A turbine rotor blade with a thin thermal skin bonded over a spar to enclose serpentine flow cooling channels that extend from a platform to a blade tip along the airfoil walls. The radial channels discharge into a collection cavity and then flow through exit holes in the trailing edge. The radial cooling channels are formed as semi-circular shaped channels to maximize surface area on the hot side wall and on the cold side wall of the spar.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to gas turbine engine, and more specifically to a turbine rotor blade with near wall cooling.
2. Description of the Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98
In a gas turbine engine, such as a large frame heavy-duty industrial gas turbine (IGT) engine, a hot gas stream generated in a combustor is passed through a turbine to produce mechanical work. The turbine includes one or more rows or stages of stator vanes and rotor blades that react with the hot gas stream in a progressively decreasing temperature. The efficiency of the turbine—and therefore the engine—can be increased by passing a higher temperature gas stream into the turbine. However, the turbine inlet temperature is limited to the material properties of the turbine, especially the first stage vanes and blades, and an amount of cooling capability for these first stage airfoils.
The first stage rotor blade and stator vanes are exposed to the highest gas stream temperatures, with the temperature gradually decreasing as the gas stream passes through the turbine stages. The first and second stage airfoils (blades and vanes) must be cooled by passing cooling air through internal cooling passages and discharging the cooling air through film cooling holes to provide a blanket layer of cooling air to protect the hot metal surface from the hot gas stream.
One prior art turbine blade cooling design is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 which uses near wall radial flow cooling channels formed within the walls of the airfoil. Cooling air flows into each radial flow channel from the bottom and through a number of cooling air resupply holes that connect to a central cavity. Cooling air flows through the radial flow channels to produce near wall cooling of the walls and then discharged through film cooling holes to produce a layer of film air on the external wall surface. In the FIG. 1 blade cooling design, the spanwise and chordwise cooling flow control due to the airfoil external hot gas temperature and pressure variations is difficult to achieve. Surfaces of the airfoil vary in temperature and pressure and therefore require controlled air flow pressure and volume to control metal temperature.

Turbine blade with near wall cooling channels


A method to follow the progression of metastasis of a primary tumor, which method comprises removing fresh organ tissues from a vertebrate subject which has been modified to contain tumor cells that express GFP and observing the excised tissues for the presence of fluorescence is disclosed. The fluorescence can also be monitored by observing the tissues in situ. Vertebrate subjects which contain GFP producing tumors are useful models to study the mechanism of metastasis, as well as to evaluate candidate protocols and drugs. In addition, subjects already harboring tumors can be treated so as to modify the endogenous tumors to contain GFP. This permits clinical applications. Finally, by injecting a contrast dye into a subject harboring a GFP-labeled tumor, angiogenesis in the tumor can be observed directly.

The invention relates to the study of tumor progression. Specifically, it concerns model systems for studying the metastasis of tumors in vertebrate systems and to models and methods for evaluating candidate drugs.
It has long been recognized that the ability of tumor tissues to metastasize constitutes a major portion of the life-threatening aspects of malignancy. Metastasis is the growth of secondary tumors at sites different from the primary tumor. Thus, despite surgical removal of the primary tumor, it may not be possible to arrest the progress of this condition. An understanding of the mechanism whereby metastasis occurs will be crucial to the development of protocols whereby the growth of secondary tumors can be controlled. In order to understand the mechanism of metastasis, it will be necessary to provide a model which permits identification of small numbers of tumor cells against a background of many host cells so that secondary tumor emboli and micrometastases can be observed over the course of real time.
Others have demonstrated extravasation and initial seeding steps in tumor metastasis in vitro using externally fluorescently labeled tumor cells. Khokha, R. et al., Cancer Metastasis Rev (1995) 14:279-301; Koop, S. et al., Cancer Res (1995) 55:2520-2523. Further, Margolis, L. B. et al., In Vitro Cell Dev Biol (1995) 31:221-226 was able to visualize the migration of externally fluorescently labeled lung tumor cells in host mouse lung in histoculture. In all cases, however, long-term observation was not possible due to the limitation of exogenous fluorescent labels. Retroviral transfer of a green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene has been shown to result in stable transfectants of human cancer cells in vitro (Levy, J. P. et al., Nature Biotechnol (1996) 14:610-614), as well as of hematopoietic cells (Grignani, F. et al. Cancer Res (1998) 58:14-19 and by Cheng, L. et al. Gene Therapy (1997) 4:1013-1022).
Attempts have been made to provide such a model using the xcex2-galactosidase gene as a marker (Lin, W. C. et al., Cancer Res (1990) 50:2808-2817; Lin, W. C. et al., Invasion and Metastasis (1992) 12:197-209). However, this marker has not proved satisfactory, as fresh or processed tissue cannot be used. The present invention provides a marker which permits visualization of tumor invasion and micrometastasis formation in viable fresh tissue. In addition, by providing suitable contrast media, the method of the invention can be adapted to visualize angiogenesis in established and growing tumors. The methods of the invention can be applied not only to models of tumor growth and metastasis, but, through the use of retroviral vectors, can be employed to obtain clinical data in human subjects bearing tumors.
The present invention utilizes green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a marker. Heterologous expression of this protein, principally to monitor expression of fused DNA, was disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,491,084. This document describes the expression of GFP in E. coli and C. elegans and postulates that cells in general can be modified to express GFP. Such expression, according to this document, permits not only a method to monitor expression of fused DNA, but also a means of monitoring protein localization within the cell.
The aspect of the invention which provides a metastatic model has been reported and described in a series of publications. Chishima, T. et al. Cancer Research (1997) 57:2042-2047 describe the construction of a dicistronic vector containing the gene for humanized green fluorescent protein (GFP) and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). This vector was transfected into CHO-K1 cells to obtain clone-38. Clone-38 showed stable GFP expression which was maintained in the presence of methotrexate (MTX). Clone-38 cells were injected into mice to obtain tumor fragments which were then implanted by surgical orthotopic implantation (SOI) on the ovarian serosa in nude mice. Metastasis could be followed in this model.
Chishima, T. et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA (1997) 94:11573-11576 describe the preparation of clone-26 by transfection of Anip 973 human lung adenocarcinoma cells with the codon optimized hGFP-S65T clone obtained from Clontech. Clone-26 was injected intravenously into nude mice and the resulting tumors were followed in histoculture.
Chishima, T. et al. Clin Exp Metastasis (1997) 15:547-552 and Chishima, T. et al. Anticancer Res (1997) 17:2377-2384 describe similar work with clone-26 wherein the cells were inoculated subcutaneously into nude mice resulting in a visualizable tumor which was then implanted into the visceral pleura of nude mice by SOI. Metastases were observed in this model as well.
Chishima, T. et al. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol (1997) 33:745-747 describe histoculture of clone-26 and visualization of growth using the fluorescence emitted by GFP.
Yang, M., et al., Cancer Res (1998) 58:4217-4221 describe transduction of the human lung cancer cell line H460 with a retroviral expression vector containing enhanced GFP to obtain a stable high-GFP-expressing clone. Cells from this cell line were injected into nude mice and the resulting subcutaneously growing labeled tumors were transplanted by SOI into the left lung of nude mice. Fluorescence could then be observed from the metastases in the collateral lung, pleural membrane and throughout the skeletal system.
Yang, M., et al., Cancer Res (In Press) report similar studies using a model for prostate tumor and showing fluorescence throughout the skeletal system in nude mice.
The contents of the foregoing publications are incorporated herein by reference.
In addition to the foregoing, Cheng, L., et al., Gene Therapy (1997) 4:1013-1022, describe the modification of hematopoietic stem cells using the GFP gene under control of a retroviral promoter. Although the authors state that human stem cells are transfected with this system only with difficulty, by using an enhanced form of the GFP, satisfactory brightness could be achieved.
In addition, Grignani, F., et al., Cancer Res (1998) 58:14-19, report the use of a hybrid EBV/retroviral vector expressing GFP to effect high-efficiency gene transfer into human hematopoietic progenitor cells.
Vectors containing various modified forms of GFP to provide various colors are marketed by Clontech. The Clontech vectors intended for mammalian cell expression place the GFP under control of the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter.
The invention provides models which permit the intimate study of formation of metastases from primary tumors in a realistic and real-time setting. By using green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a stable and readily visualized marker, the progression of such metastasis can be modeled and the mechanism elucidated.
Thus, in one aspect, the invention is directed to a method to follow the progression of metastasis of a primary tumor, which method comprises removing fresh organ tissues from a vertebrate subject which has been modified to contain tumor cells that express GFP and observing the excised tissues for the presence of fluorescence.
In one embodiment, however, it is unnecessary to remove organ tissues; rather, the fluorescence can be visualized in the whole animal by real-time fluorescence optical tumor imaging (FOTI).
In another aspect, the invention is directed to a vertebrate subject which has been modified to contain tumor cells expressing GFP.
In these aspects, the vertebrate subject may constitute a model system, such as an immunocompromised mouse wherein tumor cells or a tumor, modified to express green fluorescent protein has been introduced into the subject. The model system may be used to evaluate candidate drugs for their capacity to inhibit metastasis. Alternatively, the subject may be a human or other vertebrate which natively contains the tumor, but wherein the tumor has been subjected to viral infection or to transfection with a retroviral vector so as to produce said GFP. The efficacy of drugs administered to such patients can be evaluated by following the course of metastasis in the subject.
In still other aspects, the invention is directed to tumor cells modified to produce GFP under control of heterologous control elements, to cells that are immortalized to provide stable cell lines as well as comprising visible amounts of GFP, to tissues containing metastatic tumors that produce GFP, and to histocultures of tissues which contain such metastasized tumors.
The invention also includes a method to observe and follow angiogenesis in solid tumors which method comprises (usually) exposing and observing said tumors. The tumors will have been modified to express GFP, and the subject will have been administered a contrast dye to permit this observation.

