A method for data transmission in an automation system from a second field device via a first field device to a receiver, wherein, at the first field device, a first data subframe is created, a second data frame is received from the second field device, and a first data frame including the first and the second data subframe is sent correctly-timed by Dynamic Frame Packing to the receiver. In the event the second data subframe is unable to be appended directly to the first data subframe at the latest after the correctly-timed sending of the first data subframe, the sending of the first data frame is shifted by a time value, where the time value is calculated so that immediately after the sending of the first data subframe, the second data subframe is able to be appended directly to the first data subframe.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to data communications and, more particularly, to a method for automated data transmission in automation system, a computer program product and to a field device for data transmission in an automation system using Dynamic Frame Packing.
2. Description of the Related Art
The known concept of Dynamic Frame Packing (DFP) was introduced to increase the transmission speed of data from field devices to controllers in an automation system. In DFP, data is transmitted using container frames. Terminals that are assigned to a packing group then transmit the data within these container frames. The advantage of transmitting data in this manner is that the overhead of Ethernet frames used for a given transmission is only counted once, since, because of the container frame, for example, only a preamble, a start frame delimiter and a header are used. As a result, it is possible to increase the packing density so that, within one clock cycle, data can be transmitted by a plurality of field devices, with the updating rates in relation to the transmission being significantly increased in comparison to data transmission that would not use DFP.
FIG. 1 shows the structure of a conventional real-time frame, with this frame itself being encapsulated for Ethernet transmissions in accordance with Request for Comment (RFC) 894 using the elements destination address, source address, Ethertype and cyclic redundancy check (CRC). In the event of priority tagging being used in accordance with Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) standard 802.1Q with the Ethertype set to 0x8100, followed by a priority/VLAN field, followed by a second Ethertype, which is set to 0x8892 and which indicates a real-time frame.
The frame ID is used to identify the frame itself, whereby the C_SDU is intended to transport the IO data of the field devices and the APDU status specifies the status of the frame.
In these cases, the C_SDU can be structured so that it either carries the IO data of an individual field device or so that it carries the IO data of a number of field devices. In the latter case, where the C_SDU carries a number of field devices, a part of the C_SDU (i.e., the subframe) carries the content of a specific field device. Here, the frame is subdivided into a number of subframes.
The reason for using a subdivision into frames is to minimize the required bandwidth and to explicitly optimize the overall system performance. As shown in FIG. 1, the overhead of a frame, i.e., the bytes to be transported other than the C_SDU, amounts to 28 bytes. However, the InterFrameGap additionally amounts to 12 bytes. As a result, the preamble amounts to 7 bytes and the start frame delimiter amounts to 1 byte and these also have to be taken into account, i.e., the sum total of the overhead of a frame amounts to 48 bytes (or 42 bytes if the preamble is shortened to 1 byte). If the C_SDU is also smaller than 40 bytes the difference must also be added in.
It is thus evident that the use of subdivided frames reduces the required bandwidth by combination of subframes 110 and 112, since, as shown in FIG. 2, the overhead of a subframe merely amounts to 6 bytes. By combining a number of subframes into an individual frame, the overhead for the frame that is used is only counted once.
Assigned to each of the subframes 110 and 112 is a position, a control bit, a data length that describes the length of the C_SDU, a cycle counter, a data status and a CRC. Here, the position involves a unique identifier for a given subframe, whereby the list of subframes is terminated by a specific subframe with the position number 0.
The control bit serves to specify whether or not the CRC and cycle counter of the subframe are to be ignored.
The data status of a subframe specifies the data status of the subframe. The data status within the APDU status of the frame specifies the data status of the frame. In the event of the frame consisting of subframes, the data status of the frame can be ignored. It is also helpful to assign a static value to the data status of the frame.

Method for data transmission in an automation system using dynamic frame packing


A new cultivar of Justicia plant named ‘Zebra’ that is characterized by dark green heart shaped leaves with silver stripes and purple flowers.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Justicia plant botanically known as Justicia pictifolia and hereinafter referred to by the cultivar name 'Zebra'.
The new cultivar is the product of a breeding program conducted by the inventor in a cultivated area of Gualaceo, Ecuador.
'Zebra' is a hybrid that originated from the hybridization of the female or seed parent an unnamed Justicia pictifolia (not patented) and the male or pollen parent an unnamed Justicia pictifolia (not patented). The cultivar 'Zebra' was selected by the inventor in 2002 as a single plant within the progeny of the stated cross in Gualaceo, Ecuador.
Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar 'Zebra' first occurred by tissue culture in 2003 in Evergem, Belgium. Since that time, under careful observation, the unique characteristics of the new cultivar have been uniform, stable and reproduced true to type in successive generations of asexual reproduction.


Methods and apparatuses perform thickness compensation in anatomical images. The method according to one embodiment accesses digital image data representing an image including a breast; estimates thickness of the breast at multiple locations inside the breast using an image data characteristic and a reference tissue in the breast; compensates thickness of the breast using a thickness model; and refines compensation of breast thickness from the compensating step.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a digital image processing technique, and more particularly to methods and apparatuses for processing medical images and for performing thickness compensation in medical images for anatomical objects.
2. Description of the Related Art
Mammograms are routinely acquired in hospitals, to screen for breast cancer or other breast abnormalities. A radiologist may analyze the mammograms using image attributes such as breast appearance, color, etc., to identify breast tumors, to observe differences between breasts images, to establish a baseline for the mammographic parenchyma of the patient, etc.
Typical/conventional processing techniques for mammographic images assume that a breast is compressed into an object of constant thickness in a mammography machine. With this assumption, grayscale values in a mammographic image are considered to be directly correlated to the structure of breast tissue.
The assumption that the breast is compressed into an object of constant thickness in a mammography machine is not correct, however. For example, the thickness of the breast gradually decreases in peripheral areas of a compressed breast, such as in areas found at the skin line. In addition, the plates compressing the breast are not parallel in some mammogram scanners. For these and other reasons, a large portion of the compressed breast area does not actually satisfy the assumption of constant thickness. Thickness variation of a compressed breast leads to differences in exposure in the mammography scanner. Hence, the resulting mammography image does not image a constant thickness breast. Breast thickness variation associated with the mammography image and complex color variation in the mammography image degrade performance of subsequent CAD processes applied to the image.
Disclosed embodiments of this application address these and other issues by performing thickness compensation for anatomical objects, such as breast images compressed in a mammography machine. A layer map is generated for a breast and layer thickness within each layer is estimated. Embodiments of this application use a model based thickness estimate method, followed by relaxed global refinement. When used for breast thickness compensation, the model and outlier detection take into account properties of breast tissue and of breast compression. A strong model assumption is used for initial breast thickness compensation, and weak assumptions are used to refine thickness estimation. The refinement step performed after the model based thickness estimation process takes into account characteristics of breast compression and imposes fewer constraints. In a preferred embodiment, the compensating step estimates layer thickness for the breast image using a semi-circle thickness model, and uses a logistic model to initialize a semi-circle estimate. The methods and apparatuses of the present invention may be applied to images of breasts and to images of other anatomical objects besides breasts.

Method and apparatus for thickness compensation in mammographic images


A ceria electrolyte composition is disclosed. The composition provides high ionic conductivity and low electronic conductivity under reducing conditions. Fuel cells employing the disclosed composition exhibit improved efficiency and power density.

A fuel cell is a device for directly converting the chemical energy of the fuel into electrical Power. A fuel cell comprises an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte disposed between the two electrodes.
In the operation of a typical fuel cell, fuel gas is fed to a porous anode and an oxidant gas is fed to a porous cathode. The reactant gases diffuse through the electrodes and electrochemically react to yield water, heat, and electrical energy. At the anode, the fuel gives up electrons in an electrochemical oxidation reaction. The electrical current so generated is conducted from the anode through an external circuit to the cathode. At the cathode, the electrons are electrochemically combined with the oxidant. A flow of ions through the electrolyte completes the circuit.
Fuel cells may be categorized according to the type of electrolyte used. Four types of fuel cells are generally considered to be in the mainstream of the technology: alkaline fuel cells, acid fuel cells, molten carbonate fuel cells and solid electrolyte fuel cells.
Solid electrolyte fuel cells operate at high temperature and allow direct consumption of hydrocarbon fuels to provide a high power density. Solid electrolyte fuel cells also eliminate liquid electrolyte containment problems.
The use of ceria compositions as the electrolyte in solid electrolyte fuel cells is known, see, e.g., Tuller, H.L. and Nowick, A.S., "Doped Ceria as a Solid Oxide Electrolyte", Journal of the Electrochemical Society: Solid-State Science, Volume 122, No. 2,225 (February 1975). A ceria electrolyte offers a high ionic conductivity at temperatures in the range of 600 to 1000.degree. C. However, in a reducing atmosphere such as that encountered on the hydrogen electrode side of the electrolyte, a conventional ceria electrolyte becomes an electronic as well as an ionic conductor, and allows short circuiting across the electrolyte. The short circuiting reduces the performance of the fuel cell.
What is needed in the art is a way to eliminate or reduce these losses so that ceria electrolyte compositions may find practical application in fuel cell power plants.


