A plurality of outboard motors are mounted to a stern of a watercraft and configured to be steered independently. A target steering angle setting section is configured to set a target steering angle for each of the outboard motors. Actuators are configured to steer the outboard motors such that the steering angle of each of the outboard motors is equal or substantially equal to a target steering angle. An actual steering angle detecting section is configured to detect an actual steering angle of each of the outboard motors. A control section is programmed and configured to control the steering operation of the outboard motors such that, when a steering angle difference defining a difference between the actual steering angles of adjacently arranged outboard motors becomes equal to or larger than a prescribed value, an increase of the steering angle difference is prevented.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a control system for an outboard motor.
2. Description of the Related Art
There are conventional watercrafts in which a plurality of outboard motors are installed on a stern of the watercraft and the outboard motors are coupled together with a rod-shaped device called a tie bar. In such a watercraft, steering angles of the outboard motors are changed in a coordinated manner. Thus, when the steering angle of the outboard motors is changed, the outboard motors are steered such that a prescribed distance is maintained between the outboard motors. In this manner, a situation in which outboard motors are oriented in different directions from each other does not occur.
Conversely, Laid-open Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-083795 and Laid-open Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-199189 disclose watercrafts in which a plurality of outboard motors are not coupled with a tie bar and, instead, steering angles of the outboard motors are controlled individually. More specifically, in the watercraft disclosed in Laid-open Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-083795, the steering angles of the outboard motors are set according to a traveling performance mode selected by a helmsperson. In the watercraft disclosed in Laid-open Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-199189, target steering angles for a port-side outboard motor and a starboard-side outboard motor are set individually based on a rotation angle of a steering wheel and an engine rotational speed.
In watercrafts such as these, in which a plurality of outboard motors are not coupled with a tie bar, it is possible for a condition to occur in which the steering angles of the outboard motors are greatly different. In such a case, it is possible for one outboard motor to become too close to an adjacent outboard motor such that the outboard motors collide with each other. Laid-open Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-143322 discloses a watercraft in which target steering angles of a plurality of outboard motors are controlled individually such that the steering angle of an outboard motor is larger the farther downstream the outboard motor is positioned in a steering direction. In this manner, a collision between outboard motors is prevented in a watercraft equipped with a plurality of outboard motors not coupled with a tie bar.
Even if the target steering angles are set to angles at which the outboard motors will not collide with each other, there is a possibility that portions of the outboard motors (for instance, their protection covers or their propellers) will collide with each other during a steering operation of the outboard motors. There are times when, for example, a portion of the outboard motors will be replaced with new outboard motors due to a breakdown or other trouble. In such a case, it is possible for the amount of friction occurring in a steering apparatus of a new outboard motor to be different from the amount of friction occurring in the steering apparatus of the original outboard motor. There is a possibility that such a difference in the amount of friction will cause a difference in an engine angular displacement speed of an outboard motor, which is a speed at which the outboard motor is rotated around its steering axis, and result in a collision between the outboard motors. Also, since a state in which the steering angles of the outboard motors differ greatly occurs, there is a possibility that a steering performance of the watercraft will decline.
Additionally, when a difference of the engine angular displacement speed occurs between the outboard motors, there is a possibility that the outboard motors will become greatly separated from each other instead of colliding in the manner explained above. In a case of separation, too, since a state in which the steering angles of the outboard motors differ greatly occurs, there is a possibility that a steering performance of the watercraft will decline.


An information processing device includes a file-information acquirer and a conversion-management information generator. The file-information acquirer is configured to acquire file information that is information regarding a file to be subjected to conversion processing for converting a clip format. The conversion-management-information generator generates conversion management information that manages an identity of a clip created by the conversion processing performed on a clip to which the file corresponding to the file information belongs, by using the file information acquired by the file-information acquirer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to information processing devices and information processing methods. In particular, the present invention relates to an information processing device and an information processing method that are capable of easily checking and using history of format conversion.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, methods for supplying and distributing content including video and audio are increasingly becoming diverse, and correspondingly, standards for content are also becoming diversified.
For example, formats of content have been standardized depending on various applications. Examples of the applications include distribution of content recorded on storage media, such as DVDs (digital versatile discs) and CDs (compact discs), distribution of content over networks, such as the Internet, transfer of content to mobile electronic devices, terrestrial digital broadcasting, satellite broadcasting, and content shown at cinemas.
In conjunction with such diversification of content applications, content creation involves transcoding (converting) content into various formats, and systems for converting the formats of multimedia content have been developed (e.g., refer to Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication (Translation of PCT Application) No. 2003-527005 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication Nos. 2002-44622 and 2002-77855).

Device and method for processing information


A rotary cutting tool for reaming operations, including a generally cylindrically shaped tool shank with a longitudinal axis having a plurality of radially protruding and generally axially extending clamping wings, and a cylindrically shaped cutting head having a central bore and a plurality of axially extending cutting edges with an outer cutting diameter. The central bore has a plurality of circumferentially and alternately spaced bore sectors and bore recesses, where each bore sector has an outwardly inclined female clamping surface in clamping contact with an outwardly inclined male clamping surface of each clamping wing. A cylindrical shaped locking sleeve and a cylindrical shaped clamping nut assembled to the tool shank provide a means to adjust the clamping contact forces and the cutting diameter of the cutting head, and also enable removal and replacement of the cutting head without removal of the locking sleeve and clamping nut.

Within the field of rotary cutting tools for reaming operations of a metal workpiece, the rotary cutting tools may be configured in many different ways.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,705,435 discloses an adjustable reamer with a cutter head integral to the shank with coolant outlet channels directing coolant fluid to the leading edges. A conical head of a conical screw engaged within the threaded shank expands the cutter head.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,163,790 discloses an adjustable reamer with an interchangeable cutting head and a coolant feed supplying the cutter head from outside nozzles, having a clamping bolt with a conical head screwed into the reamer shank securing and expanding the cutting head.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,004,692 discloses a reamer having a tool shank, a screw member remaining within the tool shank during normal operations, and a replaceable cutting head having a fixed cutting diameter. Coolant channels within the screw member direct coolant fluid to the cutting edges of the cutting head.


An information processing system includes: a client executing acquisition and reproduction of contents; a management server providing the client with content selection information applied for acquisition of contents; and a content providing server receiving the content selection information from the client and providing the content selected in accordance with the content selection information, wherein the content selection information includes content identifiers as identifiers of encrypted contents respectively encrypted by different encryption keys and range information indicating data areas of range data which is configuration data of respective encrypted contents, and the content providing server provides the client with an encrypted content formed by combining range data as partial data of the encrypted contents specified by the content identifiers and the range information.

In recent years, data communication through networks such as Internet is widely used and a great deal of image data, music data and so on is widely distributed through networks.
In many contents such as music data and image data, copyrights, distribution rights and so on are possessed by creators or sellers. Therefore, for example, when a service provider provides a user with a content from a server through a network, it is common to perform control so as to allow only users having a legitimate use right to use the content.
Specifically, for example, the control is performed so that the content is transmitted as an encrypted content which can be decrypted only by an encryption key provided to a user who has performed legitimate purchase processing of the content. However, even when the above control is performed, unauthorized use of the content by an unspecified number of users occurs in the case where, for example, the content decrypted by the user who has acquired the encrypted content or the encryption key is illegally distributed or published. Particularly in recent years, there are many cases that data is illegally published or distributed and how to prevent such unauthorized use is a big problem.
A specific example of illegal distribution of an encrypted key and a content will be explained with reference to a drawing.
FIG. 1 is a view showing an example of illegal publication of the encryption key. A content providing server 10 provides an encrypted content 11 encrypted by applying an encryption key 12 to a client A 21 and a client B 22 who have executed a legitimate content purchase procedure with the encryption key 12.
These client A 21 and the client B 22 can execute content reproduction by performing decryption of the encrypted content 11 applying the encryption key 12.
However, assume that the client B 22 publishes the encryption key 12, for example, in a website on a network to which anyone can access.
When the above processing of publishing the key is conducted, the published encryption key 31 can be acquired by an unspecified number of users.
As a result, the published encryption key 31 can be acquired through a network, for example, by an unauthorized user 23 who has not performed the legitimate content purchase processing, and further, a copy 32 of the encrypted content can be acquired from another client and so on, therefore, the unauthorized user 23 can decrypt the copy 32 of the encrypted content by applying the published encryption key 31 and perform reproduction of the content.
If such situation occurs, the unauthorized use of contents will be widespread.
In the example shown in FIG. 1, the same encryption key is provided to all clients, therefore, when one illegal user leaks the key, all contents provided to other clients can be decrypted by the illegal key. Additionally, it is difficult to specify the client who has illegally published the key.
As a method of solving the problem, a configuration in which an encrypted content to be provided to respective clients is encrypted by different encryption keys will be effective.
That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the content providing server 10 provides an encrypted content encrypted by applying an encryption key A 14 to a client A 24 with the encryption key A 14.
The content providing server 10 provides an encrypted content encrypted by applying an encryption key B 15 to a client B 25 with the encryption key B 15.
The content providing server 10 provides an encrypted content encrypted by applying an encryption key C 16 to a client C 16 with the encryption key C 16.
As the above setting is applied, if by some chance any of the encryption keys is leaked, the content which can be decrypted by the leaked key is limited to one encrypted content encrypted by the leaked key, and it is possible to specify a leakage source, namely, an illegal client who has published the encryption key.
However, it is necessary that the content providing server 10 generates encrypted contents different according to each client in order to change the encryption key in each client, which causes the problem of increasing a processing load on the server's side.
The examples explained with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are examples in cases where illegal publication and leakage of the encryption key applied for encryption/decryption processing of the content are conducted, however, not only the encryption key but also the decrypted content can be a target for illegal publication or leakage.
FIG. 3 shows an example of illegal publication of the decrypted content.
The content providing server 10 provides the encrypted content 11 encrypted by applying the encryption key 12 to a client 28. The providing processing is executed as legitimate content purchase processing.
However, when the client 28 decrypts the encrypted content 11 by applying the encryption key 12 and illegally publishes the decrypted content 11, an illegally-published content 33 can be used by an unspecified number of users including an unauthorized user 29 shown in FIG. 3.
When the decrypted content is published as described above, unauthorized use of the decrypted content will be widespread and it is difficult to specify the client who has illegally published the encrypted content even when the encryption key is changed in each client.

