A method is disclosed for restoring a Glu+ phenotype to a PTS−/Glu− bacterial cell which was originally capable of utilizing a phosphotransferase transport system (PTS) for carbohydrate transport. Bacterial cells comprising the Glu+ phenotype have modified endogenous chromosomal regulatory regions which are operably linked to polynucleotides encoding galactose permeases and glucokinases.

Many industrially important microorganisms use glucose as their main carbon source to produce biosynthetic products. Therefore, cost-effective and efficient biosynthetic production of these products require that a carbon source, such as glucose be converted to said products at a high percentage yield. To meet this need, it would be advantageous to increase the influx of carbon sources into and through various metabolic pathways, such as the common aromatic pathway, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) pathway, and the anaplerotic oxaloacetate synthetic pathway.
In the initial stage of host cell carbohydrate metabolism, each glucose molecule is converted to two molecules of phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) in the cytosol. PEP is one of the major metabolic building blocks that cells use in their biosynthetic as routes. For example, PEP may be further converted to pyruvate and chemical reactions that convert glucose to pyruvate are referred to as the Embden-Meyerhoff pathway. All of the metabolic intermediates between the initial glucose carbohydrate and the final product, pyruvate, are phosphorylated compounds. Bacteria, which ferment glucose through the Embden-Meyerhof pathway, such as members of Enterobacteriacea and Vibrionaceae, are described in Bouvet et al., (1989) International Journal of Systematic Bacteriology, 39:61-67. Pyruvate may then by metabolized to yield products such as lactate, ethanol, formate, acetate and acetyl CoA. (See FIGS. 1A and 1B).
In addition to the Embden-Meyerhof pathway, many bacteria posses an active transport system known as the phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP)—dependent phosphotransferase transport system (PTS). This system couples the transport of a carbon source, such as glucose to its phosphorylation. The phosphoryl group is transferred sequentially from PEP to enzyme I and from enzyme I to protein HPr. The actual translocation step is catalyzed by a family of membrane bound enzymes (called enzyme II), each of which is specific for one or a few carbon sources. Reference is made to Postma et al., (1993) Phosphoenolpyruvate: Carbohydrate Phosphotransferase Systems in Bacteria, Microbiol. Reviews. 57:543-594 and Postma P. W. (1996) Phosphotransferase System for Glucose and Other Sugars. In: Neidhardt et al., Eds. Escherichia coli AND Salmonella typhimurium: CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY. Vol. 1. Washington, D.C. ASM Press pp 127-141. However, due to the fact that PTS metabolizes PEP to phosphorylate the carbon source, the PTS system decreases the efficiency of carbon substrate conversion to a desired product. In glycolysis, two molecules of PEP are formed for every molecule of glucose catabolized. However, one molecule of PEP is required for PTS to function, leaving only one molecule of PEP available for other biosynthetic reactions.
Due to the role of PEP as a central metabolite, numerous approaches have been utilized to increase PEP supply in the cell and some of these are listed below:
a) eliminating pyruvate kinase activity by producing pyk mutants. Pyruvate kinase catalyzes the conversion of PEP to pyruvate. (Mori et al., (1987) Agric. Biol. Chem. 51:129-138);
b) eliminating PEP carboxylase activity by producing ppc mutants. PEP carboxylase catalyzes the conversion of PEP to oxaloacetate. (Miller et al., (1987) J. Ind. Microbiol. 2:143-149);
c) amplifying the expression of pps which encodes PEP synthase. PEP synthase catalyzes the conversion of pyruvate to PEP (U.S. Ser. No. 08/307,371); and
d) increasing the supply of D-erythrose-4-phosphate (E4P) by for example overexpression of a transketolase gene (tktA or tktB) (U.S. Pat. No. 5,168,056) or overexpression of the transaldolase gene (talA) (lida et al., (1983) J. Bacteriol. 175:5375-5383). Transketolase catalyzes the conversion of D-fructose-6-phosphate to E4P and transaldolase catalyzes the conversion of D-sedoheptulose-7-phosphate plus glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate to E4P plus fructose-6-phophate.
In addition to the above listed approaches, researchers have looked at methods of decreasing PTS:PEP dependent consumption by eliminating or modifying the function of the PTS. This approach is also attractive because PEP is twice as energetic as ATP. Many of these efforts focus on using an inactive PTS system. Examples of studies manipulating the PTS system include                a) restoring a glucose phenotype (Glu+) in PTS inactivated E. coli cells by introducing the genes glf and glk which encode a glucose-facilitated diffusion protein and glucokinase, respectively, from Zymomonas mobilis, wherein the E. coli cells have an inactivated PTS due to a deletion of the pstHlcrr operon (U.S. Pat. No. 5,602,030 and Snoep et al., (1994) J. Bact. 176:2133-2135) and        b) subjecting PTS−/Glu− E. coli strains to continuous culture selection on glucose and obtaining Glu+ revertants (PTS−/Glu+) with the capacity to obtain growth rates similar or higher than that of wild-type PTS−/Glu− strains. (Flores et al., (2002) Metab. Eng 4:124-137; Flores et al., (1996) Nature Biotechnol. 14:620-623 and WO96/34961).
However, these approaches have various limitations. In general, the use of heterologous genes does not always work efficiently in new hosts. Additionally, membrane proteins, such as a glucose-facilitated diffusion protein, are usually intimately associated with lipids in the cell membrane and these can vary from species to species. Introduced soluble proteins such as glucokinase, may be subject to protease degradation. Further the use of spontaneous mutations in a cell to regain a phenotype can have unpredictable outcomes, and for industrial processes it is desirable to use completely characterized strains.
Contrary to the methods previously described, the present invention increases carbon flow to metabolic pathways in bacterial strains capable of transporting glucose without consuming PEP during the process. The conserved PEP or PEP precursors can then be redirected into a given metabolic pathway for enhanced production of a desired product. These strains are generated in cells having an inactivated PEP-dependent PTS by modifying an endogenous chromosomal regulatory region that is operably linked to a glucose assimilation protein and more specifically to a glucose transporter and/or a glucose phosphorylating protein, to restore or re-attain the ability of the cell to use glucose as a carbon source while maintaining an inactivated PTS. These cells are designated PTS−/Glu+.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Glucose transport mutants for production of biomaterial


A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for managing data across an enterprise. A request for information is received from a user. Data relating to the user request is searched for in at least two geographically separated information repositories. The results of the search are presented to the user. The user is allowed to browse through additional data of the information repositories. Links between data items and other data entries in the information repositories are created according to relationships the data items have to the other data entries.