Metastasis models using green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a marker


The present invention provides a compacted and consolidated aluminum-based alloy material which has been obtained by compacting and consolidating a rapidly solidified material having a composition represented by the general formula: Al.sub.a Ni.sub.b X.sub.c wherein X is one or two elements selected from Zr and Ti and a, b and c are, in atomic percentages, 87.5.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.92.5, 5 .ltoreq.b.ltoreq.10, and 0.5.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.5; and a production process comprising melting a material of the above composition; quenching and solidifying the resultant molten material into powder or flakes; compacting, compressing, forming and consolidating the powder or flakes by conventional plastic working. The consolidated material of the present invention has. elongation (toughness) sufficient to withstand secondary working, even when secondary working is applied. Moreover, the material allows the secondary working to be performed easily while retaining the excellent properties of its raw material.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a compacted and consolidated aluminum-based alloy material having not only a high strength but also an elongation sufficient to withstand practically-employed working operations, and also to a process for the production of the material.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Aluminum-based alloys having high strength and high heat resistance have been produced to date by liquid quenching or the like. In particular, the aluminum alloys disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (Kokai) No. HEI 1-275732 and obtained by liquid quenching are amorphous or microcrystalline and are excellent alloys having a high strength, high heat resistance and high corrosion resistance.
The conventional aluminum-based alloys referred to above exhibit a high strength, high heat resistance and high corrosion resistance and are excellent alloys. When they are each obtained in the form of powder or flakes by liquid quenching and the powder or flakes are then processed or worked as a raw material in one way or another to obtain a final product, in other words, the powder or flakes are converted into a final product by primary processing or working, they exhibit an excellent processability or workability. However, to form the powder or flakes as a raw material into a consolidated material and then to work the consolidated material, namely, to subject the consolidated material to secondary working, there is still room for improvement in their workability and also in the retention of their excellent properties after working.

Compacted and consolidated aluminum-based alloy material and production process thereof


Examples include a fluidic device comprising a fluidic die, a support element, and a conductive member. The support element is coupled to the fluidic die, and the support element has a fluid channel formed therein. The fluid channel exposes at least a portion of a back surface of the fluidic die. The support element further includes a member opening passing therethrough. The conductive member is connected to the fluidic die, and the conductive member is a least partially disposed in the member opening such that a portion of the conductive member is exposed to the fluid channel of the support element.

Microfluidic devices may correspond to various microelectromechanical systems which convey, dispense, and/or process small volumes (e.g., microliters) of fluids. Some example microfluidic devices include fluidic dies, fluid sensors, and/or other similar devices. As a further example of a fluidic die, printheads are devices configured to controllably dispense fluid drops.
Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and the size of some parts may be exaggerated to more dearly illustrate the example shown. Moreover, the drawings provide examples and/or implementations consistent with the description; however, the description is not limited to the examples and/or implementations provided in the drawings.

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A frequency lock loop has a reloadable N counter that counts cycles of an output frequency during one cycle of a reference frequency. A VCO generates the output frequency. A VCO control drives the VCO based on the count from the counter. The VCO control may include a latch for latching the count at each reference frequency cycle. The VCO control may include a VCO driver, such as a D/A converter or proportional charge pump, connected to a voltage control as input to the VCO. The counter may be reloaded with the integer N value at each cycle of the reference frequency. The counter may decrement from the integer value at each cycle of the output frequency. A lock may occur at N times the reference frequency without regard to phase between output and reference frequencies.

Prior art feedback control electronics are known to include the phase locked loop (xe2x80x9cPLLxe2x80x9d). The typical PLL includes a low pass filter, a phase detector, and a feedback loop coupling a voltage-controlled oscillator (xe2x80x9cVCOxe2x80x9d) to the phase detector. The PLL locks an input signal to the phase detector with the oscillations of the VCO. Specifically, the phase detector tracks the difference in phase and frequency between the input signal and the signal output by the VCO, and outputs a signal proportional to that difference. The low pass filter removes AC components of the phase detector signal to drive the input to the VCO. The circuit is arranged to drive the VCO towards a zero phase difference, creating a xe2x80x9clockedxe2x80x9d loop. A PLL thus measures and adjusts phase and frequency.
A common use of the PLL is to generate a fixed multiple of the input signal frequency. In this case, an N counter (or divider) is part of the feedback loop. The counter divides the VCO output by N. One problem with such a PLL occurs when the input signal derives from a variable frequency sourcexe2x80x94which requires a high or variable N value that may make the PLL unstable.
The PLL comes in various forms. By way of example, the PLL may exist as integrated circuitry within complex processor designs. Often the role of the PLL in such designs is to generate a selected clock rate. The prior art PLL can be overly complex for this purpose. Moreover, the prior art PLL may be unstable since the processor design may seek to utilize a variable frequency source as input to the PLL.
In one aspect, a frequency lock loop (xe2x80x9cFLLxe2x80x9d) is provided. The FLL may operate to generate an output frequency (Fout) that is an integer multiple of an input reference frequency (Fref); though the FLL may operate without-regard to phase differences between Fref and Fout. The FLL may include a latch at the input of the Fref signal line. A VCO driver or other device (e.g., a digital-to-analog (xe2x80x9cD/Axe2x80x9d) converter or proportional charge pump) may connect with the latch to drive the input voltage of a VCO. An output of the VCO may couple with a reloadable N counter in a feedback loop coupled with the latch, with the Fref signal line connected to load the counter. Fref may also clock the latch.
In one aspect, the counter is loaded with an integer value N at a clocking edge (leading or trailing) of the Fref signal line. A bus connected with the counter may be used to load the value N. The counter may count a sequence of Fout cycles before the next end of one Fref cycle, at which point the counter may be reloaded with the value N. By way of example, during one cycle of Fref, the counter counts down from N to a maximum negative amount without overflowing. A typical counter for example counts from a maximum of xe2x80x9c16xe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9c32xe2x80x9d, as xe2x80x9cNxe2x80x9d, to a maximum negative xe2x80x9c16xe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9c32xe2x80x9d, respectively. If for example N is ten and the counter counts from ten to minus four, then the counter may generate an output count of minus four as input to the latch; the value of minus four is loaded to the latch at the next clocking edge of Fref. In one aspect, if the counter reaches its maximum negative count, that maximum negative count value is latched as input to the VCO.
A value from the latch may be input to the VCO driver to drive the VCO output of Fout closer to N*Fref. In one example, the VCO driver is a D/A converter, converting the latched value to an analog voltage signal that modifies the voltage control to the VCO. If the output from the counter is minus four, then the D/A converter for example reduces the voltage to the VCO by an amount corresponding to minus four; if the output from the counter is minus nine, then the D/A converter for example reduces the voltage to the VCO by a greater amount corresponding to minus nine; if the output from the counter is six, then the D/A converter for example increases the voltage to the VCO by an amount corresponding to six; and so on.
In one example, the VCO driver is a proportional charge pump. An Fout clock signal may input to the proportional charge pump such that the charge pump proportionally drives the VCO. By way of example, the proportional charge pump may convert the latched value to a voltage or current input to the VCO that is biased by the number of Fout cycles within a single Fref cycle. Such a technique may be used to accelerate loop lock of the FLL.
Those skilled in the art should appreciate that other VCO drivers exist to accomplish like functions. Regardless of VCO driver form, a frequency xe2x80x9clockxe2x80x9d may occur when the counter output is xe2x80x9czeroxe2x80x9d and the VCO is N times the input frequency. A FLL can be more stable with a larger N value counter.
In one aspect, an improved processor is provided. The processor operates at a first clock frequency and includes at least one FLL to generate one or more second clock frequencies from the first clock frequency and based on the value N. The processor may have an internal clock operating at 1 GHz or more. In one example, the first clock frequency corresponds to bus frequencies of the processor and the second clock frequency corresponds to greater frequencies for use within the processor, up to and including the speed of the internal clock. A processor bus connected with the FLL may load the FLL with a value N.
Certain advantages are realized by the FLL. By way of example, the FLL may be more stable with a greater frequency difference between the input and output frequencies, as the FLL may better detect frequency errors. In contrast, the prior art PLL becomes increasingly unstable as the frequency difference increases, due to a frequency and phase error sensitivity that increases in proportion to the frequency difference. In another example, as technology advances, the clock speed of processor technology tends to increase more quickly than the bus speed connecting that processor to other devices; accordingly, there is an increasing frequency difference between bus speed and processor clock speed. When the bus provides the input signal, the prior art PLL has difficulty tracking the frequency difference to the processor clock speed. The FLL on the other hand is more stable with this increasing frequency difference, thereby assisting the advancement of modern processor design. Clock stability is an important design consideration in processor development. As the clock rate varies, additional margin is desired to account for frequency differences. If there is a 10% variation in the clocking edges of a 3 GHz processor, for example, that processor may be designed to run at a minimum of 3.3 GHz to handle clock variations, adding significant effort and costs to the processor design. As the input to output multiplication factor increases, the prior art PLL becomes more sensitive to noise sources, causing additional jitter in the output. In contrast, increasing the multiplication factor for the FLL increases the number of clock samples used to determine frequency error, thereby decreasing the FLL""s sensitivity to random noise events, due to averaging.