Information processing system and method for providing authorized content


The present invention relates to method and device for determining Gamma parameters and displaying method for a display. A method for determining Gamma parameters for a display includes: setting brightness of the display; lightening a standard image of gradient tricolor under the brightness; calibrating the displaying of the standard image of gradient tricolor with multiple different Gamma values; obtaining the optimal Gamma parameters for the tricolor based on the calibration results; and storing the optimal Gamma parameters for the tricolor corresponding to the brightness in a display chip. The method for determining Gamma parameters for a display calibrates the displaying of the standard image of gradient tricolor with multiple different Gamma values, which can obtain the optimal displaying results based on different calibration results. The optimal Gamma parameters for the tricolor corresponding to the brightness, which represent the optimal displaying results, are obtained based on the calibration results.

Traditional liquid crystal display (LCD) screen bodies are widely applied in electronic products. In order to display, a LCD screen changes the twist angle of the liquid crystal and transmits the display lights from a backlight. The NTSC (National Television Standards Committee) color gamut of a LCD screen body is usually around 45%˜80%. The spectrum of light from the backlight has great impact on the NTSC color gamut of the LCD screen body. There is a conventional Gamma standard for a LCD screen body, such as Gamma=2.2 and Gamma=2.0. It leans to be a warm tone with a relatively lower color temperature in Asian regions, while it leans to be a cold tone with a relatively higher color temperature in European regions.
An active-matrix-organic-light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display screen can have a NTSC color gamut of up to 100% or more. The Gamma parameters of a LCD screen body cannot be applied to an AMOLED display screen body because of the intrinsic differences between them. Some AMOLED displays may display a NTSC color gamut of 100% or more without achieving better displaying results visually.

Method and device for determining Gamma parameters and displaying method

Kunshan New Flat Panel Display Tech. Cr. Co. Ltd.

Kunshan Go-Visionox Opto-Electronics Co., Ltd.


A webbing drive apparatus for an automatic seat belt apparatus in which a webbing is automatically fitted around an occupant by driving one end of the webbing which comprises a screw plate with which one end of a wire for driving the webbing is engaged and which has portions for contact with a drum so as to be rotated through the contact portions by the rotational force of the drum. It is as well as moved in the direction of the rotational axis of the drum, whereby the wire is spirally wound around the drum. Each of the contact portions have a bent portion which is bent substantially at right angles with respect to the rotational direction of the drum. The rotational force of the drum is therefore transmitted to the screw plate through these bent portions.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a webbing drive apparatus for an automatic seat belt apparatus which is capable of moving one end of a webbing used for automatically fitting around and restraining a seat occupant.
2. Description of Prior Art
An automatic seat belt apparatus which allows a webbing to be automatically fitted around a seat occupant comprises a webbing drive apparatus for moving one end of a webbing and fitting it around a seat occupant.
Some of such types of webbing driving apparatus comprise a wire, with which one end of a webbing is engaged, a drum which is rotated by a driving force and a screw plate with which the one end of the wire is engaged and in which is formed a portion for contact with the drum, when the drum is rotated. The screw plate is rotated through the contact portion, as well as being moved in the direction of the rotational axis of the drum, so that the wire is spirally wound around the drum and one end of the webbing is consequently moved.
However, since the contact portion in the screw plate of this webbing drive apparatus is formed using a cut end surface, the portion for contact with the drum has a small area and a rough surface. There are, therefore, certain disadvantages in that the rotation of the drum is transmitted to the screw plate with a low degree of efficiency. Also, the resistance of the drum to the movement of the screw plate in the direction of the rotational axis of the drum is increased. This causes a deterioration in the performance of the drum as well as an increase in the wear of the drum.
In view of the above-described circumstances, it is an object of the present invention to provide a webbing drive apparatus for an automatic seat belt apparatus which comprises a screw plate exhibiting a high degree of efficiency and a drum which is subjected to a reduced degree of wear.

Webbing drive apparatus for automatic seat belt apparatus

Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho


High capacitance laminates made of thin films of polytetrafluoroethylene filled with large amounts of dielectric filler, in which the films are plated or clad with conductive material.

1. Field of The Invention
This invention relates to high capacitance laminates made from thin films of polytetrafluoroethylene filled with large amounts of high dielectric filler, in which the films are plated or clad with copper or other conductive foils and sheets.
2. Description of The Prior Art
High dielectric laminates have been known heretofore, as has their use in printed circuit boards, especially boards for use in microwave applications. Laminates of filled polytetrafluoroethylene and clad with copper are of value in these applications because they reduce, at a given frequency, the wavelength travelling along a conductive path on the laminate. Filled polytetrafluoroethylene has advantages in this use in part because it absorbs little moisture (which affects electrical properties), exhibits low loss, and provides a chemically inert, high temperature resistant material.
Filled polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) laminates of high dielectric that are clad with copper are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,518,737, specifically at column 1, line 63 to column 2, line 11. However, such laminates can generally not be made thin enough for many digital printed circuit board applications where thin high dielectric laminates used to increase board capacitance would be of value.
In digital systems, speed of computation is highly valued. To achieve high speed computation, highly integrated, very fast simultaneously switching integrated circuits (IC's) have been developed. To operate properly these IC's reference known ground and power voltages that are required to remain within given ranges. When these IC's switch they require current for a very short duration. This causes a localized drop in voltage on the power plane. Historically, this drop in voltage has been moderated by the use of surface capacitors. These discrete capacitors provide a store of charge that can be fed to the power plane if the voltage begins to drop. As the speed of IC's increases, this becomes an ineffective way to solve this problem. With today's high performance IC's, the duration that current is needed is very short. Discrete capacitors cannot be positioned close enough to the IC and the path made low enough in inductance to satisfy the needs of the IC, therefore, the voltage drops. If this drop, or spike, in voltage is large enough, errors can be generated when the IC references this reduced voltage. Very thin high dielectric laminates used for the power/ground layers (when located in sequential layers) increase the capacitance of the printed wiring board. This increases the density of charge stored for a given voltage differential, reducing the voltage swings relative to a lower capacitance laminate with discrete capacitors caused by the fast switching IC's improving the fidelity of the signal.
However, thin polytetrafluoroethylene films filled with high dielectric material are not ordinarily obtainable. Filled polytetrafluoroethylene films are generally made by calendering. As the films become thinner and thinner in the calendering process, rheological problems causes pinholes or tears in the filled film. Pinholes and tears, of course, cause electrical problems.
It is desirable to provide laminates of a very thin highly filled films of polytetrafluoroethylene of high dielectric constants and conductive metals, such as copper. It is also desirable to provide a printed circuit board that utilizes such a laminate. It is further desirable to use materials of high tensile strength.


A system in wireless core network obtains a group policy to support background data transfer for a group of user equipment (UEs) associated with a common network area identifier. The system maps the network area identifier to one or more of a mobility management entity (MME) device and a packet data network gateway (PGW) device. The system generates a configuration command to enforce the group policy by the one or more of the MME device or the PGW device and configures, based on the configuration command, the one or more of the MME device or the PGW device to enforce the group policy.

