A robot laser processing system (10) comprises at least one robot controller (14) for controlling at least one robot, a host controller (12) connected to the robot controller through a first network (11) for overall control of the robot controller, and a plurality of laser oscillators (16-1 to 16-n) selectively connectable to the processing nozzle (35) mounted on each robot and connected to the robot controller through a second network (18-1 to 18-n). An instruction from the host controller is transmitted to the robot controller through the first network, so that the robot controller determines the laser oscillator to be controlled and directly controls the particular laser oscillator through the second network. As a result, a processing command can be issued directly to the laser oscillator from the robot controller without intervention by the host controller.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a robot laser processing system using an industrial robot.
2. Description of the Related Art
A laser processing system having an industrial robot with a processing nozzle mounted thereon, to emit a laser beam for automatically performing the desired laser processing work, is used in various areas including car assembly plants and printed circuit board production factories.
In this laser processing system, demand is high for a configuration in which a plurality of laser oscillators different in rated output can be connected to a robot and switched in accordance with the applications and situations of a production field, or a configuration in which a second laser oscillator is connected in addition to an laser oscillator used for normal processing process and, if the oscillator for normal processing process fails for some reason, the system is switched to the second laser oscillator.
A configuration in which a plurality of laser oscillators are connected to the robot and switched for actual use is required to meet two main conditions.
With reference to FIG. 6, an explanation will be given of a case in which a first laser oscillator is switched with a second laser oscillator.
In FIG. 6, a robot 102 controlled by a robot controller 140 includes a robot arm having a plurality of rotatably coupled arm members. A processing nozzle 104 mounted at the forward end of the robot 102 is connected to a laser oscillator 100-1 through an optical fiber 106. In FIG. 6, the laser oscillator 100-1 has four shutters 110-1, 112-1, 114-1, 116-1. FIG. 6 also shows another laser oscillator 100-2 which similarly has four shutters 110-2, 112-2, 114-2, 116-2.
In order to switch the laser oscillators, an operation to switch the connection of the optical fiber 106 is required first. As shown in FIG. 6, in the case where the laser oscillator 100-1 connected to the processing nozzle 104 of the robot 102 is switched to a different laser oscillator 100-2, the fiber 106 connected to the laser oscillator 100-1 is removed from the processing nozzle 104 of the robot 102 and the optical fiber 202 for the laser oscillator 100-2 is connected to the processing nozzle 104. As an alternative, as shown in FIG. 7, the optical fiber 106 for the laser oscillator 100-1 may be reconnected to the laser oscillator 100-2 without removing the fiber 106 from the processing nozzle 104.
This connecting job, though carried out manually in many cases, may be conducted using an optical fiber switching device as described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-259870.
In the cases shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the laser oscillators 100-1, 100-2 use the first shutters 110-1, 110-2, respectively. In switching the oscillators, therefore, the shutter number command for the shutter which is opened when the processing operation need not be changed. In the case where the first shutter 110-1 is used for the laser oscillator 100-1 and the second shutter 112-2 is used for the laser oscillator 100-2 as shown in FIG. 8, however, the shutter number command must be changed when switching the laser oscillators.
After switching the optical fiber for the laser oscillator, the processing command from the robot must be transmitted to the laser oscillator after switching. The processing command from the robot, if currently transmitted to the laser oscillator 100-1, must be transmitted to the laser oscillator 100-2 after switching from the laser oscillator 100-1 to the laser oscillator 100-2.
FIGS. 9a, 9b are block diagrams showing a general configuration of the conventional robot laser processing system. As shown in FIG. 9a, in the conventional robot laser processing system, a host controller 120 (programmable logic controller, PLC) is directly connected with one robot controller 140 and a plurality of laser oscillators 100-1, 100-2, . . . , 100-n. Also, in the case of FIG. 9b having a plurality of robot controllers 140-1, 140-2, . . . , 140-n, the host controller 120 is connected directly with the plurality of the robot controllers 140-1, 140-2, . . . , 140-n and a plurality of laser oscillators 100-1, 100-2, . . . , 100-n.
In the robot laser processing system shown in FIGS. 9a, 9b, the laser oscillator used by the robot under the control of the robot controller 140 is not selectively switched by an instruction from the host controller (PLC, etc.). The laser processing command from one robot controller 140 (or 140-1) is provisionally transmitted to the host controller 120, and then to the desired laser oscillator 100-1 (or 100-2) by the host controller 120. Specifically, this selective switching operation is performed by the host controller 120 changing the destination of the laser processing command. Also, the host controller 120 similarly changes the shutter number for the desired laser oscillator.
As described above, the host controller 120 is required to perform the control operation to switch the laser oscillator in addition to the normal line control operation and the robot control operation. As a result, the control operation in the host controller 120 is more complicated and leads to the problem that a considerable length of time is required to start the production line.
The fact that the laser processing command is sent through the host controller 120, on the other hand, causes loss of time and lengthens the cycle time.
Also, the host controller 120, while controlling the factory production line in general, on the one hand, is required to meet different specifications in accordance with different line configurations, on the other hand. In the case where the host controller 120 executes the operation of switching the laser oscillators as described above, therefore, the problem is posed that the internal processing of the host controller 120 is complicated and a considerable length of time is required each time the production line is started.
This invention is intended to solve these technical problems of the prior art, and the object thereof is to provide a robot laser processing system in which a processing command and a switching command can be sent directly to the laser oscillators from the robot controller without the intermediary of the host controller.


A magnetic sudoku board has a housing, a closeable lid and an inner playing surface. The inner playing surface having gridlines to form the magnetic sudoku board. An assortment of magnetic playing pieces includes a large set and small set. To distinguish between the numbers, 1-9, the assortment of magnetic playing pieces has a certain color that corresponds to a specific number. Accordingly, the same number in both the large set and the small set have coordinating colors. These colors visually assist the player so that the same numbers are not repeated in each column, row, and 3×3 grid box.

sudoku has been around for years. This logic-based number placement puzzle can be found in the hands of the old and the young due to its popularity. sudoku consists of a 9×9 grid where each row, column, and 3×3 grid box must contain the numbers 1-9 without repeating. It can be a challenging and stimulating puzzle that focuses the mind and provides an escape from everyday activity. sudoku can also help the elderly with their memory and help the youth increase their logic skills. sudoku games are usually found in print, which can be a puzzle book, newspaper, or magazine. This form of the game is readily accessible to many age groups.
However, there are many downsides to playing sudoku on a printed form. It is inevitable that constant erasing will occur when using a printed sudoku puzzle. Accordingly, this leads to a messy, smudged playing surface that is hard to read, and can lead a user to frustration. Further, it is difficult for many individuals to hold a pencil and write, due to age, illness, or other disability. Further, the only way to verify accuracy is to tediously review each column and row for numbers. This can make it difficult to know whether you have used a certain number in a row, column, or 3×3 grid box, unless the numbers are continually checked. Once you have solved the sudoku puzzle on a paper form, it cannot be reused.
Other forms of the game can be found on various electronic devices, such as apps on handheld devices (e.g., phones, tablets) or sudoku handheld gaming devices. Electronic devices are convenient due to their availability. They also remove the burden of having to erase pencil marks after a mistake has been made. Even though electronic devices solve a lot of the issues that come from paper versions of the game, there are still downsides to using an electronic device. For example, the elderly may have a difficult time playing due to the limited size of a device screen and difficulty understanding and manipulating touchscreen technology. Additionally, a user must rely on number review alone to ensure correct placement. This leads the player to, again like the paper form, continually check for repeated numbers.
Accordingly, there is a need for a sudoku board that does not have to use a writing instrument, stays clean, can be repeatedly used, that is color-coded to assist the player, and does not require an electronic device. The present disclosure seeks to solve these and other problems.

Method of playing sudoku using a magnetic sudoku board with color-coded magnets to provide visual assistance


Compositions, methods, and devices for the detection of multiple analytes with a single signal are provided.

The detection of multiple analytes often requires the use of multiple signals or multiple reactions, spots, or wells to determine if a sample has multiple analytes. This can complicate interpretation and, in cases where an adulterant is classified as having two or more detectable characteristics, can make identification challenging for the end-user. Thus, to simplify and provide a consolidated qualitative report to the end-user, there is a need for methods and compositions that enable the detection of multiple analytes in a sample with a single signal. The present invention satisfies this need and others.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Methods and compositions for detecting multiple analytes with a single signal


An adjustable damping system (10) for motor vehicles is disclosed. The adjustable damping system (10) includes dampers (10) for damping road vibration. Each of the dampers (10) include a pressure cylinder (48) which forms a working chamber (50) which are operable to store damping fluid. In addition, the dampers (10) have a device (176) for electrically controlling the flow of damping fluid between each of the portions in the pressure cylinder (48). The adjustable damping system further includes a plurality of separate electronic control modules (34) which are operable to control the damping characteristics of the dampers (10). Finally, the adjustable damping system (10) includes a switch (32) for generating a plurality of electrical control signals.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to suspension systems for automotive vehicles and machines which receive mechanical shock, and more particularly to an adjustable damping system.
2. Description of Related Art
Dampers are used in connection with automotive suspension systems to absorb unwanted vibrations which occur during driving. To dampen unwanted vibrations, dampers are generally connected between the body and the suspension of the automotive vehicle. A piston assembly is located within the damper and is connected to the body of the automotive vehicle through a piston rod. Because the piston assembly is able to limit the flow of damping fluid within the working chamber of the damper when the damper is compressed or extended, the damper is able to provide a damping force which "smooths" or "dampens" vibrations transmitted from the suspension to the body.
The greater the degree to which the flow damping fluid within the working chamber is restricted by the piston assembly, the greater the damping forces which are provided by the damper. Accordingly, a "soft" compression and rebound stroke is produced when the flow of damping fluid in the working chamber is relatively unrestricted. In contrast, a "firm" compression and rebound stroke is produced when there is an increased restriction in the flow of damping fluid in the working chamber.
Because different driving characteristics depend on the amount of damping forces the damper provides, it is often desirable to have a damper in which the amount of damping forces generated by the damper is adjustable. One method for selectively changing the damping characteristics of a damper is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,890,858. This reference discloses a damping system in which a switch is used to control the damping characteristics of a suspension system. In the regard, the switch is used to control the position of a rotary valve inside each of the dampers in the suspension system. The rotary valve is in turn used to control the flow of damping fluid between the upper and lower portions of the working chamber so as to change damping characteristics.


