A safe, fast and accurate method of detecting a leak locale of a stator liquid cooling system especially in a plurality of stator windings in a liquid cooled generator is provided. The method includes the step of introducing a non-corrosive compatible gas or its air mixture having an infrared absorption spectrum into the plurality of stator windings of the liquid cooled generator and detecting leaks through the use of an infrared detection system. The infrared detection system includes an imaging component adapted to detect radiation at the infrared absorption spectrum of the non-corrosive gas or its air mixture. The imaging component is provided with a filter that filters wavelengths in a range encompassing the infrared absorption spectrum of the compatible, non-corrosive gas. The imaging component displays an image of the tracer gas leaking from stator liquid cooling system of the generator.

Large turbine generators are typically cooled with a light density gas. Hydrogen (H2) has been widely used as a coolant due to its desirable thermophysical properties including low windage friction, high heat dissipation capability and high resistance to corona discharge when compared to other cooling gas options. Additionally, H2 has the advantage of being readily accessible and inexpensive.
Among H2 cooled generators there is a type of liquid cooled generators whose inner spaces are cooled with H2 while the stator windings are cooled with a liquid coolant. The stator windings typically include a plurality of hollow copper strands which serve as conduits for the liquid coolant. A typical stator winding includes at least one stator bar coupled to a bar clip and a header coupled to a source of liquid coolant which is conveyed by a pipe through a hydraulic connection to the bar clip. Liquid coolant flows from an inlet coolant header into the flow passages formed by the plethora of hollow copper strands within the stator bar and then flows outwardly into an outlet coolant header for flow into a reservoir. The liquid coolant, such as water, is supplied to the windings via a closed loop system including a heat exchanger and a deionizer.
Liquid cooled generators offer high efficiency, exceptional reliability, quick and simple installation and minimal maintenance costs. However, during operation, the liquid cooled stator windings are subject to an environment of thermal shocks, cyclic duty, corrosion, mechanical vibrations, and electromagnetic stresses which may give rise to the potential for leaks. Leaks in liquid cooled stator windings may originate at any of a number of components, such as copper tubing, pipes, piping connections, among others.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,353,691 teaches a turbine generator leak detection method involving a flow monitoring system that detects H2 leaking into a water cooling system. A variety of methods of leak detection have been used when the leakage is higher than recommended. Among conventional leak test methods, one method involves sniffing detection of H2 in the water tank vent of the SLCS. If a leak is detected, a balloon (bag) test may be conducted to determine the leakage rate. However, the leak locale is difficult to determine during the operation, or during outage service using this approach.
Another method of detecting leaks is to perform pressure decay, and vacuum decay tests to confirm that the stator winding is capable of holding pressure and vacuum. If the pressure within the stator winding falls too rapidly after the stator winding has been pressurized with compressed air, or if the pressure rises too rapidly after air has been evacuated, then a leak that requires further attention is indicated.
If a leak is indicated by pressure and/or vacuum decay testing; then helium tracer gas testing may be used. Helium tracer gas may be performed around all joints such as connection ring to pipes, clip to stator braze joint, water or hydrogen cooled high voltage bushings and a long list of places of interest. Helium tracer gas testing has the disadvantage that it is time-consuming for inspecting the entire winding and requires access to the whole winding. To detect small leaks, the sniffer detector must be brought within 2 to 3 inches of the leak. Because it is nearly impossible to cover every square inch of the winding, tracer test techniques are used to test only the most probable leak sites. Such testing cannot provide confidence that the entire winding is leak-tight.
Conventional leak detection methods are time consuming and, in some cases, may miss some of the leaks. A stator winding that passes a conventional leak test is not guaranteed to be leak free. Additionally, each cycle of the testing requires monitoring for at least 24 hours, if not days, as more than hundreds of those connection and joints may be leak locales. Additionally, conventional methods of leak detection require the detector to be in close proximity to the source of the leak and rely on educated or experienced guesses. This takes considerable time to implement. These methods do not provide a remote, sensitive, accurate, fast detection capability.

Leak detection of stator liquid cooling system


An air freshener generating apparatus of a vehicle air conditioning system includes a body in which an inlet pipe is communicated with an outlet pipe and on a circumferential surface of which ball plungers are mounted at intervals along circumferential lines on which the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are located respectively, a cartridge rotatably coupled to the body and having at least one partition wall such that at least one air freshener emitter is filled within spaces defined by the partition wall, the cartridge having through-holes facing the ball plungers, and an actuator configured to rotate the cartridge by a predetermined angle. When the cartridge is rotated by the predetermined angle, air is supplied through the through-hole facing the inlet pipe such that one air freshener is discharged through the through-hole facing the outlet pipe, and the ball plungers are configured to block the rest of the through-holes.

In general, a vehicle air conditioning system is adapted to cool or heat an interior of a vehicle by selectively passing exterior air introduced into the interior of the vehicle through an evaporator unit through which a refrigerant flows or a heater core unit through which cooling water of an engine flows to exchange heat, and distributing cold air or hot air to various directions of the interior of the vehicle through a defrost vent, a face vent, and a floor vent communicated with respective portions of the interior of the vehicle.
When a heater or an air conditioner is operated during travelling of a vehicle, various harmful substances such as dust on a road or exhaust gases are introduced into an interior of the vehicle. Especially when a vehicle air conditioning system is operated on a wet day, since bacterial substances such as fungi living in an air conditioning duct are introduced into an interior of a vehicle as they are, an air freshener generating apparatus for purifying air in the interior of the vehicle is mounted on the vehicle.
A conventional air freshener generating apparatus is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-237364 (hereinafter, Patent Document 1). As illustrated in FIG. 1, the air freshener generating apparatus 10 of Patent Document 1 is attached to a corner 14 of a glove box 12 by means of a support plate 20. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the air freshener generating apparatus 10 includes a body 68, a cartridge 78, an adjusting member 56, a packing 44, a support plate 20, an actuator 24, etc.
However, in the air freshener generating apparatus 10 of Patent Document 1, since the cartridge 78 is configured to be rotated by the actuator 24 with the packing 44 and the adjusting member 56 being in contact with each other between the cartridge 78 and a seat 32 of the support plate 20, an air freshener may be leaked as the packing 44 and the adjusting member 56 are worn due to their contact.
Meanwhile, since a rectangular opening 34 is formed in the seat 32 of the support plate 20 and a square opening 58 is formed in the adjusting member 56 such that an air freshener is leaked when the cartridge 78 rotates and moves, different types of air fresheners may be introduced into an interior of the vehicle.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, U.S. Pat. No. 5,297,988 (hereinafter, Patent Document 2) discloses an air freshener generating apparatus 1 in which an inlet pipe 31 is formed on the front side of an evaporator 23 and an outlet pipe 32 is formed on a side of a duct and which is configured to intermittently control air fresheners with a plurality of control valves 12A to 12D.
However, since the air freshener generating apparatus 1 of Patent Document 2 needs a plurality of control valves 12A to 12D, a valve control circuit 13, and selection switches 14A, 14B, and 14C to intermittently control different air fresheners, a mechanism required to discharge the air fresheners is complex.

Air freshener generator for vehicle air conditioning apparatus


A method includes a step of determining a first spatial correlation matrix at a first mobile station, a step of normalizing the first spatial correlation matrix, a step of transmitting the normalized first spatial correlation matrix from the first mobile station to a base station and a step of determining a first channel quality indicator at the base station wherein the first channel quality indicator is based on the normalized first spatial correlation matrix.

A communication between components of a cellular radio network may be based on link adaptation and User Equipment (UE) pairing. Radio communications systems and methods performed therein constantly have to be improved. In particular, it may be desirable to improve the quality and the performance of a communication between components of the system.