Frequency lock loop having a reloadable counter without rollover

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


Embodiments include apparatus, methods, and systems providing a heatsink for electronic heat generating components. In one embodiment, the heatsink includes a metal base having a plurality of grooves, and a plurality of graphite fins connected to the base. The fins thermally dissipate heat from the base and into a surrounding environment. The fins are secured within the grooves with an interference fit produced by thermally expanding the base.

Heatsinks transfer heat away from a heat source to a surrounding environment. The transfer of heat occurs more effectively if the heatsink is fabricated from material that has a high coefficient of thermal conductivity. Such materials include copper and aluminum since these materials facilitate the conduction and dissipation of heat. Some heatsinks are configured with aluminum base and fins, copper base and fins, aluminum base with copper fins, or copper base with aluminum fins.
In order to increase thermal conductivity and decrease weight, some heatsinks are fabricated with graphite. Graphite weights less than aluminum and has better thermal conductivity. Graphite, however, is brittle and can flake or chip. As such, the base of a heatsink is typically not formed from graphite. Instead, graphite is more often used for the fins of the heatsink.
Metallic fins can be attached to the metallic base using various technologies, such as solder, epoxy, and swaging. These technologies, though, are not ideal for attaching graphite fins to a metal base. Solder does not achieve optimal wetting when used with graphite fins. Epoxy has a low thermal conductivity and thus is not well suited for heat transfer from the base to the fins. In addition, solder or epoxy can degrade over time and cause the fins to become loose or dislodged. In the process of swaging, a tool is used to plastically deform the metal base around the base of the fin in order to secure the fin to the base of the heatsink. During the swaging process, graphite flakes from the fins can dislodge and contaminate surrounding electrical circuitry.

Thermally expanding base of heatsink to receive fins


An optical image capturing lens assembly includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element, a fifth lens element, and a sixth lens element. The first lens element with positive refractive power has a convex object-side surface. The object-side surface and the image-side surface of the fifth lens element are aspheric and at least one of the object-side surface and the image-side surface has at least one inflection point formed thereon. The sixth lens element with negative refractive power has a concave object-side surface and a convex image-side surface, wherein the object-side surface and the image-side surface of the sixth lens element are aspheric.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to an optical image capturing lens assembly. More particularly, the present invention relates to a compact optical image capturing lens assembly applicable to electronic products.
2. Description of Related Art
In recent years, with the popularity of mobile products with camera functionalities, the demand for compact optical image capturing lens assemblies is increasing. The sensor of a conventional optical image capturing camera is typically a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) image sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) sensor. As advanced semiconductor manufacturing technologies have allowed the pixel size to be reduced and compact optical image capturing lens assemblies have gradually evolved toward higher megapixels, there is an increasing demand for compact optical image capturing lens assemblies featuring better image quality.
A conventional compact optical image capturing lens assembly employed in a portable electronic product typically utilizes a four-element lens structure. Due to the popularity of mobile products with high specifications, such as smart phones and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), the pixel and image-quality requirements of the compact optical image capturing lens assembly have increased rapidly. However, the conventional four-element lens structure cannot satisfy such requirements of the compact optical image capturing lens assembly. Furthermore, the trend in modern electronics is for increasingly higher performance and compact size. Therefore, a need exists in the art for providing an optical image capturing lens assembly for use in portable mobile electronics that has excellent imaging quality while avoiding a long total track length.


A method is provided for determining an ecological route attribute, in which at least one current energy consumption value is determined by a motor vehicle. A current measurement location is determined by the motor vehicle. An ecological location attribute, which includes the measurement location and the current energy consumption value, is formed by the motor vehicle and transmitted to a central processor. An ecological route attribute is determined by the central processor on the basis of a plurality of received ecological location attributes, which in each case includes a measurement location, which ecological route attribute describes an energy consumption on a route section which has a prescribed spatial relationship with the measurement locations.

The invention relates to a method for the determination of an ecological route attribute which is particularly used for the purpose of determining a route.
Using navigation systems, it is possible to calculate optimized routes between a starting point and a destination point based on a digital road map and according to different criteria. In this case, various different cost elements such as driving time or driving distance, by way of example, are functionally assigned to the road segments.
No systems have yet been implemented wherein energy consumption is assigned to the road segments as a cost element. One problem with such an approach is that it is difficult to determine the energy required to travel a road segment using geodata and a centralized approach. In addition, this varies greatly according to the vehicle type.
The invention therefore addresses the problem of improving the prior art.
This problem is addressed by providing a method for the determination of an ecological route attribute. At least one momentary energy consumption value is determined by at least one motor vehicle. At least one momentary measurement position is determined by the motor vehicle. At least one ecological position attribute, which includes the measurement position and the momentary energy consumption value, is created by the motor vehicle. At least one ecological position attribute is transmitted to a central processor. And, an ecological route attribute is determined by the central processor based on a plurality of received ecological position attributes which each include a measurement position, wherein the ecological route attribute describes an energy consumption on a road segment which has a predefined, positional relationship to the measurement positions
In the method according to the invention for the determination of an ecological route attribute, at least one value for momentary energy consumption is determined by way of at least one motor vehicle, and particularly by way of a corresponding on-board computer, when this determination is initiated by an event, or is initiated from time to time, or is repeated after a predefined distance has been traveled.
The value for energy consumption is, by way of example, an averaged energy consumption value (energy required, energy required per unit of time, energy required per unit of distance, fuel used, fuel used per unit of time, fuel used per unit of distance, power consumed, etc.) of the motor vehicle, particularly on the corresponding route segment or road segment, over a route which has just been traveled, and/or over a time during which travel has just occurred.
In addition, at least one momentary measurement location (location of the determination) is determined by the motor vehicle, for example by way of a satellite-based positioning method.
In addition, at least one ecological position attribute, which includes the measurement location and the momentary energy consumption value, is created by the motor vehicle, and is transmitted to a central processor—for example a central navigation server, a central map server, and/or a central service computer.
An ecological route attribute is determined by the central processor based on a plurality of received ecological position attributes which each include one measurement position, and the ecological route attribute describes a consumption of energy (energy required, energy required per unit of time, energy required per unit of distance, fuel used, fuel used per unit of time, fuel used per unit of distance, power consumed, etc.) on one route segment, wherein the consumption of energy has a predefined positional relationship to the measurement position of at least one (of the plurality of received ecological position attributes named above) ecological position attribute, or has a predefined positional relationship to the measurement positions of the named plurality of received ecological position attributes.
In this way, it is possible to aggregate locally-determined energy consumption values in a central processor as a result of the process being initiated by a specific position, and particularly a road segment, in order to make them available for a route calculation.
In one implementation of the invention, the road segment includes the measurement position, or is determined from the measurement position. By way of example, the measurement positions are located on the road segment, or directly next to the same. In this way, it is possible to functionally assign ecological position attributes to a road segment.
In a further development of the invention, a momentary time of measurement is determined by a motor vehicle, the ecological position attribute includes the time of measurement, and the ecological position attributes are classified chronologically by the central processor according to each of the associated times of measurement, and are assigned chronologically to corresponding, classified ecological route attributes.
In this manner, chronologically classified ecological route attributes are created which can be used selectively at the corresponding time points for the purpose of calculating a route.
In one alternative or complementary development, the ecological position attribute includes the vehicle type and/or engine type of the motor vehicle, the same being read out of a memory device, for example, and the received ecological position attribute is classified by the central processor according to each of the associated vehicle types and/or engine types, then assigned to ecological route attributes which are accordingly classified by vehicle type or engine type.
In this way, ecological route attributes which are classified by vehicle type and/or engine type are created which can be used selectively in the calculation of energy-efficient routes for corresponding vehicle types and/or vehicle types with corresponding engine types.
The use of the method according to the invention and/or the use of the ecological route attributes created by way of a method according to the invention is particularly advantageous as part of the calculation of an energy-efficient route.
In this case, a cost-optimized route is preferably determined based on a plurality of ecological route attributes, wherein the costs of a route are determined in response to a plurality of ecological route attributes—optionally among other things.
In one preferred embodiment, such a cost-optimized route is determined by the central processor, and data which is used to describe the determined route is transmitted to a motor vehicle—particularly to a navigation system of a motor vehicle.
As an alternative or as a complement to the above, a plurality of ecological route attributes is transmitted by the central processor to at least one motor vehicle, and a route is determined by the motor vehicle, and particularly a navigation system of the motor vehicle, in response to a plurality of ecological route attributes.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of one or more preferred embodiments when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawing.

