An electrohydraulic signal converter includes an armature which is movable in a magnetic field generated by field coils and is located between two inlet channel orifices that are provided with restrictors. Drain channels are connected downstream from the orifices and lead to a pressureless tank. The armature is connected to the orifices so that a pressure differential can be produced between the pair of inlet channels in the converter. In order to keep the loss of oil of the signal converter low, the orifices are closed when the armature is in its neutral or central position. When the armature is moved from its neutral position, the orifice away from the armature is opened and permits the flow of hydraulic oil from one inlet channel to a drain channel. The orifices are each formed by a borehole into which can be inserted a cylindrical projection on each front face of the armature.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to electromagnetic valves and, more particularly, to an electrohydraulic signal converter.
2. Description of the Prior Art
U.S. Pat. No. 4,682,629 discloses an electrohydraulic signal converter, also known as an electromagnetic proportional valve, which has an armature moving between two inlet channel orifices in a magnetic field generated by a pair of field coils. The armature is effectively connected to restrictors located at the inlet channel orifices and at least one drain passage is provided downstream of the restrictors. The signal converter produces a control or actuating pressure depending on an electrical signal applied to the field coils. The control pressure may be used to control either a distributing valve, a pump that can be swung out in both directions beyond a neutral position, a motor of a hydrostatic gear, or the like.
In this known converter, a pair of field coils are arranged in a common housing and, in response to applied electrical signals, act upon the armature located within the coils and between two restrictors that are integrated in associated inlet channel orifices. As dictated by the direction of armature movement, the orifice cross-section of the restrictor in the direction of movement is reduced by the front end of the armature. This reduces the discharging oil volume as well as causes the pressure in the associated inlet channel to rise. The pressure differential between the two inlet channels can then be used for the control purposes discussed above.
This known signal converter has a disadvantage in that even when it is not actuated, there is a constant flow of hydraulic oil from both inlet channels through the discharge channel. In addition, the volume of the constant discharging oil stream must be relatively large so that when the signal converter is actuated, a high control pressure can be produced in one of the inlet channels within a short time period.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrohydraulic signal converter which has a reduced flow of discharging hydraulic oil.


An autofocus actuator 1 is provided with a yoke 300 that comprises an inner cylindrical portion 301 defining an insertion bore through which a hollow body portion of a holder is adapted to be received and an outer cylindrical portion 302 provided outside of the inner cylindrical portion 301 with a predetermined spacing left between the inner cylindrical portion 301 and the outer cylindrical portion 302 by a connecting portion, and the yoke 300 is constructed so as to receive a coil 20 in the space of a predetermined gap. The outer cylindrical portion 302 is formed into a generally polygonal cylindrical shape and inner surfaces of the outer cylindrical portion 302 define a plurality of magnet mounting surfaces each having a planar shape. A generally flat plate shape permanent magnet 41 is mounted on each of these magnet mounting surfaces 303. By the use of such a flat plate shape permanent magnet 41, it becomes possible to reduce a manufacturing cost and also possible to easily align and assemble the permanent magnets 41.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an autofocus actuator, and more specifically to an autofocus actuator that can be employed in digital cameras or other small-sized electronic apparatuses equipped with a camera, e.g., cellular phones.
2. Description of the Related Art
In digital cameras, an actuator that can displace a lens in an optical axis direction is employed for the sake of autofocusing and zooming operations. This type of actuator is adapted to displace the lens in the optical axis direction by virtue of an interaction between the magnetic field generated by the electricity flowing through a coil and the magnetic field of a permanent magnet. In recent years, a need exists for the function of autofocus even in a camera mounted to cellular phones, because the number of pixels of a picture-taking element for use in the cellular phone camera tends to increase up to the order of mega pixels greater than one million.
One example of conventional autofocus actuators is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 2003-295033. This autofocus actuator is comprised of a front lens, a front support frame for supporting the front lens, a front coil attached to the front support frame, a front spring affixed to the front support frame, a rear lens, a rear support frame for supporting the rear lens, a rear coil attached to the rear support frame, a rear spring affixed to the rear support frame, a magnet, a magnet support member and a yoke. The front coil is disposed in the outer gap between the magnet and the yoke, while the rear coil is located in the inner gap between the magnet and the yoke. Applying electric current to the front coil enables the front lens to move into a position where the front lens keeps in balance with the resilient force of the front spring. Likewise, applying electric current to the rear coil can bring the rear lens into a position where the rear lens keeps in balance with the resilient force of the rear spring.
The conventional actuator referred to above is of such construction that electricity is supplied to the coils via the front spring and the rear spring. This means that electrode portions for the coils and the power source should be provided on the front spring and the rear spring, respectively. In order to form such electrode portions, the front spring and the rear spring have to be subjected to bending process. A need of such bending process reduces the yield rate or productivity of the springs.
Furthermore, it is necessary to insulate the springs from other components due to the fact that coils or lead wires are directly soldered to the springs themselves for electric connection. This poses a drawback in that the number of parts of the actuator is increased.
Moreover, the front spring and the rear spring are of mutually different shape, which disadvantageously leads to an increased manufacturing cost of the springs.
In order to solve the problems noted above, the inventor of the subject application has conceived an autofocus actuator as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 14.
The problems existed in the conventional actuators can be overcome by the actuator shown in FIGS. 1 to 14. However, both in the conventional actuators described above and the actuator shown in FIGS. 1 to 14, the yoke is formed into a cylindrical shape. In accordance with the contour of the yoke, each of the permanent magnets to be housed or mounted in the yoke is also necessary to have a shape curved in the form of an arc. However, the permanent magnets with such configuration are costly, thus the cost for the parts becomes higher.
In addition, the actuator referred to hereinabove requires the use of a gig or the like in the process of assembly to align the curved permanent magnets with respect to the yoke, thus making the assembly process troublesome.
Further, there is a need for providing a magnet support means or the like which can position the permanent magnets in advance into the yoke, which causes a problem in that the number of parts of the actuator is increased.


Systems and methods to control pulse welding are disclosed. An example welding-type system includes: power conversion circuitry configured to convert input power to welding-type power; and control circuitry configured to control the power conversion circuitry to output the welding-type power in a plurality of pulse cycles, each pulse cycle including background, ramp up, peak, and ramp down phases. Controlling the power conversion circuitry involves: during the background phase, controlling the power conversion circuitry in a voltage-controlled mode using a background voltage as a target voltage; during the ramp up phase, controlling the power conversion circuitry by changing the target voltage to a peak voltage; during the peak phase, controlling the power conversion circuitry using the peak voltage as the target voltage; and during the ramp down phase, controlling the power conversion circuitry by changing the target voltage to the background voltage.

Welding-type components (e.g., welding torches) are sometimes powered by welding-type power supplies. Conventional power supplies use a range of electrical components and/or electrical circuitry to produce appropriate welding-type power for various welding-type operations and/or welding-type components.
One known welding process is a pulsed MIG process. A pulsed MIG process typically has a cyclical output having at least a peak phase with a relatively high current and a background phase with a relatively low current. There is often an abrupt change in slope from the beginning and end of the peak and background phases.


A periodontal implement in form of a scaler or curette having at least one blade mounted to one end thereof in which the body of the implement includes at least one fluid passageway through which a source of medicinal fluid supply including germicidals, anesthetics, soothing agents hemostatics and the like are released to the area of the blade during patient treatment by controlled flow such as by metering or capillary action.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention is generally directed to dental and periodontal implements and especially to medicinal fluid applicators in the form of scalers and curettes which include a source of fluid supply so that controlled amounts of the fluid may be directed to an area adjacent the cutting blade of such implements for purposes of applying medicinal fluids including germicidals, anesthetics, soothing agents and the like to the tissue adjacent the teeth being treated. The implements are supplied with a source of fluid through appropriate inlets or valves positioned within the handle of the implements. Each implement includes a channel through the shank which connects the blade to the handle of the implement through which the appropriate fluid may be dispensed in controlled amounts as the implement is manipulated with respect to the surface being treated. The medication is used before treatment, such as scaling, to reduce the infectious organisms present and possible further infection systemically. Also, the medication will reduce pain in the inflamed areas of all gum areas so as to make treatment less painful and reduce bleeding. Further applications may be made immediately after treatment, so the patient will have less pain for the next hour or so.
In some embodiments, the fluid may be supplied to the implement by way of separate meters which can be connected to the implement and which will regulate the quantity of fluid to within several 1/100ths of a milliliter or more. In other embodiments, the source of fluid supply will be a reservoir of about 1-3 quarts from which fluid is supplied through a conduit associated with a conventional dental fluid and air supply system. Such systems are subject to air pressure of up to about 35 pounds per square inch which pressure forces liquid through a conduit when an appropriate foot pedal operated control is activated. Fluid conveyed through the conduit or tubing is introduced either into one of two inlet ports in a double bladed instrument (single port in a single bladed instrument) or through an adjustable valve in an instrument handle which is selectively operated to direct fluid to one of the blade areas of a double bladed instrument. The valves and the openings and channels in the instruments may be of a specific size or dimension to regulate fluid flow from an instrument.

