A signal processor for providing a processed version of an input signal in dependence on the input signal includes a windower configured to window a portion of the input signal, or of a pre-processed version thereof, in dependence on a signal processing window described by signal processing window values for a plurality of window value index values, in order to obtain the processed version of the input signal. The signal processor also includes a window provider for providing the signal processing window values for a plurality of window value index values in dependence on one or more window shape parameters.

Embodiments according to the invention are related to a signal processor for providing a processed version of an input signal in dependence on the input signal, to a window provider for providing signal processing window values, to an encoded media signal, to a method for processing a signal and to a method for providing signal processing window values.
An embodiment according to the invention is related to an apparatus for encoding or decoding an audio or video signal using variable window functions. Another embodiment according to the invention is related to a method for encoding or decoding an audio or video signal using variable window functions.
Embodiments according to the present invention generally relate to signal analysis and processing methods, such as those which may be used in audio or video coding systems.
Finite impulse response (FIR) filtering of discrete signals, particularly in the context of filter banks, is widely employed in spectral analysis, processing, synthesis, and media data compression, amongst other applications. It is well understood that the temporal (or spatial) finiteness of an FIR filter, and hence the finiteness of the signal interval which can be processed at one instant in time or space, can lead to a phenomenon known as bias or leakage. When modifying the filtered interval, for example by varying gain changes or quantization, blocking or ringing artifacts can occur upon inversion of the filtering operation. It has been found that the cause of these artifacts can be ascribed to discontinuities between the endpoints of the signal waveform of the processed interval (hereafter referred to as segment), as well as those of its differentials. It has been found that in order to reduce such unwanted effects of leakage, it thus is helpful or even necessitated to minimize discontinuities in the segment and some of its differentials. This can be achieved by multiplying each sample s(n), n=0, 1, . . . , N−1, of the N-length segment with a certain weight w(n) prior to filtering, and in the case of signal manipulation in the filtered domain, also after inverse filtering, such that the endpoints of the segment and of its differentials are tapered to zero. An equivalent approach is to apply the weights to each basis filter of the filter bank (See, for example, reference [2]). Since the weighting factors are often described by an analytical expression, a set of factors is commonly known as a weighting function or window function.
In typical audio and video coding systems, a source waveform is segmented as above, and each segment is quantized to a coarser representation to accomplish high data compression, i.e. a low bit rate necessitated for storing or transmitting the signal. In an attempt to obtain coding gain by means of energy compaction into fewer than N samples (or, in other words, to increase perceptual quality of the coded signal for a given bit rate), filter-bank transformations of the segments prior to quantization have become popular. Recently developed systems use lapped orthogonal time-to-frequency transformation in the form of the modified discrete cosine transform (MDCT), a filter bank allowing adjacent segments to overlap while still permitting critical sampling. For improved performance, the forward and inverse MDCT operations are combined with weighting of each segment: on center side, an analysis window wa(n) is applied before the forward MDCT and on receiver side, a synthesis window ws(n) is employed after the inverse MDCT. Unfortunately, not all weighting functions are suitable for use with the MDCT. Assuming predetermined (time/space invariant) windows, it has been found that in order for the entire architecture to yield perfect input reconstruction in the absence of quantization or transmission errors, wa(n) and ws(n) has to be chosen as follows:wa(n)·ws(n)+wa(N/2+n)·ws(N/2+n)=1,n=0,1, . . . ,N/2−1.  (1)If wa(n) and ws(n) are to be identical, i.e. wa(n)=ws(n)=w(n), eq. (1) reduces to the better-known constraintw(n)2+w(N/2+n)2=1,n=0,1, . . . ,N/2−1,  (2)published in reference [7]. For best energy compaction, w(n) which are symmetric about n=N/2−½, i.e.w(N−1−n)=w(n),n=0,1, . . . ,N/2−1,  (3)are usually adopted. In the Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) standard (reference [8]), two window functions are available. One is the sine window, given bywsin(n)=sin(π·(n+½)/N),n=0,1, . . . ,N−1,  (4)the other is a Kaiser-Bessel-derived (KBD) window described in the patents of Fielder and Davidson, entitled "Low bit rate transform coder, decoder, and encoder/decoder for high-quality audio," U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,109,417 and 5,142,656. The latter window is also utilized in the AC-3 (Dolby Digital) coding standard (ATSC, Inc., "Digital Audio Compression Standard (AC-3, E-AC-3), Revision B," document A/52B, June 2005), albeit in a different configuration (α=5). The Vorbis specification (reference [9]) defines the windowwvorbis(n)=sin(π/2·sin2(π·(n+½)/N)),n=0,1, . . . ,N−1.  (5)
FIG. 5 shows the frequency responses of the AAC and Vorbis window functions, obtained via Fourier transformation, according to reference [4]. It can be seen that the sine window has relatively high close-frequency selectivity (narrow main lobe) and relatively low stopband rejection (low side lobe attenuation). The KBD window, on the contrary, has high stopband attenuation and low close-frequency selectivity. The Vorbis window lies about midway between the former two windows.
It has been found that for some applications, it may be desirable to exert finer control over the passband selectivity and stopband rejection of a weighting function satisfying eq. (2). More specifically, it has been found that to improve coding efficiency, a window parameter may be necessitated to continuously adapt the characteristics of the window to those of the input spectrum. Of all three functions discussed above, only the KBD function offers such a parameter, α, which can be varied to achieve different selectivity/attenuation tradeoffs. This function, however, incorporates computationally expensive mathematics (Bessel function, hyperbolic sine, square root, and division), potentially prohibiting its re-computation for every signal segment on low-power devices or in real-time systems. The same applies to the class of window functions presented in the article of Sinha and Ferreira, entitled "A New Class of Smooth Power Complementary Windows and their Application to Audio Signal Processing," AES 119th Convention, October 2005, paper 6604, necessitating complex-valued operations, spectral factorization, and Fourier transformation. It also has been found that interpolation between two functions (for example KBD and sine), most efficiently by weighted summation, can be used to somewhat control the frequency response, but this approach offers only limited flexibility.
A multitude of window functions, optimized toward different criteria, have been documented, for example, in references [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]. Arguably three of the most popular functions in use today are the ones reported by von Hann, Hamming, and Blackman.
In the following, some classic window functions will be described. In other words, in the following, the aforementioned window functions (for example, Hann, Hamming and Blackman) will be revisited and the underlying general design equation will be identified.
For the sake of consistency and comparability with seminal investigations of window functions, Nuttall's methodology and notation (see, for example, reference [4]) shall be adopted in the present discussion. In particular, let L denote the duration (length) of a window realization, t the location (time) within the weighting, and f the frequency within the window's power density spectrum, obtained by Fourier transformation of the window function. Additionally, all window functions shall be normalized to a peak amplitude of one. Since only symmetrical (advantageously even length), bell-shaped windows will be studied here, this implies w(L/2)=1. The first weighting function to be considered is known as the Hann (or Hanning) function. It is specified in reference [2] as
                                          w            Hann                                          (            t            )                          =                              sin            2                                          (                          π              ·                              t                L                                      )                                              (        11        )            for DSP applications (nonnegative values of t). As shown in reference [2] and evident from (11), the Hann function is a special case of a class of exponentiated sine functions:
                                                        w              a                                                  (              t              )                                =                                    sin              a                                                  (                              π                ·                                  t                  L                                            )                                      ,                  a          ≥          0.                                    (        12        )            In practice, positive integers are typically assigned to a. Note that (12) can also be written as the sum of an offset and a scaled cosine:
                                          w            Hann                                          (            t            )                          =                  0.5          -                      0.5                                                      cos                                                  (                                      2                                                              π                      ·                                              t                        L                                                                              )                                            .                                                          (        13        )
This formulation allows for a particular spectral optimization of the Hann window (see the discussion below regarding evaluation and optimization) by changing the offset and the scaling factor. The outcome is the Hamming function, whose exact parameterization is given in reference [4] as
                                          w            Hamming                                          (            t            )                          =                  0.53836          -                      0.46164                                                      cos                                                  (                                      2                                                              π                      ·                                              t                        L                                                                              )                                            .                                                          (        14        )
As pointed out by Nuttall (see, for example, reference [4]), the Hann and Hamming windows are two-term realizations of a class of (K+1)-term functions which shall be referred to as sum-of-cosines functions. Simplifying Nuttall's notation, they can be written as
                                          w            b                                          (            t            )                          =                              ∑                          k              =              0                        K                                                                        (                                  -                  1                                )                            k                                                  b              k                                                  cos                                            (                                  2                                    k                                                                                π                    ·                                          t                      L                                                                      )                                                                        (        15        )            for usage in DSP applications. This equals equation 11 of reference [4] with scalar 1/L omitted. Three-term implementations are also common. A simple case is (15) with K=2 and factorsb0=0.375,b1=0.5,b2=0.125,  (16)which is equivalent to (12) with a=4. Similar to Hamming's approach, Blackman, (see for example, reference [1]) derived the following optimized bk:b0=0.42,b1=0.5,b2=0.08.  (17)Nuttall (see, for example, reference [4]) further refined Blackman's values for better near-field spectral response (first side lobes, see the discussion below regarding evaluation and optimization):b0=0.40897,b1=0.5,b2=0.09103.  (18)
The interested reader is encouraged to take a look at reference [4] for other optimized 3- and 4-term sum-of-cosines windows.
In view of the above discussion, what is needed is an alternative window function having a moderate computational complexity, but providing a good design flexibility.

Signal processor, window provider, encoded media signal, method for processing a signal and method for providing a window

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.


