Ceramic-polymer film includes a polymer matrix, plasticizers, a lithium salt, and a ceramic nanoparticle, LLZO: AlxLi7-xLa3Zr1.75Ta0.25O12 where x ranges from 0 to 0.85. The nanoparticles have diameters that range from 20 to 2000 nm and the film has an ionic conductivity of greater than 1×10−4 S/cm (−20° C. to 10° C.) and larger than 1×10−3 S/cm (≥20° C.). Using a combination of selected plasticizers to tune the ionic transport temperature dependence enables the battery based on the ceramic-polymer film to be operable in a wide temperature window (−40° C. to 90° C.). Large size nanocomposite film (area ≥8 cm×6 cm) can be formed on a substrate and the concentration of LLZO nanoparticles decreases in the direction of the substrate to form a concentration gradient over the thickness of the film. This large size film can be employed as a non-flammable, solid-state electrolyte for lithium electrochemical pouch cell and further assembled into battery packs.

Non-aqueous lithium electrochemical cells typically include an anode, a lithium electrolyte prepared from a lithium salt dissolved in one or more organic solvents, and a cathode of an electrochemically active material. Organic solvents are typically added for solvating the lithium salt which provides mobile ions. During the electrochemical discharge process lithium ions are transported through the electrolyte from the anode to the cathode. As lithium ions are taken up by the cathode, there is a simultaneous release of electrical energy.
Solid-state electrolytes can replace conventional organic liquid electrolytes, which are generally flammable and toxic. Conventional electrode materials and lithium metal anodes can be employed with solid-state electrolytes. Lithium anodes have high inherent high capacities (C) which increase the cell voltage (V) and thereby improves the energy density of the battery (E=VC). There are two critical challenges to achieving high performance batteries using solid-state electrolytes: (1) low ionic conductivities of many solid-state electrolytes, and (2) the low mechanical strengths of electrolyte materials do not adequately prevent Li dendrite growth. Solid-state electrolytes which are being explored are typically inorganic-based (depending on the lattice structure, they are garnet, perovskite, glass-ceramics etc.) and polymer-based. Solid polymer electrolytes can be manufactured by relatively simple, inexpensive techniques whereas fabricating solid inorganic electrolytes with well-defined compositions or lattice structures requires high temperature processes. Due to the high degree of coordination between Li ions and the polymer chain in sold-state polymer electrolytes, the chain-assisted Li ion transport mechanism is less robust at room temperature or below the melting temperature of the polymer. The attendant poor ionic conductivity is attributed to inhibitions to Li ion transport. The addition of plasticizers to the solid polymer electrolyte improves the polymer chain mobility at room temperature which results in an increase in the ionic conductivity but the plasticizers also reduce the mechanical strength of the solid-state polymer electrolyte.
With solid polymer electrolytes, lithium dendrites, which develop as an electrochemical cell undergoes charging and discharging cycles, can penetrate through the 'plasticizer-softened' polymer electrolytes to short the cell. Incorporating ceramic nanoparticles to enhance the mechanical strengths of polymer electrolytes can suppress Li dendrite growth, which significantly improves the cycling stability of batteries based on ceramic-polymer solid electrolytes. Moreover, nano-sized ceramic particles have excellent miscibility with the polymer materials and the particles afford ionic transport channels which facilitate ion transport within the ceramic-polymer solid electrolyte layer. Unfortunately, the ion transport properties of current ceramic-polymer solid electrolytes degrade at low temperatures. Batteries made with such electrolytes are generally not suited for cold zone applications.

Low-temperature ceramic-polymer nanocomposite solid state electrolyte


A melt-out zinc core is coated with insulating mica material and a graphite release agent and supported within a die cavity of a high pressure squeeze casting apparatus. Molten casting metal having a melting temperature above that of the core is injected into the die and then pressurized to about 15,000 psi to squeeze form the article in the die and around the core. The resultant article and core are then heated to above the melting temperature of the core and the core extracted from the article through cast-in outlet openings formed by the core. The insulating material and release agent are also extracted from the cast article by rinsing the cored passages of the cast article with water.

It is known to produce various metal articles by a technique generally known as squeeze casting in which molten casting metal, usually aluminum or aluminum alloy material, is introduced into a die and a great amount of pressure exerted on the metal as it solidifies to essentially forge or squeeze-form the article in the die producing a metal article having lower porosity and improved mechanical properties as compared to the same article produced by more conventional lower pressure casting methods.
Difficulties have been encountered, however, in trying to squeeze cast articles having a configuration with re-entrant cavities or internal passages necessitating the use of a core. Because of the high pressures involved, conventional sand coring may not be used since the molten casting metal would penetrate the sand core. Similar difficulties are encountered with soluble salt cores. Salt cores are further susceptible to stress cracking during high pressure casting.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,712,600 proposes utilizing a melt-out metal core to produce an insulating air chamber and oil passage within a piston. The low melting point core metal is completely covered with a protective porous member. The molten casting metal penetrates the porous member causing the porous member to be embedded in the resultant article and further encapsulating the melt-out core within the article. To remove the core, a hole is drilled through the article to gain access to the core at which time the article and core may be heated and the core extracted from the article through the drilled hole. The porous member adds cost and complexity to the making of the article. Its incorporation into the article may not be permissible in some applications and could negatively affect the physical and mechanical properties of the cast article.

Method of squeeze casting metal articles using melt-out metal core


The method includes receiving a signal in a multiple carrier mobile communication system, the signal including at least two reference symbols of different types, determining a first channel estimate at a symbol position of a first reference symbol of a first type, determining a second channel estimate at a symbol position of a second reference symbol of a second type, and determining a quantity being a function of a cross-correlation between the first and second channel estimate.

Wireless radio transmission systems can be configured on the basis of transmitters and receivers capable of transmitting and receiving multiple carrier data signals. One example of a multiple carrier radio transmission system is Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) in which an OFDM transmitter broadcasts information consisting of symbols containing a plurality of equally spaced carrier frequencies. The characteristics of the wireless communication channel typically vary over time due to changes in the transmission path. For demodulating OFDM modulated data in the presence of substantial time variations of the transmission channel, knowledge of the transmission channel frequency response is required. This necessitates that the receiver provides an appropriate channel estimate of the transmission channel.
In order to facilitate channel estimation, known cell-specific reference symbols (CRS), called pilots, can be inserted at specific locations in the time-frequency grid of the OFDM signal. In addition to cell-specific reference signals, other reference signals like positioning reference signals (PRS), user equipment (UE) specific reference signals, or Multicast Broadcast Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) reference signals can be transmitted. These different types of reference signals can be transmitted by different physical antennas or they can be transmitted, at least in part, by the same antennas. More specifically, the reference signals correspond to logical antennas ports and the number of logical antenna ports can be higher than the number of physical antennas so that one physical antenna may transmit two or more reference signals of different types.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method of processing signals and a signal processor


This invention provides a microfilm reader/printer which in the power saving mode, namely, in the case when the machine is not in use, though the power is turned on, interrupts the supply of power to the unnecessary circuits, in particular, power to the light source drive for projecting microfilms is interrupted. Therefore, power consumption can be reduced as well as a prolongation of the life of the light source device can be realized. In addition, this microfilm reader/printer is designed so that the printing operation will not return to a prescribed printing mode even when the printing is interrupted for a fixed length of time, so that no misprints will occur even when a printing operation is resumed after a fixed length of time. Furthermore, this microfilm reader/printer device is reset to a prescribed number of prints after completion of the printing operation so that in the next printing the number of prints made will not be beyond what is needed even when the printing is carried out without confirmation of the set number of prints by the next operator. Thus, operation can be made economical by eliminating the wasteful use of energy, elements of the apparatus, and operating supplies.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a microfilm reader/printer, and more particularly to a microfilm reader/printer which displays by projection the image information that is recorded in the microfilm on a screen, or prints the information on a recording paper or the like.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Microfilm has been used widely hitherto for recording and keeping various kinds of information. Since microfilm records information as image information reduced in size, there is provided a device, namely, a microfilm reader/printer which optically projects the reduced image information that is recorded in the microfilm on the screen to display it enlarged, and print the information on a recording paper as need arises.
Now, there are two kinds of images recorded in a microfilm, namely, a positively recorded image and a negatively recorded image. Accordingly, in printing out these two kinds of microfilms, there are two cases of printing, that is, printing out a positively recorded image as a positively printed image and printing out a negatively recorded image as printed image. Generally speaking, there are more of the negatively recorded image type of microfilms such that the printing mode of printing a negatively recorded image into a positively printed image is automatically set as the priority mode for the microfilm reader/printer. Thus, if an operator who has been using the machine in another printing mode, for instance, printing out a microfilm which is recorded in positive images into positive images, interrupts the printing operation for a relatively short time, the machine returns automatically to the priority mode mentioned above. As a result, if the operator resumes the printing operation without noticing this change, the machine performs printing according to the priority mode which is a mode that is different from what he has been doing earlier intermittently resulting in a misprint.
Further, in the printing operation, the number of prints desired is set by the previous operator. The number of prints thus set is memorized, for instance, in the memory register, and in the prior-art device, it is arranged that the number of desired prints set by the previous operator is saved in the memory register at the completion of the printing operation. For this reason, with a shift in the operator, if the next operator carries out the printing operation with neither confirming nor clearing the number of prints set by the previous operator, the machine will proceed to print out according to the desired number of prints as set by the previous operator. This may lead sometimes to printing of more than what is needed, which leads to the waste of recording papers, toner, and other materials.
Moreover, the main power supply to the microfilm reader/printer is ordinarily turned off for energy saving reasons when the machine is not in use. However, when the main power source is turned off, the device is turned off as a whole so that the heater lamp for fixing the developed image of the image information on the recording paper is either turned off or at a temperature which is below the fixing temperature. Consequently, the machine cannot be used again until the heater lamp attains the fixing temperature, which is very inconvenient.
Now, to obtain the projection light for the microfilm, it is necessary to provide a lamp for the light source. If the main power supply is kept in the state of turned on in the prior-art microfilm reader/printer, in order to eliminate the above-mentioned inconvenience, the light source lamp is kept in the state of lighting, so that the life of the light source lamp is shortened and a wasteful consumption of power is also generated. In addition, a large amount of power is also required to keep the heater lamp at the fixing temperature.

