One or more cannabinoids and/or terpenes in combination with psilocybin and/or psilocin may be used in the prevention or treatment of psychological or brain disorders. The one or more cannabinoids may be taken from the group of cannabidiol (CBD); cannabidiolic acid (CBDA); tetrahydrocannbidivarin (THCV); tetrahydrocannbidivarinin acid (THCVA); cannabichromene (CBC); cannabichromenic acid (CBCA); cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabigerolic acid (CBGA).

Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity or apathy that can affect a person's thoughts, behaviour, feelings and sense of well-being.
People with a depressed mood can feel sad, anxious, empty, hopeless, helpless, worthless, guilty, irritable, angry, ashamed or restless. They may lose interest in activities that were once pleasurable, experience loss of appetite or overeating, have problems concentrating, remembering details or making decisions, experience relationship difficulties and may contemplate, attempt or commit suicide. Insomnia, excessive sleeping, fatigue, aches, pains, digestive problems or reduced energy may also be present.
Depressed mood is a feature of some psychiatric syndromes such as major depressive disorder, but it may also be a normal reaction, as long as it does not persist long term, to life events such as bereavement, a symptom of some bodily ailments or a side effect of some drugs and medical treatments. A DSM diagnosis distinguishes an episode (or 'state') of depression from the habitual (or 'trait') depressive symptoms someone can experience as part of their personality.
A number of psychiatric syndromes feature depressed mood as a main symptom. The mood disorders are a group of disorders considered to be primary disturbances of mood. These include major depressive disorder (MDD; commonly called major depression or clinical depression) where a person has at least two weeks of depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities; and dysthymia, a state of chronic depressed mood, the symptoms of which do not meet the severity of a major depressive episode. Another mood disorder, bipolar disorder, features one or more episodes of abnormally elevated mood, cognition and energy levels, but may also involve one or more episodes of depression. When the course of depressive episodes follows a seasonal pattern, the disorder (major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, etc.) may be described as a seasonal affective disorder. Outside the mood disorders: borderline personality disorder often features an extremely intense depressive mood; adjustment disorder with depressed mood is a mood disturbance appearing as a psychological response to an identifiable event or stressor, in which the resulting emotional or behavioral symptoms are significant but do not meet the criteria for a major depressive episode; and posttraumatic stress disorder, an anxiety disorder that sometimes follows trauma, is commonly accompanied by depressed mood. Depression is sometimes associated with substance use disorder. Both legal and illegal drugs can cause substance use disorder.
Questionnaires and checklists such as the Beck Depression Inventory or the Children's Depression Inventory can be used by a mental health provider to help detect, and assess the severity of depression. Semi structured interviews such as the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (KSADS) and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID) are used for diagnostic confirmation of depression.
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by abnormal social behaviour and failure to understand what is real. Common symptoms include false beliefs, unclear or confused thinking, hearing voices that others do not, reduced social engagement and emotional expression, and a lack of motivation. People with schizophrenia often have additional mental health problems such as anxiety disorders, major depressive illness, or substance use disorders. Symptoms typically come on gradually, begin in young adulthood, and last a long time.
Schizophrenia is diagnosed based on criteria in either the American Psychiatric Association's fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 5), or the World Health Organization's International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10). These criteria use the self-reported experiences of the person and reported abnormalities in behavior, followed by a clinical assessment by a mental health professional. Symptoms associated with schizophrenia occur along a continuum in the population and must reach a certain severity before a diagnosis is made.
Schizophreniform disorder (acute schizophrenic episode) is characterized by the presence of some of the symptoms of schizophrenia including: delusions, hallucinations, disorganised speech, disorganised or catatonic behaviour, and negative symptoms. The disorder—including its prodromal, active, and residual phases—lasts longer than 1 month but less than 6 months. Schizoaffective disorder symptoms can vary greatly from patient to patient. Many patients suffer with problems with mood, daily function or intrusive thoughts. Other symptoms can include elevated, inflated or depressed mood; irritability and poor temper control; changes in appetite, energy and sleep; hallucinations (particularly auditory hallucinations); delusions of reference; paranoia; deteriorating concern with hygiene and disorganised or illogical speech.
Schizoaffective disorder features cycles of severe symptoms followed by improvement. Bipolar I disorder (mania, manic disorder, manicdepressive psychosis) is characterised by mood swings that range from low (feelings of intense depression and despair) to high (feelings of elation, referred to as "mania") and can be mixed, for example a depressed mood
may be combined with restlessness and overactivity. Often both depressive and manic episodes are experienced.
Bipolar II disorder is characterised by hypomanic episodes as well as at least one major depressive episode. Hypomanic episodes do not go to the extremes of mania (i.e. do not cause social or occupational impairment, and are without psychotic features). Bipolar II is much more difficult to diagnose, since the hypomanic episodes may simply appear as a period of successful high productivity and is reported less frequently than a distressing depression. Psychosis can occur in manic and major depressive episodes, but not in hypomania. For both disorders, there are a number of specifiers that indicate the presentation and course of the disorder, including "chronic", "rapid cycling", "catatonic" and "melancholic"
Major depressive disorder with psychotic feature (psychotic depression) is characterised in that a patient in addition to suffering from depressive symptoms also suffers from hallucinations or delusions. These patients often become paranoid and may believe that their thoughts are not their own or that others can 'hear' their thoughts.
Delusional disorders (paranoia) are a form of psychosis where the patient has long-lasting paranoid delusions which have no other physical or medical cause. These delusions may also be accompanied by auditory hallucinations.
Shared psychotic disorder (shared paranoia disorder) is a very rare condition in which people close to a mentally ill person share his or her false beliefs (delusions). As an example, a man with schizophrenia may falsely believe that his children are trying to murder him. His wife develops shared psychotic disorder and comes to believe it as well. This disorder usually occurs in long-term relationships and involves two people. However, it can also develop among members of a group, such as within families. It affects women more often than men.
Brief psychotic disorder (other and unspecified reactive psychosis) is characterised by patients who experience an acute psychotic episode lasting longer than one day but less than one month and that may or may not immediately follow an important life stress or a pregnancy (with postpartum onset). This illness usually comes as a surprise as there is no forewarning that the person is likely to break down, although this disorder is more common in people with a pre-existing personality disorder. Paranoid personality disorder is characterised by an exaggeration of the cognitive modules for sensitivity to rejection, resentfulness, distrust, as well as the inclination to distort experienced events. Neutral and friendly actions of others are often misinterpreted as being hostile or contemptuous. Unfounded suspicions regarding the sexual loyalty of partners and loyalty in general as well as the belief that one's rights are not being recognized is stubbornly and argumentatively insisted upon. Such individuals can possess an excessive self-assurance and a tendency toward an exaggerated self reference. Pathological jealousy, instinctive aggressive counter-attack, the need to control others, and the gathering of trivial or circumstantial "evidence" to support their jealous beliefs also features.
Schizoid personality disorder (SPD) is characterised by a lack of interest in social relationships, a tendency towards a solitary lifestyle, secretiveness, and emotional coldness. SPD is reasonably rare compared with other personality disorders, its prevalence is estimated at less than 1% of the general population. Schizotypal personality disorder, is characterized by a need for social isolation, odd behaviour and thinking, and often unconventional beliefs such as being convinced of having extra-sensory abilities.
Psychosis and psychotic disorders are commonly treated with a class of medication known as atypical antipsychotics.
Anxiety disorders are a group of mental disorders characterized by feelings of anxiety and fear. Anxiety is a worry about future events and fear is a reaction to current events. These feelings may cause physical symptoms, such as a fast heart rate and shakiness. There are a number of anxiety disorders: including generalized anxiety disorder, specific phobia, social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, and panic disorder. The disorder differs by what results in the symptoms. People often have more than one anxiety disorder.
The diagnosis of anxiety disorders is difficult because there are no objective biomarkers, it is based on symptoms, which typically need to be present at least six months, be more than would be expected for the situation, and decrease functioning. Several generic anxiety questionnaires can be used to detect anxiety symptoms, such as the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, and the Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale. Other questionnaires combine anxiety and depression measurement, such as the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ), and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS). Examples of specific anxiety questionnaires include the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS), the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS), the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN), the Social Phobia Scale (SPS), and the Social Anxiety Questionnaire (SAQ-A30).
Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by symptoms of anxiety in situations where the person perceives the environment to be unsafe with no easy way to get away. These situations can include open spaces, public transit, shopping malls, or simply being outside the home. Being in these situations may result in a panic attack. The symptoms occur nearly every time the situation is encountered and lasts for more than six months. Those affected will go to great lengths to avoid these situations. In severe cases people may become unable to leave their homes.
Most people who present to mental health specialists develop agoraphobia after the onset of panic disorder. Agoraphobia is best understood as an adverse behavioral outcome of repeated panic attacks and subsequent anxiety and preoccupation with these attacks that leads to an avoidance of situations where a panic attack could occur. Early treatment of panic disorder can often prevent agoraphobia. Agoraphobia is typically determined when symptoms are worse than panic disorder, but also do not meet the criteria for other anxiety disorders such as depression. In rare cases where agoraphobics do not meet the criteria used to diagnose panic disorder, the formal diagnosis of agoraphobia without history of panic disorder is used (primary agoraphobia).
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental disorder of the neurodevelopmental type. It is characterized by problems paying attention, excessive activity, or difficulty controlling behavior which is not appropriate for a person's age. These symptoms begin by age six to twelve, are present for more than six months, and cause problems in at least two settings (such as school, home, or recreational activities). ADHD often persists into adulthood, with resultant impairments of social, academic and occupational functioning. In children, problems paying attention may result in poor school performance. Although it causes impairment, particularly in modern society, many children with ADHD have a good attention span for tasks they find interesting.
ADHD is diagnosed by an assessment of a person's childhood behavioral and mental development, including ruling out the effects of drugs, medications and other medical or psychiatric problems as explanations for the symptoms. It often takes into account feedback from parents and teachers with most diagnoses begun after a teacher raises concerns. It may be viewed as the extreme end of one or more continuous human traits found in all people. Whether someone responds to medications does not confirm or rule out the diagnosis. As imaging studies of the brain do not give consistent results between individuals, they are only used for research purposes and not diagnosis.
In North America, DSM-5 criteria are used for diagnosis, while European countries usually use the ICD-10. With the DSM-IV criteria a diagnosis of ADHD is 3-4 times more likely than with the ICD-10 criteria. It is classified as neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorder. Additionally, it is classified as a disruptive behavior disorder along with oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, and antisocial personality disorder. A diagnosis does not imply a neurological disorder.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe and disabling form of premenstrual syndrome affecting 3-8% of menstruating women. The disorder consists of a "cluster of affective, behavioral and somatic symptoms" that recur monthly during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. PMDD was added to the list of depressive disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 2013. Authoritative diagnostic criteria for PMDD are provided by a number of expert medical guides, notably the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders V (DSM-V). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), established seven criteria (A through G) for the diagnosis of PMDD.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the one to two weeks before a woman's period. Symptoms often vary between women and resolve around the start of bleeding. Common symptoms include acne, tender breasts, bloating, feeling tired, irritability, and mood changes. Often symptoms are present for around six days. A woman's pattern of symptoms may change over time. Symptoms do not occur during pregnancy or following menopause.
Huntington's disease (HD), also known as Huntington's chorea, is an inherited disorder that results in death of brain cells. The earliest symptoms are often subtle problems with mood or mental abilities. A general lack of coordination and an unsteady gait often follow. As the disease advances, uncoordinated, jerky body movements become more apparent. Physical abilities gradually worsen until coordinated movement becomes difficult and the person is unable to talk. Mental abilities generally decline into dementia. The specific symptoms vary somewhat between people. Symptoms usually begin between 30 and 50 years of age, but can start at any age. The disease may develop earlier in life in each successive generation. About 8% of cases start before the age of 20 years and typically present with symptoms more similar to Parkinson's disease. People with HD often underestimate the degree of their problems.
Medical diagnosis of the onset of HD can be made following the appearance of physical symptoms specific to the disease. Genetic testing can be used to confirm a physical diagnosis if there is no family history of HD. Even before the onset of symptoms, genetic testing can confirm if an individual or embryo carries an expanded copy of the trinucleotide repeat in the HTT gene that causes the disease. Genetic counseling is available to provide advice and guidance throughout the testing procedure, and on the implications of a confirmed diagnosis. These implications include the impact on an individual's psychology, career, family planning decisions, relatives and relationships. Despite the availability of pre-symptomatic testing, only 5% of those at risk of inheriting HD choose to do so.
Alzheimer's disease (AD), also known as just Alzheimer's, is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that usually starts slowly and gets worse over time. It is the cause of 60% to 70% of cases of dementia. The most common early symptom is difficulty in remembering recent events (short-term memory loss). As the disease advances, symptoms can include problems with language, disorientation (including easily getting lost), mood swings, loss of motivation, not managing self care, and behavioural issues. As a person's condition declines, they often withdraw from family and society. Gradually, bodily functions are lost, ultimately leading to death. Although the speed of progression can vary, the average life expectancy following diagnosis is three to nine years.
Alzheimer's disease is usually diagnosed based on the person's medical history, history from relatives, and behavioural observations. The presence of characteristic neurological and neuropsychological features and the absence of alternative conditions is supportive.
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a long-term degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that mainly affects the motor system. The symptoms generally come on slowly over time. Early in the disease, the most obvious are shaking, rigidity, slowness of movement, and difficulty with walking. Thinking and behavioral problems may also occur. Dementia becomes common in the advanced stages of the disease. Depression and anxiety are also common occurring in more than a third of people with PD. Other symptoms include sensory, sleep, and emotional problems. The main motor symptoms are collectively called "parkinsonism", or a "parkinsonian syndrome". A physician will diagnose Parkinson's disease from the medical history and a neurological examination.
An autoimmune disease is a condition arising from an abnormal immune response to a normal body part. There are at least 80 types of autoimmune diseases. Nearly any body part can be involved. Common symptoms include low grade fever and feeling tired. Often symptoms come and go.
There is a significant requirement for an effective treatment that is able to prevent or treat the above-discussed psychological and brain disorders without resulting in side-effects.