The invention relates to silicone compositions which can be crosslinked to give elastomers and which comprises the constituents

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to silicone compositions which comprise inactive fillers and nitrogen compounds which can be crosslinked to provide elastomers, and to the silicone elastomers obtainable therefrom.
2. Background Art
As is known, the oil resistance of silicone elastomers can be improved by addition of, for example, quartz or talc. U.S. Pat. No. 4,131,588 describes mica- and optionally talc-containing addition- and condensation-crosslinking silicone compositions having reduced gas permeability. European published application EP-A-953675 describes the use of talc as filler in textile coating compositions. The condensation- or addition-crosslinking silicone elastomers have reduced friction owing to the talc. These compositions are principally employed in airbag coating.
However, talc and other non-reinforcing fillers cause a considerable weight loss in silicone compositions or silicone elastomers at temperatures above 100xc2x0 C. It has been found, for example, that talc and quartz cleave the siloxane chain at elevated temperatures and thus catalyze the formation of cyclic, volatile siloxane compounds. This results in the heat stability of the silicone compositions and silicone elastomers being unsatisfactory at temperatures above 100xc2x0 C.
An object of the present invention was to provide silicone compositions and silicone elastomers which, despite being filled with non-reinforcing fillers, have improved heat stability. This and other objects are met by peroxidically crosslinkable or addition crosslinkable silicone compositions which can be crosslinked to form elastomers, these crosslinkable compositions containing both a non-reinforcing filler and a nitrogen-containing compound.
The invention thus relates more particularly to silicone compositions which can be crosslinked to give elastomers and which comprise the constituents
(A) from 20 to 99% by weight of a polyorganosiloxane containing at least two alkenyl groups per molecule and having a viscosity at 25xc2x0 C. of from 0.1 to 500,000 Pa.s,
(B) from 1 to 80% by weight of a non-reinforcing filler having a mean particle size of from 0.1 to 200 xcexcm and a specific surface area of  less than 100 m2/g,
(C) a crosslinking component selected from
(C1) an organic peroxide and
(C2) an organosilicon compound containing at least two SiH functions per molecule in combination with a hydrosilylation catalyst, and
(D) a nitrogen compound which is selected from amino, ammonium and amido compounds and nitrogen-containing organosilicon compounds.
The inventors have surprisingly discovered that the addition of amino or ammonium compounds to silicone compositions which can be crosslinked to give elastomers drastically reduces cyclization and thus weight loss at elevated temperatures and therefore enables more stable mechanical properties to be achieved on exposure to heat.
The composition of the polyorganosiloxane (A) containing alkenyl groups preferably conforms to the average general formula (1)
R1xR2ySiO(4-x-y)/2xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(1),
in which
R1 is a monovalent, optionally halogen- or cyano-substituted C1-C10-hydrocarbon radical containing aliphatic carbonxe2x80x94carbon multiple bonds which is optionally bonded to silicon via a divalent organic group,
R2 is a monovalent, optionally halogen- or cyano-substituted C1-C10-hydrocarbon radical containing no aliphatic carbonxe2x80x94carbon multiple bonds which is bonded via SiC,
x is a non-negative number such that at least two radicals R1 are present in each molecule, and
y is a non-negative number such that (x+y) is in the range from 1.8 to 2.5.
The alkenyl groups R1 are able to undergo an addition reaction with an SiH-functional crosslinking agent. Use is usually made of alkenyl groups having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, such as vinyl, allyl, methallyl, 1-propenyl, 5-hexenyl, ethynyl, butadienyl, hexadienyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclopentadienyl or cyclohexenyl groups, preferably vinyl or allyl groups. The radicals R1 can be bonded in any position of the polymer chain, in particular to the terminal silicon atoms.
Divalent organic groups via which the alkenyl groups R1 can be bonded to silicon in the polymer chain consist, for example, of oxyalkylene units, such as, but not limited to, those of the general formula (2)
xe2x80x94(O)m[(CH2)nO]oxe2x80x94xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(2),
in which
m has a value of 0 or 1, in particular 0,
n has a value of 1 to 4 in particular 1 or 2, and
o has a value of from 1 to 20, in particular from 1 to 5, including oxyalkylene moieties where the repeating methylene groups bear lower alkyl substituents. The oxyalkylene units of the general formula (2) are bonded on the left to a silicon atom.
Examples of unsubstituted radicals R2 are alkyl radicals such as the methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl or tert-pentyl radicals, hexyl radicals such as the n-hexyl radical, heptyl radicals such as the n-heptyl radical, octyl radicals such as the n-octyl radical and isooctyl radicals such as the 2,2,4-trimethylpentyl radical, nonyl radicals such as the n-nonyl radical, or decyl radicals such as the n-decyl radical; alkenyl radicals such as the vinyl, allyl, n-5-hexenyl, 4-vinylcyclohexyl and 3-norbornenyl radicals; cycloalkyl radicals such as cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, 4-ethylcyclohexyl and cycloheptyl radicals, norbornyl radicals and methylcyclohexyl radicals; aryl radicals such as the phenyl, biphenylyl and naphthyl radicals; alkaryl radicals such as o-, m- and p-tolyl radicals and ethylphenyl radicals; and aralkyl radicals such as the benzyl radical, and the alpha- and xcex2-phenylethyl radicals.
Examples of substituted hydrocarbon radicals R2 are halogenated hydrocarbons, such as the chloromethyl, 3-chloropropyl, 3-bromopropyl, 3,3,3-tri-fluoropropyl and 5,5,5,4,4,3,3-hexafluoropentyl radicals and the chlorophenyl, dichlorophenyl and trifluorotolyl radicals.
R2 preferably has from 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Particular preference, is given to methyl and phenyl.
Constituent (A) may also be a mixture of polyorganosiloxanes which contain various alkenyl groups and which differ, for example, in the alkenyl group content, the nature of the alkenyl group or structurally. While it is possible for some of the molecules of constituent (A) to contain less than 2 unsaturated groups, on average, at least two of such groups should be present per molecule.
The structure of the polyorganosiloxanes (A) containing alkenyl groups can be linear, cyclic, or branched. The content of tri- and/or tetrafunctional units resulting in branched polyorganosiloxanes is typically very low, preferably at most 20 mol %, and in particular at most 0.1 mol %.
Particular preference is given to the use of polydimethylsiloxanes containing vinyl groups whose molecules conform to the general formula (3)
(ViMe2SiO1/2)2(ViMeSiO)p(Me2SiO)qxe2x80x83xe2x80x83(3),
where the non-negative integers p and q satisfy the following relations: pxe2x89xa70, 50 less than (p+q) less than 20,000, preferably 200 less than (p+q) less than 1000, and 0 less than (p+1)/(p+q) less than 0.2.
The viscosity of the polyorganosiloxane (A) at 25xc2x0 C. is preferably from 0.5 to 100,000 Pa.s, in particular from 1 to 2000 Pa.s. The silicone compositions preferably comprise from 30 to 80% by weight, more preferably from 35 to 75% by weight, of polyorganosiloxane (A), and preferably constitute neat compositions optionally containing organic solvents, but are preferably not in the form of aqueous dispersions.
Examples of the non-reinforcing filler (B) are mineral and/or organic fillers. Examples of non-reinforcing fillers (B) are quartz, for example as quartz flour, talc, diatomaceous earth, clays, chalk, lithopones, carbon blacks, graphite, metal oxides, metal carbonates, metal sulfates, metal salts of carboxylic acids, metal dusts, fibers, such as glass fibers and plastic fibers, and plastic powders. Preference is given to talc and quartz. The fillers (B) may also have been surface-modified, for example with silylating agents.
The non-reinforcing filler talc has the advantage over other inactive mineral fillers, for example, quartz, that non-abrasive, oil-resistant, crosslinkable silicone compositions can be generated. Quartz-containing silicone compositions have the disadvantage that, owing to the high abrasiveness of quartz flour, they can only be processed on machines and tools with specially hardened steel. Talc-containing, oil-resistant silicone compositions can be processed without problems on standard injection-molding machines and tools.
The mean particle size of the filler (B) is preferably from 0.5 to 100 xcexcm, in particular from 1 to 50 xcexcm. The specific surface area of the filler (B) is preferably  less than 70 m2/g, more preferably  less than 50 m2/g. The silicon compositions preferably comprise from 2 to 60% by weight, more preferably from 5 to 50% by weight, of filler (B).
The silicone compositions may comprise an organic peroxide (C1) as the crosslinking component (C). By means of the organic peroxide (C1), which serves as a source of free radicals, the silicone compositions are crosslinked by means of free radicals.
Examples of organic peroxides (C1) are acyl peroxides such as dibenzoyl peroxide, bis(4-chlorobenzoyl) peroxide, bis(2,4-dichlorobenzoyl) peroxide and bis(4-methylbenzoyl) peroxide; alkyl peroxides and aryl peroxides such as di-tert-butyl peroxide, 2,5-bis(tert-butylperoxy)-2,5-dimethylhexane, dicumyl peroxide and 1,3-bis(tert-butylperoxyisopropyl)benzene; perketals such as 1,1-bis(tert-butylperoxy)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane; peresters such as diacetyl peroxydicarbonate, tert-butyl perbenzoate, tert-butyl peroxyisopropylcarbonate, tert-butyl peroxyisononanoate, dicyclohexyl peroxydicarbonate and 2,5-dimethylhexane 2,5-diperbenzoate, and tert-butyl xcex2-hydroxyethyl peroxide. It is also possible to employ a combination of organic peroxides (C1), such as bis-4-methylbenzoyl peroxide and a single compound or at least two of the compounds from the group consisting of benzoyl peroxide, dicumyl peroxide, 2,5-dimethylhexane-2,5-diperbenzoate and di-tert-butyl peroxide.
The silicone compositions preferably comprise from 0.05 to 10% by weight, in particular from 0.1 to 2% by weight, of organic peroxide (C1).
The organosilicon compound (C2) containing at least two SiH functions per molecule preferably has a composition of the average general formula (4)
HaR3bSiO(4-a-b)/2xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(4),
in which
R3 is a monovalent, optionally halogen- or cyano-substituted C1-C18-hydrocarbon radical containing no aliphatic carbonxe2x80x94carbon multiple bonds, which is bonded via SiC, and
a and b are non-negative integers,
with the proviso that 0.5 less than (a+b) less than 3.0 and 0 less than a less than 2, and that at least two silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms are present on average per molecule.