Systems and methods are disclosed for non-intrusively inspecting circuit breakers, which may include one or more connector assemblies. An X-ray unit may be placed at a first location around the circuit breaker while at least one digital imaging plate may be placed at a second location around the circuit breaker. The X-ray unit may generate X-rays, where at least a portion of the generated X-rays traverse a plane that includes at least a portion of the connector assembly and at least a portion of the at least one digital imaging plate. The image that includes at least a portion of the connector assembly may be retrieved from the digital imaging plate and inspected to determine a status of the circuit breaker.

1. Field of the Invention
Aspects of the present invention relate generally to circuit breakers, and more particularly, to systems and methods for non-intrusive inspections of high-voltage circuit breakers.
2. Description of the Related Art
High-voltage circuit breakers play an important protective role for high power machinery. Over time, however, these circuit breakers may wear down or experience other malfunctions and problems such as internal arcing. Therefore, these high-voltage circuit breakers must be routinely inspected for problems.
Traditionally, the inspection process has been costly and disruptive to customers. In order to inspect the internal components of the circuit breakers, they must be disassembled. During this disassembly process, the gases utilized internally in the circuit breaker to control arcing, such as sulphur hexafluoride gas, must be carefully contained because they are typically environmentally unsafe. Upon completion of the inspection process, the circuit breaker is reassembled and refilled with gas. However, during the gas refill process, the purity of the gas may oftentimes be compromised, therefore reducing the operational reliability of the circuit breaker. Indeed, experience has shown that the disassembly and reassembly of circuit breakers may reduce their overall operational reliability.
Thus, such an inspection process described above is deemed to be costly and disruptive to customers. Accordingly, there is a need in the industry for non-intrusive inspections of circuit breakers that are less costly and less disruptive than traditional methods.

Systems and methods for non-intrusive inspections of high-voltage circuit breakers


The technology disclosed in this patent document can be implemented in embodiments to provide a memory controller configured to control a memory device and a method of operating the memory controller and the memory device. The memory controller may control a memory device including a plurality of pages, and may include a command analysis unit configured to generate command information indicating a type of read command for a page selected from among the plurality of pages, and an initialization time decision unit configured to decide on a channel initialization time for initializing channels of a plurality of memory cells included in the selected page based on the command information.

A storage device is a device that is capable of storing data in a storage medium. Computing devices such as a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet computer can use such storage devices to retain data files. Examples of the storage device include, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), which uses a magnetic disk as the storage medium, and a solid state drive (SSD) or a memory card, which uses, as the storage medium, a semiconductor memory such as a nonvolatile memory.
The storage device implemented using semiconductor memories may include a plurality of memory devices and a memory controller which controls the memory devices to store and retrieve data in and from the memory devices. Such memory devices may be classified into a volatile memory and a nonvolatile memory. Representative examples of the nonvolatile memory include a read only memory (ROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), an electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), a flash memory, a phase-change random access memory (PRAM), a magnetic RAM (MRAM), a resistive RAM (RRAM), and a ferroelectric RAM (FRAM).

Memory controller for determining channel initialization time and method of operating the same


Processes for the preparation of taxol and other taxanes through selective derivatization of the C(7) and C(10) hydroxyl groups of 10-DAB, particularly a novel process using a new strategy in which the C(10) hydroxyl group is protected or derivatized prior to the C(7) hydroxyl group; and the provision of C(7) and C(10) derivatized 10-DAB compounds.

The present invention is directed, in general, to a process for the preparation of taxol and other taxanes, and in particular, to such a process in which the C(7) or C(10) hydroxyl group of a taxane is selectively derivatized.
10-DAB (1), which is extracted from the needles of taxus baccata L., the English yew, has become a key starting material in the production of taxol and Taxotere, both of which are potent anticancer agents. Conversion of 10-DAB to taxol, Taxotere® and other taxanes having antitumor activity requires protection or derivatization of the C(7) and C(10) hydroxyl groups followed by esterification of the C(13) hydroxyl group to attach an appropriate side chain at that position.
R10═R7═H  1R10═H,R7=TES  2
Until now, strategies for the preparation of taxol and taxol analogs were based upon the observation of Senilh et al. (C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, II, 1981, 293, 501) that the relative reactivity of the four hydroxyl groups of 10-DAB toward acetic anhydride in pyridine is C(7)-OH>C(10)-OH>C(13)-OH>C(1)-OH. Denis, et. al. reported (J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1988, 110, 5917) selective silylation of the C(7) hydroxyl group of 10-DAB with triethylsilyl chloride in pyridine to give 7-triethylsilyl-10-deacetyl baccatin (III) (2) in 85% yield. Based upon these reports, in those processes in which differentiation of the C(7) and C(10) hydroxyl groups is required (e.g., preparation of taxol from 10-DAB), the C(7) hydroxyl group must be protected (or derivatized) before the C(10) hydroxyl group is protected or derivatized. For example, taxol may be prepared by treating 10-DAB with triethylsilyl chloride to protect the C(7) hydroxyl group, acetylating the C(10) hydroxyl group, attaching the side chain by esterification of the C(13) hydroxyl group, and, finally, removal of protecting groups.
It is known that taxanes having various substituents bonded to either the C(10) or the C(7) oxygens show anticancer activity. To provide for more efficient synthesis of these materials, it would be useful to have methods which permit more efficient and more highly selective protection or derivatization of the C(10) and the C(7) hydroxyl groups.

Process for selective derivatization of taxanes


A scalable architecture for managing, monitoring and enforcing user ad targeting operates across a distributed network. The architecture enables defining and enforcement of policy related to targeting across various domains, platforms, devices, protocols, interactions, content and media types. Targeting decisions utilize user policy as well as profile information. A user policy or portions thereof may be discovered and accessed without requiring direct interactions. The architecture provides a simple and extensible notion of policy scoping, provides an abstract processing model for determining actions related to interactions involving multiple policies, provides for time-limited in addition to use-limited ways to use policy and profile information, provides a set of discovery services that automate policy and profile discovery within and without the context of a targeting interaction, provides a coherent set of monitoring and enforcement strategies for policies, profiles and targeting, provides for easy integration with privacy-safe targeting, and provides scalable behavioral targeting opt-out.

Advertisers want to reach a highly-targeted audience at scale. Effective targeting of advertising or content or product offers typically requires tracking aspects of consumer behavior (visits to sites, content views, purchases, geo-location, etc.) combined with building, maintaining and using profiles of consumer behavior. These operations sometimes carry serious privacy concerns.
The urgency of the situation globally has grown as consumers are having an unprecedented personal relationship with devices, from PCs to iPhones. The technologies for targeting and tracking of consumers are getting more sophisticated. The advertising value chain across all channels is getting longer and more complex.
The prior art has focused generally on several different areas: do not contact databases, opt-out programs, opt-in programs, the Platform for Privacy Preferences Project (P3P), and privacy proxies.
Do not contact databases have been used in the traditional mail and phone direct marketing space with some success. They rely on the presence of natural unique identifiers (name+address or a phone number). They are not applicable to digital media where unique identifiers are not present. In addition, they are a very crude tool and do not allow for fine policy-level decisions about which type of information can be used in determining whether to contact a consumer or the types of offers a consumer is interested in.
A variation of the do not contact database is an opt-out program such as the one that allows users of Google services to opt out of behavioral targeting. In a common embodiment, opt-out programs are implemented on the Internet through opt-out cookies stored in consumers' browsers. This is a highly unreliable approach as cookies disappear due to expiration, software updates, cookie store resets and other factors.
Opt-in programs work well when there is a unique way to identify users. Otherwise, they are typically implemented using cookies, which has all the problems described above for opt-out programs.
According to Wikipedia, the Platform for Privacy Preferences Project, or P3P, is a protocol allowing websites to declare their intended use of information they collect about browsing users. Typically, P3P is a machine-readable translation of human readable policies about websites' data management practices. A website uses P3P to set up policies that state the intended uses of personal information that may be gathered from site visitors. Typically, using their browsers configuration mechanisms, consumers decide what personal information they will allow to be seen by the sites that they visit. When a user visits a site their browser will compare what personal information the user is willing to release, and what information the server wants to get—if the two do not match, the browser takes an action, for example block a tracking cookie.
Privacy proxies are a technical solution for maintaining complete or partial user anonymity online.

User targeting management, monitoring and enforcement


The present invention provides a pipette assembly and a liquid handling element employing such a pipette assembly for filling containers. The pipette assembly comprises a biasing member that prevents the containers from being displaced vertically upon withdrawal of the pipette assembly from the containers.

