prevent subsequent recording or conveyance.