Examples of R3 are the radicals indicated previously for R2. R3 preferably has from 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Particular preference is given to methyl and phenyl.
Preference is given to the use of an organosilicon compound (C2) containing three or more SiH bonds per molecule. On use of an organosilicon compound (C2) having only two SiH bonds per molecule, it is advisable to use a polyorganosiloxane (A) which has at least three alkenyl groups on average per molecule.
The hydrogen content of the organosilicon compound (C2), based exclusively on the hydrogen atoms bonded directly to silicon atoms, is preferably in the range from 0.002 to 1.7% by weight of hydrogen, preferably from 0.1 to 1.7% by weight of hydrogen.
The organosilicon compound (C2) preferably contains at least three and at most 600 silicon atoms per molecule. Preference is given to the use of an organosilicon compound (C2) which contains from 4 to 200 silicon atoms per molecule. The structure of the organosilicon compound (C2) can be linear, branched, cyclic or network-like.
Particularly preferred organosilicon compounds (C2) are linear polyorganosiloxanes of the general formula (5)
(HR42SiO1/2)c(R43SiO1/2)d(HR4SiO2/2)e(R42SiO2/2)fxe2x80x83xe2x80x83(5),
where
R4 is as defined for R3, and
the non-negative integers c, d, e and f satisfy the following relations: (c+d)=2, (c+e) greater than 2,5 less than (e+f) less than 200 and 1 less than e/(e+f) less than 0.1.
The SiH-functional organosilicon compound (C2) is preferably present in the crosslinkable silicone composition in such an amount that the molar ratio of SiH groups to alkenyl groups is from 0.5 to 5, more preferably from 1.0 to 3.0.
The hydrosilylation catalyst (C2) employed can be any known catalysts which catalyze the hydrosilylation reactions that occur on crosslinking of addition-crosslinking silicone compositions. The hydrosilylation catalysts (C2) may be, for example, metals and metal compounds, in particular of metals such as rhodium, palladium, ruthenium and iridium, preferably platinum. Preference is given to the use of platinum and platinum compounds. Particular preference is given to platinum compounds which are soluble in polyorganosiloxanes. The soluble platinum compounds used can be, for example, the platinum/olefin complexes of the formulae (PtCl2.olefin)2 and H(PtCl3.olefin), preference in the latter compounds being given to the use of alkenes having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms such as ethylene, propylene, isomers of butene and octene, or cycloalkenes having from 5 to 7 carbon atoms such as cyclopentene, cyclohexene and cycloheptene. Further soluble platinum catalysts are the platinum/cyclopropane complex of the formula (PtCl2C3H6)2, products of the reaction of hexachloroplatinic acid with alcohols, ethers and aldehydes or mixtures thereof, or the product of the reaction of hexachloroplatinic acid with methylvinylcyclotetrasiloxane in the presence of sodium bicarbonate in ethanolic solution. Particular preference is given to complexes of platinum with vinylsiloxane, such as sym-divinyltetramethyldisiloxane. The platinum compounds described in EP-A-1077226 and EP-A-994159 are likewise very suitable.
The hydrosilylation catalyst (C2) can be employed in any desired form, including, for example, in the form of microcapsules containing hydrosilylation catalyst, or organopolysiloxane particles, as described in EP-A-1006147. The content of hydrosilylation catalysts (C2) is preferably selected in such a way that the addition-crosslinkable silicone composition has a Pt content of 0.1-200 ppm, preferably 0.5-40 ppm, when platinum catalysts are employed.
The amino or ammonium compound (D) can have any desired structure. Suitable are, for example, amino compounds (D) of the general formula (6) and ammonium compounds (D) of the general formula (7)
NR5R6R7xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(6),
[NR5R6R7R8]+Xxe2x88x92xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(7),
in which
R5, R6, R7 and R8 are a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a monovalent, optionally halogen- or cyano-substituted C1-C25-hydrocarbon radical, in which non-adjacent methyl groups may have been replaced by xe2x80x94NR92 groups, methylene groups may have been replaced by xe2x80x94Oxe2x80x94 or xe2x80x94NR9xe2x80x94 groups and methylene groups may have been replaced by xe2x80x94Nxe2x95x90 groups, where 2 or 3 of the radicals R5, R6 and R7 together may form an aliphatic or aromatic ring or polycyclic structure,
R9 is a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group or a monovalent, optionally halogen- or cyano-substituted C1-C10-hydrocarbon radical, and
Xxe2x88x92 is selected from an OH, halogen, and acid anions.
The hydrocarbon radicals R5, R6, R7 and R8 preferably have at most 15 carbon atoms. The hydrocarbon radicals R9 are more preferably aliphatic, and most preferably have 6 carbon atoms or less.
Examples of nitrogen compounds (D) in which non-adjacent methyl groups in R5, R6, R7 and R8 have been replaced by xe2x80x94NR92 groups, methylene groups have been replaced by xe2x80x94NR9xe2x80x94 groups and methine groups have been replaced by xe2x80x94Nxe2x95x90 groups include CH3CH2CH2NHCH2CH2NH2 and CH3CH2xe2x80x94CH2N(CH2CH2NHCH3)2. Examples where 2 or 3 of the radicals R5, R6 and R7 together can form an aliphatic or aromatic ring or polycyclic structure are heterocyclic compounds such as morpholine, pyrimidine, pyridine and pyrrole, and derivatives thereof. Examples of acid anions X are CO32xe2x88x92 and CH3CH2COOxe2x88x92.
Nitrogen-containing organosilicon compounds (D) can be, for example, silanes, siloxanes and silazanes.
The nitrogen-containing silanes and siloxanes (D) preferably contain Sixe2x80x94C-bonded radicals of the general formula (8)
R5R6Nxe2x80x94R10xe2x80x94xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(8),
in which
R5 and R6 are as defined above, and
R10 is a divalent C1-C15-hydrocarbon radical, in particular an alkylene radical, preferably an alkylene radical having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms.
The structure of the polyorganosiloxanes (D) can be linear, cyclic or branched.
Examples of silanes (D) are H2Nxe2x80x94(CH2)3xe2x80x94Si(OR)3 and H2Nxe2x80x94(CH)2xe2x80x94NHxe2x80x94(CH2)3xe2x80x94Si(OR)3.
Examples of siloxanes (D) are H2Nxe2x80x94(CH2)3xe2x80x94Si(CH3)2[xe2x80x94Oxe2x80x94Si(CH3)2]zxe2x80x94(CH2)3xe2x80x94NH2 and H2Nxe2x80x94(CH2)2xe2x80x94NHxe2x80x94(CH2)3xe2x80x94Si(CH3)2[xe2x80x94Oxe2x80x94Si(CH3)2]zxe2x80x94(CH2)3xe2x80x94NHxe2x80x94(CH2)2xe2x80x94NH2, where z can have values of from 1 to 1000. However, the amino groups may also be bonded in the middle or at the ends of the chains.
Examples of silazanes are hexamethyldisilazane and divinyltetramethyldisilazane, and derivatives thereof.
An example of an amido compound (D) is bis(trimethylsilyl)acetamide CH3C[xe2x95x90Nxe2x80x94Si(CH3)3]OSi(CH3)3 and derivatives thereof.
The nitrogen compounds (D) may optionally be those which liberate amino compounds during storage or during crosslinking or during subsequent heating of the crosslinked silicone elastomers.
Preference is given to low-volatility basic amino compounds having a boiling point above 100xc2x0 C., particularly preferably above 150xc2x0 C., preferably the aminoalkyl-functionalized siloxanes and silanes described above.
The N content introduced into the silicone compositions via the nitrogen compounds (D) is 10 to 10,000 ppm, preferably 15 to 1000 ppm, more preferably 15 to 500 ppm, in each case based on the sum of constituents (A) and (B).
The mechanical strength of the vulcanized silicone rubber is increased if the silicone compositions comprise actively reinforcing fillers as constituent (E). The actively reinforcing fillers (E) used are especially precipitated silicic acids and more preferably, pyrogenic silicic acids, and mixtures thereof. The specific surface area of these actively reinforcing fillers should be at least 50 m2/g, and/or preferably in the range from 200 to 400 m2/g, as determined by the BET method. Actively reinforcing fillers of this type are very well-known materials in the area of silicone rubbers. The content of actively reinforcing filler (E) in the addition-crosslinkable silicone compositions is preferably in the range from 5 to 60% by weight, more preferably from 10 to 40% by weight.
The crosslinkable silicone compositions may optionally comprise, as constituent (F), further additives in a proportion of up to 70% by weight, preferably from 0.0001 to 40% by weight. These additives can be, for example, resin-like polyorganosiloxanes which are different from the diorganopolysiloxanes (A) and (C2), dispersion aids, solvents, adhesion promoters, pigments, dyes, plasticizers, organic polymers, heat stabilizers, etc. These include additives such as dyes, pigments, etc. Furthermore, thixotropic constituents, such as highly disperse silicic acid or other commercially available thixotropic additives, may be present as constituent (F). In addition, siloxanes of the formula HSi(CH3)2xe2x80x94[Oxe2x80x94Si(CH3)2]wxe2x80x94H, where w has a value of from 1 to 1000, may also be present as chain extenders.
It is furthermore possible for additives (F) to be present, which serve to set the processing time, initiation temperature and crosslinking rate of the crosslinking compositions in a specific manner. These inhibitors and stabilizers are very well known in the area of crosslinking compositions. Additives which improve the compression set may also be added. In addition, hollow bodies, blowing agents for the production of foams, and/or non-vinyl-functionalized polydiorganosiloxanes may also be added.
The compounding of the crosslinkable silicone compositions is carried out by mixing the above-mentioned components in any desired sequence. The crosslinking of the crosslinkable silicone compositions is preferably carried out by warming, preferably at from 30 to 250xc2x0 C., preferably at at least 50xc2x0 C., more preferably at at least 100xc2x0 C., preferably at a maximum of 200xc2x0 C., more preferably at a maximum of 180xc2x0 C.
The invention also relates to the silicone elastomers which are obtainable by crosslinking the crosslinkable silicone compositions, and to the use of a nitrogen compound (D) selected from amino, ammonium and amido compounds and nitrogen-containing organosilicon compounds for improving the heat stability of elastomers obtained by crosslinking silicone compositions which comprise the constituents:
(A) from 20 to 99% by weight of a polyorganosiloxane containing at least two alkenyl groups per molecule and having a viscosity at 25xc2x0 C. of from 0.1 to 500,000 Pa.s,
(B) from 1 to 80% by weight of a non-reinforcing filler having a mean particle size of from 0.1 to 200 xcexcm and a specific surface area of  less than 100 m2/g,
(C) a crosslinking component selected from
(C1) an organic peroxide and
(C2) an organosilicon compound containing at least two SiH functions per molecule in combination with a hydrosilylation catalyst.
The definitions of all the above symbols in the above formulae are each independent of one another. In all formulae, the silicon atom is tetravalent.
In the following examples, unless stated otherwise, all amounts and percent data are based on the weight, all pressures are 0.10 MPa (abs.) and all temperatures are 20xc2x0 C.