Magnetic brush development apparatus for applying developer material to a latent electrostatic image in which flow of developer material, distributed in balance across the length of the apparatus, is assured. The apparatus includes a housing having a portion defining a sump adapted to contain a supply of developer material. A magnetic brush is located substantially within the housing in spaced relation to the sump portion for applying developer material to the latent image. A feed mechanism, located within the housing between the sump portion and the magnetic brush transports developer material from the sump to the magnetic brush. An agitating and transporting mechanism, located in said sump portion, agitates developer material and transports developer material to the feed mechanism. In the preferred embodiment the agitating and transporting mechanism is a ribbon blender. In order to assure the desired balanced developer material distribution in the apparatus housing under all conditions, a magnet is attached to the external wall of the housing adjacent to the sump portion.

The present invention relates in general to magnetic brush development apparatus for applying developer material to a latent image in an electrostatographic reproduction apparatus, and more particularly to an improved magnetic brush development apparatus including a device for assuring substantially balanced developer material flow distribution in such apparatus.
Magnetic brush development apparatus for applying developer material to a latent image in an electrostatographic reproduction apparatus are well known in the art. Such apparatus may include a housing having a sump portion which contains a supply of developer material. When the developer material comprises a mixture of carrier particles and smaller pigmented marking particles, the material in the sump is agitated to triboelectrically charge the material prior to delivering it to a magnetic brush where it can be brought into association with, and electrostatically transferred to, an electrostatic latent image to develop such image.
Copending, commonly assigned U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 597,323, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,887,132, filed April 6, 1984 in the names of Joseph et al, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,671,207, issued June 9, 1987, in the name of Hilbert disclose magnetic brush development apparatus particularly suitable for use with development material having pigmented marking particles and permanent magnetic carrier particles, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,546,060, issued Oct. 8, 1985, in the names of Miskinis et al. More particularly, the disclosed apparatus include a ribbon blender that is used for agitating (mixing), feeding and triboelectrically charging such material in the sump portion of a magnetic brush development apparatus, and a feed mechanism that delivers material from the sump portion to a magnetic brush. The ribbon blender is constructed to provide uniform flow distribution of developer material across the length of the apparatus so that a sufficient supply of material is delivered to the magnetic brush over its full extent to develop the entire latent electrostatic image. It has been found that under certain conditions developer material tends to pump toward one end of the apparatus. Accordingly, insufficient material is delivered to areas of the magnetic brush to satisfactorily develop the entire latent electrostatic image creating copy defects such as voids or under developed regions. Such conditions causing developer material pumping result from a variety of diverse parameters which include for example sump wall smoothness and developer material charge-to-mass ratio.