The present invention relates to knowledge management and more particularly to a tool for extracting data from various knowledge repositories to create a virtual single knowledge source.
People who use computer systems and networks often need to look up information about the system they are using. Traditionally, information was stored in books and manuals, which were often kept physically near to the computer. If a user needed to look up information, he turned to a single sourcexe2x80x94the paper manuals stored conveniently nearby.
Currently, however, the amount of technical information available about a given computer system can be very large and can be stored at a wide variety of sources. Information is often provided to customers in xe2x80x9conlinexe2x80x9d form, dispensing entirely with paper copies. This online information includes online databases, CD ROM databases, proprietary help systems, and online manuals. Large amounts of technical information are also available from third party online sources and from sources such as the World Wide Web.
Amid an apparent wealth of online information, people still have problems finding the information they need. Online information retrieval may have problems including those related to inappropriate user interface designs and to poor or inappropriate organization and structure of the information. Storage of information online in a variety of forms leads to certain information retrieval problems, several of which are described below.
The existence of a variety of information sources leads to the lack of a unified information space. An xe2x80x9cinformation spacexe2x80x9d is the set of all sources of information that is available to a user at a given time or setting. When information is stored in many formats and at many sources, a user is forced to spend too much xe2x80x9coverheadxe2x80x9d on discovering and remembering where different information is located (e.g., online technical books, manual pages (xe2x80x9cmanpagesxe2x80x9d), release notes, help information, etc.). The user also spends a large amount of time remembering how to find information in each delivery mechanism. Thus, it is difficult for the user to remember where potentially relevant information might be, and the user is forced to jump between multiple different online tools to find it.
The existence of a variety of information sources leads to information strategies that lack cohesion. Users currently must learn to use and remember a variety of metaphors, user interfaces, and searching techniques for each delivery mechanism and class of information. No one type of interface suits all users. Furthermore, a user may need different types of searching techniques and interfaces, depending on the circumstances and the nature of the specific information needed.
The existence of a variety of information sources leads to lack of links between sources of information. Conventional delivery mechanisms often support only loosely structured navigation, such as keyword search or hyperlinks. Such mechanisms provide the user with only a local organization of information instead of providing a global picture of the information space.
The existence of a variety of information sources leads to frustration if the information uses a wide variety of terms or uses terms not familiar to the user. In addition, users employ concepts and terms differently than technical writers and authors. Conventional delivery mechanisms often rely on a keyword search as a primary means of finding information. If the user""s vocabulary does not sufficiently overlap with indices employed by a delivery mechanism, a keyword search will result in a high percentage of disappointing and frustrating xe2x80x9cterm misses.xe2x80x9d The only recovery method for a failed keyword search is simply to guess at better query.
The existence of a variety of information sources leads to titles and descriptions of the information that are not intuitive to a user. Users often conceptually group and describe problems differently than do information organizers and writers. If, for example, a user does not know the title of a book or the name of a database, he may not be able to find the information stored therein.
As computer systems become more complex and as sources of online information proliferate, it becomes more and more difficult for users to locate the information they need. Even worse, users may not always be aware of all the existing sources of information. Moreover, certain users may not use certain sources of information, even though they are aware of them, if they are not familiar with the interface or find it too difficult to use.
A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for managing data across an enterprise (i.e., a business, company, etc.), which allows users to browse through several databases and sources as if the actual data resided in one vast, all-encompassing database. A request for information is received from a user. For example, such a request may be in the form of a search query or through selection of a link. Data relating to the user request is searched for in at least two geographically separated information repositories, such as databases. A network such as an intranet or the Internet may be used to access the repositories. A wireless network could also be used. Preferably, the information repositories form part of a secure network. The results of the search are presented to the user such as by sending the results to a user station where they can be displayed. The user is allowed to browse through additional data of the information repositories. Links between data items and other data entries in the information repositories are created according to relationships the data items have to the other data entries. A smart engine may be used to create such links. For example, if you search for a particular person, the search engine returns information not only on the person, but also on the clients, topics, documents, and projects about which that person has made entries into the information repositories. This allows the user to browse across relationships (instead of repeatedly entering searches) that could not be found by ordinary search engines.
In one aspect of the present invention a chart showing statistics about data in the information repositories is generated. One of the most interesting tools provided by the invention is the ability to view statistics on people, clients, and topics. The invention can generate Gantt charts (charts that show timelines related to, in this case, people and clients), line charts that show the number of documents on a particular topic posted per year, or pie charts that illustrate the volume of entries on that topic found in various libraries.
As an option, where the request for information is about a person, data relating to at least one of clients, topics, documents, and projects about which that person has made entries into the information repositories is output to the user. As another option, the user is allowed or required to select a category as part of the request for information for limiting the results of the search. The categories may include person, document, topic, project, and/or client. It should be kept in mind that equivalent words could be used interchangeably with these topics. For example, a topic category of xe2x80x9cemployeexe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9cnamexe2x80x9d may be equivalent to the topic category xe2x80x9cperson.xe2x80x9d
Preferably, the results of the search include abstracts of the data found during the search. Optionally, a dossier that includes people, prior documents, and past projects pertaining to the requested information is prepared based on the request for information.


An edge server receives a request from a client network application for a web page hosted at an origin server. The edge server transmits the requested web page in a response. The edge server accesses an edge server request log to retrieve a log entry associated with the request for the web page, where the log entry associated with the request for the web page includes information regarding the request and the response. The edge server retrieves one or more characteristics of an asset of the web page, where each characteristics has an expected value. The edge server determines whether the origin server is compromised when a value for a characteristic is not within a threshold range of the expected value for the characteristic of the asset and performs a mitigation action in response.

Internet hosts are concerned with maintaining high security, performance, and reliability of their hosted resources, such as websites. As the popularity of a resource increases, so does the amount of network traffic that is directed to the resource. This network traffic can include resources, such as web pages, that request for, and transmit, sensitive information, including personal information (e.g., social security numbers, date of birth, etc.), user account information (e.g., passwords, security codes), and financial data (e.g., account numbers, credit card numbers, etc.). An origin server can be compromised if a hacker gains access to the origin server and inserts malicious code that replaces or modifies an asset of a web page (e.g., JavaScript) or an asset of a website (e.g., an SSL certificate). If an origin server hosting such resources is compromised, it can lead to the exposure or leak of sensitive information.

Determining an origin server is potentially compromised


A soldering flux containing borneol, which is also referred to as bornyl alcohol. A method soldering using such a flux is also disclosed. Even minor proportions of borneol in the flux help reduce ionic residue from the flux after soldering. Larger proportions of borneol can give the flux tackiness for wave soldering operations. The flux preferably comprises borneol and an organic acid activator that volatilizes during soldering. The flux is applied as a solution of borneol and the organic acid activator in a solvent that substantially evaporates before soldering without leaving any measurable solvent residue.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a soldering flux adaptable to several different types of electronic soldering applications, including microelectronic applications. More particularly, the flux of this invention contains borneol, an agent that acts to reduce residues and/or increase allowable activator concentration, and to impart tackiness to the flux when used in larger proportions. The soldering applications include the soldering of microelectronic chip components to metal films on composite material circuit boards and to cermet conductor films on ceramic substrates, and the reflowing of solder on contact bumps of semiconductor wafers.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Commercially used fluxes are often tailored in composition for given soldering applications, depending on the needs of those particular applications. For example, active and passive microelectronic chip components are wave soldered to a metal pattern on a composite circuit board. Such chip components can be resistors, capacitors, and integrated circuits. By composite circuit board, we mean a paper-reinforced epoxy or phenolic supporting substrate material having a foil and/or plated metal, usually copper, pattern thereon. In wave soldering chip components to such circuit boards, the chip components are usually temporarily bonded to the metal pattern side of the circuit board with a small amount of binder. The circuit board is then inverted for wave soldering, so that the metal pattern and the chip components are then disposed on the underside of the board. Typically, flux is applied to the underside of the board by horizontally moving the circuit board over a standing wave, or a spray, of flux. Next, the fluxed board is horizontally moved over a standing wave of molten solder. The flux preferably wets all surfaces it contacts, including the chip binder as well as conductor surfaces, to insure that the flux reaches all the parts of the chip electrodes and metal pattern where soldering is desired. If the flux has significant tackiness, it can help retain the chips affixed to the circuit board during the thermal shock and fluid flow of the solder wave. If the metal is relatively clean to start with, the oxide-cleaning requirements of the flux may not be particularly demanding. On the other hand, in many applications, flux residue, and its cleanability can be an important issue, as will hereinafter be discussed.
The soldering of active and passive microelectronic chip components to ceramic substrates have their own distinctive soldering issues to consider. Hybrid integrated circuit modules are made from such substrates. Microelectronic chip components are soldered to a cermet conductor pattern on the ceramic substrate, while the substrate is face up. The demand for tackiness in this application is significantly less. However, the oxide-cleaning demands are significantly higher. Hence, the flux may have to include a higher proportion of activator, which can lead to higher ionic residues from the flux after soldering. Moreover, in these applications wettability and cleanability are usually quite important. In addition, it is usually preferred that our flux leave little or no organic residue. Flux residue, if any, should be readily cleanable at the very least. However, it is most preferred that the flux leave little or no ionic or organic residue that has to be removed by cleaning.
Still another soldering application involves a semiconductor wafer having contact bumps thereon for each integrated circuit chip incorporated in the wafer. The wafer, such as of silicon, has a dielectric coating of silicon nitride or the like on its surface with a plurality of contact windows in the dielectric coating for each integrated circuit chip incorporated in the wafer. A contact bump is disposed in each window. Solder is deposited on each contact bump. The bump solder is melted at least once and preferably twice, to re-flow the solder to obtain a uniform bump height, geometry and appearance. The wafer is fluxed during such re-flow. In such an application, it is important that the flux used in this particular application have good wettability on the dielectric surface, good spinability for application to the dielectric surface, and have good cleanability. As to cleanability, it is much preferred if the flux leaves little or no ionic or organic residue after solder reflow, so that the wafer surface does not have to be cleaned at all.
In recent years, commercial interest in "no-clean" and low residue fluxes has significantly increased. The interest has moved from the simple desire to leave no visible residue to the unaided eye, to actually measuring the extent of ionic residue, even if it cannot be seen with the unaided eye. Initially, "no-clean" fluxes simply did not require post-soldering cleaning with environmentally unfriendly cleaners, as for example chlorofluorocarbon solvents or chlorinated solvents, which rosin-based fluxes normally required. However, such "no-clean" fluxes may or may not have left a residue that was visible or not to the unaided eye. However, if any residue was left, it could be readily removed by rinsing with water or some other environmentally friendly solvent. Most recently, cleanliness requirements have increased. A truly low residue flux, by current standards, leaves little or no measurable ionic or organic residue, even when no residue can be seen with the unaided eye. By way of example, truly low residue fluxes are described in each of U.S. Pat. No. 5,004,509 Bristol and U.S. Pat. No. 5,507,882 Bristol, Hanaway and Walls, and also described in the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/559,543, filed Jul. 11, 1995 in the names of S. V. Bristol, E. H. Hanaway, T. R. Mueller, and M. J. Barnaby. The teaching of theses prior patents and applications are incorporated herein by reference.
For soldering chip type components to circuit boards, it is also known that camphor provides enhanced tackiness benefits to fluxes during soldering. As indicated above, the tackiness helps retain the electronic chip components in place during soldering operations.