Radio communications system and method performed therein


A system for monitoring patient physiological data is disclosed herein. The system comprises a wireless patient monitoring device with a known device identity having a first sensor for retrieving patient physiological data, and a data reception device comprising a processor for processing data received via a wireless communication protocol from the patient monitoring device and a memory for storing the known patient monitoring device identity, the memory being connected to an identity input device for entering the known patient monitoring device identity. The data reception device can receive and process identification data to obtain a patient monitoring device identity and to compare said identity with the stored known identity. When the identity matches, the data reception device is allowed to receive and process the retrieved patient physiological data. The patient monitoring device comprises a visual identification and the identity input device comprises an optical sensor for retrieving the visual identification.

In an environment for treatment of patients, such as a hospital, the use of wireless patient monitoring devices is known. Such a wireless patient monitoring device typically comprises a sensor which is connected to the body of a patient and is adapted to retrieve patient physiological data. The wireless patient monitoring device comprises an emitter for sending the retrieved patient physiological data to a data reception device which typically comprises a bedside patient monitor. The patient monitor is adapted to receive the patient physiological data and comprises a screen which allows visual access to patient physiological data.
Additionally or alternatively, the wireless patient monitoring device is connected, using a wireless communication protocol, to a hospital network.
Prior to allowing the wireless patient monitoring device to send data to the bedside patient monitor and/or the hospital network, the wireless patient monitoring device must be paired to the receiving device of the bedside monitor and/or the hospital network and must be associated with the right patient. In a hospital environment, patient association, which means guaranteeing the right association between retrieved patient physiological data and a known patient, is one of the greatest concerns relating to the use of wireless patient monitoring. If patient association is not correctly performed, the wireless patient monitoring device will produce patient data and associate such data with the wrong patient.
According to the prior art, patient association comprises pairing between a wireless patient monitoring device and a data reception device, such as a bedside monitor, by entering a known patient monitoring device identity in the data reception device. Such known patient monitoring device identity is entered into a memory of the data reception device prior to use of the wireless patient monitoring device. The wireless patient monitoring device is adapted to send both retrieved patient physiological data and sensor identification data. Accordingly, the data reception device receives and processes sensor identification data with the aim of comparing the received sensor identification data with the stored known patient monitoring device identity. Such comparison allows the data reception device to verify whether the patient physiological data received is being sent by the appropriate wireless patient monitoring device.
The ability of the data reception device to compare stored known patient monitoring device identity with received sensor identification data constitutes a safety measure which guards against receiving patient physiological data from an unknown or non-identified wireless patient monitoring device.
The data reception device also comprises a memory for storing known patient identities. After confirmation that the data reception device is communicating with the right wireless patient monitoring device, the data reception device processes the received patient physiological data and combines this with the correct known patient identity stored in a memory of the data reception device.
A data reception device according to the prior art is provided with an input device for entering the identity of a wireless patient monitoring device.
A first manner of entering the identity of a wireless patient monitoring device is the use of a keyboard, wherein an operator is required to manually type in the known identity of a wireless patient monitoring device. A disadvantage of the use of such known input devices is the risk of operator-related errors. For example, an operator could easily mistype the identity of a wireless patient monitoring device, with no control system available to automatically correct such errors.
A second manner of entering the identity of a wireless patient monitoring device into the memory of a data reception device is the use of specific identifiers or tags, such as barcodes. The information on identifiers can be read with specific readers, such as barcode readers. A disadvantage of the use of such specific readers is that they are relatively expensive and voluminous. Data reception devices, such as bedside monitors, are generally becoming smaller, with reduced size increasing the user-friendliness and mobility of data reception devices. The size of known readers, such as barcode readers, tends to be disproportionately large compared to the size of data reception devices.
In the prior art, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) techniques are used to allow pairing between wireless patient monitoring devices and data reception devices. A disadvantage of RFID techniques, such as Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, is that they are relatively expensive. Enabling wireless patient monitoring devices with known RFID techniques means that they become relatively expensive to produce and thus precludes the use of wireless patient monitoring devices as disposables.
In practice, a patient to whom a wireless patient monitoring device is attached may be moved from a first environment, wherein the wireless patient monitoring device communicates with a first data reception device, to a second location wherein the wireless patient monitoring device communicates with a further data reception device. This can occur, for example, when a patient is moved from a first hospital room to a second hospital room. Where a wireless patient monitoring device is to send retrieved patient physiological data to a new data reception device, the wireless patient monitoring device and the data reception device must once again follow a procedure to allow pairing of the two devices in order to safeguard correct data transmission and reception between the devices. It will be evident that each time a new connection between a wireless patient monitoring device and a data reception device needs to be established, the procedures and techniques that allow pairing according to the prior art are relatively time-consuming and open to operator error.
It is possible to link the retrieved patient physiological data to a patient identity, in which case the patient identity can be used to retrieve a patient file available in a hospital network and to link the retrieved patient physiological data directly to the appropriate patient file. Where physiological data is to be directly linked to a patient file, patient identity should be entered in the wireless patient monitoring device.
In view of the identified disadvantages of the known systems and devices, there is an apparent need for a safe and inexpensive input device for entering an identity of a wireless patient monitoring device.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

System and method for monitoring patient physiological data


Provided is a method and apparatus for generating a multi-view image data stream, the method including: recording multi-view image data onto the multi-view image data stream; recording onto the multi-view image data stream a multi-view image parameter recording parameter indicating whether a multi-view image parameter with regard to the multi-view image data is to be recorded onto the multi-view image data stream; and determining whether the multi-view image parameter is to be recorded onto the multi-view image data stream based on a value of the multi-view image data parameter recording parameter.

1. Field of the Invention
Methods and apparatuses consistent with the present invention relate to encoding or decoding a multi-view image data stream, and more particularly, to defining various types of parameters with regard to a multi-view image stored in a multi-view data stream and encoding or decoding the multi-view image data stream including the defined parameters.
2. Description of the Related Art
A technology of displaying a three-dimensional (3D) image has been actively developed in order to display more realistic image information. The most common method of displaying a 3D image scans a left view image and a right view image to each corresponding location of a related art display device according to human visual characteristics, separates left and right views to correspond to left and right eyes of a viewer, and displays an image to realize a 3D stereoscopic image. A portable terminal embedded with a barrier liquid crystal display (LCD), which is one of a number of methods of displaying a 3D image, reproduces stereoscopic content and provides a user with a more realistic image.
FIG. 1 is a diagram of a related art International Standardization Organization (ISO)-based media file format. Referring to FIG. 1, a media file 100 of the ISO-based media file format comprises an mdat box 110 and a moov box 120. The mdat box 110 includes time-sequentially arranged interleaved video frames and audio frames. The moov box 120 stores boxes including a trak box having information on the media frames stored in the mdat box 110. A trak box 122 may include information on video frames, and another trak box 124 may include information on audio frames. 3D image data may be recorded in the ISO-based media file format.

Method and apparatus for generating multiview image data stream and method and apparatus for decoding the same


Disclosed herein is a method for generating an image using an electronic device having a color camera, comprising: activating the color camera and a camera application on the electronic device; displaying, through the camera application, a preview image generated by the color camera; determining, automatically, whether the preview image includes an image of a first object; displaying, through the camera application in response to a determination that the preview image includes the image of the first object, a first image generated by the color camera, the first image including a color region corresponding to the first object and a gray scale region corresponding to objects that are not the first object; and displaying, through the camera application in response to a determine that the preview image does not include any image of the first object, a second image generated by the color camera, the second image is a grayscale image.