Periodontal scaler-like medicinal fluid applicator


Headsets with multi-color ribbon cable and related systems and methods of manufacture are provided. A representative audio headset includes: a ribbon cable having a body and multiple elongated conductors, the body being formed of electrically insulating material and extending between a connector end an earpiece end, the body having a first side and an opposing second side, the insulating material exhibiting a first color, the multiple elongated conductors being embedded in the body; a connector attached to the connector end and electrically coupled to the conductors; an earpiece connected to the earpiece end and electrically coupled to the conductors; and dye bonded with the insulating material at the second side of the body such that the second side of the body exhibits a second color different from the first color.

Various electronic devices use headsets for improving privacy during use. Oftentimes, headsets incorporate ribbon cables, which are relatively flat cables that include several conductors configured in a side-by-side arrangement.
In the past, the individual conductors of a ribbon cable were separately insulated and could exhibit multiple colors owing to the different colors of the insulating materials. More recently, however, the conductors are simultaneously coated with insulating material. Thus, ribbon cables exhibiting a single color are often provided.

Audio headsets with multi-color ribbon cable and related systems and methods of manufacture


An absorbent article is provided with microencapsulated phase change material (microPCM) particles that are embedded in and/or coated onto a layer of the absorbent article that includes a resilient sheet of an open-cell foam. The foam layer is disposed such that it is in contact with or is in proximity to the user. The microPCM particles absorb heat generated during use of the absorbent article to reduce the contact temperature on the inside of the absorbent article and improve the comfort of the user. To maximize comfort, the phase change temperature of the microPCM particles may be an average normal body temperature.

A user of a conventional disposable absorbent article typically experiences a localized build up of heat that is generated by the body in the vicinity of the absorbent article. The heat, in turn, leads to increased trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) as the user's body tries to diffuse the heat. The heat in the vicinity of the absorbent article is more noticeable during hot and humid weather, when a user who wears an absorbent article is performing extended physical activity, such as walking or running or when the user is committed to remain in an environment, such as a bed or chair, that generates heat. The friction caused by the absorbent article against a user's skin in combination with the TEWL that is induced by the heat can be a precursor to skin irritation and a breakdown of the skin barriers. If not quickly remediated, the friction and TEWL may lead to the formation of pressure ulcers that can cause irreversible damage to the skin of the user.
Some conventional absorbent articles include microporous breathable films to alleviate heat generated by use of the absorbent article. Microporous films enable air to flow through the absorbent article to reduce the humidity and, to a certain degree, the occlusion of the user's skin and pores. However, such films are incapable of cooling directly or indirectly the epidermis of a wearer of the absorbent article. Moreover, the effectiveness of the microporous films is dependent upon having a relatively cool environment surrounding the exterior of the absorbent article.

Absorbent article with microencapsulated phase change material


Lonafarnib and ritonavir, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, are used in combination to treat HDV infection. In one aspect, amorphous co-precipitates comprising lonafarnib, ritonavir, and a co-polymer are provided.

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a virus that causes the most severe form of viral hepatitis, for which currently there is not an effective medical therapy. HDV always presents as a co-infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV), and a co-infected patient is much more likely to die of complications of viral infection than a patient infected with HBV alone.
The HDV large delta antigen protein contains a CXXX box rendering it a substrate for prenylation (see Zhang and Casey, 1996, Annu. Rev. Biochem. 65:241-269) by the prenyl lipid farnesyltransferase (see Glenn et al., 1992, Science 256:1331-1333, and Otto and Casey, 1996, J. Biol. Chem. 271:4569-4572). Farnesylation of proteins catalyzed by FTase is an essential step in processing of a variety of proteins and occurs by transfer of the farnesyl group of farnesyl pyrophosphate to a cysteine at the C-terminal tetrapeptide of a protein in a structural motif sometimes referred to as the CAAX box. Further post-translational modifications of a farnesylated protein, including proteolytic cleavage at the cysteine residue of the CAAX box and methylation of the cysteine carboxyl, generally follow farnesylation. Molecular genetic experiments demonstrated that specific mutation of the prenylation site in large delta antigen prevents both its prenylation and HDV particle formation (see Glenn et al., 1992, supra). PCT Pub. No. WO 2011/088126, incorporated herein by reference, describes the potential of using prenyltransferase inhibitors, including lonafarnib, in humans to treat HDV infection. However, there continues to be an ongoing need for agents to treat HDV infection.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Methods of treating hepatitis delta virus infection


A thermoelectric system which operates on AC input power without requiring external rectification or conditioning is provided. The thermoelectric system includes a thermoelectric device with an integrated rectifier circuit. The thermoelectric device includes a thermoelectric array which may function satisfactorily with 120 volt AC, 240 volt AC or any other desired input power. A control circuit is also provided to allow switching the associated rectifier circuit of the thermoelectric system from full-wave rectification to half-wave rectification. The thermoelectric system may use the control circuit to maintain the temperature of either the hot plate or the cold plate associated with the thermoelectric device at a desired value.

The basic theory and operation of thermoelectric devices has been developed for many years. Thermoelectric devices are essentially small heat pumps which follow the laws of thermodynamics in the same manner as mechanical heat pumps, refrigerators, or any other apparatus used to transfer heat energy. The principal difference is that thermoelectric devices function with solid state electrical components (thermocouples) as compared to more traditional mechanical/fluid heating and cooling components. Thermoelectric devices operate using the Peltier effect.
The circuit for a simple thermoelectric device generally includes two dissimilar materials such as N-type and P-type thermoelectric semiconductor elements. The thermoelectric elements are typically arranged in an alternating N-element and P-element configuration. In many thermoelectric devices, semiconductor materials with dissimilar characteristics are connected electrically in series and thermally in parallel. The Peltier effect occurs when voltage is applied to the N-type elements and the P-type elements resulting in current flow through the serial electrical connection and heat transfer across the N-type and P-type elements in the parallel thermal connection.
Modern thermoelectric systems typically include an array of thermocouples which operate by using the Peltier effect to transfer heat energy, an external power supply to convert AC power to DC power to produce the Peltier-type heat transfer with the thermocouple array, and external temperature control circuit. When electrical power is applied to a typical thermoelectric device having an array of thermocouples, heat is absorbed on the cold side of the thermocouples and passed through the thermocouples. A heat sink (sometimes referred to as the "hot sink") is preferably attached to the hot side of the thermoelectric device to aid in dissipating heat from the thermocouples to the adjacent environment. In a similar manner, a heat sink (sometimes referred to as a "cold sink") is often attached to the cold side of the thermoelectric device to aid in removing heat from the adjacent environment. Thermoelectric devices are sometimes referred to as thermoelectric coolers. However, since they are a type of heat pump, thermoelectric devices can function as either a cooler or heater.
In a typical thermocouple array, the direction of heat transfer is indicated by the direction of net current flow through the thermocouples. AC power does not generally affect heat transfer in a thermoelectric devices because AC power normally produces the same amount of current flow in alternating directions through the thermocouple array or essentially zero net current flow. Therefore, AC power, without modification or conditioning, applied to a thermocouple array results in no net transfer of heat energy. A typical thermoelectric device requires DC power in order to produce a net current flow through the thermocouples in one direction. The direction of the current flow determines the direction of heat transfer across the thermocouples. Therefore, the direction of net, non-zero current flow through the thermocouples determines the function of the thermoelectric device as either a cooler or heater.
Traditionally, there are various ways external components have been used to generate this DC power. One way is to drive the thermocouple array directly from a battery or external DC power supply. The external DC power supply often uses a bulky transformer to convert 120 volt or 240 volt AC power to DC power to drive the associated thermoelectric device. In many external DC power supplies, the AC line voltage is reduced using an external transformer. The transformed AC power is then rectified to DC power using an external rectifier circuit. This DC power is then applied to the thermoelectric device to produce the desired heat transfer.
Additionally, whenever it is desired to control the power supplied to the thermoelectric device, an external control circuit has traditionally been used to vary the current flow and resulting heat transfer rate. The external control circuit usually consists of a sensing element to sense the temperature and/or heat transfer rate, a feedback circuit to transfer this temperature or heat transfer information to the control circuit, and a regulator to adjust the net power flow to the thermoelectric device. Controlling the power flow controls the heat transfer rate. Often, the heat-transfer control circuit has used either proportional control, regulating the heat transfer rate by varying the amount of current to the thermoelectric device, or switching control, turning the current to the thermoelectric device off and on as necessary for the desired net heat transfer.