Psilocybin and/or psilocin in combination with cannabinoids and/or terpenes


Apparatus for delivering a non-carbonated beverage mixture comprises a manifold having a mixing chamber. A first inlet orifice is in communication with and is sized to admit a metered flow of a first liquid into the mixing chamber. A second inlet orifice is in communication with and is sized to admit a metered flow of a second liquid into the mixing chamber. The first and second liquids are combined into a mixture in the mixing chamber. An outlet communicates with the mixing chamber. The mixture exits the manifold through the outlet. A first constant flow valve is in communication with the first inlet orifice and is configured to provide a constant flow of the first liquid to the first inlet. A second constant flow valve is in communication with the second inlet orifice and is configured to provide a constant flow of the second liquid to the second inlet. A dispensing mechanism is in communication with the outlet.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to non-carbonated drink dispensers and the like, and is concerned in particular with an improved apparatus for consistently delivering and mixing metered amounts of multiple liquids, for example, a flavored syrup and water.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In the conventional non-carbonated beverage dispenser, a juice concentrate or flavored syrup is mixed and delivered by a pump powered by municipal water pressure. The pump pulses, with different numbers of pulses being assigned to each liquid in order to deliver a desired mix ratio. Thus, for example, one pulse of syrup or concentrate and four pulses of water will yield a 4.1 ratio.
There are a number of problems associated with this type of delivery system. These include poor mixture of the liquids being dispensed, back flow of water into the syrup or concentrate unless check valves are installed, jamming of the pump caused by inadequate water pressure, which in turn requires disassembly or replacement of the pump, frequent maintenance of the pump, the need for water pressure regulators in order to safeguard the pump from damage caused by pressure spikes, and variable liquid flow rates caused by variations in water pressure.
There exists a need therefore for an improved delivery system that avoids or at least substantially minimizes the aforesaid problems.

Fixed ratio system for metering and mixing the liquid components of a non-carbonated beverage or the like


A method for activating a mine possessing a specified activation radius; in particular an anti-helicopter mine, which is brought into an alarm condition by acoustic signals. In the alarm condition of the mine, an NLOS-radar is activated, through which the target speed and the target range of a helicopter are detected and the result of the detection is compared with the specified activation radius of the mine. Full activation of the mine is then implemented when the detection result is smaller than the activation radius, or a further or renewed NLOS-radar detection is effected when the detection result is greater than the activation radius of the mine.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for the activation of a mine possessing a specified radius of activation; in particular, an anti-helicopter mine, whereby the mine is placed into an alarm or waking condition through the intermediary of acoustic signals.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
The disclosure of German Laid-Open Patent Appln. 38 37 483 A1, which is assigned to the common assignee of this application, is directed to a mine having an active charge, which is orientable against a target by means of a tracking unit; especially against a slow-flying target, and which is actuatable by an acquisition-sensor circuit. This mine possesses an alarm sensor circuit which acoustically monitors a spatial angular sector. Moreover, this known mine incorporates an infra-red bearing sensor circuit which detects a target entering into the above-mentioned spatial angular sector with regard to its type, location and path of movement. For the operation of the tracking unit and for the operation of the mentioned circuits there is provided an energy supply which is uncoupled from the alarm-sensor circuit, the bearing sensor circuit and the tracking unit. The bearing sensor circuit couples the tracking unit to the energy supply only when there has been detected a suitable target traveling along a path which is suitable for the attacking thereof.
Copending U.S. patent appln. Ser. No. 07/889,455; filed on May 27, 1992, which is assigned to the common assignee of the present application, and the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a sensor arrangement for an active body; in particular, for a land mine which is deployed against ground and airborne targets, including an alarm sensor which is responsive to the approach of a target, and incorporating circuit arrangement for the environmentally-adaptive setting of sensor-evaluating circuits for the release of the active mechanism for defending against or combatting the target. Hereby, at a low elevation above ground, there is provided at least one antenna for emitting an undirected electromagnetic ground wave and possibly also for receiving reflections of the environment upon the deployment of the active body; as well as, after activation by the alarm sensor, for determining the relative movement of a target which has penetrated into the previously encompassed environment or surroundings, on the basis of reflections from the target.
Copending U. S. patent appln. Ser. No. 07/891,392; filed May 29, 1992, which is assigned to the common assignee of this application, and the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a sensor arrangement for an active body; especially for a land mine deployed against ground and airborne targets, which includes an alarm sensor which is responsive to the approach of a target object, and with a memory storage for environmental or surroundings information obtained by means of a Non-Line of Sight radar (NLOS-radar). In that instance, in addition to the NLOS-radar which operates in a relatively low-frequency undirected mode with a range-dependently operating multiple-target extractor, there is provided a direction-finding or bearing base for obtaining directional information from the sensor arrangement to target objects. Hereby, there may be provided a plurality of high-frequency antennae or, in essence, a plurality of microphones as the target direction-finding or bearing base.
Further to the sensor arrangement as described hereinabove, pursuant to a further development in the above-mentioned sensor arrangement there is set forth in that U.S. patent application a concept in which the acoustic directional or bearing information should be as accurate as possible in order to again be able to derive therefrom range-finding or distance information. This is achieved with the foregoing arrangement in that the active body is equipped with at least three microphones, which in order to achieve a base configuration which is relatively large-in comparison with the base of the active body, are spaced from the active body, whereby one of the microphones can be located on the active body and the remaining microphones remain at all times connected to the active body.


