A spectrophotometric system includes a zoom lens assembly that is mounted for axial translation relative to an integrating sphere. The zoom lens assembly includes first and second focusing lens mounted to an axially movable lens carrier. The lens carrier is positioned intermediate first and second sets of mirrors for reflecting/directing SCE and SCI beams toward fiber ports. A reference beam is also emitted from the integrating sphere and transmitted to a processor, thereby resulting in simultaneous tri-beam measurements. The disclosed spectrophotometric systems may also include an aperture plate detection assembly and/or a sample holder assembly that incorporates a dampening gas spring. The aperture plate detection system includes a detection disk that may include a plurality of pre-positioned sensors that interact with an activating ridge formed on the aperture plate for identification thereof.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to enhanced spectrophotometer systems and subassemblies/components associated therewith. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to spectrophotometer systems and subassemblies/components thereof that provide and/or facilitate: (i) simultaneous measurement of "specular included" and "specular excluded" reflectance properties of a sample through an innovative zoom lens assembly; (ii) transmission measurements of virtually unlimited areas of interest through an innovative zoom lens assembly; (iii) automated and reliable determinations of the type of aperture plate placed at the front of the spectrophotometric instrument through an innovative aperture plate detection assembly; and (iv) reliable and non-disruptive sample placement through an innovative sample holder assembly.
2. Background Art
The use of integrating spheres as an optical measurement geometry in reflectance colorimetry is a standard practice, and is described in the Commission Internationale De L'Eclairage (CIE) Publication Number 15.2 (Colorimetry), 1986, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. An integrating sphere is a hollow metal sphere, generally several inches or more in diameter, that is coated with a highly reflecting diffuse material, e.g., barium sulfate or polytetrafluoroethylene. Thus, an integrating sphere generally defines an interior cavity (typically spherical) having a highly reflective, optically diffuse white surface.
The simplest integrating sphere designs contain two apertures, one which admits light and another which serves as a measurement port where the amount of light on the surface of the sphere can be measured. The integrating sphere generally collects all the light reflected from the surface of a sample placed against an opening into the sphere. At any point on the inner surface of the sphere, the illumination is essentially independent of the direction and location of the incident beam as well as the size of the beam; the inner surface is uniformly illuminated throughout, except at the point of direct illumination. By placing a specular port at an opposite angle (relative to the normal angle offset), the specular reflection can be either included or excluded from the measurement by placing material identical to the sphere's interior or a black trap, respectively, at the specular port. Integrating spheres are generally used in colorimetry for the precise determination of color for a sample under test.
It is a common practice in colorimetry to measure a sample with the specular component of reflection (mirror-like reflection from the surface) either included (SCI mode) or excluded (SCE mode). Other measurement-related parameters may include selection of the size of the measured sample surface, spectral content of the illumination, and angle of receiver beam with respect to the sample normal. Historically, instruments designed for colorimetry have measured the sample one configuration at a time (e.g., SCI or SCE mode with a single size of measured area), usually requiring a change of configuration or another instrument to select another mode combination. In such instruments, the integrating-sphere calorimeter is generally capable of measuring the sample with the specular component either included or excluded. Changing between SCI and SCE modes is usually achieved by the use of a movable segment of the integrating sphere which removes the specular component for SCE measurements or includes the specular component for SCI measurements. In such an instrument, the included/excluded option requires separate measurements with a time between to move the segment and mechanical means to do so.
Many instruments are capable of selecting the size of the area of the sample surface to be measured. Size selection is usually done with a "zoom" optical system or movable lens(es)/aperture(s). In such instruments, changing the size of the measurement area generally requires separate measurements with an inherent delay associated with moving the lens(es)/aperture(s). Mechanical structures for repositioning the lens have also been provided. Many instruments also use a second optical path as a reference measurement to normalize/compensate for changes in the illumination. Such common practice is generally referred to as "dual beam" optics.
Certain commercially available spectrophotometers in the color industry incorporate a method by which aperture plates corresponding to different aperture sizes are detected or selected so that the instrument can be properly configured to make the desired measurement with respect to the optical properties of the system in order to measure the correct area of interest. However, current methodologies for automatic aperture plate detection disadvantageously require a specific orientation of the aperture plate and typically use an optical sensor to determine the presence of a plate and the plate type. Commercially available methodologies for aperture plate detection are unacceptably limited and unreliable.
Bench top spectrophotometers in the color industry generally use a sample holder device to secure the sample under test to-the instrument. Typical commercial systems are constructed using an "over-centered spring" design which allows the "sample arm" to be pulled away from the instrument (thus releasing the sample under test) and to maintain its open state once the "over-centered" position is reached. A major draw back to the foregoing "over-center" design is that, once the sample arm is moved from the "over-centered" position, it "mouse-traps" or springs back on the sample with great force. This force is frequently sufficient to damage the delicate coating of the illumination sphere in the area where the sample is typically placed, thereby imparting undesirable damage to the instrument and an attendant cost and interruption in use to the system user.
Colorimetry instruments with multiple measurement paths, e.g., measurement paths for simultaneously measuring sample SCI and SCE, are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,369,481 to Berg et al. discloses a portable spectrophotometer that includes a small-diameter optical sphere as well as optical detectors and signal processing and display circuitry which allow the instrument to be taken to an object to be measured and which provide a readout of color values at the portable instrument. The instrument is capable of providing specular-included and specular-excluded color readings simultaneously. The sphere is provided with a first aperture which receives spectrally-included light and which is positioned to absorb a spectral component of the diffused source light. A second aperture positioned at a corresponding angular position with respect to the object measures specular-excluded light, excluding the specular component absorbed by the first aperture. Light detected from the first aperture is analyzed at a plurality of wavelengths obtained by the use of interference filters, and the light obtained from the second aperture is analyzed at one of the plurality of wavelengths. By combining the specular-included and specular-excluded at one wavelength, a value for the specular component is derived. Since this value is a theoretical constant, it is used to derive a specular-excluded reading from each of the specular-included readings at the different wavelengths.
Commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,424,413 to Weber et al. describes a multi-channel integrating sphere and an integrating sphere-based reflectance colorimeter/spectrophotometer for the measurement of color and appearance The Weber '413 patent discloses devices that include multiple receivers capable of concurrently receiving optical radiation scattered/reflected from a diffusely illuminated sample surface, with the capability of multiple measurement modes (e.g., multiple specular component excluded (SCE), SCE and specular component included (SCI), multiple SCI), multiple areas-of-view for a given measurement mode, multiple viewing angles per measurement mode, and combinations thereof. In a disclosed embodiment, two SCI receivers and two SCE receivers are provided, each disposed at an equal viewing angle relative to the sample surface. For each viewing mode, two sample areas-of-view are provided. The SCE receivers are opposite each other, such that the specular component of each SCE receiver is excluded by the port of the other SCE receiver. The receivers provide the collected light reflected from the sample to a detector which preferably is provided by multiple spectrometers or a single spectrometer having multi-channel capability to preferably sense the light from each receiver in parallel. The entire contents of the Weber '413 patent are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
Despite efforts to date, a need remains for enhanced colorimetric/spectrophotometric systems and subassemblies/components thereof having certain desirable features and functionalities. In particular, a need remains for colorimetric/spectrophotometric systems and subassemblies/components thereof that provide enhanced zoom lens functionalities and/or capabilities, enhanced aperture plate-detection functionalities and/or capabilities, and/or enhanced sample placement functionalities and/or capabilities.
These and other advantageous features, functionalities and capabilities are provided according to the advantageous colorimetric/spectrophotometric systems and subassemblies/components thereof that are disclosed herein.