Integrated thermoelectric system with full/half wave rectifier control


A peptide, with the sequence (AA)n-Arg-Gly-Ser-(AA)n, where (AA) is any amino acid or a derivative thereof and n=0 to 3, as an active ingredient in or for the preparation of a cosmetic and/or dermatological and/or pharmaceutical preparation. The invention also relates to the use thereof for the treatment, amongst others, of the effects of cutaneous aging and/or the use thereof against cellulite, to a composition comprising the same and to a cosmetic method for the treatment of the skin using said peptide or the composition.

The skin is a coating organ covering the totality of the body's surface. It is a vital organ ensuring multiple functions such as sensitive functions, protective functions from external aggressions, as well as immunological, metabolic or thermoregulatory functions. These roles are made possible due to a complex structure which associates various tissues. The skin consists of three superimposed distinct layers: epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. The epidermis is a coating epithelium which constitutes the external structure of the skin and provides its function of protection. This function is provided by the cohesion of the epithelial cells and by the production of a filamentous and resistant protein, keratin.
The dermis is a connective tissue made up of a ground substance in which fibroblasts reside along with collagen fibers and elastin fibers, which are fibrous protein synthesized by fibroblasts. The collagen fibers ensure a great part of the solidity of the dermis, they take part in the elasticity and especially in the tonicity of the skin and/or the mucous membranes.
Below the dermis is a layer of adipose tissue: hypodermis. The hypodermis consists of a reserve fat layer, or white adipose tissue, attached to the lower part of the dermis by expansions of collagens and elastic fibers. It consists of large vacuolated cells, the adipocytes, almost entirely filled with triglycerides. The volume of these cells can change rapidly, during a weight loss or weight gain, and can measure from 40 to 120 μm in diameter, which corresponds to a variation of 27 times in volume. The adipose tissue also contains connective tissue in which we can find, inter alia, particular fibroblasts and preadipocytes. The adipose tissue can store lipids as triglycerides or release them as fatty acids and glycerol.
Today, the health and cosmetics specialists use more and more means in order to discover new active ingredients which are able to act on the skin. This industry seeks active ingredients which are not only able to protect and maintain skin but also active ingredients which are able to improve its appearance as well as the well-being of the individuals who use it. It is necessary that these new products simultaneously possess several properties and that, consequently, they provide an improved spectrum of performances. Thus, these active ingredients must have a general mode of action on the skin, and must therefore act at various levels.
The purpose of this invention is to offer a new substance, usable in the fields of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, and which presents, in addition to skin care properties, a preventive and curative action on the manifestations of cutaneous aging, as well as a stimulative and revitalizing action. Thus this active ingredient will be able to fight against the phenomena of cutaneous aging, while efficiently protecting the skin at the same time. Additionally, it will have a slimming effect.
Adenosine 5′-Triphosphate (ATP) is a molecule which plays a central role in many cellular mechanisms. It is, indeed, the principal source of energy for the cells: this molecule is capable of keeping chemical energy in reserve and easily releasing it in reactions that require energy. ATP plays an important role in the skin: it is a marker of vitality and activity of cells. For example, cell activity correlates closely with an increase in the synthesis of essential molecules, such as proteins or DNA. So, by increasing the quantity of intracellular ATP, the cell is stimulated and receives the necessary energy in order to synthesize the enzymes which will induce mechanisms of activation and which will thus make it possible to increase cellular metabolism.
Thus, for example, by stimulating molecule synthesis, essential for the healthy functioning of the skin, such as extracellular matrix proteins (collagen, elastin, fibronectin) or keratin, the skin will fight better against the phenomena of aging and promote its renewal (by increasing cell proliferation and differentiation). The skin will also be able to better develop its repair process or to fight more effectively against UV damage.

Cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition comprising peptides, uses and treatment processes


A mounting clip assembly for a portable consumer product. The mounting clip assembly has a clip body with a top surface and two ends. A hole is provided in a housing wall of the consumer product. The hole is sized to receive the clip body, wherein the clip body lays flush across the hole. A pivot pin extends across the hole. The pivot pin engages the clip body at a fulcrum point. A leaf spring is provided under the clip body. The leaf spring abuts against the clip body and applies a bias force that retains the clip body in a flush orientation with the top surface of the clip body. When a depression force is applied to one end of the clip body, the clip body pivots and causes the opposite end of the clip body to rise away from the exterior surface of the housing wall.

1. Field of the Invention
In general, the present invention relates to mounting clips of the type that connect small objects to belts, waistbands and pocket hems. More particularly, the present invention relates to mounting clips that lay flush within the surface of an object until the mounting clip needs to be used.
2. Prior Art Description
There are many consumer goods that are commonly manufactured with clips. Consumer goods, such as cellular telephones, knives, beepers, MP3 players and the like, often have mounting clips attached to their external housings. The presence of the clip allows the consumer good to be attached to a belt, waistband, pocket hem, purse strap or another such area. Although mounting clips are highly useful features, they do present a problem to manufacturers of small consumer goods. Many people prefer to carry objects, such as cellular telephones, in their pocket or purse, rather than utilize a clip. For such people, the smaller the object is, the easier it is to carry. Thus, cellular phones, MP3 players and other such items having the thinnest profiles are the most appealing to such consumers.
If a mounting clip is attached to a thin cellular phone, knife or other such object, the presence of the mounting clip may double the thickness of the object. Consequently, an object with a mounting clip is harder to carry inside a pocket than that same object without the mounting clip. Thus, if a manufacturer adds a mounting clip to a consumer product, it may lose its appeal to many customers. Conversely, if a manufacturer makes a product without a mounting clip, that product many lose its appeal to the many other customers who desire a mounting clip.
The problem of whether or not to provide a mounting clip is sometimes addressed by the use of different holsters. Often a product, such as a cellular phone or a knife, is sold in a holster. The holster includes a mounting clip as part of its structure. If a person wants a mounting clip, they use the holster. If they do not want the mounting clip, they remove the product from the holster. However, many people do not like the look of a holster and the holster adds significantly to the cost of a product.
Another solution to the problem of a mounting clip is to build the mounting clip into the structure of the consumer product in a manner that enables the mounting clip to be selectively retracted and extended. Mounting clips have been designed that lay flush against the surface upon which they are present. Such flush mounting clips are exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 4,111,343 to Selinko, entitled Retractable Mounting Clip Arrangement For Miniature Portable Apparatus Or The Like; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,481,058 to Muster, entitled Accessory For A Portable Apparatus. Such prior art mounting clip configurations require that deep reliefs be formed in the surface of the object under the mounting clip. The deep reliefs are designed to hold the body of the mounting clip, springs, magnets and other components. Such mounting clip configurations, therefore, have only limited applicability. Many consumer products, such as cellular telephones, MP3 players and the like, have housings that are made from only a thin layer of plastic. Such surfaces do not have the depth, or strength to hold prior art flush mounting clip designs. However it is these very products that would benefit the most from a flush mounting clip.
A need therefore exists for a mounting clip configuration that can be mounted flush upon a surface of a product, even if that surface is thin and unsupported. This need is met by the present invention as described and claimed below.