The Internet of Things (IoT) may be described as a network of physical objects or "things" embedded with various types of electronics, software, sensors, logic, circuitry, etc., that can collect and exchange data. A "thing" (also referred to as an "IOT device" or a "machine-type communication (MTC) device") may connect to a service hosted on the Internet indirectly (e.g., via another network device, such as a coordinator, a gateway, etc.) or directly.
For network service providers, IOT support involves providing network services to millions of IOT devices. The number of IOT devices is projected to grow exponentially in the years ahead. For network service providers, IOT support involves providing network services to support millions or even billions of IOT devices. Current network resource allocation and management systems are inadequate to meet these demands in an efficient manner.

System and method for enforcing group policies for MTC devices to perform background data transfers


Upon receiving an input of data, an input unit transmits a time notification to another input unit and transmits a data notification including the input clock time to a storage unit. Upon receiving a time notification from another input unit, the input unit transmits an empty notification including the input clock time to the storage unit to indicate there is no input before the input clock time. Upon receiving the data notification from an input unit having received the input of data and receiving the notification from the other input unit, the storage unit broadcasts the data in order, assuming that consensus of the plurality of storage units is confirmed. When adding an input unit to a computer system, a control device causes the storage unit to start confirming the consensus including the joining input unit after a window interval has elapsed after the joining input unit starts operation.

The present disclosure relates to a technique for changing a configuration during operation of a distributed system that performs total order broadcast.
A distributed system is a computer system that secures availability by multiplexing data with a plurality of devices and switching the processing of a failed device to another device. When adding a new device to the distributed system or returning a device that has been disconnected due to a failure to the distributed system, it is necessary to change the system configuration of the distributed system. When changing the system configuration of a distributed system, it is common to temporarily stop the execution of processing in the entire distributed system.
However, in recent years, the number of processes executed per unit time period has been increasing due to the improvement of the hardware performance of computers. Therefore, when the execution of processing is stopped to change the configuration of a computer system, the loss caused by the delay of the process during that period also increases. For example, in the field of securities trading, since the temporal order in which each process including transaction is executed is important, and that the number of processing transactions is directly linked to profits, it is desirable that there is little delay in processing. Therefore, in the computer system, it is necessary to execute processes in the order of occurrence clock time (chronological order processing), to change the configuration without stopping the execution of the processing, and to minimize the delay therebetween (high availability).
As a technique for realizing chronological order processing and high availability, total order broadcast which is one of the distributed consensuses is known (see U.S. Pat. No. 8,005,888 B2). In total order broadcast, for example, in a distributed system having a plurality of client devices and a plurality of server devices, when data from a user is input to a certain client device, the client device sends a notification of the clock time at which the input is received. In addition, the client device sends data to each server device together with the clock time information. Each server device temporarily stores the received data. Another client device that has received the clock time notification sends state information to each server device that no data has been input to the other client device before the notified clock time. In each server device, state information from other client devices is stored together with data from the client device to which the data from the user has been input. Each server device confirms that the order based on the consensus of all client devices is guaranteed once the data and state information from all client devices are available.

Computer system, configuration change control device, and configuration change control method


A composition for releasing nitric oxide which provides a rapid release of nitrogen monoxide, and also allows formation of S-nitrosothiol compounds which provide a slower extended release of nitrogen monoxide. A composition kit includes two components that are mixed together to initiate nitric oxide release. The kit includes: a liquid phase comprising a solvent and at least one reducing agent; and a solid phase comprising a nitrate and/or nitrite salt, copper ions and at least one thiol. A method of treating sexual dysfunction involves topically applying the composition to an area of the subject to be treated.

Biological Functions of Nitric Oxide (NO)
Nitric oxide (NO) is a ubiquitous molecule with various biological functions, based mainly on its vasodilatory effect (Ignarro et al., 1989).
NO is a diffusible gas that can be classified as a chemical messenger, capable of:                modulating the activity of specific NO-binding enzymes: for instance guanylate cyclase, which induces the formation of the second cGMP messenger (cGMP causes vasodilation in vascular smooth muscle);        binding and modifying enzymes and ion channels (nitrosylation), which thereby change their activity.
NO is produced by the enzyme NO synthase, which degrades arginine and citrulline, releasing an NO molecule (Rajfer et al., 1992).
There are various isoforms of NO synthase, which can be classified schematically according to their basal activity.
NO is rapidly degraded/inactivated; it is therefore, basically a "locally acting" second messenger it differs from classic second messengers in that it can perform its effects also on cells (Fulton et al., 2001; Furchgott et al., 1980).
Biological Role of NO in the Physiology of Penile Erection
Penile erection is a physiological phenomenon resulting from a haemodynamic event and a neurogenic event.
It is a haemodynamic event in that the degree of erection depends on the balance between arterial inflow (pudendal arteries) and venous outflow (superficial veins, deep dorsal vein, and the veins of the corpora cavemosa).
It is a neurogenic event in that the penis is flaccid when the arterial and venous inflow are equally balanced; it is tumescent when the arterial inflow increases and the venous outflow decreases.
In the flaccid penis the main system responsible for maintaining vasoconstriction and contraction of the smooth muscle of the corpora cavemosa is the sympathetic nervous system (low blood flow to the penis); in the erect penis the system that maintains dilatation of the arteriole and relaxation of the trabecular smooth muscle is the parasympathetic nervous system.
Biochemistry of Penile Erection
As indicated above, at the time of erection the muscles of the corpora cavemosa of the penis are relaxed and, at the same time, the arterial flow increases and the venous blood flow decreases.
This mechanism is regulated by a nerve component, which makes erection a neurovascular process involving a series of transmitters and modulators.
A central role in this process is performed by the nitric oxide (NO) molecule, produced in its capacity as a mediator in response to stimulation from non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic (NANC) nerve fibres present within the smooth muscle of the corpora cavemosa of the penis and also present in the arteries and veins (Palmer et al., 1987).
The NO mediator is able to cause the corpora cavemosa to relax, a fundamental event for the purposes of erection.
During the penile erection process the production of NO by NO synthase of endothelial origin (eNOS) increases, which has a vasodilatory effect on the vascular endothelium.
This happens in physiological conditions, in which the endothelium is not affected by any pathology.
In pathological conditions, however, the biochemical pathways for NO production are disrupted (Cayatte et al., 1994). This causes biochemical changes responsible for the altered homeostasis that causes penile erection disorders.
It is believed, moreover, that during erection the primary factor involved is production of NO by the isoform of neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) following nerve stimulation, causing a transient increase in blood flow and increased blood circulation in the penis and sinusoidal spaces.
Next, a further, substantial production of NO by eNOS occurs, making an effective erection possible.
The NO mediator, which arrives by diffusion into the smooth muscle cells of the corpora cavemosa, activates the enzyme guanylate cyclase (GC), which is in turn responsible for producing a cyclic second messenger, cGMP.
These cyclic nucleotides are subjected to a process of hydrolysis by phosphodiesterase (PDE) isoenzymes, and, particularly in the corpora cavemosa of the penis, the PDE 5 isoform (pharmacological target of Viagra-like drugs that inhibit phosphodiesterase) (Moncada et al., 1993).
Over the last few years, however, it has become increasingly clear that many of the cellular actions of NO take place also in cGMP-independent mode; in-vivo reactions have been described between NO and oxygen, iron, the haem group, proteins containing thiol groups, DNA and some amines subject to S-nitrosylation (Marietta et al., 1993).
In view of the above, a system that increases the availability of NO is highly desirable in many pathophysiological conditions, particularly where there is sexual dysfunction.
In fact, in normal conditions, the release of NO onto the endothelial walls of the blood vessels promotes the vasodilatory effect, which causes penile erection, among other things.
Therefore, to improve the process of penile erection, particularly in cases where it is impaired, it is highly desirable to provide NO, chiefly in topical form, in order to produce vasodilatory effects similar to those occurring in physiological conditions.
It is also important that, when needed, this effect of NO is immediate but also lasts for some time.
In general, the administration of NO can be useful in many pathophysiological conditions where vasodilatory and, in particular, peripheral action is required, for instance because of endothelial dysfunction.
Furthermore, the administration of NO can be beneficial also in situations where antimicrobial action is needed.
Nonetheless, to provide bioavailable NO, the molecule has to be stabilised because it is too reactive to reach the desired target within the body. Moreover, its use is made difficult by its very short half-life and its chemical nature as an unstable and reactive gas.
There are various known systems for releasing NO, in which it is produced or released at the time of use.
Known release methods typically involve polymers and small molecules such as S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine and S-nitrosocysteine (CysNO), which release NO into the body.
These methods are not, however, able to provide sufficient quantities of NO for long periods of time or in a controlled manner since S-nitrosothiols, for example S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) and S-nitrosocysteine—natural NO donors—are particularly unstable in aqueous environment and in biological fluids (Moncada et al., 1993). In fact, formulations based on NO donors in solution typically decompose quantitatively within a few hours (Broniowska et al., 2012). Systems for the release of NO in aqueous media are disclosed in WO2010/086637, US2015/086651, WO2012/052561, U.S. Pat. No. 7,048,951.
Various systems for the topical administration of NO are also known.
For example, US2013089629 describes a kit for treating onychomycosis using NO comprising an acidifying agent to be used as pretreatment and a composition of nitrite and at least one polysaccharide with a sufficient amount of ascorbic acid to produce NO for use as a treatment.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,048,951 describes a system for the topical release of NO comprising an ointment composed of a non-aqueous medium and sodium nitrite, ascorbic acid and maleic acid as active ingredients which, when applied to the skin, release NO.
WO2008153762 describes a composition comprising an S-nitrosothiol, for example GSNO, in a pharmaceutical formulation that permits its long-term storage before administration to the patient.
WO1999044622 describes a topical formulation comprising nitric oxide, wherein the nitric oxide is generated when an acidifying agent and a nitric oxide donor come into contact at the site of action. The composition is used in the treatment of viral skin infections.
WO201102265 also describes gels for topical release of NO; such gels include functionalised polysiloxane macromolecules.
Some of these methods are also aimed at treating sexual dysfunction.
For example, US20130059017 describes a composition for topical delivery of nitric oxide to treat sexual dysfunction comprising a first phase comprising lecithin and nitric oxide and a second phase comprising an emulsifier, such that the nitric oxide is entrapped, for example through the formation of vesicles, and therefore remains intact. The second phase can also comprise polyglycols.
Various systems and solutions for releasing NO and therefore described in the prior art, intended in particular to deal with the problem of this compound's instability.
There is still a need for stable compositions, particularly for topical use, capable of releasing NO, when required, effectively and immediately, but at the same time capable of ensuring that NO is released for a sufficiently long period.
This problem is particularly heartfelt in the context of treatment for erectile dysfunction, in which immediate action that also lasts for a certain length of time is particularly desirable.


