A method for the oxidation of ethylene to form ethylene oxide is provided that includes passing an aqueous stream through a guard bed and one or more ion exchange treatment beds. The guard bed and the aqueous stream contain from about 0.2 to 20 wt % ethylene glycol. The guard bed contains a cross-linked polystyrene resin, partially functionalized with quaternary ammonium functional groups and the resin has a surface area of greater than 400 m2/g.

Though present in natural settings at minute quantities, ethylene oxide was first synthesized in a laboratory setting in 1859 by French chemist Charles-Adolphe Wurtz using the so-called "chlorohydrin" process. However, the usefulness of ethylene oxide as an industrial chemical was not fully understood in Wurtz's time; and so industrial production of ethylene oxide using the chlorohydrin process did not begin until the eve of the First World War due at least in part to the rapid increase in demand for ethylene glycol (of which ethylene oxide is an intermediate) as an antifreeze for use in the rapidly growing automobile market. Even then, the chlorohydrin process produced ethylene oxide in relatively small quantities and was highly uneconomical.
The chlorohydrin process was eventually supplanted by another process, the direct catalytic oxidation of ethylene with oxygen, the result of a second breakthrough in ethylene oxide synthesis, discovered in 1931 by another French chemist Theodore Lefort. Lefort used a solid silver catalyst with a gas phase feed that included ethylene and utilized air as a source of oxygen.
In the eighty years since the development of the direct oxidation method, the production of ethylene oxide has increased so significantly that today it is one of the largest volume products of the chemicals industry, accounting, by some estimates, for as much as half of the total value of organic chemicals produced by heterogeneous oxidation. Worldwide production in the year 2000 was about 15 billion tons. (About two thirds of the ethylene oxide produced is further processed into ethylene glycol, while about ten percent of manufactured ethylene oxide is used directly in applications such as vapor sterilization.)
The growth in the production of ethylene oxide has been accompanied by continued intensive research on ethylene oxide catalysis and processing, which remains a subject of fascination for researchers in both industry and academia. Of particular interest in recent years has been the proper operating and processing parameters for the production of ethylene oxide using so-called "high selectivity catalysts", that is, Ag-based epoxidation catalysts that are especially efficient at catalyzing the desired product reaction of ethylene and oxygen to ethylene oxide rather than the side reaction of ethylene and oxygen, which produces carbon dioxide byproduct (and water).
However, while high selectivity catalysts have reduced the formation of carbon dioxide byproduct they may also have increased the production of other undesired byproducts, notably aldehydic impurities such as acetaldehydes and formaldehydes and their associated acids. Acetaldehyde and formaldehyde have long been known as byproducts formed during the operation of ethylene oxide plants. Acetaldehyde is formed as a result of the isomerization of ethylene oxide, while formaldehyde is formed by the reaction of ethylene oxide with oxygen. The associated acids, acetic acid and formic acid, are produced by oxidizing acetaldehyde and formaldehyde, respectively.
While an impurity like carbon dioxide is produced almost exclusively on the catalyst bed in the EO reactor, acetaldehydes, formaldehydes and their associated acids are produced both on the catalyst and past the catalyst bed. Aldehydes and their associated acids can negatively affect the UV quality of the ethylene glycol solution and thereby cause degradation of fiber grade ethylene glycol product. Additionally, the formation of their associated acids (as well as their aldehydic reagents) can decrease the pH to levels sufficiently low to cause corrosion in the plant. These considerations are even more serious in plants that produce Fiber Grade MEG (monoethylene glycol).
One possible method of preventing or reducing the corrosion caused by acidic pH levels is to replace the carbon steel components with stainless steel components. However, this is not only extremely expensive but, at best, it only reduces the rate of corrosion rather than preventing the occurrence of corrosion. Moreover, this of course does not address the problem of low ethylene glycol product quality.
Another possible solution is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,822,926 in which the reactor product stream is supplied to a quench section (the quench section being disposed inside the EO absorber), and in the quench section the reactor product stream is contacted with a base-containing recirculating aqueous solution in order to neutralize the pH and eliminate some of the organics.
The addition of base like sodium hydroxide does reduce the pH (and as a consequence reduces or eliminates the corrosion in the plant) as well as prevent the formation of some of the organics and aldehydic impurities. But the addition of caustic also frequently causes the decomposition and degradation of the ethylene glycol product this is especially the case for heavier ethylene glycols like triethylene glycol, which often cannot be manufactured to meet minimum quality standards in a process utilizing caustic. Thus, in the end, caustic addition merely exchanges one problem (corrosion and impurity formation) for another (poor product quality).
Far better for eliminating aldehydic and other impurities from the cycle water are ion exchange resins such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,187,973. These ion exchange resins are extremely effective at removing the impurities from the cycle water, without causing the negative consequences mentioned above that result from caustic treatment.
While the use of ion exchange resins is far superior to other techniques, some difficulties with their use still exist. For example, certain organics such as long-chain hydrocarbons can damage the ion exchange resins. One such hydrocarbon species is long-chain esters, which are produced as a result of the build-up of aldehydic impurities and acids in the ethylene oxide as well as the glycol section. These aldehydic impurities then readily react with ethylene oxide and ethylene glycol to make a long-chain ester. For example, formic acid reacts with ethylene glycol to produce ethylene glycol monoformate, which can in turn successively react with more formic acid to produce heavier homologs (i.e., longer-chained hydrocarbons) of ethylene glycol monoformate.
Long-chain esters damage the ion exchange resins because although they are easily adsorbed onto the surface of the ion exchange resin, once adhered to the surface they become elution-resistant, i.e., they do not elute during regeneration meaning that they remain "trapped" on the surface of the ion exchange resin. This reduces the capacity of the ion exchange resin which in turn requires more frequent regeneration cycles. Moreover, the presence of these impurities may also cause resin swelling which can slow the flow of reactants through the ion exchange resin, reducing its throughput.
Hitherto, there has been no technique available for dealing with these long-chain hydrocarbons and the damage they do to ion exchange resins. Instead, the efforts of investigators have focused on techniques for reducing impurities in glycol solutions using ion exchange resins and overlooked that, in the course of performing their function, ion exchange resins often become damaged by continually adsorbing elution-resistant long-chain hydrocarbons. These damaged ion exchange resins are then much less effective at removing impurities and require more frequent regeneration.
Given the foregoing there is a continuing need in the art to reduce the damage to the ion exchange resins caused by these elution-resistant impurities, which become trapped on the surface of the ion exchange resin and do not readily elute during regeneration.


In one embodiment, packets received at head-end nodes in a computer network may have a payload and protocol ID of an original protocol of the packet. To allow load balancing across the network, the head-end node may convert the protocol ID to indicate a UDP packet, and may insert a UDP shim header into the packet having a load balance ID, at least one port ID of a destination tail-end node of the packet, and an indication of the original protocol ID. The head-end node may transmit the converted UDP packet toward the tail-end node as part of a load-balanced UDP flow based on the load balance ID. Tail-end nodes may receive UDP packets, and determine whether they are converted UDP packets. If so, the original protocol of the packet may be determined, the UDP header may be removed, and the packet may be processed according to the original protocol.

It is generally desired to improve load balancing within a computer network, particularly for certain virtual interface (e.g., tunnel, pseudowire, softwire) scenarios. Specifically, it is often the case in a computer network that certain links of the network are over-utilized, while others remain under-utilized. Load balancing typically consists of using some algorithm to divide the traffic of the network among a plurality of paths to reach the destinations, in order to distribute the load on the links and nodes of the network. In addition, most load balancing techniques conventionally ensure that a traffic flow traverses the same path in order to avoid packet mis-ordering or other problems.
For networks where virtual interfaces are used, it can be difficult if not impossible to identify a particular flow, since the traffic is generally encapsulated according to the virtual interface's protocol. One solution is to load balance based on the individual virtual interfaces (e.g., each interface uses an independent path) or their protocols (e.g., each virtual interface protocol uses an independent path). However, these arrangements may lack versatility under certain network configurations, and may be limited in terms of path diversification given the differentiating factors used for load balancing division. Further, configuring all of the nodes within a computer network to understand a new load balancing algorithm may be costly, cumbersome, and inconvenient.

