Thermal conductivity measurements of a wellbore fluid may be used to derive the sag of the wellbore fluid (i.e., the inhomogeneity or gradation in particle distribution in the fluid as a result of the particles settling). For example, a method may include measuring a thermal conductivity of a fluid at two or more locations along a height of a vessel containing the fluid that comprises particles dispersed in a base fluid; and calculating a sag of the fluid based on the thermal conductivity at the two or more locations. In some instances, the temperature and pressure of the wellbore fluid may be changed and/or the wellbore fluid may be sheared to investigate their effects on sag.

The embodiments described herein relate to sag in wellbore fluids.
Wellbore fluids often include a plurality of particles that impart specific properties (e.g., viscosity, mud weight (or density), and the like) and capabilities (e.g., wellbore strengthening) to the wellbore fluid. It should be understood that the terms "particle" and "particulate," as used in this disclosure, includes all known shapes of materials, including substantially spherical materials, fibrous materials, polygonal materials (such as cubic materials), and combinations thereof.
In drilling fluids, for example, weighting agents (i.e., particles having a specific gravity greater than the base fluid of the drilling fluid) can be used to produce drilling fluids with the desired mud weight (i.e., density), which affects the equivalent circulating density ("ECD") of the drilling fluid. During drilling operations, for example, the ECD is often carefully monitored and controlled relative to the fracture gradient of the subterranean formation. Typically, the ECD during drilling is close to the fracture gradient without exceeding it. When the ECD exceeds the fracture gradient, a fracture may form in the subterranean formation and drilling fluid may be lost into the subterranean formation (often referred to as lost circulation). In another example, lost circulation materials ("LCMs") can be used to strengthen the wellbore and increase the hoop stress around the wellbore, which allows for a higher ECD. The LCMs incorporate into and plug microfractures extending from the wellbore, so as to mitigate fracture propagation and lost circulation.
As used herein, the term "sag" refers to an inhomogeneity or gradation in particle distribution in the fluid as a result of the particles settling (e.g., under the influence of gravity or secondary flow). When sag is observed with weighting agents, the density of the fluid is inhomogeneous or graded.
Oftentimes in a wellbore operation, the circulation of the wellbore fluids through the drill string and wellbore is halted such that the wellbore fluid becomes substantially static in the wellbore (e.g., drill string tripping). In some instances, low shear conditions may be result from slowing circulation or halting circulation while rotating the drill string. As used herein, the term "low shear" refers to a circulation rate with an annular velocity less than about 10 ft/min or a drill string rotation rate of less than 10 rpm. Static or low shear wellbore fluids may allow the particles to settle (i.e., sag). Sag may not occur throughout an entire wellbore, but its occurrence in even a small section of the wellbore can cause well control issues like kicks, lost circulation, stuck pipes, wellbore collapse, and possibly a blowout. For example, if the density of the wellbore fluid, and consequently hydrostatic pressure, are higher than the fracture gradient of the formation, the formation may fracture and cause a lost circulation well control issue. In another example, sag may lead to a portion of the wellbore fluid having a sufficiently high density for a pipe to get stuck therein. Unsticking the pipe can, in some instances, cease the wellbore operation and require expensive and time consuming methods. In yet another example, large density variations in a sagging wellbore fluid may result in wellbore collapse. In another example, the lower density portion of the sagged fluid may, in some instances, readily flow when circulation is resumed or increased and leave the higher density portion of the fluid in place, which is time consuming and expensive to remove. Each of these well control issues and potential remediation are expensive and time consuming.
Sag in wellbore fluids is exacerbated by higher temperatures and deviation in the wellbore. Therefore, the recent strides in extended reach drilling, which have resulted in highly deviated wellbores at greater depths where temperatures can be greater, increase the concern for and possible instances of sag related problems in the oil and gas industry.

Methods and apparatuses for deriving wellbore fluid sag from thermal conductivity measurements


Gas-insulated bus is provided with: current-carrying conductor disposed along axial direction of metallic container that is filled with insulating-gas; shield fitting through which passes current-carrying conductor and that has depressed portion formed on portion of barrel-shaped outer surface; insulating support that has second end thereof fixed in depressed portion of shield fitting and has first end thereof fixed to metallic-container, and that supports current-carrying conductor via shield fitting; internal conductor being implanted in second end of insulating support and being, along with second end, positioned in depressed portion and fixed to shield fitting; and contact being attached to inner surface of shield fitting, being disposed in space formed on inside of shield fitting, and that makes contact with current-carrying conductor so as to maintain shield fitting and current-carrying conductor at same electric potential, wherein internal conductor has such shape that internal conductor and shield fitting together form barrel-like profile.

In gas-insulated buses installed at electric power plants or electric power substations, a current-carrying conductor is disposed inside a metallic container that is filled with an insulating gas, and an insulating support insulatingly-supports the current-carrying conductor from the metallic container.
In a gas-insulated bus disclosed in Patent Literature 1, a cylindrical shield fitting is implanted inside an insulating spacer that serves as an insulating support for electric conductors, and an electric conductor is inserted through the shield fitting so that the electric conductor is insulatingly supported by the insulating spacer. Moreover, on the inner surface of the shield fitting, a groove is formed along the circumferential direction and a guide ring is placed in the groove in an abutting manner with the electric conductor. That makes the electric conductor and the insulating spacer to be slidable with respect to each other.


The present application describes to novel bicyclic hydroxamates derivatives of formula I:

