A method is described for handling services in a service providing network. The network comprises a serving network node connected to one or more application servers. The method comprises the steps of a first terminal comprising one or more services, preferably VoIP services, sending a registration message to the serving network node associated with the user terminal; providing the serving network node in response to the registration message, with service routing information associated with the first terminal, the service routing information arranged to prevent registration of the first terminal to services residing on the application servers and corresponding with one or more services in the first terminal.

Current service providing network systems, such as the IP Multimedia Subsystem as developed by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), are designed to provide IP Multimedia over mobile communication networks (3GPP TS 22.228, TS 23.218, TS 23.228, TS 24.228, TS 24.229, TS 29.228, TS 29.229, TS 29.328 and TS 29.329). For fixed broadband services, such as Voice over IP (VoIP), the ETSI TISPAN working group is further developing IMS (TS 29.229: IP Multimedia Call Control Protocol based on SIP and SD).
Within the IMS architecture the basic end-user subscription functions and the IP session management are decoupled from the specific VoIP service functions, e.g. number analysis, CLIP/R, Call Waiting, Call Barring, Call Waiting, etc. These services are handled within one or more application servers which reside in the network. IMS, which makes use of the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) to set up and control client-to-client call services and client-to-server call services, provides the delivery of reliable VoIP services which meet the requirements regarding Quality of Services (QoS) and the regulatory demands for routing, privacy, security and legal interception.
FIG. 1 is a schematic of the registration process of a user terminal (EU) 102 comprising a SIP client (SIP AU) 104 to an exemplary IMS system 100. The core of the IMS may be formed by a set of Call/Session Control Functions (CSCF) comprising amongst others an Proxy-CSCF (P-CSCF) 106, an Interrogating-CSCF (I-CSCF) 108 and an Serving-CSCF (S-CSCF) 110. These functions may perform different tasks within the IMS core.
The P-CSCF 106 is the first contact within the IMS core and routes a SIP message (e.g. SIP INVITE) to the S-CSCF of a user. The P-CSCF may obtain its routing information during the registration to the IMS system. The I-CSCF 108 is located at the edge of a domain and identifies the correct S-CSCF for each incoming SIP request and forwards the request to that S-CSCF via an P-CSCF. Its IP address is published in the DNS of the domain so that remote servers can find it. The S-CSCF 110 performs the session control services on the basis of the service profile of the user. It may also act as a SIP registrar thus forming an important component for accessing and billing of IMS services.
The service profile stored in the Home Subscriber Service (HSS) 114 may contain service routing information thus determining the routing of SIP messages that are either originated from or addressed to a particular client or server. The user service profile is transferred to the S-CSCF over Cx in a standardized XML format.
The registration process as depicted in FIG. 1 may be initiated by the first user terminal (UE) sending a SIP REGISTER message via a Session Border Controller (SBC) 112 and the P-CSCF to the I-CSCF (step 1). The SBC may be used to control the data streams within one or more call session, e.g. signaling streams controlling the call, and one or more media streams which carry the call's audio, video, or other data along with information concerning how that data is flowing across the network. The I-CSCF may assign a S-SCSC to the UE by requesting information related to the user registration status from the HSS (step 2). The HSS provides the S-CSCF the required information in order for the I-CSCF to select a suitable S-CSCF. The I-CSCF then forwards the REGISTER message to the selected S-CSCF (step 3). The S-CSCF thereafter authenticates the user and informs the HSS—after successful authentication—that the user is registered (step 4). In return, the HSS provides the S-CSCF with the service profile of the user (step 5). On the basis of the information in the user service profile, the S-CSCF then may register the user with one or more application servers by sending a REGISTER message to the application servers 116 identified by a set of initial Filter Criteria (iFC). These iFC's may be contained in the user service profile or in a separate database (step 6). This way each application server may receive specific user configuration information which is needed for delivering a service hosted on the application server to the user.
An iFC may comprise information which determines whether or not a SIP message should be routed to a service located in a particular application server. The iFC may be defined in the standard in paragraph B.2.2 of document TS 129 228, which is hereby incorporated by reference in this application. An iFC may comprise a Trigger Point, i.e. a Boolean flag determined by a set of conditions and the SIP URI of an application server the SIP request should be routed to in case a received SIP message fulfils the condition(s) set by the Trigger point (Trigger point is TRUE), In case the Trigger Point is FALSE, the SIP message will not be routed to the application server comprising the service identified in the iFC. One or more Trigger Points are also referred to as trigger point information.
FIG. 2 provides a schematic of a VoIP call session (after registration) involving an originating call service (number normalization). A first user terminal UE-A and second user terminal UE-B (202,204) may be registered to a first IMS core and second IMS core respectively (206,208). Each user terminal may comprise a SIP client and has an associated S-CSCF (210,212), which is registered to one or more applications servers (214,216).
The call session may be initiated by the first user terminal UE-A 202 sending an SIP INVITE to the second user terminal UE-B 204. The SIP INVITE is routed via the SBC and the P-CSCF to the S-CSCF serving UE-A (step 1). The header of the SIP message may contain the requested URI (R-URI) of the called party UE-B at the terminating side.
Thereafter the S-CSCF of UE-A may execute the service profile of UE-A containing a set of services to which UE-A is subscribed to and which determines which services in the one or more application servers should be "included" during the establishment of the SIP session. In this case the SIP message is routed to a VoIP service: number normalization service, which transforms the local number 3434343 into a normalized number +31703434343 format (step 2). Hence, the normalization service replaces the original R-URI: 3434343 in the SIP header section by a modified R-URI: +31703434343 comprising the normalized telephone number (step 3).
The modified R-URI may be resolved using ENUM and DNS 218 in an URI of an I-CSCF of the IMS network of UE-B (step 4). Thereafter, the I-CSCF forwards the SIP message on the basis of the information retrieved from the HSS to the S-CSCF serving UE-B (step 6). The S-CSCF of UE-B may execute (in a similar way as described above in relation with the S-CSCF serving UE-A) the service profile of UE-B comprising a list of iFCs corresponding to a set of services, which UE-B is subscribed to. Depending on the service profile, the S-CSCF may route the SIP message via an application server in which a number of VoIP call services are located, to UE-B. Alternatively, the service in the application server may be a terminating service acting as an endpoint for the SIP request or an intermediate (forwarding) service, e.g. Call Forwarding, wherein the S-CSCF routes the SIP message to yet another (third) user terminal UE-C.
Although IMS enables a large amount of multimedia services, it also has disadvantages, especially within the context of VoIP. Within the IMS standard, VoIP is only described in combination with the use of application servers in the network. The application servers hosting the VoIP services however may require configuration data for each service. Further, the basic call flow in FIG. 2, clearly illustrates that the establishment of a call session requires a substantial amount of SIP messaging to be exchanged between the various clients and servers involved. Moreover, the capacity of the application servers is dependent on the number of subscribers to the services, while the capacity of IMS system scales with the volume of data traffic. Hence, the dimensioning of the network resources in such conventional IMS system is complex and based on forecasts of the VoIP service behavior of the users is needed. In addition an operator may want to differentiate between subscribers that do not wish to use (all) the VoIP services provided via IMS application services, for example because their terminals have these capabilities, and those that do want the VoIP services. It may even be beneficial to be able to offer different subscriptions depending on the amount of network services a user (identity) is subscribed to.

Preventing registration of a terminal to services in a service providing network


An apparatus for screen printing on a thin, curved steel hybrid board includes a receiving frame having a nest for seating the board therein; and a magnet accommodated in the receiving frame for maintaining the board in a flattened state during the screen printing operation.

This invention relates to a method and an apparatus for screen printing on thin, curved steel hybrid plates, particularly circuit boards (cards) which are seated in a screen printing nest.
The manufacture of circuit boards from steel hybrid plates, that is, from a plate-like steel substrate which has a thickness of between approximately 0.5 to 6 mm and which is coated with an electrically insulating inorganic material, such as glass, ceramic, enamel or glass-ceramic is known by itself.
It is a frequent occurrence during the firing of the insulating layer or layers that the thin circuit boards undergo a bending deformation. Although this can be counteracted by using a thicker board, such a solution, however, is generally not desirable because of the increased cost and weight of the circuit boards. Further, a thicker metal sheet may cause problems during the firing process.
Further, although it is feasible to print on a curved plate with a curved die, such a printing method is often not sufficiently accurate because a die printing allows layer thicknesses only up to 10 .mu.m whereas significantly greater thicknesses can be achieved with screen printing. Thus, on printed circuit boards often conductor strips having a width in the order of magnitude of 50 .mu.m are printed so that in case of curved plates accuracy problems concerning the contour and the conductor thickness are encountered because the printing screen and the foils for making the printing screen are planar.

