A wet connection system suitable for use in hydrocarbon wells preferably comprises one or more elongate, small diameter conduits (50) which extend down the wellbore (2) and terminate adjacent a locating structure (11) on the production tubing (10). Equipment (70) deployed at the locating structure is connected to one or more self supporting conductors (30) which extend down the conduits from the wellhead (5). Preferably the conductors are retractable and the conduits are sealingly connected to the equipment, allowing the equipment and conductors to be deployed and recovered independently of each other and to be flushed with dielectric oil (99) pumped down the conduits after re-connection.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to wet connection systems for connecting a conductor or conductors to equipment deployed in a borehole, for example, an oil or gas well.
2. Related Art
Wet connection systems known in the art provide a connection that can be made and unmade in-situ in a liquid environment so that the deployed equipment can be disconnected and recovered without removing the conductor from the borehole, and then re-connected to the conductor in situ when the equipment is re-deployed.
Commonly, the or each conductor is an electrical conductor, which may be used for example to provide a data connection or to supply power to a tool or equipment such as an electric submersible pump assembly (ESP). In other applications, the or each conductor may comprise for example a fibre-optic conductor or a tube for conducting pressurised hydraulic fluid to supply power to a tool deployed in the borehole. Usually, an oil or gas well will be lined with tubing that is cemented into the borehole to form a permanent well casing, the inner surface of the tubing defining the wellbore. (In this specification, a "tube" or "tubing" means an elongate, hollow element which is usually but not necessarily of circular cross-section, and the term "tubular" is to be construed accordingly.) The fluid produced from the well is ducted to the surface via production tubing which is usually deployed down the wellbore in jointed sections and (since its deployment is time consuming and expensive) is preferably left in situ for the productive life of the well. Where an ESP is used to pump the well fluid to the surface, it may be permanently mounted at the lower end of the production tubing, but is more preferably deployed by lowering it down inside the production tubing on a wireline or on continuous coiled tubing (CT), so that it can be recovered without disturbing the production tubing.
It is known for example from US 2003/0085815 A1 to provide a well casing with a docking station which is connected to the surface by conductors. The docking station and conductors are deployed together with the casing and permanently cemented into the borehole together with the casing. Tools deployed down the well may be releasably connected to the conductors via the docking station.
WO2005003506 to the present applicant discloses a wet connection system in which one or more conductors are arranged in the annular gap between a string of production tubing and a well casing and terminate at a connection structure fixed to the lower end of the production tubing. An ESP is lowered down the production tubing and connected with the conductors by an arm which moves radially outwardly to engage the connection structure.
In practice, the last mentioned system may be used to deploy an ESP or other equipment by remote control in an oil or gas well by connecting it to a connection structure on the production tubing at a depth of several kilometers in an aggressive environment in which it is subjected to high pressures and temperatures, heavy mechanical loading, vibration, corrosive fluids, dissolved gases which penetrate electrical insulation and particulates which can clog mechanical parts. Since the wet connection between the deployed equipment and the conductors is made and unmade in this environment, failure often occurs in the region of the wet connector assembly and, less frequently, in the conductors which connect it to the surface, and, where the conductors are electrical power conductors, most frequently in the insulation of the electrical conductors close to the point of connection. By unmaking the wet connection and recovering the deployed equipment to the surface, damaged connectors on the deployed equipment can be identified and repaired. However, damaged connectors at the lower end of the conductors can only be inspected and replaced by recovering the entire string of production tubing, which is laborious and expensive.

Wet connection system for downhole equipment


Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward techniques and configurations for an optical device having a multiplexer and/or demultiplexer with an input and/or output optical waveguide including one or more waveguide segments tapered according to a non-linear function such as a curve. In embodiments, the one or more waveguide segments is tapered according to, e.g., a quadratic function, a parabolic function, or an exponential function. In accordance with some embodiments, the tapered segment assists in spatially dispersing the propagating light along a substantially uniform phase wavefront at a mirror that includes an echelle grating surface that is shaped to receive/reflect the light at the substantially uniform phase wavefront. In embodiments, the one or more waveguide segments is tapered according to a curve to receive a portion of light from the substantially uniform phase wavefront at the echelle grating surface. Additional embodiments may be described and claimed.

Optical multiplex or demultiplex devices based on echelle grating techniques have been used to realize multiplexing or demultiplexing of optical signals. Several approaches may be implemented to increase reflectivity of the grating surface in such devices and accordingly reduce optical loss. In some cases, due to large incidence angles of light received from input waveguides, which are sometimes greater than total internal reflection (TIR) angles (˜26° in a silicon platform), it can be a challenge to design a device that achieves a substantially uniform phase wavefront in the slab region across from the echelle grating. A non-uniform phase wavefront along the echelle grating can result in phase aberrations from the echelle grating surface, resulting in low grating efficiency, excess loss, and reduced figure-of-merit (FOM) of the echelle grating. For an echelle grating based optical multiplexer (Mux) and demultiplexer (Demux), phase aberrations may induce higher device loss, reduced filter passband and unwanted channel crosstalk, especially during Demux.

Optical device using waveguide segments tapered according to a non-linear function


A number of embodiments of combustion chamber configurations for direct injected internal combustion engine. Each embodiment employs a bowl in the head of the piston which is offset to one side of the piston and the fuel injector sprays into the peripheral edge of the bowl and toward the axis of the piston. The bowl configuration is such that the injected fuel is swept upwardly toward the center of the piston and toward a downwardly-facing spark gap mounted above the piston in the cylinder head so as to ensure the presence of a stoichiometric mixture at the time of firing, regardless of the amount of fuel injected.

This invention relates to a direct injected, internal combustion engine and more particularly to an improved combustion chamber configuration for such engines.
In the interest of improving engine performance both in the terms of power output, fuel economy and exhaust emission control, it has been proposed to employ direct cylinder fuel injection. Fuel injection, per se, offers greater control over the amount of fuel introduced into the combustion chamber on each cycle of operation. By exercising such greater control, it is possible to adjust the amount of fuel injected on a cycle-by-cycle and cylinder-by-cylinder basis to improve engine economy and emission control.
Even additional improvements and performance can be obtained if direct cylinder injection is employed. If the fuel is injected directly into the cylinder and can be stratified under at least some running conditions, then substantial improvements in fuel economy and exhaust emission control can be achieved. Particularly this is very effective in reducing the emission of unburned hydrocarbons (HC).
The term "stratification" refers to the formation of a non-homogeneous fuel air mixture in the combustion chamber. If the entire combustion chamber is filled with a homogeneous mixture and one which is stoichiometric, then more fuel will be present in the combustion chamber than necessary to obtain the requisite power under most engine running conditions. This obviously gives high HC emissions under less than full load running. Therefore, if a stoichiometric patch can be formed in the combustion chamber and located so that it can be ignited at the appropriate time, it will be unnecessary to completely fill the combustion chamber with a homogeneous mixture. This presents obvious advantages in both fuel economy and exhaust emission control.
However, the condition in the combustion chamber is such that it is difficult to ensure that a stoichiometric patch will be located at the spark plug at the time of ignition, particularly under light loads or even at idle. The reasons for this is that there is motion that occurs within the combustion chamber regardless of the configuration of the combustion chamber and the porting arrangement which serves it. This air motion within the combustion chamber causes the fuel patch not only to move but also to disperse. Thus, it has been very difficult if not impossible to obtain stratification in an open combustion chamber.
Of course, if small, pre-combustion chambers are employed then a stratified, stoichiometric charge can be introduced into this restricted pre-combustion chamber and fired by a spark plug position therein. However, the use of such pre-chambers causes pumping losses which can adversely affect engine performance, particularly at higher speeds and higher loads.
A wide variety of types of combustion chambers have been proposed so as to achieve open cylinder stratification. These combustion chambers normally use bowls that are formed in the head of the piston and into which the fuel is introduced. If the spark plug is positioned so that its gap extends into the bowl the thought it that there will be a homogeneous stoichiometric mixture present at spark gap at the time of firing. However, in practice this result is not always easy to obtain.
Therefore, various bowl formations have been proposed some of which include, in addition to a main bowl, a pocket or recess in an area of the bowl into which the spark gap extends. With conventional center gaped spark plugs, where the spark gap extends axially in the cylinder, this means that the spark gap will be exposed to the interior of the pocket. By then causing the fuel mixture to accumulate in the pocket stratification can be achieved and firing improved theoretically.
There are, however, particular problems within ensuring that these combustion chambers will operate satisfactorily under all engine running conditions. Also, by extending the spark plug into the bottom of the bowl there is a risk that under certain conditions the side spark terminal may be struck by the piston and close the gap rendering further running impossible. Also the side terminal shields the center terminal and gap from the fuel/air patch.
It is, therefore, a principal object of this invention to provide an improved combustion chamber for a direct injected engine wherein stratification can be achieved and wherein extended gaps for the spark plugs are not required.
It is a further object of this invention to provide an improved configuration for a combustion chamber that embodies a bowl in the piston and which cooperates with the spark plug so that the bowl directs the flow of fuel toward the spark gap upon the compression stroke to ensure the presence of a stoichiometric mixture in an open gap at the time of firing.

