Content of multiple digital bit streams with essentially the same renderable content, and situated at mutually remote locations, are played back in unison. First, time is synchronized among the processors that participate in a synchronized viewing session by playing back respective streams. Second, the playbacks are content-wise aligned, by rewinding or fast forwarding, to effect overall a precisely synchronized presentation. The content-wise alignment is achieved by means of a status message between processors that contains information characteristic of the sender's bit stream. If any participant, performs a control function (e.g. rewind, fast forward, stop), all other participants follow synchronously. The processor that initiates the session is deemed the initiator, a role that is thereafter assumed by the participant that has last performed a control function. The initiator directs all participants, at session startup, upon execution of each control function, and periodically, to synchronize their playbacks to that of the initiator, whereby all playbacks are synchronized and maintain in synchronization.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to digital image playback, and more particularly to techniques for synchronizing playback of two or more digital streams based on renderable content of those streams.
2. Description of the Related Art
Personal video recorders (PVRs) are video recording devices that may be used in conjunction with virtually every television broadcast system (e.g. cable, digital cable, satellite, antenna, or combinations thereof), as well as to record from VHS, DVD, Internet sources, etc. PVRs may be programmed to automatically find and record a user's favorite television program or programs so that the user may watch what he or she wants, when he or she wants. Typically, PVRs contain a substantial amount of memory and are capable of recording more than thirty hours of programming. The recorded programming may then be retrieved and viewed by the user as desired.
Current PVR technology allows users to time shift the content of the program being recorded (typically television broadcasts). In other words, a user may record a television broadcast and watch it several hours, or even days, later. Alternatively, a user may decide to record a program and begin watching it a predetermined amount of time after the start of the program so that the user has the ability to skip any commercials that may be dispersed throughout the program. Thus, the user would be watching the program during virtually the same time period as people who are watching the live broadcast. However, given the capability to skip through the commercials, the user of the PVR will watch the same program as someone else in less time.
Notwithstanding the above benefits of PVRs, there are disadvantages associated with their use. For example, many people enjoy watching various programs simultaneously (e.g., sporting events, talk shows or dramas) even though the people may be physically located in different locations. These people will often communicate with each other during the program by other communication means such as the telephone or Internet. Therefore, they are able to discuss the program as the events materialize. However, as people time shift content, they lose the ability to simultaneously watch shows "together" while at their respective locations. Inevitably, the two users will be watching the same program out of synch and therefore one user will know the results of a dramatic scene or sporting event, for example, prior to the other user.
Copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/894,060, entitled "Synchronized Personal Video Recorders", filed Jun. 28, 2001, assigned to the assignee of the instant application, incorporated herein by reference, and not admitted to be prior art by its mention in the background section, discloses a system in which one PVR synchronizes with another PVR by sending out a status message to the other PVR. The message issues when the user of the initiator PVR operates a PVR function such as start up, fast forward or rewind, to allow the recipient of the message to perform the counterpart function to keep the presentation on both PVRs synchronized. The message is also transmitted periodically, to update the synchronization. Within the message is an identifier of the program being watched or to be watched, an indicator of the mode of watching (e.g. normal play, fast forward, pause, etc.), and the time or frame into the program. The time or frame allows the recipient PVR to synchronize its replay with that of the sending PVR, by comparing the time or frame in the message with its own the current time or frame.
In expanding on this concept of synchronizing a sending PVR with a recipient PVR by transmitting a time or frame from the sending PVR to the recipient PVR, it will be initially assumed, for purposes of illustrating the present invention, that both PVRs are playing back respective, identical copies of a video. The frame of the sending PVR is part of the sender's copy of the video, which resides in a bit stream that is stored in a storage medium. Similarly, frames of recipient PVR's copy of the video reside in a bit stream that is stored in the recipient's storage medium.
It will also be initially assumed that when the video timer of one PVR shows as its output the same time as does the other PVR's video timer, that the respective videos playing are at the same point content-wise in their respective playbacks. When any PVR fast forwards or rewinds, this correspondingly and synchronously advances or rolls back the time count of its respective video timer.
If, for example, the destination PVR's video timer reads 1 hour, 1 minute and 1 second at a time when the destination PVR receives from the sending PVR a message having as its output time stamp 1 hour, 1 minute and 2 seconds (set according to the sending PVR's video timer), this might indicate the destination PVR's playback is one second behind that of the sending PVR. It might be the case, for example, that, according to the timing of a single reference clock, the destination PVR started its playback one second after the sending PVR started its playback. Based on that premise, the destination PVR can take corrective action to compensate for the one second time difference. Specifically, if the transmission time of the message was negligible, e.g. one millisecond while the time difference is one second, the full one second time difference can be relied on to take corrective action to synchronize the respective playbacks on the PVRs. The destination PVR would, for example, "fast forward" its local copy of the program by a full second and increment its video timer by a second. By this action, the destination's playback would catch up content-wise with that of the sender, and the respective video timers of the sender and destination PVRs would become synchronized.
If, however, the transmission time was not negligible, it needs to be taken into account in comparing the output time stamp of the incoming message with the time the message is received at the recipient PVR so that the corrective compensation applied appropriately reflects the extent to which the respective video timers out-of-synch and, correspondingly, the extent to which the respective playbacks are content-wise out-of-synch.
However, the above technique alone will not always synchronize the video presentation, i.e. make concurrent the playback of corresponding frames in the respective playbacks. The assumption made above, that the content being shown on either PVR at any arbitrarily-selected, common video timer time, is identical, does not strictly hold. The programs recorded on the two PVRs may, for example, begin at the same nominal video start time, but differ slightly, perhaps a second or so, as to the actual point in the video at which they respectively start. As a result, if both playbacks were to be viewed side-by-side, one would lag the other. Thus, even if the video timers of both respective PVRs were perfectly synchronous, the respective showings of the video might be out-of-synch.
Also, even if the two playbacks were to be in synch initially, the presentation may drift out-of-synch as it progresses. For example, the speed at which the respective PVRs play back their respective copies of the video may differ. These differences become more significant if the two PVRs have different actual speeds in the fast forward or rewind mode, and may cause the viewings to fall out-of-sync after one of the PVRs fast forwards or rewinds, commanding the other to follow concurrently and synchronously.
Lack of synchronization may also occur from time to time, due, for example, to different commercials, and thus different commercial time periods, in the two playbacks. Both viewers, for instance, may be watching the same network, e.g. National Broadcasting Company (NBC), but through different cable or satellite providers, e.g. RCN or Time Warner.
If, on the other hand, it is the current frame, rather than the current time, that is conveyed in the message, non-negligible transmission time still needs to be taken into account to synchronize presentation. If, for example, the source PVR sends the destination PVR a message that indicates that frame number "n" is currently playing on the source PVR, the destination PVR needs to know the transmission time, if non-negligible, in comparing the frame number that it is playing at the time of receipt of the message to the frame number indicated in the message.
In the frame-based technique, even if the playbacks are in synch or transmission time is accounted for to bring the playbacks in synch, the PVRs may use different service providers that employ different compression schemes. One scheme might afford higher image quality than the other by including more frames; thus, the assumption above that the sender's copy of the video is the same as the recipient's copy cannot be strictly relied upon. In addition, adaptive techniques are often used to vary the number of frames capturing a moving image based on the amount of movement in the image, time instant to time instant. The difference in the frames numbers for corresponding video content makes synchronization based on frame numbers problematic.
For many situations, these synchronization errors are of such small magnitude that the viewers of respective playbacks do not notice them.
Yet, there exist viewing configurations in which "out-of-synch" effects are significant and interfere with viewing enjoyment. Moreover, in some scenarios where, for instance, people at mutually remote locations are jointly executing a task simultaneously, e.g., using a manual pre-recorded in video form to repair a large online system, precise synchronization of a telephone message, the presentation and action based on the message and/or the presentation may be necessary.
To achieve precise synchronization, the present invention compares corresponding content or "landmarks" of pairs of video playbacks to be synchronized, determines video replay "distance" between the landmark pairs, and slows down or speeds up selected playbacks in accordance with these distances.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,870,754 to Dimitrova et al. ("Dimitrova"), entitled "Video Retrieval of MPEG Compressed Sequences Using DC and Motion Signatures", and incorporated herein by reference, compares "DC+M signatures" of a query video clip to DC+M signatures in a database to retrieve a video sequence whose content is similar to that of the query video clip, where a video clip is defined as a sequence of video frames.
In one Dimitrova embodiment, DC coefficient information from an I frame and motion vector information from the following frame are combined to form a digital signature, hence the term "DC+M signature".
An "I frame", under the MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) compression standard, is an intraframe coded frame, which is a coding of a single snapshot of an moving image. Interspersed between I frames are interframe coded frames comprised of information that represents merely a difference between the current state of the moving image and a reference state of the moving image as it existed at a previous moment.
The signature embodies characteristics of the frames it represents, but uses less data. Signatures of respective I frames in a query video clip are compared to respective I frame signatures in a database video clip. The total Hamming distance between the signatures of the query clip and the signatures of a database clip is calculated. (The total Hamming distance is the sum of the Hamming distances between respective signatures of query/database frame pairs of a current query clip and database clip, where the Hamming distance between two signatures is based on a bit-by-bit comparison between the signatures, as explained in Dimitrova).
Specifically, the methodology shifts iteratively along the database to define a current database video clip, simultaneously adding, to the clip, database frames (I frames) and dropping database frames (I frames), with each iteration. The total Hamming distance is recalculated at each iteration, and the minimum Hamming distance over all iterations identifies the database video clip that most resembles the query video clip.
An advantage to using Dimitrova signatures is that they can be derived without the overhead of fully decompressing the image bit stream. Thus, the Huffman or arithmetic coding can be decoded to leave the bit stream in partially decoded form so that, without further decompression, frequency components such as DC coefficients of an image transform such as the discrete cosine transform (DCT) can be utilized in forming the signature, as explained more fully in Dimitrova.
In the Dimitrova embodiment described above, I frames are used as the "representative frames", i.e. frames for which signatures are derived, if key frames have not been identified in the video sequence previous to Dimitrova's processing. Key frames are frames at shot boundaries, where a shot is a video sequence of a scene. Typically, there are a thousand or more shots in a movie. In another embodiment, Dimitrova uses all frames as representative frames.
The present invention has a goal similar to that of Dimitrova, to compare characteristics of two video streams, except that the present invention uses the comparison to synchronize presentation of renderable content of the streams, whereas Dimitrova merely seeks a video clip similar to the query video clip. To adapt Dimitrova matching for the present invention, query frames are compared not against database frames, as in Dimitrova, but against frames in the participant's copy of the video, so that presentation of the video by the initiator and by the participant can, as a result, be made synchronous. Also, for the sake of processing speed, preferably a single query signature, corresponding primarily to a single frame, is transmitted to the participant for comparison, rather than transmitting all the signatures of a Dimitrova query video clip, which correspond primarily each to a separate frame. Accordingly, since a single query signature is compared, in each iteration, to a single candidate participant frame, the Hamming distance between the signatures of that pair of frames is calculated. The overhead of a "total Hamming distance" calculation is thereby avoided.