A method of assembling a seal in a horizontal split plane gas turbine engine including providing a rotor assembly including a turbine blade assembly defining a forward face and a seal ring extending axially from the forward face. The rotor assembly is positioned extending through a lower compressor casing and a lower turbine casing, the positioning including tilting the rotor assembly at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis for the engine. An upper turbine casing is positioned over the tilted rotor assembly, and the upper and lower turbine casings define a circumferentially extending seal groove. The rotor assembly is moved in an axially forward direction to position the seal ring in axially overlapping relation within the seal groove. The longitudinal axis of the rotor assembly is then aligned with the longitudinal axis of the turbine engine to further position the seal ring within the seal groove.

Referring to FIG. 8, an example of typical industrial gas turbine engine 10 is illustrated and generally includes a compressor section 12, a combustor section 14, a turbine section 16 and an exhaust section 18. The compressor section 12 includes alternating stationary and rotating components comprising stationary vanes 20 supported to an outer compressor casing 24, and rotating blades 22 supported to a rotor assembly 26 that extends up to a location in or adjacent to the exhaust section 18 where the rear end of the rotor assembly 26 may be supported at a rear bearing 19 positioned in a rear bearing housing 21. Also, the turbine section 16 includes alternating stationary and rotating components comprising stationary vanes 28 supported to an outer turbine casing 32 and rotating blades 30 supported to the rotor assembly 26. Typically, the outer compressor casing 24 may include vane carrier structure 34 supporting the stationary vanes 20, and the outer turbine casing 32 may include vane carrier structure 36 for supporting the stationary vanes 28.
The turbine engine 10 is shown as being formed as a horizontal split plane assembly. That is, the compressor casing 24 is formed of an upper half 24a and a lower half 24b that may be joined at horizontal joints defined by respective axially extending flanges 38a, 38b. Similarly, the turbine casing 32 is formed of an upper half 32a and a lower half 32b that may be joined at horizontal joints defined by respective axially extending flanges 40a, 40b. Industrial gas turbine engines are commonly formed of relatively large components, and the horizontal split plane configuration, such as is illustrated in FIG. 8, facilitates assembly, wherein the stationary components of the lower half of the engine may be assembled, the assembled rotor assembly 26 may be placed into the lower half, and the assembled upper half may be positioned on the lower half to form an axial flow path through the engine. Assembly of the rotor assembly 26 into the lower half and positioning of the upper half into association with the lower half also comprises positioning of the outer tips of the blades 20, 30 in close association with stationary seal rings 42, 44 supported to the compressor and turbine casings 24, 32, respectively, and axially positioned between vane platforms to limit axial passage of air and hot gas flows past the rotating blade tips.
The compressor section 12 can induct ambient air and can compress it. The compressed air from the compressor section 12 can enter one or more combustors 20 in the combustor section 14. The compressed air can be mixed with fuel, and the air-fuel mixture can be burned in the combustors 20 to form a hot working gas. The hot gas is routed to the turbine section 16 where it is expanded through the alternating rows of stationary vanes 28 and rotating blades 30 and used to generate power that can drive the rotor assembly 26. The expanded gas exiting the turbine section 16 can be exhausted from the engine 10 via the exhaust section 18.
Leakage between the hot gas in the hot gas flow path and a supply of cooling fluid, such as cooling air in air cavities 46 located radially inwardly from the vanes 28 and blades 30, i.e., rim or vane cavities, reduces engine performance and efficiency. Cooling air leakage from the cavities into the hot gas flow path can disrupt the flow of the hot gases and increase heat losses. Additionally, hot gas leakage into the rim/vane cavities may yield higher vane and vane platform temperatures and may result in reduced performance, and may further result in increased thermally induced deterioration of components.

Method of assembling a gas turbine engine


A system and corresponding method of controlling switching between different types of channels in a cellular communications system (e.g., wideband CDMA). Timer timeout values (i.e., timer lengths) and/or buffer thresholds, used in determining if and when to switch from one type of channel to another for a given user connection, are chosen and/or dynamically adjusted based upon at least estimated or measured traffic load in a cell in which the user is located.