Combustion chamber for direct injected engine


A method for removing one or more artifacts from a time series of magnetic resonance (MR) images is provided. In one embodiment of the invention, an MR time series of data sets is acquired while changing the k-space that is sampled at each time frame. By using the acquired data, information is produced for a plurality of MR images at different time points, wherein the images contain desired components and one or more artifacts. Changing the k-space locations that are sampled from time frame to time frame makes the artifacts behave in a signature way through time, so that they can be identified as being artifacts and be removed through temporal analysis.

In many magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications, a given region of the body is imaged repeatedly to capture its time variations. For example, such dynamic applications include functional MRI (in which brain changes are induced by a time-varying paradigm), time-resolved angiography (in which changes in the blood vessels are caused by the passage of a bolus of contrast agent), and cardiac imaging (in which the heart changes as it beats, and also possibly as a bolus of contrast agent passes through it). The temporal resolution of the MRI, i.e. the time needed to acquire a time frame, should be good enough to capture the important features of the temporal changes. In the event that the readily available temporal resolution proves insufficient, there exist many dynamic MRI methods able to improve it. Some of these methods include UNFOLD, parallel imaging (e.g. SMASH, SENSE, SPACE-RIP) and partial-Fourier imaging techniques. The technique of UNFOLD is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,144,873, which is herein incorporated by reference. FIG. 1 shows a typical partial-Fourier imaging scanning technique (i.e. NEX<1 on a GE scanner) in which only one half of the k-space matrix is fully acquired and part of the other half is skipped. Through some assumption(s) and/or the use of prior information, these methods allow a fraction of the needed data to be calculated instead of measured. This reduction in the amount of acquired data usually translates directly into a corresponding reduction in the time needed to acquire the data and thus improves the temporal resolution, and/or the total scan time.

Artifact suppression in dynamic magnetic resonance imaging


An object detection device is applied to an object detection system which includes an object detection sensor installed in a vehicle so as to be oriented outward to detect an object around the vehicle. The object detection device includes: an error-handling control section that notifies a user of a detection error, if any, occurring in the object detection sensor, and brings the object detection system into an error-handling state; an action determination section that determines whether an error correction action has been performed by a user to correct the detection error, under conditions where the user has been notified of the detection error occurring in the object detection sensor; and a cancellation control section that relaxes predetermined cancellation conditions for cancelling the error-handling state when the error correction action is determined to have been performed, compared to when not performed.

Several object detection systems for vehicles have been implemented. For example, such a system includes a range sensor, such as an ultrasonic sensor, installed in the vehicle to detect a preceding vehicle, a pedestrian, or an object, such as an obstacle, around the vehicle. It is proposed that such a system is used for performing various kinds of control over the vehicle to improve driving safety.
Ultrasonic sensors in general are externally provided to vehicles and thus are easily affected by the changes of external environments. Therefore, such an externally provided ultrasonic sensor may temporarily suffer a detection error, for example, due to snow, mud, or other matter that has adhered to the sensor during traveling. In such a case, a measure for handling the error is taken, such as disabling the object detection system (e.g., PTL 1).


A dual path kiln is provided that includes a kiln having one or more chambers and at least two lumber charge paths adapted to convey lumber through the kiln in opposite directions by means of a track having two rails in which a pusher device pushes the lumber through the kiln and comprises a variable output electric motor to effect a high degree of accurate control of the movement speed of the pusher device and the lumber it's pushing and wherein the pusher device includes a faceplate having two side walls extending from said faceplate to engage the side of the lumber in order to greatly enhance stability of the lumber while it is being transported and minimize the risk of spillage.

As described in co-pending application U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/525,929 filed Sep. 25, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,963,048, issued Jun. 21, 2011, and incorporated by reference herein, in this field, lumber drying was typically performed in a batch process where a quantity of raw moisture laden lumber is piled in one or more stacks and the stacks were moved into a kiln with an insulated chamber through which heated air was moved to effect removal of moisture from the lumber. As will be evident to those skilled in this technology, this was a labor-intensive and time-consuming process which greatly added to the expense of the finished lumber. One of the improvements of the aforementioned application resides in the use of two generally parallel paths for separate continuous drying lines which are moved in opposite directions through a plurality of chambers which are aligned along the separate paths and in communication with one another to increase the efficiency of the drying process. This is accomplished by continuously moving loads of lumber while conserving the heat that builds up in each load as it is continuously moved along one path in the kiln and transferring some of that heat from a load of dried lumber to an incoming load of green lumber moving from the opposite end of the kiln as they pass one another in the kiln. This results in a great economy in the utilization of the heat energy used in the heating zone which is generally centrally located along the two paths.


This invention discloses an aqueous cathodic electrolyzed solution of ascorbyl glucosamine exhibiting a lower oxidation-reduction potential than that in an aqueous solution of ascorbyl glucosamine in which a concentration of water-soluble inorganic salts is less than 0.1 M prepared by electrolyzing the starting ascorbyl glucosamine solution as well as a preparation process therefor. A concentration of ascorbyl glucosamine is 0.1 to 3 wt %. A current density in electrolysis is preferably 0.003 to 0.03 A/cm2.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an aqueous electrolyzed solution prepared by electrolysis of a starting aqueous solution of ascorbyl glucosamine, which has a lower oxidation-reduction potential than the starting aqueous solution of ascorbyl glucosamine, as well as a preparation process therefor.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is a well-known technique that a dilute starting aqueous solution of an electrolyte (e.g., an alkali-metal chloride) as an electrolysis aid is electrolyzed in an electrolytic cell while removing an aqueous anodic electrolyzed solution with a lower pH generated around the anode (acidic water), which is then utilized for sterilization or disinfection (JP-A 6-246272). The electrolytic cell internally comprises inactive electrodes made of, e.g., platinum or a platinum alloy separated by a septum. The septum used is a charged membrane which is an ion-exchange resin film or a non-charged membrane having a microporous structure.
The aqueous anodic electrolyzed solution formed around the anode contains hypochlorous acid. Potent oxidizing and chlorinating action of hypochlorous acid has been widely utilized for sterilization or disinfection in medical institutions. In addition, since a small amount of ozone and/or dissolved oxygen in the acidic water can promote granulation, the acidic water has been studied for its use as an aid in surgical treatment.
An aqueous cathodic electrolyzed solution formed around the cathode (alkali water) may be also prepared by electrolyzing tap water in place of a dilute aqueous solution of an electrolyte and has been, for example, used for drinking.
It is also known technique that the above aqueous electrolyte solution comprising an organic acid such as ascorbic acid or gallic acid as an additive rather than as an electrolysis aid is electrolyzed (U.S. Pat. No. 5,736,027).
In the above process, ascorbic acid is used in the presence of an electrolysis aid. Ascorbic acid is added for controlling pH of the aqueous cathodic electrolyzed solution and removing free chlorine in the aqueous anodic electrolyzed solution.
Ascorbic acid (also called as vitamin C) is widely contained in fruits, vegetables or other foods. Particularly, antioxidative effect of ascorbic acid has been recently paid attention and thus ascorbic acid has been added to a product such as health foods and cosmetics for endowing these with the effect.
Antioxidative effect of ascorbic acid has been generally recognized since its disproportionation effect on superoxide anion radical which is a kind of radical (conversion of superoxide anion radical into hydrogen peroxide) was reported. Since Friedvich found superoxide dismutase (SOD), an enzyme capable of disproportionating superoxide anion radical, in 1869, antioxidating effect of ascorbic acid has been much more paid attention.
We have already filed a patent application based on an invention related to a process for preparing an aqueous anodic electrolyzed solution using ascorbic acid itself as an electrolysis aid (P 2001-347269A JAPAN).
Since ascorbic acid is extremely susceptible to oxidation, it is believed that keeping its quality stable is difficult. In particular, ascorbic acid in an aqueous solution is oxidized while being spontaneously decomposed. It cannot, therefore, stably exist for a long period. Furthermore, in an aqueous solution containing much dissolved oxygen, ascorbic acid is spontaneously decomposed into an oxidized form of ascorbic acid for a short time and thus lose its antioxidating effect. In preparation of an aqueous electrolyzed solution using ascorbic acid as an electrolysis aid, there is, therefore, a problem that an aqueous ascorbic-acid solution as a starting aqueous electrolysis solution cannot be stably stored for a long time.
We have made various attempts for solving the above problems and thus have hit an idea of using ascorbyl glucosamine as an electrolysis aid. Ascorbyl glucosamine has a complex in which ascorbic acid is surrounded glucosamine, and the structure allows ascorbic acid to have antioxidating effect. As a result, ascorbyl glucosamine can exhibit stable antioxidating effect.
In the fields of medical drugs, cosmetics and foods, decomposition of ascorbic acid in an aqueous solution has been prevented by any of known methods; for example, retardation of spontaneous oxidation of ascorbic acid by adding an antioxidant such as vitamin E and gallic acid. Examples of a stable form of ascorbic acid include ascorbyl palmitate prepared by reaction of a palmitate with ascorbic acid.
Since ascorbyl glucosamine is soluble in water and exhibits higher permeability to a skin, it has been utilized for skin care including cosmetics. In addition, ascorbyl glucosamine can suppress collagenase activity inhibiting collagen formation. Ascorbyl glucosamine has been, therefore, utilized in the field of cosmetics as an extremely effective promoter for forming collagen.
We have not found any report in which ascorbyl glucosamine is used as an electrolysis aid.
Thus, an objective of this invention is to provide a stable aqueous electrolyzed solution of ascorbyl glucosamine and a preparation process therefor.
To achieve the above objective, this invention provides:
[1] an aqueous cathodic electrolyzed solution of ascorbyl glucosamine exhibiting a lower oxidation-reduction potential than that in a starting aqueous solution of ascorbyl glucosamine in which a concentration of water-soluble inorganic salts is less than 0.1 M;
[2] the aqueous cathodic electrolyzed solution as described in [1] wherein a concentration of ascorbyl glucosamine is 0.1 to 3 wt % in the aqueous cathodic electrolyzed solution of ascorbyl glucosamine;
[3] the aqueous cathodic electrolyzed solution as described in [1] wherein the amount of dissolved oxygen is 0.2 to 0.5 mg/l in the aqueous cathodic electrolyzed solution;
[4] the aqueous cathodic electrolyzed solution as described in [1] exhibiting a lower oxidation-reduction potential by 100 mV or more than that in the starting aqueous solution of ascorbyl glucosamine;
[5] a process for preparing an aqueous cathodic electrolyzed solution of ascorbyl glucosamine comprising the step of electrolyzing a starting aqueous solution of ascorbyl glucosamine in which a concentration of water-soluble inorganic salts is less than 0.1 M to removing from the cathode side an aqueous electrolyzed solution of ascorbyl glucosamine exhibiting a lower oxidation-reduction potential than that in the starting aqueous solution of ascorbyl glucosamine;
[6] the process for preparing an aqueous cathodic electrolyzed solution as described in [5] wherein a concentration of ascorbyl glucosamine is 0.1 to 3 wt % in the starting aqueous solution of ascorbyl glucosamine;
[7] the process for preparing an aqueous cathodic electrolyzed solution as described in [5] wherein a current density in electrolysis is 0.003 to 0.03 A/cm2.
According to this invention, the starting aqueous electrolysis solution is stable to oxidation because the starting aqueous solution is prepared using ascorbyl glucosamine, an ascorbic-acid derivative, as an electrolysis aid. An aqueous cathodic electrolyzed solution obtained is also stable to oxidation. The aqueous cathodic electrolyzed solution obtained is also extremely highly reductive. According to this invention, ascorbyl glucosamine having excellent antioxidating effect can be electrolyzed to provide an aqueous cathodic electrolyzed solution containing highly active dissolved hydrogen. The aqueous electrolyzed solution can be applied to a skin to exhibit excellent effects such as prevention or repair of oxidative skin damage.