Apparatus and method for synchronizing presentation from bit streams based on their content


A SAS (Serial Attached SCSI or Serial Attached Small Computer System Interface) switch includes a master SAS expander and a multitude of slave expanders connected to the master SAS expander. Each slave expander has a distinct SAS address. The slave expanders are not directly connected to one another and communicate through the master expander. The SAS switch has a pair of SAS wide ports each having a multitude of SAS links each associated with one of the slave expanders. The slave expanders are configured to route SAS traffic in accordance with routing tables established by the master SAS expander. The master SAS expander is not directly connected to either of the SAS wide ports.

The present application relates to data communication in computer storage technologies, and more particularly to improving wide port data communications.
Serial Attached Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), commonly referred to as SAS, is a point-to-point serial protocol that defines data movement to and from computer storage devices, and a protocol stack for storage entities interconnections. A SAS domain, forming an the SAS topology, is typically formed by a multitude of SAS storage network elements which may include initiator SAS devices, such as a host bus adapter (HBA), a SAS expander, such as a SAS switch, and SAS end devices, such as hard disk drives in a JBOD (just a bunch of disks). As is known in the art, JBOD (abbreviated for "just a bunch of disks") provides neither redundancy nor performance improvements. Hard drives may be handled independently as separate logical volumes, or they may be combined into a single logical volume using a volume manager. Each SAS device is identified with a universally unique SAS address. A SAS port can be a narrow port or a wide port. A narrow port has only one physical link (PHY), and a wide port has multiple PHYs.
A SAS expander facilitates communication between various SAS storage network elements by providing the necessary switching and routing functions. A SAS expanders may also facilitate the connection between multiple SAS end devices and a single initiator port. A SAS expander often provides a number of SAS ports to enable communications between SAS devices.
FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a computer storage system 100 using a simple SAS topology. System 100 is shown as including a single expander SAS switch 103 (which is a self-configuring expander, also shown as scfg), one HBA (host bus adapter) 101, one JBOD 105 including an expander 106 (which is also a scfg) and two disks 108 and 109, each with a different SAS address A/B/C/D/E. SAS links 00-09 are used to connect all SAS elements as illustrated. Wide port 131 connects HBA 101 to SAS switch 103 and includes SAS links 00, 01, 02, and 03. Wide port 132 connects SAS switch 103 to JBOD 105 and includes SAS links 04, 05, 06, and 07. FIG. 1 also shows two narrow port connections, i.e., disk connections SAS links 08 and 09.
On power up or link reset, SAS links 00-03 are brought up, expander 103 sends IDENTIFY address frame to HBA with the SAS address B on each of the link 00-03, HBA receives the IDENTIFY address frames on link 00-03 and finds that they contains the same SAS address of B. HBA considers itself as being directly connected to the expander 103 through the wide port defined by links 00-03. In the similar way, expander 103 considers itself as being directly connected to the HBA through the wide port that includes SAS link 00-03.
The HBA starts topology discovery towards expander B, it first sends an open request with destination SAS address of B on any one of SAS links 00-03 (for example, 00 is chosen), and expander B receives the open request and responds with an open accept. In thus way the connection between HBA and expander B is established, and SAS link 00 is dedicated for the communication between HBA and expander B. HBA sends management commands to expander B to perform discovery on the SAS devices directly attached to expander B. Expander B responds with the PHY status and reports that expander C is connected through the PHYs of SAS link 04-07. The HBA then tries to perform discovery on expander C. The HBA sends an open request with a destination SAS address C on any of the SAS link 00-03 (e.g., 00), expander B receives the open request and looks up the destination SAS address in the direct route table, and then propagates the open request to any of the SAS links 04-07 (e.g., 04). Expander C receives the open request and determines that the destination SAS address is itself. Expander C then responds with an "open accept" through SAS link 04 where the open request is received. Expander B propagates the "open accept" back to the HBA on SAS link 00, and thus the SAS connection is established from HBA to Expander C using SAS links 00/04. Then HBA sends SAS management commands to expander C to discover the PHY status on expander C, and determines that two disks are connected to expander C. In this way, HBA completes the discovery process and have all the knowledge of the SAS devices in the SAS topology. HBA will use the SAS addresses discovered in the discovery process and IDENTIFY address frames when it tries to talk to the SAS device in the topology.
Expander B can also initiate the discovery process. It can send an open request with the destination SAS address C on any of the SAS links 04-07 (e.g., 04). Expander C receives the open request and responds with an "open accept," so the connection between expanders B and C is established on SAS link 04. Expander B sends management commands to expander C and discovers the PHYs on expander C. Expander C responds and reports that disk D and disk E are attached. Expander B configures disk D and disk E SAS address in its route table, and completes the discovery. SAS expander C performs a similar discovery process as expander B, and configure the HBA's SAS address A in its own route table.
The expander's discovery process will only configure SAS addresses in the route table for the SAS devices that are not directly attached. The directly attached SAS addresses will be configured in the direct route table, when receiving the IDENTIFY address frame from the peer SAS device (the identification sequence). For example, expander B configures direct route table for SAS address A and SAS address C when SAS links 01-03/04-07 are up and IDENTIFY frames are received in the identification sequence. Expander B configures route entries for SAS address D and SAS address E in the discovery process. Expander C configures the route table for directly attached devices and non-directly attached devices in a similar way.
When all the identification sequence and discovery sequence on HBA/expander B/C are completed, the route table in the expander B/C are properly configured and the HBA has the knowledge of all the expander B, C and disk D, E. HBA will use the SAS address discovered to establish the connection when trying to talk to a disk/expander.
When the HBA tries to access disk D, it sends an open request with destination SAS address of D to any of the SAS link 00-03, (say, 00 is chosen). Expander B takes the SAS address received in the open request (SAS address D) and propagates it to any of the SAS link 04-07 (say, 04 is chosen). Expander C receives the open request and looks up the route table for SAS address D and propagates the open request to SAS link 08. The disk with SAS address D receives the open request and responds with open accept to SAS link 08. The open accept is propagated back to the HBA on SAS links 08→04→00, and thus the connection between the HBA and disk D is established. The HBA communicates with disk D through SAS links 00-04-08. Before the connection is closed, no other connection is allowed to be established over SAS links 00-04-08. That is, HBA considers SAS link 00 as busy, and if it wants to talk to disk E, it will send an open requests on, e.g., SAS link 01. After HBA is finished with disk D, it sends a close primitive on SAS link 00, and the close primitive is propagated through expanders B and C on SAS link 00→04→08. Disk D will respond with a close primitive, which is propagated back to HBA using the same path. After the handshaking process described above, the connection is successfully closed.
A SAS switch is one or multiple SAS expanders that facilitates SAS data transfer between multiple host HBAs/controllers and storage devices such as JBODs. A SAS switch provides 10 disaggregation enabling a rack storage pool to be segmented and dynamically allocated among servers. In certain applications, a large number of host HBAs and JBODs may be connected to a single SAS switch.
As stated above, the port count of a single physical SAS expander device limits the number of the SAS devices that can be connected to the SAS expander. Certain SAS expander applications, such as a top-of-rack SAS switch used to connect hosts and JBODs within rack, require a high port count and cannot be built on a single physical expander device. In order to implement a high port count in an expander device, a plurality of physical expander devices is grouped together and appears externally as a single cohesive SAS expander. However, existing method of grouping a plurality of expander devices into a single, cohesive SAS expander often includes using a number of homogenous self-managed expander devices which are synchronized over direct SAS connections. The synchronization connection may use direct SAS links among the SAS expander devices. The distributed SAS implementation in multiple SAS expander devices within a SAS switch brings challenges in SAS expander management, fail-over handling, enclosure management, etc. In the existing method the expander devices are also required to be assigned with identical SAS addresses so that wide port can be formed from PHYs from each of these expanders. This requires sophisticate design because the SAS standard does not allow an identical SAS address to be shared among multiple SAS devices within the same SAS domain.