A sustained release, reservoir-type subcutaneous implant device for the sustained administration to a subject of a biologically active compound comprises:. an effective amount of a biologically active compound; PA0 an amount of a solid hydrophilic polymer sufficient to cause swelling of the device by osmotic pressure after implantation; PA0 an effective amount of a solubilizing agent; and PA0 a sufficient amount of a non-porous rate-controlling membrane which completely encapsulates said biologically active compound, wherein said rate-controlling membrane is permeable to said biologically active compound, but is impermeable to said solubilizing agent. This device is particularly advantageous for the administration of growth promoting compounds to livestock.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a novel implant capable of releasing a therapeutic agent at a constant rate over a prolonged period of time, and a method for treating a mammalian or avian subject using said implant.
2. Related Disclosure
The advantages of employing sustained-release drug implants are well known in the art. Many therapeutic agents are rapidly metabolized or are cleared from the subject's system, necessitating frequent administration of the drug to maintain a therapeutic concentration. There exists a need for a sustained release device capable of administering an active compound at a relatively constant rate, where the rate is high enough to effect and maintain an effective concentration. Preferably, such a device would be inexpensive and easily manufactured.
Steroids are frequently administered to livestock to increase feed efficiency. For example, steroids such as progestogen derivatives are frequently administered to beef cattle to increase the quality of the meat produced, and increase the yield of meat per amount of feed consumed. Progestongens are more effective when coadministered with an estrogen derivative. For example, Synovex.RTM. S implants, which are administered to steers, are cylindrical pellets containing a mixture of estradiol benzoate and progesterone. Estrogen may not be administered orally, necessitating a parenteral form of delivery.
There is a variety of means by which the art has attempted to prepare suitable sustained release devices. Such devices may be designed typically for oral, rectal, or subcutaneous administration. The mode of administration is usually critical to the design of a sustained release device, due to the difference of biological environment. For example, a device for subcutaneous implantation must be non-irritating, and must be mechanically strong enough to withstand flexion or impact. A device for oral administration must be designed for resistance to gastric acidity and sensitivity to pH change.
Some devices are "matrix" type, and consist of an active compound dispersed in a matrix of carrier material. The carrier material may be either porous or non-porous, solid or semi-solid, and permeable or impermeable to the active compound. Matrix devices may be biodegradable, i.e., they may slowly erode after administration. Alternatively, matrix devices may be nondegradable, and rely on diffusion of the active compound through the walls or pores of the matrix. Matrix devices may be easily prepared, but are not suitable for administering some compounds. It is extremely difficult to prepare matrix devices that release active compound at a constant rate (i.e., zero order kinetics), as the release rate is typically a function of the active compound's concentration in the matrix. We are unaware of any published example of zero order release from a matrix device. As the amount of active compound remaining declines, the rate of release diminishes.
Other devices are "reservoir" type, and consist of a central reservoir of active compound surrounded by a rate controlling membrane (rcm). The rcm may be either porous or non-porous, but is not usually biodegradable. It is typically easier to prepare a reservoir device capable of zero order kinetics (independent of active compound concentration), as the release rate often depends only on the surface area of the rcm. However, reservoir devices often suffer from an inadequate rate of delivery: the rcm surface area required to maintain an effective concentration of active compound is frequently so large that it is impractical to administer the device. Additionally, reservoir devices are sensitive to rupture: if the rcm is breached, an excessive (possibly lethal) dose of active compound may be released instantaneously.
Some sustained release devices are hybrids, having a matrix core surrounded by a rcm. Other sustained release devices may be mechanical in nature, and include small compound-filled electrical or osmotic pumps. While these devices may be capable of zero order release, they are typically too expensive to compete economically with matrix and reservoir devices.
A number of implant devices are known in the art. UK Patent Application 2,010,676 to Wong, et al. discloses a reservoir device in the form of a flat, heat-sealed packet, cylindrical tube or "T" vaginal insert, comprising a rate controlling membrane, specifically ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer or butylene terephthalate/polytetramethylene ether terephthalate. The active compound is presented in a carrier which is water-imbibing (to maintain, but not increase the size of the implant), and viscous to improve drug distribution within the device. These implants are useful for administering progesterone, estradiol, or d-norgestrel.
H. Nash, et al., "Steroid Release From Silastic Capsules and Rods" Contraception, 18, 367-394 (1978) discloses both reservoir and matrix implants fashioned from Silastic.RTM. polydimethylsiloxane, for sustained administration of contraceptive steroids. Nash's reservoir devices comprise Silastic.RTM. tubes (1.57 mm I.D., 2.41 mm O.D., and 2 or 3 cm in length) filled with steroid crystals. The matrix devices were prepared by mixing Silastic.RTM. monomer and steroid (25% by weight) with the catalyst, and pressing into molds to form rods 2.4 mm.times.2 or 3 cm. The steroids used were levonorgestrel, norethindrone, norethindrone acetate, testosterone, testosterone propionate, megestrol acetate, norgestrienone, norethandrolone, 17.beta.-hydroxy-17.alpha.-ethynyl-18-methyl-4,9,11-estriene-3-one, 17.alpha.-ethyl-17-hydroxy-4-norandrosten-3-one, 16-methylene-17.alpha.-acetoxy-19-norpregn-4-en-3,20-dione, and 17.alpha.,21-dimethyl-19-norpregna-4,9-dien-3,20-dione. None of the implants released steroid with zero order kinetics. The average release rate in vivo ranged from 3.5 .mu.g/cm/day (levonorgestrel for 367 days in humans) to 82.7.+-.65 .mu.g/cm/day (norethandrolone for 14 days in rats: the average rate after 112 days declined to 48.4 .mu.g/cm/day).
D. Vincent, et al., "Maintenance of Physiologic Concentrations of Plasma Testosterone in the Castrated Male Dog, Using Testosterone-Filled Polydimethylsiloxane Capsules" Am. J. Vet. Res., 40, 705-706 (1979) discloses a reservoir device comprising a Siloxane.RTM. tube (4.65 mm.times.7.5 cm) filled with crystalline testosterone, and implanted in castrated dogs.
R. Shippy, et al., "Controlled Release of Testosterone Using Silicone Rubber" J. Biomed. Mater. Res., 7, 95-110 (1973) discloses a reservoir device comprising a crystalline testosterone cylinder dipped in Silastic.RTM. or a Silastic.RTM./testosterone suspension.
N. Cunningham, et al., "Release of Progesterone from Silicone Rubber Implants In Vitro, and the Effects of the Implants on Plasma Progesterone Levels in Sheep" J. Reprod. Fert., 43, 555-558 (1975), discloses a reservoir device comprising Silastic.RTM. tubing packed with solid progesterone, incubated in 0.9% aqueous NaCl. One implant contained progesterone dissolved in arachis oil, which resulted in a lower rate of release than the implants containing solid progesterone. The implants prepared ranged from 6 to 10 cm in length, and from 1.97 to 6.36 mm in diameter, containing from 22.5 mg to 300 mg of progesterone, but were unable to maintain an effective concentration progesterone in ewes. Cunningham also discloses solid Silastic.RTM. matrix implants containing progesterone, which achieved results superior to the reservoir devices. Matrix rods 10 cm.times.0.5 cm containing 205 to 293 mg of progesterone were capable of administering effective levels.
Additional reservoir devices are disclosed in L. Beck, et al., "Controlled-Release Delivery Systems for Hormones" Drugs, 27, 528-547 (1984): W. Greene et al., "Release Rate Of Testosterone and Estrogens from Polydimethylsiloxane Implants for Extended Periods In Vivo Compared with Loss In Vitro" Int. J. Fertil., 23, 128-132 (1978): E. Sommerville, et al., "Plasma Testosterone Level In Adult and Neonatal Female Rats Bearing Testosterone Propionate-Filled Silicone Elastomer Capsules for Varying Periods of Time" J. Endocr., 98, 365-371, (1983): U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,210,644: and 4,432,964.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,331,651 to Reul discloses a matrix device consisting of a silicone rubber depot for nasal administration to cattle. The rubber contains a "release promoting agent" which is liposoluble, scarcely soluble in water, and which may be an alcohol, ester, ether or ketone of 8-60 carbons. The "release promoting agent" should not "exude." The active compound is a steroid, optionally an antibiotic. Preferred steroids are testosterone and trenbolone acetate, optionally in combination with estrogens such as 17.beta.-estradiol, and derivatives. The active compound may be dispersed in the rubber, or may be in tablet form (optionally containing PEGs etc.) wrapped in rubber. A preferred embodiment comprises only one tablet which is partially wrapped.
Japanese application J5 9044-310A to Nippon Kayaku discloses a matrix device consisting of a silicone rubber formulation containing a crystalline powdered dissolution assistant (especially a monobasic amino acid, e.g., glycine or alanine, NaCl or mannitol) and an antibiotic or anticancer drug. These devices achieve a release time of one week to one month.
UK Patent Application 2,167,662A to Dick discloses a matrix implant device in the form of a solid cylinder. The matrix is formed from a hydrophobic polymer, and delivers 17.beta.-estradiol, testosterone, progesterone, nandrolone, trenbolone, or their acetates, propionates, benzoates, or zeranol, or combinations thereof. Dick discloses, as matrix materials, insoluble polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, ethylvinyl acetate, polystyrene and polymethacrylate, as well as glycerol esters of the glycerol palmitostearate, glycerol stearate and glycerol behenate type.
D. Hsieh, et al., "Enhanced Release of Drugs From Silicone Elastomers: (IV) Subcutaneous Controlled Release of Indomethacin and In Vivo/In Vitro Correlations" Drug Devel. and Indust. Pharm., 11, 1447-1466 (1985) discloses a matrix implant device comprising powdered indomethacin in a Silastic.RTM. matrix, with varying concentrations of glycerol. Addition of glycerol caused the implant to swell, and increased the release rate. D. Hsieh, et al., "Enhanced Release of Drugs From Silicone Elastomers (I) Release Kinetics of Pineal and Steroidal Hormones" Drug Devel. and Indust. Pharm., 11, 1391-1410 (1985) discloses a Silastic.RTM. matrix device containing estradiol, 0-30% glycerol, and 0 or 10% NaCl, in an aqueous cosolvent system containing 0 or 10% PEG 400, propylene glycol, or glycerol. Hsieh found that the addition of glycerol, NaCl, and cosolvents increased the flux obtained from the matrix implant in in vitro experiments.
Matrix devices are also disclosed in P. J. Dziuk, et al., Am. J. Vet. Res., 29, 2413-2417 (1968) "Inhibition and Control of Estrus and Ovulation in Ewes with a Subcutaneous Implant of Silicone Rubber Impregnated with a Progestogen": L. Beck, et al., Drugs, 27, 528-547 (1984) "Controlled-Release Delivery Systems for Hormones": R. Heitzman, J. Animal Sci., 57, 233-238 (1983) "The Absorption, Distribution and Excretion of Anabolic Agents": J. Wagner, et al., J. Animal Sci., 58, 1062-67 (1984) "Effect of Monensin, Estradiol Controlled Release Implants and Supplement on Performance in Grazing Steers": N. Scheffrahn, et al., J. Animal Sci., 51, 108-109, "Induction of Male Sex Behavior In Ewes Using Silastic Implants Containing Testosterone Propionate": and N. Cunningham, et al., J. Reprod. Fert., 43, 555-558 (1975), "Release of Progesterone from Silicone Rubber Implants In Vitro, and the Effects of the Implants on Plasma Progesterone Levels in Sheep".
U.S. Pat. No. 3,948,254 to Zaffaroni discloses a hybrid device comprising a solid matrix drug reservoir encapsulated in a microporous membrane, where the membrane pores are filled with a carrier material. The drugs disclosed include hormonal agents such as prednisolone, cortisone, cortisol and triamcinolone; androgenic steroids, such as methyltestosterone, fluoximesterone and the like; estrogenic steroids such as 17.beta.-estradiol and ethinyl estradiol; progestational steroids, for example 17.alpha.-hydroxyprogesterone acetate, 19-norprogesterone, norethindrone, and the like.
UK Patent Application 2,154,138A to Roche discloses a hybrid subcutaneous implant for livestock weight promotion, using silicone rubber (Silastic, especially dimethylpolysiloxane) with estradiol dispersed in the rubber. The device is formed as a substantially hollow cylinder of the silicone rubber, with a core consisting of active ingredients (which may be steroids) dispersed in a biocompatible, biosoluble polymer which dissolves within days of implantation. The biocompatible, biosoluble polymer is a mixture of high molecular weight polyethylene glycol (PEG) and low molecular weight PEG, for example, PEG 3,000-10,000 with PEG 200-600. Thus, estradiol is released as if from a matrix (the silicone rubber wall), while the second active compound is released from a reservoir.
UK Application 2,136,688A to Ferguson discloses a delivery device of the type described in Roche above, but with an external dusting of antibiotic to improve retention.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,992,518 to Chien discloses another hybrid device comprising a membrane-wrapped silicone rubber matrix. The rubber matrix is prepared by forming an emulsion of rubber monomer and active compound in aqueous solution with a hydrophilic cosolvent, then crosslinking the monomer to form "microsealed compartments" containing the active compound in solution. The resulting matrix is then coated with a rate-controlling membrane. The rate-controlling membrane may be silicone rubber, ethylene/vinyl acetate, polyethylene terephthalate, butyl rubber, etc. The active compound is in a solution of water and a hydrophilic cosolvent not soluble in the rubber matrix. The hydrophilic cosolvent may be polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, etc., with PEG 400 preferred at a concentration of 20-70%. The hydrophilic cosolvent may also be an ionic or neutral surface active agent in aqueous concentration above the critical micelle concentration, preferably sodium dodecyl sulfate, polysorbates, cetyl trimethylammonium bromide, or cetylpyridinium chloride. Active compounds disclosed include ethynodiol diacetate, ethylnyl estradiol, estrone, estradiol, other estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone.
We have now found that one may prepare a particularly advantageous subcutaneous implant form by formulating compressed pellets containing a biologically active compound, a solubilizing agent, a solid, hydrophilic, non-toxic polymer sufficient to cause swelling by osmotic pressure after implantation, followed by wrapping the pellet(s) in a rate-controlling membrane which is permeable to the biologically active compound but is impermeable to the solubilizing agent. The implants so obtained are particularly advantageous in a number of respects:
a long, zero-order release of greater than 90% of encapsulated biologically active compound is effected (zero-order release for greater than 230 days is attainable with the preferred embodiments); PA1 the length of the release period is a linear function of the amount of biologically active compound encapsulated, e.g., adding 20% more biologically active compound to an implant will result in a release period extended by 20% with no change in the rate of release per day; PA1 the biologically active compound is essentially completely administered (i.e., little or no undelivered residue remains within the device); PA1 use of the solubilizing agent increases the flux of biologically active compound through the rate-controlling membrane, thus allowing one to achieve a suitable flux with less membrane surface area (which in turn allows fabrication of a smaller device); PA1 the implant is small and easily administered--due to its small dimensions, it may be implanted using a hollow needle (cf. Norplant.RTM. a five-year human contraceptive implant containing progestin, which requires six "matchstick-sized" capsules, and which results in overdosing during the first year in order to maintain sufficient levels for contraception during the following years); PA1 because the solubilizing agent is trapped inside the membrane, only a small amount is required, and the agent need not be non-irritating; PA1 the complete device is easily and inexpensively manufactured; and PA1 treatment may easily be terminated by removing the implant device.


