The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for sealing an annulus in a wellbore. In one aspect, the apparatus is an anchoring and sealing system for a downhole tool such as a bridge plug, packer, or frac-plug. The sealing system comprises of a sealing member disposed between a set of energizing rings, a set of expansion rings adjacent each cone, a set of support rings, and a set of slips. The components of the sealing system are arranged such that, when compressed, the sealing member may expand radially into contact with a casing. In another aspect, the apparatus the invention provides for an apparatus that is a downhole sealing tool.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus used in the completion of a well. More particularly, the invention relates to downhole tools. More particularly still, the present invention relates to downhole tools having an anchoring and sealing system.
2. Description of the Related Art
Hydrocarbon wells are typically formed with a central wellbore that is supported by steel casing. The casing lines a borehole formed in the earth during the drilling process. An annular area formed between the casing and the borehole is filled with cement to further support and form the wellbore. Typically, wells are completed by perforating the casing of the wellbore at selected depths where hydrocarbons are found. Hydrocarbons migrate from the formation through the perforations and into the wellbore where they are usually collected in a separate string of production tubing for transportation to the surface of the well.
Downhole tools with sealing systems are placed within the wellbore to isolate producing zones or to direct the flow of production fluids to the surface. Examples of sealing tools are plugs and packers. The sealing tools are usually constructed of cast iron, aluminum, or other drillable alloyed metals. The sealing tools typically contain a sealing system. The sealing system includes a sealing element that is typically made of a composite or elastomeric material that seals off an annulus within the wellbore to prevent the passage of fluids. The sealing element is compressed causing the sealing element to expand radially outward from the tool to sealingly engage a surrounding surface of the tubular. In one example, a bridge plug is placed within the casing to isolate upper and lower sections of production zones. By creating a pressure seal in the wellbore, bridge plugs allow pressurized fluids or solids to treat an isolated formation.
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/983,505, filed on Jun. 27, 2001 discloses a method and apparatus for a non-metallic sealing system, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In one aspect, the sealing element system defines a frac-plug used to seal a wellbore within the casing during a fracturing operation
FIG. 1 is a partial cross-section view of a plug from a pending patent application of the same assignee. The frac-plug 10 includes a sealing system 15 disposed around a mandrel 20. The sealing system 15 serves to seal an annular area between the frac-plug 10 and an inner wall of a casing (not shown) upon activation of the tool. The sealing system 15 includes a set support rings 65, 70 to contain a sealing element 95 upon activation of the frac-plug 10. The support rings 65, 70 are disposed on the mandrel 20 and located on the tapered surface of expansion rings 75, 80. The expansion rings 75, 80 fill in gaps that are created during the expansion of the sealing element 95. The sealing system 15 further provides inner cones 85, 90. The inner cones 85, 90 are disposed about the mandrel 20 adjacent each end of the sealing member 95. A tapered edge on the inner cones 85, 90 urge the expansion rings 75, 80 radially outward upon activation of the frac-plug 10.
The frac-plug 10 also has an anchoring system that includes a pair of cones 45, 50, a pair of slips 35, 40, a top ring 30 and a setting ring 25. Upon activation of the frac-plug 10, the cones 45, 50 are used to urge slips 35, 40 radially outward into contact with the surrounding casing, thereby securing the frac-plug 10 in the wellbore.
Typically, the frac-plug 10 is intended for temporary use and must be removed to access the wellbore there below. Rather than de-actuate the slips 35, 40 and bring the frac-plug 10 to the surface of the well, the frac-plug 10 is typically destroyed with a rotating milling or drilling device. As the mill contacts the tool, the tool is xe2x80x9cdrilled upxe2x80x9d or reduced to small pieces that are either washed out of the wellbore or simply left at the bottom of the wellbore. The more parts making up the tool, the longer the milling operation takes. In this manner, the use of cones 45, 50 increase the time required for the milling operation.
The frac-plug 10 is actuated by a separate setting tool (not shown). The setting tool is run into the hole with the frac-plug 10. The setting tool operates to set the frac-plug 10 by applying opposing forces to the inner mandrel 20 and the setting ring 30. In operation, the inner diameter of a setting tool straddles the top ring 25. The lower end of the setting tool abuts against setting ring 30. A force is applied to the setting tool from the surface causing the lower end of the setting tool to push axially downward against the setting ring 30. At the same time, the inner diameter of the tool pulls up on the mandrel 20. The opposing forces urge the slips 35, 40 to ride up cones 45, 50 allowing the outer portion of the slips 35, 40 to contact the inner surface of the casing. In turn, the expansion rings 75, 80 ride up the tapered surfaces of cones 85, 90, thereby causing the sealing member 95 to expand outwardly into contact with the casing. In this manner, the compressed sealing member 95 provides a fluid seal to prevent movement of fluids across the frac-plug 10 and the frac-plug 10 is anchored in the wellbore.
Like the frac-plug in the previous paragraph, conventional packers and bridge plugs typically comprise a sealing system located between upper and lower cone members. Packers are typically used to seal an annular area formed between two co-axially disposed tubulars within a wellbore. For example, packers may seal an annulus formed between the production tubing and the surrounding wellbore casing. Alternatively, packers may seal an annulus between the outside of a tubular and an unlined borehole. Routine uses of packers include the protection of casing from well and stimulation pressures, and the protection of the wellbore casing from corrosive fluids. Other common uses include the isolation of formations or leaks within a wellbore casing or multiple producing zones, thereby preventing the migration of fluid between zones.
One problem associated with conventional sealing systems of downhole tools arises when the tool is no longer needed to seal the wellbore, and must be removed from the well. For example, plugs and packers are sometimes intended to be temporary and must be removed to access the wellbore there below. Rather than de-actuate the tool and bring it to the surface of the well, the tool is typically destroyed with a rotating milling or drilling device. As the mill contacts the tool, the tool is xe2x80x9cdrilled upxe2x80x9d or reduced to small pieces that are either washed out of the wellbore or simply left at the bottom of the hole. The more parts making up the tool, the longer the milling operation takes. Longer milling time leads to an increase in wear and tear of the drill bit and additional expensive rig time. When the tool comprises of many parts, multiple trips in and out of the wellbore are required to replace worn out mills or drill bits.
Another problem associated with conventional metallic and non-metallic sealing systems is the manufacturing cost. Additional parts increase the cost and complexity of a tool.
There is a need, therefore, for a sealing system for use in a downhole tool that will minimize the time of a milling operation upon removal of the tool, and subsequently reduce the wear and tear on the drill bit. There is a further need for a sealing element with fewer components, thereby reducing the cost to manufacture. Still further, a need exists for a plug wherein the upper and lower cones have been removed.
The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for sealing a wellbore. In one aspect, the invention provides for an apparatus that is an anchoring and sealing system for use in a downhole tool. The anchoring and sealing system comprises of a compressible sealing member, a ring member at each end of the sealing member, and a slip member adjacent to each ring member. During activation of the anchoring and sealing system, the sealing member expands out and the slip member moves radially outward along an outer surface of the ring member into frictional contact with an adjacent surface of the wellbore, thereby supporting the expanding sealing member.
In another aspect, the invention provides for an apparatus that is a downhole sealing tool. As with the tool 10 of FIG. 1, the downhole tool comprises a body and an anchoring and sealing system disposed about the body. However, the tool of the present invention does not include upper and lower cones. Rather, support rings in the sealing and anchoring system are constructed and arranged to permit the radial expansion of a set of slips. In this manner, the manufacturing cost of the tool is reduced and the milling time to remove the tool from the wellbore is reduced.
A method is further provided for sealing an annulus in a wellbore. The method comprises running a tool into the wellbore, the tool comprising a sealing system having a sealing member disposed between a set of energizing rings, a set of expansion rings adjacent each set of energizing rings, a set of support rings, and a set of slips. The method further comprises activating the tool causing the sealing member to expand and the slip member to move radially outwards along an outer surface of the support rings, thereby supporting the expanding sealing member.

