Determining authorization for actions includes defining a plurality of groups, defining a plurality of action types and corresponding levels of authorization for each of the groups, for at least a subset of the action types, defining a plurality of devices on which corresponding actions may be performed, wherein at least some of the devices correspond to portions of a data storage device, and, for the at least one of the groups, determining authorization for a requested action, where if the action corresponds to one of the devices, authorization is determined by examining the levels of authorization for action types corresponding to the at least one group and by examining the plurality of devices corresponding to the requested action and where if the action does not correspond to one of the devices, authorization is determined by examining the levels of authorization for action types corresponding to the at least one group. The action types may include system calls to the data storage device. The at least one of the devices may include at least one disk storage area of the data storage device. The at least one of the devices may include communication ports of the data storage device. The action types may indicate whether system calls are allowed on the communication ports. In response to a requested action being authorized, a tag may be returned that may be used in connection with subsequent requests that the action be performed.

1. Field of the Invention
This application relates to the field of computer data storage and more particularly to the field of configuring control system call access to data storage devices.
2. Description of Related Art
Host systems may store and retrieve data using a data storage device containing a plurality of host interface units (ports) that communicate with and store and retrieve data on internal storage facilities provided within the data storage device. Such data storage devices are provided, for example, by EMC Corporation of Hopkinton, Mass. and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,206,939 to Yanai et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,394 to Galtzur et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,147 to Vishlitzky et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,208 to Ofek.
The host systems may be assigned limited access to specific portions of the internal storage facilities, where that access may include reading and writing data and xe2x80x9csystem callsxe2x80x9d that cause the data storage device to execute administrative-like operations (e.g., automatic mirroring, copying, back up). The system calls do not directly read and write data. However, even so, system calls may cause one of the user host systems to indirectly access data allocated to another one of the host systems. In addition, remote system calls may be issued to a storage element through a remote storage device (e.g., in a disaster recovery situation) or through a fabric port.
The use of system calls which may provide one host system with unintended indirect access to a memory resource allocated to another host system may not be a problem if all host systems and the entire storage device are controlled by a single entity (i.e., are all owned and operated by a single company) that is capable of coordinating access among different groups within the entity. However, in instances where not all of the host systems are controlled by a single entity (e.g., in instances where a plurality of different smaller companies share use of a single data storage device) and in instances where different groups of the same entity access the host systems in an uncoordinated manner, it may be undesirable to allow such indirect access of internal storage facilities using system calls, especially in instances where the data storage device contains sensitive data of one or more of the entities and/or groups within a single entity. Furthermore, in configurations where a storage device is coupled to additional storage devices to provide backup services therefor, it may be undesirable to allow unintended access to data via system calls.
According to the present invention, determining authorization for actions includes defining a plurality of groups, defining a plurality of action types and corresponding levels of authorization for each of the groups, for at least a subset of the action types, defining a plurality of devices on which corresponding actions may be performed, where at least some of the devices correspond to portions of a data storage device, and, for the at least one of the groups, determining authorization for a requested action, where if the action corresponds to one of the devices, authorization is determined by examining the levels of authorization for action types corresponding to the at least one group and by examining the plurality of devices corresponding to the requested action and where if the action does not correspond to one of the devices, authorization is determined by examining the levels of authorization for action types corresponding to the at least one group. The action types may include system calls to the data storage device. The at least one of the devices may include at least one disk storage area of the data storage device. The at least one of the devices may include communication ports of the data storage device. The action types may indicate whether system calls are allowed on the communication ports. In response to a requested action being authorized, a tag may be returned that may be used in connection with subsequent requests that the action be performed.
According further to the present invention, determining authorization for actions includes determining if a requestor is in a list of requestors, determining if the requested action is in a list of action types associated with the requestor, and, if the action uses at least one device, determining if the at least one device is in a list of devices associated with the requestor and the requested action, where the list of devices includes at least some devices associated with a data storage device. Determining authorization may also include, if the requestor is not in the list of requestors, using a default requestor from the list of requestors. Determining authorization may also include, if the requestor is not in the list of requestors, denying authorization. Determining authorization may also include, if the requested action does not use at least one device, authorizing the action if the requested action is in a list of action types associated with the requestor. At least some of the action types may not correspond to actions performed on the data storage device. The action types may include system calls to the data storage device. At least one of the devices may include at least one disk storage area of the data storage device. The at least one of the devices may include communication ports of the data storage device. The action types may indicate whether system calls are allowed on the communication ports. Determining authorization may also include, in response to a requested action being authorized, returning a tag that may be used in connection with subsequent requests that the action be performed.
According further to the present invention, an apparatus that determines authorization for actions includes means for defining a plurality of groups, means for defining a plurality of action types and corresponding levels of authorization for each of the groups, means for defining a plurality of devices on which corresponding actions may be performed for at least a subset of the action types, where at least some of the devices correspond to portions of a data storage device, and, means for determining authorization for a requested action for the at least one of the groups, where if the action corresponds to one of the devices, authorization is determined by examining the levels of authorization for action types corresponding to the at least one group and by examining the plurality of devices corresponding to the requested action and where if the action does not correspond to one of the devices, authorization is determined by examining the levels of authorization for action types corresponding to the at least one group. The action types may include system calls to the data storage device. The at least one of the devices may include at least one disk storage area of the data storage device. The at least one of the devices may include communication ports of the data storage device. The action types may indicate whether system calls are allowed on the communication ports. In response to a requested action being authorized, the apparatus may return a tag that may be used in connection with subsequent requests that the action be performed.
According further to the present invention, an apparatus that determines authorization for actions includes means for determining if a requestor is in a list of requestors, means for determining if the requested action is in a list of action types associated with the requestor, and means for determining if the at least one device is in a list of devices associated with the requestor and the requested action if the action uses at least one device, where the list of devices includes at least some devices associated with a data storage device. The apparatus may also include means for using a default requestor from the list of requestors if the requestor is not in the list of requestors. The apparatus may also include means for denying authorization if the requestor is not in the list of requestors. The apparatus may also include means for authorizing the action if the requested action is in a list of action types associated with the requestor if the requested action does not use at least one device. At least some of the action types may not correspond to actions performed on the data storage device. The action types may include system calls to the data storage device. At least one of the devices may includes at least one disk storage area of the data storage device. The at least one of the devices may include communication ports of the data storage device. The action types may indicate whether system calls are allowed on the communication ports. The apparatus may include means for returning a tag that may be used in connection with subsequent requests that the action be performed in response to a requested action being authorized.
According further to the present invention, computer software that determines authorization for actions includes executable code that accesses a plurality of groups, executable code that accesses a plurality of action types and corresponding levels of authorization for each of the groups, executable code that accesses a plurality of devices on which corresponding actions may be performed for at least a subset of the action types, where at least some of the devices correspond to portions of a data storage device, and, executable code that determines authorization for a requested action for the at least one of the groups, where if the action corresponds to one of the devices, authorization is determined by examining the levels of authorization for action types corresponding to the at least one group and by examining the plurality of devices corresponding to the requested action and where if the action does not correspond to one of the devices, authorization is determined by examining the levels of authorization for action types corresponding to the at least one group. The action types may include system calls to the data storage device. The at least one of the devices may include at least one disk storage area of the data storage device. The at least one of the devices may include communication ports of the data storage device. The action types may indicate whether system calls are allowed on the communication ports. In response to a requested action being authorized, executable code may return a tag that may be used in connection with subsequent requests that the action be performed.
According further to the present invention, computer software that determines authorization for actions includes executable code that determines if a requestor is in a list of requestors, executable code that determines if the requested action is in a list of action types associated with the requestor, and executable code that determines if the at least one device is in a list of devices associated with the requestor and the requested action if the action uses at least one device, where the list of devices includes at least some devices associated with a data storage device. The computer software may further include executable code that uses a default requestor from the list of requestors if the requestor is not in the list of requestors. The computer software may further include executable code that denies authorization if the requestor is not in the list of requestors. The computer software may further include executable code that authorizes the action if the requested action is in a list of action types associated with the requestor if the requested action does not use at least one device. At least some of the action types may not correspond to actions performed on the data storage device. The action types may include system calls to the data storage device. The at least one of the devices may include at least one disk storage area of the data storage device. The at least one of the devices may include communication ports of the data storage device. The action types may indicate whether system calls are allowed on the communication ports. The computer software may further include executable code that returns a tag that may be used in connection with subsequent requests that the action be performed in response to a requested action being authorized.


