The invention relates to a variety of contact lens designs which attempt to achieve a stable lens orientation by providing such contact lenses with approximately circular profiled grooves or channels. These profiled tracks act as circular keels inhibiting translation and thereby aiding rotational stabilization of the lens.

This invention concerns contact lenses of a variety of designs, from the conventional monofocal, and, as well, contact lenses utilizing phase plate optics, such as phase plate bifocals and "tuned" Fresnel lenses arranged as annular and concentric zones. The latter type of lenses generally follow the unique designs described by Allen L. Cohen in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,210,391; 4,338,005; and 4,340,283. The bifocal lens design of Cohen, supra, provides that the radii "r.sub.n " of the annular and concentric zones are substantially proportional to .sqroot.n (herein called a "Cohen lens design"). Other characterizations of multifocal lenses which would employ a Cohen lens design in operative embodiments are described by Freeman in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,637,697; 4,641,934; and 4,642,112.
Contact lenses which utilize prism ballast, peri-ballast, truncation or some other stabilizing means, frequently lack stable lens orientation. Heretofore, this has been true in toric lenses, bifocal lenses and other contact lenses that are not rotationally symmetric. It is desirable to stabilize progressive add contact lenses and other aspheric contact lenses which need to remain in a well centered position on the eye.
Translation and orientation of a contact lens was assumed to result from the abutment of a truncated lens edge against the lower lid margin of an eye. However, this has been shown to have only a minimal effect by I. M. Borish and D. Perrigin in their article Observations of Bifocal Contact Lenses, Inter. Eyecare, 1 (3), 1985.
Orientation in contact lenses, assumed to result from a weight differential induced by prism and thereby causing a pendulum effect, has only a marginal effect according to A. L. Cohen in his article The Role of Gravity in Prism Ballasting, Amer. J. Opt. and Phys. Optics, May 1976.
Heretofore, regardless of the specific mechanism, all contact lenses that are stabilized by virtue of a geometrical asymmetry, incorporate prism into their lens design. Such lenses have wedge-like cross-sections. An underlying mechanism for contact lens orientation upon an eye is related to pressure effects upon wedges. This has been pointed out by A. J. Hanks in his article The Watermelon Seed Principle, Contact Lens Forum, September 1983.
When an upper eyelid closes over a contact lens with a wedge-like cross-section, pressure is asymmetrically applied as the lens is sandwiched between the eye and eyelid. This asymmetric squeezing pressure causes movements which preferentially direct the lens base first out from between the lid-eye sandwich. This "base first" orientation is achieved by a combination of translation and rotation.
A significant feature of such lenses as described in their ability to rest upon the eye in a stable orientation. While numerous advances have been made in lens design, these lenses are still far from perfected and often position incorrectly. A large part of their instability upon the eye relates to the excessive translational movements that these lenses undergo when subjected to a blinking eyelid.
It is recognized that there is a need for contact lenses that--
center well upon the eye, PA0 ride upon the eye with a stable orientation, and PA0 exhibit very little translational motion upon the eye.
This invention has the objective of accomplishing these needs by a new mechanism, other than by the base curve, diameter, and the like features of lenses, to aid in the fitting and stabilization of a contact lens.

Contact lenses utilizing keel orientation


A multi-channel video message display system that includes a single controller with plurality of channel modules, one for each channel and utilizes a single character generator at a broadcast or rebroadcast source that places alpha numeric or symbolic messages on a single or multiple non-synchronous television channels, where the synchronization pulses of a video input that are passed to the various channels are never replaced by externally generated signals. Horizontal drive sync pulses as are present in a television video signal are utilized as the driving pulses for the output of each channel module and character information is inserted into the channel modules by switching from the video signal input to the pixel digital input only during times when the trace is visible on a television screen. Pixel form allows any number of channels to be serviced by one character generator, with data held in memory in the channel modules transmitted in pixel form into the video signal with simple real time timing pulses.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to systems and processes that provide for multiple imaging upon a television display and particularly to a system for distribution and presentation of alpha numeric and symbolic information on a multiple channel television system or systems.
2. Background
Cable television and other closed circuit television distribution systems presently distribute from one to over one hundred video signals. These signals originate from various sources, are not necessarily in synchronization with each other and are received and redistributed on the same channel or on different channels. This invention provides a method using one character generator circuit whereby alpha numeric or symbolic messages can be economically distributed to all individual television channels. This distribution may be a single message to a single channel, multiple messages to a single channel, multiple messages to multiple channels or a single message to multiple channels. The benefits of the ability to direct messages to channels in this fashion is illustrated in the following uses: a single message can be displayed on a single channel to notify subscribers that a program has been preempted or blacked-out; multiple messages to a single channel or multiple channels can be used to convey information; and a single message to multiple channels is ideal for use as an emergency message display system.
Cable television has for some time needed an emergency alert which could place messages onto programming on individual channels of a multiple channel system as a public service. Emergency alert systems as are presently available are audio based whereby an audio alert is introduced across all channels and the video signal turned off, or whereby a video message is caused to replace the video signal normally feed to that specific channel or all channels of a cable system. Constant reference is herein made to cable systems, though it should be understood, the same reasoning and explanation apply to an system which distributes multiple channels of video information. Some examples of other such systems would be hotels, businesses, colleges, or any community with closed circuit cable systems. These audio and full screen video replacements function properly as designed, but are seldom used because they totally disrupt operation of all channels of the system. This means the systems tend to be used only when the emergency actually exists such as a tornado has hit town or wind gusts are doing significant damage to a large area. The invention being considered provides the ability to prepare a community for an emergency in that it can display messages on all channels of a cable system without totally interrupting that system and it will therefore be used because it can notify without total disruption of basic operation.
3. Prior Art
The specific area toward which the present patent application is aimed defines a system of video character generation (alpha numeric display on a television screen) which is applicable to, but not limited to, emergency alert, blackout, promo, and timed messages.
The present invention utilizes a single character generator, which transfers pixel data to all channel modules, and the channel modules simply display that pixel data. Pixel data is individually synchronized into the program video of the video source or channel over which it is to be shown by the channel modules.
Devices for displaying a message over an existing video signal are common in television broadcasting. Such character generators, however, are limited to single channel operation rather than having economical multi-channel capability as does the present invention and are accordingly prohibitively expensive for use by a cable television company rebroadcasting a number of channels who must integrate a message on each or a number of the channels it rebroadcasts.
As set out above, heretofore, a message or messages into the video programs carried by one or a number of channels, unlike the present invention, has required a character generator for each channel. Further, where a multi-channel character display has been provided, for example, a patent to Dalke, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,909,818, shows such a system that provides for sorting input information and sending it for processing to a number of character generators and requires one character generator for every channel to be served. Whereas, the present invention provides for a multi-channel capability using a single character generator that is for location at the broadcast or rebroadcast source.
Like the Dalke, et al. patent, a number of message or information display systems have been developed for inclusion with a television receiver for providing a display that is integrated into a video display on a single channel at a time. Examples of a number of such systems are shown in patents as set out below, for example, a patent to Kimura, U.S. Pat. No. 3,891,792, involves a shift register and character generator that provides a message that crawls across the television screen. Burson, U.S. Pat. No. 4,180,805, is concerned with graphic color and provides an internal counter for generating horizontal and vertical drive pulses, rather than, as does the present invention, utilizing the horizontal and vertical drive pulses as exist in the received video for timing. A patent to Gastinel, U.S. Pat. No. 4,328,557, in addition to applying to a television set, does not address multiple channels, and is further unlike the present invention in that it is directed to a digital processor and cursor position indicator associated therewith. A patent to d'Hantecourt, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,338,624, is essentially a digital processor for connection to a conventional television and provides for modulating interface circuits for display of characters in specific colors. At patent to Ensigner, U.S. Pat. No. 4,374,399, is involved with a data encoder and method for data transfer rather than a data display that the present invention is directed to. A patent to Long, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,398,190, is concerned with a single CRT display rather than data transmission. A patent to Puskas, U.S. Pat. No. 4,419,662, deals with a multi-function character generator for a conventional television receiver. Horwood, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,435,729, is directed to a television receiver that includes a character generator. A patent to Van Vliet, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,441,105, provides a character generator for a television monitor that is addressed by external devices. Patents to Stell, U.S. Pat. No. 4,498,098, and to Bowker, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,599,611, each provide systems for closely timing a video switch to a video source for locking a computer generated graphics picture to a video signal at a television receiver. Willis, U.S. Pat. No. 4,595,953, shows a television receiver that includes a character generator with time lock and burst lock synchronizing arrangements, and patents to Skerlos, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,633,297, and Kinghorn, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,698,677, showing television receivers with micro processors. A patent to Priestly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,626,837, teaches a display interface for a television receiver that, like the present invention, utilizes vertical and horizontal drive pulses to generate access address data, but lacks a multi-channel and dot matrix type display capabilities of the present invention. Somewhat like the present invention a patent to Wine, U.S. Pat. No. 4,631,585, shows a utilization of vertical drive pulses for reset, it does not: utilize horizontal drive pulsing for signal access; is for use with a television receiver; and lacks the different input multi-channel capabilities and dot matrix type display of the present invention.
Summarizing, the present invention is directed towards cable companies who presently have or will have as a result of, FCC Syndex (Syndicate exclusivity) regulations, a requirement to switch off the video sources, which have been purchased in another market whose rebroadcast would violate exclusivity. Where, as set out above, a single channel message input at a broadcast source has been known and in common use such systems have been expensive. Accordingly, a cable company would be or will be required to have a single character generator for each channel to inform subscribers of the switch in programming as required by FCC regulations, the cost of which compliance will be prohibitively expensive.
Additionally, unlike the complex clocking arrangements of the cited patents, the present invention provides a simple switching arrangement that is operated by the horizontal and vertical drive pulses found in the video signal. In the present invention the input message information replaces a portion of the video signal as determined by a setting of a horizontal drive pulse counter, and switches back to the video signal at another setting of the horizontal drive pulse counter. The vertical drive pulse is used to reset the horizontal pulse counter. So arranged, the message input can conveniently replace the entire video signal or a portion thereof. While, of course, a number of systems like those set out above have involved a translation to digital, all have provided for conversion back to characters from the digital format for display. The present invention provides for a conversion of digital ASCII or other data format from the character generation to pixel for direct display as dots and vacant areas for forming characters on a video receiver screen much like a dot matrix printer. This means one character generator circuit can be used to create pixel data for numerous video displays.