Spectrophotometer and subassemblies thereof


A magnetic vibrator including a first magnetic portion and a second magnetic portion is disclosed. The first magnetic portion includes an inner plate, a first magnet and a second magnet. The inner plate is disposed between the first magnet and the second magnet. The second magnetic portion includes a coil and a wrapper. The coil is disposed around the first magnetic portion and wrapped in the wrapper. The wrapper has a gap corresponding to the inner plate. An interval is configured between the first magnetic portion and the second magnetic portion. When a current is occurred in the coil, the first magnetic portion and the second magnetic portion are actuated to move axially with respect to each other.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a magnetic vibrator and, in particular, to a thin magnetic vibrator able to vibrate vertically.
2. Related Art
A conventional vibrator is composed of a rotor with imbalanced weight. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, the rotor of the vibrator described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,942,833 is composed of a coil 12, a body 10, a holder 9 and other relative elements, and the weight of the rotor is imbalanced with regard to a center axis 8. The stator of the vibrator is composed of a magnet 5, bearings 4a and 4b, a brush 7a and other relative elements. When a current is conducted to the coil 12 of the rotor by flowing through the brush 7a, the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the coil 12 repels the magnetic field generated by the magnet 5 of the stator. Thus, the repulsive magnetic force drives the rotor to rotate about the center axis 8. Because of the imbalance in the weight of the rotor, the imbalanced centrifugal force and vibration of the rotor are generated during the rotor is rotating. Moreover, the vibration is a horizontal force with respect to the vibrator.
However, the vibration of this type of vibrator can be sensed until the motor is started and then continuously accelerated to reach a certain level of rotating speed; on contrast, after the power is cut off, the rotor cannot stop rotating and vibrating immediately due to the inertial effect, and there is still a sensible vibration effect over a span after the motor is powered off. Thus, the vibrator has a time lag with comparing to the power source or vibrating signal source. Moreover, the vibration force generated by the vibrator is along the horizontal direction rather than the vertical direction with respect to the electronic device or printed circuit board. However, in practice, the users can obviously feel the vertical vibrations stronger than the horizontal vibrations.
As shown in FIG. 1B, another type of vibrator described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,777,895 can generate vertical vibrations and has a vibrating element composed of an outer yoke 4 and a magnet 5. The magnet 5 is hollow annular-shaped, and the direction of the magnetic pole thereof is along the horizontal direction. A stator is composed of an inner coil 2 and an inner yoke 3. When a current is flowing through the inner coil 2, the generated magnetic force and the magnetic poles of the magnet 5 form either a repulsive force or an attractive force for driving the stator composed of the inner coil 2 and the inner yoke 3 to vibrate vertically.
However, there are still some defects in this design. Because vertical vibrations are generated from the vibrating element composed of the outer yoke 4 and the magnet 5, the vibrating element cannot be contacted or held such that a cover 7 is disposed to prevent the vibrations from being impeded. Thus, the size of a whole vibrator is limited, and is adverse for improvement in designing thin vibrators. Additionally, the direction of the magnetic poles of the hollow annular-shaped magnet 5 in this vibrator is horizontal. If the size of the vibrator is too small, the mass production of the vibrator is limited and it is adverse for improvement in designing thin vibrators as well.

Magnetic vibrator with inclined pole pieces


Disclosed are novel Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains capable of producing in high yield and preparation methods thereof. The strains anchor an expression vector carrying either or both of a nucleotide sequence coding for acetyl-CoA carboxylase carboxytransferase subunit alpha of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and a nucleotide sequence coding for malonyl-CoA-[acyl-carrier-protein] transacylase of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and/or a nucleotide sequence coding for acyl-acyl carrier protein thioesterase of Streptococcus pyogenes. The recombinant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains are genetically stable and have high lipid or fatty acid contents, thus being applicable to the mass production of fatty acids.

The burning of fossil fuels produces a tremendous amount of greenhouse gases and wastes that contribute to global warming, bringing a serious environmental crisis to bear upon mankind. Given this situation, there is a pressing need for the development of new, environmentally friendly bioprocesses that uses biomass as fuel, as an alternative to the chemical processes based on fossil fuels to minimize the production of detrimental wastes and the consumption of non-renewable energy. In recent years, there has been a great increase in interest in various bioenergy sources including bioethanol, biodiesel, biogas, and butanol. Some of the kinds of bioenergy sources can be used as fuels for electricity production or transportation, but have drawbacks because of their applicability and production. Now, attention is turning to renewable hydrocarbon compounds, with a concomitant increase of interest in recombinant strains capable of producing long chain fatty acids as their products.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa was first obtained in a pure culture by Gessard in 1882 from cutaneous wounds which had a blue green discoloration. This bacterial species is widely found in nature and frequently isolated from pus, phlegm, excreta, urine, bile, uterine secretions, blood, and spinal fluid. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that forms a mucous layer composed of extracellular polysaccharides, similar to capsules. This bacterium has great adaptability to any environment, with very simple auxotrophic requirements for growth. Streptococcus pyogenes is a spherical, Gram-positive bacterium that is the cause of many important human diseases, including pneumonia, pharyngitis, acute nephritis, and toxic shock syndrome.
A fatty acid is a monovalent carboxylic acid (—COOH) with a long hydrocarbon chain. Fatty acids are so named because they are produced by the hydrolysis of lipids. In the backbone of a fatty acid, hydrogen atoms are linked to each carbon atom, with a carboxyl group at one end. Fatty acids are degraded or synthesized in vivo through the fatty acid cycle. Most naturally occurring fatty acids have a chain composed of an even number of carbon atoms because the carbons are cleaved from or added to the hydrocarbon chain of the fatty acid in two-carbon atom groups.