Universal load-balancing tunnel encapsulation


A message priority scheme for use in local areas networks (LANS) operating in accordance with carrier sense, multiple access/collision detect (CSMA/CD) bus access protocol. A LAN station having a high priority message to send ignores the carrier sense signal, and thereby obtains immediate bus access. If the high priority message collides with another message already on the bus, both messages are subject to a backoff period. However, the backoff period for a high priority message is guaranteed to be less than that of a low priority message for a certain number of re-transmission attempts. An intermediate priority status is assigned to a message that previously had a high priority status, after a certain number of transmission attempts. The intermediate priority message is deprived of its ability to transmit while ignoring the carrier sense signal, but retains its shorter backoff period.

Local area networks (LAN's), are networks of processor-based stations, or nodes, for digitally communicating data. LAN's have several different network topologies. A commonly used topology is the bus, in which all stations are connected to the same cable, i.e., the bus, which is used for transmitting data between any set of two or more stations.
With a bus topology, during a data transmission, there is only a single logical transmission path linking the source and destination stations. Some sort of discipline is needed to ensure that the transmission medium is accessed and used in a fair way.
A widely used bus access scheme is the CSMA/CD (carrier-sense multiple-access, collision detect) scheme. Because the bus is used for transmitting data between any pair of stations, the bus is said to operate in a multiple access mode. All data are transmitted by the sending station first formatting the data in a frame with the address of the destination station in the frame header. The frame is then transmitted on the bus. All stations connected to the bus detect whenever a frame is being transmitted, and when the destination station detects that the frame being transmitted has its own address in the frame header, it continues reading the data in the frame and responds according to a defined link protocol. The header also contains the address of the sending station so that the destination station can respond.
With this system of operation, it is possible for two stations to attempt to transmit a frame over the cable at the same time. If this were permitted to happen, the data would be corrupted. To reduce this possibility, before transmitting a frame, a station listens to the bus to detect if a frame is being transmitted. If it is, i.e., a carrier signal is sensed, the station defers its transmission until the other frame has been transmitted.
Even with carrier sense detection, two stations wishing to transmit a frame may simultaneously determine that there is no current transmission, in which case both attempt to transmit their frames. Also, because of transmission delays, a first station's transmission may not be sensed by a second station. In either case, a "collision" is said to have occurred.
To accommodate the possibility of collisions, as a station transmits its frame onto the bus, it simultaneously monitors the data signal on the bus. If the transmitted and monitored signals are different, a collision is assumed to have been detected. When a station detects a collision, to ensure that the other station is aware of the collision, it sends a random bit pattern for a short period of time known as the jam period. Each station involved then waits for a backoff period before attempting to retransmit its frame. The backoff period is calculated by means of a random function that is statistically expected to generate a different backoff period for each station.
The above-described CSMA/CD bus access scheme is embodied in the IEEE 802.3 standard, where IEEE 802 is the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineer's committee 802 on local networking. More specifically, the IEEE 802.3 standard defines the MAC (media access control) sublayer and a corresponding physical layer of the ISO (International Standards Organization) reference model, for connection to a baseband coaxial cable. A well-known example of a CSMA/CD LAN is the Ethernet network, which was developed by Xerox Corporation. The IEEE 802.3 standard is the same as the ISO 8802-3 standard.
Priority under the standard CSMA/CD scheme is "first come, first served" because of the deferment by a transmitter station that detects a carrier sense signal. At least one extension of the CSMA/CD scheme has been developed to permit high priority messages to be more quickly transmitted. One such extension is a linear priority method, which is used after a collision occurs to adjust the backoff time period that a message will wait before a re-transmission is attempted.
A problem with existing priority methods is that high priority messages must wait until a prior message has finished transmitting before obtaining bus access. Also, high priority messages are still susceptible to collisions. Also, if a collision occurs, the bus access time for a high priority message is a function of statistical algorithms and cannot be easily predicted.
It is thus an object of the invention to provide fast bus access times for high priority messages by permitting them to ignore the carrier sense signal. If the high priority message collides with another message already on the bus, sense signal backoff periods are calculated so that for a certain number of re-transmissions, the high priority message has a shorter backoff period than that of a low priority message. Also, an intermediate level of priority is imposed after a high priority message undergoes a predetermined number of collisions. In that case, the message is re-transmitted subject to the carrier sense signal, but with the shorter high priority backoff period. As a result of the invention, bus access time for high priority messages is a deterministic value, which permits response times to high priority events be more easily predicted. Also, in any given LAN network, a station that has a message priority scheme in accordance with the invention is compatible with a station not having such priority. In other words, message priority is established on a per message basis at the transmitting station, and does not interfere with the manner in which the receiving station obtains the message.

Local area network with message priority


A rolling bearing device includes a rolling bearing; and a spacer provided adjacent to one side of the rolling bearing in an axial direction and having a grease reservoir and a flow path, the grease reservoir being in a form of a groove, extending along a circumferential direction, and having grease reserved in the grease reservoir, and the flow path providing communication between the grease reservoir and an inner part of the rolling bearing. The spacer includes an annular wall surface that defines an inner periphery of the grease reservoir. An end of the annular wall surface on a side of the rolling bearing in the axial direction of the grease reservoir is continuous with an opposed end face of the spacer that is opposed to the rolling bearing. An entire area of the annular wall surface is constituted by a flat surface.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a rolling bearing device.
2. Description of Related Art
As a lubrication system for rolling bearing devices, grease lubrication has been widely used. In order to maintain lubrication performance even under severe lubrication conditions such as high temperatures, high-speed rotations, and high loads, a grease reservoir is provided in the outer ring spacer for a bearing and a base oil contained in grease reserved in the grease reservoir is supplied into the bearing. Rolling bearing devices having such a type of mechanism are described, for example, in WO 2010/010897 and Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-180629 (JP 2005-180629 A).
WO 2010/010897 describes a rolling bearing device including an inner ring, an outer ring, a plurality of balls that serves as rolling elements interposed between the inner and outer rings, a cage that holds the plurality of balls at given intervals in the circumferential direction thereof, a seal that seals one end of the annular space between the inner and outer rings in the axial direction, and an annular grease reservoir member that has grease reserved therein and is provided so as to be close to an annular groove adjacent to the guide face of the outer ring that guides the rotation of the cage.
JP 2005-180629 A describes a rolling bearing including an inner ring, an outer ring, a plurality of rolling elements interposed between the raceway surfaces of the inner and outer rings, a grease reservoir formation part that is provided in contact with the outer ring, and a gap formation piece that provides communication between a grease reservoir and the vicinity of the raceway surface of the outer ring such that a gap is formed along the inside face of the outer ring.
When the rolling bearing device of a grease inclusion type is continuously used, a breakage (gap) may occur near the communication path between a grease reservoir and a bearing, as a base oil contained in grease in the grease reservoir is supplied. When the breakage extends over an entire periphery in a circumferential direction, the supply of the base oil to a rolling bearing is stopped although the grease remains in the grease reservoir. In case that the supply of the base oil is stopped, the lubrication performance for the bearing is lost when the base oil in the rolling bearing is completely consumed. Therefore, it becomes difficult to use the rolling bearing device over a long time period.
Meanwhile, JP 2005-180629 A describes a technique in which the base oil of the grease is supplied to a position near the raceway surface of the outer ring with the structure in which the minute gap is formed between the outer ring and the gap formation piece, in order to maintain lubrication performance for the bearing over a longer time period. However, in the technology described in JP 2005-180629 A, it is necessary to accurately design the shape of the gap formation piece to form the minute gap. Therefore, the structure may be complicated.


Various identification tags are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a coupling with an extended skirt having an opening to receive an identification tag. The identification tag may be configured to be snapped into the opening, slid into the opening, or threaded into the opening, for example. The identification tag, such as an RFID tag, may include an electronics module to enable wireless communication with a reader. The electronics module may be received within a body to facilitate installation and retention of the tag and increase durability. The disclosed tags may also be installed in other components. Various other tags, systems, devices, and methods pertaining to identification tags are also disclosed.