Flux solution for soldering containing borneol


There is provided an LED circuit. The LED circuit may include 2N+2 light emitting units connected between a 2K−1-th node and a 2K-th node among 4N+4 (N is a natural number) nodes including a first node supplied with input voltage (K is all natural numbers equal to or smaller than 2N+2); 2N+2 switches connected between a 2K-th node and a ground (K is all natural numbers equal to or smaller than 2N+2); 2N+1 switches connected between a 2L−1-th node and a 2L+1-th node and 2N+1 switches connected between a 2L-th node and a 2L+1-th node (L is all natural numbers equal to or smaller than 2N+1); and N switches connected between the first node and a 4M+1-th node (M is all natural numbers equal to or smaller than N).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an LED circuit having an LED array structure capable of being changed according to a level of input voltage.
2. Description of the Related Art
Alight emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor device that is configured as a p-n junction structure and emits light by the recombination of electrons and holes. The light emitting diode may be manufactured to have a small size while having excellent monochromatic peak wavelength and light efficiency and may be manufactured in an environmentally-friendly way, while having reduced power consumption, or the like. For this reason, the light emitting diode has rapidly replaced existing lighting devices.
In general, the light emitting diode is driven by a DC voltage of several volts. Therefore, a circuit for driving the existing light emitting diode mainly uses a scheme in which commercial AC voltage is rectified and then constant current is supplied to a light emitting device using a converter such as a flyback converter.
The driving circuit essentially includes a smoothing capacitor. The smoothing capacitor has a short lifespan, such that the lifespan of the lighting device using the light emitting diode may be shortened.
In addition, existing LED circuit drives the light emitting diode by using only a rectified waveform so as not to use the smoothing capacitor, and cannot drive all light emitting diodes at a predetermined voltage or less and is thus inefficient.


Compression-type connectors for attaching wires ranging in size from #10-16 and having stranded conductors. The connector is similar to coaxial cable connectors in that it includes a connector terminal adapter, a connector body attached to the connector terminal adapter, the connector body having an axial cavity dimensioned to receive a wire in a trailing end thereof, a centerpost disposed within the axial cavity that has a conical tip projecting rearwardly, and a compression sleeve slidably mounted either within the trailing end of the cavity or overlying the trailing end of the connector body. In one embodiment the centerpost is conical with the base of the cone disposed at the leading end of the cavity and the apex of the cone projecting rearwardly and a threaded outer surface therebetween. In a preferred embodiment, the centerpost has a straight threaded shaft with a conical tip. The connector terminal adapter is operable for attachment to a variety of conductive terminals.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a compression connector for use with electrically conductive wires having a stranded center conductor.
2. Prior Art
A variety of methods are currently employed for attaching the stranded center conductor of a wire to a terminal. Most methods require that a portion of the jacket covering of the wire be stripped to expose a portion of the stranded conductor. The stripped portion of the wire is then inserted into the hollow sleeve of a connector such as a spade lug and radial pressure is applied to the sleeve with a crimping tool to prevent longitudinal force from pulling the wire from the connector. This is similar to the standard crimp type connections used on cars, boats and trailers. The limitation in these designs is that a stranded wire conductor has spaces between strands, even after compression. Over time, such spaces between strands can be easily reduced after compression, such as by vibration or corrosion, which reduces the outer diameter of the stripped, crimped portion of the wire. The strands of the wire will move to fill the void resulting in the initial crimp or radial force originally applied to hold the wire being inadequate to continue to securely hold the wire.
Holliday, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0159041 discloses a fitting which is adapted for connecting a stripped end of an electrically conductive wire to another electrically conductive member. The fitting includes an adapter having a hollow, generally cylindrical body which is open at one end, an internally threaded wall portion in the body which is dimensioned to receive and to threadingly engage the stripped end of the wire, a connector body including a connector sleeve into which the adapter is inserted, and means for crimping the adapter into positive engagement with the wire. A plurality of adapters are provided for each connector assembly in which the internally threaded wall portions are sized to match up with a different gauge wire but wherein the outer diameters of the adapters are the same in order to use the same or consistent size connector body for the different gauge wires. The adapters are further characterized by being slotted to form arcuate segments at the entrance end of the adapter for insertion of the wire, the slots being dimensioned to limit the inward radial contraction of the segments into clamping engagement with the end of the wire. A problem with this fitting is that it requires a separate loose cap for the assembly that can be easily lost. In addition, different sizes of wire require a separate adapter requiring identification. A further disadvantage in this type of fitting is that if the strands of wire comprising the conductor undergo corrosion, tension on the wire may cause the stripped portion to pull out of the adapter and, accordingly, the fitting. This disengagement can happen because the trapped strands of wire are parallel to both the axis of the adapter and the direction of the unstripped portion of wire.
Korte et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 6,857,895, disclose an electrical connector for coupling to a multi-stranded conductor. The electrical connector can be used for coupling to an insulated multi-stranded conductor. The connector includes a housing having at least one bore for receiving an insulated multi-stranded electrical conductor; an electrically conductive prong located in the bore and electrically connected to the housing; and a securing means for insertion into the bore after insertion of the electrical conductor into the bore and onto the prong. Insertion of the securing means into the bore, after insertion of the electrical conductor into the bore and onto the prong, presses the strands of the electrical conductor against the conductive prong such that the connector makes electrical contact with the electrical conductor and acts to mechanically secure the electrical conductor to the connector. A limitation and disadvantage of the connector of Korte et al. is that the prong is funnel-shaped and when lateral pressure is exerted on the cable jacket during the compression step, the lateral forces (directed radially inwardly) tend to force the stranded wire rearwardly (i.e., off of the prong) due to the conical shape of the prong, and rearward tension on the cable may separate the cable from the connector.
In the connector of Korte et al., the unstripped cable is pushed onto a smooth prong whose diameter changes with a sloped design. As a rear plug is moved inwardly to lock the cable into the connector, the space between the fixed outer shell and the sloped center prong is reduced by the addition of a wedge-type action of the plug. The limitations of this design further include the need to assure the wire is pushed forward sufficiently onto the sloped prong to result in the required holding force, the stranded wire slipping rearwardly off of the smooth surface of the prong as the connector is being handled and compressed, and that the strands remain in the same plane as the pulling force. The holding power relies on wire being inserted to the correct depth as well as the exact sizing of the plug and body to a limited size of wire. In addition, the insertion of the rear plug must be complete to effect the designed holding and whose forward motion could be limited by the stranded wire not aligning directly onto the prong and sitting on one side. This would not allow the plug to be fully inserted.
In view of the aforementioned limitations of the prior art stranded conductive wire cable connectors, it would be an advance in the art to provide a one-piece compression-type connector for a wire having a stranded conductor wherein the trapped strands of wire resist separation from the fitting when tension is applied to the wire, even when the strands are corroded.


A face mask used by a firefighter and/or miner includes a seal between the mask interior surfaces and skin on the face of a user. A port on the sealed visor receives a hose for supplying a regulated amount of air from a compression air tank carried by the user. A portion of the mask in the form of a visor covering the eyes of the user is transparent to visible optical energy. The mask has a tendency while used to have condensate formed thereon, causing the transparent portion to be fogged. An electrically activated device in the form of a heater and/or fan, on the mask prevents formation of and/or removes the condensate. A battery in a housing carried by the user activates the electrically activated device. The housing includes heat insulation to prevent the battery from being damaged by high temperatures in the vicinity of the user. The power supply for the transparent visor energizes a temperature sensor for enabling a firefighter to be warned that he/she is in an unsafe, excessively hot environment, i.e. a temperature of 125 degrees Fahrenheit or greater.