Aqueous electrolyzed solution of ascorbyl glucosamine and preparation process therefor


According to one embodiment, a transmitting apparatus includes a generation unit, a division unit, an imparting unit and a transmitting unit. The generation unit generates first control information in accordance with a first information format. The division unit divides the first control information into control information pieces in accordance with information format divisions into which the first information format is divided and which include respective pointer regions, each of the information format divisions having a same data length as a second information format. The imparting unit imparts, to the pointer region of each of the information format divisions, a pointer indicating a wireless communication resource used to transmit one of the control information pieces corresponding to one of the information format divisions other than the each control information format division. The transmitting unit transmits the control information pieces.

In a cellular communication system, which handles simultaneous communication involving many users, as well as transmitting user data it is necessary to transmit control information associated with the user data. To ensure the control information will reach the handsets of all communicating users, a large number of communication resources must be used for its transmission. However, since the control information streams are exclusively for control and do not include embedded user data, allocation of such a large number of resources to the control information is at the expense of user data and so can reduce throughput. To avoid such a reduction, there is an improved method for transmitting control information of variable size (see, for example, Document 1: 3GPP, "Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access [E-UTRA]; Physical Channels and Modulation [Release 8]," TS36.211, ver. 8.3.0 [2008]).
To deal with such variable-size control information, there is a means of detecting control information addressed to the handset of a particular user in a plurality of control information transmitted to the handsets of all users when the size of control information for the handset of the particular user is unknown (see, for example, Document 2: 3GPP, "Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access [E-UTRA]; Physical layer procedures [Release 8]," TS36.213, ver. 8.3.0 [2008]). The means disclosed in Document 2 involves a blind detection method which makes multiple attempts to demodulate the control information while assuming various possible sizes of item, and determining that the control information is addressed to the handset of the user if it can be correctly demodulated. However, since considerable time and processing are required to demodulate all control information, a subset of control information to undergo attempted demodulation is determined for each user.
As well as the above techniques, there is a technique of increasing throughput by using a plurality of communication bands simultaneously (see, for example, Document 3: NTT DoCoMo, "Update Views on Support of Wider Bandwidth in LTE-Advanced," 3GPP Technical Document, R1-083015 [2008]).

Transmitting apparatus and receiving apparatus


An impact test hammer includes a cylindrical handle having opposite first and second end portions and a hollow interior, a sensor portion fixed to the first end portion of the handle, and a grip portion fixed to the second end portion of the handle. An elastic striking portion is fixed to an outer periphery of the sensor storage portion, and an impact acceleration sensor is housed within the sensor storage portion for sensing a striking power of the elastic striking portion applied to a test object. A circuit is housed within the grip portion and operatively connected to the sensor by way of wiring extending through the hollow interior of the handle. Such a circuit includes a range switch, a scale conversion amplifier and a wind amplifier. A knob is provided on the outer periphery of the grip portion for operating the range switch to set a degree of amplification of the amplifier. The amplifier receives a signal from the sensor and amplifies the signal according to the amplification degree set by the range switch. The wind comparator outputs an indicator actuation signal when the output from the amplifier falls within a specified range which is determined based on the characteristics of the test object.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an impact test hammer which is used for conducting impact tests of a test object such as, for example, an electronic circuit, an electronic part, a component part, etc., by applying a proper striking power to the test object, such proper striking power depending on the test object itself.
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
When, for example, an electronic circuit, an electronic part or the like is impact tested, such a test object is usually set in a testing apparatus and the impact test is carried out by striking the test object within the testing apparatus using a hammer. The proper striking power is dependant upon each test object.
The conventional impact test hammer includes, as means for determining whether a proper striking power is being applied to the test object, a sensor device comprising a piezoelectric element housed in the hammer head portion. A battery acting as a power source and a buzzer actuated by an output signal of the sensor are all built in a grip portion, so that when the test object is struck with a striking power larger than the proper striking power, a voltage is output by the sensor to actuate the buzzer and thus inform a user who is carrying out the test that the test object is being struck with an excess striking power.
According to the conventional impact test hammer, when the test object is struck with a striking power which is larger than a proper striking power, a buzzer sound is generated. Accordingly, although there is a lower striking power limit, there is not an upper limit. Therefore, the buzzer sound is always generated when the test object is struck with a power which is larger than a proper striking power. As a result, it is difficult to carry out a reliable test in which the test object is always struck with a constant proper striking power.
Furthermore, the prior art impact test hammer is problematic in that is can be used only for one kind of test object and different test hammers must be used for each of a plurality of test objects having different proper striking powers.


An audio device prevents an excessive volume output in a case such as when a set of headphones is replaced or a power supply is turned ON from OFF. A mute control circuit includes a switch that detects insertion of a headphone plug and a switch that detects a volume position. When no insertion of a headphone plug is detected, a mute mode is activated to output no audio signals. When insertion of a headphone plug is detected and it is not detected that the volume position is set at a mute position or near to the mute position, the mute mode is maintained, while when it is detected that the volume position is set at the mute position or near to the mute position, the mute mode is canceled.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to an audio device and in particular, to a mute function.
2. Related Art
Conventionally, audio devices provided with a headphone output are designed to activate a mute function at the time of power ON/OFF so as not to output a click noise. Further, another function is also suggested to limit an output level so as not to provide an excessive volume output when a headphone plug is inserted into a jack.
JP 11-136789 A describes that an audio output is automatically set to mute or low level in response to pulling out of a headphone plug. The volume is automatically set to zero when a headphone plug is pulled out. The volume should be manually adjusted from the volume zero, when a headphone plug is inserted.
JP 2002-010389 A describes that an audio level is automatically set to mute in response to pulling out of a headphone plug, and then the audio level is automatically returned to a normal level. After the audio level is set to mute, the mute position is maintained until a user adjusts a volume setting.
It should be noted that depending on an impedance or efficiency of respective headphones, actual output levels to the same source output may differ significantly among headphones. Therefore, when headphones are changed with a volume setting left at a high output level, there is a risk that an output will be set at an excessive volume. With JP 11-136789 A, it is possible to prevent an excessive volume by automatically setting an electrical volume to zero (by electrically setting a signal output level to zero) at the time of pulling out of a headphone plug. However, a problem still remains for analog volume. Further, because JP 11-136789 A nowhere provides a specific description about a mute control at the time of power ON/OFF, an excessive volume output is still possible when the power supply is turned from OFF to ON with a headphone plug inserted, depending on a volume setting level.
On the other hand, in JP 2002-010389 A, because a mute mode is maintained until a volume setting is adjusted, there is a problem that an audio output cannot be confirmed until the volume setting is completed. Further, there is another problem that, if a volume setting is erroneously adjusted, an output may be made at an excessive volume when the mute mode is canceled.
The above described problems may occur not only when changing headphones but also when changing an input source.