1. Field of Invention
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to identification tags and, more specifically in certain embodiments, to identification tags suitable for use in thin-walled tubular goods.
2. Description of Related Art
This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure that are described or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light and not as admissions of prior art.
Identification tags are often used to manage and track objects, such as system components, tools, machinery, and equipment, through production, inventory, storage, deployment, and product use. One type of identification tag that is commonly used to track objects is a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag. In general, RFID tags include a microchip or integrated circuit used to store identification (and possibly other) information. An external reader located remotely from the RFID tag is used to receive information from or transmit information to the RFID tag. The RFID tag typically includes an antenna that transmits RF signals relating to the information stored within the RFID tag.
For certain applications, such as surface and downhole oil and gas applications, RFID tags may be utilized to track equipment and inventory, including Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG). In some instances, previous tagging technologies may be adequate. But when survival of the RFID tags is desired through routine (and potentially rough) handling of the component in which the RFID tag is installed, or through deployment of a component in a downhole environment, some previous tagging technologies may not be suitable. Additionally, OCTG may present limited space to install an identification tag without impacting its structural integrity and interfering with optimal functioning.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Identification tags and installation techniques


A device and system that can dynamically provide variable load on a generator and intelligently distribute generated power to loads and energy storage devices is disclosed. One system includes load profile controllers that employ a switching strategy to dynamically vary the load the generator induces while producing regenerative energy. This switching strategy may allow for a wide dynamic range of configurable damping characteristics, as well as decouple generator damping and the system output power. Multiple load profile controllers can be used together via a communications network, such as a vehicle controller area network (CAN) bus. A central regeneration controller or existing electronic control unit (ECU) can issue commands to change damping performance in different load profile controllers. By networking multiple load profile controllers together in either a distributed or centralized manner, the system may allow for intelligent power routing, coordination of multiple energy-generating devices (such as regenerative shocks and brakes), and improved utilization of on-board energy storage devices.

1. Field
Aspects relate to regenerative energy generator controllers and, more particularly to devices and systems that modulate a load on a generator and/or interconnect multiple power generation devices to a vehicle's power systems.
2. Discussion of Related Art
Modern automobiles such as hybrid electrics, military vehicles, and heavy trucks are increasingly being equipped with regenerative power sources, energy storage devices, and power-consuming equipment. Regenerative power sources such as regenerative shock absorbers have the potential to increase the fuel economy and/or other performance characteristics of these vehicles and in some cases improve ride performance.

System and method for control for regenerative energy generators


A method of monitoring microelectromechanical system (MEMS) pressure sensors arranged on a carrier includes: generating a first measurement value by a first MEMS pressure sensor arranged on the carrier; generating a second measurement value by a second MEMS pressure sensor arranged on the carrier; and determining, by an integrated circuit, whether the first measurement value of the first MEMS pressure sensor corresponds to the second measurement value of the second MEMS pressure sensor in accordance with a predefined criterion, wherein the integrated circuit is arranged on the carrier and is coupled to the first MEMS pressure sensor and the second MEMS pressure sensor.

In safety-relevant applications, sensors are normally provided in redundant fashion. The signal comparison of the sensors is carried out globally in this case. In the case of pressure sensors for side airbags in a vehicle, for example, the measurement values of the pressure sensors incorporated in different doors and/or flaps of the vehicle are compared with one another. Such a comparison can only lead to a reliable result if the pressure present in each case is identical. This is the case for side doors, for example, if the pressure within the door is identical to the surrounding pressure. However, such tests cannot be carried out if the risk of an accident cannot be ruled out, in order to ensure the readiness of the side airbag. Accordingly, such tests can normally be carried out only in the context of a process of starting the vehicle.

Pressure measuring arrangement including two pressure measurement sensors on a carrier


In a liquid dispensing system having a dispensing module and a manifold or service block, the manifold includes an vertically oriented interactive portion that extends, for example, outwardly from a front side and the dispensing module includes a correspondingly shaped interactive portion configured to engage the manifold so that the dispensing module is automatically aligned. The increased surface area in contact between the module and manifold improves their sealing engagement and heat transfer with one another, reduces leakage, and permits increased operating pressures.

Viscous liquids or fluids are applied by dispensers onto a surface of a substrate in a variety of dispensing applications employed in the manufacture of products and product packaging. These viscous liquids include thermoplastic materials such as hot melt adhesives. Liquid dispensers utilize pneumatically or electrically actuated valve assemblies for metering a precise quantity of the viscous liquid and discharging the metered amount through a small-diameter dispensing orifice. Many thermoplastic materials exist in a solid form at room or ambient temperature and must be heated to create a flowable viscous liquid. Other hot melt adhesive materials are supplied as liquids at room temperature. A solid form of material is placed in a holding tank having heated walls and is melted by heating the solid material above its melting point. The viscous liquid is pumped in a molten state under pressure from the holding tank through a supply conduit to a manifold block. The manifold block has liquid passageways connected in fluid communication with the dispensing orifice of one or more liquid dispensers.
A dispensing module that includes the dispensing orifice is usually connected to the manifold, (sometimes referred to as a service block or gun manifold), by way of screws or bolts that extend through the module and into threaded holes in the face of the gun manifold. The combined service block or manifold and the module is typically referred to as a gun. In order for the liquid dispensing system to operate properly, this connection of the manifold with the module must be accomplished so that liquid ports on each of the manifold and module are properly aligned so as to provide leak-proof fluid communication between the two subassemblies or components. In the case of a pneumatically operated module and/or one which provides air-assisted liquid dispensing, cross-connection of an air port with an adhesive port must be avoided. Connecting the two subassemblies entails placing the module in its proper position and then, while holding the module steady, threading the connecting bolts through the module into the manifold. Misalignment during the assembly process may cause the adhesive to leak from the gun onto a conveying system and/or substrate as well as to leak into the air section of the module.
Oftentimes, operational or maintenance personnel will need to remove the module from the manifold for such purposes as cleaning or attaching a different module. Thus, a need exists for an interface between a module and a gun manifold that simplifies attachment of the module, prevents misalignment of the two subassemblies and their respective liquid ports during attachment, reduces the likelihood of liquid leaking into the air section, and prevents misconnecting the two subassemblies.

Method and system for aligning components of a liquid dispensing system


A coil component includes two or more coils configuring a common mode choke coil and functions as an inductor against a normal mode AC current. A coil component includes a pot-type core formed in a box-like shape, a flat plate core, coils, and a partition core formed of a magnetic substance. The coils are accommodated inside the pot-type core and form a common mode choke coil by making the central axes thereof substantially match each other. Further, each of end portions of the coils function as outer electrodes. The partition core is provided between the coils.

As a common mode choke coil whose perimeter is covered by a box-like magnetic core, a common mode filter disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-243228 is known, for example. This type of common mode filter includes a pot-type core which is a box-type magnetic body whose one side is an opening portion, a flat plate magnetic body configured to seal the opening portion, and two helical coils positioned inside the pot-type core. The two coils are wound so that the central axes thereof match each other, and conductive wires configuring the respective coils are so provided as to be alternately laminated on each other.
In the case where a common mode alternating-current (AC) current flows in the common mode filter disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-243228, directions of magnetic fluxes generated by the current flowing through the two coils are the same. Therefore the generated magnetic fluxes strengthen each other; as a result, the common mode filter functions as an inductor. On the other hand, in the case where a normal mode AC current flows in the common mode filter, the directions of the magnetic fluxes generated by the current flowing through the two coils are opposite to each other. Therefore the generated magnetic fluxes cancel each other out; as a result, the common mode filter does not function as an inductor.
In general, power supply lines of electronic devices, motor devices, and the like include not only common mode noise components but also normal mode noise components. As such, there is a requirement for common mode filters to additionally have a function of reducing the normal mode noise. However, even if the common mode filter disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-243228 is intended to function as an inductor against a normal mode AC current, the generated magnetic fluxes cancel each other out, as discussed above, so that it is difficult for the stated common mode filter to function as an inductor.


An icon-driven computer system collects a plurality of data files under a common graphical icon. Commands entered into the computer system with respect to the icon may be interpreted as a command to repeat the same action on each of the data files linked to the icon. Related commands provide for simple maintenance of the grouped icon—by adding files to or removing files from the icon—and selection of one data file from within the group for special treatment. In this regard, the grouped icon represents a selection of multiple data files wherein the selection has persistence and may be revised over time.

Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) are ubiquitous tools of modern computer systems. They typically include various graphical controls to permit operators to enter commands, interact with program applications and manipulate data files.
In common graphical user interface, a computer system displays various workspaces to a user populated with icons ti represent applications, documents, spreadsheets, presentations and other operator work products. Icon driven GUIs are convenient tools for system operations because they permit the operator to interact with data files in an intuitive manner—the operator might open a data file, for example, by pointing and clicking on the corresponding icon. Thus, the icons represent a convenient scheme for interacting with data files on an individual basis.
Icon-based GUIs are less convenient tools, however, when an operator needs to execute a common command upon a large collection of icons. Icons may be scattered spatially across a single workspace or, sometimes, multiple workspaces (for example, multiple folder locations in a file system). While some operating systems permit an operator to perform a multiple selection upon several icons (for example, by holding a CTRL button and selecting individual icons), the operator's selection has no persistence. If the operator releases the CTRL button and clicks on another icon, the prior multiple icon selection is discarded. If the operator selects an icon in error, the operator must repeat the entire multiple icon selection process from scratch. Thus, these icon-based GUIs can be administratively expensive to use because operators primarily interact with icons on an individual basis.
There is a need in the art for a GUI in a computer system that maintains a persistent selection of multiple data files therein. There is a further need in the art for such a system that provides a simple mechanism for maintaining and revising such selections and for entering common commands that are to be executed upon all the data files subsumed within such a selection.

Multifunctional icon in icon-driven computer system


A GFCI/AFCI circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. A first trip mechanism includes a GFCI/AFCI trip circuit having a resistor. The resistor is energized in response to a trip condition. The first trip mechanism cooperates with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts in response to the trip condition. The resistor has a body which burns open in response to a failure of the separable contacts to trip open. A second trip mechanism engages the body of the resistor and cooperates with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts in response to the body of the resistor burning open.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to circuit interrupters and, more particularly, to ground fault and/or arc fault current interrupters and, more particularly, to circuit breakers having a mechanism for opening the associated power circuit in the event of a failure of the circuit breaker separable contacts to trip open, such as, for example, a failure in a ground fault and/or arc fault trip circuit.
2. Background Information
In small circuit breakers, commonly referred to as miniature circuit breakers, used for residential and light industrial applications, overcurrent protection is typically provided by a thermal-magnetic trip device. This trip device typically includes a bimetal strip that is heated and bends in response to a persistent overload condition. The bimetal, in turn, unlatches a spring powered operating mechanism that opens the separable contacts of the circuit breaker to interrupt current flow in the protected power system.
For short circuit protection, an armature, which is attracted by sizable magnetic forces generated in a magnetic core by a short circuit, unlatches, or trips, a circuit breaker operating mechanism. As an example, the magnetic type actuation occurs when the hot line conductor becomes directly connected with ground or neutral, thereby bypassing the load. In many applications, a miniature circuit breaker may also provide ground fault and/or arc fault protection.
Ground fault current interrupter (GFCI) and arc fault current interrupter (AFCI) circuit breakers are well known in the art. Examples of ground fault and arc fault circuit breakers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,081,852; 5,260,676; 5,293,522; and 5,896,262. In ground fault circuit breakers, an electronic circuit typically detects leakage of current to ground and generates a ground fault trip signal. This trip signal energizes a trip solenoid, which unlatches the operating mechanism, often through deflection of the armature of the thermal-magnetic trip device.
In conventional ground fault circuit breakers, the ground fault detection circuit is powered from the load side of the circuit breaker such that the detection circuit is not powered after the circuit breaker has detected a ground fault and, thus, has tripped. In this manner, the circuit breaker separable contacts are employed as a cut-off switch to remove power to and, thus, protect the ground fault detection circuit.
When a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) or wall outlet GFCI/AFCI unit is called upon to trip, the circuit interrupter or outlet unit trips open the separable contacts of the device. For example, the tripping may be started by using a Push to Test button on the front of the unit, by using a remote tester, or because of a real world arc fault or ground fault.
In the event of a failure in the electronic trip circuit, such as a component failure that disables the trip circuit, the circuit breaker can remain energized after the failure. It is desirable to provide a fail-safe mechanism that would open the separable contacts of the breaker in the event of such failure. It is further desirable to provide a mechanism for preventing resetting of the circuit breaker once the separable contacts have been opened as a result of such failure.
It is known to employ a ground fault detection circuit in a hair dryer. In response to a ground fault, an SCR is fired to electrically connect a resistor between line and neutral conductors. In turn, whenever the resistor opens, a plunger is released to open a set of contacts to open the power circuit to the hair dryer.
There have been reports that some circuit breakers and other types of AFCI and/or GFCI devices might not be able to trip open when called upon to trip and, thus, fail to open the separable contacts as required.
There is a need, therefore, for a mechanism to ensure that the power circuit is opened if a ground fault, arc fault, test method or other trip source calls upon the device to trip to an open position.
The present invention meets this need and others and employs a mechanism to open the power circuit of the circuit interrupter and to prevent the circuit interrupter from being reset. In accordance with the invention, a trip circuit includes a resistor, which is energized in response to a trip condition. The resistor has a body, which burns open in response to a failure of the separable contacts to trip open. A means engages the body of the resistor. A means responsive to that means opens the power circuit in response to the body of the resistor burning open. Hence, the device will have to be replaced since the power circuit will become open and require the user to take immediate action.
As one aspect of the invention, a circuit interrupter comprises: a housing; separable contacts; an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts; a first trip mechanism including a trip circuit having a resistor, which is energized in response to a trip condition, the first trip mechanism cooperating with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts in response to the trip condition, the resistor having a body which burns open in response to a failure of the separable contacts to trip open; and a second trip mechanism engaging the body of the resistor and cooperating with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts in response to the body of the resistor burning open.
The operating mechanism may include a trip latch, and the first trip mechanism may include a solenoid having a coil and a plunger. The trip circuit energizes the coil through the resistor in response to the trip condition. The energized coil normally moves the plunger to engage the trip latch to trip open the separable contacts in response to the trip condition. The body of the resistor burns open in response to the plunger failing to trip open the separable contacts through the trip latch in response to the trip condition.
The second trip mechanism may include a trip member and a spring biasing the trip member toward the trip latch. The body of the resistor normally blocks the trip member, and burns open to release the trip member and trip open the separable contacts through the trip latch in response to the plunger failing to trip open the separable contacts through the trip latch in response to the trip condition.
As another aspect of the invention, a circuit interrupter comprises: a housing; first separable contacts within the housing; an operating mechanism for opening and closing the first separable contacts; a trip circuit including a resistor, which is energized in response to a trip condition, the trip circuit cooperating with the operating mechanism to trip open the first separable contacts in response to the trip condition, the resistor having a body which burns open in response to a failure in the trip circuit; second separable contacts electrically connected in series with the first separable contacts; a movable contact arm having an open position for opening the second separable contacts and having a closed position for closing the second separable contacts, the movable contact arm held in the closed position thereof by the body of the resistor, the movable contact arm being movable to the open position thereof in response to the body of the resistor burning open; and a spring which biases the movable contact arm toward the open position thereof.
The operating mechanism may include a trip latch. The first separable contacts are adapted to receive a line voltage. The trip circuit may include an SCR and a solenoid having a coil and a plunger. The trip circuit energizes the coil with the line voltage through the resistor and the SCR in response to the trip condition. The energized coil normally moves the plunger to engage the trip latch to trip open the separable contacts in response to the trip condition. The body of the resistor burns open in response to the plunger failing to trip open the separable contacts through the trip latch in response to the trip condition.
As a further aspect of the invention, a circuit interrupter comprises: a housing; a line terminal; a load terminal; a power circuit including separable contacts electrically connected between the line terminal and the load terminal; an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts; a trip circuit including a resistor, which is energized in response to a trip condition, the trip circuit cooperating with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts in response to the trip condition, the resistor having a body which burns open in response to a failure of the separable contacts to trip open; means for engaging the body of the resistor; and means responsive to the means for engaging for opening the power circuit in response to the body of the resistor burning open.

Circuit interrupter employing a mechanism to open a power circuit in response to a resistor body burning open


It is provided a method for requesting remote unlocking of an electronic lock controlling access to a physical space. The method is performed in a user device and comprises steps of: sending a control message to an access controller, the control message comprising user authentication information, the control message causing the access controller to trigger the electronic lock to emit an alert signal; and sending an unlock message to the access controller comprising the user authentication information, in order to unlock the electronic lock.