Flush surface mounting clip and its associated method of construction


A method and an apparatus for aligning the phases of clocks of different clock domains of an IC to enable data to be transferred synchronously across the clock domains. The present invention comprises a phase-alignment system that is adjustable via a user interface to enable the clock phases to be adjusted. A user controls the degree of alignment of the phases via the user interface. The present invention enables the phases of clocks of different clock domains to be adjusted even after the IC has been fabricated.

The present invention relates generally to electrical circuits and, more particularly, to a method and an apparatus for aligning the phases of clocks of different clock domains to enable data to be transferred synchronously across the clock domains.
It is common for integrated circuit (IC) technology to have multiple clock domains. In each clock domain, the domain logic is driven by a clock operating at a particular frequency that is different from the clock frequency of the clocks of the other clock domains. When data is transferred between clock domains, the transfer of data must be synchronized between the clock domains so that data will not be lost, so that setup and hold time violations will not occur in the downstream logic and so that the synchronization of data between clock domains will occur with maximum throughput. In order for these goals to be accomplished, many different clock domain synchronization techniques and designs have been developed.
These various synchronization solutions generally fall into two categories. The first and simplest solution is to place synchronizing flip flops at the location where transferred data is received at the receiving clock domain, as shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 illustrates logic 1 of clock domain A being controlled by clock A and logic 2 of clock domain B being controlled by clock B. Clocks A and B have different clock rates. Data sent from clock domain A to clock domain B must be synchronized to clock B and data sent from clock domain B to clock domain A must be synchronized to clock domain A. Otherwise, data transferred between clock domains A and B may be lost and/or erroneous results may occur due to setup and/or hold time violations. Data output from logic 1 is output at the rate of clock A, as indicated by line 3 and must be converted into data at clock B. Data output from logic 2 is output at the rate of clock B, as indicated by line 4. The data being sent from logic 1 to logic 2 is received by flip flop 5, which is controlled by clock B, as indicated. The data being sent from logic 2 to logic 1 is received by flip flop 6, which is controlled by clock A, as indicated.
When clock B is high, data at the D input of flip flop 5 (i.e., data being transferred from logic 1 to logic 2) is output from the Q output of flip flop 5 at the clock rate of clock B so that the data is synchronized to the logic 2 of clock domain B. Similarly, when clock A is high, data at the D input of flip flop 6 is output from the Q output of flip flop 6 (i.e., data being transferred from logic 2 to logic 1) at the clock rate of clock A so that is synchronized with the logic 1 of clock domain A.
Solutions of the type shown in FIG. 1 may not be adequate due to additional delays of the data signals and uncertainty as to when the data will arrive during a clock cycle. The second solution does not utilize the flip flop synchronizer circuit of FIG. 1, but rather, ensures that the data crosses the clock domains synchronously by controlling the clock skews between the clock domains. This solution, which is represented in FIG. 2 by the transfer of data between clock domain 10, which is being driven by clock A, and clock domain 11, which is being driven by clock B. The solution represented by FIG. 2 is more difficult to implement than that of FIG. 1 and depends on the clock frequencies and how they align with each other. In the past, in order to implement this solution, the designer would simulate the clock alignment as precisely as possible before releasing the design for fabrication. For example, a 5:4 ratio of the rates of clocks A and B would mean that the rising edges of both clocks align at the beginning of every fifth cycle of clock A and every fourth cycle of clock B. The IC designer would design the clock circuits so that the rising edges that occur on the fifth and fourth clock cycles of clocks A and B, respectively, are as precisely aligned as possible given the other design considerations of the IC.
The problem with the solution represented by FIG. 2 is that, if a determination is made that the timing of the IC is off, no xe2x80x9cquick fixxe2x80x9d is available to check the alignment of the clocks to determine if the timing problem is due to misalignment of the clocks. Rather, schematic-based simulations must be performed to correct the alignment of the clock domains. Furthermore, if timing problems occur after fabrication of the IC, there is no way to correct the phase alignment of the clocks of the IC.
Accordingly, a need exists for a method and apparatus that enable precise data transfer across different clock domains and that enable the alignment of the phases of the clocks to be corrected after the IC has been fabricated.
The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for aligning the phases of clocks of different clock domains of an IC to enable data to be transferred synchronously across the clock domains. The present invention comprises a phase-alignment system that is adjustable via a user interface to enable the clock phases to be adjusted. A user controls the degree of alignment of the phases via the user interface. The present invention enables the phases of clocks of different clock domains to be adjusted even after the IC has been fabricated, the apparatus including phase-alignment logic which is configured to receive input from the user interface. The input automatically configures the phase-alignment logic to cause the phase of at least one of the first and second clocks to be adjusted, thereby adjusting the degree of alignment of the phases of the first and second clocks.
The method of the present invention is directed to adjusting a degree of alignment of clock phases of a first clock driving logic of a first clock domain of an integrated circuit (IC) and a second clock driving logic of a second clock domain of the IC. The method comprises the steps of receiving input from a user interface in phase-alignment logic of the IC and then automatically configuring the phase-alignment logic in accordance with the input to delay at least one of the first and second clocks in time, thereby adjusting the degree of alignment of the phases of the first and second clocks.
These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, drawings and claims.

Method and apparatus for synchronously transferring data across multiple clock domains


A disclosed system, method and computer readable storage medium is provided to receive an input video comprising a plurality of video frames, each of which has a plurality of input pixels. Each input pixel is of n-bit depth (e.g., 8-bit depth). The method optionally increases the bitdepth of each input pixel by a predetermined factor (e.g., 4-bit factor). The method further compresses and reconstructs each pixels of the input video. The method further compresses and reconstructs each pixel of intermediate frame buffers stored in a decoder frame buffer. The method calculates an adaptive offset for each block (e.g., of size of 4×4) of reconstructed pixel values of the intermediate frame buffers. Furthermore, the method can compute two-sub-block offset values and uses them to compute an optimized adaptive offset to be applied to each pixel within the corresponding sub-block.

1. Field of Art
The disclosure generally relates to video compression, more particularly, to improvements in video coding efficiency using internal bit depth extension and reference frame compression.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recent video compression development indicates increasing bit depth during encoding process improves video coding efficiency. According to existing video coding experimental results (e.g., TOSHIBA's adaptive scaling scheme), by using 12 bits of internal bit depth for an 8-bit video input, over 10% of bitrate saving for some 720p ("p" stands for "progressive") and 1080p video sequences can be achieved compared to compression without increasing bit depth. The most coding gain comes from improvements in inter-frame prediction using an internal bit depth increase (IBDI) scheme.
IBDI technique refers to increasing the bit depth of pixels of a video sequence at the input to an encoder and adjusting the bit depth at the output of a decoder. IBDI can be used to improve standard elements of a block-based video codec (e.g., H.264 video coding) including arithmetic precision of prediction, transform and loop filter.
It is known that pixel bit depth has a direct impact on memory access bandwidth and capacity of the reference frame buffers used during the video encoding and decoding processes. One approach is to efficiently compress the IBDI reference frames so that the adverse impact on memory access and capacity of the frame buffers is minimized while maintaining most of the coding gain. Such an approach is referred to as reference frame compression (RFC). The existing IBDI codec faces a major challenge to balance the coding gain from bit depth increase against the adverse impact on implementation complexity. The challenges faced by the existing IBDI codec call for a system and method for improved adaptive bit depth scaling and efficient IBDI reference frame compression.

Unified scaling with differential coding for internal bit depth extension and reference frame compression


The present invention relates an aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitor for use in the treatment or prevention of fibrosis.

Fibrosis is the formation of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ or tissue in response to an injury and/or inflammation. Fibrosis in response to an injury is also called scarring. Fibrosis may also arise due to pathological states, such as mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP), pulmonary fibrosis and scleroderma.
Pulmonary fibrosis and scleroderma are leading causes of mortality. Mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and variable blistering and scarring of one or more of the mucous membranes and the skin. MMP affecting the conjunctiva is known as ocular MMP (OcMMP) and can rapidly cause blindness in patients.
There are at present no approved therapeutic treatments specifically for fibrosis, and current immunosuppressive or anti-inflammatory therapies are generally ineffective. There is therefore a need for new drugs which can reduce or prevent the formation of excess fibrous connective tissue, and thereby treat diseases involving fibrosis, such as mucous membrane pemphigoid, pulmonary fibrosis and scleroderma. One particular need is for drugs that can be used to treat or prevent fibrosis in the eye, for example OcMMP.