Whether or not protection circuitry for a span-powered remote digital subscriber loop unit is properly connected to earth ground is determined by the deliberate assertion and detection of a ground fault from a central office line card location. The span-powered remote unit is augmented to place a controllable conduction path in circuit with the span-powered loop and an earth ground pin. If the earth ground pin has been properly connected to earth ground, applying the conductive path will place a ground fault on the span, which is detected by a ground fault detector within the central office line card. If the ground fault detector does not detect a ground fault in response to the application of the conductive path, the line card forwards a negative ground fault event message to a test center, so that a service technician may be dispatched to the remote unit to correct the problem.

In addition to transporting audio (voice), video and/or data signals over (copper wire) telephone lines, certain types of telecommunication equipment employ the same conductive pair to remotely power one or more circuits, such as midspan repeaters and terminating devices, that are connected across the line pair. This method of remote line powering is commonly termed loop- or span-powering and is used extensively in digital subscriber loop (DSL) networks, such as DDS, ISDN, T1 and HDSL networks. In order to protect its electronics from damage due to surges from lightning or power fault events, it is common practice for the remote device to contain surge protection circuitry, which is operative to divert such surges to earth ground. As operation of the DSL circuitry, per se, does not require a connection to earth ground, the installer of the equipment may fail to provide a connection to earth ground, thereby rendering the surge protection circuitry ineffective. Thus, there is a need for an effective technique to determine whether or not an earth ground connection has been properly established, and to provide an indication of the same to a central maintenance and test center, in order to assist a loop exchange carrier in ensuring that the DSL equipment has been properly installed.

Method of detecting remote ground condition


Methods and systems which identify and interact with network interfaces based on the network to which they provide access. A computing device operating in accordance with one or more of the principles described herein may examine available network interfaces and identify the network to which the network interfaces provide access, and perform networking tasks on interfaces based on the network identified. For example, a user may instruct a computing device to connect to a specified network, and the computing device will select a particular network interface by which to connect from the one or more available network interfaces that are able to connect to that network. Alternatively, a user may manage policies (e.g., security, connection, and application policies) based on the network to which a network interface provides access and thereby manage a network regardless of which of multiple network interfaces is used to access the network.

Computer networks are growing in popularity. Today, a computer user may be expected to connect to a computer network not only at his or her workplace, but also in the home and in commercial establishments (e.g., coffee shops, malls, etc.), as well as while moving about via cellular technologies such as linked wireless hotspots and wide-area network (WAN) technologies.
Additionally, as computer networks have grown in popularity, the means by which computers and users can connect to these networks have grown in number. Where only a few years ago many networks only offered users the ability to connect via a direct, local, wired network interface (e.g., an Ethernet network interface directly to an enterprise network, such as a network interface within an office building), networks are offering an increasing number of network interface types to users. For example, some networks (e.g., enterprise networks) may offer, in addition to or as an alterative to wired network interfaces, wireless network interfaces operating according to one or more protocols (e.g., one or more of the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers' (IEEE) 802.11 protocols), remote network interfaces via protocols such as those which establish Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), and/or other types of network interfaces. Home networks, too, are experiencing a growing number of network interface options. Increasingly, home networks offer wired network interfaces and/or wireless network interfaces using one or more networking technologies such as IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and/or 802.11n.
Accordingly, a contemporary computer may support a wide array of networking technologies which may be used to connect to computer networks, and a computer network may offer multiple types of network interfaces to computers seeking to connect.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Performing networking tasks based on destination networks


A mixed liquid dispenser head (7) is provided with a carbonated water supply port (39), raw material exits (33), and a diluting water exit (35) within a head main body (11); a nozzle (13) that is attached to the head main body so as to cover the carbonated water supply port (39), the raw ingredient exits (33), and the diluting water exit (35); valve devices (49) that are provided in the raw ingredient exits and the diluting water exits and that open and close due to liquid pressure changes; a flow straightening plate (41) for making carbonated water discharged from the carbonated water supply port flow along an inner circumferential surface of the nozzle; and low pressure caps (57) and (59) provided for each of the raw ingredient exits and the diluting water exit and covering the raw ingredient exits and the diluting water exit together with the valve devices.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a mixed liquid dispensing head that mixes and dispenses a plurality of types of liquids.
2. Description of the Related Art
A carbonated beverage nozzle head for mixing carbonated water, diluting water, and a concentrated raw ingredient, and dispensing the mixture as a carbonated beverage, is disclosed in JP 2001-80700 A. The nozzle head is provided with a carbonated water nozzle, a plurality of syrup nozzles that are disposed in a circular shape centered around the carbonated water nozzle, and a nozzle cover that is attached so as to cover the syrup nozzles.
This type of carbonated beverage nozzle head is connected to a liquid storage tank through a supply hose. A beverage provider carries the liquid storage tank and operates the carbonated beverage nozzle head by hand, supplying an ordered carbonated beverage to a customer. Further, modes for controlling the beverage supply include one type in which opening and closing control is performed on a fluid passage by using an electromagnetic valve, and another type in which opening and closing control of the liquid passage is performed by using a mechanical valve upon which direct opening and closing forces are applied manually.
However, with the beverage supply control mode that uses the electromagnetic valve described above, the electromagnetic valve is normally disposed further upstream than the carbonated beverage nozzle head. Accordingly, the space between a liquid dispensing opening in the nozzle head and the electromagnetic valve is exposed to the air. Problems therefore exist in which the raw ingredients or water remaining in the exposed portion may later drip from the dispenser opening, and in which other liquids may flow backwards from the dispenser opening.
On the other hand, although the portion exposed to the air can be made smaller in the type that uses the mechanical valve compared to the type that uses the electromagnetic valve by disposing the mechanical valve within the carbonated beverage nozzle head, the liquid dispenser opening itself is exposed in the nozzle head, and the backward flow problem remains. In addition, the mechanical valve involves high opening and closing operating forces, and therefore a problem exists in that the effort required by the operator when supplying the carbonated beverage increases further.


A method and apparatus for identifying operating hybrid solutions is provided. An operating hybrid solution includes a combination of hardware and software components operating together for a particular purpose, such as to provide particular functionality. In various embodiments, mappings are stored to associate operating hybrid solutions with operating criteria that describe devices when the devices are operating according to the operating hybrid solutions. During operation of a device, a monitoring process uses the mappings to determine whether the device is operating as part of an operating hybrid solution. The monitoring process stores an indication of whether the device is operating as part of the operating hybrid solution, and the indication may be provided in response to a request for operating hybrid solution information associated with the device.

The approaches described in this section are approaches that could be pursued, but not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that any of the approaches described in this section qualify as prior art merely by virtue of their inclusion in this section.
Data processing networks may include a variety of devices with a variety of capabilities. The devices may be of different models, obtained from different manufacturers, and used by customers in different ways. Example devices include routers, switches, general purpose computers, server computers, printers, scanners, fax machines, Voice over IP ("VoIP") phones, mobile devices such as smart phones, and other devices connected to the network. At any given time, customers generally do not use all of the capabilities of all of their devices.
The devices may host or run different software, protocols, or other functional units. The devices may be configured to implement particular protocols, technologies or techniques in many different ways. A particular combination of one or more devices, software, configuration, technologies, protocols, functional units, or services may be associated with a particular name or marketing identifier of the vendor that supplied one or more of the units.
In order to manage, maintain, operate, service, or troubleshoot devices, for auditing purposes, or to analyze the effectiveness and efficiency of solutions, the vendors of network gear, customers and support service providers may want to know whether a given device is part of a hardware-based, software-based, and/or service-based solution that addresses a particular customer need. Customers and support service providers often assume that the devices are part of a hardware-based and/or software-based solution merely because the devices have manufacturer names and model numbers that are expected to be part of the solution. This assumption is inaccurate when devices that are typically part of a solution are not actually operating as part of the solution. An incorrect assumption may require extensive investigation of the configuration of the customer's devices, or may complicate the process of providing service or support to the customer or the devices.

Detecting whether components are functioning together according to an operating hybrid solution


A microfabricated RF filter uses a resonant cavity weakly coupled to a transmission line, to attenuate noise sources emitting interference into the RF radiation at the resonant frequency. Radiation at the resonant frequency is leaked into the resonant cavity and build up there, until it is dumped to ground by a switch.