With online shopping steadily increasing, deliveries of physical goods are also increasing. Consumers want fast and cheap delivery and the delivery companies want efficiency and safety for their deliveries.
Consumers want to save time and they do not want to wait at their homes for a delivery. Traditional solutions, e.g. to leave a key or a code which would enable an access to a consumer's home for an undefined amount of time in uncontrolled conditions, are not acceptable. Considering that the value of goods is also increasing, a delivery to an open area, e.g. garden or a corridor is not satisfactory either.
Moreover, various leasing or renting solutions utilizing peer-to-peer property rental are getting more popular. Users or companies want to allow other users to use their real estate, vehicles and other closed physical spaces for a limited amount of time, but they still have high demands for the security. Although they grant access to e.g. one of their rooms or storages, it is not acceptable if the space is unlocked while the person supposed to use it is not there or if a neighbouring space is opened instead.
Current security solutions for deliveries and rental rely on delegating an access to another user, but a delivery person or any other user authorised to unlock a lock may execute their rights from any location, which can cause problems if the delivery person unlocks a lock they are not going to use immediately or if they have no or insufficient information about the position of a lock. For example, GPS information could be insufficient if the user is not aware of the altitude information, and by mistake opens a room at the wrong floor.
Another available solution relies on a physical space owner to unlock their lock exactly when a delivery person comes to their physical space, which is not acceptable, because the owner always has to be available even if they are able to open their lock remotely.


The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and an apparatus for connection handling. The method includes: receiving a connection request that requests for establishing or resuming a connection with a base station; and instructing a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) of a terminal to perform a predetermined operation based on an obtained first connection result corresponding to the connection request. In this way, the problems associated with inconsistent operations in the user plane optimization in the related art can be solved and the consistency in operations between the Access Stratum (AS) and NAS of the terminal can be achieved.

Machine Type Communication (MTC) is currently an important research topic in the 5th Generation (5G) mobile communication technology and an important application area in future wireless communications. In Machine-to-Machine (M2M) topic, a research sub-topic of Narrow Band-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) has been proposed for characteristics of terminals such as low cost, low power consumption, low mobility and low throughput. That is, low-throughput wireless communication services can be provided for low-cost NB-IoT terminals (or User Equipment (UE)) within a 200 KHz frequency band.
In order to reduce signaling overhead and power consumption at NB-IoT terminals, two optimization schemes for Cellular Internet of Things (CIoT), have been introduced in the current researches.
1. Control Plane (CP) Optimization Scheme: No Data Radio Bearer (DRB) and no access stratum (AS) security context will be established between a terminal and a network. Data is encapsulated into non-access stratum (NAS) Protocol Data Unit (PDU) and attached to CP signaling for transmission. This scheme can significantly save signaling but has a limited data packet length for each transmission. A large data packet has to be partitioned into a number of small packets for transmission. In case of a poor coverage, such packets can be lost, such that a receiver cannot receive a complete data packet.
2. User Plane (UP) Optimization Scheme: A complete connection is established between a terminal and a network and data is transmitted using DRBs. After completion of data transmission, a bearer information context and an AS security context can be maintained at the terminal and the network side in a suspending process. For a subsequent data transmission, the terminal and the network resume the maintained contexts in a resumption process to continue transmitting data using the DRB. This scheme is substantially the same as the existing process and has no significant limitation on the data packet length. However, it has a limited effect in saving signaling.
Further, a process for negotiating capabilities between a terminal and a network has been introduced by the current research. Preferred Network Behavior indication information can be carried in an Attach Request message, indicating operation schemes the terminal can support and would recommend. A network element Mobility Management Entity (MME) at the network side will include Supported Network Behavior in an Attach Accept message for indicating operation schemes the network can support.
When the UP scheme is adopted for the terminal-network negotiation, when the terminal has uplink data to send, it needs to trigger a resumption process for air interface and network-side bearers. When the network side has downlink data to send, it will page the terminal first and then trigger the terminal to initiate a resumption process for air interface and network-side bearers.
In the up-to-date standard, for the connection resumption process in the UP optimization scheme, a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) of a terminal, in an idle state with a suspension flag, sends an instruction to resume a connection to an Access Stratum (AS) of the terminal and buffers a NAS signaling for service request. The AS of the terminal will attempt to transmit a connection resumption request message to an AS of a base station. In this scenario, there can be several possible operations and interactions in the NASs and ASs of the base station and the terminal, as follows.
1. Normally, upon receiving the connection resumption request message, the AS of the base station will transmit a connection resumption message to the terminal, indicating that the connection has been successfully resumed for the terminal. The AS of the terminal then sends an indication to the NAS of the terminal, indicating that the connection has been successfully resumed (i.e., "RRC connection has been resumed"). The NAS of the terminal will discard the buffered NAS signaling for service request and terminate the NAS process.
2. There can also be the following scenarios which can be considered as abnormal.
a) In some cases, the AS of the terminal can not transmit the connection resumption request message for failing to pass an Access Baring test. In this case, the AS of the terminal sends an indication to the NAS of the terminal, indicating a failure to resume the connection (i.e., "failure to resume"). The NAS of the terminal can reuse or refer to the processes for connection establishment failure (i.e., "failure to establish") and congestion control.
b) In some other cases, the AS of the terminal can not transmit the connection resumption request message because the current serving base station does not support the UP optimization scheme. In this case, the AS of the terminal will clear the stored AS context and send an indication to the NAS of the terminal, indicating a failure to resume the connection (i.e., "RRC connection resumption has failed"). The NAS of the terminal will send the buffered NAS signaling for service request to the AS, which then performs a normal connection establishment process.
c) In some other cases, if some abnormality occurs after the AS of the base station has received the connection resumption request message, e.g., when the AS of the base station fails to find a context associated with a terminal resumption ID, the AS of the base station can also transmit a connection establishment message to the terminal, instructing the terminal to clear the buffered contexts and perform a normal connection establishment. In this case, the AS of the terminal will send an indication to the NAS of the terminal, indicating a failure to resume the connection (i.e., "RRC connection resumption has failed"). The NAS of the terminal will send the buffered NAS signaling for service request to the AS, which then performs subsequent processes and transmits the NAS signaling to the base station for establishing a S1 interface later.
d) In some other cases, after receiving the connection resumption request message, the AS of the base station can transmit a connection rejection message to the terminal, e.g., due to network congestion. Alternatively, the terminal can not receive any response to the connection resumption request message due to an abnormity in a radio link, which causes timeout of timer T300. In either case, the AS of the terminal sends an indication to the NAS of the terminal, indicating a failure to resume the connection (i.e., "failure to resume"). The NAS of the terminal can reuse or refer to the processes for connection establishment failure (i.e., "failure to establish") and congestion control. Additionally, the connection rejection message transmitted from the AS of the base station to the terminal can optionally include suspension information. If the suspension information is included, the AS of the terminal will maintain the stored AS context information; otherwise the AS of the terminal will clear the stored AS context.
There can be the following problems associated with the above processes and interactions.
1. In the current standard, when the NAS of the terminal receives a "failure to resume" indication, the NAS of the terminal can reuse or refer to the processes for connection establishment failure and congestion control. That is, the NAS of the terminal does not distinguish between "failure to establish" and "failure to resume". When the terminal makes a connection resumption request, the NAS of the terminal is in an idle state with a suspension flag. If the terminal receives a "failure to resume" indication at this time, it needs to consider at least how to handle the stored NAS context (including the suspension flag). On one hand, the NAS of the terminal can clear the suspension flag and return to a normal idle state. On the other hand, the NAS of the terminal can alternatively stop the current process and maintain the current state.
2. Further, in the case where the AS of the terminal receives a connection rejection message, it is different from the existing rule that an extended wait timer is applied only to terminals supporting delay-tolerable access. If the current terminal is a NB-IoT terminal, its AS always sends the extended wait timer to its NAS, such that it can be applied at the NAS. However, conventionally, the NAS will determine whether the terminal is currently initiating a low-priority access when handling the timer. If so, the NAS will start the timer and wait for a period of time (i.e., starting a timer T3346 with the "extended wait time" value); otherwise it will discard the timer. That is, currently the use of the extended wait timer by the NAS of the terminal is conditional. If the condition is not met, the requirement that the AS shall apply extended wait timers to all connection rejection scenarios for NB-IoT terminals can not be satisfied.
3. Further, in a special case where the AS of the terminal receives a connection rejection message that carries the suspension information, the AS of the terminal will maintain the stored context information. If at this time the NAS of the terminal receives a "failure to resume" indication from the AS, clears the suspension flag and returns to the normal idle state, there will be inconsistency between the AS and NAS of the terminal. On the other hand, in a special case where the AS of the terminal receives a connection rejection message that carries no suspension information, the AS of the terminal will clear the stored NAS context. If at this time the NAS of the terminal receives a "failure to resume" indication from the AS, stops the current process and maintains the current state, there will be another type of inconsistency between the AS and NAS of the terminal. When the NAS of the terminal sends an instruction to resume the connection to the AS of the terminal subsequently, the AS cannot proceed with subsequent process as it does not have any AS context stored therein.
4. In addition to the scenarios described above, the standard does not very clearly specify the AS operations and the AS-NAS interactions when other abnormalities occurs at the AS of the terminal during the connection resumption process, such as reestablishment failure due to Radio Link Failure (RLF) or timeout of timers other than T300.
The problematic AS-NAS interactions as described above can lead to problems such as inconsistent operations between the AS and the NAS.
For the connection resumption process in the UP optimization scheme, before the terminal triggers the resumption process, it is assumed that various context information required for the UP optimization have already been stored in the terminal, base station and related core network elements. It is important problem to be solved regarding how to identify the context information such that the terminal and the network side can use consistent identifications to search for and resume the correct context information. In the up-to-date standard, a 40-bit full-text resume identity has been defined. This full-text resume identity is allocated by the base station to the terminal during the suspending process. In accordance with the instruction from the network side, the terminal can carry the 40-bit full-text resume identity or a 24-bit truncated resume identity in the connection resumption request message and transmit it to the base station.
However, the above scheme for transmitting the resume identity has the following problems.
1. In the up-to-date standard, the base station shall construct the 40-bit full-text resume identity in a format containing 20-bit base station information and 20-bit terminal/user information. In a simplest way, the base station can place the 20-bit terminal/user information in the 20 Most Significant Bits (MSBs) of the full-text resume identity and the 20-bit base station information in the 20 Least Significant Bits (LSBs), or vice versa. However, if the base station adopts another, flexible construction scheme, the terminal would not be able to know information on the specific format of the 40-bit full-text resume identity. For example, the terminal would not be able to know whether the 20-bit terminal/user information is placed in the MSBs, LSBs or somewhere in the middle of the 40-bit full-text resume identity.
2. On the other hand, in accordance with the instruction from the network-side, the terminal can determine to transmit a 24-bit truncated resume identity to the base station. In a simplest way, the base station can extract the 24 MSBs from the 40-bit full-text resume identity, meaning that the 20-bit terminal/user information and 4 bits of the base station information are used to construct the truncated resume identity. However, if the terminal requires a more flexible scheme, e.g., requiring more base station information to be carried in the resume identity in e.g., a mobility scenario, the terminal cannot notify the base station of the specific format of the 24-bit resume identity, e.g., whether to include 20 bits or less of the base station information, whether to include 20 bits or less of the terminal/user information, or whether to include other information. In other words, the standard cannot provide such flexibility in transmission of the resume identity.
Hence, the transmission of the resume identity can lead to problems such as inconsistent interpretation or lack of flexibility.
There is currently no effective solution in the related art to the problems associated with inconsistent operations in the UP optimization.