A shoe strap is arranged for securement to an existing shoe construction wherein the shoe strap includes a flexible surrounding strap for securement about an ankle of an individual with a securement buckle portion mounted cooperatively at forward terminal ends of the surrounding strap. A downwardly extending rigid leg includes a mounting for one of a plurality of fastener members for securement and cooperation with an associated shoe. The fastener members are adhesively or mechanically mounted to the downwardly extending leg and include a flexible pad to be positioned overlying the inner sole of the associated shoe, a clamp member, a tooth engagement member for engagement with the medial rear seam of the shoe, or alternatively the use of mechanical fasteners such as projections engageable within teeth mounted within the shoe or an array of hook and loop fasteners for securement to a companion hook and loop fasteners strip securable to the shoe.

1. Field of the Invention
The field of the invention relates to shoe construction, and more particularly pertains to a new and improved separable shoe strap kit wherein the same permits selective association and mounting of an ankle strap to an existing shoe structure.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Ankle straps have been utilized in cooperation with shoe structures to provide enhanced securement of an associated shoe to an ankle and leg portion of a wearer of the shoe as well as to accommodate contemporary fashion requirements.
Prior art ankle strap arrangements have typically been mounted in fixed manner relative to prior art shoe structures wherein individuals have been required to purchase replacement shoes in order to avail themselves of the use of an ankle strap arrangement. Examples of the prior art include U.S. Pat. No. 2,582,910 to LYON illustrative of an ankle strap arrangement utilizing either a single strap or a laced network to secure an upwardly extending extension of a rear portion of the shoe to an individual's ankle.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,750,684 to LYON illustrates the use of an ankle strap mounted to a insole projecting segment mounted to an existing shoe.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,523,394 to LINDH provides a foot ligament protective device utilizing a surrounding strap mounted to spaced loop members where underlying support surface mounting an individual's foot thereon.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,821,743 to WETZ utilizes insole and ankle extensions mounted to an ankle brace to secure an individual's ankle between the extensions.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,516,180 to THURSTON utilizes a guard for use with a ski boot and the like defined by a forward annular rigid member and an encompassing strap for securement about an ankle portion of the rigid member to provide an anti-chaffing barrier in use of the boot.
As such, it may be appreciated that there continues to be a need for a new and improved separable shoe strap kit as addressed by the instant invention which overcomes the problems of ease of use in retrofitt securement of an ankle strap to an introducing shoe structure and in this respect, the present invention substantially fulfills this need.


A coffee beverage system is described including a first coffee bean packaging cartridge, a second coffee bean cartridge and a coffee brewing apparatus. After a first predetermined number of servings of coffee, transportation component of the first cartridge for transporting coffee beans of the first cartridge to a metering chamber of the system are disabled. The transportation component of the second coffee bean cartridge are not disabled or only disabled after a second predetermined number of servings of coffee which is larger than the first predetermined number of servings of coffee.