A method and apparatus for managing aircraft. Data about components for the aircraft is identified. Fuel efficiency of the aircraft is identified using the data about the components for the aircraft and a model of the aircraft. The model of the aircraft identifies fuel use. The aircraft is managed using the fuel efficiency identified for the aircraft.

1. Field
The present disclosure relates generally to aircraft and, in particular, to a method and apparatus for managing aircraft. Still more particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for managing fuel for an aircraft.
2. Background
Aircraft are used for a number of different types of missions. For example, aircraft are used to carry passengers and/or cargo from one location to another location. Further, aircraft also may be used to perform surveillance. An aircraft may take pictures or video of a number of different locations.
In performing different missions, an aircraft is limited by the amount of fuel carried by the aircraft. The range of aircraft is limited by the maximum amount of fuel that the aircraft can carry. Further, the range at which an aircraft can fly between taking off and landing may also be affected by factors, such as the speed, environmental conditions, and other factors.
In planning a mission, the amount of fuel transferred to an aircraft may depend on the mission being flown. The amount of fuel may include, for example, the fuel needed to fly from a starting location to a landing location. The amount of fuel transferred to the aircraft typically includes a reserve amount in addition to the amount of fuel needed to fly from the starting location to the landing location. This reserve amount may take into account fuel needed for additional time required for taking off, landing, holding patterns, approaches, diversions, and other events. Oftentimes, the amount of fuel that is needed is less than the maximum capacity of the fuel tanks in the aircraft.
Placing more fuel than needed for a mission may be undesirable. When more fuel is transferred onto an aircraft than needed for a mission, the fuel efficiency of the aircraft may be reduced. The weight of the fuel also is taken into account in determining how much fuel is needed to perform a mission.
The fuel efficiency of an aircraft may be identified through a model for the aircraft. Each type of aircraft may have a model that provides a capability to identify how much fuel may be used by an aircraft at different speeds or altitudes. Determining the amount of fuel needed for a mission may not be as accurate as desired using the models of the aircraft.
Thus, placing more fuel than needed beyond desired safety factors may increase the cost for operating aircraft. Therefore, it would be advantageous to have a method and apparatus that takes into account one or more of the issues discussed above, as well as other possible issues.


To realize miniaturization and increased capacity of memories by lowering break voltage for causing resistance change and suppressing variation in break voltage.

Recent years have seen increasing high performance in electronic devices such as mobile information devices and information appliances following the development of digital technology. With the increased high performance in these electronic devices, miniaturization and increase in speed of semiconductor elements used are rapidly advancing. Among these, application for large-capacity nonvolatile memories represented by a flash memory is rapidly expanding. In addition, as a next-generation new-type nonvolatile memory to replace the flash memory, research and development on a variable resistance nonvolatile storage element which uses what is called a variable resistance element is advancing. Here, variable resistance element refers to an element having a property in which a resistance value reversibly changes according to electrical signals, and capable of storing information corresponding to the resistance value in a nonvolatile manner.
As an example of such variable resistance element, there is proposed a nonvolatile memory device having a variable resistance layer in which transition metal oxides of different oxygen content are stacked. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses selectively causing the occurrence of oxidation/reduction reaction in an electrode interface which is in contact with a variable resistance layer having high oxygen content, to stabilize resistance change.
The aforementioned conventional variable resistance element includes a lower electrode, a variable resistance layer, and an upper electrode, and a memory array is configured from a two-dimensional or three-dimensional array of such variable resistance element. In each of the variable resistance elements, the variable resistance layer is of a stacked structure including a first variable resistance layer and a second variable resistance layer, and, in addition, the first and second variable resistance layers comprise the same type of transitional metal oxide. The oxygen content of the transitional metal oxide comprised in the second variable resistance layer is higher than the oxygen content of the transitional metal oxide comprised in the first variable resistance layer. By adopting such a structure, when voltage is applied to the variable resistance element, most of the voltage is applied to the second variable resistance layer which has higher oxygen content and exhibits a higher resistance value. Furthermore, oxygen, which can contribute to the reaction, is abundant in the vicinity of the interface. Therefore, oxidation/reduction reaction occurs selectively at the interface between the upper electrode and the second variable resistance layer, and stable resistance change can be realized.    [Citation List]    [Patent Literature]    [PTL 1]
International Publication No. 2008/149484

Nonvolatile memory device and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract: The nonvolatile memory device (10) in the present invention includes: a lower electrode (105) formed above a substrate (100); a first variable resistance layer (106a) formed above the lower electrode (105) and comprising a transitional metal oxide; a second variable resistance layer (106b) formed above the first variable resistance layer (106a) and comprising a transitional metal oxide having higher oxygen content than the transitional metal oxide of the first variable resistance layer (106a); and an upper electrode (107) formed above the second variable resistance layer (106b), wherein a step (106ax) is formed in an interface between the first variable is resistance layer (106a) and the second variable resistance layer (106b). The second variable resistance layer (106b) is formed covering the step (106ax) and has a bend (106bx) above the step (106ax).


A device for mobilizing, rotating and maneuvering an in vivo vehicle introduced into a subject by extracorporeal devices which control the position and motion of such a vehicle by detection and modulation of the strength and direction of the electromagnetic field vector of the vehicle. This invention employs a series of pulses, with specific characteristics over time, to induce magnetic field changes. The changes that result from the vehicle movement are measured and used to calculate the location and movement of the vehicle. A system and method for controlling the movement of the vehicle are also provided.

High resolution imaging of lumens and epithelial surfaces of internal organs is required for many different types of diagnostic procedures. Among imaging techniques employed in modern medical practice are X-ray, ultrasound (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET). These methods rely on measuring and recording physical parameters of internal body parts, and transforming these parameters into informative images. These methods require expensive equipment, not all of which is available in many small and medium size medical centers (especially MRI). These diagnostic procedures also require several skilled practitioners (doctors, nurses and operators) to perform the procedure and interpret the image outputs. All of these factors together lead to relatively high costs of such procedures to the medical health insurance system, while their frequency of use is increasing.
Direct visual observation of internal body organs, like blood vessels, the gastrointestinal tract (GI), lungs, pelvis and abdomen, have significant advantages over indirect diagnostic imaging mainly because it allows real time observation, and the possibility of obtaining a sample for histological examination. The most common method of directly examining the upper or lower GI tract, as well as for examining other body cavities, is endoscopy. The physician has a real time image (either directly or via an external monitor) of the surface or lumen under investigation. The picture recorded in the endoscopic procedure is produced by optical and electro-optical instruments that are inserted into the body in the form of a long, semiflexible tube. One disadvantage of endoscopy and similar methods is the requirement of a direct connection (rigid or flexible) from the examined area to the detector system outside of the body. Another disadvantage is that the instrument does not move easily through the body cavities, causing discomfort to the patient and putting him at risk for complications such as bleeding and infection, accompanied by significant inconvenience.
An alternative to endoscopy is a method which employs a wireless vehicle inside the body capable of gathering and transmitting image data to outside the body. Such a method is taught by U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,278,077, 5,217,449, 5,604,531, and 6,240,312 which describe in vivo camera systems for examination of internal body lumens. Such an imaging and transmitting device can be any in vivo vehicle that can transmit information outside the body. The movement of such devices depends on external direct aiming (via endoscope or catheter), or, more commonly, on natural movement such as blood flow or peristaltic motion of the digestive muscles.
Relying on peristaltic bowel movement has an inherent disadvantage. When the vehicle is in the colon, the peristaltic movement occurs only if the colon is filled with some fecal content. However, when the colon is filled or partially filled with feces, the observation capability is dramatically reduced. Emptying the colon before inserting the vehicle significantly reduces the peristaltic bowel movement, therefore limiting the vehicle movement. In addition, relying only on the peristaltic movement restricts the area under observation, especially in large spaces such as the stomach and colon.
Another significant disadvantage of a passively driven in vivo video device is the fact that the capsule is constantly transmitting pictures for as long as it is in the body, even when it is not needed. Such continuous operation is inefficient and consumes a lot of energy.
Furthermore, passive devices have the disadvantage of the lack of control over the movement and general behavior of the device within the body. An external operator cannot easily control such movement, nor can the operator easily manage the behavior of the device within the body. Therefore, the device may enter an undesirable location, and/or otherwise behave in a less than optimal manner for the type of diagnostic procedure which is being performed.