Method and apparatus for handling connections


A home system includes a server having a first wireless communication port, and a plurality of devices, such as sensors. Each one of the devices includes a corresponding second wireless communication port. One or more of the devices is a timer/reminder sensor device associated with an object of interest. The timer/reminder sensor device includes a timer mechanism having a time input and an output. The timer mechanism is associated with the object and is adapted to input a time interval from the time input, time for the time interval and then responsively output to the output. The timer mechanism communicates the time input and the output of the timer mechanism between the second wireless communication port of the timer/reminder sensor device and the first wireless communication port of the server.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to home systems and, more particularly, to home systems employing sensors and communications, such as, for example, a wireless local area network (WLAN) or a low rate—wireless personal area network (LR-WPAN). The invention also relates to methods of timing for objects, such as, for example, residential objects. The invention further relates to timer apparatus for residential objects.
2. Background Information
There are a wide range of household tasks, including, for example, service or maintenance, that must or should be done based upon time. For example, some tasks are seasonal, such as changing furnace filters.
It is known to provide a timer on a microwave oven that may be preset to an initial value (e.g. 40 minutes). After being started, the timer counts down until the timer is reset or until the timer reaches a zero value. If the timer reaches the zero value, then an audible alarm is sounded.
It is known to provide a standalone "retirement clock" that displays days, hours, minutes and seconds to a user's "retirement". The clock counts down from a starting value (e.g., 999 days to retirement) to show the user the remaining days, hours, minutes and seconds to retirement.
It is known to provide a touch panel on a microwave oven that lets a user set a timer to remind the user to walk their dog.
It is known to provide computer-based voice prompting and picture prompting for persons (e.g., needing reminders; having a brain injury and needing prompts; having a cognitive disability and needing step-by-step instructions).
There is room for improvement in home systems, and in methods and apparatus for timing.

Portable timer apparatus, home system and method of timing for an object


An aqueous composition for topical application to human skin comprises:. (i) a special ester of pyroglutamic acid; PA1 (ii) a cosmetically acceptable aqueous buffer having an effective pH value of from 2 to <7; and PA1 (iii) optionally, other cosmetic adjuncts.

Pyroglutamic acid (also known as 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid) is the principle ingredient of the "natural moisturising factor" that enables the stratum corneum of the skin to maintain a high water content despite low external humidity. Pyroglutamic acid applied topically to the skin has a temporary moisturising effect, but it is easily washed away and gives no long term skin benefit.
The use of certain esters of pyroglutamic acid as auxiliary agents for accelerating absorption of drugs through the skin is described in JA 60-214744 (Nitto Denki Kogyo KK.
Cosmetics containing one or more compounds obtained by the esterification of 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid (PCA) and a fatty acid chosen from straight chain higher fatty acids are described in JA 57-185209 (Nisshin Seiyu KK) for contributing to the natural moisturising factor (NMF) present in the horny layer of the skin, part of which NMF is characterised as a salt of PCA.
Certain esters of pyroglutamic acid described in FP-A-0 176 217 (Unilever) are stated to be analogues of naturally occuring N-terminal pyroglutamic peptides. These naturally occurring peptides are substrates for the enzyme pyroglutamic acid peptidase which represent one route of pyroglutamic acid synthesis in the stratum corneum: [See: J G Barrett and I R Scott (1983), "Pyrrolidone carboxylic acid synthesis in guinea pig epidermis", J Invest. Dermatol. 81, 122].
These esters are stated to readily penetrate into the stratum corneum, and there provide a substrate for this enzyme at the normal site of pyroglutamic acid synthesis, that is, inside the cells of the stratum corneum.
There are, however, certain disadvantages in employing products based on these prior proposals; these are firstly, in aqueous systems, there is a tendency for hydrolysis of the ester of pyroglutamic acid to occur prematurely, so that the free acid, pyroglutamic acid, is present in the composition, and its benefit prior to application to the skin is thereby at best relatively short lived, and secondly, that the presence of drugs in topical products can severely limit their cosmetic usefulness.
We have now discovered that the stability of esters of pyroglutamic acid can be significantly improved and the general cosmetic use widened, by formulating them in an aqueous composition having an acid pH, preferably one which otherwise contains no molecule that could be classed as a drug, thereby limiting its cosmetic usefulness. Also, we have found that the ester of pyroglutamic acid penetrates more readily into the stratum corneum than does the free acid, the penetrated ester being enzymically cleaved, as already stated, to yield pyroglutamic acid in situ in the stratum corneum, thereby to auqment that which occurs naturally in this region of the skin. Evidence to support this observation is given later in this specification.


A method for determining the location of an actuating device is described. The method includes receiving transmissions from the actuator utilizing a plurality of multiple channel receiving devices, determining a direction to the actuator based on the signals received, and retrieving position, orientation, and time information for the plurality of multiple channel receiving devices relating to each transmission received from the actuator. Also included in the method is triangulating the position of the actuator based on the position, orientation, time, and determined direction to the actuator for the plurality of multiple channel receiving devices. Systems that perform the above method are also described.

This invention relates generally to improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and more specifically, to methods and systems for locating actuation devices for IEDs.
The rise in terrorism related casualties can be attributed, at least in part, to the rise in the use of IEDs by terrorists. For example, terrorists have used IEDs that consist of mortar and artillery projectiles that have been reconfigured as explosive devices.
These IEDs are typically planted at the roadside and then remotely detonated by the terrorist enemy. A high percentage of these IEDs are wireless and many remote detonation devices for such IEDs are fabricated utilizing low technology components that can be easily purchased from a basic electronics store. The electronics utilized to fabricate these detonation devices include wireless components that are used in garage door openers, door bells, automobile key FOB entry systems, cell phones, etc.
There is a need to not only prevent simple improvised explosive devices from killing or injuring soldiers and civilians but also to detect the locations of persons who are actuating these IEDs.