Method and apparatus for screen printing


An abdominal exerciser has a base (10), a pulling frame (20), seat assembly (30), a step device (40) and multiple actuating linkages. The pulling frame (20), the seat assembly (30) and the step device (40) are pivotally connected to the base (10) and to each other by the multiple actuating linkages. Thereby, the abdominal the step device (40) and the seat assembly (30) are pivoted toward the pulling frame (20) by the actuating linkage when the pulling frame (20) is pulled down to cause a person to bend to exercise and tone the abdominal muscles.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an abdominal exerciser, and more particularly to an abdominal exerciser on which a user seats to perform a bending movement and efficiently tone the muscle of abdomen.
2. Description of Related Art
People in modern times pay much attention to their health and to keeping their bodies in good shape. Therefore, various indoor exercisers have been invented, produced and sold in the market. General exercisers such as treadmill, exercise bikes and steppers are available so a person can tone his or her body, and each kind exerciser is used to exercise and train a specific part of the body.
Even though various types of exercisers have been invented, an exerciser for training abdominal muscles is rare. People usually do sit-ups on a flat surface without any auxiliary equipment or use an inclined bench to make the sit-ups more strenuous than simply doing sit-ups on a flat surface.
The auxiliary equipment for sit-ups is basically the previously mentioned inclined bench mounted on a base. People lie on the bench with their legs elevated to perform the sit-ups, and the inclined angle of the bench increase the difficulty of the sit-ups exercise. Although the training efficiency of the sit-up exercise is increased significantly, performing sit-ups on an inclined bench is often too difficult for a beginner. Additionally, when practices the sit-up exercise, users have to stick their feet and only push upper body above the waist close to the feet that causes overload to the spine (especially at the neck) and easily causes injury when sitting up from a prone position to a sitting position.
The present invention has arisen to mitigate or obviate the disadvantages of the conventional fitting exerciser of inclined bench.
The main objective of the present invention is to provide a novel abdominal exerciser that is operated in a bending movement to efficiently train muscle of the abdomen.
Further benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after a careful reading of the detailed description with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings.


Various user interfaces and other technologies for seamlessly transitioning between calls of different types can be implemented. The technologies can be implemented to give the impression of a single call that is upgraded from one call type to another. A new application can register so that an appropriate user interface control appears for activation when seamless call transition is possible. Transitioning for third party applications can thus be supported. Cross-platform implementations can be supported.

Mobile phones now have functionality and applications that provide a wide variety of communication modes. For example, a single device can now support conventional phone calls, Voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP) calls, video calls, and the like. However, such functionality has not been particularly well integrated, and new users may not even be aware that such functionality is available to them.
Because users can face hurdles when attempting to take advantage of different communication modes, there remains room for improvement.


Provided are methods for determining the amount of total thiamine in a body fluid sample using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Total thiamine is converted to free thiamine by treatment with an acid phosphatase prior to thiamine separation and quantification.

Thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, is a water-soluble vitamin that exists in the body as free thiamine and in one of several phosphorylated forms including thiamine monophosphate (ThMP), thiamine pyrophosphate (ThPP), thiamine triphosphate (ThTP), and adenosine thiamine triphosphate (AThTP). In human body, the primary vitamin B1 in serum and plasma is free thiamine while ThPP predominates in cellular components, for example blood cells. ThMP and ThTP only exist in very limited amounts (under detection level) in body fluid. The AThTP was recently discovered in Escherichia coli (Nature Chemical Biology 3, 211-212, 2007). Its existence and significance in human have not been reported at present.
Thiamine and its derivatives play an important role in the metabolism of lipids and carbohydrates. ThPP, also known as thiamine diphosphate (ThDP), is the major biologically active form of thiamine and is a required coenzyme for a number of enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism and nervous system function including the biosynthesis of lipids and acetylcholine. Thiamine-requiring enzymes include, for example, pyruvate dehydrogenase, α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase, transketolase, and 2-hydroxyphytaoyl-CoA lyase.
Thiamine in food is easily decomposed by heat and particularly under alkaline conditions. After oral ingestion, thiamine is readily absorbed by both active transportation at low concentrations (<5 mg/dL) and passive diffusion at higher concentration levels. Phosphorylation in the jejunal mucosa produces ThPP.
Thiamine deficiency is frequently caused either by an inadequate intake of thiamine-rich foods (e.g., peas, spinach, liver, beef, and bananas), impaired absorption (genetic), over consumption of thiaminase-rich foods (e.g., raw fish and shellfish) or food high in anti-thiamine factors (e.g., tea and coffee), general malnutrition, or alcoholism. Thiamine deficiency results in a variety of diseases with a myriad of symptoms affecting virtually every system in the body. Beriberi, for example, is a condition induced by thiamine deficiency which is characterized by peripheral neuropathy resulting in abnormal reflexes, diminished sensation, muscle pain and weakness, and seizures. "Wet" beriberi affects the cardiovascular system, with peripheral edema and tachycardia due to congestive heart failure. The cerebral form of the disease may result in Wernicke's encephalopathy, Korsakoff's psychosis, or Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome.

Mass spectrometry method for measuring thiamine in body fluid

Quest Diagnostics Investments Incorporated


Methods for supporting user data input are presented including receiving a page for display on a display unit, wherein the page includes a number of input fields; receiving a number of input support functions, where each of the number of input support functions is associated with each of the number of input fields; generating an alternative field for receiving the user data input; detecting an input field in accordance with a user selection; setting one of the input support functions associated with the input field to the alternative field; entering user data input into the alternative field; and copying the user data input entered into the alternative field to the input fields. In some embodiments, methods further include generating a tab index, where the tab index is configured to move the alternative field to a next input field in response to a tab key stroke.

It is possible to set various input support functions to an input field displayed on a web page. For example, one input support function enables a numeric entered into an input field to be displayed with a comma every three digits. Another input support function enables only alphabetical characters to be accepted without accepting numerics, symbols and the like. These input support functions improve the user friendliness and prevents input error.

Technique for supporting user data input

Internaional Business Machines Corporation


A mounting support for mounting an object, such as a light, flashlight or the like, to a mounting surface is disclosed. The support comprises a body to which may be coupled the object, at least two legs projecting from the body, the legs comprising opposed divergently arcuate inner surfaces each providing at least one abutment point for abutting the legs upon the mounting surface, and a fastener for maintaining the abutment. The object or light may be integrally, fixedly, pivotally or otherwise coupled to the body.

Known mounting supports for use in mounting an object, such as a light, to a given surface are generally confined to specifically adapted supports usable only for specific surface types and shapes. Generally, a given support is adapted for mounting an object to a specific surface having a predefined shape. Selecting the wrong support for a given object, or again manufacturing a given product to include a pre-selected mounting support often results in mounting incompatibilities between the selected support and the surface upon which it is desired to mount the object in question.


An apparatus including a spin torque oscillator configured to receive an input electric current and to produce a radio frequency output signal; and a tunable current source for providing an input electric current to the spin torque oscillator.

Although radio frequency synthesizers currently exist that are capable of producing electric current that oscillates at a radio frequencies, they suffer from some disadvantages.
Some are not capable of operating over broad frequency ranges. Some are not capable of quickly switching between different frequencies. Other are bulky or difficult to integrate with other technologies used in radio systems.


An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler for cooling exhaust gas includes at least one channel configured to allow the exhaust gas to flow through it, and a casing defining a cooling chamber around the at least one channel. The cooling chamber is configured to enable heat transfer between the exhaust gas and the coolant. The at least one channel has an interior surface and an exterior surface made of a first metal and a second metal, respectively, and configured to be in contact with the exhaust gas and the coolant, respectively. The second metal has a higher thermal conductivity than the first metal. The casing includes a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet configured to enable the coolant to enter and exit the cooling chamber, and an exhaust gas inlet and an exhaust gas outlet configured to enable the exhaust gas to enter and exit the at least one channel.

Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is a technique employed with internal combustion engines to reduce nitric oxides (NOx) in the engine's exhaust gas and improve fuel economy. In EGR systems, a portion of the exhaust gas is recirculated to the intake manifold of the engine where the exhaust gas displaces the amount of combustible matter or oxygen normally inducted into the engine, thereby reducing the rate of NOx formation. In addition, many EGR systems implement an EGR cooler in which a coolant, either liquid or air, is used as a cooling medium to cool the exhaust gas. This results in lower combustion chamber temperatures, which in turn increases the effectiveness of the EGR system in reducing the NOx formation. The components of the EGR cooler are often made of the same material, such as stainless steel.

Exhaust gas recirculation cooler, system, and method thereof


A system and method for generating word alignments from pairs of aligned text strings are provided. A corpus of text strings provides pairs of text strings, primarily sentences, in source and target languages. A first alignment between a text string pair creates links therebetween. Each link links a single token of the first text string to a single token of the second text string. A second alignment also creates links between the text string pair. In some cases, these links may correspond to bi-phrases. A modified first alignment is generated by selectively modifying links in the first alignment which include a word which is infrequent in the corpus, based on links generated in the second alignment. This results in removing at least some of the links for the infrequent words, allowing more compact and better quality bi-phrases, with higher vocabulary coverage, to be extracted for use in a machine translation system.