This invention relates generally to novel bicyclic hydroxamates as inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), TNF-xcex1 converting enzyme (TACE), aggrecanase or a combination thereof, pharmaceutical compositions containing the same, and methods of using the same.
There is now a body of evidence that metalloproteases (MP) are important in the uncontrolled breakdown of connective tissue, including proteoglycan and collagen, leading to resorption of the extracellular matrix. This is a feature of many pathological conditions, such as rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, corneal, epidermal or gastric ulceration; tumor metastasis or invasion; periodontal disease and bone disease. Normally these catabolic enzymes are tightly regulated at the level of their synthesis as well as at their level of extracellular activity through the action of specific inhibitors, such as alpha-2-macroglobulins and TIMPs (tissue inhibitors of metalloprotease), which form inactive complexes with the MP""s.
Osteo- and Rheumatoid Arthritis (OA and RA respectively) are destructive diseases of articular cartilage characterized by localized erosion of the cartilage surface. Findings have shown that articular cartilage from the femoral heads of patients with OA, for example, had a reduced incorporation of radiolabeled sulfate over controls, suggesting that there must be an enhanced rate of cartilage degradation in OA (Mankin et al. J. Bone Joint Surg. 1970, 52A, 424-434). There are four classes of protein degradative enzymes in mammalian cells: serine, cysteine, aspartic and metalloproteases. The available evidence supports that it is the metalloproteases that are responsible for the degradation of the extracellular matrix of articular cartilage in OA and RA. Increased activities of collagenases and stromelysin have been found in OA cartilage and the activity correlates with severity of the lesion (Mankin et al. Arthritis Rheum. 1978, 21, 761-766, Woessner et al. Arthritis Rheum. 1983, 26, 63-68 and Woessner et al. Arthritis Rheum. 1984, 27, 305-312). In addition, aggrecanase has been identified as providing the specific cleavage product of proteoglycan found in RA and OA patients (Lohmander L. S. et al. Arthritis Rheum. 1993, 36, 1214-22).
Therefore, metalloproteases (MP) have been implicated as the key enzymes in the destruction of mammalian cartilage and bone. It can be expected that the pathogenesis of such diseases can be modified in a beneficial manner by the administration of MP inhibitors, and many compounds have been suggested for this purpose (see Wahl et al. Ann. Rep. Med. Chem. 1990, 25, 175-184, AP, San Diego).
Tumor necrosis factor-xcex1 (TNF-xcex1) is a cell-associated cytokine that is processed from a 26 kd precursor form to a 17 kd active form. TNF-xcex1 has been shown to be a primary mediator in humans and in animals, of inflammation, fever, and acute phase responses, similar to those observed during acute infection and shock. Excess TNF-xcex1 has been shown to be lethal. There is now considerable evidence that blocking the effects of TNF-xcex1 with specific antibodies can be beneficial in a variety of circumstances including autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (Feldman et al, Lancet 1994, 344, 1105) and non-insulin dependent diabetes melitus. (Lohmander, L. S. et al. Arthritis Rheum. 1993, 36, 1214-22) and Crohn""s disease (MacDonald et al. Clin. Exp. Immunol. 1990, 81, 301).
Compounds which inhibit the production of TNF are therefore of therapeutic importance for the treatment of inflammatory disorders. Recently, TNF-a converting enzyme (TACE), the enzyme responsible for TNF-xcex1 release from cells, were purified and sequenced (Black et al Nature 1997, 385, 729; {dot over (M)}oss et al Nature 1997, 385, 733). This invention describes molecules that inhibit this enzyme and hence the secretion of active TNF-xcex1 from cells. These novel molecules provide a means of mechanism based therapeutic intervention for diseases including but not restricted to septic shock, haemodynamic shock, sepsis syndrome, post ischemic reperfusion injury, malaria, Crohn""s disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, mycobacterial infection, meningitis, psoriasis, congestive heart failure, fibrotic diseases, cachexia, graft rejection, cancer, diseases involving angiogenesis, autoimmune diseases, skin inflammatory diseases, OA, RA, multiple sclerosis, radiation damage, hyperoxic alveolar injury, periodontal disease, HIV and non-insulin dependent diabetes melitus.
Since excessive TNF-xcex1 production has been noted in several disease conditions also characterized by MMP-mediated tissue degradation, compounds which inhibit both MMPs and TNF-xcex1 production may also have a particular advantage in diseases where both mechanisms are involved.
Prostaglandins (PG) play a major role in the inflammation process and the inhibition of PG production has been a common target of anti-inflammatory drug discovery. Many NSAIDS have been found to prevent the production of PG by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX). Among the two isoforms of COXs, COX-1 is constitutively expressed. COX-2 is an inducible isozyme associated with inflammation. Selective COX-2 inhibitor was believed to maintain the efficacy of traditional NSAIDs, which inhibit both isozymes, and produce fewer and less drastic side effects. As a result, development of selective COX-2 inhibitors has attracted major interest in the pharmaceutical industry. Because of the significant roles of PGs and TNF-xcex1 in inflammation, combined use of COX-2 and TACE inhibitors may have superior efficacy to either therapy alone in some inflammatory diseases.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,506,242, 5,552,419, and 5,672,615 disclose matrix metalloproteases inhibitors of the formula:
wherein Ar is carbocyclic or heterocyclic aryl; R and R1 together with the chain to which they are attached form a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline; R2 can be hydrogen. The compounds of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,506,242, 5,552,419, and 5,672,615 are not considered to be part of the presently claimed invention.
WO97/18194 (U.S. Pat. No. 6,207,672) depicts matrix metalloproteases inhibitors of the formula:
wherein A can be HOxe2x80x94NHxe2x80x94C(O)xe2x80x94; R1 can be R2xe2x80x94Xxe2x80x94Phxe2x80x94Bxe2x80x94; X is a bond or a single chain atom spacer; R2 is unsubstituted or substituted phenyl; and, Q forms a ring as defined in WO97/18194. These compounds are not considered to be part of the present invention.
WO98/08850 illustrates matrix metalloproteases inhibitors of the formula:
wherein R1 is hydrogen; R2 can be hydrogen; W can be arylene or heteroarylene bridge between two adjacent carbons forming a fused ring. These compounds are not considered to be part of the present invention.
DE 19542189 presents matrix metalloproteases inhibitors of the formula:
wherein R1 can be R5xe2x80x94Xxe2x80x94Phxe2x80x94Axe2x80x94; A is C1-4 alkylene or xe2x80x94CHxe2x95x90CHxe2x80x94; X is a bond or a single chain atom spacer. These compounds are not considered to be part of the present invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,866,587 describes matrix metalloproteases inhibitors of the formula:
wherein m and n are identical or different, represent 0, 1, 2; A represents an aryl ring or heterocycle; X represents xe2x80x94SO2xe2x80x94, xe2x80x94COxe2x80x94, xe2x80x94SO2NHxe2x80x94; and R5 represents optionally substituted alkyl, (C3-7)cycloalkyl, aryl or heterocyclic. These compounds are not considered to be part of the present invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,962,471 describes matrix metalloproteases inhibitors of the formula:
wherein R1 is unsubstituted or substituted phenyl or hetereocycle; A is a bond, O, xe2x80x94CHxe2x95x90CHxe2x80x94, or xe2x80x94Cxe2x89xa1Cxe2x80x94; B is C1-3 alkylene, xe2x80x94Oxe2x80x94C1-5 alkylene- or xe2x80x94CHxe2x95x90CHxe2x80x94; X is xe2x80x94CHxe2x95x90CHxe2x80x94, oxygen or sulfur; and R2 can be HO(H)Nxe2x80x94. These compounds are not considered to be part of the present invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,225,311 discloses hydroxamic acid derivatives of the formula:
wherein X can be SO2; Y is aryl or heteroaryl; Z can be O, NH, CH2 or S; R2 can be hydrogen; R4 and R5 can be hydrogen; and R1 and R3 together with the atoms to which they are attached can form a divalent moiety of the formula:
wherein A is aryl or heteroaryl. These compounds are defined as being useful as TACE and MMP inhibitors. These compounds are not considered to be part of the present invention.
WO00/23443 illustrates TNF-xcex1 production inhibitors of the formula:
wherein R1 is an optionally substituted C1-6 alkyl, phenyl, or heteroaryl. These compounds are not considered to be part of the present invention.
WO00/44730 depicts hydroxamic acid derivatives of the formula:
These compounds are defined as being useful as TACE and MMP inhibitors. These compounds are not considered to be part of the present invention.
EP 1065209 describes matrix metalloproteases inhibitors of the formula:
wherein R2 can be xe2x80x94NHOH; and Ar1 can be phenyl. These compounds are not considered to be part of the present invention.
The compounds of the present invention act as inhibitors of MPs, in particular TACE, MMPs, and/or aggrecanase. These novel molecules are provided as anti-inflammatory compounds and cartilage protecting therapeutics. The inhibition of aggrecanase, TACE, and other metalloproteases by molecules of the present invention indicates they are anti-inflammatory and should prevent the degradation of cartilage by these enzymes, thereby alleviating the pathological conditions of OA and RA.
Accordingly, the present invention provides novel bicyclic hydroxamates useful as MMP and/or TACE inhibitors or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof.
The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a therapeutically effective amount of at least one of the compounds of the present invention or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug form thereof.
The present invention provides a method for treating inflammatory disorders, comprising: administering to a host, in need of such treatment, a therapeutically effective amount of at least one of the compounds of the present invention or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug form thereof.
The present invention provides a method of treating a condition or disease mediated by MMPs, TACE, aggrecanase, or a combination thereof in a mammal, comprising: administering to the mammal in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the present invention or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug form thereof.
The present invention provides a method comprising: administering a compound of the present invention or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug form thereof in an amount effective to treat a condition or disease mediated by MMPs, TACE, aggrecanase, or a combination thereof.
The present invention provides a method for treating inflammatory disorders, comprising: administering, to a host in need of such treatment, a therapeutically effective amount of one of the compounds of the present invention, in combination with one or more additional anti-inflammatory agents selected from selective COX-2 inhibitors, interleukin-1 antagonists, dihydroorotate synthase inhibitors, p38 MAP kinase inhibitors, TNF-xcex1 inhibitors, TNF-xcex1 sequestration agents, and methotrexate.
The present invention provides novel compounds of the present invention for use in therapy.
The present invention provides the use of novel compounds of the present invention for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a condition or disease mediated by MMPs, TACE, aggrecanase, or a combination thereof.
These and other objects, which will become apparent during the following detailed description, have been achieved by the inventors"" discovery that compounds of formula (I):
or pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug forms thereof, wherein A, B, B1, B2, R1, and C are defined below, are effective MMP and/or TACE inhibitors.

Bicyclic hydroxamates as inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases and/or TNF-xcex1 converting enzyme (TACE)

Abstract: or pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug forms thereof, wherein A, B, B1, B2, R1, and C are defined in the present specification, which are useful as inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), TNF-xcex1 converting enzyme (TACE), aggrecanase, or a combination thereof.


An electric discharge machining electrode is shaped to form a die for roll forming a dual threaded screw. The electrode is oriented with a face thereof adjacent to a forming surface of the die and placed within an electric discharge machine to cause electric discharge via the electrode to the forming surface of the die, to shape the die to have the geometry required for roll forming of the dual threaded screw. The EDM electrode face has a plurality of troughs and tips substantially matching coarse threads of the screw. Grooves are formed in the tips. The grooves are angled relative the tips and have a geometry substantially matching the fine threads of the screw. The face of the electrode has a form which shapes the forming surface of the die so that the die can roll form the dual threaded screw.