In microorganisms, the biosynthesis of fatty acids from sugar starts with acetyl-CoA. Then, the chain is lengthened with the addition of a two-carbon atom unit per cycle to the growing hydrocarbon chain. In the cytoplasm, acetyl-CoA is carboxylated into malonyl-CoA which acts as an important mediator in fatty acid biosynthesis. This irreversible carboxylation is catalyzed by acetyl-CoA carboxylase. The enzyme is composed of three enzymatic subunits and requires biotin and Mn2+ as a cofactor with the supply of ATP during the carboxylation. Two of the three carbon atoms in the malonyl moiety of malonyl-CoA are added to the growing fatty acid chain per cycle of the biosynthesis. Like the production of malonyl-CoA, this reaction is carried out in the cytoplasm by a multi-enzyme protein which is not bound to the membrane. This multi-enzyme protein composed of individual functional enzymes is named fatty acid synthase. The acyl carrier protein (ACP) is an important component of the fatty acid synthase, with the growing chain bound thereto during synthesis.
Incessant trials and effort have been made to overexpress fatty acids in microbes using microbial fatty acid metabolism pathways. Information about the metabolism of E. coli is much more abundant, compared to other microbial organisms. In fact, E. coli is widely used for the production of recombinant proteins because all of its genes have been identified and analyzed. However, not much research has been conducted into the effect of the expression of exogenous genes from other species in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Many studies have been done into improving the production of fatty acids by the introduction of plant genes into E. coli, but genes from other microbial species have not been studied very much for improving fatty acid production, as is done the case for the present invention.
Thus, the present inventors introduced a gene from Pseudomonas, which is rich in lipids including fatty acids, and a gene from a Gram-positive species, which is novel to Pseudomonas, into Pseudomonas, so as to produce fatty acids at greater efficiency.
In the present invention, gene manipulation was carried out, on the basis of the complete understanding of the biological metabolism networks of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, to create a novel recombinant species which can produce a desired metabolite with high efficiency in an early step of the fatty acid biosynthesis pathway.
Culminating in the present invention, intensive and thorough research into the stable and effective production of fatty acids by gene manipulation, conducted by the present inventors, resulted in the finding that when transformed with a nucleotide sequence coding for acetyl-CoA carboxylase carboxytransferase subunit alpha of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and/or a nucleotide sequence coding for malonyl-CoA-[acyl-carrier-protein] transacylase, and a nucleotide sequence coding for acyl-acyl carrier protein thioesterase of Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa can overexpress the enzymes involved in the fatty acid biosynthesis pathway to activate the pathway, thus producing fatty acids in high yield.

Industry-University Cooperation Foundation Sogang University


A foldable device for carrying and displaying at least one flat article is disclosed, including a foldable unitary member adapted for movement between an open and a closed position. The unitary member includes an inside surface, an outside surface, and top, bottom, left and right side edges and further includes a latitudinal fold located between the top side edge and the bottom side edge for separating the unitary member into upper and lower portions and a longitudinal fold located between the left side edge and the right side edge for separating the unitary member into left and right portions. The lower portion of the unitary member is folded onto the upper portion, and the left portion is folded onto the right portion when the unitary member is in the closed position and the unitary member in such a closed position is approximately one quarter of the size of the unitary member in the open position. The foldable device further includes at least one flat article retaining member located on the inside surface of the unitary member for releasably retaining the at least one flat article.

Numerous information management inventory systems are available for both commercial and private applications. These systems often take the form of calendars, to-do lists, telephone directories, and the like and may generally be either computer-based wherein the system is implemented by a computer program and accessed via a computer, or paper-based wherein the system comprises the recording of information in a formatted manner on paper. All of these systems endeavor to provide the user with an organized and structured mechanism for promptly accessing, recording, and displaying information.
Computer information management systems have become popular in recent years due to the ability of the systems to organize, display, and manipulate various types of information. These advantages are important with regard to the ability to change or modify data and information that is already recorded and the ability of the computer systems to handle large quantities of data. However, these computer information management systems also have the disadvantages of requiring access to a computer to both record or access the relevant information and also have the disadvantage of decreased portability, especially with mobile users.
Conversely, paper-based or manual information management systems have the portability that is desired by most users that are constantly away from the office or otherwise away from a computer system. Additionally, information can be easily and readily recorded and accessed by a user in a paper format without regard to accessing a computer to input or maintain data records.
Various patents are directed to types of paper-based organizers or pocket secretaries. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,296,945 shows a pocket secretary having pockets and a bracket for detachably mounting a notebook.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,470,620 shows a document holder for a writing pad, papers and accessories. The holder has covers and a leaf member hingedly positioned between the covers which may be used as a writing or organizing surface.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,519,629 shows a spiral notebook and folder construction formed from a single blank sheet of material. A pocket is provided on the inner surface of the front cover panel which opens outwardly.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,630,843 shows a binder for holding papers having an exterior coversheet and an overlying interior coversheet which is foldable to define a rigid panel separated by at least one flexible hinge panel. Pockets or sleeves may be included to hold writing instruments and a pocket sheet which may be translucent overlies the interior coversheet.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,964,656 shows a folder having a central panel and two side panels. The side panels have pockets to receive cards to assist telephone solicitors.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,333,908 discloses an information management system incorporating a means for binding computer printing paper in a notebook and a system for recording and organizing time and events in the notebook.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,494,366 is directed to an organizer notebook and having front and rear covers hingedly secured to one another wherein the inner surface of one of the covers has pockets for receipt and retention of personal items and the inner surface of the other cover has document retention means in the form of a pair of opposed flaps foldably secured to the cover beneath which papers and other documents can be placed in an organized manner.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,017,062 discloses a day planner for holding calendar pages, papers, notes, cards, etc., which includes a separate compartment for holding photographs.
U.S. Patent Application No. US2003/0209903 describes a planning or event organizer comprising dual rigid covers, onto which organizer components are detachably supported and wherein items such as a notebook and an expandable folder can be detachably contained within the covers of the organizer.
It can be seen that there are a wide variety of organizers, pocket secretaries, notebooks, and document holders that are adapted for storing and retaining papers and other personal items. Many of the prior art notebooks or organizers include provisions for the retainment of paper and documents, but in most cases, the paper must be specifically adapted to cooperate with a notebook. Additionally, a disadvantage of these prior art paper-based information management systems is that in general they are inflexible and that while they may display various papers in large format for easy readability, they are not able to be compacted sufficiently enough for ease of carrying and result in a device that is too bulky to fit into a purse, briefcase, or the like due to their thickness or size.
The present invention provides a simplified organizer for use by students, business persons, and for personal use which is convenient for travel, yet also provides for the full displaying of flat articles contained within the device. The foldable device of the present invention is intended to be used with whole sheets, which can easily be folded into quarter size. Therefore, when the binder is open, the printed material housed inside is of full-size printed material in order to give the user a full work surface to write on or to provide better readability. The foldable device can then be folded into a closed position so that the device and the printed material which it contains are only a quarter size of the opened size and can easily be stored into a purse, briefcase, or any other storage place for travel. Additionally, the organizer has retainer features for securing the printed material within the device such that the printed material may be variously sized.


A method of performing unsupervised clustering of data points includes determining a number of qubits to include in a quantum processor based on feature dimensions of each data point. The method includes, for each pair of data points, executing a quantum circuit on a quantum processor having the determined number of qubits. The quantum circuit includes a feature map template circuit parameterized with a first plurality of rotations, a backward feature map template circuit parameterized with a second plurality of rotations, and a measurement circuit that outputs a similarity measure. The method includes creating a similarity matrix based on the similarity measure for each pair of data points, and inputting the similarity matrix to a classical clustering algorithm to cluster the data points. The feature map template circuit and the backward feature map template circuit each use quantum properties of superposition and entanglement of the qubits of the quantum processor.