Method and apparatus for grouping multiple SAS expanders to form a single cohesive SAS expander


The present invention provides a method (80) for manufacturing a semiconductor tip. The method comprises obtaining (81) a substrate provided with a layer of tip material, providing (82) a doping profile in the layer of tip material, the doping profile comprising a tapered-shaped region of a first dopant concentration, undoped or lightly doped, e.g. having a dopant concentration of 1017 cm−3 or lower, surrounded by a region of a second dopant concentration, highly doped, e.g. having a dopant concentration above 1017 cm−3, the first dopant concentration being lower than the second dopant concentration, and isotropically etching (83) the layer of tip material by using an etch chemistry for which the etch rate of tip material with the second dopant concentration is substantially higher than the etch rate of the tip material with the first dopant concentration.

Data storage is one of the key elements in information technology. The ever increasing demand for more storage capacity in an ever shrinking form factor as well as the pressure to decrease the price per storage unit have been a major driving force for substantial world-wide research and development activities related to data storage devices such as magnetic hard drives, optical devices and silicon-based semiconductor memory chips. However, increasing the storage density is becoming increasingly difficult because conventional technologies appear to be approaching fundamental limits.
There is a need for solutions which permit still higher density data storage. Techniques using nanometer-sharp tips for imaging and investigating the structure of materials down to the nanometer scale, such as the atomic force and the scanning tunneling microscope, are suitable for the development of ultrahigh-density storage devices. Probe-based storage technologies can be regarded as natural candidates for extending the physical limits that are being approached by conventional storage technologies.
A solution to achieve high data rates of probe-based storage devices is to employ MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical System) based arrays of cantilevers operating in parallel, with each cantilever comprising a tip for performing write/read/erase operations on an individual storage field. In order to obtain a high storage density, small and sharp tips are needed.
As described in prior art, crystalline silicon may be used for forming such tips. In US 2007/0041238 a process is described for the formation of silicon tips, the process comprising forming a hardmask layer over a silicon substrate, defining a pattern within the hardmask layer, wherein the pattern defines the tip area, isotropically etching the silicon to form a nascent tip structure surrounded by a shallow cavity, and growing a thermal oxide consuming additional silicon. In a subsequent step, the thermal oxide is etched, thereby causing the hardmask positioned over the tip structure to fall off and leaving a silicon tip. Additional thermal oxidation and oxide etching steps can be applied in order to adjust the height of the silicon tips and/or the radius of the curvature of the silicon tip.
When processing such tips on top of already formed circuitry, the maximum temperature allowed is limited, e.g. for CMOS circuitry limited to 450° C. Thermal oxidation of silicon is usually performed at a temperature between 800 and 1200° C., hence it is a disadvantage of the method described that it cannot be used for the formation of tips on top of already processed electrical circuitry, e.g. CMOS circuitry.
There is a need for a simple and reproducible process for forming small and sharp tips, e.g. on a cantilever, wherein the process temperature does not exceed 450° C.


A measurement system comprising a device under test, at least a first antenna and a second antenna, a reflector device, a shielded space and a signal analysis module is disclosed. The first antenna is configured to at least one of generate electromagnetic waves directed to the reflector device and receive electromagnetic waves reflected by the reflector device. The reflector device is configured to reflect electromagnetic waves between the first antenna and the device under test. The second antenna is positioned in a near-field area of the device under test. At least the second antenna is connected to the signal analysis module, and the device under test, the first antenna, the second antenna and the reflector device are assigned to the shielded space. Moreover, a method for operating a measurement system is disclosed.

Antennas or other devices emitting electromagnetic waves are usually configured to emit electromagnetic waves with predetermined characteristics such as frequencies or within predetermined frequency bands. Besides these desired emissions, the antennas or the devices also emit electromagnetic waves outside of the predetermined frequency bands.
For performance tests of antennas or other devices emitting electromagnetic waves, it is important to identify these spurious (i.e. out of band) emissions of the device under test as these spurious emissions lower the overall power efficiency of the device under test in the desired frequency bands.
Accordingly, there is a need for a measurement system as well as a method for operating a measurement system that is capable of identifying spurious emissions of a device under test in an easy and efficient manner.

Measurement system and method for operating a measurement system


A retractable guard for use in combination with a sewage pipe leading from a flush toilet is provided having a plurality of prongs with hooked ends positioned within a cross section of the pipe. The prongs are connected to a piston which is slidable within a cylinder, perpendicular to the pipe. Flushing the toilet causes water to be directed in the cylinder which in turn partially retracts the prongs. Water may be diverted from the cylinder to wash accumulated debris from the prongs.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a device placed in a sewer pipe to trap certain metal articles which may plug the pipe. In particular, this invention relates to a guard with self cleaning features having special applications to toilets in prisons and other correctional facilities.
2. Prior Art
The desirability of providing a guard in a drain pipe or sewer pipe to trap articles which would otherwise clog the pipe has long been recognized in the prior art. With regard to a sewer pipe leading from a toilet, the requirement of a guard is that the ordinary solids introduced into a toilet, such as excrement and tissue paper, should be allowed to pass unobstructed while articles not readily decomposed, such as cloth, diapers, sanitary napkins and plastic, should be trapped. The aforementioned requirement are particularly stringent in the prison setting. Prisoners are prone to introduce cloth and paper into the toilets with the intent that the prison sewage discharge lines become clogged and the sewage water back up so as to overflow into the prisoners' cells. With the present sewage system it is not possible in many cases to determine which prisoner caused the sewage line to become clogged. Hence it is not always possible to punish the prisoner and thereby deter similar future episodes.
Especially damaging is cloth or other material which, even if it does not clog the pipes, is not broken down and passes to the treatment plant where the material can not be digested or properly handled causing the shut down of the treatment plant.
Another problem particular to the prison setting is the need to prevent various metal objects from being flushed through the prison sewage system. In many instances these metal objects will be homemade knives and other weapons that the prisoner is trying to dispose of in order to avoid being caught in possession of these prohibited devices.
Various stationary devices have been employed in sewer lines to trap undesirable articles as shown in the following U.S. patents.
______________________________________ Lehmann 2,693,603 Click et al. 2,811,724 Sierzega 3,904,523 Halstad 4,307,476 ______________________________________
Several of these inventions disclose devices with hooks which are positioned in the sewer line. However, because these devices are stationary, there is a tendency for otherwise safe waste, especially toilet paper, to accumulate on the hooks. Eventually, the line plugs at the site of the guard device. Also since these devices are not operationally activated by the flushing of a toilet they would not in all cases be useful in determining from which toilet (and corresponding prisoner) was responsible for introducing the material into the sewage line.
Devices which rotate within a pipe to scrape the interior of the pipe or pulverize solids have been employed with some success. Examples of rotating guards may be found in the following U.S. patents.
______________________________________ Hirrich 1,217,763 Peaden 2,454,884 Hirshstein 2,627,610 Moore 3,439,361 ______________________________________
In a prison setting, however, where material and garments are introduced into the sewage system, additional burdens are placed upon the comminuting devices. For example, even the most powerful in line device disclosed in the prior art would have difficulty pulverizing a bed sheet. In addition they would not be able to prevent the passage of certain metal objects that are commonly made by prisoners and used as weapons.


Methods for reducing kidney damage induced by radiographic contrast medium or another nephrotoxic drug or substance administered to a patient include reducing the temperature of the patient by positioning an endovascular heat exchange device in a blood vessel of the patient and adjusting the temperature of the device to cause a reduction in the patient's temperature. The patient's temperature may be reduced prior to, during, and/or after, the administration of the contrast medium. The methods may also include administering an anti-shivering mechanism to the patient to reduce shivering caused by the reduction in the patient's temperature. The methods may also include disrupting the laminarity of blood flow around the device to enhance the temperature exchange between the device and the blood flowing around the device. The endovascular heat exchange device may be an endovascular heat exchange catheter. The device may be a component of a system, which includes a temperature controller in communication with the endovascular heat exchange device to reduce the temperature of the patient to reduce the temperature of the patient's kidneys.