Screws come in a variety of different configurations generally including threads on a portion of a substantially cylindrical shaft which extends between a head and a tip. One form of screw is configured for use along with a nut or other structure having a threaded hole, which nut threads mate with threads on the screw so that the nut or other threaded structure can be coupled to the screw by simultaneously rotating and translating the shaft into and through the hole in the nut or other threaded hole. When a screw is configured for use with a nut it is often referred to as a bolt.
The threads on the shaft of the screw have a variety of characteristics. Some of these characteristics include a pitch angle which is an angle at which the threads are oriented relative to a plane perpendicular to a central axis of the shaft of the screw. The greater the pitch angle, the greater the axial distance that a nut will travel when rotated a similar number of turns. Another characteristic of threads is their size, such as measured between a minor diameter and a major diameter of the threads. Threads which are generally larger are often referred to as "coarse threads" while threads which are relatively smaller are often referred to as "fine threads." When adjacent turns of threads are directly adjacent to each other, and when a diameter of the shaft of the screw is known, the pitch angle of the threads and the relative size of the threads become linked together. Coarser threads will have a greater pitch angle and finer threads will have a lesser pitch angle if the diameter of the shaft remains the same and if the threads of adjacent turns are provided without a space therebetween.
One unique type of screw is known in the prior art as a dual threaded screw. Generally, a dual threaded screw has both a coarse thread with a relatively large pitch angle and at least portions of a fine thread having a lesser pitch angle formed on the same screw. Such a dual threaded screw is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,159,429, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. A dual threaded bolt B providing one example of such a dual threaded screw is shown herein in FIGS. 20-25. A unique aspect of such a dual threaded bolt B is its ability to have nuts N, L having threads of different pitches both threaded onto the same bolt B with the first nut N providing a basic fastening function, and the second nut L being tightenable against the first nut N to act as a lock nut to keep the nuts N, L from moving relative to the bolt B.
Screws can be manufactured in a variety of different ways including machining of the threads, turning of the threads on a lathe or rolling of the threads between dies. Often, rolling threads onto a screw is the most efficient screw thread forming method. However, dual threaded screws do not lend themselves to straightforward roll forming between appropriately threaded dies. In particular, if one utilizes coarse threaded dies and fine threaded dies, one can form the coarse threads onto the screw, but then when the fine threads are formed onto the screw with the fine threaded dies, the coarse threads are to some extent damaged. If the fine threads are first formed onto the shaft of the screw and then the coarse threads are formed, the dies forming the coarse threads will damage the fine threads.
It is taught in the above-identified U.S. Pat. No. 7,159,429 to provide a die having contours thereon which are appropriate to result in the formation of both the coarse thread and the fine thread, simultaneously onto the shaft of the screw. The particular geometry of such a roll forming die is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,159,429.
While this die geometry for forming the dual threaded screw is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,159,429, this die geometry is rather complex and is of a character which makes forming of this die exceptionally difficult. This difficulty is enhanced when considering that materials from which roll forming dies are formed must be significantly harder than the material roll formed thereby. Because screws are typically formed of steel or other relatively hard materials, the dies must be formed of exceptionally hard material and yet must still have the complex geometry necessary to simultaneously form both coarse and fine threads.
Accordingly, a need exists for a method to form the complex geometry of a die suitable to roll form a dual threaded screw.


A wall mounting structure for wall-mounted electronic device includes a device shell having a coupling structure disposed in an accommodation open chamber therein at two opposite lateral sides, a circuit board mounted in the accommodation open chamber, a cover plate having sliding coupling rods respectively extended from two side flanges thereof and detachably coupled to the coupling structure of the device shell and a bottom flange attached to the bottom side of the device shell to support the device shell, and two mounting brackets affixed to the cover plate at two opposite lateral sides for fastening to a wall of an external object.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates wall-mounted electronic device mounting technology and more particularly, to a wall mounting structure for wall-mounted electronic device, which facilitates mounting and dismounting without any tools, saving much installation labor and time and allows quick cleaning and troubleshooting.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the computer and information era, many different electronic products have been created to serve people. Following progress of innovation activities in technology, multipurpose has become the mainstream of computer-controlled electronic products. In modern electronic products, computer plays the main role.
As an advanced microprocessor for computer has great power, the use of an advanced microprocessor in a computer allows expansion of hardware devices, such as hard disk drives, CD-ROMs and programmers. A server for industrial computer generally comprises a main board, a power supply unit, cooling fans and other electronic components. However, due to limited internal space, the arrangement of electronic components in a server must be well designed, leaving the necessary space for plugging/unplugging of bus lines.
Further, in order to save floor or table space, wall-mounted computers and electronic devices are created. A wall-mounted computer, e-kanban, intelligent information inquiry system or electronic device has a low-profile characteristic for mounting on a wall to match with the configuration of a display screen or TV, saving much installation space.
FIG. 10 illustrates is a schematic sectional view of a conventional wall-mounted computer. As illustrated, the mainframe A of the wall-mounted computer includes two mounting plates B bilaterally disposed at the back side. Each mounting plate B has multiple mounting through holes B1. Screws B2 are respectively mounted in the mounting through holes B1 of the mounting plates B and driven into a support wall to affix the wall-mounted computer to the support wall. When performing a maintenance or repair work, the technician must loosen the screws B2 for allowing removal of the mainframe A from the support wall. This dismounting procedure is complicated, wasting much labor and time. When a detailed repair is required, the supplier may directly replace the failed mainframe A with a new one, and send the failed mainframe A back to the office for repair. Before repairing the failed mainframe A, the technician must detach the side panel of the mainframe A.

Wall-mounting structure for wall-mounted electronic device


A method for borehole compensation using a single transmitter measurement electromagnetic propagation tool is disclosed. Phase shift and attenuation are measured at each of three positions relative to a measurement depth. The measurements are used to calculate borehole compensation. The method may be used for other single transmitter tools and provides more accurate formation measurement in boreholes having high rugosity and washouts.

Tools for evaluating the physical characteristics of rock formations surrounding a borehole are known. As a measuring tool positioned in a well borehole passes through various rock layers of the surrounding formation, hole rugosity and hole washouts effect the tool measurements and are potentially a source of measurement error. Misinterpretation of the rock formation characteristics can greatly complicate the formation evaluation of that rock.
There is a constant and intensive effort in the art to develop new tools and methods for borehole compensation to provide more accurate formation measurements during drilling.

Compensation method using a single transmitter measurement tool


A method for performing handover of a mobile station communicating in a first call via a first network to communication in a second call via a second network, comprising: generating a request for handover; establishing the second call between the first network and the mobile station via the second network; and transferring data communication between the mobile station and the first network from the first call to the second call.

FIG. 1 shows schematically the configuration of a typical cellular radio telecommunications network. The network comprises a number of base-stations (BSs) 1, 2, 3 etc. Each base-station has a radio transceiver capable of transmitting radio signals to and receiving radio signals from the area of a cell 4, 5 etc. next to the base-station. By means of these signals the base-station can communicate with a mobile station (MS) 6 in that cell, which itself includes a radio transceiver. Each base station is connected to a mobile system controller (MSC) 7, which is linked in turn to the public telephone network 8. By means of this system a user of the MS 6 can establish a telephone call to the public network 8 via the BS in whose cell the MS is located.
The location of the MS could be fixed (for example if it is providing radio communications for a fixed building) or the MS could be moveable (for example if it is a hand portable transceiver or "mobile phone"). When the MS is moveable it may move between cells of the cellular radio system. As it moves from one cell (the "old cell") to another cell (the "new cell") there is a need to hand it over from communication with the BS of the old cell to the BS of the new cell without dropping the call due to a break in communications between the mobile station and the network. This process is known as handover. A need can also arise to hand over a MS whose location is fixed, for example if atmospheric conditions affect its communications with the old BS and call quality can be improved by handing it over to another BS or if there is a need to free up capacity of the old BS.
In a conventional cellular radio system handover is controlled automatically by the MSC. Handover can be initiated by the MS or be network dependent, for example, on the quality of the signalling between the MS and the old and new BSs.
When a new cellular network is being introduced it can take some time to install all the base-stations and associated apparatus. Therefore, there is a delay before the new network provides full geographical coverage. FIG. 2 illustrates the situation: an existing cellular network provides full geographical coverage by means of cells 20-27 but the new cellular network provides incomplete geographical coverage by means of only cells 28 and 29. This presents a significant commercial problem for the operator of the new network. If the new network is launched for use before its geographical coverage is complete then customers will be dissatisfied by its inferior coverage to the old network. However, the cost of the infrastructure of the new network is high and no return can be gained on it until it is in use.
It has been proposed to tackle this problem by allowing mobile stations using the new network to be handed over to cells of the old network when they move outside the coverage of the new network. For instance, when a mobile station moves from 30 to 31 in FIG. 2 it could be handed over from the base station of cell 28 (in the new network) to that of cell 21 (in the old network). However, the base-stations of cells 28 and 21 are in different networks and are therefore not linked by a common MSC, so conventional handover processes cannot be used. One solution to this could be to modify the old network to allow it to support inter-network handover. However, modifying the old network would be expensive and inconvenient.
There is therefore a need for a new method for handover between two telecommunications networks.


Electronic teleconferencing configurations use one or more remote microphones for added functionality. A base unit includes an interface to a telecommunications network and at least one remote microphone in wireless communication with the base unit, enabling a carder of the microphone to speak to a listener through the base unit over the telecommunications network. The base unit may form part of a telephone, and would preferably further include a docking station to receive the remote microphone along with electrical contacts causing the telephone to enter into a speakerphone mode when the remote microphone is removed for use. A speaker may either be provided in the base unit, or may be disposed in the housing of the remote microphone, for example, in the form of a headset. With multiple wireless microphones audio processing circuitry may be added for level control or microphone/speaker discrimination.

Increasingly, telecommunications equipment is being operated in a hands-free manner. Even in the case of the common office telephone, an increasing number of units include a speakerphone capability. Video teleconferencing equipment also ordinarily provides one or more table-top microphones used to pick up the audio associated with the various participants.
There are at least two problems associated with current equipment operated in a hands-free manner. First, those on the other end of the line are usually aware that a speakerphone is being used due to the poor, echo-like quality of the sound. This disturbs some people to the point that some individuals will ask that they be taken off of the "squawk box." A second problem is that those on the sending end never really know how their voices sound, and this causes users to get close to, or even shout into, the microphone.