Anchoring and sealing system for a downhole tool


A semiconductor device is disclosed in which a deposited non-oxide layer (44) overlies and physically contacts another non-oxide layer (38) so that no intervening oxide layer is present. The device is fabricated by performing an insitu etch and deposition process. In one embodiment, the device (36) is sealed in a LPCVD chamber (10) and etched using gaseous anhydrous hydrofluoric acid to remove an oxide (40) from one non-oxide layer (38). Then, without exposing the device to a water rinse or to the atmosphere, a chemical vapor deposition process applies the deposited layer (44) upon the other layer (38).

In the fabrication of semiconductor devices, it is occasionally desirable to deposit one non-oxide layer upon another non-oxide layer. For example, a bipolar transistor may be fabricated having an emitter area with a polycrystalline silicon layer overlying a monocrystalline layer. Although such a structure may occasionally be schematically illustrated or modeled as having one non-oxide layer physically contacting the other non-oxide layer, conventional structures actually possess an undesirable, thin native oxide layer interposed between the two non-oxide layers.
Although semiconductor devices having such native oxide layers embedded therein may function satisfactorily, it would nevertheless be desirable to eliminate such native oxide layers. One problem of particular concern in connection with such embedded native oxide layers centers around controlling the thickness of the native oxide layer. The factors which cause the native oxide layer to grow are difficult to control in the fabrication of semiconductor devices. Thus, the native oxide layers tend to vary in thickness from batch to batch. Device parameters sometimes exhibit an undesirable variance between batches as a consequence of the native oxide thickness variance. For example, variance in an intervening native oxide layer thickness at the emitter region of a bipolar transistor may cause gain variance between batches of transistors.
Conventional techniques of etching oxides fail to adequately prevent the occurrence of such native oxide layers. One conventional oxide etching technique represents a wet etch in which a semiconductor body having, for example, a silicon surface layer is immersed in a liquid etchant, such as hydrous hydrofluoric acid, then subjected to deionized water rinses. Next, the semiconductor body is placed in an environment where a non-oxide layer may be deposited overlying the silicon layer.
Regardless of whether the wet etchant effectively removes all oxides present at the silicon surface, the water rinses promote growth of oxides on the silicon surface. In addition, conventional processing and handling techniques expose the silicon layer to the atmosphere; and consequently, such techniques promote further oxide growth on the silicon layer. A 10-30 angstrom native oxide layer thus typically grows overlying the silicon layer before a deposition process deposits a non-oxide layer which will prevent further oxide growth at the silicon layer surface. Hence, the silicon and deposited non-oxide layers do not generally physically contact one another. Rather, each one physically contacts the intervening native oxide layer.
Alternative conventional oxide etching techniques utilize gaseous etchants at atmospheric pressure in a chamber designed for such etching or at low pressure. However, such techniques represent only etching techniques and they fail to contemplate the deposition of a non-oxide layer upon the silicon surface. These etching techniques require an etched body to be subjected to a water rinse or to an oxide-forming process in which a catalyst mask is stripped away. Moreover, they require an etched body to be exposed to the atmosphere while being transported to a deposition chamber. Accordingly, such etching techniques do nothing to prevent native oxide formation on the silicon layer. The deposited non-oxide layer therefore physically contacts a native oxide layer rather than a silicon layer. Accordingly, the industry has a need for a device which does not have a native oxide layer between adjacent non-oxide layers and a method for fabricating such a device.