The present exemplary embodiment is directed to the field of machine translation. It finds particular application in connection with the translation of words which are used infrequently in a parallel corpus of text used for building a machine translation system.
Out-of-vocabulary (OOV) words are a problem faced by machine translation (MT) systems. Even when translating test sets similar in nature to a system's training data, there will almost always be at least a small number of source-language words for which the system can produce no target-language translation. Current practice varies on the treatment given to OOV words in the output of an MT system. They may be simply passed along into the output, deleted from the output, looked up in another translation or system resource, or handled through a variety of on-the-fly techniques such as attempted spelling correction or synonym substitution.
Phrase-based statistical machine translation (SMT) systems employ a phrase table as a central resource. This is a probabilistic dictionary associating short sequences of words in two languages. When translating from a source to a target language, the phrase table is accessed to retrieve a set of bi-phrases, each of which includes a target phrase which matches part of a source sentence or other text string. The retrieved bi-phrases are input to a scoring model, which outputs an optimal translation of the source sentence using a subset of the retrieved bi-phrases.
The phrase table is often obtained by first aligning a parallel corpus at the level of the individual words. This alignment often relies on a tool called GIZA++. GIZA++ is a statistical machine translation toolkit that is used to train IBM statistical translation models (Models 1-5) and an HMM word alignment model. A further procedure then extracts phrase pairs (bi-phrases) and inserts them in a phrase table, together with the appropriate frequency statistics. The Moses system is the most common package for phrase extraction and decoding in statistical machine translation. For a description of the GIZA++ system, see, Franz Josef Och and Hermann Ney. A Systematic Comparison of Various Statistical Alignment Models. Computational Linguistics, 29(1):19-51, 2003 (hereinafter, Och and Ney). For a description of IBM statistical translation models, see Peter F. Brown, Stephen A. Della Pietra, Vincent J. Della Pietra, and Robert L. Mercer. The Mathematics of Statistical Machine Translation: Parameter Estimation. Computational Linguistics, 19(2):263-311, 1993 (hereinafter Brown, et al.). The Moses system is described in Philipp Koehn, et al. Moses: Open Source Toolkit for Statistical Machine Translation. Proc. ACL 2007 Demo and Poster Sessions, pages 177-180, Prague, Czech Republic, 2007 (hereinafter Koehn, et al. 2007).
In the standard GIZA++ word alignment of Och and Ney, the frequency of a word can have a large impact on its alignment results. It is often difficult to obtaining precise alignments for low-frequency words under the IBM models implemented in GIZA++.
It has now been observed that a significant fraction of out-of-vocabulary words (i.e., words in the source language that an SMT system is unable to translate) in a phrase-based SMT system do occur in the training data, but they are lost while the system is being built because of imprecise rare-word alignment during the standard GIZA++ stage.
The exemplary embodiment provides a system and method which improves the initial word-to-word alignment process, such as that output by GIZA++.

Word alignment method and system for improved vocabulary coverage in statistical machine translation


An enclosure for use with a gravity fed fluid dispensing system includes a housing with a base member and a cover member that is movably connected with the base member. The base member and cover member define an interior chamber for receiving a bottle. An actuator is movably connected with the housing and arranged to rotate the bottle within the housing.

The present invention relates generally to fluid dispensing and, more particularly, to a gravity fed fluid dispensing system.
Gravity fed fluid dispensing systems are known in the prior art. U.S. Pat. No. 5,425,404 (Dyer), for example, discloses a gravity based system for accurately dispensing a fluid and for mixing the fluid with another fluid. The system includes a bottle containing a quantity of the fluid. The bottle may be inverted and engaged with a dispenser assembly. The system is constructed so that the bottle is opened to allow the fluid to flow through the system when the bottle is engaged with the system, and to close the bottle when not engaged with the system. A second fluid may be introduced into the system and mixed with the first fluid in a controlled manner to dilute the first fluid

Enclosure for use with a gravity fed fluid dispensing system


An gaming system includes a display device, an input device, and a game controller. When the game controller determines that a condition is met, the game controller modifies a plurality of of symbols selected for display to include a prize awarding symbol. When the game controller determines that a designated condition is met, the game controller modifies the prize awarding symbol to reveal an award. The game controller evaluates the plurality of symbols to determine an award amount.

In spinning reel games on electronic gaming systems such as "slot" gaming machines, symbols are selected for display on a display of the machine on respective symbol display positions before the displayed symbols are then evaluated by a game controller of the machine to determine whether there is any winning combination or combinations in the display symbols. If the game controller determines that there is a winning combination or combinations, a prize is awarded for each winning combination.
A need exists for alternative gaming systems.

Gaming machine having modifiable symbols and prize awarding symbols

Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited


An electromechanical system (MEMS) accelerometer is described. The MEMS accelerometer may be configured to sense linear acceleration along one, two or three axes, and to sense angular acceleration about one, two or three axes. As such, the MEMS accelerometer may serve as 2-axis, 3-axis, 4-axis, 5-axis or 6-axis inertial accelerometer. In some embodiments, the MEMS accelerometer may comprise a single mass connected to at least one anchor via a plurality of tethers. In other embodiments, the MEMS accelerometer may comprise a proof mass connected to at least one anchor via a plurality of tethers and one or more shuttle masses connected to the proof mass via a second plurality of tethers. Rotational and linear motion of the MEMS accelerometer may be sensed using capacitive sensors.

MEMS accelerometers include one or more proof masses for detecting acceleration. For example, some MEMS accelerometers include a proof mass configured to move in-plane for detecting acceleration in the plane of the proof mass, while other MEMS accelerometers include a proof mass configured to move out-of-plane for detecting acceleration perpendicular to the plane of the proof mass. Acceleration can be detected using capacitive sensors coupled to the proof mass.

Integrated linear and angular MEMS accelerometers


A combination control and check valve assembly for a wet piping system includes a control valve in the form of a ball valve and a one-way check valve mounted within the flow pathway of the ball valve. A valve actuation assembly is mounted to the valve assembly to selectively rotate the ball valve between the open and closed positions thereof. The valve actuation assembly is mounted to a first side of the valve assembly and rotationally fixed to the ball, whereby rotation of the valve actuation assembly rotates the ball between the open and closed positions. A side opening is formed in a second side of the valve assembly that is angularly spaced from the first side. The side opening is positioned to align with the fluid flow pathway of the ball valve in the closed position thereof to provide access to the check valve.

The present invention is generally directed to a fluid flow valve assembly, and, more particularly, to a valve assembly for a sprinkler wet standpipe used to monitor and control water released to downstream sprinklers of a fire suppression sprinkler system.
Fire suppression sprinkler systems designed for protection of commercial and non-commercial properties include some combination or all of a control valve, a check valve, a water flow detection switch, a test valve, a drain valve and a pressure relief valve. A control valve is utilized to allow water flow to the sprinklers downstream thereof to be selectively shut off, e.g., for maintenance purposes. A check valve permitting fluid flow therethrough in one direction but preventing fluid flow therethrough in an opposing direction retains fluid and pressure downstream in the fire protection system so that during periods such as supply side system maintenance, fluid and pressure are retained in the system downstream of the check valve. A flow detection switch is utilized at least to sound an alarm when the sprinklers are activated. A test valve is utilized for testing of the sprinkler system and a drain valve is utilized for draining the sprinkler system, e.g., also for maintenance related purposes. A pressure relief valve is utilized to ensure that the water pressure within the sprinkler system does not surpass a safe level.
These items are available individually from various commercial suppliers. Conventionally, the test and drain valves, the pressure relief valve and the water flow detection switch are mounted separately to respective conduits along a large manifold/network of piping proximate the control valve and/or check valve during installation of sprinkler systems. Consequently, the manifold of piping of the sprinkler system has a relatively large footprint, is costly to manufacture and is both time consuming, complicated and costly to assemble. As one example, the largest sprinkler system control valves (eight inches or more in diameter), in combination with the piping manifold, conduits and accessories mounted thereon, typically weigh several hundred pounds.
Moreover, in order to comply with certification and licensure requirements, automatic fire sprinkler systems are required to be periodically inspected and tested in accordance with the industry accepted standards set by the National Fire Protection Association ("NFPA"). One such inspection is an inspection of the check valve every five years, ensuring free movement of the moving valve component(s); inspecting the valve seat for damage which could permit water leakage and checking the overall internal health of the valve. Often the check valve must be removed in order to perform the inspection and/or for replacement. As the check valve is positioned in the water flow pathway, drainage of the entire system prior to testing becomes necessary, which is very cumbersome.
Moreover, dissolved oxygen, i.e., the volume of oxygen contained in water, is a corrosive agent, and the concentration of dissolved oxygen is directly proportional to the corrosion rate of metal. Oxygen enters water, in part, by the transfer of oxygen across the air-water interface. Therefore, draining the water within a sprinkler system, which has been exposed to less oxygen, in order to test the check valve and then re-introducing fresh water into the sprinkler system thereafter effectively replaces water having a lower dissolved oxygen concentration with water having a greater dissolved oxygen concentration, adding to the overall corrosion rate of internal components of the sprinkler system over time.
Therefore, it would be advantageous to manufacture a control valve assembly having a compact footprint, with the control valve and the check valve, the flow detection switch, the test valve, the drain valve and an adjustable pressure relief module, or some combination thereof, thereby eliminating the large manifold of piping and the associated footprint, as well as minimizing the cost and time of manufacture and complex assembly thereof. It would be further advantageous to manufacture such a control valve assembly with the ability to isolate and access the check valve in the water flow path, enabling inspection and/or maintenance thereof without requiring drainage of the entire system.