Silicone compositions having improved heat stability

Abstract: (A) from 20 to 99% by weight of polyorganosiloxane containing at least two alkenyl groups per molecule and having a viscosity at 25xc2x0 C. of from 0.1 to 500,000 Pa.s,

Abstract: (B) from 1 to 80% by weight of non-reinforcing filler having a mean particle size of from 0.1 to 200 xcexcm and a specific surface area of  less than 100 m2/g,

Abstract: (C) a crosslinking component comprising

Abstract: (C1) an organic peroxide, or

Abstract: The compositions exhibit improved thermal stability and resistance to oil at elevated temperatures.


A solid state imaging device comprises: photoelectrical converting elements arranged on a semiconductor substrate in a row direction and a column direction substantially perpendicular to each other, wherein charges are accumulated in said photoelectrical converting elements; and a plurality of output sections that output signals corresponding to accumulated charges, said photoelectrical converting elements being arranged in an area that is divided into blocks that correspond to said output sections, wherein said blocks include respective correction areas having a corresponding plurality of sets of correction photoelectrical converting elements used in calculating correction data for correcting output dispersions of said output sections, said correction areas include respective continuous areas that are continuous to each other in a boundary between the plurality of blocks, and an obscuring member, positioned above said continuous areas, that obscures an object image formed in each of said continuous areas.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a digital camera having a solid state imaging element.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the related art, a technique is known in which, in a solid state imaging element such as a CCD where plural photoelectrical converting elements are arranged on a semiconductor substrate, an area where the photoelectrical converting elements are arranged is divided into plural blocks, and, with using a special signal input to the blocks, output dispersions of plural FDAs (Floating Diffusion Amplifiers) which are disposed for the respective blocks to output a signal corresponding to charges accumulated in the photoelectrical converting elements are corrected (see JP-A-2002-330356).
In the technique disclosed in JP-A-2002-330356, however, a signal source for generating the special signal, and a signal generation section which generates the signal must be disposed in the solid state imaging element. Therefore, this technique is impractical. Furthermore, the special signal must be generated every time an imaging process is conducted, and hence the imaging control is complicated.

Digital camera and solid state imaging device


An approach that evaluates an effectiveness of a monitoring system is provided. In one embodiment, there is a performance evaluation tool, including an evaluation component configured to receive visual media at a monitoring system monitored by a set of users, and evaluate a monitoring performance of the set of users in response to a simulated alert within the visual media. The performance evaluation tool further comprises an analysis component configured to predict an effectiveness of the monitoring system based on the performance of the set of users in response to the simulated alert within the visual media.

Today, virtually every municipality, agency, educational institution, mass transportation center, financial institution, utility plant and medical center uses video surveillance to protect property, employees, customers, citizens and information technology (IT) infrastructure. Likewise, visual monitoring systems, in general, are increasingly prolific, tracking the behavior or processes, such as nuclear power plants, babies in intensive care, and remote tele-operation environments. However, the performance and effectiveness of video surveillance systems may vary widely depending on a number of factors. Current methods for evaluating surveillance systems typically focus on the performance of individual alert algorithms, measuring, for example, their precision and recall. Measuring individual alert algorithms does not provide adequate insight into the effectiveness of these alerts on human detection, recognition, and performance. One prior art alternative to pure algorithm-measurement is to measure the effectiveness of the whole system, including the human monitor, using a panel of human judges. Even with a panel of judges, however, no methodology exists to develop a set of conditions that would serve to test the system.

Evaluating an effectiveness of a monitoring system

International Business Machines Corporation


The invention provides a method for controlling contaminants in biopharmaceutical purification processes by using light scattering and UV absorbance to establish a determinant. The invention makes use of multi-angle light scattering (MALS) and UV as a continuous monitoring system to provide information about the elution peak fractions in real-time instead of conventional pooling methods that rely on a predetermined percent UV peak max value to initiate the pooling process; regardless of product quality.

Cost pressures and ever increasing regulatory expectations require new thinking and approaches to development, manufacturing and release of drug substance and product. Efficient changeover between lots, real time disposition and assurance that product quality expectations are met are key features of the future of biologics. Quality by design (QbD) will be a key component of future analytical testing. The QbD paradigm focuses on the physiological importance of quality attributes for molecular design, process development, and control strategies. Analytical methodology will need to evolve and adapt to not only be able to monitor known biologically relevant quality attributes but also to have the flexibility to monitor new attributes as they are discovered without the need to continuously add new methods. A fundamental shift for process development will be to design quality into the product during development and manufacturing rather than relying solely on quality assessment at the end of production. Connecting process understanding with critical quality attributes (CQAs) and preventing issues in real time rather than troubleshooting them afterwards will minimize nonconformance issues and ensure product disposition. As such, the use of process analytical technologies (PAT) will be a key component to commercial manufacturing to monitor and control product quality during the manufacturing process and eliminate final release testing for some attributes.
There is a continuing need to develop methods for improving product quality and/or product analysis. Any improvement that increases product quality and decreases downstream process time can lead to reduced costs associated with manufacturing protein therapeutics. The invention fulfills these needs by providing a simple, effective method of controlling product separation as well as monitoring product quality by providing real time product analysis during biopharmaceutical purification processes thereby improving protein production.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method for using light scattering in real time to directly monitor and control impurity removal in purification processes


The non-volatile semiconductor storage device 101 includes the specific command Enable/Disable signal lines 120 connected to the command decoder 108. The specific command Enable/Disable signals are externally inputted to the command decoder 108 through the signal lines 120. Thereby, when the device 101 is initialized, the command decoder 108 enables the specific command and the device 101 can shift to a mode corresponding to the specific command. On the other hand, the command decoder 108 can disable the specific command, for example, when a user uses the device 101, thereby preventing the specific command from being executed even when the specific command is erroneously issued.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a non-volatile semiconductor storage device, and more particularly to a non-volatile semiconductor storage device capable of electrically erasing and programming data.
2. Description of the Background Art
Some non-volatile semiconductor storage devices perform operations such as programming, erasing, and various controls on the basis of commands from an external device. Further, the non-volatile semiconductor storage device has some modes so as to be initialized during the manufacturing process. The mode is switched on the basis of the commands externally supplied. However, when a user arbitrarily changes the initial setting, the non-volatile semiconductor storage device malfunctions. Therefore, the non-volatile semiconductor storage device is constructed such that the user cannot execute commands for shifting to modes for performing the initial setting. Commands for shifting a mode to various test modes are taken as examples of commands which the user is prohibited from executing as described above. As an example of such command, a command for reading or writing configuration data in the non-volatile semiconductor storage device can be taken.
Further, the non-volatile semiconductor storage device is provided with a command which is to be set by a user so as to or so as not to be prohibited from being executed. As an example of such command, a command for protecting a predetermined memory area (hereinafter, referred to as a protect command) can be taken. The protect command is a command for prohibiting programming into or erasing from the predetermined memory area to protect the data and programs stored in the memory area from the damage caused by runaway of CPU, noise, or the like.
As described above, a command which is executed at the initialization and prohibited from being executed by a user and a command which is to be set, by a user, so as to be prohibited from being executed, are referred to as a "specific command". Hereinafter, a protect command is taken as an example of the specific command.
A construction of a prior art non-volatile semiconductor storage device will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a typical construction of the prior art non-volatile semiconductor storage device. The non-volatile semiconductor storage device 401 shown in FIG. 4 comprises a memory cell array 402, an erasure block 402a, a configuration data storage area 402b, an address decoder 403, a reading/programming circuit 404, an erasing and programming control circuit 405, a protection data programming control circuit 405a, a power supply circuit 406, a control circuit 407, a command decoder 408, a data multiplexer (Data MUX) 409, a data processing unit (DPU) 410, protect registers 411, a protect information signal line 412, an erasing and programming prohibition circuit 413, an address counter 414, an input/output data bus 415, an output bus 416, and an input bus 417.
Next, a process of executing a protect command to protect an erasure block 402a will be described. Initially, the protect command and an address of a target erasure block 402a to be protected are inputted to the command decoder 408. The command decoder 408 decodes the inputted protect command and outputs the resultant signal to the control circuit 407.
The control circuit 407 outputs a protection instruction to the protection data programming control circuit 405a on the basis of the signal outputted from the command decoder 408, thereby to control the address counter 414 and the DPU 410 and set the number of the target erasure block 402a to be protected in the configuration data storage area 402b. Further, the control circuit 407 transfers, through the reading/programming circuit 404, data for protecting the erasure block 402a to the protect register 411 corresponding to the number of the target erasure block 402a. Thereby, the erasure block 402a is protected, thereby protecting the data and programs stored in the block.
However, in general, once the memory area is protected, the memory area cannot be easily unprotected. Therefore, the memory area which has been protected by erroneously executing a protect command due to runaway of CPU, noise or the like becomes a faulty area. Moreover, in a case where a command for shifting to a test mode is erroneously issued, there is a possibility of the configuration data being erased and programmed, thereby resulting in a malfunction in the non-volatile semiconductor storage device in some cases.