Semiconductor device with adjacent non-oxide layers and the fabrication thereof


A lane departure prevention support apparatus comprises: imaging means for capturing an image of a lane boundary line which defines a traveling lane; vehicle position detecting means for recognizing the lane boundary line in a recognition area of captured image data to detect a host vehicle position within the traveling lane in a width direction; assisting means for performing driver assist using the recognition result of the lane boundary line; displaying means for displaying the recognition result of the lane boundary line; and recognition result display controlling means for displaying an unrecognized lane boundary line according to the host vehicle position, if one of left and right white lines is not recognized, wherein a display of the unrecognized lane boundary line is not such a display which indicates that the lane boundary line is not recognized.

A lane departure warning apparatus (LDW: Lane Departure Warning) which outputs a warning when the departure from the traveling lane is predicted, and a lane keeping assist apparatus (LKA: Lane Keeping Assist) which adds a steering force for traveling at a center of the traveling lane are known. In these apparatuses, white lines are recognized using a camera and an image processor installed in a vehicle.
In the LDW/LKA, it is general practice to notify a driver of a current operation status of the LDW/LKA (see Patent Document 1, for example). This is because there is a case in which the output of the warning or the lane keeping assistance is not performed, depending on a white line recognition status, for example, even if a switch of the LDW/LKA is turned on. Patent Document 1 discloses a white line display apparatus for a vehicle for displaying a white line icon on the display device in which the white line icon is displayed in a solid white if the white line is recognized by white line recognition means and the white line icon is displayed in outline if the white line is not recognized by white line recognition means.
FIG. 1A illustrates an example of a display status of the white line if the white line is recognized in the LDW/LKA, and an example of a display status of the white line if the white line is not recognized in the LDW/LKA. The recognition status of the white line is displayed as the white line icon on the display device such as a liquid crystal display. For example, the white line icon is displayed in a bold manner if the white line is recognized and white line icon is displayed in a slender manner so that a driver can understand that the white line is not recognized. If the white line is not recognized, the LDW/LKA cannot predict the departure from the traveling lane to output the warning and add the steering force for traveling at the center of the lane.
The reasons why the white line is not recognized include cases where a road surface sign does not exist, the white line is patchy or unclear due to hard rainfall, a wiper device operates in a high speed mode, the driver performs a predetermined operation such as a lane change, etc.
As illustrated in FIG. 1A, by notifying the driver of the fact that the LDW/LKA does not operate, it is possible to prevent the driver from overtrusting the LDW/LKA. In other words, it is possible to prevent the driver from expecting an excessive performance of the LDW/LKA, thereby notifying the driver that there is a limit of the assistance in a status where the white line is not recognized. Further, it is possible to notify the driver of the fact that there may be a case where the LDW/LKA does not operate normally when a view field of a camera is shielded due to an undesirable position of an inspection sticker or an antenna for ETC (Electronic Toll Collection).
There are some vehicles in which the LDW/LKA can perform the lane departure warning or the lane keeping assist even if the left or right white line is not recognized. There may be a case in which driver assistance can be performed to some degree even if one of the left and right white lines is recognized, which is required to comply with a safety requirement depending on countries (NCAP (New Car Assessments Program) in USA). Thus, even if one of the left and right white lines is not recognized, it is preferred that the display device displays the white line icon to notify the driver.
FIG. 1B illustrates an example of a display status of the white line if only the right white line is recognized, and FIG. 1C illustrates an example of a display status of the white line if only the left white line is recognized. As illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the LDW/LKA can notify the driver of the white line recognition status by displaying the recognized white line in a bold manner and the unrecognized white line in a outline manner.
However, as illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1C, there is a problem that displaying only the recognized one of the white lines in a bold manner leads to a deviation with respect to the recognition by the driver. Specifically, when the vehicle travels in the lane such that the vehicle is biased to the right or left white line, one of the white lines (the white line opposite to the closer white line) goes out of a white line recognition area due to a limit of the angle of view of the camera or the white line recognition area (i.e., an image processing area) and thus one of the white lines, which goes out of the white line recognition area, becomes unrecognized. However, even in this case, since the right and left white lines are in the view of the driver, there may be a case where the driver wonders why one of the white lines is not recognized.
FIG. 2A is a diagram for illustrating an example of the angle of view of the camera. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, for the purpose of the image processing such as the white line recognition, the LDW/LKA uses only the white lines in a predetermined area in front of the vehicle and within the angle of view. The farther end of the area is few tens meters away from the vehicle so that the accuracy of the white line recognition can be maintained, while the nearer end of the area is about ten meters from the vehicle which is within the angle of view and not shielded by a hood or the like. If the angle of view can be enlarged, the LDW/LKA can recognize the white line from the nearer distance, thereby preventing a situation in which only the farther white line is not recognized when the vehicle becomes closer to one of the white lines.
However, even if the angle of view is enlarged, the number of the pixels doesn't change in the camera as a whole. Therefore, the number of the pixels of the white lines is reduced when the angle of view is enlarged and thus the image processing accuracy for the farther scene is reduced. In this case, accuracy in calculating curve radius or a curvature of the lane, in particular, is reduced.
Further, the camera of the LDW/LKA is often shared with other driver assist apparatuses which require the image processing for the farther scene. For example, an automatic high beam apparatus, which automatically switches a beam pattern of front headlamps between a high beam pattern and a low beam pattern, uses the camera to detect a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle at a few hundreds of meters ahead of the vehicle and switch the beam pattern. For this reason, it is not desirable to reduce the detection accuracy of the preceding vehicle and the oncoming vehicle by enlarging the angle of view. Further, for a pedestrian detecting apparatus which calls attention to the driver when it detects a pedestrian, if the pedestrian at the farther distance cannot be detected, the output of the call for attention may be delayed. Thus, it is not desirable to reduce the detection accuracy of the pedestrian by enlarging the angle of view. For such reasons, the camera (lens) with a relatively narrow angle of view is adopted in the LDW/LKA not to reduce the image processing accuracy for the farther scene.
FIG. 2B is a diagram for illustrating an example of a limitation on white line recognition areas. In general, a calculation load for the image processing such as the white line recognition is relatively high. On the other hand, areas in which the white lines exist are a right side and a left side of the image rather than a center. Thus, in order to reduce the processing load, the LDW/LKA recognizes the white lines only from a minimum necessary predetermined area (left and right white line recognition areas). In this way, since there is such a limitation on the white line recognition area, there may be a case where the white line does not exist in the left or right white line recognition area if the vehicle travels in the lane such that the vehicle is biased to the right or left white line.
FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams for illustrating a situation in which the left white line is out of the left white line recognition area. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, when the vehicle becomes closer to the right white line, the left white line becomes out of the left white line recognition area as illustrated in FIG. 3B. Thus, according to prior art, when the vehicle becomes closer to the right white line, such a white line icon as illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1C are merely displayed, which leads to strange feelings of the driver.
[Patent Document 1] Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2007-125968