A method and system for forming reversible resistivity-switching elements is described herein. Forming refers to reducing the resistance of the reversible resistivity-switching element, and may refer to reducing the resistance for the first time. Prior to forming the reversible resistivity-switching element it may be in a high-resistance state. The method may comprise alternating between applying one or more first voltages having a first polarity to the memory cell and applying one or more second voltages having a second polarity that is opposite the first polarity to the memory cell until the reversible resistivity-switching memory element is formed. There may be a rest period between applying the voltages of opposite polarity.

1. Field
This application relates to technology for non-volatile storage.
2. Description of the Related Art
Materials having a detectable level of change in state, such as a resistance, are used to form various types of non-volatile semiconductor based memory cells. It has been proposed that such memory cells might be used for binary data storage in memory arrays by assigning a lower resistance state of a memory cells to a first logical state such as logical '0,' and assigning a higher resistance state of the memory cell to a second logical state such as logical '1.' Other logical data assignments to resistance states may also be used. Some materials can be reset back to a higher resistance state after being set from an initial state to a lower resistance state. These types of materials can be used to form re-writable memory cells. Multiple levels of detectable resistance in materials might be used to form multi-state memory cells which may or may not be re-writable.
One type of memory cell that exhibits switching behavior between at least two resistance states is referred to as ReRAM for "resistive switching RAM". ReRAM may also be referred to as R-RAM or RRAM. A ReRAM memory cell may include a first electrode, a re-writable switching material (also referred to as a state change element), and a second electrode. The switching material may be metal oxide (MeOx). Switching the memory cell between resistance states may be achieved by applying a voltage across the memory cell. An alternative way of explaining the switching between resistance states is to provide a current to the memory cell.
One theory that is used to explain the switching mechanism for some types of switching materials is that one or more conductive filaments are formed by the application of a voltage (or other signal) to the memory cell. For some types of switching materials (e.g., metal oxides), the conductive path may arise due to oxygen vacancies that are caused by application of the voltage. This path (or paths) may link the first and second electrodes, wherein the conductive filament(s) lowers the resistance of the memory cell. Application of another voltage may rupture the conductive filament(s), thereby increasing the resistance of the memory cell. Application of still another voltage may repair the rupture in the conductive filament(s), thereby decreasing the resistance of the memory cell once again. Note that other theories might be used to explain switching behavior.
The reversible resistivity-switching element may be in the high resistance state when it is first fabricated. The term "FORMING" is sometimes used to describe putting the reversible resistivity-switching element into a lower resistance state for the first time. Thus, the initial formation of the conductive filaments is sometimes referred to as "FORMING." The rupture of the filaments is sometimes referred to as RESETTING. The repair of the rupture of the filaments is sometimes referred to as SETTING. Note that there may be other explanations for FORMING, RESETTING, and SETTING.
One problem with the process of FORMING is that all of the non-volatile storage elements in a memory array need to be formed, which can be very time consuming. Further note that the FORMING process may need to be applied in a product environment. Therefore, the FORMING process should take place at temperatures that are compatible with the products.
Note that switching behavior might be explained by other theories than those above. Thus, any of the reversible resistivity-switching elements described herein are not limited to the theories for switching behavior described herein.

Alternating bipolar forming voltage for resistivity-switching elements


A method is provided for operating a blast furnace by blowing a solid reducing material, a flammable gaseous reducing material and a combustible gas into a blast furnace from tuyeres through a lance into a blast furnace, wherein a parallel type lance prepared by bundling three independent blowing tubes in parallel and integrally housing them into an outer tube is used, and either one or both of the gaseous reducing material and the combustible gas and the solid reducing material are simultaneously blown through the respective blowing tubes, while the blowing tube for the solid reducing material and the blowing tube for the gaseous reducing material are positioned above the blowing tube for the combustible gas in the blowing through the parallel type lance as well as a lance structure thereof.

Recently, global warming comes into problem with the increase of carbon dioxide emissions, and the suppression of CO2 discharged becomes an important issue in the iron industry. As to such an issue, the operation with a low reduction agent ratio (abbreviated as low RAR, total amount of a reducing material blown through tuyeres and coke charged from a top of the furnace per 1 ton of pig iron) is driven forward in the recent blast furnace operations. Since coke and pulverized coal are mainly used as a reducing material in the blast furnace, in order to attain the low reduction agent ratio and hence the suppression of carbon dioxide emissions, it is effective to replace coke or the like with a reducing material having a high hydrogen content ratio such as waste plastic, LNG, heavy oil or the like.
Patent Document 1 discloses a technique wherein a solid reducing material, a gaseous reducing material and a combustible gas are simultaneously blown with a plurality of lances to promote the heating of the solid reducing material in a combustion field of the gaseous reducing material. In this technique, it is said that the combustion rate of the solid reducing material can be improved to suppress the generation of unburned powder or coke breeze to thereby improve the air permeability and decrease the reduction agent ratio. Patent Document 2 discloses a technique wherein a lance is multiple-tube type and, for example, a solid reducing material is blown through an inner tube and a combustible gas is blown from a gap between inner tube and middle tube and a gaseous reducing material is blown from a gap between middle tube and outer tube. Further, Patent Document 3 discloses that a plurality of small-size tubes are arranged around a main tube of the lance in parallel.

Blast furnace operation method and lance


The invention provides compositions comprising a carrier comprising a continuous phase of a hydrophobic substance, liposomes, and a polynucleotide, and methods for using such compositions for delivering a polynucleotide to a subject.

There has been much research into effective introduction of nucleic acids into target cells and tissues for use in e.g. gene therapy. Such nucleic acids may be e.g. sequences encoding a gene product or instead short sequences of nucleotides that correspond to the sense or antisense sequence of specific genes or their products and hence have a direct effect on the expression of these genes and/or their products.
There continue to exist problems in delivering the nucleic acids to the correct target site and to a sufficient number of target cells. Nucleic acids are subject to nuclease attack and are often unable to cross cell membranes. A wide variety of delivery methods have been proposed, including microinjection, scrape loading, and receptor-mediated endocytosis. Lipid-based carrier systems, including those involving use of liposomes, are frequently used to package the therapeutic nucleic acids. However, the use of liposomes may pose problems such as poor encapsulation efficacy and rapid clearance from circulation. There may also be problems in packaging enough nucleic without increasing the size of the liposome to the point where delivery to the target tissues is impaired. Accordingly, there exists a need to develop liposome-based delivery systems for targeting nucleic acids to the correct target tissue.

Use of liposomes in a carrier comprising a continuous hydrophobic phase for delivery of polynucleotides in vivo


A method for providing rapid generation of photo-realistic imagery for use in a display system. The display system includes a memory which contains first and second ortho-rectified data layers. The first data layer includes a digitized photograph of known resolution together with spacing values and the second layer includes digitized elevation data corresponding to the photograph in the first data layer. The method includes the steps of scanning corresponding portions of the first and second data layers out of memory, removing hidden surfaces from the scanned portions, dividing the scanned portions into a plurality of two pixel by two pixel cells so as to form the cells using adjacent pixels from the data layer, further dividing the cells into triangular sections having vertices, projecting the vertices into the viewscreen using the coordinates in the second layer and the known spacing values, and shading the area subtended by the projected vertices. In one embodiment of the invention, the hidden surfaces are removed through an application of a modified Painters Algorithm. An alternate embodiment of the invention uses a Z-buffer to provide hidden surface removal.

The present invention is directed generally to graphic display systems and, more particularly, to a method for rapid generation of photo-realistic imagery from down-looking sensor imagery in real time in a graphics system, such as a digital map system or mission-rehearsal part-task trainer.
Currently, it is desirable both in certain aircraft and aircraft training simulators to display terrain data or aeronautical chart data on a graphics display terminal. Such a display might include a digital map of aeronautical charts, radar display imagery, or other types of imagery based upon photographs and other digitized data.
In the area of digital maps, for example, it is desirable to have the capability to display perspective views of terrain, for example. Aircraft crew effectiveness increases with increases in the realism of the displayed information. In an aircraft environment, for example, crew situational awareness is increased through the addition of a perspective view map display to a plan view capability which already exists in state-of-the-art digital map systems. See, for example, assignee's copending application Ser. No. 07/192,798, for a DIGITAL MAP SYSTEM, filed May 11, 1988. Similarly, the addition of a three-dimensional display capability would enhance the performance of systems, such as side-looking land-mass radar systems, and aircraft trainers. In such systems, it is important to generate the displays in real time (i.e. at a rate of 30 images per second).
An illustration of the results of the invention is shown in FIG. 11b. FIG. 11a is a typical downlooking photograph which, when combined with DMA elevation data using the method of the invention, results in striking sidelooking views as is typified by FIG. 11b.