Reader/printer device with power saver function and print number reset


A modular flow cell having a high optical throughput, a long optical path length and a small cross-section. The modular flow cell configuration includes remote ports or connections for liquid and light input, and liquid and light output. The flow cell includes a flow cell body having two ends, each with a respective end interface secured thereto. The flow cell is configured to form a part of a modular flow cell assembly. The flow cell body includes a channel having a through-aperture with an inner surface. A light guiding material, e.g. a transparent fluoropolymer material having a refractive index less than the refractive index of common chromatography solvents, is disposed proximate to the channel to form a light guiding through-aperture in the flow cell body. The channel is formed of materials that can provide the necessary mechanical strength and a fluid seal, and more particularly, includes materials such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), which can develop a fluid seal at the interface between the flow cell body end and each end interface.

Light absorption detectors for high performance liquid chromatography ("HPLC"), capillary liquid chromatography (capillary LC or "CLC"), capillary electrophoresis (CE) and capillary electrochromatography ("CEC") generally include four basic components; a light source, a means for selecting range of wavelengths, a flow cell and at least one light sensor that measures the amount of light being transmitted through the flow cell. The apparatus may be disposed with parallel optical paths as a double beam instrument. The flow cell is typically in the form of a hollow tube through which a sample to be analyzed and the light are passed. Also these four basic components are typically configured to be in a predetermined arrangement with respect to each other. With these kinds of detectors, it is known that when a sample to be analyzed passes through the flow cell, the amount of light transmitted through the flow cell decreases in accordance with Beer's law.
In conventional flow cells, light is typically passed through the flow cell in one of two fashions, along the long axis of the hollow tube or perpendicular to the long axis. In either case, i.e. when the light is parallel to the long axis or introduced perpendicular thereto, the detector or light sensor output is usually expressed in terms of absorbance, which is proportional to the sample concentration and the pathlength. Thus, the longer the pathlength, the larger the detector output signal should be for a given sample concentration. For conventional flow cells, however, the light striking the lateral wall of the flow cell is partially lost due to absorption and scattering at the wall. This lost light reduces the light energy throughput of the flowcell thereby causing an increase in the noise in the output signal of the detector.
The lateral dimension or diameter of the flow cell could be increased to reduce the fraction of light striking the lateral wall, but this increases the volume of the flow cell. Frequently, however, the quantity of the sample is limited, thus the optimum cell has a minimum volume implying a small cross-section or diameter. In addition, a larger cell volume also has the effect of spreading out or dispersing the sample peak and causing a loss in chromatographic resolution. Thus, as a practical matter the foregoing effects limit the pathlength and lateral dimension of conventional flow cells.
There is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,608,517 a flow cell having a flow passage that is coated with a polymer having an index of refraction lower than that of common chromatography solvents, e.g. water. With such a flow cell, the light being directed into the flow cell is internally reflected or piped down the length of the flow passage. It is difficult, however, with such a flow cell to obtain consistent well adhered layers of the polymer on the inner wall of the housing for the flow cell. Thus, it is possible for the polymer layer to become detached from the housing inner wall or delaminated therefrom. This delaminating effect leads to distortion of the fluid flow channel causing distortion of the optical path and the fluid flow in the flow cell, as well as creating a condition whereby the fluid could flow between the polymer and the housing.
There also is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,192, owned by the assignee of the present invention, a flow cell having an inner wall formed of an amorphous fluoropolymer having a refractive index less than the refractive index of common chromatography solvents, e.g. water. Although the flow cells described therein are capable of yielding a cell with a long pathlength, the process required for making such a flow cell, and the resultant flow cell, may not be suitable for particular applications.
Moreover, the apparatuses or systems using either of these referenced flow cells must be arranged so the flow cell is precisely located with respect to the other components constituting the apparatus or system. That is, these flow cells must be precisely located in the optical path between the light source and the light sensor or detector. The criticality of the location of known flow cell(s) is the result of the need for continual, optimal alignment, which yields greater reliability and greater analytical reproducibility. Additionally, it is generally preferred to minimize the length of the flow channel between for example the chromatography column and the flow cell, which is necessarily limited by construction and design of such apparatuses or devices. Thus, even though the above described flow cells may be capable of achieving a long path length, they are typically located with respect to other components of the detection device or apparatus in the same fashion as conventional flow cells, which do not generally optimize placement from a chromatography standpoint.
A flow cell described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,867,559 includes a cladding liquid passed through a capillary in order to coat the interior bore with a low refractive index fluorocarbon. The fluorocarbon is disclosed as being a viscous, inert, immiscible, nonwetting material, such as fluorinated oil generally available under the tradenames Fluorinert.RTM. or Krytox.RTM.. This arrangement, however, is extremely unsatisfactory in practice or use. This arrangement requires a complex fluid cladding handling mechanism, including pumps and plumbing, for delivering the cladding fluid to the capillary bore, and retrieving the excess fluid after the bore has been coated. Also, interfaces and seals must be implemented, which allow delivery of the cladding fluid to the bore while not interfering with delivery of the sample that is to be delivered to the bore subsequent to the coating by the cladding fluid. Further, the delivery and withdrawal of excess cladding fluid requires careful flow calibration, as the viscosity of the fluid and the small bore of the capillary can lead to irregular coating in the capillary. This adds considerably to the complexity and expense of the flow cell.
In addition, the cladding fluid is not bonded to the interior surface of the bore, thus it must be delivered shortly before the introduction of analyte in order to prevent settling of the cladding fluid inside the bore. Further, the cladding fluid may not fully coat the interior surface of the bore, leaving gaps in the cladding that leads to scattering of the optical signal and signal attenuation. Moreover, another problem that can result is the contamination of the sample with the cladding fluid, precluding the possibility of collection of pure fractions of the sample, which could possibly interfere with a downstream analytical technique, such as mass spectrometry.

Flow cell, analyte measurement apparatus and methods related thereto


A torque sensor for measuring a torque at a predetermined location of a structural element, in particular of a prosthesis, can be arranged outside the measurement location by virtue of the fact that it is constructed as a sensor structure (13, 13′, 23) that forms a virtual pivot axis (16, 16′) outside the sensor. The sensor structure is provided with measurement transducers (29) which detect deformations of the sensor structure (13, 13′, 23) and are used to determine a torque about the virtual pivot axis (16, 16′). A preferred application for the torque sensor is its incorporation in a prosthesis for the purpose of controlling an artificial joint.

The invention is thus concerned with measuring a torque at a defined location of a structural element in order either simply to obtain information about the torque occurring at said location and use this information for warning purposes, or to carry out controls using the information concerning the torque that occurs. It is known in principle to determine torque using suitable measuring elements, for example strain gages, which are applied at the sites where the torque occurs. In many cases, arranging a torque sensor at the measurement site entails considerable design disadvantages, meaning that less suitable design solutions are employed or that the measurement is carried out at another, less suitable location.
One example of this is the controlling of an artificial knee joint. Such artificial knee joints are provided with a high degree of damping in the stance phase in order to keep the joint stable in the stance phase. By contrast, when the knee joint is deliberately flexed, a low degree of damping must take effect. To control the damping, it is known to determine, in proximity to the knee joint, the torque occurring about the knee axis or near to the knee axis. However, since a knee extension moment of about the same order develops during bending of the knee joint, and also shortly before said bending of the knee joint, a clean divide between stance phase and swing phase is difficult to realize. The sensitivity of the control is adversely affected by this.
It is known that better differentiation between stance phase and swing phase is possible by determining a torque directly above the foot, in order to deliver a signal similar to the ankle moment. The arrangement of the sensor in the below-knee area, however, has the disadvantage that the below-knee tube of a modular below-knee prosthesis has to be specially designed, thus necessitating much more complex construction work. Moreover, prosthetic feet with an integrated tibia pylon cannot be used.