Remote microphone teleconferencing configurations


A bone conduction hearing aid includes an in-the-ear (ITE) component and a behind-the-ear (BTE) component. A bone vibrator is carried by the ITE component and positioned in the concha of the ear when in use. A vibrationally conductive structural member of the ITE component conducts vibration produced by the vibrator into the ear canal. From there, the vibration is transferred to a cochlea of the user by way of the mastoid bone, enabling enhanced hearing perception in patients with hearing loss.

For many hearing loss patients, bone conduction hearing aids offer a better solution than more conventional acoustic/air transmitting hearing aids. Indeed, for some patients bone conduction hearing aids offer the only solution. Bone conduction hearing assistance generally involves vibration of the patient's mastoid bone to improve hearing perception. In a typical bone conduction hearing aid, sound sensed by a microphone is converted to an electrical signal and amplified. The amplified signal is then received by a small vibrator which vibrates the mastoid bone. Strategic placement of the vibrator on the user is essential in order to achieve optimal results. For example, some bone conduction hearing aids teach that the vibrator should be placed against the skin behind the ear, while others teach placing the vibrator on the forehead. Still others teach surgical implantation of the vibrator directly into the mastoid bone for better transmission of vibration. However, all of these approaches have significant disadvantages.
One particularly effective approach has been to mount the vibrator on an in-the-ear structural member. The structural member is inserted in the patient's ear canal so that the vibrator is positioned adjacent the mastoid bone. While this approach has been shown to provide excellent vibration transfer characteristics, it is unavailable for patients with ear canals too small to receive the vibrator, such as patients who suffer from congenital atresia—a condition where the ear canal is narrowed or, in some cases, entirely closed off from the ear drum.
Therefore, there is a need for an improved bone conduction hearing aid for hearing loss patients with limited treatment options.

Bone conduction hearing assistance device


A liquid crystal display (LCD) module includes a backplane, and the backplane is configured with fixed beams to vertically fix the backplane.

A liquid crystal display (LCD) is widely used in life and work because the LCD has various characteristics such as being light weight, thin, and have a large display area. The LCD generally includes a backlight module, an LCD panel assembly, a front frame, and a printed circuit board.
As shown in FIG. 1, the backlight module 101 includes a light source assembly 110, a reflector plate 120, a light guide plate (or a diffuser plate) 130, a plurality of optical films 140 and a middle frame that fixes the optical films 140, and a power panel 160 that controls the light source assembly 110. The LCD panel assembly 170 includes an LCD panel 171, a flexible printed circuit board 172, and a signal timer-control printed circuit board 173. The LCD panel assembly 170 is fixed to the backlight module 101 via a front frame 180 to form an LCD module 100.
With development of lighter and thinner LCDs, people trend to choose LCDs having a larger display area, especially LCDs used in public places or during work. But a large-sized display is more difficult to assemble than a small-sized display. For example, generally, LCDs under sixty inches are integrally installed via a flat, flipping method. FIG. 2 shows a production and assembly procedures for the LCDs under sixty inches. Steps for assembling the LCDs under sixty inches comprises: a) horizontally placing the backplane and mounting the light source assembly on the backplane, b) flipping the LCD to a back surface, turning on the light source assembly, and checking whether it is qualified, c) flipping the LCD to a front surface and installing the reflector plate, the light guide panel, the optical films and the middle frame, d) installing the LCD panel assembly and the front frame, e) flipping the LCD to the back surface and installing various printed circuit boards, and, f) flipping the LCD to the front surface and checking the display. In the process, four flips of the LCD are needed. For television (TV) sets is over sixty inches, because of over-sized length and width, an operating distance has exceeded an ergonomic comfortable distance, if the LCD is installed via the flat, which reduces production efficiency. Besides, if the TV sets are flipped too many times, damage of the LCD module is increased.

LCD module and assembling method thereof


A method for fabricating a flip-chip semiconductor package. The method comprises processing a semiconductor device, for example a semiconductor chip and processing a device carrier, for example a substrate. The semiconductor device comprises bump structures formed on a surface thereof. The substrate comprises bond pads formed on a surface thereof. Processing of the semiconductor chip results in heating of the semiconductor chip to a chip process temperature. The chip process temperature melts solder portions on the bump structures Processing of the substrate results in heating of the substrate to a substrate process temperature. The method comprises spatially aligning the semiconductor chip in relation to the substrate to correspondingly align the bump structures in relation to the bump pads. The semiconductor chip is then displaced towards the substrate for abutting the bump structures of the semiconductor chip with the bond pads of the substrate to thereby form bonds therebetween. A system for performing the above method is also disclosed.

Semiconductor packaging typically involves encapsulating or housing a semiconductor component or device, for example a semiconductor chip, within a device carrier or substrate. The device carrier or substrate supports the semiconductor chip and facilitates a convenient handling of the semiconductor chip. In addition, the device carrier comprises external connections or terminals for electrically connecting the semiconductor chip to an external circuit.
A known method of semiconductor packaging, more specifically a method of forming a flip-chip on leadframe (FCOL) semiconductor package, employs a plated leadframe. A leadframe is a patterned sheet of metal. The sheet of metal, which is typically copper, is commonly plated with one of silver, nickel or palladium. Plating is necessary to prevent the sheet of metal from oxidizing, and to provide a surface onto which solder will adhere or, when employing wire bonding, gold or aluminum can be bonded. The pattern of the sheet of metal provides a leadframe for forming the FCOL semiconductor package.
Typically, leadframes for forming FCOL semiconductor packages have leads with inner lead portions and outer lead portions. The inner lead portions are arranged in a pattern with interconnect locations on the inner lead portions matching pattern of pads formed on a surface of the semiconductor chip. Solder bumps or balls are deposited on the pads formed on the surface of the semiconductor chip. Reflow of the solder bumps facilitates bonding of the pads of the semiconductor chip with the leadframe, more specifically with the interconnect locations on the inner lead portions of the leadframe.
The semiconductor chip is then placed on the leadframe with the pads of the semiconductor chip abutting the interconnect locations on the inner lead portions of the leadframe. Assembly of the semiconductor chip and the leadframe is then heated to an elevated temperature to reflow the solder bumps for forming solder interconnects between the semiconductor chip and the leadframe. The heating of the assembly is typically performed in a heating chamber or oven. The resultant semiconductor package formed is known in the art as the FCOL semiconductor package.
Current heating processes for reflowing the solder bumps as described above have been considered to be significantly time consuming, thereby impairing fabrication or manufacturing efficiency and throughput of semiconductor packages.
In addition, coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the semiconductor chips generally differs from CTE of the leadframes or other substrates. Accordingly, differential expansion occurs between the semiconductor chip and the leadframe when the assembly of the semiconductor chip and the leadframe is heated. The differential expansion between the semiconductor chip and the leadframe can cause mis-alignments between the solder bumps on the pads of the semiconductor chips and the solder bumps on the inner lead portions of the leadframe, thereby resulting in impaired or malfunctioning solder interconnects between the semiconductor chip and the leadframe. Such mis-alignments and impaired solder interconnections are especially prevalent with semiconductor chips or packages having a fine pitch.
The increasing functionality, speed and portability of modern electronic devices have resulted in an increasing need for more electronic components or elements to be integrated into the semiconductor chip. Accordingly, reduction of the pitch or distance between adjacent pads or electrical interconnects, and between the solder bumps formed thereon, of the semiconductor chip is increasingly important in the semiconductor industry.
However, the reduced pitch or distance between pads or electrical interconnects of the semiconductor chip increases risk, and occurrences, of bridging between the adjacent pads or electrical interconnects, thereby resulting in electrical shorting.
Correspondingly, the increased risk, and occurrences, of electrical shorting between adjacent pads or electrical interconnects adversely affects the reliability and quality of the fabricated semiconductor packages.
Accordingly, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that an improved method for fabricating flip-chip semiconductor packages capable of addressing at least one of the above-identified issues is needed.