Method for rapid generation of photo-realistic imagery


A method and system for detecting a nonfunctional element in an ink jet printhead is disclosed. The ink jet printer system includes: a switching power supply, coupled to the inkjet printhead, for supplying power to the printhead; an output capacitor, coupled to an output of the switching power supply, for storing a dc voltage therein; a bleed resistor, coupled in parallel to the output capacitor, for discharging current from the output capacitor; an output shifting circuit, coupled to the switching power supply, for shifting the dc voltage level across the output capacitor between a low state and a high state; and a sensor, coupled to the output of the switching power supply, for detecting when the switching power supply is switching, wherein an element of the printhead is tested by measuring a test current discharging from the output capacitor when the element is activated and comparing the measured test current with a reference current which discharges from the output capacitor through the bleed resistor. The method includes: supplying regulated power to the printhead; storing the regulated power in a capacitor so as to provide a dc voltage across the capacitor; shifting the dc voltage level stored in the capacitor between a low state and a high state; measuring a test current discharging from the capacitor when an element of the printhead is activated; measuring a reference current discharging from the capacitor through a bleed resistor, when no elements of the printhead are activated; and comparing the measured test current with the reference current.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to multi-pass ink jet printing. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and system for detecting one or more failed ink jets in an ink jet printer.
2. Description of the Related Technology
A basic premise of ink jet printers is that all ink jets must "fire" properly (i.e., eject ink droplets) or the quality of the present image may be degraded. The detection of nonfunctional ink jets, otherwise referred to herein as "open jet detection," is a method of determining which jets within a printhead cartridge are electrically nonfunctional. This electrical non-functionality can result from open traces, damaged drop ejection resistors, changed resistance values, or poor contact between the cartridge and a "flex circuit" which provides control signals to the cartridge. All of these errors may cause one or more jets of a printhead cartridge to not fire, or fire improperly, resulting in anomalies in the printed image.
Defective jets can also result from clogged jet nozzles. Current open jet detection methods are unable to electronically detect clogged jets that are still electrically correct. However, by executing a prime printing pattern using a printhead cartridge under test, and observing the printed results, a user may identify clogged jets and manually input the address or reference designation of each clogged jet into a list of defective or nonfunctional jets. The list of defective or nonfunctional jets, otherwise referred to herein as the "open jet list," is a record of all nonfunctional jets in the respective printhead cartridge. By updating the open jet list, a user of the ink jet printer may be notified as to when a printhead cartridge has an unacceptable number of nonfunctional jets. Additionally, the open jet list may be utilized to update the print masks, or jet group masks, of a printhead cartridge which is configured for multi-pass mode printing, such that one or more of the remaining functional jets in the printhead cartridge may compensate for the one or more defective jets in that printhead cartridge. This method and system for compensating for defective jets with the remaining functional jets in a printhead cartridge is described in greater detail in a co-pending, commonly-owned U.S. patent application entitled, "Open Jet Compensation During Multi-Pass Printing," application Ser. No. 09/127,397, filed currently herewith, and which is incorporated by reference herein.
A common way of measuring current in a circuit is to measure the voltage across a resistor in series with the circuit. Prior art methods of detecting nonfunctional jets have utilized this concept to measure current through printhead circuitry as one or more jets in a printhead cartridge are fired. For example, assume that each of four cartridges has four sets of 14 jets. Firing all the jets requires a sequence of 14 separate firings for the 14 jets in each set. During testing, only one jet in each set of jets is turned on at any instant in time. There is a resistor in series with each set of jets for each cartridge for a total of 16 series resistors. The voltage drop across a series resistor is due to a single jet firing. However, if no jet in that set is firing, the voltage drop will be zero. The voltage drop across each of the series resistors is typically connected through a diode to a common point and compared to a reference voltage. The output from the comparison is an indication of whether a jet is properly functioning. By firing each jet one at a time, it can be determined whether each one has electrical continuity.
The above-described method becomes less desirable as the number of jets and, hence, the number of sets of jets, increases, necessitating an increase in the number of series resistors. These series resistors waste energy, generate heat, waste board space and cost money. The prior art method also has limited functionality in that it only indicates that the current through a jet was greater than or less than some predetermined threshold. This type of indication does not distinguish between the different types of problems which may cause an ink jet to misfire, or not fire at all. For example, the prior art method cannot distinguish between a shorted power line, a shorted address line, or a damaged drop ejection resistor in an ink jet.

Method and system for detecting nonfunctional elements in an ink jet printer


A gear pump according to the present invention is configured such that a first pump chamber comprises a first intake space into which a fluid is taken in and a first discharge space from which the fluid is discharged, in accordance with rotation of an internal gear and external gears, a second pump chamber comprises a second intake space into which the fluid is taken in and a second discharge space from which the fluid is discharged, in accordance with rotation of the internal gear and the external gears, the first intake space and the second intake space are provided to be symmetrical about a rotational center of the internal gear, and the first discharge space and the second discharge space are provided to be symmetrical about the rotational center of the internal gear.

An internal gear pump includes: an internal gear (outer rotor) formed to have an annular shape and have internal teeth; an external gear (inner rotor), having external teeth that can mesh with the internal teeth, provided on the inner circumference side of the internal gear; and a housing that rotatably accommodates and holds the internal gear and the external gear. A plurality of meshing gaps (pump chambers) are defined between tooth surfaces of the internal gear and the external gear along a rotation direction of the internal gear. Each pump chamber rotationally moves in accordance with rotation of the internal gear and the external gear, in mesh with each other, to have a volume repeatedly increased and decreased through movement from one tooth to the other. In the housing, an intake port in communication with an intake area, in which the volume of the pump chamber increases in accordance with the rotation of the gears, is formed, and a discharge port in communication with a discharge area, in which the volume of the pump chamber decreases in accordance with the rotation of the gears, is formed. A fluid taken into the pump chamber through the intake port is sent from the intake area to the discharge area due to the rotation of the gears, to be discharged through the discharge port.


Apparatus and methods are presented for estimating the velocity field based on a multi-image frame sequence having an integer number M frames, M is greater than two, in which a set of M−1 displaced frame difference (DFD) equations is solved using a set of iteration equations to determine a velocity field.

The present disclosure relates generally to image processing and more particularly to apparatus and techniques for estimating a velocity field using a sequence of input frames. Computer vision and remote sensing applications often utilize motion field estimation from an image sequence for video coding or other purposes. Conventional velocity estimation techniques include finding a velocity or displacement field using a pair of successive image frames, and existing motion estimation models and algorithms assume that the image intensity recorded from different physical sensors obey a conservation constraint for tracer, heat, or optical flow in space and time. Popular high definition video compression solutions often perform velocity estimation using a block matching algorithm (BMA) in which all pixels of a given block or tile are assumed to be at a constant velocity vector. However, such an assumed velocity field is not continuous at the boundaries between adjacent blocks, leading to poor video reproduction results. Accordingly, there remains a need for improved velocity estimation techniques and apparatus by which improved accuracy and continuous velocity fields is provided with a small set of velocity field parameters to facilitate improved image processing for high ratio video compression and other applications.

Method and apparatus for conservative motion estimation from multi-image sequences

The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy


Provided are a light-receiving device and lidar comprising the light-receiving device. The light-receiving device comprises: a first lens comprising a first lens surface for receiving light from an outside and a second lens surface for changing the path of the light received by the first lens surface and outputting the light to the outside; and a sensor on which light transmitted through the second lens surface is incident, wherein the first lens surface is a spherical surface, the second lens surface is an aspherical surface, and the focus of the first lens deviates from the sensor surface of the sensor.

Recently, fields of intelligent vehicle and smart cars require proactive vehicular response functions in order to cope with unexpected circumstances. That is, there is a need to beforehand ascertain circumstances that menace safety of drivers and pedestrians such as recognition of sudden emergence of pedestrians, advance detection of obstacles at a place deviated from illumination during dark night, detection of obstacles under deteriorated illumination of headlight when it rains, or detection of road destruction.
To meet these requirements, a scanner is used which is installed on a windshield or a front side of a vehicle to ascertain an object based on emitted light source and to warn a driver in advance, to transmit an image, which is a base for the vehicle to stop by itself or to avoid the object, to an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) and to obtain the image.
The conventional scanner has used a RaDAR (Radio Detection and Ranging) device. The RaDAR is a radio detection system that uses radio waves (ultrahigh frequency of 10 cm to 100 cm waves) to determine the range, direction, altitude, or velocity of objects by receiving the electromagnetic waves reflected from the objects, and is used for vehicular scanner. However, there are drawbacks because the RaDAR is expensive and therefore is not easy to be used for various types of vehicles.
In order to solve the aforesaid drawbacks, scanners using LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) have been developed. The LiDAR, a surveying method that measures distance to a target or an atmospheric phenomenon by illuminating a target with pulsed laser light and measuring the reflected pulses with a sensor using reflectors or scatterers, is also called a laser Lidar. Measurement of time of reflected light is calculated by clock pulses, and 5-m resolution with a bandwidth of 30 MHz and 1-m resolution with a bandwidth of 150 MHz.
A sensor in the Lidar must stably receive a signal of various directions, i.e., a signal incident from wide angles. To be more specific, a vehicular Lidar requires an increased efficiency of light incident at a wide angle (corresponding to a range of about +70 degrees to −70 degrees to X axis and a range of about +3.4 degrees to −3.4 degrees to Y axis) at all angles comprised in relevant ranges.
In order for the typical vehicular Lidar to receive signals of all lights incident at the said wide angle above a predetermined level, a coaxial method has been used that moves along a light receiving part and a light-emitting part through a motor.
However, this motor method suffers drawbacks in that manufacturing cost is increased due to synchronization of a light-receiving part and a light-emitting part, addition of a motor, and overall size of modules is also increased as well. Moreover, when a same cover lens is used for the light-receiving part and the light-emitting part, another drawback is that it is difficult to obtain an enhanced performance of light receiving part due to scattering. Furthermore, a Lidar module typically uses a high-sensitivity APD (Avalanche Photo Diode) for increased measurement distance. However, when the APD is used, it may be advantageous in terms of measurement of small amount of lights, but may encounter a "dead zone" having a physical limitation that fails to respond to a large amount of lights.
Thus, the problem of dead zone boils down to a problem of dynamic range of a detector disposed on a Lidar module, resulting in disruption of accurate measurement of Lidar.


