Signal processing method and apparatus are provided for use in a digital signal reproduction apparatus which reproduces data divided into plural channels and recorded in plural tracks in parallel. Time division operation is applied to digital signals of plural channels read out from plural tracks for every associated reproduction head and at intervals of predetermined unit time interval. In each unit time interval, digital signals of n consecutive units (where n is an integer not less than 2) supplied from associated reproduction heads are multiplexed with a multiplexing factor of n. The above described multiplexed signals of n units supplied from an identical reproduction head are stored into identical addresses of m (where m is an integer not less than 2) memories, respectively. Digital signals supplied from every reproduction head are successively stored into a different address in each memory. Signals stored in identical addresses of the above described respective memories are read out simultaneously and then signals of respective addresses are read out successively.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a digital signal processing method and a digital signal processing device for use in a digital signal reproduction apparatus such as a digital video tape recorder (VTR), and in particular to a signal processing method and a signal processing device for restoring original association relations between channels of reproduced signals and channels of a signal processing circuit which have been interchanged in case the tape speed in reproduction operation is different from that in recording operation when data divided into a plurality of channels and recorded on the tape are to be reproduced.
In a conventional digital signal reproduction apparatus such as a conventional digital VTR, digital signals are distributed into a plurality of channels and are recorded as a plurality of magnetic tracks by a plurality of rotary magnetic heads.
When data thus divided into a plurality of channels and recorded onto the tape are to be recorded and a special reproduction mode such as a variable speed reproduction mode (in which data are reproduced at a tape speed different from the tape speed of the recording operation) other than a normal reproduction mode (in which data are reproduced at the same tape speed as that of the recording operation) is used, the association relations between channels of signals reproduced by a reproduction head and channels of the reproduced signal processing circuit connected to the reproduction head are interchanged. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,392,162, for example, therefore, original association relations are restored by a switch circuit referred to as data interchanger as shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the reproduction side shown in the above described U.S. Patent. In FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B and 1C denote reproduction heads for reproducing signals of channels A, B and C respectively recorded on tracks A, B and C, respectively. Further, 30A, 30B and 30C denote reproduction amplifiers, 31A, 31B and 31C reproduction processors, 32A, 32B and 32C time base collectors (TBC), 33 a data interchanger, 34A, 34B and 34C error correction decoders, 35A, 35B and 35C time base expansion circuits, 36 an interface, 37 a D-A converter, 38 an output processor, and 39 an output terminal.
FIG. 2 schematically shows the interchanger 33 and channel memories 4A, 4B and 4C respectively included in the decoders 35A, 35B and 35C of the above described U.S. Patent. The interchanger 33 includes three interchanger circuits (switch circuits) 33A, 33B and 33C respectively supplied with 3-channel input signals 1a, 1b and 1c respectively from TBC's 32A, 32B and 32C.
The 3-channel input signals 1a, 1b and 1c are respectively selected by the interchanger circuits 33A, 33B and 33C, and supplied to respective channel memories 4A, 4B and 4C assigned beforehand as write-in signals 11a, 11b and 11c, respectively. These signals 11a to 11c are written into respective channel memories 4A to 4C and are read out as output signals 7a to 7c when data corresponding to one frame are stored into the memories. The output signals 7a to 7c then undergo error correction.
As described above, the interchanger circuit aims at restoring the original association relations because channels of reproduced signals in the variable speed reproduction mode and channels of the reproducing signal processing circuit are interchanged. At a particular tape speed, however, the processing for restoring the original association relations becomes impossible as described later.
FIG. 3 shows a pattern (reproduced signals) read out by the heads 1A to 1C when signals recorded on a tape 20 by heads disposed at intervals of 120.degree. on the periphery of a drum of a VTR are reproduced at a tape speed which is three times as fast as that of normal reproduction mode.
Signals of the channel A are recorded on tracks A, A', A", A"' and so on. Signals of the channel B are recorded on tracks B, B', B", B"', and so on. And signals of the channel C are recorded on tracks C, C', C", C"' and so on.
Signals of the tracks A, B, C, A', B', C', A" and so on are reproduced in this order by the head 1A. At this time, signals of the tracks A', B', C', A", B", C", A"' and so on are reproduced by the head 1B in the same way. Signals of the tracks A", B", C", A"', B"', C"' and so on are reproduced by the head 1C.
The first track reproduced by the head 1B is the track A' because the tape speed is three times as fast as that of the normal reproduction mode and the tape moves at a speed which is three times as fast as that of the normal reproduction mode although the time taken for the drum to rotate by 120.degree. is constant. In this case, signal processing becomes very difficult. The reason will now be described. Signals of the same channel are simultaneously reproduced by the heads 1A to 1C. For example, the channel A is reproduced by the heads 1B and 1C as well when the channel A is reproduced by the head 1A. However, only one memory A is present in FIG. 2. Therefore, the interchanger circuit 33A does not know which of the signals 1a to 1c should be written into the memory A. Accordingly, only one third of information is written into the memory A, and the remaining two-thirds of information is discarded.
As a result, the reproduced pictorial image becomes very unnatural.

Signal processing method and device for digital signal reproduction apparatus


An anti-debris device releasably engages and covers an unconnected end of a fluid-conveying quick disconnect connector to prevent debris intrusion. The device comprises a boot defining a cavity shaped to receive the connector, a connector-receiving access opening to the cavity, and a closure member such as flexible sheet slit to form resilient fingers movable between an opening-covering position preventing intrusion of foreign matter when the boot is not being used, but that flex to a connector-receiving position when an unconnected portion of a connector is biased against the closure member. The fingers assist in retaining the device on the connector. Various embodiments allow retaining the anti-debris device to a particular connector when the device is not in use, and/or for storing/protecting multiple connectors. Related methods are also disclosed and discussed.

The present invention relates to an anti-debris device to prevent dirt and debris from entering the fluid line of hydraulic or pneumatic equipment through an open quick disconnect connector, and more particularly relates to a cover that resiliently slips over a quick disconnect connector to prevent dirt and debris from entering an open passageway into the unattached quick disconnect connector. However, the present invention is not believed to be limited to only hydraulic and pneumatic systems, nor to quick disconnect connectors, but instead is believed to cover any connector in any fluid system, including water, atmosphere-conveying, and other fluid systems.
Many pneumatic and hydraulic systems use quick disconnect connectors as a way to quickly and easily connect and disconnect lines, so that components and/or equipment can be used in other operations, and also so that components can be stored, repaired, or maintained. A problem is that such systems are often used in dirty environments, and concurrently the quick disconnect connectors often get covered with dirt and debris once disconnected. Hydraulic and pneumatic components (particularly actuators, motors and other system components) are highly sensitive to dirt, sand, debris and other foreign matter in the fluid system, since they include highly machined surfaces with tight tolerances that the foreign matter will scratch, score, damage and/or wear out. The problem of dirty and debris-containing environments is well known in agricultural and construction industries. For years, operators connecting a quick disconnect connector have "automatically" wiped off and/or blown off foreign matter on the quick disconnect prior to attachment in an effort to keep the system clean. However, these practices are highly unreliable, very sensitive to operator lack of attention, and even if done, problematic foreign matter may still remain, especially inside the long narrow fluid passageways of the connectors. Notably, even a small amount of foreign matter will accumulate and can contaminate a fluid system, and damage components of the system.

Anti-debris device for covering connectors in fluid system


A circuit board transmission line structures has microstrip or stripline transmission line geometries and cross-hatch patterned return planes. The cross-hatch design structure of the return planes and the relative position of the cross-hatch pattern to the transmission lines are configured to increase the usable bandwidth of the transmission lines. By properly adjusting the size and shape of the cross-hatch pattern, the performance of the microstrip and stripline transmission lines can be largely restored to the performance where continuous, solid return planes are used.