Navigating and maneuvering of an in vivo vehicle by extracorporeal devices


A computer implemented method for modelizing a nuclear reactor core, including the steps of: partitioning the core in cubes to constitute nodes of a grid for computer implemented calculation, calculating neutron flux by using an iterative solving procedure of at least one eigensystem, the components of an iterant of the eigensystem corresponding either to a neutron flux, to a neutron outcurrent or to a neutron incurrent, for a respective cube to be calculated.

The results of such a modelizing method can be used to prepare safety analysis reports before building and starting a reactor.
These results can also be useful for existing nuclear reactors and especially for managing the nuclear fuel loaded therein. In particular, these results can be used to assess how the core design should evolve in time and decide of the positions of the fuel assemblies in the core, especially the positions of the fresh assemblies to be introduced in the core.
Such modelizing methods are implemented by computers. To this end, the core is partitioned in cubes, each cube constituting a node of a grid for implementing a digital computation.
Usually the steady-state diffusion equation to be solved during such a digital computation amounts to:
                                                                        Σ                Rg                m                                                          ϕ                g                m                                                    ︸              removal                                =                                                    λχ                g                                                                            ∑                                                            g                      ′                                        =                    1                                    G                                                                                νΣ                                              fg                        ′                                            m                                                                                ϕ                                              g                        ′                                            m                                                                            ︸                    production                                                                        +                                          ∑                                                      g                    ′                                    ≠                  g                                G                                                                                Σ                                          gg                      ′                                        m                                                                          ϕ                                          g                      ′                                        m                                                                    ︸                  inscatter                                                      +                                          ∑                                                      u                    =                    x                                    ,                  y                  ,                  z                                                                                1                                      a                    u                    m                                                                                θ                    gu                    m                                                                          (                                                                                j                          gul                                                      +                            m                                                                          +                                                  j                          gur                                                      -                            m                                                                                ︸                        incurrent                                                              )                                                                                ,                            (        1        )                                                                            with                                                                          {                                                                                Σ                      Rg                      m                                        =                                                                  Σ                        ag                        m                                            +                                                                        ∑                                                                                g                              ′                                                        ≠                            g                                                    G                                                                                Σ                                                                                g                              ′                                                                                g                                                    m                                                                    +                                                                        ∑                                                                                u                              =                              x                                                        ,                            y                            ,                            z                                                                                2                                                                                c                                                              1                                                                gu                                                            m                                                                                a                            u                            m                                                                                θ                        gu                        m                                            =                                              1                        -                                                  c                                                      2                                                        gu                                                    m                                                -                                                  c                                                      3                                                        gu                                                    m                                                                                ,                                                                                (        2        )
where λ is a first neutron eigenvalue, m is a cube index, also called nodal index, G is the number of neutron energy groups and g, g′ are neutron energy group indexes, u is a Cartesian axis index of the cube, Σagm represents macroscopic absorption cross-section for the cube m and the energy group g, Σfgm represents macroscopic fission cross-section for the cube m and the energy group g′, Σgg′m represents macroscopic slowing down cross-section for the cube m and the energy groups g, Φgm represent neutron fluxes, such that the ΣRgm, . . . Φgm represent the reaction rates for the corresponding reactions (absorption, fission), ν is the number of neutrons produced per fission, χg is the fraction of neutrons emerging from fission with neutron energy g, aum is the width of cube m along Cartesian axis u, and
with the relationship between the neutron outcurrents jgul−m and jgur+m, neutron fluxes Φgm and neutron incurrents jgul+m and jgur−m defined by:
                    {                                                                              j                  gul                                      -                    m                                                  =                                                                            c                                              1                                                gu                                            m                                                                                ϕ                      g                      m                                                        +                                                            c                                              2                                                gu                                            m                                                                                j                      gul                                              +                        m                                                                              +                                                            c                                              3                                                gu                                            m                                                                                j                      gur                                              -                        m                                                                                j                  gur                                      +                    m                                                  =                                                                            c                                              1                                                gu                                            m                                                                                ϕ                      g                      m                                                        +                                                            c                                              3                                                gu                                            m                                                                                j                      gul                                              +                        m                                                                              +                                                            c                                              2                                                gu                                            m                                                                                j                      gur                                              -                        m                                                                                (        3        )
The coefficients cigum, with i=1, 2, 3, are characteristic of the cube m and depend on nodal dimensions and macroscopic cross-sections Σm.
FIG. 1 is a schematic representation in two dimensions of a cube m showing the neutron incurrents jgul+m and jgur−m for u=x, y and z; the neutron outcurrents jgul−m and jgur+m for u=x, y and z; and the neutron fluxes Σgm. Indexes l, respectively r, refers to each left interface surface, respectively each right interface surface, of the cube m for the respective Cartesian axis x, y. Indexes +, respectively −, represents the orientation from left to right, respectively from right to left, for the respective Cartesian axis x, y.
The steady-state diffusion equation (1) is also named NEM equation, for Nodal Expansion Method equation.
In the state of the art methods, most of the computational efforts are concentrated in the part dedicated to the iterative solving of a large eigensystem corresponding to the steady-state diffusion equation (1).
In order to lower these computational efforts and therefore accelerate the solving of the eigensystem, Coarse Mesh Rebalancing (CMR) procedures have been used. In these procedures, neutron fluxes and currents for a given iteration are multiplied with a corrective factor before pursuing subsequent computationally expensive iterations. The multiplicative correction serves to suppress the presence of a non fundamental wavelength part of eigenspectrum with the first neutron eigenvalue λ close to an exact value λexact.
However, the acceleration effect realized in this way depends on the numerical proximity of the highest coarse mesh level in a multi-level hierarchy to the full-core diffusion level. Such CMR procedures may therefore lead to very slow convergence or even convergence stagnation, thus increasing the computational effort.

Computer implemented method for modelizing a nuclear reactor core and a corresponding computer program product

Abstract: A control parameter is varied to impact a neutron eigenvalue μ through a perturbed interface current equation and drive the neutron eigenvalue μ towards 1.


A multiple fiber push-on (MPO) optical connector is provided having a ferrule configured to house multiple optical fibers and including a stepped portion extending from at least one pair of opposing exterior surfaces of the ferrule. A one-piece housing-backpost is provided having a distal end in a connection direction and a proximal end in a cable direction. The one-piece housing-backpost is configured to receive a ferrule spring and the ferrule from the distal end. The housing-backpost includes at least one resiliently-deformable ferrule-retaining protrusion extending from a sidewall to engage the corresponding stepped portion of the ferrule. The resiliently-deformable ferrule-retaining protrusion is configured to deform towards the housing-backpost interior sidewall as the ferrule is inserted from the distal end and to extend outward against the stepped portion of the ferrule when the ferrule is seated in the housing-backpost to maintain the ferrule in the housing-backpost.

Demand for bandwidth by enterprises and individual consumers continues to rise exponentially. To meet this demand, fiber optics have become the standard cabling medium. Fiber optics relies on individual optical fibers of glass or polymers that are on the order of 250 microns in diameter. Data centers use high-density cabling, with individual fiber optic cables containing one or more optical fibers. Typically, in these high-density environments, MPO (multiple push on) connectors are used for connecting multiple optical fibers from a single multi-fiber cable. Fiber counts may be, for example, 8, 16, 32, or 64 fibers. MPO optical connectors are subject to high side-loading forces. These side-loading forces occur at equipment connection points due to the cables being bent in a downward direction. A side-loaded fiber optic cable is depicted in FIG. 2B.
Further, current optical connectors typically use many small components assembled into a single connector. An example of a prior art connector is depicted in FIG. 1A (exploded view) and FIG. 1B (assembled). Prior art connector 10 includes a dust cap 15 and an outer housing 20 that surrounds an inner housing 25 and employs micro springs 30 to bias the outer housing towards the distal (connection direction) end of the connector. From the proximal end, backpost 55, spring 70, pin keeper 50, guide pins 45, optical ferrule 35 and ferrule boot 40 are assembled into the inner housing 25. Crimp ring 60 and boot 65 are assembled over the end of an optical cable. Many designs use components that "snap fit" into each other during assembly. For example, in the connector of FIG. 1A, the backpost 55 snap fits into inner housing 25. Therefore, not only the side-loading stress during use but the stress of assembly may cause these components to break. Further mechanical stress is applied to the components during testing, such as in FIG. 2B (the arrow indicating the direction of loading), providing another occasion for components of an optical connector to fail.
Current optical connectors feature a backpost, shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2A. The backpost includes a pair of legs that may be prone to breaking at region 75 under side loads, as seen in the photograph of FIG. 2A. Typically, the backpost is fabricated from a polymeric component and is configured to snap fit into the connector housing. Breaking of a backpost leg may occur at the point where the backpost latches into the housing, as depicted by the arrow in FIG. 2C or at the corner of the backpost leg, where it meets the backpost base. The breaking of a connector may interrupt traffic carried by the optical fiber and requires a new connector to be spliced to the end of the fiber, a time-consuming process. Therefore, there is a need in the art for optical connectors that can withstand strong side-loading forces.
Fiber optic connectors typically feature an outer housing that is resiliently-biased in a forward direction by a pair of housing micro-springs, as seen in FIG. 1A and FIG. 4B. Manufacture of the connector is complicated by the presence of these springs which must be carefully assembled between the main body and the outer housing. Further, the springs may fail by being bent or by having adjacent spring coils entangle one another. Thus, there is a need in the art for fiber optic connectors that do not include micro-springs, to ease assembly and reduce potential connector failure.