This invention relates to microfabricated notch filter.
Notch filters provide a means of providing loss in a narrow band of the radio frequency (RF) spectrum, which generally extends from hundreds of kHz to hundreds of GHz. This loss allows interfering signals to be attenuated, thus improving the fidelity at the receiver, preventing saturation in the low noise amplifier (LNA), and in worst case, preventing damage to the receiver.
For the mmWave part of the spectrum (generally >3 GHz), conventional filters comprised of capacitors and inductors do not work because (1) the required values of capacitance and inductance are extremely low and are comparable to the parasitic reactance in the circuit and (2) capacitor and inductors tend to be very lossy, thus attenuating the desired signal.
mmWave filters often use cavities, wherein the characteristic dimension of the cavity, i.e. the dimension along the direction of propagation, is one-half the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation of interest. These cavities are often placed in the RF circuit in series with other components, such as low noise amplifiers, mixers and detectors. Thus, in this series configuration, the cavity acts as a bandpass filter, where a narrow band of spectrum is un-attenuated. This un-attenuated region of the spectrum is generally allocated to the frequency where the desired signal is carried. Often an interfering signal may fall within the desired signal passband or close to the desired signal passband.
Attenuation placed precisely at the frequency of the interferer will improve the fidelity at the receiver, prevent saturation in the LNA, or in worst case, preventing damage to the receiver. If a cavity similar to that described above is used in a shunt configuration it becomes a band-stop filter. If the width in frequency of the band-stop filter is very narrow, this is often called a notch filter. But because cavities often require deep substrates in which the cavity is created and because cavities often require breadth similar to the depth, the close packing of cavities can be limited, leading to large, costly circuits. LC resonant circuits can provide very narrow band-stop filtering, particularly at low frequencies (<10 MHz). For mmWave applications, low loss capacitors (C) and inductors (L) are very difficult to fabricate economically.
What is needed is a low cost, compact, low loss, narrow band device to attenuate interference in the mmWave region of the electromagnetic spectrum


An arrangement for mounting a cantilever-type headrest in a seat, in which the headrest is inclined at an angle compensating for an illusional headrest inclination which occurs in the eyes of a person looking at such cantilever-type headrest appearance. Further, the headrest is dislocated from a common central vertical line with respect to a seat back of the seat, to thereby offset an illusional headrest dislocation towards a side of seat back where there is no headrest stay.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a headrest for use in an automotive seat, and in particular to an arrangement for mounting a cantilever-like headrest on a seat back of the seat.
2. Description of Prior Art
FIGS. 1 and 2 show an example of conventional cantilever-like headrest (HR) mounted on a seat back (SB) of a seat such as an automotive seat.
While this sort of headrest is on a new fashionable trend for adding an aesthetic impression to the seat, there have been some objections on the users' part as to the design balance of such particular cantilever-like headrest in relation to the seat back.
This originates from an optical illusion. Namely, in the eyes of a person, the cantilever-like headrest is viewed as if its free end was inclined downwardly closer to the horizontal line of top edge of seat back from its other opposite end which is supported by a headrest stay (at P). As a result, the headrest per se is viewed as being inclined, giving an imbalance appearance relative to the seat back. Further, the illusion arises in the position of headrest relative to the seat back. That is, due to the disposition of stay (P) laterally of seat cushion, in the eyes of person, the headrest is seen as if it was dislocated from the center of headrest or located at a point closer to the side of seat back where there is no such headrest stay (P).
Specifically, by referring to FIG. 2, there is illustrated an ordinary arrangement of headrest (HR) upon the seat back (SB). Both headrest (HR) and seat back (SB) are formed in an ordinary manner, which means that the former generally represents a rectangular shape and so does the latter. Naturally, the headrest (HR) is disposed, via one headrest stay (P), such that the central vertical thereof is aligned with that of seat back (SB) along the vertical line (T1) as shown. Thus, the headrest (HR) is situated centrally of the seat back (SB) and a distance (H) therefrom by means of the stay (P) to constitute a cantilever-like headrest arrangement, with the headrest (HR) extending horizontally in a direction orthogonal to the central, vertical line (T1) and with the lower edge (b) of headrest (HR) laying in parallel with the upper edge (a) of seat back (SB).
However, as viewed from FIG. 2, the presence of stay (P) on the right-side portion of seat back (SB) causes an imbalance point at the other right-side portion of same seat back in terms of headrest location relative to the seat back (SB). Optically, both headrest (HR) and seat back (SB) extends their respective areas in a symmetrical fashion relative to the center (T1), hence presenting a stability in the eyes of a person who looks at them only. On the other hand, when looking at such symmetrically stable structure in conjunction with the right-side stay (P), it is inevitable that a non-stability or an imbalance should be felt at the left side of seat back (SB) in the person's eyes. This is mainly because there is no symmetrical arrangement as to the stay (P), providing thus an asymmetric contrast to the symmetrical design, and causing a distortion spot therebetween in the eyes. Because of that optical illusion, the eyes and associated nervous system in a person who looks at this headrest arrangement should instinctly intend to see a support at the left-side free end of headrest (HR) but actually sees it the way as if it was inclined towards the seat back (SB) from the right-side end. Additionally, for the same reason, the headrest (HR) is viewed as being dislocated at a point closer to the left-side end of seat back (SB). Those optical illusions, although explained from the plan view, are particularly enhanced as viewed in perspective, namely, in the three-dimensional state, in FIG. 1.

Arrangement for mounting a headrest in seat


A titanium tetrahalide is reacted with a disilazane to prepare a titanium containing organometallic precursor, which is thereafter mixed with a refractory material powder and pyrolyzed to form a titanium nitride-containing refractory material composite containing crystalline titanium nitride.

Refractory materials have been used in recent years to prepare advanced materials having several desirable properties such as a high melting point, high hardness, excellent strength, and nonreactivity with a variety of other materials, e.g., corrosive gases. Composites of these refractory materials have also been prepared to provide specific mechanical, strength, and chemical resistivity characteristics. It is known to add titanium to refractory material composites to increase their melting points and electrical conductivities.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,208,215 to Kleiner et al. discloses the preparation of Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 --TiN by a reaction between ammonia and a gaseous mixture of SiCl.sub.4 and TiC.sub.4 at a temperature from about 1,100.degree. C. to about 1,350.degree. C. The resulting reaction product is then heated in dry nitrogen to a temperature of about 1,400.degree. C. for about two hours to produce crystalline Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 --TiN.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,859,639 to Sterzel discloses a process for preparing Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 --TiN, wherein ammonia is passed through a solution of a silicon halide and a titanium halide to produce a polymer which is thereafter pyrolyzed at a temperature from about 800.degree. C. to about 1,000.degree. C.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,613,455 to Suzuki et al. discloses a ceramic heater containing a Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 --Y.sub.2 O.sub.3 --TiN heater element. The titanium nitride-containing refractory material composite heater element is prepared by mixing together Si.sub.3 N.sub.4, Y.sub.2 O.sub.3, and TiN powders, and thereafter sintering the powder mixture at about 1,300.degree. C. for about one hour.
It would be desirable to prepare titanium nitride-containing refractory composite materials by a pyrolysis reaction utilizing a titanium-containing organometallic precursor and at least one refractory material powder.

Preparation of titanium nitride-containing refractory material composites


The invention relates to a dividing network in the support station in a radio telephone network, wherein the received multi-channel antenna signal (ANT) is divided among separate receivers (CH1-CHn) by means of a dividing unit. The dividing unit is made up of a filter (2), an amplifier (3) and a dividing network (1). According to the invention it has, in a cascade (11; 21), N directional couplers (H1-Hn; B1-Bn), there being branched out from the cascade in succession to each of the N receivers (CH1-CHn) a share, according to the coupling (k1-kn) of the directional coupler, of the filtered and amplified antenna signal (4).

The invention relates to a dividing network in the support station in a radio telephone network, wherein a received multi-channel antenna signal is divided among separate receivers by means of a dividing unit, the dividing unit consisting of a filter, an amplifier and a dividing network.
In radio telephone networks, and especially in cellular telephone systems, the support stations comprise a plurality of frequency channels, which may be time channeled and/or frequency channeled. Owing to limited antenna space and to cabling costs, the aim is to connect several parallel receivers and transmitters to the same antenna.
For example, when the capacity of a cellular telephone network is increased, the number of separate cells will increase, the radius of the cells will decrease, and the number of radio channels per one cell will increase. In such use it will be necessary to couple simultaneously a number of separate receivers/transmitters to one receiver/transmitter antenna in a multi-channel support station.