A circuit board mechanically supports and electrically connects electronic components using conductive traces, pads and other features etched from electrically conductive sheets, such as copper sheets, laminated onto a non-conductive substrate. Multi-layered circuit boards are formed by stacking and laminating multiple such etched conductive sheets and non-conductive substrates. In some applications, high performance rigid and flexible circuit board-based interconnects are constructed using geometries that form one or more transmission lines within the circuit board. The transmission lines are formed from a patterned conductive layer positioned within the circuit board stack-up. A geometry consisting of a single transmission line is referred to as a single ended geometry. A geometry consisting of two transmission lines is referred to as a differential pair geometry. In order for the transmission lines to meet specific impedance characteristics, the circuit board stack up also includes one or more return planes, one return plane stacked above and/or another return plane stacked below the transmission lines. A transmission line geometry refers to a specific combination of the one or more transmission lines and the one or more return planes. Two types of transmission line geometries that are commonly used in rigid and flexible circuit boards are the stripline and microstrip geometries. The stripline geometry refers to the transmission line geometry having two return planes. The stripline geometry can be combined with either a single transmission line, collectively referred to as a single ended stripline geometry, or two transmission lines, collectively referred to as a differential pair stripline geometry. The microstrip geometry refers to a transmission line geometry having a single return plane. The microstrip geometry can be combined with either a single transmission line, collectively referred to as a single ended microstrip geometry, or two transmission lines, collectively referred to as a differential pair microstrip geometry. In either the microstrip or stripline geometries, the return planes are constructed out of continuous, solid planes of conductive material.
FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional circuit board 14 having a differential pair stripline geometry. The left hand side shows a cut out side view of the circuit board 14 as a laminated stack. The right hand side shows a perspective exploded view of the circuit board 14. The circuit board 14 includes an upper return plane 2, one or more isolation layers 10, two signal traces 6 and 8, one or more isolation layers 12, and a lower return plane 4. The two signal traces 6 and 8 form the differential pair transmission lines. The one or more isolation layers 10 and the one or more isolation layers 12 can be made of different non-conducting dielectric materials and thicknesses, which prevent the signal traces 6 and 8 from electrically shorting to the return planes 2 and 4. The upper return plane 2 and the lower return plane 4 each form continuous, solid planes. The return planes can be made of one or more conductive materials, including, but not limited to, copper, nickel, gold, and tin, or a mixture of conductive and non-conductive materials, such as conductive ink.
FIG. 2 illustrates a conventional circuit board 16 having a single ended stripline geometry. The left hand side shows a cut out side view of the circuit board 16 as a laminated stack. The right hand side shows a perspective exploded view of the circuit board 16. The circuit board 16 having the single ended stripline geometry is structurally similar to the circuit board 14 having the differential pair stripline geometry of FIG. 1 except the circuit board 16 has only a single trace 6 instead of two traces.
FIG. 3 illustrates a conventional circuit board 18 having a differential pair microstrip geometry. The left hand side shows a cut out side view of the circuit board 18 as a laminated stack. The right hand side shows a perspective exploded view of the circuit board 18. The circuit board 18 having the differential pair microstrip geometry is structurally similar to the circuit board 14 having the differential pair stripline geometry of FIG. 1 except the circuit board 18 has only a single return plane 4 instead of two return planes. The one or more isolation layers 10 are optional in the case of the circuit board 18, whereas the one or more isolation layers 10 are mandatory in the case of the circuit board 14 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 illustrates a conventional circuit board 20 having a single ended microstrip geometry. The left hand side shows a cut out side view of the circuit board 20 as a laminated stack. The right hand side shows a perspective exploded view of the circuit board 20. The circuit board 20 having the single ended microstrip geometry is structurally similar to the circuit board 16 having the single ended stripline geometry of FIG. 2 except the circuit board 20 has only a single return plane 4 instead of two return planes. The one or more isolation layers 10 are optional in the case of the circuit board 20, whereas the one or more isolation layers 10 are mandatory in the case of the circuit board 16 of FIG. 2.
In some applications, a circuit board having transmission line(s) requires a high degree of flexibility. However, return plane(s) that are continuous, solid planes are too rigid to meet many such flexibility requirements. In such applications, each continuous, solid return plane can be replaced with a cross-hatched return plane. Cross-hatching involves removing a portion of the conductive material in the return plane so that the return plane is no longer a continuously solid plane. A circuit board having cross-hatched return plane(s) has a much greater degree of flexing, twisting, bending, and the like than a circuit board having continuous, solid return plane(s). The cross-hatched return plane has a cross-hatch width W equal to a cross-hatch height H, as shown in FIG. 5, and the cross-hatch pattern is randomly placed relative to the transmission lines. Although the cross-hatched return plane(s) enables a circuit board to have a greater degree of flexibility, cross-hatching degrades the electrical performance of the microstrip and stripline transmission line(s).

Stripline transmission lines with cross-hatched pattern return plane, where the striplines do not overlap any intersections in the cross-hatched pattern


A machine tool (1) includes a spindle (32) supported on a support surface (37a) of a support body (37) with such an orientation that the longitudinal axis of the spindle extends along the support surface (37a). The spindle (32) is movable in a vertical direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spindle (32). The support body (37) is provided with a ventilation hole (80) extending through the support body (37) between the support surface (37a) and a surface (37b) facing in the direction opposite to the support surface (37a), to open toward the spindle (32).

In the state of the art, there is known a machine tool, such as a lathe, with a configuration wherein, for allowing a plurality of types of processing to be carried out with respect to a workpiece held on a spindle, the spindle is movable not only in the axial direction (Z-axis direction), but also in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction).
For example, JPS 52-108588 A1 (PTL 1) describes a machine tool with a configuration wherein the spindle is cantilevered on a side surface of a support with the axis oriented in the horizontal direction, and is made movable vertically along the side surface of the support, such that various types of processing can be carried out with respect to a workpiece held on the spindle also on surfaces other than the surface including the axis.
On the other hand, a machine tool is generally provided with a structure or device for cooling the spindle and the like.
For example, JP 3293242 B (PTL 2) describes a machine tool wherein the spindle is fixedly supported on the upper surface of the support, and the support is provided with a cooling structure in the form of ventilation hole that extends through the support between the side surface and the upper surface and opens toward the spindle for cooling the spindle by blowing air from the lower side to the upper side of the spindle through the ventilation hole.


An improved method and apparatus for heat treating metal castings with sand cores provides for removal of the sand core and recovery of the sand core material for reuse. The method and apparatus eliminate the need for removing the sand core from the casting prior to heat treatment and thus eliminate the labor, expense, and possible damage to the casting incidental to conventional core removal techniques such as chiseling and shaking. The method involves heating the casting with sand core therein to a temperature sufficient to burn off the binder component of the sand core. The sand comprising the sand core is then blown out of the casting by directing a flow of air over the workpiece. The sand thus dislodged is then collected for reuse. According to the disclosed apparatus, the castings are heated in a furnace having fans for directing a flow of air over the workpieces. The sand dislodged from the castings falls into a trough in the lower portion of the furnace, where it is collected and conveyed to a central collection bin for reuse. In another aspect of the disclosed apparatus, the castings are subsequently immersed in a quench tank. The quench tank includes agitation means for agitating water over the castings to dislodge remaining sand. The sand falls to the bottom of the tank, where the sand and a portion of the water are removed from the tank. A major portion of the water is then removed from the sand so that the sand can be reused.

Methods and apparatus for manufacturing hollow metal castings such as cylinder heads, engine blocks, and the like are well known. Conventional prior art processes for manufacturing aluminum castings typically employ a cast iron "flask-type" mold having the exterior features of the block formed on the interior walls of the mold. A sand cover, premolded from a mixture of sand and an organic binder and having interior features of the casting formed on by its exterior surface, is placed within the mold. The mold is then filled with molten aluminum alloy.
After the aluminum alloy has solidified, the casting is removed from the mold. Because untreated aluminum alloys may be softer or less strong than desired, it is often necessary to heat treat the casting to strengthen or harden the metal. According to conventional manufacturing processes, before the casting is heat treated, the sand is removed from the interior of the casting. An operator chisels the sand out of the interior of the workpiece with a pneumatic chisel. The casing may then be fed into a "shakeout" system, a vibrating table which agitates the casting to further break up the sand and dislodge it from the interior of the casting. When the sand has been removed, the casting is heat-treated in a conventional manner by heating the casting to a high temperature and then quenching the casting. Optionally, the casting may further be heated at a lower temperature to "age" the aluminum alloy.
If it is then desired to recover the sand removed from the interior of the casting for subsequent reuse, additional steps must be taken to process the sand. The sand removed by chiseling and shaking the casting is fed into a sand burnout unit to burn off the binders.
Prior art processes for manufacturing aluminum alloy casting suffer a number of disadvantages. The steps of removing the sand from the interior of the casting by chiseling and shaking not infrequently result in damage or scarring to the as-then unhardened aluminum alloy. Further, the shakout process must be carried out manually and is thus labor-intensive, thereby increasing the expense of the manufacturing process. Also, the additional steps required to salvage the sand for reuse are time-consuming and require additional labor and equipment expense. The sand recovery process is costly and presents certain environmental problems concerning the handling of the binder waste products.
Efforts have been made to overcome some of the disadvantages associated with prior art methods and apparatus for sand-casting metal objects. One example is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,411,709, wherein a method for the manufacture of aluminum alloy castings comprises pouring a molten aluminum alloy into a mold having therein a sand core formed from sand and an organic resin binder. After the alloy solidifies, the casting is shaken or vibrated to destroy the core, and approximately half of the sand used to form the core can readily be removed from the casting. Subsequently, the casting is heated, and the organic resin binder in the remaining portion of the sand core is burned off. The sand is thus unbonded such that about 80% of the remaining sand (approximately 40% of the total core sand) falls from the casting by force of gravity. Thereafter, the casting is quenched in a water bath, and the remaining sand in the casting is removed by flowing water through the casting.
While the method disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,411,709 affords certain benefits over the prior art by eliminating the process of vibrating the sand core from the casting, it still suffers certain disadvantages in that it does not eliminate the requirement for shaking or agitating the casting prior to heat treating, nor does it eliminate the additional processing steps needed to recover the sand for subsequent reuse. The aforementioned patent also does not include an age hardening process for increasing the hardness of the metal. Further, since the method disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,411,709 relies upon force of gravity to remove the sand from the casting, sand will remain on flat and upwardly concave surfaces after the binder has burned off.