A system for determining a level of optimality for countries in which to perform a specified business function includes a data storage unit, a mapping engine and a mapping generator. The data storage stores a composite business environment index, a composite input resources index, and an innovation index. The mapping engine receives the specified business function and input factors related to the specified business function and selects at least two of the composite business environment index, the composite input resources index, and the innovation index based on the input factors. The matrix generator determines the level of optimality indicating a measure of success in achieving the specified business function for each of the countries based on scores in the at least two selected indices.

Companies attempting to grow their business across borders require effective tools to analyze relevant regional economic data. Many data sources are available that provide country-specific information related to business. For example, the Multi-Polar World Index (MPW Index) is a data source provided by Accenture™. The MPW Index provides information on a country's competitiveness within five dimensions, including talent, capital, resources, consumers and innovation. Other data sources may be publicly available that provide similar information. However, the MPW Index and other data sources contain a large amount of data, only some of which may be relevant to determining whether a company should grow their business in a specific market. For example, a company wishing to expand their pharmaceutical manufacturing business into Malaysia or South Korea needs to determine the likelihood of future success in those countries before deciding whether to expand into those markets. The data sources may provide some information about Malaysia and South Korea. However, the data may not be exactly relevant to the pharmaceutical manufacturing business. Moreover, it is difficult to determine which data is relevant because there is no way to simplify and summarize the relevant data in these indices. Also, it is difficult to analyze the relevant regional, country and economic data for a specific business goal because of the large amount of data present in these indices.

Specified business function scoring tool


A transmission member with torque-restricting protective structure, including: a first transmission section; a second transmission section kept spaced from the first transmission section by a predetermined distance; a first chucking section connected with the first transmission section and having a first chucking end facing the second transmission section; a second chucking section slidably connected with the second transmission section and linearly reciprocally movable between a chucking position and a releasing position, the second chucking section having a second chucking end, when the second chucking section is positioned in the chucking position, the second chucking end being engaged with the first chucking end, when the second chucking section is positioned in the releasing position, the second chucking end being disengaged from the first chucking end; a resilient member for resiliently locating the second chucking section in the chucking position; and an anti-rotating section disposed between the second chucking section and the second transmission section for preventing the second chucking section and the second transmission section from rotating relative to each other.

The present invention is related to a transmission measure of power tool, and more particularly to a transmission member with torque-restricting protective structure.
A conventional power torque tool is applicable to a work piece for wrenching or unscrewing the work piece. The power tool is generally equipped with a torque-adjusting mechanism or torque-restricting mechanism for adjusting/restricting the nominal torque value. Taiwanese Patent No. 092128742 discloses a socket with a nominal torque value. Ratchet wheels and a spring are disposed inside the socket. In the case that an excessively great torque is applied to the socket, the ratchet wheels are resiliently disengaged from each other to protect the work piece.
The socket of the above Patent has some shortcomings. For example, when tightening a work piece, the ratchet wheels cannot be truly disengaged from each other in the case of too great torque. This is because that the ratchet wheels are reversely displaced to disengage from each other. In the disengaged state, the distance between the ratchet wheels is enlarged. Two opposite ends of the ratchet wheels are respectively for coupling with an output end of a power supply and a work piece. Therefore, when the socket is bridged between the output end of the power supply and the work piece for wrenching/screwing the work piece, the distance between the output end of the power supply and the work piece is fixed. Basically, there is no further room for the two ratchet wheels to displace in reverse directions. Therefore, such socket can hardly truly achieve the torque-restricting protective effect.

Transmission member with torque-restricting protective structure


A lanyard construction including a strap 10 forming a closed loop of flexible material adapted to be disposed about a part 20 of a human body, a mounting element 16 on the loop at a fixed location thereon for mounting an object 18 to be displayed or used by the wearer of the lanyard, and a breakaway element 22, 24, 26 defining a weak point whereat the loop may be open and be pulled free from the wearer.

There are many types of articles that include a strap to be worn about a part of the body which may be generically termed lanyards and may include loop-like elements worn about the neck or the wrist and even belts worn about the waist. In many cases, these lanyards are fitted with some sort of a mounting element such that another article may be attached to the strap. For example, identification cards may be affixed to lanyards such as belts or loops worn about the neck. Sports officials frequently will attach whistles to loops worn about the wrist.
While such uses of lanyards are advantageous, they are not without their drawbacks. For example, a worker around machinery and wearing an identification card as is a fairly common occurrence attached either to a belt or to a loop worn about the neck can be severely injured if the loose identification card attached lanyard becomes caught in the machinery and pull the worker into the machinery. Similarly, unruly fans at sporting events might grab a sport official's whistle or the like such that injury could occur to the sports official if he could not break away from the fan.
The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the above problems.


Apparatus for assisting passengers in standing within a car of a funicular is described which has shallow footing troughs with convexly shaped floor sections joining the troughs. The floor thus formed does not have any sharp angled shoulders so as to protect the passengers from injury if one should fall. The likelihood of such an accident occurring is less due to the absence of such shoulders as passengers have sounder footing. Bumps or strips can also be provided for safer footing.

In connection with cars of funiculars it is known to design the floor of the passenger cabin in the form of stairsteps. The steps of the stairs are disposed in such a way that the angle enclosed by their treads together with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle approximately correspond to the average inclination angle of the line. This design has the purpose of permitting the passengers to stand on supports which are horizontal or enclose as small an angle as possible with respect to the horizontal line.
A basic disadvantage of this design of the inside of the cabin lies in that the stair steps constitute obstacles for the traffic in the passenger cabin, for example during entering and leaving as well as during movement inside the cabin to accommodate additional persons. These obstacles are hardly visible, particularly when the passenger cabin is full, which causes a danger of tripping or falling which can easily lead to accidents.
If the passenger cabin has been divided into compartments in a known manner and the length of the treads corresponds to the length of the compartments, the stairsteps are no longer obstacles. The individual compartments then have a level floor.
Even when the danger of tripping has been eliminated in the above manner, the known design does not fulfill the requirements made today for the comfort of the passengers. As a rule, it is not possible to maintain the inclination of the line constant and thus to offer a safe and comfortable place to stand for the passengers over the entire length of the line. The subdivision into compartments, the length of which corresponds to that of the stairsteps, also requires, besides the separating walls, a corresponding number of doors and closing mechanisms therefor, which increases the price of the vehicle as well as the cost for maintenance.

Passenger vehicle for transportation device


Methods, apparatus and systems for computer-aided determination of quality assessment for locate and marking operations. In one example, information related to a locate and marking operation is electronically analyzed such that a quality assessment is made using assessment parameters that are dynamically selected based at least in part on first information describing at least some aspects of the locate and marking operation as performed by a field-service technician and second information relating to a description of the locate operation to be performed.