Method for the determination of an ecological route attribute

Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft


A haptic feedback system for a robotic catheter system including a robotic catheter manipulator assembly including one or more removably mounted robotic catheter device cartridges and robotic sheath device cartridges, with each cartridge being generally linearly movable relative to the robotic catheter manipulator assembly. The haptic feedback system may include a user interface device for controlling an operation associated with the catheter and/or sheath device cartridges, and a control system for evaluating a predetermined and/or a measured operational parameter of the haptic feedback system. The user interface device may provide haptic feedback to a user based on the evaluation by the control system.

a. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a robotic catheter system and method for automated control of a catheter and related components. In particular, the instant invention relates to a robotic catheter system providing haptic feedback during manipulation of a catheter and related components, for example, for diagnostic, therapeutic, mapping and ablative procedures.
b. Background Art
Electrophysiology catheters are used in a variety of diagnostic and/or therapeutic medical procedures to correct conditions such as atrial arrhythmia, including for example, ectopic atrial tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, and atrial flutter. Arrhythmia can create a variety of dangerous conditions including irregular heart rates, loss of synchronous atrioventricular contractions and stasis of blood flow which can lead to a variety of ailments and even death.
Typically in a procedure, a catheter is manipulated through a patient's vasculature to, for example, a patient's heart, and carries one or more electrodes which may be used for mapping, ablation, diagnosis, or other treatments. Once at the intended site, treatment may include radio frequency (RF) ablation, cryoablation, lasers, chemicals, high-intensity focused ultrasound, etc. An ablation catheter imparts such ablative energy to cardiac tissue to create a lesion in the cardiac tissue. This lesion disrupts undesirable electrical pathways and thereby limits or prevents stray electrical signals that lead to arrhythmias. As readily apparent, such treatment requires precise control of the catheter during manipulation to and at the treatment site, which can invariably be a function of a user's skill level.
One method of assisting a user with such treatment procedures includes the use of catheter based sensors for detecting force, contact, or proximity to the endocardial wall. For example, a user can view a graphical user interface to determine or confirm when an endocardial wall has been contacted or maneuver a catheter by viewing it relative to the vicinity of the endocardial wall. Such a method of information transmission is however limited in that a user's attention may be focused elsewhere. Further, when tissue contact sensing is combined with a robotic catheter system, where the catheter is being manipulated by a device such as a joystick or another controller, the normal mechanical feedback relayed to the user via the catheter shaft and handle can be lost.
The inventors herein have thus recognized a need for a system and method for precise and dynamic automated control of a catheter and its related components, for example, for diagnostic, therapeutic, mapping and ablative procedures, that will provide haptic feedback to a user in a variety of predetermined or user-specific forms, for assisting a user with a procedure, particularly with a robotic catheter system.

Robotic catheter system including haptic feedback

St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.


A roof assembly for a vehicle includes a roof having roof parts. A rod kinematic system is connected to the roof parts to move the roof parts between a closed position of the roof in which the roof parts adjoin one another along a planar level to thereby cover the vehicle interior and a stored position of the roof in which the roof parts stack on top of one another to thereby expose the vehicle interior. First and second locking devices are associated with the roof parts. The locking devices have locking elements which engage one another to lock the stacked roof parts together when the roof is in the stored position.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a roof assembly for vehicles.
2. Background Art
Certain hardtop vehicle roofs have front and rear parts movable between a closed position in which the roof parts cover the vehicle interior and a stored (stowed or opened) position in which the roof parts are stored within a storage area of the vehicle thereby exposing the vehicle interior.
EP 0 884 208 A1 (corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 6,033,008) describes such a roof. Locking parts associated with the roof parts stationarily secure the roof parts in position with respect to one another when the roof is in the closed position. The locking parts lock the front roof part with respect to the vehicle body when the roof is in the stored position.
DE 195 074 31 C1 (corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,778) describes such a roof. A locking device fixes the front roof part against the cowl of the vehicle when the roof is in the closed position. The locking device fixes the front roof part to the vehicle when the roof is in the stored position. Parts of the locking device on the front roof part engage with vehicle body-side locking parts provided in the storage area when the roof is in the stored position.
FR 2 791 007 (corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 6,583,310) describes such a roof. A locking device secures the roof parts in position with respect to one another and the vehicle body. Locking parts of the locking device support the roof parts with respect to the vehicle body when the roof is in the stored position.

Roof assembly for vehicles having an open body


An improved lipstick formulation is provided which is creamy, shiny and soft, which includes relatively small amounts of organic high staining dyes and yet maintains its structural integrity and has excellent color laydown and long wear properties and includes an acrylates copolymer powder together with conventional lipstick ingredients.

Lipsticks have been used for many years to impart color to the lips. The color helps to define the mouth area while imparting cosmetic shades that are suitable with fashion trends. Such lipsticks, in general, are made of an oily vehicle comprising fat or oil stiffened to a desired consistency with waxes of various types which also serve to raise the melting point and improve the physical stability. The color is ordinarily provided by insoluble pigments such as lakes of dye finely dispersed in the oily vehicle and one or more fluorescein dye derivatives which serve to stain the lips. A solvent for the dye is also included for increasing the effectiveness of this staining on the lips.
In recent years, attempts have been made to provide a lipstick which will impart a uniform long-lasting coloring to the lips and thus lessen the need for frequent reapplication. This has been accomplished by increasing the concentration of the dye and pigment in the conventional lipstick formulation to greater than 10% by weight. However, lipsticks containing such high concentrations of dye and pigment have been found to impart a dry non-uniform "cakey" look to the lips. This is particularly undesirable since current fashion trends are directed to producing a "wet" or "moist" look on the mouth. As a result, emollients, lubricants, and moisturizers are added in increased amounts to counteract the "cakey" results of the high dye and pigment containing lipstick formulations. However, these materials may impart a soft mushy easily breakable structure to the lipstick. Furthermore, these materials themselves are usually short-lived on the mouth since they are mechanically removed. In addition, these materials tend to act as vehicles for the dyes and pigments causing "creeping" or "feathering" on the outer edges of the mouth. This eliminates the sharp line of definition of the mouth area for which the product is applied.
Another approach to improving wear properties of lipstick has been to employ high staining organic dyes, for example, Red 21,14032, Orange 5,3655 and others. Unfortunately, it has been found that when high staining organic dyes are used in concentrations greater than 0.5% by weight of the lipstick, to achieve longer color wear, the stick structure of the lipstick is decreased in strength to an unsatisfactory level. Where it has been attempted to use the high staining organic dyes in amounts less than 0.5% by weight of the lipstick, it has not been possible to achieve the desired longer color wear.


Organic light-emitting displays and methods of manufacturing the same are disclosed. An organic light-emitting display includes a substrate; a display panel provided on the substrate, the display panel having an emission area in which an organic light-emitting device is provided and a non-emission area that separates the emission area; and a color-changing material layer provided on the display panel, wherein the color-changing material layer includes a light-transmission part corresponding to the emission area and a light-blocking part corresponding to the non-emission area.