With development of electronic technologies, a camera in an electronic device has an increasing quantity of photographing functions. Currently, a color retention photographing function emerges. When using the function, a user may specify a color, and an electronic device may retain, on a captured image, pixel values of pixels that are the same as or similar to the color specified by the user, and convert, into grayscale values, pixel values of pixels that greatly differ from the color specified by the user.
Because a to-be-photographed body usually does not have only one single color, but has more than one color, or colors of the body are gradually varied, colors of an image obtained by using the color retention solution may be unnatural, and a visual effect is relatively poor.
For example, when a user specifies a color: blue to retain a color of a balloon on a color image, because most (namely, a region 02) of a region of the balloon is blue or close to blue, as shown in FIG. 1, a color of the region 02 filled with slashes on the balloon may be retained after color retention processing. However, because a color of a highlighted part (namely, a region 01) on the top of the balloon on the color image greatly differs from the color: blue specified by the user, the color of the region 01 of the balloon cannot be retained after the color retention processing, and the region 01 is a grayscale image. Because a region 03 other than the balloon on the color image greatly differs from the color: blue specified by the user, a color of the region 03 cannot be retained after the color retention processing, and the region 03 is also a grayscale image. It can be seen from FIG. 1 that, after the color retention processing, a part of the balloon is a color image, and the other part of the balloon is a grayscale image. Consequently, an image obtained after the color retention processing has a relatively poor effect.

Method for displaying image in photographing scenario and electronic device


A mobile hologram apparatus is disclosed. An example apparatus includes a sheet folded along preformed creases into a pyramid structure configured to be actuated between a compressed state and an uncompressed state. The pyramid structure has a base section and a top section connected by four side sections. The pyramid structure in the compressed state has a height that is less than 1/10th the height of the pyramid structure in the uncompressed state. The apparatus also includes an elastic band connected to a perimeter of the base section of the pyramid structure and configured to cause the pyramid structure to self-actuate from the compressed state to the uncompressed state.

It is estimated that companies spend approximately $160 billion on all direct and digital marketing. Despite trends towards digital marketing, direct mail still accounts for about $48 billon in spending. Surprisingly, marketers have found that direct mail has a better response rate compared to email. For instance, consumers sometimes experience 'digital-overload' and prefer, at times, reading printed material, even direct mail marketing. The physical look and feel of print marketing offers a break from the bombardment of emails and webpages. However, direct mail materials often cost 100 times more than comparable digital marketing through email. The substantial costs arise from purchasing base materials, printing, and mailing. This significant difference in cost oftentimes reduces the return on the marketing investment in direct mail.
As one can appreciate, the significant costs usually limit direct mail to advertisements for local services and high-value products. A search through a junk-mail pile in any residence yields advertisements for local services including landscaping, painting, housekeeping, real estate services, and day cares. In addition, there are advertisements for high-value products including cars, vacations, real estate, cable/satellite television service, phone service, furniture, and custom/bespoke clothing. To improve the return on investment, marketers are continuously searching for direct mail pieces that standout and improve engagement and response rates, thereby improving the return on investment. For instance, some marketers send direct mail materials that include limited-functionality cell phones that automatically place a call to a service center and display content upon being opened. Other marketers have begun to integrate direct mail pieces with online content. As long as billions of dollars are being spent on direct mail, marketers will continue to create new types of direct mail marketing materials.


A phase mixer includes a first driver configured to drive a first input signal to a mixing node with a driving force determined by a first setting value, a second driver configured to drive a second input signal to the mixing node with a driving force determined by a second setting value, and a slew rate control unit configured to control a slew rate at the mixing node.

1. Field
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a phase mixer and a delay locked loop.
2. Description of the Related Art
A phase mixer is a circuit which mixes two signals with different phases and generates a mixed signal with an intermediate phase between the phases of the two signals. The phase of the mixed signal generated by the phase mixer is changed depending upon at which ratio the two signals are mixed. For example, if a first signal and a second signal are mixed at the ratio of M:N, as M/N increases, the phase of a mixed signal approaches the phase of the first signal, and as M/N decreases, the phase of a mixed signal approaches the phase of the second signal. Since the phase mixer can finely control the phase of a mixed signal between the phases of two signals, the phase mixer is used in a delay locked loop (DLL), etc.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a conventional phase mixer.
Referring to FIG. 1, the phase mixer includes a first driver 110, a second driver 120, and an buffer 130.
Hereinafter, operations of the phase mixer will be described with reference to FIG. 1.
The first driver 110 drives a first clock FCLK to a mixing node MN with a driving force that is determined in response to a code CD<0:3>. For this operation, the first driver 110 includes a plurality of inverters 111 to 114 which are activated or deactivated by the respective bits CD<0> to CD<3> of the code CD<0:3>.
The second driver 120 drives a second clock SCLK to the mixing node MN with a driving force that is determined in response to an inverted code CDB<0:3>, which is obtained by inverting the code CD<0:3>. According to an example, the second driver 120 includes a plurality of inverters 121 to 124, which are activated or deactivated by the respective bits CDB<0> to CDB<3> of the inverted code CDB<0:3>. For illustration purposes, the respective bits CD<0> to CD<3> of the code CD<0:3> and the respective bits CDB<0> to CDB<3> of the inverted code CDB<0:3> are in inverted relationships.
The buffer 130 buffers the signal of the mixing node MN and outputs the buffered signal to an output node OUT. For this operation, the buffer 130 may be an inverter which outputs a high level to the output node OUT when the voltage level of the mixing node MN is lower than a reference level (a logic threshold, that is, a reference voltage for discriminating a high level and a low level) and outputs a low level to the output node OUT when the voltage level of the mixing node MN is higher than the reference level.
The first driver 110 drives the first clock FCLK output to the mixing node MN more strongly as the number of bits with a high value of '1' increases among the respective bits of the code CD<0:3>, and the second driver 120 drives the second clock SCLK output to the mixing node MN more strongly as the number of bits with a high value of '1' increases among the respective bits of the inverted code CDB<0:3>. For example, if the value of the code CD<0:3> is '0001' (the value of the inverted code CDB<0:3> is '1110'), a ratio between the driving force for driving the first clock FCLK to the mixing node MN and the driving force for driving the second clock SCLK to the mixing node MN becomes 1:3. If the value of the code CD<0:3> is '0111' (the value of the inverted code CDB<0:3> is '1000'), a ratio between the driving force for driving the first clock FCLK to the mixing node MN and the driving force for driving the second clock SCLK to the mixing node MN becomes 3:1. If the value of the code CD<0:3> is '1111' (the value of the inverted code CDB<0:3> is '0000'), for example, only the first clock FCLK is driven to the mixing node MN, and if the value of the code CD<0:3> is '0000' (the value of the inverted code CDB<0:3> is '1111'), for example, only the second clock SCLK is driven to the mixing node MN. The phase of the signal (hereinafter, referred to as an output signal OUT) outputted to the output node OUT is changed according to the driving forces for driving the first clock FCLK and the second clock SCLK to the mixing node MN.
The phase mixer may be used as a fine delay line for finely controlling the phase of a clock in a delay locked loop (DLL). As to details of using a phase mixer as a fine delay line of a delay locked loop, such details are disclosed in Korean Patent Application No. 10-2009-0133426 (entitled "a delay locked loop circuit"), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
When a phase mixer is used in a delay locked loop, in order to suppress the occurrence of a jitter, a phase change amount in the output signal of the phase mixer is constant with respect to a change in the code CD<0:3>. That is to say, in the cases where the code CD<0:3> changes from '0000' to '0001', from '0001' to '0011', from '0011' to '0111' and from '0111' to '1111', the phase change amounts in the output signals of the phase mixer are the same with one another (namely, each time the value of the code CD<0:3> is changed by a unit value (for example, 1 bit), the phase of the output signal of the phase mixer is changed by a period equal to the unit value when the phase difference between the first clock FCLK and the second clock SCLK is divided into four equal periods).
In general, when the phase difference between the first clock FCLK and the second clock SCLK is small, the phase mixer operates as described above. However, as the phase difference between the first clock FCLK and the second clock SCLK increases, the phase mixer deviates from the above-described operations.
FIG. 2 is a waveform diagram illustrating a feature in the conventional phase mixer as the phase difference between the first clock FCLK and a second clock SCLK increases.
For illustration purposes, the waveforms of the first clock FCLK and the second clock SCLK are independently shown in FIG. 2 assuming that the code CD<0:3> is changed from '0000' sequentially to '0001', '0011' and '0111' (the inverted code CDB<0:3> is changed from '1111' sequentially to '1110', '1100' and '1000'). The waveform of the signal (hereinafter, referred to as a "mixed signal MN") generated at the mixing node MN corresponds to a waveform in which the waveform of the first clock FCLK and the waveform of the second clock SCLK are summed with each other (at each time, the sum of the value of the first clock FCLK and the value of the second clock SCLK becomes the value of the mixed signal MN).
Depending upon whether the level of the mixed signal MN is higher or lower than a reference level 201 (the mixed signal MN has a high level or a low level), a high level or a low level is outputted to the output node OUT. Therefore, times A1 to A4 at which the reference level 201 and the mixed signal MN cross each other correspond to times at which the logic value of the output signal OUT is changed. Thus, by observing how the times A1 to A4 at which the reference level 201 and the mixed signal MN cross with each other are moved as the value of the code CD<0:3> is changed, a change in the phase of the output signal OUT is changed as the value of the code CD<0:3> is determined.
Referring to FIG. 2, it can be seen that, when the phase difference between the first clock FCLK and the second clock SCLK is large, the phase change amounts 202, 203 and 204 of the output signal OUT are not constant as the code CD<0:3> is changed from '0000' sequentially to '0001', '0011' and '0111' (the phase change amounts 202, 203 and 204 gradually increase). In other words, when the phase difference between the first clock FCLK and the second clock SCLK is large, the phase change amounts of the output signal OUT are not constant even though the code CD<0:3> is sequentially changed by the unit value (for example, 1 bit). Due to such features, a jitter is likely to increase in the delay locked loop.