Dispensing relatively small volumes of liquids into individual containers in a precise and repeatable manner is desirable for a wide range of applications. Various types of liquid handling instruments can be used for such purposes, which range from simple hand-held devices to large-scale, automated pipetting apparatus.
Typically, the liquid to be dispensed is introduced from a reservoir into one or a series of pipettes, which pipettes comprise an elongated chamber configured at the proximal end to accept the liquid to be dispensed and having a tip at the distal end with a passageway formed therethrough. Accordingly, the liquid passes from a reservoir through the pipettes and can be released through the tip at the distal end thereof. In some embodiments, the liquid can be released directly through the tip into the desired container. In some embodiments, the tip is equipped with a secondary delivery mechanism, e.g., a cannula or needle.
In recent years, there have been proposed numerous smoking products, flavor generators and medicinal inhalers that utilize electrical energy to heat and vaporize volatile materials, or otherwise attempt to provide many of the sensations of smoking, without burning tobacco to any significant degree. See, for example, the various types of aerosol generation devices described, discussed, or referenced in U.S. Pat. No. 7,726,320 to Robinson et al., U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/826,929, filed Mar. 14, 2013, to Ampolini et al., Ser. No. 14/011,992, filed Aug. 28, 2013, to Davis et al., and Ser. No. 14/170,838, filed Feb. 3, 2014, to Bless et al.; which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
In this regard, certain tobacco products that have employed electrical energy to produce heat for smoke or aerosol formation, and in particular, certain products that have been referred to as electronic cigarette products, have become commercially available throughout the world. Representative products that resemble many of the attributes of traditional types of cigarettes, cigars or pipes have been marketed as ACCORD® by Philip Morris Incorporated; ALPHA™, JOYE 510® and M4™ by InnoVapor LLC; CIRRUS™ and FLING™ by White Cloud Cigarettes; BLU™ by Lorillard Technologies, Inc.; COHITA™, COLIBRI™, ELITE CLASSIC™, MAGNUM™, PHANTOM™ and SENSE™ by Epuffer® International Inc.; DUOPRO™, STORM™ and VAPORKING® by Electronic Cigarettes, Inc.; EGAR™ by Egar Australia; eGo-C™ and eGo-T™ by Joyetech; ELUSION™ by Elusion UK Ltd; EONSMOKE® by Eonsmoke LLC; FIN™ by FIN Branding Group, LLC; SMOKE® by Green Smoke Inc. USA; GREENARETTE™ by Greenarette LLC; HALLIGAN™, HENDU™, JET™, MAXXQ™, PINK™ and PITBULL™ by Smoke Stik®; HEATBAR™ by Philip Morris International, Inc.; HYDRO IMPERIAL™ and LXE™ from Crown7; LOGIC™ and THE CUBAN™ by LOGIC Technology; LUCI® by Luciano Smokes Inc.; METRO® by Nicotek, LLC; NJOY® and ONEJOY™ by Sottera, Inc.; NO. 7™ by SS Choice LLC; PREMIUM ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE™ by PremiumEstore LLC; RAPP E-MYSTICK™ by Ruyan America, Inc.; RED DRAGON™ by Red Dragon Products, LLC; RUYAN® by Ruyan Group (Holdings) Ltd.; SF® by Smoker Friendly International, LLC; GREEN SMART SMOKER® by The Smart Smoking Electronic Cigarette Company Ltd.; SMOKE ASSIST® by Coastline Products LLC; SMOKING EVERYWHERE® by Smoking Everywhere, Inc.; V2CIGS™ by VMR Products LLC; VAPOR NINE™ by VaporNine LLC; VAPOR4LIFE® by Vapor 4 Life, Inc.; VEPPO™ by E-CigaretteDirect, LLC; VUSE® by R. J. Reynolds Vapor Company; Mistic Menthol product by Mistic Ecigs; and the Vype product by CN Creative Ltd. Yet other electrically powered aerosol delivery devices, and in particular those devices that have been characterized as so-called electronic cigarettes, have been marketed under the tradenames COOLER VISIONS™; DIRECT E-CIG™; DRAGONFLY™; EMIST™; EVERSMOKE™; GAMUCCI®; HYBRID FLAME™; KNIGHT STICKS™; ROYAL BLUES™; SMOKETIP®; SOUTH BEACH SMOKE™.
Additional manufacturers, designers, and/or assignees of components and related technologies that may be employed in aerosol delivery device include Shenzhen Jieshibo Technology of Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen First Union Technology of Shenzhen City, China; Safe Cig of Los Angeles, Calif.; Janty Asia Company of the Philippines; Joyetech Changzhou Electronics of Shenzhen, China; SIS Resources; B2B International Holdings of Dover, Del.; Evolv LLC of OH; Montrade of Bologna, Italy; Shenzhen Bauway Technology of Shenzhen, China; Global Vapor Trademarks Inc. of Pompano Beach, Fla.; Vapor Corp. of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Nemtra GMBH of Raschau-Markersbach, Germany, Perrigo L. Co. of Allegan, Mich.; Needs Co., Ltd.; Smokefree Innotec of Las Vegas, Nev.; McNeil AB of Helsingborg, Sweden; Chong Corp; Alexza Pharmaceuticals of Mountain View, Calif.; BLEC, LLC of Charlotte, N.C.; Gaitrend Sarl of Rohrbach-lès-Bitche, France; FeelLife Bioscience International of Shenzhen, China; Vishay Electronic BMGH of Selb, Germany; Shenzhen Smaco Technology Ltd. of Shenzhen, China; Vapor Systems International of Boca Raton, Fla.; Exonoid Medical Devices of Israel; Shenzhen Nowotech Electronic of Shenzhen, China; Minilogic Device Corporation of Hong Kong, China; Shenzhen Kontle Electronics of Shenzhen, China, and Fuma International, LLC of Medina, Ohio, and 21st Century Smoke of Beloit, Wis.
Such aerosol delivery devices generally comprise a cartridge in which aerosolizable components are contained. These cartridges are advantageously filled with the aerosolizable components in an automated manner. However, challenges associated with the automated filling of certain cartridges and other containers that already contain one or more other components, as will be described in greater detail herein, limit the use of traditional liquid handling instruments. Accordingly, modifications to automated instruments to allow for the filling of certain types of cartridges and other containers while avoiding such challenges would be desirable.


A touch sensing interface (101) includes a noise touch sensing circuit (110) that utilizes electromagnetic (EM) noise in a touch panel (102) to determine whether a pad of the touch panel is touched, such as by a finger of a user. The noise touch sensing circuit detects noise in a first pad (104) and in a second pad (105) of the touch panel, compares power of the noise in the first pad to power of noise in the second pad, and outputs a signal (132) indicative of the first pad being touched when power of noise in the first pad exceeds power of noise in the second pad by a pre-selected amount. The touch sensing interface may include a capacitive touch sensing circuit (120) and a controller (130) that selectively actuates the noise touch sensing circuit and the capacitive touch sensing circuit.

1. Field
This invention relates generally to touch sense interface circuits, and more specifically a touch sense interface circuit that can be used under noisy electromagnetic conditions.
2. Related Art
A touch sense interface circuit, when coupled to a touch panel, recognizes occurrence of a touch when a user's finger is touching or is very close to, such as a few millimeters from, a touch pad of the touch panel.
A capacitive touch sense interface circuit usually provides good results under normal conditions but its operation may be disrupted when subjected to electromagnetic (EM) aggression. EM aggression occurs when EM noise emanating from outside of a circuit, or external EM noise, interferes with operation of the circuit.
The magnitude, frequency and duration of the external EM noise can vary in an unknown manner. Disruption of operation of a capacitive touch sense interface circuit due to external EM noise is more likely to occur in a low-power capacitive touch sense interface circuit because the power of the external EM noise can be high relative to the power of signals used for operation of the low-power capacitive touch sense interface circuit.
Many capacitive touch sense interface circuits compare an internal time reference with external timing of charge or oscillation that is dependent on presence or absence of a touch. One known capacitive touch sense interface circuit determines a ratio of internal oscillation frequency with an external oscillation frequency. A touch causes a capacitance change, which changes said ratio, and, as a result, the touch is detected.


There is provided a cooking device that prevents operation based on a control command assigned to a touch key from being executed when a user is not intending to operate the touch key. The cooking device includes an electrode unit which includes a key electrode (3a) provided on the lower surface of the top plate and a contact electrode (3b) electrically connected with the key electrode and inputs the assigned control command; a cancel electrode (5a) provided at the periphery of the contact electrode so that the distance between the contact electrode and the cancel electrode is smaller than the width of the finger of the user; and a control unit (8) for controlling conduction to a heating source based on the control command assigned to the electrode unit when detecting that the vicinity of the electrode unit is touched. The control unit (8) limits the operation based on the control command when detecting that the vicinity of the cancel electrode is touched.