Lane departure prevention support apparatus, method of displaying a lane boundary line and program


A continuous multistage process for separating a partially water soluble organic component from a slurry containing an insoluble solid, a partially water soluble organic component and optionally water. In this process, the slurry is continuously fed to a tower or column equipped with a suitable vapor/liquid contact device. Energy is applied at a point below the vapor/liquid contact device. Vapors containing the partially soluble organic component exit the tower or column overhead and the inorganic solid is recovered at the bottom of the tower or column. This application of distillation technology to slurries is particularly advantageous in that a more efficient separation of that solid material from the partially soluble organic component is obtained. The improved separation efficiency can be utilized to either lower separation cost and/or to affect a more complete separation in order to obtain a solid material with a lower residual amount of the organic component.

The present invention relates to a continuous multistage distillation process for separating a partially water soluble component from a slurry containing an insoluble solid.
Such separation is required in the production of some inorganic pigments where the product pigment may be synthesized in the form of a slurry containing water and/or an organic compound, by-products and/or unreacted materials as well as the desired pigment. Recovery of the desired pigment in dry form requires removal of such organic compounds, by-products, and unreacted materials. The degree of difficulty in removing such materials necessarily depends upon the specific process and the particular materials present in the slurry.
An example of considerable economic relevance is the aniline process for manufacturing iron oxide color pigments. With a worldwide production capacity of 1.1 billion pounds per year, synthetic iron oxides are the largest volume color pigment in use. Concrete products, coatings and pigments for plastics are among the major markets.
Iron oxide color pigments are generally manufactured by one of four basic processes: (1) the Copperas process, (2) the precipitation process, (3) the Penniman process and (4) the aniline or so-called Bechamp process. In each of the first three processes, iron salts and, with the exception of the precipitation process, stamping scrap iron are used to generate iron oxides by roasting or by precipitation in an aqueous environment. Separation of the product iron oxide from its aqueous environment is readily accomplished.
In the aniline process (described e.g., in U.S. Pat. No. 4,145,228), however, mononitrobenzene is reacted with cast iron scrap in the presence of iron (II) and/or aluminum chloride solutions to produce both aniline and iron oxide. Separation of the crude aniline from the iron oxide is not as easily achieved as separation of iron oxide from water. In fact, such separation is commonly carried out in two stages. In the initial separation stage, crude aniline and a slurry in which iron oxide, water and by-products are present, are obtained from the reaction mixture. In a second step, the iron oxide is separated from the water and the inorganic by-products via conventional methods. Several methods for separation of the aniline from the slurry are known. Examples of such separation techniques are (1) vacuum distillation, (2) filtration, (3) steam distillation and (4) a combination of decantation and steam distillation.
Vacuum distillation of the reaction mixture generates a dry sludge having a very high residual aniline content. This residual aniline content can be reduced to an acceptable level only by subsequent distillation with live steam.
Filtration of the reaction mixture, e.g. through large metal screen filter boxes, yields an iron oxide-containing filter cake. This filter cake must then be washed with hot water or stripped with steam and dried. This separation technique has the disadvantage of reducing the quality of the iron oxide pigment and is difficult to control from an industrial hygiene viewpoint.
Steam distillation results in the most complete separation of aniline and iron oxide without detrimentally affecting the quality of the iron oxide pigment. In this separation method, live steam is introduced into the reactor in which the aniline and iron oxide are present to strip the volatile aniline from the reaction mixture. The resultant aniline-water distillate must then be decanted to separate the aniline and water layers. The aniline-containing water fraction and the aniline fraction must each be purified by additional distillation. The energy cost of such a distillation of the reaction mixture becomes prohibitive unless distillation is supplemented with a mechanical method of separation such as sedimentation.
Sedimentation may be accomplished by discontinuing the agitation of the reaction mixture after the reduction reaction has been completed. A thick slurry layer and a supernatant-aniline layer form very shortly after the agitation has stopped. The aniline layer may be readily siphoned off leaving a slurry made up of residual aniline, water, and iron oxide in the reactor. Live steam may then be introduced into the reactor and agitation of the mixture resumed. The steam distillation is continued until the aniline concentration in the mixture is reduced to approximately 500 to 1000 ppm. Reduction of the aniline content below this range is possible but not economically feasible because the cost of the steam required would far outweigh the benefits of product recovery and lower residual aniline content in downstream washing steps.
After distillation via live steam has been completed, the remaining crude iron oxide slurry is classified and washed to remove water soluble salts and foreign materials. The residue and the wash water from this treatment contain aniline and must therefore be processed, e.g. in a biological treatment facility, prior to disposal or recycling.
It would, therefore, be advantageous to improve the separation technology for such a mixture in a manner which would be more efficient and allow for a more complete separation than the known processes.