Apparatus and methods for monitoring a magnetic field and/or detecting ferromagnetic materials. Two transducers are disposed adjacent one another and arranged to provide signals directly related to magnetic field components in parallel but opposite sensing directions. Signal processing apparatus provides an output related to the difference between these two signals. The transducers may be oriented so that the sensing directions are transverse to the magnetic field and the output signal is substantially zero when the magnetic field is in a rest condition. When the magnetic field is disturbed, as by a ferromagnetic body, the output signal changes.

The present invention pertains to apparatus and methods for monitoring magnetic fields and further pertains to apparatus and methods for detecting the presence of ferromagnetic materials.
There has been need heretofore for improved instruments and methods for monitoring magnetic phenomena. It is often desirable to monitor changes in the configuration of the magnetic field generated by nuclear magnetic resonance ("NMR") medical imaging equipment and the like. Also, ferromagnetic materials can impair operation of medical NMR instruments and may cause a safety hazard in operation of such instruments. Accordingly, there have been needs heretofore for practical instruments and methods to detect ferromagnetic materials.
Devices known as Hall effect transducers have been used heretofore for monitoring magnetic fields. A Hall effect device provides an electrical signal which typically varies directly with the magnitude of the magnetic field component in one direction along a predetermined sensing axis. An oppositely directed field component along the same axis will produce an opposite or inverse signal. Magnetic field components transverse to the sensing axis typically do not produce a signal Certain commercial Hall effect devices have been provided with ferromagnetic flux directing elements. For example, one Hall effect transducer commercially available under the designation Model BH-850 High Sensitivity Hall Generator available from the F.W. Bell Company of Orlando, Fla., includes a Hall effect device in conjunction with an elongated ferromagnetic bar. The axis of elongation of the bar is aligned with the sensing direction of the transducer. The flux directing element tends to strengthen the response of the transducer.
The low voltage signals typically provided by Hall effect devices have been amplified heretofore to provide useful output signal levels. However, magnetic field monitoring instruments utilizing Hall effect devices heretofore have been subject to undesirable phenomena such as thermal drift or changes in response of the instrument with temperature. Also, many of the magnetic field sensing devices available heretofore have been incapable of detecting small changes in the orientation of the magnetic field.

Metal detector with two magnetic field transducers connected in opposing relationship and their sensing directions orthogonal to the magnetic field


The present invention relates to a cordless telephone unit having a handset and a base unit. The signal strength of a handset which is received by the base unit is examined to determine whether or not the handset is beyond a predetermined range from the base unit. If such determination of out-of-range is made, a warning signal is transmitted from the base unit to the handset and if the handset is not brought within range within a predetermined number of warning signals, a hang up is initiated wherein the handset is placed in an "on" hook condition and the captured telephone line is released.

The present invention relates to cordless telephones, and in particular, to an out-of-range warning system for said cordless telephones wherein the strength of the carrier signal received by the base station from the handset is monitored to determine whether or not the handset is within operational range. According to aspects of the present invention, if it is determined that the handset is out-of-range, a plurality of warning signals at the determined intervals is transmitted from the base station to the handset as a warning of impending system inoperability. After a predetermined number of warnings, the telephone unit is switched "on" hook and disconnected from the telephone network.
One method previously used was for the handset to generate a guard tone at a frequency above or below that of the transmitted speech, e.g., 40 Hz or 6 KHz, and transmitted from the handset to the base unit station within the audio band used for voice. A sensing system within the base station would periodically test for presence of such a guard tone and if it was determined that the guard tone was no longer present, the assumption was made that the handset was out of operational range from the base station, and the telephone unit would be abruptly disconnected from the telephone network by an "on" hook command. Such an abrupt and unwarned of disconnect can be very unnerving to a user particularly if a telephone conversation is of great importance. Another approach taken in the prior art is to sense the carrier level received by the base station and if such carrier level received from the handset is below a predetermined threshold level, there is a hang up of the line without any warning. Still another approach taken in the prior art is to provide a warning, such as a double beep, if the carrier level received by the base station from the handset is below a predetermined threshold level. However, in such a case, once the warning is issued, there would be no disconnect, so that the user, either not being within operational range of the base station or perhaps with a battery operating the handset which did not retain sufficient charge to operate the handset, would continue using the non-operable handset with the result that the line would be tied up for an indefinite time while the telephone unit was in a non-operational mode.
The present invention overcomes these undesirable operational conditions. According to aspects of the present invention the base unit measures the RF signal level received from the handset and provides a warning tone at the earpiece of the portable handset if the RF signal level is below a minimum operating threshold level. This warning signal is provided such that even if the handset is beyond the normal operating range of the cordless telephone, the user can still hear the signal. The base unit will transmit the "out-of-range" signal a predetermined number of times and then, if the portable handset unit does not come back into the operating range of the base unit, the base will then disconnect from the telephone line.

Out-of-range warning system for cordless telephone


A device fabricated on a chip is disclosed. The device generally includes (A) a first pattern and a second pattern both created in an intermediate conductive layer of the chip, (B) at least one via created in an insulating layer above the intermediate conductive layer and (C) a first bump created in a top conductive layer above the insulating layer. The first pattern generally establishes a first of a plurality of plates of a first capacitor. The via may be aligned with the second pattern. The first bump may (i) be located directly above the first plate, (ii) establish a second of the plates of the first capacitor, (iii) be suitable for flip-chip bonding, (iv) connect to the second pattern through the via such that both of the plates of the first capacitor are accessible in the intermediate conductive layer. The first pattern and the second pattern may be shaped as interlocking combs.

High-speed SERDES (Serial/Deserial) technology has been under active development over the last 20 years. SERDES technology has been widely used in data storage systems, telecommunications, computer technologies and many other fields. A desire for higher transmission bandwidths and speeds through SERDES devices never stops. Ten years ago, designers struggled with designs reaching single lane transmission of 2 Gbps (gigabits per second) in CMOS technology. Presently, specifications for SERDES devices have passed 10 Gbps.
In a high-speed transceiver design, AC coupling in a channel between a transmitter connection and a receiver connection is preferred, and is often specified for proper functioning of the link. In DC coupled links, the signal is sensitive to duty cycle distortion due to the common-mode voltage mismatch between the transmitter and the receiver. At high transmission frequencies of 6 Gbps and beyond, where the signal loss is significant through the backplane, the signal damage resulting from the duty cycle distortion is permanent and is problematic for the receiver to recover.
Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective diagram of a conventional on-chip AC-coupled high speed circuit 80 is shown. The circuit 80 has a bump 82 connected to an AC capacitor 84 through a metal routing line 86, that presents a parasitic resistance (i.e., R_RTG) and a parasitic capacitance (i.e., C_RTG), all fabricated on a substrate 88. Additional circuitry 87 is commonly fabricated below the bump 82. A power/ground plane 90 commonly exists above the capacitor 84. The structure of the circuit 80 results in parasitic capacitances to the power/ground planes 88 and 90 as represented by (i) CP_BUMP (ii) C_RTG, (iii) CP1_P1, (iv) CP2_P1, (v) CP1_P2 and (vi) CP2_P2, as shown.
The capacitor 84 occupies a large silicon footprint. In many cases, the capacitor 84 dominates the total silicon budget. Furthermore, the bump 82 and the capacitor 84 contribute significant individual parasitic capacitances (often the top two dominating parasitic capacitances), weakening the overall high-speed performance of the circuit 80. Commonly, the line 86 may route hundreds of microns from the bump 82 to the capacitor 84 due to priority placement of various blocks relative to the bump 82. The long line 86 contributes to signal degradation that also limit the performance the circuit 80. Still further, the capacitor 84 is usually fabricated in the lower metal and polysilicon layers thereby creating routing channel congestion.