A method is disclosed for operating an internal combustion engine which comprises a primary air system for providing fresh air and a secondary air system. The secondary air system is configured to branch off secondary air from the primary air system and blow it into an exhaust gas duct. The secondary air system has a compressor for feeding the secondary air and a secondary air valve for shutting off or enabling the blowing in of secondary air. The method includes (i) activating the compressor while the secondary air valve is kept closed, (ii) determining whether compressor surging is occurring or is directly imminent, (iii) sensing at least one sensor signal if compressor surging is occurring or is directly imminent, and (iv) determining whether there is a leak in the secondary air system, on the basis of the sensed sensor signal.

The present disclosure relates to a method for operating an internal combustion engine which has a secondary air system, and to an internal combustion engine.
For a cold start a spark ignition engine usually requires a "rich mixture", that is to say a fuel/air mixture with an excess of fuel. As a result, large quantities of carbon monoxide and unburnt hydrocarbons are produced in the cold start phase. Since the catalytic converter has not yet reached its operating temperature in this phase, these noxious components of exhaust gas can escape into the environment without after-treatment. In order to avoid this and to reduce the pollutants during the cold start phase, oxygen-rich ambient air is blown into the exhaust system upstream of the catalytic converter using a secondary air system. As a result, post-oxidation of the pollutants occurs to form harmless carbon dioxide and water. The heat which is produced here additionally heats up the catalytic converter and shortens the time until the lambda control starts. The secondary air system must usually test on a regular basis for faults such as leaks. Devices or methods for carrying out tests for leaks are often complex and expensive in this context or entail an increased risk of the disruption of components of the secondary air system.

Method for operating an internal combustion engine with a secondary air system


A method and apparatus are provided for synchronizing records stored at a first computer with records stored at a second computer. If properties of the first record have been modified, a determination is made as to whether all of the modified properties may be ignored. If all of the properties are not ignorable, a determination is made as to whether the values of all non-ignorable properties are identical between the first and second records. If the values are identical, the modifications to the properties of the first record are discarded. If the values are not identical, a determination is made as to whether the modified properties are decidable. If the properties are decidable, a value is selected from either the value stored in the first record or the second record, and utilized as the selected value of the modified property for the first and second records.

In addition to utilizing a desktop computer, today's high technology workers often carry a personal digital assistant ("PDA"), a laptop computer, a wireless telephone and possibly other devices. In many cases, each of these devices is capable of performing personal information manager ("PIM") functions in a manner similar to those performed by desktop computers. As a result, the PIM databases stored in these devices are typically synchronized with a database stored at a server computer. In this manner, the database stored in each of the devices can contain a user's current PIM data, such as electronic mail ("e-mail") messages, contact information, calendar data, task lists, notes, and other information.
When a PIM record is modified independently on both the server computer and a device, such as a laptop computer, a conflict may arise when the device is synchronized with the server computer. The conflict arises because the contents of one or more records stored on the server computer differ from the contents of the corresponding records stored on the device. For instance, a user may utilize a desktop computer that is connected to a network continuously in conjunction with a laptop computer that is only periodically connected to the network for synchronization. In this scenario, the user may work on the laptop computer and be presented with a reminder for a meeting. The user may dismiss the reminder and continue to work offline from the server computer. Later, the user may see the same reminder again on the desktop computer and again dismiss the reminder. When the user subsequently synchronizes the laptop computer with the server computer, the server computer will detect that the item is in conflict. The conflict arises because changes were made to different versions of the record independently of one another. Therefore, the records stored on the server computer and the laptop computer may be different or may be changed in the same way in both places.
In many cases, when a synchronization conflict arises, a user is presented with a message indicating that a conflict has arisen. The user will also be asked to assist in the resolution of the conflict. This typically requires a user to review the conflicting records and to select one of the records as the correct record. This process can be confusing and time consuming for a user. Moreover, it can be especially frustrating for a user when a "spurious" conflict is generated as the result of duplicate edits on different versions of a record. For instance, this may occur when the same changes have been made to the server and laptop versions of the records. In such a situation, the records are not truly in conflict.
Although requiring a user to manually resolve conflicts can be annoying to a user and tend to decrease productivity, previous software solutions have been unable to meaningfully resolve conflicts without user intervention. One of the main reasons it has been difficult to resolve conflicts without user intervention is that changes to PIM records have typically been tracked only on a per record basis. For instance, in previous PIM client and server applications, it was only possible to detect that a record had been changed. It was not possible to detect the particular fields, or properties, of a record that had been modified. Accordingly, it has previously been difficult, if not impossible, to automatically resolve most types of synchronization conflicts.
It is with respect to these considerations and other that the various embodiments of the present invention have been made.

Method and apparatus for record synchronization with conflict resolution


A system may be configured to detect an obstruction on sensor at least partially obstructing or distorting a portion of the field of view of the sensor. The system may also be configured to mitigate the effects of the obstruction or at least partially remove the obstruction from the sensor. The system may be configured to receive one or more signals from a sensor configured to generate signals indicative of an environment, which may include one or more objects, in which the sensor is present. The system may be configured to determine, for example, classify, based at least in part on the one or more signals, an obstruction or distortion on a surface of the sensor, and initiate a response, based at least in part on the determination, to mitigate effects of the obstruction and/or at least partially remove the obstruction.

Sensors may be used to generate sensor data indicative of objects in an environment. However, the effectiveness of the sensor may be compromised if the operating view of the sensor is partially or completely obstructed by an obstruction, such as, for example, dirt, bird droppings, bugs, lens scratches, or moisture (e.g., rain, snow, ice, condensation, etc.). Such obstructions may block a portion of the field of view of the sensor and/or generate sensor data that provides an inaccurate representation of one or more objects present in the environment in which the sensor is located. This situation may be particularly problematic when, for example, the sensor is used to provide sensor data for autonomous operation of a machine without the presence or assistance of an operator that might be able to detect and/or remove the obstruction from the sensor. For example, an autonomous vehicle operating without an operator relies at least in part on data generated by sensors for proper operation. If one or more of the sensors has an obstruction that affects the data generated by the sensor, the autonomous vehicle may take actions based on inaccurate information related to the environment through which it is travelling, such that, for example, the autonomous vehicle is unable to detect or identify objects, or locate the positions and/or trajectories of objects in the environment. This may hinder operation of such vehicles.

Sensor obstruction detection and mitigation


An improved Braille erasure mechanism may comprise a reverse-embosser or impressing mechanism to imprint a negative Braille cell. A negative Braille cell is the reverse of a normal Braille cell, with one or more dots lowered or pressed into the printing medium in an opposite direction to the raised dots of a normal Braille cell. Because the dots of a negative Braille cell are lowered past the surface of the printing medium, they may be ordinarily undetectable to the fingers of a Braille user. Accordingly, by imprinting a full negative Braille cell on top of a Braille cell to be erased, all of the previously raised dots of the Braille cell may be lowered beyond the surface of the printing medium. Any further Braille cell embossed over the erased cell will be free from corruption, because any dot not used by the new cell will remain lowered and undetectable.

