A signal acquisition method for a GPS receiver which eliminates the necessity of a clock circuit for keeping the current time and also a backup battery for memory is disclosed. According to the signal acquisition method, upon starting of acquisition of a GPS satellite after the power source to the GPS receiver is turned on, using a matched filter, an acquisition operation is performed for objects of all of GPS satellites which may possibly be disposed until after a signal of at least one of the GPS satellites is acquired.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a signal acquisition and reception method for a Global Positioning System signal receiver.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Signals transmitted from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites are available to the public and are transmitted by phase modulating a carder signal at 1,575.42 MHz with navigation information about the orbit of the satellite. The modulated carder is then spread spectrum modulated with a specific C/A code for each satellite. A GPS receiver generates a code synchronized with the C/A code of the particular satellite to demodulate the signal and reproduce the carrier signal so that the navigation information can be decoded.
The navigation information contains orbit data divided into two components with highly accurate ephemeris component and with a comparatively low degree of accuracy almanac component. The ephemeris component is used to calculate the position of the satellite accurately, and the almanac component is used to calculate the general area where the satellite is located.
The ephemeris component with respect to the transmitting satellite is transmitted in the navigation message, while the almanac component providing the general area of location for all available GPS satellites is successively transmitted in units of a frame. Accordingly, if the navigation data is collected for a certain period of time, the almanac data for all available satellites will be obtained.
The frequency of the carrier signal from the GPS satellite fluctuates within a certain range as viewed from the GPS receiver due to a Doppler effect arising from the fact that the satellite is moving at a high speed and also due to a frequency deviation of the reference oscillator in the receiver. Further, before the distance between the receiver and the satellite is known, since the propagation time of a signal is unknown, also the phase of the code by which the signal is multiplied in order to spread spectrum is unknown. Therefore, the receiver must search for the carrier frequency and the code phase of the satellite when the GPS receiver is turned on to acquire the signal of the satellite.
Since GPS satellites are orbiting, they are always moving, as viewed from the receiver. In addition, the number of GPS satellites from which signals can be received at a particular position on the earth's surface varies depending upon the orbits of the satellites, the position of the GPS receiver, and the instant in time when the GPS receiver is searching for a satellite. Accordingly, in order to reduce the time required to acquire a signal of a satellite from the initial operation of the GPS receiver, calculation of the orbits of satellites is performed using the almanac component of the satellite, a rough position of the GPS receiver at that particular instant in time is calculated, and those satellites from which signals can be received are set as objects of the initial search.
To this end, in conventional receivers, when power to the receiver is cut, almanac data collected and position data of the receiver measured during the previous reception cycle are stored in memory with battery backup, or in non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM, bubble memory, or flash-RAM, rot the like, and the time is kept by a clock circuit which also operates with battery backup.
Synchronous tracking of a carrier signal is performed by means of a Costas loop, and to this end an I register, a Q register, and a carrier signal generation circuit are provided. Synchronous tracking of a C/A code is performed by means of a DLL (delay lock loop), and to this end, an E register, and L register, and a C/A code generation circuit are provided. Further, in order to acquire a signal and to control the synchronous tracking operation to calculate the position of the GPS receiver, a control calculation circuit including a CPU, a ROM, and RAM are provided.
When a signal is to be acquired, a carrier signal and a C/A code are generated in the GPS receiver and supplied to the I and Q registers to obtain a correlation to the received signal. A peak of the correlation is searched for and obtained by changing the frequency of the generated carrier signal and the phase of the C/A code, so that the object satellite can be acquired.
After the signal is acquired, the difference in phase between the received signal and the generated carrier signal is measured using the I and Q registers, and the carrier signal generation circuit is controlled in response to the phase difference to effect synchronous tracking of the carrier component of the reception signal. Simultaneously, the difference in phase between the received signal and the generated C/A code is measured using the E and L registers, and the code generation circuit is controlled in response to the phase difference to synchronously track the C/A code component of the received signal.
The CPU calculates a value corresponding to the distance between the satellite and the GPS receiver including an error caused by the clock of the receiver, referred to as the pseudorange from the phase of the code being synchronously tracked. The CPU collects such pseudoranges and navigation information of the four satellites, calculates the precise distance from each of the satellites' position using the four pseudoranges and the ephemeris data, and computes the accurate position of the GPS receiver including the latitude, longitude, and altitude, and a displacement of the clock of the receiver from the accurately controlled GPS reference time.
A radio frequency circuit, hereinafter referred to as an RF circuit, and a signal processing circuit of a conventional GPS receiver as described above are described below with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 respectively, with the RF circuit shown in FIG. 3 described first.
Referring to FIG. 3, a radio wave from a GPS satellite is initially received by an antenna 1, and then amplified by a low noise amplifier (LNA) 2, whereafter it is mixed with an output of a local oscillator (LO) 4 by a mixer 3 so that it is converted into a signal of an intermediate frequency (IF). The IF signal is passed through an IF band pass filter (IF-BPF) 5 to remove undesirable noise from the signal, and is then amplified by an IF amplifier (AMP) 6. The output signal of the IF amplifier 6 is quantized by one bit quantization by a limiter 7 in order to allow the following signal processing to be performed digitally. Finally, the quantized signal is output as an IF signal to the signal processing circuit of FIG. 4.
A reference oscillator 8 supplies a reference frequency signal to the local oscillator and to the signal processing circuit of FIG. 4. The local oscillator 4 forms a PLL (Phase Locked Loop) circuit based on the reference frequency signal and generates a local signal for converting the GPS signal from the satellite into an intermediate frequency signal.
Referring to FIG. 4, an IF signal is input to the signal processing circuit and compared with a code signal received from the code generation circuit 12 by an EXOR (exclusive-OR) circuit 11 to remove the code component from the IF signal. The resulting signal is supplied to the UP terminals of an I counter 13 and a Q counter 14.
The I counter 13 and the Q counter 14 are synchronous bi-directional counters. Both the I counter 13 and the Q counter 14 count in response to the rising edge of a clock signal received at the CK terminal of the respective counter. The counter increments when the UP terminal is set to 37 1" and decrements when the UP terminal is set to "0".
A carrier signal generation circuit 15 generates clock signals ICK and QCK at a predetermined frequency set by the CPU 16. The clock signals ICK and QCK have phases out of phase by 90 degrees from each other and are supplied to the CK terminals of the I counter 13 and the Q counter 14 respectively.
The count values of the I counter 13 and the Q counter 14 are initially stored in an I register 17 and a Q register 18 respectively, and then transferred to the CPU 16 by a data bus. The CPU 16 measures, upon synchronous tracking of a signal, the phase difference of the IF signal from the clock signals ICK and QCK output from the carrier generation circuit 15 using the values of the I register and the Q register. After the signal has been acquired, the value of, for example, I.sup.2 +Q.sup.2 is calculated to measure the intensity of the reception signal.
The code generation circuit 12 generates a CODE signal synchronized with a code component included in the reception signal, and EARLY signal advanced in phase by 0.5 chips to the CODE signal and a LATE signal delayed in phase by 0.5 chips from the CODE signal. Contents of the CODE signal are set by the CPU 16 to coincide with a C/A code of a satellite from which a signal is desired to be received.
The phases of the CODE signal, the EARLY signal, and the LATE signal can be advanced or delayed by a suitable magnitude by the CPU 16. The code generation circuit 12 also produces an EPOCH signal which serves as a reference signal to control the counters and registers having a value of "1" at the top of every CODE signal cycle. The EPOCH signal is synchronized with the CODE signal and supplied to the counter control circuit 19 and the CPU 16.
The carder signal is removed from the IF signal by performing an exclusive-or function using the EXOR circuit 20 on the carrier signal and the clock signal QCK from the carrier generation circuit 15. The IF signal is then compared with the EARLY signal and the LATE signal from the code generation circuit 12 by a pair of EXOR circuits 21 and 22, respectively. The output signals of the EXOR circuits 21 and 22 are input to UP terminals of an E counter 23 and an L counter 24, respectively, so that they are counted up or down in response to a clock signal ELCK from a clock generation circuit 27.
The count values of the E and L counters 23 and 24 are first stored in an E register 25 and an L register 26, respectively, and then transferred to the CPU 16 by a data bus. The values of the E register 25 and the L register 26 indicate the degree of correlation between the IF signal and the EARLY signal and the degree of correlation between the IF signal and the LATE signal, respectively. The CPU 16 calculates, upon synchronous tracking of the C/A code, the difference between the value of the E register and value of the L register, and calculates, from the value of the difference, the difference in phase between the CODE signal output from the code generation circuit 12 and the code component included in the IF signal.
Each of the four counters 13, 14, 23, and 24 have an EN (enable) terminal and a CL (clear) terminal for controlling the counting operation of the counter. The EN terminal enables the counting operation of the counter when it receives "1", and disables the counting operation when it receives "0". The count value of the counter is cleared to zero on the rising edge of the clock signal when the CL terminal is set to "1". When the CL terminal is set to "0", the value of the counter is not cleared.
Each of the four registers 17, 18, 25, and 26 fetch, when the input to an LD (load) terminal of the corresponding register is set to "1", the value at the input terminal Dn of that register. Even if the input to the Dn terminal changes after a value has been input into the register, the value in the register remains the same and is output a Qn terminal of the register until the LD terminal rises again.
The counter control circuit 19 outputs an enable signal EN and a clear signal CL for the counters and a load signal LD for the registers with reference to the EPOCH signal supplied to the counter control circuit 19 from the code generation circuit 12. Each counter performs an accumulation operation for one period (1 msec) of the C/A code by repeating a counting up operation or a counting down operation and transfers its accumulation value (count value) to a respective register.
For example, when the EPOCH signal is generated at the top of a code from the code generation circuit 12, the counter control circuit 19 sets the enable signal EN to "0" to stop operation of the counters and then outputs a load signal LD to cause the values accumulated in the counters up until that time to be read into the respective registers.
After the values accumulated in the counters up until that time are transferred from the counters to the registers in the manner described above, the counter control circuit 19 outputs a clear signal CL to clear the contents of the counters to zero and then returns the enable signal EN to "1" to resume counting operations of the counters to commence the accumulation operation for another period of the C/A code again.
The clock generation circuit 27 produces, based on a reference clock signal supplied clock generation circuit 27 from the reference oscillator 8 of the RF circuit in FIG. 3, clock signals MCK and ELCK to be supplied to the relevant components of the signal processing circuit. In particular, the clock generation circuit 27 supplies a master clock signal MCK which acts as a reference for the operation to the code generation circuit 12, the carrier generation circuit 15, and the counter control circuit 19. Another clock signal ELCK with a predetermined frequency is supplied to the E counter 23 and the L counter 24.
The CPU 16 executes a control program for the receiver held in the ROM 28 making use of RAM 29. The EPOCH signal is input to an interrupt terminal INT of the CPU 16, and in response to the EPOCH signal, an interrupt process is commenced. The values stored in the registers are read into the CPU 16 synchronously along with the EPOCH signal.
Before a signal of a satellite is acquired, the CPU 16 controls the carrier generation circuit 15 and the code generation circuit 12 to search a carrier frequency and a code phase respectively. The search range for the carrier frequency depends upon the Doppler frequency range of the satellite and a frequency deviation of the reference oscillator 8 in the receiver. The search range for the code phase is one period (1,023 chips) of the code.
During searching, the CPU 16 supervises the magnitude of the correlation while successively changing the phase of the code one by one chip at a certain carrier frequency. After the searching for 1,023 chips is completed, the carrier frequency is shifted by a suitable frequency width. Then, at the new carrier frequency position, searching for the code phase is repeated again.
Discovery of one correlation normally requires 1 msec, corresponding to the length of one period of the code. Accordingly, searching the entire range to be searched for the frequency and phase requires a time of: EQU (total number of steps for a frequency).times.1,023.times.1 msec
The CPU 16 calculates, from the values of the I and Q registers 17 and 18, a value which makes an index to the correlation such as, for example, I.sup.2 +Q.sup.2 or .vertline.I.vertline.+.vertline.Q.vertline.. When the value calculated exceeds a certain threshold value, the CPU 16 determines that the signal of the satellite is received and ends the searching operation. Thereafter, the CPU 16 enters a signal tracking operation.
Upon synchronous tracking of a signal, the CPU 16 calculates, from the values of the I and Q registers 17 and 18, a value corresponding to the phase difference between the reception signal and the carrier signal generated by the carrier generation circuit 15, and applies calculation of a loop filter to the value. Then, the CPU 16 controls the carrier generation circuit 15 in accordance with a result of the calculation so that the frequency of the carrier may track the reception signal. Simultaneously, the CPU 16 calculates, from the values of the E and L registers 25 and 26, the phase difference between the reception signal and the code generated by the code generation circuit 12 and applies calculation of a loop filter to the value. Then, the CPU 16 controls, in accordance with a result of the calculation, the code generation circuit 12 so that the phase of the code may track the reception signal.
While acquisition and synchronous tracking of a signal are performed in such a manner as described above, a receiver, which includes only one such signal processing circuit of FIG. 4, successively changes over the satellite for reception in a time-dividing condition to perform measurement of a pseudorange and collection of the navigation message for four satellites. On the other hand, another receiver, which includes four or more such signal processing circuits, can obtain pseudoranges and navigation messages while receiving signals from four satellites at a time. The CPU 16 thus performs calculation for position measurement to find out the current position of the receiver when pseudoranges and ephemeris data of four satellites are collected.
During operation of the receiver, the current position obtained by the position fix and the almanac data of the satellites are normally written into RAM 29. The RAM 29 consists of a RAM of the static type whose stored contents are held using a backup battery. While the power source to the receiver is interrupted, power is supplied from a battery 32 to the RAM 29 and the clock circuit (RTC) 30 by way of a power source switching circuit 31 so as to hold the contents of the RAM 29 and maintain a time counting operation of the clock circuit 30.
The clock circuit 30 includes a quartz oscillator and a counter (not shown) therein and always keeps the current time since it is backed up by the battery 32. The CPU 16 calibrates thee time of the clock circuit 30 when an accurate current time is obtained as a result of calculation for a position fix.
When a satellite is to be acquired first after the power source to the receiver is turned on, in order to reduce the time before acquisition, calculation for an orbit is performed based on position data of the receiver and almanac data of the satellites held in the RAM 29 and the current time maintained in the clock circuit 30 to find the rough positions of the satellites, and one of the satellites from which a signal can be received at the point of time is selected as an object for acquisition.
In the conventional signal processing circuit described above, since a satellite from which a signal can be received at a current point of time is selected as an object for acquisition based on calculation for an orbit after the power source to the receiver is turned on, almanac data collected during preceding reception, position information obtained by the last position fix, and the current time must be held also while the power source to the receiver is interrupted. Therefore, the expensive clock circuit 30 for counting the time and the battery 32 for backing up the clock circuit 30 and the RAM 39 are essential and required.
Further, it is another drawback of the conventional signal processing circuit in that, when data of the RAM 29 are destroyed by some cause while the power source is interrupted or where the receiver has not been used for such a long time that almanac data held in the RAM 29 become so old that they cannot be relied upon any more, a longer time than usual is required before acquisition of a signal of a satellite after turning on the power source, and consequently, operation of the receiver is not invariable and the reliability is low.