Dividing cascade network for a support station in a radio telephone network


A new framework for extending monochrome barcodes to color which offers higher data rates is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, the framework encodes independent data in each of the cyan, magenta, and yellow print colorant channels commonly used in color printing and decodes the data from each of the complementary red, green, and blue channels in capture color channels. The framework effectively increases the capacity of monochrome barcodes by a factor of three. In another embodiment of the present invention, a physical model based approach mitigates the effect of cross-channel interference among the print-colorant channels and capture color channels. In another embodiment of the invention, a pilot block methodology is used to estimate the model parameters and enable cross-channel interference cancellation. In another embodiment of the invention, an expectation maximization (EM)-type methodology estimates the model parameters and enables cross-channel interference cancellation.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a system and method encoding and decoding barcodes. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and system for encoding and decoding a two-dimensional color barcode.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Monochrome 2-D barcodes, a natural extension of 1-D counterparts, have become omnipresent with the increased popularity of mobile imaging devices, facilitating the emergence of a number of mobile applications. Optical machine readable encodings of digital data in image formats, commonly referred to as barcodes, have long been utilized for tagging objects with identification and tracking data for automating sales and inventory tracking tasks. The barcode name is derived from the traditional one-dimensional version of such encodings, where vertical bars are utilized to represent data, but is now used more generically to encompass almost all forms of data encoding in image formats that use either one-dimensional or two-dimensional (2-D) representations.
Monochrome 2-D barcodes have recently become very popular in mobile applications for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the camera phones inherently capture 2-D images and can therefore be directly used with 2-D barcodes, unlike conventional laser-based 1-D barcode scanners that would require hardware modifications for capturing 2-D barcode images. Secondly, equally importantly, the 2-D codes offer high enough rates (per unit substrate area) to provide a viable mechanism for bridging between the physical world of print and the cyber world of the Internet. In particular, the most common uses of 2-D barcodes are for the purpose of facilitating access to online information about products and services advertised in print media such as magazines, posters, and billboards. The universal resource locator (URL) for the online information is embedded within the print as a 2-D barcode, which can be captured with a cell phone camera, and, upon decoding, allow the user to access the information without the tedium of manually entering the URL. Among the various options available for 2-D barcodes, for mobile applications, the (monochrome) quick response (QR) code is used most extensively in practice. The QR code standard defines a flexible solution with competitive data rates, support for multiple character sets, features for rapid and robust synchronization under lighting and orientation variations, multiple data density designs, and built in variable error correction capability for handling differing application requirements.
Although 2-D codes have higher capacity than their 1-D counterparts, innovations that further increase their capacity are of considerable interest because they allow for either: a) a reduction in the substrate foot-print that these codes consume in print media, b) additional information with the same substrate footprint, c) greater robustness, or some combination thereof. Specifically, in situations where 2-D barcodes are used to connect a user with a URL associated with a product advertisement, the additional data capacity can be utilized for encoding information on the publication or location of the advertisement, which can be invaluable for assessing effectiveness of advertisement and corresponding ad-monetization.
FIGS. 1 (a)-(c) show the most popular monochrome 2-D barcodes being used in several applications. Although designs of these barcodes are perceptually very different, all of them share common characteristics. A 2-D barcode is typically composed of synchronization symbols and a data field. Synchronization symbols, also called finder patterns, are independent of the encoded information and enable barcode localization in the captured image. The data is encoded, typically in the form of black and white rectangular symbols, in the remaining barcode region called the data field. Most barcodes use a form of error correction codes such as the Reed-Solomon, to account for possible errors during the acquisition phase. Table 1 provides the average parameters for a QR code.
TABLE 1AVERAGE QR CODE PARAMETERS USED INCOMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS.PropertyValueDimension (mm)21.8 × 21.8Num. of modules29 × 29Module size (mm)0.75Avg. data length (bytes)32
The Quick Response code ("QR code") encodes data in a grid spanning three distinct synchronization symbols located at the corners of the barcode as shown in FIG. 1 (a). QR code is the most commonly used barcode in mobile applications due to its capacity (upto 3000 bytes), flexibility and robustness, and having no license fee for commercial use. Similarly, Aztec code is frequently used in electronic ticketing applications. Symbols are arranged in layers winding around the central localization and synchronization symbol. Aztec code can encode upto 2000 bytes and has a better ratio of the data field to finder pattern size compared to the QR, but is significantly more sensitive to localization errors.
In order to increase the data rates of monochrome 2-D barcodes, color barcodes have recently been proposed for mobile applications. Amongst the most popular solutions are Microsoft High Capacity Color Barcode. The High Capacity Color Barcode is the one of the first barcode designs that exploits color for encoding data. The barcode is composed of a number of colored triangles arranged in rows on a black background as shown in FIG. 1 (d). Those rows are interleaved with white lines that are used for orientation and synchronization. Selected triangular symbols in the bottommost row provide color reference. The ColorCode is another design that uses color to encode data. It is a 5×5 matrix of colored squares, of which an 'L' shaped border is used for synchronization and parity check. Current version of the barcode supports encoding of only 10 digits.
There is a need for alternative techniques for encoding data in color barcodes that offer higher data rates than existing monochrome designs and greater robustness and simplicity than the existing color barcode technology options. The present invention addresses these needs.

Color barcodes for mobile applications: a per channel framework


A voltage regulator and a method for regulating an output voltage are presented. The voltage regulator includes a frequency compensation circuit having a first capacitor coupled to a capacitance multiplier. The capacitance multiplier has a second capacitor coupled to a voltage amplifier. The voltage amplifier amplifies a first voltage that is a function of the output voltage. The advantage of this regulator and method is that it allows increasing the total capacitance of the frequency compensation circuit without unduly increasing the size of the regulator. Another advantage is the allowance of changing the amplification factor without affecting the DC gain.

Linear regulators and in particular low drop out linear voltage regulators (LDOs) can be used to provide a regulated voltage. As such, linear regulators are important building blocks of many power management systems.
Within its operating range, a linear regulator provides a constant output DC voltage regardless of the input voltage or load current. This is achieved by sensing the output voltage and regulating a current source. The output voltage is regulated using a feedback loop which is stabilised using a compensation circuit. After a change in load current, the linear regulator requires a certain amount of time, also referred to as transient response time, to return to steady state conditions. Existing LDO circuits which implement a frequency compensation technique, require the use of a large compensation capacitor. This increases the size of the circuit and slows down the transient response of the regulator.
Compensations techniques based on current amplifiers have also been proposed. In this scenario a compensation capacitor is amplified through a current amplifier integrated into the regulation loop. However, these circuits have a limited multiplication factor and suffer from instability.

Voltage regulator with capacitance multiplier


Description is provided herein for an embodiment of a method determining a hematocrit-corrected glucose concentration. The exemplary method includes providing a test strip having a reference electrode and a working electrode, wherein the working electrode includes a plurality of microelectrodes and is coated with at least an enzyme and a mediator. The method can be achieved by: providing a test strip comprising a reference electrode and a working electrode formed with a plurality of microelectrodes and coated with a reagent layer; applying a fluid sample to the test strip for a reaction period; applying a test voltage between the reference electrode and the working electrode; measuring a test current as a function of time; measuring a steady state current value when the test current has reached an equilibrium; calculating a ratio of the test current to the steady state current value; plotting the ratio of the test current to the steady state current value as a function of the inverse square root of time; calculating an effective diffusion coefficient from the slope of the linearly regressed plot of the ratio of the test current to the steady state current value as a function of the inverse square root of time; and calculating a hematocrit-corrected concentration of analyte.