Multi-channel message display system and method


A microscale driving unit includes first and second elongated piezoelectric actuators extending in antiparallel directions. The base ends of the actuators are fixed to a support member. The tip ends of the actuators are fixed to a driven member. First and second electrically conductive members connect the base end of the first or second elongated piezoelectric actuator to the tip end of the second or first elongated piezoelectric actuator. The microscale driving unit allows utilization of a common single wiring pattern connected to both the base end of the first elongated piezoelectric actuator and the tip end of the second elongated piezoelectric actuator when a driving current is supplied to the first and second elongated piezoelectric actuators. Only a smaller area should be required to locate the wiring pattern. A sufficient planar space can be obtained on the surface of the support member.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a microscale driving unit including a first elongated piezoelectric actuator extending in a first direction to a movable end from a base end fixed to a support member and a second elongated piezoelectric actuator extending in a second direction to a movable end from a base end fixed to the support member.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A microscale driving unit is well known. The microscale driving unit is incorporated in a head assembly in a hard disk drive (HDD). A pair of piezoelectric actuator of the microscale driving unit is interposed between the head suspension and the head slider, for example. A driving current is independently supplied to the individual piezoelectric actuator.
Wire patterns are separately connected to the individual piezoelectric actuators for supply of the driving current. The wiring patterns are formed on the surface of the head suspension. The wiring patterns are jammed in a limited planar space. In particular, the head assembly of the HDD must enable arrangement of various wiring patterns on the surface of the head suspension. Such wiring patterns includes ones for supplying electric current to an electromagnetic transducer writing magnetic information data and for supplying a sensing current to an electromagnetic transducer reading magnetic information data. Only a reduced space is available for the wiring patterns connected to the piezoelectric actuators.

Microscale driving unit and recording disk drive


Embodiments of a connector cover are described, which are easily attached to a keyed electrical connector housing, and which prevent misconnection with a mating connector. One embodiment features a snap-on design, in which the cover simply snaps onto the keyed connector housing. A second embodiment is in the form of a two-piece cover, which snap together about the keyed connector housing. A third exemplary embodiment features a slip-on design, in which the cover slips onto the keyed connector housing. In another aspect, an electrical connector system is described, which includes the connector cover and first and second keyed electrical connectors.

Connector types such as MOLEX® connectors provide a two-piece pin and socket interconnection. In such a connector, cylindrical spring-metal pins fit into cylindrical spring-metal sockets. The pins and sockets are held in a rectangular matrix in a nylon shell. The connector typically has two to 24 contacts and is polarized or keyed to ensure correct orientation. Pins and sockets can be arranged in any combination in a single housing, and each housing can be either male or female. For some connector applications, these connectors may be used for providing power to electrical components.
Even though these connector types are typically polarized or keyed, it is still possible to force the male/female connectors together in an incorrect orientation. When this happens, typically in a fielded device undergoing installation or repair, the electrical components may be damaged due to incorrect currents or voltages being applied to the devices or components wired to the connectors.

Connector covers and systems to prevent misconnections


A method and system is proposed for use by a moving station (such as a jetfighter) for radar tracking of a moving target (such as an air-to-air missile). The proposed method and system involves the use of a hybrid FSK/LFM (Frequency Shift Keying & Linear Frequency Modulation) scheme for acquiring a collection of raw radar data, a first Gaussian-noise filter array of one-stage linear Kalman filters for S/N-enhancement of the raw radar data, a trilateration module, and a second Gaussian-noise filter array of one-stage linear Kalman filters for S/N-enhancement of the trilateration-resulted radar data. These features allow the radar tracking of moving objects to be more fast and accurate.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to radar technology, and more particularly, to a method and system for radar tracking of a moving target (such as an air-to-air missile) from a moving station (such as a jetfighter) with improved accuracy and performance.
2. Description of Related Art
A radar system is a radio-based surveillance system that uses electromagnetic waves to identify the range, altitude, direction, or speed of moving or fixed objects such as aircraft, ships, and motor vehicles. In operation, a radar system is capable of emitting a beam of radio wave toward the area under surveillance, and if a target exists in that area, the emitted radio wave will be reflected back. The reflected radio wave is then received by the radar system and analyzed to determine the position, speed, and acceleration of the target.
Radar systems are categorized into ground-based type and airborne type. The airborne-type radar systems are installed on airplanes such as jetfighters for detecting air-to-air missiles or nearby airplanes. In this type of application, since the radar system and the target are both moving, the detected radar data represents the relative position, relative speed, and relative acceleration of the target.
Many research efforts have been conducted on airborne radar systems intended for air-to-air missile detections. For example, the technical paper "WAVEFORM DESIGN PRINCIPLES FOR AUTOMOTIVE RADAR SYSTEMS" authored by H. Rohling and M. M. Meinecke, IEEE Radar, pp. 1-4. October 2001, proposes a radar system that utilizes a hybrid FSK/LFM (Frequency Shift Keying & Linear Frequency Modulation) technique for detection of relative distance and relative speed between the radar system and the target.
One drawback to the aforementioned radar system, however, is that the hybrid FSK/LFM sensor is only capable of detecting the range and speed of the target, and incapable of detecting the acceleration.
Moreover, many conventional radar systems utilize trilateration to obtain the range, velocity, and acceleration of the target from a collection of raw radar data. One drawback to the trilateration process, however, is that it would undesirably degrade the S/N (signal-to-nose ratio) of the original radar data.

Method and system for radar tracking of moving target from moving station


A pour tube for casting molten metal is adapted to reduce turbulence and mold disturbances, thereby producing a more stable, uniform outflow. The pour tube includes a bore having a body in communication with an enlarged outlet portion. Exit ports in communication with the outlet portion have an offset design in which at least one wall of the exit port is tangent to a circle having a larger radius than the body of the bore.

In the continuous casting of metal, particularly steel, a stream of molten metal is typically transferred via a refractory pour tube from a first metallurgical vessel into a second metallurgical vessel or mold. Such tubes are commonly referred to as nozzles or shrouds and possess a bore adapted to transfer molten metal. Pour tubes include submerged-entry nozzles (SEN) or submerged-entry shrouds (SES), which discharge molten metal below the liquid surface of a receiving vessel or mold.
Liquid metal is discharged from the downstream end of the bore through one or more outlet ports. One important function of a pour tube is to discharge the molten metal in a smooth and steady manner without interruption or disruption. A smooth, steady discharge facilitates processing and can improve the quality of the finished product. A second important function of a pour tube is to establish proper dynamic conditions within the liquid metal in the receiving vessel or mold in order to facilitate further processing. Producing proper dynamic conditions may require the pour tube to possess a plurality of exit ports that are arranged so as to cause the stream of molten metal to be turned in one or more directions upon discharge from the tube.
It may be desirable, for a number of reasons, to induce rotational flow within the mold into which the molten metal is being discharged. Rotation of the flow increases the residence time inside the mold liquid pool to enhance the flotation of inclusions. Rotation of the flow also produces temperature homogenization, and reduces the growth of dendrites along the steel solidifying front. Rotation of the flow also reduces the mixing of steel grades when consecutive grades of steel flow through the pour tube without interruption.
Various technologies have been used in attempts to provide rotation of the flow. Electromagnetic stirring devices may be placed below the entry nozzle. Entry nozzles have been designed that can be rotated in use. Entry nozzles have also been designed with curved exit ports tangent to the bore of the tube.
Various disadvantages are seen in the prior art technology. Electromagnetic stirring devices have a limited life in a hostile environment, rotation of entry nozzle permits oxygen to come in contact with molten metal stream, and curved exit ports are not successful in inducing rotational flow in all mold configurations.
A need persists for a refractory pour tube that produces rotational flow in a variety of mold configurations without the use of additional electromechanical devices. Ideally, such a tube would also improve the flow of molten metal into a casting mold and improve the properties of the cast metal.


The present application describes a computer-implemented method and system for obtaining position information for a moving mobile device with increased accuracy and reduced power consumption. The subject of the present application combines information from a GPS location sensor with information from MEMS devices such as an acceleration detector and a gyroscope using statistical analysis techniques such as a Kalman filter to estimate the location of the device with greater accuracy while using numerical methods such as the Newton-Raphson Method to minimize power consumption. Minimizing power consumption is possible because GPS signals sampled at a lower rate can conserve power, while GPS sampled at a lower rate and working together with MEMS devices can achieve the same level of location prediction accuracy as a GPS alone sampled at a higher rate.