The present invention relates to data packet communications, and in particular, to controlling switching between communication channels of different types in a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) cellular communications network.
In current and future mobile radio communications systems, a variety of different services either are or will be provided. While mobile radio systems have traditionally provided circuit-switched services, e.g., to support voice calls, packet-switched data services are becoming increasingly utilized. Exemplary packet data services include e-mail, file transfers, and information retrieval using the Internet. Because packet data services often utilize system resources in a manner that varies over the course of a data packet session, the flow of packets is often characterized as xe2x80x9cbursty.xe2x80x9d Transmitted packet bursts are interspersed with periods where no packets are transmitted so that the xe2x80x9cdensityxe2x80x9d of packets is high for short time periods and often very low for long periods.
It is often desired that mobile communications systems be capable of accommodating both circuit-switched and packet-switched services. It is also typically desired that the limited radio bandwidth be efficiently used. Consequently, different types of radio channels may be employed to more efficiently accommodate different types of traffic to be transported across the radio interface (e.g., the radio interface between cell phones/pagers and corresponding base station(s)).
The Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) is one example of a mobile communications system that offers circuit-switched services via a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) node and packet-switched services via a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) node. For circuit-switched guaranteed service, dedicated traffic channels are typically employed. A radio channel is dedicated to a particular mobile user and delivers frames of information as received without substantial delay, and typically provides high data throughput. For packet-switched, best effort service, common channels may be employed where plural mobile users share a common channel at the same time. Typically, a common channel delivers packets of information at a relatively low data throughput as compared to a dedicated channel. Thus, when the Quality of Service (QoS) parameter(s) requested is/are relatively high (e.g., for speech or synchronized communication, soft handover, etc.), a dedicated circuit-switched channel may be well suited to handle this kind of traffic. When the quality of service requested is relatively low (e.g., for an e-mail message, or if the user only has a small amount of data to transmit), a common, packet-switched channel may be well suited to handle this kind of traffic. Unfortunately, there is no xe2x80x9cswitchingxe2x80x9d between different types of channels in GSM/GPRS. All dedicated traffic is GSM circuit-switched, and all common traffic is GPRS packet-switched.
The selection of the appropriate channel type and channel type switching are desirable features to be included in third generation mobile systems that employ Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA). W-CDMA systems may support a variety of circuit-switched and packet-switched services over a wide range of bit rates, e.g., kilobits per second to megabits per second. Two radio resources in wideband CDMA used to support such services are channelization codes and transmission power. Channelization codes are used to reduce interference and to separate information between different users. The more channel capacity required, the more channelization codes to be allocated. As for transmission power, dedicated channels employ closed loop transmit power control which provides more accurate power assignments resulting in less interference and lower bit error rate. Common channels typically employ open loop power control which is less accurate and not as well suited for transmitting large amounts of data.
Because of the bursty nature of packet data transmissions, congestion-sensitive transmission protocols, QoS parameters, and other dynamic factors of packet data transmissions, the channel-type best suited to efficiently support a user connection often changes during the life of the user connection. At one point, it might be better for the user connection to be supported by a dedicated channel, while at another point it might be better for the user connection to be supported by a common channel. A problem addressed by the present invention is determining if and when to make a channel-type switch during the course of a particular user connection.
One way of determining when to switch a user connection from a dedicated channel to a common channel is to monitor the amount of data currently being stored in a transmission buffer associated with that user connection. When the amount of data stored in the buffer is less than a certain threshold, that smaller amount of data may not justify the use of a dedicated channel. Thus, the connection may be switched to a common channel. On the other hand, the decrease in the amount of data to be transmitted for that user may only be temporary, given the dynamic aspects of data transmission, i.e., the amount of data in the buffer may quickly accumulate because of the load on the common channel or increased capacity needs for the connection. As a result, the connection may need to be switched right back to a dedicated channel.
Consider the situation where a user connection is currently assigned a dedicated radio channel having a higher data transmission rate/capacity than the current incoming rate of the user data to be transmitted over that channel. This situation might arise if there is congestion at some part of the Internet, e.g., Internet congestion causes TCP to dramatically reduce its transmission rate as described above. A slower incoming rate may also be the result of a xe2x80x9cweak linkxe2x80x9d in the connection external to the radio network, e.g., a low speed modem. In such situations, the radio transmit buffer is emptied faster than the data to be transmitted arrives. As a result of the slow incoming data rate, which may only be temporary, the user connection may be switched from the dedicated channel to a common channel, even though soon thereafter the user will have a large amount of data to transmit. Shortly after the user connection is switched to the common channel, the buffer fills up rapidly due to lower throughput on the common channel, and the user connection is switched back to a dedicated channel. These conditions may ultimately result in rapid, prolonged or cyclical switching back and forth between a common channel and a dedicated channel as long as such conditions persist. Such back-and-forth effects are undesirable because each channel type switch consumes power of the battery-operated terminal, loses packets during the switch, and requires additional control signaling overhead. Such back-and-forth switching is especially undesirable in environments where cell load (i.e., the amount of traffic in a particular cell) is low and channel resources are not in high demand.
FIGS. 1-2 illustrate a scenario where, for a given user, undesirable switching back-and-forth between dedicated and common channels is realized. FIG. 1 is a graph simulating a constant 32 kbit/sec incoming data stream to the transmission buffer where the user connection is assigned a dedicated channel with a capacity of 64 kbit/sec. The common channel capacity was simulated at 16 kbit/sec but is illustrated as 0 kbit/sec in FIG. 1. The buffer""s channel switch threshold which triggers a switch from dedicated-to-common channel and from common-to-dedicated channel is set at 1,000 bytes (i.e., when it is determined that less than 1,000 bytes are being stored in the buffer, this threshold triggers initiation of a timer whose expiration results in a switch from the dedicated channel to a common channel). An expiration timer may be set, e.g., to one second. FIG. 1 shows the allocated achieved channel capacity (in kbit/sec) plotted against time under these simulated conditions where the user connection is cyclically switched back and forth between a 64 kbps dedicated channel (after about one second) and a common channel (after less than 0.5 seconds).
FIG. 2 shows the buffer amount (in bytes) versus time for this same simulation. The buffer amount is approximately 600 bytes when the user is on the dedicated channel, which is below the threshold of 1,000 bytes. Therefore, the timer runs and upon its expiration the user connection is switched to the common channel. When on the common channel, the transmit buffer is filled very quickly by the 32 kbit/sec incoming stream (the incoming stream comes in at a rate faster than the rate at which data is output on the common channel) up to about 2000 bytes which, because it exceeds the 1000 byte threshold, results in a rapid channel switch back to the dedicated channel. This kind of rapid channel switch cycling is undesirable, as described earlier, because of the resources necessary to orchestrate each channel-type switch and the time required to set up a dedicated channel. Moreover, because traffic on the communications network may change over time, such cyclical switching may be more undesirable in low load conditions than in high load conditions when demand for dedicated channels is high. It is also undesireable for available dedicated or other high throughput channels to be left in a non-used state when they are available.
There may exist points in time when certain areas of the network may have light traffic thereon, while other areas of the network have heavy traffic thereon. In such situations, monitoring of total network traffic/load does not accurately reflect true network conditions. For purposes of example, in a cellular communications network, radio transmissions of each base station (BS) cover a geographical area known as a xe2x80x9ccell.xe2x80x9d Knowing the total load of the entire network does not translate into knowledge of load on a per cell basis. Therefore, many users in a low load cell may be allocated common channels when in reality allocation to them of dedicated channels would not place any undue burden on the network due to the light load in that cell.
In view of the above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that there exists a need in the art for a system and corresponding method which enables channel-type switching which takes network conditions and/or cell load(s) into consideration thereby reducing occurrence of any or all of the aforesaid problems in, e.g., low cell load environments. There also exists a need in the art to a system which enables high throughput (e.g., dedicated) channels to be used when they are available.
Timer timeout values (i.e., timer lengths) and/or buffer thresholds, used in determining if and when to switch from one type of channel to another for a given user, are chosen and/or dynamically adjusted based upon at least the traffic load in a cell in which the user is or has been located.
Data to be transmitted on a channel is stored in a transmit buffer. When the user has a first type of channel, a timer is started when less than a predetermined threshold amount of information is stored in the buffer. If the amount of information stored in the buffer does not exceed or pass above the threshold prior to expiration (or timeout) of the timer, then the user is switched from the first type of channel to a second type of channel. Conversely, when a user has the second type of channel, the user may be switched from the second type of channel to the first type of channel if the amount of information stored in the buffer exceeds a particular threshold. Timeout values of any or all such timers and/or any of these thresholds may be initially set or dynamically adjusted based at least in part upon a measured or estimated parameter such as the amount of cell traffic (i.e., load) in a cell(s) in which the user is (or has been) located. Other parameters and/or conditions may also be taken into account.
In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention may be implemented in a radio network control node having plural buffers, each buffer being assignable to support a mobile user connection and having a corresponding threshold. Channel-type switching circuitry, coupled to the buffers and/or corresponding timers, controllably switches a user connection from a first type of radio channel to a second type of radio channel. A calculator determines timeout values for timer(s). The thresholds and/or timeout values may be determined and/or dynamically adjusted during network operation based at least in part upon estimated or measured load in a cell(s) in which a user of the connection is or has been located. Upon receiving indication of expiration of a timer and/or passing of a threshold, a channel-type switching controller controls the channel-type switching circuitry to direct data corresponding to the mobile user connection stored at one of the buffers from a first type of radio channel (e.g., dedicated channel) currently supporting the mobile user connection to a second type of radio channel (e.g., common channel).
By taking into account the amount of traffic in at least a cell(s) of the user in determining thresholds and/or timer timeout values, actual network conditions are taken into account. For example, high throughput channels such as dedicated channels may be utilized when available. Moreover, unnecessary switching may be avoided or reduced when the amount of traffic in the cell(s) is low and plenty of channel resources are available. In other words, when there is little traffic in a particular cell, it may be beneficial to allow many or all users in that cell to use respective dedicated channels since there is no excess demand for the same. However, when there is substantial traffic in the cell, thresholds and/or timeout values may be adjusted to restrict dedicated channels to those users truly in need of them. Thus, rapid back-and-forth switching of a user from one type of channel to another may be avoided when not necessary. As an example, for increasing cell loads timer length(s) may be decreased in the context of determining when to switch from a dedicated channel to a common channel. Conversely, for decreasing cell loads timer length(s) may be increased in the context of determining when to switch from a dedicated channel to a common channel. The opposite may be true in the case of timer values utilized in determining when to switch from a common channel to a dedicated channel. This enables the system to conserve resources and overhead, and better reflect actual network conditions.

Channel-type switching based on cell load


In order to achieve an aspect of the present invention, a rear vehicle detecting apparatus of a vehicle include an alarm unit, a temperature detecting section, a reference temperature data generating section, a comparing section, and a drive section. The temperature detecting section detects a first temperature data based on heat radiated from another vehicle which exists behind the vehicle. The reference temperature data generating section generates a second temperature data as a reference. The comparing section compares the first temperature data and the second temperature data. The driving section drives the alarm unit based on the comparing result by the comparing section.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a rear vehicle detecting apparatus, and more particularly to a rear vehicle detecting apparatus of a vehicle which can detect another vehicle following the vehicle from oblique rear in the same direction as the vehicle runs.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, a vehicle such as an automobile runs on a lane indicated on a road, and the driver of the vehicle changes the lane into an adjacent lane based on the running situation. In a case to change the running lane, the driver confirms whether or not another vehicle is running on the adjacent lane, by a rearview mirror such as a door mirror, a room mirror and a fender mirror, and then the driver changes the running lane.
Conventionally, the technique is proposed, in which a transmission and reception unit for laser light or millimeter wave is arranged in the front portion of a following vehicle, and the running speed of the following vehicle is decelerated based on an output signal from the transmission and reception unit, when the distance from the following vehicle to a preceding vehicle is smaller than a predetermined value.
According to this proposal, when the preceding vehicle and the following vehicle runs on the same lane, the laser from the following vehicle is reflected in the rear of the preceding vehicle, because the rear of the preceding vehicle and the front of the following vehicle oppose. Therefore, it is possible for the reflected laser to be detected by the reception unit arranged in the front of the following vehicle.
However, when the preceding vehicle and the following vehicle are running on different lanes, the laser beam reflected by the preceding vehicle can not be sufficiently detected by the reception unit of the following vehicle, because the rear of the preceding vehicle and the front of the following vehicle do not oppose. Therefore, the detection precision of the existence of the preceding vehicle reduces remarkably.