Electrochemical glucose test strips, such as those used in the OneTouch® Ultra® whole blood testing kit, which is available from LifeScan, Inc., are designed to measure the concentration of glucose in a blood sample from patients with diabetes. The measurement of glucose is based upon the specific oxidation of glucose by the flavo-enzyme glucose oxidase. The reactions which may occur in a glucose test strip are summarized below in Equations 1 and 2.D-Glucose+GO(ox)→Gluconic Acid+GO(red)  (1)GO(red)+2Fe(CN)63−→GO(ox)+2Fe(CN)64−  (2)
As shown in Equation 1, glucose is oxidized to gluconic acid by the oxidized form of glucose oxidase (GO(ox). It should be noted that GO(ox) may also be referred to as an "oxidized enzyme". During the reaction in Equation 1, the oxidized enzyme GO(ox) is converted to its reduced state which is denoted as GO(red) (i.e., "reduced enzyme"). Next, the reduced enzyme GO(red) is re-oxidized back to GO(ox) by reaction with Fe(CN)63− (referred to as either the oxidized mediator or ferricyanide) as shown in Equation 2. During the re-generation of GO(ox) back to its oxidized state GO(CN)63− is reduced to Fe(CN)64− (referred to as either reduced mediator or ferrocyanide).
When the reactions set forth above are conducted with a test voltage applied between two electrodes, a test current may be created by the electrochemical re-oxidation of the reduced mediator at the electrode surface. Thus, since, in an ideal environment, the amount of ferrocyanide created during the chemical reaction described above is directly proportional to the amount of glucose in the sample positioned between the electrodes, the test current generated would be proportional to the glucose content of the sample. A mediator, such as ferricyanide, is a compound that accepts electrons from an enzyme such as glucose oxidase and then donates the electrons to an electrode. As the concentration of glucose in the sample increases, the amount of reduced mediator formed also increases, hence, there is a direct relationship between the test current resulting from the re-oxidation of reduced mediator and glucose concentration. In particular, the transfer of electrons across the electrical interface results in a flow of test current (2 moles of electrons for every mole of glucose that is oxidized). The test current resulting from the introduction of glucose may, therefore, be referred to as a glucose current.
Because it can be very important to know the concentration of glucose in blood, particularly in people with diabetes, test meters have been developed using the principals set forth above to enable the average person to sample and test their blood to determine the glucose concentration at any given time. The glucose current generated is monitored by the test meter and converted into a reading of glucose concentration using an algorithm that relates the test current to a glucose concentration via a simple mathematical formula. In general, the test meters work in conjunction with a disposable test strip that includes a sample receiving chamber and at least two electrodes disposed within the sample receiving chamber in addition to the enzyme (e.g. glucose oxidase) and the mediator (e.g. ferricyanide). In use, the user pricks their finger or other convenient site to induce bleeding and introduces a blood sample to the sample receiving chamber, thus starting the chemical reaction set forth above.
In electrochemical terms, the function of the meter is two fold. Firstly, it provides a polarizing voltage (approximately 0.4 V in the case of OneTouch® Ultra®) that polarizes the electrical interface and allows current flow at the carbon working electrode surface. Secondly, it measures the current that flows in the external circuit between the anode (working electrode) and the cathode (reference electrode). The test meter may, therefore be considered to be a simple electrochemical system that operates in a two-electrode mode although, in practice, third and, even fourth electrodes may be used to facilitate the measurement of glucose and/or perform other functions in the meter.
In most situations, the equation set forth above is considered to be a sufficient approximation of the chemical reaction taking place on the test strip and the test meter outputting a sufficiently accurate representation of the glucose content of the blood sample. However, under certain circumstances and for certain purposes, it may be advantageous to improve the accuracy of the measurement. For example, blood samples having a high hematocrit level or low hematocrit level may cause a glucose measurement to be inaccurate.
A hematocrit level represents a percentage of the volume of a whole blood sample occupied by red blood cells. The hematocrit level may also be represented as a fraction of red blood cells present in a whole blood sample. In general, a high hematocrit blood sample is more viscous (up to about 10 centipoise at 70% hematocrit) than a low hematocrit blood sample (about 3 centipoise at 20% hematocrit). In addition, a high hematocrit blood sample has a higher oxygen content than low hematocrit blood because of the concomitant increase in hemoglobin, which is a carrier for oxygen. Thus, the hematocrit level can influence the viscosity and oxygen content of blood. As will be later described, both viscosity and oxygen content may change the magnitude of the glucose current and in turn cause the glucose concentration to be inaccurate.
A high viscosity sample (i.e., high hematocrit blood sample) can cause the test current to decrease for a variety of factors such as a decrease in 1) the dissolution rate of enzyme and/or mediator, 2) the enzyme reaction rate, and 3) the diffusion of a reduced mediator towards the working electrode. A decrease in current that is not based on a decrease in glucose concentration can potentially cause an inaccurate glucose concentration to be measured.
A slower dissolution rate of the reagent layer can slow down the enzymatic reaction as shown in Equations 1 and 2 because the oxidized enzyme GO(ox) must dissolve first before it can react with glucose. Similarly, ferricyanide (Fe(CN)63−) must dissolve first before it can react with reduced enzyme GO(red). If the undissolved oxidized enzyme GO(ox) cannot oxidize glucose, then the reduced enzyme GO(red) cannot produce the reduced mediator Fe(CN)64− needed to generate the test current. Further, oxidized enzyme GO(ox) will react with glucose and oxidized mediator Fe(CN)63− more slowly if it is in a high viscosity sample as opposed to a low viscosity sample. The slower reaction rate with high viscosity samples is ascribed to an overall decrease in mass diffusion. Both oxidized enzyme GO(ox) and glucose must collide and interact together for the reaction to occur as shown in Equation 1. The ability of oxidized enzyme GO(ox) glucose to collide and interact together is slowed down when they are in a viscous sample. Yet further, reduced mediator Fe(CN)64− will diffuse to the working electrode slower when dissolved in a high viscosity sample. Because the test current is typically limited by the diffusion of reduced mediator Fe(CN)64− to the working electrode, a high viscosity sample will also attenuate the test current. In summary, there are several factors that cause the test current to decrease when the sample has an increased viscosity.
A high oxygen content may also cause a decrease in the test current. The reduced enzyme (GO(red)) can reduce oxygen (O2) to hydrogen peroxide as shown be Equation 3.GO(red)+O2→GO(ox)+H2O2  (3)
As noted earlier, the reduced enzyme GO(red) can also reduce ferricyanide (Fe(CN)63−) to ferrocyanide (Fe(CN)64−) as shown in Equation 2. Thus, oxygen can compete with ferricyanide for reacting with the reduced enzyme (GO(red)). In other words, the occurrence of the reaction in Equation 3 will likely cause a decrease in the rate of the reaction in Equation 2. Because of such a competition between ferricyanide and oxygen, a higher oxygen content will cause less ferrocyanide to be produced. In turn, a decrease in ferrocyanide would cause a decrease in the magnitude of the test current. Therefore, a high oxygen content blood sample can potentially decrease the test current and affect the accuracy of the glucose measurement.
As such, applicants have great interest in the development of methods reducing the effects of hematocrit on a glucose measurement. In certain protocols, a pre-cast blood filtering membrane that is separate from the reagent layer has been employed to remove red blood cells and thereby reduce the hematocrit effect. The pre-cast blood filtering membrane which is separated from the reagent layer can be disposed on the working electrode. The use of a discrete pre-cast blood filtering membrane is unsatisfactory in that it requires a more complex test strip, increased sample volume, and increased testing time. The blood filtering membrane retains a certain amount of blood that does not contact the working electrodes causing a need for a larger blood sample. In addition, a finite amount of time is needed for the blood to be filtered by the membrane causing an increase in the overall test times. Thus, applicants recognize that it would be advantageous to reduce the effects of hematocrit without using a pre-cast blood filtering membrane that is separate from the reagent layer.
In the prior art, the hematocrit effect may be reduced by applying multiple test voltages such as, for example, a sinusoidal test voltage. However, applying a sinusoidal test voltage results in a more complex and expensive test meter. Further, the test meter needs to measure the test currents accurately and precisely at pre-determined time intervals. The electronic components can be expensive and complicated for a test meter to accurately and precisely apply multiple test voltages.
Applicants realize that it would be advantageous to implement a system having a test meter that applies only one test voltage and a test strip that does not use a pre-cast membrane to reduce the effects of hematocrit. The system instead uses a test strip having a working electrode with a plurality of microelectrodes formed thereon. More particularly, applicants recognizes that it would be advantageous to develop an algorithm that mathematically processes the collected test current using one test voltage such that an accurate glucose concentration can be determined that reduces the effects of hematocrit.
Furthermore, applicants have determined that it would be beneficial to provide a mechanism whereby the test meter can differentiate between a bodily fluid, for example whole blood, and a control solution. Similarly, it would be beneficial to provide a method whereby a test meter can determine if a test strip includes a plurality of microelectrodes formed on a working electrode.

Method for determining hematocrit corrected analyte concentrations


An apparatus comprises a shrink tunnel for use in a production system for the production of packaging units from packaging materials filled with a product and having shrink film shrunk thereon, the shrink tunnel comprising a tunnel zone, heating means for application of heat to shrink the shrink film onto packaging units moved through the tunnel zone, the tunnel zone being maintained at a tunnel temperature equal to a target operating temperature, wherein the tunnel has an operating mode and a standby mode, wherein heat output during the standby mode is less than heat output during the operating mode, and wherein the standby mode is triggered by at least one of a time control and a signal control.

To ensure shrink-wrapping of the necessary quality, it is usual to have a shrink tunnel with consecutive heating or tunnel zones each with its own heating system. The heating systems are typically electric or gas-powered heating systems that blow hot air. These zones follow each other in the direction of transport of packaging units or containers through the shrink tunnel.
Each tunnel zone is kept at a target operating temperature required to shrink on the shrink film. This temperature is typically in a range between 195° C. and 210° C., preferably around 200° C. The heating systems maintain these temperatures even when no packages or package groups are being moved through the shrink tunnel. These interruptions in the flow of packages can arise, for example, as a result of malfunctions in the system components or machines before or after the shrink tunnel.
During such an interruption, no new packages are entering the shrink tunnel. This means that the cost of maintaining the desired temperature becomes lower than it would be if packages were in fact entering the shrink tunnel. However, although there is an energy savings associated with having no packages enter the tunnel, the net effect is still wasted gas and excess carbon dioxide emission.

Shrink tunnel for applying shrink films, method for operating or controlling a shrink tunnel, and production system having a shrink tunnel


A surface drive for a watercraft with at least two drive units that is operated in different speed-dependent driving modes. The trim angles (τ—1, τ—2) of the drive units (140, 140) are adjusted automatically and independently of one another, in order to reach a defined rotational speed (n—40) at which the maximum speed (v—40) is reached, during the driving mode in which the maximum speed of the watercraft is reached.