A pad plunger assembly, for use in gas well tubing, includes an elongated mandrel having opposite ends and a longitudinal axis extending between the opposite ends, a pair of opposite end members each attached to one of the opposite ends of the mandrel, and a seal-forming pad subassembly disposed about the mandrel and between the opposite end members thereon. The pad subassembly has an outer exterior surface of an annular concave configuration formed by opposite end portions of the outer exterior surface being disposed farther radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the mandrel than an intermediate portion of the outer exterior surface is disposed radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the mandrel such that a frictional seal which generates reduced friction is provided on the interior wall surface of the gas well tubing.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a gas lift plunger assembly for use in a gas-producing well and, more particularly, is concerned with pad plunger assembly with a pad subassembly having a concave exterior configuration.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Gas-producing wells typically employ a plunger disposed within tubing of the well and capable of traveling vertically in the tubing as the well is cycled between shut-in and opened conditions in a manner well-known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The plunger is freely movable vertically in the well tubing and is adapted to rise vertically under the force of sufficient gas pressure to drive or lift the plunger and a slug of liquid, such as oil, above it to the surface while isolating the base of the liquid slug from the gas which lifts the plunger. The plunger falls by gravity back down the tubing of the well after the slug of liquid has been delivered to the surface and the gas pressure in the well tubing has decreased due to the transmission of gas from the well tubing to a suitable storage location.
One prior art plunger assembly, being shown in FIG. 1 and called a pad plunger 10, has an elongated rigid non-flexible central rod or mandrel 12 and a pair of end members 14, 16 attached to the opposite ends 12A, 12B of the mandrel 12. Between the opposite ends 12A, 12B of the mandrel 12, the plunger 10 also includes one or more subassemblies 18 of three spring-loaded interlocking pad sections 20 which surround the mandrel 12. The spring-loaded pad subassembly 18 can expand outwardly from and contract inwardly toward the mandrel 12 to compensate for any irregularities in the tubing T. The pad sections 20 of the pad subassembly 18 together form a generally cylindrical exterior surface 22 which creates a moving frictional seal with the interior wall W of the well tubing T.
The conventional view, which it now turns out is a common misconception, is that the longer the pad subassembly of the plunger the more sealing surface provided against the tubing wall and the better the frictional seal formed between the pad plunger and the tubing. Given the cylindrical shape of the exterior surface of the prior art pad subassembly, the more correct view now appears to be the longer the pad subassembly the more friction generated and the less efficiently the plunger runs through the well tubing.
Consequently, a need still exists for an innovation which provides a solution to the aforementioned problem in the prior art without introducing any new problems in place thereof.
The present invention provides a pad plunger assembly with a pad subassembly having a concave exterior configuration designed to satisfy the aforementioned need. The solution of the present invention to the aforementioned problem is to provide a pad plunger assembly whose pad sections together provide an exterior surface of a concave configuration which minimizes friction on the tubing wall so as to assist the plunger in running more efficiently through the tubing. Such concave configuration solves the aforementioned problem raised by the cylindrical configuration of the prior art pad subassembly.
Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a pad plunger assembly for use in gas well tubing. The pad plunger assembly comprises: (a) an elongated mandrel having opposite ends and a longitudinal axis extending between the opposite ends; (b) a pair of opposite end members each attached to one of the opposite ends of the mandrel; and (c) at least one seal-forming pad subassembly disposed about the mandrel and between the opposite end members thereon, the pad subassembly having an outer exterior surface of an annular concave configuration formed by opposite end portions of the outer exterior surface being disposed farther radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the mandrel than an intermediate portion of the outer exterior surface is disposed radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the mandrel such that a frictional seal is provided on the interior wall surface of the gas well tubing by the opposite end portions of the outer exterior surface of the pad subassembly which creates less friction than would be created by an outer exterior surface of cylindrical configuration on the pad subassembly.
More particularly, the mandrel is a rigid non-flexible solid rod. The end members and the opposite ends of the mandrel have fastening elements, such as complementary internal and external threads, permitting the end members to be removably fastened, namely threadably attached, to the opposite ends of the mandrel.
Further, a volume is defined between the interior wall surface of the gas well tubing and the intermediate portion of the outer exterior surface of the pad subassembly which traps plunger lifting gas and thereby further enhances the frictional seal between the pad subassembly and the interior wall surface of the gas well tubing.
Still further, the seal-forming pad subassembly includes a plurality of interlocking pad sections disposed about the mandrel and between the opposite end members thereon. The pad sections have coil springs between the pad sections and the mandrel, thereby spring-loading and thus biasing the pad sections to move radially outward from the mandrel such that the pad subassembly can expand outwardly from and contract inwardly toward the mandrel. Each of the pad sections has an outer exterior surface segments of a concave configuration which together form the outer exterior surface of the seal-forming pad subassembly.
These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings wherein there is shown and described an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

Pad plunger assembly with concave pad subassembly


A pre-formed support element is shaped to have an uneven surface configuration, and two portions of necktie type cloth are connected to the support to establish an appearance of a knot usually associated with a hand-tied necktie. A drape element includes a stiffener that is releasably attached to the support element and produces an appearance of a hand-tied necktie.

As is well known, millions of people, both men and women, wear neckties as an adjunct to their clothing. These ties come in a wide variety of colors, patterns and shapes, and are generally divided into two broad classes. Once class of ties is known as the hand-tied tie, another class of ties are pre-tied and are attached by clips or the like to a shirt.
The hand-tied tie is attractive for many reasons, and is quite popular. The hand-tied tie includes a neck-encircling portion and a knot from which depends a drape. The drape can include a vertical groove adjacent to the knot, and this groove is known as a dimple.
While extremely popular, the hand-tied necktie has several drawbacks. Some people, due to handicaps such as arthritis, or some other problem, simply do not have the manual dexterity necessary to tie such ties. Furthermore, safety reasons may dictate that a hand-tied tie is not acceptable. The most visible example of such safety codes is found in police work.
For these and other reasons, some people wear the pre-tied type of ties. Accordingly, the art is replete with various designs for pre-tied ties.
While also extremely popular, most pre-tied ties are not desired by many people for many reasons. For example, such ties often do not look real and the pre-tied nature thereof can be quite readily apparent. Another drawback to such pre-tied ties is the uncomfortable nature thereof right next to a wearer's neck, especially in hot weather. Yet another drawback to such pre-tied ties is their tendency to move out of a desired orientation with respect to the wearer's face and neck.
Still further, such pre-tied ties cannot be easily loosened so a wearer can loosen their shirt collar. The tie must be released from the shirt to unbutton the collar button. This creates several problems, including safety considerations as well as aesthetic considerations.
Still further, both pre-tied and non-tied ties which are presently available, are not amenable to variations in style, appearance and color. That is, one knot is associated with one drape and the only variation with the single tie possible is alteration of the knot style.
Accordingly, there is a need for a pre-tied necktie which looks like a hand-tied tie and has the aesthetic advantages of a hand-tied tie, yet which is comfortable to wear and can be loosened in the manner of a hand-tied tie and which is amenable to a variation in knot/drape combinations.


A transmission shift interlock device which prevents a motor vehicle operator from shifting the automatic transmission shift lever out of the park or neutral position unless some action such as the brake pedal being depressed is taken. The device provides interlock capability by locking the transmission shift cable. An in-line solenoid is provided within the shifter cable having a movable armature which, when energized, forces locking balls or other engagement features into interlocking engagement with the cable core or rod member attached thereto. An alternate embodiment provides an adjustment link for accommodating vehicle tolerance variations and further provides means for having interlock capabilities at more than one shifter position.

This invention relates to a cable locking device and particularly to an in-line transmission shifter cable locking device for motor vehicle applications.
This invention is directed a design for a shifter interlock device which is particularly adapted for motor vehicles having automatic transmissions which are shifted through an actuation cable. The invention employs an electrically energized solenoid positioned in-line with the cable which forces locking elements into engagement with a cable shaft until some action is taken such as when the vehicle's brake pedal is depressed, thereon the locking elements are permitted to disengage the shaft, thus permitting free movement of the shifter cable. Since most modern vehicles with automatic transmissions use shift cables, the device according to this invention is highly adaptable for use with many motor vehicle models produced by various manufacturers. The present device further restrains movement of the transmission shift cable directly at the transmission shift lever and, therefore, attempts to actuate the shifter while the device is locked does not put extreme loads on the cable. The principal components of the device according to this invention are positioned within the vehicle's occupant compartment where they are protected from the severe outside environment. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, an adjusting mechanism is provided to accommodate tolerance variations which enables the effective length of the shift cable to be adjusted to provide locking engagement of the device at the desired shifter position.
Additional benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention relates from the subsequent description of the preferred embodiments and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

In-line solenoid transmission interlock device


A convertible cylinder lock handle comprises a hub, a handle extending from the hub, and a drive shaft extending from the hub along an axis of handle rotation. The hub has a channel sized to receive a lock cylinder and a slot that extends along and spacially communicates with the channel sized to receive a spring loaded lock cylinder bolt. The lock handle also has a bolt lock plate sized to be received in reversible orientations within the slot that has two stops spaced apart a distance to receive and entrap the cylinder bolt therebetween. One of the stops has a ramp for camming engagement with the spring loaded cylinder bolt whereby in one lock plate orientation the bolt is locked out of the lock plate and in its reversed orientation the lock plate receives and entraps the bolt. The handle is particularly suited for use on delivery van type vehicles as it is fully compatible with existing lock cylinders that may be removed with spanner tools without having to disassemble the handle. This enables van fleet users and body manufacturers to determine key numbers after the handles have been installed.

Key operated cylinder locks have long been used for locking doors, file cabinet drawers and the like. Prevalent among such is their use in locking the doors of panel trucks and vans. These vehicles ordinarily have both a sliding side door as well as a hinged rear door. Both doors are latched and unlatched by rotatable handles. For security these handles are equipped with key operated lock cylinders. In some cases a stationary lock cylinder is used which means that the cylinder is not depressible but remains fixed along its axis in both its locked and unlocked positions. To lock or unlock a stationary cylinder lock a conventional metallic key is simply inserted into it and rotated. Nevertheless both locking and unlocking of the doors require use of a key. This is a desirable feature in that the door cannot be closed and locked accidently. On the other hand a push-to-lock type cylinder, which does having limited axial movement, can be more readily locked since it does not require a key. One merely pushes it in to lock. Thus some customers, such as van fleet purchasers, may prefer one or the other for both the side and rear door while others may prefer one type for one door and another type cylinder lock for the other door. The van body manufacturer thus needs the flexibility of being able to install the door latch and handle during body manufacture with the ability to install the desired key coded cylinder lock later in the field.
To meet this goal Kason Industries, Inc. has recently produced two door handles with factory keyed cylinder locks of both the stationary and the push type. However, it would be more effective if a single handle and cylinder assembly that could be readily converted to either stationary or push operation in the field were to be devised with the ability to field select key codes (cylinder number). It is to this end that the present invention is primarily directed.