1. Field
This invention relates to an organic light-emitting display and a method of manufacturing the same, and particularly, to an organic light-emitting display including a color-changing material layer and a method of manufacturing the same.
2. Description of the Related Technology
An organic light-emitting display is a self-emission type display including an organic light-emitting device, which includes a hole injection electrode, an electron injection electrode, and an organic emission layer formed therebetween. The organic light emitting light when excitons drop from an excited state to a ground state, and the excitons are generated when holes injected from the hole injection electrode and electrons injected from the electron injection electrode are bonded in the organic emission layer.
Because the organic light-emitting display is self-emission, it does not need a separate light source. Thus, the organic light-emitting display may be operated at a low voltage, and also in lightweight and thin. It has attracted attention as a next-generation display due to superior characteristics, such as wide angle of views, high contrast, quick response speeds, and the like.

Organic light-emitting display and method of manufacturing the same


A search method is provided. The method comprises, building a first plurality of collectors, associating a first plurality of index entries with the first plurality of collectors, wherein each index entry comprises a search target and is associated with at least one of the first plurality of collectors based on a similarity between the search target of the index entry and the at least one collector, selecting a second plurality of collectors from among the first collectors based on a similarity between a search term and each of the second plurality of collectors, selecting a second plurality of index entries from among the index entries associated with the second plurality of collectors based on a similarity between the search term and the search target of each of the index entries associated with the second plurality of collectors, and presenting information related to the second plurality of index entries.

Data may be stored in data stores and/or data bases that provide access to the data via application programming interfaces to other applications that use the data in various ways. Banks and/or financial services companies may store account information in data stores. Telecommunications service providers may store account information and/or information about subscribers in data stores. Data stores and/or data bases may be an abstraction that is supported by underlying software that executes on one or more servers. Data in the data store and/or data bases may be accessed based on one or more keys. Typically, to access a particular item of data in a data store, for example to access an entry for a financial account, a key that exactly matches the key of the subject entry needs to be provided.

System and method of partitioned lexicographic search


The invention relates to a self-propelled machine with flexible caterpillar treads maintained in position by guide wheels (5-8). The two guide wheels of each end are mounted on a rocker (15-24) whose of oscillation (17,25) is different from the axes of rotation of the wheels carried by it, and at least one of these rockers is equipped with a device (18-23) able to oppose its oscillation movement.

This invention relates to a self-propelled machine with flexible caterpillar tread undercarriage, intended, among other things, for the forestry industry.
Various self-propelled machines with caterpillar treads are known, particularly in public works where they are used to carry and run tools such as shovels, loaders or scrapers.
The main disadvantage of such machines is that they are equipped with rigid caterpillar tread undercarriages so that they can run practically only on surfaces that are relatively flat and even suitable for vehicle traffic.
There are also self-propelled caterpillar tread machines in the forestry industry. But most of these machines are also rigid caterpillar tread machines, which makes it impossible to use them on rough terrain such as uncultivated terrain with rocks or stumps which protrude from the ground.
While caterpillar tread machines equipped with flexible caterpillar tread undercarriages and used in forestry can run on rough terrain, this is no longer the case on a longitudinal gradient or even less so on a down slope.
Finally there are military caterpillar tread machines able run on rough terrain even on a significant longitudinal gradient or on a down slope. But they are not designed to limit possible damage to the ground.

Self-propelled machine with flexible caterpillar tread undercarriage

Association pour la Rationalisation et la Mecanisation de l'Exploitation Forestiere ARMEF


A method for controlling preventative maintenance cycles in a semiconductor fabrication system includes automatically receiving, at a preventative maintenance module (PMM) in data communication with a host computer, operating parameter data from equipment in the system. Specification data corresponding to the equipment are retrieved by the PMM from a preventative maintenance cycle data base. It is determined whether the operating parameter data exceeds the specification data at the PMM. If the operating parameter data exceeds the specification data, then a key value of a variable ID corresponding to the equipment is changed, and an operating state of the equipment is modified by inserting the variable ID into an equipment control message and downloading the equipment control message to the equipment.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for controlling equipment in a semiconductor manufacturing system, and more particularly, to a method for automatically controlling preventative maintenance (PM) cycles through a PM controlling module.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, the fabrication of semiconductor devices involves highly precise processes that require finely tuned precision equipment. Several pieces of precision equipment are typically employed in sequence and arranged on a semiconductor processing line. The operation of each piece of precision equipment on the line is closely monitored by operators to maintain and enhance the efficiency of the processing line.
As shown in FIG. 1, conventional fabrication equipment 3 are disposed on a conventional processing line. When a lot (not shown) of workpieces, such as wafers, are introduced into the equipment 3, the equipment 3 performs a fabrication process on the lot. The equipment 3 is connected on-line to a host computer 1 through an equipment server 4. An operator interface (O/I) 2, for example an operator interface personal computer (O/I PC), is also connected on-line to the host computer 1. Through the O/I 2, an operator informs the host computer 1 that a process using the equipment 3 is about to commence. The operator inputs basic manufacture data, e.g., the identification number (ID) of the lot to be processed in the equipment 3 and the ID of the equipment 3 for performing the process with the lot, into the host computer 1.
Then, based on the input basic manufacture data, the host computer 1 searches its data base for the process condition data to be applied to the process on the lot. The host computer 1 immediately downloads these process condition data, including preset process settings, to the equipment. Process settings may include, for example, a desired process time duration or a desired process temperature.
Thereafter, the operator checks the process condition data and inputs a process commencing command or a process terminating command. The lot is then automatically and rapidly routed into and out of the equipment 3. In this manner, the process equipment 3 performs on the workpieces of each lot based on the process settings received.
While the processes are being performed, various operational parameters, e.g., the amount of time the equipment 3 has been operating and the number of the wafers that have been processed in the equipment 3, are continuously monitored by the operator. In the event that certain operational parameters exceed predetermined levels that define periodic preventative maintenance cycles, the operator performs preventative maintenance on the equipment 3 to prevent, in advance, damage to the equipment.
However, such a conventional controlling system suffers from several problems. First, since detecting the preventative maintenance cycle event is determined by the subjective actions of an operator, the actual cycle may vary among operators, which results in lack of consistency in performing the preventative maintenance. Secondly, when an error occurs in detecting the preventative maintenance cycle event, the equipment may be damaged. Thirdly, in order to detect the preventative maintenance cycle event, the operator is required to be at the manufacturing line to continuously monitor the respective equipment at their own consoles, which results in reduced efficiency.

Method for controlling preventative maintenance cycles of semiconductor fabricating equipment arranged in a processing line


Digital communications interleavers re-order the bits of a data coding block in a way that can be described by a table of indices that map the original order to the interleaved order. Conventional interleavers include index table interleavers, which store an index table ahead of operation and algorithmic Interleavers, which generate the indices during operation.

1. Field
The present technology relates to interleavers. More particularly, the technology relates to an interleaver with a low memory footprint suitable for use in digital communication systems.
2. Description of the Related Art
In digital communications, interleaving is used as a component in iterative forward error correction (FEC) coding algorithms. Interleavers are used to re-order the bits of a data block to help increase the performance of such FEC coding algorithms. Generally, an interleaver maps a bit or symbol position of an input data block to another bit or symbol position in an output data block. Conventional interleavers used in such FEC coding algorithms include pseudo-random interleavers and algorithmic (structured) interleavers.
Conventionally, pseudo-random interleavers are generated using a pseudo-random number generator under certain constraints. One example of such a pseudo-random interleaver is an "S-random" interleaver as described in the publication by S. Dolinar and D. Divsalar, "Weight Distribution for Turbo Codes Using Random and Nonrandom Permutations," JPL Progress Report 42-122, pp. 56-65, Aug. 15, 1995. In an S-random interleaver, "S" may be any positive integer value. A pseudo-random number generator is used to generate numbers to be selected or discarded as indexes for the interleaver sequence of length K, where K is a positive integer corresponding to the length of the blocks being re-ordered. Each generated number is either selected as the next index for the interleaver sequence, or discarded until K integers are selected. Each generated number is compared to the previous S values (or fewer if there are not S previous values) selected as part of the interleaver sequence. If the generated number has a value that is within +/−S of any of the previous S indexes selected in the interleaver sequence, the generated number is discarded. Otherwise, the generated number is selected as the next index for the interleaver sequence.
The search time for selecting a number as the next index for the interleaver sequence increases as the value of S increases. Further, there is no guarantee that the pseudo-random number generator will generate numbers for the interleaver sequence that satisfy the S constraint. Accordingly, generation of such interleaver sequences for S-random interleavers and similar pseudo-random interleavers is time consuming and therefore is not performed on the fly during data encoding/decoding. Thus, once an interleaver sequence is successfully generated, the interleaver sequence is stored in a lookup-table based architecture for use during data encoding/decoding. FIG. 1A is a flowchart illustrating a process of generating such a lookup table for a pseudo-random interleaver. As shown, index values are generated, and if they meet the criteria for an interleaver (e.g., satisfy the S constraint), the index values are stored. An interleaver using such a lookup-table arranges data according to the stored sequence. FIG. 1B is a flowchart illustrating a process of operating a pseudo-random interleaver that uses values stored in a lookup table. As shown, bits are moved based on the index values contained in the lookup table. These lookup tables require large amounts of storage in memory to store each individual index of the pseudo-random interleaver. However, pseudo-random interleavers provide good performance levels and construction is of relatively low complexity.
Conventional algorithmic interleavers are defined by a generation algorithm and a set of algorithm parameters. Such algorithms are capable of being run in real time. Further, such algorithms and parameters require less storage in memory than the lookup table of a pseudo-random interleaver. An interleaver using such algorithms arranges data according to the sequence of algorithm outputs. FIG. 1C is a flowchart illustrating a process of operating an algorithmic interleaver. As shown, bits are moved based on the index location generated by an algorithm. Examples of algorithmic interleavers are dithered relative prime interleavers and quadratic permutation polynomial interleavers. Although algorithmic interleavers provide memory efficiencies that may be useful for high volume communication equipment manufacturers (e.g., mobile phone manufacturers), the interleaver sequences they produce generally perform poorer as compared to S-random interleavers.