SCBA's for firefighters and/or miners include face masks arranged in sealed relationship around the facial skin of the firefighter or miner. The miner or firefighter is supplied with gas, typically compressed air, from a bottled source carried on the back of the firefighter or miner. Gas flows from the source to inside the sealed mask via a flexible hose connected to an inlet of the sealed mask. The aforementioned equipment is used because of noxious fumes encountered by firefighter and/or miners working in the environment of fire in a modern building or in a mine.
A problem with these sealed face masks is that condensate has a tendency to form on an optically transparent visor carried on the mask in front of the user's eyes to enable the user to see the surrounding environment. The condensate on the visor obscures (i.e., fogs) the vision of the user, frequently to the point where the firefighter or miner is unable to function adequately in the environment where he is located.
Condensate forms on the visor interior, i.e., a surface of the visor in closest proximity to the face of the user, as a result of perspiration from the user vaporizing and condensing on the visor interior surface. Condensate forms on the visor exterior when the user enters a region of very high humidity and elevated temperature. For example, when a firefighter applies high pressure water to a very hot object, superheated steam is formed and condenses as liquid on the visor.
I have been advised that nose cups have been unsuccessfully used in the past in an attempt solve the condensate problem. However, prior art devices have not prevented sealed visors of SCBA's from becoming virtually opaque as a result of condensate forming thereon. In the past, when firefighters and miners have had their vision obscured as a result of condensate being formed either on the interior or exterior visor surface, the only safe remedy has been for the user to leave the premises. Such a procedure is obviously unsatisfactory because it reduces the amount of time that the firefighter or miner can remain on the job. In the case of a firefighter it may prevent extinguishing a fire in a burning building. In the case of a miner it may prevent rescue of humans trapped in a mine explosion.
It is, accordingly, an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for removing condensate from a visor of a sealed SCBA face mask.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a structure for removing condensate from a sealed SCBA transparent face visor wherein the condensate removing apparatus is electrically activated by a power supply carried by the user.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a condensate removing device for a visor of a sealed SCBA face mask, which device is particularly adapted to be used under many environmental situations including the high temperatures and noxious fumes encountered in fires in modern buildings.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a device for removing condensate formed on an exterior surface of a visor of a sealed SCBA face mask wherein the condensate results from super heated steam being generated in response to high pressure water being incident on a hot, burning surface.
Still another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for removing condensate formed on an interior surface of a sealed SCBA visor wherein the condensate results from a user perspiring because of high temperature environmental conditions and the work involved in carrying modern emergency apparel, e.g., a firefighting suit.

Apparatus for removing condensate from a sealed face visor and for indicating a dangerous environmental temperature


A front part structure of a vehicle cabin may include: an instrument panel including an air outlet at an end of the instrument panel on a passenger seat side; an air conditioner main body arranged inside the instrument panel at a center in a vehicle width direction; a cross beam arranged inside the instrument panel and connected to a right side and a left side of a vehicle body; and an air duct arranged inside the instrument panel and connecting the air conditioner main body to the air outlet. The air duct may extend in front of the passenger seat at a height lower than the cross beam.

In a vehicle, an air conditioner main body configured to regulate the temperature in a vehicle cabin is often arranged inside an instrument panel at the center in a vehicle width direction. An air outlet is provided at an end of the instrument panel (a part thereof near a front pillar). The air outlet at the end of the instrument panel may be called a side register. An air duct connecting the air conditioner main body to the air outlet is arranged inside the instrument panel. It should be noted that in the disclosure herein, "instrument panel" is an interior part located at a front portion of a vehicle cabin and is a housing that houses various meters, audio equipment, switches, air bags, and the like.
In each of vehicles disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication Nos. 2019-127247 and 2018-122678, a hollow cross beam that is arranged inside an instrument panel and connected to right and left sides of a vehicle body is used as an air duct. The cross beam arranged inside the instrument panel and connected to the right and left sides of the vehicle body may be called an instrument panel member or an instrument panel reinforcement.
In each of vehicles disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication Nos. H08-118942 and 2001-113935, an air duct is arranged proximate to an upper surface of an instrument panel.


A zoom lens assembly for a miniature camera, such as those used in cellular telephones and other personal electronic devices, is disclosed. One or more lenses of the zoom lens assembly are moved in and/or out of the optical path of the zoom lens assembly to change the magnification of the lens. Since the magnification does not necessarily require movement of lenses along the optical path of the camera, the length of the zoom lens assembly, and consequently of the camera as well, is substantially reduced.

Miniature cameras are well known. Miniature cameras are widely used in contemporary cellular telephones. They are also used in other devices, such as laptop computers and personal digital assistants (PDAs). Miniature cameras can even be used as stand alone devices for such applications as security and surveillance.
Contemporary miniature cameras, such as those used in cellular telephones, do not typically have zoom lenses. Zoom lenses necessitate the use of one or more additional lens elements that inherently increase the length of the camera (at least according to contemporary practice). As those skilled in the art will appreciate, miniature cameras for cellular telephones and the like are subject to strict size constraints. These size constrains limit the overall length of the camera and thus either prohibit the use of zoom lenses or substantially mitigate the effectiveness thereof by limiting the number of lens elements and/or the range of motion thereof.
However, zoom lenses are desirable. Zoom lenses provide magnification that enhances the detail of images, such as those taken from a distance. As such, it is desirable to have a zoom lens in the camera of a cellular telephone or the like. Moreover, it is desirable to provide a zoom lens that is short enough in length to be used in miniature cameras, such as those cameras that are used in cellular telephones and the like.


An organic electroluminescence device of the present embodiments includes oppositely disposed first electrode and second electrode, and a plurality of organic layers disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein at least one among the plurality of organic layers includes a fused polycyclic compound represented by Formula 1 below, thereby showing improved emission efficiency:

One or more embodiments of the present disclosure herein relate to an organic electroluminescence device and a fused polycyclic compound used (utilized) therein, and more particularly, to a fused polycyclic compound used (utilized) as a light-emitting material and an organic electroluminescence device including the same.
Recently, the development of an organic electroluminescence display device as an image display device is being actively conducted. Different from a liquid crystal display device, the organic electroluminescence display device is a self-luminescent display device in which holes and electrons injected from a first electrode and a second electrode recombine in an emission layer, and a light-emitting material including an organic compound in the emission layer emits light to attain display of images.
In the application of an organic electroluminescence device to a display device, the decrease of the driving voltage, and the increase of the emission efficiency and the life of the organic electroluminescence device are required (or desired), and developments of materials for an organic electroluminescence device capable of stably attaining these characteristics are being continuously required (or desired).
Recently, in order to accomplish an organic electroluminescence device with high efficiency, techniques on phosphorescence emission (which uses energy in a triplet state) or delayed fluorescence emission (which uses the generating phenomenon of singlet excitons by the collision of triplet excitons (triplet-triplet annihilation, TTA)) are being developed, and development of a material for thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) using delayed fluorescence phenomenon is being conducted.

Organic electroluminescence device and fused polycyclic compound for organic electroluminescence device


A composition comprising an ethylene-based polymer, the ethylene-based polymer having the following properties: a) at least one incorporated structure derived from a polyene selected from the group consisting of i) through x), as described herein; and b) a Mw(abs) versus I2 relationship: Mw(abs)<A+B(I2), wherein A=2.40×105 g/mole and B=−8.00×103 (g/mole)/(dg/min). A composition comprising an ethylene-based polymer, the ethylene-based polymer comprising at least one incorporated structure derived from a polyene selected from the group consisting of i) through x), as described herein, wherein the polymer is formed in a reactor configuration comprising at least one tubular reactor.