Systems and methods are described for over-encrypting symmetrically pre-encrypted content for off-line delivery to playback devices using portable media drives in accordance with embodiments of the invention. One embodiment of the method of the invention includes symmetrically pre-encrypting the content, receiving a request to issue content for playback on at least one playback device associated with a user account, where each playback device includes a processor containing a private key assigned to the playback device by a conditional access system, generating a content key and over-encrypting at least a portion of the symmetrically pre-encrypted content in response to the request, obtaining a public key for each playback device, encrypting a copy of the content key using the public key of each playback device associated with the user account, and delivering the over-encrypted content and the at least one encrypted copy of the content key to a playback device associated with the user account.

A variety of systems exist for the digital distribution of content (i.e. multimedia such as movies, televisions shows, and other combinations of audio and/or video information). The term online content distribution system typically refers to a system that enables the digital distribution of content via a network. The content can be downloaded as a multimedia file or streamed to a playback device. The term off-line content delivery system refers to a system that involves the delivery of digital content using some form of fixed media such as an optical storage device, or a portable media drive. In an off-line content delivery system, the delivery of the content relies upon the physical transportation of the fixed media. In many instances, off-line content delivery systems can overcome bandwidth limitations imposed by existing network infrastructure. Accordingly, companies such as Netflix, Inc. of Los Gatos, Calif. have achieved considerable success delivering DVDs to subscribers via the postal service.
A number of Video on Demand (VOD) systems exist for distribution of on-demand content via cable, IPTV, and/or satellite television systems. These systems typically use a Conditional. Access or CA system to encrypt the VOD content for playback on authorized playback devices. The CA systems often protect the content using processes including encryption processes and provide an encrypted Entitlement Control Message (ECM), which can be used by an authorized playback device to access the protected content. In many systems that utilize ECMs, the CA system also generates a separate Entitlement Management Message (EMM), which enables a playback device authorized to playback the content to decrypt the ECM and playback the on-demand content.
Many CA systems use symmetric encryption algorithms such as 128-bit AES or RC4 encryption to pre-encrypt on-demand content prior to storing the encrypted content on dedicated video-on-demand (VOD) servers, or downloading the encrypted content to client devices in "push VOD" applications. Symmetric-key encryption algorithms are a class of algorithms for cryptography that use trivially related, often identical, cryptographic keys for both decryption and encryption. The encryption key is trivially related to the decryption key, in the sense that they may be identical or there is a simple transformation to go between the two keys. The keys represent a shared secret between two or more parties that can be used to maintain the privacy of the encrypted content. Some content owners regard the use of symmetric encryption algorithms as representing a single point of compromise for hackers.

Off-line content delivery system with layered encryption


A variable speed drive apparatus having a pair of bevel pinions connecting a pair of bevel gears, the bevel pinions being mounted in a cage able to rotate independently of the bevel gears, which are connected to an input shaft and an output shaft. The rotational speed of the output shaft is monitored and is decreased if needed by retarding rotation of the cage in response to a higher than desired rate of rotation of the input shaft.

This invention relates generally to the field of gearing arrangements wherein the rotational speed of an output shaft is controlled and maintained at a substantially constant rate despite variation in the rotational speed of an input shaft. More particularly, the invention relates to such gearing arrangements comprising cluster gears.
Wind turbines, also known as wind machines, can generate power efficiently and at low cost, typically by driving an air compressor or electrical generator. The effective rotation rate of the wind machine is increased through the use of gearing assemblies, small drive wheels, pulley transfer boxes or the like. Wind machines that drive rotating input shafts connected to electrical generators, air compressors or the like at increased revolutions per minute (RPM) relative to the actual RPM of the wind machine are shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,399,162 and U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2012/0121418, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Ideally, the RPM of the wind machine is multiplied such that even relatively slow rotation of the blade apparatus of the wind machine in low wind conditions will be sufficient to provide the minimum desired RPM of the electrical generators, air compressors, etc.
In such systems it is desirable to maintain the rotation rate of the compressor or generator within its optimum RPM range. It is also desirable to maintain the RPM below a maximum value to prevent damage to the compressor or generator. This can be difficult in that the RPM of the wind driven power source varies as a result of wind speed. For example, a typical generator may work best at a rotational speed of 1800 RPM, or have a preferred range between 1750-1850 RPM, and have a maximum RPM somewhat higher. The rotational speed of the input or drive shaft from the wind machine may be much higher than the optimum speed, and thus may need to be reduced to produce the optimum RPM and to maintain the RPM below the maximum cutoff. The RPM from the wind machine will also not be constant as it will vary relative to changes in wind speed.
It is an object of this invention to provide a variable speed drive apparatus suitable for use with wind machines wherein the output rotational speed of the wind machine is monitored and mechanisms are provided to adjust the rotational speed as needed in response to an increase and fluctuations in the rotational speed of the input or drive shaft above the optimum RPM range.


A battery holder comprises a jacket, an upper plate, and a retainer bracket. The jacket forms an open-topped chamber and includes an upper outwardly extending lip. The upper plate and the retainer bracket are fastened to the upper lip for securing a battery in the open-topped chamber. Another embodiment of the battery holder comprises a lower mat, an upper mat, and a strap. The lower mat and the upper mat include at least one pad formed of shock-absorbing material and having a number of openings for allowing the pad to bulge outwardly and flex inwardly. Another embodiment of the battery holder comprises a lower mat and a number of clips. The lower mat includes a shock absorbing pad. The clips secure a battery to the lower mat and include a number of slits for preventing the battery from sliding.

Vehicles such as cars and boats typically include one or more batteries for storing and providing electrical power. These batteries often fail prematurely or have reduced performance due to excessive vibrations and shocks generated or transmitted by the vehicles. This is especially true for batteries used in cars, boats, personal watercraft, all-terrain vehicles, and other vehicles that operate in rough water or uneven terrain. All types of batteries, and particularly high performance batteries used in marine, off-road, and on-road applications, are expensive, difficult to replace, and difficult to safely dispose. Thus, prolonging their useful lives is highly desired.


A new compact disk ("CD") is formed providing a bright, metallic presentation of indicia such as trademarks, promotion and advertising copy and other alphanumeric information around the circumference of the disk with recorded digital data in the disk's central portion. Such a CD may be a 120 mm CD including a central portion recorded in the 80 mm format of a single CD, with the desired indicia formed by a bright metal indicia-bearing substrate in the 20 mm, radially-extending, circumferential portion of the CD that surrounds the recorded digital data.. Such CD's are manufactured by recording the digital data in the central 80 mm of a 120 mm master, leaving the remaining unrecorded circumferential portion of the master with a smooth surface and applying the desired indicia onto the unrecorded outer peripheral portion of a disk used to form production stampers.

Compact disks (CDs) are formed by an optically transparent plastic, such as a polycarbonate, like General Electric's Lexan, which is an easily molded plastic material capable of transmitting a light beam, such as a thin laser beam, without scattering, refracting or distorting the light beam. CDs are generally manufactured in a 120 mm format, although an 80 mm "single" format is available. With such 120 mm CDs, approximately 74 minutes of a digital signal, which is generally either music or an audio presentation, may be stored in the outer circumferential portion of one side of the disk having a radial extent of approximately 58.5 mm. In the production of such CDs, the trademarks and alphanumeric information identifying the disk content are normally silk-screened onto the side of the CD opposite the side to be read by the laser of the CD player.
The manufacture of CDs begins with a glass plate which has one surface highly polished to provide a smooth flat surface which is cleaned to be free of dirt. A photoresistive material is applied to the polished and clean surface of the glass plate to form a uniform thin film with a constant thickness which can only vary about .+-.50 angstroms. After the photoresistive coating on the surface of the glass plate has been cured and inspected, the digital data representing music or visual images is formed in the photoresistive coating by modulation of a high energy laser beam. The photoresistive material is then developed in the pattern of the digital data and the photoresistive material forming the pattern of the digital data is removed from the glass plate, leaving a photoresistive coating on the surface of the glass including a pattern of "pits" which represent the digital data and the music or audio information. A silver coating is formed over the photoresistive coating with its pattern of pits representing the digital data, preferably by sputtering, to provide a "master" for use in the formation of CDs. The master is then electroplated with nickel at a variable plating rate to provide a mating form for molds to replicate the digital data by injection molding. This mating form is referred to as a "stamper", and/or the "master stamper" and/or the "father stamper".
Rather than use this form in production tooling, the father stamper is replicated to provide the production molds actually used in the production of CDs. In a manner known in the art, the nickel stamper is oxidized using an oxidizing agent. After oxidation, the oxidized nickel stamper is washed with water and isopropyl alcohol and is placed into a plating bath to be plated with nickel to build a negative image in the form of the original master, referred to as a "mother" disk. The nickel mother disk is stripped from its father stamper and oxidized with an oxidizing agent and washed with water and isopropyl alcohol. The resulting mother is used to form production stampers for use in injection molding of the CDs by the same process described above in the production of the father stamper from the master.
The production stampers provide a mold surface to form the digital signal pits in the polycarbonate CDs formed by injection molding. That is, polycarbonate plastic material is injection molded against the production stampers and, when removed from the injection molding machine, provides a CD substrate including on one surface pits in the pattern of the digital data representing the recorded music or audio information. The surface of the polycarbonate CD with the recorded information is then coated with a reflective aluminum coating by sputtering and after inspection, the aluminum-coated recorded surface on the recorded side of the CD is protected by a coating of lacquer, or other such protective coating.
After the lacquer coating is cured, desired indicia are silk-screened onto the lacquer coating in a manner well known in the art. Such indicia frequently include the trademarks of the record company, the name of the performer, the names of the recorded songs, the number and running time of the various tracks and other such information.
In reproducing the recorded information on the CD, the CD player directs a laser beam through the polycarbonate material forming the uncoated side of the disk and senses the variations in reflection of the laser beam from the pits and the reflective aluminum coating to reproduce the recorded music and audio information and the like.