An autonomous vehicle includes an electric powertrain having an electric machine and a traction battery. A vehicle controller is programmed to command power to the electric machine to propel the vehicle along a segment of a route according to a predetermined speed profile that is derived from a predicted heat generation of the battery for the segment such that actual temperatures of the battery remain below a temperature threshold for the segment.

Vehicles may include autonomous driving systems configured to drive the vehicle with minimal user input. Autonomous driving systems receive data from on-board vehicle systems, such as cameras, Radar, etc., as well as from external sources. This data is used to generate commands, e.g., steering, braking, and acceleration, for autonomously driving the vehicle.
An autonomous vehicle may include an electric powertrain having an electric machine(s) powered by a traction battery. The traction battery produces heat when providing power to the electric machine, and require a thermal-management system to thermally regulate the temperature of the battery cells. Example thermal-management systems include air and liquid cooling systems. Multiple types of liquid cooling systems are available such as radiator cooling, chiller cooling (which utilizes a heat pump), or combinations thereof.
Traction batteries are operated within upper and lower temperature limits to prevent battery degradation and optimize performance. Hybrid vehicles are typically programmed to power limit the battery in response to these upper and lower temperature limits being exceeded. Thus, the electric range of the vehicle may be reduced due to deficiencies in battery cooling.


A power conversion system for providing power to an electrical grid is described. The system includes a power converter coupled to a direct current (DC) power source. The system also includes a contactor coupled to the power converter and the electrical grid and configured to selectively electrically couple the power converter to the electrical grid. The system also includes a system controller communicatively coupled to the power converter and the contactor and configured to close the contactor to electrically couple the power converter to the electrical grid and to activate the power converter when a DC voltage provided has remained higher than a voltage level for a length of time. The system controller is also configured to deactivate the power converter, while the contactor is maintained in the closed position, when an alternating current (AC) power output has remained lower than a power level for a length of time.

The embodiments described herein relate generally to operating a power conversion system, and more specifically, to controlling the power conversion system to provide a predefined power to an electrical grid.
Solar energy has increasingly become an attractive source of energy and has been recognized as a clean, renewable alternative form of energy. Solar energy in the form of sunlight may be converted to electrical energy by solar cells. A more general term for devices that convert light to electrical energy is "photovoltaic cells." Solar cells are a subset of photovoltaic (PV) cells.
In order to obtain a higher current and voltage, solar cells are electrically connected to form a solar module. In addition to a plurality of solar cells, the solar module may also include sensors, for example, an irradiance sensor, a temperature sensor, a voltage meter, a current meter, and/or a power meter. Solar modules may also be connected to form a module string. Typically, the direct current (DC) voltages output by the module strings are provided to a power converter, for example, a DC to alternating current (AC) voltage inverter. The DC to AC voltage inverter converts the DC voltage to three-phase AC voltage or current. The three-phase AC output from the DC to AC inverter is provided to a power transformer, which outputs a three-phase high-voltage AC power to an electrical grid. An AC contactor selectively electrically couples the power converter and the electrical grid.
Typically, an operator of a power generation system coupled to an electrical grid agrees to supply the electrical grid with a defined level of power. It is financially beneficial for the operator to supply power to the electrical grid for as much of each day as possible. As the sun rises, the PV array voltage increases. Once the PV array voltage reaches a predefined level, the power converter is activated, the AC contactor is closed to couple the power converter and the electrical grid, and the power generation system attempts to supply power to the electrical grid. If the PV array is not able to provide the defined level of power, for example, if the irradiance level is not high enough to support the defined level of power, the AC contactor is opened, which disconnects the power converter from the electrical grid. Typically, the AC contactor remains open for a predefined length of time before it is closed to once again attempt to supply power to the electrical grid. This process is repeated until the PV array is able to support the defined level of power. A similar process may be repeated as the sun sets. The cycling on and off of the AC contactor causes wear and reduces the useful life of the AC contactor.

Methods and systems for selectively coupling a power conversion system to an electrical grid


A functional optical element has at least one diffraction grating in which first and second elements are alternately arranged. At least one of the first and second elements comprises an optically anisotropic substance and the adjacent elements are substantially different from each other. This diffraction grating is so disposed that the arrayed surface of the diffraction grating is located in the path of the incident light beam. The functional optical device is characterized in that an incident light beam having an arbitrary polarization characteristic is functioned as a plurality of light beams which are polarized in the different directions, so that at least part of the incident light beam is subjected to the diffraction effect. The optical condition of at least one of the first and second elements may be varied by a control device.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates not only to a functional optical element suitably adapted to be used in various devices for optical recording, optical coupling, optical communications, optical computation, optical display and so on but also a functional optical device comprises the optical elements of the type described above and more particularly an optical element and an optical device each having a diffraction grating which is not dependent upon the plane of polarization of a light beam used.
2. Related Background Art
So far various diffraction gratings have been used as functional optical elements in, for instance, spectroscopes, wave branching devices, wave synthesizing devices or reflectors. In addition, they are recently used in semiconductor lasers and optical integrated circuits and become very important optical elements.
Of the various diffraction gratings, a phase type diffraction grating has its surface roughened or varies the index of refraction in the medium in order to vary the phase. In general, the medium used in the diffraction grating of the type described above comprises an optically isotropic material and accomplishes its inherent function independently of the polarization of the light beam used. However, recently there has been an increasing tendency that the diffraction grating is made of an optically anisotropic material such as a crystal having an optic axis extended in a predetermined direction. In this case, the characteristic of the diffraction grating changes depending upon the direction of polarization of the light beam used. As a result, except that the case in which a light source is a laser and a plane polarized light beam is used, it is needed to polarize the light beam through a diffraction plate in a predetermined direction so that the optical efficiency is remarkably decreased in this step.
When the functional optical device utilizing the above-described optically anisotropic substance such as a liquid crystal, PLZT, BSO or other electro-optical crystals is used, the problems similar to those described above arise. In the device utilizing an electro-optical crystal, comb-shaped electrodes are disposed on the surface of a sliced electro-optical crystal in such a way that they cross each other, and a polarizer and a photosensor are disposed in front of and behind the electro-optical crystal. When an electric field is applied to the comb-shaped electrodes the index of double refraction of the crystal is varied, thereby controlling the light beam passing through the device comprising the polarizer, the electro-optical crystal and the photosensor. Such device as described above has a relatively high response characteristic and a high degree of contrast ratio in the case of a monochrome light beam, but has some defects that the driving voltage is considerably high ranging from 100 V to a few kV and it is difficult to attain a device having a large surface area.
In a device utilizing a liquid crystal, a liquid crystal is sandwiched between transparent electrodes disposed perpendicular to each other, and is oriented helically so that in the static state, the light beam passes through the mutually perpenducular electrodes, but when an electric field is applied, the liquid crystal is oriented in the direction of the applied electric field so that the light beam is interrupted by the polarizer disposed on the output side, whereby the transmission of the light beam through the device is cut off. The device utilizing such liquid crystal of the type described above can be driven at a relatively low driving voltage and the costs of the component parts are inexpensive. However, such device has a slow switching response speed and is instable in operation in response to the variation of temperature. In addition, its optical efficiency and contrast ratio are not satisfactory in practice.
As described above, the prior art functional optical devices have their own merits and demerits and a common problem similar to that encountered in the prior art functional optical elements. That is, these devices use as an incident light beam, a light beam having a specific polarization characteristic and in general a plane polarized light beam. As a result, in the case of the incident light which is polarized in random directions, polarizers must be used so that the optical efficiency is considerably reduced when the incident light beam passes through the polarizers.


Dioxydiphthalic anhydride is prepared by the reaction of dihalophthalic anhydride with an alkali metal compound, such as potassium carbonate. The compound is particularly useful as a monomer in the preparation of polyimides.