Conventional low density polyethylene (LDPE) has good processability; however, when used in film and/or extrusion coating application, increased melt strength is still desired.
U.S. Publication No. 2008/0242809 and International Publication Nos. WO 2007/110127, WO97/45465, WO 2012/057975 and WO 2012/084787 describe using various multifunctional components to broaden molecular weight distribution (MWD) and/or modify the rheological properties for making a copolymer suitable for extrusion coating applications, among others. The multifunctional components include, among others, di- and/or higher functional (meth)acrylates, a bifunctional α,ω-alkadienes, diunsaturated comonomers containing divinyl ether and monomeric chain transfer agents (CTAs).
International Application No. PCT/US13/029881 (now WO 2014/03837) discloses an ethylene-based polymer formed from reacting ethylene and at least one asymmetrical polyene comprising an "alpha, beta unsaturated end" and a "C—C double bond end," wherein the reaction takes place in the presence of at least one free-radical initiator.
The impact of above described multifunctional components on the final polymer through coupling and/or branching reactions is complex, and depends on the type and reactivity of the functional groups. A vinyl functional group will act as a comonomer and incorporate into a polymer chain/molecule. When involved, CTA functionality will either start the formation of a new polymer molecule, or initiate, after incorporation of the monomeric group, the formation of a long chain branch (LCB) or T-branch. For a multi- and/or bifunctional component to impact polymer rheology, it is important that (1) at least two functional groups of the component react and (2) effective branches are formed in the polymer.
H-branches are either intermolecular (between two molecules) or intra-molecular (within a molecule) and formed by reaction of two or more vinyl groups of the bi- and/or multifunctional component. The probability that functional groups will react, and contribute to a melt strength increase, depends on the reactivity of the functional groups, overall and remaining conversion level, and molecular topology of the polymer, showing how the component is incorporated by its first reacting functionality. The impact of H-branch formation on melt strength will be (1) negligible with intra-molecular H-branch formation, (2) low for intermolecular H-branch formation between two small polymer molecules, and (3) significant for intermolecular H-branch formation between two larger molecules. However, the latter (3) could lead to the formation of gels, especially when crosslinked networks are formed between and inside large polymer molecules.
Taking into account the reaction kinetic data reported by Ehrlich and Mortimer in Adv. Polymer Sci., Vol 7, pp. 386-448 (1970), and a typical ethylene conversion level in a tubular reactor of 25-35%, the following general remarks can be made: (i) the incorporation level per reactor pass is less than 50% for hydrocarbon dienes, while the probability of forming H-branches is less than 10%; (ii) a monomeric CTA containing acrylate monomer functionality will have a high incorporation level per reactor pass, but further reaction would be required to form a T-branch; and (iii) the probability that the CTA functionality will react, depends on chain transfer activity and remaining conversion level. For compounds with a CTA functionality similar to typically used CTAs for the high pressure LDPE process, the amount of T-branching formed would be low. Di- or higher functional (meth)acrylate components will lead to almost complete incorporation in the polymer, and a very high level of secondary reaction. The high reactivity of the functional groups makes even distribution over the polymer formed in a tubular reactor difficult. Furthermore, coupling or H-branch formation, when the component is fed to the first reaction zone will already occur in the first reaction zone, thus increasing the risk of initiating and/or forming product gels and fouling in the first reaction zone, with further exposure and deterioration in the remaining reaction/cooling zones if present.
Various publications describe methods for modeling and/or simulating polymerizations using branching agents and predicting the properties of resulting polymers. Such publications include, but are not limited to, Liu, J., et al., Branched Polymer via Free Radical Polymerization of Chain Transfer Monomer: A Theoretical and Experimental Investigation, J. Polym. Sci. Part A: Polym. Chem., (2007), 46, 1449-59; Wu, P-C et al, Monte Carlo simulation of structure of Low-Density polyethylene; Ind. Eng. Chem. Prod. Res. Develop., Vol. 11, No 3, 352-357 (1972); Iedema, P. D. et al., Rheological Characterization of Computationally Synthesized Reactor Populations of Hyperbranched Macromolecules; Bivarate Seniority-Priority Distribution of IdPE, Macromolecular Theory and Simulations, 13, 400-418 (2004); T. C. B. McLeish et al, Molecular rheology of H-Polymers, Macromolecules, 21, 1062-1070 (1988); and D. J. Read et al, Linking models of polymerization and dynamics to predict branched polymer structure and flow; Science, 333, 1871-1874 (2011).
The continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR), or autoclave, process typically leads to more Cayley tree structured molecular polymer topology, due to the inherent more homogeneous LCB level and chain segment size distribution, while the residence time distribution creates very long and very short growth paths, leading to a broader MWD. Furthermore, a comonomer will be homogenously incorporated within a reaction zone regardless of its reactivity. The tubular reactor process typically leads to more comb-shaped molecular polymer topology, due to the low starting LCB level and the lower temperature conditions leading to long chain segments, while the MWD is narrowed, due to the more homogenous residence time distribution. However, the lack of back mixing, as present in a CSTR reactor, or axial mixing, leads to a comonomer incorporation distribution that is strongly affected by the reactivity of the comonomer and the changing composition of reactants along the tubular reactor. Incorporation in a larger polymer molecule, at a position more inside the polymer molecule sphere (higher priority and seniority in Cayley tree structure), may affect reactivity and increase the probability for an intra-molecular reaction. Incorporation in smaller (lower gyration radius) and/or linear polymer molecules (comb like structure) and/or at a position more at the outer side of the polymer molecule sphere (lower priority and seniority in a Cayley tree structure), may affect the reactivity less, and increase the probability for an intermolecular reaction.
International Publication No. WO 2013/059042 describes using fresh ethylene and/or CTA feed distributions to broaden MWD and increase melt strength, while remaining process conditions are constant. International Publication No. WO 2013/078018 describes low density ethylene-based polymers with broad MWDs and low extractables made in a tubular reactor in the absence of an added crosslinking agent and/or comonomer with crosslinking capability.
International Publication No. WO 2013/078224 describes broad MWD tubular LDPE resins with low extractables. The polymerization conditions need to be carefully selected and balanced to reduce extraction at higher molecular weights. Important process parameters include maximum polymerization temperatures, reactor pressure, and the type, level and distribution of the CTA.
There remains a need for new ethylene-based polymers that have higher melt strengths at high and low densities, and which can be made in a tubular reactor at low gel levels. There is a further need for such polymers that also have lower n-hexane extractable content. These needs have been met by the following invention.

Ethylene-based polymers formed using asymmetrical polyenes


An X-Y movement mechanism includes a fixed base having a first surface and a movable member having a second surface. The movable member is disposed for movement relative to the fixed base with the second surface being parallel with and facing toward the first surface. At least a first groove in the first surface extends in an X direction and a second groove in the second surface extends in a Y direction. The X direction is different from and at an angle with respect to the Y direction and both are parallel to the first surface and to the second surface. The first and second grooves respectively have overlying regions when the movable member is disposed for movement relative to the fixed base. An X-Y guide element has a first half and a second half. The first half is disposed in the first groove for sliding, non-rotating relative movement therebetween in the X direction. The second half is disposed in the second groove for sliding, non-rotating relative movement therebetween in the Y direction. The first and second halves include portions thereof disposed within the overlying regions of the first and second grooves. The movable member is capable of movement in the X direction as the first half of the X-Y guide element moves in the X direction along the first groove and in the Y direction as the second groove moves in the Y direction on the second half of the X-Y guide element.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a X-Y movement mechanism and, more specifically, to such a movement mechanism which has a low profile which enables a movable member to be mounted directly on a fixed base in a manner which allows X-Y guide means to be generally confined therebetween.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There are in the prior art a number of devices capable of supporting a movable member for movement in an X and/or Y direction relative to a fixed base. Although these devices include features which may be attractive or desirable for various uses, the devices are typically configured to provide satisfactory results depending on the particular purpose for which and environment in which they are primarily intended.
For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,189,953; 4,372,223; 4,409,860; 4,628,756; 4,972,574; and 5,115,354 disclose fixed base elements having channel or rail means for guided movement of an intermediate member and a top member thereon in a first direction. The intermediate member in turn includes some form of channel or rail means for support of the top member to facilitate separate movement of the top member in a second direction.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,729,536 includes a similar configuration of a base, intermediate and top member which employs rods rather than channel or rail guide means as employed in the devices discussed hereinabove.
Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,040,431 discloses a movement guiding mechanism which primarily relies upon hydrostatic gas or air bearing mounting pads in a similar arrangement of base, intermediate and top members thereof. U.S. Pat. No. 4,978,233 discloses a different hydrostatic bearing assembly which is utilized for the control of movement in one direction only.
On the other hand, U.S. Pat. No. 4,648,723 discloses a movable stage portion disposed between two movable guides. The first guide moves in an X-direction and the second guide moves in the Y-direction for the selective positioning of the stage portion disposed therebetween in the X and/or Y directions.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,270,404 discloses a block which is disposed for movement on a flat base plate. The block is driven in the X direction and/or Y direction by a relatively complicated means including the selective rotation of a pair of side-by-side screws that drive helical gears which operatively engage helical racks on the block. In a similar manner, the device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,341,128 employs a pair of screws disposed one above the other. In alternative embodiments, the movable stage can be located between or above or below the screws for movement in the X direction and/or Y direction by the selective rotation of the screws.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,193,317 discloses a more complicated fine position control device which may use a laser beam for recording output information of a computer.
While all of the devices disclosed hereinabove may be appropriate for the particular purpose and environment in which they are intended, there remains a need for any X-Y movement mechanism, which is simple and reliable and provides an overall configuration having a relatively low profile, for the proper control of a movable member in an X direction and/or Y direction relative to a fixed base. Some of the prior art devices disclosed hereinabove include rail guide means which are not capable of withstanding severe lateral force or pressure and are exposed to and susceptible to damage from the environment. Others include relatively light rod means or sensitive bearing pads which might also be damaged by the environment and incapable of withstanding significant lateral forces. Still others include screw and gearing means which are relatively complicated and could be difficult to properly maintain.
On the other hand, there remains a need for the utilization of an X-Y movement mechanism in various heavy-duty machines such as that disclosed in a patent application entitled "Portable Vertical Boring Machine", which was filed on the same date as the present application by the same inventor and has been assigned to the same assignee. The invention disclosed therein is directed to a portable vertical boring machine which is capable of boring and/or facing a circular region of large circular components or other work pieces which have central axes which are disposed vertically during the boring and/or facing process. The particular machine disclosed therein includes means for mounting the large circular component in a fixed horizontal position with the central axis extending in a vertical direction. The machine includes tool support extending generally vertically for rotation about the central axis. The machine also includes a configuration for moving the tool support in the X and Y directions in the horizontal plane relative to the fixed component to insure alignment of the tool support, and the axis of rotation thereof, with the central axis. The configuration for moving the tool support in the X and Y direction is a specific embodiment of the invention which is the subject of the present application.
While the particular portable vertical boring machine of the co-pending application filed on the same date as the present application represents a specific application of the present invention, it should be understood that many other applications may exist in the machining art or similar arts for an X-Y movement mechanism for the control movement of a member on a fixed base which is relatively simple to provide and easy to maintain. Further, because of the forces required in such machines, it is appropriate to include an overall configuration with the movable member being directly mounted on the fixed base to provide an overall low profile for the mechanism. Additionally, because of the environment in which such heavy machinery is employed, which environment could include metal shavings or chips, it is appropriate for the overall configuration to include means for insuring that the X-Y movement mechanism will not be subjected to such metal chips, shavings, or other extraneous material which could interfere with the overall operation of the mechanism. While the portable vertical boring machine of the co-pending application represents one use of such an X-Y movement mechanism, the introduction of such a mechanism having the preferred overall features will result in its use in any number of other machines or devices to improve the operation and reliability thereof.