Continuous process for the separation of a partially water soluble component from a slurry


A method for personal data administration in a multi-actor environment is performed by a system that includes a data management process managed by a remote server. The system includes a user profile that is associated to a user PC device and includes a set of data management protocols and a user data registry. The system also includes a third-party account that is associated to an account ID and a third-party data registry. The method begins when a data transmission notification is received by the remote server. The remote server analyzes the notification to select an appropriate protocol from the data management protocols. The method then executes the data management protocol, makes a record of the interaction, and transmits an outgoing data packet to the third-party account. The method then monitors the outgoing data packet to determine if the user data contained therein has been transferred interacted or tampered with.

As technology develops people continuously seek methods to improve the quality of life. Advanced computer systems are now replacing tasks that were previously performed by humans. Furthermore, the widespread internet access has allowed for advanced technological advancements in most aspects of life. The internet of things (IoT) is defined as the network of physical devices that include connectivity features. Most modern physical devices comprise a computing system that allow for the collection and exchange of data. The IoT allows for physical objects to be controlled via an extensive and accessible universal network. The flow of data between, users, devices, and software is at the basis for automated systems as we know them today. Connectivity and the transfer of the data is crucial for existing technologies. People are able to share data instantaneously like never before. As the amount and type of data transmitted continuously increase, various issues arise including but not limited to cybersecurity, and monetization. Numerous applications are available for users, and data of various types is transmitted at every second. As such, there is an additional risk of compromising privacy. Personal information pertaining to identity, financial credential, or medical records, may possibly be captured and stored by unauthorized computational systems. Currently data has a pivotal role in society, by proving to be the link between users, services, and companies.
Computers have become an integral part of human life. More recently, data can be monetized using various channels, and it is not uncommon for third parties to collected data from unsuspecting users which ends up being exploited for very lucrative financial gain with no gain for the user whatsoever. In retrospect data can be viewed as a new form of currency. However, while currency is strictly regulated, there are no explicit methods or regulations for users to control the data shared over the internet. As an example, social media provides numerous platforms for users to share experiences and preferences. Third parties can collect the data transmitted from the user to the social media platform, which may be monetized for advertisement proposes to target specific groups. In addition, data may be used in unethical scopes by various entities that have unscrupulous interests. Currently, users do not have access to the collected data, and there is no control over the distribution. Therefore if the data ends up in the wrongs hands, the user has no way of knowing who sees their data, where the data is sent, and the scope in which it may be used.
As such there is an increased need for an automated system that allows users to obtain control of the data they create, in every aspect, including if the data is submitted to a third party, or if the data is collected involuntarily without the user's notice.
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form, that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this summary intended to be used to limit the claimed subject matter's scope.
According to some embodiments, a method to monitor the creation of data related to the user and whether the data created purposely or involuntarily, is submitted and/or collected by a third party is disclosed. The present invention, may be implemented on a variety of electronic devices, including but not limited to a desktop computer, a portable computer, and virtually any IOT device or internet connected device. An online platform may further provide an application where users can manage the collected data. In addition, the application may allow users to access data transaction records and monitor all activity that pertains to their personal collected data. As such users, may approve or deny certain transactions.
Further, the method may include a step of logging user generated data, using the widget card with an associated unique identification document. Moreover, the widget card is configured specifically to each user and their specifications as well as the user's individual device.
The disclosed methods, application, and system operate on digital devices providing a mechanism, for implementing customized data tracking, that allows users to monitor the data generated when using personal device, services, and software. Alternatively, in cases where the data is mismanaged or intercepted by unauthorized third parties, the user has the option to revoke or disable a transaction.
In further embodiments, a company may employ the concepts present herein to integrate an embedded element that contain an identifying marker. The marker is able to track where, when, and by whom the collected data may be used.
In addition, the system in combination with the optional widget card is also useful for companies that provide the collected data to customers, employees, or other business, and which implement policies designed to limit, how, where and when the data is used. Currently, there is no mechanism of control available for companies that want to ensure that the data is used only for intended purposes. The present invention aims to solve some of the problems mentioned above by integrating a wrapper which is included with the data set as a whole. The wrapper would prevent unwanted tampering with the data, by limiting the where the data can be stored, how it accessed and used. If the wrapper is tampered with, it automatically alerts the data owner and locks out usage until the transaction is either approved or rejected by the owner. The data can also be remotely wiped if it receives a command to do so from the data owner.
Both the foregoing summary and the following detailed description provide examples and are explanatory only. Accordingly, the foregoing summary and the following detailed description should not be considered to be restrictive. Further, features or variations may be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, embodiments may be directed to various feature combinations and sub-combinations described in the detailed description.