Signal acquisition and reception method for a global positioning system signal


The present invention relates to a control rod blade for a boiling water reactor. The control rod blade comprises a plurality of channels, which are arranged to receive an absorber material, a free edge portion with a recess, which comprises outlets for said channels, and a cover element , which is arranged to be attached by means of at least one welding operation such that it seals at least a part of said recess . Furthermore, the control rod blade comprises a profile element , which, before said welding operation of the cover element is performed, is arranged to be applied against a bottom surface in the recess in a position such that the profile element covers the outlets of said channels.

Usually, control rods for boiling water reactors (BWR) comprise a central part and four control rod blades protruding from the central part, each provided at a right angle in relation to the adjacent control rod blades. Usually, conventional control rod blades are manufactured of a sheet of a steel material. The control rod blades are at a free edge portion provided with a longitudinally milled recess. A plurality of channels is drilled in the recess in a row above each other. The channels have a diameter, which is less than the thickness of the metal sheet such that a satisfactory wall thickness is obtained. The channels extend from the free edge portion of the control rod blade towards the central part of the control rod. Thereafter, a suitable absorber material is applied in the channels. The absorber material may be powdered or in the form of pins. The absorber material is enclosed by rolling the legs of the recess together. Thereafter, the end surfaces of the legs are welded together by a longitudinal weld joint so that a hermetic and pressure resistant sealing of the recess is achieved.
A relatively deep recess must be provided at the edge portion of the control rod blade in order for the legs to obtain a sufficient length such that they can be rolled together. In a welded state, the free edge portion of the control rod blade gets a rounded shape and the absorber material must therefore be arranged at a not completely negligible distance from the end surface of the control rod blade. In order to increase the reactivity effect of the control rod blade, it would be desirable if the absorber material could be arranged closer to the end surface.
SE 519 331 shows a control rod blade comprising a plurality of channelswhich are arranged to receive an absorber material. The control rod blade has a free edge portion with a recesswhich comprises outlets for said channels in a bottom surface. A cover element is arranged to be attached in the recess in order to seal the edge portion. The cover element is substantially T-shaped and comprises a cover portionwhich seals the opening of the recess, and a support portionwhich is arranged to give the cover element a support against the bottom surface of the recess. The cover element is attached in the recess by means of two longitudinal weld joints. The support portion has here a widthwhich is less than the width of the outlets of the channels.
Thereby, the outlets of the channels are not sealed but they are connected to each other via the elongated passages, which are obtained on both sides of the support portion.
The elongated passages have here the task of allowing a pressure equalisation between the channels during operation and to allow a distribution of a protective gas to the root side of the weld joints during the welding operation. This cover element is intended to be used for control rod blades, which are provided with a solid absorber material such as, for example, absorber pins. If a powdered absorber material would be used, there is a risk that the powdered absorber material whirls up during the welding operation and is mixed into the weld joint.
By a profylax published in Research Disclosure 33925/92, a control rod blade is shown, which is provided with a concave recess at a free edge portion. In order to seal the recess, a cover element with a substantially corresponding concave shape is here applied in the recess. The cover element comprises a cover portion, which is arranged to seal the opening of the recess, and a support portion, which comprises a convex contact surface, which is arranged to get into abutment with a corresponding concave wall surface of the recess. The cover element is attached in the recess by means of two longitudinal weld joints. The contact surface of the support portion comprises a chamfered portion such that a longitudinal passage is formed between the support portion and the wall surface of the recess in a mounted state. This passage allows, during operation, a free flow of fission gases between the channels such that a pressure equalisation is obtained. The cover element comprises two elongated passages in connection with the weld joints. These elongated passages allow a distribution of a protective gas to the root side of the weld joints during the welding operation.
The cover element has here a shape such that the channels with absorber material are not connected to the elongated passages, which allow a distribution of a protective gas to the root side of the weld joints. Thereby, this control rod blade is suited to be provided with a powdered absorber material. However, the cover element has a relatively complicated shape, which makes it difficult to manufacture. Furthermore, the concave-shaped recess results in that the channels, at least locally, open out at a relatively large distance from the end surface of the control rod blade. The possibility of arranging the absorber material near the end surface of the control rod blade for achieving a high reactivity effect is here considerably reduced.