An implementation of a serial access memory register facility which allows the external selection of the portion of the SAM to be scanned out. A control signal is provided which causes the reloading of serial access memory address counter causing the reloading of serial access memory address counter causing the serial scanning to shift from one to another of the serial access memory registers. The result is an ability to select a stopping point when scanning out of the serial access memory. Thus, the present invention implements the ability in a video random access memory to specify both the starting and ending points of the data to be scanned out of the serial access memory. The preferred embodiment replaces the QSF status pin with a control pin to preserve the packaging configuration of standard VRAMs.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to semiconductor memories, and more specifically to dual-ported memories including a memory array capable of being accessed randomly and a serial access register capable of serial data transfer to and from the memory. The dual-ported two-dimensional memory of this type is commonly referred to as a video RAM.
2. Background of the Invention
A dual-ported memory of the type discussed in this application is used, for example, for storing picture data to be input to a cathode ray tube. The picture data is randomly accessed to write or update the image in memory and then subsequently accessed serially to generate the image on the cathode ray tube. A memory of this type can store images captured by a video camera or other scanning device or it may be used to store images generated by a graphics ordering processing system.
The image to be displayed is divided into a number of discrete picture elements or pixels. Each pixel represents a physical position on the output display device and can have associated with it a color or specific shade of gray. In image and graphics systems the pixels of a display are each represented by a value stored in a memory device. This memory representation of a display is typically referred to as a frame buffer. A high resolution display, such as the IBM 5080 Graphics System, typically has an image of 1024.times.1024 or 1,048,576 pixels. Each pixel value can be represented by 1 to 24 or more bits thus requiring a large amount of memory to store the image. This requirement for large amounts of high speed memory (even by modern standards) leads to the use of the highest density memory parts available for graphic system devices. Typically, Dynamic Random Access Memories ("DRAMs") provide the highest memory density. The nature of video display scan patterns and update rates points to a need for even faster access times and a need to decouple the updating of the frame buffer from the scanning out of the stored values (through video generation circuitry) for display on a video monitor.
Video RAMs are a specialized form of Dynamic RAM memory. They are designed to solve the problem of simultaneously displaying the contents of a graphics frame buffer to the screen while allowing the graphics or image processor to update the frame buffer with new data. Video RAMs contain two Input/Output ports (one for random access and one for serial access) and one address port. These memories are frequently referred to as dual-port memories. In addition to the standard DRAM random access array of rows and columns, a Serial Access Memory ("SAM") register has been added to support serial input and output.
Video RAMs of this type are known in the prior art, for example U.S. Pat. No. 4,541,075 to Dill et al. describes such a memory device. The graphics or image processor updates the frame buffer by writing into the random access array. The serial access memory (SAM) register is designed to sequentially shift the contents of its buffer to the display independently of the random access array. The only time the random array and the SAM do not operate independently is when the SAM needs to be loaded with new data from the random array. The SAM is loaded by executing a special memory cycle called a Read Data Transfer which copies an entire row of the random array into the SAM. External controls allow the data to be sequentially clocked out of the SAM into circuitry which updates the video monitor. The clock rate of the SAM is typically between 3-4 times faster than a standard random access cycle.
Second generation VRAMs were enhanced with the ability to transfer half a row of random access memory into half of the SAM while the other half of the SAM is being scanned out to the display. This is known as a split row transfer. An output status pin known as QSF is typically provided to indicate the half of the SAM being scanned out.
Split row transfer solves the problems of close timing tolerances between the serial access memory and the Read Data Transfer process used to load the SAM. When a standard Read Data Transfer is done, a whole row is copied from the random array to the SAM. If this is done while the Serial Clock ("SC") is scanning data out of the SAM there are close timing requirements between the Data Transfer ("DT") pin and the SC pin to guarantee the desired switching point from old row data to new row data. Because of the speed of the Serial Clock and the asynchronous (independent) nature of the SAM, the proper control of the DT pin is difficult. Split row transfers are designed to solve this problem. While the serial clock is scanning out data from the low half of the SAM, a split row data transfer can occur in the upper half of the SAM and vice versa. The close timing coordination between SC and DT is no longer required. The operation between the SAM and the random array is almost completely decoupled.
During both a Read Data Transfer and a Split Read Data Transfer the row address selects the row (or part row) to transfer to the SAM. The column address is used as a starting address pointer, or tap pointer, in the SAM. This address indicates where the SAM will begin scanning out data. For Split Row Transfers, the second half of the SAM has a separate tap address. Present VRAMs start shifting out of the SAM at the tap address and switch to shifting out of the second half of the SAM only when the half SAM boundary is reached. The use of the tap addresses is described in the prior art, for example U.S. Pat. No. 4,825,411.
Split row transfer is a step toward decoupling the timing of the random access of the VRAM from the timing of the serial side of the VRAM. Present split row transfer mechanisms provide for selecting the starting point for shifting out data, but do not provide a means for selecting when to stop shifting out of one half of the SAM and begin shifting out of the other half of the SAM. For frame buffer organizations that break a VRAM row into multiple scan lines of the display, the utility of the Split Row Transfer is nullified. The only way to scan out only a part of the SAM after the starting address is to do a Read Data Transfer with the new row of data. The timing restrictions of DT and SC are then in effect. To make effective use of Split Row Transfer, a mechanism must exist to select the point at which the scanning of the SAM switches halves and begins at the second tap address. It is an object of the present invention to provide an ability to select this register switching point.

Video ram with external select of active serial access register

International Business Machines Corporation


Certain organic ester, amide and amine salts of phosphorodithioate coupled carboxylic anhydrides have been found to be effective multifunctional antiwear and antioxidant additives for lubricants.

This invention is directed to novel multifunctional antiwear and antioxidant additives and lubricant compositions containing same.
Lubricants, such as lubricating oils and greases are subject to oxidative deterioration at elevated temperatures or upon prolonged exposure to the elements. Such deterioration is evidenced, in many instances, by an increase in acidity and in viscosity. It can cause metal parts to corrode. Additionally, severe oxidation leads to a loss of lubrication properties. Improved antioxidants are clearly needed.
Antioxidants or oxidation inhibitors are used to minimize the effects of oil deterioration that occur when hot oil is contacted with air. The degree and rate of oxidation will depend on temperature, air and oil flow rates and, of particular importance, on the presence of metals that may catalytically promote oxidation.
Water (moisture) is another critical problem which can bring about ideal conditions for corrosion and damage of metal surfaces of materials in contact therewith. In the lubrication of internal combustion engines, for example, quantities of water are often present as a separate phase within the lubricating system. Another serious problem in respect to metallic surfaces in contact with adjacent metallic surfaces is the surface wear caused by the contact of such surfaces. The need for improving lubricity and providing antioxidant and antiwear additives for lubricating oils to meet the ever changing requirements of modern engines is clearly well known. One material capable of simultaneously effectively coping with these serious problems is highly desirous.
It has now been found that the use of phosphorodithioate derived succinic anhydride amide/ester/amine salt derivatives provide exceptional antioxidant and antiwear activity with significant rust inhibiting, and potential corrosion inhibiting properties.
The use of phosphorodithioate compositions, especially the corresponding salts of phosphorodithioate, such as zinc dialkylphosphorodithioates (commonly known as zinc dithiophosphates) have found widespread commercial use for several decades in engine oils as multifunctional antiwear, peroxide decomposing, and bearing corrosion inhibiting additives.
The use of succinic anhydride derivatives has been extensively reported as having beneficial antirust properties as well as detergency/dispersancy characteristics.
The herein disclosed remarkable benefits of the compositions in accordance with the present invention, are also expected for a variety of synthetic and mineral oil based lubricants. The compositions of matter and the lubricant compositions are believed to be novel. To the best of our knowledge, these compositions have not been previously used as multifunctional additives in lubricating oils, greases or fuel applications.

Organic ester, amide or amine salts of phosphorodithioate substitute carboxylic anhydrides as multifunctional additives


The present invention is disclosed to provide an NFC antenna using dual resonance, wherein a closed circuit is formed by a capacitor and a loop antenna, and a relay unit is attached to a portable wireless terminal that forms a resonance to a predetermined frequency signal mutually transmitted between a portable wireless terminal reader and an NFC chip, and in the course of communicating between the NFC chip and the reader, the relay unit relays a signal transmitted by the reader to an NFC antenna unit, and the NFC chip relays a signal transmitted through the NFC antenna unit to the reader to thereby increase a recognition distance capable of obtaining predetermined information.