1. Field
The present field relates to a real-time location detection system, which uses MEMS and GPS sensors to achieve high location-prediction accuracy while conserving energy.
2. Related Art
Real-time location-detection allows for many location-based applications such as store finding, transit routing, and ads targeting. In outdoor environments, GPS and cell-tower signals are typically used for detecting the location of mobile devices. However, cell-tower signals may not provide highly accurate or precise information about location. and GPS signals may not be available when satellite signals are obstructed, such as when the mobile device is in or near a building. Moreover, receiving and processing GPS signals may consume substantial energy and hence shorten battery duration.
In addition to GPS sensors, some mobile devices are equipped with MEMS (Microelectromechanical Systems) sensors. MEMS sensors are typically very small mechanical devices which are driven by electricity. Various types of MEMS sensors include accelerometers, digital compasses, functional sensors, gyroscopes, and inertial modules. MEMS sensors can provide information about the movement of a mobile device. For example, they provide information about acceleration or the orientation of an object by generating electrical signals that correspond with dynamic forces, such as user movement of the device, or static forces such as gravity that act on the device.
Current technology may use either GPS or cell-tower signals to determine location. However, GPS signal receiving and processing consumes significant power, and cell-tower signals can provide prediction with only about 300-meter accuracy, or 50-meter accuracy at best. To improve accuracy and power consumption, some aircraft employ several GPS antennas to determine location information. However, because of the much smaller size of a mobile device (compared to an aircraft), the multiple-antenna approach may not be possible, because the length of GPS signal phase is longer than a mobile device. Moreover, mobile devices require highly precise location information to be optimally useful and power is limited, because most mobile devices obtain their power from a battery. Furthermore, moving patterns of mobile devices may not be as "smooth" as an aircraft.

GPS and MEMS hybrid location-detection architecture


A sensor lead for use in conjunction with an implantable monitoring or therapeutic device. The lead is provided with a V-shaped bend near its distal end, and carries a blood parameter sensor distal to the V-shaped bend. The blood parameter sensor may be, for example, an oxygen sensor, a pulse sensor or a flow sensor. The V-shaped bend facilitates the location of the sensor in an internal jugular vein, allowing the sensor to be used to monitor blood flow from the brain.

This invention relates generally to sensors for measurement of blood flow parameters and more specifically to the use of such sensors in conjunction with implantable medical devices.
In a number of medical and surgical procedures, it is desirable to monitor blood parameters, in the course of diagnostic testing or monitoring of cardiovascular system performance. Blood parameters may also be employed to control the operation of an implantable device. For example, it is known that a relationship exists between central venous blood pressure and heart rate and that blood pressure may be employed to regulate pacing rate. Similarly, central venous oxygen saturation, Ph, temperature and other blood parameters have all been employed to regulate pacing rate.
It is also known that high rate ventricular tachycardias and ventricular fibrillation have marked effects on hemodynamic performance and that the compromise in hemodynamic performance may be measured in either the arterial or venous system. Blood parameters are recognized as being useful in this context to assist in diagnosing and monitoring of tachyarrhythmias and in controlling the operation of anti-tachycardia devices.
The direct measurement of arterial blood flow parameters using sensors introduced into the left heart or the arterial system has been proposed, but is not presently practiced in the context of chronically implantable monitoring or therapeutic devices. The primary concern with chronic implant of a sensor in the arterial system is that the introduced sensor may provoke thrombus formation and/or embolization due to the difficulty of providing a high pressure seal at the point of entry to the heart chamber or artery. Moreover, chronic implantation often results in the accumulation of fibrotic material on the implanted device, raising the possibility of obstruction of the artery. In order to avoid these problems, the use of a perivascular transducer placed adjacent to or around the exterior vascular wall of the selected artery has been proposed. However, such a device may itself poses the risk of erosion and rupture of the artery or constriction of the artery either directly or by tissue growth around the transducer. Thus, most proposals or using chronically implanted sensors have focused on sensors located in the venous system.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,899,751 and 4,967,749 issued to Cohen disclose pressure sensors located in a variety of locations within the venous and arterial systems. The Cohen patents disclose the use of measured blood pressure to control implantable devices such as cardiac pacemakers or anti-tachycardia devices. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,967,748, issued to Cohen discloses the use of oxygen saturation sensors, located in the vascular system for controlling operation of implantable antitachycardia devices. U.S. Pat. No. 4,750,495 discloses the use of oxygen saturation sensors for controlling operation of implantable pacemakers.
The article "Perivascular Impedance Sensors for In Vivo Chronic Blood Measurement: Detection Systems for Automatic Defibrillators, Cardioverters and Blood Pressure Controllers" by Tacker et al., published in the proceedings of the 37th ACEMB, September, 1984, page 20 and the article "A New Implantable Arterial Blood Sensor for Detection of Ventricular Fibrillation" by Konrad et al, published in Medical Instrumentation, December, 1988, Vol. 22(6): 304-311 both disclose sensors for measurement of arterial blood flow to the brain. The Tacker and Konrad articles suggest that placing the transducer within the arterial system as suggested in the Cohen patent is disadvantageous, and therefore disclose sensors located adjacent to but outside of the carotid or femoral arteries.
The Cohen and Moore et al patents and the Konrad and Tacker articles are indicative of the types of devices with which sensors made and used according to the present invention may usefully be employed, and are all incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Method and apparatus for monitoring brain hemodynamics


A method, apparatus, and program product to allocate processor resources to a plurality of logical partitions in a computing device including a plurality of processors, each processor having at least one general purpose processing element and a plurality of synergistic processing elements. General purpose processing element resources and synergistic processing element resources are separately allocated to each logical partition. The synergistic processing element resources to each logical partition are allocated such that each synergistic processing element is assigned to a logical partition exclusively. At least one virtual processor is allocated for each logical partition. The at least one virtual processor may be allocated virtual general purpose processing element resources and virtual synergistic processing element resources that correspond to the general purpose processing element resources and synergistic processing element resources allocated to the logical partition.

Modern requirements for a computer system may require that a computer be utilized to run several operating environments, or operating systems, at once, a technique often referred to as logical partitioning. In a typical embodiment, a single logically partitioned computer can run a plurality of operating systems in a corresponding plurality of logical partitions. Each operating system resides in its own logical partition, with each logical partition allocated a part of a processor, an entire processor, or multiple processors from the computer. Additionally, a portion of the computer's memory is allocated to each logical partition. All of the logical partitions are under the control of a partition manager. The partition manager is typically a part of the system firmware and manages the allocation of resources to the operating systems and logical partitions.
Recent advancements in processor technology have led to the development of a multi-element architecture (MEA) for processors. One multi-element processor architecture is the Cell Broadband Engine Architecture ("Cell") processor architecture, jointly developed by International Business Machines Corporation ("IBM"), Sony Computer Entertainment, and Toshiba. In a typical Cell processor, there is a general purpose Power Processing Element ("PPE") core with modest performance that controls a plurality of specialized Synergistic Processor Elements ("SPEs," collectively) with accelerated multimedia application capabilities, vector processing application capabilities, or other dedicated computation capabilities. The PPE and SPEs are typically connected by a specialized high bandwidth data bus, commonly referred to as an Element Interconnect Bus ("EIB"). Because of this architecture, a Cell processor typically runs with great efficiency when general tasks are handled by the GPPE and mathematically intense tasks are handled by SPEs. However, also because of the architecture, a Cell processor often presents a challenging architecture on which to develop and implement complex software applications.
In computers with at least one MEA processor, there may be a need to virtualize operations and run a plurality of operating systems in a corresponding plurality of logical partitions. Currently, logical partitioning technology does not account for processors like a MEA processor, which is a multi-core architecture having multiple logical units, including a general purpose processing element ("GPPE") and one or more synergistic processing elements ("SPEs"). In a typical logically partitioned computer, the logical partitions receive a percentage of physical processor, or CPU, resources. A virtualization layer time slices the CPU resources. Typically, time-slicing in a computer with a single CPU will cause the virtualization layer to alternate which logical partition's code runs on the single CPU. In conventional logically partitioned computers with more CPUs, time-slicing may alternate multiple logical partitions across multiple CPUs.
However, current logical partition technology typically does not work efficiently with MEA processors. A MEA processor often needs to take advantage of the particular strengths of its GPPE resources and specialized SPE resources to maximize performance. In a MEA processor, SPEs are typically designed to work on only one task at a time. As such, the SPEs are not typically configured with prediction units, caches, or out of order execution units. Additionally, SPEs typically have to be "configured" by an associated GPPE to perform a task. Unlike other processor architectures for which all of the allocatable resources in a processor can be allocated and time-sliced in essentially the same manner, significant architectural differences exist between GPPEs and SPEs, and due the heterogeneous nature of these different types of computing resources from the standpoint of allocating the resources to particular logical partitions and time-slicing, partitioning algorithms that might work well for GPPEs often would not work as well for SPEs.
Two operating system level programming models have been proposed to attempt to address logical partitioning issues of computers with MEA processors. Utilizing a MultiSPE programming model, all SPE resources are placed in a pool and assigned tasks from job queues in such a way as the SPEs can be said to be "shared" between logical partitions. However, use of a MultiSPE programming model does not guarantee a specific amount of SPE time that each logical partition receives because different jobs take varying amounts of time. In addition, an attempt to assign priority to tasks in a MultiSPE programming model may lead to starvation of SPE resources for a logical partition allocated less resources. Subsequently, the inability to control resources typically interferes with quality and efficiency of the use of a logical partition on a computer with at least one MEA processor.
Another operating system level programming model proposed to attempt to address logical partitioning issues of computers with MEA processors is Kernel Management of the GPPE resources and the SPE resources. Utilizing a Kernel Management programming model, both GPPEs and SPEs are collectively assigned slices of time according to logical partition requirements. In this model an entire Cell processor is time sliced in much the same way as a conventional processor. Although the GPPE resources may be easily time-sliced, the SPE resources often suffer great inefficiencies when an attempt is made to time slice such resources. In a Kernel Management model, the SPE resources are typically suspended and resumed in much the same way as is done for time slicing in computers with conventional processors in conventional virtualization implementations. This results in a high overhead and loss of efficiency. Each SPE must first have its data cleared, then reloaded by their associated GPPE with the data it is to process. Additionally, when the computer is configured with more than one logical partition, there is contention for SPE resources for logical partitions allocated fewer resources. Subsequently, this method often interferes with quality and efficiency of the logical partition on a computer with at least one MEA processor.
Consequently, there remains a need for effective sharing between logical partitions of the resources on a computer that utilizes multi-element architecture processors.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Localized multi-element processor resource sharing among logical partitions