Phase mixer and delay locked loop including the same


This invention relates to novel compounds that are piperazine derivatives, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. More specifically, the invention relates to novel piperazine compounds that are derivatives of the chemokine CCR5 receptor antagonist, vicriviroc. This invention also provides pyrogen-free compositions comprising one or more compounds of the invention and a carrier and the use of the disclosed compounds and compositions in methods of treating diseases and conditions that are treated by administering chemokine CCR5 receptor antagonists, such as vicriviroc. The invention also relates to the use of one or more of the disclosed compounds as reagents in analytical studies involving vicriviroc.

Vicriviroc, also known as 5-[4-[4-[2-methoxy-1(R)-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethyl]-3(S)-methylpiperazin-1-yl]-4-methylpiperidin-1-ylcarbonyl]-4,6-dimethylpyrimidine, blocks the entry of the HIV virion into the host cell through its action as a chemokine CCR5 receptor antagonist.
Vicriviroc is currently in phase II clinical trials for HIV infection. It has been described as safe, well-tolerated and without QTc effects associated with cardiovascular events.
Despite the beneficial activities of vicriviroc, there is a continuing need for new compounds to treat HIV infection.


A molded elastomer for an endoscope is provided, which includes a fluorine-containing elastomer and a filler. The filler includes thermal black in a content of 1 to 10 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the fluorine-containing elastomer, and plate alumina in a content of 2 to 10 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the fluorine-containing elastomer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a molded elastomer for an endoscope.
2. Description of the Related Art
In endoscopes, a molded elastomer containing a fluorine-containing elastomer with excellent chemical resistance is used as an outer cover for a curved tube used therein. Such a molded elastomer may be, for example, a rubber tube for a curving section, which is molded by cross-linking a kneaded mixture containing prescribed starting materials. The starting materials used may include, for example, a ternary copolymer of vinylidene fluoride/hexafluoropropylene/tetrafluoroethylene, a liquid fluorine-containing elastomer, perhexa 2,5B, triallyl isocyanate, hydrated silica, and reinforcing carbon.
It is required to be completely disinfected and sterilized for medical endoscopes, and recently a new disinfecting and sterilizing method has come into use. According to the method, chemical liquid which turns into water or harmless substance after the treatment, i.e., which is non-polluting and gives no environmental destruction is used. Specifically, hydrogen peroxide plasma, peracetic acid, acidic water, or the like is used. An autoclave method which is performed under high temperatures and high pressure may be also mentioned.
The disinfection or sterilization is performed under severe conditions of very strong oxidizability, and thus parts of an endoscope are problematically corroded. Even a molded article which uses a fluorine-containing elastomer with excellent chemical resistance, conventionally, may cause faults such as cracks and swelling, if it is exposed to the severe conditions for a long time. If it is attempted to avoid faults such as cracks and swelling, problems such as occurrence of outgas are raised, and elasticity which is specific to an elastomer may be sometimes impaired. Such an elastomer cannot be used for the endoscope.
For example, JP-A 2005-245517 (KOKAI) proposes molded articles for enhancing resistances under a severe disinfection or sterilization environment. In this publication, two or more kinds of cross-linkable fluorine-containing elastomers are used, and carbon is mixed therewith as a filler. Further, JP-A 2007-211233 (KOKAI) proposes that when a fluorine-containing elastic copolymer is cross-linked, alumina is mixed therewith as a reinforcing agent.
As an outer cover for a curved tube in an endoscope is very thin, if the outer cover is cut or pin holes are formed therein, the endoscope fails due to water leakage. It is required, accordingly, to have physical resistances in addition to the chemical resistance described above for the outer cover for the curved tube in the endoscope. It is desired that the physical resistances are maintained even after the severe disinfection or sterilization is performed. An outer cover for the curved tube in the endoscope having all of the conditions described above has not been obtained yet.


Devices and methods for convertibly changing the means and carrying capacity of a pedestrian are provided. Specifically the present disclosure comprises a backpack capable of being converted into a wheelbarrow for the purpose of transporting increased loads in emergency or varying conditions. The device may include a frame and satchel whereby a series of components are fastened to the frame in order provide for implements such as handles and rolling wheels for transportation of increased loads. The components of the system may include, for example, a frame, a satchel, handles, a wheel, and an axle. When assembled to convert the pack to a wheelbarrow configuration, the device may increase the safe carrying capacity of a pedestrian from 50-100 lbs. to 200-300 lbs. or more.

The use of backpacks is well known in prior art as is the use of wheelbarrows and carts. There are described a number of folding wheelbarrows where the primary purpose is to collapse a normal wheelbarrow for storage or where the wheelbarrow handles are capable of articulation such that it can be more easily or comfortably used by a particular individual. Further there have been applications where a backpack has been attached to a cart such that the load is more easily carried—for example, luggage whereby the pack is attached to a small wheeled cart for pulling behind a pedestrian.

Convertible conveyance method and apparatus


Device for electromagnetic emission depends on total internal reflection-on whispering gallery mode cavitation about the periphery of a disk-shaped element of sub-wavelength thickness. As a laser, operating above threshold, the design is alternative to that of the Surface Emitting Laser for integration in integrated circuitry-either all-optic or electro-optic. Operating below threshold, it may serve as a Light Emitting Diode. The same operational considerations-based on improved efficacy for whispering gallery mode devices as due to relevant dimension/s of sub-wavelength thickness-is of consequence for a category of devices serving other than as simple emitters. Such three port devices may serve as switches, modulators, etc.

1. Technical Field
A micro-resonator structure depends upon cavitation of whispering mode energy regardable as defining cavitation about the perimeter of a sub-wavelength thick active region of various configurations. Operating in the lasing mode, it offers an alternative to the Surface Emitting Laser for incorporation in integrated circuitry--either all-optic or electro-optic.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A general category of structures includes optical detectors as well as a variety of two port and three port devices providing for modification either of output or input. Worldwide activity is consistent with the consensus that the SEL offers promise of satisfaction of the longstanding desire for large-scale incorporation of active photonic devices in integrated circuits. Hope is based on the very low lasing threshold values which intrinsically reduce heating, usually I.sup.2 R heating losses attendant on pumping considered central to frustration of this desire.
Development of the SEL has entailed a number of design advances. Use of bulk active material has, to significant extent, yielded to quantum well structures--including the ultimate single quantum well structure. Process variations have involved deposition techniques with a view both to compositional uniformity and dimensional regularity. An area of considerable consequence has involved the sandwiching Distributed Bragg Reflector mirrors. Reported operating devices dependably achieve reflectivities of 99+% as yielded by .apprxeq.20-40 pair DBRs for 0.8-1.1 .mu.m wavelength emission. This latter consideration--definition of the laser cavity in terms of DBRs--has been of primary consequence in evolution of the SEL. Achievement of excellent reported reflectivities is ascribed to satisfaction of very tight fabrication tolerances.
On the other side of the ledger, achievement of each new SEL design has depended critically on the DBR to, in turn, result in considerable expense as well as some undesirable operational consequence. DBRs, as the name connotes, is distributed-significantly increases modal volume beyond that of the responsible active region. In the instance of a Single Quantum Well structure designed for operation at 1.3 .mu.m, this consideration results in an increase of 20.times..