Mehod of forming indicia on compact disks and indicia-bearing compact disks


A method of treating a hair loss condition, comprising administering a Notch signaling pathway activator to a subject in need thereof.

Adult stem cells maintain tissue homeostasis and regeneration throughout the animal's lifetime. The murine hair follicle offers a model system for studying the mechanism of tissue regeneration. The hair follicle consists of three regions: the lower segment (bulb), the middle segment (bulge and isthmus), and the upper segment (infundibulum). After initial morphogenesis, the lower segment of hair follicles undergo repeated cycles of catagen (regression phase), telogen (resting phase), and anagen (proliferation phase). Underpinning this regenerative cycle is the multi-potent and self-renewal capability of hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs), which reside in a specialized niche called the bulge.
In telogen, both bulge stem cells (Bu-SCs) and secondary hair germ (Hg), a small cluster of cells beneath the bulge, are quiescent. Hg directly adjoins a population of mesenchymal cells, called the dermal papillae (DP). At anagen onset, Hg becomes activated prior to Bu-SCs by responding to cues from the DP and surrounding microenvironment. Proliferative Hg then generates the hair matrix, the transit-amplifying cells (TACs) of hair follicles, which has distinct molecular signatures from that of Bu-SCs/Hg. Matrix cells proliferate and progress to differentiate into the hair shaft and inner root sheath (IRS) during anagen. In contrast to Hg, Bu-SCs become activated 1-2 days later in anagen to make the extending outer root sheath (ORS) and to self-renew briefly for replenishing the expended HFSCs. In catagen, the hair progeny (matrix, lower ORS) apoptoseses and the remaining epithelial strand retracts upward together with the DP. At catagen/telogen transition, some upper ORS cells that survive catagen form the new bulge and hair germ being used for the next hair cycle.
In mammals, four Notch receptors (Notch1-4) and five canonical Notch ligands (Jagged1-2, Delta1, 3, and 4) have been identified. Notch ligand-receptor interactions between contacting cells lead to serial proteolysis of the Notch receptor to generate Notch intracellular domain (NICD). NICD translocates into the nucleus and binds to Rbpj and Mastermind, thereby activating the downstream effectors, including the Hes and Hey gene family of transcriptional repressors. Notch signaling is modulated by glycosylation of the extracellular domain of Notch receptors. One of the modifiers is protein O-fucosyltransferase 1 (Pofut1), which transfers O-fucose to a particular consensus sequence in the EGF-like repeats of Notch receptor extracellular domain and is ubiquitously expressed in mammalian tissues. Biochemical studies demonstrated that O-fucose modification of mammalian Notch receptors is required for efficient ligand-receptor binding and subsequent signal transduction. Loss of Pofut1 in the mouse embryo resulted in a severe phenotype similar to that of embryos lacking core components of Notch signaling pathway, such as Presenilins and Rbpj.
Expression patterns of Notch ligands, receptors, and downstream effectors in embryonic and adult skin are in a complex and dynamic manner (Watt F M et al., Curr Opin Cell Biol 20:171-179, 2008). Loss and gain-of-function animal studies revealed that canonical Notch-Rbpj signaling axis acts as a commitment switch at the basal/spinous layer (Blanpain C et al., Genes Dev 20:3022-3035, 2006). Loss of Notch signaling does not affect hair follicle patterning or hair placode formation; however, Notch signaling is required for complete differentiation of the hair follicle (Blanpain C et al., Genes Dev 20:3022-3035, 2006). Interestingly, epithelial deletion of Notch1 or Notch ligand Delta1 caused defects in anagen phase of the first hair cycle, suggesting that Notch signaling may play a role in the hair cycle regulation.
The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) gene Hes1 is an important effector mediating context-dependent function of Notch signaling in a variety of tissue types. Hes1 has been involved in the maintenance of stem/progenitors cells in nervous and digestive system by negatively regulating tissue-specific bHLH activators. Moreover, Hes1 is expressed in the spinous keratinocytes and required for maintaining the progenitor fate of spinous cells via regulating Ascl2, a bHLH transcriptional activator, during epidermal development. Interestingly, Hes1-null epidermis developed normally when transplanted to adult mice, suggesting a restricted role of Hes1 in developmental stages. Hes1 is expressed at low levels in telogen hair follicles, and its expression is increased in growing hair follicles. However, the exact function of Hes1 in the hair cycle and its role in the maintenance of the hair follicle stem/progenitor cells are less understood.

Method and composition for treatment of hair loss


A novel package assembly and method are disclosed whereby a food product having a moisture content of less than 5 weight percent is disposed in a sealed package in which a sealed packet of an aqueous solution is also disposed; so that upon exposure to microwave radiation, the solution in the sealed packet vaporizes, rupture the packet and is dispersed as steam throughout the sealed package, whereby the temperature of the low moisture food product is increased.

The use of microwave ovens for the heating of food products has become quite popular, primarily for the convenience provided thereby to consumers. It is estimated that microwave ovens are now in more than seventy percent of all U.S. households. Because of this popularity, a large number of packaged food products are being provided specifically for use with microwave ovens. Specific packaging systems have also been developed for use in microwave ovens.
The majority of microwave products and package assemblies rely on the moisture content contained within the food material for heating the product by microwave radiation. However, certain food products which are low-moisture, shelf-stable products, contain insufficient moisture to permit consistent uniform heating of the product without the product being scorched and/or burned.
There thus remains a need for a product and process permitting uniform heating of low-moisture food products using microwave radiation.
It is therefore one object of the present invention to provide a package assembly for the heating of low-moisture food products by microwave radiation.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for heating low-moisture food products with microwave radiation.
These and other objects of the invention will become apparent to one knowledgeable in the art from the below description of the invention and the appended claims.

Method for microwave heating of low moisture food products


A node transmits/receives signals over first and second communication channels having non-equal propagation speeds. When node identifies reset signal received over first communication channel, it adjusts internal clock, transmits acknowledgement signal and initiates acknowledgement process. When reset signal not identified, node transmits reset signal over first communication channel and receives response signal from one node. If response signal is acknowledgement signal, acknowledgement process is initiated. If response signal is non-acknowledgement signal, internal clock is adjusted and acknowledgement process is initiated. In acknowledgement process, node determines distance to other nodes by measuring travelling time for signal over second communication channel exchanges distance information with other nodes, and fine tunes internal clock of each node when transmitting over first communication channel. Node's transceiver circuitry has radio frequency part to transmit/receive electromagnetic signals and acoustic part to transmit/receive acoustic signals. Each node determines distance in acknowledgement process.

Sensor networks, such as radar, constitute an object-detection system that uses radio waves to determine range, angle, or velocity of objects. It can be used to detect aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles, weather formations, and terrain. A basic radar system consists of a transmitter producing electromagnetic waves in the radio or microwaves domain, an emitting antenna, a receiving antenna (separate or the same as the previous one) to capture any returns from objects in the path of the emitted signal, a receiver and processor to determine properties of the object(s).
In order to increase the resolution in radar systems operating in HF and VHF frequency range (3-300 GHz), array antennas are commonly used. There are two properties to characterize array antenna. The first characterization parameter groups arrays in regular and irregular arrays depending on if the antenna position is periodic or not. The second classification parameter is if the array does not exhibit grating lobes (where the distance between the arrays is less than half a wavelength, referred to as "filled array") or not (referred to as "sparse array").
For an irregular sparse array antenna, each distance between the antenna elements in the array antenna is essential to determine the properties of the object(s) detected by the radar system. This is especially true when having a large array antenna with separate antenna elements distributed over several square kilometres.
A fundamental problem with large and sparse array antennas is that the position of each antenna element has to be known. Any change of position (e.g. during operation) must be input to the signal processing algorithm in order to be able to generate radar images.
In CN 106291468 A, a positioning system using ultrasonic waves and radio frequency waves is disclosed. The purpose is to establish the position of an UE inside a building using beacon nodes which are fixed and known in relation to each other.
In CN 103796338 A, a wireless sensor component and TDMA self-organizing network is disclosed. The reachable synchronization accuracy between nodes in the network is within microseconds and depends on the chosen hardware. This accuracy is by no means sufficient for large array antenna formation.
WO2015092825 A1 discloses a method for short-range localization of active objects using associated communication means and passive objects without communication means. The method uses both radio ranging and ultrasonic ranging in order to determine presence and distance within and with respect of a network of anchor nodes.
US20170052247 A1 discloses a radar imaging system comprising a radar transmitter configured to transmit radar at a target, an aperture comprising an array of physically independent airborne carriers, each configured to receive radar echoes from the target, and a base station in communication with each of the airborne carriers.