Combination control and check valve assembly for a wet piping system


A drilling tool for drilling a wellbore in a formation, where the drilling tool includes: a drill bit comprising a cutting element, a sensor array, and a controller. The sensor array includes: an acoustic emissions (AE) sensor configured to measure an acoustic signal generated during drilling of the formation by the cutting element and a load sensor configured to measure an applied load by the cutting element on the formation. The controller is communicably connected to the sensor array and configured to determine a toughness of the cutting element using the acoustic signal, the applied load, and a wear state.

A cutting element is a tool or other implement used for separating or grinding another material. Some examples of a cutting element are a drill bit, a saw, a fly cutter, a knife, a lathe, a side cutter, a face cutter, a milling cutter, a grinding wheel, a hobbing cutter, and the plurality of cutters attached to an oil and gas drill bit, for example, a polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bit. A cutting element may be formed of one or more solid materials, including ceramics (for example, diamond including polycrystalline diamond compact, cemented carbides such as tungsten carbide, cubic boron nitride, aluminum oxide, silicon nitride, or SiAlONs), metals (for example, tool steel, high-speed steel, high-speed cobalt steel, cobalt, or titanium), or composites (for example, cermet). Cutting elements may also be partially or fully coated with one or more materials to change the properties of the surface. Such coating materials may include black oxide (such as magnetite), tin nitride, titanium carbonitride, titanium aluminum nitride, diamond, zirconium nitride, aluminum-chromium silicon nitride, or aluminum magnesium boride (Al3Mg3B56).
It is important for many industrial processes, such as machining or oil and gas drilling, to measure and monitor the mechanical properties of a cutting element. One test frequently performed is a wear test. Wear testing involves cutting a hard material with a cutting element, measuring wear on the cutting element generated during cutting, and using the generated wear to quantify the wear resistance of the cutting element. A wear test may be performed for many reasons, including to scientifically study the properties of novel cutting tool materials, to spot-test a batch of cutting tools, or to measure the properties of a cutting tool prior to deployment such as downhole.
While wear testing is destructive, it may not always be performed to the failure of the cutting tool. Furthermore, because wear testing causes damage to the cutting element, it may be useful to measure additional properties of the cutting tool during a wear test.

Real-time polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bit condition evaluation using acoustic emission technology during downhole drilling


A reactor for the autorefrigerant alkylation process has a reactor vessel with a lower end inlet for the refrigerant reactant and the sulfuric acid and a series of inlets for the olefin reactant at vertically spaced intervals. A flow path for the reactants is provided by co-acting baffles which define sequential reaction zones. The baffles interact with a rotary mixer with multiple impellers to provide agitation. Outlets for the vaporized refrigerant and the reaction effluent are provided at the upper end of the vessel. In the alkylation process, the liquid isoparaffin hydrocarbon reactant/refrigerant with a sulfuric acid alkylation catalyst is introduced into the lower end and passed along the extended reactant flow path with the olefin reactant introduced at intervals along the path. The reaction mixture flows in the sequence of serial reaction zones within the reactor to promote mixing of the isoparaffin reactant with the acid catalyst.

One of the common petroleum refinery processes for the upgrading of light ends to high octane gasoline is the isoparaffin-olefin alkylation process in which an isoparaffin, usually isobutene is alkylated with a light olefin, usually propylene, butene or mixtures of the two, to produce a high octane liquid product in the gasoline boiling range. The alkylate product is considered a premium gasoline blending component due to its high octane, low RVP, low sulfur content and low distillation T90 point. Two major isoparaffin-olefin alkylation process have become widely accepted in the refining industry, the sulfuric acid process and the hydrofluoric acid (HF) process which, while fundamentally similar, possess different characteristics arising from the different abilities of the two acids to catalyze the alkylation reaction. These two processes are by now well established in the refining industry and each is recognized as having its own technical and economic advantages and problems.
Current worldwide gasoline demand, along with more stringent environmental limitations, are driving refineries to expand and consider new alkylation units. While the process economics may in many cases favor the HF process, economics alone may not always be the determining factor and sulfuric acid alkylation has retained a major portion of the alkylation capacity in the industry. Many of the new projects are likely to choose sulfuric acid as catalyst as a result of perceptions concerning the safety and environmental concerns about HF alkylation in spite of its excellent plant safety and environmental record. Solid acid catalyst technology, while attractive in principle, is, however, quite far from being sufficiently well established for widespread commercial acceptance, leaving sulfuric acid as a currently viable option. in spite of reactor reliability issues, especially with rotating equipment and internals.
There are two major variants of the sulfuric acid alkylation process which differ principally in the means used to remove the heat of the alkylation reaction. The DuPont™ Stratco™ process, the dominant process also known as the effluent refrigeration process, uses a liquid full reactor/acid settler system in which the heat of reaction is removed by an internal tube bundle, making the reactor resemble a shell-and-tube type heat exchanger although with an agitator which is used to secure good contact between the acid and the hydrocarbon reactants. Control of the pressure in the flash drum maintains the contents of the reactor in the liquid phase at by appropriate control, the temperature of the reactant mixture is kept at a desired value. The autorefrigerant process pioneered by Esso (now ExxonMobil), by contrast, uses a reactor in which the heat of reaction is removed by operation at a pressure at which a portion of the hydrocarbon charge boils. The reactor used in the autorefrigerant process conventionally comprises a single horizontal vessel divided into mixing chambers with one to two separate pressure zones. Plug flow is achieved by cascade operation with the refrigerant and sulfuric acid being admitted at one end of the contactor and the olefin being introduced progressively in the mixing chambers by means of spargers with vigorous mixing provided by driven impellers or, in certain cases, eductor type mixers. The reactant mixture and acid catalyst passes from chamber to chamber over weirs and through a pressure let down between the two pressure zones. Vaporization of the refrigerant removes the heat of reaction and very low temperatures can be achieved while operating at low pressure.
Considering the available options for sulfuric acid alkylation, the main technical disadvantages of the Stratco contactor can be summarized as the following: liquid phase operation requires higher pressure than autorefrigerated reactors and therefore it operates at a higher temperature which promotes secondary reactions; the hydrodynamics in the contactor consist of high velocity pumping of liquid by the single mixer required to create high liquid velocities over the heat exchanger tubes. As a result, the emulsion is subjected to very high energy dissipation locally in the region of the mixer blades and low energy dissipation everywhere else; the compressor energy requirement is between 15 and 20% higher than with autorefrigerated systems; the capacity of a contactor is typically 1200 to 2000 BPD (about 1900-3200 hl/day) of alkylate. Therefore, a typical unit will require between 5 and 8 reactors; and each reactor needs its own settler, pumps, and control system.
With the autorefrigerant process, most units require only one reactor and settler. However, there are some disadvantages: Vessels can get very large: 12 -15 ft (about 3.6-4.5 m.) diameter and over 100 ft (about 30 m.) in length; long residence times affect alkylate quality due to alkylate decomposition reactions; multiple mixing zones require multiple mixers, motors, and gearboxes which has an effect on maintenance and reliability control resources; the horizontal configuration is considered less efficient in terms of volume utilization; and the large sizes make it less competitive for units smaller than 10 kBD (about 15900 hl/Day) whereas many refineries will normally be satisfied by a capacity of 5-10 kBD (about 8000-16000 hl/day).
Given the continued viability of the autorefrigerant sulfuric acid alkylation process, it would be desirable to incorporate improvements which negate or offset at least some of the disadvantages mentioned above.
The present invention is concerned with improvements to the autorefrigerant alkylation process. Accordingly, in this specification, the term "alkylation" is used to refer to the isoparaffin-olefin alkylation process of the petroleum refining industry in which a light olefin (C2-C6, usually C3-C4) is used to alkylate a light isoparaffin (C4-C6, usually isobutane) to produce a liquid alkylation product which is predominantly in the gasoline boiling range. The autorefrigerant alkylation process, referred to as such in this specification is the alkylation process in which heat of the alkylation reaction is removed by vaporization of a reactant hydrocarbon refrigerant. Exemplary patents describing variants of the autorefrigeration alkylation process include U.S. Pat. No. 2,429,205 (Jenny); U.S. Pat. No. 2,768,987 (Hart); U.S. Pat. No. 2,903,344 (Rollman); U.S. Pat. No. 3,170,002 (Kelso); U.S. Pat. No. 2,852,581 (Stiles); U.S. Pat. No. 2,859,259 (Stiles) and U.S. Pat. No. 2,920,124 (Stiles).

Process for isoparaffin olefin alkylation

ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company


An improved help system for a user interface of a computer program uses a mask with one or more cutouts to focus a user's attention to the cutout portion(s) and uses the mask to display dynamically positioned help information, such as roll over hints, in the available space on the mask. An intelligent placement algorithm is used to control placement of the help information to avoid overlaps among the help information displayed on the mask. The portions of the user interface (UI) under the mask not selectable while under the one or more masks and the other portions of the UI are selectable while in the one or more cutouts. The roll over hints can be similar to coach marks that include arrows that point from the help information on the mask to an associated UI command in a cutout.