Non-volatile semiconductor storage device with specific command enable/disable control signal

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


Techniques are provided for reducing or mitigating phase noise of a digital phase lock loop or the system depending on the digital phase lock loop. In an example, a multiple-mode digital phase lock loop can include a digital phase lock loop (DPLL), multiple frequency scalers configured to receive a reference clock, and a multiplexer configured to receive a mode command signal and to couple an output of one of the multiple frequency scalers to an input of the DPLL in response to a state of the mode command signal.

In modem wireless communication systems like Wi-Fi, LTE, WiGig, 5G there is a constant desire to increase the data throughput. One of the ways to achieve higher throughput is by increasing radio frequency (RF) signal bandwidth and modulation order. In order to meet similar quality of reception for higher order modulation and bandwidth, links need higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)/error vector magnitude (EVM). Phase noise of RF phase lock loops (PLLs) is one of the major contributors to overall EVM and todays PLL's need to meet stringent integrated phase noise (iPN) requirements to meet more demanding EVM targets. Developing better phase noise PLLs is a non-trivial task and can involve higher power dissipation and or area as a penalty.

Techniques for addressing phase noise and phase lock loop performance


An apparatus of a wireless communication system includes: a transceiver configured to receive and transmit information wirelessly; and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver and configured to access an image captured by an access terminal of the wireless communication system, a position of the access terminal, and multiple keypoints and a geographical location of each respective keypoint, each geographical location being a location near the position of the access terminal; and determine a magnetic deviation corresponding to the position of the access terminal by calculating a compass bearing and a true bearing to a feature within the image using the position of the access terminal and the geographical location of a keypoint, from the multiple keypoints, determined as corresponding to the feature.

Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various communication services and location services to mobile users. Users in the system rely on position determination functionality to provide location services including navigation, location-based services, and point-of-interest applications.
A number of techniques exist to determine position of an access terminal in a wireless communication system, including Global Positioning System (GPS) techniques, Assisted GPS (A-GPS), and cell-based positioning methods such as Cell of Origin (COO), Time of Arrival (TOA), and Angle of Arrival (AOA). These techniques have varying degrees of precision, which may not provide the accuracy needed by many of today's location-based services. For example, GPS positioning can be especially inaccurate in urban environments, where tall, densely packed buildings can restrict views of satellites and the reflective surfaces of buildings can cause multipath effects.
With advances in sensor technology, electronic magnetometers are becoming standard equipment in access terminals, performing the function of classic magnetic compasses in navigation. If magnetic devices are used to determine direction or position, it is important to apply two corrections to the magnetic readings to express measured angles with respect to True geographical North. The two corrections are magnetic declination and magnetic deviation. It is well known that the Earth's magnetic field is not aligned with True North, and this misalignment depends on the location. The difference between True North and Magnetic North is called magnetic declination or variation. Very accurate models of the Earth's magnetic field can be used to provide the sign and value of magnetic declination. Additionally, the change in magnetic declination with time is well known for every place. Thus, magnetic readings can be corrected for magnetic declination, for example, by accessing publicly available magnetic declination data.
Magnetic deviation, the second correction, is a local disturbance of the Earth's magnetic field caused by metal objects added to the environment by human activity. Most civil engineering objects and modern buildings contain large amounts of steel in their structures. Each piece of the structure is magnetized and changes the direction of the Earth's local magnetic field. For a given location, the difference between Magnetic North and North shown by a magnetic device is called magnetic deviation.
Magnetic deviation in modern urban environments can reach very high values and can change rapidly from place to place, for example, over the distance of meters. Modeling magnetic deviation would require knowing and taking into account magnetic contributions of all pieces of hard and soft steel within a radius of up to about 50 meters, making it a very difficult if not impossible task. Yet not knowing and correcting for magnetic deviation can render magnetic device readings practically useless for navigation and guiding purposes in some environments.

Magnetic deviation determination using mobile devices


The present invention provides a data transfer method for use in a CDMA system operating in the TDD mode. A data signal is transmitted in the form of a data stream of data bursts of different users between a first station and a second station via a multiplicity of antennas, and a reference signal is transmitted in connection with the specific data burst. In a first step, a reference signal is transmitted from the second station to the first station. In a second step, a channel estimation is performed in the first station based on the reference signal that is received from the second station. In a third step, the first station transmits a data burst to the second station via the multiplicity of antennas, it being possible to modify the transmission signals of various antennas having various amplitude and phase factors in accordance with the channel estimation.

Using code division multiple access (CDMA=Code Division Multiple Access), a multiplicity of data streams may be transmitted at the same time over one common frequency band. In this context, the symbols of the data streams to be transmitted may be modulated using so-called spreading codes.
The data streams transmitted simultaneously using different codes may interfere with each other: multi-path diffusion may lead to the superimposition of sequentially transmitted data symbols (inter-symbol interference, ISI). CDMA coding and multi-path diffusion may cause multiple-user interference (multiple access interference, MAI).
The interferences may be eliminated, e.g., in the receiver, if the impulse response of the channel there is known, as may be described in K. D. Kammeyer: "Message Transmission," 2nd edition, Information Technology Series, Teubner, Stuttgart, 1996, and from A. Klein, G. K. Kaleh, and P. W. Baier, "Zero Forcing and Minimum Mean-Square-Error Equalization for Multiuser Detection in Code Division Multiple Access Channels," IEEE Trans. Vehic. Tech., Vol. 45 (1996), 276-287. The channel impulse response may be estimated from a received reference signal, e.g., in the receiver.
To assure a constantly satisfactory transmission, data may be simultaneously transmitted over a plurality of mobile radio channels. This may be achieved using a plurality of transmitting antennas (transmitting antenna diversity). Transmitting antenna diversity of this kind may improve the quality of mobile-radio-channel transmissions in a remarkable manner.
For CDMA mobile radio systems in the TDD mode, the following transmitting antenna diversity schemes may be conventional for the forward link (downlink), thus, e.g., from a base station to a mobile station.
In the Transmit Adaptive Array (TxAA) according to Motorola: "Transmit Diversity Schemes applied to the TDD mode (II)," 3GPP TSG RAN WG1 document TSGR1#5(99)632, the signals of the individual users, before their summation in the baseband, are modified using a phase and amplitude factor.
In the Selection Transmit Diversity (STD) according to Motorola: "Transmit Diversity Schemes applied to the TDD mode (II)," 3GPP TSG RAN WG1 document TSGR1#5(99)632, the signals of the individual users may be always emitted over only one antenna. For different users, different antennas may be selected.
In the Phase Alignment Transmit Diversity (PATD) according to Motorola: "Transmit Diversity Schemes applied to the TDD mode," 3GPP TSG RAN WG1 document TSGR1#3(99)186, the overall antenna signals may be modified in the baseband using a phase factor. The factor may be different for different antennas. It may be identical for all users on one antenna.
In all of these schemes, the transmission qualities of the mobile radio channels in the counter link may be determined in the transmitter. On the basis of the measured qualities, the parameters of the schemes may then be selected (Closed Loop Technology).
To be able to detect data transmitted using TxAA or STD in accordance with a Joint Detection Method (JD), it may be required for every user to perform its own channel estimation in the receiver.
When PATD is used, it may only be required in the forward link to estimate one channel in the JD receiver. However, in contrast to TxAA and STD, PATD may not employ any amplitude modifications for optimizing the transmission.
Customary diversity methods for the CDMA transmission in the forward link in the TDD mode therefore either may require great expense for channel estimation in the receiver (TXAA=Transmit Adaptive Array, STD=Selection Transmit Diversity), or they may be further improved qualitatively (PATD=Phase Alignment Transmit Diversity).

Method and system for transmitting data, with transmission antenna diversity


Firearm trigger mechanisms with rotatable linkage members and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A firearm trigger assembly configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, a trigger, first and second linkage members, and a sear. The first linkage member, second linkage member, and sear are arranged in an over-center configuration that securely locks the sear in a first position. Pulling on the trigger causes the trigger to rotate about a fixed pivot point and push on one of the two linkage members, forcing the linkage members and the sear out of the over-center configuration. The force from a striking mechanism forces the sear and the linkage members into a collapsed configuration, releasing the striking mechanism and firing the firearm. This two toggle configuration of the trigger assembly provides crisp and reliable release of the firearm.

Firearm trigger mechanisms typically include numerous interconnected components that require precise manufacturing and calibration to ensure proper engagement for consistent firing of the firearm. Each trigger component includes precisely machined surfaces that interlock and disengage with adjoining surfaces to provide consistent, crisp trigger engagement and release. For example, pulling a firearm trigger causes the multiple interlocking surfaces of the trigger mechanisms to slide with respect to each other to release a striking element (e.g., a firing pin, hammer, bolt, striker, etc.) from an initial or primed position. Upon release, a spring pushes the striking element forward to ignite the primer of a cartridge, causing a bullet to be expelled from a barrel of the firearm. When the striking element is in the initial primed position, a retention component (often referred to as a sear) holds the striking element in a fixed position and prevents the spring from pushing the striking element towards the cartridge. The sear is positioned in the travel path of the striking element (e.g., in the direction of the spring force) to prevent forward movement of the striking element. Pulling the trigger moves the sear out of the way of the striking element, thereby allowing the spring to push the striking element towards the cartridge and causing the firearm to fire.
Before firing, the force exerted by the spring causes the striking element to apply pressure on an engagement surface of the sear. In typical firearm firing mechanisms, the position of the sear during the process of pulling the trigger (i.e., the process of moving the sear out of the way of the striking element), is directly dependent on the position of the trigger as the trigger is pulled from the initial position to the second position. When the trigger has been pulled only partway between the initial position and the second position, the sear is only partially moved out of the way of the striking element. At this point, the force exerted by the spring on the striking element remains unchanged, while the surface area of the sear's engagement surface has decreased, thereby increasing the stress on the sear's engagement surface.
To ensure that the engagement surface of the sear does not deform due to the increased stress, the sear is formed from specific materials that undergo intricate material processing (e.g., extensive heat treatment processes) in order to increase the hardness of the sear's engagement surface. Despite the laborious manufacturing, however, repeated and prolonged use of the firearm can still result in deformation of the sear.