A system and method of masonry construction using masonry blocks and anchors, wherein the blocks are laid end to end, and an anchor is inserted between them. The anchor both spaces and secures the blocks, even before mortar is applied. The anchors contain legs recess between the walls of the masonry construction, and create a space for the walls to recess in to on the anchor, thereby providing multi-directional securement of the system. Embodiments of the system also contain grooves for additional securement and complemental engagement of the anchors.

Masonry is the construction of a structure by smaller units, such as masonry blocks, which are bonded together by mortar. Many modern building systems employ some use of masonry block construction. Typically this construction involves setting a row of masonry blocks, applying mortar, and stacking a plurality of masonry blocks row by row, typically staggering one row upon another as the rows increase. Reinforcement is typically accomplished with the use of vertical rebar and grout within a cavity of masonry blocks. Over the years several inventions have been developed to provide spacing and reinforcement for masonry construction.
One such invention for reinforcing spacers is Hohmann, J R's U.S. Patent Application, US 2010/0101166 A1 ("Hohmann"). As described, the application is directed to a reinforcing and spacing device for use with masonry wall structures. The spacer includes parallel side rods with interconnecting intermediate rods and spacing nodes disposed on the side rods and the intermediate rods. However, this invention is not easily portable between manufacturing and construction sites, and does not sufficiently anchor the blocks in multiple axial directions.
Thus, a need in the industry has arisen for a masonry block anchor system.


According an aspect of the present invention, a data receiving apparatus includes a calculator. The calculator (1) stores a date and time indicated by the clock unit in association with a first local date and time in the memory as a reference date and time, when the packet includes first date-and-time data indicating the first local date and time and information indicating that the first date-and-time data can be used for date and time association, and (2) calculates, when the packet includes sensor data and second date-and-time data indicating a second local date and time associated with the sensor data, a third date and time based on a difference between the first local date and time and the second local date and time, and on the reference date and time.

A blood pressure monitor with a function of transmitting blood pressure data to a portable information terminal of a user is on the market. Examples of the portable information terminal include a smartphone, a tablet terminal, and a notebook personal computer. When such a function is used, the user may be able to view its own blood pressure measurement result via a portable information terminal under various circumstances. Further, a short-range wireless communication technique, more specifically, Bluetooth (trademark registered) technique, is typically used during the transmission of blood pressure data. Generally, Bluetooth communication (connection) is achieved on a smaller scale and with greater power-saving compared to WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) communication. Bluetooth specification version 4.0 is called BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), and is characterized by its superior power-saving capabilities compared with prior specifications.
The BLE connection has its problems such as the complicated nature of the pairing operation that must be performed by the user, the complicated nature of the communication procedures after pairing, the smartphone needing to support BLE, the blood pressure monitor (and smartphone) needing high-performance hardware (processor, memory), the development/evaluation cost being high, the size of communication overhead being large, and its non-suitability for small-capacity data transmission.
On the other hand, BLE may perform one-way communication called advertising. Japanese Patent No. 5852620 discloses the technique of transmitting desired data by including it in a margin portion of the data field of the advertisement packet.
If the blood pressure data is transmitted using advertising, the process of pairing and other complex communication procedures becomes unnecessary, and the above problems may be largely solved. However, for example, if a blood pressure monitor implements only a one-way transmission function, the control data cannot be sent from the portable information terminal to the blood pressure monitor for control, and conversely, the state of the portable information terminal (such as the reception state of the data) cannot be referred to by the blood pressure monitor.
The blood pressure data is usually transferred from the blood pressure monitor to the portable information terminal in association with the data indicating the measurement date and time. The measurement date and time are given based on the date and time indicated by the built-in clock. Therefore, if the clock incorporated in the blood pressure monitor is incorrect, or the time is not adjusted in the first place, the portable information terminal processes the blood pressure data in association with the wrong measurement date and time. Even if it is detected that the measurement date and time is wrong, if the blood pressure monitor is equipped with only a one-way transmission function, it is impossible to adjust the clock incorporated in the blood pressure monitor by sending control data from the portable information terminal.

Data receiving apparatus, data transmission apparatus and data transmission system


A full duplex/half duplex mismatch is detected by a full duplex/half duplex mismatch detecting apparatus connected through a network to a host. The loss rate of the transmission of a check messages is compared according to a sequential transmission pattern and the loss rate of the transmission of the check message according to divided transmission patterns by the full duplex/half duplex mismatch detecting apparatus, and if the loss rate of the transmission of the check messages according to the sequential transmission pattern is the larger, a full duplex/half duplex mismatch is determined to be present on the network path.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of detecting remotely full duplex/half duplex mismatches in an Ether network. More specifically, the method enables detecting remotely the presence of a duplex mismatch between a full duplex/half duplex mismatch detecting apparatus and a host (a network apparatus such as a personal computer, a router or a switch) to be checked, by connecting the detecting apparatus to a network. The invention relates to a full duplex/half duplex mismatch detecting method and a full duplex/half duplex mismatch detecting apparatus applicable with the method.
2. Description of the Related Art
A full duplex/half duplex mismatch (duplex mismatch) occurs when an automatic negotiation has failed between apparatuses using an Ether network. Then, packets passing through the line on which the mismatch has occurred are destroyed and this causes packet loss consequently. Though the communication on the line is possible even when a mismatch has occurred on the line, the mismatch seriously influences the performance of applications such as HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) and FTP (File Transfer Protocol) that handle a large amount of traffic because the performance is significantly degraded due to intermittent packet loss.
Using a "ping command" is common as a method of detecting packet loss in an IP network. However, in principle, the ping command alone can not cause the loss to occur even when a duplex mismatch has occurred and, therefore, the duplex mismatch has not been able to be detected consequently using the ping command.
Therefore, at present, when loss has occurred in communications on a protocol such as UDP (User Datagram Protocol) and TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), it is common to check duplex mismatches by inspecting the mode of the duplex (whether full duplex or half duplex) of the interfaces of all of such apparatuses on the communication path as routers, switches and hosts.
Furthermore, as a conventional technique, it is known that a server that can download to clients an application that detects duplex mismatches is installed in a network and, by analyzing the TCP sequence between a server and a client and detecting that the loss rates are asymmetric between the uplink line and the downlink line when a duplex mismatch has occurred because the TCP traffics are asymmetric between the uplink line and the downlink line, the duplex mismatch is discovered. (See, for example, "Detecting Duplex Mismatch on Ethernet", http://www.pan2005.org/PDF/34310138.pdf)
However, in the above conventional method of checking a duplex mismatch by inspecting the mode of the duplex (whether full duplex or half duplex) of the interfaces of all of such apparatuses on the communication path as routers, switches and hosts, the following preconditions need to be cleared in order to inspect the interface status of those apparatuses.    1) The connection topology among the network apparatuses is known.    2) Means for checking the mode of duplex of the network apparatuses is possessed as knowledge.    3) A human can move to a place where the human can check the duplex mode.
In addition to the above, the status of the mode of duplex needs to be actually checked manually for each of the network apparatuses and this results in a problem that the cost becomes high in terms of personnel and time.
Furthermore, in the technique described in the above reference, the case where loss has occurred from the asymmetry between the uplink line and the downlink line without any duplex mismatch and the case where a duplex mismatch has actually occurred, can not be distinguished from each other and a duplex mismatch may be determined mistakenly. Furthermore, because the technique employs a system for which a server needs to be prepared, all clients need to access the server and a hundred clients, for example, has to be operated in order to check those hundred clients. Therefore, the technique has a problem of higher cost for checking.