This invention relates to novel dianhydride compounds. The products are useful chemical intermediates for the further preparation of various compounds such as the corresponding tetracarboxylic acids and the various derivatives thereof, including for example, the salts, esters, acyl halides, amides, imides, and the like. The dianhydrides are particularly useful as curing agents for epoxy resins and as monomers in the preparation of polyimides, for example, by polycondensation with a suitable diamine, such as ethylene diamine or phenylene diamine.
Dianhydrides are commonly used in the preparation of polyesters, by polycondensation with dihydric alcohols and in the preparation of polyimides, by polycondensation with a suitable diamine. A variety of dianhydrides are shown in the literature as monomers in the preparation of such polymers. The properties of the polymer will depend in part on the selection of monomers used in its preparation. Thus, the dianhydrides of this invention as well as those already known and disclosed in literature may be used in a selective manner to achieve the various properties desired in a polyimide.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,697,023 discloses the preparation of oxydiphthalic anhydrides and suggest their use in the preparation of polyimides. The oxydiphthalic anhydrides are prepared by the reaction of a halophthalic anhydride with water and an alkali metal compound such as KF, CsF, or K.sub.2 CO.sub.3 in the presence of a polar aprotic solvent.
Kolesnikov, G. S. et al, Vysokomol. Soyed, A9, 612-18 (1967); Marvel, C. S. et al, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 80, 1197 (1958); and Latrova, Z. N. et al, Volokna Sin. Polim., 15-24 (1970), disclose the preparation of oxydiphthalic acids and anhydrides by the oxidation of tetramethyldiphenyl ethers.
German Patent No. 2,416,594 (1975) discloses the preparation of oxydiphthalic anhydride by coupling of 3-nitrophthalic anhydride in the presence of metal nitrites such as sodium nitride.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,879,428 to Heath et al discloses the preparation of various aromatic bis(ether anhydrides) by reaction of nitrophthalimide with an alkali diphenoxide followed by hydrolysis to yield the diether anhydride.
Tilika et al, Synthesis of Carboxylic Acids of Aromatic Sulfides, Latv. PSR Zinat. Akad. Vestis, Kim. Ser. (2), 201-4, 1982; CA 97(7):55412U, disclose the reaction of 5-bromo-4-mercaptophthalic acid with Cu.sub.2 O to give 80 percent thianthrene-2,3,7,8-tetracarboxylic acid, that is, ##STR1##
Pebalk et al, Spin Density Distribution In An Anion Radicals of Aromatic Tetracarboxylic Acid Dianhydrides, Dokl. Akad, Nauk, SSSR, 244(5), 1169-73, [Phys. Chem.] 1979; CA 90(23):186029c, disclose the EPR spectra of various compounds including a compound of the structure ##STR2##
Pebalk et al, Electron-acceptor Properties of Aromatic Dianhydrides, Dokl. Akad, Nauk, SSR, 236(6), 1379-82 [Chem.] 1977, CA 88(19):135960a, disclose the electron-acceptor properties of 15 phthalic anhydrides and condensed phthalic anhydrides including dithio-diphthalic anhydrides.
2,3,7,8-Tetracarboxyphenoxathin dianhydride of the formula ##STR3## is disclosed by Erglis et al. (USSR Patent No. 395,358; CA 80(9):48007m.) The compound was prepared by the reaction of 3,4-Me.sub.2 C.sub.6 H.sub.3).sub.20 with sulfur in the presence of aluminum chloride followed by oxidation with KMnO.sub.4 in aqueous piperidine to form the tetracarboxylic acid, which was cyclized.

Process of preparing dioxydiphthalic anhydride


A kit that includes multiple rectilinear elongate polygonal elements having five unique shapes, four of which are concave polygonal elements. In some examples, when arranged with respect to one another, the elements of the kit form a girih strapwork pattern. In one aspect, respective elements in a kit may include bezels or boarders along longer sides to enhance an over/under weaving effect of the girih strapwork pattern. In other aspects, one or more elements may be formed as a tray, and some of the trays may include various components or materials disposed in the tray (e.g., architectural surface materials, biological systems, various electronic components) to provide for a variety of creative designs and structural/sculptural installations for built environments. In some implementations, one or more such trays may have beveled rims so as to appear light and thin when viewed.

The "girih" tiles (from the Persian word meaning "knot") are a set of five tiles that are used in various combinations to create Islamic geometric patterns for decoration of buildings in Islamic architecture. FIG. 1 shows a top view of the set (1) of five girih tiles in basic outline shape. The five shapes of the tiles are: a regular decagon (6) with ten interior angles of 144°; an elongated (irregular convex) hexagon (5) with interior angles of 72°, 144°, 144°, 72°, 144°, 144°; a bow tie (non-convex hexagon) (4) with interior angles of 72°, 72°, 216°, 72°, 72°, 216°; a regular pentagon (3) with five interior angles of 108°; and a rhombus (2) with interior angles of 72°, 108°, 72°, 108°. All sides of these tiles have the same length, and all of their angles are multiples of 36° (π/5 radians). All of the tiles, except the pentagon, have bilateral (reflection) symmetry through two perpendicular lines. Some tiles have additional symmetries; for example, the decagon has tenfold rotational symmetry (rotation by 36°), and the pentagon has fivefold rotational symmetry (rotation by 72°).
The girih tiles are each decorated with piece-wise straight lines that are typically painted on the tiles and that form a portion of a simulated weaving pattern, referred to as a "girih strapwork pattern." FIG. 2 shows a top view of a set (7) of the five Girih tiles with their corresponding portions of the girih strapwork pattern. In particular, the respective pattern portions on the tiles include piece-wise straight lines that cross the boundaries of the tiles at the center of an edge at 54° (3π/10) to the edge, with two intersecting lines crossing each edge of a tile. FIG. 3 shows the five Girih tiles of FIG. 2 placed together to form an example of the strapwork pattern. FIG. 4 shows a larger and more extended example of a girih strapwork pattern formed by several tiles, including mostly the hexagon tile (5″) and the bow tie tile (4″), with a single decagon tile (6″) at the center.

Methods and apparatus for creating girih strapwork patterns


This invention relates to the housing of a hybrid electro-mechanical transmission consisting of park pawl system located in the end cover portion of the transmission housing. The end cover portion is configured to cover the park pawl system and allow access to the components of the park pawl system for assembly or service even as the end cover portion remains attached to the main housing of the transmission. Beyond providing coverage to the park pawl system, the end cover portion also provides structural support to a main housing portion during operation of the transmission. A method of assembling a park pawl system between main and end cover portions of a transmission housing is also provided.

Vehicle transmissions, specifically planetary gear automatic power transmissions, typically have a park brake mechanism to resist the vehicle's natural tendency to roll down a sloped surface when the vehicle is in park. The contents of such a park brake generally include some sort of gear that is fixed with respect to the output shaft of the transmission and a pawl designed to selectively engage with the gear when the park brake is activated. The pawl substantially prevents the output shaft and attached gear from rotating when the pawl engages with the recesses between the gear teeth. One example of a successful park pawl arrangement is described in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,630,339 entitled "Park Mechanism for Vehicle Transmission," Tuday, T May 20, 1997, and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Vehicles with complex non-traditional powertrains, like electro-mechanical vehicles, still require a park brake mechanism. However, the alteration of some components of the transmission may require the park pawl and its complementary components to be altered as well. For example, some hybrid electro-mechanical transmissions require the use of two electric motors to supply power to the output shaft of the transmission. The two motors significantly increase the amount of packaging space needed for the transmission. Therefore, the surrounding transmission components, including the park brake mechanism, must be adjusted to accommodate the additional power supply. The location and placement of these surrounding components, however, is limited by the dimensions of neighboring vehicle components and by any clearance requirements for the underbody of the vehicle. The park pawl for the aforementioned transmission was placed farther rearward to accommodate the second electric motor. A cover or housing was required to protect the park brake from contamination. Major design considerations of the rear cover include manufacturability, structural integrity, weight, and material costs requirements.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Hybrid electro-mechanical transmission park system and method of assembly


An interconnect structure and techniques for fabrication thereof having a partial sidewall liner are provided. In one aspect, the interconnect structure includes: a substrate; a dielectric disposed on the substrate having at least one feature present therein; a barrier layer lining the at least one feature; a seed enhancement liner disposed over the barrier layer along sidewalls of the at least one feature, wherein the seed enhancement liner is present along only a middle portion of the sidewalls of the at least one feature; and at least one interconnect disposed within the at least one feature over the barrier layer and the seed enhancement liner.

Interconnect structures in semiconductor device designs are typically formed using a damascene or dual damascene process that involves first patterning a feature(s) such as a trench (for metal lines) and/or a via (for conductive vias) in a dielectric, lining the features with a diffusion barrier, and then filling the features with a metal(s) such as copper (Cu). As the size of the interconnect features shrinks, the barrier thickness needs to be scaled down in order to maximize the copper Cu volume. Doing so enables low line and via resistance. Scaling the sidewall barrier thickness and coverage allows for the maximization of Cu volume in the interconnects, and scaling barrier thickness at the via bottom allows for the reduction of via resistance.
For void-free Cu fill at less than or equal to about 24 nanometer (nm) critical dimensions, an additional liner or seed enhancement layer (such as ruthenium (Ru)) is deposited to prevent barrier exposure during Cu plating, especially on the feature sidewalls. Without a seed enhancement layer, sidewall voids will form which lead to poor device performance.
However, the use of a Ru liner provides some notable fabrication challenges. For instance, chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) of Cu interconnects containing a Ru liner is difficult. Specifically, the galvanic corrosion of Cu during Ru CMP can result in Cu loss at a top interface of the interconnect. Unfortunately, this Cu loss is a key contributor to high line resistance which is undesirable.
Thus, techniques for forming void-free Cu interconnects with a high Cu volume using a Ru liner but eliminating Cu volume loss during CMP would be desirable.