Example implementations relate to decorative display panels for aircraft interiors. An example display panel can include a display shell having one or more openings arranged to form a decorative design and a translucent layer coupled to the display shell. The translucent layer can extend across the openings in the display shell. The display panel can also include a lighting interface coupled to the translucent layer and configured to illuminate one or more portions of the translucent layer positioned relative to the openings in the display shell. The display shell may be coupled to the interior panel such that the translucent layer and the light interface are positioned in between the display shell and the interior panel from an aircraft. In some examples, the lighting interface can illuminate the display panel using different colors and patterns based on desired visual effect and/or operational status of the aircraft.

Aircraft and other types of vehicles often include interior panels that can be used to cover structural, mechanical, and electric components. For instance, an aircraft cabin can include interior panels that cover mechanical and electric components positioned near passenger windows, interior door panels, stowage bin panels, ceiling panels, and interior wall panels. In some applications, interior panels may be made of plastic materials designed to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements for flame and heat release.


The syringe has a tubular body slidably housing a plunger connected to a needle, movable between a first, safe position and a second, working position, respectively retracted into and extended from the body, and a spring biasing the needle toward its retracted position. An expansible retaining member is attached to one end of the needle and overrides a step, defined on the tubular body, as the needle is moved from the first to the second position. An expander device is carried movably on the plunger and adapted to be received and held in a socket formed in the retaining member to expand it and hold the needle in the working position. An annular rib is provided on a lug connected to the plunger for dislodging the retaining member from the step and release the needle, which is returned by the spring to its first position, out of sight inside the tubular body.

This invention relates to a single-use syringe of a type which comprises a tubular body wherein a plunger is slidable in sealed relationship, a needle mounted in said tubular body at a first axial end thereof and being movable between a first, safe position and a second, working position whereat said needle is retracted into and extended from said body, respectively, through an opening in the latter, a spring biasing said needle toward its retracted position, said needle being temporarily lockable in its working position.
Re-use of a syringe by many is one of the factors that promotes the spreading of diseases whose infection is passed on by contact with infected blood.
Typical is the spreading of AIDS among people addicted to injectable drugs, where there is a habit of sharing one syringe with several persons.
The most popular of know syringes, while explicitly intended for single use, may nevertheless be used more than once without impairing their mechanical efficiency.
Further, and besides the risk represented by possible re-use thereof, such syringes involve a serious risk of incidental pricking because the needle is left exposed on the tubular body after use of the syringe with no safeguard of sort.
In an effort to obviate such drawbacks, syringes have been developed which incorporate provisions to prevent their re-use and/or a retractable needle, to thereby eliminate the risks connected with the handling of a used syringe.
Typical examples of such improved syringes are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,675,005; 4,747,829; 4,692,156; PCT Application No. W088/06461; European Patent Application No. 282097; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,747,830.
However, it has been found that the engineering of these prior types of syringes has resulted in relatively elaborate constructions, quite unsuited to syringes which may be small in size as are use, in particular, by drug addicts. In addition, some of these syringes can be returned to a working condition after use by relatively simple operations to permit their re-use.
The problem underlying this invention is to provide a single-use syringe which is structured and operated in such a manner as to first eliminate any problems in handling a used syringe, and secondly, make re-use of the syringe practically impossible.

Single-use syringe with retractable needle


A portable high fidelity tape player and cordless radio telephone system includes a base unit, a handset unit and a stereo unit, in which the stereo unit includes a carrier filter, a carrier receiver, a pilot tone filter, a pilot tone decorder, a modulation circuit, a set of pilot tone oscillators, and a set of integrated circuits. When a ringing signal in the service line enters the base unit while the stereo unit is playing a recording tape, the operation of the motor of the stereo unit stops and the listener is enabled to proceed with the telephone conversation. Upon completing the conversation or after the party at the end of the line has hung up, the stereo unit returns to its operating state and the user may resume listening to the recording tape.

The present invention relates to a miniature high fidelity stereo cassette type apparatus of the type designed to be played through earphones and at the same time carried by the listener while the listener is also engaged in other activities such as housework, exercise, sports and commuting. In particular, the present invention relates to such a personal stereo system in combination with a cordless telephone.
As a result of rising living standards, the demand for high fidelity sound has increased. Personal high fidelity stereo systems such as the Sony WALKMAN.TM., have attained widespread popularity because of their convenience and the privacy they offer to the user. Students and pedestrians, automobile passengers, persons cooking in their kitchen or doing housework, and numerous others are seen going about their business with earphones inserted in their ears.
One problem with such personal stereos, however, is that while the users (especially those working at home) are wearing, the earphones, telephone calls may be missed because the user is unable to hear the ringing of the telephone.

Portable miniature high fidelity stereo tape player and cordless radio telephone system


In light detection systems for illuminating specimens having a plurality of detection channels, particularly channels employing laser scanning microscopes, an improved method comprises assigning an upper and/or lower limiting value which is adjustable for at least one channel and changing the channel to be detected with respect to its mode of operation when the limiting value is reached.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to laser scanning microscopes and, in particular, the use of such lasers in a plurality of detection channels.
In laser scanning microscopes, lasers with different wavelengths are used for the illumination and excitation of specimens. The light from the specimen likewise has different wavelengths depending on the illumination and on the specimen itself (fluorescence). The light coming back from the specimen is measured and evaluated in the form of images. In an n-channel system, all channels must be evaluated in order to determine the channels in which data is actually to be detected. In microscope systems there are usually two to four recording channels that are evaluated according to images. In order to determine the channels in which light is detected, the specimen must be scanned, and accordingly also illuminated, n/4 times. This process is cumbersome and time-consuming and causes an unnecessary loading of the specimen by laser light.
2. Object and Summary of the Invention
The primary object of this invention is to overcome problems associated with the application of microscopes and, particularly, in laser scanning microscopes in multi-channel detection systems. In particular, the invention aims at simplifying the known process and avoiding unnecessary loading of the specimen by laser light.
In accordance with the invention, a method for the optical detection of an illuminated specimen in a plurality of detection channels comprises assigning an upper and/or lower limiting value which is adjustable for at least one channel and changing the channel to be detected with respect to its mode of operation when the limiting value is reached

Method for optical detection of an illuminated specimen in a plurality of detection channels