Self-organizing node and a sensor network with self-organizing nodes


The present invention is directed to an aqueously dispersed, ambient temperature curable composition containing. (a) an epoxy resin which is rendered water-dispersible by chemically incorporated emulsifiers and/or by being admixed with external emulsifiers and PA1 (b) an isocyanate-terminated prepolymer. (i) which is rendered water-dispersible by chemically incorporated emulsifiers and/or by being admixed with external emulsifiers, PA2 (ii) which is prepared from a mixture containing a polyisocyanate and a compound having a molecular weight of at least 500 and at least two hydroxyl groups and PA2 (iii) wherein the isocyanate groups are blocked with a phenolic compound.. The present invention is also directed to a process for preparing polyurethanes by reacting the above blends with polyamines at ambient or elevated temperature and to the polyurethanes produced therefrom.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to aqueously dispersed blends of epoxy resins and isocyanate-terminated prepolymers blocked with phenolic blocking agents which may be cured with amines at ambient or elevated temperature to produce coatings, sealants, caulks and elastomers with improved flexibility.
2. Description of the Prior Art
It is known to cure epoxy resins with amines in order to provide high molecular polymers with excellent properties. One of the deficiencies of these polymers is that they do not possess sufficient flexibility for all potential applications. While it is known that polyurethane resins such as isocyanate-terminated prepolymers may be cured with amines to form flexible polymers, blends of these prepolymers and/or epoxy resins with amines are not storage stable and are generally too viscous to use in spray applications.
Reducing the viscosity of these blends with organic solvents is not an acceptable solution because the presence of organic solvents in spray systems is not desirable for environmental reasons. The use of water as a solvent would overcome these difficulties, but the isocyanate-terminated prepolymers are not stable in water. The terminal isocyanate groups react with the water to form amino groups which subsequently react with the dispersed epoxy resin to form fully reacted systems. Blocking the isocyanate groups of the prepolymer with blocking agents would prevent premature reaction of the prepolymers with the epoxy resins, but these systems would not be curable at room temperature because elevated temperatures would be necessary to release the blocking agent.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide blends of blocked isocyanate-terminated prepolymers with epoxy resins which are storage stable, have an acceptable viscosity for spray applications and can be cured at ambient or elevated temperatures to provide fully reacted coatings, sealants, caulks and elastomers with improved flexibility.
Surprisingly these objects can be achievee in accordance with the present invention as described.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,160,065 and 4,190,567 are directed to the production of cationic polyurethane-ureas with terminal amino groups which are subsequently reacted with epoxy resins. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,931,116 and 3,971,745 are directed to the production of anionic polyurethane-ureas having terminal amino groups which are subsequently chain extended with epoxy resins. U.S. Pat. No. 4,036,906 is directed to solvent-based blends of polyurethane prepolymers with epoxy resins which are subsequently chain extended with polyamines. U.S. Pat. No. 4,403,085 is directed to blends of blocked isocyanate-terminated prepolymers and epoxy resins which are subsequently cured to form films having improved properties. U.S. Pat. No. 4,522,851 is directed to blends of water-dispersible epoxy resins and water-dispersible blocked polyisocyanates which are cured to form coatings with improved impact resistance. Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,826,894 is directed to the incorporation of epoxy resins into aqueous polyurethane dispersions in order to improve the humidity resistance of coatings prepared therefrom.

Aqueously dispersed blends of epoxy resins and blocked urethane prepolymers


The invention relates to a method for stimulating antigen-specific T cell responses by using accelerated co-cultured dendritic cells, and to uses thereof, such as a method for diagnosing a disease and a method for producing isolated T cell clones displaying specific immunological properties.

Study of antigen (Ag)-specific T cell responses poses formidable technical challenges [Kern, Trends Immunol. 26:477, 2005]. This is mainly due to the fact that Ag-specific fractions are commonly represented at very low frequencies in peripheral blood, a feature which makes their detection troublesome [Mallone, Clin. Immunol. 110:232, 2004]. This detection is even more problematic when CD4+ T cells are considered, as these fractions are frequently present at even lower frequencies than their CD8+ counterparts [Homann, Nat. Med. 7:913, 2001; Seder, Nat. Immunol. 4:835, 2003].
Several detection strategies are currently available which allow to detect such Ag-specific T cells (CD4+ and CD8+) using a variety of structural or functional readouts [Kern, Trends Immunol. 26:477, 2005]. However, one drawback shared by all techniques is that Ag-specific CD4+ T cells can rarely be detected directly ex-vivo. Most commonly, these cells need to be preliminarily expanded through 5-14 d in vitro culture steps to reach the detection threshold [Mallone, Clin. Immunol. 110:232, 2004]. A number of approaches can be used for this in vitro expansion. As peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) contain suitable numbers of CD4+ T cells as well as antigen-presenting cells (APCs; monocytes, B cells, and minute fractions of circulating dendritic cells) (DC), they can be pulsed with the peptide epitopes or protein Ags of interest and expanded with or without the addition of co-stimulatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-7.
Alternatively, monocytes can first be isolated and differentiated into immature DC with granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and IL-4 for 5-7 days, to be subsequently matured with different proinflammatory stimuli for an additional 24-48 h [Zhou et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93:2588, 1996]. This strategy exploits the higher stimulatory potency of DCs to achieve a larger CD4+ T cell expansion. While attractive, it requires however larger starting blood volumes, as monocytes represent only ˜5-15% of PBMCs, and autologous monocytes should ideally be used to avoid selection of allo-specific CD4+ T cells. T cells need therefore to be kept in culture or frozen down while monocyte-derived DC are being generated. Besides higher PBMC needs, this procedure is also longer than those relying exclusively on blood natural APCs.
Moreover, use of peptide epitopes for T-cell stimulation requires preliminary identification of those epitopes targeted by the immune response. This identification procedure is very labor-intensive, and specific for one HLA Class I or Class II allele. Thus, different epitopes have to be identified for different HLA alleles, depending on the human subjects that one wishes to study.
Of further note, it is frequently of interest not only to detect CD4+ T cells, but also to isolate and expand them for further functional profiling.
Therefore, there is still an unmet need in the art for providing a sensitive, versatile and easy-to-use method for measuring T cell responses and for isolating T cell clones, in particular CD4+ T cells.

Method for stimulating antigen-specific T cell responses using accelerated co-cultured dendritic cells

INSERM (INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA SANTE ET DE LA RECHERCHE MEDICALE)


A method, device and system disclosed used in storage technique, comprising: splitting a file of size M into k blocks, that is to say, each block is of size M/k; issuing the above k blocks across k different storage nodes in the distributed network storage system in a distributed manner; using the k blocks, constructing n−k independent blocks via linear coding method, and satisfying the property that any k of the n encoded blocks can be used to reconstruct the original data in the file, which means the linear coding method is a kind of Maximum-Distance Separable (MDS) code; distribute the n−k encoded blocks to the rest n−k different storage codes in the distributed network storage systems.