Braille was invented more than 175 years ago to provide a system that blind people can use to read and write. Braille is a system of raised dots that can be read very quickly with the fingers. Braille embossing involves pressing one or more pins of a set of blunted embossing pins arranged in a Braille cell into a printing medium, such as a sheet of heavy paper, to stretch the printing medium and create a corresponding one or more raised dots. Early manual systems for writing in Braille included a slate with holes arranged in rows of Braille cells and means for securing a piece of paper to the slate, and a blunted awl or stylus which was pressed into the paper to create the raised dot or dots, using the holes in the slate as a guide. Later, mechanical impact printers or Braille embossers were created to increase speed and efficiency of embossing, the first such embosser being the Perkins Brailler, originally manufactured in 1951 by the Perkins School for the Blind, based in Watertown, Mass. Currently, Braille writers exist in either mechanical or electronic formats. Examples of the former include the Braille Writer manufactured by the Perkins School for the Blind; the Tatrapoint and Jot-A-Dot writers manufactured by Quantum Technology of Rydalmere, Australia; the Erika Picht mechanical Braille writer manufactured by Blista-Brailletec gGmbH of Marburg, Germany; and the Lavender Braille Writer manufactured by American Printing House for the Blind, Inc. of Louisville, Ky. Examples of electronic Braille writers include the Mountbatten from Quantum Technology of Rydalmere, Australia.
Few ways exist to effectively erase an embossed Braille cell from a printing medium. Originally, a user of a Braille slate and stylus or mechanical Braille writer would press or rub their finger or a blunt instrument against an incorrectly embossed cell to press the raised dots of the cell back to a flattened state. Later, both mechanical and electrical Braille writers would incorporate similar erase mechanisms in which the embossed cell was pressed between two flat plates to press the dots back to a flattened state. However, these methods frequently fail to fully flatten or erase one or more dots of the cell. As a result, a cell printed over the poorly-erased cell may be corrupted.


The present invention is in a pipe hanger for supporting a pipe or duct between ceiling or floor joists. The pipe hanger includes a top thin, narrow, rectangular plate for supporting the pipe or duct thereon with the plate opposite ends for cutting into the grain of opposing joist faces, the hanger to be pivoted therebetween to where the hanger is erected at approximately a right or normal angle between which joist faces. In which mounting, ends of a right angle leg to which plate engage the opposing joist surfaces.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to devices for supporting pipes, ducts and the like, as are located between floor joists.
2. Prior Art
In new construction or home remodeling the installing of pipes, ducts, and the like, between ceiling and floor joists often requires two workers. One worker supports the pipe or duct between such joists while the other attaches, as by nailing strapping between the joist sides, with the pipe or duct resting upon. Even where supports have been fabricated as rigid members for arrangement between joists, such have required nailing, or otherwise attaching the member ends to opposing joist surface, the support spanning therebetween. Installing such support generally requires the efforts of two people, one supporting the pipe or duct while the other connects the support ends to the opposing joist surfaces.
Unlike such earlier arrangements the present invention involves a hanger that can be installed by one person only. Mounting of the hanger ends of the present invention into the opposing joist surfaces does not require fasteners.


Microorganisms, including not only bacteria related to hygiene, food spoilage and human pathogenesis but also fungi which are commonly found in fresh fruits and vegetables, can be reduced or eliminated for surface microbial disinfection of foods and for other purposes by exposing an area containing such microorganisms to a monochromatic beam of pulsed ultraviolet laser radiation of wavelength about 240-280 nm, or in particular about 240-260 nm, with pulse duration in the range of picoseconds to microseconds at 1-1900 mJ/cm.sup.2 for most situations. Laser energy irradiance should be controlled in the case of some foods because of the limited tolerance to such exposure.

This invention relates to a method of controlling to reduce or eliminate microorganisms by exposing them to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and, more particularly, to a method of surface microbial disinfection of foods and other objects subject to microbial contamination by using ultraviolet (UV) radiation with short high-intensity pulses.
Because of the current trends in consumer demands and regulatory actions, there is an urgent need to develop non-additive alternative processes capable of replacing or minimizing the food industry's current reliance on many chemical preservatives used as antimicrobial agents. A majority of these agents exert their controlling action on the microbial flora present on the surface of foods. Under exposure to non-ionizing radiation energy, microbial control has been shown to be caused by structural alterations in nucleic acids such as desoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA), as well as in other chemical structures such as proteins and enzymes having similar resonance frequencies and high absorptivity for UV radiation. These alterations prevent DNA replication and transcription and hence the growth of the microbial population. No information, however, has been available yet about the effectiveness of this process on contaminated food surfaces, nor has it been known whether unwanted changes of the sensory properties of foods may also occur.
A majority of the research, reported thus far, on effects on DNA induced by non-ionizing radiation has been based on the use of Hg lamps emitting 260 nm (4.77 eV) ultraviolet radiation. The inactivation of DNA under this condition, therefore, is well known. Low-intensity (0.10-10W/m.sup.2) continuous-wave polychromatic (broad band) ultraviolet irradiation (4.88 eV) of DNA and RNA, nucleic acid components including purine and pyrimidine bases, as well as the bases themselves, leads to one-quantum excitation of low-lying electronic energy levels of the targeted molecule. This one-step process is due to the absorption of one photon. Under these conditions, radiation damage to DNA results from dimerization and/or hydration of adjacent pyrimidine bases. Furthermore, the dimer may not be repaired by photoreactivation or dark reactivation. It blocks the enzymatic action of DNA-polymerase and hence inhibits DNA replication. Although effective, this low-intensity process is extremely slow and limited for large-scale microbial controls from logistical and economical points of view.
Lasers generating monochromatic ultraviolet radiation with short pulses in the range of picoseconds to nanoseconds, and hence with considerably more radiation power than continuous-wave polychromatic ultraviolet lamps, have also been studied as sources for DNA effects. With the development of high-intensity ultraviolet laser radiation sources, it was shown that an effective destruction of nucleic acids resulted in vitro when aqueous solutions containing nucleic acid components were exposed thereto. It has also been found recently that high-power ultraviolet laser radiation causes two-photon photolysis of water and that the products of water photolysis, as well as products of water radiolysis from ionizing radiation sources, could also react effectively with nucleic acid components. The efficiency of indirect photolysis, however, was also found to be 2-4 times lower than that of radiolysis, suggesting the possibility of exploring lower wavelength ultraviolet laser radiation to approach water radiolysis yields. The latter approach was demonstrated when induction of single-strand scissions in Simian Virus 40 DNA were detected when exposing it to pulsed (20 nsec) ultraviolet laser radiation of 193 nm (6.42 eV). These results were comparable to the single-strand and double-strand scissions typical of ionizing radiation.
Extensive research has also been conducted with sources of ionizing radiation. Most of these investigations, however, were based on the use of 1.2-MeV Co-60 and 0.662-MeV Cs-137 photons from radioisotopic sources, bremsstrahlung radiation or electron beams from an accelerator. Currently, world-wide acceptance of the technology of food irradiation is growing. Since viruses, mycoplasmas, bacteria and fungi can be destroyed by ultraviolet radiation, whether they are suspended in air or in liquids or deposited on surfaces, ultraviolet radiation has been used in a variety of applications such as (1) destruction of air-borne microorganisms for improving air-hygiene, (2) inactivation of microorganisms located on surfaces or suspended in liquids, and (3) protection or disinfection of many products of unstable composition that cannot tolerate other conventional treatments such as by heat, gas or chemicals.

Method of controlling microorganisms by pulsed ultraviolet laser radiation

The Regents of the University of California


A method of transferring data in one access cycle between two devices over a communications bus. Data is read from a predetermined location in the first device. The data is also latched into a temporary register. Data is simultaneously written into a predetermined location of a second device. The read operation of the first device is terminated and the data from the temporary register is applied to the second device simultaneously with the termination step so that data is available to the second device notwithstanding the fact that the first device has ceased transmission.

The present invention relates to a mechanism for transferring data between two devices in a data processing system and, more particularly, to a system for facilitating fly-by direct memory access (DMA) data transfer.
Historically, in digital data processing systems, great amounts of data had to be transferred between peripheral devices and memory. In these systems the central processing unit was responsible for transferring data between memory and peripheral devices under program control. Such data transfer systems were slow because for each byte of data transferred, the central processing unit had to fetch and execute the many instructions required to accomplish a transfer. Also, the central processing unit could not tend to other tasks while it wa involved with transferring data.
Eventually, a direct memory access facility replaced the slower program controlled data transfer between a device and memory. In data processing systems in which two devices transfer data between one another over a communications bus, the use of direct memory access devices is now well known. The direct memory access facility allows data to flow directly from memory to a particular device unattended. This data transfer mechanism is called flow-thru.: In other words, central processing unit control is no longer required after the initial data location is identified and the quantity of data is determined. When a device is to access data in memory, the DMA unit, disposed between the device and memory, controls the data transfer therebetween.
The DMA unit typically has a temporary storage register for buffering data from memory that is transferred to the device in order to have such data available for the device when needed. Thus, in typical DMA read operations, data at a particular address in memory is transferred (read) from the memory to the temporary storage register of the DMA unit and thence from the temporary storage register to the requesting device. Likewise, in typical DMA write operations, data is generated by a device, transferred to the DMA temporary register, and then retransmitted to the appropriate location in memory for storage therein.
More recently, a so-called fly-by technique has been developed by which a temporary storage register in the DMA unit is no longer required. In fly-by DMA read data transfers, data is read from memory and transmitted to the requesting device under control of the DMA unit but is not stored in a temporary storage register thereof. The fly-by transfer mode requires that there be separate read and write controls for both source and destination. Fly-by DMA write operations work in a similar fashion.
Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) devices are frequently used in systems because of their low cost and high density. In order to access a location in memory, the address of the location must be supplied to the device along with appropriate control signals.
In order to optimize the internal layout of the memory and minimize pin count of the device, it is desirable to supply the address of the desired memory location in two parts called row and column addresses, using the same set of pins. Row Address Strobe (RAS) and Column Address Strobe (CAS) clock signals indicate the presence of row and column addresses on the pin and are used by the internal logic of DRAM devices to latch the address internally. An additional control signal called Write Enable (WE) is used to indicate whether the desired memory access cycle is a read cycle (WE inactive) or a write cycle (WE active).
By organizing the memory in an array of rows and columns, successive memory locations fall in the same row until all elements of that row have been accessed. Also, whenever any bit in a row is accessed, internally the whole row is accessed and brought outside the memory array. Then the selected column bit, as identified by the column address strobe, is supplied to the requesting device. If the row address of the next access is the same as that of the previous access, the next location can be selected simply by applying the column address of that location and activating the CAS control line. This technique is known as running a CAS cycle.
Unfortunately, a minimum off-time exists between two consecutive CAS cycles. Moreover, data setup and hold time requirements for the requesting device necessitate a predetermined length of time between memory accesses if the conventional fly-by technique is used. More importantly, they cannot be designed to work with the same minimum cycle time. This is due to the fact that the transmitting device has incompatible data output and data turnoff delay and the receiving device has incompatible data setup and data hold times.
It would be advantageous to provide a system of data transfer in a DMA environment using an improved fly-by technique.
It would also be advantageous to provide a system to start a read operation of data in a DRAM and to capture this data quickly.
It would also be advantageous to provide a system for transferring data in which the data captured from a data communications bus could be redriven onto the bus within one cycle.
It would also be advantageous to deactivate the CAS line while data is being redriven on the data bus, thereby allowing the CAS line to be reactivated in a shorter than usual period of time.