An image forming apparatus includes a printhead, a carriage, one or more guide members, and a positioning mechanism. The printhead is mounted on the carriage. The one or more guide members support the carriage. The positioning mechanism includes an eccentric bearing and a rotation restrictor. The eccentric bearing is connected to each guide member and rotatable around a rotational axis offset from a guide member longitudinal axis to move the guide member relative to a substantially horizontal plane. The rotation restrictor defines a first point of contact with the eccentric bearing when the carriage is in a first operational position, and a second point of contact with the eccentric bearing when the carriage is in a second operational position. At least one of the first and second points of contact is displaceable with respect to the bearing rotational axis to modify the corresponding operational position of the carriage.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus that forms an image by employing an inkjet printhead mounted on a carriage, which incorporates a positioning mechanism for positioning the printhead carriage to adjust a gap defined between the printhead and a plane supporting a recording medium during printing.
2. Discussion of the Background
Inkjet printing technologies are employed in various image forming apparatuses, such as printers, facsimiles, photocopiers, plotters, and multifunctional machines incorporating several of those imaging capabilities.
An inkjet printer forms an image by employing a fluid-ejecting device called a printhead having one or more nozzles provided in a nozzle face to eject ink in droplets onto a recording medium such as a sheet of paper. The printhead is typically mounted on a carriage supported on one or more guide members extending along a scanning axis, with the nozzle face directed toward a generally planar, horizontal plane on which a recording medium is placed during printing.
To date, mainly two types of inkjet printers are available, depending on the configuration of printhead employed: a serial inkjet printer with a relatively narrow movable printhead, and a line inkjet printer with a relatively wide stationary printhead. The former prints an image by reciprocally moving the printhead back and forth along the scanning axis to traverse the width of a recording sheet, whereas the latter operates by advancing the recording sheet past the printhead without reciprocating the printhead, which spans the entire width of the recording sheet.
What is important for good performance of an inkjet printer is to establish an adequate distance or "print gap" between the printhead and the plane supporting a recording sheet during printing, or more precisely, to maintain a constant distance between the printhead nozzle face and the surface of a recording sheet placed on the sheet supporting plane. In general, too narrow a print gap causes the nozzle face to interfere with the recording sheet, resulting in ink smearing or blotting the recording sheet and/or causing frequent sheet jams, and too large a print gap reduces the accuracy with which the printhead deposits ink at desired locations on the recording sheet, leading to concomitant image defects, such as misregistration and color inconsistencies, appearing on a resulting image.
To obtain a desired print gap, a printhead assembly is typically provided with a positioning mechanism that enables positioning of the printhead carriage by moving it relative to the sheet supporting plane. For example, one such mechanism uses a pair of eccentric bearings mounted to opposite ends of an elongated guide member supporting a printhead carriage over a sheet supporting plane, which are rotatable around a rotational axis offset from a longitudinal axis of the guide member. When rotated, these eccentric bearings cause the guide member to move perpendicular to its longitudinal axis together with the carriage supported thereon. The positioning mechanism is provided with an operating lever that enables an operator to adjust the print gap by raising or lowering the carriage relative to the sheet supporting plane.
Such print gap adjustment is particularly important where an inkjet printer handles various types of recording sheets from one operation to another. This is because an appropriate print gap depends on the type of recording sheet in use, which has a specific thickness to define a spacing between the nozzle face and the sheet surface during printing. In other words, to maintain a constant space between the nozzle face and the sheet surface, wider print gaps are needed when thicker recording sheets are used, and narrower print gaps are needed when thinner recording sheets are used. Thus, a positioning mechanism is required to accommodate variations in the print gap depending on the thickness of recording sheet.
A straightforward approach to meeting this requirement is to vary the carriage position and the print gap steplessly depending on the recording sheet thickness. Although desirable for accurate spacing between the nozzle face and the sheet surface, such a configuration would complicate the positioning mechanism, making it expensive to manufacture and difficult to handle.
A more practical approach is to provide only two levels of print gaps or operational positions to which the positioning mechanism can position a printhead carriage, one for relatively thick sheets and the other for relatively thin sheets. This approach is simple and ready to implement compared to steplessly varying the print gap, and works well where an inkjet printer normally handles recording sheets of only two standard thicknesses. For such reasons, the two-level positioning arrangement is employed in several printhead positioning mechanisms.
However, this conventional method has certain drawbacks. One drawback is that the two-level positioning, by its nature, cannot provide an appropriate print gap for any specific recording sheet that has a thickness other than those of standard thick and thin recording sheets. Moreover, the simple two-level positioning fails to accommodate variations in the print gap caused by environmental factors other than sheet thickness, for example, deformation or displacement of a transport belt defining a surface on which a recording sheet is placed during printing.
Another drawback of the conventional method is the difficulty in initially setting up two levels of print gap with both precise parallelism and adequate spacing between the nozzle face and the sheet supporting plane. This difficulty is a problem not just with the two-level positioning but with all the positioning mechanisms that need initial setup of the print gap. Typically, initial adjustment for a print gap is a complicated process requiring some special tools to complete, resulting in considerable time required during assembly of a printhead carriage.
Hence, what is needed is a simple mechanism for positioning a printhead carriage in an image forming apparatus that provides ready adjustment of a print gap to accommodate both various types of recording sheets and environmental factors causing variations in the print gap, while requiring no complicated process to establish an appropriate print gap during assembly of the printhead carriage.

Image forming apparatus for establishing print gap by restricting rotation of eccentric bearing


Disclosed is a lighting fixture that provides easy lamp replacement and blocks the view of the back wiring.

The invention generally involves lighting fixtures.
Overhead lighting is often used, especially in a commercial environment, to emphasize various features within a room. In the commercial setting, overhead lighting may be used to accent floor items, such as displays, or wall items, such as paintings. In addition, the strategic placement of overhead lighting may create a certain ambiance.
One problem with overhead lighting is that positioning the light may involve construction-engineering problems. For example, some lighting may be placed only where overhead joists or beams travel, which may not be optimal. One solution for this is to create positionable lights that can be moved periodically. However, the mere movement of the light does not solve the problem of the location of the lighting itself as being confined to the joist area.
Another problem with overhead lighting is that if multiple lamps are used, then positioning these lights is problematic. For example, in those fixtures where the lamps are immobile, the plurality of lamps face in the same direction and independent action of an individual lamp is not possible. In addition, using multiple lamps also involves increased wiring difficulties. Since overhead lighting is by definition, overhead, then a customer walking under the light fixture will see the wiring behind the light. To date, in multiple lamp assemblies no aesthetically pleasing lighting fixture exists that permits easy lamp replacement in conjunction with blocking the view of the back wiring.
The foregoing problems are solved and a technical advance is achieved by the present invention. Disclosed is a lighting fixture that provides easy lamp replacement and/or ballast transformer replacement, and blocks the view of the back wiring.


A method of manufacturing a flexible OLED module includes: forming a polymer layer on one surface of a base substrate; forming a thin glass sheet on one surface of the polymer layer; forming multiple OLED elements on one surface of the thin glass sheet; forming a protective layer on one surface of the thin glass sheet to cover the OLED elements; separating the base substrate and the polymer layer from each other through separation of the sacrificial layer by laser lift-off (LLO); and cutting the thin glass sheet and the protective layer to provide multiple unit OLED modules each including the OLED element.

A flexible OLED module including organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) includes a coating film for shielding infiltration of oxygen, which negatively influences the OLEDs.
Typically, such a coating film is formed of a flexible polyimide (PI) resin. However, since such a PI coating film can fail to effectively shield infiltration of moisture or oxygen, the flexible OLED module is further provided with a barrier film that can assist in shielding infiltration of moisture or oxygen.
However, when particles enter the barrier film or a gap between the barrier film and the PI coating film in the course of coating or attaching the barrier film, the flexible OLED module becomes defective, thereby causing reduction in yield. Moreover, when the barrier film has a defect in the course of coating or attaching the barrier film, moisture or oxygen can enter the barrier film through the defect, causing deterioration in reliability of the flexible OLED module.

Method of manufacturing flexible OLED module


A fan biasing transmission mechanism includes gearbox affixed to the rear side of the housing of an electric fan's fan motor, a control rod pivotally and axially movably mounted in the gearbox. a power gear fixedly mounted on the control rod and meshed with a motor shaft worm wheel of the fan motor, a driving gear pivotally mounted in the gearbox, a gear-clutch gear fixedly mounted on the control rod and movable with the control rod into mesh with the gear-clutch gear, a first bevel gear fixedly mounted on the driving gear, a second bevel gear meshed with the first bevel gear, a bracket, a crank arm pivotally coupled between the gear shaft and the bracket, and an elastic member connected between the gear shaft and the gearbox.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to electric fans and more particularly, to a fan biasing transmission mechanism, which can be controlled for enabling the fan body to be biased alternatively forwards and backwards (upwards and downwards) during its 360° rotation.
2. Description of the Related Art
There are commercial electric fans that allow biasing of the fan body during its 360° rotation. In these prior art designs, the mechanism which enables the fan body to be biased during rotation of the fan motor is mounted inside the motor housing. This arrangement has drawbacks: 1. Big size housing; 2. Complicated structure and high cost; 3. Installation and maintenance inconvenience; 4. Being suitable for use in a ceiling fan but not practical for use in a floor fan.