Numerous drugs and other substances are known to be nephrotoxic. For example, radiographic contrast media (e.g., "contrast agent" or "dye"), non-steroidal antiinflamatory drugs (NSAID's), amphotericin, cisplatin, methotrexate, acyclovir, gentamicin, acetylcholinesterase inhibitiors, other nephrotoxic drugs, products of tumor lysis and products of rhabdomyolysis are known to cause damage to the kidneys.
In particular, radiologic contrast media (sometimes referred to as contrast agents or dyes) are frequently administered to patients undergoing radiographic investigations, such as fluoroscopy, X-ray, magnetic resonance and ultrasound imaging, to visualize blood vessels or blood flow and/or to enhance the image being obtained. For example, contrast medium may be administered to patients undergoing coronary angiography or other cardiac catheterization procedures. Delivery of the contrast media into a patient's vasculature enables the vasculature of different organs, tissue types, or body compartments to be more clearly observed or identified.
However, the use of radiographic contrast media may be associated with adverse side effects, including nephrotoxicity. In particular, contrast medium-induced nephrotoxicity is known to be an iatrogenic cause of acute renal failure in some patients. It has been reported that use of contrast media is the third most common cause of new onset renal failure in hospital patients. Patients who experience nephrotoxicity may experience changes in serum creatinine, or creatine clearance, at about one to five days after receiving the contrast medium. Consequences may be dramatic and can lead to irreversible renal damage and dialysis.
Acute deterioration in renal function is a recognized complication after coronary angiography, particularly for patients with pre-existing renal insufficiency. For patients with abnormal baseline renal function, the incidence of progressive renal deterioration may be as high as 42%. For hospitalized, critically ill patients, these results carry a poor prognosis for the patient, especially if dialysis becomes necessary. Factors that may predispose a patient for developing acute renal failure include, pre-existing renal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, including congestive heart failure, aging, and conditions characterized by depletion of effective circulatory volume.
Several mechanisms have been suggested for contrast medium-induced nephropathy. After radiographic contrast medium exposure, a brief period of vasodilation may be followed by renal vasoconstriction leading to intense reduction in renal blood flow, direct toxicity to renal tubular epithelium, tubular obstruction by protein precipitates, complement activation, and renal ischemia. In addition, patients at high risk of developing renal failure, including those with endothelial dysfunction, may not be able to dilate the renal vasculature, and thus experience a prolonged vasoconstrictive response. Vasoconstriction not only causes a decrease in renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate, but it may also exacerbate medullary ischemia by decreasing oxygen supply since renal oxygen consumption is coupled to renal blood flow.
Attempts to reduce or prevent contrast medium-induced renal failure have included periprocedural hydration, forced diuresis, blood volume expansion, low osmolality versus high osmolality contrast agents, dopamine, calcium channel blockers, mannitol, atrial natriuretic peptide, acetylcholine esterase (ACE) inhibitors, the adenosine antagonist theophylline, endothelin receptor antagonists, and acetylcysteine. The attempts have generally been directed to reduce vasoconstriction and the negative effects that may be associated with vasoconstriction, such as the exacerbation of medullary ischemia. See, Renal Preservation Strategies for High Risk Patients, University of Chicago Prizker School of Medicine, (August 2000).
Mild hypothermia (e.g., approximately 32 degrees Celsius to approximately 36 degrees Celsius) has been shown to reduce metabolic requirements of organs, such as the heart and/or the brain. Indeed, if the hypothermia is systemic, the metabolic demands of the entire body may be reduced, so that the demands placed on the heart may be reduced. Hypothermia may also be effective to reduce ischemia in specific organs and to reduce the potential of organ damage due to such ischemia.
The physiology of hypothermia is fairly well understood. Normal human body temperature (approximately 37 degrees Celsius) may vary by approximately one degree Celsius. As body temperature decreases, resting muscle tone increases to attempt to generate heat, and the peripheral circulation is reduced to decrease blood flow to the skin to attempt to reduce heat loss. Shivering may develop as the body attempts to increase the metabolism and generate heat. When the temperature of the body decreases to approximately 35 degrees Celsius, shivering may be maximal. Below approximately 31 degrees Celsius, oxygen consumption may drop and shivering may cease. Patients with body temperatures below 27 degrees Celsius may be classified as severely hypothermic, and may be characterized by the cessation of voluntary movement, less than half normal cardiac output, and a significant risk of ventricular fibrillation.
One method for inducing hypothermia of a patient is through the use of a heat exchange catheter that is inserted into a blood vessel and used to cool blood flowing through that blood vessel. This method in general is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,110,168 (Ginsburg), which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. Various heat exchange catheters useable for achieving the endovascular cooling are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,486,208 (Ginsburg), PCT International Publication WO OO/10494 (Machold et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 6,264,679 (Keller et al.), PCT International Publication WO 01/58397, all of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.
As indicated above, the potential for shivering is present whenever a patient is cooled below that patient's shivering threshold, which in humans is generally about 35.5° C. When inducing hypothermia below the shivering threshold, it is important to avoid or limit the shivering response in the patient. The avoidance or limiting of the shivering response may be particularly important in patients who suffer from compromised cardiac function and/or metabolic irregularities. An anti-shivering treatment may be administered to prevent or deter shivering. Examples of effective anti-shivering treatments are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,594 (Dae et al.), the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Thus, there remains a need in the art for improving patient outcome and organ preservation in patients that are administered contrast media, including patients who may be predisposed to developing acute renal failure induced by contrast media.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Methods and systems for reducing substance-induced renal damage


A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes a nonvolatile storage element to which data is inhibited from being rewritten, a read operation control circuit which captures a read operation instruction signal in synchronization with an external input clock, and a write operation control circuit to which a write operation instruction signal is input asynchronously with the external input clock. The read operation instruction signal gives an instruction to start a read operation to read data out of the nonvolatile storage element, and the write operation instruction signal gives an instruction to start a write operation to write data to the nonvolatile storage element. The device further includes a reset circuit which resets an operation of the read operation control circuit upon receiving the write operation instruction signal.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device. More specifically, the invention relates to a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device, such as a so-called one-time programmable memory, using nonvolatile storage elements to which data can be written only once.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, one important object of a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device that can hold data even after its power is turned off is to prevent data from being lost due to a malfunction caused when the power is turned off or it is turned on again. The object is more important particularly to a one-time programmable memory to which data can be written only once or no data can be rewritten. The object becomes more important to a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device using a fuse element or an anti-fuse element to which data is written using a high-current power supply and a high-voltage power supply, because a write control circuit malfunctions to not only lose data but also break the device (semiconductor elements of the circuit).
The above malfunction of the write control circuit is caused by an unexpected operation thereof. Conventional nonvolatile semiconductor memory devices have employed a so-called protection circuit with a function such as a key and a password to inhibit a write control circuit from operating without executing normal procedures. Such a protection circuit is however complicated in general. For example, a sequential circuit is often used to confirm that normal procedures have been executed in sequence. However, the malfunction of the write control circuit is caused chiefly by an unstable state of a power supply when it is turned off or turned on again. The protection circuit complicates the write control circuit, and the sequential circuit weakens the write control circuit.
Assume here that a protection circuit is configured as follows. The protection circuit is supplied with KEY [2:0] corresponding to three input signals. If KEY [2:0] is first brought into "010" state and the circuit is supplied with a clock CLK, the first key is released. If KEY [2:0] is then brought into "101" state and the circuit is supplied with a clock CLK again, a write operation starts. Such a protection circuit always includes a sequential circuit using a flip-flop. However, the sequential circuit generally becomes unstable immediately after power is turned on. The flip-flop could be brought into an unexpected state by the influence of radiation or the like. The protection circuit therefore fills the role of preventing an unauthorized write operation while the sequential circuit is normally operating; however, it cannot prevent an unauthorized write operation due to a malfunction of the sequential circuit. Adding a power-on reset circuit that monitors the state of a power supply and generates a reset signal, the initial state of the protection circuit can be determined. The protection circuit is thus improved in advantage (accuracy) accordingly. However, the power-on reset circuit is not advantageous to any malfunction due to radiation or its operation is not performed stably.
A nonvolatile memory including an address holding circuit having a reset signal input has been proposed (refer to Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2003-131951, for example). However, the nonvolatile memory is configured to reliably prevent data from being written to the memory or erased therefrom when a reset signal is generated during the execution of a write sequence or an erase sequence.

Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device using nonvolatile storage elements to which data can be written only once


A tracked vehicle is provided with an epicyclic steering differential interposed between the internal combustion engine and the track drive wheels. A reversible hydraulic motor is operatively associated with the differential for operating the steering of the vehicle. The differential includes a double epicyclic train which divides the torque from the internal combustion engine. The hydraulic motor acts on two elements of the train which are connected for rotation with each other about the central axis of the differential, and which rotate in equilibrium with each other when the vehicle is travelling a straight line.

The present invention relates to a tracked vehicle including an internal combustion engine, an epicyclic steering differential driven by the engine and adapted to rotate the drive wheels, and a reversible auxiliary motor operatively associated with the differential for operating the steering of the vehicle.
In vehicles of the above type, the rotation in one sense or the other of the auxiliary motor which acts on an input shaft of the differential steers the vehicle to the right or the left with considerably less power loss than is typical of well-known traditional epicyclic or brake-and-clutch steering systems.
On the other hand, systems with such epicyclic steering differentials are quite complex and bulky and include a large number of associated epicyclic trains.

Tracked vehicle with an epicyclic steering differential


A new and distinct variety of white nectarine tree, denominated ‘NECTARPERF’, has a large fruit of very long shelf life without alteration after harvesting, a semi-sweet white flesh of high eating quality and an attractive bright purple red skin color. The tree is of large size and is vigorous. Fruit can be consumed crunchy or at maturity.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of white nectarine tree, Prunus persica L. Batsch var. nucipersica, which has been given the variety denomination 'NECTARPERF'. This new tree produces fruit with a long shelf life without alteration both on the tree after growth completion and after harvesting, very large fruit with very good eating quality, fresh fruit for fresh market in late August in the Pyrénées-Orientales department, France. Contrast is made to 'NECTARCRISP' (U.S Plant Pat. No. 19,384) white nectarine tree, standard variety, for reliable description. 'NECTARPERF' is a promising candidate for commercial success in that it has a semi-early to semi-late flowering period, fruit with very long shelf life without alteration after harvesting, and so a very durable fruit.