Methods and systems for locating actuators for improvised explosive devices


Scan driver and driving system with low input voltage and their level shift circuit are disclosed. The scan driver includes a latch unit, a level shift circuit and a buffer. The latch unit generates a first control signal and a second control signal. The level shift circuit is connected to the latch unit to receive the first control signal, the second control signal, a first clock signal and a second clock signal, so as to output a scan signal with high voltage level. The buffer enhances driving ability of the scan signal for driving thin-film transistors (TFTs) of a display panel.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a scan driver and, more particularly, to a scan driver and a scan driving system with low input voltage, and their level shift voltage circuit.
2. Description of Related Art
Currently, in flat panel displays, thin-film transistors (TFTs) on a display panel are controlled by a driving unit essentially consisting of a data driver (source driver) and a scan driver (gate driver). The scan driver sequentially turns on TFTs of each column on the display panel through an internal output signal, so as to concurrently charge the column's display points (pixels) to corresponding required voltages and thus present different gray levels.
However, a voltage threshold VT for a transistor in a typical silicon process is approximate to 1 V and lower, and that for a TFT in a low temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) TFT process is from about 2.5V to about 5V. For a 2V range of noises under such a high threshold, an input signal has to be greater than 4.5 V (2.5V+2V) to turn on TFTs, in order to gain a higher input voltage to drive the TFTs, resulting in consuming more power.
In related patents, U.S. Pat. No. 5,646,642 granted to Maekawa, et al. for a "Circuit for converting level of low-amplitude input" has disclosed a level shift circuit which can have a lower input voltage and a higher output voltage. However, it still needs more power because two current sources are applied. This cannot meet with strict requirement for power consumption. Therefore, it is desirable to provide an improved scan driver with low input voltage such as 3.3 V to drive TFTs on the display panel, so as to mitigate and/or obviate the aforementioned problems.

Scan driver and scan driving system with low input voltage, and their level shift voltage circuit


A panel mount including a base, a first jaw, and a second jaw is provided. The panel mount includes a first and second threaded hole in the first jaw having fasteners received therein. The first threaded hole is nearer to the base than the second threaded hole. The panel mount includes a first and a second protrusion when fasteners are adjusted to protrude from the first jaw towards the second jaw. The panel mount includes a pivot protrusion on the second jaw. A panel is to be fastened between the pivot protrusion and at least one of the first protrusion or the second protrusion. Further, when one of the threaded fasteners protrudes from the first jaw at a greater distance than the other of the threaded fasteners, the panel may pivot about an axis centered on the pivot protrusion.

Mounts for building panels, such as glass panels, wood panels, plastic panels, or concrete panels, often include a channel for receiving a portion of one or more building panels. Once a panel is placed and positioned within the channel, various methods may be used to secure the one or more panels within the channel. For example, cement or non-shrinking cement may be poured into the channel. Wedge-like devices may also be inserted into channels to occupy space between one or more panels and channel walls. The wedge-like devices may also function to press a panel against a channel wall. Alternatively, bolts that are in alignment and that originate from both sides of a channel may apply simultaneous force to secure panels within the channel. That is, force from a first bolt on a first side of the channel is complemented by an aligned force from a second bolt on the opposing side of the channel to secure the panel in a position perpendicular to a base.
Similar reference numerals may have been used in different figures to denote similar components.


An electronic flow meter that is configured to use localized flow conditions to determine volumetric flow. The embodiments may include a body forming a pass-through channel and a by-pass channel; a semiconductor device comprising a sensor disposed proximate the by-pass channel, the sensor configured to generate a signal with data that reflects localized pressure and localized temperature of a stream in the by-pass channel; and a processing component coupled with the sensor to receive and process the signal so as to identify a flow condition for the stream, select a calculation for volumetric flow rate in response to the flow condition, use data for localized pressure and localized temperature in the calculation to generate a value for the volumetric flow rate; and generate an output with data that reflects the value for the volumetric flow rate.

Metrology hardware finds use across a wide range of applications. For example, the fuel gas industry uses metering systems, or "flow meters," to measure consumption, bill customers, and manage inventory. Some of these flow meters are mechanical, positive-displacement devices. Rotary-types of these devices may include an impeller that rotates in response to flow of gas. In other types, the flow of gas translates a diaphragm or bellows. Other mechanical devices may leverage a turbine or like rotating element (e.g., a pinwheel).
Advances in technology may eclipse these mechanically-based flow meters. This technology makes possible use of electronic hardware to evaluate parameters of the flowing material to appropriately quantify, for example, volumetric flow that forms the foundation for customer billing. However, for electronic flow meters to substitute for mechanically-based flow meters, these devices often must satisfy certain "legal metrology" standards that regulatory bodies promulgate under authority or legal framework of a given country or territory. These standards may be in place to protect public interests, for example, to provide consumer protections for metering and billing use of fuel. These protections may set definitions for units of measure, realization of these units of measure in practice, application of traceability for linking measurement of the units made in practice to the standards and, importantly, ensure accuracy of measurements.

Using localized flow characteristics on electronic flow meter to quantify volumetric flow

Natural Gas Solutions North America, LLC


An information processing apparatus includes an imaging unit, a display, a detection unit, and a controller. The imaging unit is configured to capture an image to acquire a captured image. The imaging unit is configured to capture an image to acquire a captured image. The display has a display surface that faces in the same direction as an imaging direction of the imaging unit. The detection unit is configured to perform imaging processing on the captured image to detect an opening degree of eye of a user in the captured image. The controller is configured to control a presentation of the display based on a result of the detection by the detection unit.

The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus including an imaging unit and a display, and to a program therefore.
In an information processing apparatus such as a PC (Personal Computer), a user operates input devices including a keyboard and a mouse with hands and fingers to execute an input operation. Further, in a tablet PC, a personal digital assistant, and the like that have been widely used in recent years, an input on a screen of a touch panel with a finger or an operator is prevailing.
In addition, an information processing apparatus in which an input operation is allowed without touching it has been developed in recent years. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2010-79662 (paragraph [0017], FIG. 1) discloses an information processing apparatus that includes a range sensor and allows an input operation to be performed by a gesture of the hands of the user.

Information processing apparatus and program


An aqueous radiation curable inkjet ink contains an aqueous medium and polymer nanoparticles charged with a polymerizable compound.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to aqueous radiation curable inkjet inks and to their use in ink jet printing.
2. Description of the Related Art
A latex is a stable colloidal dispersion of natural or synthetic polymer particles in an aqueous medium. Synthetic latexes have been made by polymerizing monomers, generally (meth)acrylates, that have been emulsified with surfactants. Such latexes have been incorporated in aqueous inkjet inks. For example, US 2008269410 A (HP) discloses self-dispersing acrylate latex particulates for ink-jet inks.
After jetting a latex inkjet ink, a latex film is formed as shown by FIG. 1. Acrylate based polymeric particles tend to have a relatively high minimum film formation temperature (MFT), which prevents to use thermosensitive substrates in latex inkjet printing. The MFT tends to be very close to the glass transition temperature Tg of the latex Thermosensitive substrates would be possible to use if the latex has a low Tg, e.g. below 0° C., however it was observed that such latexes cause jetting problems resulting in massive failing nozzles.
UV curable inkjet inks lacking water or organic solvents have been used extensively in industrial applications, because of their reliability and because that they adhere to a multitude of substrates. One disadvantage of these so-called '100% solids' UV curable inkjet inks is that relatively thick layers are obtained compared to aqueous inkjet inks which generally contain less than 20% of solids. Thin layers usually have much better flexibility. However in most other properties aqueous latex inkjet inks tend to exhibit an inferior performance compared to UV curable inkjet inks.
Some efforts have been made to improve the performance of aqueous latex inkjet inks by including features of UV curable inkjet inks, such as the incorporation of water-soluble UV curable monomers, e.g. EP 2166046 A (FUJI) and US 2011104453 (CANON), the use of cross-linkable latexes as in EP 1379596 A (UCB), and the combination of both as in WO 2013/034880 A (SERICOL) which discloses a radiation-curable ink comprising: (a) a polyurethane having ethylenically unsaturated groups; (b) a water-soluble triacrylate; (c) a colorant; (d) a liquid medium comprising water and organic solvent; and (e) optionally a photoinitiator; and (f) optionally a surfactant; wherein the weight of component (d) is greater than the combined weight of components (a), (b), (c), (e) and (f). The latter does not show any results on jetting performance.
Therefore, there remains a need for aqueous inkjet inks containing polymeric particles capable of combining improved jetting performance with improved physical and chemical properties.