Method for personal data administration in a multi-actor environment


The drive apparatus (1) controls a rotating speed of a ring gear (Ri) of a power split mechanism (6) by controlling a first motor generator (3) after a rotating speed of an engine (2) is deemed to be zero by executing an engine stop control for stopping the engine (2), when a condition which a control to a clutch (31) or a parking mechanism (30) is performed is satisfied while the engine (2) is running.

There is known a drive apparatus for a vehicle where an engine is connected to a carrier of a planetary gear mechanism, a first motor generator is connected to a sun gear of the planetary gear mechanism, an output shaft is connected to a ring gear of the planetary gear mechanism, and a second motor generator is connected to the output shaft, and the drive apparatus has a clutch which intervenes between the planetary gear mechanism and the second motor generator and which engages and disengages a power transmission of the output shaft, and a brake being allowed to switch a stop of the ring gear connected to the output shaft and a release of the ring gear (see Patent Literature 1). By operating the clutch and the brake appropriately, the drive apparatus is allowed to switch drive modes between a series hybrid mode where all of power of the engine is converted to electric power by the first motor generator and the second motor generator is driven by the electric power, and a series-parallel hybrid mode where the power of the engine is split into two powers by the planetary gear mechanism and a first power is converted to electric power by the first motor generator and the second motor generator is driven by the electric power while a second power is transmitted to the output shaft.


A packet switched communication system providing DPNSS standard voice and signaling data over IP, comprising connection services software for mapping IP addresses and port numbers to thirty IP trunks, wherein each of the IP addresses is used by a network layer of the DPNSS standard to route packets to a predetermined terminating node and each of the port numbers is used by a link layer of the DPNSS standard to deliver signaling data to a predetermined port within the terminating node. A far end message interface thread is provided for placing the signaling data and a Link Access Protocol (LAP) number into a data portion of each IP packet to permit reassociation of the signaling data at the terminating node to an associated one of the IP trunks.

The present invention relates in general to network-based voice communications, and more particularly to a system for transporting DPNSS (Digital Private Signaling System) signaling and voice using Internet Protocol (IP).
As set forth in BTNR 188 Digital Private Network Signaling System (DPNSS), the DPNSS standard defines three interface layers: the physical layer, the link layer and the network layer. The physical layer can be implemented on an E1 or T1 digital trunk and provides physical transport for voice and signaling. The link layer defined in the standard provides reliable transport for signaling information and requires a 64 Kbps channel using HDLC framing. The network layer defines the signaling data and deals with call establishment, calling information, call clearing and call feature transparency between network nodes. It is supported within the Call Control Software of a Telecoms Server.
Traditionally DPNSS has been transported over a TDM (Time Division Multiplexing) infrastructure that is E1 (or T1) based. This has required separate voice and data wiring which contributes to system cost. Another limitation of E1 trunks using DPNSS is that E1 (or T1) trunks provide a point to point connection. All 30 channels within an E1 link are required to terminate between the same network nodes.
According to the present invention, a system is provided for implementing the DPNSS protocol and voice transport over IP (Internet Protocol). A principal benefit of the system according to the present invention is that it is possible to use the existing data wiring infrastructure of a LAN (Local Area Network). In many situations this eliminates the need for a separate transport infrastructure which reduces the customer""s monthly recurring charges of a leased trunk service. Also, because IP is a switched service each trunk can be individually programmed to terminate between two network nodes. In addition, the signaling information associated with the trunk is routed over the network. This provides more flexibility and better utilization of trunk resources than prior art E1 and T1 based systems.

Digital private signaling system over internet protocol


Switching network for digital switching systems composed of switching matrices connected parallel at the input side wherein the switching matrices contain a frame memory (R1 through Rm) per input for the acceptance of the supplied information that is cyclically written in and randomly read out. The write-in into the frame memories (R1 through Rm) is controlled by auxiliary information in the holding memories (H) supplying the read-out addresses such that the write-in respectively ensues only into that frame memory from which read-out is to be carried out on the basis of the switching network output that is to be selected. This results in lower dissipated power.