Network coding (NC), born in 2000, is a new breakthrough in solving the channel capacity limit problem, followed by C. E. Shannon published paper "A Mathematical Theory of Communication". It solves the problem in network communication that how the single/multi-source to multi-receiver points multicast/broadcast reached the limit of network capacity.
In traditional, the routing switches of the network communication nodes only complete store-and-forward function. NC points out that if we allow the routing switches to send information after encoding input information flow, then the network nodes will complete both routing functions and encoding functions. In this new architecture, network performance can reach the theoretical limit of the max-flow problem.
With the development of the scale of storage system, failure rate also increases significantly, more and more people propose for higher fault tolerance of storage system. The prior technique achieves the reliability of distributed storage system by erasure coding primarily. Compared to RAID systems, the commonly used RAID-5 products can provide recovery of one single disk failure, and RAID-6, which can repair double disk failure, gradually comes into practice. The principle of RAID-5 system, that tolerate one single disk failure, lies in parity check. In order to reach all aspects of performance optimization, RAID-6 system that can tolerate double disk failure, needs a "special" erasure code.
The limited factor of erasure code in distributed systems decreases to some extent, such as using the Galois field operations instead of XOR operation. In general, the status of each distributed node is the same, which means that it does not necessarily require a systematic coding. In addition, the scale of distributed system is usually very large, which also requires that the coding rate can't excessively decrease as the scale increases. It's quite popular to use Reed Solomon coding (MacWilliams, and Sloane, 1977) in distributed systems, and the degree of redundancy can be achieved as practical needs. Encoding and decoding processes are operated in relatively large Galois field. Obviously, the whole operation cost is significantly larger than XOR operation. Reed Solomon coding principle is established on the polynomial theory, there are many forms of generator matrix. A widely used coding technique is to use Vandermonde matrix as generator matrix:
  G  =      (                  I        n            ❘                                    1                                1                                1                                …                                1                                                1                                2                                              2              2                                            …                                              2                              n                -                1                                                                          1                                3                                              3              2                                            …                                              3                              n                -                1                                                                          ⋮                                ⋮                                ⋮                                ⋮                                ⋮                                                1                                n                                              n              2                                            …                                              n                              n                -                1                                                          )
Here, both m and n can be flexibly chose as needed, in order to achieve the arbitrary coding rate. Erasure codes use the mature coding theory to chunk the original data and encode the data chunks. That is, the original data is divided into n parts, and meanwhile, generates m redundant blocks. Arbitrary n of the total n+m blocks are able to recover original data. Wherein, some nodes store the original data blocks, while others store the encoded redundant blocks. It's obvious that their statuses and functions are different, and sometimes central node is needed in the encoding process in the distributed environment.
Subsequently, random linear coding scheme is proposed for the distributed storage. Even though it also achieves distributed data storage, and the entire file is divided into several blocks, encoded blocks joint together by random linear combination of all blocks. However, it is required to store each encoded block's coding vector, and the missed file is recovered by collecting encoded vectors and encoded blocks obtained from other nodes. This increases the amount of storage and data processing load of the node, and also the communication bandwidth during the repair process of the node.
In summary, the existing data storage methods can not guarantee the reliability of the distributed network storage system.

Data storage method, device and distributed network storage system

PEKING UNIVERSITY SHENZHEN GRADUATE SCHOOL


A method of integrated modeling using multiple subsurface models includes receiving multiple sets of input values associated with a hydrocarbon formation of the Earth. The method also includes receiving a network model that includes one or more assets configured to distribute a flow of hydrocarbons from the hydrocarbon formation to a processing facility. The method further includes generating the multiple subsurface models based on the multiple sets of input values, wherein each subsurface model comprises a set of input values of the multiple sets of input values, and wherein each subsurface model represents a production of the flow of hydrocarbons from the hydrocarbon formation. The method also includes applying the multiple subsurface models to the network model to generate an integrated model comprising multiple production rates of hydrocarbons via the one or more assets over time. The method further includes identifying at least one asset to adjust based on the integrated model.

This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.
The present disclosure relates generally to integrated modeling. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to integrated modeling using multiple subsurface models coupled to one or more gathering network models.
For example, integrated models may be used in the oil and gas industry to simulate a production system based on various parameters, from reservoir-based rock formation and fluid flow parameters to well and pipeline equipment-based production parameters, for the purpose of prospective system planning. In operation, an integrated model may couple a subsurface model with a network model. The network model may model a single well, a network of wells, a production facility, production equipment, or any combination thereof, that transfers hydrocarbon production extracted from the hydrocarbon formation to processing facilities. However, existing integrated modeling software may simulate just one subsurface model at a time. Because each subsurface model corresponds to a single set of input parameters, simulating ranges of the input parameters includes performing multiple evaluations of the subsurface model corresponding to each permutation of input parameters, which may be an inefficient use of computing resources.