Vehicle with rear vehicle detecting apparatus


A radio cell station CS that relays a call connection of a radio personal station PS to a management device ME, includes: a call connection control section that controls the call connection of the radio personal station PS; and a position registration request section that requests, of the management device ME, a position registration that associates identification information on the radio personal station PS with identification information on the radio cell station CS. When a request for handover from a radio cell station CS3 to a radio cell station CS4 is received from the radio personal station PS that conducts the call connection through the radio cell station CS, the call connection of the radio personal station PS goes through the radio cell station CS4 and the radio cell station CS2 under control. While the call connection going through the radio cell station CS2 is being conducted, the position registration is not requested of the management device ME. When the call connection going through the radio cell station CS4 and the radio cell station CS2 is ended, the position registration is requested of the management device ME.

Up to now, when communication is conducted with radio connection in a multi-cell system (cellular system), a radio terminal communicates with a radio base station having a matched service set identifier (SSID). Then, when the radio terminal travels while calling the radio base station, electric waves become weaker with increasing distance from a center of a cell (wireless area), and a signal strength and a power level are changed. In this situation, when electric waves from another radio base station of an adjacent cell become more intense, call can be continued if the communication is switched to communication with this radio base station. This is called "handover".
In order that the radio terminal accesses to a new radio base station, the radio terminal must search identifiers of a large number of radio base stations corresponding to connection candidates or having connection histories in order, and acquire a connectable radio base station. Further, radio base station cannot conduct communication through a network unless the radio base station registers information on itself and the subject radio terminal in a registration server of an IP network.
FIG. 32 is an illustrative diagram illustrating a conventional handover of a radio terminal. An IP network (network communicatable in IP) is connected with a management device ME having the registration server therein. Also, the management device ME is connected with radio base stations (hereinafter referred to as "radio cell stations") CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4, and CS5 under its control, which each radiate electric waves to form a cell, and form a communication area as a whole. Radio terminals (hereinafter referred to as "radio personal stations") PSs include a PHS (personal handy-phone system) terminal, a DECT (digital enhanced cordless telecommunication) terminal, other cellular phones, and a radio LAN (local area network). Anyway, each of the personal stations conducts a digital radio communication with any radio cell station. A voice data communication between each of the radio personal stations and a partner terminal conforms to an IP call control protocol such as an SIP (session initiation protocol) or H.323, and is conducted with the use of RTP/RTCP.
In order that the radio personal station PS connected to the radio cell station CS1 is connected to an IP terminal of an intended party through the IP network, the management server such as an SIP server needs to recognize which radio cell station CS is connected to the radio personal station PS at present. For that reason, the radio cell station CS1 transmits a REGISTER (position registration request) to the registration server of the SIP server, and registers identification information such as its own IP address and an identifier (telephone number) of the radio personal station PS in the registration server.
Accordingly, when the radio personal station PS travels from a cell of the radio cell station CS1 to another cell (radio cell station CS3) during a call, the radio personal station PS cannot continue the call unless the radio connection is switched from CS1 to CS3. For that reason, handover is conducted, and in conducting the handover, the radio cell station CS3 transmits the REGISTER (position registration request) to the registration sever, and registers the position of a new radio cell station CS3. As a result, the radio cell station CS3 allows the registration server to recognize disconnection and reconnection. In this situation, unless smooth handover is conducted, the call is disconnected to deteriorate a call quality.
Likewise, thereafter, every time the radio personal station PS travels from a cell of the radio cell station CS3 to a cell of the radio cell station CS4, from the cell of the radio cell station CS4 to a cell of the radio cell station CS5, and from the cell of the radio cell station CS 5 to the cell of the radio cell station CS2, the radio cell stations CS4, CS5, and CS2 transmit REGISTER, and repeat the position registration in the registration server. The call cannot be continued unless the position registration is conducted. However, it takes time to conduct the handover, and when reconnection fails, the radio personal station PS must again search the radio cell station CS for reconnection.
Up to now, a technology has been proposed in which handover is conducted when a user travels from an area of one MGW (media gateway) currently connected to his cellular phone to an area of another MGW while calling by the cellular phone through an IMS (IP multimedia subsystem) (refer to JP-A 2009-177620).
When a termination (TDM/1) of a first communication system is calling a termination (RTP/1) of a second communication system within one MGW 1, a mobile station travels to an area falling under the control of another MGW 2. In this state, a context of a termination (RTP/11) of the first communication system is added to a context of the MGW 1 that is a handover source. Further, a context for connecting a termination (TDM/2) of the first communication system and a termination (RTP/2) of the second communication system is added to a context within the MGW 2. It is assumed that the TDM/1 and the RTP/11 are one-way stream, and downstream with respect to the MGW 2.
In a handover switching state, the RTP/1 and the TDM/1 are changed to one-way stream, and the RTP/1 and the RTP/11 are changed to two-way stream to conduct the switching of the streams of a source and a destination. Finally, in a handover completion state, only the termination (TDM/1) is released, and the termination (RTP/1) is continuously used as an anchor.

Radio base station device, handover control system, and handover control method


A portable terminal has a keypad. The portable terminal includes the keypad including a plurality of key buttons in a predetermined pattern and forming an antenna pattern by using devices connected to both ends of predetermined key buttons among the plurality of key buttons, a Radio Frequency (RF) communicator connected to signal lines of the predetermined key buttons of the keypad, a digital circuit for recognizing a signal input to the keypad, and a controller for controlling the keypad to be selectively switched to one of the digital circuit and the RF communicator according to a signal generated in a resonance frequency region of a particular service band.

With the development of various electronic and communication industries, portable terminals have been widely used, and to meet users' demands, functions of the portable terminals have been diversified and the portable terminals have become compact and lightweight.
Early products of the portable terminals have superior antenna radiation efficiency by using external antennas, but due to restriction on slimness and high-integration of the portable terminals, embedded antennas are now actively used for the portable terminals.
However, to configure the external or embedded antenna, an antenna pattern separate from an injection-molded product has to be implemented, increasing the cost of the portable terminal. For this reason, recently, an antenna has been implemented by printing an antenna pattern on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) without cost increase.
FIGS. 1A through 1C illustrate structural diagrams of an embedded antenna of a conventional portable terminal.
FIG. 1A shows a rear side of a portable terminal in which a PCB Embedded Antenna (PEA) is embedded in a fill-cut region 100 on a lower end portion of the portable terminal. FIG. 1B shows a front side of the portable terminal in which PCB-attaching dome sheets 102 and 104 exist. FIG. 1C shows a region 108 in which the PEA and the dome sheets 102 and 104 are coupled and embedded in the PCB. To implement an antenna by printing a pattern in the PCB, a fill-cut region having a predetermined area or larger, that is, a region where there is no pattern and only a dielectric layer exists, in spite of some variation according to frequency bands, is required and any other metal pattern should not exist in that region.
If an effective area of the fill-cut region except for other metal pattern regions is inefficient, antenna resonance may not be generated at a desired frequency or in spite of generation of resonance, the antenna function may not be achieved due to low antenna radiation efficiency. The reduction of the effective area originates from a pattern on the PCB at a lower end of the portable terminal where a key recognizing dome of a keypad is situated.
As shown in FIGS. 1A through 1C, conventionally, PCB-attaching dome sheets exist on an opposite side to a portion for implementing an antenna pattern, and the pattern is implemented to allow a dome to be situated on the PCB for dome key operations, reducing an antenna embedding region and thus making it difficult to implement a PEA.


A tool or implement for cleaning or treating surfaces or for applying media to surfaces has a holder and a deformable disposable working part interchangeably gripped by it, the holder exclusively comprising a sleeve constructed as a stick or grip and a sliding part guided thereon with a handle on its end projecting over the sleeve and with grippers arranged at its other end, which are displaceable from an open position projecting over the sleeve, exclusively by mounting on the working part and pressing by means of the sleeve so as to grip the working part into a use position fixing the latter and by means of the handle are displaceable in the reverse direction for releasing the working part.