The invention provides a compact camera module. The compact camera module includes an image sensing device, a set of optical elements, and a zooming device. The set of optical elements connects to the image sensing device, and comprises a lens set. The zooming device connects to the set of optical elements for adjusting a distance between the lens set and the image sensing device. The zooming device directly electrically joins with the image sensing device.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to photosensitive devices and more particularly to compact camera modules.
2. Description of the Related Art
A machine component of a conventional automatic focus compact camera module and zoom compact camera module is electrically connected to an external circuit board by a cable or a flexible printed circuit board. The external circuit board is electrically connected to an image sensor, and thus, the image sensor and the corresponding compact camera module are indirectly electrically connected. The electrical connections between conventional compact camera modules are complicated and an encapsulating material is required to assemble the conventional compact camera module and the corresponding image sensor. As a result, process costs are relatively high and product size is relatively larger, such that device performance and yield are negatively affected.
Thus, a novel compact camera module is required to solve the described problems.


‘Dozandurb’ is a new variety of calla lily plant having purple colored spathes that produces 10-14 inflorescences per 16-18 cm tuber. The flower stems are about 33-48 cm in height. The leaves are brownish green with maculations present and a smooth texture.

The present invention comprises a new and distinct variety of calla lily, botanically known as Zantedeschia sprengeri and hereinafter referred to by the varietal name 'Dozandurb'. 'Dozandurb' is a product of a planned breeding program, which had the objective of creating Zantedeschia hybrids for pot flower production in a wide range of colors with a classic flower shape. The new cultivar is a seedling selected from the crossing of Zantedeschia sprengeri variety 'Paco' (female parent, U.S. Plant Pat. No. 24,246) with Zantedeschia sprengeri seedling Z060836-958 (male parent, unpatented). 'Dozandurb' was selected in 2011 by the inventor in 't Zand, The Netherlands as one flowering plant within the progeny of the stated cross.
The first act of asexual reproduction of 'Dozandurb' by tissue culture was performed by the inventor in November of 2013 in 't Zand, The Netherlands. Subsequent asexual reproductions by tissue culture at the same location have demonstrated that the combination of characteristics as herein disclosed for the new cultivar are retained and reproduced true to type through successive generations of asexual reproduction.
The following observations, measurements and comparisons describe plants at approximately 10 weeks from planting in 14 cm pots in 't Zand, The Netherlands under greenhouse conditions, which approximate those generally used in horticultural practice. Color references are made to The 2001 R.H.S. Colour Chart of The Royal Horticultural Society of London, 4th Edition, except where general color terms of ordinary significance are used.
The present invention has not been evaluated under all possible environmental conditions. The phenotype may vary with variations in environment without a change in the genotype of the plant.
The following traits have been repeatedly observed and determined to be basic characteristics of 'Dozandurb' which, in combination, distinguish this calla lily as a new and distinct cultivar:                1. Medium purple colored spathes without a throat spot;        2. Brownish green colored leaves;        3. Few leaf maculations present; and        4. High inflorescence production.
The new variety is similar to its female parent in the following traits: spathe color, spadix length, lanceolate leaf shape, and the presence of leaf maculations. However, 'Dozandurb' exhibits a broader spathe width, longer spathe length, and weaker flower curve than its female parent. Further, its female parent has a spathe throat spot, a yellow/red colored spadix, and a green/red colored stem. The new variety is similar to its male parent in the following traits: spathe color, spadix length, and the presence of leaf maculations. However, 'Dozandurb' exhibits a narrower spathe width, shorter spathe length, and weaker flower curve than its male parent. Further, its male parent has a spathe throat spot, a yellow colored spadix, and oval shaped leaves.
When compared to calla lily plant named 'Purple Spirit' (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 29,648), both varieties exhibit purple colored spathes, but the upper and lower surface spathe colors of 'Purple Spirit' are from Red-Purple Group RHS 61A to 71A, while the upper surface spathe colors of 'Dozandurb' are from Purple Group RHS N79A to N79C and the lower surface spathe colors of 'Dozandurb' are from Purple Group RHS N79C to N79D.


A printed circuit board (PCB) comprises two or more PCB layers comprising of a dielectric core and conductive cladding on adjoining surfaces; one or more DC lines embedded in one or more layers of the two or more PCB layers; one or more RF signal lines embedded in one or more layers of the two or more PCB layers; wherein the one or more DC lines crosses over/under at least one of the RF signal lines to form at least one crossover, wherein the at least one crossover is no thicker than the PCB layer in which it is situated. The printed circuit board of claim 1, further comprising two or more generally parallel DC lines which converge to form a stack of superposed parallel DC lines where the two or more DC lines cross over the one or more RF signal lines.

Signal crossovers have been implemented in printed circuit boards (PCBs) for as long as PCBs have existed. The conventional way to fabricate signal crossovers calls for the design of separate signal lines in separate laminate layers with signal lines interconnecting through arrays of plated vias. Plated vias add complexity in the design and fabrication of the PCBs, as well as bulkiness of the final products due to the additional laminate layers needed. Surface mount crossover COTS (commercial off the shelf) chips are currently being offered as alternatives to embedded layer crossovers. The main challenge in these COTS signal crossover chips is that each crossover chip has very limited performance characteristics because each is designed for a very specific application. Accordingly, it is difficult to find a COTS component that is suitable for every application. In addition, there are only a handful companies that manufacture and sell COTS crossover SMTs (surface mount technology). The COTS versions available are very limited in applications, i.e. AVX up to 6 GHz, and TFC up to 20 GHz, and they are very costly (˜$10-$15/piece, wholesale). A further problem is that they include very bulky packaging, limiting multiple SMT density, i.e. how many are able to be integrated per unit area while mitigating undesired cross-talk issues.
In addition, the MIMIC COTS crossovers have serious deficiencies in term of customizable power ratings, power efficiencies, and desired frequency ranges-major impact on cost and availabilities. MIMIC stands for Microwave/Millimeter-wave Monolithic Integrated Circuits; This is the technology used to generate the COTS crossover.
Further, lithographically-patterned crossovers can be extremely complex to design and implement: multiple crossovers in a 3D configuration require multiple masking and processing steps that need to be fine-tuned to the existing fabrication capabilities and limitations, which can be hindered by the lack of the desired resolution, as well as by material availability. Lithographically-fabricated 3D crossovers are also mostly restricted to perpendicular signal line crossings to accommodate existing design and fabrication tools.
Some prior art arrangements call for RF signals to cross over RF, RF to cross over DC, or DC to cross over DC, and even optical signals may cross over electrical signals. As a consequence of those signal crossovers, PCBs may have a significant number of layers, leading to bulky, heavy, complex, and costly circuits. The design and fabrication involving the traditional signal crossing arrangements require highly skilled engineering and specialized foundries thus adding an undesired cost/performance value to the end product.
What is desired are novel design and fabrication concepts for implementing signal crossovers that avoid these problems and limitations. The design gaps may be filled by a clever pinpointed multilevel crossover architecture design and the use of direct write process described below where materials can be directly, selectively, and precisely deposited in a wide range of configurations, while avoiding many of the problems inherent in the prior art.

Fabrication of electrical and/or optical crossover signal lines through direct write deposition techniques

United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force


The invention relates to a module interface with a device-side connector provided on an electronic module with a number of contact elements. They are designed to form a plug-type connection with several corresponding plug-type connectors with different numbers of contact elements.

The invention relates to a module interface for an electronic module.
Electronic modules of the type under discussion can generally constitute devices for safety and automation technology; they can, in particular, be designed as safety switches.
Electronic modules of that kind can be aggregated into module arrangements; they will then form safety systems, for instance locking safety systems. One system of this type is the MGB safety system of the company Euchner, for example. This safety system ensures that movable, separating protective equipment is reliably kept closed, in particular protective doors, and that access is consequently secure to fenced-in, hazardous areas that are critical for safety.
This locking safety system is comprised of a locking module that is arranged on a handle module. These modules serve to reliably keep the protective door closed. The door handle of the handle module can be held in the closed position via spring force and unlocked via magnetic force. Alternatively, the door handle can be held in the closed position via magnetic force and unlocked via spring force.
The locking safety system has, moreover, a control module and a bus module in the form of functional modules that can be connected to the locking module. The control module has a control unit with several buttons and knobs. The bus module serves to connect the locking safety system to an external bus system.
The individual modules are connected via connection modules such as plugs and sockets; flat-ribbon cables that go into the individual modules run out of the connection modules.
A major drawback of safety systems of that kind is that their configuration cannot be changed or can only be changed to a limited extent, in particular because of the tightly predefined interfaces in the form of connection modules. An adaptation to different application or usage conditions is consequently only possible to a limited extent.


The annular surface between the tubing and casing of an oil or gas well may be contacted with a foamed well treatment composition containing a gas, a foaming agent and a liquid well treatment agent, such as a scale inhibitor, corrosion inhibitor, salt inhibitor, scale remover or biocide. The foam, upon destabilization, renders a thin film of concentrated well treatment agent on the external surfaces of the tubing, inside the casing and in the perforations.