Integrated modeling using multiple subsurface models


An image forming method is performed by an image forming apparatus having a head mounting a plurality of writing units that form an image on a recording medium. The writing units are aligned in a sub-scanning direction perpendicular to a main-scanning direction. A part of the image is formed on the recording medium by the writing units, the part of the image forming a line extending in the main-scanning direction. The step of forming a part of the image is repeated while shifting the writing units in the sub-scanning direction by a predetermined amount of shift. The amount of shift of the wiring units is varied so that an amount of misalignment in a connecting portion between the parts of the image on the recording medium is reduced.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to image forming methods and apparatuses and, more particularly, to an image forming apparatus, such as an image setter or a plotter for producing a layout paper or a printing plate technique, which can correct a connecting portion error between images formed by adjacent writing units.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, there is an image forming apparatus, such as disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 9-185196 (hereinafter, referred to as Patent Document 1), which comprises a plurality of recording heads for recording images on a recording medium attached to a drum, a beam spot position detector such as a PSD detector and recording head moving means such as a linear motor, so as to perform an irradiation position correction to the drum by adjusting positions of the recording heads in accordance with information regarding the detected beam spot position to correct a connecting portion of the images formed by adjacent recording heads.
Additionally, Japanese Patent Publication No. 3067942 (hereinafter, referred to as Patent Document 2) suggests a method of correcting a positional misalignment at a connecting portion of images formed by adjacent image forming apparatuses. In this method, one or more image forming apparatuses delays formation of images of a first column in a head moving direction until a reference line drawing image forming apparatus completes scanning corresponding to a number of columns, which is a rounded number of positional misalignment columns with respect to one or more image forming apparatuses having a positional misalignment in a head moving direction greater than a width of a column in a moving direction of a recording medium by using, as a reference line, one of a plurality of image forming apparatuses. Further, all the image forming apparatuses completed the initial column scanning, the arrangement of the image forming apparatuses is moved by a distance smaller than a width of the columns so that the image forming apparatuses repeatedly form the same image as a preceding column to overlap with the preceding column, and continues it until the rest of the columns are completely scanned.
According to the apparatus of the Patent Document 1, costs of mechanical parts and a control system of the apparatus are increased since independently controllable moving means must be provided to a plurality of recording heads. Additionally, the cost is further increased if a number of the heads is large.
Additionally, according to the method of the Patent Document 2, an image quality cannot be improved because a line of dark color is emphasized, which is easily visible, or a column having a width close to a width of two columns is formed, which is more easily visible than the boundary since the columns of images formed two timed by using the same data are overlapped in a case where there is dispersion in an amount of misalignment in adjacent image forming apparatuses since the same distance smaller than a width of column is shifted uniformly irrespective of the amount of misalignment of the adjacent image forming apparatuses and image formation is performed using the same image data as a preceding column after all of the image forming apparatuses formed an image of a first column.
In the meantime, an image forming apparatus has an energy irradiation device that irradiates energy. The energy irradiated by the energy irradiation device is converged onto a printing plate material on which an image is formed. The printing plate material is caused to be changed due to this energy. Positions of the printing plate material and the energy irradiation device can be relatively moved. For example, the printing plate material is applied onto an inner surface or an outer surface of a rotatable drum, and the energy irradiation device is arranged on a table that is movable in a direction parallel to the rotational axis of the drum. Accordingly, the printing plate material is movable in a vertical direction due to a movement of the drum, and in a horizontal direction due to a movement of the table. A flux of energy of the energy irradiation device can be located at an arbitrary position on the printing plate material by a rotation of the drum and a movement of the table. Thus, an image original data is recorded as changes in a surface of the printing plate material by the energy irradiation device scanning the surface of the printing plate material while causing drawing point arrangement of the image original data to be formed and position of the printing plate material to correspond to each other and relating concentration information of the drawing point of the image original data to the output energy of the energy irradiation device.
The speed at which an image is recorded on the printing plate material is determined by items such as a rotational speed of the drum, a sensitivity of the printing plate material to energy, an energy that can be irradiated by the energy irradiation device, a recording density of the image, etc. Since the printing plate material on which an image is to be formed is normally an object, other items may be adjusted according to the sensitivity of the printing plate material. The sensitivity of the printing plate material is represented by a degree of change in the printing plate material and the energy density given at that time. The rotational speed of the drum and the irradiation energy of the energy irradiation device are determined as an energy density to the printing plate material. If the rotational speed of the drum is increased while the irradiation energy is constant, the energy density to the printing plate material is decreased correspondingly. On the other hand, if the irradiation energy is increased while the rotational speed of the drum is constant, the energy density to the printing plate material is increased.
Moreover, it is necessary to increase the rotational speed of the drum by increasing the irradiation energy when it is desired to increase a recording speed of an image. In order to increase the irradiation energy, there are a method of increasing a maximum output of an energy source and a method of providing a plurality of energy sources. As an example of the later, there is a method, as disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 2, a method of placing a plurality of energy irradiation devices on the table. According to this method, energy fluxes of the energy irradiation devices are irradiated onto the printing plate material. The energy irradiation devices record an image in a form of sharing the printing plate material in the axial direction of the drum. The energy fluxes of the plurality of energy irradiation devices are arranged linearly.
However, it is difficult to arrange the energy irradiation apparatuses completely linear form. That is, the energy fluxes cannot be arranged in a linear form accurately due to an error when fixing the energy irradiation devices on the table, an error in positions at which the energy fluxes are converged, an error in positions where energy is generated, etc.
Due to the above-mentioned errors, an image recorded on the printing plate material cannot be one in which the image original data is reflected. This is because there is a misalignment generated between the positions of the image original data shared by the energy irradiation devices and positions actually recorded on the printing plate material. This misalignment is recognized in a from of an overlap of images between the energy irradiation devices, a gap generated at a boundary between the energy irradiation devices, or two horizontal lines formed by a single horizontal line having a step at a boundary between the energy irradiation devices.
In order to avoid such a misalignment in images, an adjustment is made so that lines indicating the same horizontal position are recorded on a single line also on the printing plate material by advancing or delaying a time of start of drawing by each of the energy irradiation devices using one of the energy irradiation devices as a reference. Additionally, when images are recorded in an overlapping manner, there is a method in which a start of image formation of one of the overlapping energy irradiation devices is skipped by a time corresponding to the overlap.
However, a positional accuracy of image overlapping between printing plates is an important quality control item for multi-color printing to obtain a desired function by overlapping a plurality of sheets of printing plate images or a wiring pattern of an electronic circuit board. The printing plate material has an expandability of a certain level, and an environmental condition such as temperature or humidity and image writing energy may be a cause of deformation. In such as case, an accuracy of overlapping printing plates can be improved by matching a previously formed printing plate so as to form an image. Additionally, when forming a single image by energy irradiation devices, each of the energy irradiation devices performs image formation simultaneously. Accordingly, a misalignment may be generated due to an error in positions of mounting the energy irradiation devices. If an attempt is made to cause a misalignment at a boundary to be less visible according to an amount of feed in a sub-scanning direction, a misalignment at other boundaries may become large since all of the energy irradiation devices moves simultaneously.
In the meantime, as a conventional image recording apparatus, there are a direct recording type, which performs image recording directly on a recording medium such as a recording paper and an indirect recording type, which performs image recording on an intermediate recording medium and transferring the image to a final recording medium. There is a laser printer or the like using an electrophotography process among image recording apparatuses of the indirect recording type which is widely used presently. In the laser printer using an electrophotography process, a latent image is formed by exposing a photosensitive material which has been charged according to recording image information and, thereafter, visualizing it by a developer and transferring the developed image onto a recording medium such as a recording paper so as to record the image. In this method, the image to be recorded is formed as a form of a latent image on the photosensitive material which is an intermediate recording material. As means for forming image information on the photosensitive material which is an intermediate recording material, a laser exposure device, which scans a laser light by a rotating polygon mirror, is mainly used. Additionally, as other means for forming image information on the photosensitive material, there are known an LED array exposure device, in which many LEDs are arrange in an array form, and a liquid crystal shutter array exposure device, which performs an exposure control by arranging liquid crystal shutters in an array form.
On the other hand, as the method of directly recording an image on a recording medium such as a recording paper, there are methods put into practice such as an inkjet recording method, which perform jet recording by injecting ink directly onto a recording paper according to image information, a thermal recording method, which records an image by directly contacting a heat generating array to a heat-sensitive recording medium, a thermal transfer recording method, which causes a thermal transfer ink sheet to contact a recording medium and transfers ink onto the recording medium by a heat-generating material.
In order to obtain a recorded image of a large size according to the image forming method using the above-mentioned laser exposure device, a width of the laser must be enlarged. Thus, a large distance must be provided between the polygon mirror and the photosensitive material which is an intermediate recording material, and, thereby, the size of the laser exposure device is increased. Additionally, if a scan width is large, a canning speed is increased, which causes a clock of the image to be recorded to be fast. For these reasons, the laser exposure device is rarely used for an image recording apparatus for a large size such as exceeding A3-A2.
On the other hand, according to the image forming method using an array head such as an LED array device or a liquid crystal array, an array head having a length corresponding to a recording width must be used so as to obtain a recorded image of a large size. However, since a high-resolution of more than 300-600 dpi is required for an array head of an image printing apparatus, it is not easy to elongate an array head manufactured using a semiconductor process. Additionally, since the electrophotography process is a page recording method, an array head corresponding to a recording width is required.
On the other hand, according to the recording method to cause a recording head itself to move and scan in a main-scanning direction such as an inkjet recording method, a thermal recording method and thermal transfer method, an image recording apparatus, which can attain image recording of a large size, can be relatively easily constructed. However, according to the recording method causing a recording head to scan, a moving mechanism of the head is complicated, and there is a problem in that a recording time is increased as a size of an image to be recorded is increased. In order to solve such as problem, it is effective also for the method to cause a recording head to scan to use an array head of a long scale corresponding to a recording width. However, it is difficult to fabricate a long scale array head. Further, in order to obtain a long scale recording head for a recording head of an LED array exposure device or the like, it is needed to fabricate array recording heads each having a certain length by using a semiconductor process and connecting the recording heads to each other with high accuracy. In such a case, a recording image width of A3 size requires 300 mm or more and a recording image width of A4 size requires 420 mm or more. Thus, it is difficult to fabricate a recording head of a long scale by a semiconductor process alone.
In the meantime, generally, in an image recording apparatus, it is required to have a recording density of 300-600 dpi or more, that is, a recording head element density of 80-40 μm or less. However, it is difficult to fabricate a head having such a high recording density by connecting recording head elements, and it will become extremely expensive recording head. Additionally, a pitch fluctuation may occur easily at connecting position between the recording head elements. Thus, there is a problem in that the connecting position tends to be easily observed as an image fluctuation in the recorded image.
Moreover, the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 suggests a method of correcting an error between head elements in a recording apparatus which is capable of recording an image of a large size by driving simultaneously a plurality of aligned recording heads, which irradiate beam spot lights onto a recording medium attached to a cylindrical drum, so as to detect an irradiated position of each of the spot lights.
In order to correct the error between the head elements like the method of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, a correcting mechanism for mechanically adjusting positions of the head elements. However, it is difficult to achieve such a correcting mechanism satisfying the requirements of high accuracy. If the positions of the head elements are not adjusted accurately, there may be generated a step, a gap or an overlap in a formed image.

Image forming method and apparatus, and a recording medium storing a program for performing an image forming method


Provided is a test system of a semiconductor integrated circuit including an output device and an input device for conducting an input/output characteristics test of the output device and the input device inside the semiconductor integrated circuit. In the system, a transmission line provided in a test board where the semiconductor integrated circuit is mounted on establishes a wired connection between an external terminal of one circuit of one of the output device and the input device and external terminals of a plurality of circuits of another one of the output device and the input device.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a test system and a test method of a semiconductor integrated circuit.
2. Description of Related Art
In large-scale-integrations (LSIs) used in various systems, internal operation and input/output are becoming faster with increasing sophistication and higher levels of integration. There is thus a demand for a high-speed tester compatible with the increasing LSI operating speed. However, a low-cost test method using a hitherto used tester is desired in terms of cost reduction.
As a low-cost test method of a high-speed I/O made up of a high-speed input device and a high-speed output device, a loop-back test is used that connects an external input terminal of the high-speed input device and an external output terminal of the high-speed output device through a transmission line.
FIG. 11 shows a schematic view of a test system 1 for a loop-back test of a semiconductor integrated circuit including high-speed input/output devices disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-167034. The test system 1 sets a measurement target semiconductor integrated circuit LSI1 on a test board 2 and performs measurement. The semiconductor integrated circuit LSI1 includes high-speed input devices RX1 to RX4, high-speed output devices TX1 to TX4, test pattern generation devices TPG1 to TPG4 and test pattern check devices TPC1 to TPC4.
The test board 2 is provided with loop-back paths LPB1 to LPB4, and external output terminals of the high-speed output devices TX1 to TX4 and external input terminals of the high-speed input devices RX1 to RX4 are connected through the loop-back paths LPB1 to LPB4, respectively.
An operation of the test system 1 is described briefly. Output signals corresponding to test patterns generated by the test pattern generation devices TPG1 to TPG4 are output to the loop-back paths LPB1 to LPB4 from the high-speed output devices TX1 to TX4. The output signals are then input to the high-speed input devices RX1 to RX4 through the loop-back paths LPB1 to LPB4. After that, the test pattern check devices TPC1 to TPC4 check the occurrence of an error or the like on the signals input to the high-speed input devices RX1 to RX4.
In this manner, by using the loop-back paths LPB1 to LPB4, a self-test can be performed inside the semiconductor integrated circuit LSI1 with use of the test pattern generation devices TPG1 to TPG4, the test pattern check devices TPC1 to TPC4, the high-speed output devices TX1 to TX4 and the high-speed input devices RX1 to RX4 incorporated in the semiconductor integrated circuit LSI1. It is thereby possible to conduct a characteristics test of the high-speed I/O without need to prepare a high-speed tester including high-speed input/output devices, thus enabling reduction of the test cost.