In recent years, cooking devices such as an induction cooking device for induction heating a cooking container such as a pan with a heating coil and a gas cooking device for heating the cooking container with gas are widely used in general household and professional-use kitchens. Some of these heating cooking devices include an operation unit such as a touch key on an upper surface of a top plate (see e.g., patent documents 1 to 3).
The operation unit of patent document 1 includes one or more electrostatic capacitance touch keys. The touch key is a pair of key electrodes provided on the upper surface and the lower surface of the top plate. The key electrode on the lower surface side of the top plate is electrically connected to a contact electrode. The contact electrode is contacted with an end of a conductive connection member connected to a control unit. The control unit outputs a high frequency signal to the key electrode via the connection member and measures the magnitude of the signal output to the key electrode. When a finger of a user touches the touch key, the reduction of the magnitude of the high frequency signal output to the key electrode is transmitted to the control unit through the contact electrode and the connection member in correspondence to the increase in the electrostatic capacitance with respect to the earth of the key electrode (e.g., FIGS. 4 to 6 of patent document 1).
In the cooking device of patent document 2, an operation circuit substrate in which a planar electrode is formed with copper foil is provided on the lower side of the top plate, and a shield electrode connected to a common potential of a circuit for detecting the operation signal is provided at the periphery of the planar electrode to ensure the contacting range of the touch key. Thus, when the vicinity of the outer edge of the planar electrode is touched, the planar electrode and the vicinity of the shield electrode are both contacted, and thus the potential of the planar electrode lowers and the touch key can be easily operated.
In the cooking device of patent document 3, heating does not start if an object is placed on the periphery of the operation unit to enhance safety. Specifically, a peripheral state detection means for detecting whether an object is placed thereon is provided in the vicinity of the operation unit. Heating does not start if the peripheral state detection means detects that the object is placed on the peripheral state detection means.
Patent document 1: JP-A-2003-303673
Patent document 2: JP-A-10-214677
Patent document 3: JP-A-2006-207843


A coated milling insert particularly useful for milling in low and medium alloyed steels with or without raw surface zones during wet or dry conditions. The insert is characterized by a WC-Co cemented carbide with a low content of cubic carbides and a highly W alloyed binder phase and a coating including an inner layer of TiC.sub.x N.sub.y O.sub.z with columnar grains, a layer of .kappa.-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and, preferably, a top layer of TiN. The layers are deposited by using CVD methods.

The present invention relates to a coated cutting tool (cemented carbide insert) particularly useful for wet and dry milling of low and medium alloyed steels, with raw surfaces such as cast skin, forged skin, hot or cold rolled skin or pre-machined surfaces.
When milling low and medium alloyed steels with cemented carbide tools, the cutting edge is worn according to different wear mechanisms, such as chemical wear, abrasive wear, adhesive wear and by edge chipping caused by cracks formed along the cutting edge, the comb cracks.
The comb crack formation is particularly severe when wet milling is employed (using coolant). Coolant and work piece material may penetrate and widen the comb cracks and the edge will start to chip. A chipped edge will generate a bad surface finish of the machined component.
Different cutting conditions require different properties of the cutting insert. For example, when cutting in steels with raw surface zones, a coated cemented carbide insert must consist of a tough carbide and have very good coating adhesion. When milling in low alloyed steels the adhesive wear is generally the dominating wear type. Here preferably thin (1-3 .mu.m) CVD- or PVD-coatings have to be used.
Measures can be taken to improve the cutting performance with respect to a specific wear type. However, very often such action will have a negative effect on other wear properties.
The influence of some possible measures is given below:
1.) Comb crack formation can be reduced by lowering the binder phase content. However, such action will lower the toughness properties of the cutting inserts which is not desirable. PA1 2.) Improved abrasive wear can be obtained by increasing the coating thickness. However, thick coatings increase the risk for flaking and will lower the resistance to adhesive wear. PA1 3.) Milling at high cutting speeds and at high cutting edge temperatures requires a cemented carbide with a rather high amount of cubic carbides (solid solution of WC-TiC-TaC-NbC). Such carbides will more easily develop comb cracks. PA1 a first (innermost) layer of TiC.sub.x N.sub.y O.sub.z with x+y+z=1, with a thickness of 0.1-1.5 .mu.m, and with equiaxed grains with size <0.5 .mu.m PA1 a second layer of TiC.sub.x N.sub.y O.sub.z with x+y+z=1, with a thickness of 1-6 .mu.m with columnar grains with diameter of <5 .mu.m and PA1 a layer of a smooth, fine-grained (0.5-2 .mu.m) .kappa.-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 with a thickness of 0.5-5 .mu.m. PA1 a first (innermost) layer of TiC.sub.x N.sub.y O.sub.z with x+y+z=1, with a thickness of 0.1-1.5 .mu.m, with equiaxed grains with size <0.5 .mu.m using known CVD-methods PA1 a second layer of TiC.sub.x N.sub.y O.sub.z with x+y+z=1, with a thickness of 1-6 .mu.m with columnar grains with a diameter of about <5 .mu.m deposited by MTCVD-technique, using acetonitrile as the carbon and nitrogen source for forming the layer in a preferred temperature range of 850-900.degree. C. and PA1 a layer of a smooth .kappa.-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 with a thickness of 0.5-5 .mu.m.
So far it has been very difficult to improve all tool properties simultaneously. Commercial cemented carbide grades have therefore been optimized with respect to one or few of these wear types and hence to specific application areas.
Swedish patent application 9501286-0 which corresponds to U.S. Ser. No. 08/616,012, herein incorporated by reference discloses a coated cutting insert particularly useful for dry milling of grey cast iron. The insert is characterized by a straight WC-Co cemented carbide grade and a coating including a layer of TiC.sub.x N.sub.y O.sub.z with columnar grains and a top layer of fine grained textured .alpha.-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.
Swedish patent application 9502640-7 which corresponds to U.S. Ser. No. 08/675,034, herein incorporated by reference, discloses a coated turning insert particularly useful for intermittent turning in low alloyed steel. The insert is characterized by a WC-Co cemented carbide body having a highly W-alloyed Co-binder phase and a coating including a layer of TiC.sub.x N.sub.y O.sub.z with columnar grains and a top layer of a fine grained, textured .alpha.-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.
Swedish patent application 9503056-5 which corresponds to U.S. Ser. No. 08/703,965, herein incorporated by reference, discloses a coated turning cutting tool particularly useful for cutting in hot and cold forged low alloyed steel. The insert is characterized by a WC-Co cemented carbide body having a highly W-alloyed Co-binder phase and a coating including a layer of TiC.sub.x N.sub.y O.sub.z with columnar grains and a top layer of a fine-grained, .alpha.-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.

Coated milling insert and method of making it


The invention relates to a composition containing a particulate solid, plastic material (such as polyvinyl chloride), and a dispersant/agent comprising an oligomer from polymerizing a C7-20 hydroxycarboxylic acid optionally with a C1-6 hydroxycarboxylic acid or its corresponding lactone form.

In plastic materials such as polyvinyl chloride, the use of fillers is known. The presence of the fillers is known as a means of imparting dimensional rigidity, coloring, weathering, and lower costs of final plastic materials. However, advantages of fillers are balanced against at least one disadvantage including (i) slower processing during manufacture of the plastic materials, and (ii) diminished impact strength.
In order to overcome a number of the difficulties highlighted above, attempts have been made to employ coupling agents or other additives to the filler to promote compatibility with plastic materials.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,778,287 discloses structures of poly 12-hydroxystearic acids (PHS) and polyricinoleic acids (PRA) and their use in aliphatic/aromatic ink/paint systems as dispersants for organic and inorganic pigments.
Application and use of processing additives containing repeat units from hydroxycarboxylic acids are suggested for particulate solids by U.S. Pat. No. 4,797,440 in general thermoplastics. PVC is mentioned (column 4) and exemplified in Example 37 of Table 9 of the patent (Column 11). The particular Example 37 includes a phthalocyanine blue (0.2 g/100 g PVC) and titanium dioxide (2 g/100 g PVC) and exemplifies the increased colour strength generated by use of these dispersants. Advantages (end of column 1 and start of column 2) attributed to the use of the processing additive were fewer specks and better surface finish. The polymers were primarily polyolefins. Interestingly, chlorinated PVC and urethanes are not specifically mentioned as operative thermoplastics.
Trying to get the PHS or PRA dispersant onto filler (filler treatment) is covered by GB 2 056 461 where an emulsion is made of the dispersant and then applied to the pigment/filler surface. Again, examples of using the treated pigment in a PVC formulation are given (Example 45-47 bottom of page 7). Again, colour strength and reduction of speck levels are the major improvements from using such dispersants.
Formulating polymers from vinyl chloride for melt processing presents numerous issues and a need to balance processing properties and final properties. Polymers of higher molecular weight (high inherent viscosity (IV)) typically have better properties such as strength and impact resistance, but melt process at slower rates than lower molecular weight polymers of the same composition. The addition of Impact modifiers to polymers from vinyl chloride provide important impact resistance to molded articles but also slows melt processing rates. Particulate fillers can be added but also decrease melt processing rates. Thermal degradation of vinyl chloride based polymers accelerates as degradation products like HCl are produced from past thermal exposure of the polymer. Therefore, it is desirable to minimize the melt temperature and thermal exposure time of polymers from vinyl chloride. The thermal exposure both imparts a yellow color to the polymer and lowers the molecular weight, of the polymer. Contradictory to the desire for short thermal history is the necessity to fully melt and fuse the polymers from vinyl chloride during melt processing to achieve optimal impact resistance and strength in the final article.
PHS/CAP and PRA/CAP polymers (CAP stands for caprolactone) have been disclosed as intermediates to PEI dispersants in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,700,395 and 6,787,900. They have not generally been claimed as dispersants themselves except in US Publication 20060189502A1 for Dispersions to Make Electronic Devices, such as electrical capacitors containing electrically conductive metal layers and electrically insulative layers laid downed and then fired to form a ceramic composite.
It would be desirable to have a class of dispersants in filled poly vinyl chloride compositions, to dispersions containing such dispersants together with a particulate solid in PVC, and compositions comprising a particulate solid, PVC and a dispersant which require a shorter melt processing time. It would also be desirable to have a dispersant to use in forming finished PVC articles, which may optionally have filler present, that promotes fusion of the PVC particles and thereby enhances throughput through the PVC processing equipment.