A transition joint for sealing an electrical coaxial cable having an oil-impregnated or fluid filled layer. The transition joint has two primary elements, an electrically insulative elastomeric tube and a heat recoverable sleeve. In connecting a paper-insulated, lead jacketed cable to an extruded dielectric cable, the elastomeric tube is placed in tight conformity around the paper layer, slightly overlapping the lead jacket and the central conductor, and further partially overlapping a connector joining the conductors of the cables. The heat recoverable sleeve is then contracted over the elastomeric tube, overlapping the lead jacket and the central conductor, and partially overlapping the connector. The heat recoverable sleeve mechanically restricts the elastomeric tube, preventing the elastomeric tube from swelling which, in turn, precludes absorption of the oil, which would otherwise cause the elastomer to degrade. If the cable has an additional semiconducting layer, a high-dielectric tape may be used for dielectric stress control.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to coverings for splice connections in electrical cables, and more particularly to a transition joint for use when splicing or terminating a cable having an oil-impregnated layer.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Electrical cables, such as those used for telephone lines, high voltage lines, cable television, etc., can develop faults or breaks in the line due to manufacturing defects or environmental factors. Faults occur both in underground and aerial cables. Rather than replacing an entire section of such a cable, it is expedient to expose a portion of cable, repair the fault, and place an enclosure about the connection. Splicing of electrical wires is similarly useful in the connection of successive cable sections, and in the termination of such cables.
One of the earliest constructions for these cables, particularly for underground telephone and power cables, consists of a lead jacket surrounding one or more conductors, with a layer of insulative, oil-impregnated paper placed between the lead jacket and the conductors. Although modern underground cables now have extruded dielectric (plastic) jackets, with no fluid inside, there are still substantial amounts of the paper-insulated lead cables ("PILC") in use. A problem thus arises when a PILC cable needs to be repaired or terminated, due to the deleterious effects caused by the egress of the oil or other dielectric fluid.
Several prior art patents are directed to splicing of PILC cables, including U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,110,550 issued to Di Pietro; 4,354,050 issued to Gregory; 4,375,577 issued to Silver et al.; 4,383,131 issued to Clabburn; 4,638,112 issued to Giorgio et al.; and 4,695,676 issued to Lawrence et al. Each of these patents, however, suffer from certain drawbacks. For example, in the transition splice disclosed in Clabburn (see FIG. 4), four separate layers of polymeric materials are used in addition to an internal void filling material and an outer metallic braid. Clearly, this construction is unduly complicated and requires an excessive amount of time to assemble. Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that the Clabburn construction, while disclosing the use of elastomeric tubing, requires that an oil-impervious layer be interposed between any such elastomeric tubing and the oil-impregnated paper. Such an oil-impervious layer has been required in prior art splice assemblies due to the fact that, if the oil comes into direct contact with the elastomeric layer, the oil will be absorbed into the elastomer, causing it to swell and eventually degrade; this promotes the creation of voids at the interface between the elastomer and the cable, leading to high-voltage failures. Finally, Clabburn relies on a heat shrinkable material which is in contact with the cable; this construction is undesirable since, as the material is heated, oil within the cable can easily vaporize and leave a harmful void between the cable surface and the oil-impervious (heat shrinkable) layer.
The Di Pietro, Gregory, Silver et al. and Giorgio et al. assemblies each require several metallic parts, such as bars, ferrules, collars, clamps and the like, which are also difficult to apply and are more expensive than the materials used in Clabburn. The construction of Lawrence et al. is somewhat simpler, but still requires placement of a mass of encapsulating particulate material. Furthermore, the splice shown in Lawrence et al. (as well as that shown in Clabburn) is not suitable for termination joints, i.e., a joint which effectively seals the end of the fluid-filled cable and allows a wide variety of cable accessories to then be attached thereto. It would, therefore, be desirable and advantageous to devise a transition joint for a fluid-filled cable which is simpler (and less expensive) to assemble than the foregoing splice assemblies, and which has wider application for connecting two of such cables together, for splicing one such cable to a plastic dielectric cable, for terminating the fluid-filled cable, or for receiving various other cable accessories.

Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company


A vertical milling apparatus for a paved surface has a rotary degradation element which has a top end connected to a carrier. The carrier is slideably attached to an underside of a motorized vehicle, and adapted to traverse the paved surface. The rotary degradation element has an axis of rotation and a plurality of inserts secured to the element's outer surface. At least one insert has a superhard working surface positioned to contact the paved surface.

In the transportation industry, more emphasis has been put on recycling paved surfaces because of environmental concerns and the need to conserve natural resources. Perhaps because of that emphasis, asphalt has become the most recycled material in the United States. Typically, more than 70 million metric tons are recycled every year. Using recycled materials for roads is important to citizens, cities, and states throughout the country because it may be more convenient and may save time and money.
Due to advances in mechanical and chemical engineering, it is now possible to recycle paved surfaces in situ. Methods for in situ recycling are known as hot in-place recycling and cold in-place recycling and share the steps of degrading, rejuvenating, and compacting the old roads. One problem that may occur during recycling is that the aggregate in the old road is broken. Aggregate size is an important characteristic of a road because it influences stiffness, stability, durability, permeability, workability, fatigue resistance, frictional resistance, and resistance to moisture damage. If the aggregate is broken while recycling, new aggregate may be required to ensure the asphalt's characteristics remain substantially unchanged. This may require the purchase of new aggregate and special or modified machinery to load and distribute new aggregate which may add to the time and money spent on recycling and reconstructing a road.

Vertical milling apparatus for a paved surface


[Object] To provide an excellent foaming agent which does not have problems in handling and operation (example: risk of explosion or fire) and inhibition of cross-linking resulting from a foaming agent and problems, such as, mold pollution and environmental pollution, caused by a foaming agent residue, which has excellent uniform dispersibility in a subject of foaming, and which can be used as an alternative to the chemical decomposition type foaming agent.

Hitherto, various foamed materials have been industrially widely produced and sold. Typical examples of foamed materials include foamed materials of rubber having both the flexibility and sealing properties. Production of a foamed material of rubber usually includes a step of cross-linking and foaming a raw material rubber composition.
In the above-described foaming, a chemical decomposition type foaming agent, which generates a gas by decomposition due to heating, has been used. Known examples of various foaming agents include azodicarbonamide (ADCA), N,N′-dinitrosopentamethylenetetramine (DPT), and 4,4′-oxybis(benzenesulfonyl hydrazide) (OBSH) (refer to PTL 1 and PTL 2, for example).
However, the chemical decomposition type foaming agent has problems, such as, inhibition of cross-linking resulting from a foaming agent, and mold pollution and environmental pollution caused by a foaming agent residue. In particular, DPT is a substance which in itself has a risk of explosion or fire and which is suspected of having a possibility of becoming a mutagen and, therefore, has a drawback that the safety for a human body is poor. Consequently, development of an excellent foaming agent which does not have the above-described problems and which can be used as an alternative to the chemical decomposition type foaming agent has been desired.
Meanwhile, a method for manufacturing a foamed material of a thermoplastic elastomer by using water as a foaming agent has been known (refer to PTL 3 and PTL 4, for example). In these Patent Literatures, the subject of foaming is a thermoplastic elastomer, and a predetermined foam-molded material is prepared by pressing water serving as a foaming agent into an extruder.

Foaming agent and manufacturing method forming agent therefor, rubber composition, cross-linked foam and manufacturing method therefor, and rubber molded article

Abstract: [Solution] A foaming agent formed from at least (A) a high molecular weight compound having a saturated water absorption of 10 to 1,000 g/g in ion-exchanged water (25° C.) and (B) water, wherein a storage modulus (G′) of the agent, determined on the basis of a viscoelasticity measurement at a temperature of 20° C., is 8.0×101 to 1.0×106 Pa at a frequency of 5 rad/s.