Test system and test method of semiconductor integrated circuit


The present invention is concerned with a container consisting of a unitary body and of a pair of covering lids, the body and the lids being made of injection molded plastic material. The lids are hingedly connectable to the upper edges of the body through a snap engagement. The lids are thus formed of integral C-shaped projections along their longitudinal outer edge which engage onto integral hinge portions along the upper edge of the body side walls. The lids have their longitudinal inner edge constructed to define a trough allowing water collected on top of the lids to be dispensed trough appropriate openings in the end walls of the container body.

At present, containers defining an enclosure formed of a body and of a pair of lids include elongated metallic rods extending through appropriate longitudinal openings alternatively provided along the upper edge of the body side walls and along the outer edge of the lids. Each time these containers need be washed, the metallic rods which are not removed cause corrosion.
Secondly, whenever these containers need be recycled, the rods must also be removed resulting additional costs. Furthermore, if a lid is damaged, it is not possible due to the particular fixing of the rod to the lid, to simply replace the lid; the entire container is scrapped.
A further disadvantage of the presence of metal in these containers is that, for certain type of contents (such as food), containers must pass through a metal detection system in order to detect the presence of undesired products in these contents. Evidently, the presence of the metallic rods acting as hinges affect the efficiency of the detection operation.
These containers have identification cards located directly above the handles; this causes problems as the cards are always dirty and damaged from such handling.


Method and apparatus for rotary motion converting power transmission assembly with counter-rotating outputs on the same axis as the rotary input.

The present invention relates to mechanical power transmissions, and more particularly, to transmissions with counter-rotating outputs, preferably located on the same central axis as the input.
Speed conversion is an important capability in the efficient utilization of rotary motive force. The occasion often arises for increasing or reducing of the speed of a drive member to a higher or lower speed at a driven member. In automobiles, for example, a hydraulic transmission, with various combinations of gear assemblies, accomplishes the task of converting the high rotary speed of the gasoline engine to the lower rotational requirements at the driven axle. Typically, such transmissions are quite complex, requiring many parts to operate in sophisticated syncopation, and are quite labor intensive for both assembly and service. Other speed conversion applications include water vessels with single and counter-rotating propellers. Typically in these applications, the speed reducer housing is mounted ("grounded") directly to the equipment housing to react the transmission forces.
At times the effect of speed conversion (e.g., speed reduction) is also referred to as torque conversion (e.g., torque amplification). It will be further appreciated that the terms speed reducer and torque increaser are thus related as are the terms speed increaser and torque reducer, for purposes of this disclosure.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a speed converter which is simplified in nature but is robust in transmission capability.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a speed converter which is relatively easy to assemble and service.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a speed converter design which is adaptable to provision of counter-rotating outputs.
It is yet an additional object of the present invention to provide a rotary motion converter design which is adaptable to provision of counter-rotating outputs.

In-line transmission with counter-rotating outputs


Disclosed herein are compositions suitable for styling hair. Certain compositions comprise                a. at least one alkoxysilane having at least one solubilizing functional group and at least one amino substituent;        b. at least one acid; and        c. at least one ionic latex film former.

Compositions for styling the hair are known, such as, for example, hair spray compositions, hair gels and mousses, hair volumizing compositions, hair smoothing creams, lotions, serums, oils, clays, etc. The goals of many hair styling compositions include holding or fixing the hair in a particular shape, imparting or increasing volume of the hair, smoothing the hair, and/or decreasing or eliminating the appearance of frizz.
Current products for styling the hair typically include water-soluble film-forming polymers. Depending on the chemical make-up of these polymers, they may be either soluble in water, or they may be water insoluble polymers which are made water soluble via various chemical modifications, such as neutralization. Solutions comprising these polymers tend to be viscous, and often as the concentration of the polymer increases, its viscosity rapidly increases. In styling applications, as the solvent evaporates, the polymer solution becomes thicker on the hair surface, resulting in a sticky or tacky film. These products also tend to exhibit problems with product spreadability, hair manageability, and humidity resistance, which is especially a problem in hot and humid environments.
Particularly, while previous compositions comprising latex polymers may provide clean properties to the hair given its anionic nature, the clean properties can translate into difficult application and/or distribution of the product, quick absorption, dryness, and/or possibly static in the hair. The presence of film formers can also leave the hair with a stiff, crunchy, and/or sticky feel. Often, other ingredients and traditional silicones may be used in combination with latex polymers to overcome the brittleness and stiffness that may result from the use of latex polymers in hair compositions. However, this tends to make the hair feel greasy and oily and it can still be challenging for manufacturers to incorporate new ingredients into the compositions because this may negatively impact performance, certain cosmetic attributes, texture, and formulation stability. Alternative conditioning agents, such as non-ionic silicones and humectants, can actually plasticize the film produced by the product, thus affecting its high humidity curl retention, and creating build up, which weighs down the hair.
There is thus a need for new hair styling products which address one or more of these problems.

Compositions and methods for treating hair

Abstract: Also provided are methods of using same.


The method for the preparation of containment units of biological liquids, comprises the following stages of: furnishing a device (1) comprising a main body (2) which defines at least a continuous filling channel (3), having at least an inlet gap (3a) of a biological liquid and at least an air outlet gap (3b), a plurality of containment units (4) arranged in succession to one another so as to communicate with each other and defining respective containment chambers (5) positioned along the filling channel (3) and placed in between the inlet gap (3a) and the outlet gap (3b), a hydrophobic air filtering device (6) associated with the body (2) in correspondence to the outlet gap (3b), wherein the containment units (4) are bulbous members each having opposing elastically deformable sides that define the respective containment chambers therebetween, and wherein after deformation the sides return to a convex non-deformed idle configuration in which the sides are at a non-zero distance from one another;

Generally speaking, to fill containment units of biological liquids such as stem cells, platelet concentrates, serum eye drops, plasma, etc . . . , devices of known type are used having means for the connection of a syringe containing the biological liquid and a plurality of containment units to be filled.
More in particular, these connection means define a transit channel for the biological liquid having an inlet gap, connectable to the syringe containing the biological liquid, and a plurality of outlet gaps, associable with the units to be filled.
These devices also comprise at least a mouth for expelling the air contained in the containment units, and aspired by means of a syringe. In fact, the containment units generally used with these devices of known type are of the soft or flexible type, i.e., deformable to such an extent as to make their opposite sides coincide with one another, so that by applying a suitable vacuum, they can be emptied of the air contained inside them, thereby making subsequent filling easier.
Some of these devices of known type are described by DE 19934491 and by EP 1930033.
These devices of known type do however have a number of drawbacks.
They are in fact complicated to make and assemble, also due to the high number of parts making them up.
Another drawback of these known devices consists in the fact that they take a long time to prepare. These long preparation times are due at least in part to the carrying out of the air aspiration and biological liquid filling phases, which may even have to be repeated several times in order to eliminate as much air as possible, and to the handling of the devices themselves aimed at facilitating the movement of the air bubbles towards the outlet mouth.
Another problem still of devices of known type consists in the fact that they do not allow the easy preparation of a high number of containment units, e.g., more than twenty units, due to the ensuing difficulty in handling same.
Furthermore, the larger the number of containment units to be filled, the greater the dimensions must be of the connecting elements placed between the syringe and the containment units themselves, hence the biological liquid which remains inside such connecting elements and which is wasted increases along with the increase in the number of units to be filled.
Another drawback of known devices consists in the fact that they can only be used with containment units of a soft or flexible type, i.e., whose walls are deformable until they coincide with one another.
The devices of known type cannot therefore be used with semi-rigid containment units, i.e., deformable but not enough to cause their collapse, although preferable to soft bags inasmuch as they permit controlling the dispensing of the biological liquid towards the outside in a more precise and easier way.
More in detail, the semi-rigid units are not used with the aforementioned devices of known type inasmuch as they cannot be completely emptied of the air contained inside them, and which therefore prevents them from being completely filled. The biological liquid introduced into the transit channel by the syringe manages to return up towards the semi-rigid containment units only along a section of the channel itself due to the presence of air which prevents it from moving any further forward.
It therefore follows that the devices of known type for filling containment units of biological liquids, such as stem cells, platelet concentrates, serum eye drops, plasma, etc . . . , have a range of application limited only to the use of flexible containment units, which are however to be considered worse than the semi-rigid type inasmuch as they do not permit the controlled dispensing of the biological liquid itself.

Method for the preparation of containment units of biological liquids

Abstract: injecting a biological fluid along the channel (3) through the inlet opening (3a) so as to push towards outside the air contained inside the containment chambers (5) through the outlet gap (3b) and to gradually filling the containment chambers (5) which it crosses;

Abstract: closing and isolating the containment units (4) the one from the other.