Method and apparatus for heat treating metal castings


The methods include selectively reducing or expanding T cells according to the antigenic specificity of the T cells. Therefore, the present invention can be used to reduce or eliminate pathogenic T cells that recognize autoantigens, such as beta cell specific T cells. As such, the present invention can be used to prevent, treat or ameliorate autoimmune diseases such as IDDM. Furthermore, the present invention can be used to expand desirable T cells, such as anti-pathogenic T cells to prevent, treat and/or ameliorate autoimmune diseases.

I. Field of the Invention
This invention embodies compositions and methods related to immunology and medicine. In particular the invention is related to diagnostics and therapeutics for the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune conditions, particularly diabetes.
II. Background
Antigen vaccination can be used for the induction of T-cell tolerance in autoimmunity. Administration of autoantigenic proteins or peptides in solution can blunt the initiation and/or progression of autoimmunity in experimental models of autoimmune disease (Wraith et al., 1989; Metzler and Wraith, 1993; Liu and Wraith, 1995; Anderton and Wraith, 1998; Karin et al., 1994). However, limited clinical trials in humans employing similar strategies have almost invariably met with failure (Weiner, 1993; Trentham et al., 1993; McKown et al., 1999; Pozzilli et al., 2000; Group, D.P.T.-T.D.S. 2002; Kappos et al., 2000; Bielekova et al., 2000). This suggests that the principles guiding the choice and conditions of treatment are poorly defined and, as a result, inadequate for human application.
Spontaneous organ-specific autoimmune disorders result from complex responses against numerous epitopes in multiple antigens that arise spontaneously in a stochastic and often unpredictable sequence. This complexity is compounded by the fact that lymphocyte clones recognizing identical epitopes engage antigen/major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules within a broad range of avidities, the strength of which correlates with pathogenic potential (Amrani et al., 2000; Santamaria, 2001; Liblau et al., 2002). Consequently, the outcome of any immunization strategy for the prevention of autoimmunity is likely to be influenced by the choice of autoantigen(s), dose, periodicity of treatment, and route and form of administration.
Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) in mice is associated with autoreactive CD8+ T-cells. Nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice develop a form of T1D, closely resembling human T1D, that results from selective destruction of pancreatic β cells by T-cells recognizing a growing list of autoantigens (Lieberman and DiLorenzo, 2003). Although initiation of T1D clearly requires the contribution of CD4+ cells, there is compelling evidence that T1D is CD8+ T-cell-dependent (Santamaria, 2001; Liblau et al., 2002). It has been discovered that a significant fraction of islet-associated CD8+ cells in NOD mice use CDR3-invariant Vα17-Jα42+ TCRs, referred to as '8.3-TCR-like' (Santamaria et al., 1995; Verdaguer et al., 1996; Verdaguer et al., 1997; DiLorenzo et al., 1998). These cells, which recognize the mimotope NRP-A7 (defined using combinatorial peptide libraries) in the context of the MHC molecule Kd (Anderson et al., 1999), are already a significant component of the earliest NOD islet CD8+ infiltrates (DiLorenzo et al., 1998; Anderson et al., 1999; Amrani et al., 2001), are diabetogenic (Verdaguer et al., 1996; Verdaguer et al., 1997), and target a peptide from islet-specific glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit-related protein (IGRP) (Lieberman et al., 2003), a protein of unknown function (Arden et al., 1999; Martin et al., 2001). The CD8+ cells that recognize this peptide (IGRP206-214, similar to NRP-A7) are unusually frequent in the circulation (> 1/200 CD8+ cells) (Lieberman et al., 2003; Trudeau et al., 2003). Notably, progression of insulitis to diabetes in NOD mice is invariably accompanied by cyclic expansion of the circulating IGRP206-214-reactive CD8+ pool (Trudeau et al., 2003), and by avidity maturation of its islet-associated counterpart (Amrani et al., 2000). More recently, it has been shown that islet-associated CD8+ cells in NOD mice recognize multiple IGRP epitopes, indicating that IGRP is a dominant autoantigen for CD8+ cells, at least in murine T1D (Han et al., 2005). NOD islet-associated CD8+ cells, particularly those found early on in the disease process also recognize an insulin epitope (Ins B15-23 (Wong et al., 1999)).
Association studies have suggested that certain HLA class I alleles (i.e., HLA-A*0201) afford susceptibility to human T1D (Fennessy et al., 1994; Honeyman et al., 1995; Tait et al., 1995; Nejentsev et al., 1997; Nakanishi et al., 1999; Robles et al., 2002). Pathology studies have shown that the insulitis lesions of newly diagnosed patients consist mostly of (HLA class I-restricted) CD8+ T-cells (Bottazzo et al., 1985; Atkinson and Maclaren, 1990; Castano and Eisenbarth, 1990; Hanninen et al., 1992; Itoh et al., 1993; Somoza et al., 1994; Atkinson and Maclaren, 1994; Moriwaki et al., 1999; Imagawa et al., 2001), which are also the predominant cell population in patients treated by transplantation with pancreas isografts (from identical twins) or allografts (from related donors) (Sibley et al., 1985; Santamaria et al., 1992).
Insulin is a key target of the antibody and CD4+ response in both human and murine T1D (Wong et al., 1999; Palmer et al., 1983; Chentoufi and Polychronakos, 2002; Toma et al., 2005; Nakayama et al., 2005; Kent et al., 2005). The human insulin B chain epitope hInsB10-18 is presented by HLA-A*0201 to autoreactive CD8+ cells both in islet transplant recipients (Pinkse et al., 2005) and in the course of spontaneous disease (Toma et al., 2005). In addition, four additional peptides have been identified from mouse pre-proinsulin 1 or 2 that are recognized by islet-associated CD8+ T-cells from HLA-A*0201-transgenic mice in the context of HLA-A*0201.
IGRP, which is encoded by a gene (located on chromosome 2q28-32 (Martin et al., 2001)) that overlaps a T1D susceptibility locus, IDDM7 (2q31) (Pociot and McDermott, 2002; Owerbach, 2000), has also been recently identified as a beta-cell autoantigen of potential relevance in human T1D (Takaki et al., 2006). Two HLA-A*0201-binding epitopes of human IGRP (hIGRP228-236 and hIGRP265-273) are recognized by islet-associated CD8+ cells from murine MHC class I-deficient NOD mice expressing an HLA-A*0201 transgene (Takaki et al., 2006). Notably, the islet-associated CD8+ T-cells of these 'humanized' HLA-A*0201-transgenic mice were cytotoxic to HLA-A*0201-positive human islets (Takaki et al., 2006).
T1D in NOD mice can be prevented by expansion of low avidity autoreactive CD8+ T-cells. Administration of soluble peptides (without adjuvant) is an effective way of inducing antigen-specific T-cell tolerance (Aichele et al., 1994; Toes et al., 1996). Previously, it was shown that treatment of pre-diabetic NOD mice with soluble NRP-A7 blunted avidity maturation of the IGRP206-214-reactive CD8+ subset by selectively deleting clonotypes expressing TCRs with the highest affinity for peptide/MHC (Amrani et al., 2000). These observations raised the possibility that NRP-A7's anti-T1D activity was mediated also by fostering occupation of the 'high avidity clonotype niche' (emptied by NRP-A7 treatment) by 'low avidity' (and potentially anti-diabetogenic) clones. To test this hypothesis, altered peptide ligands (APLs) were identified with partial, full or super agonistic activity for IGRP206-214-reactive CD8+ T-cells and compared their anti-T1D activity over a wide dose-range.
Chronic treatment with moderate doses of an intermediate affinity APL (NRP-A7) or high doses of a low affinity APL (NRP-I4) afforded T1D protection. This was associated with local accumulation of low avidity IGRP206-214-reactive CD8+ cells at the expense of their high avidity counterparts, which were deleted. Unexpectedly, chronic treatment with high doses of a high affinity APL (NRP-V7) or the natural ligand (IGRP206-214) only afforded marginal protection. Strikingly, the islets of these mice contained almost no IGRP206-214-reactive CD8+ cells, but increased populations of CD8+ cells recognizing other IGRP epitopes. This led us to conclude that peptide therapy in autoimmunity may be most effective when it fosters occupation of the target organ lymphocyte niche by non-pathogenic, low avidity clones (Han et al., 2005), a prediction supported by mathematical modeling (Maree et al., 2006). Unfortunately, this outcome occurred only within a narrow range of APL dose and avidity (for target TCRs), suggesting that peptide therapy is ill-suited to prevent or cure T1D.
Thus, there remains a need for additional compositions and related methods for the treatment of diabetes, as well as other autoimmune disorders.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Compositions and methods for the prevention and treatment of autoimmune conditions