In fast engine-driven watercraft equipped with a surface drive, the propeller shaft is pivotable in all directions about an articulation point with a driveshaft coming from the engine or the transmission. The engine and transmission are situated in the hull of the watercraft. When the propeller shaft is pivoted about a vertical plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the watercraft, the immersion depth of the propeller and thus the conversion of drive energy into thrust is changed, and the position of the longitudinal axis of the hull in the water relative to the horizontal is influenced. This pivoting of the propeller shaft in the vertical plane is referred to as trimming, and the amount of the pivoting as the trim angle. The surface drive reaches its best efficiency at higher speeds and with only a partially immersed propeller. The optimal trim angle is therefore dependent on the speed of the watercraft and is manually set in conventional watercraft, with the corresponding inaccuracy. To an approximation, the speed of the watercraft is proportional to the rotational speed of the propeller shaft or the rotational speed of the drive, which is proportional to the propeller speed. In designs with multiple drive units, each driven by an engine of its own, it is not possible, due to deviations in the engine characteristics and manufacturing tolerances, to set an identical rotational speed for the driving mode in which the watercraft reaches its highest speed. For this reason, an independent change in the immersion depth is necessary to equalize the rotational speed defined for the highest velocity, since that is how the torque of the drive, and thus its rotation speed, is varied. Moreover, the driver is subjected to additional stress from manual trimming, which alongside his other activities also hinders an optimal setting of the trim angle.
In the prior art, an automatic trim control for a surface drive is described, which sets the trim angle automatically depending on the respective driving mode. The driving modes are defined in this case by the position that the watercraft assumes in the water at different speeds.

Method for controlling a surface drive for a watercraft in the upper speed range


A circuit for determining the voltage threshold of a field-effect device is described. The invention includes an amplifier means which produces an output voltage directly proportional to the current flowing within the device-under-test. A circuit means is utilized for receiving the output voltage from the amplifier means and for generating a feedback voltage at the gate of the field-effect device. This feedback voltage is dynamically limited by an RC time constant such that the feedback voltage rapidly settles to the voltage threshold of the field-effect device.

In integrated circuits which utilize field-effect transistors, it is often desirable to accurately determine the voltage threshold (V.sub.T) of the individual devices. For example, neural networks typically require frequent measurement of FET voltage thresholds as part of the learning or training process. A great deal of time is routinely spent in measuring the voltage threshold of these devices in order to properly set synapse weights on floating gate devices to obtain a rapidly converging response for the network. At present, there is no way to quickly obtain an accurate and precise measurement of the V.sub.T of each of the various floating gate transistors within a neural network array.
The traditional method of measuring V.sub.T involves gradually ramping the gate voltage of the device-under-test (DUT) while simultaneously monitoring the current flow through the channel of the device. The voltage threshold is arbitrarily defined as the gate to source voltage at which a predetermined current flows across the channel region. Usually, the voltage threshold is defined as the gate voltage which produces approximately one microampere of current flow between the source and drain regions. Once this predetermined current is reached (e.g., about 1 .mu.A), ramping of the gate voltage is halted and the threshold voltage is recorded.
Depending on the resolution required, the ramping method normally takes an inordinate amount of test time due to the small increments or steps in voltage which are required. Performing a binary search helps to reduce the number of testing points. But binary searching typically requires the use of expensive digital to analog (D/A) converters which transform the digital binary sequence into a gate voltage. Moreover, D/A converters have their own speed-limitations so that the overall reduction in test time using the binary method is not overly significant. D/A converters take up a lot of silicon area and are difficult to integrate with other circuitry.
Other past approaches include attempts to automate the testing process utilizing an operational amplifier coupled to the DUT through a feedback network. The main problem associated with this technique is the fact that the feedback loop often includes a path through the decoding circuitry of the semiconductor memory array. Because the decoding circuits have their own associated resistances and capacitances, these types of automated circuits exhibit a tendency to oscillate unless the response (e.g., gain) of the operational amplifier is weakened considerably. Slowing of the operational amplifier's response, of course, slows down the entire testing procedure. The effect of a weakened response is usually dramatic enough that most automated circuits perform no better than conventional linear or step ramp approaches.
Thus, there exists an unrequired need for a circuit capable of obtaining rapid voltage threshold measurements on field-effect devices fabricated in an integrated circuit. The present invention provides a circuit which can make fast and accurate threshold voltage measurements on semiconductor FET devices. The invention is ideally suited for use in measuring the V.sub.T of devices formed as part of a large array in an integrated circuit. In addition, the invented circuit can be easily fabricated as an integral part of the semiconductor circuit which contains the transistors to be tested. This obviates the need for an external ramp generator binary sequence generator, or other external measurement equipment.


An image forming apparatus includes a recording head and a driving waveform generator. The recording head has a nozzle, a liquid chamber, and a pressure generator. The driving waveform generator is connected to the pressure generator to generate and output a driving waveform including a plurality of driving pulses per driving cycle to eject a droplet from the nozzle. A last one of the driving pulses includes a first expansion waveform element, a first retaining waveform element, a first contraction waveform element, a second retaining waveform element, a second contraction waveform element, a third retaining waveform element, and a second expansion waveform element. The first contraction waveform element has a potential difference greater than a potential difference of the first expansion waveform element. The second contraction waveform element has a time period longer than a time period of the first contraction waveform element.

1. Technical Field
This disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus, and more specifically to an image forming apparatus including a recording head for ejecting liquid droplets.
2. Description of the Related Art
Image forming apparatuses are used as printers, facsimile machines, copiers, plotters, or multi-functional devices having two or more of the foregoing capabilities. As one type of image forming apparatus employing a liquid-ejection recording method, an inkjet recording apparatus is known that uses a recording head (liquid-droplet ejection head) for ejecting droplets of ink.
Such inkjet-type image forming apparatuses fall into two main types: a serial-type image forming apparatus that forms an image by ejecting droplets from the recording head while moving a carriage mounting the recording head in a main scanning direction, and a line-head-type image forming apparatus that forms an image by ejecting droplets from a linear-shaped recording head held stationary in the image forming apparatus.
Such an inkjet-type image forming apparatus may time-serially generate multiple driving pulses (ejection pulses) for ejecting droplets within one driving cycle to output a common driving waveform. For example, to form a relatively large dot, two or more driving pulses are selected to eject multiple droplets. Then, multiple droplets merge during flying and land on, e.g., a sheet of recording media to form the large dot on the sheet, thus allowing dots of different droplet sizes to be formed on the sheet. In addition, the image forming apparatus may incorporate a non-ejection pulse into the common driving waveform to drive the recording head without ejecting droplets. By selecting the non-ejection pulse, minute driving of the recording head can be performed to stably eject droplets.
To pressurize liquid in a liquid chamber to eject droplets of the liquid, for example, a driving pulse of a conventional driving waveform contracts the liquid chamber from an expanded state to eject liquid droplets, temporarily retains a contracted state, of the liquid chamber, further contracts the liquid chamber, and expands the liquid chamber.
In this regard, when a liquid droplet is ejected from a nozzle of the liquid ejection head, a droplet tail portion (hereinafter, "satellite") leading from the liquid droplet to a meniscus of liquid in the nozzle is created. The liquid droplet separates from the satellite and flies toward the sheet. The higher the viscosity of the liquid ejected from the nozzle, the longer the satellite. When the satellite separates from the meniscus of liquid in the nozzle, the satellite flies as a satellite droplet (by contrast, the above-described precedent flying liquid droplet is referred to as "main droplet").
To increase the print speed or print gap (between the nozzle and the recording media) in the image forming apparatus, it is preferable to shorten the length of satellites in ejecting the main droplets, minimize occurrences of satellite droplets, or prevent satellite droplets from landing on positions differing from the main droplets. In particular, in a case where multiple recording heads are arranged, if satellite droplets occur at different states between the recording heads, the color tone (e.g., brightness) of a resultant image may vary, thus affecting image quality. In addition, such different states of satellite droplets may result in, e.g., a reduced accuracy in reading a resultant bar code or a reduced image quality (e.g., blur) of characters.