Silane compositions are described which comprise (A) a silane coupling agent; and (B) a tris(silylorgano)amine or alkane characterized by the formulae EQU [(RO).sub.3 SiR.sup.1 ].sub.3 N (I). or EQU [(RO).sub.3 SiR.sup.1 ].sub.3 CR.sup.2 (II). wherein each R is independently an alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, aryl, aralkyl or cycloalkyl group of less than 20 carbon atoms; R.sup.1 is a divalent hydrocarbon or polyether group of less than 20 carbon atoms; and R.sup.2 is a functional group represented by EQU C.sub.n H.sub.2n X. wherein n is from 0 to 20 and X is selected from the group consisting of amino, amido, hydroxy, alkoxy, halo, mercapto, carboxy, acyl, vinyl, allyl, styryl, epoxy, isocyanato, glycidoxy, and acryloxy groups. The silane compositions of the present invention are adhesive compositions providing improved bonding of surfaces such as glass, metal and metal oxides to thermosetting resins. The silane compositions also exhibit improved moisture resistance. The silane compositions are particularly useful as adhesives in preparing multi-layer laminates such as printed circuit boards.

Silane compositions and silane coupling agents are well known. The use of silane coupling agents can increase the adhesive characteristics of many bonds, particularly the bond of thermosetting resins to glass, metal and metal oxide surfaces. It is well known that the bond formed by silane coupling agents is often deleteriously affected by moisture and, occasionally, the exposure of silane-coupled bonds to humid conditions can lead to the premature failure of the bond.
To minimize the effect that moisture has on silane-coupled failures, cross-linking agents have been combined with the silane coupling agents. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,689,085 describes silane compositions which comprise (I) a silane coupling agent; and (II) a disilyl cross-linker compound represented by the general formula
(RO).sub.3 SiR'Si(OR).sub.3
wherein RO denotes an alkoxy group containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, R' is a divalent organic group, and the weight ratio of (I) to (I) is between 1:99 and 99:1 inclusive. The silane compositions are reported to be useful as primers in the production of laminates and other composite materials.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,073,456 describes multi-layer printed circuit boards and processes for preparing multi-layer printed circuit boards utilizing a silane bonding mixture consisting essentially of (I) a ureido silane, and (II) a disilyl cross-linking agent generally represented by the formula EQU (RO).sub.3 SiR'Si(OR).sub.3
wherein each R is an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms and R' is an alkylene group having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms.
Unfortunately, the disilyl cross-linking agents described in the '085 and '456 patents recently have been found to possess highly toxic properties as disclosed in several TSCA 8(e) submissions to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (for example, 8EHQ-0388-0347, 8EHQ-0392-1047, etc.). Therefore, the continued use of disilyl cross-linking agents must be closely examined and materials which can be substituted for the toxic disilyl cross-linking agents would be desirable.


A method and device for manufacturing a cutting insert green body, the method includes the step of providing a compression tool having an upper and lower die, and an upper and lower punch. The upper die defines a punch tunnel in which the upper punch slides, and the lower die defines a punch tunnel in which the lower punch slides. The dies define a die cavity to accommodate a powder to be compressed by action of the respective punches to form the green body. Powder in the die cavity is compressed by forwarding the upper punch through the punch tunnel of the upper die and a predetermined distance L through the opening of the lower die. The upper die is displaced relative to the opening of the lower die and the upper punch is removed from the lower die to move the green body out of the lower die through the opening thereof.

In connection to the compressing of a powder to a green body during production of cutting inserts, the powder is introduced into a cavity defined by a die. Normally, the die comprises an upper opening through which the powder is introduced into said cavity and through which, during a subsequent pressing step, an upper punch is introduced into the die. Typically, there is also provided a lower punch which is able of sliding through a tunnel in the die and which will form at least part of a bottom of said die cavity and by means of which the green body formed upon compression of the powder is ejected from the surrounding die. From the upper opening of the die there is provided a punch tunnel in which the upper punch is able to move downwards for the purpose of contacting the powder and subjecting it to a compacting pressure. In other words, the punch tunnels define the die cavity provided for receipt of the powder, and the punches are provided for the purpose of compacting a powder received in said cavity.
After compaction of the powder to a green body, the upper punch is retracted out of the die, and the green body is ejected by a motion of the lower punch relative to the die (either of these components could be the one which is moving). Accordingly, the green body is ejected through the tunnel in which the upper punch was moving downwards into the die during the pressing step.
Typically, the material of the green body is of such nature that it will expand when ejected and released from the surrounding die. In order to enable the green body to expand radially when it is ejected from the cavity in which it has been compressed, the tunnel is widened slightly above the level to which the upper punch is forwarded during compaction. It could be said that the cavity is provided with a release portion having a certain inclination angle of the inner wall of the die relative a centre axis of the cavity. The inclination angle (possibly also referred to as the release angle), as well as the length (in the vertical direction) of the release portion is adapted to the expected (radial) expansion of the green body upon ejection thereof.
Typically, the cavity has a cross section that narrows as seen from the release portion to the remaining (lower) part of the cavity. Upon compression of the powder, a lower edge of the upper punch, which is defined by the intersection of a lateral surface and a bottom surface thereof, is not allowed to come into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the die, since such contact might result in damages on both die and punch. Therefore, the punch is only forwarded to a level at which there will be a small gap between said punch edge and the inner peripheral surface of the die. During compaction of the powder, the latter will be able of leaking out through said gap and into the release portion. Such leakage will result in a residual edge being formed on the green body along the upper edge thereof, which needs to be treated, i.e. removed, before the subsequent sintering of the green body. Such treatment is time-consuming and contributes to unwanted production costs. The leakage also results in unwanted loss of material. Further negative effects of powder leakage may also be an unwanted effect on the shape of the upper edge of the green body or a lower density, i.e. a generation of porosity, in the region of the upper edge of the green body.

Method and device for manufacturing a cutting insert green body


In the removal of heavy metals such as mercury from fluid streams, especially coal-derived syn-gas streams, a sulphided palladium-containing absorber gives improved results by way of mercury-absorption capacity if the absorber is sulphided.

Combustion gases from, for example, coal-fired power plants, can be a significant source of the release of heavy metals into the environment. Similarly, gases from crematoria can contain mercury emissions from tooth fillings, and possibly other heavy metals. Other sources of metal emissions include cement kilns, chlor-alkali cells and artesianal gold-mining. There is a rapidly growing realisation that effective technology is required to permit the removal of such heavy metals from oxygen-rich gas streams such as fossil fuel combustion gases which are released directly into the atmosphere.
In addition to removal of these heavy metals from directly released, oxidising, gas streams, there is a similarly increasing requirement for their removal from process gas streams, where their presence can, for example, be deleterious to subsequent downstream processes, especially those involving catalysed change of the gas stream composition or use of the gas stream for generating power. For example, currently in the United States, the potential use of huge supplies of coal to generate hydrogen-rich fuel gas (or syn-gas) via coal gasification processes is receiving growing attention as the price of imported oil increases. Coal contains toxic heavy metals in varying proportions and the ability to remove these metals cheaply and efficiently from the resultant fuel gas would be of great commercial benefit.
The conditions encountered in such combustion and fuel gases are, however, technically challenging. In the case of coal combustion gas streams, for example, these include large amounts of flyash, the presence of toxic metals such as mercury and arsenic and toxic gases such as sulphur and nitrogen oxides, potentially corrosive halide species, all present in huge volumes of gas at atmospheric pressure. In the case of the coal gasification-derived fuel gas, for example, the gas leaves the gasifier at high temperatures, for example >700° C., and high pressures, for example up to 70-80 bar. Current technology, for example as used in a plant in the United States, requires that the gas be cooled to near ambient temperatures for removal of toxic metals such as mercury via adsorption onto carbon beds. Downstream processing can then require that the cleaned gas be re-heated. It has previously been estimated that the ability to remove toxic metals from the fuel gas stream at elevated temperatures could result in around a 3% improvement in energy efficiency for the plant, because it is thermodynamically undesirable to cool the gases to allow some methods of heavy metal removal.
The US Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory has identified, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,033,419, that mercury can be removed from fuel gases using precious metal-containing absorbents. There remain, however, technical challenges to be overcome before a commercial-scale mercury absorbent can be developed.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,814,152 (Mobil Oil Corp) discloses a process for removing mercury from a gas using an inert support which contains at least about 5 wt % of elemental sulphur, and a catalyst (which may be platinum or palladium) which catalyses the reversible reaction 2Hg+S2=2HgS at a temperature of not more than 170° C.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,601,701 (Institut Francais du Petrole) discloses the removal of mercury from hydrocarbon fractions, using a catalyst bed and a mercury retention bed. The catalyst may be a partially-sulphided supported metal, preferably nickel or an association of nickel and palladium. If palladium is present, it should not exceed 0.2% of the catalyst. The catalytic process operates at temperatures of 120-250° C. The mercury retention bed which follows the catalyst bed is suitably composed of copper sulphide, tin dichloride or potassium iodate.