The invention relates to a coffee beverage system including a coffee bean packaging cartridge. In particular the invention relates to a system for preparing coffee wherein the coffee bean packaging cartridge is arranged for holding and supplying multiple servings of coffee beans and wherein the system comprises a grinder for grinding the beans and a brewing device for brewing coffee on the basis of grinded coffee obtained by means of the grinder.
It is known to pack roasted coffee beans in containers that can be connected to coffee brewing apparatus that include a grinding mechanism. For such systems to be efficient the containers have often been designed to hold between 1 kg and 3 kg of coffee beans.
The patent application EP 0 804 894 A2 discloses such a coffee dispensing and brewing apparatus that comprises components for dispensing a predetermined amount of coffee to a brew basket, the components including a hopper (container) for holding a supply of coffee beans and an auger device communicating with the hopper for portioning coffee beans in a predetermined amount to a coffee grinder. The apparatus further includes a brew basket holding assembly for releasably holding the brew basket in a region adjacent a passageway to the grinder and a hot water making and delivery system for distributing a predetermined volume of hot water from a hot water holding tank to the region during a brewing cycle. The grinder motor has a right angle power transmission that couples the motor to the grinder with the motor being located below the grinder and adjacent a vertical side of the holding tank.
For such existing coffee beverage systems, the coffee supplier wishes that it should be highly likely, that the cartridge cooperating with the coffee brewing apparatus marketed by the supplier and on which her name is printed, carries the coffee beans of the supplier. Furthermore, it would be advantageous for the supplier to be able to supply coffee beans under another label for refilling the cartridge cooperating with the coffee brewing apparatus.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system for preparing coffee beverages of the above referred to kind, which enables both these options. In a more general sense it is thereby an object of the invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art. It is also an object of the present invention to provide alternative structures which may be less cumbersome in assembly and operation and which moreover can be made relatively inexpensively.
Unless stated otherwise, in the description and claims coffee beans are understood to be burnt/roasted coffee beans. Coffee beans in the description and claims may be understood to cover also fragmented coffee beans, that is, coffee bean fragments, which coffee bean fragments are still to be grinded for extracting desired coffee beverage. The coffee beans are for instance broken, before they are packaged. In an embodiment, at least a part of the coffee beans in the coffee bean package is divided into about thirty or less, in particular about fifteen or less, more particularly about ten fragments or less. One coffee bean fragment then comprises for instance one-thirtieth part, in particular one-fifteenth part, more particularly one-tenth part or more of a coffee bean. For instance, the coffee bean fragments comprise a half or a quarter of a coffee bean. An advantage of the use of coffee bean fragments compared with whole coffee beans can be that coffee bean fragments can be supplied to the grinder relatively simply and/or that the package can be closed off relatively simply. This is because the coffee bean fragments are relatively small and hence can slide relatively easily through openings in the package and the apparatus and/or will block the coffee bean outlet and/or closing means less easily. As the coffee beans may beforehand have been divided into fragments, though not grinded, in the meantime comparatively more bean surface can come into contact with any ambient air than would be case with whole coffee beans. On the other hand, less bean surface will come into contact with air than would be the case with grinded coffee, so that coffee bean fragments can be preserved better than grinded coffee beans. Only just before preparation of the coffee beverage are the coffee bean fragments grinded for obtaining coffee beverage. In this description, therefore, coffee bean may also be understood to include a fragmented coffee bean, that is, which is still to be grinded for preparing the desired coffee beverage.
According to the invention, a system and methods are provided according to the independent claims. Favorable embodiments are defined by the dependent claims. According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a coffee beverage system, including a first coffee bean packaging cartridge and a coffee brewing apparatus wherein the first coffee bean packaging cartridge can be removable connected to the coffee brewing apparatus. The first coffee bean packaging cartridge, which preferably is non refillable with coffee beans, is arranged for holding and supplying multiple servings of coffee beans. It includes a container comprising an interior volume and at least one exit opening defining a coffee bean outlet, the interior volume holding coffee beans and transportation means adapted for enabling transportation of the coffee beans from the interior volume towards the exit opening of the first cartridge. The coffee apparatus comprises an entrance opening for receiving coffee beans which are transported with the aid of the transportation means towards the exit opening of the first cartridge, a grinder for grinding coffee beans which have entered the coffee apparatus via the entrance opening and a brewing device for brewing coffee on the basis of grinded coffee obtained by means of the grinder. The transportation means of the first cartridge comprise a part which is movable relative to a main body of the first cartridge for transporting the coffee beans towards the exit opening of the first cartridge upon driving of said transportation means. The coffee brewing apparatus is provided with a motor and a vertically extending drive shaft wherein said drive shaft is releasable connected with the transportation means of the first cartridge for driving and thereby moving the transportation means of the first cartridge upon rotation of the drive shaft by means of the motor means for transporting the coffee beans towards the exit opening of the first cartridge. The first cartridge is arranged such that, if the drive shaft is connected with the transportation means, after a first predetermined number of revolutions of the drive shaft the transportation means of the first cartridge is automatically disabled for transporting the coffee beans towards the exit opening. The system is further provided with a second coffee bean cartridge which can also be removable connected to the coffee brewing apparatus. The second coffee bean cartridge, which preferably is refillable with coffee beans, is arranged for being filled with and holding and supplying multiple servings of coffee beans. The second coffee beans cartridge includes a container comprising an interior volume and at least one exit opening defining a coffee bean outlet, the interior volume being arranged for holding coffee beans and transportation means adapted for enabling transportation of the coffee beans from the interior volume towards the exit opening of the second cartridge. The second cartridge is adapted to the coffee apparatus so that, if the second cartridge is connected to the coffee apparatus, coffee beans which are transported with the aid of the transportation means of the second cartridge towards the exit opening of the second cartridge can be received by the coffee apparatus via the entrance opening for preparing coffee. The second cartridge is arranged such that the transportation means of the second cartridge will not be disabled upon a predetermined number of revolutions of the drive shaft or will only be disabled after a second predetermined number of revolutions of the drive shaft wherein the second predetermined number of revolutions is greater than the first predetermined number of revolutions.
With the coffee beverage system according to the present invention, the first coffee bean packaging cartridge, which may be disposable, may comprise the coffee beans of the supplier. The first coffee bean packaging cartridge may be designed to be non-refillable or be refillable only a limited number of times. By automatically disabling the transportation means of the first cartridge for transporting the coffee beans towards the exit opening thereof, the first coffee bean packaging cartridge is made useless after a predetermined number of coffee servings, which preferably corresponds to the amount of coffee beans present in the interior volume of the first coffee bean packaging cartridge or is slightly superior. After the predetermined number of coffee servings, the first coffee bean packaging cartridge should be replaced with another coffee bean packaging cartridge. In this way, there is a strong guarantee that the first coffee bean packaging cartridge comprises the coffee beans of the supplier. A further possible advantage may be that the supplier can give a guarantee that there are no or very few stones in the coffee bean packaging cartridge. Often stones with a size between a millimeter and a centimeter are present in bags filled with coffee beans. If coffee beans of such bags are used, the stones therein may cause damages to the grinder, resulting in tear thereof, the risk of a broken grinder and a deterioration of the coffee quality. This may be avoided by means of an X-ray destoner in the production line. So, the supplier providing such "destoned" coffee beans is enabled to give a guarantee that there are no or very few stones in the cartridge in case that the cartridge is non-refillable.
The second coffee bean cartridge may comprise the coffee beans of the supplier marketed under another label. It may be designed to be refillable, either a considerable number of times or an unlimited number of times.
When the first cartridge is mounted to the coffee brewing apparatus of the system, the system may be arranged for rotating the vertically extending drive shaft with the motor means thereby driving and moving the transportation means of the first cartridge upon for transporting the coffee beans towards the exit opening of the first cartridge, grinding coffee beans which have entered the coffee apparatus via the entrance opening thereof and brewing coffee on the basis of grinded coffee. The first cartridge may be arranged such that, if the drive shaft is connected with the transportation means, after a first predetermined number of revolutions of the drive shaft in a direction other than, or other than used for driving the transportations means of the first cartridge the transportation means of the first cartridge is automatically disabled for transporting the coffee beans towards the exit opening. The drive shaft may be rotated in the in a direction other than, or other than used for driving the transportations means of the first cartridge each time after transporting the coffee beans for a serving of coffee towards the exit opening of the first cartridge.
Alternatively, the first cartridge may be arranged such that, if the drive shaft is connected with the transportation means after a first predetermined number of revolutions of the drive shaft for driving the transportations means of the first cartridge the transportation means of the first cartridge is automatically disabled for transporting the coffee beans towards the exit opening.
The system may be arranged for executing the automatic disabling of the transportation means of the first cartridge for transporting the coffee beans towards the exit opening by means of bringing it into a motor stall condition or by means of disengagement of a mechanical connection, so that the rotation of the drive shaft does not result in driving the transmission means or a part of the transmission means.
The movable part of the transportation means of the first cartridge may include a disk element, for example an impellor including a bottom and a plurality of vanes, which rotates upon rotation of the drive shaft. The disk element may include a recess wherein the disk element rotates upon rotation of the drive shaft due to an engagement of drive means with the recess.
According to an embodiment, the drive means comprise the drive shaft and a drive bush, mountable on the drive shaft as well as a nut mountable on the drive bush. The engagement of the drive means and the recess may be by means of an engagement of the nut and a wall of the recess by means of one or more protrusions engaging with one or more corresponding slots. Revolutions of the drive shaft in a direction for driving the transportation means cause the rotation the drive bush and the nut mounted thereto and the corresponding rotation of the disk element, resulting in the transportation of the coffee beans towards the exit opening. Revolutions of the drive shaft in a direction other than, or other than used for driving the transportation means of the first cartridge cause the rotation of the nut with respect the drive bush. Since, the nut is connected to the drive bush by means of screw thread, such revolutions result in nut moving upwards or downwards over the drive bush. After the first predetermined revolutions in the direction other than, or other than used for driving the transportation means the nut has moved so far that it disengages from the wall of the recess and driving the transportation means by means of the drive shaft becomes impossible.
According to an alternative embodiment, the drive means comprise a drive bush mountable on the drive shaft. The engagement between the drive means and the disk element is by means an engagement of the drive bush and the wall of the recess by one or more snap fingers engaging with one or more corresponding slots. Furthermore, the drive bush is engaged with the wall by means of screw thread. In case of revolutions of the drive shaft and thereby the drive bush in the direction of driving the transportation means, the snap finger-slot engagement between the drive bush and the wall of the recess of the disk element results in the rotation of the disk element and the transportation of the coffee beans towards the exit opening of the first cartridge. Rotation of the drive shaft in the direction other than, or other than used for driving the transportation means results in the drive bush going upwards with respect to the disk element so that after the first predetermined number of revolutions of the drive shaft the drive bush disengages from the drive shaft and driving the transportation means by means of the drive shaft becomes impossible.
The transportation means of the second cartridge may comprise a downwardly extending bottom wall such as a funnel of the container for transporting the coffee beans towards the exit opening of the second cartridge under the influence of gravity.
Alternatively or additionally, the transportation means of the second cartridge comprises a part which is movable relative to a main body of the second cartridge for transporting the coffee beans towards the exit opening of the second cartridge upon driving of said transportation means. The transportation means may be releasable connectable with the vertically extending drive shaft of the coffee brewing apparatus. Upon rotation of the drive shaft by means of the motor the transportation means of the cartridge are driven and thereby moved for transporting the coffee beans towards the exit opening of the second cartridge.
The movable part of the transportation means of the second cartridge may include a disk element, which rotates upon rotation of the drive shaft. The disk element may be an impellor including a bottom and a plurality of vanes. It may include a recess wherein the disk element rotates upon rotation of the drive shaft due to an engagement of drive means with a wall of the recess.
The second cartridge may be arranged such that, if the drive shaft is connected with the transportation means, the transportation means will not be disabled upon a predetermined number of revolutions of the drive shaft in a direction other than, or other than used for driving the transportations means of the second cartridge or will only be disabled after a second predetermined number of revolutions of the drive shaft wherein the second predetermined number of revolutions is greater than the first predetermined number of revolutions.
The system may be further provided with a metering chamber for receiving coffee beans which are transported with the aid of the transportation means into the metering chamber. The metering chamber may be arranged for receiving a portion of coffee beans corresponding to a dosed amount of coffee beans which is preferably necessary for preparing a single serving of coffee beverage.
The metering chamber may be divided in a first chamber portion which is part of the first or second cartridge and a second chamber portion which is part of the coffee brewing apparatus. The second chamber portion may comprise a bottom portion which forms a part of the grinder, said bottom portion being arranged in the coffee brewing apparatus for rotating around a first axis extending in a vertical direction. The system may be arranged such that upon activation of the grinder the bottom portion is rotating around the vertical axis for transporting the coffee beans from the metering chamber into the grinder and for grinding the coffee beans.
The division of the metering chamber over the cartridge and the brewing apparatus enables to provide a compact coffee beverage system. The use of a bottom portion of the metering chamber, which is part of the grinder and which rotates for emptying the metering chamber also results in a decreased height of the system compared to the alternative option of providing a separate bottom plate of the metering chamber and a separate grinder.
The coffee bean packaging cartridge may comprise closing means for closing the coffee bean outlet when the coffee bean packaging cartridge is not connected to the coffee brewing apparatus. In this way it is avoided that coffee beans fall out of the coffee bean packaging cartridge when it is not connected to the coffee brewing apparatus.
The closing means may be configured for opening the coffee bean outlet when the coffee bean packaging cartridge is connected to the coffee brewing apparatus.
The closing means may comprise a closure member at the bottom side of the container comprising the coffee bean outlet and a rotatable closing disk having an opening. In order to connect the first and/or second cartridge to the coffee brewing apparatus the opening of the rotatable closing disk may be brought in a position aligned with the coffee bean outlet.
The closure member may comprise a pair of fletching arms and the closure disk may comprise a detent, which in the closed position is caught behind the fletching arms.
The exit opening may be associated with a removable sealing element sealing the interior volume prior to activation of the first and/or cartridge wherein preferably said sealing element prevents gasses to escape from the cartridge. The beverage system may comprise means for disrupting and displacing the sealing element, preferably when the cartridge is connected to the brewing apparatus for the first time. The sealing element may be a sealing membrane.
The coffee brewing apparatus may comprise connection means for the removable connection to the first or second cartridge. The connection means may comprise a recess at an upper side of the coffee brewing apparatus, the recess being surrounded by a side wall and being configured for receiving a corresponding part protruding from a lower side of the coffee bean packaging cartridge. The side wall may protrude from the upper side of the coffee brewing apparatus and be covered by a housing.
The coffee brewing apparatus may comprise control means for rotating the vertically extending drive shaft with the motor means thereby driving and moving the transportation means for transporting the coffee beans towards the exit opening of the first and/or second cartridge, grinding coffee beans which have entered the coffee apparatus via the entrance opening thereof and brewing coffee based on the grinded coffee and heated water heated by a heating device of the coffee brewing apparatus.
The control means may be furthermore configured for rotating the drive shaft with the motor means in a direction other than, or other than used for driving the transportations means of the first and/or second cartridge, after the filling of the metering chamber.
The control means may be configured such that, in use, the transportation means is driven for filling the metering chamber with coffee beans and that after completion thereof the grinding device is activated for emptying the metering chamber and for grinding coffee beans which were collected in the metering chamber during the first step. The transportation means may be driven longer than is required for filling the metering chamber with coffee beans and/or the grinding device may be activated longer than is required for emptying or at least substantially completely emptying the metering chamber and for grinding all the coffee beans which were collected in the metering chamber during the filling step.
Further advantageous aspects of the invention will become clear from the appended description of preferred embodiments.