Interconnect structure with partial sidewall liner

International Business Machines Corporation


Techniques are described for providing client computing nodes with enhanced access to data from remote locations, such as by providing and using local capabilities specific to the remote locations. In at least some situations, the access of a client computing node to data from a remote location may be enhanced by automatically performing activities local to the client computing node that improve the efficiency of communications sent between the client computing node and the remote location. As one example, access to data from a remote service may be enhanced by locally performing activities specific to the remote service, such as by using information about the remote service's internal mechanisms to cause the desired data to be provided from internal storage devices of the remote service without passing through front-end or other intermediate devices of the remote service while traveling to the client computing node.

As the use of the Internet and the World Wide Web ("Web") has become widespread, it is increasingly common for software applications to access and use services provided by remote computing systems, such as via defined APIs ("application program interfaces"). Such remote services may provide a variety of types of functionality, and in some situations may be provided by third parties, such as for a fee. One example of such remote services are Web services, which allow heterogeneous applications and computers to interact, and which may be defined and implemented using a variety of underlying protocols and techniques. For example, some Web service implementations return data in XML ("eXtensible Markup Language") format using HTTP ("HyperText Transport Protocol") in response to a Web service invocation request specified as a URI ("Uniform Resource Identifier"), such as a URL ("Uniform Resource Locator") that includes a specified operation and one or more query parameters. Such URI-based invocation requests may, for example, be based on the use of XML over HTTP (e.g., as part of the REpresentational State Transfer, or "REST", distributed interaction model that focuses on resources). In other implementations, additional underlying protocols are used for various purposes, such as SOAP ("Simple Object Access Protocol") for standard message exchange, WSDL ("Web Services Description Language") for description of service invocations, and UDDI ("Universal Description, Discovery, and Integration service") for discovery of available services.
In addition, software applications may be executed and interact with remote services in various ways. For example, data centers housing significant numbers of interconnected computing systems have become commonplace, such as private data centers that are operated by and on behalf of a single organization, as well as public data centers that are operated by entities as businesses. Some public data center operators provide network access, power, and secure installation facilities for hardware owned by various customers, while other public data center operators provide "full service" facilities that also include hardware resources made available for use by their customers. However, as the scale and scope of typical data centers has increased, the task of provisioning, administering, and managing the physical computing resources has become increasingly complicated.
The advent of virtualization technologies for commodity hardware has provided a partial solution to the problem of managing large-scale computing resources for many customers with diverse needs, allowing various computing resources to be efficiently and securely shared between multiple customers. For example, virtualization technologies such as those provided by VMWare, XEN, or User-Mode Linux may allow a single physical computing machine to be shared among multiple users by providing each user with one or more virtual machines hosted by the single physical computing machine, with each such virtual machine being a software simulation acting as a distinct logical computing system that provides users with the illusion that they are the sole operators and administrators of a given hardware computing resource, while also providing application isolation and security among the various virtual machines. When a software application executing on a virtual machine hosted by a computing system in a data center sends a communication to a remote service external to the data center, the communication typically passes through management software on the computing system and then multiple other devices before leaving the data center and traveling to the computing system providing the remote service.
Although Web services and other remote services allow various applications and computers to interact, the current implementations and uses of Web services have various problems. For example, due to the insecure nature communications over the Web, if such a remote service provides confidential or otherwise restricted data and other functionality, the remote service will typically use multiple front-end computing devices to handle communications from remote clients in order to shield various back-end devices that store the restricted data or otherwise provide the restricted functionality. Thus, a request sent from a client to a remote service to, for example, obtain stored data will typically pass through multiple other devices of the remote service before reaching a storage device that holds the data, and then the data sent in response will typically take the same or a similar path in traveling through multiple devices of the remote service before between sent back to the client over one or more networks. Unfortunately, such request handling by the remote service consumes significant resources (e.g., may necessitate expensive hardware setups to accommodate the communications, such as by having one or more hardware load balancers that receive communications and then direct each communication to an appropriate one of multiple Web server devices to handle authentication and other pre-processing activities for the communication), and may significantly delay the receipt of requested data or other functionality by the client. Such problems with delay and use of resources may further be exacerbated if the client is a computing system within a data center as previously described, in which communications to and from the computing system typically pass through multiple other devices of the data center before reaching an external network.

Providing enhanced data retrieval from remote locations


An apparatus, system, and method that initialize a capacitive sensing switch and detects a pushed button are described. The apparatus comprises a keypad, a logic component, an initialization threshold, a measured capacitive value, and a processor. The keypad comprises at least one capacitive sensing switch. The logic component is configured to determine a capacitive sensing range for each capacitive sensing switch, wherein the range corresponds to the difference between the maximum and minimum capacitance. Each capacitive sensing switch is initialized when the capacitive sensing range exceeds the initialization threshold. The measured capacitive value measures the capacitive value for each switch and a corresponding push-button threshold determines whether the button has been pushed. The processor is configured to process computer instructions that correspond to each switch when the capacitive sensing range exceeds the initialization threshold and when the measured capacitive value for each capacitive sensing switch exceeds the push-button threshold.

Capacitive sensors can directly sense electrical fields. Additionally, capacitive sensors can indirectly sense other variables such as pressure associated with a button push. Capacitive sensors are composed of conductive sensing electrodes, a dielectric, and detection circuits that detect changes in capacitance. There are a variety of applications for capacitive sensors including using capacitive sensors as keys or buttons on the keypad of a wireless device.
Like traditional mechanical switches, the effectiveness of a capacitive sensor is dependent on the sensor sensitivity under a variety of different operating conditions. The sensitivity of a capacitive sensor is determined by the physical design, the method used to measure the capacitance and the determination of the capacitive change.
Capacitive sensors may be designed on affordable printed circuit boards (PCBs) such as a standard PCB or printed flex circuits using the same copper material that is used for signal routing. Typically, the sensitivity of the sensor is determined by the physical size of the sensor and a combination of the plastic overlay dielectric constant, including the dissipation factor, and thickness of the overlay material.
Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown an illustrative capacitive sensor or switch that can be used to detect a button being pushed. The capacitive sensor 10 acts as a keyboard button and consists of a first conductive element 12 that is adjacent a second conductive element 14 and separated by a dielectric 16. Generally, there is a small edge-to-edge capacitance associated with dielectric 16.
With respect to button sensitivity, there must be enough sensitivity to detect a button push while avoiding excessive sensitivity that results in false positives due to electromagnetic interference (EMI). Since wireless devices communicate using electromagnetic waves and continuously adjust signal strength, the wireless device generates variable EMI that interferes with the capacitive sensing switch.
Referring to FIG. 2 there is shown the capacitive switch being pushed by a user. When the illustrative finger 20 is placed on the plates 12 and 14 there is an additional capacitance 22 and 24 that increases the overall capacitance and the result is an increase in the RC rise time during the charging cycle. This change in capacitance determines that a button has been pushed.
To detect that a button has been pushed, the change in capacitance is measured. One method for measuring capacitance is applying a constant-current source continuously to charge the capacitive sensor to a reference threshold level on a comparator. The comparator will pulse high each time the capacitive sensor reaches the reference threshold level; this closes the switch and discharges the capacitor and resets the counter. To determine whether a user is in contact with the capacitive sensor the quantity of clock cycles that correspond with the capacitive sensor being charged up to the reference level on the comparator are measured. The number of clock cycles may then be compared with a preset threshold detection setting to determine whether a button has been pushed. An alternative method for measuring capacitance may employ an analog-to-digital converter.
In operation, the illustrative button 10 works on the principle that when a finger 20 is applied to the button, the capacitance increases and lengthens the RC time constant that results in a baseline minimum RC time constant and a "finger present" maximum RC time constant.
With respect to wireless devices, there are various limitations to relying exclusively on the minimum RC time constant and "finger present" maximum RC time constant. One of these limitations is caused by the variable EMI associated with the wireless communications. As the EMI increases and decreases, there is no change to the baseline minimum RC time constant, and there is no change to the "finger present" maximum RC time constant. Additionally, making the capacitive switch button more sensitive does not resolve the variable EMI concerns, because increased sensitivity results in false positives. Thus, there is a need to effectively initialize a capacitive sensing switch on a wireless device.