Field service operations may be any operation in which companies dispatch technicians and/or other staff to perform certain activities, for example, installations, services and/or repairs. Field service operations may exist in various industries, examples of which include, but are limited to, network installations, utility installations, security systems, construction, medical equipment, heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) and the like.
An example of a field service operation in the construction industry is a so-called "locate and marking operation," also commonly referred to more simply as a "locate operation" (or sometimes merely as "a locate"). In a typical locate operation, a locate technician visits a work site in which there is a plan to disturb the ground (e.g., excavate, dig one or more holes and/or trenches, bore, etc.) so as to determine a presence or an absence of one or more underground facilities (such as various types of utility cables and pipes) in a dig area to be excavated or disturbed at the work site. In some instances, a locate operation may be requested for a "design" project, in which there may be no immediate plan to excavate or otherwise disturb the ground, but nonetheless information about a presence or absence of one or more underground utilities at a work site may be valuable to inform a planning, permitting and/or engineering design phase of a future construction project.
In many states, an excavator who plans to disturb ground at a work site is required by law to notify any potentially affected underground facility owners prior to undertaking an excavation activity. Advanced notice of excavation activities may be provided by an excavator (or another party) by contacting a "one-call center." One-call centers typically are operated by a consortium of underground facility owners for the purposes of receiving excavation notices and in turn notifying facility owners and/or their agents of a plan to excavate. As part of an advanced notification, excavators typically provide to the one-call center various information relating to the planned activity, including a description of the dig area to be excavated or otherwise disturbed.
A locate operation typically is initiated as a result of an excavator providing an excavation notice to a one-call center. An excavation notice also is commonly referred to as a "locate request," and may be provided by the excavator to the one-call center via an electronic mail message, information entry via a website maintained by the one-call center, or a telephone conversation between the excavator and a human operator at the one-call center. The locate request may include an address or some other location-related information describing the geographic location of a work site at which the excavation is to be performed, as well as a description of the dig area (e.g., a text description), such as its location relative to certain landmarks and/or its approximate dimensions, within which there is a plan to disturb the ground. One-call centers similarly may receive locate requests for design projects (for which, as discussed above, there may be no immediate plan to excavate or otherwise disturb the ground).
Based on the information provided in a locate request for planned excavation or design projects, the one-call center identifies certain underground facilities that may be present at the indicated work site. For example, one-call centers generally have access to various existing maps of underground facilities in their jurisdiction, referred to as "facilities maps." Facilities maps typically are provided by underground facilities owners within the jurisdiction and show, for respective different utility types, where underground facilities purportedly may be found relative to some geographic reference frame or coordinate system (e.g., a grid, a street or property map, GPS latitude and longitude coordinates, etc.).
Most often, using such facilities maps, a one-call center identifies a significant buffer zone around an identified work site (i.e., based on the address or location information provided in the locate request), so as to make an over-inclusive identification of underground utilities that may be present (e.g., to err on the side of caution). This practice of creating a buffer zone around an identified work site with reference to one or more facilities maps commonly is referred to as generating a "polygon" or "polygon map." Based on these generally over-inclusive polygons (and in some instances significantly over-inclusive polygons), the one-call center identifies all of the underground facilities that may fall within the polygon so as to notify the corresponding facility owners and/or their agents of the proposed excavation or design project. Again, it should be appreciated that polygons or polygon maps utilized by one-call centers for this purpose typically embrace a geographic area that includes but goes well beyond the actual work site, and in many cases the geographic area enclosed by a given polygon is significantly larger than the actual dig area in which excavation or other similar activities are planned.
Once facilities implicated by the locate request are identified by a one-call center (e.g., via the polygon process), the one-call center generates a "locate request ticket" (also known as a "locate ticket," or simply a "ticket"). The locate request ticket essentially constitutes an instruction to inspect a work site, and typically identifies the work site of the proposed excavation or design and a description of the dig area, typically lists on the ticket all of the underground facilities that may be present at the work site (e.g., by providing a member code for the facility owner of an underground facility that falls within a given polygon), and may also include various other information relevant to the proposed excavation or design (e.g., the name of the excavation company, a name of a property owner or party contracting the excavation company to perform the excavation, etc.). The one-call center sends the ticket to one or more underground facility owners 140 and/or one or more locate service providers 130 (who may be acting as contracted agents of the facility owners) so that they can conduct a locate and marking operation to verify a presence or absence of the underground facilities in the dig area. For example, in some instances, a given underground facility owner 140 may operate its own fleet of locate technicians (e.g., locate technician 145), in which case the one-call center 120 may send the ticket to the underground facility owner 140. In other instances, a given facility owner may contract with a locate service provider to receive locate request tickets and perform a locate and marking operation in response to received tickets on their behalf.
More specifically, upon receiving the locate request, a locate service provider or a facility owner (hereafter referred to as a "ticket recipient") may dispatch a locate technician to the work site of planned excavation to determine a presence or absence of one or more underground facilities in the dig area to be excavated or otherwise disturbed. A first step for the locate technician includes utilizing an underground facility "locate device," which is an instrument for detecting facilities that are concealed in some manner, such as cables and pipes that are located underground, to verify the presence or absence of underground facilities indicated in the locate request ticket as potentially present in the dig area (e.g., via the facility owner member codes listed in the ticket). An underground facility locate device is used to detect electromagnetic fields that are generated by a "test" signal provided along a length of a target facility to be identified. Locate devices typically include both a signal transmitter to provide the test signal (e.g., which is applied by the locate technician to a tracer wire disposed along a length of a facility), and a signal receiver which is generally a hand-held apparatus carried by the locate technician as the technician walks around the dig area to search for underground facilities. The signal receiver indicates a presence of a facility when it detects electromagnetic fields arising from the test signal. Conversely, the absence of a signal detected by the receiver of the locate device generally indicates the absence of the target facility.
Subsequently, the locate technician then generally marks the presence (and in some cases the absence) of a given underground facility in the dig area based on the various signals detected (or not detected) using the locate device. For this purpose, the locate technician conventionally utilizes a "marking device" to dispense a marking material on, for example, the surface of the ground along a detected underground facility. Marking material may be any material, substance, compound, and/or element, used or which may be used separately or in combination to mark, signify, and/or indicate. Examples of marking materials may include, but are not limited to, paint, chalk, dye, and/or iron. Marking devices, such as paint marking wands and/or paint marking wheels, provide a convenient method of dispensing marking materials onto surfaces, such as onto the surface of the ground.
In some environments, arrows, flags, darts, or other types of physical marks may be used to mark the presence or absence of an underground facility in a dig area, in addition to or as an alternative to a material applied to the ground (such as paint, chalk, dye) along the path of a detected utility. The marks resulting from any of a wide variety of materials and/or objects used to indicate a presence or absence of underground facilities generally are referred to as "locate marks." Often, different color materials and/or physical objects may be used for locate marks, wherein different colors correspond to different utility types. For example, the American Public Works Association (APWA) has established a standardized color-coding system for utility identification for use by public agencies, utilities, contractors and various groups involved in ground excavation (e.g., red=electric power lines and cables; blue=potable water; orange=telecommunication lines; yellow=gas, oil, steam). In some cases, the technician also may provide one or more marks to indicate that no facility was found in the dig area (sometimes referred to as a "clear").
As mentioned above, the foregoing activity of identifying and marking a presence or absence of one or more underground facilities generally is referred to for completeness as a "locate and marking operation." However, in light of common parlance adopted in the construction industry, and/or for the sake of brevity, one or both of the respective locate and marking functions may be referred to in some instances simply as a "locate operation" or a "locate" (i.e., without making any specific reference to the marking function). Accordingly, it should be appreciated that any reference in the relevant arts to the task of a locate technician simply as a "locate operation" or a "locate" does not necessarily exclude the marking portion of the overall process.
Inaccurate locating and/or marking of underground facilities can result in physical damage to the facilities, property damage, and/or personal injury during the excavation process that, in turn, can expose a facility owner or contractor to significant legal liability. When underground facilities are damaged and/or when property damage or personal injury results from damaging an underground facility during an excavation, the excavator may assert that the facility was not accurately located and/or marked by a locate technician, while the locate contractor who dispatched the technician may in turn assert that the facility was properly located and marked. Proving whether the underground facility was properly located and marked can be difficult after the excavation, because in many cases the physical locate marks (e.g., the marking material or other physical marks used to mark the facility on the surface of the dig area) will have been disturbed or destroyed during the excavation process.

Methods and apparatus for quality assessment of a field service operation based on dynamic assessment parameters