A stock fit assembly fixture is provided for aligning and holding into place various portions of a shoe, such as an upper portion, an outsole, and a midsole, while the shoe portions are being assembled. The upper portion of a shoe may be secured to a shoe last, which in turn, may be secured to a top portion of the stock fit assembly fixture. The top portion may be movable such that the upper portion of the shoe can be moved toward the outsole and midsole portions, thus allowing for a securement of the upper portion to the outsole and midsole portions. The movement of the top portion may be by way of a compression mechanism allowing the top portion to be forced to be moved toward a bottom portion of the stock fit assembly fixture.

One skilled in the art will recognize that portions of a shoe, including an outsole, midsole, upper portion, and the like, are typically assembled by hand, without the use of a device that may assist in aligning the various shoe portions. For example, the upper portion of a shoe may typically be fitted to a shoe last, and after the application of contact cement or other forms of adhesives, this upper portion may be hand fit to the outsole and midsole. Excess portions of any shoe portions are then cut or stripped off of the assembled shoe, taking more time and operator interaction, in addition to shoe variation, than is needed. Assembling portions of a shoe by hand may create some unintended inconsistencies from shoe to shoe, such as portions that are not aligned as they should be, thus creating a domino effect throughout the shoe manufacturing process from one machine or process to the next. In addition to assembling shoe portions by hand, press blocks may be used but also do not provide the functional advantage of aligning the various shoe portions prior to assembly.

Stockfit assembly fixture for shoe production


The present invention concerns a device for heating a sample by microwave radiation comprising a source of microwave radiation, a first waveguide for guiding said microwave radiation to an applicator space adapted to receive said sample to be heated, wherein said applicator space is defined by a terminal portion of said first waveguide and an initial portion of a second waveguide extending from said terminal portion of said first waveguide and being arranged at an angle with respect to said first waveguide.

In microwave-assisted chemistry, microwaves are used to initiate, drive, or otherwise enhance chemical or physical reactions. Generally, the term "microwaves" refers to electromagnetic radiation having a frequency within a range of about 108 Hz to 1012 Hz. These frequencies correspond to wavelengths between about 300 cm to 0.3 mm Microwave-assisted chemistry is currently employed in a variety of chemical processes. Typical applications in the field of analytical chemistry include ashing, digestion and extraction methods. In the field of chemical synthesis, microwave radiation is typically employed for heating reaction materials, many chemical reactions proceeding advantageously at higher temperatures. In addition, when pressureriseable reaction vessels are used, many analytical or synthetical processes can be further enhanced by increasing the pressure in the vessel. Further, when, for example, digestion methods for analytical purposes are used, the generation or expansion of gases inside the vessel will necessarily increase the internal pressure. Thus, in order to ensure that no reaction products are lost for subsequent analysis, vessels must be used which are able to withstand high internal pressures in these cases.
Usually, most microwave-assisted reactions are performed in open or, preferably, in sealed vessels at temperatures rising up to 300° C. Typical pressures range from below atmospheric pressure, e.g. in solvent extraction processes, up to 100 bar, e.g. in digestion or synthesis processes.
Microwave-assisted chemistry is essentially based on the dielectric heating of substances capable of absorbing microwave radiation, which is subsequently converted into heat.
Many apparatuses and methods currently employed in microwave-assisted chemistry are based upon conventional domestic microwave ovens operating at a frequency of 2.45 GHz. As magnetrons operating at this frequency are produced in large quantities for domestic appliances, microwave apparatuses for microwave-assisted chemistry using such magnetrons can be manufactured at relatively low cost.
The applicator cavity of heating devices based on domestic microwave ovens is usually a multi-mode resonance cavity in which the spatial energy distribution is determined by an interference of standing waves of different longitudinal and transverse modes of the microwave field. Accordingly, an inhomogeneous field distribution results leading to so-called "hot spots" and "cold spots", respectively. In order to ensure homogenous heating of the sample arranged within a multi-mode resonance cavity, the sample to be heated is usually arranged on a turntable which is rotated during the heating process in order to level the overall energy absorbed throughout the sample.
It is also known that depending on the sample loading in the cavity and on the dielectric characteristics (permittivity) of the sample, the balance between the electromagnetic modes within a multi-mode cavity and consequently the overall distribution of microwave energy within the cavity will be modulated. This will usually not pose a particular problem, because the rotation of the sample on the turntable during the heating process will still ensure a sufficient balancing of the overall energy absorbed by the sample. Consequently, except for a turntable, no special means are usually employed in a multi-mode cavity to compensate for field distribution changes caused by varying load characteristics.
Multi-mode applicator cavities based on household microwave ovens have a rather large sample volume and are consequently particularly suited to heat larger samples. For smaller sample volumes, other devices, namely so-called mono-mode or single-mode applicators are usually employed for microwave heating in chemical analytics or synthesis. A typical single-mode microwave heating device used is for instance described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,681,740. Such a typical single-mode microwave applicator used in chemical synthesis or analysis comprises a magnetron for generating microwave radiation, typically operating at a frequency of 2.45 GHz, having an antenna which extends into one end of an hollow rectangular waveguide. At microwave frequencies of 2.45 GHz, a so-called WR340 rectangular waveguide having internal dimensions of 86×43 mm, is commonly used, in which the TE10 mode of the microwave field can propagate. At the opposite end of the rectangular waveguide, a resonant applicator cavity is provided which is adapted to accommodate a sample vessel. Devices such as the microwave heating device of U.S. Pat. No. 4,681,740, are provided with a circular opening in the upper wall of the applicator cavity through which the sample vessel with the sample to be heated can be inserted into the cavity. A metallic cylindrical chimney extends above the opening. The diameter of the opening and the height of the chimney are selected such that no microwave radiation can escape from the waveguide through the opening into the chimney
As compared to multi-mode cavities, single-mode applicators tuned to resonance have the advantage that when operating at similar power levels, higher field intensities and a more even energy distribution throughout the sample can be achieved. In addition, as the ratio of sample volume to cavity volume is increased, the overall energy yield is also improved. However, in order to achieve these advantages, a good impedance matching of the impedance of the rectangular waveguide and the impedance of the applicator cavity has to be achieved in order to obtain an efficient energy transfer into the sample. However, as noted above, the impedance of the applicator cavity is influenced by the sample to be heated itself. Consequently, the heating of different samples having different permittivity or even the heating of a single sample which has a changing permittivity throughout the heating process, as well as using samples with different sample volumes, will effect the impedance characteristics of the cavity/sample-system and may therefore deteriorate the initial matching to the impedance of the waveguide.
In prior art, several solutions have been suggested to improve the absorption of the microwave radiation by the sample within an applicator cavity. For instance, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,382,414, a lifting device comprising a piston rod is described which allows to change the height of a plate on which the sample is arranged within the applicator cavity. U.S. Pat. No. 5,837,978 describes a multi-mode cavity, where resonance conditions can be improved by adapting the height of the applicator cavity to changing process conditions. WO 99/17588 A1 describes a device for controlling the feeding of microwave power through a waveguide into a microwave heating appliance by movably arranging a conductor member in the waveguide in order to affect the mode pattern of the microwave radiation transported through the waveguide. In US 2004/0069776, a waveguide comprising a rotatable deflector is described, which is controlled via a dummy load in order to maximize energy transmission into the sample cavity. Accordingly, prior art devices require sophisticated adjusting and control means to adapt microwave transmission to varying permittivity conditions in the applicator space. Consequently, the provision of such control systems leads to a considerable increase of the overall manufacturing costs of the microwave heating devices of prior art.