The present invention relates to unsupervised clustering, and more specifically, to unsupervised clustering in quantum feature spaces using quantum similarity matrices.
Unsupervised learning is a critical component of many big data workflows, especially in pharmaceuticals and biosciences. When data contains massive numbers of measured data, often labeling is impossible at scale, and clustering is relied on to process the data into interpretable groups.

Unsupervised clustering in quantum feature spaces using quantum similarity matrices

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION


The present application relates to treatment of cutaneous wounds using IL-12. The methods of the invention result in improved wound closure. The methods comprise treating cutaneous wounds using topical, subcutaneous, and/or intramuscular administration of IL-12.

Cutaneous wounds represent a major cause of morbidity in diabetics. Every year, 2-3% of diabetics will develop foot ulcers. The lifetime probability of development of a diabetic foot ulcer is between 10 and 15%. In wound injuries that result in limb amputation, up to 90% began with a foot ulcer.
In addition, burn injury is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States, with approximately 100,000 cases of moderate to severe burn injuries requiring hospitalization and 5000 patients dying of burn-related complications each year (Church et al., Clin Microbiol Rev., 19(2):403-34 (2006)).
Reduction of the healing time for cutaneous wounds is highly desirable, as this can reduce the chances of infection and other complications. However, healing of cutaneous injuries is a complex process and can be slowed or interrupted by a variety of other factors, including diabetes, venous or arterial disease, old age, and infection, leading to chronic wounds.

Mitigation of cutaneous injury with IL-12


A patient support apparatus includes a support structure having a base and further includes an indication system having one or more clearance sensors configured to detect clearance within a clearance zone between the patient support surface and a floor surface and are also configured to generate one or more clearance signals corresponding to the detected clearance. The indication system also includes a controller coupled to the clearance sensors that is configured to receive the one or more clearance signals and generate an output based upon the received clearance signals. A display coupled to the controller is configured to receive the generated output and generate a visual clearance indication corresponding to the detected clearance within the clearance zone, or in specific predefined portions of the clearance zone, that is viewable in a viewing area of the display.

Patient support systems facilitate care of patients in a health care setting. Patient support systems comprise patient support apparatuses such as, for example, hospital beds, stretchers, cots, tables, wheelchairs, and chairs. Conventional patient support apparatuses comprise a base, a support frame, and a patient support surface upon which the patient is supported. Often, these patient support apparatuses have one or more powered devices to perform one or more functions on the patient support apparatus. These functions can include lifting and lowering the patient support surface, articulating the patient support surface, and the like. When the caregiver wishes to operate a powered device to perform a function, the caregiver actuates a user input device, often in the form of a button on a control panel.
In certain scenarios, the caregiver wishes to position an object such as an over the bed table ("OBT") such that its legs are underneath the base of the patient support apparatus. However, unless the caregiver physically bends down to visualize the clearance beneath the base of the patient support apparatus, the caregiver cannot be certain as to whether there is sufficient clearance to ensure no physical contact between the legs of the OBT and a portion of the patient support apparatus.
Alternatively, when the caregiver is operating one of the powered devices, such as a lift mechanism for raising or lowering the patient support surface, their field of vision is limited by their perspective relative to the patient support apparatus. As such, the caregiver cannot visualize the clearance space beneath the patient support surface without bending down to view the clearance or otherwise changing their positioning to view the clearance space. Thus, for example, when an object such as the OBT or a patient lift are positioned such that its legs are fully or partially beneath the base of the patient support apparatus, operation of the lift mechanism to lower the patient support surface could result in contacting the object. Such contact could result in damage to the patient support apparatus or the object, or both.
A patient support apparatus designed to overcome one or more of the aforementioned challenges is desired.

Indication system to identify open space beneath patient support apparatus


An ophthalmic lens includes spherical aberration in an amount that accounts for spherical aberration introduced into the lens during the manufacturing process and/or spherical aberration differences in the manufactured lens measured off of the eye and measured on the eye. The result is a lens-and-eye optical system is free or substantially free of spherical aberration, i.e., having only negligible spherical aberration. Because the optical system is free or substantially free of spherical aberration, there is no or only negligible coma induced by the normal misalignment of the lens optical axis and the eye's primary line of sight. The result is a lens-and-eye optical system that provides enhanced optical performance and visual quality. Also disclosed are methods of designing and manufacturing lenses with spherical aberration adjustments to account for manufacturing process changes and off-eye to on-eye differences.

Contact lenses are ophthalmic lenses worn on the anterior surface of the cornea and widely used for correcting several different types of vision defects. These defects include near-sightedness (myopia) and far-sightedness (hypermetropia), astigmatism, and deficiencies in near-range vision usually associated with aging (presbyopia). Soft contact lenses include a posterior surface that fits against the cornea and an opposite anterior surface usually having an optical zone, which is smaller than the entire anterior surface and which has a refractive error or optical correction that refracts light to correct the vision defect. Specifically, but not limited to the case of soft toric lenses for the correction of astigmatism, it is common to separate the toric (astigmatic) or cylinder power on the posterior surface of the lens and the sphere power (minus power correcting myopia or positive power correcting hypermetropia) on the anterior surface. In the case of presbyopia, the addition power is commonly on the posterior surface while the sphere power is on the anterior surface. For manufacturability, optical design or clinical reasons it can be beneficial to split the optical correction between these two surfaces.
Traditionally, contact lenses have been designed with posterior and anterior surfaces that are spherical. This has been done because of the ease of manufacturing these relatively simple surfaces, however, the spherical geometry introduces spherical aberration into the lens. Spherical aberration is one of the main higher order aberrations present in spherical contact lenses. While the resulting vision of stock (not customized to the individual's specific aberrations) spherical contact lenses when worn on the eye has been generally acceptable, patients commonly request improvement in their vision that is not currently available with contact lenses.
In an effort to provide improved vision, it has been suggested to design contact lenses with zero spherical aberration. Typically, such lenses would have an asphericity on one or both surfaces for eliminating the spherical aberration. However, it has been found in clinical practice that some aspherical contact lenses reported to be designed with zero spherical aberration do not in fact produce significantly enhanced vision when worn on the eye.
Other efforts to provide enhanced vision have focused on designing contact lenses having an equal but opposite spherical aberration to the population's mean spherical aberration of the eye alone. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,244,708 and 5,815,239 to Chapman et. al disclose contact lenses with a spherical aberration of −0.2 to −0.6 Diopter designed into the lenses to cancel out the spherical aberration of the average eye. However, it has been found that in practice these lenses do not in fact produce significantly enhanced vision when worn on the eye.
Accordingly, it can be seen that needs exist for improvements in contact lenses to account for spherical aberration in a way that enhances vision. It is to such improvements that the present invention is primarily directed.