Flight control information systems, flight guidance display, and aircraft are provided. A navigational information system includes an input configured to receive a flight plan wherein the flight plan includes a first waypoint, a second waypoint, a third waypoint, and future waypoints, a user interface operative to generate a control signal in response to a user input, a display configured to display a graphical user interface, a processor operative to receive the flight plan from the input, to generate the graphical user interface to include to the first waypoint and the second waypoint and to couple the graphical user interface to the display, the processor being further operative to generate the graphical user interface in to include the first waypoint and the third waypoint in response to the control signal and to couple the graphical user interface to the display.

In aviation, navigation waypoints are used to indicate points along a desired navigational route where changes in direction, speed, or altitude are required to ensure safe and organized coordination of many aircraft. For example, an aircraft may travel eastbound between a first waypoint and a second waypoint at 33000 feet, or flight level 330 (FL330) and a second aircraft may travel westbound between the second waypoint and the first waypoint at 35000 feet (FL350). Thus, the two planes may pass when traveling between the two waypoints but will be at different altitudes and therefore will pass without incident.
Currently, aircraft Flight Guidance Panels (FGP) only indicate the current settings for speed, lateral, vertical, altitude, and auto-flight. They do not provide information on the next stage of flight. Furthermore, current FGP designs do not incorporate touch capability in the design. All parameters or modes are changed by turning knobs and pressing buttons. For smoke filled cockpit situations, it can be difficult to view the FGP's current seven segment displays to discern the current values of parameters. As such, it is desirable to provide flight systems, flight control algorithms, and aircraft that provide convenient and improved flight guidance and navigation system access and presentation. In addition, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent summary and detailed description, and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background.
The above information disclosed in this background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the invention and therefore it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

Advanced flight guidance panel with display of future waypoints and constraints


A vehicle parking assisting system detects an obstacle by sonar devices, and displays it as a present detection position and a past detection point on a display device in an overlapping manner with a combined birds-eye view image. The present detection point is displayed as a series of dots extending from a predetermined position in a fan-shaped detection area in an arcuate shape along a detection area of the sonar devices, and the past detection point is displayed as a single dot located at the predetermined position in the fan-shaped detection area.

Various vehicle parking assisting systems are proposed. For instance, JP 2002-59798A proposes a display of a positional relation between a vehicle and an obstacle, and JP 2000-142284A proposes a display of a distance between a vehicle and an obstacle. In addition, JP 2003-030627A and 2003-143597A propose a display of a birds-eye view image formed by combining past and present birds-eye view images.
In other conventional vehicle parking assisting systems, as shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C, a subject vehicle SV has a sonar device including an ultrasonic sensor to detect an obstacle OB such as another vehicle or a building within a detection area DA of the sonar device, when moving in its rearward direction. In these figures, DP1 and DP2 denote a present detection point and a past detection point of the obstacle OB, respectively. These situations in FIGS. 14A to 14C are displayed on a display device 10 in the subject vehicle SV in such manner as in FIGS. 15A to 15C, respectively. Specifically, when the obstacle OB is detected in the detection area DA, the detection points DP1 and DP2 are provided at positions corresponding to distances to the subject vehicle SV. The positions are for instance at 45° from the longitudinal axis of the vehicle SV.
According to this display, in some instances, the detection points DP may not be provided along the outer periphery of the obstacle OB but may be provided at other positions away from the outer periphery of the obstacle OB. As a result, a driver of the vehicle SV may recognize a rearward space available for the rearward parking movement as being more limited than it actually is. Therefore this parking assisting system is not satisfactory.

Vehicle parking assisting system and method


A pasta making accessory includes a base for placement upon a table or counter top, an elongated hollow tubular post supported at a bottom end on the base and extending upright therefrom to a top open end, the tubular post an interior storage cavity extending between the bottom and top ends, and elongated pasta drying sticks adapted to be removably placed and stored during non-use in a closely packed relationship with one another in the elongated interior cavity of the tubular post. The tubular post has a plurality of pairs of holes defined about an upper portion of the tubular post for removably mounting therethrough at inner ends the plurality of pasta drying sticks. The drying sticks extend outwardly from and about the tubular post in a radial and helical path so as to provide sufficient space between the drying sticks to facilitate draping of freshly extruded pasta strips thereover for proper drying thereof.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to kitchen and cooking accessories and, more particularly, is concerned with a pasta making accessory functioning dually as a paper towel holder/dispenser.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A variety of structures have been developed over the years principally for the purpose of air drying clothes and other similar items indoors. Such structures were especially significant in the years prior to the advent of automatic clothes dryers.
Diverse purposes, however, may be fulfilled by these types of structures. In recent years fairly compact structures have been developed to meet food preparation requirements such as for drying freshly made pasta.
Representative examples of these types of structures are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. to Crossman et al (773,787), Trager (1,326,808), Gilmore, Jr. (2,469,298) and Duggan (Des. No. 267,768). The Crossman et al, Trager and Gilmore, Jr. structures each address the requirements for a clothes drying structure. Each basically provides an upright structure with collapsible arms radially extendable from a stabilizing central vertical member. The Duggan structure serves dual functions as a pasta drying rack and as a trivet for placement under warm casserole dishes and the like. This structure provides a pair of opposed collapsible racks extending from a straight member.
While potentially adaptable for purposes other than clothes drying, the Crossman et al, Trager and Gilmore, Jr. structures are all rather complicated in design and construction and thus costly in manufacture. The Duggan structure provides a simple design, but the specific drying rack features non-removable, closely spaced drying sticks. This dense structural arrangement tends to restrict the adequate flow of air through the pasta strips, thus inhibiting their proper drying.
Consequently, a need exists for a pasta making accessory which is simple in design and construction, using readily available materials, for inexpensive manufacture and ease in use by the average person. The accessory should provide flexible drying features such that freshly prepared food items such as pasta can be dried sufficiently and efficiently to meet mealtime schedules. The accessory should be easy to clean so that it can be used frequently. The accessory should also provide compact storage features for the specific drying elements so as to fit neatly into kitchen counter arrangements. An available dual feature of the accessory such as a holder/dispenser for paper towels would be an added benefit for a kitchen cooking area.


The technology relates to controlling a vehicle based on a railroad light's activation status. In one example, one or more processors receive images of a railroad light. The one or more processors determine, based on the images of the railroad light, the illumination status of a pair of lights of the railroad light over a period of time as the vehicle approaches the railroad light. The one or more processors determine based on the illumination status of the pair of lights, a confidence level, wherein the confidence level indicates the likelihood the railroad light is active. The vehicle is controlled as it approaches the railroad light based on the confidence level.

Autonomous vehicles, such as vehicles that do not require a human driver, can be used to aid in the transport of passengers or items from one location to another. Such vehicles may operate in a fully autonomous mode where passengers may provide some initial input, such as a pickup or destination location, and the vehicle maneuvers itself to that location. In order to do so safely, these vehicles must be able to detect and identify objects in the environment as well as respond to them quickly. Typically, these objects are identified from information that can be perceived by sensors such as LIDAR, radar, or cameras.
In some instances, detection and identification of the status of active signals and signs is paramount to safely maneuvering a vehicle to its destination. For instance, railroad crossing lights can provide important contextual cues to human drivers about what may be happening or is about to be happening at a railroad crossing in the vehicle's trajectory. Therefore being able to detect and respond to such active signals can be especially important to ensuring a safe and effective autonomous driving experience.


The present invention is concerned with collecting immunoglobulins from the oral cavity for immunological testing. A rinse is used to collect a specimen having a high concentration of immunoglobulins. The specimen can be subjected to a basic immunological testing technique which can be used as a tool for screening a patient for diseases. A test kit is also provided for.