In general, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) concerns to one of the automatic recognition fields using radio waves. The RFID is also called a radio frequency recognition system configured to recognize pre-stored predetermined information wirelessly using radio waves such as ultra shortwaves or long waves.
Principle of the RFID system is to recognize information recorded in a tag via a wireless communication. The recorded information belongs to RFID fields for example a bar code label, a magnetic stripe, etc. An RFID reader receives information stored in the tag via an antenna. The RFID reader recognizes and analyzes the received information, and obtains inherent and circumstance information for a product where the tag is applied or, incorporated.
The RFID system uses signals to be free from ambient environment such as snow, rain, dust and magnetic flux, for example. Furthermore, the recognition speed is fast such that recognition is possible even in transit, and at a predetermined long distance. The RFID system is provided with an intrinsic ID (identification) in the manufacturing process to substantially prevent itself from being fabricated or counterfeited.
The RFID system includes for example a reader, an antenna, a tag, etc. The antenna performs an intermediation function between the tag and the reader. A power and a signal are sent to the tag via the antenna via a wireless communication, so that the tag is activated. Further, a response from the tag is received via the antenna. Meanwhile, the RFID system uses a NFC (Near Field Communication) scheme and a mobile RFID (mRFID) scheme. In other words, the NFC is a short-range high frequency wireless communication technology which enables the exchange of data between devices over about a short distance. The RFID system of the NFC scheme, for example, uses a frequency (e.g., 13.56 MHz) of a high frequency band with low power to transmit data at a distance between 10 cm and 60 cm. Since the NFC scheme provides high security, the NFC scheme has been used in applications for example a traffic card, mobile payment, etc. The NFC scheme is standardized in ISO/IEC 18092.
The NFC scheme can perform a short distance radio communication using various frequency signals including 125, 135 and 900 kHz in addition to the 13.56 MHz.
An NFC device has such advantages of communicating or being compatible with existing information devices including portable wireless terminals and notebook computers through exchanges of address books, game and MP3 files. The NFC technology using a predetermined frequency band is high in its safety and already in use for public transportation and mobile phone payment. The NFC technology may be utilized as a future information terminal capable of obtaining various information by approaching a tag stored with predetermined information.
A mobile phone embedded with NFC chips is in an early distribution stage and the NFC technology is expected to be widely adopted in mobile terminals including portable wireless terminals.
The portable terminals embedded with NFC chips are generally mounted with an antenna through which to communicate with an external reader. However, the NFC antenna mounted on the portable wireless terminal cannot communicate with the reader unless mutually close such that increase of recognition distance with the NFC antenna is required.


An igniter for a combustor of a turbomachine includes a fuel inlet in fluid communication with a mixing plenum. The mixing plenum is positioned upstream of a mixing channel. An air inlet is in fluid communication with the mixing plenum and an ignition source is in operative communication with the mixing channel. The igniter may include a mounting flange configured for coupling the igniter to the combustor. The ignition source may be positioned proximate to a downstream end of the mixing channel and upstream of the mounting flange. The mixing channel may define a venturi shape. The venturi shape includes a converging section between an upstream end of the mixing channel and a venturi throat.

Gas turbines, aircraft engines, and numerous other combustion-based systems include one or more combustors that mix a working fluid such as air with fuel and ignite the fuel-air mixture to produce high temperature and pressure combustion gases. For example, commercial gas turbines may be used for generating power. A typical gas turbine used to generate electrical power includes, in serial flow order, a compressor, a combustor and a turbine. Ambient air may be supplied to the compressor, and rotating blades and stationary vanes in the compressor progressively impart kinetic energy to the working fluid (air) to produce a compressed working fluid at a highly energized state. The compressed working fluid exits the compressor and flows through one or more nozzles where the compressed working fluid mixes with fuel and then flows into a combustion chamber in each combustor where the mixture ignites to generate combustion gases having a high temperature and pressure. The combustion gases expand in the turbine to produce work. For example, expansion of the combustion gases in the turbine may rotate a shaft connected to a generator to produce electricity.
The combustion may be initiated by an ignition system in one or more combustors. The ignition system may produce a spark or other source of ignition, e.g., a laser beam or pilot flame, inside of the combustor.
The ignition system is often located along a side of the combustion chamber so that the ignition system may project the spark, beam, or flame into the combustion chamber approximately coincident with the fuel-air mixture. The location of the ignition system along the side of the combustion chamber requires a penetration through the liner of the combustor, creating a potential source of leakage and/or turbulent flow through or around the penetration. In addition, ignition systems located along the side of the combustor necessarily interfere with the flow of the working fluid between the liner and the flow sleeve, thereby increasing the differential pressure of the working fluid across the combustor which decreases the overall efficiency of the gas turbine. Such configurations may result in reduced amount and/or flow rate of working fluid available to mix with the fuel in the nozzles. The amount of working fluid available for premixing with fuel has a direct impact on the peak flame temperatures and NOx emissions.
The ignition system may include an ignition torch. The ignition torch may receive a flow of fuel and a flow of air. The air and fuel may mix in the torch and be ignited by an ignition source, such as a spark plug, in order to provide a pilot flame to initiate combustion in the combustion chamber. The spark plug is typically located proximate to the combustion chamber.


A computing device monitors multiple hosts. A first host that does not have access to a data store is identified. A determination is made as to whether other hosts have access to the data store. When the other hosts do have access to the data store, it is determined that the first host is malfunctioning. A host error notification may then be sent to an administrator.

In computer science, a virtual machine (VM) is a portion of software that, when executed on appropriate hardware, creates an environment allowing the virtualization of an actual physical computer system. Each VM may function as a self-contained platform, running its own operating system (OS) and software applications (processes). Typically, a virtual machine monitor (VMM) manages allocation and virtualization of computer resources and performs context switching, as may be necessary, to cycle between various VMs.
A host machine (e.g., computer or server) is typically enabled to host services, applications, or other processed. A host machine may simultaneously run multiple VMs, where each VM may be used by a local or remote client. The host machine allocates a certain amount of the host's resources to each of the VMs. Each VM is then able to use the allocated resources to execute applications, including operating systems known as guest operating systems. The VMM virtualizes the underlying hardware of the host machine or emulates hardware devices.
Host machines are typically connected to some type of storage domain for writing data to and reading data from. Occasionally, a data store (e.g., a storage device or an entire storage domain) may become unreachable by a host machine. In conventional network architectures, it can be difficult and time consuming to determine whether the problem is due to a malfunctioning data store or storage domain, or whether the problem is due to a malfunctioning host machine.

Virtual machine infrastructure with storage domain monitoring


An information processing apparatus allows an operator to extract temperature adjustment electrical components accommodated in two holders through a single extraction port when changing the temperature adjustment electrical components. A second holder shares a transfer pathway between an accommodation position of a first holder and an opening portion of a chassis. When the second holder moves in the direction of the opening portion, the first holder is accordingly pushed and moved. Next, the first holder is fixed to a rotating member and is moved to a position above the chassis. After the second holder is discharged to the outside of the chassis, the first holder is returned to the original position.