Optimizing optical aberrations in ophthalmic lenses

Indiana University Research and Technology Corporation


An endoscopic surgical instrument which is able to be disassembled in order to facilitate cleaning of the instrument or replacement of certain components. The instrument comprises a handle portion at the proximal end of an elongated rotatable shaft, the handle portion including a pair of handles biased into a normally open position and movable between the normally open position and a closed position. Movement of the handles within the normal range serves to axially move an elongated working element situated within the hollow interior of the elongated sleeve, the proximal end of the working element shaft having a stud adapted to be received within a stud recess in one of the handles. The stud recess has a front slotted wall and an open top end. A spring means is provided in order to bias the handles during normal operation and a latch means is provided in order to disengage the spring. When the spring is disengaged, the handles may be moved beyond their normal range of motion so they may be placed into a disassembly position in which the stud on the proximal end of the working element may be pulled distally from the stud recess in order to enable the working element to be removed from the instrument.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to surgical instruments. More particularly, this invention relates to endoscopic surgical instruments having component parts which may be disassembled in order to clean the instrument prior to reuse.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Endoscopic surgical procedures require the use of elongated instruments having some handle or control means at the proximal end and a variety of different working elements or instruments at the distal end to facilitate such activities as cutting, gripping, applying ligating clips, etc. These instruments are inserted through a cannula to enable the surgeon to place the instrument at a working site within the body, the site being viewed by a camera through an endoscope inserted through another portal in the body.
Since endoscopic instruments are often reused, they must be cleaned and sterilized between each use. The current designs of reusable endoscopic instruments do not always facilitate such cleaning and sterilization. One known prior art manner of cleaning reusable endoscopic instruments is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/913,852, assigned to the assignee hereof. The instrument shown in this application incorporates a rotatable elongated working element having a check valve near the proximal end adapted for flushing the interior of the instrument during the cleaning process.
It is also known in the prior art to disassemble surgical instruments for cleaning purposes although the disassembly of endoscopic surgical instruments has often been either cumbersome or insufficient to assure adequate cleaning of the instrument.
It is an object of the present invention to produce an endoscopic surgical instrument in which selected portions of the instrument may be disassembled to facilitate cleaning prior to reuse.
It is also an object of this invention to produce an endoscopic surgical instrument having a minimum number of parts which need to be disassembled in order to facilitate the cleaning process.

Cleanable endoscopic surgical instrument


A system and method for automating and standardizing an appeals process, facilitating both business-to-business (i.e., insurance companies to providers) and business-to-consumer (i.e., insurance companies to patients) relationships, and educating users on the healthcare industry and patient rights. The system and method provides automated and standardized electronic communication for any business with a regulated or contractual appeals or grievance process. In one application, the system and method provide electronic communication between patients, providers, and insurance plans; convenient access to an “anytime” appeals process; and an efficient follow-up and appeals status tracking. There are standardized forms for the appeal, and the provider appeal format is compatible with current billing forms. The system includes an on-line web site with the ability to manage “behind the scenes” the overall appeals process, including data collection, data management, correspondence generation, process status tracking, and individualized client accounts.

Many businesses or industries have regulated or contractual appeals or grievance process allowing a user or a customer the opportunity to challenge the denial of a service or benefit. These appeals or grievance processes uniformly suffer from lack of automation and standardization. Instead, the appeal or dispute is submitted in paper form and without the benefit of standardized nomenclature or data format.
One example is medical insurance coverage plans. State and federal laws, as well as contractual provisions, allow both those insured (consumers) and healthcare providers (doctors, dentists, chiropractors, etc.) the right to file appeals with health insurance companies when the health insurer has denied a request or benefit. A consumer appeal arises when a request for approval to receive medical treatment is denied or a claim is not paid correctly. A healthcare provider may file an appeal when an insurer has not properly paid for a particular service rendered. Upon receipt of a written appeal or grievance, an insurance plan must review the appeal and make a decision regarding its approval or denial.
Why Providers Appeal
In a typical denial of a request for medical services, a patient and a physician determine the need for a medical service and the physician contacts the healthcare insurer to request pre-authorization for that service. After the healthcare provider has treated the patient, a claim for payment of those services is submitted to the health care payer. The claim must be submitted on the appropriate claims submission form; for providers that is a HCFA 1500 Claim Form, and for facilities it is a UB92 Claim Form. Insurance companies require that a "clean" claim form be submitted. That means that the forms must include all of the following information:
Patient Identification
Patient Demographics (i.e., address)
Diagnosis
Dates of Service
Procedures or Services Provided Utilizing Standardized Codes and Descriptions (i.e., CPT codes)
"Units" of Service (i.e., how many times the patient was seen in the office) Billing Amount(s)
If the claim does not meet the specified criteria, it is denied or a partial payment may be made to the provider. The provider receives an explanation of payment (EOP) outlining what was paid on the claim or the reasons the claim was denied or only partially paid. A description of the provider's right to appeal may be included in the correspondence from the insurance company. While the patient does not usually receive notification that a doctor's request for payment for a medical service has been denied, she or he is often billed when the insurance company does not pay. Most of the time claims are denied because either information is missing from the claim form or the provider contract is loaded incorrectly into the insurance company database.
How Providers Appeal
A provider may appeal on behalf of the member. A provider may also appeal claim payment denial or payment reduction. If a provider is appealing on behalf of a member for a medical service request denial, the process is the same as a member appeal. Most often, though, an appeal by a provider is triggered by receipt of a confusing explanation of payment benefit, or EOP. An EOP is sent to the provider by the insurer explaining the payment(s) for submitted claims. The EOP is coded by the insurer's claims processing system and lists the reason(s) for the claims denial; unfortunately, the codes are not standardized and are often unclear.
Most providers are not aware of their right to file an appeal. Those that do will often initiate an appeal by contacting the health care payer Claims Department or Provider Services Department. Physicians have the right to appeal if and when:
The appeal is on behalf of the patient for any reason.
The plan has denied the patient coverage for a service based on medical necessity.
A medical service claim payment has been denied.
A medical service claim payment is partially denied and/or paid incorrectly.
Why Patients Appeal
Patients generally submit a health insurance appeal for one of two reasons: denial of a request for a medical service or a claims payment denial. Say that the patient and physician determine the need for a medical service. The physician contacts the health care payer to request pre-authorization for that service. The physician provides the plan with all necessary demographic and clinical information justifying the requested service. Upon receipt, the insurer initiates a prospective review (a pre-certification utilization review) to determine if the medical service request will be approved. The following questions are most often considered:
Is the patient a member of the Health insurer?
Is the requested service covered under the patient's benefit plan?
Is the patient within the benefit limitations?
Is the provider of the requested service within the plan's network?
Is the requested service medically necessary?
If the response to any of these inquiries is "no," the medical services request is denied. The insurance company must send notification of the denial to the patient and the requesting provider and informs the member that she or he has the right to appeal the decision. The health insurer is required by law to outline the appeal process.
It is important to realize that one of the most common reasons a medical service request is denied is because the insurer concludes that the request is "not medically necessary," which usually means that the physician and/or patient has not provided all of the important clinical information. This is critical, since all health insurers are required to utilize nationally recognized standards of clinical care and criteria to guide their clinical decision-making. A medical director, who must be a licensed physician, reviews all medical service request denials that are based on "medical necessity." When a patient or provider appeal a medical service request denial and provides additional or missing information, about 80% of the time the denial is overturned and the request for service approved.
The majority of consumer healthcare appeals are triggered when patients receive a bill from their providers, who have not received reimbursement from the insurance company for services already provided. This is called a medical service claims payment denial. Providers are not legally allowed to bill members for more than the co-payment or deductible—a situation also known as balance billing—but often correspondence from a collection agency is the first notification for members that the insurance company has denied their physicians' service claim. Even if the insurance company eventually pays the claim, patients are still dunned because there is no communication between patients, providers (who have often sold their collectibles), insurance companies and, all too often, the collection agencies.
How Patients Appeal
A member initiates an appeal by contacting the health insurer. Healthcare insurers require written notification, even if the patient calls and speaks to a Member Services Representative. Some plans have a structured appeal form while others request a free-text letter. Regardless, by law all insurance companies must have in place a process for appeals, which requires a decision to an appeal within a time certain depending upon state regulation. The time for response begins to run when the insurer has received a "complete file." The eAppealSolutions' eZappeal form was designed to capture all necessary information. Therefore, a "complete file" is submitted the first time.
The appeal determination is made and the member is notified of the decision. If the denial is overturned, the member is allowed to receive the requested service(s) and/or the provider is paid. If the appeal is upheld or affirmed, the member is notified of the procedures for a secondary review. The third and final level of appeal includes external reviewers.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