Coffee bean packaging cartridge and coffee beverage system including the same


A print server connectable to an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus via a network includes a reception unit configured to receive print jobs transmitted from the information processing apparatus via the network; a group information extraction unit configured to extract group names to which users belong, from the print jobs received by the reception unit; a print job accumulation unit configured to accumulate the group names extracted by the group information extraction unit in a job storage in association with the print jobs; in response to receiving a job acquisition request of print job from the image forming apparatus and based on identification information of a specific user who has transmitted the job acquisition request, an identification unit configured to identify a primary group to which the specific user who has transmitted the job acquisition request belongs, and a secondary group set at a specific hierarchy level in a specific hierarchical group structure with respect to the primary group; and a transmission unit configured to transmit a primary print job associated with the primary group, identified by the identification unit, and a secondary print job associated with the secondary group identified by the identification unit, to the image forming apparatus.

In conventional printing methods, a user accumulates print jobs in a print server in advance, and inputs user authentication information to log into a multifunctional peripheral (MFP) to print the print jobs, and then the MFP acquires the print jobs associated with the log-in user from the print server. In this configuration, each print job can be printed only when the user logs into the MFP, with which confidentiality of document can be secured. This printing method is referred to as the pull-print method.
In the pull-print method, the user can print the print jobs registered to the print server only by the user himself or herself. However, there is a case that user A (e.g., president) and user B (e.g., secretary) work in the same office, and user B works for user A as an assistance. In this case, user A, who registers a print job, may want user B to print the print job for user A. In this case, a method of delegation printing is applied. As to the delegation printing, user A and user B are associated with each other in the print server in advance, and if authentication of the user B succeeds, the user B can print the job registered by user A.
The delegation printing is further expanded to a group printing, in which execution of print jobs is allowed to any user belonging to the same group, as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-044546-A. This technology discloses a system used by users belonging to the same group, in which print jobs registered by one user belonging to one group can be shared with another user belonging to the same group.

Print server, image forming apparatus, method of controlling printing operation and recording medium


Methods of analyzing and optimizing a seismic survey design are described. Specifically, the sampling quality is analyzed as opposed to the overall quality of the whole survey. This allows for analysis of the impact of the offsets, obstacles, and other aspects of the survey on the sampling quality, which will improve the ability to compress the resulting data and minimize acquisition footprints.

Seismic surveying has become the primary tool of exploration companies in the continental United States, both onshore and offshore. Seismic surveying consists of three separate stages: data acquisition, data processing and data interpretation. The success of a seismic prospecting operation depends on satisfactory completion of all three stages.
A seismic survey is conducted by creating an impulsive or vibratory wave—a seismic wave—on or near the surface of the ground along a predetermined line, using an energy source. The seismic wave travels into the earth, is reflected by subsurface formations, and returns to the surface, where it receivers called geophones—similar to microphones—detect the signal and the data recorded. By analyzing the time it takes for the seismic waves to reflect off of subsurface formations and return to the surface, a geophysicist can map subsurface formations and anomalies and predict where oil or gas may be trapped in sufficient quantities for exploration and development activities.
Until relatively recently, seismic surveys were conducted along a single line on the ground, and their analysis created a two-dimensional picture akin to a slice through the earth, showing the subsurface geology along that line. This is referred to as two-dimensional or 2D seismic data.
Currently, almost all oil and gas exploratory wells are preceded by 3D seismic surveys. The basic method of testing is the same as for 2D, but instead of a single line of energy source points and receiver points, the source points and receiver points are laid out in a grid across the property. The receiver points are generally laid down in parallel lines (receiver lines), and the source points are generally laid out in parallel lines that are approximately perpendicular to the receiver lines in most modern surveys, although variations in layout are used.
The spacing of the source and receiver points is determined by the design and objectives of the survey. They may be several hundred feet apart or as close as 55 feet or even smaller for high-resolution surveys. The resulting recorded reflections received at each receiver point come from all directions, and sophisticated computer programs can analyze this data to create a three-dimensional image of the subsurface. After the data is processed, scientists and engineers assemble and interpret the 3D seismic information in the form of a 3D data cube that represents a display of subsurface features.
The area covered by the 3D grid must be larger than the subsurface area to be imaged, in order to acquire sufficient data for the area of interest. Generally, in order to acquire "full-fold data" for an area, source and receiver points must be laid out to half the spread length beyond the boundary of the area of interest build fold and be full fold at the edge of the area of interest. The additional data acquired in this "halo" on the outer edge of a 3D survey is sometimes called "tails." The quality of the subsurface data at the edge of the survey will not ordinarily be sufficient to map and evaluate the subsurface of these "tail" areas.
Additionally, an area around the zone of interest must be added to properly migrate the data and image it correctly. This zone is called the migration apron or aperture and it is at generally greater then about 60% of the depth to the primary objective. Thus, even though the area of interest is small, three zones must be filled—the original area of interest, the migration apron necessary for the processer to image the zone of interest and finally the fold taper that the acquisitions group needs to acquire useable signal to noise ratio data for the processor to migrate into the zone of interest.
Seismic data is generally processed for the purpose of imaging seismic reflections for structural and stratigraphic interpretation. The quality of the seismic data that is ultimately used in the structural and stratigraphic interpretation depends on many different factors and varies from survey to survey. Steps that are omitted or not correctly completed in the data acquisition, data processing and data interpretation stages can greatly affect the quality of the final images or numerical representation of the subsurface features. The quality of the seismic data directly affects the reliability of observations and numerical measurements made from the seismic data and affects any decisions based on the seismic data.
Constructing accurate seismic images and corresponding earth models is important in making business or operational decisions relating to oil and gas exploration and reservoir management. For example, earth scientists use seismic images to determine where to place wells in subterranean regions containing hydrocarbon reservoirs. They also build models of the subsurface to create reservoir models suitable for reservoir fluid flow modeling. The quality of the business and operational decisions is highly dependent on the quality of the seismic images and earth models.
The known methods of analyzing the quality of the 3D seismic survey are flawed in some respects. Normally, bin fold maps are created, spider diagrams of the azimuth distributions are pulled and/or the partial fold of stack plots on the survey design are reviewed to obtain information regarding the overall potential for the quality of the survey. While these techniques relate information about the survey as a whole and attributes drawn from them are indicative of the quality of the survey, these techniques do not analyze the sampling of the survey or compared it to other surveys or take into account the possible variations in actual field implementation of the theoretic survey. Other techniques involve visual inspection of time slices through the fold and offset planes of proposed designs. However, the interpretation is influenced by a users experience and knowledge, and thus is somewhat subjective and not easily compared between users.
There exists a need for a more robust technique for analyzing the quality of a 3D seismic survey, preferably one that is not as subjective.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