Method for removing heavy metals from gases


A hydraulic drive system (11) of the type including a hydrostatic pump-motor unit (35) having a pumping mode in which the unit pressurizes, from its port (A), a high pressure accumulator (41), and a motoring mode, in which the unit is driven by pressurized fluid from the high pressure accumulator. The system also includes a low pressure accumulator (39) in communication with the opposite port (B) of the pump-motor unit (35), and a filter circuit (107) disposed therebetween. The filter circuit (107) defines an unrestricted first flow path from the low pressure accumulator to the port (B) when the unit is in the pumping mode, and a second flow path from the port (B) to the low pressure accumulator when the unit is in the motoring mode. The second flow path comprises one path portion (125) through a filter shut-off valve (121) and a filter (127) in series, and in parallel therewith, another path portion through a controlled flow restriction (135). Thus, filtration occurs during only the motoring mode, and the percentage of fluid being filtered can be predetermined.

The present invention relates to hydraulic drive systems of the type including a pump-motor unit which operates as a pump during a portion of the vehicle operating cycle, and as a motor during another portion of the vehicle operating cycle. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to an improved control circuit for controlling the drive system, and a filter sub-system for use in such a hydraulic drive system.
Although the control circuit and the filter sub-system of the present invention may be utilized in hydraulic drive systems of various types, including such drive systems which effectively serve as the primary vehicle transmission during at least most of the vehicle operating cycle, the present invention is especially advantageous when used on a hydraulic drive system which comprises part of a vehicle hydraulic regenerative braking system, and will be described in connection therewith.
In a vehicle hydraulic drive system having regenerative braking capability, and assuming, by way of example only, that the vehicle is of the rear wheel drive type, the primary drive torque is transmitted from the engine through the conventional mechanical transmission, and then by means of a conventional drive line to the rear drive wheels. During braking (i.e., during the braking portion of a "deceleration-acceleration" cycle,) the kinetic energy of the moving vehicle is converted by the hydrostatic pump-motor unit, which is commanded to operate in its pumping mode, and the pump-motor unit charges a high pressure accumulator. When the vehicle is subsequently accelerated, the hydrostatic pump-motor unit is commanded to operate in its motoring mode, and the high pressure stored in the high pressure accumulator is communicated to the pump-motor unit. The resulting output torque of the pump-motor unit, now operating as a motor, is transmitted to the vehicle drive line.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that there are several reasons why the present invention is especially suited for use in a drive system of the type described above, and which has regenerative braking capability. First, such a system typically includes not only the high pressure accumulator referred to, but also a low pressure accumulator. However, the presence of these two accumulators in the drive system complicates certain aspects of the configuration and the control of the drive system. Secondly, the presence of a pump-motor unit, which operates in a pumping mode for part of the vehicle cycle, and in a motoring mode for part of the vehicle cycle, introduces certain additional requirements and complications into the drive system and the controls therefor.
One of the complications which has been observed in a hydraulic drive system of the type to which the present invention relates, and which is used to accomplish regenerative braking, is the necessity to ensure proper filtration of the oil in what is essentially a "closed-loop" hydraulic system. In a conventional closed-loop hydrostatic transmission, or HST (i.e., a pump and motor combination), the pump almost always serves as a pump, and the motor almost always serves as a motor, during the normal propel operating cycle. In such a closed-loop HST system, it is conventional for some portion of the case drain fluid to be directed through a parallel circuit including elements such as a heat exchanger and a filter, after which that fluid is typically returned to the closed-loop circuit by means of a charge pump.
In the hydraulic drive system of the present invention, instead of a separate pump unit and motor unit, there is the above-described pump-motor unit. In view of the dual mode capability of the pump-motor unit of the type used in the hydraulic drive system of the present invention, it is not feasible simply to utilize the type of "parallel-path" filter circuit of the type typically utilized in closed loop HST systems, and described previously. In addition, whereas the "direction" of fluid flow in a typical closed-loop HST system remains the same throughout its operating cycles, in a hydraulic drive system of the type to which the present invention relates, many portions of the overall hydraulic system "see" fluid flow in one direction during one operating mode (e.g., deceleration) and "see" fluid flow in the opposite direction during the other mode (e.g., acceleration). As is well known to those skilled in the hydraulic circuit art, it is not feasible to utilize a conventional filter element in a circuit which experiences reversal of flow as part of its normal operation.
By way of example only, in a hydraulic drive system of the type to which the present invention relates, it is not advisable to locate a filter circuit or filter element in series flow relationship with the inlet of the pump-motor unit. When the pump-motor unit is operating in the pumping mode, the presence of a filter element in series with the pump inlet restricts pump inlet flow (especially after the filter element has collected a substantial amount of contaminant particles), thus resulting in cavitation of the unit (in the pumping mode) and excessive, undesirable noise emanating from the overall drive system. At the same time, it is not advisable to locate a filter element in series with the outlet of the unit (when it is operating in the motoring mode) because one result will be an increase in the total pressure drop across the unit, thus reducing the overall efficiency of the drive system. Another undesirable result would be that, as the filter element collects contamination particles, the pressure drop across the unit would vary, and therefore, the total system performance would also vary. If the filter element is located in series with the outlet of the unit (in the motoring mode) the filter element could rupture, and catastrophically contaminate the entire system. Moreover, because of the large flow rates involved, the filter element would have to be larger than is considered desirable, especially for mobile applications.

Hydraulic drive system and improved filter sub-system therefor


The disclosed implementations utilize the voltage drop inherent in the device string to power a device control IC. In some implementations, current is drawn from the bottom of the device string and applied to a voltage supply pin of the device control IC. In some implementations, current is drawn from some other location in the device string (e.g., near the bottom or midpoint of the device string) using a switch. In some implementations, current is drawn from near the bottom and the bottom of the device string at different times, such that less current is drawn from the bottom of the device string as the duty cycle of the device string increases and more current is drawn from near the bottom of the device string as the duty cycle of the device string increases.

In modern displays, white LEDs are used to create the white light used to backlight the LCD. It is desirable to have the ability to vary the level of the backlight used. This is desired for both maximizing contrast as well as adjusting the display to the ambient light level. Conventional LED driver circuits accomplish dimming by adjusting the on time (duty cycle) of an LED string, such that the percentage of on time creates an equivalent brightness (or average intensity) at the desired brightness.
Some LED driver circuits include an integrated circuit (IC) for controlling LED string current. LED strings typically require higher voltages than the IC to control the LED string current. For example, in a typical application an LED control IC might run from 12 volts, while the LED string might run from 40 volts. Linear circuits can be used to generate the proper voltage for the IC, such as a simple or active shunt circuit or a shunt with an external NMOS. However, these circuits can add costs, die area and components.


A computer cooler fixed on top of CPU for dissipating heat generated by CPU includes at least a base whose bottom surface is connected with upper surface of CPU and a plurality of cooling fins positioned on top of the base. The invention features on that the cooling fins are made of thin metal plate, then rivet two cooling fins with a metal bar to form a fin unit which can be inserted into parallel slots mounted on the top of the base. The parallel slot has a width equivalent to or slight narrower than the thickness of the fin unit. According to the above structure, the components can be assembled easily, processed conveniently. The density of fins is also increased and the heat dissipating efficiency is improved.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a computer cooler, especially to a cooler for computer CPU that can be easily assembled and convenient for fins and base processing so as to decrease the manufacturing cost and increase the quantity of cooler fins. Thus the heat dissipating area is increased and the cooling performance is improved.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The traditional cooler 1, as shown in FIG. 4, includes a base 10, a plurality of cooler fins 20 disposed on top of the base 10. The fin 20 is made by continuous folding of thin increase plate, and is surrounded by a frame 30 that is fixed on the base 10 so as to install a fan 40 on top of the base 10. By the contact between the central bottom area of the base 10 and the CPU (central processing unit) 50 on motherboard, the heat generated by CPU can be transmitted to fins and blasted off by the fan 40.
Because the traditional cooler fin 20 is made by continuous folding of the metal plate which forms continuous xe2x80x9cUxe2x80x9d and reverse xe2x80x9cUxe2x80x9d shapes at the upper and bottom side thereof. At the upper side, the reverse xe2x80x9cUxe2x80x9d shape forms an resistant surface 21 thus blocks half of the wind flow from the fan 40 and causes a very loud noise. On the other hand, only one side of the fin 20 contacts with wind flow (as the arrow shown in the figure for indicating the wind flow). The density of fins 20 made of folding metal plate can""t be increased for enlarging the heat dispensing area. Furthermore, conventionally the fins 20 and the base 10 are combined by adhesive with each other that results less robustness and less efficiency of thermo conductivity, and no better heat dispensing efficiency.
Based on the disadvantages of above-mentioned cooler that has low density of fins, less stability in structure, and bad thermo conductivity, it is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a computer cooler which is convenient for the processing and assembling of the base and the fins. And the present invention has the better robustness, higher conductivity, and high density of fins so as to improve the heat dissipating efficiency.
In order to meet above purpose, a cooler with a plurality of fins made of thin metal plate is provided. A pair of fins is riveted by a metal bar so as to form a fin unit. And several parallel slots with a width equivalent to or a bit narrower than the thickness of the fin unit is arranged on the top of the base so that the fin unit can be inserted into each of the slots and fixed on top of the base respectively.
Based on the structure mentioned above, each of the slots on the base can be inserted with two fins, hence slot processing will be more convenient and overhead saving. And the wider width of the slot causes easier processing and cost reducing. Whereas, cooler fins were made piece by piece by pressing in order to save labor cost and material usage. When in assemble rivet two cooling fins with one metal bar into a unique fin unit, then the fin unit is inserted into the base slots so as to make assemble conveniently and increase fin quantity density to gain the purpose of heat dispensing efficiently.