This application relates to the field of user interfaces for computer programs, and more specifically relates to the field of help systems for user interfaces of computer programs.
Help systems for computer programs include systems that display help information as a user moves the cursor and help systems that display panels (in separate windows) that contain help information that resemble a user manual. Also, there are help systems that provide coach marks. These systems tend to be constrained by the amount of available screen space. Moreover, these systems are not fully responsive to how a user interacts with the program while the help system is active.


A new and distinct variety of ×Miltonidium plant named ‘CAMBLAJE’, particularly characterized by having dark red flowers with a large dark red, light pink and white lip, 1-3 peduncles, a peduncle that is long and sturdy, leaves that are lanceolate and elongated to very elongated, and is propagated by meristem tissue culture is disclosed.

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of ×Miltonidium plant, botanically known as ×Miltonidium of the Orchidaceae family, and hereinafter referred to by the cultivar name 'CAMBLAJE'.
Miltonia, Odontoglossum, Oncidium and Brassia and some other genera are a complex group of orchid species that are easily hybridized. The boundaries between the genera have been under discussion for the last several decades. According to the most recent classification by Pridgeon, Cribb, Chase and Rasmussen (Genera Orchidacearum), the plant herein described is most likely a complex hybrid between Miltonia and Oncidium species, hence called a ×Miltonidium.
All ×Miltonidium plants exhibit a sympodial growth habit. The species typically have 4 to 6 leaves per mature pseudobulb: most of the time one lanceolate leaf with an acute apex grown on the apex of the pseudobulb and four leaves grown from the axis at the base (sympodial growth); two leaves on each side. The peduncles vary in size from 20-90 cm.
×Miltonidium orchids are used as flowering potted-plants for home or interiorscape. ×Miltonidium produces upright or pendent lateral racemes or panicles, often with many showy flowers which open in succession beginning with the lowermost. The flowers possess three sepals and two petals; the lateral ones being alike and a peculiar labellum. Flower colors include various shades of pink, white, yellow, and red-brown.
×Miltonidium orchids are typically propagated from tissue culture. Asexual propagation of ×Miltonidium is often done from off-shoots which arise from the lower bracts of the inflorescence. The resulting plants are detached from the mother plants and may be planted in a suitable substrate.
The new ×Miltonidium 'CAMBLAJE' is particularly characterized by its attractive and unique dark red flowers with a large dark red, light pink and white lip, economical propagation by tissue culture, early flowering, and a plant dimension suitable for packaging and shipping to the market.
'CAMBLAJE' is a product of a planned breeding program conducted by the inventor in Bleiswijk, The Netherlands.
The new ×Miltonidium 'CAMBLAJE' originated from a cross made by the inventor in July 2004 in Bleiswijk, The Netherlands. The female parent is a red-brown ×Miltonidium pot plant named '60000-0081' (unpatented) and the male parent is a brown-green Oncidium pot plant named '60000-0061' (unpatented). A single plant was selected by the inventor from within the progeny of the stated cross-pollination in a controlled greenhouse in Bleiswijk, The Netherlands in April 2008.
Asexual reproduction of 'CAMBLAJE' by meristem tissue culture since 2010 in Bleiswijk, The Netherlands has demonstrated that the new variety reproduces true to type with all of the characteristics, as herein described, firmly fixed and retained through successive generations.
Plant Breeder's Rights for this variety have been applied for in Europe on Mar. 18, 2016. 'CAMBLAJE' has not been made publicly available or sold anywhere in the world more than one year prior to the filing date of this application.


Disclosed is an assay result reading apparatus, for reading the result of an assay, comprising: a) first and second control thresholds; b) a data processing means for processing an analyte measurement signal indicative of the presence and/or amount of an analyte; and for processing a control signal indicative of whether the assay has been carried out satisfactorily; to: up until a time t1 after commencement of the assay measurement, to compare the control signal with the first control threshold and determine that the assay has been carried out satisfactorily if the control signal exceeds or is equal to the first control threshold, and if the control signal is less than the first control threshold to continue the assay measurement; and at a time t>t1 to compare the control signal with a second control threshold and provide an assay result if the control signal exceeds or is equal to the second control threshold.

Simple lateral flow immunoassay devices have been developed and commercialised for detection of analytes in fluid samples, see for example EP291194. Such devices typically comprise a porous carrier comprising a dried mobilisable labelled binding reagent capable of binding to the analyte in question, and an immobilised binding reagent also capable of binding to the analyte provided at a detection zone downstream from the labelled binding reagent. Detection of the immobilised labelled binding at the detection zone provides an indication of the presence of analyte in the sample. The assay device may additionally incorporate a control zone to indicate that the test has been carried out satisfactorily. The control zone is typically positioned downstream from the detection zone and may comprise an immobilised binding reagent for a labelled binding reagent.
EP1484613 discloses an electronic assay device for the determination of an analyte comprising an optical detection means wherein said assay measures signals from an analyte measurement zone over time with respect to one or more thresholds and provides a result to the user.
A sandwich immunoassay is often the immunoassay assay of choice when detecting analytes. However, a sandwich assay is not always possible, for example in the case of small molecules such as haptens which may not be large enough to allow the simultaneous binding thereto of two different binding partners. A dose-response curve prepared using a typical lateral flow device employing a sandwich immunoassay shows increasing levels of signal with increasing analyte up to the point where at higher analyte levels the curve tends to plateau. At yet higher analyte levels, the signal begins to decrease due to preferential capture at the detection zone of analyte which has not yet bound to labelled reagent. This phenomenon is known as the hook effect. Thus sandwich immunoassays exhibit a limited assay range due to the fact that the signal amount or intensity observed at higher analyte levels may be the same, or even less, than that observed at lower analyte levels.
Thus in order to detect analytes at higher concentrations, especially in other than a qualitative manner, it is necessary to employ alternative methods or assay devices.
WO2005052716 discloses an assay device for the detection of an analyte at high concentration levels wherein the assay device comprises a scavenging zone comprising capture reagent capable of binding to the analyte. This has the effect of preventing some of the analyte from being detected at a detection zone and lowers the sensitivity of the assay.


According to an embodiment, provided is a semiconductor device including: a first electrode; a second electrode; and a silicon carbide layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, the silicon carbide layer including: a first silicon carbide region of an n-type; and a second silicon carbide region disposed between the first silicon carbide region and the first electrode, the second silicon carbide being in contact with the first electrode, and the second silicon carbide containing one oxygen atom bonding with four silicon atoms.

A silicon carbide (SiC) is expected as a material for next-generation semiconductor devices. The silicon carbide has excellent physical properties such as a band gap of about 3 times that of silicon (Si), a breakdown field strength of about 10 times that of silicon (Si), and a thermal conductivity of about 3 times that of silicon (Si). By utilizing this characteristic, a semiconductor device capable of low loss and high temperature operation can be realized.
In a Schottky barrier diode (SBD) using a silicon carbide, if the height of the Schottky barrier between the silicon carbide layer and the electrode varies, a variation in rectification characteristics of the SBD occurs. Therefore, it is desired to realize a semiconductor device in which a variation in height of the Schottky barrier is suppressed.

Semiconductor device, method of manufacturing semiconductor device, inverter circuit, drive device, vehicle, and elevator


Disclosed are systems for wireless energy transfer including transcutaneous energy transfer. Embodiments are disclosed for user interface (UI) hubs to connect multiple batteries and to output system information to a patient. Embodiments are further disclosed for garments and devices to be worn by a patient requiring treatment. The garments are configured for a desired placement of a transmitter coil relative to a body of the patient and for facilitating patient comfort and quality of life. Methods for manufacturing and using the devices and the systems are also disclosed.

Various techniques have been developed to transfer energy wirelessly, and in some cases over long distances. Examples of such systems include U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,327,504; 6,772,011; 7,825,543; and 8,076,801 and U.S. Pub. Nos. 2010/0102639 and 2010/010909445, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein for all purposes by reference.
More recently, there has been development into powering an implanted device wirelessly with a Transcutaneous Energy Transfer (TET) system. Many implantable medical devices require power sources or electrical systems to power the implant. Typically this is achieved using transcutaneous wiring to connect a power source to the implant. TET systems are designed to replace or supplement the transcutaneous wires.
TET systems typically include a lot of hardware and components. One example of a TET system includes the transmission of energy from a transmit coil to a receive coil using an oscillating magnetic field. The TET system also includes a power supply (e.g., battery and/or power conditioner to connect to AC mains) and processing electronics (e.g., solid state electronics and a controller), and other components. It can be burdensome for a patient to carry all these components, in particular for life-saving devices which must be carried at all times. Furthermore, TET systems often require precise alignment of components. Accordingly, there is a need for improvements to peripherals for carrying the necessary system components.
There is also the need for improved utilization and positioning of TET components. Modern medical devices typically require maximal power efficiency. For example, pumps such as ventricular assist devices (VAD) require a relatively high level of sustained and continuous power. With the advances of medical technology, there are an increasing number of implanted medical devices which can benefit from improvements in wireless energy transmission. Improvements in power usage can translate to meaningful reductions in the form factor of the internal power storage (e.g., battery). Improvements in power transmission can also lead to improvements in operation. For example, a slight improvement in power efficiency can mean significant increases in run time on the battery thus improving patient quality of life (QoL).
TET systems by their nature are sensitive to changes in the system. Even small relative changes to the relative orientation between the transmit and receive coil—distance or angle—can lead to a dramatic increase or decrease in power transmission. Indeed, many modern TET systems can only withstand a separation distance on the order of millimeters and require the coils to be generally in desired alignment. Any deviations can drop the power transmission efficiency below acceptable levels. Some existing TET systems for implantable medical devices require the implanted receiver coil to be positioned just under the skin, and typically include a mechanical feature to maintain exact alignment between the receive and transmit coils. However, by implanting these devices directly under the skin, the size and power requirements of these implanted devices is limited if they are to be powered by a TET system. Moreover, many TET systems are system to changes even within an operational range. For example, if one coil is moving or vibrating rapidly with respect to the other coil the power efficiency will drop dramatically.
The lack of effective positioning systems means that many TET systems are designed for placement of the transmit and receive coils directly adjacent each other in the pectoral region. The pectoral region is known to be relatively stable during activity due to the minimal amount of soft tissue and fat. There is less variability from patient to patient. In part for this reason the pectoral region is a common placement for implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD).
Accordingly, there is a need for devices and methods for addressing these and other problems. There is a need for systems and methods that reduce the burden on the patient and improve power transmission. There is the need for improvements to wearable devices for use with wireless energy transfer systems, and in certain respects TET systems.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Wireless energy transfer system and wearables