The present invention is directed to a switching network for digital switching systems composed of switching matrices having their respective inputs connected parallel.
Such a switching network or a partial switching network can, as FIG. 1 also shows, be composed of switching matrices having m inputs and at least one output or a plurality of outputs that is lower in comparison to the plurality of inputs. Inputs of the same standing in these switching matrices are connected to one another. The plurality of switching matrices connected to one another is dependent on how many outputs the switching network or partial switching network has. In the case of a quadratic arrangement having m inputs and m outputs and switching matrices having only one output as illustrated in FIG. 1, m such switching matrices are connected parallel.
FIG. 2 shows an example of a switching network or a partial switching network having m inputs and outputs, whereby the plurality of inputs of a switching matrix is less than m. Given the assumption of e inputs per switching matrix, m/e groups of arrangements according to FIG. 1 are provided in this case, their outputs of the same standing being respectively combined by one of m multiplexers MUX1 through MUXm to form m overall outputs.
A plurality of such partial switching networks according to FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 are connected to one another via one or more space switching stages for constructing even larger switching networks.
FIG. 3 shows the internal structure of a switching matrix of a type employed in the arrangement of FIG. 1. The illustrated unit has m inputs E1 through Em and, correspondingly, m frame memories R1 through Rm that are connected to the inputs by serial-to-parallel converters S/P1 through S/Pm. Given the assumption of pulse frames having n channels, the frame memories have n memory locations for respectively one PCM (pulse code modulated) word.
The write-in into the frame memories occurs cyclically, to which end a counter Z supplies n write-in control addresses as well as a write enable signal W to respective memory cells of the same order of all frame memories via a decoder D1. The read-out from the frame memories occurs randomly, to which end a holding memory H that is also cyclically driven by a counter Z via a decoder D2 supplies read-out control addresses. The read-out control addresses have two parts together with a read instruction signal R, namely a partial address AP that identifies memory locations within the frame memories and a partial address AR that identifies the individual frame memories. The memory location partial addresses AP likewise simultaneously proceed via the decoder D1 to memory locations of the same rank in all frame memories, by contrast whereto the memory block partial address AR proceeds via a decoder D3 for the drive of respectively one of the frame memories to a corresponding read enable input thereof.
The aforementioned counter Z supplies 2 n drive addresses for n channels during the duration of a pulse frame, these drive addresses being accompanied in alternation by the write-in instruction signal W and the read instruction signal R. An AND operation of the write-in instruction signals with the drive addresses accompanying them by an AND element K leads to the forwarding of these addresses via the aforementioned decoder D1 to the frame memories as write-in control addresses. Negation of the read instruction signals R by a negator N and subsequent AND operation with the read control partial address AR supplied from the holding memory, likewise by the AND element K, leads, as an alternative thereto, to the forwarding of these read control partial addresses to the individual memory cells of all frame memories, also via the decoder D1. The write-in instruction signal W acts as an enable signal for input circuits I1 through I3 via which information coming from the serial-to-parallel converters can proceed into the frame memories. The negated read instruction signal R also acts as an enable signal for the decoder D3 via which the second partial addresses AR proceed to the frame memories and, thus, enable the acceptance of information from respectively one of the frame memories at a parallel-to-serial converter P/S of the output side.
The events in time channel conversions with the described switching matrix shall be briefly set forth below.
Equivalent time channels of the input time-division multiplex lines connected to the inputs E1, E2 and Em are thereby considered, these having a time slot u and being referenced a in the case of the first input multiplex line, b in the case of the second input multiplex line and c in the case of the input multiplex line m. The channel a should be converted onto a channel y, and the channel b should be converted onto a channel z, and the channel c should be converted onto a channel x on the output multiplex line. Consequently, the respective addresses of the time slots u are entered as the first drive partial addresses AD in the memory locations of the holding memory H that correspond to the time channels x, y and z. The address of the memory m resides in the memory location corresponding to the time channel x as second partial address AR, the address of the memory 1 resides in the memory location corresponding to the time channel y, and the address of the memory 2 resides in the memory location corresponding to the time channel x.
The operations are then such that the contents of the channels a, b and c, according to their time slots u, are entered into the memory locations 1-u, 2-u and m-u of the frame memories 1, 2 and m that are allocated to these time slots, being entered therein during the course of the cyclical write-in. As a result of the random read drive of the frame memory 1 during the time slot y, of the frame memory 2 during the time slot z, and of the frame memory m during the time slot x, respectively with the memory location address u, the desired time channel conversion occurs. Thus, the time channel sequence c, a, b is provided on the output multiplex line with respect to the time channel a, b and c, as indicated in FIG. 3.
In the case of a switching matrix having, for example, two outputs, the holding memory would have to be read out twice per time slot for supplying the read control addresses for the frame memories, whereby the first read event supplies the information for the first output and the second read event supplies the information for the second output.
When, for forming a switching network, a plurality of switching matrices according, for example, to FIG. 2 are connected parallel at their input side, as shown, for example, in FIG. 1, then a write-in of the channel information a, b and c into the frame memories of all switching matrices ensues, even though a read-out in the assumed example only ensues from the frame memory of that switching matrix to which the appertaining output multiplex line is connected.
A fashioning of the switching network of LSI modules is of interest in view of achieving a cost-beneficial and space-saving structure of a switching network. An optimally great plurality of inputs and outputs is thereby desired, whereby, however, limits are established by the dissipated power of the module.


A method of operating a flash memory device includes detecting the number of program/erase cycles that have been executed by the flash memory device. A setting value related to the number of times a program loop is performed is changed according to the detected number of program/erase cycles. Data is programmed within the flash memory by performing the program loop one or more times, in response to receiving a write command. A determination is made whether the programming has passed or failed, based on whether the number of program loops required to program the data within the flash memory is within a boundary identified by the changed setting-value.