The present invention relates to an implement for cleaning or treating surfaces or for applying media to surfaces with a holder and a deformable disposable working part inter-changeably gripped by said holder, the latter comprising a sleeve constructed as a stick or grip and a sliding part guided thereon with a handle on its end projecting over the sleeve and grippers for the working part arranged at its other end and which are displaceable from an open position projecting over the sleeve into a use position fixing the working part and by means of the handle can be moved in the opposite direction for releasing the working part.
In connection with working implements or tools, particularly when intended for use in the home, many attempts have been made in the past to interchangeably fit to a holder the actual working part, which becomes unusable and is therefore thrown away as a result of dirtying, wear or the like, in such a way that the holder can be constantly reused. Thus, for example, a floor cleaning implement in the form of a mop is known (U.S. Pat. No. 756,100), in which a pad-like cloth is secured between two shear-like gripper arms, accompanied by the formation of a fold in the central region, one gripper arm being fixed to a conventional handle, whereas the other gripper is locked on the handle in the clamped position for the mop pad. By releasing the locking device, it is possible to release the mop cloth and optionally clean it or replace it by a new one if it is worn. The construction of the gripper or tong-like holder is such that only flat pads can be fixed over a relatively considerable length.
It is also known in connection with domestic cleaning appliances, e.g. for utensils (U.S. Pat. No. 2,296,133, FR-OS No. 2 153 309) to fit skein-like working parts, such as sponges, wire pot cleaners, etc./to a holder, which has two or more grippers, which can be moved between a spread open position and a closed use position. In one case (FR-OS No. 2 153 309) the grippers are located on a connecting rod, which is guided in a grip-like sleeve. By means of a spring located in the sleeve the connecting rod is moved into an upper position, where the grippers pass out of the spread apart position into the closed use position and grip the skein or sponge-like cleaning part. On displacing the connecting rod for gripper opening purposes, an ejector arranged on the connecting rod simultaneously acts on the working part. In the other known construction (U.S. Pat. No. 2,296,133), a plurality of rail-like metal grippers are pivotably mounted on the lower face of a grip on a circumferential circle. By mounting on the skein-like cleaning part in the form of a pot cleaner or the like and subsequent displacement of a sliding ring surrounding all the grippers, the hook-like ends of the grippers can penetrate the pot cleaner, in order to fix same to the grip.
Similar systems are known in the field of personal hygiene. Thus, a powder puff (U.S. Pat. No. 1,655,215) is formed in that the pad-like working part, which is made from cotton wool and a cloth surrounding same, can be gripped on its one side by means of hook-like grippers, which are fitted to the ends of a spring clip. The spring clip can here again be widened or constricted by a slinding ring surrounding the clip arms, so that on moving said arms together the hook-like grippers engage in the pad and can fix same between them, whereas following a corresponding displacement of the sliding ring and spreading apart the clip arms, the pad can be released again. In addition, a tooth care implement is known (Austrian patent No. 58 395), in which the holder is once again constructed in shear-like manner and an elongated cleaning pad is fixed between the shear arms acting as a gripper. The shear grips are locked together in the clamped position. Extensive development has taken place in the field of toilet cleaning implements, in order to replace conventional toilet brushes by disposable working parts and therefore better meet hygienic requirements. Thus, it is known (German Utility Models 1 993 757 and 76 25 294) to fix tampom-like cleaning pads by means of tong grippers displaceable on parallel guides, one of the tong grippers being under spring tension in a sleeve which moves same into the closed position, where the grippers fix the tampon-like cleaning pad between them. In another construction with tong-like arms, one arm has a bearing plate for a specially shaped cleaning pad, which passes through a recess on the other equi-contour tong arm (EP-B No. 1-0 078 123). In another construction (British patent No. 651 454) a multilayer cellulose pad is slotted on one side and is mounted on a rod-like sliding part and is fixed between a plate arranged thereon and a further plate, which is provided on a sleeve guiding the sliding part. Here again the sliding part is under a spring tension which moves together the plates and which is overcome by a pressure on a handle, so that the cleaning pad can be received in the slot.
The aforementioned working implement (British patent No. 897 556) is also used as a toilet cleaning tool. It comprises a sleeve and a rod-like sliding part displaceable therein and which is once again moved into the use position by means of a spring supported on an inner collar of the sleeve. The sleeve is provided at its one end with a funnel or spout-like extension through which the grippers fitted to the sliding part project outwards, whilst the sliding part has at the opposite end projecting over the sleeve a handle. By pressure on the handle counter to the spring tension, the grippers are moved outwards. As they are resiliently constructed, they are spread apart into an open position. After release of the handle the sliding part is moved in the opposite direction by means of the spring, the grippers being moved inwards into the closed use position on the inside of the spout-like extension. The cleaning part is formed by circular cloths, which are collapsed in paper bag-like manner by forming a point in the centre thereof and several of these are folded together. At the bag-like point, said cleaning part is gripped by the grippers of the implement.
Independently of the intended use, all the known implements of the aforementioned type suffer from the disadvantage that they comprise a plurality of functional components, which on the one hand leads to corresponding production and assembly costs and on the other can lead to operational problems. It is also disadvantageous that either only certain types, namely skein-like working parts can be directly gripped, or flat working parts must firstly be given a matched shape to enable them to be gripped by means of the implement.
On the basis of one of the aforementioned implements (British patent No. 897 556), the problem of the present invention is to propose a simpler construction for the holder and also to offer the possibility of being able to grip working parts of random shape and in particular flat working parts, without the construction of special gripping means on the working part and without using the hands.

Implement for cleaning or treating surfaces or for applying media to surfaces


A method and apparatus for applying a correction sticker to a document to cover incorrect data entered on a field on the document. Correction stickers on a carrier strip are fed to an application station where a document whose field to be covered is located. An ejector plate and a pressure plate located at the application station are used to partially separate a correction sticker from the carrier and to position the leading edge of the correction sticker in an application position with regard to the field on the document to be covered. An operating lever having a roller on one end thereof is used to move the leading edge of the correction sticker into adherence with the document. The roller is then held in contact with the correction sticker as the document is pulled out of the application station to press the remaining portion of the correction sticker into adherence with the field on the document.

(1) Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for applying a correction sticker to a document so as to cover incorrectly entered data on the document and to present a clear area on the correction sticker, itself, to receive correct data in a subsequent operation, like a printing operation, for example.
(2) Description of the Related Art
In the processing of financial documents, like checks, in a banking environment, a typical operation includes the entering of the monetary amount of the check into a processing machine which later prints this amount on the check. In the U.S.A., for example, the monetary amount is printed on the check in MICR (magnetic) ink in a particular style or font which is referred to as E13B. The monetary amount is printed just below the signature line on the check.
An operator who enters the monetary amount of the check into the processing machine will, at times, make mistakes in entering the monetary amount. One general method for correcting the monetary amount on a check in Europe, for example, is to use a liquid solvent which removes the MICR ink associated with the incorrect entry, permitting the correct monetary amount to be printed on the document in a subsequent operation. This method of correction does not appear to remove all of the magnetic ink associated with the incorrect entry, and the use of the liquid solvent is considered a health hazard in some countries.
A primary method of correcting an incorrectly entered monetary amount on a check in the United States, for example, is to use a correction sticker to cover the incorrect data. The correction sticker is large enough to cover the amount field where the monetary amount is located so as to present a clean area to receive the correct monetary amount in a subsequent printing operation. The correction stickers have pressure sensitive adhesive on one side thereof, and they are supported in spaced, parallel relationship on a long strip or carrier (formed into a roll) in a currently available product. The carrier is coated with a silicon release agent to enable the correction stickers to be easily removed from the carrier.
The most common method of applying a correction sticker to a document is to apply it manually. In this regard, an operator "peels" one of the correction stickers from the carrier and manually positions it over the incorrect data. Thereafter, the operator presses the correction sticker onto the document, causing the correction sticker to stick to the document via the associated pressure sensitive adhesive.
One of the problems associated with the manual method of applying the correction stickers is that they may be inaccurately applied, causing reader-sorter jams and rejects. Another problem is that the manual method is time-consuming.
Another method of applying correction stickers is to apply them automatically. In this regard, there is at least one such machine currently in use. One of the problems associated with the machine is that it requires the correction stickers to be mounted on a special, perforated carrier strip to enable the carrier strip to be "pin fed" to an application station in the machine. Another problem with the machine is that it occupies a large area or has a large "foot print". The machine is also expensive.

Apparatus for applying a correction sticker to a document


An emergency lighting device includes an internal battery, a switching mechanism, and one or more light sources. The light sources are electrically coupled to the internal battery through the switching mechanism. The switching mechanism includes a first contact and a second contact. Additionally, the switching mechanism is configured to receive an external mechanical disconnect male jack to electrically disconnect the light sources from the internal battery. In certain embodiments, the emergency lighting device is also electrically coupled to an external power source and includes a circuit breaker for providing power to the light sources from the external power supply during normal operation and for automatically providing power to the light sources from the internal battery in the event that power from the external power source fails.

Conventional emergency lighting devices are relied on during emergency situations, such as power outages. One example of an emergency lighting device is an exit sign. Under some government codes, these emergency devices are required to exhibit a specific amount of illumination and have an emergency backup power source to provide illumination for a specified period of time when electrical power to the device is interrupted. These conventional emergency lighting devices include circuitry that illuminates emergency lights during a power outage using an internal battery or similar power supply.
Typically emergency lighting devices are thoroughly tested at the factory to ensure that they will function properly once installed. To test the emergency lighting device at the factory, the emergency lighting device is completely assembled. The circuitry is then coupled to a testing machine to ensure proper functioning. Upon successful testing of the circuitry, the device's battery is disconnected from the circuitry so that the battery's charge is not reduced below an acceptable level prior to installation. The emergency lighting device is then sent from the factory.
One problem with conventional emergency lighting devices is that they are time consuming to install because they are not shipped from the factory in a condition that is ready for immediate installation. When an installer or electrician installs the device, the typical procedure is to install the device, remove a portion of the housing, plug in the battery, energize the circuit breaker to test the circuitry, de-energize the circuit breaker, disconnect the battery, replace the portion of the housing, wait for building inspection, remove the portion of the housing, plug in the battery again, energize the circuit breaker, and replace the portion of the housing.
In view of the foregoing, there is a need in the art for providing an emergency lighting device that is easier and faster to install. Additionally, there is a need in the art for providing an emergency lighting device that is installable without need for disassembly during the inspection phase. There is a further need in the art for providing an emergency lighting device that has a battery physically, but not electrically, coupled with the device's circuitry, to prevent loss of charge prior to installation. Furthermore, there is a need for providing a simpler method for installing the emergency lighting device.