A magnetic inspection station for tubular members and methods for operating the same have a longitudinal flaw detection assembly adapted to pass a circumferential magnetic field through a tubular member and a transverse flaw detection assembly adapted to pass a longitudinal magnetic field through the tubular member. The magnetic fields cause congregation of a ferromagnetic particles sprayed on the tubular member in a magnetic particle inspection fluid. The congregation of ferromagnetic particles indicates a flaw in the tubular member. The magnetic inspection station includes a clamping apparatus positioned closely adjacent to the magnetic inspection station and adapted to support the tubular member within the magnetic inspection station and exert a compensating force on the tubular member to resist the magnetic forces generated by the longitudinal flaw detection assembly and the transverse flaw detection assembly.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to a method and apparatus for inspecting tubular members and, in particular, to an apparatus and method for inspecting tubular couplers and tubular member ends.
2. Brief Description of Related Art
Tubular members are often inspected by passing magnetic fields through the tubular member. Where a flaw is found in a wall of the tubular member, the magnetic field will deviate causing magnetic flux to leak from the surface of the tubular member. A suspension containing ferromagnetic particles visible to the human eye under appropriate conditions is sprayed on the tubular member while the tubular member rotates within the magnetic field. Deviation of the magnetic field and flux leakage cause a congregation of ferromagnetic particles disposed on the surface of the tubular member at the site of the deviation of the magnetic field. The location of the congregation may be marked to identify the flaw in the tubular member. This process may cause an undesirable residual magnetization of the tubular member.
When inspecting the end areas of tubular members or short coupler tubular members, the short length of the end or coupler may cause deviation of the magnetic field and end flux leakage that is unrelated to a flaw in the end or coupler. These deviations and end flux leakage will appear as tubular member flaws. Thus, a special apparatus is needed to closely control the passage of the magnetic field through the tubular member when inspecting the ends of a tubular member or a tubular coupler. These special apparatuses are adapted to inspect only the ends of a tubular member and are positioned in a manner that may cause the end portion of the tubular member to be pulled into contact with the apparatus when the magnetic field is passed through the tubular member. Therefore, there is a need for an inspection apparatus that inspects tubular member ends and couplers without leaving the tubular member magnetized and does not face the risk of damage caused by contact between the tubular member and the apparatus.

Method and apparatus for special end area inspection


A tool for assembling deck boards of a decking structure that uses pronged fasteners to secure the deck boards thereto, the pronged fasteners establishing an at least ⅛″ gap between adjacent deck boards. The tool compresses an unsecured deck board into engagement with a set of pronged fasteners that are attached to an exposed edge of an installed deck board.

Modern decking structures have little in common with decking structures of a few decades ago. Rather than using wood boards, modern decking structures often use hard, high-density, springy synthetic boards made of composite and polymeric materials. The synthetic boards improve the longevity, durability and strength of the decking structure, while also reducing the need to maintain or paint the decking structure.
In addition, rather than using nails and screws to hold all aspects of the structure together, modern decking structures often rely upon fasteners. Some fasteners are designed for use with a support structure that underlies the deck boards, other fasteners facilitate and expedite the installation of deck boards to the base, and still other fasteners are designed for use in both contexts.
However, as the decking structure has changed, the utility of conventional tools, such as a hammer, rubber mallet, screw driver and power drill, has decreased.
As is known in the art, a decking structure has a base, including a number of joists and ledger boards, which defines an upper surface. Deck boards are attached to the base in an adjacent, side-by-side, spaced-apart manner across the upper surface thereof. The deck boards are attached to the joists and the ledger boards via fasteners, such as the pronged hidden fasteners described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,416,269 and 7,398,623. In particular, the pronged fasteners are attached to an exposed edge of an installed deck plank and secured to the underlying joist or ledger board. Then, an unsecured deck board is placed adjacent to the installed deck board and driven into place alongside the installed deck board. Specifically, a force is applied, often using a sledge hammer or a soft faced or dead blow mallet, to an outer edge of the unsecured deck board so that an inward edge of the unsecured deck board (i.e., the edge that faces the exposed edge of the installed deck board) is pressed into engagement with the pronged fasteners.
The process of hammering the unsecured deck board into engagement with the pronged fasteners is physically demanding and produces irregular results. In particular, the hammering action jostles the decking structure, which can weaken the connection of the pronged fasteners to the installed deck board and the underlying support. The hammering action potentially damages the deck boards or the pronged fasteners and results in jarring of the boards to such an extent that a secured insertion of the pronged fastener into the opposite edge of the unsecured deck board is not attained. This last issue results in enlarged penetrating holes in the deck board where the prongs should firmly penetrate.
The object of the present invention is, therefore, to provide a tool, which, among other desirable attributes, significantly reduces or overcomes the deficiencies of installation using conventional tools.

Abstract: The tool has a stationary jaw and a moveable jaw supported for movement relative to one another by a frame. Each jaw has a depending lip disposed on an outer edge thereof that is configured to engage one of the deck boards. The tool also has an actuating mechanism that moves the moveable jaw relative to the stationary jaw. The actuating mechanism is, preferably, manually powered, hydraulically powered, or screw driven.


A data storage device comprises storage media and a controller. The storage media may comprise a plurality of media defects, at least some of the media defects being listed in a grown defect list and a primary defect list comprising a plurality of entries sorted in an order according to physical address locations. The controller may be configured to generate a push down list from the primary defect list and the grown defect list by populating the push down list with entries from the primary defect list such that the push down list entries maintain the order; translating each entry in the grown defect list to a physical address location; and inserting each translated physical address location with updated push down count into the push down list.

Hard disk drives store large volumes of data on one or more disks mounted on a spindle assembly. Disk drives employ a disk control system for interfacing with a host (e.g., a computer) to control the reading and writing of data on a disk. Each disk includes at least one disk surface that is capable of storing data. On each disk surface, user data is stored in data sectors (i.e., data sites) organized in concentric circular tracks between an outside diameter and an inside diameter of the disk.
As a result of the manufacturing process, defective data sites may exist on the disk surfaces of the disk drive. These defective data sites are conventionally termed "primary" defects. A defect discovery procedure is performed to locate these defects and mark them out as defective locations on the disk surface that are not available for use. A typical defect discovery procedure includes writing a known data pattern to the disk surface and subsequently reading the data pattern from the disk surface. Defective data sites are identified by comparing the data pattern read from the disk surface with the known data pattern written to the disk surface.
Following the defect discovery procedure, defective data sites are written to a primary defect list (PLIST). The primary defect list is used during formatting of the disk surface to generate a primary defect management table. Once identified in the primary defect management table, the defective data site may not be used for storing data and are passed over or "skipped" during disk drive operations. The PLIST, therefore, is used to archive the location addresses of defective data sites discovered after manufacturing but prior to actual use of the drive so that users can retrieve the information at a later time. As an example, the number of data sites residing on the PLIST provides a generalized indication of the state of the media. Entries in the PLIST are stored in a cylinder/head/wedge/position/length format. This allows a single PLIST entry to represent defects of varying lengths (e.g., multi-sector defects).
Defective data sites encountered after formatting the disk surface or during operation of the drive are known as "grown defects". Grown defects often occur in locations adjacent to defective data sites found during defect discovery. Grown defects are also written to a list, known as the grown defect list (GLIST), similar to that utilized for the primary defects. The GLIST is used to archive the location addresses of defective data sites discovered during normal drive operations so that users can retrieve the information at a later time. Therefore, the number of data sites residing on the GLIST may provide a generalized indication of the health of the drive. GLIST entries are represented in a cylinder/head/wedge/position/length format, where each entry describes a defect of exactly one sector. In contrast to the skip type entries of primary defects, grown defect sites are typically not skipped, but are redirected to alternate data site locations on the disk, which contains the reassigned data of the data site experiencing the grown defect.