Control rod and a control rod blade for a boiling water reactor


A process for the production of an organic phosphorus-containing product, which comprises reacting a phosphorus-containing oxide with an unsaturated hydrocarbon in the presence of a boron-containing compound at a temperature of less than or equal to 50xc2x0 C.

The present invention relates to a process for the production of phosphorus-containing organic compounds by the catalysed reaction between a phosphorus-containing oxide and an unsaturated hydrocarbon.
The Pudovik reaction is one of the most versatile pathways for the formation of carbon-phosphorus bonds and involves the addition of compounds containing a labile Pxe2x80x94H bond with unsaturated systems such as alkenes, alkynes, carbonyls and imines as shown below:
The products of the reaction find significant applications in a wide range of areas, for example industrial, biological, and chemical synthetic uses. The Pudovik reaction can progress via a radical and/or an ionic mechanism. It appears in the literature that the difference in the Pudovik reaction mechanisms depends upon the nature of the unsaturated substrates. In fact, when the unsaturated substrate is an unsaturated system having a nucleophilic character, the mechanism is preferentially radical. In this case, photoactivation or chemical activation (peroxides, AIBN) is the most efficient method.
A problem associated with such methods is that the reaction time is long and experimental conditions are mostly drastic. Furthermore, the regioselectivity of the addition can be weak. More recently, ultrasound-induced radical reaction in homogeneous medium has been used. Indeed, when the unsaturated compound contains an electron-withdrawing substituent, the main mechanism is ionic. Diethylamine or potassium hydroxide is generally used and recently a tetramethylguanidine-catalyst has been employed efficiently under mild conditions. In the presence of free radical initiators or under photochemical or ultrasound irradiation in homogeneous medium, the phosphorylated reagents (R2P(O)H) add to the double bond by a free radical mechanism and the orientation is anti-Markovnikov. In basic medium, the addition occurs by nucleophilic attack of phosphorus anions to olefins by a Michael type mechanism and the orientation is also anti-Markovnikov.
It is known to produce phosphorus-containing organic compounds through the reaction of a phosphine oxide and an unsaturated hydrocarbon as is evidenced by DE 2849003, DE 2516341 and DE 2516343. The reactions used in the processes of these patent applications are carried out at a temperature in excess of 100xc2x0 C. and require an initiator. Furthermore, unwanted by-products are produced which have to be separated at the end of the synthesis route, thereby adding an additional step to the process.
We have found that phosphorus-containing organic compounds can be prepared by a simple synthesis route that does not produce substantial undesired by-products and can be carried out under less severe reaction conditions.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a process for the production of organic phosphorus-containing products having the general formula (I)
wherein:
R1 and R2 are each independently alkyl, aryl, hydroxy, O-alkyl or O-aryl;
R3, R4, R5 and R6 are each independently hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, R7OH, R8CN, R9NXY, or CH(CH2)nOR10OR11;
R7 is CH2, CH(CH2)n or CH(OH)(CH2)n;
R8 is CH2, CH(CH2)n or CH(OAc)(CH2)n and,
R9 is CH(CH2)n or CHCO2R12, where R12 is hydrogen, alkyl or aryl;
X and Y are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, aryl or ester;
R10 and R11 are the same or different and may be hydrogen, alkyl or aryl or the two groups may be linked by (CH2)n to form a cyclic ring; and
n is from 0 to 12,
which comprises reacting a phosphorus-containing oxide of general formula (II)
wherein the various symbols are as defined above with an unsaturated hydrocarbon of general formula (III)
wherein the various symbols are as defined above, in the presence of a boron-containing compound and at a temperature of less than or equal to 50xc2x0 C.
The process of the present invention provides the advantage over the known prior art in that the reaction conditions are less severe and there are substantially no unwanted by-products.
The process of the present invention involves reacting a phosphorus-containing oxide of general formula (II) with a unsaturated hydrocarbon. R1 and R2 of compound (II) may be the same or may be different and may be selected from alkyl, aryl, hydroxy, O-alkyl or O-aryl. Where R1 or R2 is alkyl or O-alkyl, the alkyl group may be C1 to C6 alkyl, for example C1 to C3 alkyl, for instance methyl. Where R1 or R2 is aryl or O-aryl, the aryl group may be phenyl or substituted phenyl, for example halo phenyl, alkoxy phenyl or alkyl phenyl. An example compound for use in the present process is where R1 and R2 are independently methyl or phenyl.
As regards the unsaturated hydrocarbon compound, this compound may be, for example, an alkene, an allylic acid, an allylic alcohol, an allylic-alpha-acetoxy nitrile or an alpha amino acid vinyl such as D or L-vinylglycine. In particular, R3, R4, R5 and R6 of general formula (III) may be the same or may be different and may be selected from H, alkyl, aryl, R7OH or R8CN, R9NXY, or CH(CH2)nOR10OR11. Where R3, R4, R5 and/or R6 is alkyl, this may be C1 to C12 alkyl, for example C1 to C6 alkyl, for instance methyl. Where R3, R4, R5 and/or R6 is an alcohol functionality of the formula R7OH, R7 is CH2, CH(CH2)n or CH(OH)(CH2)n where n is from 0 to 12, for example from 1 to 6. Where R3, R4, R5 and/or R6 is a cyano functionality of the formula R8CN, R8 is CH2, CH(CH2)n or CH(OAc)(CH2)n, where n is from 0 to 12, for example from 1 to 6. Where R3, R4, R5 and/or R6 is a nitrogen functionality of the formula R9NXY, R9 is, for example, CHCO2R12, where R12 may be selected from hydrogen, alkyl or aryl, and X and Y are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, aryl or ester. Where R3, R4, R5 and/or R is CH(CH2)nOR10OR11, R10 and R11 may be the same or different and may be hydrogen, alkyl or aryl or the two groups may be linked by (CH2)n to form a cyclic ring. The alkyl and aryl groups and n are as herein before defined.
The phosphorus-containing oxide and the unsaturated hydrocarbon may be reacted in any suitable amount to allow reaction. The amount of oxide to unsaturated hydrocarbon may be, for example, in a ration 2 to 1 or 1 to 1, for instance the two reactants may be present in stoichiometric amounts.
The process of the present invention is carried out in the presence of a boron compound. Suitable boron compounds are alkyl boranes such as methyl, ethyl and propyl. An example compound is triethyl borane. The boron compound may be present in an amount of, for example, from 1 to 30% molar concentration, for instance from 5 to 20%.
The process may be carried out in the presence of a solvent. Suitable solvents include alcohols, for example methanol; hydrocarbons, for example hexane; nitrites, for example acetonitrile; and ketones, for example acetone. The solvent in the process may be, for example, an alcohol such as methanol. The solvent may be present in the reaction medium in an amount of, for example, from 0 to 150 equivalents, for instance from 20 to 60 equivalents.
The process is carried out at a temperature of less than or equal to 50xc2x0 C., for example less than or equal to 20xc2x0 C. For instance, the process can be operated at a temperature of from (minus) xe2x88x9220 to (plus) +20xc2x0 C., for example from xe2x88x9215 to +20xc2x0 C.
The compounds of formula (I) have one or more of the following uses: use as intermediates for the manufacture of flameproofing agents, flame retardants for polymers, solvents for dyes, extractants for metals from aqueous solutions, and use as biologically active compounds having bactericidal, fungicidal or herbicidal action.
The process of the present invention will now be illustrated with reference to the following examples:

Process for the production of a phosphorus-containing organic compound


One embodiment of the present invention includes a system for managing power of a memory array. The system comprises a comparator configured to compare a first voltage with a reference voltage. The first voltage can correspond to an operating voltage of at least one of a peripheral circuit associated with the memory array and a logic circuit configured to communicate with the peripheral circuit. The reference voltage can correspond to a minimum threshold voltage for read/write operations of the memory array. The system also comprises an output circuit configured to provide an output voltage to the memory array in response to an output of the comparator. The output voltage can be the greater of the operating voltage of the at least one of the peripheral circuit and the logic circuit and the minimum threshold voltage.