A closed loop fastening system for running and other shoes. The fastening system includes a harness, a strap, guides and a tension lock buckle. The harness includes strap portions which can tightly retain a user's foot inside the shoe. The guides are attached to the harness for guiding the strap. One end of the strap is attached to the harness and the other end of the strap is attached to the buckle. An effective length of the strap can be defined such that a shorter effective length yields a tighter harness and a tighter fit, and a longer effective length yields a looser harness and a looser fit. The tension lock buckle used in the closed loop fastening system is adaptable for use with numerous other products having a strap. The tension lock buckle includes a body, a pivotal locking member and a sliding bar. The sliding bar is mounted within the body for longitudinal movement therein. The pivotal locking member is pivotally attached to the body for relative pivotal motion. The pivotal locking member is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the pivotal locking member is in the unlocked position, the tension lock buckle is movable along the strap to adjust the tension thereof. When the pivotal locking member is in the locked position, the strap is clamped against three surfaces of the sliding bar by three complementary surfaces, two located on the pivotal locking member and one located on the body.

Traditionally and most commonly, fastening systems for most athletic shoes consist of a shoelace and a series of eyelets or holes on opposite sides of the instep of the shoe. To put a laced shoo on, a user typically loosens the lace with both hands a series of times until the upper of the shoo is loose enough to insert their foot. To tighten the shoo, the user pulls on the lace with both hands a series of times and subsequently ties a knot near the ends of the lace securing their foot within the shoo and attempting to retain a tight fit. However, the tightness of the fit does not always remain constant as shoelaces subsequently loosen due to the length of the laces and the pressure of each lace section upon the user's foot eventually evening out.
Shoelaces can also become untied forcing a user to interrupt their actions and retie their shoes to prevent tripping or stumbling over the untied laces. To an athlete, tripping or stumbling may have serious consequences. An untied shoelace to a tennis player may result in the loss of an important point; to a basketball player, the loss of a crucial basket; and to a runner, the loss of a race. More importantly, the athlete may fall causing potentially serious injury to themselves and/or others. Even tied shoelaces can extend below the shoe's outsole causing the user to fall or stumble.
Overtightening of a shoelace can cause high pressure points in the instep area greatly impairing the circulation of blood due to the pressure of the lace exerting a large force across a small area. Additionally, some handicapped persons cannot use shoos with shoelaces because it takes two hands to tie the laces. Further, worn shoelaces are susceptible to breakage during the stress applied thereto in the tightening process, and while they are inexpensive to replace, they may break at inopportune times making the shoos unusable unless a spare shoelace is quickly accessible.
Loop and pile element fastening straps, e.g., VELCRO, have been used on shoes in lieu of or in addition to shoelaces as part of shoo fastening systems. These fastening straps consist of two strips of material which produce a relatively strong holding force when interlocked together. Both U.S. Pat. No. D301,935 to Jonah and U.S. Pat. No. D321,084 to Miller et al., illustrate shoe fastening systems including loop and pile fastening straps. In Jonah, two parallel straps extend across the instep of the shoe, and in Miller et al., a first strap extends across the instep of the shoe and a second strap extends around the heel of the shoe. However, loop and pile fastening straps have a disadvantage in that they attract dirt and grime onto their holding surfaces causing their strips to lose its holding power. In addition, a loop and pile fastening strap can become caught or snagged by a surface, potentially unfastening and losing its tensioning power.
A fastening system similar to the type used in some ski boots has been converted for use in a running shoe, and is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,117,567 to Berger. The shoe has an instep shield, a central tightening lock, a steel wire or wire rope, and guide channels. The central tightening lock is designed to be rotatable with the wire or rope attached to a part thereof. Although this fastening system overcomes many of the problems associated with shoelaces, it tends to be costly to manufacture the central tightening lock and labor intensive to assemble its interface with the shoe. Further, the amount of plastic used for the central tightening lock, the instep shield, and the guide channels increases the weight of the shoe, such that it may not be desirable for an avid runner desiring a lightweight running shoe. Also, the tightening lock and other moving parts can be susceptible to contamination by dirt detrimentally affecting the performance of the fastening system.
Another fastening system utilizes an expandable and contractible bladder within the shoe upper and a small pump and relief valve system attached thereto for controlling the pressure inside the bladder. Although this type of fastening system can help provide a fit with a better pressure distribution, it is costly and is typically used with shoelaces thus containing many of the same disadvantages associated therewith.
Heretofore, many kinds of buckles for fastening or retaining a belt or a strap have been made and used. These buckles typically have a body and a pivotal member attached thereto which is movable between a locked and an unlocked position. In a locked position, a portion of the pivotal member clamps or pinches the strap or belt against a part of the body of the buckle. However, these buckles typically only include one clamping surface which may not be suitable for uses where the reliability of the buckle is an essential quality. As previously discussed, a fastening system on an athletic shoe is one such instance where the loss of shoe tension may be detrimental, possibly causing injury.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,843,688 to Ikeda discloses a belt buckle with a body and a pivotal locking member attached thereto. The body includes a non-sliding bar attached between two opposing sidewalls. The pivotal locking member includes a projection with a non-slip inclined sidewall which interfaces with an apparently smooth sloped surface on the non-sliding bar for frictionally engaging a belt therebetween. The buckle disclosed by Ikeda may be sufficiently reliable for some applications, but in applications where reliable gripping capability is essential, such as use on an athletic shoe, clamping a belt to only one surface of a non-sliding bar, may not be reliable enough.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,328,856 to Jonas discloses a rigid plastic buckle for adjustable shoulder strap assemblies of the kind that are usually employed on women's garments. The body includes a pivotal locking member attached thereto and a non-sliding rectangular bar attached between two opposing sidewalls. The pivotal locking member has a circular concave interior surface or cavity. When the pivotal locking member is in a locked position, the cavity engulfs the non-sliding rectangular bar and frictionally engages the strap only at the four comers of the bar. Hereagain, the buckle disclosed may be sufficiently reliable to hold the forces applied to a strap for some applications, like a shoulder strap of a lightweight women's undergarment, but in applications where reliability is essential, trapping a strap merely at corner points and not between complementary mating surfaces, may not be reliable enough.


Aspect of the disclosure provides a method that can include determining configuration information of a bandwidth part (BWP) blank transmission unit in a fifth generation (5G) new radio (NR) system. The configuration information can include a time frequency resource range of the BWP blank transmission unit, and the method can include transmitting resource configuration information to a user equipment on the basis of the configuration information of the BWP blank transmission unit, scheduling a first transmission resource at a time-frequency location of the BWP blank transmission unit so as to utilize the first transmission resource to transmit target service data, the first transmission resource being a resource scheduled on the basis of a non-5G NR communication protocol.

With the development of wireless communication technology, a mobile communication network is gradually evolving to a 5th Generation (5G) New Radio (NR) network. The 5G NR network mainly includes three types of services, i.e., enhanced Mobile Broad Band (eMBB), massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC), and Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC). Some services may follow a transmission scheme for the traditional network. For example, application of mMTC services in Internet of Things (IoT) is likely to be solved by following the transmission schemes for enhanced Machine Type Communication (eMTC) and Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB IoT) in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system.

Method for transmitting information, base station and user equipment

BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO., LTD.