Methods and devices for efficiently updating the push down list in a storage device


An airfoil component is described herein. The airfoil component may include an OD platform comprising a gaspath face and a non-gaspath face coupled together via a plurality of cooling holes. The airfoil component may include an airfoil extending in from the outer diameter platform. The plurality of cooling holes comprises a plurality of groups of cooling holes disposed in the outer diameter platform proximate a suction side of the airfoil and a pressure side of the airfoil.

Gas turbine engines typically include a compressor section, a combustor section and a turbine section. During operation, air is pressurized in the compressor section and is mixed with fuel and burned in the combustor section to generate hot combustion gases. The hot combustion gases are communicated through the turbine section, which extracts energy from the hot combustion gases to power the compressor section and other gas turbine engine loads.
A typical turbine section includes at least one array of stator vanes arranged circumferentially about an engine central longitudinal axis to define an outer radial flow path boundary for the hot combustion gases leaving the combustor section and entering the turbine section. Thus, the convex outer diameter of the vane is an area where the circumferential hotspot gas temperature is observed and is directly linked to thermal distress due to the hot combustion gases.

Outer diameter platform cooling hole system and assembly


A seal of the type includes a housing and a J- or U-shaped hasp, the housing having first and second openings to receive the legs of the hasp. The first opening communicating with a third opening of the housing to form a channel for a first leg of the hasp. A locking mechanism is provided within the housing which is biased to resist withdrawal of the first leg of the hasp through the first opening. The hasp being lockable within the housing such that it can only be removed by cutting of the first leg of the hasp. The legs of the hasp are substantially rigid and are connected together by a resilient hinge such that in a first, relaxed position the legs adopt a position in which they are not parallel, the legs being moveable to a second, parallel position against the resilient force of the hinge for insertion into the housing. The housing may be formed of a main body and a cover, the cover being sealed onto the body part, the cover having at least one protrusion which engages in a corresponding recess within the body part, and the protrusion having an aperture therethrough which in use receives one leg of the hasp.

EP-A-0223905 discloses a padlock-type seal which comprises a plastic housing having a pair of apertures for receiving a shackle formed of a U-shaped piece of wire. The shackle can be passed over the member to be locked and pushed into the housing, to irreversibly lock therein. The seal is released by cutting of the wire. This particular seal cannot be reused.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,230,541 discloses a seal which is in the form of a fastener for cabinets. The fastener is closed by means of a flexible, elongated band which engages on first and second latches within the fastener body. The band can be released for reuse.
WO-A-97/48603 discloses a seal having a J-shaped hasp which may be locked in the seal housing by means of a pressure sensitive catch. The seal can be opened by one leg of the hasp being cut. A product based on the design of WO-A-97/48603 is manufactured and sold by ITW Envopak under the name "Padseal" (registered trade mark). This product has a J-shaped hasp with parallel arms which are inserted into slots within the seal housing. The arms are locked within the housing by means of a sprung catch. The hasp is removed by one leg being cut, the lower part of that leg then being pulled out of the bottom of the housing, which allows the remained of the hasp to be removed from the top.


This invention is a method for forming halftone data which is characterized in that when an original comprising color images of a continuous tone is scanned to obtain image signals, and the image signals are superposed with halftone screen signals which are electrically generated in order to form multicolor separated halftone gradation images which are reproducible by printing, the difference in percentage of blackened pixels between a first contact (dot matrix corner) and a second contact (dot matrix corner) in square dots is about 2% or higher. Further, this invention relates to a method for forming halftone data, which is that when an original comprising color images of a continuous tone is scanned to obtain image signals, and the image signals are superposed with halftone screen signals which are electrically generated in order to form multicolor separated halftone gradation images whch are reproducible by printing, the difference in dot percentage between one stage of dot where a blackened portion starts and another stage or where a whitened portion ends is about 2% or higher.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a method for forming halftone data for flat bed type color scanners or the like, and more particularly to a method for forming the halftone data which takes into consideration the difference in halftone screen percentage of respective dots in order to avoid a tone jump when image signals are obtained by scanning an original comprising color images in continuous tone, and are superposed with halftone screen signals which are electrically generated so as to form four-color separated halftone gradation images in C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow) and K (black).
2. Description of the Prior Art
In the fields of printing and plate-making, the image scanning/reading/recording/systems which electrically process image information of an original for forming original film plates for printing have been widely used in recent years in order to rationalize the process and improve the image quality.
Such an image scanning/reading/recording system comprises basically an input section, a controller and an output section. More particularly, the system includes an input section where image signals are picked up by the illumination, color separation and photometric systems to convert image information photoelectrically, and the controller which processes the information in arithmetic operation such as gradation correction, color correction, contour emphasis, conversion from R (red), G (green), B (blue).fwdarw.C, M, Y, K and the like depending on the plate-making conditions. The processed image information is converted into optical signals such as laser beams by the output section to be printed in the form of images on a recording medium comprising a photosensitive material. The medium is developed by a predetermined developing device and used for printing and so on as the original film plates.
When the original to be printed is a photograph or a painting of continuous tone images, the original should be divided into dots to express the density of images. The continuous tone images are therefore transformed into halftone gradation images which are a group of dots in sizes which are different depending on the density thereof. As a method for forming such dots, there has been proposed a method which irradiates optical signals depending on the continuous tone images on a recording medium via a contact screen placed on a film. The contact screen comprises arrays of dots with blurred circumferences. There is usually employed in the image scanning/reading/recording system a method which electrically forms a halftone screen which is equivalent to the contact screen.
A good example of the prior art methods of forming a halftone screen, disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication (kokoku) No. 49361/1977, is briefly described below.
In FIG. 1, the reference numeral 100 denotes a basic periodic section of the halftone screen which is electrically formed. The halftone screen formed by repetition of the same pattern, and the minimum unit thereof is the basic periodic section 100. The basic periodic section 100 comprises eight scanning lines S.sub.1, through S.sub.8 arranged in parallel to each other in the direction of Y axis. The scanning lines S.sub.1 through S.sub.8 form respectively parts of the basic periodic 100 with unique voltage signals which change along the recording direction X. The respective voltages of the scanning lines S.sub.1, S.sub.2, S.sub.4 and S.sub.5 are set at a high level when they are passing through point A and point D in a dot section 101 while the voltage of the scanning line S.sub.3 is set at a low level when it passes through the point E. The voltages of the respective scanning lines S.sub.1 through S.sub.5 are set to gradually decrease from the points A through D toward the point E. The voltage signals at the scanning lines S.sub.1 through S.sub.8 may be formed into the halftone screen signals by, for example, superposing plural alternating voltage signals of a triangle shape of different periods and gradually shifting their phases for each scanning line.
When multicolor images and so on are formed into dots for reproduction, it is necessary to generate plural halftone screens and to superpose the halftone gradation images which are formed by the plural halftone screens. The halftone screens are formed respectively in the form rotated from the recording direction X at a predetermined angle .theta. in order to prevent generation of Moire patterns at the time of superposing.
A basic periodic section 100 which is formed as above is generated periodically at a frequency sufficient to cover the scanning area of the original to form the halftone screen. The halftone screen signals forming such a halftone screen are superposed with the image signals which are optically read from the original at the input section of the image scanning/reading/recording system in order to form the halftone gradation images on the original film plate.
A halftone plate of an area modulation type for color printing is characterized by the number of screen lines (e.g. the number of lines/inch: LPI), the screen angle (m/n) and the dot patterns. The screen angle is a rational number defined by m/n of FIG. 1, and is required for each of four colors of the four colors of C, M, Y and K. The screen angle and the dot patterns are formed with the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 49361/1977 mentioned above. An arbitrary number of the screen lines may easily be obtained in the drum type color scanners simply by changing the imaging magnification with optical zooming, but in the flat bed (plane) type color scanners, the optical zooming is quite difficult. In the color scanners of the flat bed type, it is necessary to optically conduct main scanning of a light spot due to its high speed processing, and it is almost impossible to further add an additional mechanism for zooming to the system. Moreover, the control system has to be made bigger and more complex in order to change the size of the light spot or pitches.
It is further necessary to prevent generation of a tone jump or coupling of adjacent blackened portions of the dots.


A heterogeneous composite consisting of near-nano ceramic clusters dispersed within a ductile matrix. The composite is formed through the high temperature compaction of a starting powder consisting of a core of ceramic nanoparticles held together with metallic binder. This core is clad with a ductile metal such that when the final powder is consolidated, the ductile metal forms a tough, near-zero contiguity matrix. The material is consolidated using any means that will maintain its heterogeneous structure.