An improved spot welding tip is adapted for welding a set of adjacent members within a heated zone during a welding program, wherein a quantity of energy is produced, and for reducing the final base temperature of the heated zone. The tip presents a distal engaging surface for contacting one of the members and defines a preferably inner space located a preferred distance from the surface. A phase changing body is releasably retained within the space. At least a portion of the body changes from a first phase to a second phase by absorbing at least a portion of the heat energy during the welding program.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to resistance spot welding devices, and more particularly to an electrode system having an improved tip configuration for absorbing a quantity of heat energy.
2. Discussion of Prior Art
Two-component electrode welding devices are used in various industrial applications, including automotive assembly. These devices typically include a conductive shank removably connected to a welding gun, and a conductive welding cap removably connected to the distal end of the shank. As is well known in the art, these devices function to transmit electric currents through adjacently placed subject members, so that the device and members cooperatively generate a quantity of heat energy and a spot weld is produced between the members. During a welding program, the production of heat energy creates a heated zone having initial and final base temperatures, which correlate to the maximum temperature achieved. For example, in a recent study this zone was exemplarily modeled to reflect a spot-weld center temperature of aprx. 1500° C., a 5-cycle temperature of aprx. 400° C. at a radius of 4 mm, and 100° C. at a radius of 8 mm, and a 30-cycle temperature of aprx. 1000° C. for 4 mm radius and 200° C. for 8 mm. The total amount of heat energy produced is proportional to the weld current (i) squared times the total electrical resistance (R) of the parts to be welded times the time (t) that the weld current is on (ΔH=i2×R×t), and typically is aprx. equal to 1 kJ for large-scale programs such as automobile assembly.
The proximity of the welding cap to the heat source results in the transfer of significant amounts of heat energy to the cap and excessive cap temperatures. The resultant heat absorption and excess cap temperatures cause deformation and replacement. Another resultant from the over-heating of caps is the tendency of the cap to "pick-up" material from, or stick to, the subject members. This tendency further causes the cap to change its configuration and reduces its efficiency. Yet another issue associated with the heating of welding caps and their ensuing deformation is the resulting reduced weld nugget diameters and joint tensile strengths.
Conventional cooling systems have been developed to counteract these concerns by increasing the rate of heat energy loss of the cap and, thereby, retarding or reducing the maximum achievable temperature. Where these systems are not properly configured or malfunction, inefficiency concerns arise and, the cooling system may be rendered ineffective. To cure these conditions, the system must be dismantled from the welding device and reconfigured, repaired or replaced. This results in an inconvenience to the worker and down time to the entire process. Even where properly functioning, however, these conventional cooling systems do not eradicate degradation of the welding cap due to heat stresses.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an apparatus for and method of more reliably and further reducing the heat absorption and final base temperature of a resistance spot welding cap.

Phase change resistance spot welding tip


A system and method are provided that support a routing using a tree-like or graph topology that supports multiple links per node, where each link is designated as an Up, Down, or Lateral link, or both, within the topology. The system may use a segmented MAC architecture which may have a method of re-purposing MAC IP addresses for inside MACs and outside MACs, and leveraging what would normally be the physical signaling for the MAC to feed into the switch.

With the continued growth of the internet, web-based companies and systems and the proliferation of computers, there are numerous data centers that house multiple server computers in a location that is temperature controlled and can be externally managed as is well known.
FIGS. 1A and 1B show a classic data center network aggregation as is currently well known. FIG. 1A shows a diagrammatical view of a typical network data center architecture 100 wherein top level switches 101a-n are at the tops of racks 102a-n filled with blade servers 107a-n interspersed with local routers 103a-f. Additional storage routers and core switches. 105a-b and additional rack units 108a-n contain additional servers 104 e-k and routers 106a-g FIG. 1b shows an exemplary physical view 110 of a system with peripheral servers 111a-bn arranged around edge router systems 112a-h, which are placed around centrally located core switching systems 113. Typically such an aggregation 110 has 1-Gb Ethernet from the rack servers to their top of rack switches, and often 10 Gb Ethernet ports to the edge and core routers.
However, what is needed is a system and method for packet switching functionality focused on network aggregation that reduces size and power requirements of typical systems while reducing cost all at the same time and it is to this end that the disclosure is directed.

System and method for high-performance, low-power data center interconnect fabric


Positive and negative electrode plates, after being dried, are layered alternately upon one another with intervening separators therebetween to constitute electrode plate groups. These electrode plate groups are transferred in succession from one to another of a plurality of preliminary chambers, which are respectively constructed to be able to create vacuum of various levels and arranged so that the vacuum level is gradually increased, and finally introduced into a processing chamber in which the vacuum level is highest, where the welding of collector plates to the electrode plate groups is performed with an electronic beam irradiating device. After that, the electrode plate groups are taken out through a post-processing chamber.