System and method for standardized and automated appeals process


Disclosed herein are methods of high-throughput mapping of viral neutralizing antibody epitopes. Also disclosed are in vitro immunoprecipitation-based adenoassociated virus Barcode-Seq-based methods of mapping viral neutralizing antibody epitopes. In some embodiments, a method of high-throughput mapping of viral NtAb conformational epitopes can be utilized, which may comprise HP scanning of mutant viral libraries, immunoprecipitation (IP), and/or next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. In some embodiments, a method of identifying one or more dominant epitopes in a viral vector may comprise contacting a mutant capsid of a virus with serum from a subject previously exposed to the virus and immunopredpitating serum immunoglobulins from the serum. In various embodiments, the viral vector may be an AAV vector.

Viral neutralizing antibody (NtAb) epitope mapping can assist in the development of new vaccines and pharmaceuticals for the prevention and/or treatment of infectious diseases. Additionally, viral NtAb epitope mapping can assist in the development of gene delivery vectors. Identification of and knowledge regarding viral NtAb epitopes may help in the genetic engineering of components of viral vectors that may evade a host immune response, as the host immune response can be a significant obstacle to effective in vivo gene therapy.
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a promising in vivo gene delivery vector for gene therapy. Various issues remain to be overcome, however, in the use of AAV as an in vivo gene delivery vector, including the requirement of high vector dose for clinically beneficial outcomes, efficacy-limiting host immune response against viral proteins, promiscuous viral tropism, and the high prevalence of pre-existing anti-AAV neutralizing antibodies in humans. Despite these issues, interest in the use of AAV in gene therapy is growing. A number of naturally occurring serotypes and subtypes have been isolated from human and non-human primate tissues (Gao G et al., J Virol 78, 6381-6388 (2004) and Gao G et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 99, 11854-11859 (2002), both of which are incorporated by reference herein). Among the newly-identified adeno-associated virus isolates, AAV serotype 8 (AAV8) and AAV serotype 9 (AAV9) have gained much attention because recombinant adeno-associated vectors (rAAVs) derived from these two serotypes can transduce various organs including the liver, heart, skeletal muscles, and central nervous system with high efficiency following systemic administration via the periphery (Foust K D et al., Nat Biotechnol 27, 59-65 (2009); Gao et al., 2004, supra; Ghosh A et al., Mol Ther 15, 750-755 (2007); Inagaki K et al., Mol Ther 14, 45-53 (2006); Nakai H et al., J Virol 79, 214-224 (2005); Pacak C A et al., Circ Res 99, e3-e9 (2006); Wang Z et al., Nat Biotechnol 23, 321-328 (2005); and Zhu T et al., Circulation 112, 2650-2659 (2005), all of which are incorporated by reference herein).
The robust transduction by rAAV8 and rAAV9 vectors has been presumed to be ascribed to strong tropism for these cell types, efficient cellular uptake of vectors, and/or rapid uncoating of virion shells in cells (Thomas C E et al., J Virol 78, 3110-3122 (2004), incorporated by reference herein). In addition, emergence of capsid-engineered rAAV with better performance has significantly broadened the utility of rAAV as a vector toolkit (Asokan A et al., Mol Ther 20, 699-708 (2012), incorporated by reference herein). Proof-of-concept for rAAV-mediated gene therapy has been shown in many preclinical animal models of human diseases. Phase I/II clinical studies have been initiated or completed for genetic diseases including hemophilia B (Manno C S et al., Nat Med 12, 342-347 (2006) and Nathwani A C et al., N Engl J Med 365, 2357-2365 (2011), both of which are incorporated by reference herein); muscular dystrophy (Mendell J R et al., N Engl J Med 363, 1429-1437 (2011), incorporated by reference herein); cardiac failure (Jessup M et al., Circulation 124, 304-313 (2011), incorporated by reference herein); blinding retinopathy (Maguire A M et al., Lancet 374, 1597-1605 (2009), incorporated by reference herein); and al anti-trypsin deficiency (Flotte T R et al., Hum Gene Ther 22, 1239-1247 (2011), incorporated by reference herein), among others.
Although rAAV vectors have widely been used in preclinical animal studies and have been tested in clinical safety studies, the current rAAV-mediated gene delivery systems remain suboptimal for broader clinical applications. The sequence of an AAV viral capsid protein defines numerous features of a particular AAV vector. For example, the capsid protein affects features such as capsid structure and assembly, interactions with AAV nonstructural proteins such as Rep and AAP proteins, interactions with host body fluids and extracellular matrix, clearance of the virus from the blood, vascular permeability, antigenicity, reactivity to NtAbs, tissue/organ/cell type tropism, efficiency of cell attachment and internalization, intracellular trafficking routes, and virion uncoating rates. Furthermore, the relationship between a given AAV capsid amino acid sequence and the characteristics of the rAAV vector are unpredictable.
High prevalence of pre-existing NtAbs against AAV capsids in humans poses a significant barrier to successful AAV vector-mediated gene therapy. There has been strong enthusiasm about developing "stealth" AAV vectors that can evade NtAbs; however, creation of such AAVs requires more comprehensive information about NtAb epitopes, which currently remains very limited.
DNA-barcoded AAV2R585E hexapeptide (HP) scanning capsid mutant libraries have been produced in which AAV2-derived HPs were replaced with those derived from other serotypes. These libraries have been injected intravenously into mice harboring anti-AAV1 or AAV9 capsid antibodies, which has led to the identification of 452-QSGSAQ-457 (SEQ ID NO:1) in the AAV1 capsid and 453-GSGQN-457 (SEQ ID NO:2) in the AAV9 capsid as epitopes for anti-AAV NtAbs in mouse sera (Adachi K et al., Nat Commun 5, 3075 (2014)). These epitopes correspond to the highest peak of the three-fold symmetry axis protrusion on the capsid. In addition, this region may also function as an epitope for mouse anti-AAV7 NtAbs using the same in vivo approach. A sequencing-based high-throughput approach, termed AAV Barcode-Seq, can allow characterization of phenotypes of hundreds of different AAV strains and can be applied to anti-AAV NtAb epitope mapping.