A stop bead for mounting along a frame or jamb of a window or door of a building to separate the frame or jamb from plaster or stucco material during application of the plaster or stucco material to the building comprises a first side end portion and a second side end portion, the first side portion having a leading edge for engaging the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb, a base panel having a front face, a wall formed on the base panel and extending outwardly above the front face of the base panel, the wall having an engaging surface for engaging plaster or stucco and a frame/jamb facing surface that faces the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb, and a spacing member formed on the stop bead and extending outwardly away from the frame/jamb facing surface of the wall for spacing the wall a predetermined distance from the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb, the spacing member forming the leading edge of the first side portion of the stop bead and forming gap between the wall and the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb.

Stucco and/or plaster are typically used for both interior and exterior surfaces in home or commercial building construction. Stucco or plaster is routinely applied to a galvanized wire mesh over felt paper which has been attached to underlying plywood or other sheathing material. (See FIG. 1.) In order to provide a smooth edge where the stucco or plaster meets a door or window jamb or frame, plastic stop strips are installed along the desired edge of the stucco or plaster to contain it and provide for an even finish.
The plastic stop often used for this purpose is presented in FIG. 2. The plaster stop generally consists of a perforated plastic strip approximately 2 inches wide with a plastic lip or edge acting to contain the stucco or plaster away from the jamb or frame. The plaster stop is typically installed approximately ¼ inch away from the jamb or frame, leaving a gap between the stop and the backing surface. In order to provide a complete finish, the worker must install a backer rod into the gap and then apply a finishing layer of caulk. This process that is used by some builders to prevent leaks is very time consuming.
This method of stucco installation has often resulted in leaking problems between the stucco or plaster surface and the adjacent jamb, thereby causing significant additional repair costs and frustration to both home owners and construction companies. In addition, the extra time and materials necessary for installation of the backer rod and finishing caulk layer can add considerably to the costs and duration of the construction. The L-Bead eliminates the need for installation of a backer rod—saving considerable time and money—and significantly cuts down on the potential for leaks around windows and doors.

Stop bead for separating stucco material from a frame of a window or door


A device for measuring a vehicle has at least one image capturing device, that includes at least one camera having at least one light incidence region configured to allow light from an object to be captured by the camera to strike the camera through the at least one light incidence region. The device also has a device for keeping the light incidence region clean and/or for cleaning the same, that features at least one deflecting element that is movable over the light incidence region in a way that allows it to prevent the deposition of dust and dirt on the light incidence region and/or to remove dust and/or dirt from the at least one light incidence region.

Devices for measuring a vehicle often have one or a plurality of cameras to record images of the vehicle to be measured. To ensure a high measurement quality, the light incidence regions of the camera(s), through which the light is incident to the camera, must be kept clean and/or be regularly cleaned to prevent dust and other impurities, such as water droplets and small stones, from adversely affecting the image quality. This is especially true of cameras whose image recording direction is vertically oriented, so that they have a horizontally configured light incidence region upon which a substantial amount of dirt and dust can accumulate.
It is arduous and time-consuming to routinely manually clean the camera(s), and the quality of the measuring results is negatively affected when the cleaning is not regularly performed due to reasons of convenience and/or forgetfulness.


A plug-in device (10) for providing commands and/or signals comprising an attachment part (12), an adaptor (22), and at least one command or notification device (30). The device (10) includes a plug-in rotary coupling for connecting the adaptor and attachment part in response to relative rotational movement about an axial direction (A). For locking the coupling, a locking web (62) is provided for engagement and disengagement by a locking coupling web (88) in response to relative rotation of the adaptor (22) and attachment part (12). A catch lock further is provided that includes a catch (68) arranged on a plug-in appendage (42 and a counter catch (90, 92) that are engageable by relative rotation of the adapter (22) and the attachment part (12).

Devices for giving commands, such as buttons or switches and devices for giving signals, such as signal lamps, for example, are known, which are arranged in operating panels. With these, parts of an electrical installation can be controlled or information can be received. The operating panel can be embodied as door for a control box, for example. Such devices, which serve to give commands and/or signals, in each case encompass an attachment part, which can include a push button and/or a signal lamp, for example. The attachment part is inserted into a recess or into a hole in the operating panel and is screwed to the rear side of the operating panel with the help of a screw nut.
A command device (switch) is operated by means of the button, which is arranged in the device. A signaling device includes a lamp or a buzzer, e.g., as notification device. The command or notification devices are connected to the attachment part on the rear side of the control panel.
It may be desirable to operate a plurality of switches with a single attachment part. For flexibility reasons, it is desirable for individual switches to be capable of being removed from the attachment part and to be capable of being replaced with other modules. This is why such devices can include an adapter, which is arranged on the rear side of the operating panel at the attachment part. One or a plurality of switches can be fastened to the adapter, which allows for an easy replacement of said switches.
A device comprising such an adapter is known, for example, from the data sheet "TECHNOR HarmAtex", which can be accessed via the web address http://ex.technor.com/. The attachment part of the device illustrated on page 2 has two grooves, which are located on opposite sides. The adapter is configured of two parts. It encompasses a frame made of plastic and a metal clamp. The adapter can be attached to the attachment part, wherein the metal clamp is engaged with the grooves for locking purposes.
A further device is illustrated in the catalog "Conrad Business 2013-Volume 1" on page 618. The adapter has a rotary slide made of metal, which can be moved rotationally relative to the adapter, which is otherwise made of plastic. The push button encompasses plug-in appendages, which define an axial direction and on which projections are arranged, which form undercuts. The adapter is attached to the push button. The rotary slide is rotated relative to the remaining adapter part and the push button and is thus engaged with the undercuts for embodying an axial lock.
Attachment parts, adapters and contact elements of a further device are illustrated in the catalog "Conrad Business 2013-Volume 1" on page 614. The fastening adapter encompasses a frame, in each case comprising long and short sides, which are located opposite one another. A detent is embodied at a resilient cross beam between the two long sides. A second detent is arranged opposite to the detent of the resilient cross beam. On opposite sides, the attachment part encompasses grooves. The fastening adapter is attached to the attachment part and the detents are thus engaged with the grooves.

Plug-in coupled device for providing commands and/or signals


A pixel array including a plurality of scan lines and a plurality of data lines disposed crossing the scan lines to define a plurality of sub-pixel regions; at least a controlling structure, disposed in one of the sub-pixel regions and electrically connected to one of the scan lines and data lines; a plurality of sensing signal lines disposed parallel with the data lines and crossing the scan lines to define a plurality of regions having at least one first sub-region and second sub-region; at least one sensing-signal readout device disposed in the first sub-region and electrically connected with one of the scan lines and sensing signal lines; and at least one first sensing pad disposed in the second sub-region and electrically connected to the sensing-signal readout device in the second sub-region. The numbers of the sensing-signal readout devices electrically connected to the respective scan lines are the same.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to a pixel array and a display panel having the pixel array.
2. Description of Related Art
In a typical touch panel, a film layer having a touch function is externally added to a normal display panel. However, the manufacturing process of this type of externally-attached touch panel adds an additional step of assembling the display panel and the touch film layer. Moreover, the touch film layer results in a reduction of the touch panel transmittance and an increase in the touch panel thickness. Therefore, a conventional in-cell type touch panel has been developed to address a need. In the conventional in-cell type resistive touch panel, a plurality of touch structures and photo spacers are formed on an opposite substrate, and a plurality of sensing pads are formed on an active device array substrate corresponding to the touch structures. When a user presses the opposite substrate, the touch structures on the opposite substrate and the sensing pads on the active device array substrate are conducted so as to locate a press location of the user.
In order to output a sensing signal, typically a readout device and two signal lines electrically connected therewith are disposed on the active device array substrate. However, this technique results in a decreased aperture ratio of the display panel. In order to enhance the aperture ratio of the display panel, a technique is electrically connects each of the readout devices with a signal line and a readily available (or namely present/existing) scan line. However, this technique results in an increased loading of the scan line. Moreover, since only a portion of the scan line is electrically connected to the readout device, the loadings of the scan lines in the display panel are not uniform. The overloading and irregular loading issues on the scan lines may lead to problems of abnormal display in the display panel.

Pixel array and display panel having the same