A ribbon cassette including a casing provided with an opening for receiving a photoelectric device. In the casing is a ribbon which passes from a supply reel to a take-up reel. A guide leads the ribbon past the photoelectric device. If the ribbon breaks, the ribbon is pulled away from the photoelectric device to cause a change in received light.

This invention pertains to ribbon cassette for printers and more particularly to ribbon cassettes that are responsive to ribbon breakage for giving indications of such breakage.
Many present day printers are driven unattended by computers. Manufacturers are aware of this fact and have included end-of-ribbon sensing. In general, the printer includes a photoelectric assemblage having a light source and a light detector which coact with the ribbon in the casette. The end of the ribbon has either a reflective or transmissive region depending on the assemblage. When a certain condition is sensed such as the presence of light by the detector, an indication is given that the end of the ribbon has come. This indication stops the printing operation. While the end-of-ribbon problem has been solved, the ribbon breakage problem has generally been ignored.
In addition to requiring reliability, generally, there is a desire for good print quality. Given good print elements, ribbons and record media, print quality depends on the tension of the ribbon while printing. Not only does good tension improve print quality, but it also facilitates the take-up of spent ribbon. Therefore, most cassettes include ribbon tensioning. Examples of such ribbon tensioning can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,367,052; 4,373,824; 4,010,839; and 4,368,992. These patents teach the use of complicated ratcheting schemes to produce such tension.

Ribbon cassette responsive to ribbon breakage


A method for transferring a useful layer onto a carrier substrate comprises formation of an embrittlement plane by implantation of light species into a first substrate in such a manner as to define the bounds of a useful layer between the plane and a surface of the first substrate, mounting of the carrier substrate onto a surface of the first substrate so as to form an assembly to be fractured, and thermal fracture treatment of the first substrate along the embrittlement plane in such a manner as to transfer the useful layer onto a support. During the thermal fracture treatment, the degree of peripheral adhesion is reduced at an interface between the carrier substrate and the first substrate.

A method is known from the prior art for transferring a useful layer 3 onto a carrier substrate 4, shown in FIG. 1, this method comprising the following main steps:
in a step a), the formation of an embrittlement plane 2 by implantation of light species into a first substrate 1 in such a manner as to define the boundaries of a useful layer 3 between the plane and a surface of the first substrate 1;
in a step b), the application of the carrier substrate 4 onto the surface of the first substrate 1 in order to form an assembly to be fractured 5;
in a step c), the thermal embrittlement treatment of the assembly to be fractured 5;
in a step d), the initiation and propagation of a fracture wave within the first substrate 1 along the embrittlement plane 2.
During this process, the implanted species lead to the development of microcavities. The thermal embrittlement treatment has the effect of promoting the growth, the coalescence and applying pressure to these microcavities. Under the effect of this thermal treatment alone, or by means of additional external forces, the initiation and the self-sustaining propagation of a fracture wave allows the useful layer 3 to be transferred by detachment in the embrittlement plane 2.
This method, notably described in the International Publications WO 2005/043615 and WO 2005/043616 and denoted by the term "SMART CUT®," is, in particular, useful for the fabrication of silicon-on-insulator substrates. In this case, the first substrate 1 and the carrier substrate 4 consist of silicon wafers, and one and/or the other of the first substrate 1 and of the carrier substrate 4 undergo surface oxidation.
The silicon-on-insulator substrates 1, 4 must comply with very precise specifications. This is particularly the case for the mean thickness and the thickness uniformity of the useful layer 3. Compliance with these specifications is required for the correct operation of the semiconductor devices that will be formed within and on this useful layer 3.
In some cases, the architecture of these semiconductor devices requires the availability of silicon-on-insulator substrates having a useful layer 3 with a very small mean thickness, for example, less than 50 nm, or even less than 10 nm, and a very constant thickness uniformity on the surface of the substrate. The expected thickness uniformity may thus be of the order of 1% at the most, corresponding to variation maxima typically going from +/−0.1 nm to +/−1 nm over the whole surface of the substrate.
It is usual, following the "SMART CUT®" method, to apply complementary steps for finishing the useful layer 3, such as etches or thermal treatments for surface smoothing, in order to try to achieve the desired specification level.
The thickness of the useful layer 3 is not perfectly uniform after the fracture step. These thickness variations may, for example, take the form of a periodic pattern whose amplitude is of the order of a nm or of half a nanometer and whose wavelength is of the order of a mm, or up to a cm. The periodic pattern may be apparent over the entirety of the useful layer 3, or only over a part. Variations in thickness may also appear within a given region of the useful layer 3, generally referred to as a "dense region," corresponding to the region of initiation of the fracture wave. The thickness variations may also arise in other ways and exhibit other characteristics.
It can be particularly difficult to sufficiently rectify the thickness non-uniformity of the useful layer 3 by the usual finishing techniques (etching, sacrificial oxidation, thermal smoothing treatment, polishing) in order to enable the required level of uniformity to be attained, when the latter is high.
It is possible to reduce the thickness non-uniformity of the useful layer 3 by trying to lower the temperature at which the initiation and the propagation of the fracture wave occur. This may be obtained, in a first approach, by lowering the temperature of the thermal embrittlement treatment step.
This approach, however, has the drawback of excessively lengthening the duration of the thermal embrittlement treatment, which is not favorable for the industrial exploitation of the method. In some cases, it turns out not to be possible to cause the initiation of the fracture, even for a very long treatment time, when the temperature of the thermal treatment is below a threshold temperature. This is notably the case for the fabrication of very thin SOI substrates, such as those previously mentioned.
Another approach, aimed at lowering the temperature at which the initiation and the propagation of the fracture wave occur, consists in causing this initiation by application of an external force, for example, a mechanical force, on the assembly to be fractured 5 situated at ambient temperature or at a moderate temperature, after the thermal treatment step, and without the latter having, in itself, caused this fracture.
However, this approach also has limitations. It requires the development of equipment dedicated to this mechanical fracture step, which can be complex and costly notably where the assembly to be fractured needs to be maintained at temperature.
In addition, this fracturing operation is likely to cause defects around the periphery of the useful layer 3 or of the carrier substrate 4, linked to the insertion of the mechanical element at the mounting interface of the assembly to be fractured 5.
Finally, this approach requires the parameters of the thermal embrittlement treatment step to be precisely controlled in order to bring the embrittlement plane into a sufficiently weakened state to enable the self-sustaining propagation of the fracture after mechanical initiation, without, however, exceeding a threshold beyond which this initiation occurs naturally in the course of the thermal treatment itself. This control is particularly tricky when the substrates are processed in batches, since each assembly of the batch to be fractured 5 can have a sensitivity to the thermal embrittlement treatment that is slightly different.


A method and system for achieving increased efficiency in a quadrature modulated power amplifier (11) are disclosed. In some embodiments, a supply path (36, 40) and a gain path (38, 42) are provided in each of an I-channel and a Q-channel. The supply path (36, 40) produces a variable voltage and the gain path (38, 42) produces a gain control signal. The variable voltage and gain control signal are used by a variable gain power amplifier (44, 46) to modulate a local oscillator signal to produce a modulated radio signal.