Oilfield fluids (e.g., oil, gas, and water) are generally complex mixtures of aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatics, hetero-atomic molecules, anionic and cationic salts, acids, sands, silts, clays and a vast array of other components. The nature of these fluids, combined with the severe conditions of heat, pressure, and turbulence to which they are often subjected, are contributory factors to the formation and deposition of unwanted contaminants, such as scales, salts, paraffins, corrosion, bacteria and asphaltenes in oil and/or gas production wells.
A common site for the formation and deposition of such contaminants is the annular space between the production tubing and casing of oil or gas wells. The annulus may be a static area or may produce gas or liquid. In low pressure gas wells, such as coal bed methane wells, the gas is produced up the annulus and the liquid (water) is allowed to fall to the liquid level and removed via a submersible pump up the tubing. Such undesirable substances as salt, scales, paraffins and asphaltenes, form due to the pressure changes at the perforations. Alternatively, such substances form due to comingling of incompatible waters from one set of perforations to another.
The formation and deposition of such unwanted contaminants decrease permeability of the subterranean formation and reduce well productivity. For instance, in some completions, the presence of scale in the annulus may make it difficult or impossible to remove the tubing for servicing. While there are a number of approaches to these production problems in the patent and journal literature, nearly all of them deal with the problem on an individual basis as they form, which can be costly when numerous problems arise during production. A further problem with such an approach is the cost of tracking and monitoring such production problems. For example, the technique of "downhole squeezing" is commonly used to address oil field scale formation, wherein a slug of the well treatment composition is injected into the annulus, using a pre-flush, squeeze, and overflush treatment before the well can be returned to normal function. However, the overflush process often flushes a significant portion of the well treatment agent such that the remaining well treatment agent is gradually removed from the surface as oil production continues. Thus, further descaling treatments are typically required. Further, such treatment methods are typically inefficient in that contact with all of the surfaces of the tubing external and casing internal is not completely achieved. As a result, large quantities of the well treatment agent are required.
Alternative treatment methods have therefore been sought for introducing well treatment agents into oil and/or gas wells and especially between the annular surface between the tubing and casing.

Method of treating well with foamed composition


A handcuff that includes two compression control mechanisms that allow the handcuff to ensure a tight fit, but prevent the handcuff from being over-tightened causing injury and preventing potential liability. The handcuff includes a first half bracelet and a second half bracelet that are pivotally coupled. The first half bracelet includes a base that houses a locking mechanism and the second half bracelet includes a toothed portion that operably engages the locking mechanism. The handcuff includes a first compression control mechanism proximate the first half bracelet and a second compression control mechanism proximate the second half bracelet. The first and second compression control mechanisms engage the locking mechanism and are operable to automatically change the locking mechanism from an active mode to a locked mode to ensure the proper closure of the handcuff, and prevent the handcuff from being over constricted.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is in the field of handcuffs for law enforcement or personal restraint purposes.
2. Description of Related Art
Handcuffs are mainly used by law enforcement officials to restrain suspected offenders. Every year there are a number of excessive force claims brought against law enforcement agencies claiming that the law enforcement officer applied the handcuffs too tightly around a target's wrist. These excessive force claims cost law enforcement agencies substantial amounts in attorney's fees and, in some cases, civil damages. Current handcuffs have no mechanisms to ensure the handcuff is applied in a manner sufficient to prevent the target from escaping, but also prevents the handcuffs from being over tightened.
Thus, there is a need in the art for a handcuff that includes compression control mechanisms on both half-bracelets to prevent over-tightening of the handcuff when the handcuff is being put on a target, but also provides sufficient closure to ensure that the target cannot free itself.


A hydraulic device including an autonomous electronic sensor assembly that has at least one miniature sensing element. Sensing elements of this type require a minimal amount of space. It is especially preferred if the sensor assembly has at least one miniature transmitter. As the hydraulic device does not then require any sensitive electric cables for signal transmission, the reliability of its monitoring capabilities is optimized.

The disclosure relates to a hydraulic device.
In hydraulic devices, there are various approaches for monitoring the operating parameters thereof, such as pressure, movement and temperature.
Sensors for hydraulic devices are known where the measuring signals and results are transmitted, and the current is supplied, via electric cables.
A disadvantage of hydraulic devices monitored in such a manner involves the cables and plug-in connections, which are obstructive during movements of components of the devices and during the maintenance thereof. Damage to the cables or plug-in connections may result in the sensors failing.
DE 10 2007 012 733 A1 discloses an autonomous pressure sensor on the housing of an axial piston unit, which pressure sensor transmits measuring signals from a transmitter to a receiver wirelessly. The electric energy required for this purpose and for obtaining and processing the electric measuring signal is generated in situ by a transducer. The specific proposal involves a piezoelement which generates the energy from pressure pulsations of the working fluid in the region of the housing.
A disadvantage of sensors of this type—in addition to limiting pressure measurements—is the space that said sensors require.


One embodiment of a method for producing a plurality of nanostructures embedded in a host comprising the steps of: assembling a first preform, drawing said first preform into a first fiber, cutting said first fiber into a plurality of pieces, assembling said pieces of said first fiber into a second preform, and drawing said second preform into a second fiber. The host is made of a low thermal conductivity material such as a polymer or combination of polymers. The host can assume the form of a plurality of nanotubes which further reduces the host's thermal conductivity due to enhanced phonon scattering. The host can exhibit anisotropic thermal conductivity which reduces its thermal conductivity perpendicular to the direction in which it was drawn. The nanostructure-host composite can be cut into pieces and assembled into efficient thermoelectric devices for use in cooling or electric power generation applications. Other embodiments are described and shown.