Image forming apparatus including recording head for ejecting liquid droplets


A method of determining the time for executing optimal power calibration in an optical drive. First, relationships between values of a driving signal and ambient temperatures of the optical drive are recorded in look up table in a memory. According to the look up table, mappings from the values of a driving signal output by a compensator to the ambient temperature of the optical drive can be obtained. When the ambient temperature of the optical drive is higher than a predetermined temperature, an optimal power calibration is executed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of power calibration of a laser diode in an optical drive, and more particularly, to a method of determining the time for executing optimal power calibration in an optical drive.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A laser diode of an optical pickup head is a light source for accessing an optical disc. When the optical drive performs a write operation, the power of the laser diode must be higher and more stable than when performing a read operation. Please refer to FIG. 1, which is a diagram of a closed loop control circuit for controlling the power of the laser diode. First, a digital to analog converter (DAC) 10 transforms a digital control signal 12 into an analog control signal 14. An error signal 16 generated by subtracting a feedback signal 42 from the analog control signal 14 is input into a compensator 20. The compensator 20 generates and transmits a driving signal 22 to an amplifier 25 according to the error signal 16. Next, the amplifier 25 transforms the driving signal 22 into a driving current 28 transmitted to a laser diode (LD) 30. The laser diode 30 emits a laser beam 32 according to the driving current 28. After the laser beam 32 is received by a front monitor diode (FMD) 40, the front monitor diode outputs the feedback signal 42.
Generally, there is a temperature sensor set in the optical pickup head of the optical drive, not shown in FIG. 1, such as a thermistor. The temperature sensor is utilized for monitoring the ambient temperature of the optical pickup head. However, when the optical drive performs a write operation on the optical disc, the ambient temperature of the pickup head has a great influence on the writing quality of the optical disc. In other words, the same power of the laser diode 30 used for writing to the optical disc in conditions with different temperatures results in different effects.
Therefore, when the temperature inside the optical drive changes, the optical pickup head must execute an optimal power calibration (OPC). The optimal power calibration is performed after the temperature inside the optical drive changes. The optical drive uses a different writing power to perform the write operation on the optical disc. Otherwise, when the temperature inside the optical drive changes, if the writing power of the laser diode is not changed, the writing quality of the optical disc might reduce, or the optical pickup head might fail to perform the write operation.
However, in order to decrease the cost of the optical drive, there is no temperature sensor for optical pickup heads of special optical drives. Thus, how to determine the time for executing the optical power calibration is an important issue to avoid reducing the writing quality of the optical disc or failing to write the optical disc when performing a write operation on the optical disc.

Method of determining the time for executing optimal power calibration in an optical drive


An adjustable device for identifying the target location for, and placement of, a bone tunnel wherein the device is capable of measuring a total distance across a region of an anatomic structure. The device may be further configured to engage the anatomic structure at a target distance across the anatomic structure to identify the location for bone tunnel placement. A method for identifying the target location for, and placement of, a bone tunnel such that the method is capable of measuring a total distance across a region of an anatomic structure and capable of engaging the anatomic structure at a target distance across the anatomic structure.

Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are a common occurrence. Though mild ACL injuries may be treated non-surgically, completely ruptured ACLs typically require surgical reconstruction. See generally American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, ACL Injury: Does it Require Surgery?, OrthoInfo (September 2009), https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/acl-injury-does-it-require-surgery [AAOS, OrthoInfo (September 2009)]. Surgically repaired ACLs have a high rate of failure, and thus the damaged ACL is usually removed and replaced by a substitute graft during surgery. [AAOS, OrthoInfo (September 2009)] Current reconstructive techniques involve placing and securing a graft so as to recreate the biomechanical properties of the original ligament. See, e.g., Brian C. Werner et al., A Prospective Evaluation of the Anterior Horn of the Lateral Meniscus as a Landmark for Tibial Tunnel Placement in Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction, 23 The Knee 478 (2016). During a typical reconstructive procedure, bone tunnels are drilled into the femur and tibia in order to receive and secure the graft. Sebastián Irarrázaval et al., Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction, 1 J. ISAKOS 38 (2016). Common graft options include hamstring tendon autographs, bone-patellar tendon-bone autografts, quadricep tendon autografts, and allografts. Irarrázaval et al. After the graft is pulled through the drilled bone tunnels, devices such as bone plugs, metal screws, or bio-interference screws are typically employed to securely fix the graft to the femur and tibia. Irarrázaval et al.
Improper positioning of the femoral or tibial tunnel are the most commonly cited reasons for graft failure. Werner et al. There is no consensus regarding the most effective position or orientation of the femoral tunnel. Werner et al. For example, vertically oriented femoral tunnels have been associated with an inability to control rotational forces across the surgically repaired knee. Werner et al. Studies suggest that horizontally oriented femoral tunnels placed independently of tibial tunnels may mitigate the drawbacks associated with vertically oriented femoral tunnels. Werner et al. However, there is currently no efficient manner in identifying the most effective position and orientation of the femoral tunnel. Werner et al.
The proper location of the tibial tunnel is also disputed. Werner et al. Variation in tibial tunnel placement can have detrimental effects on the success of the reconstructive procedure and the long-term prognosis for the surgically repaired knee. Werner et al. Studies suggest that placement of the tibial tunnel too posterior across the tibial plateau results in diminished knee stability. Conversely, a placement too anterior can result in graft impingement during knee extension. Werner et al. Historically, the recommended location for the tibial tunnel was in the center of the anatomic tibial footprint. Werner et al.
Certain techniques involve placing the tibial tunnel in reference to one or more intra-articular anatomic landmarks. For example, Kassam et al. describe a technique in which the tibial tunnel is placed in reference to the posterior border of the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus. Al-Amin M. Kassam et al., Anatomic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: The Use of the Anterior of the Lateral Meniscus as a Guide to Tibial Tunnel Placement, 5 Arthroscopy Techniques 809 (2016). Parsons' knob and the medial intercondylar ridge have also been described as bony landmarks to define a reference boundary to aid in positioning the tibial tunnel. Hiroki Shimodaira et al., Tibial Tunnel Positioning Technique Using Bony/Anatomical Landmarks in Anatomical Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction, 6 Arthroscopy Techniques 49 (2017). Additionally, the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is a commonly referenced anatomic landmark. For example, Burnham et al. recommend placing the tibial tunnel fifteen millimeters anterior to the PCL, in line with the posterior edge of the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus. Jeremy M. Burnham et al., Anatomic Femoral and Tibial Tunnel Placement During Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Anteromedial Portal All-Inside and Outside-In Techniques, 6 Arthroscopy Techniques 275 (2017). Zantop et al. and Morgan et al. likewise describe the proper tibial tunnel location in reference to an anterior displacement from the PCL. Thore Zantop et al., Tunnel Positioning of Anteromedial and Posterolateral Bundles in Anatomic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction, 36 Am. J. Sports Med. 65 (2008); Craig D. Morgan et al., Definitive Landmarks for Reproducible Tibial Tunnel Placement in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction, 11 J. Arthroscopic and Related Surgery 275 (1995). It should be appreciated that there is a lack of consensus in these approaches, particularly in terms of the magnitude of displacement from the referenced anatomic structures.
Other approaches seek to incidentally place the tibial tunnel in the center of the anatomic tibial footprint as defined by radiographic measurements. Werner et al. (citing H. U. Staubli & W. Rauschning, Tibial Attachment Area of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament in the Extended Knee Position—Anatomy and Cryosections In Vitro Complemented by Magnetic Resonance Arthrography In Vivo, 2 Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy 138 (1994)). Many surgeons believed that placing the tibial tunnel in reference to intra-articular landmarks would result in a tibial tunnel location closely corresponding to the center of the anatomic tibial footprint as defined by radiographic measurements. Werner et al. However, recent research indicates that placing the tibial tunnel in reference to intra-articular landmarks, such as the lateral meniscus, results in inconsistent tibial tunnel locations and a variance of tibial tunnel locations relative to the center of the anatomic tibial footprint. Werner et al. In particular, placing the tibial tunnel in reference to the lateral meniscus has been demonstrated to result in an average tibial tunnel location anterior to the center of the anatomic tibial footprint. Werner et al. As discussed, among other drawbacks, this may increase the risk of graft impingement during knee extension. Werner et al.
The present inventor notes, as disclosed herein pertaining to embodiments of the present invention, that it is useful to place the tibial tunnel at a predefined percentage across the anterior-posterior distance of the tibial plateau. This approach will account for, among other things, differences in individual patient anatomy, improve technique reproducibility, and mitigate the risks herein discussed associated with tunnel malpositioning.
Some currently available devices, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,269,786, 5,409,494, and 5,562,664 to Morgan et al., reference the PCL as an anatomic landmark and place the tibial tunnel at a fixed distance anterior to the leading edge of the PCL. Other devices, such as those disclosed by Howell in U.S. Pat. No. 6,254,605, mention landmarks to place the tibial tunnel in reference thereto. Similarly, other devices, such as those disclosed by Paulos in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/292,062 (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2012/0059382 A1), describe devices that may hook to a posterior region of a tibial plateau and provide apertures to drill a tibial tunnel at predetermined and fixed distances in reference thereto. Still others may allow a user to provide a tibial bone tunnel in reference to a first drilled femoral tunnel, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,298,239 to Re, or at an offset from a first drilled bone tunnel, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,736,364 to Stone. Other devices, such as the Acufex Director from Smith & Nephew are capable of placing a tibial tunnel on a tibial plateau (such as an anatomic landmark), but these devices lack the capability of measuring the tibial plateau and engaging the tibial plateau at a precise target distance. A description of the Acufex Director is available at http://www.smith-nephew.com/professional/products/all-products/acufex-director/. The aforementioned disclosures are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
No currently available device allows a user to measure the total distance across a tibial plateau and engage the tibial plateau at a precise target distance across the tibial plateau based upon a predetermined target percentage across the anterior-posterior distance of the tibial plateau. Moreover, no device provides this important advantage in a reproducible and consistent manner without the use of fluoroscopy or other imaging techniques.