Static random access memory (SRAM) is a type of RAM that uses transistor driven memory cells to latch bits of data for memory storage and is used in a large variety of consumer electronics, such as computers and cellular telephones. Memory cells in an SRAM circuit are typically arranged in an array, such that the SRAM includes individually addressable rows and columns to which data can be written and from which data can be read. The individually addressable rows and columns are controlled by peripheral circuitry that receives decoded signals from associated logic circuitry that correspond to memory locations, which could be generated from a processor, such that the peripheral circuitry determines which of the memory cells in the array are accessed for read and write operations at any given time. While data is being transferred to and from an SRAM circuit, the SRAM is considered to be in an active mode, such that all of the memory cells in the array are receiving power and are capable of freely allowing data transfer to and from the memory cells.
The market for consumer electronics, however, is constantly improving. There is an increasing demand for smaller circuit packages that operate at increased speeds and consume less power for the purpose of conserving battery-life, such as in wireless communication applications. To achieve greater speeds, a typical SRAM may operate at an increased voltage potential. However, prolonged increased voltage operation creates an increased demand on the power supply, thus shortening battery life. Accordingly, a typical SRAM may be configured to lower the operating voltage during less memory intensive operation. However, as SRAM transistor gate-oxide sizes are designed to be smaller (e.g., 70 nm or smaller), the minimum threshold voltage of the memory array required for read/write operations may be higher than a desired operating voltage of the peripheral circuitry and the associated logic circuitry during less memory intensive operation. Some SRAM arrays can be configured to receive separate power supplies for the peripheral circuitry and for the memory array. However, such implementations can require an additional pin on the memory chip and additional circuitry overhead in the associated electronic device, and can also restrict the dynamic voltage range of the peripheral and the associated logic circuitry.


A device (200) for implantation in or near an annulus of a tricuspid valve comprising at least one blood flow control element (202) adapted to capture a volume of blood therein. Optionally or alternatively, the blood flow control element is adapted to allow at least some volume of blood (406) to regurgitate through the annulus during at least some part of systole. Optionally or alternatively, the device comprises a relatively rigid annulus with an arc length of less than 300 degrees. Optionally or alternatively, the relatively rigid annulus comprises a plurality of tissue fixation elements positioned along no more than 300 degrees of a circumference of the annulus, for example to avoid damaging conduction pathways between an atria and a chamber.

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to an implantable medical device and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a device for implantation in a tricuspid annulus of a patient.
In US Patent Application No. 2007/0005134, McCarthy discloses "An apparatus for implantation in the annulus of a tricuspid valve has an anterior annulus aspect, a posterior annulus aspect, and an atrioventricular (AV) node located adjacent the anterior annulus aspect."
Lancellotti P et al., "European Association of Echocardiography recommendations for the assessment of valvular regurgitation. Part 2: mitral and tricuspid regurgitation (native valve disease)" Eur J Echocardiogr. 2010 May; 11(4):307-32. disclose "standards for the assessment of mitral and tricuspid regurgitation".
U.S. Pat. No. 7,291,168 described a device having a half sewing ring with a membrane which serves as a neo-annulus or a neo-leaflet.
Additional background art includes:
US Application No. 2006/0122686;
US Application No. 2006/0122693;
US Application No. 2012/0136436;
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This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Device for placement in the tricuspid annulus


An underframe of a motor vehicle includes side sill frames extending along and at opposite sides of a floor portion of a passenger compartment, and tunnel frames extending in the same direction as and interposed between the side sill frames. Each of the side sill frames and tunnel frames has a top-open channel configuration. Front side frames are also provided with a top-open channel configuration. Straight portions of the side sill frames and tunnel frames are individually connected at their front ends to the front side frames by top-open channel-like connecting portions such that the channels of those frames are communicated to each other. The underframe having such a structure is easy to produce and provided with extreme rigidity and strength.

The present invention relates to an underframe which serves as the framework of the body of a motor vehicle and, more particularly, to an underframe of a motor vehicle which includes side sills.
While the body of a motor vehicle is in many cases provided with a monocoque structure, the mechanical strength and rigidity of, among others, a large-size motor vehicle often relies on the underframe. Generally, such an underframe is made up of front and rear side frames respectively positioned in a front and a rear part of a vehicle body, and floor frames associated with that part of the floor of a passenger compartment which intervenes between the front and rear side frames. In the case of a passenger car, the underframe is additionally provided with side sills at opposite sides of the floor of the passenger compartment. To insure the rigidity of a vehicle body, the various frames and the side sills have to be firmly connected to each other.
The various members constituting the underframe of a passenger car as stated above each plays the role of a strength member of the vehicle body and therefore usually has a channel configuration. Such channel members cooperate with vehicle body panels which are connected thereto to define hollow closed sections. In a prior art underframe, the front side frames, for example, are provided with a side-open channel configuration and a front side panel is connected to the open side of each front side frame to define a closed section. The side sills are each implemented by a pair of side-open channel-like panels which are connected face-to-face to each other to define a closed section. Further, the floor frames are configured as a top-open channel members and cooperate with a floor pannel which is connected to their upper surfaces to define a closed section.
In a passenger car, a dashboard is provided to isolate an engine compartment side where the front side frames are disposed from a passenger compartment side where the side sills are disposed. The dashboard has also to be connected to the front side frames, floor frames and side sills. It is impossible to connect the dashboard to the upper surfaces of the side-open front side frames and those of the side-open side sills because flanges protrude upward from such frames. Usually, therefore, the front side frames, floor frames and side sills are interconnected by a front outrigger which extends in the lateral direction of the vehicle body, and the dashboard is connected to the upper surface of the outrigger. The outrigger is provided with a top-open channel configuration.
A problem with such a prior art implementation is that the side-open channel members such as the front side frames and side sills and the top-open channel members such as the front outrigger cannot be interconnected except at their side surfaces. In this condition, a load acting on one of associated member is transferred to only one side surface of the other member, resulting in poor transmission of load. This in turn lowers the efficiency of the underframe as a framework.
In light of the above, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 57-140281 proposes a front outrigger with a twisted tubular configuration for interconnecting a front side frame and a side sill. Such a front outrigger successfully allows the closed section of the front side frame and that of the side sill to communicate with each other to thereby increase the strength of the framework. However, producing a twisted tubular outrigger by press-forming is extremely difficult and therefore requires disproportionate cost.
Further, the floor frame has hitherto been connected to the underside of a major part of a floor panel. Therefore, the dimension of the floor frame as measured in the up-down direction cannot be increased beyond a certain limit which is dependent upon the ground clearance, limiting the rigidity available against bending forces.


The invention relates to a unit, having a floating wind turbine, which has a floating foundation, and having a floating mooring buoy, which can be connected to the floating foundation of the floating wind turbine and which has at least one anchoring means for anchoring the mooring buoy to the bed of a body of water, characterized in that the floating foundation of the floating wind turbine has a hole for holding the mooring buoy.

The invention relates to an anchoring buoy (mooring buoy) for a floating wind turbine, which, moved preinstalled to the future position of the wind turbine and is held at the desired position using a plurality of connecting elements, which are anchored to the ocean floor. This buoy is detachably connected to the floating wind turbine and also contains the energy delivery cable.
In addition to the established wind energy usage on land, offshore turbines are increasingly also being constructed. These turbines are subject to special demands with respect to low maintenance requirements, reliability, turbine size, and environmental influences. Presently, exclusively earth-bound offshore turbines are used, which are fixedly connected by steel pipes to the underlying surface.
Large transportation and construction ships, which are particularly costly to use, are required for the installation of these turbines. In addition, in the case of the earth-bound turbines, the water depth is limited and the ground has to have specific properties.
For some time, however, floating offshore wind turbines have also been increasingly considered, which are connected more or less rigidly to the ocean floor.
These floating turbines, which are connected via chain systems to the ground, do not have the above-mentioned disadvantages and can also be used at greater water depths. The field of use of wind turbines can thus be substantially expanded.
The present, slightly floating wind turbines are usually connected fixed in place to the ocean floor by means of chains. These chains are regularly positioned by means of anchors on the ground. For the installation of the wind turbine at the location, it is moved using tugboats and the chains are then directly fastened to the respective floats.
This is usually performed very swiftly and therefore requires a variety of large ships which have to be coordinated on location. This is not only expensive, but rather also time consuming.
Furthermore, the weather window for such an action is very small, since large wave heights can only be managed with difficulty.
However, a floating body anchored on the ocean floor by means of chains is known from WO 2016/000681 A1, which enables a mechanical fixation of a floating wind turbine with simultaneous electrical coupling to an undersea cable.
However, the problem exists in this case that the wind turbine floating on the water surface has to be connected to the floating body floating on the water surface, wherein this publication leaves it open as to how this connection is to be performed.
The object of the invention is therefore to provide an anchoring for a floating wind turbine which is to be executed safely, rapidly, and easily.

Mooring buoy for a floating wind turbine


A core network node maintains history information configured to provide a log of location information, and uses the history information to determine whether a wireless terminal is in a location update toggling scenario. The history information can also be used to curtail the toggling scenario. One example mode comprises using the history information to determine whether the wireless terminal is toggling between plural radio access networks of differing radio access technologies. Another example mode comprises using the history information to determine whether the wireless terminal is toggling between a first area update location and a second area update location. Yet another example mode comprises using the history information to determine whether the wireless terminal is toggling between a first core network node and a second core network node.