Methods of viral neutralizing antibody epitope mapping


Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for providing a collaborative web application and data system. An embodiment operates by receiving a changed value to data presented in a first web interface with a first set of interface components. A data source is updated based on the changed value to include the changed value. A second web interface associated including a second set of interface components at least one of which is different from the first set of interface components is identified. An update to the second web interface is provided based on the changed value.

Webpages are often self-contained entities such that changes to an instance of a first webpage will not affect what is displayed on an instance of a second, different webpage. For example, if a user updates data on an instance of a first webpage, this data will not be reflected on an instance of a second webpage that is different from the first webpage. This is the case because there is no connection between the self-contained webpages.
In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical or similar elements. Additionally, generally, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the drawing in which the reference number first appears.

Collaborative web application and data system


A system and method for reducing a size of an image. The invention comprises a system for rotating the image in a first direction using a rotation algorithm to generate an intermediate reduced image; a system for rotating the intermediate reduced image in a direction opposite the first direction using the rotation algorithm to generate a final reduced image; and wherein the rotation algorithm uses weighted sums of neighboring pixels in the image prior to rotation to calculate new pixel values. The invention may also comprise an enhancement system for boosting contrast of the final reduced image.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to imaging systems and more particularly relates to an image reduction system and method that utilizes an image rotation algorithm to achieve a reduced image.
2. Related Art
As devices that utilize digital imaging systems (e.g., scanners, digital cameras, etc.) become more popular, a demand for robust applications that can manipulate digital images has been created. One such application involves image scaling, where for instance, the size of an image is reduced. Available applications range from very simple algorithms that are highly lossy to very complex algorithms that are very sophisticated.
An example of a very sophisticated system may, for example, process a high order surface that is fitted with incoming data, which is then re-sampled. Unfortunately, such sophisticated algorithms become increasingly difficult to implement for small image size reductions, e.g., an image size reduction from 200 pels (picture elements or pixels) to 180 pels. Such systems may therefore be too costly or too slow to implement.
An example of a very simple system may utilize half-scaling, where every other pixel is discarded. When such a system is applied to only slightly reduce an image, e.g., where every tenth pixel has been discarded, unacceptable distortions or artifacts may be introduced into the reduced image.
Accordingly, a need exists for an image reduction system that can efficiently provide small image size reductions without introducing unwanted distortions or computational costs.

International Business Machines Corporation


A fluid conduit comprises a wall defining a fluid flow path and a confinement feature within the wall and being configured to confine energy within a cavity, wherein at least a portion of the fluid flow path extends through the cavity. The confinement feature may be configured to confine electromagnetic energy. The fluid conduit may comprise an oscillator defined by the cavity and a positive feedback arrangement. The fluid conduit may be configured for sensing a property of a fluid present in or flowing through the fluid conduit or for use in sensing a property of a fluid present in or flowing through the fluid conduit.

It is known to determine various characteristics of a fluid from the measurement of electromagnetic or acoustic properties of the fluid. For example, WO2009/118569 discloses a Robinson oscillator sensor apparatus comprising a cavity member which contains a fluid and defines a resonant cavity for an electromagnetic field that extends into the fluid. The sensor apparatus may be used for identifying the fluid and/or determining a composition of the fluid according to the Robinson principle in which knowledge of both a resonant frequency and an electromagnetic loss in the cavity may provide an indication of whether a property of a fluid present in the cavity is within a prescribed parameter range regardless of the quantity of fluid present in the cavity. Knowledge of both the resonant frequency and loss may provide an indication of the quantity of fluid present in the cavity regardless of whether a property of a fluid present in the cavity is known to be within a prescribed range of parameters.
In such known methods for determining the characteristics of the fluid, the cavity member and/or coupling elements for coupling signals between RF electronic components of the sensor and the electromagnetic field may not operate reliably or may lack robustness in a demanding environment such as a downhole environment. For example, entrained solids or particulates in the fluid may clog or damage the cavity member and/or the coupling elements thereby impairing measurement sensitivity. For hydrocarbon fluids, deposition of contaminants or substances such as hydrates on the cavity member and/or the coupling elements may also impair measurement sensitivity. Such problems may be exacerbated by high fluid pressures and/or temperatures. Cavity members and/or coupling elements that extend into the cavity may also present an obstruction to fluid flow through the sensor. This may block or at least partially restrict the movement in or through the cavity of particulates, solids and/or the like entrained within the fluid. Additionally or alternatively, this may lead to an undesirable drop in fluid pressure.


A ratchet tool includes a passage defined through the head of the tool and communicating with an interior of the head. A driving member is received in the head and is pivotally connected to a pawl which is engaged with a toothed member in the head. A first engaging member is located on the driving member and a bar movably extends through the passage. The bar has a second engaging member which is engaged with the first engaging member. The pawl is pivoted by pushing the bar.

The present invention relates to a pawl shifting device for a ratchet tool and includes a bar engaged with the pawl directly or indirectly so that when users shift the bar, the pawl is pivoted.
A conventional pawl shifting device for a ratchet tool generally includes a shifting lever pivotally connected to the pawl and the lever is accessible from an outside of the head of the ratchet tool. The pawl is pivoted to engage with the toothed member in the head of the ratchet tool by pivoting the lever. The engagement between the pawl and the lever is so simple and generally includes a ball biased a spring. The ball biased by the spring contacts the pawl at a point which is so weak that the lever can only provide a force to pivot the pawl, the engagement cannot provide a strong backup when a large torque is applied.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a ratchet tool and comprising a head having two covers respectively connected to sides of the head. A toothed member is rotatably received in the head and a pawl is pivotally received in the head and engaged with the toothed member. A protrusion extends from the pawl. A passage is defined through the head and communicates with an interior of the head. A driving member is received in the head and has a plate extending therefrom. A slot is defined through the plate and the protrusion of the pawl is movably engaged with the slot. A first engaging member is located on the driving member and a bar movably extends through the passage and has a second engaging member which is engaged with the first engaging member.
The primary object of the present invention is to provide a ratchet tool that has a control bar directly or indirectly pivots the pawl to engage with the toothed member. The pawl can be pivoted precisely and reliably.
The present invention will become more obvious from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which show, for purposes of illustration only, several preferred embodiments in accordance with the present invention.