External mechanical battery disconnect for emergency lighting products


Provided is an ion milling device capable of improving the reproducibility of an ion distribution. An ion milling device includes: an ion source (1); a sample stage (2) on which a sample (4) to be processed by being irradiated with an unfocused ion beam from the ion source (1) is placed; and a drive unit (8) configured to be arranged between the ion source (1) and the sample stage (2), and to move a linear ion beam measuring member (7) extending in a first direction to a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, in which the drive unit (8) moves the ion beam measuring member (7) within an emission range of the ion beam in a state where the ion beam is outputted from the ion source (1) under a first emission condition, and an ion beam current flowing through the ion beam measuring member (7) is measured by irradiating the ion beam measuring member (7) with the ion beam.

JP-A-2002-216653 (PTL 1) discloses an ion milling device that extracts an ion by generating plasma in an ion source, and that performs processing on a substrate by emitting the extracted ion. It is disclosed that since the ion milling device performs processing on, for example, a 4-inch (Φ100) substrate, and obtains an ion beam of a large diameter having a uniform or desired distribution, the ion milling device controls a distribution of the extracted ion beam by electrically controlling a plasma distribution in the ion source. As an example of a control method, it is disclosed that a distribution state of the ion beam is measured by using a Faraday cup and a voltage applied to a plasma control electrode is adjusted based upon a measurement result.


A network element in an Ethernet network comprises circuitry configured for providing a plurality of different functionalities. A first portion of the circuitry is configured for providing traffic generator functionality is provided. A second portion of the circuitry is configured for providing traffic analyzer functionality. A third portion of the circuitry is providing traffic loop-back functionality. The various portion of the circuitry (i.e., the circuitries) are operable for selectively enabling the network element to support a unidirectional test mode and a bi-directional test mode and for enabling the network element to be selectively operated as a local network element and a remote network element.

An Ethernet Virtual Connection (EVC) refers to a logical relationship between Ethernet user-to-network interfaces (UNI) in a provider-based Ethernet Service. A Metro Ethernet is a computer network that covers a metropolitan area and that is based on the Ethernet standard. Furthermore, a Metro Ethernet is commonly used as a metropolitan access network to connect subscribers and businesses to a larger service network, the Internet, and/or other network system.
In a Metro Ethernet Network, the provider (e.g., an operator) often has the need to validate the EVC service provided to a customer. This validation typically consists of verifying a Service Level Agreements (SLA) associated with the EVC service. Performing this validation is critical when a new service is provisioned in the Metro Ethernet Network and when a live service needs troubleshooting. Validating for a new service generally requires an out-of-service test and troubleshooting a live service generally requires an in-service test. In one example, a main objective of a Metro Ethernet Network operator is to perform a network test according to RFC (Request For Comments) 2544.
According to the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) recommendations, SLA validation comprises measurements relating to packet loss, packet delay and packet delay variance. To this end, in order to provide an accurate SLA validation, it is critical to validate the network between the end points of the Ethernet Service (e.g., User Network Interface (UNI) ports), so that the Quality of Service (QOS) requirements set for the Ethernet Services are honored (i.e., EVC Ethernet Service UNI-to-UNI SLA verification). To this end, as shown within the network system 100 in FIG. 1A, traffic generator functionality 102 causes test frames to be injected at a UNI port 104A of a local network element 104, which are also connected to a customer networks 106. The local network element 104 is connected to a remote network element 110 through a carrier network 112. The carrier network 112 is connected to each one of the network elements 104, 110 through their respective network-to-network interface ports 104B, 110B. Traffic analyzer functionality 114 causes the test frames received at a UNI port 110A of the remote network element 110 to be analyzed.
Various solutions exist to deploy traffic generators and analyzers within the Metro Ethernet Network to test a customer Ethernet Service and verify the Service Level Agreement (SLA) associated to the service. These external traffic generators and analyzers must be connected to the UNI ports in order to test the Ethernet Service and implies that only out-of-service tests can be performed. A skilled person will appreciate that management of this traffic generator and analyzer equipments and the tests that need to be performed is not trivial and often requires proprietary software applications. For example, the operator has to individually configure separate test devices and traffic generators using disparate configuration options and, in general, management agents (i.e., agents of a network management system (NMS)) don't get a unified picture of the configuration and test results.
One known (i.e., prior art) solution for carrying out EVC validation relies upon the use of one or more network interface devices (NIDs). FIG. 1B depicts such a NID based solution in the context of the network system discussed above in reference to FIG. 1A. A local NID 116 and a remote MD 118 serve as a demarcation point between the carrier network 112 and the customer network 106. The NIDs 116, 118 can each offer an integrated traffic generator and traffic analyzer allowing in-band network performance measurement between both end points of the Ethernet Service (i.e., UNI port 104A and UNI port 110A). This solution exhibits relatively high capital expenditure for the service provider because two NIDs 116, 118 must be deployed for each customer point-to-point Ethernet Service. Accordingly, with large service provider networks, the solution can become too expensive.
Another known solution for carrying out EVC validation relies upon the use of a centralized test head. FIG. 1C depicts such a centralized test head based solution in the context of the network system discussed above in reference to FIG. 1A. A test can be started from a centralized test head 120. Typically, the test head 120 is connected in a network element within the carrier network 112 and test frames are injected from the carrier network 112 into a port of the network element 104. In combination with loop-back functionality on the network element, test frames are looped back by the remote network element 110 (i.e., the targeted network element) for delivery to the centralized test head 120 for performance measurements. This solution has the drawback of not validating the network path between the customer endpoints.
In view of the shortcomings associated with know solutions for carrying out EVC validation, a network element serving as an access switch or provider edge for providing a test generator/analyzer functionality that allows an service provider (e.g., operator) to validate the Metro Ethernet network between the end points of the customer Ethernet Service would be useful, advantageous and novel.

Validating ethernet virtual connection service


An apparatus and method for an improved morphing flow path. A flexible structure has a plurality of sections which include a first section and a second section. An actuator system is connected to the flexible structure and includes a number of actuators. The actuator system is capable of changing a configuration of the flexible structure. A controller is connected to the actuator system. The controller is capable of changing a position of a number of actuators within the actuator system.

1. Field
The present disclosure relates generally to a flexible structure, and more specifically to an improved morphing flow path.
2. Background
In a hypersonic aircraft or missile that includes a scramjet or ramjet engine, forward speed of the hypersonic air vehicle compresses airflow as it enters a duct of an air inlet of the scramjet or ramjet engine and passes through the engine. This compression increases the air pressure to a pressure higher than that of the surrounding air. In a combustor of the scramjet or ramjet engine, fuel is ignited in the airflow. Rapid expansion of hot air out an exhaust nozzle of the scramjet engine produces thrust.
The optimum shape of the duct depends on the speed of the hypersonic aircraft or missile. Therefore, for optimum performance, the shape of the duct must change as the hypersonic air vehicle flies. Typically, the shape of the duct has been changed by mechanically moving large panels. This approach involves the use of hinges and sliding mechanisms, which are heavy and add to the weight of an air vehicle. These types of mechanisms also have hot seals that can experience difficulties. Also, the use of these mechanisms may require increased maintenance, which may take the vehicle out of service for a period of time.
Therefore, it would be advantageous to have a method and apparatus that overcomes the issues above.

Tailorable stiffness shape morphing flow-path


A method and apparatus for bonding parts. An adhesive and a plurality of beads may be applied onto a first surface of a first part to form a layer of adhesive and beads. The first surface of the first part with the layer of adhesive and beads may be placed in contact with a second surface of a second part to form a structure, wherein the structure may be cured.