RF power amplifiers are used in wireless communications such as in base stations and mobile phones in a cellular radio network, or as a further example, in wireless access points and wireless computing devices in a WiFi network. Conventional analog RF transmitter architectures are difficult to design to achieve good linearity and power efficiency simultaneously. Good linearity results in high power consumption, because the amplifier in the power amplifier architecture operates as a Class A or Class AB amplifier, resulting in poor power efficiency in a power back-off mode. Analog power amplifiers have other disadvantages including a requirement of a large surface area, difficulty of integration on a chip, and a requirement of matching networks between an RF integrated circuit (RFIC) and the power amplifier (PA).
Digital modulated RF power amplifiers have the potential to achieve better power efficiency and linearity than analog power amplifiers, since pre-distortion can be performed more accurately and with lower energy consumption. This is helpful in mobile devices such as mobile phones that are powered by batteries with limited life. Digital modulated RF power amplifiers may generally be classified into two categories: quadrature modulated PAs and polar modulated PAs. Quadrature modulated PAs have two balanced amplitude modulation (AM) paths and polar modulated PAs have one AM path and one phase modulation (PM) path.
A polar modulated PA may operate at higher efficiency than a quadrature modulated PA. However, countering band expansion in a polar modulated PA is difficult, especially for wideband applications such as the Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, where baseband signal bandwidth is as wide as 20 Megahertz (MHz), and the shortest duplex distance for a frequency division duplex band is 80 MHz. Due to signal bandwidth expansion in a polar modulated PA, adjacent channel interference and error vector magnitude (EVM) is high. Another disadvantage of polar modulated PAs is mismatch between the AM path and the PM path. These two paths are physically and electrically quite different, yet the maximum allowable delay mismatch between them should be less than a nanosecond, which is very difficult to achieve.
A quadrature modulated PA, also called an IQ modulated PA, has lower power efficiency than a polar modulated PA, has less bandwidth expansion, and has symmetric channels. Thus, the quadrature modulated PA is easier to implement and is more suitable for wideband applications such as LTE, but is not as efficient as other technologies.
Various references are directed to design of features of power amplifiers and power supplies. In "Optimum Bias Calculation for Parallel Hybrid Switching Linear Regulators", Stauth, et. al, IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics, vol. 22, no. 5, September 2007, pages 1978-1985, bias constraints for switching and linear voltage regulators are analyzed and ideal expressions for the optimum current contribution of the switching regulator are derived. The article entitled "Efficiently Amplified," Kim, et. al, IEEE Microwave Magazine, vol. 11, no. 5, August 2010, pages 87-100, generally discusses supply modulated power amplifiers. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0208848 describes a quadrature modulator for producing I and Q channel signals. "A New Power Management IC Architecture for Envelope Tracking Power Amplifier," Choi, et. al., IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, vol. 59, no. 7, July 2011, pages 1796-1802, describes a power supply modulator for use with a power amplifier. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0064830 describes a DC to DC converter having a switch mode part and a linear mode part. U.S. Pat. No. 7,139,534 describes a modulated signal generator having a phase component line and an amplitude component line. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0267581 describes a switched mode power supply and a linear mode power supply.
Two common sources of reduced power efficiency in both polar modulated and quadrature modulated PAs are (1) power back off mode and (2) large peak to average power ratio (PAPR) in multicarrier based modulation methods such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) used in LTE. As a consequence of these two factors, a PA operates at a very low average power level yet has a high PAPR, leading to very low power efficiency.

Quadrature power amplifier having increased efficiency


A system for determining rim shape includes a memory and a processor in communication with the memory. The processor is configured to receive one or more specifications for a rim. The processor is also configured to determine a rim depth for the rim based at least in part on the one or more specifications and a pareto front of rim shapes. The processor is also configured to determine a curvature control ratio and an endpoint tangency angle for the rim based at least in part on the rim depth. The processor is further configured to generate a rim shape for the rim based at least in part on the rim depth, the curvature control ratio, and the endpoint tangency angle.

A rim refers to a circular component of a tire system that is used to provide structural support for a tire. The rim typically forms an airtight seal with the tire such that the tire can be inflated with air to a desired firmness. In some implementations, the rim supports an inner tube positioned between the rim and the tire that is configured to be inflated with air. Rims can be used on any type of wheeled vehicles, including bicycles, motorcycles, automobiles, trailers, etc. Typical materials used to construct a rim include carbon, aluminum, steel, stainless steel, plastic, etc.

System and method for rim shape determination


Sonication is employed in the destruction of organic chemicals, using liquid carbon dioxide as the sonicating medium. The process of the invention for decomposing at least one chemical comprises: (a) providing a sonicating vessel equipped with an array of sonicators; (b) introducing the chemical to be decomposed into the sonicating vessel, together with liquid carbon dioxide; and (c) exposing the chemical in the sonicating vessel to sonication for a period of time sufficient to cause the chemical to decompose to form at least one decomposition product. The sonication process may additionally employ one or more of ultraviolet light, oxidizing modifiers such as water, sodium hypochlorite, ozone, or hydrogen peroxide, and reaction-quenching species such as hydrogen (H.sub.2). Depending on the nature of the decomposition product(s), disposal may range from simple concentration of the product and collection thereof (in the case of liquids or solids), to venting to the atmosphere (in the case of gaseous, inert products), to venting to the atmosphere through an appropriate gas-trap (in the case of gaseous product that are toxic, reactive, or considered to be environmentally-controlled substances).

1. Field of the invention
The present invention relates to the chemical decomposition of organic molecules, and, more particularly, to chemical decomposition through the use of sonication in liquid carbon dioxide.
2. Description of Related Art
Ultrasonic cleaning has been utilized by industry for a number of years. In the conventional processes, the sonicating media are organic solvents, or water and aqueous solutions, and ultrasonic energy is applied to the media to promote cavitation, i.e., the formation of "vacuum" bubbles and their subsequent collapse. Although adequate for the sonication cleaning, both of these approaches has a significant disadvantage. The use of organic and aqueous solvents as sonicating media present the problem of chemical disposal of the spent sonication medium and is subject to strict regulatory controls. An additional disadvantage relates to handling of the removed contaminant(s), whether organic or particulate. When the contaminant is a controlled material, once in solution or suspension, its volume is substantially increased, and this presents an additional post-treatment/disposal problem.
In these conventional ultrasonic cleaning processes, sonic horns are often used to produce the sonic energy. In other processes, a cavitation nozzle may be used. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,906,387, issued Mar. 6, 1990, to J. Pisani for "Method for Removing Oxidizable Contaminants in Cooling Water Used in Conjunction with a Cooling Tower" and U.S. Pat. No. 4,990,260, issued Feb. 5, 1991, to J. Pisani for "Method and Apparatus for Removing Oxidizable Contaminants in Water to Achieve High Purity Water for Industrial Use" disclose methods for removing contaminants from water by inducing cavitation in the water to cause the water to dissociate to produce hydroxyl free-radicals which act as oxidizing agents. In the processes of Pisani, ultraviolet (UV) radiation is used in combination with cavitation to continue the oxidation process which was initiated by the hydroxyl free-radicals. The cavitation in the Pisani processes is produced by a "critical flow" nozzle.
Another type of cleaning process, utilizing phase shifting of dense phase gases, has been disclosed and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,013,366, issued to D. P. Jackson et al and assigned to the same assignee as the present application. The process employs a dense phase gas at or above the critical pressure. The phase of the dense phase gas is then shifted between the liquid state and the supercritical state by varying the temperature of the dense fluid in a series of steps between temperatures above and below the critical temperature of the dense fluid, while maintaining the pressure above the critical value. Examples of fluids include (1) hydrocarbons, such as methane, ethane, propane, butane, pentans, hexane, ethylene, and propylene; (2) halogenated hydrocarbons, such as tetrafluoromethane, chlorodifluoromethane, and perfluoropropane; (3) inorganics, such as carbon dioxide, ammonia, helium, krypton, argon, sulfur hexafluoride, and nitrous oxide; and (4) mixtures thereof. In alternative embodiments, the dense phase gas may be exposed to UV radiation during the cleaning process or ultrasonic energy may be applied during the cleaning process to agitate the dense phase gas and the substrate surface. These treatments enhance removal efficiency of the contaminant from the surface being cleaned, but still result in a waste stream requiring further treatment and/or disposal.
More recently, in view of environmental concerns about the contaminating effect of certain organic molecules, investigations have begun to determine ways to deal with such organics. In one approach, destruction of organics such as polychlorobenzenes (PCBs) through irradiation with 20 Kilohertz (Khz) sonic energy has been recently documented, using nonaqueous solvents as extracting/sonicating medium. Ultrasonic energy has also been used in conjunction with hydrogen peroxide to treat gasoline/benzene contaminated ground water. During cavitation, the energy of the imploding bubbles initiate the decomposition reactions.
The use of solvents (aqueous or organic) as sonicating media presents the problem of the sonicating media disposal/regeneration and the disposal of the reaction products themselves. Accordingly, there is a need to provide a method of destroying organic molecules, employing a sonicating medium that presents no environmental disposal problems.

Chemical decomposition by sonication in liquid carbon dioxide


Provided is a Ni—Fe battery comprising an iron electrode which is preconditioned prior to any charge-discharge cycle. The preconditioned iron electrode used in the Ni—Fe battery is prepared by first fabricating an electrode comprising an iron active material, and then treating the surface of the electrode with an oxidant to thereby create an oxidized surface.