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for manufacturing batteries, and particularly to a method and an apparatus for welding current collector plates to electrode plate groups.
For the structure of rechargeable batteries such as nickel metal hydride rechargeable batteries, a prismatic structure has been proposed, wherein an electrode plate group 21 as shown in FIG. 3A is accommodated together with a liquid electrolyte within a prismatic case (not shown) having a rectangular cross-section and an open top end which is closed with a lid member (not shown). Such structure serves to increase the electrode surface area as much as possible within a restricted space, and in addition to raising the reactive efficiency of the electrode plates, thereby enabling a large current to be taken. It therefore significantly affects battery characteristics.
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3B in detail, the electrode plate group 21 is constituted by alternately superimposing a plurality of positive electrode plates 22 made of foamed nickel and a plurality of negative electrode plates 23 formed of punched metal with an active material of hydrogen-absorption alloy powder in paste form, each of the positive electrode plates 22 being respectively covered with bag-shaped separators 24 made of polypropylene non-woven cloth having openings on one side, so that the positive and negative electrode plates 22, 23 are layered upon one another with intervening separators 24 therebetween.
The plurality of positive electrode plates 22 and the plurality of negative electrode plates 23 respectively have their lead portions 22a, 23a on one side, that are protruded outwards on the opposite sides. The positive electrode lead portions 22a are formed by compressing the foamed nickel and seam-welding lead plates on one side thereof by ultrasonic welding, while the negative electrode lead portions 23a are constructed of part of the electrode plates which is left uncoated with the active material. A positive electrode current collector 25 and a negative electrode current collector 26, both made of either a nickel sheet or a nickel-plated steel sheet, are abutted perpendicularly to the side edges of the lead portions 22a, 23a on the opposite sides of the electrode plate group 21, and joined thereto by welding.
Welding methods using electronic beams have been proposed for the joining of the collector plates 25, 26 to the lead portions 22a, 23a. One such example is illustrated in FIG. 4 and FIGS. 5A and 5B. As shown, a plurality of corrugations 27 (seven in the illustrated example) are formed in the collector plates 25, 26 preliminarily at certain spaces in the longitudinal direction, and solder material 28 such as nickel solder is applied within the elongated indentations of the corrugations 27 on the side contacting the lead portions 22a, 23a. Under a state wherein these collector plates 25, 26 are tightly pressed against the lead portions 22a, 23a, electronic beams 30 are irradiated on the backside of the collector plates 25, 26 opposite from the side contacting the lead portions 22a, 23a in a vacuum atmosphere. The electronic beams 30 are scanned in the direction in which the electrode plates are layered as indicated by the arrow, whereupon the collector plates 25, 26 are heated and the solder material 28 melts. The collector plates 25, 26 are thus welded to the side edges of the lead portions 22a, 23a. This welding action is performed to the plurality of locations in the lengthwise direction of the collector plates simultaneously or successively. The lead portions 22a, 23a are formed with a pair of position locating holes 29a through which corresponding position locating pins 29 are passed whereby the side edges of the lead portions 22a, 23a are aligned to form flat planes, so that the welding of the collector plates 25, 26 can be favorably performed.
The production equipment for manufacturing such electrode plate groups includes a processing chamber capable of vacuum exhaustion, in which electronic beam irradiating means are arranged. Electrode plate groups 21, to which collector plates 25, 26 have been assembled, are carried into this processing chamber, and when a vacuum is drawn to a desired degree, the welding operation is performed. Thereafter, the pressure within the processing chamber is returned to an atmospheric level, whereupon the processed electrode plate group 21 is removed, and next electrode plate group is carried in.
There can also be an arrangement, wherein a preliminary chamber and a post-processing chamber are respectively arranged adjacent the processing chamber, the former being evacuated to the vacuum level of the processing chamber during the welding of the preceding electrode plate group, and the latter being arranged to return the pressure therein from the vacuum to the atmospheric level.
Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 53-114748 discloses an electronic beam welding apparatus applicable to mass-production of one type of works, wherein a plurality of chambers having an identical constitution are arranged in line for cyclic processes. An automatic attachment/removal mechanism is provided for successively connecting a single electronic beam irradiating means to each of the chambers corresponding to the welding process in each chamber.
The problem faced by the method wherein electrode plate groups are carried into a single processing chamber and the processing chamber is then vacuumed is that a considerably long time is required until a vacuum of desired level is drawn. Even if the vacuuming speed is increased, because of the water which is much contained within the positive electrode plates 22 and which is released gradually as time passes, the evacuation needs to be carried on for a long time until a vacuum of more than a predetermined level is created. Thus the production efficiency is extremely poor, since it took time until the welding can actually be started after the electrode plate group has been introduced into the processing chamber. Also, the cost is considerably high, and so this method was hardly applicable to mass-production.
If a multiplicity of processing chambers were provided and welding performed at the same time in these chambers, mass-production could be possible. However, such equipment with a large number of processing chambers would be horrendously expensive, hence impracticable.
In terms of time consumed for creating a high vacuum, it is also the case with a system wherein a preliminary chamber and a post-processing chamber are arranged adjacent the processing chamber, since the production tact time in such system is known to be as long as about 300 sec. In order to realize mass-production, the tact time must be reduced to about 50 sec.
The apparatus disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 53-114748 provides no solution to the problem that it takes time for drawing a vacuum when handling a work which contains much water such as the electrode plate group. The system requires a plurality of expensive chambers capable of drawing a high vacuum, and a complex structure for switchably connecting the electronic beam irradiating means to each of the chamber, hence the equipment cost is extremely high.
Next, another problem encountered in prior arts is described referring to FIG. 10A, which is a schematic illustration of a prior art welding method. Normally, when welding the collector plates and the electrode plate groups together by scanning an electronic beam in a direction in which the electrode plates are layered, the signal waveform for the scanning of the electronic beam is triangular, in order to make the scanning speed constant so as to apply heat uniformly along the scanning direction.
However, when applying heat to a collector plate 122 by scanning the electronic beam 123 along the widthwise direction of the collector plate, both side edges of the irradiated portion 124 receives less heat than a middle part because there is no heat applied on their outer sides and heat is more readily dissipated. As a result, there occurred a problem of incomplete welding because part of the collector plate 122 was left unmelted. If the output or time for irradiation of electronic beam was increased to augment the entire amount of heat, the heat applied to the middle part of the collector plate 122 would become excessive and it would only lead to another problem that separators interposed between electrode plates are damaged, which causes short-circuiting between the electrode plates.
In view of these problems, additional scannings 126, 127 are usually performed once or a plurality of times in spots or over a very short distance at both side edges of the collector plate 122 in addition to the overall scanning 125 over the entire width of the collector plate 122, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. According to such method, however, since the additional scannings 126, 127 are required at both side edges, which take 35 ms and 25 ms respectively, in addition to the scanning 125 of the entire width of the collector plate 122 which takes 90 ms, as illustrated in FIG. 10B, the scanning time necessary for welding one line sums up to 210 ms. If a collector plate 122 is to be joined to an electrode plate group 121 at 5 locations, it takes 1050 ms. Thus the conventional welding process is very time-consuming, which is partly the cause of low productivity in the manufacture of electrode plate groups for batteries.
In view of the problems encountered in the prior arts, it is an object of the present invention to enhance the efficiency in the process steps for welding current collector plates to electrode plate groups and to reduce the production tact time without increasing cost for the equipment, so as to realize mass-production of electrode plate groups for batteries.
To accomplish the above object, the present invention provides a battery manufacturing method comprising the steps of:
drying a plurality of positive electrode plates and a plurality of negative electrode plates;
layering the positive electrode plates and negative electrode plates alternately upon one another with intervening separators therebetween, thereby constituting electrode plate groups;
assembling collector plates to the electrode plate groups;
transferring the electrode plate groups with the collector plates from one to another of a plurality of vacuum chambers having different vacuum levels; and
performing a welding operation using electronic beams in one of the plurality of vacuum chambers in which a vacuum of sufficient level to effect irradiation of electronic beams is created. Since the electrode plates are first dried in the drying step, when the electrode plate groups are introduced into the vacuum chambers, the level of vacuum within these chambers can be increased in a very short period of time. Therefore, the overall production tact time can be reduced in proportion to the number of vacuum chambers. The method of the present invention is thus applicable to mass-production of batteries at low cost.
More specifically, the plurality of vacuum chambers are arranged adjacent each other such that the vacuum level is gradually increased from an upstream side to a downstream side as the electrode plate groups with the collector plates are transferred from one to another of the vacuum chambers, and the welding operation is performed in one vacuum chamber in which the vacuum level is highest. Thereby, there is very little variance in the vacuum levels between adjacent vacuum chambers, and each chamber is capable of creating a predetermined vacuum therein in a short tact time, respectively. Therefore, the vacuum of a level necessary for performing welding operation can be created during the time in which the electrode plate groups are transferred from one to another of the plurality of vacuum chambers. Moreover, the expensive electronic beam irradiating device is provided only in one vacuum chamber, and so the production equipment can be constructed at low cost.
The transferring of the electrode plate groups with the collector plates from one vacuum chamber to an adjacent vacuum chamber can be accomplished in an efficient manner by performing a series of operations wherein: a first gate provided on the upstream side of a first vacuum chamber is opened; the electrode plate groups with the collector plates are introduced into the first vacuum chamber; the first gate is closed; the first vacuum chamber is vacuumed to a predetermined level; a second gate provided on the downstream side of the first vacuum chamber is opened; and the electrode plate groups with the collector plates are moved into an adjacent second vacuum chamber.
After the welding operation has been performed, the electrode plate groups with the collector plates are introduced into a post-processing vacuum chamber before being moved to the outside. Therefore, the processed electrode plate groups can be moved to the outside without reducing the vacuum level in the vacuum chamber in which the welding operation has been performed. Since this post-processing vacuum chamber receives only the processed electrode plate groups, and since the chamber is vacuumed before the electrode plate groups are transferred thereinto, a desired level of vacuum can be obtained in a very short period of time. Therefore, it is only necessary to provide one such post-processing chamber, and so it gives practically no effects on the production tact time.
When opening a gate of a vacuum chamber on the most upstream side and when opening a gate of the post-processing vacuum chamber, a dry gas is introduced into these chambers. Thereby, outer air containing water therein can hardly enter into the vacuum chambers, and the time until a desired level of vacuum is reached can accordingly be reduced.
In the step of performing a welding operation using electronic beams, an electronic beam is irradiated on the collector plate and scanned along a direction in which the electrode plates are layered, using a signal waveform which causes the scanning speed at either end of the collector plate to become slower than the scanning speed in a middle portion of the collector plate. Since the irradiation time of electronic beam is prolonged at either end of the collector plate, the amount of heat applied to the collector plate at opposite ends is increased, whereby the entire width of the collector plate can be welded to the electrode plate group uniformly. Also, because no additional scanning is necessary at either end of the collector plate, the welding can be performed in a very short period of time, and the productivity is accordingly enhanced.
The signal waveform is obtained by combining a triangular wave and a sine wave at predetermined ratios, and specifically, the heat balance between the middle part and either end of the collector plate can be optimized if the signal waveform has triangular wave to sine wave ratios in the range of 1 to 4:1.
In order to implement the above battery manufacturing method, the present invention provides a welding apparatus for joining the current collector plates to electrode plate groups comprising:
a plurality of preliminary vacuum chambers having different vacuum levels therein arranged adjacent each other such that the vacuum level is gradually increased from an upstream side to a downstream side;
a processing chamber having a highest level of vacuum therein arranged adjacent one of said plurality of preliminary vacuum chambers, in which an electronic beam irradiating device is arranged so that a welding operation is performed therein;
a post-processing chamber connected to the processing chamber, in which the electrode plate group, to which the current collector plates have been joined, is introduced before being taken out to the outside; and
means for transferring in succession the electrode plate group with the collector plates from a preliminary vacuum chamber having a lowest vacuum level to the post-processing chamber, through the plurality of another preliminary vacuum chambers having higher vacuum levels and the processing chamber. Thereby, the production tact time is reduced while maintaining the equipment cost low, and mass-production of batteries at low cost can be realized as described in the foregoing.
More specifically, preliminary vacuum chambers located on the upstream side and having lower vacuum levels are provided with vacuum means including a mechanical booster pump, whereas preliminary vacuum chambers located on the downstream side and having higher vacuum levels are provided with a vacuum means including a composite turbo molecular pump, and the post-processing chamber is provided with a vacuum means including both of the mechanical booster pump and the composite turbo molecular pump. The mechanical booster pump which exhibits high performances for creating a low degree of vacuum of about 10 Pa and a composite turbo molecular pump which exhibits high performances for creating a higher level of vacuum are combined suitably to constitute respective vacuum means taking advantage of their respective characteristics, so that expensive composite turbo molecular pumps are used in a fewer number, thereby cutting equipment cost, while ensuring that a desired level of vacuum is efficiently created.
As mentioned above, the preliminary vacuum chamber located on the most upstream side and the post-processing chamber are provided with means for introducing therein one of dry air and an inactive gas, so that outer air containing water can hardly enter into these chambers, and the time until a desired level of vacuum is reached is accordingly reduced.
While novel features of the invention are set forth in the preceding, the invention, both as to organization and content, can be further understood and appreciated, along with other objects and features thereof, from the following detailed description and examples when taken in conjunction with the attached drawings.