The present invention relates to the field of immunological testing. In particular, a system for analyzing immunoglobulins extracted from the oral cavity is disclosed.
The immune system of the mouth not only interacts with the general immune system of the body, but also has its own centralized center for antigen-antibody response. Within the oral cavity is found extraoral lymph nodes and intraoral lymphoid aggregations. The extraoral lymph nodes are involved in the drainage of the oral mucosa, gum and teeth. However, the function of the intraoral lymphoid tissue is little understood.
The extraoral lymph nodes include a fine network of lymph capillaries which are superficially located in the mouth, palate, cheeks, lips, gingiva, and pulp of the teeth. The capillaries join to larger lymph vessels which originate from a network deep in the muscle of the tongue and other structures. An antigen can gain entry into the oral lymphatic system directly through the capillaries or be transported there by phagocytes. Once inside the network, the antigen can induce an immune response.
Included in the intraoral lymphoid tissue are generally four distinct tissue aggregations: (a) the tonsils, (b) scattered submucosal lymphoid aggregations, (c) salivary gland lymphoid tissue, and (d) gingival lymphoid tissue.
The tonsils (palatine and lingual) primarily produce B-cells and T-cells which are generally contained within a cap of lymphocytes and plasma cells. Antigen typically gains entry into the tonsils through a distinct epithelial region wherein the antigen can come into contact with the T- and B-cells to stimulate an immune response. The predominant type of antibody formed in the tonsils is found to be IgG followed, in order, by IgA, IgM, IgD and IgE.
Scattered submucosal lymphoid cells have not been extensively studied. These cell masses are histologically similar to tonsillar tissue.
Both the major salivary glands (parotid, submandibular and sublingual) and the minor salivary glands have been found to contain lymphocytes and plasma cells. Most of the plasma cells secrete IgA and some IgG or IgM. The IgA synthesized in the salivary glands has a dimeric structure. This type of IgA is referred to as secretory IgA (sIgA) and is the major immunoglobulin component in saliva.
Both T-cells and B-cells are found in the gingival lymphoid tissue. In subjects having clinically normal gingival tissue, T-cells predominate. During an infectionary period, such as during the development of gingivitis, B-cells have been found to predominate.
Plasma cells are also found in the gingival lymphoid tissue. Clusters of these cells are generally located near the blood vessels and predominately produce IgG. To a lesser extent, IgA and IgM are also manufactured. More importantly, Brandtzaeg et al. in, Human Saliva: Clinical Chemistry and Microbiology edited by Jorma O. Tenovuo, have shown that the immunoglobulins from the secretions from the gingival tissue area are directly related to the immunoglobulins found in the blood.
Because of the association between immunoglobulins of the blood and saliva, as well as the occurrence of sIgA peculiar to salival fluid, antigen-antibody tests have been conducted on the saliva to assess the value of such tests as a screening tool for diseases.
Collection of saliva from the salivary glands is complicated by the low volumes secreted, the diverse anatomic dispersion of the glands, and the relatively high viscosity of the fluid. Most techniques for collection involve the use of capillary tubes, suction into micropipettes, or aspiration into polypropylene syringes. These methods, however, are limited in that viscosity of the saliva makes the recovery of bubble-free material by these techniques difficult. Other methods of collection have been suggested to eliminate or at least reduce the quantity of bubbles in the sample. Among such methods include collecting saliva in the mouth by direct absorption with a sponge or flexible wad of osmotic membrane. After absorption, the saliva can be separated from the absorptive material by centrifugation or by compressing the absorptive material. However, absorption is generally accomplished by using cotton, nylon, or polyester as the absorptive material. These materials can non-specifically bind proteins which can result in an undesirably low recovery of immunoglobulins.
Testing of salivary specimens has not been extensively developed. In addition to problems with collection, the samples collected by the known methods typically contain about 0.01-0.1% of the immunoglobulin found in blood serum. Because of the reduced immunoglobulin content of saliva, it has been necessary to use more accurate antigen-antibody assay methods in screening patients for disease. Parry et al., "Rational Programme for Screening Travellers for Antibodies to Hepatitis A Virus", The Lancet, June 25, 1988, have discussed such methods and have found that the more accurate IgG-capture radioimmunoassay (GACRIA) test is preferable to avoid false indications which may occur in less accurate methods. Of course, more accurate testing procedures usually require added time and expense to achieve the test results.

Oral rinse immunoglobulin collection kit for immunoassay and method thereof


Various embodiments of the present technology provide a sweetener composition comprising stevia glycosides that may be stably soluble in an aqueous solution, and methods for their manufacture. In various embodiments, the sweetener composition may comprise at least one stevia glycoside and a natural emulsifier. The natural emulsifier of the sweetener composition may enhance the aqueous solubility of the stevia glycoside to increase the concentration of dissolved stevia glycoside relative to its inherent aqueous solubility. The sweetener composition may be stably soluble upon formulation into any edible sweetened substances.

Food and drink sweeteners are a pervasive part of the human diet due to their pleasing taste. Sweeteners may be natural or artificial, caloric or non-caloric, and may take any form suitable for use in edible materials, including granular, powder, syrup, and liquid. Sweeteners may be derived from a variety of sources. Caloric sweeteners include common table sugars (sucrose), fructose, and palm sugar. Sugars add a pleasant taste to many foods but are high in calories, with one cup of table sugar exceeding 750 dietary calories, which may contribute to obesity and other health problems. Consequently, various classes of non-caloric or low caloric sweeteners, or sugar substitutes, have been developed to replace sugars in food and drinks.
Sweeteners that may be used in lieu of sugar may be derived from natural sources or may be artificially produced through synthesis and/or derivation methods. Non-caloric or low caloric sweeteners may benefit consumers by lowering the amount of calories that are consumed, making weight management easier. These sweeteners may replace conventional sugars in food and beverages to minimally impact blood sugar levels, which may be desirable to people with active lifestyles such as athletes, people with metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus, hypoglycemia, or people suffering from obesity.
Stevia glycosides extracted from the plant Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni may be used as a sugar substitute. However, stevia glycosides also have numerous disadvantages. One such challenge for those skilled in the art of food and beverage formulation is the difficulty with the stability of stevia glycosides in solution, tow aqueous solubility, and precipitation and co-precipitation with other components from solution over time. Precipitants may cause the formulation to be cloudy or form solids or crystals that float or collect at the bottom of the container. Precipitation may affect the potency of the formulation's sweetness, taste, and negatively impact the perception of the consumer of the formulation's quality.

Compositions and methods for the solubilization of stevia glycosides


A micro-object is affixed to a mounting structure at a desired relative orientation. The micro-object may be a tool tip optimized to work with particular microscope objectives permitting the tip to be imaged along with the object surface and used to make measurements or modifications through a travel range along the microscope imaging axis equal to or nearly equal to the working distance of the given objective. The tool tip may have a lengths exceeding 80 microns, say up to several millimeters; even the longest tips can have widths of tens of microns.

The present invention relates generally to the manufacture and handling of micro-objects such as shaped tool heads or tips, and more particularly to the manufacture of miniature tools incorporating or consisting of shaped structures.
Manufacturing and other processes pertaining to scanning probe microscopy, nanomachining, micromachining, machining, optics, biotechnology, and biomedicine often require highly specialized miniature tools. Such tools typically consist of a shaped tool head formed and parted from a diamond or other hard material work piece and mounted on a body or handle. Depending on the particular application, the spatial orientation of the tool head relative to the tool body, once mounted thereupon, may be critical to the usefulness of the miniature tool.
Execution of present methods for handling, aligning and mounting small structures, particularly structures smaller then 200 microns (referred to as micro-objects), is highly difficult and often results in uncertain orientation of the fine tool head structure relative to the tool body. Present methods for cantilever and tip manufacture also limit the length of tool pieces and make it necessary to provide substantial extra unused material in the tool head which can be expensive and limiting in the use of special high performance materials.

Tool tips with scanning probe microscopy and/or atomic force microscopy applications


A computing device's settings, specifically audio or video settings are adjusted based on a status and/or location of an event participant carrying the device. An event coordination service or an application on the computing device may match the participant's status and location to event location information. Upon matching either status or location, the computing device's settings may be modified to prevent audio feedback by any audio equipment at the event location or similar video interference.

The proliferation of digital communication has enabled economic and social changes not imagined in previous cultures. Digital signals carried by wire or transmitted wirelessly enable multiple parties to engage in a variety of remote venues including business and personal activities. Instant communication has enabled business entities to decentralize in order to provide work environments better suited to demand. Decentralization of work environments has also benefited employee and clients alike by enabling employees to support client from client locations. Additionally, digital communications has enabled sharing of a variety of media. Enhanced media exchange has fulfilled variety of needs such as audio, video, data transmissions to better meet client demands.
A large number of devices to enable instant communication may also have drawbacks. Ensuring compatibility among devices is a major area of concern in enterprise environments. One example challenge facing users is audio feedback. Multiple devices utilizing speakers and microphones can produce audio feedback and negatively impact user experience in circumstances where the devices are connected such as in an online conference. Manually turning off audio hardware, to prevent audio feedback, is susceptible to non-compliance, and ultimately is inconvenient.