With the recent size reduction and performance improvement of an information processing apparatus such as a communication device or a server, the heat value per volume of such apparatus is increasing. Thus, for some information processing apparatuses, the need to cool the air therein with cooling fans is increasing. However, as with any other electronic components, these cooling fans are not free of malfunctions. Occasionally, when a cooling fan of an information processing apparatus malfunctions, the cooling fan is changed while the apparatus is in operation.
FIG. 14 illustrates a redundant configuration of cooling fans according to a first related technique. According to this first related technique, a plurality of cooling fans 1011 and 1012 are arranged in a single holder 102 arranged on one side in a chassis 1001 of an information processing apparatus. Thus, according to the first related technique, when any one of the cooling fans 1011 and 1012 malfunctions, an operator extracts the holder 102 through the front face of the chassis 1001 of the information processing apparatus in the direction of an arrow 103 and changes the malfunctioning one of the cooling fans 1011 and 1012.
In FIG. 14, the cooling fans 1011 and 1012 are fixed in the single holder 102. Thus, even when only one of the cooling fans 1011 and 1012 malfunctions, both the cooling fans 1011 and 1012 held in the holder 102 are extracted.
Normally, it takes at least a few minutes from extraction of a malfunctioning cooling fan 101 to installation of a new cooling fan. Thus, a certain volume of air flow for radiation needs to be ensured during change of a cooling fan. However, the first related technique fails to ensure such air flow. Namely, when the operator is changing a malfunctioning one of the cooling fans 1011 and 1012 and installing the holder 102 into the chassis 1001, the temperature in the chassis 1001 is increased. As a result, abnormal operations may be brought about in the information processing apparatus.
FIG. 15 illustrates a redundant configuration of cooling fans according to a second related technique. According to this second related technique, holders 1121 and 1122 are arranged on the near and far sides, respectively, on one side in the chassis 1002 of an information processing apparatus. The holders 1121 and 1122 accommodate cooling fans 1111 and 1112, respectively.
Thus, for example, when the cooling fan 1111 malfunctions, the operator extracts only the holder 1121 accommodating the cooling fan 1111 in the direction of an arrow 103 through the front side of the chassis 1002 of the information processing apparatus. The operator then changes the cooling fan 1111 accommodated in the holder 1121. During the change, the other holder 1122 remains at the original position in the chassis 1002 of the information processing apparatus. Thus, until the operator completes changing the cooling fan 1111, the cooling fan 1112 can execute a minimum air-cooling operation.
When the cooling fan 1112 malfunctions, the operator extracts only the holder 1122 accommodating the cooling fan 1112 in the direction of an arrow 113 through the rear side of the chassis 1002 of the information processing apparatus. During the change, the holder 1121 remains at the original position in the chassis 1001 of the information processing apparatus. Thus, until the operator completes changing the cooling fan 1112, the cooling fan 1111 can execute a minimum air-cooling operation.
FIG. 16 illustrates a redundant configuration of cooling fans according to a third related technique. According to this third related technique, holders 1221 and 1222 are arranged on both sides in a chassis 1003 of an information processing apparatus. One holder 1221 accommodates cooling fans 12111 and 12112, and the other holder 1222 accommodates cooling fans 12121 and 12122.
According to this third related technique, if the cooling fan(s) 12111 and/or 12112 accommodated in the holder 1221 malfunction(s), the operator extracts only the holder 1221 accommodating the cooling fans 12111 and 12112 in the direction of an arrow 1031 through the front side of the chassis 1003 of the information processing apparatus. The operator then changes the malfunctioning cooling fan(s) 12111 and/or 12112. During the change, the other holder 1222 remains at the original position in the chassis 1003 of the information processing apparatus. Thus, until the operator completes changing the cooling fan(s) 12111 and/or 12112, the cooling fan 12121 and 12122 can execute a minimum air-cooling operation in the chassis 1003.
Likewise, according to this third related technique, if the cooling fan(s) 12121 and/or 12122 accommodated in the holder 1222 malfunction(s), the operator extracts only the holder 1222 accommodating the cooling fans 12121 and 12122 in the direction of an arrow 1032 through the front side of the chassis 1003 of the information processing apparatus. The operator then changes the malfunctioning cooling fan(s) 12121 and/or 12122. During the change, the other holder 1221 remains at the original position in the chassis 1003 of the information processing apparatus. Thus, until the operator completes changing the cooling fan(s) 12121 and/or 12122 the cooling fan 12111 and 12112 can execute a minimum air-cooling operation in the chassis 1003.
Many information processing apparatuses such as servers are particularly required to have availability, that is, low fault incidence and high restoration speed in case of failure. Thus, even when one of the cooling fans malfunctions and needs to be changed, until the malfunctioning cooling fan is changed, a certain volume of air flow for radiation needs to be ensured by the other cooling fan(s). In this sense, since the second and third related techniques adopt a redundant configuration of cooling fans, even when the operator is changing a malfunctioning cooling fan, a minimum volume of air flow can be ensured. In practice, the operator changes cooling fans while checking for any abnormalities sequentially according to a procedure.
Thus, unlike the information processing apparatus adopting the first related technique, based on the information processing apparatuses adopting the second and third related techniques, a minimum volume of air flow can be ensured during change of a cooling fan. However, the second and third related techniques involve the following problems.
First, in the case of the second related technique, when changing the cooling fans 1111 and 1112, the operator needs to extract the two holders 1121 and 1122 in the two directions of the arrows 103 and 113 through the front and rear sides of the chassis 1002, respectively. Thus, the degree of installation freedom in the information processing apparatus is decreased. In recent years, installation density in information processing apparatuses is increasing, and in many cases, the operator can extract components only through the front or back side of the information processing apparatus. Thus, a decrease in the degree of installation freedom is a major obstacle to the introduction of information processing apparatuses.
In the case of the third related technique, the operator can extract the two holders 1221 and 1222 in the same direction. However, according to the third related technique, the holders 1221 and 1222 are arranged on the right and left sides in the chassis 1003, respectively. Thus, assuming that the total volume of the two holders 1221 and 1222 is equal to that of the two holders 1121 and 1122 according to the second related technique, the length of each of the cooling fans 12111, 12112, 12121, and 12122 in the direction of the rotating shaft thereof is half the length of the cooling fans 1111 and 1112 in the corresponding direction.
Normally, if a cooling fan, which is installed on one side in a chassis and used in a pull manner, is compared with two cooling fans, which have a width half that of the above cooling fan, are installed on both sides in a chassis, and are used in a push-pull manner, the latter two cooling fans generate a smaller volume of air flow. To equalize the volumes of air flow between the above two cases, it is necessary to provide a larger power to the latter two cooling fans. Namely, use of the third related technique causes a problem of decreasing cooling efficiency during a normal operation.
To solve the above problems, as a fourth related technique, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus including a sleeve that is slightly smaller than an opening portion of the chassis. A cooling fan holder that can be freely inserted into or extracted from the sleeve is arranged. According to this fourth related technique, when the operator pulls the holder accommodating a plurality of cooling fans from the chassis, the sleeve is also pulled. The holder is pulled within a range in which the holder does not fall out of this sleeve.
The holder includes cells each accommodating a cooling fan as a unit. The operator pulls the holder from the sleeve to a limit position, and among these units, the operator lifts up an arbitrary unit to be changed. In this way, the operator can change a malfunctioning cooling fan. While changing a cooling fan, the operator can allow the other cooling fans to operate. Thus, because of this sleeve, the air in the chassis can be cooled as normal.
[Patent Document 1]
    Japanese Patent Kokai Publication No. JP2009-117629A (paragraphs 0043 to 0046 and FIGS. 3, 4, and 7)

Information processing apparatus and information processing apparatus holder operation method


A disc cartridge consisting of an upper shell and a lower shell and an inner rotor rotatably arranged between them for housing an optical disc. The lower shell has a bottom opening that is opened and closed by shutter members, the optical disc is upwardly supported by its central part on a first pair of disc mount members that are formed near the periphery of the internal opening formed on the bottom of the inner rotor and by a second pair of disc mount members formed on the shutter members.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a disc cartridge to hold therein an optical disc (such as MO and DVD-ROM) or a similar disc-like recording medium.
2. Description of the Prior Art
For a greatly increased recording density through enhanced dust prevention, attempts have been made to develop a new disc cartridge with an inner rotor, as disclosed in the following patent literature.    Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 283556/2001 and its corresponding U.S. application, Ser. No. 09/82183    Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 332054/2001, its corresponding U.S. application, Ser. No. 09/858759, and its corresponding EP application, EP Publication No. 1156488
The disclosed disc cartridge has an inner rotor which is rotatably arranged between its upper and lower shells. On the bottom of the inner rotor is rotatably mounted an optical disc (such as MO and DVD), with its recording surface facing downward. The lower shell has a bottom opening (an elongated hole) to receive therein the optical pickup and the disk table of the spindle motor. In the bottom of the inner rotor is formed an internal opening of almost the same size and shape of the bottom opening. Between the lower shell and the bottom of the inner rotor are arranged two shutter members which, as the inner rotor rotates, open and close the opening in the bottom of the lower shell by their reciprocating movement between a first position at which the internal opening of the inner rotor coincides with the opening in the bottom of the lower shell and a second position which is displaced sideward from said first position.
Incidentally, at the center of the bottom of the inner rotor, there is a disc mount (semicircle or paired crescents in shape) which is formed integrally convex on the top of the periphery of the internal opening. On the disc mount is placed horizontally the center of an optical disc so that the recording surface (or the underside of the optical disc) floats above the bottom of the inner rotor while avoiding contact therewith. The inner rotor is driven by the following mechanism. The inner rotor has an integrally formed partial gear (to be driven) on its outer periphery. This gear is partly exposed in a window formed in one side of the disc cartridge. When the disc cartridge is loaded into a disc drive unit, the gear of the inner rotor engages with a driving rack of the disc drive unit. Thus the inner rotor is driven between the close position and the open position.
This disc cartridge is thin and holds therein an inner rotor and two shutter members (which are molded from plastics). Therefore, the two shutter members and the inner rotor are easily deformed inward when they are pressed inadvertently by the user's fingers while the opening at the bottom of the lower shell is closed by them. As the result of deformation, the two shutter members and the inner rotor come into contact with the recording surface (facing downward), thereby easily damaging data.
If a disc cartridge is to be made thin, it is necessary to reduce the height of the disc mount (shaped like a semicircle or paired crescents) on the inner rotor. This measure, however, results in the recording surface of the optical disc coming extremely close to the bottom of the inner rotor.
The above-mentioned disc mount shaped like a semicircle or paired crescents is so constructed as to permit the central part of an optical disc to be placed horizontally thereon. This disc mount, unlike the completely round disc mount on which the central part of an optical disc is placed horizontally, does not hold the central part of an optical disc by its entire periphery. Thus, the optical disc placed on the disc mount tends to incline toward an open part of the disc mount. The inclined disc causes its recording surface to come into contact with the bottom of the inner rotor, resulting in damage to data stored therein.
Meanwhile, the disc cartridge of two-head type for high-density recording, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 332054/2001, is constructed such that the internal opening of the inner rotor is displaced sideward with respect to the opening in the bottom of the lower shell, and, when the disc cartridge is in its closed state (with the opening in the bottom of the lower shell closed by the two shutter members), the opening in the bottom of the inner rotor comes close to the window through which the inner rotor is driven, said window allowing the driven part opened in one side of the disc cartridge to be exposed. The above-mentioned disc cartridge in its closed state permits dust (together with the atmosphere) to get into the gap under the bottom of the inner rotor through the driving window of the inner rotor, with dust blowing up to the bottom of the inner rotor through the internal opening close to the driving window of the inner rotor, thereby sticking to the downwardly facing recording surface of the optical disc placed on the bottom of the inner rotor. Dust sticking to the recording surface of the optical disc causes spacing losses at the time of recording and reproduction. This is a serious drawback to high-density recording.