1. Field
The present disclosure relates generally to manufacturing and, in particular, to a method and apparatus for bonding parts to each other. Still more particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for controlling a thickness of an adhesive used to bond parts to each other.
2. Background
Aircraft are being designed and manufactured with greater and greater percentages of composite materials. Some aircraft may have more than fifty percent of their primary structure made from composite materials. Composite materials may be used in aircraft to decrease the weight of the aircraft. This decreased weight may improve payload capacities and fuel efficiencies. Further, composite materials may provide longer service life for various components in an aircraft.
Composite materials may be tough, light-weight materials created by combining two or more dissimilar components. For example, without limitation, a composite may include fibers and resins. The fibers and resins may be combined to form a cured composite material.
In manufacturing aircraft with composite materials and/or other materials, adhesives may be used to create structural bonds between parts.
When an aircraft is in service, maintenance may be performed on an aircraft in which repairs may be made to various parts. These repairs may include, for example, without limitation, repairs to a composite skin panel. A patch may be applied to a portion of a composite skin panel that may require a repair. In applying the patch, an adhesive may be placed onto the patch and/or skin panel. The patch may then be placed on the skin panel, and curing of the adhesive may be performed to create a structural bond between the patch and the composite skin panel.
Current processes for applying an adhesive may involve an operator applying the adhesive to the patch and/or composite skin panel. The operator may then sweep and/or spread the adhesive with a tool having a flat side. This type of process may be time consuming because of a desire to obtain an even layer of adhesive. This layer of adhesive may also be referred to as a bond line. Depending upon the location of the patch, this process may be more difficult. For example, without limitation, if the adhesive is to be applied to the underside of an aircraft, spreading the adhesive may become more difficult and/or challenging.
If the layer of adhesive is uneven, the structural bond may not have load limits that meet desired levels. As a result, the patch may not last. Another challenge, in addition to having an even layer of adhesive, is to have an adhesive layer that has a desired thickness. If the thickness of the adhesive layer is too thin, the structural bond created may not be as desired. In a similar fashion, if the layer of adhesive is too thick, the structural bond may not be as desired. This situation may require the patch to be reapplied in order to obtain a desired level of structural bonding. Consequently, the structural bonding may not meet desired levels if the layer of adhesive is uneven, too thin, and/or too thick.
Therefore, it would be advantageous to have a method and apparatus that overcomes one or more of the issues discussed above.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A joint assembly which may be used for affixing a helically wound lead conductor coil to an electrode of a pacemaker. The electrode has a longitudinal bore and a coaxial counterbore. One end of the coil is fittingly attached to a reduced diameter end of a press tube. The outer diameter of the extreme outer surface of the coil on the press tube is slightly greater than the inner diameter of the counterbore in the electrode. The reduced diameter end of the press tube with the coil thereon is fittingly inserted into the counterbore. This results in a solid connection between the lead conductor coil and the electrode without causing any visible alteration of the outer surface of the electrode.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a new and improved joint assembly and to a method of achieving the novel joint assembly. The joint assembly of the invention may have particular application to pacemakers, and more specifically, for connecting a helically wound lead conductor coil to an electrode.
2. State of the Prior Art
Electrical stimulation of body tissue and organs as a method of treating various pathological conditions is becoming quite commonplace. Such stimulation generally entails making some type of electrical contact with the body tissue or organ. In particular, with respect to the heart, electrical leads have been implanted by a thoracotomy in which an electrode formed on the end of the lead is physically implanted into the myocardial tissues.
Various electrode structures and various techniques for implanting those electrode structures into such body tissue as the heart, or myocardium, have been developed. Typically, electrodes attached to the heart are stimulated by a cardiac pacemaker which may be implanted within the patient's body.
Bipolar systems utilizing coaxial leads have come to be widely used. In coaxial leads, the two conductors are shaped into a small helix surrounded by a larger helix resulting in a much smaller pulse generator connector block. Nonetheless, there is continuing emphasis on developing leads and connectors of ever smaller sizes.
It is mandatory that the outer peripheral surface of the electrode remain unaffected following an operation of joining a lead to the electrode. For this reason, it has been customary to attach the lead, usually helically wound, to a reduced end portion of the electrode by spot or laser welding or, alternatively, by crimping. In either event, a minimum size limit has been effectively reached because of the nature of the design of those constructions.
Accordingly, efforts to achieve an acceptable connection with further miniaturization has required consideration of other concepts. It is in light of the current state of the art as just related that the present invention has been conceived and reduced to practice.

Lead to electrode joint assembly and method of manufacture thereof


An assembly for use with a heat producing electronic device is disclosed. The assembly may include a heat sink in thermally conductive contact with a shell containing the electronic device, and a light pipe having a first thermal conductivity and configured to transmit light from a light-emitting diode (LED) to a front side of the heat sink. The light pipe may include at least a portion having a thermally conductive layer with a second thermal conductivity greater than the first thermal conductivity. The thermally conductive layer may cover at least a portion of an outer surface of the light pipe, and be positioned between, and in thermally conductive contact with a portion of the heat sink protrusions. The thermally conductive layer may be designed to conduct and radiate heat away from at least a portion of the heat sink protrusions.

The present disclosure generally relates to light pipes. In particular, this disclosure relates to light pipes having a thermally conductive coating designed to transfer and radiate heat away from a heat-producing electronic device.
A light pipe may be an inexpensive, molded structure which may be used to direct light from a light source such as a light emitting diode (LED) to a location where the light may be useful as a visual indicator. For example, a light pipe may be used to direct light emitted by an LED mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) within a computer or other electronic device to a location on the device's case which may be easily viewed. Light transmitted by a light pipe and viewed by a user of an electronic device may be useful in indicating a status of the device, such as an "ON/OFF" status, "in use" status (e.g., of a hard drive), or "connected/disconnected" status (e.g., of a network connection). Light pipes may be fabricated from polycarbonate, glass, plastic, or other optical grade materials, in a wide variety of shapes suitable for particular applications. Light pipes may offer a cost-effective alternative that has a simplified assembly process relative to placing and wiring optical indicator devices (e.g., LEDs) in various locations within an electronic device.
A heat sink may be used in computers and electronic systems as a passive heat exchanger, and may act as a reservoir that can absorb an arbitrary amount of heat without significantly changing temperature. Heat sinks may be used in computers, for example, to cool devices such as central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs) and other types of electronic components, modules and assemblies. A heat sink may also dissipate heat produced by electronic devices into a medium, such as air, water, or a coolant/refrigerant. Heat sinks may reach a temperature greater than a cooling medium, in order to transfer heat across a thermal gradient from an electronic device to the medium, by convection, radiation, or conduction.

Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.


A housing for an electromagnetic-radiation-emitting optoelectronic component. Exterior side faces of the housing are at least partly provided with a screening layer suitable for screening an electromagnetic radiation. A lateral emission of electromagnetic radiation from the housing, which is disadvantageous for many applications, is thereby intended to be avoided. An electromagnetic-radiation-emitting component having a housing of this type and a method for producing a corresponding housing or component are additionally described.

Housings for electromagnetic-radiation-emitting optoelectronic components having a basic body, which defines a cutout, are known. The bottom of said cutout is provided for mounting a luminescence diode chip. The internal walls of the cutout may be formed in the manner of a reflector, so that part of an electromagnetic radiation emitted by the luminescence diode chip can be deflected into a desired emission solid angle by means of the internal walls.
In many cases, the basic body for housings of this type comprises a plastic. In addition, housings are also known, for example, in which the basic body partly or completely comprises a ceramic material.
Optoelectronic components which emit an electromagnetic radiation are being employed more and more often in headlight or projection applications. One example of a headlight in which electromagnetic-radiation-emitting luminescence diodes are used is specified in WO 2004/088200. The headlight elements specified in said document can also be used for projection applications, by way of example.
In headlight or projection applications it is important for an electromagnetic radiation emitted by luminescence diode chips to be emitted with a highest possible radiation density into a predetermined, narrow solid angle. For this purpose, by way of example, cones of rays are projected onto a desired plane by means of optics such as projection lenses. In applications of this type, irregularities in the emission characteristic of optoelectronic components used may be amplified and therefore be of particularly great significance. There is therefore a need for corresponding components which, with regard to their emission properties, are embodied specifically for applications of this type.

Housing for an optoelectronic component emitting electromagnetic radiation, component emitting electromagnetic radiation, and method for the production of a housing or a component


A method of treating, preventing, reversing, or ameliorating diastolic dysfunction includes reducing S-glutathionylated myosin binding protein-C (MyBP-C) level by administering to a host in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4).

The present invention is generally directed to cardiac treatment and therapy, and more particularly to a method of treating, preventing, reversing, or ameliorating diastolic dysfuntion.
Hypertension is the most common risk factor for diastolic dysfunction in humans, which can lead to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (Reference 1). This type of heart failure is increasing, and accounts for significant mortality and healthcare expenditures (References 1 and 2). Current treatments for diastolic dysfunction are inadequate, partially because the mechanism of altered myocardial relaxation is incompletely understood (Reference 3). Nitric oxide (NO) generated by NO synthase (NOS) is a critical modulator of cardiac relaxation (Reference 4), and NO bioavailability is regulated by tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) (Reference 5).
Under physiological conditions, NOS catalyzes the production of NO from L-arginine to modulate myofilament contractility through mechanisms that are not clear (References 6-9). BH4 depletion, leads to NOS uncoupling (References 5and 10), the production of superoxide instead of NO, and diastolic dysfunction (References 5 and 11). BH4 supplementation reverses these effects. Recently, I have reported that diastolic dysfunction was characterized by altered myofilament properties and by S-glutathionylation of cardiac myosin binding protein-C (MyBP-C) (Reference 12). S-glutathionylation is an oxidative post-translational modification of protein cysteines by the addition of the anti-oxidant tripeptide glutathione (References 13-15). I tested whether the improvement in diastolic dysfunction with BH4 treatment correlated with changes in myofilament properties and in S-glutathionylation of cardiac MyBP-C.

Method of improving diastolic dysfunction

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIV. OF ILLINOIS