Abstract: Described herein are a new class of interleavers: Subset Transform Interleavers. A subset of generator outputs is selected and processed to create the interleaver indices. The selection is determined apriori and the selection results are stored in a Subset Usage Table. During operation, the generator is operated again and the Subset Usage Table entries determine which generator outputs are used. The generator may be a pseudo-random number generator. Implementations can use an Indexes Remaining Table, which can additionally be manipulated during operation such that it returns to an initialized state after each block interleaving process.


Memory apparatus for a message processing system and method of providing the same is described. In one example, a message processing system (200) includes a set of n processing elements (202) for processing messages, where n is an integer greater than zero. A set of m memories (204) is provided for storing the messages, where m is an integer greater than zero. Multiplexing logic (206) is provided for coupling each of the processing elements to each of the memories. Control logic (208) is provided for driving the multiplexing logic to provide access to each of the memories among the processing elements in accordance with a gated module-n schedule.

Programmable logic devices (PLDs) exist as a well-known type of integrated circuit (IC) that may be programmed by a user to perform specified logic functions. There are different types of programmable logic devices, such as programmable logic arrays (PLAs) and complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs). One type of programmable logic device, known as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), is very popular because of a superior combination of capacity, flexibility, time-to-market, and cost.
An FPGA typically includes an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs) surrounded by a ring of programmable input/output blocks (IOBs). The CLBs and IOBs are interconnected by a programmable interconnect structure. The CLBs, IOBs, and interconnect structure are typically programmed by loading a stream of configuration data (known as a bitstream) into internal configuration memory cells that define how the CLBs, IOBs, and interconnect structure are configured. An FPGA may also include various dedicated logic circuits, such as memories, microprocessors, digital clock managers (DCMs), and input/output (I/O) transceivers.
Typically, network devices, such as routers, employ dedicated, special purpose components for processing packets that propagate through the network. Conventionally, network devices employ network processors or application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) to provide the desirable packet processing/network processing functions. Notably, ASICs employed for network processing functions typically include a static memory architecture that provides a fixed amount of memory resources with a fixed interconnection scheme. Dedicated network processors typically communicate with off-chip memories using a bus structure having a fixed width. Accordingly, there exists a need in the art for more flexible memory architectures and organizations for use in message processing systems.

Memory apparatus for a message processing system and method of providing same


A clutch cover assembly comprising, in addition to a clutch cover containing a pressure plate and a diaphragm spring, a disc spring in location and retainment such that it provides cushioning against clutch engagement shock. The disc spring is installed in a receptacle on the pressure plate, adjacent the diaphragm spring, permitting its elastic deformation as it transmits the impelling force of the diaphragm spring in tandem therewith during clutch engagement. The thereby cushioned force of the diaphragm spring presses the pressure plate pressure surface against the friction facing of a clutch disc and sandwiches the clutch disc between the pressure plate and an engine flywheel.

The present invention relates to a clutch cover assembly, and particularly to a clutch cover assembly comprising a pressure plate located within the clutch cover.
A clutch cover assembly employed in the clutch of an automobile generally comprises a dish-like clutch cover, a pressure plate located within the clutch cover, and a diaphragm spring impelling the pressure plate against a clutch disc. When the pressure plate is pressed toward the clutch disc, the clutch disc is sandwiched between the pressure plate and an engine flywheel, thereby engaging the clutch.
Some conventional clutch discs are composed of a plurality of stepped or corrugated cushioning plates fastened to the lateral faces of a clutch plate, and a pair of friction material facing rings bonded to the cushioning plates. Cushioning as the clutch is engaged is provided by such cushioning plates, alleviating the shock of clutch engagement.
However, it can be difficult to achieve cushioning of desired characteristics using the aforementioned cushioning plates, since through manufacture the cushioning response of each cushioning plate will vary. Furthermore, high temperatures developed in the clutch disc degrade the cushioning plates, reducing the degree of cushioning. It consequently is impracticable to maintain original cushioning characteristics.


A damping force adjustable shock absorber includes an electromagnetic damping force adjustment device (17) having a damping force adjustment valve (18), and a solenoid (33) configured to variably adjust the damping force. The solenoid includes a coil (39) configured to generate a magnetic force by power supply, a movable iron core (43) located on an inner peripheral side of the coil, an anchor member (40) configured to attract the movable iron core. The movable iron core includes a thick cylindrical portion (43A) and a taper cylindrical portion (43B). The thick cylindrical portion includes a fixation hole (43A1) in which a shaft portion (44) is fixed. The taper cylindrical portion has an inner peripheral surface flaring so as to define a taper shape. A recessed portion (43A2) is formed around the fixation hole. The recessed portion allows hydraulic fluid to flow in an axial direction of the movable iron core.

A damping force adjustable shock absorber is provided between a relatively movable wheel side and vehicle body side on a vehicle such as a four-wheeled automobile, and is configured to absorb, for example, a vertical vibration generated while the vehicle is running. As this damping force adjustable shock absorber, there is known a shock absorber configured to include an electromagnetic damping force adjustment device configured to variably adjust a damping force according to a running condition, a behavior of a vehicle, and/or the like (for example, refer to PTL 1).


A hair styling device is described, for waving hair by forming a length of hair into a wave form. A first forming member, a second forming member and a third forming member are located within a chamber of the device. There is a first hair-receiving region between the first and second forming members and a second hair-receiving region between the second and third forming members. A first driving member drives a portion of the length of hair into the first hair-receiving region and a second driving member drives another portion of the length of hair into the second hair-receiving region. The first and second driving members move independently and sequentially so as to reduce the tension applied to the length of hair.

A hair styling device is described in WO95/22920, by the present inventor. WO95/22920 discloses a method of styling a length (or tress) of hair by inserting the length of hair into a resilient tube of latex or the like, the tube being stretched lengthwise and the ends of the tube being secured to respective parts of the length of hair. The resilient tube is allowed to contract whereupon the contained length of hair is forced into a wavy form. The hair can be treated before or after insertion into the tube so that the wavy form is maintained after the hair has been removed from the tube.
WO95/22920 also describes a device for use in the method. Improved devices for use in similar hair styling methods are described in the inventor's later applications WO97/46132, WO00/57744, WO00/08967 and WO2012/153118.
All of the above-described documents drive a length of hair into a wavy form and can be described as hair waving devices. The present invention similarly drives a length of hair into a wavy form, but uses an alternative method and an alternative apparatus.
Another type of hair styling device is described in each of WO2009/077747, WO2012/080751 and WO2013/186547. These documents describe devices in which a length of hair is wound around an elongate member so that the length of hair is formed into curls rather than waves.
Hair crimpers also force a length of hair into a wavy form, the crimpers comprising a pair of plates each having a series of corrugations of substantially triangular form. The plates are designed to fit together with the peaks of the corrugations of one plate fitting into the troughs of the corrugations of the other plate, and vice versa. The plates are usually heated so as to style the hair into the desired crimped form. The waves which are created by hair crimpers are typically much smaller in amplitude and wavelength than those created by the methods and apparatus of the patent documents listed above.
A "hair waver" is a product which is similar to hair crimpers in that the hair is clamped between two complementary heated surfaces. In hair wavers the complementary surfaces are usually curved with a relatively large radius of curvature so that the waves in the user's hair are considerably larger than those formed by crimpers. Particular products of this type are referred to as a "jumbo waver" or "deep waver" to emphasise the relatively large size of the waves which are produced in the length of hair.