In technologies that use bearings, current bearing materials are made of various types of bearing steels. Alternative ceramic materials, such as silicon nitride, are superior to steel in areas such as hardness, corrosion resistance, Young's Modulus, and thermal expansion; however, steel maintains greater fracture toughness as compared to silicon nitride. Fracture toughness allows a material to resist further crack propagation upon initial damage, a highly desirable trait in the application of roller bearings especially in the roller elements for which this material is targeted. Fracture toughness is dependent on both the material composition and the material microstructure. Significant investigation has been conducted on silicon nitride bearing components; however, manufacturing quality of silicon nitride components is inconsistent as components tend to fail randomly and catastrophically as a result of internal defects. A more robust system and processing technique is desirable for bearing components.
Cemented tungsten carbide, such as WC—Co, is well known for its mechanical properties of hardness, toughness and wear resistance, thereby making it a popular material of choice for use in such industrial applications as mining and drilling. Because of its desired properties, cemented tungsten carbide has been the dominant material used in cutting tools for machining, hard facing, wear inserts, and cutting inserts in rotary cone rock bits, and substrate bodies for drag bit shear cutters. The mechanical properties associated with cemented tungsten carbide and other cermets, especially the unique combination of hardness toughness and wear resistance, make these materials more desirable than either metals or ceramics alone.
For conventional cemented tungsten carbide, fracture toughness is inversely proportional to hardness, and wear resistance is proportional to hardness. Although the fracture toughness of cemented tungsten carbide has been somewhat improved over the years, it is still a limiting factor in demanding industrial applications where cemented tungsten carbide inserts often exhibit gross brittle fracture that leads to catastrophic failure. Traditional metallurgical methods for enhancing fracture toughness, such as grain size refinement, cobalt content optimization, and strengthening agents, have been substantially exhausted with respect to conventional cemented tungsten carbide. The mechanical properties of commercial grade cemented tungsten carbide can be varied within a particular envelope by adjusting the cobalt metal content and grain sizes. For example, the Rockwell A hardness of cemented tungsten carbide can be varied from about 85 to 94, and the fracture toughness can be varied from about 8 to 19 ksi-sqrt (inch). Applications of cemented tungsten carbide are limited to this envelope. Additionally, traditional tungsten carbide lacks in its ability to acquire a smooth surface finish as a result of large particle size within a tungsten carbide compact.

Heterogeneous composite bodies with isolated cermet regions formed by high temperature, rapid consolidation


A heat-shrinkable tube fitting jig is used to fit a heat-shrinkable tube onto a terminal-attached electric wire formed by crimping a core wire crimp portion of a terminal onto a core wire of an electric wire. The heat-shrinkable tube fitting jig is provided with a first side abutting plate, a second side abutting plate member, and an electric wire holding portion. Columnar bodies and recessed surfaces, which constitute terminal positioning portions, are provided on the upper surface of the first side abutting plate. A first side end face and a second side end face of the heat-shrinkable tube are abutted against mutually opposing surfaces (a first side abutting surface 40S and a second side abutting surface 44S) of the first side abutting plate and the second side abutting plate.

Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 disclose techniques for, when fitting a heat-shrinkable tube onto a connecting portion between an electric wire and a terminal, preventing the hot melt provided inside the heat-shrinkable tube from running over to the counterpart connecting portion of the terminal.
Patent Document 1 (JP2006-261065A) discloses an earth terminal holder that includes a base body for receiving an earth terminal whose crimp connecting portion crimped to a wire harness is covered with a hot melt heat-shrinkable tube, a holding means capable of opening and closing relative to the base body to press and hold down the earth terminal received in the base body, and an opening-and-closing means for opening and closing the holding means in the direction in which the earth terminal is inserted. The holding means continuously presses the earth terminal as a result of screwing a screw shaft into a threaded hole formed in the base body to hold down a presser plate, which is the holding means.
Additionally, Patent Document 2 (JP2013-114936A) discloses a method of attaching a heat-shrinkable tube, comprising the steps of fitting a terminal into a terminal fitting recess in a lower frame, fitting a heat-shrinkable tube that contains hot melt onto a core wire crimp portion of the terminal that extends outward from the lower frame so that one end of the tube abuts against a flood wall of the lower frame, placing an upper frame connected to the lower frame over the terminal fitting recess, and causing a clamp lever provided on a base to clamp the lower frame and the upper frame together.

Heat-shrinkable tube fitting jig and method for manufacturing electric wire with heat-shrinkable tube


One embodiment discloses an antenna structure. An antenna structure comprises: a transmit antenna element comprising a plurality of transmit antenna sub-elements; a receive antenna element comprising a plurality of receive antenna sub-elements, wherein the transmit antenna element and the receive antenna element are orthogonally-polarized with respect to each other; a ground plane defining a reflector for the antenna structure; at least one electronic component coupled with the ground plane, the at least one electronic component comprising: a transmit balanced to unbalanced (BALUN) circuit configured to split a transmit signal from a transmitter into two balanced transmit signals, wherein the plurality of transmit antenna sub-elements are coupled to the transmit BALUN; and a receive BALUN circuit configured to combine feeds from the plurality of receive antenna sub-elements into a receive single output to a receiver.

A DAS can be used to extend coverage for a wireless network. A DAS can include one or more master units in communication with one or more base stations and in communication with one or more remote units. A remote unit can be associated with an antenna structure that can transmit and receive signals with one or more mobile units. An antenna structure can be deployed in various locations. For example, an antenna structure may be deployed inside a building and may be mounted to a ceiling. Current antenna structures, however, do not provide sufficiently high isolation between transmit and receive antennas, operate over a large bandwidth, have a physically low profile, and meet coverage requirements that may be desired in such an installation. Devices, systems, and methods that address at least some of these considerations are desirable.

Antenna structure for distributed antenna system


An ultrasound time-of-flight diffraction reference block has a plurality of notches that extend into the block to simulate cracks, wherein the notches have a normal and transverse orientation with respect to a test path formed on the block.

Non-destructive material testing for welds is well known in the art and depending on the particular welded materials and welding processes, various testing methods can be employed, including liquid penetrant testing, X-ray analysis, eddy current testing, and ultrasonic testing. While most of the currently known test methods provide reproducible and unambiguous results for many materials, ultrasonic testing (e.g., single-probe, TOFD, phased array, etc.) has proven to be particularly advantageous as the test results are typically immediately available using relatively simple equipment.
However, despite the versatility of ultrasonic testing, certain material flaws are often difficult to detect using such testing. For example, reheat cracks in heavy-walled hydrogen reactor vessels are often very small and clustered. To help improve detection of such flaws, various highly refined ultrasonic methods can be employed. For example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,125,704, spectral response analysis of a suspect signal from a high-frequency angle beam transducer in pitch-catch mode is performed against a reference signal from a matching transducer that is operated in pulse-echo mode. In such methods, the signals from cracks formed by hydrogen attack will increase in amplitude with an increase in frequency, whereas no such dependence is evident from cracks due to welding defects. It should be noted that the cracks in Cr—V hydrogen reactors are considered reheat cracks. Although the cracking mechanism is not completely understood it is thought to be caused by a fracturing of the material due to stress and localized lowering of fracture toughness at a certain temperature range. Alternatively, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,404,754, amplitude-based and pattern-based backscatter signal analysis is used to identify and characterize defects due to hydrogen attack.
While such methods typically provide at least some improvement over conventional methods, various difficulties nevertheless remain. Among other things, the cracks caused by reheat cracking tend to be vertically oriented and transverse to the direction of the weld, and so render detection problematic where the detection employs conventional ultrasonic testing. Worse yet, as hydrogen tends to modify the fracture mechanical properties of the material, the standard flaw size requirements in the ASME Code often fail to provide adequate predictability of and confidence in proper service of such reactors.
TOFD ultrasonic testing in B-scan direction appears to provide the most sensitive and/or reliable manner of detection, however, various problems remain with such approach. For example, the sensitivity and calibration blocks pursuant to the ASME Code typically fail to replicate the response observed from actual reheat cracks for various reasons. Among other things, the fabricated flaws (side drilled holes) are not only too large to be comparable to reheat cracks, but due to the round acoustic interface also tend to reflect the energy back to the receiving probes rather than generating a weaker diffracted wave as would be the case with reheat cracks. Still further, the drilled holes in ASME blocks are arranged directly above each other, which results in a merging and confusion of the signals.
To overcome the difficulties associated with relatively large side drilled holes, smaller diameter side drilled holes may be used. However, such smaller round holes nevertheless tend to reflect the energy and generally provided unsatisfactory results. On the other hand, a series of flat bottom holes with progressively increasing distance could be used to discern lateral beam coverage. However, while the output in such tests will typically yield at least some information on lateral beam coverage, such output is limited to a single thickness plane (depth). Furthermore, replication of the response observed from reheat cracks is additionally complicated by the ASME code requirement to arrange the flaws parallel to the fusion line. In contrast, reheat cracks are typically transverse to the fusion line, which will invariably lead to a vastly different response in the TOFD output. On a finer note, the code also fails to require a sufficient number of flaws and/or to allow measurement of the lateral (width) area to thereby gain an improved understanding of the area of coverage enabled by each TOFD setup. Moreover, as the code is focused on conventional non-parallel scanning direction view, a potential lack of coverage of the entire weld width is not addressed where B-scan view in parallel scanning direction is employed. Such lack is particularly problematic where wide weld widths are tested.
Therefore, it should be readily apparent that while TOFD ultrasonic testing in B-scan direction may at least conceptually provide the most sensitive and/or reliable manner of detection for reheat crack detection, conventional sensitivity and qualification blocks dictated by the ASME Code fail to address critical issues, and such testing has not been implemented. Thus, there is still a need to provide improved devices and methods for TOFD sensitivity demonstration and calibration.

Devices and methods of ultrasound time of flight diffraction sensitivity demonstration