A cartridge gas energized arrow gun has upper and lower receivers, with a cartridge receiving member having a cartridge chamber and a bolt locking receptacle secured to the upper receiver. An arrow supporting barrel is secured to the upper receiver and defines a chamber within which an arrow is located. Cartridge gas from a blank ammunition cartridge within the cartridge chamber is employed to propel the arrow from the barrel. A manually operated bolt and bolt carrier assembly is moveable within the upper receiver for blank cartridge handling during loading, firing, extraction and ejection of blank cartridges.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to arms for firing projectiles and more particularly concerns arms having an upper firearm receiver which is detachably mounted to a lower firearm receiver that provides for accurate cartridge gas energized firing of arrows, darts or other projectiles. Even more specifically, the present invention concerns the use of standard blank rifle cartridges as the power source for propelling an arrow, dart or other projectiles from a barrel that provides for support and guidance thereof.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Early implements for hunting animals and for assault and defense activities is known as the bow and arrow which is still being manufactured and used at this time, mostly for sporting and competition, but also for animal hunting activities. As this technology has advanced, cross-bows, spring energized string operated arrow guns and stored gas energized arrow guns have been developed for propelling arrows, darts and bolts. Many of these arrow gun devices are being manufactured and used at the present time, typically for hunting. Target shooting and other sporting activities.
More recently, devices for propelling arrows, bolts and the like have taken the form of air or other gas operated devices, wherein the gas it typically developed by manually operation of a pumping mechanism or is supplied by a gas pressurized cartridge. It is desirable therefore to provide a gas operated gun type mechanism, wherein the gas for propulsion of arrows, darts, bolts and the like from a gun is provided by discharge of a power containing blank firearm cartridge. For purposes of the present invention, the terms "arrow" and "projectile" is deemed to include a wide variety of projectiles, including arrows, darts, bolts and virtually any kind of device that can be propelled from the barrel of a gun-like mechanism by the energy of cartridge gas that is developed by the combustion of a material such as gunpowder or any other suitable gas generating material.

Cartridge gas energized gun for arrows, darts and the like


An interface system for transmitting a pulse waveform signal between a host computer and a plurality of peripheral units wherein such signal is transmitted on a dedicated bus, the peripheral units being connected to the bus in selected groups thereof. Each group has a buffer unit connected between the group of units and the host unit, the buffer unit including circuitry for providing signal transmission in only one direction, for controlling the final signal level of the signal, and for controlling the slope of the trailing edge of the signal so that signal degradation is minimized.

In certain bus systems used to interface a host computer with a number of peripheral devices or units, signal degradation may occur, particularly with respect to certain control signals transmitted between the host unit and the peripheral units each of which signals is often transmitted on its own dedicated control signal bus. Such signal degradation tends to occur during transmission on such buses because of multiple signal reflections due to impedance mis-matches which occur on the bus due to the variations in the input capacitances from peripheral unit to peripheral unit present on the bus. Such effects are particularly noticeable when the bus is relatively heavily loaded, i.e., there are a relatively large number of peripheral units which act to produce an excessive load on the bus. Further, signal degradation is further aggravated because the signal rise times at the host unit and at the peripheral units are often essentially incompatible.
For small computer systems, for example, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) issues specifications requiring certain standardized operating characteristics for Small Computer System Interfaces (SCSI), i.e., small computer bus systems. Under current industry bus specifications imposed on such bus interfaces, for example, relatively low maximum current carrying or current sink capabilities from devices driving a bus are permitted. Further, earlier specifications imposed no limits on the input capacitances of the peripheral devices used and, although more recent specifications did impose a maximum permissible input capacitance, the limit was set at a relatively high level so that peripheral device manufacturers produce units which still have relatively high input capacitances which differ from product to product. Such relatively high and different input capacitances tend to produce signal degradations due to signal reflections, the severity of the reflections effects depending on both the number and the locations of the devices on the bus.
Further, such specifications require that the total length of the bus and cabling to the peripheral devices be limited to a maximum limit. Under such conditions reasonably reliable bus transmission performance can be expected only if the peripheral devices on the bus are fairly widely spaced apart along the bus.
However, in many applications it is desired to reduce such spacing as much as possible so that a relatively large number of peripheral devices can be used while still maintaining the total bus and cable lengths below the imposed limit thereon. A reduction in spacing may also be desired even with relatively fewer peripheral units in order to provide a desired physical packaging configuration of the units in the overall computer system. Such reduction in spacing, however, tends to aggravate the signal degradation.
Most suggestions for preventing signal degradation under such conditions have involved attempts to provide specially designed impedance terminations at either or both ends of an interface bus system in an effort to reduce the effect of undesired reflections along the bus and to provide an effective overall impedance match in the light of the driver current sink constraint and the lack of any severe constraint on the maximum permissible peripheral unit capacitances in the system. Other suggestions have included a reduction in the normal impedance characteristics of the peripheral cables used to interconnect the peripheral units to the bus and/or of the internal ribbon cables used in the units themselves. Still another suggestion has been to use lossy resistive elements (e.g., ferrite beads) between the bus and a target peripheral unit so as to adjust the input impedance presented to the bus by the unit in order to reduce the loading effects of the unit on the bus.
None of such approaches have proved beneficial in avoiding signal degradation, particularly in avoiding the "notch" effect which is often produced in the control signal being transmitted along the bus and which has a detrimental effect on computer operation, as discussed in more detail below.
It is desired, therefore, to provide an interface system in which peripheral units having a relatively wide variety of relatively high input capacitances can be accommodated, in which the spacings between peripheral units can be made relatively short, if desired, and in which such units can be placed arbitrarily at any position, or "slot", on the bus while minimizing signal degradations. It is further desirable that the signal rise times be appropriately controlled so that, when the rise times among peripheral units and the host are essentially incompatible, the introduction of further signal degradation can be avoided. Such an improved bus interface system should be designed to operate reliably within the industry bus characteristic and bus/cable length standards imposed on such systems.

Technique for providing improved signal integrity on computer systems interface buses


A pitch shifting apparatus detects peak spectra P1 and P2 from amplitude spectra of inputs sound. The pitch shifting apparatus compresses or expands an amplitude spectrum distribution AM1 in a first frequency region A1 including a first frequency f1 of the peak spectrum P1 using a pitch shift ratio which keeps its shape to obtain an amplitude spectrum distribution AM10 for a pitch-shifted first frequency region A10. The pitch shifting apparatus similarly compresses or expands an amplitude spectrum distribution AM2 adjacent to the peak spectrum P2 to obtain an amplitude spectrum distribution AM20. The pitch shifting apparatus performs pitch shifting by compressing or expanding amplitude spectra in an intermediate frequency region A3 between the peak spectra P1 and P2 at a given pitch shift ratio in response to the each amplitude spectrum.

Various pitch shifting apparatuses which alter (or shift) a pitch of sound data, such as voice data and musical sound data, have been known. One of these pitch shifting apparatuses transforms given sound data from data represented in the time domain (time domain representation) into data represented in the frequency domain (frequency domain representation), identifies a frequency region which includes a peak spectrum of an amplitude spectrum based on the transformed sound data and shifts only amplitude spectra within the identified frequency region by a given amount evenly (for example, see U.S. Pat. No. 6,549,884 (FIGS. 3 and 4A to 4C)).
Generally, sound data includes two or more peak spectra with different frequencies and naturally amplitude spectra exist between two of the peak spectra (i.e., within intermediate frequency region between frequencies corresponding to the two peak spectra). However, according to the conventional apparatus mentioned above, the amplitude spectra in the intermediate frequency region are neglected and not reflected in the pitch-shifted amplitude spectra. As a consequence, the problem arises that the pitch-shifted sound may contain unnatural sound.