Mobile device configuration based on status and location


The invention relates to methods for treating T cell mediated autoimmune diseases, such as psoriasis and multiple sclerosis, in a human in need thereof, wherein a therapeutically effective amount of a substance which lowers the cellular glutathione content is administered to the human.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to methods and substances for treating T-cell-mediated autoimmune diseases.
Autoimmunity is based on a specific, adaptive immune response against endogenous antigens. Normally, the immune system leaves endogenous substances undisturbed and combats only foreign bodies. Autoimmunity can be viewed as the result of a breakdown of the tolerance towards endogenous substances and/or of a defective control and regulation mechanism of the immune system. Admittedly the precise causes of the onset of autoimmune diseases are still unknown, however it is suspected that environmental and also hereditary factors are involved. T lymphocytes appear to be significantly involved in the triggering of the disease, since they can cause tissue damage both as cytotoxic T lymphocytes and also through the activation of macrophages.
Autoimmune diseases can be classified into tissue- or organ-specific and systemic, i.e., non-organ specific, autoimmune diseases. Thus for example the disease multiple sclerosis is an example of an organ-specific, T-cell-mediated autoimmune disease in man.
In practice, the therapeutic approach is limited by the chronic, slowly progressing nature of most auto-immune diseases. The use of immunosuppressants and corticosteroids has proved partially successful.
The course of chronic autoimmune diseases, allergies or infections can be predicted on the basis of the cytokine profile of CD4+ T helper (TH) cells. The TH lymphocytes are further subdivided inter alia on the basis of the cytokines produced by them: while TH1 cells synthesize interferon γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-2 (IL-2), TH2 cells instead produce interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-5 (IL-5), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-9 (IL-9) and interleukin-13 (IL-13). A further TH cell population which produce cytokine IL-17, so-called TH17 cells, have a similar inflammatory phenotype to TH1 cells. IFN-γ producing TH1 cells control intracellular pathogens, but, like TH17 cells, can also trigger organ-specific autoimmune diseases such as for example autoimmune diabetes, multiple sclerosis or psoriasis, whereas IL-4 producing TH2 cells can ameliorate organ-specific autoimmune diseases.
The differentiation of native CD4+ cells in either TH1 or TH2 cells is regulated by cytokines, in particular by IL-12 or IL-4, and also by T cell receptor-ligand interactions, accessory molecules and the like. In addition, the functional phenotype of dendritic cells (DC), which are either TH1-inducing DC1 or TH2-inducing DC2, plays a part. For the formation of TH17 cells, the cytokine IL-23, which as well as its p19 chain has the same p40 subunit as IL-12, is necessary. Like IL-23, IL-12 is also produced by DC.
Glutathione (GSH) is a ubiquitously occurring tripeptide which is made up of the non-essential amino acids glutamate, cysteine and glycine. Because of its thiol group (SH group) and the γ-glutamyl linkage, glutathione has an abundance of biological functions which include detoxification reactions, structure formation of proteins, coenzyme functions, repair of DNA damage, and influencing of the cellular environment and hence involvement in developmental and ageing processes (ageing). Glutathione is possibly the most commonly occurring low molecular weight thiol and is found in almost all cells, in some cases at relatively high concentrations (about 5 mmol/l). The biosynthesis and degradation of glutathione proceed via the so-called γ-glutamyl cycle. As a sulfhydryl buffer in the cell, it is in equilibrium with glutathione disulfide GSSG, which is formed as an oxidation product either by catalytic action of a selenium-containing glutathione peroxidase, during which hydrogen peroxide arising in the metabolism is reduced, or in a transhydrogenation. An NADPH-dependent GSSG reductase catalyzes the reverse reaction to glutathione.
2. Related Prior Art
In recent studies (see Utsugi, et al., 2003, J. Immunol. 171, 628-635), it could be shown that compounds which are capable of forming glutathione-S conjugates inter alia suppress lipopolysaccharide-induced interleukin 12 production in macrophages.
In spite of said possibilities for treating autoimmune diseases, there is still great interest in finding alternative to the previously used therapeutic approaches, since said approaches often cause severe side-effects or can only be implemented very labor-intensively and/or at great expense.

Method and substances for treating T-cell mediated autoimmune diseases


Provided is a slot machine which determines a prize situation depending on a combination of symbols to be displayed on effective lines. The position of the effective lines is variable and is determined by sampling a random number.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a game machine in which a prize situation is determined, depending upon a combination of symbols, and in particular to a slot machine which is characterized by a way of displaying a prize situation.
2. Description of the Prior Arts
Heretofore, there have in general been widely used slot machines as game machines which pay out medals such as coins, depending upon a prize situation as a result of a game. Explanation will now be made of a slot machine by way of an example.
After a player inserts a medal into a slot machine, the player manipulates a start lever to start a game. In the slot machine, a plurality (for example, three) of reels each having several kinds of symbols arranged at the outer peripheral edge thereof, are rotated at a high speed, and a prize situation is determined, depending upon a combination of symbols on the reels, which come to predetermined window positions when the rotation of the reels is stopped. Further, a combination of symbols, that is, a prize configuration when these reels being stopped, determines a number of medals to be paid out.
Among prizes in the slot machine, there may be a "big prize" in which more than 1,000 medals are paid out, a "small prize" in which less than 1,000 medals are paid out, a "second game gain" in which a second game as a subgame can be enjoyed and so forth.
Next, explanation will be hereinbelow made of the so-called "second game gain".
A game by which "a big prize", "a small prize", a second game gain or the like can be obtained will be referred to as "a first game". In the first game, if the "second game gain" can be obtained, a second game can be carried out without inserting a new medal. This second game is carried out under a rule different from that of the first game, and is in general called as, for example, "a bonus game" or "a free game". This second game is in general advantageous for the player. That is, the player can gain a large number of medals in accordance with a result of the second game.
By the way, among slot machines which are worldwide used, there is the one in which a center horizontal line is fixedly formed, serving as an effective line for indicating a prize in a window through which the player sees symbols. That is, a prize situation is determined, depending upon a combination of symbols which come onto this fixed effective line when reels come to a stop after they are rotated.
Further, in the slot machine of such a type, there are parts having no symbols (which will be referred to as "blanks"), among the symbols. The three reels are rotated successively in order, for example, rightward. If the leftmost one of the reels comes to a stop so that a blank thereon comes onto the effective line, it is concluded that the game is failed at that time. Accordingly, the player would soon know that no medal can be obtained as a result of a game at the time when only one of the three reels comes to a stop, and accordingly, the player would lose interest in the present game shortly. This is because of the effective line which is fixed and which has been beforehand known as to where it is.
Further, there is a slot machine of another type in which a number of effective lines is increased, depending upon a number of medals to be bet in a game. For example, in a game in which a single medal is bet, only a center horizontal line serves as an effective line, but in a game in which two medals are bet, the center horizontal line and two lines above and below the center horizontal line, that is, three lines in total, serve as effective lines.
However, even in a game machine of such a type wherein the number of effective lines increases, the positions of effective lines in the game are stationary and can be known. Accordingly, the player can anticipate a result of the game before all three reels come to a stop. Thus, there has been a problem in that the game is simple and plain.


An anti-friction bearing unit, particularly for use in an exhaust gas turbo charger. The unit includes two anti-friction bearings axially spaced apart from each other on a shaft. High temperature occurs on one end of the shaft. A precise mounting is provided which is not sensitive to high temperatures on at least the axial side exposed to high temperature. The bearing outer ring, which is the ring not subject to high temperatures, consists of one piece. The bearing inner ring is widened and divided into two sections at its axial middle. The axial portion of the divided inner ring which is exposed to high temperature consists of material of high heat resistance. The high heat resistance material is, for example, 80 MoCrV 42 16 (M 50) or X 102 CRMo 17 (AISI 440 C). An additional intermediate ring around the shaft at the high temperature and helps reduce heat transmission.

The present invention relates to an antifriction bearing which resists heat, particularly heat applied at an axial end of the bearing. The bearing has particular application for exhaust gas turbochargers.
Exhaust gas turbochargers operate at a high speed rotation. In addition, they develop high temperatures. In particular, high temperature is applied at one axial end of the bearing. This combination of operating conditions makes extreme demands on the precision and heat resistance of the mounting of the bearing.
Plain bearings were used in order to support the shafts of the turbocharger. A change has recently been attempted to use anti-friction bearings. See European Unexamined Application 87 834 and German Unexamined Application OS 36 17 402. In such bearing units, standard anti-friction bearings are arranged on a shaft axially spaced from each other. The bearings are axially pre-tensioned by springs to obtain the desired precision and are cooled by various expensive cooling means. These create complicated mountings and their operating action is not predictably optimal.
An anti-friction bearing unit in which the invention is used comprises two anti-friction bearings which are axially spaced apart from each other along a shaft. Particularly in a turbo charger, the two bearings are arranged so that high temperature occurs on one axial side of the shaft covering one of the two bearing rows.

Anti-friction bearing for heat resistance


A device for delivering fluid including a disposable assembly having an exit port assembly and a metering portion of a dispenser for controlling fluid flow to the exit port assembly, and a reusable assembly having a control portion of the dispenser adapted to control the metering portion of the dispenser upon attachment of the reusable assembly and the disposable assembly, a local processor connected to the dispenser and programmed to cause fluid flow to the exit port assembly through the dispenser based upon flow instructions, and a local wireless communication element connected to the local processor for receiving flow instructions from a remote wireless device. The assemblies are adapted to be removably attached, and a power source is contained in the disposable assembly for providing power to the reusable assembly upon attachment of the reusable assembly and the disposable assembly.