Battery manufacturing method and apparatus

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


An advanced output buffer circuit is described which has a reduced voltage swing, in order to increase the buffer speed and to reduce electrical noise due to lower instant current flow. The reduced voltage swing is at the buffer circuit output terminal, acting in response to control signals and a data signal on its input terminals. A first inverter stage has as its input the input terminal at which is applied the data signal, and delays the data signal. A second inverter stage with its input being the input terminal at which is applied the data signal, provides an inverted data signal at its output. A blocking circuit, responsive to the control signals, blocks the data signal and the inverted data signal. A biasing circuit, also responsive to the control signals, biases a first and second output node to a first intermediate voltage level, the first and second output nodes being connected to outputs of the blocking circuit. There is also a generating circuit, with its inputs connected to the first and second output nodes, for generating a second intermediate voltage level at the output terminal in response to the first intermediate voltage level during the blocking of the data signal, wherein the generating circuit provides the data signal at the circuit output when the blocking circuit allows the data signal to pass through.

(1) Field of the Invention
The invention relates to output buffer circuits, and more particularly to an advanced output buffer for static memories in which a fast output buffer is required.
(2) Description of the Related Art
Workers in the field have made various attempts to increase the speed of static RAM (Random Access Memory) devices. Kertis et al U.S. Pat. No. 4,926,383 describes a BiCMOS static RAM (random access memory)in which a bipolar transistor is used to clamp a memory bit line to an intermediate voltage to decrease the access time of the static RAM. Bell U.S. Pat. No. 4,975,877 reduces the access time for read operations by several circuit implementations. Sawada et al U.S. Pat. No. 4,984,208 provides a control circuit for refreshing storage data within a read/write cycle, and shows an input/output circuit 55 which provides an intermediate voltage during those periods when active data is not present. Hamano et al U.S. Pat. No. 5,091,889 for a static RAM describes the use of an intermediate voltage for a bit line, in order to prevent write errors. In the latter two references, an intermediate voltage is used at a circuit output for various reasons.

Advanced output buffer with reduced voltage swing at output terminal


An insect bait-and-switch liquid delivery apparatus for the control of flying insects, especially wasps. The apparatus includes a container for holding liquid bait, a feed station assembly mounted on the container for making the liquid bait available to an insect, and a cover enclosing the feed station assembly. The feed station assembly includes a tubular core which extends into the interior of the container for supporting a capsule containing liquid active toxic to the insect in an upright orientation so that it floats on the liquid bait. As the liquid bait is depleted due to the feeding action of insects, the capsule moves downwardly until it clears the lower end of the tubular core whereupon it tips and releases the liquid active to admix with the liquid bait. Thereafter, as the insects continue to feed they ingest a mixture of the liquid active and liquid bait. Thus, as the insects travel back and forth from the apparatus to their nest, the active is spread throughout all the insects in the colony resulting in irradication of the entire insect colony.

The present invention relates to the field of insect control, and more particularly to a bait-and-switch liquid delivery apparatus for the control of insects.
Various traps and other types of insecticide delivery systems have been developed in an attempt to control flying insects with varying degrees of success. Insecticide delivery systems are sometimes categorized as being either of the "quick kill" variety or of a "delayed kill" type.
Quick kill systems use pesticides that kill shortly after contact or ingestion. Quick kill pesticides are usually used in aerosol and spray insecticide systems. Unfortunately, quick kill pesticides are typically only effective on individual or very small groups of insects, and thus the entire colony of insects cannot be irradicated unless the entire colony is exposed to the quick kill pesticide. Such exposure can rarely be accomplished due to the limitations of dispensing such pesticides.
Pesticides which have a "delayed kill" action are most useful against social insects such as wasps and bees. If a "delayed kill" pesticide is ingested by wasps and bees, the active substance toxic to the insect will be carried back to the home colony where it will be shared by other members such as larvae, workers, and the queen. If sufficient toxicant is transported back into the home colony, it is possible to irradicate the entire colony. In order to assure that sufficient toxicant is carried back to the nest or home colony, the formulation containing the active toxicant must be palatable to the insect.
Wasps, which include such species as yellow jackets and hornets, are generally categorized as feeding source generalists. However, wasps are quite sensitive to the presence of adulterants in food. Thus, palatable toxicant formulations must be carefully prepared so that the levels of toxicants, surfactants and other substances are carefully blended to provide an attractive bait. However, degradation of the toxicant often times results in bait which, although initially attractive, ultimately becomes unpalatable.
An approach to getting wasps such as yellow jackets and hornets to ingest a toxicant that has been found very effective has been called the "bait-and-switch" technique. This technique essentially allows the wasps to become accustomed to a liquid food source containing no toxicants, i.e. a liquid formulated with bait only which is attractive to the insect during an initial feeding period. As a result, these insects are baited or trained to continue feeding from what they consider to be a palatable formulation even after a toxicant is added to the formulation. For such a method to be convenient and effective, a specialized delivery system needs to be employed.

Insect bait-and-switch liquid delivery apparatus


A pluggable optical module unlocking structure has a shell and outer buckle; a mounting groove with a metal rocker plate having a flat and oblique rocker plates; the oblique rocker plate at a flat rocker plate end away from the outer buckle, and an oblique rocker plate end near the flat rocker plate is a lower end; a flat rocker plate end away from the oblique rocker plate symmetrically has lifting claws on both sides of the outer buckle; a pulling tab is slidably mounted on the shell, the pulling tab includes a pressing rod in a shell width direction, and a lower end pressing rod surface abuts against a flat rocker plate upper end surface. The pressing rod and metal rocker plate form a seesaw structure unlocking mechanism. The pulling tab moves the pressing rod so that the lifting claws raise the cage spring upward to unlock.

Pluggable optical modules generally require an ejection unlocking structure. When inserted into a cage and in use, the optical module can be locked in position so that it is prevented from being released and coming out, and interruption of signal transmission is avoided. Moreover, the optical module can also be easily pulled out of the cage when it needs to be removed.
In the related art, the optical module and the cage are mainly connected by a buckle structure. That is, an outer buckle is disposed on the optical module, and an inner buckle that cooperates with the outer buckle is disposed on a cage spring in the corresponding cage. With the cooperation of the inner buckle and the outer buckle, the optical module is limited inside the cage. When the optical module needs to be pulled out, a release unlocking structure is required to separate the inner buckle from the outer buckle, so that the pluggable optical module can be easily pulled out.
In the traditional ejection unlocking structure, the purpose of ejection is achieved by an ejection boss integrally formed by a plastic piece. The ejection boss has an arc-shaped structure. When a pulling tab is pulled, the cage spring is lifted by the arc-shaped feature of the ejection boss, thereby releasing the snap-fit action of the inner buckle and the outer buckle. Since both the pulling tab and the ejection boss are made of plastic material, a relative action occurs between the ejection boss and the cage spring when unlocking the ejection, and abrasion will be caused after long time use, which may easily lead to ejection failure.

Unlocking structure of pluggable optical module


An auto-calibration system for a beverage container packaging machine that includes a filler comprising one or more fill heads for filling one or more beverage containers. The filled beverage containers may be weighed at a weigh station of the auto-calibration system. A conveyance mechanism conveys a filled beverage container from the weigh station, wherein the conveyance mechanism may be clocked. The auto-calibration system may also include a control system in electronic communication with the conveyance mechanism and the weigh station. The control system optimizes the operation of the fill heads by tracking each of said one or more filled beverage containers, comparing the weight measured of each of said one or more filled beverage containers to a pre-determined target weight and a minimum weight; and then adjusting the operation of the one or more fill heads if said measured weight varies from said target weight.