This invention pertains to wireless telecommunications, and particularly to managing signaling when a wireless terminal is in a toggling or potential toggling scenario.
In a typical cellular radio system, wireless terminals (also known as mobile stations and/or user equipment units (UEs)) communicate via a radio access network (RAN) to one or more core networks. The wireless terminals can be mobile stations or user equipment units (UE) such as mobile telephones ("cellular" telephones) and laptops with wireless capability (e.g., mobile termination), and thus can be, for example, portable, pocket, hand-held, computer-included, or car-mounted mobile devices which communicate voice and/or data with radio access network.
The radio access network (RAN) covers a geographical area which is divided into cell areas, with each cell area being served by a base station, e.g., a radio base station (RBS), which in some networks is also called "NodeB" or "B node". A cell is a geographical area where radio coverage is provided by the radio base station equipment at a base station site. Each cell is identified by an identity within the local radio area, which is broadcast in the cell. The base stations communicate over the air interface operating on radio frequencies with the user equipment units (UE) within range of the base stations.
In some versions of the radio access network, several base stations are typically connected (e.g., by landlines or microwave) to a controller node, such as a base station controller (BSC) or radio network controller (RNC). The controller supervises and coordinates various activities of the plural base stations connected thereto. The controller nodes are typically connected to one or more core networks.
Different radio access networks (RAN) can have differing radio access technologies (RATs). One type of radio access technology (RAT) known as UTRAN is used by the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), a third generation mobile communication system which evolved from the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). UTRAN is a radio access network using wideband code division multiple access for user equipment units (UEs).
Another radio access technology (RAT) is known as GERAN, which is an abbreviation for GSM EDGE Radio Access Network. GERAN is a digital mobile phone technology that allows improved data transmission rates as an extension on top of standard GSM. GERAN is a part of GSM, and also of combined UMTS/GSM networks.
In a forum known as the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), telecommunications suppliers propose and agree upon standards for third generation networks, such as UTRAN and GERAN, and investigate enhanced data rate and radio capacity. The Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has undertaken to evolve further the UTRAN and GSM based radio access network technologies, resulting in yet further radio access technologies.
One of the further radio access technologies is the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (EUTRAN). Another name for EUTRAN, is the Long Term Evolution (LTE) RAN. The core network where EUTRAN is connected to is called Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a.k.a. System Architecture Evolution (SAE) network. Both the EUTRAN and the EPC comprise together the Evolved Packet System (EPS) that is also known as the SAE/LTE network. A base station in this concept is called EUTRAN NodeB (eNodeB or eNB). In EUTRAN, the radio base station nodes (eNodeBs) are connected directly to a core network rather than to radio network controller (RNC) nodes, and the functions of a radio network controller (RNC) node are performed by the radio base stations nodes (eNodeBs). As such, the radio access network (RAN) of an EUTRAN/LTE system has an essentially "flat" architecture (comprising radio base station nodes without reporting to radio network controller (RNC) nodes). The evolved UTRAN thus comprises evolved base station nodes, e.g., evolved NodeBs or eNBs, providing evolved UTRA user-plane and control-plane protocol terminations toward the user equipment unit (UE). Moreover, in EUTRAN, the resources of communication systems, such as the frequency allocation and bandwidth are shared among multiple users simultaneously.
In many radio access technologies a wireless terminal, such as a user equipment unit (UE), can make transitions through several specified states, including a state known as Idle Mode and a state known as connected Mode. In Idle Mode the user equipment unit (UE) does not need to transmit or receive data, but can continue to scan the radio access network to keep track of its location and can receive pages. Also in Idle Mode the user equipment unit (UE) reports its location by sending updates to the network (such as Location Area Updates or Routing Area Updates in UTRAN, for example). When in the Idle Mode the user equipment unit (UE) is identified by identifiers such as the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) and/or the Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (TMSI).
When a user equipment unit (UE) receives a confirmation about the establishment of a radio resource control (RRC) connection from the network, the user equipment unit (UE) goes into the connected mode. In the UTRAN-connected mode the user equipment unit (UE) is assigned a Radio Network Temporary Identity (RNTI).
As the user equipment unit (UE) can be mobile, the user equipment unit (UE) may wander or migrate from an area served by a radio access network (RAN) of a first type of radio access technology (RAT) to an area served by a network of another type of radio access technology (RAT). If the user equipment unit (UE) is capable of participating in communications with both types of radio access technologies (e.g., is a dual mode UE), and depending on various conditions, the user equipment unit (UE) may be handed over from the first radio access technology to the second radio access technology. In so doing, the user equipment unit (UE) can undergo an inter-RAT handover or participate in an inter-RAT cell reselection procedure.
At an access change to a new radio access technology (RAT), the user equipment unit (UE) typically engages in an area update procedure, e.g., a routing area update (RAU) in GERAN/UTRAN or a tracking area update (TAU) in EUTRAN. A tracking area comprises a cluster of eNodeBs (base station nodes) in the EUTRAN network. Each area update procedure involves signaling. For example, area update procedure signaling occurs when a user equipment unit (UE) transitions from a EUTRAN network to a GERAN/UTRAN network or vice versa.
On some occasions a user equipment unit (UE) may be situated or operated so as to experience repeated transitions back and forth between two radio access technologies. For example, as the user equipment unit (UE) travels it may "toggle" between the EUTRAN network and the GERAN/UTRAN network. Each toggle can potentially involve or invoke the signaling required for the area update procedure (e.g., RAU/TAU).
A concept known as Idle State Signalling Reduction (ISR) has been developed as an attempt to mitigate the amount of area update procedure signaling that could otherwise occur during toggling. In particular, the Idle State Signalling Reduction (ISR) is intended to reduce the frequency of TAU and RAU procedures caused by UEs reselecting cells between E-UTRAN and GERAN/UTRAN networks which are operated together. The Idle State Signalling Reduction (ISR) thus attempts to reduce the area update procedure signaling between the user equipment unit (UE) and the network, as well as the network internal signaling.
When the ISR feature is activated the user equipment unit (UE) is registered with nodes or entities which comprise or connect the respective radio access technologies with their core networks. That is, when the Idle State Signalling Reduction (ISR) feature is activates the user equipment unit (UE) is registered both with a core network node known as the Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) for the UTRAN and GERAN, and a core network node known as the Mobility Management Entity (MME) for the EUTRAN. The ISR feature is described, e.g., in 3GPP TS 23.401 V8.4.1. (2008-12), 3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Services and System Aspects; General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) Enhancements for Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) Access (release 8), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) (for UTRAN and GERAN) is a signalling and in certain cases user plane entity serving the mobile stations within its geographical service area. Its tasks include mobility management (attach/detach and location management), logical link management, and authentication and charging functions, and for GERAN and optionally for UTRAN packet routing and transfer functions. The location register of the SGSN stores location information (e.g., current cell, current VLR) and user profiles (e.g., IMSI, address(es) used in the packet data network) of all GPRS users registered with this SGSN.
The Mobility Management Entity (MME) is a signaling entity in the core network (e.g., a core network node in some networks) for the EUTRAN. The main function of the MME is to manage the mobility of the user equipment unit (UE). As such, the MME is responsible for idle mode UE tracking and paging procedures including retransmissions. The MME is also responsible for authenticating the user.
When a UE attaches to a Mobility Management Entity (MME), it is allocated an identity, i.e. a GUTI (Globally Unique Temporary Identity). A GUTI consists of two parts, one part that identifies the MME which allocated the GUTI and which holds the UE context, and one part which identifies the UE within the MME. The part that identifies the MME is a Globally Unique MME Identity (GUMMEI), which in turn consists of a Public Land Mobile Network PLMN ID (i.e. MCC+MNC) [Mobile Country Code+Mobile Network code], an MME group identity (MMEGI) which identifies the MME pool and an MME code (MMEC) which identifies the MME within the pool. The part of the GUTI that identifies the UE within the MME is called M-TMSI (M-Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity). The combination of MMEC and M-TMSI is denoted S-TMSI. The S-TMSI is used for identification of the UE in situations where the PLMN ID and MMEGI are known.
The Idle State Signalling Reduction (ISR) feature has thus been proposed to limit mobility related signaling during an inter-RAT cell reselection in idle state (ECM-IDLE state in E-UTRAN, PMM-IDLE state in UTRAN, GPRS STANDBY state in GERAN)). As mentioned above, with Idle State Signalling Reduction (ISR) the user equipment unit (UE) is registered in both the GERAN/UTRAN network and the EUTRAN network simultaneously, and does not perform an area update procedure (TAU/RAU) at access change once registered at both the SGSN and at the Mobility Management Entity (MME). When downlink data arrives to the user equipment unit (UE) in Idle Mode, paging is performed in both the GERAN/UTRAN network and the EUTRAN network. While the Idling State Signalling Reduction (ISR) feature is a very generic way of solving the toggling problem, Idle State Signalling Reduction (ISR) introduces significant additional complexity.

Avoiding excessive signaling during wireless terminal toggling


Filters having a high accuracy, small pressure loss, and long filtration life compared with conventional filters are provided. The filters are composed of non-woven fibrous agglomerates and are constructed in such a way that at least two layers of a non-woven fibrous agglomerate of a pre-filtration layer and a precision filtration layer are disposed therein; the pre-filtration layer is constructed in such a way that the diameter of the fibers in the pre-filtration layer becomes gradually smaller toward the direction of filtration; and at least 10% by weight of the fibers in the precision filtration layer are fibers having a diameter smaller than that of the fibers having a smallest diameter in the pre-filtration layer.