To safeguard data transmission, a first terminal communicates in a first network with the aid of at least one session key and a second terminal communicates in a second network with the aid of at least one session key. The first terminal is connected to the second terminal through a local interface. In the first terminal, at least one first session key is determined and at least one second session key is derived from the first session keys. At least one second session key is transmitted to the second terminal through the local interface by a safety protocol. The second terminal is authenticated to the second network by at least one second session key or by the key derived from the second session key(s) through an authentication protocol.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a method for safeguarding data traffic between a first terminal and a first network and a second terminal and a second network. The invention also relates to a corresponding first and a corresponding second terminal, with which such a method can be implemented.
2. Description of the Related Art
Users of mobile telephones today have to be able to access not just a mobile radio network but also further networks, e.g. the internet, via a suitable access network. In the case of internet access it is particularly desirable for the transmitted data to be displayed not on the mobile telephone but on a further terminal, e.g. a laptop.
Methods are known with which a first terminal in the form of a mobile telephone, containing a SIM or USIM module (SIM=Subscriber Identity Module; USIM=Universal Subscriber Identity Module), connects via a local interface to a second terminal in the form of a laptop, the laptop allowing access to a further network, e.g. a WLAN network and/or the internet. The second terminal is hereby authenticated to the further network via an authentication protocol, with keys being used in the protocol, which go back to the SIM or USIM module. Suitable authentication protocols that can be used are for example the following: EAP-SIM (EAP=Extensible Authentication Protocol; SIM=Subscriber Identity Module; see, H. Haverinen et al. "EAP SIM Authentication", internet draft, draft-haverinen-pppext-eap-sim-12, October 2003) or EAP-AKA (EAP=Extensible Authentication Protocol; AKA=Authentication Key Agreement; see, J. Arkko et al., "EAP AKA Authentication", internet draft, draft-arkko-pppext-eap-aka-11, October 2003). The protocol EAP-SIM is hereby used for GSM mobile telephones and the protocol EAP-AKA is used for UMTS mobile telephones.
The authentication protocols EAP-SIM and EAP-AKA require both communication with the network and involvement of the SIM or USIM module in the authentication. This means that both the second terminal and the first terminal are involved in the execution of the authentication protocol. An exchange of data is therefore required between the second terminal and the first terminal via a local interface, e.g. a Bluetooth interface. Authentication data is thereby transmitted via this interface by a suitable profile for the purposes of authentication. Bluetooth profiles in particular, e.g. the Bluetooth SIM Access Profile (see, "SIM access via 'SIM Access Profile' and Bluetooth link", contribution S3-030436 to the 3GPP meeting SA3#29, San Francisco, 15-18 Jul. 2003; revised text of version 0.95VD_d, attachment att2), are known as suitable profiles from the known art. First session keys, which are actually used for communication between the mobile telephone and the corresponding mobile radio network, are transmitted via the local interface. These first session keys are then used to calculate new session keys in the second terminal, with which new session keys the authentication operates via the authentication protocol. It can be problematic here for the first session keys to be known in the second terminal. This means that an attacker, who gains control of the second terminal, also has access to the first session keys and can impersonate the user of the first terminal, for example making calls at the user's expense in the first network.

Method for safeguarding data traffic between a first terminal and a first network and a second terminal and a second network


Device for printing endorsements on documents passing through a document processing apparatus. The device comprises a rotatable outer housing having a cylindrically shaped exterior surface and a ring gear having a toothed first part and a toothless second part. A stamp for printing endorsements and at least one band having digits or characters thereon form a substantially continuous surface with the exterior surface of the outer housing. When the endorsing device is rotated by a pinion meshing with the ring gear, the digits or characters, as well as the stamp, contact a document passing through the document processing apparatus. During the rotation of the outer housing, further rotation is prevented by an arm which engages a projection on the outer housing and biasing means which biases the arm into locked engagement with the projection. When the arm engages the projection, the pinion is unable to rotate the outer housing as the toothless part of the ring gear is now facing the pinion. To release the outer housing, the force biasing the arm into locked engagement is removed. A second biasing means rotationally biases the outer housing so that the pinion will be able to mesh with the toothed portion of the ring gear, thereby continuing the rotation of the endorsing device.

Many different devices for processing documents are known. Most commonly, such devices are capable of reading magnetic or other types of characters imprinted on a document and/or printing magnetic or other types of characters onto the document. While the various configurations of document processing devices which include reading and/or printing means are diverse, such devices generally include a guide through which the document passes during processing. The document is drawn through the guide by pull rollers, passing through read and/or print stations for reading characters from and/or printing characters onto the document.
Endorsing devices, on the other hand, print a specific distinguishing mark on the back or reverse side of the document being endorsed. Document processing stations which read characters from or print characters onto a document may include an endorsing device as well. Such endorsing devices may either be an impact type endorsing device or a roller type endorsing device. An impact type endorsing device includes an impact member which strikes the document passing through the endorsing device, thereby producing an impact on the document which results in the printing of the character or characters provided on the impact member onto the document. A roller type endorsing device rotates a roller into contact with the document as the document passes through the endorsing station, thereby leaving an imprint of the character or characters on the roller on the document.
Among the disadvantages of using an impact type endorsement device in a document processing system is that in order to print the endorsement on a document, the advancement of the document must be stopped, the endorsing device activated to print the endorsement on the document and the advancement of the document resumed. Such a procedure results in the loss of time. As a result, the processing of documents is slower.
Another disadvantage of using an impact type endorsement device in a document processing system is that impact devices must be repeatedly inked. It is difficult to conceive of an inking system for an impact type endorsement device which will satisfactorily operate within the size and price constraints imposed upon document processing systems.
While roller type endorsers do not require the stopping of the document typically required by impact type endorsers, a disadvantage often present in roller type endorsing devices is that the rotation of the roller which contacts the document continues the entire time that documents are passing through the roller type endorsing device. As a result, the roller will indiscriminately endorse all documents passing through the endorsing device unless the roller is stopped, usually by a manual operation.
Another disadvantage of the roller type endorsing systems is that, apart from the date, the information printed on the document is always the same; i.e. it cannot be changed without performing the slow task of removing one stamp and installing another.
Printing devices are well known that have the feature that the printing is accomplished by the rotation of an endorser and not by impact type process. Such devices include a generally cylindrical housing and a series of wheels arranged inside the housing. Bands provided with digits or characters are positioned between a peripheral area of the cylindrical housing and the wheels. By activating the wheels, the digits or characters on the bands may be changed. The device is capable, therefore, of printing dates and inscriptions of any type which can be configured by the digits or characters provided on the bands.
The endorsing device proposed by the invention has been designed to completely solve these problems, offering for that purpose a structure that is extremely simple and which pertains to document processing apparatus such as reading and/or printing devices which process documents such as those issued by banking entities.

Device for printing endorsements of documents


A sound augmentation system for a drum comprises a wave generator for producing an electrical signal corresponding to a predetermined sound, an amplifier for amplifying the electrical signal to produce an amplified electrical signal, and a driver for translating the amplified electrical signal to a plurality of sound waves. The wave generator, amplifier and driver are mounted to a support structure configured to fit within a body of the drum. In operation, a strike of the head of the drum produces amplified sound waves that emanate from the body of the drum. Various embodiments of the sound augmentation system and associated method are provided.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to musical instrument sound producing devices, and more particularly to a sound augmentation system for use with a drum.
2. Description of Related Art
Electrical and electronic amplifiers are commonly used in the music industry to provide proper sound volume throughout the venue in which musicians, bands or other performers play. Large arenas typically require massive amplifiers and speakers to fill the venue with sound, while smaller clubs require correspondingly smaller amplifiers and speakers.
Small clubs, however, present challenges in providing a proper mix of amplification of the various instruments. Electric instruments, such as electric guitars, electronic keyboards, and electric bass guitars, require amplification in order to produce any perceptible volume. Vocals and acoustic instruments, such as acoustic guitars, can be amplified using microphones routed to amplifiers to raise their volume level to that of the electric instruments. Thus, the relative volume of each instrument or vocal can be adjusted by simply varying the volume of the amplifier for that instrument.
Drums, however, present a unique challenge in a small club setting. While the volume and relatively high frequency of the tom drums is typically sufficient to be discerned clearly without amplification, the lower frequency of the bass, or kick, drum can be easily lost beneath the multi-frequency, higher volume mix of the other instruments. The loss of definition of the kick drum is particularly pronounced when an electric bass guitar is being used. The amplified low frequency of the bass guitar tends to drown out the kick drum, making it less noticeable than the other amplified instruments and vocals.
Various ways to alleviate this problem have been proposed and attempted, but each suffers from its own drawbacks. One proposed solution is to provide a microphone and amplifier to detect and amplify the sound emanating from the kick drum. This requires placing a microphone on the front side of the drum, opposite the drummer, and running cable from the microphone to a remote amplifier and speaker. This method is often used in large venues, where space is not an issue. In small venues, however, it is not always possible to place a microphone and an additional large amplifier and speaker where it does not interfere with or take space from the rest of the stage.
Additionally, in a small venue, a remotely located amplifier and speaker distort the apparent spatial location of the drum since the amplified drum sound does not emanate from the area of the kick drum. Furthermore, available amplifiers and speakers capable of properly reproducing the low frequency kick drum signal are intended for larger venues, and are thus more expensive and bulky, prohibiting their use in small venues.
Electronic drum kits that are easily amplified are also available, and have been suggested to eliminate the amplification problem associated with acoustic kick drums. However, electronic drum kits are unpopular since they entirely eliminate the acoustical and tactile elements of the drums they replace. Drummers are sensitive to the feel of their drums, and depend on the tactile feedback from striking the resilient heads of the drums (whether with drumsticks or with a kick pedal). Electronic drum kits do not provide the feel that most drummers want or are accustomed to with their drums.