In the beverage packaging industry, the packagers need to ensure that the customer is receiving a minimum amount of product based upon the volume of the package and applicable consumer protection laws. There is also a need in the art to provide a beverage container packaging machine that can automatically calibrate the operation of the fill head(s) so that (1) the package contains at least the minimum amount of contents to reduce the number of rejected products, and (2) the operation of the machine can continue for extended periods without having to shut down by adjusting operation of the fill heads consistently provide the desired amount of material.


The present invention generally relates to a digital scanner for scanning images. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for accurately scanning documents and for processing digital data to provide digital images stored in memory, which can be retrieved for printing on support material or for displaying on a display screen.

The present invention generally relates to a digital scanner for scanning images. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for accurately scanning documents and for processing digital data to provide digital images stored in memory, which can be retrieved for printing on support material or for displaying on a display screen.
In a conventional digital scanner, a light source is used to illuminate a document having the image to be scanned. The conventional digital scanner also includes a platen glass upon which the document rests and a platen cover. The light emmitted by the light source illuminates the document and is reflected off and imaged by an optical system or lens system towards either a CCD sensor array or full width array, which converts the reflected light into electrical signals which are eventually converted into digital image data. An image processing circuit electronically registers the image, and converts the electrical signals into digital image data so that the digital image data can be utilized by an image output terminal, network citizen, or memory device.
In the prior art, a printer or other digital imaging system is typically coupled to a digital scanner for scanning an original image (e.g. document) and employs an initial step of charging a photoconductive member (photoreceptor) to a substantially uniform potential. The charged surface of the photoconductive member is thereafter exposed to a light image of an original document to selectively dissipate the charge thereon in selected areas irradiated by the light image. This procedure records an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductive member corresponding to the informational areas contained within the original document being reproduced. The latent image is then developed by bringing a developer including toner particles adhering triboelectrically to carrier granules into contact with the latent image. The toner particles are attracted away from the carrier granules to the latent image, forming a toner image on the photoconductive member, which is subsequently transferred to a copy sheet. The copy sheet having the toner image thereon is then advanced to a fusing station for permanently affixing the toner image to the copy sheet.
The approach utilized for multicolor electrostatographic printing is substantially identical to the process described above. However, rather than forming a single latent image on the photoconductive surface in order to reproduce an original document, as in the case of black and white printing, multiple latent images corresponding to color separations are sequentially recorded on the photoconductive surface. Each single color electrostatic latent image is developed with toner of a color complimentary thereto and the process is repeated for differently colored images with the respective toner of complimentary color. Thereafter, each single color toner image can be transferred to the copy sheet in superimposed registration with the prior toner image, creating a multi-layered toner image on the copy sheet. Finally, this multi-layered toner image is permanently affixed to the copy sheet in substantially conventional manner to form a finished copy.
A digital scanner for processing images to provide digital data and transmitting the digital data to a workstation, comprising: means for scanning images; means for processing the images to provide digital data; means for storing the digital data in a memory; and means for transmitting the digital data in the memory to the workstation, while concurrently scanning, processing and storing other images as digital data. The processing means includes compressing the digital data before storage in the memory.
A digital scanner for processing images to provide digital data and transmitting the digital data to a workstation, comprising: a memory; a scanning unit scanning images; an image processing unit processing the images to provide digital data; a direct memory access controller storing the digital data in the memory; and means for transmitting the digital data in the memory to the workstation, while concurrently scanning, processing and storing other images as digital data. The digital scanner as further comprises a data compression unit compressing digital data before storage in the memory.
A digital scanner for processing images to provide digital data and transmitting the digital data to a workstation, comprising: a memory; a data compression unit; a scanning unit scanning images and converting the images into digital data; an image processing unit receiving digital data from the scanning unit and processing the digital data for storage in the memory or for further processing by the data compression unit; a direct memory access controller receiving processed digital data from the image processing unit or from the data compression unit, and storing the processed digital data in memory; and a scanner interface retrieving digital data from memory and transmitting the digital data to the workstation. The workstation is coupled to at least one of an image output terminal, network or storage medium. The image output terminal is a printer or a display for outputting the scanned and processed images.
The workstation accesses the network or the internet for uploading scanned and processed images transmitted to the workstation by the digital scanner. The workstation accesses the internet or network for downloading images, transmits the downloaded images to the digital scanner for processing, receives the processed images from the digital scanner and outputs the processed images to at least one of an image output terminal, network or internet. The digital scanner transmits the digital data in the memory to the workstation, while concurrently scanning, processing and storing other images as digital data.
The data compression unit may be one of an ITU G3/G4 and JPEG. The digital scanner further comprises a second data compression unit, wherein the data compression unit is an ITU G3/G4 and the second data compression unit is a JPEG.
The digital scanner further comprises a FIFO coupled to the image processing unit, direct memory access controller, the ITU G3/G4 and the JPEG, wherein the FIFO temporarily stores digital data received from the image processing unit and outputs the stored digital data to the direct memory access controller, JPEG or ITU G3/G4.
The direct memory access controller stores digital data received from the FIFO, JPEG or ITU G3/G4 in the memory.
The digital scanner further comprises a computing unit coupled to the scanner interface, the memory, and direct memory access controller. The computing unit is also coupled to the scanning unit and image processing unit.
The scanner interface of the digital scanner may be a SCSI interface.
The scanning unit of the digital scanner includes an image sensing unit comprising a full width array.
A method for scanning and processing an image, comprising: scanning images; processing the images to provide digital data; storing the digital data in a memory; transmitting the digital data in the memory to the workstation, while concurrently scanning, processing and storing other images as digital data. The method further comprises the step of compressing the digital data before storing the digital data in memory.
A method for scanning and processing an image comprising: transmitting a scan image signal from a workstation to a digital scanner; initializing digital scanner; scanning images to provide digital data; processing the digital data; storing the digital data in direct memory access blocks in memory; transferring the digital data in direct memory access blocks from memory to a workstation by way of a scanner interface, while other images are scanned, digital data is processed and stored in memory. The method further comprises the step of compressing the digital data before storing the digital data in memory.
A digital imaging system comprising: means for scanning images; means for processing the images to provide digital data; means for storing the digital data in a memory; a print engine controller; an image-processor controller; means for transmitting the digital data in the memory to the print engine controller, while concurrently scanning, processing and storing other images as digital data; a photoreceptor; a plurality of charging units charging the photoreceptor; a plurality of exposure units receiving the digital data from the print engine controller by way of the image-processing controller, and exposing the photoreceptor to place a latent image on the photoreceptor based on the image signals; a plurality of developer structures, each developer structure being connected to a corresponding dispenser, and each dispenser having a different toner; a transfer unit transferring the toner on the photoreceptor to a support material; a fusing unit fusing the toner to the support material; and a cleaner cleaning the photoreceptor after the support material has passed through the transfer unit. The digital imaging system further comprises a workstation, wherein the digital data is transmitted from memory to the print engine controller by way of the workstation. The processing means of the digital imaging system includes compressing the digital data before storage in the memory.

Digital scanner for capturing and processing images


When parking is expected at a predetermined point, state of charge reduction control is performed in a current trip to control an engine and a motor, such that the state of charge of a power storage device is lower than the state of charge of the power storage device when parking is not expected at the predetermined point. State of charge recovery control is performed in a next trip to control the engine and the motor, such that the state of charge is recovered during operation of the engine. When parking is expected at the predetermined point but an instruction for motor drive is estimated to be given in a predetermined time period or in a predetermined distance since a start of a next trip that is started at the predetermined point, execution of the state of charge reduction control is limited in the current trip.

A hybrid vehicle includes an engine, a motor and a battery and is configured to control the engine and the motor such that the hybrid vehicle is driven with the state of charge of the battery approaching a target state of charge. A proposed configuration of the hybrid vehicle changes the target state of charge of the battery to a special target state of charge that is lower than a basic target state of charge when the hybrid vehicle reaches a point that is a predetermined distance prior to a parking point (destination) where a parking time is expected to be longer than a predetermined time period, in a driving route of the hybrid vehicle, and returns the target state of charge to the basic target state of charge when the hybrid vehicle restarts from the parking point in a next trip (as described in, for example, JP 2017-81416A). The hybrid vehicle of this proposed configuration enables the state of charge of the battery at a restart from the parking point to be sufficiently lower than the basic target state of charge (to be close to the special target state of charge) by such control. This applies a load to the engine and enhances the charging (cold charging) efficiency of the battery in an engine drive (cold drive) serving to warm up the engine.