Device for heating a sample by microwave radiation


A method and circuit for enhancing the performance in a serial ATA interface uses a standard ATA queue automation circuitry that handles all the transmit/receive frame information structure (FIS) operations for ATA queue commands without interrupting the higher-level software and associated hardware, firmware, and drivers. If the standard ATA queue automation circuitry and command queues are not provided, then every FIS operation will interrupt the higher layer application program. The standard ATA queuing automation circuit preprocesses higher layer commands to write into the task file registers before initiating the transport layer for an FIS transmission and provides information regarding the success or failure of a command. Commands to be executed and completion command queues are preferably used to improve the performance further. These queues may be implemented within the higher layers, as part of the standard ATA queuing automation circuit, or as software, firmware, and/or hardware functionally located between the standard ATA queuing automation circuit and the higher layers. The standard ATA queue automation circuitry provides information to program the DMA controller and activates the DMA automatically for the data transfer.

Current Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) devices communicate through their higher layers. Because so much of the communications travel between applications programs, handshaking is not as fast a process as it could be. The frame Information Structures (FIS) used by SATA tend to be problematic in interrupting the higher layer programs. Because the higher layer programs, whether implemented as firmware or software and whether implemented in the central processing unit, handle the FISes, performance is reduced drastically.
Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a method and circuit that improves the speed of communications within an SATA device.

Standard ATA queuing automation in serial ATA interface for creating a frame information structure (FIS) corresponding to command from transport layer


Disclosed herein is a device for electrophoresis comprising: a separation channel in a substrate; and a plurality of capillary-well motifs cascading along the separation channel, each of the plurality of capillary-well motifs comprising a well and a plurality of non-intersecting capillaries, wherein the capillaries are downstream from the well and fluidly connected thereto, an interface between the well and the capillaries comprises a step profile. Also disclosed is a method comprising: obtaining a substrate comprising an insulator layer of an insulator material; forming a well and a plurality of trenches in the insulator layer so that only the insulator material is exposed to an interior of the well and the plurality of trenches; nonconformally depositing a film into the plurality of trenches until the film pinches off top openings of the trenches and forms a tubular void therein; transforming the tubular void into a capillary by annealing the film.

Artificial sieving structures such as engineered micro/nanostructures may be used for the size-dependent electrophoretic separation of macromolecules in free solution, particularly for DNA and proteins. These structures, given their highly regular topography and precise dimensions, can be a potential substitute for restrictive gelatinous materials (gels) or viscous sieving polymer solutions.

THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY


Merging analysis paths is provided. A first analysis path and a second analysis path are identified, wherein each analysis path identifies one or more data resources of an information space. A match is determined between a first data resource of the one or more data resources identified by the first analysis path and a second data resource of the one or more data resources identified by the second analysis path. A third analysis path that is based, at least in part, on the first analysis path and the second analysis path is generated.

The present invention relates generally to the field of data analysis and, more particularly, to merging data resources based on shared information. A data resource may, for example, be a web document, image, video, chart, graph, spreadsheet, or other piece of content or collection of content.
Business analytics refers to the skills, technologies and practices for investigating past business performance to gain useful business data and improve business planning. Business analytics make extensive use of data, statistical and quantitative analysis, explanatory and predicative modeling, and fact-based management in order to make decisions and conclusions. In business, several people with varying areas of expertise and objectives may navigate the same information space, such as the internet or World Wide Web, but come to separate conclusions.

International Business Machines Corporation


A v-clamp is used to join tubular bodies having end flanges in order to form a joint therebetween. Such tubular bodies are employed in heavy-duty and moderate and light-duty applications including, but not limited to, industrial, oil and gas, sewage, agriculture, and automotive applications. The v-clamp can include a band, a closure mechanism, and a set of bearings. The v-clamp may furnish a more evenly and uniformly distributed clamping force around a circumference of the v-clamp and to the tubular body end flanges than previously demonstrated.

V-clamps are typically used to join tubular bodies that have end flanges extending outwardly from the main structures of the tubular bodies. These types of tubular bodies are often employed in heavy-duty and moderate and light-duty applications including, but not limited to, industrial, oil and gas, sewage, agriculture, and automotive applications. Previous v-clamps have included an outer band, inner v-profile segments attached to the outer band, and a latch assembly that is used to tighten and loosen the v-clamps. When the v-clamps are tightened on the tubular bodies, the v-profile segments receive the end flanges and radial and axial forces are exerted on the end flanges to establish a fluid-tight joint therebetween.

V-clamp with more evenly distributed clamping load


Methods and related systems are described for improving component separations in chromatography through novel techniques. The improvements in separation is due primarily to the provision of differential acceleration of the components being separated. Various systems and methods for providing differential acceleration are described including: increasing the cross section of the column towards the column outlet, changing the thickness or other composition of stationary phase within the column, and providing a temperature and/or mobile phase velocity gradient along the column.

1. Field of the Invention
This patent specification relates to chromatography. More particularly, this patent specification relates to systems and methods for separations of compounds during chromatographic analysis.
2. Background of the Invention
Chromatography is an area of analytical chemistry focused on the separation of complex mixtures of gases, liquids, and/or solids in an attempt to analyze the sample by identifying and/or quantifying various components of the mixture. Chromatography is classically performed with columns of fixed geometry, either in an open tubular or packed design. A stationary phase is deposited on the inner surfaces of the column, either on the inside walls in the case of the open tubular design, or on the packed particles for a packed design. In some cases the packed particles and stationary phase are one and the same. Such configurations are usually packaged as tubes that can be connected in various ways to chromatographic equipment.
Traditional chromatographic separations are accomplished through differential migration. The partitioning of analyte species between a mobile phase and a stationary phase results in each analyte band migrating along the separation column at a unique velocity that is less than that of the mobile phase. This velocity is determined by the magnitude of the partition coefficient, the phase ratio (ratio of volumes of stationary and mobile phases), and the velocity of the mobile phase (un-retained species). The time spent in the mobile phase determines the degree to which analytes are retained. Although these factors can change slightly down the length of the column due to a variety of factors, band velocity is conventionally considered to be relatively constant throughout a separation under isothermal conditions with a constant flow rate and composition of mobile phase. As a result of differential migration, bands of analytes can be physically separated as long as the rates of differential migration vary by a large-enough factor.
However, there remains a general problem with conventional chromatography approaches due to a phenomenon known as band broadening. Band broadening is the tendency for bands on a chromatographic column to continuously grow longer due to a variety of sources which are primarily related to diffusion. In general, longitudinal diffusion is a dominating factor, and is proportional to the square-root of time spent on the column. Since differential migration results in a linear increase in band-to-band distances (measured center to center) as a function of time, and band broadening decreases the band-to-band distance (measured edge to edge) with the square-root of time, the chromatographic resolution is usually generalized to be proportional to the square-root of time spent on the column. FIGS. 1a-1d illustrate the effects of differential migration and broadening on chromatographic resolution, according to conventional chromatography techniques. FIG. 1a shows two components, "A" and "B," in FIGS. 1a-c for simulated uniformly wall-coated tubular column having infinite length. FIG. 1a is a band trajectory plot where the differential migration is apparent. FIG. 1b shows band broadening as a function of time. FIG. 1c shows velocity as a function of time. FIG. 1d shows the calculated resolution between bands A and B as a function of time. In FIG. 1d, chromatographic resolution is calculated for each "vertical slice" of the plots in FIG. A, that is the difference in band position divided by the average band width. Note that this measure of resolution is not the same as that typically observed on a chromatographic system with a column of finite-length and a detector that is after the column. The type of separation illustrated in FIGS. 1a-d is essentially a situation of "diminishing returns" where the chromatographer can not improve the chromatographic resolution in a time-effective manner by using a longer column. In an effort to improve band separations in a more time-effective manner, conventional chromatographic techniques have focused on optimizing column diameters, mobile phase flow rates, stationary phase functionality and thickness, and other factors.