Sound augmentation system and method for a drum


An example plasma confinement system includes an inner electrode having a rounded first end that is disposed on a longitudinal axis of the plasma confinement system and an outer electrode that at least partially surrounds the inner electrode. The outer electrode includes a solid conductive shell and an electrically conductive material disposed on the solid conductive shell and on the longitudinal axis of the plasma confinement system. The electrically conductive material has a melting point within a range of 170° C. to 800° C. at 1 atmosphere of pressure. Related plasma confinement systems and methods are also disclosed herein.

Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.
Nuclear fusion is the process of combining two nuclei. When two nuclei of elements with atomic numbers less than that of iron are fused, energy is released. The release of energy is due to a slight difference in mass between the reactants and the products of the fusion reaction and is governed by ΔE=Δmc2. The release of energy is also dependent upon the attractive strong nuclear force between the reactant nuclei overcoming the repulsive electrostatic force between the reactant nuclei.
The fusion reaction requiring the lowest plasma temperature occurs between deuterium (a hydrogen nucleus with one proton and one neutron) and tritium (a hydrogen nucleus having one proton and two neutrons). This reaction yields a helium-4 nucleus and a neutron.
One approach for achieving nuclear fusion is to energize a gas containing fusion reactants inside a reactor chamber. The energized gas becomes a plasma via ionization. To achieve conditions with sufficient temperatures and densities for fusion, the plasma needs to be confined.

Plasma confinement system with outer electrode having liquifiable material and methods for use

Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC


A planar inverted-F antenna structure (204) is parasitically coupled to a conductor loop (214) at an open end (208) of the main radiator of the inverted-F antenna. The conductor loop is grounded (216).

Mobile communication devices are in widespread use throughout the world, and especially in metropolitan regions of the world. These devices have evolved from simple devices that merely support wireless mobile telephony to multi-function, multi-mode devices that can communicate in a variety of frequency bands using a variety of air interface protocols, modulation schemes, and so on. Manufactures have worked to keep such device relatively inexpensive, as well as physically small with ever decreasing electrical power consumption rates.
The combination of making the device multi-modal and the desire to keep the device physically small has caused designers and manufactures to find ways of combining circuits and circuit elements such that they can be used for multiple modes, rather than having dedicated circuits and systems for each mode of communication. One of the components of mobile communication devices that occupy a substantial space is the antenna structure and supporting circuitry and mechanical features. Typical whip antennas do not perform well across multiple bands, and require a substantial amount of mechanical support. Using multiple antennas for different bands also increases the space occupied by antennas. Therefore there is a need for a compact, multi-band antenna structure that reduces the amount of space and mechanical features needed in the device.

Planar inverted-F antenna with parasitic conductor loop and device using same


An apparatus and method used in manufacturing a long period grating filter are provided. The apparatus used in manufacturing a long period grating filter includes an upper body including a plurality of teeth spaced from each other by a predetermined distance and a lower body having teeth spaced from each other by the same distance as the teeth of the upper body and a plurality of grooves in a direction perpendicular to the teeth in which an optical fiber is loaded, wherein the upper and lower bodies are engaged with each other, and a plurality of grooves are formed in the loaded optical fiber by abrading the loaded optical fiber by moving the upper body in a direction parallel to the teeth. According to the present invention, an excimer laser, various other expensive equipment, and an optical fiber sensitive to ultraviolet rays are not required for manufacturing the long period grating filter. Accordingly, complicated hydrogen processing is not necessary. Also, stability to temperature is excellent, since the resultant filter is not obtained by changing the refractive index of the optical fiber.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a jig for manufacturing a long period grating filter, and more particularly to an apparatus and a method for manufacturing a long period grating filter.
2. Related Art
An optical fiber communication system consists of an information source, a transmitter or modulator, a transmission medium, and a receiver or demodulator at a destination point. The information source provides an electrical signal to the transmitter. The transmitter comprises an electrical stage which drives an optical source to give modulation of the light-wave carrier. The optical source which provides the electrical-optical conversion may be a semiconductor laser. The transmission medium consists of an optical fiber cable. The receiver consists of an optical detector which drives a further electrical stage and hence provides demodulation of the optical carrier. Thus there is a requirement for electrical interfacing at either end of the optical link. Fiber optic communications offer major advantages over wire systems because of low attenuation and high bandwidth available.
An optical fiber cable is an optical fiber waveguide having a core of a first refractive index n.sub.1 surrounded by a transparent cladding of slightly lower refractive index n.sub.2. The cladding supports the waveguide structure while also substantially reducing radiation loss into surrounding air. The optical fiber cable corresponds to a single cylindrical glass fiber having a diameter comparable to the diameter of a human hair. The optical fiber cable acts as an open optical waveguide. Light which is launched into an optical fiber at an angle less than an acceptance angle demonstrates total internal reflection in the core of the optical fiber. Periodic structures may be incorporated into optical fibers to form optical filters.
An optical filter can be used to guide light to the core of an optical fiber causing the light of desirable wavelengths to propagate in the core of that optical fiber. One type of optical filter is a long period grating filter. The long period grating filter is manufactured by periodically changing the refractive index of the core of an optical fiber. I have discovered that the manufacturing process can be inefficient, time-consuming, and expensive.
I have found that there is a need for an improved apparatus and method used in manufacturing long period grating filters.

Jig for manufacturing long period grating filter and apparatus and method for manufacturing long period grating filter using the same


Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a system comprising a processing unit executing an enumeration process over a high performance I/O network having endpoint locations that can be populated with endpoint devices. The system further comprises endpoint emulators to represent endpoint devices at endpoint locations unpopulated during the enumeration process. The system facilitates accessing certain endpoint devices later inserted (e.g., hot plugged) into the endpoint locations that were unpopulated during the enumeration process. The endpoint emulators can be implemented using various techniques, such as cards plugged into card slots coupled to the endpoint locations, or emulation software and/or firmware exposed to the processing unit. In an embodiment, the system is a test system for testing endpoint devices (e.g., PCIe SSDs), which test system can facilitate hot plugging of units under test in test slots that were unpopulated during the enumeration process.

As the price-performance gap between dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and hard disk drives (HDDs) in computing systems continues to widen, non-volatile memory (NVM) solutions are increasingly filling that gap. Specifically, NVM in the form of solid state drives (SSDs) is creating a new I/O (input/output or IO) memory tier in today's computing systems. In addition, PCI Express (PCIe) connectivity in computing systems continues to rise, providing a high performance I/O interface (e.g., 1 GBps per lane for PCIe Gen3) to various devices, such as SSDs. For example, a single PCIe Gen3 SSD device with 8 lanes can deliver over 6 GBps of data access bandwidth. SSD providers, in an attempt to participate in this growing market opportunity, are introducing SSD products at a rapid pace. While there exists some standardization pertaining to the interoperability of PCIe SSDs (e.g., the NVM Express or NVMe standard), there remains a wide variety of implementations and drivers among today's SSD devices. Such SSD device variability can impact testing of SSD devices. For example, the test system mechanical and/or electrical interface for an SSD device under test (DUT) or a unit under test (UUT) might need to comply with the specific interface implemented in the UUT.
Unfortunately, legacy techniques for implementing test systems that accommodate the varying UUTs can be limited at least as pertaining to UUT insertion and removal while the test system is powered on. Such "hot plug" capability can specifically be limited in legacy implementations of test systems for PCIe SSDs and/or other SSDs using other high performance I/O networks and interfaces. For example, while PCIe devices and systems can be implemented so as to support hot plug capability for the devices, such devices and systems expect a device (e.g., endpoint device) to be present in all endpoint locations (e.g., card connectors or card slots) to be later used when the system is initialized. More specifically, the enumeration process invoked at system initialization (e.g., system boot) expects an endpoint device to be present in a given slot (e.g., bus number) at the time of initialization in order for any other hot plugged device to be accessible in that slot at a moment in time following completion of the enumeration process. One legacy approach to this limitation in test systems is to fill all the test slots with UUTs and/or dummy UUTs during system initialization. However, for test systems comprising a large number (e.g., 256, 512, etc.) of test slots for parallel testing, this can consume substantial computing and/or human resources, and/or hardware costs.
Techniques are therefore needed address the problem of efficiently implementing hot plug capable test slots in a test system, enabling the advancement of high performance I/O device test systems, non-volatile memory test systems, and other electronic systems. None of the aforementioned legacy approaches achieve the capabilities of the herein-disclosed techniques for initial enumeration of empty endpoint slots using endpoint emulation. Therefore, there is a need for improvements.

Initial enumeration of empty endpoint slots using endpoint emulation