The disclosure relates to a flash memory device, and more particularly, to a flash memory device performing an adaptive loop, a memory system, and a method of operating the memory system.
A non-volatile memory device, such as a semiconductor memory device, includes a plurality of memory cells that store data in a non-volatile manner. A flash memory device, as an example of the non-volatile memory device, may be used in a mobile phone, a digital camera, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile computing device, a fixed type computing device, or other devices.
Data reliability of the flash memory device may be deteriorated due to a progressive defect. For example, the flash memory device may have various types of bridges between word lines, between a word line and a channel, and between a word line and a common source line due to its structure, and a progressive defect may occur in the flash memory device due to the bridges. Accordingly, it is necessary to secure the reliability of data against the progressive defect.

Flash memory device performing adaptive loop, memory system and method of operating the memory system


A stopper (6), secured to the lower end of a stopper rod, carries a plug (13) having a radial throttle aperture (14) above which a frustoconical shut-off surface (16) is located. The frustoconical surface fits against a valve seat surface 18 of an outlet tube (3) from a vessel, to form a first seal. A further seal is provided by an annular surface (19) of the plug (13) engaging in the outlet passage. The stopper (6) is rotatable so that the direction of flow of the molten metal from the vessel (1) and, passing through the stopper--when raised--can be influenced, if desired continuously during flow of the melt. This provides flow control and a safe shutoff of metal flow. The formation of vortices in the molten metal is largely prevented, thus avoiding the carrying along of slag.

The invention also relates to a casting process.
Numerous devices are already available for controlling the discharge and flow of molten metals from a vessel.
In the case of a very early system for casting steel or the like, use is made of a stopper mechanism in which the outlet aperture in the bottom of the vessel is adapted to be closed off by a stopper located in the interior of the vessel, the stopper being secured to the lower end of a rod. By means of a system of levers adapted to be actuated from the outside, the stopper may be raised for pouring and may be lowered again to close the outlet. The disadvantage of this system is that flow control and the shutoff safety is unsatisfactory for example as a result of the formation of deposits or wear upon the stopper.
It has also already been proposed to use rotating valves by means of which an eccentric inlet duct can be brought into communication with an outlet aperture by a rotating connection. This requires very accurate machining and grinding of 1 difficult spherical joint between the rotating and the stationary components. Furthermore, the molten metal tends to solidify in the inlet aperture.
Also known are sliding closures built onto the bottom of the vessel containing the molten metal, but the closure elements, which slide one upon the other under preload, are subject to considerable wear since movement of the adjustable parts must take place at the high temperatures of the molten metal. Another disadvantage is the high procurement and maintenance costs. Great accuracy in the machining of the slides, which are made of refractory material, is also required in order to achieve reliable sealing.
Another problem arising during the casting of molten metals is the need to prevent slag, and other non-metallic inclusions, from being carried along. Many attempts have been made to solve this problem. For example, it is known to use tundishes with partition-like displacement elements in order to promote separation of non-metallic inclusions in the molten metal. It has been found in practice, that the carrying along of non-metallic inclusions by suction in the discharge area cannot be prevented. Apart from this, building up the dams and weirs after each casting cycle is very costly and time-consuming.
It has also been proposed to keep the slag away from the outlet by injecting an inert gas, but this involves a relatively major technical effort and the results are questionable. It is also known to arrange, concentrically with the discharge duct, a sensor based upon electromagnetism. This makes it possible to evaluate the difference in measurements of molten metal and slag, so that, when slag is detected, the casting process is halted. It is particularly difficult to introduce such sensors in areas of wear in the outlet duct. Furthermore, a certain amount of slag has to pass through the duct before it can be detected.
There is also the requirement that the molten metal shall, as far as possible, not come into contact with air.
Another problem is that in the case of tundishes comprising one inlet and several outlets, the temperature of the molten metal at different outlets varies and this is undesirable.
Even if there is only one outlet, some of the molten metal flows directly from the inlet to the outlet and will therefore be at a temperature higher than that of metal circulating for some time in dead areas.
Separating non-metallic inclusions may also raise problems if the period of residence in the metallurgical vessel is too short, or if the melt is highly turbulent, since such inclusions require a certain amount of time to rise to the surface of the melt.

Outlet and flow control device for metallurgical vessels and process


An LED package includes an insulated frame, a first metallic conductor and a second metallic conductor, a chip and an encapsulation. The insulated frame has a receiving groove defined therein. The two metallic conductors are both mounted on bottom of the insulated frame and separated from each other. The chip is placed in the receiving groove and electrically connected to the two metallic conductors. The encapsulation is located in the receiving groove. The first metallic conductor and the second metallic conductor each comprise a mounting portion exposed to the receiving groove and a reflecting portion extending from the mounting portion into the insulated frame. The first reflecting portion and the second reflecting portion cooperatively surround the receiving groove of the insulated frame.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure generally relates to light emitting diode (LED) packages.
2. Description of Related Art
In recent years, light emitting diodes (LEDs) have become more and more popular, due to their low power-consumption, energy saving properties, high efficiency, short reactive time and long life. Furthermore, LEDs contain no mercury. A typical PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) LED includes a radiation emitting semiconductor chip, an encapsulation covers on the radiation emitting semiconductor chip, and a reflector surrounding the chip and the encapsulation for reflecting light from the chip. The reflector is usually made of polyphthalamide (PPA); a part of light beams from the radiation emitting semiconductor chip may transmit through the reflector, rather than reflected by the reflector; thus, the luminous efficiency of the LED is depressed.
Therefore, it is necessary to provide an LED package overcoming the above shortcomings.

Advanced Optoelectronic Technology, Inc.