A rubber composition intended for the manufacture of tire casings and elastic bearings for vehicle suspension systems, with elastomeric base containing oxygenated functions reinforced with a majority of silica-type filler, whose hysteretic properties are improved by use of a combination of an aminoalkylalkoxysilane with an alkylalkoxysilane, particularly for use in the tread of tire casings for trucks, construction and farm vehicles or airplanes.

The present invention relates to rubber compositions and, in particular, rubber compositions intended for the manufacture of tire casings and elastic bearings for vehicle suspension systems, and particularly to rubber compositions used in the tread of tire casings for trucks, construction and farm vehicles or airplanes.
The compositions of treads for tire casings are generally made by incorporating a reinforcing filler, such as carbon black, in one or more elastomers. In the case of tire casings which must withstand heavy loads or roll at high speed, there is an intense release of heat and the tire casings are subjected to high temperatures. This temperature rise is accompanied by high rolling resistance and fuel consumption and can be the source of damage to the tire. It is therefore desirable to obtain mixtures which generate less heat under these difficult operating conditions in order to avoid premature ageing of the carcass, which must be capable of retread after tread wear. Obtaining such slightly hysteretic mixtures must not, however, be accompanied by deterioration on wear and traction.
By partially or totally replacing the carbon black with silica in a natural rubber-base composition, it is known to the expert that mixtures less hysteretic than those reinforced with carbon black can be obtained and that the use of a coupling agent between the silica and the elastomer makes it possible to limit the interactions between the silica particles which are the source of hysteresis loss (that is, hysteresis) and to improve the reinforcement, in particular, of wear resistance, as described in EP-A-0,501,227.
As silica-elastomer coupling agents of mixtures vulcanizable with sulfur, which are known to the expert, it is possible to mention the alkoxysilanes reactive at one end with silica (silane part) and at the other end with the carbon-carbon double bonds of the diene elastomer, for example, by means of a polysulfide or mercapto group. Such coupling agents can be premixed with silica and possibly grafted on the silica or added during preparation of the mixture, the coupling agents being combined in situ with the silica. Among the coupling agents of this type most used, Si69 can be mentioned, which is the bis-(3-triethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfide marketed by Degussa (Rubber Chem. Technol., 1977, Vol. 50, p. 447) or X50S, also marketed by Degussa, which is a 50/50 mixture by weight of Si69 and N330 black.
It is also known to the expert that silanes having an aminoalkyl group are mentioned under the same heading as silanes having methyl or vinyl groups as being not active coupling agents with the diene elastomers (Wagner, Rubber Chem. and Technol., 1976, pp. 703 to 794), for there is no predictable reaction between the amino group and the double bonds of the elastomer. However, in some patents disclosing (i) diene elastomer, (ii) silica and (iii) coupling agent base compositions, it is possible to find cited under the same heading as the sulfo, mercapto or poly-sulfide groups active with the elastomers possessing double bonds, the vinyl, amino and epoxy groups, as, for example, in EP 0,738,613 A1 or U.S. Pat. No. 5,225,011, in which the amino or epoxy alkoxysilanes are described as coupling agents for natural rubber-base compositions possessing as filler a carbon black and silica mix under the same heading as a mercaptoalkoyxysilane and a bisalkoxysilane polysulfide, such as Si69, but obviously not used in the examples given. In fact, it is known to the expert that a vinyl or amino or epoxy group cannot be reactive with the double bonds of a diene elastomer.
However, if an aminoalkyltrialkoxysilane is used, even at very low levels in a composition with majority natural rubber base and a majority silica-type filler, the composition cannot be used, for the scorching mixture (vulcanization lag time almost nil) starts reticulating in the course of the mixing and shaping stages; the use of that mixture, which becomes very hard, and notably its extrudability, is rendered almost impossible on the industrial scale.
On the other hand, the use of alkylalkoxysilanes is known, such as, for example, the hexadecyltrimethoxy and triethoxy silanes, Si 116 and Si216 respectively, marketed by DEGUSSA, free of groups reactive with unsaturated elastomers, but reactive by their alkoxy groups with silica-type fillers, that is, possessing Si--OH groups on the surface, which make it possible to reduce viscosity, improve proccessability and activate the vulcanization of compositions containing one or more polysulfide silanes like Si69 (Technical Information, DEGUSSA AG No. 6000.1 of June 1994). Consequently, an alkyltrialkoxysilane-aminoalkyltrialkoxysilane combination is not therefore envisaged by the expert to increase the almost nil lag time due to the use of aminoalkyltrialkoxysilane.

Composition intended for the manufacture of tire casing with an elastomeric base containing oxygenated functions and silica as filler

Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin-Michelin & Cie


A base station transmits a control channel transmitted before information channels upon performing differential coding between control channels of adjacent frequencies. A terminal apparatus performs transmission path estimation on the basis of a pilot while decoding the control channel having undergone the differential coding. The information channels are decoded on the basis of information obtained by decoding the control channel and a transmission path estimation result on the pilot.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a mobile communication system which performs multicarrier communication by using a reference signal.
2. Description of the Related Art
As is generally known, adaptive modulation and coding (AMC) is a technique for improving a transmission rate and reception quality by executing modulation and coding in accordance with transmission path quality. Several arrangements have been proposed to implement AMC. The following arrangement is an example.
The receiving side measures wireless transmission path quality, and determines a transmission format (a combination of modulation and a coding ratio) which allows signal reception on the basis of the measured value. The receiving side then transmits the resultant data as a channel quality indication (CQI) to the transmitting side. The transmitting side selects a transmission format on the basis of the CQI and transmits transmission information on an information channel. This information is transmitted assuming that the type of transmission format of the information channel is a control channel.
That is, on the receiving side, the transmission format of an information channel can be known via the control channel, and the transmission information is received (see, for example, 3GPP TR 25.814 V1.0.1 (2005-11)). According to 3GPP TR 25.814 V1.0.1 (2005-11), the transmitting side is a base station, the receiving side is a terminal, the control channel is HS-SCCH, and the information channel is HS-PDSCH. HS-SCCH is transmitted before corresponding HS-PDSCH. The terminal receives HS-SCCH and obtains transmission format information necessary for the reception of HS-PDSCH. This system uses code division multiplexing (CDM), and hence multiplexes HS-SCCH and HS-PDSCH by changing codes.
In a multicarrier wireless communication system designed to form frames by division in the time direction and the frequency direction as in the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) scheme, it is difficult to insert a modulated information signal, a reference signal for synchronous detection, and a control signal representing the modulation coding information of the information signal at desired timings, respectively.
Conventionally, in order to accurately measure the wireless transmission path quality of each subcarrier on the receiving side, a reference signal is discretely inserted. A channel received before the reference signal is buffered, and transmission path estimation is performed by using the subsequently received reference signal. The buffered channel is then decoded on the basis of the estimation result. In addition, it is necessary to buffer a channel received during decoding. This Inevitably increases the buffer capacity.

Mobile communication system and wireless device

Fujitsu Toshiba Mobile Communications Limited


The drive device measures an open-phase voltage in an energization period in pulse width modulation control, and estimates position information of a rotor based on the measured voltage value, to drive the three-phase brushless motor. This drive device is configured so that, when a voltage pulse width of a set duty cycle is less than or equal to a predetermined value, energization with a voltage pulse width of a minimum duty cycle is performed twice in one period of pulse width modulation, and energization with a voltage pulse width of a correction duty cycle is performed twice in next one period of the pulse width modulation, so that energization with a voltage pulse width of a drive duty cycle corresponding to the set duty cycle is performed, on average in two periods.

Patent Document 1 discloses a drive device that performs pulse shift to measure a phase voltage at the time of driving a brushless motor at extremely low rotational speed by low-speed sensorless control. In pulse shift control, it is necessary to limit the minimum value of a voltage pulse width in order to obtain a pulse induced voltage of a non-energized phase after convergence of ringing (voltage vibration) due to on/off operation of switching elements in a motor drive circuit.
Thus, for example, in Patent Document 2, two consecutive periods of a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal are divided into a major period and an adjustment period. Then, the major period is limited to a lower limit duty cycle, as a period for measuring a pulse induced voltage, and the adjustment period is set so that a duty cycle obtained by averaging the major period duty cycle and the adjustment period duty cycle becomes a set duty cycle.

Drive device and drive method of brushless motor


In a liquid crystal display device, a drive unit is controlled in a direction of eliminating a polarity bias of a data voltage corresponding to image data at a point of time when a refresh signal for updating an image displayed on a display unit by periodical refreshment or forced refreshment is generated, and the polarity bias is obtained for each of subsequent frame periods. In this manner, not only the polarity bias after the point of time when the refresh signal is generated is obtained so that the polarity bias at the point of time when the refresh signal is generated is eliminated, but also the polarity bias is repeatedly obtained in the same way every time the refresh signal is generated, and accordingly, the polarity bias can be prevented from being increased.