1. Field
This application relates to methods for making thermoelectric materials, specifically to methods for producing nanowires or quantum dots embedded in a solid.
2. Prior Art
When a temperature difference is applied across a thermoelectric material, electrical charge diffuses to one of its ends. If the thermoelectric material is n-type then a net negative charge diffuses to its cold end. If the thermoelectric material is p-type then a net negative charge diffuses to its hot end. The magnitude of this net charge buildup on the thermoelectric material's ends is expressed by its Seebeck coefficient, S.
If an n-type and p-type thermoelectric materials are placed near each other and their hot ends are electrical connected and their cold ends are electrical connected, electric current will flow through the thermoelectric materials. This electric current can be harnessed to provide electric power.
If no temperature difference exists across electrically connected n-type and p-type thermoelectric materials, a temperature difference can be created by driving an electric current through them. Generally, up to a point, the higher the electric current, the greater the temperature difference created. This temperature difference can be used to cool an object.
Whether thermoelectric materials are used to generate electrical power or for cooling, some of the energy transfer involved is lost (i.e. unusable). In either case, a temperature difference exists across the thermoelectric materials so energy flows (heat) through them. This heat is lost. Heat loss through thermoelectric materials can be minimized by using thermoelectric materials with a low thermal conductivity, k. Furthermore, electric current flowing through the thermoelectric materials results in resistive power loss. This resistive power loss can be minimized by using thermoelectric materials with a high electrical conductivity, σ.
So qualitatively, it is understandable that S and σ should be high and k should be low for efficient power generation and cooling. Through a rigorous mathematical derivation it can be shown that the efficiency of a thermoelectric material is directly related to a dimensionless figure of merit, ZT, which is defined as: ZT=TS2σ/k, where T is temperature.
Thermoelectric devices have been limited to niche markets due to their low energy efficiency and high cost. ZT for commercial thermoelectric materials is close to 1 at room temperature; however a ZT ≧2 is needed to compete with the energy efficiencies of most conventional cooling machines (i.e. automobile air-conditioners, small household refrigerators, etc.). Commercial thermoelectric devices are expensive because one of their primary constituents, tellurium, is a relatively rare and expensive element that is in high demand due to the rapid growth in cadmium telluride solar cell production. Given the continued global support for clean energy technologies (i.e. CdTe solar cells), there is an urgent economic need to replace tellurium based thermoelectric materials with a less expensive material that exhibits a ZT ≧1.
The most promising approach for increasing ZT of a material is to make it into a nanostructured form. In 1993, Hicks and Dresselhaus ("Thermoelectric Figure of Merit of a One-Dimensional Conductor", Physical Review B Vol. 47, pp. 16631, 1993) pointed out that, due to the quantum-mechanical nature of the motion of electrons through solids, confining such electrons in a structure with a physical dimension below the spatial extent of the electron wave function should result in a much increased S and σ, thus strongly increasing ZT (later it was found that nanostructures also reduce k due to phonon scattering). For example a figure of merit ZT=6 (at 77° K) is predicted for 5 nm diameter bismuth nanowires oriented parallel to a temperature gradient. Humphrey et. al. ("Reversible Thermoelectric Nanomaterials", Physical Review Letters, PRL 94, 096601, 2005) calculated ZT=10 (at 300° K) for nanowires oriented perpendicular to a temperature gradient.
After Hicks and Dresselhaus published their work in 1993, many attempts were made to fabricate thermoelectric nanostructures using a variety of methods. The results were disappointing primarily because of the costly and slow fabrication methods used and by the fact that bulk quantities of thermoelectric nanostructures must be embedded in a solid for structural support. This solid or host material is usually not a thermoelectric material so it tends to leak electric current and heat which significantly reduces ZT of the nanostructure-host composite. Generally the electrical current leakage is not a problem because thermoelectric nanostructures are made of a semiconductor so the host material can be made of an electrical insulator (i.e. thermoelectric material is Bi2Te3: σ˜1×105 (Ω·m)−1, host material is glass: σ˜1×10−12 (Ω·m)−1). However, the heat leakage is a problem because good thermoelectric materials tend to be thermal insulators (i.e. Bi2Te3: k˜1.2 W/(m·K), glass: k˜1 W/(m·K)). This heat leakage (or heat loss) becomes more significant by the fact that the thermal conductivity of nanostructures decreases dramatically as their size decreases: see for example FIG. 1 in Walkauskas et. al ("Lattice thermal conductivity of wires", Journal of Applied Physics, Vol. 85, No. 5, 2579, 1999) and Zhou et. al. ("Thermoelectric properties of individual electrodeposited bismuth telluride nanowires", Applied Physics Letters, 87, 133109, 2005). Increasing the number of thermoelectric nanostructures in a given volume of the host material helps to reduce this heat leak, however if the thermoelectric nanostructures are too close to one another, electron tunneling between adjacent thermoelectric nanostructures reduces ZT of the nanostructure-host composite as calculated by Broido and Reinecke (see FIG. 1 in "Thermoelectric figure of merit of quantum wire superlattices", Applied. Physics Letters, 67 (1), 100, 1995). Clearly there is a need to use very low thermal conductivity materials to host thermoelectric nanostructures.
Making wires, with diameters less than 1 urn, embedded in glass, can be produced with the Taylor-wire process (see Section 2.2.1 and FIG. 1 in I. W. Donald "Production, properties and applications of microwire and related products," Journal of Materials Science, Vol. 22, 2661-2679, 1987). Donald describes the Taylor-wire process as follows: " . . . the metal to be drawn was contained in a glass tube ˜2 mm internal diameter, which was closed at one end. This end of the tube was heated in a gas flame until the metal melted and the glass softened, when the tube was drawn down, by hand, to produce metal-filled rods ˜0.5 to 1.0 mm diameter by about 300 mm long. Subsequently, these rods were re-drawn to the diameter required . . . ". In 2005, Dutta (U.S. Pat. No. 7,559,215) used the Taylor-wire process in his attempt to make wire with the "diameter required" for high ZT thermoelectric materials.
The problem with the wires that Dutta produced is that the host material, in which Dutta's wires were embedded, was a glass. In fact, as stated in all Dutta's independent claims, glass is the material used to host his wires. Although glass is generally an electrical insulator, a much better thermal insulator is needed to host low thermal conductivity thermoelectric wires. For example, polymers have thermal conductivities that are typically ¼ to 1/20 that of glasses (see FIG. 17.5 on page 652 in "Properties of polymers: their correlation with chemical structure; their numerical estimation and prediction from additive group contributions" e.d. D.W. Van Krevelen, Amsterdam, New York: Elsevier, 1990, and FIG. 8.5 on page 149 in "From Polymers to Plastics", A. K. van der Vegt, Delft, The Netherlands, Delft University Press, 2002). Dutta did not realize the large heat leak through the glass that hosted his wires, which, in turn, lead to his erroneous calculations of ZT that he states in his U.S. Pat. No. 7,559,215.
In research not related to thermoelectric materials, Bayindir et. al. (see inset of FIG. 1a in "Metal-insulator-semiconductor optoelectronic fibres," Nature, Vol. 431, 826, 2004, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,295,734 filed in 2004) developed a method for making optoelectronic fibers that included microwires embedded in a polymer or glass, by using a conventional optical fiber drawing process. A couple of years later Bayindir (see FIG. 3d in "Kilometer-Long Ordered Nanophotonic Devices by Preform-to-Fiber Fabrication," IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics, Vol. 12. no. 6, 1202, 2006, also see US Patent Application No. 2008/0087047) refined his method further by making photonic bandgap optical fibers containing 200 nm diameter nanowires embedded in a polymer. Bayindir's fibers were designed to function as photonic or optoelectronic devices which are very different from thermoelectric devices.
For making nanowires, Bayinder's method has two advantages over Dutta's use of the Taylor-wire process. First, Bayinder's method is compatible with polymer hosts which typically have much lower thermal conductivities than that of glasses. Although drawing a polymer tends to increase its thermal conductivity parallel to the draw direction, and decrease its thermal conductivity perpendicular to the draw direction, this thermal conductivity anisotropy can be significantly reduced by drawing the fiber at higher temperatures as demonstrated by Washo et. al. (see FIG. 2 in "Heat Conduction in Linear Amorphous High Polymers: Orientation Anisotropy," Journal of Applied Physics, Vol. 40, no. 6, 2423, 1969″). Second, in Bayinder's method the nanowire host can be heterogeneous, such as assuming the form of nanotubes which further reduces the host's thermal conductivity due to phonon scattering at the nanotubes' inner and outer surfaces, i.e. the tube wall is like a thin polymer film that scatters phonons as measured by Jin et. al. (see Table I in "In-plane thermal conductivity of nanoscale polyaniline thin films", Applied Physics Letters, 95, 033113, 2009).
So the method that Bayindir uses to make nanowires for optoelectronic and photonic devices in fibers could have a new use, namely, using nanowires embedded in a polymer or combination of polymers to serve as high ZT thermoelectric materials.
Furthermore, by pushing Bayindir's method of making nanowires beyond its intended operating parameters, the nanowires can be made to uniformly breakup into a well ordered, three dimensional array of quantum dots, which is the theoretically best (i.e. highest ZT) thermoelectric nanostructure. For ZT calculations on quantum dots see Mahan et. al. ("The best thermoelectric", Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., Vol. 93, 7436-7439, 1996) and Humphrey et. al. ("Reversible Thermoelectric Nanomaterials", Physical Review Letters, PRL 94, 096601, 2005).
Furthermore, as previously noted, drawn polymers exhibit anisotropy in their thermal conductivity so if a fiber containing quantum dots is oriented such that the direction in which it was drawn is perpendicular to the applied temperature gradient, the fiber's ZT will be further increased because the fiber's thermal conductivity is lowest in this orientation.
Although several researches have successfully made nanoparticle chains in nanotubes and nanowires, the methods they employed are not suitable for producing bulk quantities of nanostructured thermoelectric materials. For example Qin et. al. ("General Assembly Method for Linear Metal Nanoparticle Chains Embedded in Nanotubes", Nano Letters, Vol. 8, No. 10, 3221-3225, 2008, and "Rayleigh-Instability-Induced Metal Nanoparticle Chains Encapsulated in Nanotubes Produced by Atomic Layer Deposition", Nano Letters, Vol. 8, No. 1, 114-118, 2008) used a slow atomic layer deposition process to make nanoparticles in nearly parallel, but short, and irregularly spaced nanotubes. Peng et. al. ("Bulk-quantity Si nanosphere chains prepared from semi-infinite length Si nanowires", Journal of Applied Physics, Vol. 89, No. 1, 727-731, 2001) slowly grew short, randomly oriented nanowires containing nanospheres.
The problems with the methods Qin and Peng use to make nanoparticle chains is: 1) they use slow atomic layer deposition or growth methods, 2) the spacing between their nanoparticle chains is not well controlled which is important for achieving a high ZT thermoelectric material because if this spacing is too large then too much heat is leaked and if this spacing is too small then electron tunneling occurs, and 3) only short lengths and small quantities of nanoparticles can be produced.
So pushing Bayindir's method of making nanowires beyond its intended operating parameters, quantum dots embedded in a polymer or combination of polymers can be made to serve as high ZT thermoelectric materials.


A lifting vehicle comprises a mobile chassis with a tiltable mast (3) and a lifting device (4,5). Alerting means (15,16) are provided for the purpose of monitoring a load on the lifting device as a result of a cargo being carried thereby. The alerting means comprise a first electronic sensor 11), which records a cargo weight, and a second electronic sensor (12) which records a cargo moment. The alerting means (15,16) are provided with automatic calibration means which, when an output signal below a predetermined threshold value is generated by the one sensor (11), sets to zero an output signal differing therefrom from the other sensor (12).

The present invention relates to a lifting vehicle, in particular a forklift truck, comprising a mobile chassis with a mast, wherein a lifting device is connected for axial movement to the mast and is coupled to a hydraulic lifting cylinder in order to perform a substantially vertical displacement, and wherein alerting means are provided for the purpose of monitoring a load on the lifting device as a result of a cargo being carried thereby.
Lifting vehicles are applied in diverse embodiments in logistics applications, often referred to simply as material handling, for the purpose of moving goods quickly and efficiently. Mainly applied here as lifting vehicle for heavier cargoes are forklift trucks with which cargoes up to several tens of tons can be lifted and displaced with a lifting device provided therein. The lifting vehicle comprises a sufficient counterweight to enable such a cargo to be carried. It is however extremely important here that the cargo will not exceed a specific maximum prescribed for the vehicle. This is expressed in a cargo chart on the vehicle which allows a maximum load depending on a lifting height, a cargo weight and a cargo position, or cargo moment.
For safe operation of a lifting vehicle such as a forklift truck it is necessary to remain within the limits of this cargo chart. For this purpose the vehicle can have been or be fitted with electronic alerting means for monitoring imminent overload of the lifting device as a result of a cargo being carried thereby. These alerting means normally comprise for this purpose one or more weight sensors for generating in real-time to the driver an indication of the weight of a cargo on the lifting device. These are for instance strain-sensitive sensors which record a mechanical deformation in or at the lifting device as a result of the cargo.
This causes a (tensile) stress which affects the strain-sensitive sensor and is generated as electronic signal. The sensor is coupled to a processing unit which is able to compare an output signal from the sensor to an optionally linear output characteristic provided therein for the purpose of deriving therefrom an indication of the actual weight of the load. The processing unit passes this indication to a monitor and/or loudspeaker provided close to the driver in order to alert the driver when a maximum allowable weight threatens to be exceeded.
A problem which occurs in practice in some cases with such alerting means is that the strain sensors applied, depending on the temperature, assembly tolerances and the operating time, display a certain drift and can as a result generate an increasingly less accurate value after a period of time. In order to overcome this an electronic calibration has to be performed periodically, whereby the output signal from sensors is reset to the associated output characteristic with which the processing unit calculates. Only then can a sufficiently accurate monitoring of the load on the vehicle be guaranteed. Such a periodic calibration does however require the necessary attention, time and discipline of a vehicle controller, and these may be disregarded.
The present invention has for its object, among others, to provide a lifting vehicle which obviates the above outlined problem to at least significant extent.