The present invention relates to a filter of a high accuracy. More specifically, it relates to a filter having a high accuracy, small initial pressure loss, and long filtration life compared with conventional filters.
In recent years, a demand has suddenly increased for filters comprising fibers as their material for removing foreign substances having a particle diameter of about 0.2 xcexcm to several hundred micro-meters contained in solutions of products or others in the field of chemical industry.
Filters comprising fibers as their material have various characteristics such that they are generally inexpensive, that filtration accuracy can unrestrictedly be changed by changing the diameter of fibers from which filters are formed, and that they have a long filtration life since they can capture many particles in void portions between fibers. However, filters having a higher filtration accuracy and longer filtration life than conventional ones have strongly been demanded in some end uses of filters.
Performances of such filters can be evaluated mainly by filtration accuracy, liquid passability, and filtration life. The term xe2x80x9cfiltration accuracyxe2x80x9d as used herein is represented by a smallest diameter of particles which can be captured 99.9% or more, the term xe2x80x9cliquid passabilityxe2x80x9d is represented by a pressure loss of a filter when a certain amount of liquid was flowed, and the term xe2x80x9cfiltration lifexe2x80x9d is represented by an elapsed time until the pressure loss in a filter generated by a continuous filtration of a dispersion having a certain concentration reaches a value at which renewal of the filter becomes necessary.
Generally, the higher the filtration accuracy of filters, the lower liquid passability and the shorter filtration life the filters have in many cases. However, even with filters of a high filtration accuracy, the liquid passability and filtration life can be improved by making the structure of filter not-uniform in terms of the type of materials or mediums to be used and changing diameter of fibers in a filter and void ratio in the direction of filtration, that is, from the upstream side of a liquid to be passed through the filter toward the downstream side. Heretofore, several methods have been proposed for improving such liquid passability and filtration life.
First, a method is disclosed in Laid-open Japanese Patent Publication No. Hei 7-82649 wherein the amount of a resin to be extruded and the flow velocity of a blowing gas stream are changed with the passage of time in a fiber spinning step by a melt-blow process to continuously change the average diameter of fibers to be spun, and then the fibers are wound round an appropriate winding core. Whereas this method has a merit that the average diameter of fibers which form the filters can comparatively be freely changed, it has a demerit that there is a limit in the range wherein either the amount of a resin to be extruded and flow velocity of a blowing gas stream can be changed and thus that it is difficult to largely change the fiber diameter in the direction of filter thickness (direction of filtration). Besides, it has a defect that it is difficult to produce fine denier fibers since spinning conditions are continuously changed in the method.
In Laid-open Japanese Patent Publication No. Hei 1-297113, a method is disclosed in which several kind of non-woven fabrics having a different fiber diameter are prepared in advance and then the non-woven fabrics are wound round a core having holes to prepare a filter. According to this method, it is possible to largely change the fiber diameter. However, the method has defects that a number of the non-woven fabrics become necessary in order to efficiently perform deep layer filtration, because gentle change of fiber diameter in the direction of the filter thickness is required to achieve the performance, and thus the number of production steps increases and requires much time.
Further, in Japanese Patent Publication No. Sho 56-49605, a method is disclosed wherein a card web of melt adhesive staple fibers is wound round a winding core while heating and applying an appropriate linear pressure on the web, and a melt-blow non-woven fabric is wound together on the way of winding the card web to form a filter. This method has a characteristic that filters having such an extent of accuracy as that of filters prepared by a melt-blow process can be produced while taking advantage of using cheap staple fibers. However, the method has a defect that when the diameter of particles to be captured is extremely smaller than the fiber diameter of staple fibers, small particles are captured only in the inserted melt-blow non-woven fabric and thus the filtration life becomes short.
An object of the present invention is to provide filters having such a high accuracy and long filtration life as those which were unable to be achieved by conventional filters, at a low production cost.
As a result of diligent investigation by the present inventors to solve the problems described above, it has been found that the objects of the present invention can be achieved by disposing at least two layers of a pre-filtration layer and a precision filtration layer in a filter comprising non-woven fibrous agglomerates, constructing the pre-filtration layer so that the diameter of constituting fibers becomes finer in the direction of filtration, and constructing the precision filtration layer with a non-woven fibrous agglomerate comprising fibers having a smaller diameter than that of the fibers having a smallest diameter in the pre-filtration layer to accomplish the present invention.
The present invention is summarized as follows:
(1) A filter of a high accuracy composed of non-woven fibrous agglomerates and comprising at least two layers of a pre-filtration layer and a precision filtration layer disposed in the direction of filtration, the pre-filtration layer is constructed in such a way that the diameter of all or a part of the fibers in the pre-filtration layer becomes gradually smaller toward the direction of filtration, the precision filtration layer comprises one or more piled layers of a non-woven fibrous agglomerate, and the diameter of fibers which account for 10% by weight or more of the fibers in the one or more piled layers of a non-woven fibrous agglomerates is smaller than the diameter of the fibers having a smallest diameter in the pre-filtration layer.
(2) The filter of a high accuracy recited in paragraph (1) above wherein the pre-filtration layer comprises a non-woven fibrous agglomerate comprising at least one kind of fibers selected from the group consisting of polyolefin fibers and polyester fibers.
(3) The filter of a high accuracy recited in paragraph (1) or (2) above wherein the pre-filtration layer comprises a non-woven fibrous agglomerate prepared by a melt-blow process.
(4) The filter of a high accuracy recited in any one of paragraphs (1) to (3) above wherein the fibers in the non-woven fibrous agglomerate of the pre-filtration layer comprise a high melting point component and a low melting point component, the difference in melting point between the high melting point component and the low melting point component is 10xc2x0 C. or more, and the low melting point component is contained in an amount of 10 to 90% by weight in the pre-filtration layer.
(5) The filter of a high accuracy recited in paragraph (4) above wherein the fibers of the non-woven fibrous agglomerate of the pre-filtration layer are composite fibers comprising a high melting point component and a low melting point component having a difference in melting point of 10xc2x0 C. or more.
(6) The filter of a high accuracy recited in paragraph (4) above wherein the non-woven fibrous agglomerate of the pre-filtration layer is a mixture of ultrafine fibers of a high melting point component and ultrafine fibers of a low melting point component having a difference in melting point of 10xc2x0 C. or more.
(7) The filter of a high accuracy recited in any one of paragraphs (1) to (6) above wherein the ratio of a smallest diameter to a largest diameter of fibers in the non-woven fibrous agglomerate of the pre-filtration layer is 1:2 to 1:10.
(8) The filter of a high accuracy recited in any one of paragraphs (1) to (7) above wherein the ratio of the diameter of fibers in the non-woven fibrous agglomerate of the precision filtration layer which comprises fibers having a diameter smaller than that of fibers having a smallest diameter in the pre-filtration layer to a smallest diameter of the fibers in the pre-filtration layer is 1:1 to 1:20.
(9) The filter of a high accuracy recited in any one of paragraphs (1) to (8) above wherein the non-woven fibrous agglomerate of the precision filtration layer which comprises fibers having a diameter smaller than that of the fibers having a smallest diameter in the pre-filtration layer has a void ratio of 45 to 97%.
(10) The filter of a high accuracy recited in any one of paragraphs (1) to (9) above wherein the non-woven fibrous agglomerate of the precision filtration layer which comprises fibers having a diameter smaller than that of the fibers having a smallest diameter in the pre-filtration layer is prepared by a melt-blow process.
(11) The filter of a high accuracy recited in any one of paragraphs (1) to (9) above wherein the non-woven fibrous agglomerate of the precision filtration layer which comprises fibers having a diameter smaller than that of the fibers having a smallest diameter in the pre-filtration layer comprises glass fibers.
(12) The filter of a high accuracy recited in any one of paragraphs (1) to (11) above wherein the filter is in a shape of cylinder.


A connector is attachable to an extending transformer stud. The connector includes an elongate central body having a longitudinal bore opening at one end for insertable accommodation of the transformer stud. An elongate conductor accommodating body extends along the central body in side-by-side relationship thereto. The conductor accommodating body includes a plurality of spaced apart conductor insertion apertures. The apertures are spaced along the length of the conductor accommodating body so as to be longitudinally coextensive with the longitudinal bore of the central body.

Electrical transformers are typically used to distribute electrical power from main utility lines for secondary distribution. The transformer accepts the main utility line on the primary side of the transformer and distributes the power from a secondary side of the transformer. An electrical step-down is provided by the transformer so as to provide for the proper secondary distribution of electrical power for residential and commercial use.
The transformer is normally housed in a steel cabinet. A threaded copper stud extends from the secondary side of the transformer from which secondary distribution is provided. Plural electrical conductors, connected to the threaded stud, provide for distribution of power to the end user.
In order to connect the conductor to the stud, a transformer stud connector is employed. These transformer stud connectors are elongate, electrically conductive members which are inserted over the copper stud extending from the secondary side of the transformer. The stud connector may be threadingly attached to the transformer stud. Extending longitudinally therefrom are a plurality of conductor accommodating ports wherein the ends of conductors may be inserted. Each conductor port has an associated set screw to effect mechanical and electrical connection to the transformer stud connector. Examples of transformer stud connectors are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,931,708; 5,848,913; 5,690,516; DES Pat No. 377,782; DES Pat. No. 346,150; and DES Pat. No. 309,664.
In a typical arrangement, an elongate transformer stud connector is attached at one of its longitudinal ends to the transformer stud. The conductor ports extend in longitudinally successive fashion therefrom. Thus, as may be appreciated, the transformer stud connector must have an extended length sufficient to be positioned over the extending longitudinal transformer stud, and further, to accommodate multiple conductors in longitudinally spaced succession. Thus, conventional transformer stud connectors are excessively long. This construction of the transformer stud connector, therefore, results in the secondary side of the transformer cabinet having to have sufficient space and longitudinal clearance to accommodate the connector.
It is desirable to provide a transformer stud connector which will accommodate multiple cables without extending the overall length of the connector.