The present invention relates generally to devices for delivering therapeutic fluids and more particularly to small, portable infusion devices and methods that can be used to transcutaneously deliver these fluids safely and simply to a mammalian patient. Even more particularly, the present invention relates disposable and reusable modular components of a, small, portable infusion device.
Today, there are numerous diseases and other physical ailments that are treated by various medicines including pharmaceuticals, nutritional formulas, biologically derived or active agents, hormonal and gene based material and other substances in both solid or liquid form. In the delivery of these medicines, it is often desirable to bypass the digestive system of a, mammalian patient to avoid degradation of the active ingredients caused by the catalytic enzymes in the digestive tract and liver. Delivery of a medicine other than by way of the, intestines is known as parenteral delivery. Parenteral delivery of various drugs in liquid form is often desired to enhance the effect of the substance being delivered, insuring that the unaltered medicine reaches its intended site at a significant concentration. Also, undesired side effects associated with other routes of delivery, such as systemic toxicity, can potentially be avoided.
Often, a medicine may only be available in a liquid form, or the liquid version may have desirable characteristics that cannot be achieved with solid or pill form. Delivery of liquid medicines may best be accomplished by infusing directly into the cardiovascular system via veins or arteries, into the subcutaneous tissue or directly into organs, tumors, cavities, bones or other site-specific locations within the body.
Parenteral delivery of liquid medicines into the body is often accomplished by administering bolus injections using a needle and reservoir, or continuously by gravity driven dispensers or transdermal patch technologies. Bolus injections often imperfectly match the clinical needs of the patient, and usually require larger individual doses than are desired at the specific time they are given. Continuous delivery of medicine through gravity feed systems compromise the patient""s mobility and lifestyle, and limit the therapy to simplistic flow rates and profiles. Transdermal patches have special requirements of the medicine being delivered, particularly as it relates to the molecular structure, and similar to gravity feed systems, the control of the drug administration is severely limited.
Ambulatory infusion pumps have been developed for delivering liquid medicaments to a patient. These infusion devices have the ability to offer sophisticated fluid delivery profiles accomplishing bolus requirements, continuous infusion and variable flow rate delivery. These infusion capabilities usually result in better efficacy of the drug and therapy and less toxicity to the patient""s system. An example of a use of an ambulatory infusion pump is for the delivery of insulin for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. These pumps can deliver insulin on a continuous basal basis as well as a bolus basis as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,498,843 to Schneider et al.
The ambulatory pumps often work with a reservoir to contain the liquid medicine, such as a cartridge or reservoir, and use electromechanical pumping or metering technology to deliver the medication to the patient via tubing from the infusion device to a needle that is inserted transcutaneously, or through the skin of the patient. The devices allow control and programming via electromechanical buttons or switches located on the housing of the device, and accessed by the patient or clinician. The devices include visual feedback via text or graphic screens, such as liquid crystal displays known as LCD""s, and may include alert or warning lights and audio or vibration signals and alarms. The device can be worn in a harness or pocket or strapped to the body of the patient.
Currently available ambulatory infusion devices are expensive, difficult to program and prepare for infusion, and tend to be bulky, heavy and very fragile. Filling these devices can be difficult and require the patient to carry both the intended medication as well as filling accessories. The devices require specialized care, maintenance, and cleaning to assure proper functionality and safety for their intended long-term use. Due to the high cost of existing devices, healthcare providers limit the patient populations approved to use the devices and therapies for which the devices can be used.
Clearly, therefore, there was a need for a programmable and adjustable infusion system that is precise and reliable and can offer clinicians and patients a small, low cost, light weight, simple to use alternative for parenteral delivery of liquid medicines.
In response, the applicant of the present application provided a small, low cost, lightweight, easy to use device for delivering liquid medicines to a patient, which is described in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/943,992, filed on Aug. 31, 2001. The device includes an exit port, a dispenser for causing fluid from a reservoir to flow to the exit port, a local processor programmed to cause a flow of fluid to the exit port based on flow instructions from a separate, remote control device, and a wireless receiver connected to the local processor for receiving the flow instructions. To reduce the size, complexity and costs of the device, the device is provided with a housing that is free of user input components, such as a keypad, for providing flow instructions to the local processor.
What is still desired are new and improved devices for delivering fluid to a patient. Preferably, the fluid delivery devices will be simple in design, and inexpensive and easy to manufacture, to further reduce the size, complexity and costs of the devices, such that the devices or portions thereof lend themselves to being small and disposable in nature.
In addition, the fluid delivery devices will preferably include combinations of disposable and reusable modular components in an effort to further reduce the costs of such devices.
The applicant has determined that a sophisticated ambulatory infusion device that can be programmed to reliably deliver variable flow profiles of liquid medications, yet is small, lightweight and low cost, is needed. Avoiding the general upkeep and maintenance required by expensive, long-term use devices is necessary for broader acceptance of ambulatory infusion therapy. Smaller and lighter devices are easier to carry and are more comfortable for the patient even allowing the device to attach with adhesive to the patient""s skin similar to a transdermal patch.
An inexpensive device allows greater flexibility in prescribing the device for use by reducing the financial burden on healthcare insurance providers, hospitals and patient care centers as well as patients themselves. In addition, low cost devices make it more practical for a patient to have one or more replacement devices readily available. If the primary device is lost or becomes dysfunctional, availability of the replacement eliminates costly expedited repair and avoids periods of discontinued ambulatory therapy.
The present invention, therefore, provides a small, lightweight and low cost fluid delivery device capable of adjustable and programmable fluid delivery includes a housing that surrounds a reservoir chamber. In fluid communication with the reservoir chamber is a dispenser for dispensing the fluid from the reservoir in finite amounts. The dispenser is controlled by an electronic microcontroller (referred to as the xe2x80x9clocal processorxe2x80x9d) of the fluid delivery device. The fluid delivery device further includes a communication element that receives information from a remote control device not mechanically attached to the fluid delivery device of the present invention. Also included is an exit port assembly in fluid communication with the dispenser from which the liquid medication exits the fluid delivery device and enters the body of a mammalian patient transcutaneously.
The types of liquids that could be delivered by the fluid delivery device of the present invention include but are not limited to: insulin, antibiotics, nutritional fluids, total parenteral nutrition or TPN, analgesics, morphine, hormones or hormonal drugs, gene therapy drugs, anticoagulants, analgesics, cardiovascular medications, AZT or chemotherapeutics. The types of medical conditions that the fluid delivery device of the present invention might be used to treat are diabetes, cardiovascular disease, pain, chronic pain, cancer, AIDS, neurological diseases, Alzheimer""s Disease, ALS, Hepatitis, Parkinson""s Disease or spasticity.
The housing of the fluid delivery device is preferably free of electromechanical elements, such as switches or buttons, that the patient would press to program or alter the programming of the fluid delivery device. The primary interface between the fluid delivery device and the user is via the remote control device.
In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the device for delivering fluid includes a disposable assembly having an exit port assembly, a metering portion of a dispenser for controlling fluid flow to the exit port assembly, and a housing containing the exit port assembly and the metering portion of the dispenser. The device also includes a reusable assembly having a control portion of the dispenser adapted to control the metering portion of the dispenser upon attachment of the reusable assembly and the disposable assembly, a local processor connected to the dispenser and programmed to cause fluid flow to the exit port assembly through the dispenser based upon flow instructions, a local wireless communication element connected to the local processor for receiving flow instructions from a remote wireless device, and a housing containing the control portion of the dispenser, the controller and the local wireless communication element.
The housings of the disposable assembly and the reusable assembly are adapted to be removably attached, and a power source is contained in the disposable assembly for providing power to the reusable assembly upon attachment of the reusable assembly and the disposable assembly.
These aspects of the invention together with additional features and advantages thereof may best be understood by reference to the following detailed descriptions and examples taken in connection with the accompanying illustrated drawings.


Apparatus and techniques for measuring and managing plant growth with cell phones or similar devices are described.

In agriculturally advanced countries the days of farmers planting crops, spreading fertilizer, and then hoping for the best until harvest time, are long gone. Nowadays farming is akin to managing a precision biochemical factory and plants are carefully monitored to maximize their growth. Fertilizer application is done according to specific algorithms that lead to high crop yield.
Precision fertilizer application saves money and protects the environment. Excess fertilizer leaches into the air, soil and water and pollutes lakes, rivers and aquifers. Nitrogen fertilizers can create massive algae blooms in the ocean that are fed by excess nutrient runoff. When algae populations get too large, they die and their natural decomposition depletes the water of oxygen leading to fish suffocation and death.
Farmers try to apply the optimum amount of fertilizer to get maximum possible growth from plants. Too much fertilizer leads to waste; however, too little fertilizer lowers crop yield unnecessarily. A basic strategy for finding the optimum fertilizer application rate begins with applying an excess of fertilizer to a small section of a field. In this "N-rich strip" plants are not limited by lack of fertilizer. During the growing season the progress of plants in the field is compared to that of plants in the N-rich strip. The difference in growth rates is used to estimate how much fertilizer to put on the field.
Plant growth rate is estimated by using optical sensors to measure Normalized Difference Vegetative Index (NDVI). NDVI is based on measurements of plant reflectivity at different wavelengths:
      N                          D                          V                          I    =                    r        NIR            -              r        VIS                            r        NIR            +              r        VIS            where rNIR is infrared (e.g. 780 nm) reflectivity and rVIS red (e.g. 660 nm) reflectivity. Vigorous plants absorb red and reflect infrared, leading to high NDVI readings.
NDVI can be measured on-the-fly by arrays of sensors mounted to a fertilizer spray truck. Combined with variable rate sprayers, this leads to fertilizer application rates customized over areas as small as a few square meters. Such systems are routinely used on large farms in agriculturally advanced countries. These systems are expensive, however, and have not yet been introduced in less agriculturally developed regions and are also not affordable for small research projects.
What are needed are easier, cheaper systems for estimating optimum fertilizer rates. These systems should serve the needs of farmers who are just beginning to adopt precision farming techniques. These systems should also be appropriate, from performance and cost points of view, for training and research purposes.