Hybrid vehicle and control device mounted thereon


Embodiments include systems and methods for controlling power distribution and supply across independently powered modules in a storage library. Embodiments operate in context of a data storage library having a base module and one or more expansion modules. Each expansion module is independently powered, and each is in communication with the base module via a powered data communications network. In some embodiments, when the base module power supply is on, a base controller in the base module provides network power over the powered data communications network. The network power causes expansion controllers in each expansion module to boot up and power on the power supplies of their respective modules. When the base module is powered down, power is no longer available to the expansion controllers, and the respective power supplies can be hard-coded to shut down automatically under that condition.

Storage library systems are often used by enterprises and the like to efficiently store and retrieve data from storage media. In the case of some storage libraries, the media are data cartridges (e.g., tape cartridges) that are typically stored and indexed within a set of magazines. When particular data is requested, a specialized robotic mechanism finds the appropriate cartridge, removes the cartridge from its magazine, and carries the cartridge to a drive that is designed to receive the cartridge and read its contents. Some storage libraries have multiple drives that can operate concurrently to perform input/output (IO) operations on multiple cartridges.
In some storage libraries, cartridge magazines and/or drives are arranged in structural modules, and some storage libraries allow the modules to be added, removed, and/or rearranged. Proper functioning of the library may involve distributing and controlling power delivery to the modules. For example, some traditional library implementations gang together direct current (DC) power outputs across the modules in a distributed power arrangement. To help ensure that all the modules turn on and off together (i.e., that a single main power switch can control power to all the modules), traditional implementations also include dedicated control lines connected to each power supply.

Power supply control across independently powered modules in a storage library


A bone plate system is provided which maintains intervertebral spacing and stability of a spine. In an embodiment, a bone plate system may include a base plate with an opening through which the fastener may be positioned to allow the fastener to be inserted into a human bone at a desired angle relative to the plate. Some embodiments of a bone plate system may include a base plate and an extender plate. An extender plate may be coupled to a base plate while the base plate is coupled to the bone.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to bone fixation systems. An embodiment of the invention relates to an extender plate that attaches to a previously inserted bone plate. The extender plate may allow for stabilization of an additional vertebral level or levels.
2. Description of Related Art
An intervertebral disc may be subject to degeneration caused by trauma, disease, and/or aging. The intervertebral disc that becomes degenerated may have to be partially or fully removed from a spinal column. Partial or full removal of the intervertebral disc may destabilize the spinal column. Destabilization of a spinal column may result in alteration of a natural separation distance between adjacent vertebrae. Maintaining the natural separation between vertebrae helps to prevent pressure from being applied to nerves that pass between vertebral bodies. Excessive pressure applied to the nerves may cause pain and/or nerve damage. During a spinal fixation procedure, a spinal implant may be inserted in a space created by the removal or partial removal of an intervertebral disc between adjacent vertebrae. The spinal implant may maintain the height of the spine and restore stability to the spine. Intervertebral bone growth may fuse the spinal implant to adjacent vertebrae.
A spinal implant may be inserted during a spinal fixation procedure using an anterior, lateral, or posterior spinal approach. In some situations, an anterior approach may result in an easier approach, less muscle and tissue damage, and/or less bone removal than other approaches.
A discectomy may be performed to remove or partially remove a defective or damaged intervertebral disc. The discectomy creates a disc space for a spinal implant. After a discectomy, the spinal implant may be inserted into the disc space. One or more spinal implants may be inserted between a pair of vertebrae. Spinal implants may be inserted into disc spaces prepared at multiple vertebral levels during a spinal fusion procedure.
A spinal plate may be coupled to vertebrae after insertion of the spinal implant. The spinal plate may stabilize the vertebrae and inhibit backout of the spinal implant from between vertebrae. A spinal plate may share a compressive load applied to the spinal implant or spinal implants inserted between vertebrae. Fasteners (e.g., bone screws) may be used to fasten the spinal plate to vertebrae. Spinal plates may be used to stabilize sections of cervical spine and/or sections of lumbar spine.
Fastening systems used to attach a spinal plate to vertebrae may attach the spinal plate to the vertebrae without allowing fasteners of the fastening systems to backout from the vertebrae. A fastening system may include a fastener and a ring. The ring may be positioned between the plate and the fastener. Backout of fasteners from the spinal plate may be inhibited without allowing the fasteners or the rings to immovably fix to the spinal plate. The ability to fasten the plate to the vertebrae without the fastening system immovably fixing to the plate may allow the position of the plate relative to the screws to change to accommodate for settling of the vertebrae. U.S. Pat. No. 6,331,179 to Freid et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 6,454,769 to Wagner et al., both of which are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein, describe bone plate systems.


A photoelectric conversion apparatus comprising a transistor having a main electrode area of one conductive type semiconductor and a control electrode area of an opposite conductive type semiconductor, and a capacitor for controlling the potential of the control electrode area in floating state in which carriers produced optically are stored in the control electrode area by controlling the potential of the control electrode area via the capacitor. The apparatus comprises a multilayered structure in which switching device for setting the control electrode area to a desired potential is formed on a layer different from that on which the transistor and capacitor are formed.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a photoelectric conversion apparatus having an electric charge storage area, the electric potential of which is controlled via a capacitor.
2. Related Background Art
FIG. 1A is a schematic plan view of one example of a photoelectric conversion apparatus disclosed in Laid-Open European Application No. 132076. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A--A' of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1C is an equivalent circuit diagram of the apparatus.
In FIGS. 1A and 1B, photoelectric conversion cells are arranged on an n-silicon substrate 101 in which each cell is electrically isolated from adjacent cells by a cell separation area 102 of SiO.sub.2, Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 or polysilicon or the like.
Each cell has the following structure: p-areas 104 and 105 are formed by doping p-type impurities, for example, of boron into an n.sup.- -area 103 of low impurity density formed using epitaxial techniques, or the like, and an n.sup.+ -area 106 is formed in p-area 104 using impurity diffusion techniques, ion implantation techniques or the like.
The p-areas 104 and 105 are a source and a drain area of a p-channel MOS transistor while p-areas 104 and n.sup.+ -106 are a base and an emitter, respectively, of an npn-bipolar transistor. The p-area 104 is both the source of the p-channel MOS transistor and the base of an npn-bipolar transistor.
Formed on n.sup.- -area 103, on which the respective areas are thus formed, is an oxide film 107 on which are formed the gate electrode 108 of a p-channel MOS transistor and a capacitor electrode 109 having a predetermined area. Capacitor electrode 109 opposes p-area 104 with oxide film 107 formed therebetween to form a capacitor.
In addition, an emitter electrode 110 connected to n.sup.+ -area 106, an electrode 111 connected to p-area 105 and a collector electrode 112 on the back of substrate 101 with an ohmic contact area disposed therebetween are formed.
The basic operation of this device will now be described. Assume first that the p-area 104 which is the base of the bipolar transistor is at an initial negative potential. Light enters p-area 104 to produce electron-positive hole pairs, the positive holes of which are stored in p-area 104 to raise the potential of p-area 104 in the positive direction.

Method for making a photoelectric conversion device using an amorphous nucleation site


A method of controlling a threshold for detecting peaks of physiological signals includes: obtaining a physiological signal measured from a person being examined; determining whether a peak of the physiological signals is detected based on a result of comparing the physiological signals with a threshold; and controlling the threshold based on a minimum threshold and either the threshold or a feature value of the detected peak based on a result of the determining. When a threshold for detecting peaks of physiological signals is controlled, even if an interval between the peaks is irregular or there is a large difference in values of the peaks, the peaks can be accurately detected.

1. Field
This application relates to methods and apparatuses for detecting physiological signals of persons to be examined.
2. Description of Related Art
Various methods of measuring and analyzing physiological signals used to diagnose patients have been used or developed. As interest in medical services for providing health management and chronic disease management in real time in everyday life by measuring physiological signals of persons to be examined increases, the importance of methods of measuring and analyzing physiological signals more precisely has been emphasized.
Among these physiological signals, electrocardiography (ECG) involves attaching electrodes to a human body and measuring action potentials that occur when a heart muscle contracts. Methods of measuring and analyzing ECG signals in order to examine the function of the heart and in order to diagnose various diseases have been widely used.
In order to calculate heart rates or in order to diagnose the occurrence of arrhythmia by analyzing ECG signals, a single P-Q-R-S-T waveform that occurs when the heart contracts once must first be detected. By detecting a single waveform, heart rates can be calculated by calculating an interval between waveforms, and by extracting a single waveform, arrhythmia can be diagnosed based on a shape of the single waveform. A method of detecting an R-waveform having the greatest size in the single P-Q-R-S-T waveform is usually used to detect the single waveform.

Apparatus and method of controlling threshold for detecting peaks of physiological signals