Initializing a capacitive sensing switch for a wireless device


The present invention provides an organic light emitting display device, belonging to the field of display technology, being capable of solving the problem, in an existing organic light emitting display device, of shortened service life of an organic light emitting diode due to moisture escape from the thin film transistor layer or the like. The organic light emitting display device of the present invention comprises a first pixel defining layer doped with a desiccant, which absorbs moisture escaping from an array substrate or the like during the use of the organic light emitting display device, thus improving the ageing and shrinkage of some pixels in the organic light emitting display device and prolonging the service life of the organic light emitting display device.

An organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED), as an organic thin film electroluminescent device, has the advantages of simple fabrication process, low cost, high luminous efficiency, ease of formation of a flexible structure, and the like. Hence, the display technology of the organic light emitting diode becomes a hot spot to be researched and developed.
An organic light emitting diode display device includes a plurality of pixel units, each of the pixel units consists of a plurality of sub-pixel units being adjacent to each other and emitting light of different colors, and each of the sub-pixel units being provided with one organic light emitting diode therein. The light emitting intensity of organic light emitting diodes may be controlled by controlling the current of each of the organic light emitting diodes by a Thin Film Transistor (TFT) array, so as to realize displaying. Light emitted from the sub-pixel units of each pixel unit is mixed to form light to be emitted from this pixel unit. There may be many modes for the configuration of colors (i.e., the color of the color filter) of the sub-pixel units, for example, RGB (red, green and blue) mode (i.e., one red sub-pixel unit, one green sub-pixel unit and one blue sub-pixel unit form one pixel unit), RGBW (red, green, blue and white) mode, or RGBY (red, green, blue and yellow) mode.
A white Organic Light Emitting Diode (WOLED), due to being a mature technology and having high luminous efficiency, has been widely applied in the organic light emitting diode display device.
As shown in FIG. 1, in the prior art, an organic light emitting display device includes a thin film transistor array substrate 1, a color filter layer 3 (for example, including color filters R, G and B in FIG. 1) provided on the thin film transistor array substrate 1, a planarization layer 2 provided on the color filter layer 3, and an organic light emitting unit 11 provided on the planarization layer 2.
The organic light emitting unit 11 includes a plurality of sub-pixel units 12 divided by pixel defining layers 5, and each of the sub-pixel units 12 includes an anode 4 close to the thin film transistor array substrate 1 and a cathode 7 away from the thin film transistor array substrate 1 and an organic light emitting layer 6 between the anode 4 and the cathode 7. The anode 4 of each of the sub-pixel units 12 is controlled individually by one thin film transistor, and the anode 4 is connected to the thin film transistor through a via. As the cross-section is not at the via, the via is not shown in FIG. 1. All cathodes 7 of the whole organic light emitting unit 11 are usually integrated.
An encapsulating layer 8 may be further provided on the cathodes 7 to encapsulate the organic light emitting display device.
The light emitting process of the organic light emitting display device as described above is as follows: by controlling the current intensity of the anode 4 of each of the sub-pixel units 12 in a pixel unit, the organic light emitting layers 6 in the sub-pixel units 12 emit white light of different brightness; and, those white light passes through the corresponding color filters R, G and B to form light of different colors. The light of different colors is mixed to form light to be emitted by this pixel unit.
It should be understood that the above-mentioned color filter layer 3 may be omitted if the organic light emitting layer itself emits light of three primary colors (for example, R, G and B). In this case, the organic light emitting unit 11 is directly fabricated on the thin film transistor array substrate 1.
However, in the prior art, although part of moisture in the thin film transistor array substrate 1 and the color filter layer 3 is removed by roasting during fabrication, it is unable to remove the moisture completely. Therefore, there is moisture escape during the use of the organic light emitting display device. The organic light emitting diode is so extremely sensitive to moisture that even a thimbleful of moisture escape may directly influence the service life of the organic light emitting diode, and thus influence the service life of the display panel.


An electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield assembly and method of construction is provided. The assembly includes a body having a wall of warp knit nonmetallic yarn having opposite sides extending generally parallel with one another between opposite ends and a plurality of weft inserted metal wires. The wire is inserted to provide discrete bundles each arranged in side-by-side relation with one another and extending beyond the opposite sides of the wall to provide a plurality of exposed free ends. The nonmetallic yarn is looped about the wires, thereby fixing the wire relative to the nonmetallic yarn and to other wires in an optimal EMI shielding position. Metal brackets adapted for ready attachment to a source of electrical ground are attached to the exposed free ends. The individual bundles of wires extend parallel to one another, with a gap having a predetermined width extending between the adjacent bundles.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to electromagnetic interference shields, and more particularly to textile electromagnetic interference shields.
2. Related Art
It is known to fabricate electromagnetic interference (EMI) shields 1 entirely from wire, such as shown in FIG. 1. The wire, being too stiff to be knit, is generally woven to form a mesh of a predetermined mesh size to prevent the passage of EMI therethrough, thereby acting as a barrier or shield to the EMI.
The manufacture of woven wire EMI shields is not a simple process. The metal wire material typically employed in such woven EMI shields is fairly stiff and this lends to the material being generally difficult to weave. Special care must be taken in controlling the process to ensure that a uniform mesh size is achieved and this adds to the cost and complexity of producing such a product. And it is important to control the mesh size to produce an EMI shield with uniform properties and to make certain that the mesh size is not so large as to permit the transmission of EMI through the shield. Careful controls must be in place to obtain a commercially usable product.
A further disadvantage of woven wire EMI shields, apart from the difficulty in manufacturing them, is their robustness when placed in service. When first installed, the mesh size is desirably present in its as-manufactured uniform condition and would be effective at shielding EMI. However, it has been found that the woven nature of such shields enables the relative positions of the wires to shift either during installation or over time, with some of the wires getting pushed closer together while others end up being drawn further apart. Such change in the mesh size is undesirable as it yields inconsistent performance from one product to another and even within the mesh field of a given product. Moreover, in cases where the wires have shifted apart to increase the mesh size (either locally or over a larger region or regions), the increased gap can be large enough to allow EMI to pass through the shield which is highly undesirable.

Knit EMI shield and method of construction thereof


Systems and methods which provide injection-locked circuit configurations for radiating signals in the terahertz frequency range with improved phase noise and signal output power are described. Embodiments of the invention provide an injection-locked terahertz radiator system comprising a half-quadrature voltage controlled oscillator (HQVCO), a plurality of injection-locked frequency quadruplers (ILFQs), and antenna elements. In operation according to embodiments, injection-locking provided by the ILFQs may be utilized to facilitate individual optimization of the output power and the phase noise. Intrinsic-delay compensation and harmonic boosting techniques may be utilized in configurations of the foregoing injection-locked terahertz radiator system to optimize the phase noise of the HQVCO and the output power of the ILFQs, respectively. Embodiments of an injection-locked terahertz radiator system herein are implemented as a fully integrated solution with compact form factor, providing high reliability and low cost.

Various circuitry for enabling and supporting the use of relatively high frequency signals has been utilized for a number of years. For a number of reasons, such as the availability of relatively unused spectrum, radiation providing penetration of a wide variety of materials, etc., the use of signals at higher and higher frequencies has become of interest. For example, the terahertz (THz) band from 0.3 THz to 3 THz is gaining increasing interest due to its potential for use with respect to various applications, such as imaging, spectroscopy, and high-speed wireless communication.
Unfortunately, however, a technology vacuum known as "terahertz gap" exists with respect to practical and satisfactory circuit implementations for enabling and supporting the use of signals in the terahertz band. For example, major challenges are presented with respect to implementing radiating sources operable at terahertz frequencies with sufficient output power to overcome the severe path loss at such high frequencies. Currently, most terahertz sources are based on optics, quantum cascade lasers, and Gunn diodes, which are bulky and expensive making implementations of such existing circuitry undesirable and even unacceptable for many applications, such as mobile communications devices, mass-produced consumer devices, and battery powered devices.
Although some recent works have demonstrated sources and radiators from sub-THz to THz in bulk complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) based circuits, the inadequate cut-off frequency (fT) and the low breakdown voltage of CMOS transistors significantly limit the direct current (DC) to radio frequency (RF) (DC-to-RF) conversion efficiency. In particular, many existing circuit implementations rely on relatively high-order harmonics (e.g., 4th order harmonics) for frequency generation above 300 GHz due to insufficient fundamental oscillation frequency for lower-order harmonic extraction. As a result, the power efficiency of these existing circuits is typically as low as 0.05% and thus providing required output power levels is problematic without unacceptable power consumption and/or causing device breakdown. Phase noise, in addition to the aforementioned output power, is also an important requirement for terahertz sources utilized in many applications, such as imaging and time-domain spectroscopy. The phase noise realized by existing circuits in operation around 300 GHz is typically worse than −85 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset (e.g., −78 to −85 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset). Accordingly, the phase noise and the DC-to-RF efficiency of existing CMOS based terahertz circuit implementations are quite limited.