On a display unit of an active matrix-type liquid crystal display device, a plurality of pixel formation portions are formed in a matrix. In each of the pixel formation portions, there are provided: a thin film transistor (hereinafter, referred to as a "TFT") that operates as a switching element; and a pixel capacitance connected to a data signal line through the TFT. By switching on/off this TFT, a voltage of image data for displaying an image is written as a data voltage into the pixel capacitance in the pixel formation portion. This data voltage is applied to a liquid crystal layer of the pixel formation portion, and changes an orientation direction of liquid crystal molecules to a direction corresponding to a data voltage value. As described above, the liquid crystal display device controls a transmittance of the liquid crystal layer of each pixel formation portion, and displays an image on the display unit.
In a case of using the above-described liquid crystal display device as a display of a portable electronic device, it is required to reduce electric power consumption thereof. Accordingly, in a case where it is desired to display only a still image, the liquid crystal display device is operated by a pause drive, and in a case where it is desired to display a moving picture and a still image in a switching manner, the liquid crystal display device is operated by a high frequency drive for displaying the moving picture and by the pause drive for displaying the still image in a switching manner. Here, for example, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-312253, the pause drive is a drive method of pausing refreshment by turning all of scanning signal lines to a non-scanning state after a scanning period (also referred to as a "refresh period") of performing the refreshment of the display image by scanning the scanning signal lines. As described above, the liquid crystal display device pauses an operation of a scanning signal line drive circuit and/or a data signal line drive circuit in a pause period by performing the pause drive, and can reduce the electric power consumption.

Liquid crystal display device and method for driving same


Provided is a compound represented by formula (1) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof. (In the formula, A is C6-10 arylene, etc.; R1a, R1b and R1c each independently is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a C1-4 alkyl group, a C1-4 alkoxy group, etc.; R2 is an optionally substituted C6-10 aryl group, an optionally substituted 5- to 12-membered monocyclic or polycyclic heteroaryl group, an optionally substituted C7-16 aralkyl group, etc.; m is 0, etc.; n is an integer of 0 to 2.)

Glucocorticoid adjusts peripheral glucose metabolism and amino-acid metabolism. In human being, glucocorticoid is produced in adrenal glands, and in addition, it is metabolized in peripheral tissues such as adipose tissue or liver. Since 11βHSD1 is an enzyme which converts inactive cortisone into activated cortisol and is expressed mainly in adipose tissue or liver, 11βHSD1 is believed to have some relations to the activation of glucocorticoid in adipose tissue or liver. Since cortisol shows promoting activities for fat accumulation to adipocyte and for gluconeogenesis in liver, 11βHSD1 is believed to contribute to the maintenance of homeostasis in whole body by adjusting peripheral glucose and lipid metabolism. On the other hand, 11βHSD1 activity in adipose tissue significantly increases in insulin resistance patients in human being, and 11βHSD1 activity is remarkably higher in visceral fat than that in subcutaneous fat. Visceral fat accumulation and development of abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism are suppressed on high-fat diet feeding in 11βHSD1 gene defect mice, and adipose cell-specific 11βHSD1-overexpressed mice show remarkable visceral fat-type obesity or abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism. This indicates that overactivation of 11βHSD1 is intimately related to visceral fat accumulation and development of metabolic syndrome in human and mice (Nonpatent documents 1 and 2). In other words, suppression of gluconeogenesis in liver and fat accumulation in adipocyte, and improvement of glucose and lipid metabolism in whole body are expected by inhibiting this enzyme activity.
As far as the improvement of glucose metabolism, since it has been reported that 11βHSD1 activity in pancreatic β cells could contribute to the suppression of insulin secretion or 11βHSD1 activity in human muscle cells could have some relations to the suppression of glucose uptake of muscle cells, 11βHSD1 inhibitor has potential to remedy hyperglycemia directly.
11βHSD1 is also expressed in central nervous systems including hippocampus. It has been known that patients with Cushing's disease wherein glucocorticoid overexpresses and those whom a kind of synthetic glucocorticoids dexamethasone is administered show depression symptom. It has been also known that glucocorticoid receptor antagonist is effective for depression and manic depression, and it has been indicated that glucocorticoid in central nervous systems is intimately related to the expression of symptom of depression as well as manic depression (Nonpatent documents 3 and 4). Since 11βHSD1 plays a role in the production of active glucocorticoid in central nervous systems, it has been expected that 11βHSD1 inhibitor would show effectiveness in the treatment of depression and manic depression.
Furthermore, 11βHSD1 is indicated to have much relation to the adjustment of cognitive function, since depositions of amyloid β protein which is strongly indicated to relate to Alzheimer's dementia have been caused in mice to which glucocorticoid have been administered for a long term, and it is recognized that age-related cognitive function loss is inhibited and the increase of cognition maintenance is increased in 11βHSD1 gene defect mice (Nonpatent documents 5 to 7). The knowledge as shown above indicates that 11βHSD1 inhibitor is useful as a therapeutic agent of dementia including Alzheimer's dementia. Since it has been shown that 11βHSD1 functions in immunocytes, 11βHSD1 inhibitor is also expected to show therapeutic effectiveness in diseases caused by abnormal immune function.
Various 11βHSD1 inhibitors have been reported so far. For example, Patent document 1 discloses a compound of the following formula:
wherein R1 is hydrogen atom, etc., R2 is independently Ra, U is ═N—, etc., V is ═N—, etc., W is ═N—, etc., Y is ═N—, etc., Z is ═N—, etc., X is —N(H)—, —O—, —S—, —S(O)— or —S(O)2—, Ra is halogen, cyano, etc., p is 0, etc.
Patent document 2 discloses a compound of the following formula:
wherein R1 is hydrogen atom, etc., R2 is a group of the following formula:
etc., Q is —CH2OH, etc., R4 is hydrogen atom, etc., X1 is absent or —O—, —S—, —S(═O)—, —S(═O)2—, etc., X2 is absent or —O—, etc., X3 is absent or —O—, etc., R3 is substituted C1-6 alkyl, substituted C3-10 heterocyclyl, substituted aryl, substituted heteroaryl, —C(═O)R15, etc., R15 is hydrogen atom, halogen, C1-6 alkyl, C3-10 heterocyclyl, C3-10 cycloalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl, etc.
Compound groups disclosed in Patent documents 1 and 2 are compounds having adamantylaminocarbonyl skeletone with 11βHSD1 inhibitory activity. Nevertheless, compounds characterized by having a partial structure such as arylcarbonyl group or heteroarylcarbonyl group with the amide skeletone have never been specifically disclosed.    [Patent document 1] WO 2010/059618 pamphlet    [Patent document 2] WO 2008/101907 pamphlet    [Nonpatent document 1] Saishin Igaku, vol. 62, pp. 83-90, 2007    [Nonpatent document 2] Stimson et al., Minerva Endocrinology, 32, 141 (2007)    [Nonpatent document 3] Schatzberg et al., European Journal of Pharmacology, 583, 358 (2008)    [Nonpatent document 4] Herbert et al., Journal of Neuroendocrinology, 18, 393 (2006)    [Nonpatent document 5] Yau et al., Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 98, 4716 (2001)    [Nonpatent document 6] Green et al., Journal of Neuroscience, 26(35), 9047 (2006)    [Nonpatent document 7] Yau et al., The Journal of Neuroscience, 27(39), 10487 (2007)


A system and a process configuration generates a unitary rendered image for a video from at least two cameras. The configuration detects a communication coupling of at least two cameras and determines a master camera and a slave camera. The configuration determines an orientation of camera sensor of the master camera and the slave camera and determines a first frame of a video for a synchronization point for a start of a video capture. The configuration captures and reads images from the master camera sensor and the slave camera sensor in response to the start of the video capture and orientation of the camera sensors.

In recent years, amateur use of digital cameras has increased dramatically as improvements in digital camera technology have allowed cameras to become more affordable and user-friendly. However, advanced forms of digital photography such as three-dimensional (3D) imaging, panoramic imaging, and spherical imaging have conventionally been available only to professional photographers and filmmakers. Traditionally, 3D photography requires expensive stereoscopic cameras that are often bulky and difficult to use. Similarly, panoramic and spherical photography traditionally requires advanced multi-lens cameras that are not affordable to the amateur photographer or moviemaker. Thus, traditional camera systems fail to cater to the needs of amateur users that want to use their cameras to produce 3D, panoramic and/or spherical images or video.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.