Adjustable device for identifying a target location for a tibial tunnel and related method thereof

University of Virginia Patent Foundation


A chuck body is made up of axially movable plungers and jaws, in which the jaw has a master jaw body obliquely arranged with respect to an axis of the chuck body, the jaw also has a front face of the master jaw body and a rear end face of a master jaw head for restricting a position of the jaw with respect to the chuck body, a plunger receives a bushing which acts as a wedge means cooperating with the master jaw body, a driver at a rear end of the master jaw body being restricted in a backward movement within a range of a gap δ, and a wedge having a structure of canceling a moment applied to the jaw as a result of clamping, the driver providing a reactant force to the master jaw body for canceling a drawing force applied to a plunger.

A chuck, which draws a work against the chuck-face, is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,460,849 or in German Patent laid open No. 2 639 818. The chuck of this type, as the conventional chuck, a jaw is also drawn with a part of the chuck body, being guided along a guide slot radially disposed at the chuck body and restricted in axial and radial movement, when a work piece is drawn.
A general construction of these chucks, for instance, a chuck disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,460,849, is shown in FIG. 16.
As shown in FIG. 16, a chuck body 60 generally comprises a first or outer body part 61 having an inner rear face for engaging the spindle (not shown) of a lathe. The first body part 61 is generally annular in shape and an inner body 62 is slidably mounted in concentric relation with respect thereto for slidable movement in an axial direction between a retracted position wherein an external shoulder defined in said second body part engages a radially extending internal shoulder on the first body 61.
There is provided a T-slot 68, 70 in a plug 67 connected to a draw bar 66 and in a jaw carrier 64 to which each of a jaw 63 is attached by screw. A T-shaped projection member 65, 69 engages the T-slot 68, 70.
A face plate 71 is rigidly attached to the front end of the first body part 61 and covers the front of the chuck and has a series of work-engaging buttons 72 which engages an end face of a work-piece, as for example a pipe member 73.
As a result of the T-slot construction between the jaw carriers 64 and the plug 67, the jaw 63 will thus move axially inwardly until the work piece engages the stop buttons 72 provided on the face plate 71.
A clamping process of this construction is as follows. A rearward axial movement of the draw bar 66 by an air cylinder 74 and of the plug 67 will be accompanied by inward radial movement of the jaw carriers 64 relative to the outer body part 61 via the T-shaped projection member 65 in the T-slot 68.
As the inner body part 62 moves relative to the outer body part 61, a rear end face of the inner body part 62 abuts a spring 75 and compresses it. As a combination of the resistant force of the spring 75, T-shaped projection member 65 and the inclined T-slot 68 of the plug 67, jaw carriers 64 and the jaw 63 will thus move radially and inwardly to clamp the work piece.
Further rearward movement of the plug 67 causes rearward movement of the jaw carrier 64 and the inner body part 62, until the end face of a work-piece 73 engages the stop buttons 72. Then the axial movement of the jaw 63 is stopped and further pulling force by the air cylinder 74 is converted to a greater force to chuck the work piece tightly.
As described above, the conventional chuck construction consists of two main parts, the outer body part 61 which is secured to a spindle, and the inner body part 62 which is a movable part inside the outer body part. Consequently the whole body construction becomes big in its dimensions and the movable member causes an unstable condition when the chuck body rotates at a high speed.
Further, as the clamping force increases, a moment in the jaw carrier 64 also increases, which is bourne only by the T-slot 70 of the inner body part 62 and the T-shaped projection member 65 of the jaw carrier 64, the whole chuck body must be designed big in its dimensions to provide a durable rigidity to the chuck body.
The invention has been developed to solve the drawbacks of the conventional chuck construction, and it is an object of the invention to provide a compact chuck construction, by omitting the axial movement parts, which are inevitable in the conventional chuck construction.

Chuck drawing a work against the chuck-face


Apparatus, systems, methods, and articles may divide a frequency associated with an output of an oscillator formed in a semiconductor substrate using a programmable fractional-N divider module (PFNDM) coupled to the oscillator. A calibration module may be coupled to the PFNDM to select the division ratio to yield a first clock signal of an estimated frequency. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

As communications processors and wireless mobile devices incorporating such processors become increasingly complex, power consumption may increase. Sleep modes of operation and base station paging protocols have been developed to conserve battery power. Transmissions between the mobile device and a base station may be suspended during a period of sleep-mode operation. The mobile device may wake up every few seconds according to the paging protocols to engage in active communication with the base station. Data or incoming calls may be transferred to the mobile device during these wakeful periods.
Accurate time interval measurements may be required while a wireless mobile device is in sleep mode. The wireless mobile device may require at least one time base in order to perform the time interval measurements and to establish communication according to the paging protocols. The time base may comprise a crystal oscillator-based clock local to the device. The clock may be locked onto a remote time base associated with the base station during periods of active communication. In order to maintain synchronization with the base station, the wake-up timing may require a particular accuracy, perhaps to a few microseconds.
Thus, a time base with an accuracy of a few parts per million (PPM) may be required to be active during sleep-mode periods. Some wireless mobile devices may use a time base other than a main crystal oscillator to maintain the sleep-mode time base. The high frequency of operation associated with the main crystal oscillator (e.g., 26 MHz in a cellular telephone) may result in an unacceptable level of power consumption during the sleep-mode period. A lower-frequency crystal oscillator capable of continuous operation with a small battery drain, including perhaps a 32.768 KHz oscillator, may be used instead. However the lower-frequency oscillator may be less accurate than the higher-frequency main oscillator.
At the start of a paging frame the wireless mobile device may be powered on, with both clocks active. At the end of the paging frame, before entering sleep mode, the device may store in memory a number of fast clock cycles counted from the beginning of the paging frame until the closest edge of the slow clock. This may enable the device, upon wake-up, to calculate a number of fast clock periods which, when added to an edge of the slow clock, cause the edge of the slow clock to occur at the beginning of a next paging frame. That is, the wireless mobile device may wake up and begin using the main oscillator some time before the start of a paging frame. Likewise, the device may continue to use the more accurate main oscillator for some period of time following the end of the paging frame, before entering sleep mode. The accuracy associated with the main oscillator may thus be blended with the accuracy associated with the lower-frequency oscillator to yield an overall accuracy during a period of time.
The lower frequency crystal oscillator may be used as both a sleep-mode system clock and as a real-time clock (RTC). Implementing the sleep-mode clock with the lower frequency crystal oscillator may incur substantial cost, however, since discrete components including the crystal may be used in these designs.

Auto-calibrated time base apparatus, systems, and methods


A paint roller sleeve includes an inner tube, an outer pile surface, an end cap, a circular disk shaped shield disposed between the end cap and the inner tube, and a foam disk disposed between the shield and the pile surface.

The present invention relates to a paint roller shield.
Interior surfaces in a house or commercial premises are typically painted using a combination of roller application and brush applications. Paint is brushed on near edges or surfaces which are not to be painted, such as around doorways, windows and ceilings. These surfaces are usually masked with tape to prevent contact with paint. "Cutting in" around these surfaces with a brush is a time-consuming and laborious exercise.
As well, after some use, the pile near the end of a paint roller tends to flare outward, past the end of the roller. As a result, painting near an inside corner or an adjoining trim or moulding is difficult without adding unwanted paint to an adjoining surface.
Various devices have been proposed to make this task easier. Simple straight-edge guards used in combination with a brush provides some benefit. It is known to use edge guards in combination with rollers, as seen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,444,891. These guards do not work entirely satisfactorily. If the roller is positioned too close to the guard, paint will build up along the guard and will likely find its way onto the edge or surface which is not to be painted. Alternatively, if the roller is set apart from the edge guard, a uniform painted surface right up to the edge cannot be achieved. Furthermore, these devices cannot be used along irregular surfaces such as textured ceilings and or other irregular surfaces.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for an improved paint applicator system which mitigates the difficulties of the prior art. The present invention provides an improved paint roller sleeve having an integral shield.