Full duplex/half duplex mismatch detecting method and full duplex/half duplex mismatch detecting apparatus applicable with the method


A pressure die casting mold for producing a casting which is part of an integral toilet having a body, a water ring, and a tank, wherein the casting, as an integral component, includes the water ring and the tank which is open on the upper side. The pressure die casting mold is composed of at least five molded parts which are interconnectable in a releasable manner, namely of a base part, two side parts having in each case one half of a front wall, a rear wall, and a cover part. The molded parts delimit a cavity which corresponds to the outer shape of the casting. A wedge element, which at least in portions delimits the inner shape of the water tank, is provided on the base part.

The invention relates to a pressure die casting mold for producing a casting which is part of an integral toilet comprising a body, a water ring and a tank, wherein the casting, as an integral component, includes the water ring and the tank which is open on the upper side.
The term "integral toilet" means a sanitary item, usually made from ceramic or porcelain, which is ultimately composed of three components, namely on the one hand, the actual body comprising the bowl region and the corresponding provisions serving the connection of the piping and the corresponding fastening units, either for the floor-side arrangement or for the wall-side mounting. The second part is what is referred to as the water ring which is placed on the upper side of the body and serves for distributing the water which is flushed there into. Finally, the third part is the tank which is likewise placed onto the body and via which flushing water makes its way into the water ring. In the prior art, these three parts are individually produced in three separate pressure die casting molds, i.e. in that the body, the water ring, and the tank are in each case separate castings which, after molding in the respective pressure die casting molds, are brought together and placed on top of one another. In this as yet unfired state, the three parts are then soft-connected along the separation lines by way of the local application of slurry; this is referred to as "garnishing". The blank thus produced is subsequently fired. The connection lines, that is to say the bonding lines, along which the originally three separate parts were adhesively bonded to one another by way of the slurry, are visible on the fired toilet.
Besides the fact that these bonding lines are ultimately undesirable per se, producing and handling of three separate parts for producing such an integral toilet is laborious and complex.

Pressure die casting mold for producing a casting


Disclosed is an entertainment and exercise device which allows exercise by placing it on a person's body and swiveling the body. The entertainment and exercise device has a flexible circular belt and a turning member rotating along the periphery of the belt. When the user wears the entertainment and exercise device on his body and swivels the body, the turning member rotates about the belt, thereby the user obtains an exercise effect and a finger-pressure effect. Also, the entertainment and exercise device of the present invention is convenient to carry and store, thereby being used for exercise irrespective of the exercising area.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an entertainment and exercise device, and more particularly to an entertainment and exercise device which allows waist and neck exercise by placing it at a person's midsection or head and swiveling the body.
2. Prior Art
Generally, a hula hoop used for recreation and exercise is formed from a ring shaped plastic tube, and is an exercise instrument for training a person's body by placing it at the waist and swiveling the hips.
Conventionally, there have been disclosed many techniques related to the hula hoop. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,006,556 has taught a hula hoop having illuminating effect, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,569,134 has taught a collapsible hula hoop comprising a number of extended separate tube sections. Also, U.S. Pat. No. 5,807,217 has disclosed an elastically deformable circular ring shaped device.
However, because the hula hoop only allows for the simple exercise by swiveling the waist, the user is apt to feel repugnant.
Further, because many people have no skill to revolve the hula hoop which frequently cause the hula hoop to fall from their body, there is a drawback that they can't continuously use the hula hoop.
Furthermore, the big size causes difficult to carry the hula hoop due.


The present electrical circuit functions to couple together circuits which may have different signal operating levels, such as circuits having small-swing ECL operating levels and large-swing TTL operating levels. The present circuit outputs a signal which is virtually unaffected by any non-ideal characteristics of transistors comprising the circuit.

In U.S. Pat. No. 4,868,427, incorporated herein by reference, a translator circuit for converting a small-swing ECL-like (Emitter Coupled Logic) signal to a large-swing TTL-like (Transistor-Transistor Logic) signal is shown and described. In the preferred embodiment of the invention of U.S. Pat. No. 4,868,427, shown in FIG. 5 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,868,427 and reproduced as FIG. 1 herein, transistor Q5 is switched on or off depending upon the difference in magnitudes of the voltages applied to input terminals IN and IN. This circuit of FIG. 1 is configured so that the gate-to-source voltage (V.sub.GS) of transistor Q5 is equal to its threshold voltage when the voltages at terminals IN and IN are equal. Thus, a relatively small deviation in the voltages applied to terminals IN and IN should cause the voltage at node 2 to turn transistor Q5 on or off.
In the translator circuit of FIG. 1, ideally, the voltage at node 1 totally controls the current through transistors Q3 and Q4, configured as current mirrors, and the voltage at node 2 should not affect the current through transistor Q4. However, since transistor Q4 is not an ideal transistor but has some output resistance, calculated using the equation .DELTA.V.sub.DS /.DELTA.I.sub.DS, an increased drain voltage at node 2 causes an increased current through transistor Q4, given a fixed V.sub.GS of transistor Q4. This, in turn, causes a greater voltage drop across resistor R2, which causes the voltage at node 2 to undesirably lower at a time when the voltage at node 2 is intended to be raised. Conversely, a change in the voltages of terminals IN and IN which causes the voltage at node 2 to swing low would cause the current through transistor Q4 to decrease and thus undesirably raise the voltage at node 2.
This dependence of the drain-to-source current (I.sub.DS) on the value of the drain-to-source voltage (V.sub.DS) across transistor Q4 reduces the magnitude of the voltage swing at node 2 in response to the difference in voltages applied to input terminals IN and IN. Consequently, this delays the time that transistor Q5, whose control terminal is coupled to node 2, is turned completely on or off and may require higher translator circuit input signal swings to ensure the proper switching of transistor Q5 or to have a sufficient noise margin. Further, this reduced output signal swing requires a more precise tolerance of the various components comprising the translator circuit to ensure that the midpoint of the node 2 swing equals the threshold voltage of transistor Q5 or the threshold voltage of any logic circuit coupled to the output of the translator circuit.
What is needed is an improvement to the circuit of FIG. 1 which makes the current through transistor Q4 substantially totally dependent upon the voltage applied to its gate and not affected by a change of voltage at node 2. This would increase the voltage swing at node 2 and greatly increase the switching speed of a subsequent stage coupled to the translator circuit and improve the reliability of the translator circuit.

Translator circuit for converting ECL type signals to TTL type signals


Examples relate to preventing scheduling or executing a resource on an inconsistent host node in a networked system. Some examples track a taint status of the host node and identify whether the host node is inconsistent based on the taint status of the host node over a predefined period of time. Upon identifying that the host node is inconsistent, a master taint is applied on the inconsistent host node, which prevents scheduling or executing a resource on the identified inconsistent host node.

Data may be stored on computing nodes, such as a server, a storage array, a cluster of servers, a computer appliance, a workstation, a storage system, a converged system, a hyperconverged system, or the like. The computing nodes (also referred to as host nodes) may host one or more resources that may generate or consume the data during their respective operations.

Preventing scheduling or executing a resource on an inconsistent host node

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP


Methods for treating a gas mixture of at least propylene and propane, in order to separate the propylene from the propane. The gas mixture is brought into contact with a membrane enables the selective permeation of the propylene with respect to the propane. A propylene-enriched permeate and a propane-enriched retentate is formed. The propylene concentration of the permeate in the membrane is then reduced with a sweeping gas.