An expansion unit 50, 60 or 70 is connected to a controller body 10 including an analog direction key 12, a digital direction key 14, command buttons 20a-20z, command levers 22l, 22r, etc. An expansion unit 50 including a photo emitting unit 52 is connected to thereby make the controller cordless. An expansion unit 60 including a photo detecting unit 65, whereby shooting games in which an enemy on a monitor screen can be shot can be played. An expansion unit 70 including a vibration unit 75 is connected, whereby a vibration is given to the controller body 10 to make a shooting game more realistic. New functions can be added to the conventional controller, and the new functions can be added freely without making no change to the controller body.

The present invention relates to a controller which outputs various instructions to an electronic device, such as a game device, by operation of an operator.
More than several years have passed since video game devices for domestic use first appeared, and recently a large variety of entertaining games have been developed. Video games for the domestic use are very popular as an entertainment. Domestic game devices are connected to input means called controllers. Players operate the controllers to output various instructions to the game devices.
Thus the controllers intervene between the players and the game devices, and act as a man-machine interface, and thus are very important to the game devices. The ease of operation as well as the functional ability of the controllers are closely related to the feasibility and entertainment value of games.
Various types of controllers for the domestic game devices have been proposed, but in general most controllers for the domestic video game devices include direction keys which command directions as well as a plurality of command buttons.
However, the command buttons of the conventional controller can make only one command by one operation thereof, and is unsuitable to continuously make commands. It is very difficult especially to make command which are continuously changed. When continuously changed commands must be made, nothing other than unnatural operations of pushing the command buttons for various periods of time or pushing the command buttons repeatedly a number of times.
The direction buttons of the conventional controller can command only four or eight directions, and cannot command directions between these directions, and continuous direction changes.
The conventional controller originally had only the direction keys and two command buttons, but as games have become complicated, two command buttons have been increased to three, and recently six command buttons have become common. Six buttons are a limit to be easily operated by one player, which has made it difficult to meet new games which require more command buttons.
Recently the method for operating the controller has become increasingly complicated, which makes it difficult for players to stably operate the controller. A controller which can be stably operated is required.
When a game producer thinks up contents of a game, it is necessary for him to keep in mind, the ease of operational of the controller. Also, the functional ability of a controller and game contents are closely related. Usually common controllers are used when games are designed. Thus, their functional ability and ease of operation of the controller limit the contents of a game.
Conversely, in order to give priority to the game""s contents, new controllers that are more suitable for the game contents are provided in some cases. Unfortunately, a large burden is places on the users.
To add controller functions to suit the contents of a particular game, expansion units can be connected to a controller. In order for any expansion unit to be connected, a controller which permits any expansion unit which will appear to be connected must be designed. This method also has a limit.
Conventional controllers, on the other hand, are totally inconsiderate of a player""s grip. For example, the contour of a conventional controller is merely rectangular or parallel, and sometimes a handle is merely provided on the controller.
Players may be children or adults, and may have various hand sizes and various gripping habits. Depending on the game contents, it may be better to change carrying way of the controller. The conventional controller does not meet such requirements.
An object of the present invention is to provide a controller expansion unit which can freely realize a controller having a function suitable for contents of a game.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a controller which can be gripped in various ways according to the operator""s preference.
Further another object of the present invention is to provide a controller which can be gripped in ways such that operators can easily operate the controller.
Further another object of the present invention is to provide a controller which can make commands which are continuously changed.
Further another object of the present invention is to provide a controller which can command an arbitrary direction and continuously changed directions.
Further another object of the present invention is to provide a controller which can include a number of command buttons.
Further another object of the present invention is to provide a controller which can be stably operated.
The above-described objects are achieved by a controller expansion unit which is to be inserted between a controller body including an operation key and a game apparatus, and which supplies a command signal generated by the operation key of the controller body to the game apparatus body, whereby new functions can be added to the conventional controller, and the new functions can be added freely without making no change to the controller body.
The above-described controller expansion unit may comprise function expansion means for expanding a function of the controller body, and conversion means for converting the command signal from the controller body, based on a function expanded by the function expansion means, and supplying the converted command signal to the game apparatus body.
In the above-described controller expansion unit, the function expansion means may include photo signal outputting means for outputting the signal to the game apparatus body as a photo signal, and the photo signal outputted by the photo signal outputting means may be detected by photo signal detecting means of the game apparatus body, whereby the controller can be cordless.
In the above-described controller expansion unit, the function expansion means may include photo signal detecting means for detecting a photo signal from the outside, and the conversion means may add the photo signal from the photo signal detecting means to the command signal from the controller body, whereby gun games in which an optical signal from the video monitor is detected to shoot an enemy on a monitor screen.
In the above-described controller expansion unit, the function expansion means may include vibration means for giving a vibration to the controller body, based on the signal from the game apparatus body or the controller body, whereby in a shooting game, for example, vibrations generated upon shooting are added to thereby make the game realistic.
In the above-described controller expansion unit, the function expansion means may include an operation key for effecting a specific operation, and the conversion means may add an operation signal generated by the specific operation keys to the command signal from the controller body, whereby new operational keys can be easily added.
In the above-described controller expansion unit, the function expansion means may include memory means for storing information, and the memory means may store information supplied from the game apparatus body or the controller body, or information supplied to the game apparatus body or the controller body, whereby new memories are added to thereby reinforce functions of the game apparatus.
In the above-described controller expansion unit, the function expansion means may include display means for displaying information, and the display means may display information from the game apparatus body or the controller body, whereby new image display means is added to thereby reinforce functions of the game apparatus.
In the above-described controller expansion unit, the function expansion means may include clock means for counting time, and time display means for displaying time, and the conversion means may add time information counted by the clock means to the command signal from the controller body, whereby games making use of time information can be played.
In the above-described controller expansion unit, the function expansion means include rotation angle detecting means for detecting a rotation angle of the controller body supported thereon, and the conversion means may add rotation angle signals detected by the rotation angle detecting means to the command signal from the controller body, whereby the controller body can be operated as a handle of a car or others.
In the above-described controller expansion unit, the function expansion means may include inclination detecting means for detecting an inclination of the controller body, and the conversion means may add an inclination signal detected by the inclination detecting means to the command signal supplied from the controller body, whereby an inclination of the controller body can be an operation signal, which make games realistic.
In the above-described controller expansion unit, the conversion means supplies an inclination signal given by the inclination detecting means in place of a direction command signal from the controller body, whereby a direction command can be made by an inclination of the controller, which realizes games having new operational feelings.
The above-described objects are achieved by a controller comprising a controller body including an operation key, and the above-described controller expansion unit.
The above-described objects are achieved by a controller comprising, on an operation surface of a body of the controller, a direction key for a direction command, and a plurality of command buttons for outputting a single command, the operation surface of the controller body having a substantially circular outer edge so that an operator can grip the controller body at any positions around the outer edge of the operation surface.
In the above-described controller, a part of the outer edge of the operation surface of the controller body may be shaped in relation to a specific direction of the direction key so that, when the operator holds the operation surface with his hand, he can know the specific direction of the direction key, whereby when an operator grips the operational surface with a hand, a specific direction of the direction key can be known.
In the above-described controller, the controller body may include lugs to be held by the operator, and a part of a lug may be shaped in relation to a specific direction of the direction key so that, when the operator grips the operation surface with his hand, he can know the specific direction of the direction key, whereby an operator can know a specific direction of the direction key.
The above-described objects are achieved by a controller comprising: a controller body; a direction key disposed on a first operational surface of the controller body, and commanding a direction; a plurality of command buttons disposed on the first operational surface and outputting one command by one operation; and a command lever disposed on a second operational surface of the controller and outputting continuously changed command amounts by one operation, whereby continuously changed commands can be easily made.
In the above-described controller it is preferable that the direction key comprises: a direction key operating unit; discrete direction determining means for determining a specific direction out of a plurality of prescribed directions, based on a state of the direction key operation unit; and continuous direction determining means for determining continuous command directions, based on a state of the direction key operation unit, whereby an arbitrary direction command and continuously changed direction commands can be made.
In the above-described controller it is preferable that the direction key further including change-over means for changing over the discrete direction determining means and the continuous direction determining means to each other.
In the above-described controller it is preferable that the command lever is a command button which outputs one command by one operation.
In the above-described controller it is preferable that the direction key and the command buttons are disposed at positions which facilitate operation with the left and the right thumbs of an operator when he holds the controller with the left and the right hands, and the command lever is disposed at a position which facilitates operation with the fingers other than the thumbs, whereby a number of buttons and keys can be easily operated.
In the above-described controller it is preferable that the controller body includes two grips to be held by an operator; and the direction key and the command buttons are disposed at positions which facilitate operation with the left and the right thumbs of the operator when he holds the two grips with the left and the right hands, and the command lever is disposed at a position which facilitates operation with the fingers other than the thumbs. When the controller is operated, held with the hands, the grips are firmly held with both hands, which makes the operation stable.
In the above-described controller it is preferable that a projection is provided on the second operational surface of the controller body; the controller can be placed on a flat surface, supported by the projection and the two grips; the direction key and the command buttons are disposed at positions which facilitate operation with the left and the right thumbs of an operator when the controller is placed on a flat surface, and the command lever is disposed at a position which facilitates with the fingers other than the thumbs. When the controller is placed on a desk or the like to be operated, the controller is set on a flat surface such as a desk or the like, supported by the projection and the two grips, which makes the operation stable.