Process for production of non-protenogenic L-amino acids by direct fermentation of a microorganism strain known per se having a deregulated cysteine metabolism in a manner known per se, which comprises adding, during the fermentation, a nucleophilic compound to the fermentation batch in a manner such that this leads to the production of non-proteinogenic L-amino acids by the microorganism strain.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a process for producing non-proteinogenic L-amino acids by direct fermentation of microorganisms, and to L-amino acids obtained by the process.
2. The Prior Art
Non-proteinogenic amino acids are amino acids which are not used in nature as building blocks for protein biosynthesis and as a result may be clearly differentiated from the 20 proteinogenic amino acids. They are preferably xcex2-substituted L-alanine derivatives.
Non-proteinogenic amino acids are compounds of interest, for example, for the preparation of pharmaceuticals and agricultural active compounds. They can, as active compound or as a part of an active compound imitate, in a type of molecular mimicry, the structure of natural amino acids and as a result, for example, in receptor interactions cause a modulation of the natural reaction. In addition, they can serve quite generally as synthesis building blocks as chiral compounds in the context of the xe2x80x9cchiral poolxe2x80x9d.
Previous production processes for non-proteinogenic amino acids in enantiomerically pure form are generally based on complex syntheses which generally only permit access to a defined compound. Only a few processes enable different compounds to be produced by simple replacement of a starting material.
In most cases chemical syntheses are involved which themselves mostly start from the beginning from chiral building blocks or are followed by a racemate resolution.
Alternatively, some enzymatic processes are described. Thus, using transaminases, various non-proteinogenic amino acids can be prepared from xcex1-keto acids using L-glutamic acid as amino donor. A different process utilizes hydantoinases in combination with carbamoylases. However, enzymatic processes are also cost-intensive, since the corresponding enzymes must be provided and these have only a limited life as catalysts (Rehm et al., Biotechnology 1996; Vol. 6, pp. 505-560).
In contrast, processes for producing non-proteinogenic amino acids by direct fermentation of microorganisms would be particularly simple and expedient. However, such processes have the risk that the non-proteinogenic amino acid produced interferes with the metabolism of the natural amino acids and thus growth inhibition occurs. Previously, within this subject area, a process for the direct fermentation of D-amino acids has been disclosed (WO98/14602). This application describes the production of D-amino acids by recombinant microorganisms into which a D-amino transferase gene and an L-amino deaminase gene have been introduced. Furthermore, Saito et al. (Biol. Pharm. Bull. 1997, 20: 47-53) described the production of the plant non-proteinogenic amino acid L-pyrazolylalanine by expressing plant genes in Escherichia coli. The yields, however, are too low for commercial production, at  less than 1 g/l, and the costs, with the described use of L-serine as starting material, are very high.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an efficient process for producing a series of non-proteinogenic L-amino acids by direct fermentation.
This object is achieved according to the invention by a microorganism strain known per se having a deregulated cysteine metabolism being fermented in a manner known per se which comprises, during the fermentation, adding a nucleophilic compound to the fermentation batch in amounts such that this leads to the production of non-proteinogenic L-amino acids by the microorganism strain.
Preferably, at the end of the fermentation, the non-proteinogenic L-amino acids are separated off from the respective fermentation batch by means of methods known per se.
Surprisingly, it has been found that in the fermentation of microorganism strains having deregulated cysteine metabolism, instead of sulfide, a series of other nucleophilic compounds enter very efficiently into amino acid metabolism and the corresponding reaction products are excreted into the culture medium. Advantageously, glucose can be used here as an inexpensive source of carbon.
By means of the inventive addition of nucleophilic compounds during the fermentation, non-proteinogenic L-amino acids are accordingly formed. Preferably, therefore, a nucleophilic compound which enters into amino acid metabolism is added during the fermentation.
Preferably, nucleophilic compounds are added which comprise a radical selected from the group consisting of
Particularly preferably, a nucleophilic compound selected from the following group is added to the fermentation batch:
Thiol of the general formula (1):
Hxe2x80x94Sxe2x80x94R1xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(1)
where R1 is monovalent substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkoxy, aryl or heteroaryl radical having a maximum of 15 carbon atoms;
azole of the general formula (2) or (3):
xe2x80x83and their esters, ethers or salts,
where X and Y are identical or different and denote CR4 or N, and R4 is xe2x80x94H, xe2x80x94COOH, xe2x80x94OH, xe2x80x94NH2, xe2x80x94NO2, xe2x80x94SH, xe2x80x94SO3, xe2x80x94F, xe2x80x94Cl, xe2x80x94Br, xe2x80x94I, C1-C5-alkylcarbonyl or R1, and R1 has the meaning specified under formula (1) and
where R2 and R3 are identical or different and are R4 or where C1 and C2 in formula (3), instead of the substituents R2 and R3, are linked by means of a bridge [xe2x80x94CR5R6xe2x80x94]a, where a is 1, 2, 3 or 4, to form a ring, where R5 and R6 are identical or different and are R4 and one or more non-adjacent groups [xe2x80x94CR5R6xe2x80x94] can be replaced by oxygen, sulfur, or an imino radical, which may be unsubstituted or substituted by C1-C5-alkyl, and two adjacent groups [xe2x80x94CR5R6xe2x80x94] can be replaced by a group [xe2x80x94CR5xe2x95x90CR6xe2x80x94] or by a group [xe2x80x94CR5xe2x95x90Nxe2x80x94].
Isoxazolinone of the general formula (4) or (5):
xe2x80x83and their esters, ethers or salts,
where X, R1, R2, R3 have the meaning specified above and where C1 and C2 in formula (5), instead of the substituents R2 and R3, can be linked by means of a bridge defined as for formula (3) to form a ring.
Examples of thiols are compounds selected from the group consisting of 2-mercaptoethanol, 3-mercaptopropanol, 3-mercaptopropionic acid, 3-mercapto-1-propanesulfonic acid, mercaptoethanesulfonic acid, 2-mercaptoethylamine, thioglycollc acid, thiolactic acid, thioacetic acid, mercaptosuccinic acid, mercaptopyruvic acid, dithiothreitol, dithioerythritol, 1-thioglycerol, thiophenol, 4-fluorothiophenol, 4-mercaptophenol, p-thiocresol, 5-thio-2-nitrobenzoic acid, 2-mercaptothiazole, 2-mercaptothiazoline, 2-mercaptoimidazole, 3-mercapto-1,2,4,-triazole, 2-thiophenethiol, 2-mercaptopyridine, 2-mercaptopyrimidine, 2-thiocytosine, 2-mercaptonicotinic acid, 2-mercapto-1-methylimidazole, 2-mercaptobenzothiazole, 2-mercaptobenzoxazole, 6-mercaptopurine.
Examples of azoles are compounds selected from the group consisting of 1,2-pyrazole, 3-methylpyrazole, 4-methylpyrazole, 3,5-dimethylpyrazole, 3-aminopyrazole, 4-aminopyrazole, pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid, pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylic acid, 1,2,3-triazole, 1,2,4-triazole, 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole, 1,2,3,4-tetrazole, indazole, indazole-3-carboxylic acid, indazole-5-carboxylic acid, 5-aminoindazole, benzotriazole, benzotriazole-5-carboxylic acid, 5-aminobenzotriazole, aminopyrazolopyrimidine, 8-azaguanine, 8-azaadenine.
Examples of isoxazolinones are compounds selected from the group consisting of isoxazolin-2-one, 4-methylisoxazolin-2-one, 5-methylisoxazolin-2-one, 4,5-dimethylisoxazolin-2-one, 1,2,4-oxadiazolidin-3,5-dione.
Microorganism strains having deregulated cysteine metabolism that can be used in the inventive process are known from the prior art. They are distinguished by endogenic production of O-acetyl-L-serine, the immediate biosynthetic precursor of L-cysteine, which is increased in comparison with the wild type-strain. In a microorganism, it is known that in the last step of cysteine biosynthesis, due to the activity of O-acetyl-serine-sulfhydrylases, the acetyl function of the O-acetyl-L-serine is replaced by a thiol function and L-cysteine is thus formed. This reaction type is termed xcex2-substitution, since at the xcex2-carbon atom of the amino acid, a functional group is replaced.
Preferably, one of the following microorganism strains is used in the inventive process:
strains having modified cysE alleles, for example as described in WO 97/15673 (hereby incorporated by reference) or Nakamori S. et al., 1998, Appl. Env.
Microbiol. 64: 1607-1611 (hereby incorporated by reference) or Takagi H. et al., 1999, FEBS Lett. 452: 323-327, or
strains which contain efflux genes, as described, for example, in EP 0885962 A1 (equivalent to the U.S. application having the Ser. No. 09/097759 (hereby incorporated by reference)), or
strains having a modified CysB activity, as described in German patent application DE 19949579, or
strains which have been produced using nonspecific mutagenesis methods combined with screening methods for cysteine overproduction or reduced cysteine degradation, as described, for example, in WO 97/15673, or in Nakamori S. et al., 1998, Appl. Env. Microbiol. 64: 1607-1611.
Such strains are distinguished by the fact that, under adequate supply of an inorganic sulfur source, for example sulfate or thiosulfate, they excrete significant amounts of L-cysteine or a derivative thereof into the culture medium. As a result of the inventive addition of a nucleophilic compound during the fermentation, this compound enters into the xcex2-substitution and leads as a result to the production of non-proteinogenic L-amino acids.
With microorganism strains which do not have deregulated cysteine metabolism (for example the customary wild type organisms), such a procedure leads to slowing of cysteine biosynthesis and thus to growth inhibition. Therefore, no non-proteinogenic amino acids are formed in significant amounts.
Since the inventively used strains, however, have deregulated cysteine metabolism and thus a high endogenous level of O-acetyl-L-serine, it is possible to produce the non-proteinogenic L-amino acid in large amounts. At the same time, sufficient formation of L-cysteine is still ensured in order to guarantee cell growth of the microorganism.
Microorganism strains preferably used are those of the species Escherichia coli that have deregulated cysteine metabolism.
Preferably, these are Escherichia coli strains as described, for example, in WO 97/15673 or in EP 0885962 A1 (equivalent to the U.S. application having the Ser. No. 09/097759) or in DE 19949579. According to the processes described in these patent applications, cysteine metabolism can be deregulated in any strains by transformation with a plasmid that carries, for example, a feedback-resistant cysE allele and/or an efflux gene.
The inventive process for producing the non-proteinogenic L-amino acids using a microorganism strain is carried out in a fermenter in a manner known per se, but with additional addition of a nucleophilic compound.
The microorganism strain is grown in the fermenter as a continuous culture, as batch culture or, preferably, as fed-batch culture. Particularly preferably, a carbon source and a nucleophilic compound are continuously added during the fermentation.
Addition of the nucleophilic compound begins after inoculation, or, preferably, after an initial growth phase. Particularly preferably, the addition begins 6-8 hours after the start of fermentation and lasts until the end of fermentation.
The amount of added nucleophilic compound depends on its toxicity for the microorganism and is in the range from 10 to 1 000 mmol per liter of initial volume of the fermentation medium. Particular preference is given to an addition of 50 to 500 mmol per liter of initial volume of the fermentation medium.
Carbon sources for the fermentation are preferably sugars, sugar alcohols or organic acids. Particularly preferably in the inventive process, the carbon sources used are glucose, lactose or glycerol.
Preferably, glucose is added in a form which ensures that the content in the fermenter is kept in a range of 0.1-50 g/l during the fermentation. Particular preference is given to a range of 0.5-10 g/l.
The nitrogen source used in the inventive process is preferably ammonia, ammonium salts, or protein hydrolysates.
Further media additives which can be added are salts of the elements phosphorus, sulfur, chlorine, sodium, magnesium, nitrogen, potassium, calcium, iron and, in traces, (that is to say in xcexcM concentrations), salts of the elements molybdenum, boron, cobalt, manganese, zinc and nickel.
In addition, organic acids (for example acetate, citrate), amino acids (for example isoleucine), and vitamins (e.g. B1, B6) can be added to the medium.
Complex nutrient sources which can be used are, for example, yeast extract, corn steep liquor, soybean flour or malt extract.
The pH of the fermentation medium is in the range of 4-10. Preference is given to a range of 6-8. Particular preference is given to a pH range from 6.5 to 7.5.
The incubation temperature is 15-45xc2x0 C. Preference is given to a temperature of 30-37xc2x0 C.
The fermentation is preferably carried out under aerobic growth conditions. The oxygen is introduced into the fermenter using compressed air or pure oxygen.
Microorganisms which are fermented according to the described process excrete, in a fermentation time of 1 to 4 days, the corresponding non-proteinogenic L-amino acids into the culture medium with high efficiency.
When a nucleophilic substance is fed, microorganisms having deregulated cysteine metabolism excrete, during the fermentation, non-proteinogenic amino acids of the general formula (6) in the L configuration:
where Z is a monovalent radical selected from the formulae (7) to (13)
xe2x80x83and their esters, ethers or salts,
and R1, R2, R3, R4, X and Y have the meaning already specified under the formulae (1) to (5).
The inventive process makes it possible for the first time to produce compounds of the group 1,2,3,4-tetrazolyl-L-alanine and its derivatives, and 1,2,3-triazolyl-L-alanine and its derivatives. Preferably these are respectively the isomeric forms 1,2,3,4-tetrazol-1-yl-L-alanine (14) and 1,2,3,4-tetrazol-2-yl-L-alanine (15) and their derivatives including their esters, ethers or salts, and 1,2,3-triazol-1-yl-L-alanine (16) and 1,2,3-triazol-2-yl-L-alanine (17) and their derivatives, including their esters, ethers or salts,
where R1, R2, R3 and R4 have the meaning specified above under the formulae (1) to (5).
The inventive process also makes it possible to produce for the first time compounds of the group S-heteroaryl-L-cysteines. These are in each case amino acid compounds having free amino and/or carboxylic acid functionalities. S-heteroaryl-L-cysteines are taken to mean cysteine derivatives which are characterized by substitution of a radical R7 of the S atom. Here, R7 is a heteroaryl radical that has aromatic character, is mono- or bicyclic, and, in addition to carbon atoms, has at least one heteroatom in a ring. Examples of heteroatoms are nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur. Heteroaryl radical can itself be substituted by a radical R4, where R4 has the meaning specified under formula (2).
Examples of heteroaryl radicals are pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, triazolyl, tetrazolyl, thienyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl, furanyl, pyridyl, pyrimidyl, pyrazinyl, benzimidazolyl, benzotriazolyl, benzoxazolyl, benzothiazolyl or purinyl.
The invention therefore relates to said compounds.
Particularly preferred compounds are:
1,2,3,4-tetrazol-1-yl-L-alanine (R4=H)
1,2,3,4-tetrazol-2-yl-L-alanine (R4=H),
1,2,3-benzotriazol-1-yl-L-alanine (R2 and R3 are identical and are [xe2x80x94CR5xe2x95x90CR6xe2x80x94], where R5 and R6 are H and R2 and R3 are linked to form an aromatic ring),
1,2,3-benzotriazol-2-yl-L-alanine (R2 and R3 are identical and are [xe2x80x94CR5xe2x95x90CR6xe2x80x94], where R5 and R6 are H and R2 and R3 are linked to form an aromatic ring),
5-carboxy-1,2,3-benzotriazol-1-yl-L-alanine (R2 and R3 are different and are [xe2x80x94CR5xe2x95x90CR6xe2x80x94], where R5 and R6, in the case of R3, are H and, in the case of R2, R5 is H and R6 isxe2x80x94xe2x80x94COOH, and R2 and R3 are linked to form an aromatic ring),
5-carboxy-1,2,3-benzotriazol-2-yl-L-alanine (R2 and R3 are different and are [xe2x80x94CR5xe2x95x90CR6xe2x80x94], where R5 and R6, in the case of R3, are H and, in the case of R2, R5 is H and R6 is xe2x80x94COOH, and R2 and R3 are linked to form an aromatic ring),
1,2,4-triazol-3-yl-L-cysteine,
thiazol-2-yl-L-cysteine,
imidazol-2-yl-L-cysteine,
thien-2-yl-L-cysteine,
pyridin-2-yl-L-cysteine,
pyrimidin-2-yl-L-cysteine,
benzothiazol-2-yl-L-cysteine,
benzoxazol-2-yl-L-cysteine.
Preferably, the product, after separating off the biomass, is isolated from the culture supernatant by known methods (for example filtration, centrifugation). Such methods for isolating amino acids are also known to those skilled in the art. They comprise, for example, extraction, adsorption, ion-exchange chromatography, precipitation, crystallization.
The examples below serve for further explanation of the invention. The bacteria strain Escherichia coli W3110/pA-CYC184-cysEX-GAPDH-ORF306, which was used for carrying out the examples, was deposited at the DSMZ (Deutsche Sammlung fxc3xcr Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen GmbH, D-38142 Braunschweig) under the number DSM 13495 in accordance with the Budapest Treaty.