Systems, methods, and computer readable media for providing a customer service system are provided. In some examples, the customer service system may include a telephone interface and may recognize both speech responses (e.g., voice commands) and/or touch tone responses. The system may include one or more rules for identifying options based on received user input. In some examples, the options provided based on touch tone input may be different from those based on received speech input. In some examples, the speech responses may be determined to meet a confidence threshold in order to progress to the next menu level or set of options. The confidence threshold may be adjusted and/or may be different or customizable for different menu options, levels, and the like.

Customer service is an important part of many industries. Providing quick, efficient customer service can be important to maintaining customer relationships and securing new customers. Conventional customer service systems can be cumbersome and may provide options unnecessary to service a particular client. In addition, making updates to an automated customer service system may be cumbersome and may require retesting of the entire system prior to implementation. Accordingly, a system and method of providing a customer service system that can be easily modified and is adaptable to user needs, as well as providing efficient service to the customer, would be advantageous.


A high-speed decoder is disclosed which operates on variable word length data, but accepts an incoming compressed data stream comprising a series of fixed length tokens, each of which can represent one or more pixels. The decoder comprises a translation unit which, in any given decoding cycle, decodes one pixel, and which forwards any remaining information available in the current token, but not used to decode the current pixel, for use in decoding the next pixel. The translator unit, which is table driven, is not required to explicitly shift or align the remaining data, nor is it required to explicitly determine the length of the current pixel before decoding the next. The high speed of the decoder derives from parallel decoding using the table-lookup method, combined with the absence of bit-shifting delays in the feedback critical path. The decoder employs a modified, truncated Huffman coding method which enables the decoding hardware to operate at up to 33 million pixels per second. Such fast cycle times are achieved in part by eliminating the bit-shifting operations previously required for aligning VWL codeword data.

This invention relates to coding and decoding of digital data, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for rapidly decoding streams of encoded, packed, unaligned, variable-length code words.
Medical image data, when digitally encoded, usually contains a large amount of redundancy because the digital representation allows each pixel to assume any value independent of the value of neighboring pixels. However, in real images, the value of each pixel rarely differs from that of its neighbors by more than a small amount. Various other types of data acquired or sampled from real-world signals have similar characteristics. As a result, uncompressed data of this type requires unnecessarily large amounts of storage space, and requires an unacceptably long time to transfer via input/output devices, communications channels, and the like.
In order to reduce the volume of this data, the approaches which are customarily used in the art employ such techniques as delta pulse code modulation (DPCM) and run length encoding to reduce the spatial correlation of the data, and employ variable word length (VWL) coding to compactly represent the decorrelated data. In these techniques, the fixed-length data are converted to variable-length codewords according to the statistics of the data. In general, the lengths of the codewords are chosen so that the most frequently occurring data are represented by shorter codewords, and infrequently occurring data are represented by longer codewords. As a result of properly assigning the variable-length codewords to the entire set of source symbols, the average codeword size of the VWL-encoded data is less than that of the original data, and thus compression is achieved.
Generally, the encoding process can be implemented by a table-lookup process using the decorrelated input data to address the table. Each entry of the table contains the output codeword and a data field specifying the codeword's length. The code length then controls subsequent hardware, such as an output shift register for a communications channel, or combinatorial bit-packing logic for output to fixed-word-length devices such as a computer or digital data storage system. A combinatorial method of this type employing a barrel shifter is described in Arbeiter U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,242.
Recovery of the original data, however, is slowed down by the decoding process, which is more complicated than the original coding process. Each VWL codeword must be extracted from the received bit stream before it is decoded into a source symbol Until the codeword is decoded, the starting bit position of the next codeword is not known. This limits the designer's ability to use multistage pipelined hardware to enhance throughput.
There are several methods of decoding VWL codewords. A traditional approach is to use a tree-searching algorithm. A VWL code can always be represented by a tree with codewords as leaves. The decoding process starts at the root of the treed and is guided to follow one of two branches at each node, according to the next bit from the input data stream. When a leaf is reached, the end of the codeword is detected. The most common hardware design for a tree-search decoder consists of a memory containing the decoding table, with a pair of entries for each node. The data bit being decoded is connected to the low order bit of the table address, and thus determines which branch of the tree will be selected at each node, i.e. which of the pair of entries will be selected in the current decoding step. Each of these entries has a one-bit data field identifying it as either a leaf or as a pointer to another node, and another data field containing either the decoded value (if a leaf) or (if not a leaf) the table address of the next pair of node entries. This hardware implementation requires a table lookup for each bit of the input bit stream, and is thus limited in its speed.
A table-lookup based approach is an alternative to the bit-by-bit tree search method. A table lookup approach is disclosed in Raviv et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,675,212. In Raviv's approach, the received bit string is compared with the contents of a codeword table stored in an associative memory device. The Code table has an entry associated with each possible VWL codeword. Each entry includes the decoded fixed-length input word and the length of the variable length codeword. When the sequence of leading bits in an input register matches one of the entries of the codeword table, a codeword match is indicated. The input register is then shifted by the number of bits indicated by the code length entry, thereby making the next sequence of bits available for comparison with entries in the codeword table. Feedback to the input is required to inform the input register of the number of bits to shift after each variable length word is decoded.
A somewhat faster table-lookup decoding approach than Raviv's in described in Arbeiter U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,242. A combinatorial barrel shifter, rather than a shift register, is used to shift the input data into proper bit alignment for the decoding table.
In all of the above approaches, the feedback of the word length defeats attempts at pipelining the decoding process, and thus limits the speed of the decoder.
An alternative approach, which employs a feedforward technique, is described in Cordell U.S. Pat. No. 5,055,841. There the input bit stream enters a shift register at a fixed bit rate, and the parallel output of the shift register is connected to a programmable logic array (PLA) which functions as an associative memory device. The PLA is capable of decoding and translating the VWL code in each cycle of the shift register clock. The decoded output word is only transferred into the output latches, however, in the shift cycle when the VWL code is correctly aligned at the input to the PLA, as determined by a counter loaded with the length of the most recent VWL code. Due to the high speed of the PLA and the ability use delay-matching techniques in the feedforward signal paths, this method is fast. However, it still relies on decoding and decision-making on the time scale of the serial bit rate, and requires extremely fast components to keep up with the 155 Mhz bit rate specified for the high definition television application contemplated in the Cordell patent.
Due to the difficulty of implementing high-speed VWL decoders, there have been several special VWL codes designed for fast decoders. For example, a VWL code with a length-indicating prefix is proposed by J. Cocke et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 3,717,851. Such approaches trade off coding efficiency against hardware speed.
In many computer imaging applications, the speed at which images can be displayed is an important factor in achieving user acceptance. For example, where computer-based X-ray image display systems are employed in a medical environment to replace film images, users demand the ability to select, view and manipulate the images at least as rapidly as they could with ordinary film. Thus, in evaluating the application of a VWL decoder in a medical imaging workstation, it was determined that a decoding rate of at least 25 million pixels per second was desirable to meet the performance requirements of system users.
However, the practical limit to the decoding rate for the serial tree searching technique is about 40-50 million bits per second using present bipolar and CMOS semiconductor technology. At an average of 6 bits per pixel, this amounts to only 7-8 million pixels per second. Even using a lookup table and a commercially available barrel shifter to decode Huffman codes, as described in Arbeiter, a decoding rate of approximately only 15 million pixels per second is achievable.
Thus, prior art decoding techniques which use commercially feasible technology fail to satisfy system performance requirements. Although some fast decoders are available, they either require special codes which provide poor data compression efficiency, or they require exotic components which are too expensive for the intended commercial applications.


A ball valve isolator (5) includes a housing (15), a ball valve (60), a first isolator (40), and a second isolator (41). The housing (15) is provided with a first flow passage (29) located between an inlet (30) and an outlet (31). The ball valve (60) that includes a ball portion (63) located in the first flow passage (29) and defines a second flow passage (65) that is aligned with the first flow passage (29) when the ball valve (60) is actuated to an open position. The first isolator (40) is located, at least in part, within the housing (15) and substantially blocks the inlet (30) when the first isolator (40) is actuated to a closed position. The second isolator (41) is located, at least in part, within the housing (15) and substantially blocks the outlet (31) when the second isolator (41) is actuated to a closed position.

Ball valves are used in many applications to regulate the flow of a substance, such as gas or fluid. After a period of use, however, ball valves may need to be removed to be serviced or replaced. This may require shutting down the entire system which the ball valve is apart to prevent leakage of the substance when the ball valve is removed. In addition to being an inconvenience, in certain environments, such as a hospital setting, this may result in patients or doctors not having access to a gas. This presents a potentially dangerous situation and may require planning to ensure that alternative sources, such as portable tanks, are available to those who need them.
The present invention is directed to overcoming these and other disadvantages inherent in the prior art.