Controller and expansion unit for controller


Angiostatic compounds are potentiated by collagen matrix metabolism modulators including:. a) proline analogs which inhibit proline hydroxylation when substituted for proline in collagen; PA1 b) inhibitors of proline hydroxylase; PA1 c) inhibitors of collagen cross-linking; and PA1 d) all trans-retinoic acid.. In methods and therapeutic compositions for inhibiting angiogenesis in a mammal, the collagen matrix modulator is administered with an angiostatic steroid or with heparin (including angiostatic heparin fragments of six or more sugar units, and synthetic fragments).

This invention relates to the general field of controlling angiogenesis--i.e., preventing or treating undesired angiogenesis.
Various diseases are angiogenesis-dependent, in that they are related to the process by which new capillary blood vessels are formed. Uncontrolled and rampant capillary growth can cause extensive tissue damage, e.g. in diabetic retinopathy where neovascularization in the retina may lead to blindness and in rheumatoid arthritis where new vessels in the joint may destroy articular cartilage. Moreover, the progressive growth of tumors generally depends upon continuous induction of angiogenesis.
Folkman, "Tumor Angiogenesis" in Advances in Cancer Research, Vol. 43, pp. 175-203 (Klein and Weinhouse, Eds.) generally reviews efforts to find angiogenesis inhibitors which might be used therapeutically, in an effort to control angiogenesis-dependent diseases. Specifically, mixtures of cortisone (or hydrocortisone) and heparin (or heparin fragments) inhibit angiogenesis, as measured by regression of growing capillaries in chick embryo, cessation of tumor-induced capillary growth in rabbit cornea, and regression of some tumors in mice. Folkman et al. Science 221:719 (1983). This anti-angiogenic activity is not dependent upon the anticoagulant activity of heparin, nor upon the glucocorticoid or mineralocortocoid activity of steroids. Crum and Folkman, J. Cell Biol. 99:158a, Abstr. #581 (1984); and Crum et al. Science 230:1375 (1985). The same effect is observed with several natural and synthetic steroids, and they appear to act by inducing basement membrane breakdown, endothelial cell rounding, and capillary retraction. Ingber et al. Endocrinology 119:1768 (1986).
Controlled alterations of extracellular matrix metabolism have been suggested as control points in capillary development. Folkman and Ingber, Annal. Surg. 206:374 (1987); Ingber et al., In Vitro Cell Devel. Biol. 23:387 (1987).
Substitution of certain proline analogs in place of proline in collagen interferes with protein folding, and aberrant triple helix formation results in impaired secretion of interstitial collagens and acceleration of intracellular collagen degradation. Jimenez and Yankrowski, J. Biol. Chem. 253:1420 (1978); and Berg et al. Proc. Nat'l. Acad. Sci. USA 77:4746 (1980). Incorrectly folded basement membrane collagen may be secreted, but it is not deposited within organized extracellular matrices, Madri and Stenn, Am. J. Pathol. 106:180 (1982); Maragoudakis et al. Biochem. Biophys. Acta. 538:139 (1978); Wicha et al. Exp. Cell. Res. 124:181 (1979); Wicha et al. Dev. Biol. 80:253 (1980). Migration of endothelial cells can be inhibited by using proline to interfere with collagen deposition in vitro. Madri et al., cited above. Cells treated with proline analogs exhibit inhibition of collagen deposition into extracellular matrix, although accumulation of non-collagenous protein usually is not significantly affected. Uitto et al. Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 173:187 (1976); Blocking basement membrane collagen deposition inhibits growth of 7,12 -dimethylbenzanthracene induced rat mammary tumors. Wicha et al. Cancer Letters 12:9 (1981).
Proline analogs and .alpha.,.alpha.-dipyridyl (DPY) interfere with morphogenesis of a variety of tissues including cornea (Coulombre and Coulombre, Dev. Biol. 28:183 (1972)), cartilage (Aydelotte and Kochmer, Dev. Biol. 28:191 (1972)), thyroid gland (Harris et al., Science 208:177 (1980)); salivary gland and lung (Spooner and Faubion, Dev. Biol. 77:84 (1980)), and mammary gland (Wicha et al., Dev. Biol. 80:253 (1980)). Vembu et al., Exp. Cell Res. 124:247 (1979); Kidwell et al., "Growth Arrest of Mammary Tumors By Proline Analogs" in Progress In Cancer Research and Therapy (Bresciani et al., eds) Vol. 31, p. 129, Raven Press, N.Y., N.Y., 1984.

The Children's Medical Center Corporation


Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for throughput-aware software pipelining in compilers to produce optimal code for single-thread and multi-thread execution on multi-threaded systems. A loop is identified within source code as a candidate for software pipelining. An attempt is made to generate pipelined code (e.g., generate an instruction schedule and a set of register assignments) for the loop in satisfaction of throughput-aware pipelining criteria, like maximum register count, minimum trip count, target core pipeline resource utilization, maximum code size, etc. If the attempt fails to generate code in satisfaction of the criteria, embodiments adjust one or more settings (e.g., by reducing scalarity or latency settings being used to generate the instruction schedule). Additional attempts are made to generate pipelined code in satisfaction of the criteria by iteratively adjusting the settings, regenerating the code using the adjusted settings, and recalculating whether the code satisfies the criteria.

The development of software applications typically involves writing software code in a high-level programming language and translating the code into a lower-level machine language that can be executed by a computer system. Many so-called "compiler" applications exist to effectuate the translation from the high-level "source code" into a lower-level "executable code." These compilers may implement many different types of functionality, for example, that enhance the efficiency of the compilation process through software pipelining, instruction scheduling, and other techniques.
Multi-core and multi-threaded architectures have become very popular in recent years. On these systems, more than one thread (i.e., instruction execution stream) can run simultaneously on a core, so that a core's computing resources could be shared by more than one thread. However, throughput-oriented, multi-core and multi-threaded architectures tend to sacrifice single-thread performance due to resource sharing and potentially increased instruction latencies.
Traditional software pipelining and instruction scheduling are tuned to produce optimal code for single-thread execution. Accordingly, instruction sequences are generated in an attempt to use all the resources of the core and keep the pipeline busy by covering the full instruction latencies of the pipeline. However, such optimal single-thread binaries may not be optimal when many threads are sharing the computing resources of a core. There may be little advantage to covering full instruction latencies when core resources are shared by multiple threads, and using the full instruction latencies in these algorithms may negatively impact performance. For example, using single-thread optimizations in a multi-threaded environment can result in increased register spilling and reloading, excessive loop unrolling, and/or other undesirable side effects.

Throughput-aware software pipelining for highly multi-threaded systems


A non-transitory computer-readable memory including first data representative of a topology of a circuit including a first circuit element and a second circuit element, and second data representative of a scaling rule for the first circuit element as a function of the second circuit element. A data processing method comprising retrieving first data representative of a topology of a circuit comprising a first circuit element and a second circuit element from a memory, retrieving second data representative of a scaling rule for the first circuit element as a function of the second circuit element from the memory, receiving a user input representative of a scaling factor, generating third data representative of an instance of the second circuit element using the scaling factor, and generating data representative of an instance of the first circuit element using the scaling factor, the scaling rule and the third data.

Very Large Scale Integrated circuits (IC) have been designed using a variety of tools including netlists, topology of the IC, and schematic databases, where a representation thereof is commonly referred to as a "schematic." A (design) instance (commonly termed a "layout") of such an integrated circuit may be generated using the schematic. The layout specifies the location and the individual configuration of each circuit element of the integrated circuit and their interconnections. Typically, the layout is designed to minimize substantially the overall size of the circuit. However, the degree to which the size of circuit elements can be reduced depends strongly on the manufacturing process that is used to manufacture the circuit. Due to the dependency on the manufacturing process, customized layouts may be generated for each manufacturing process that "scale" the circuit to the respective process. As such, the manufacturing process for which a layout was designed is commonly referred to as the "scale" of the circuit/layout.
Similarly, a layout of a circuit may be redesigned (e.g., for the sake of improving the timing, i.e., the maximum operating frequency, of the manufactured circuit). While both the initial layout and the redesigned layout can be designed for the same manufacturing process, the redesigning can comprise changing the size of individual circuit elements. As such, such a redesign may be referred to as "scaling" of a circuit.

Integrated circuit schematics having imbedded scaling information for generating a design instance

International Business Machines Corporation


Base station antennas are provided herein. A base station antenna includes a multiband beam-former array having a plurality of vertical columns of radiating elements. In some embodiments, at least two of the vertical columns are commonly fed for a first frequency band of the multiband beam-former array that is lower than a second frequency band of the multiband beam-former array. Related methods of operation are also provided.

Base station antennas for wireless communication systems are used to transmit Radio Frequency ("RF") signals to, and receive RF signals from, fixed and mobile users of a cellular communications service. Base station antennas often include a linear array or a two-dimensional array of radiating elements, such as crossed dipole or patch radiating elements.
Example base station antennas are discussed in International Publication No. WO 2017/165512 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/921,694, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. A base station antenna that includes many closely-spaced radiating elements may present performance trade-offs for the antenna. For example, though it may be desirable for a base station antenna to operate in multiple frequency bands, space in the antenna for additional radiating elements to provide multiband performance may be limited.

Base station antennas having multiband beam-former arrays and related methods of operation