Process for producing non-proteinogenic L-amino acids by fermentation

Consortium fxc3xcr Elektrochemische Industrie GmbH


An electronic circuit for automatically compensating for errors in the output signal of a displacement sensor. The electronic circuitry includes an analog to digital converter for converting an analog output signal from a linear displacement type sensor. The digital output signal from the sensor is processed by a microcontroller which automatically compensates for errors in the output signal. Ideal values, stored in an electronic memory, are used for compensation.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an automatic compensation circuit for use with a linear displacement type sensor which dynamically compensates for errors in the sensor output signal based upon ideal values stored in electronic memory.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Various linear type displacement sensors, such as angular position sensors, are known to be used for various purposes including throttle position sensors for determining the angular position of a butterfly valve in a throttle body. Examples of such sensors are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,893,502 and 5,332,965. Such sensors are generally used to control the amount of fuel applied to the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine.
Such throttle position sensors, such as the sensors disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,893,502 and 5,332,956, are typically subject to part-to-part variations which require each and every sensor to be calibrated either by the throttle body manufacturer as in the case of U.S. Pat. No. 4,893,502 or the sensor manufacturer as in the case of U.S. Pat. No. 5,332,965. In the embodiment disclosed in the '502 patent, a circular magnet is rigidly secured directly to the butterfly valve shaft. A magnetic resistive element (MRE) is disposed within a modified throttle body at a fixed air gap relative to the circular magnet. An amplifying circuit with variable gain is used to calibrate the sensor by way of potentiometers or variable resistors.
As is known in the art, the output of such potentiometers may vary with temperature or time. Due to the relatively wide operating temperature range of such a sensor used in an internal combustion engine environment, such potentiometers will drift and affect the overall calibration of the device. The sensor disclosed in the '965 patent is mechanically adjusted; and thus, the calibration is not subject to drift as in the case of the '502 patent. However, such mechanical adjustments are time-consuming and cumbersome, which increases the overall labor cost to manufacture the product.

Electronic circuit for automatic DC offset compensation for a linear displacement sensor


An extraction unit of fault assumption and a finish-point FF is provided, the fault assumption is selected from fault assumption information, and a logic trace is executed from the fault assumption toward an output side. A test result of a finish-point FF obtained as a result of the trace from the fault assumption is determined. The maximum value and the minimum value of the propagation route up to the finish-point FF are determined, and a delay margin is determined from the values. A delay range is determined by using the delay margin and the test result, and a fault candidate and a delay range of the delay fault are specified by the process of the determination of the fault candidate and the delay range.

A delay fault diagnosis of a semiconductor integrated circuit includes a technique of specifying a fault spot by using the information of fail/pass of a test and the fault dictionary.
Usually, a scan test method is used for the test. In the scan test method, a scan chain in which flip flops (hereinafter, referred to as FF) are connected in series is built into a semiconductor integrated circuit, and the test is carried out. A test pattern is input to the scan chain from an input terminal, and the test pattern is then propagated to a combinational circuit unit by applying a clock. The response pattern propagated to the combinational circuit unit is supplemented by the FF and is read out to an output terminal from the scan chain, and the signal level thereof is monitored by a tester. Then, the monitored response pattern and an expected value precalculated and stored in a memory of the tester are compared to each other, and it is determined as a pass if they match and determined as a fail if not. The expected value is calculated for all the FFs which make up the scan chain, and therefore, information as to which FF is determined as a pass or a fail can also be obtained. A series of these operations is executed for every test pattern, and the FF determined as a pass is referred to as a pass FF relating to the test pattern, and the FF determined as a fail is referred to as a fail FF relating to the test pattern.
The fault dictionary is obtained by a logic simulation using a computer as to which FF fails or passes for each applied test pattern when the fault exists in the semiconductor integrated circuit. When the FF fails, it means that the influence of the fault propagates to the FF and can be monitored by the tester. Also, when the FF passes, it means that the influence of the fault cannot be monitored. In the fault dictionary, a spot where a fault model is assumed is referred to as a fault assumption. Hence, the information contained in the fault assumption is a spot where the fault is assumed and an assumed fault model. The fault dictionary stores the information of pass/fail of all the FFs for every fault assumption.
In the fault diagnosis using the fault dictionary, the pass/fail information of all the FFs monitored by the tester for every test pattern and the pass/fail information of all the FFs of the fault assumption stored in the fault dictionary are collated, and the matched fault assumption is taken as a fault candidate. Even if not completely matched, the fault candidate having the high possibility of being a real fault is specified by weighting the matching degree.
In a delay fault diagnosis, the fault dictionary is prepared by assuming a delay fault. The delay fault means that a signal does not propagate within a "set time" and causes a logical malfunction in the semiconductor integrated circuit. Usually, a clock cycle determined by a clock operation frequency of the semiconductor integrated circuit corresponds to the "set time". Hence, a logical state, in which the transition of a signal generated at a specific logical node delays due to the influence of the fault and therefore the propagation does not arrive at the FF to be observed within the set time, so that the signal transition is not observed at the FF, is modeled as the fault model of the delay fault. More specifically, a fall fault in which the logic level is left at H at the spot where the logic level of the signal makes a transition from H (high level) to L (low level) and a rise fault in which the logic level is left at L at the spot where the signal makes a transition from L to H are handled.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,516,383 (Patent Document 1) is cited as an example that describes the delay fault diagnosis. In the fault diagnosis technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, first, a trace is performed from the fail FF to the input side, thereby narrowing down the fault candidate. Then, the delay fault is assumed for the narrowed-down candidate, and the logical simulation is performed for the candidate. Finally, the pass/fail information obtained by the simulation and the pass/fail information by the test are collated, thereby specifying the fault spot.