Field of Invention
The present invention is in the technical field of energy storage devices. More particularly, the present invention is in the technical field of rechargeable batteries using iron electrodes.
Related Art
The nickel iron (Ni—Fe) battery was independently developed by Edison in the United States and by Junger in Sweden in 1901. It was industrially important from its introduction until the 1970's when batteries with superior specific energy and energy density replaced Ni—Fe batteries in many applications.
However, Ni—Fe batteries have many advantages over other battery chemistries. The Ni—Fe battery is a very robust battery which is very tolerant of abuse such as overcharge and overdischarge and can have a very long life. It is often used in backup situations where it can be continuously trickle-charged and last more than 20 years. Additionally, the iron active material is much less expensive than active materials used in other alkaline battery systems such as NiMH or in non-aqueous batteries such as Li Ion. However, the low specific energy, low energy density, and poor power have limited the applications of this battery system.
The Ni—Fe battery is a rechargeable battery having a nickel(III) oxy-hydroxide positive electrode and an iron negative electrode, with an alkaline electrolyte such as potassium hydroxide. The overall cell reaction can be written as:2NiOOH+Fe+2H2O2Ni(OH)2+Fe(OH)2  (1)
Rechargeable batteries often require several charge-discharge cycles prior to achieving optimum performance. During these early cycles, critical surface films are formed on the electrode surfaces that affect the performance of the cell during later cycling. These early cycles are commonly termed formation cycles in the battery industry. In the case of nickel-iron batteries (Ni—Fe), 30 to 60 formation cycles are typically needed to achieve the full capacity of the cell. Formation cycling sometimes requires cycling at varied temperature regimes which complicates the process. This formation process is expensive, time consuming, consumes electrolyte which needs replacing, and generates a significant amount of gas. Therefore, reducing the number of formation cycles and simplifying the formation process is a worthy goal.
Manohar et. al. in "Understanding the factors affecting the formation of Carbonyl Iron Electrodes in Rechargeable Alkaline Iron Batteries", J. Electrochem. Soc., 159, 12, (2012) A 2148-2155, reported that one reason for the long formation time could also be the poor wettability of the iron electrode and the inaccessibility of the pores of the iron by the electrolyte. As the pores became more accessible the charge and discharge process produced a progressively rougher surface resulting in an increase in electrochemically active surface area and discharge capacity. Triton X-100, a surfactant, reduced the number of cycles required to achieve higher capacity presumably because it improved access of the electrolyte to the pores.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,507,696 teaches that a mixture of FeO and Fe2O3 powders fused with sulfur at 120° C. yields an active material that may be used in an aqueous slurry to impregnate sintered nickel fiber plaques that can used as a negative electrode in a Ni—Fe battery. Several formation cycles are needed to achieve high capacity.
It would be of benefit to the industry to have a battery comprising an iron electrode which is conditioned prior to any charge-discharge cycle so as to minimize the need for formation cycles.

Nickel-iron battery with a chemically pre-formed (CPF) iron negative electrode


A push-pull passage door lock comprising at least one handle, at least one lever, at least one rotating block, a slipping block, a latch bolt and a reset device for resetting the latch bolt. The lever, rotating block and slipping block are located inside the housing. The lever and rotating block are hinged to the housing. The rotating block comprises a rotation portion and a touch portion located at the two sides of an articulated shaft of the rotating block. One end of the lever is connected to the handle and the other end is adjacent the rotation portion. One end of the slipping block is connected to the latch bolt and the other end is adjacent the touch portion. The lever rotates the rotation portion of the rotating block, whereby the touch portion of the rotating block pushes up the slipping block and thereby retracts the latch bolt.

In the prior art, there are many kinds of door locks, among which a push-pull passage lock is common and widely used. The push-pull passage lock has various structures, and generally comprises a latch bolt or plunger, a sliding frame connected to the latch bolt, and a cam configured inside the sliding frame, wherein the cam rotates and drives the sliding frame to rotate, such that the latch bolt connected to the sliding frame is driven to retract. A reset spring is arranged to reset the sliding frame. This structure is complicated and has many components, thus it is difficult to assemble. In addition, the failure of the reset spring is likely to occur after a long-term service, and then the latch bolt cannot be inserted into the corresponding hole in the door frame any longer.


A method of sterilizing a polymeric material that is sensitive to radiation. The method includes the steps of applying at least one radiosensitizer to the polymeric material and irradiating the polymeric material with a suitable radiation at an effective dose and time to sterilize the polymeric material. Also disclosed is a method of enhancing the ability of a medical device to withstand sterilization by radiation and a bioabsorbable polymeric medical device.

Medical devices designed for implantation are often composed of materials that are gradually broken down by the body into products that are excreted or metabolized. Devices produced from these bioabsorbable materials tend to be more sensitive to certain physical and chemical treatments, including those necessary to sterilize medical devices. In particular, the mechanical integrity of medical devices produced from bioabsorbable polymers frequently suffers when sterilized using conventional irradiation techniques.
Ionizing radiation treatments such as gamma-irradiation, electron beam irradiation, and x-ray irradiation generate free radicals and other activated molecules that damage the biological components of contaminating bacteria, fungi, and viruses and thus ensures their inactivation. However, the constituent atoms of bioabsorbable materials are also damaged by free radicals and activated molecules, which reduces the structural integrity of the material.
Compounding the sterilization issue is the fact that steam sterilization is incompatible with thermally or hydrolytically labile polymers. Ethylene oxide, a common and widely used sterilant, often reacts with such polymers, while also requiring prolonged periods of outgassing.
In view of these issues, many new medical advances cannot be implemented because the sterilization industry is unable to provide a suitable sterilant as part of the manufacturing process. As indicated above, medical devices, such as stents, sutures, catheters and endoscopes, are fabricated from, or coated with, sensitive polymers that cannot tolerate steam, irradiation, or ethylene oxide. Moreover, plasma sterilization has been shown to be incompatible with some medical equipment and leaves toxic residues.
Issues involving sterilization exist in other areas of medical treatment as well, such as blood transfusions, blood factor replacement therapy, organ transplants and other forms of human therapy corrected or treated by intravenous, intramuscular or other forms of injection or introduction. Sterilization is also critical for the various biological materials that are prepared in media which contain various types of plasma and/or plasma derivatives or other biologic materials and which may contain harmful prions, bacteria, viruses and other biological contaminants or pathogens.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,362,442 proposes a method for sterilizing products to remove biological contaminants such as viruses, bacteria, yeasts, molds, mycoplasmas and parasites. The method proposed requires providing the product in a form that contains less than 20% solids and subsequently irradiating the product with gamma irradiation over an extended period of time. The product is irradiated for a period of not less than 10 hours. The extended irradiation time in conjunction with the low level of solids in the product is said to substantially reduce the damage to the product. The method is said to be useful in sterilizing sensitive materials such as blood and blood components.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,187,572 proposes a method for inactivating viral and/or bacterial contamination in blood cellular matter, such as erythrocytes and platelets, or protein fractions. It is proposed that the cells or protein fractions are mixed with chemical sensitizers, frozen or freeze-dried, and irradiated with, for example, UV, visible, gamma or X-ray radiation while in the solid state.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,239,048 proposes a substrate such as a woven or nonwoven fabric bound with a light-activated dye alone or in combination with additional conventional antimicrobial agents. The proposed substrate is impregnated with a light-activated non-leachable dye said to have antimicrobial and/or antiviral characteristics that can be imparted to the substrate. Upon exposure to light, the dye is reported to generate singlet oxygen that is said to kill microorganisms and viruses.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,908,591 proposes methods for sterilizing biological materials to reduce the level of one or more active biological contaminants or pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, yeasts, molds, fungi, prions or similar agents responsible, for TSEs and/or single or multicellular parasites. The methods proposed involve the use of flavonoid/flavonol stabilizers in sterilizing biological materials with irradiation.
Despite these advances in the art, none of which address the issue of sterilizing polymeric materials, there remains a need for methods of sterilizing such materials that are effective for reducing the level of active biological contaminants or pathogens without an adverse effect on the material.


Some embodiments of a method and an apparatus to generate pseudo random bits from polynomials have been presented. In one embodiment, a set of finite field polynomials is used to generate a series of pseudo random bits in one or more cycles. Then a cryptographic key is generated from the series of pseudo random bits.

In cryptography, pseudo random number generators are typically employed to generate some random numbers for creating a cryptographic key. A well-known pseudo random number generator that generates highly randomized numbers, which are strong in a cryptographic sense, is a Blum-Blum-Shub (BBS) pseudo random number generator. One conventional BBS pseudo random number generator uses two large prime integers, p and q, which are congruent to three, mod four. Their product, n=p*q, is called a Blum integer. An arbitrary integer, X, which is larger than both p and q, and relatively prime to n, is chosen. The BBS pseudo random number generator squares X, takes its remainder modulo n to produce a seed, X0. Then the BBS pseudo random number generator iterates through multiple cycles to generate a predetermined number of pseudo random bits in each cycle. Note that a cycle may also be referred to as an iteration. To generate pseudo random bits, the BBS pseudo random number generator takes the most recent Xi and squares it, then takes its remainder modulo n. The entire result is Xi+1, and the low order floor(lg(floor(lg(n)))) bits of Xi+1 are the output of one cycle of the BBS pseudo random number generator. The floor function returns the largest integer less than or equal to its argument, and the lg function is the logarithm of its argument in base 2. For example, if n is 21, which is the smallest Blum integer, the BBS pseudo random number generator may generate 2 bits every cycle.
The outputs of the BBS pseudo random number generator are pseudo random bits or pseudo random numbers because they are generated from the same set of initial values and they are not completely independent of each other. But nevertheless, the pseudo random numbers may approximate the behavior of true random numbers.
The security of the BBS pseudo random number generator rests on the size of n. In general, a larger n typically provides a more secure stream in a cryptographic sense. Note that increasing the number of bits generated at each cycle by 1 may require doubling the size of n. Furthermore, n also influences the period length of the output. One of the properties of n is that every quadratic residue modulo n has four square roots, one of which is also a quadratic residue. A quadratic residue is the residue of a perfect square. For example, 47 is a quadratic residue module 209. Thus, every X in the sequence of pseudo random number is a quadratic residue, and no more than ¼ of the values less than n can be quadratic residues. Thus, there are no more than n/4 distinct states for the BBS pseudo random number generator, so the maximum period is floor(n/4).

Generating pseudo random bits from polynomials