The present invention relates to a method for separating propane and propylene contained in a gas mixture.
The propylene polymerization reaction for obtaining polypropylene generally uses:                propylene, as monomer,        a catalyst (Ziegler-Natta, metallocene, chromium oxide, etc.),        an agent controlling the length of the polymer chains, such as hydrogen, and        inert substances issuing or not from the reaction (propane, nitrogen, etc.).
During this polymerization reaction, unreacted propylene is usually recycled to the inlet of the polymerization reactor. This recycling involves a step of cooling or condensation of the effluent from the polymerization reactor, in order to maintain a constant reaction temperature. The propylene is recycled with other components of the reactor effluent such as hydrogen, propane and nitrogen. The propane recycling is supplemented by a make-up of very rich and very pure propylene. Although this make-up is very rich in propylene, inert substances, such as propane and nitrogen, or light compounds, such as hydrogen, accumulate in the recycling effluent, thereby considerably reducing the productivity of the polymerization unit. To decrease the concentration of these inert substances or these light compounds, the recycling loop is occasionally purged of these substances. In other words, a part of the recycling loop is sent to a monomer recovery unit or flared. This purge operation has the drawback of decreasing the profitability of the polymerization process because either an additional unit is dedicated to propylene recovery, or the propylene is lost at the flare. To decrease these losses, it was proposed in patent U.S. Pat. No. B1-6,271,319 to treat the recycled effluent with a membrane permitting the selective permeation of the propylene with respect to the propane. Thus, the membrane serves to obtain 1) a propane-enriched retentate which can thus be removed from the recycle loop and 2) a propylene-enriched permeate which can be recycled to the polymerization reactor. The propylene losses are therefore limited in comparison with the prior art and the productivity of the polymerization process is improved. The drawback of this solution is that the membranes described in U.S. Pat. No. B1-6,271,319 consist of materials selected from polyimides, polyphenylene oxides and perfluoropolymers, which are slightly permeable to propylene. In consequence, for a given installed membrane surface area, the propylene recovery rate remains low.

Method of treating a gas mixture comprising propane and propylene

L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes George Claude


A removal grate for a vertical shaft processor includes a distributor plate adapted to receive processed materials and an eccentric distributor wheel for breaking up the processed material and uniformly distributing it across the distributor plate for removal from the processor.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to vertical processing vessels, which are commonly referred to as shaft or vertical kilns, shaft furnaces or shaft generators, depending upon the process for which the vessel is being used, and more particularly, to a removal grate for use in such vessels.
2. Descriptions of the Prior Art
A common form of processing equipment found in diverse industrial applications is a vertical vessel, having a gravity flow of particulate solids from an upper feed to a lower discharge. Commonly, such vessels are called shaft or vertical kilns, shaft furnaces, shaft generators and the like, depending upon the application and particular type of material being treated. Such vessels have been found useful for burning or calcining treatments such as the calcining of various types of materials to produce lime, coking coal, burning magnesite and/or dolomite, retorting oil shale, etc. Such vessels commonly include a vertical vessel shell, means for uniformly feeding granular or pulverulent material across the lateral extent of the vessel, a lower discharge means for providing a uniform discharge of the solid material from the vessel shell and some means for introducing treating fluids into the solids so that the solid material is treated in accordance with the predesigned process. One of the major problems encountered in this type of vessel is the requirements for the uniform flow of solids across the lateral extent of the vessel from its top to its bottom so as to provide uniform treatment of all of the solid particles passing through the vessel.
In order to accommodate the above problem, many such vessels are rectangular in cross-section, as it is easier to uniformly distribute fluids across a four-sided cross-section. Some vessels are circular in cross-section, but it is difficult to control uniform movement of the particulate material through the vessels.
The need to uniformly distribute the particles across the lateral cross-section of the vessel is important due to the fact that the material being processed typically is crushed, and therefore is presented in a variety of sizes, which are fed through the top of the vessel. The particles are typically centrally fed through the top of the vessel, and a certain amount of segregation automatically occurs with the larger particles, usually migrating to the periphery of the vessel, while the smaller particles concentrate near the center of the vessel. This is due to the natural angle of repose of the material as it accumulates in a feed hopper.
There are several features of a vessel that have an effect on the flow patterns of the particulate matter through the vessel, as well as the treating fluids. As mentioned previously, as material is centrally deposited into a vessel, the larger particles tend to migrate radially outwardly at a faster rate than the smaller particles, and accordingly, systems have been developed for introducing the particulate matter to the vessel in a manner to avoid this known phenomenon of segregation. An example of such a system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,071,230, issued to Brakel, et al. on Jan. 1, 1963. This patent uniformly distributes the inflowing particulate matter across the lateral cross-section of the vessel to minimize the angle of repose problem.
It will also be appreciated that, if the material is not removed from the bottom of the vessel in a substantially uniform cross-sectional manner, the flow rate of the particulate matter through the vessel will vary across the cross-section of the vessel. Accordingly, systems have been developed and employed for removing the particulate matter from the bottom of the vessel in as uniform a manner as possible, so as to maintain a uniform cross-sectional flow of the particulate matter through the vessel. Examples of such devices for regulating the uniform withdrawal of particulate material from the vessel are shown in my U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,401,922, issued Sep. 17, 1968, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,373,982, issued Mar. 19, 1968, and Brakel, et al.'s U.S. Pat. No. 3,027,147, issued on Mar. 27, 1962. These patents are each directed to grate systems for uniformly removing particulate matter from a cylindrical vessel. Removal grate systems vary to some degree, dependent upon the cross-sectional dimension of the vessel and, for example, a removal grate system disclosed in my U.S. Pat. No. 5,210,962, issued May 18, 1993, was designed primarily for vessels that are greater than seven and one-half feet in diameter.
It is to provide a removal grate system for vessels of relatively small size that the present invention was developed.

Vertical shaft processor including an improved removal grate


Apparatus and methods are disclosed for performing a chromatographic separation of a given compound utilizing programmed temperature and mass flow wherein the compound is injected into a pressurized carrier gas and passed through a column and wherein a portion of the column is subjected to a temperature profile, by determining the pressure of the carrier gas and generating a pressure information signal representative of such pressure, storing desired carrier gas mass flow information and temperature profile information, and controlling the pressure of the carrier gas in response to the mass flow information, the temperature profile information and the pressure information signal, so that as the temperature profile information changes with time, the desired mass flow of carrier gas at a corresponding time is maintained by controlling the pressure of the carrier gas.

In analytical chemistry, liquid and gas chromatography techniques have become important tools in the identification of chemical sample components. The basic principle underlying all chromatographic techniques is the separation of a sample chemical mixture into individual components by transporting the mixture in a moving fluid through a porous retentive media. The moving fluid is referred to as the mobile phase and the retentive media has been referred to as the stationary phase. One of the differences between liquid and gas chromatography is that the mobile phase is either a liquid or a gas, respectively.
In a gas chromatograph, typically, a supply of inert carrier gas (mobile phase) is continually passed as a stream through a heated column containing porous sorptive media (stationary phase). GC columns have also been known to comprise a hollow capillary tube having an inner diameter in the range of few hundred microns. A sample of the subject mixture is injected into the mobile phase stream and passed through the column. As the subject mixture passes through the column, it separates into its various components. Separation is due primarily to differences in the volatility characteristics of each sample component with respect to the temperature in the column. A detector, positioned at the outlet end of the column, detects each of the separated components as they exit the column.
The analytical choice between liquid and gas chromatography techniques is largely dependent on the molecular weight of the compound being analyzed. Liquid chromatographs are capable of analyzing much heavier compounds than gas chromatographs. However, since gas chromatography detection techniques are more sensitive, they are preferred. Consequently, a need exists for a chromatographic device which is as sensitive as a GC device and is capable of analyzing compounds having heavier molecular weights than those now subject to GC analysis.
The advent of Supercritical Fluid Chromatography (SFC) provided a potential bridge between gas and liquid chromatography advantages, i.e., high sensitivity and heavier molecular weight samples. In SFC, a fluid heated above the critical point, is used as the mobile phase. Such fluid is passed under pressure through a media which differentially retains sample components. As the pressure of the mobile phase is increased, for example, from about 40 ATM to approximately 400 ATM, the sample being analyzed separates into its various components dependent upon the relative differential solubility of each component with the mobile phase. Since the mobile phase is a gas, detectors used in GC can be utilized, significantly enhancing detection sensitivity and selectivity.
SFC has been found to be primarily useful in the analysis of moderate molecular weight homologous series (M.W. 100 to 10,000) and some thermally labile molecules such as pesticides and pharmaceuticals. The problem with SFC, however, is the long period of time involved in conducting a sample analysis. Consequently, it is still desireable to provide a chromatographic device having the speed of GC techniques and which are capable of analyzing higher molecular weight compounds.
The present invention satisfies the above described need of increasing the speed and extending the molecular weight range of compounds capable of GC analysis by providing apparatus and methods which control the carrier gas (mobile phase) pressure in relation to programmed flow and temperature parameters in an open loop arrangement.
It has been known in the past to program temperature in gas chromatographic analyzation since separation of the sample components is due primarily to differences in the volatility characteristics of each component with respect to the temperature in the column. By raising the column temperature either in a constant linear fashion or in a variable non-linear fashion over a sufficient range of temperature one can assure high resolution detection of all sample components in a minimized time period. High resolution is assured because each component is emerging from the column at its optimum temperature.
As used herein the term resolution refers to the distinctness of graphed peaks generated by known detection apparatus, wherein each peak is representative of the detection of a sample component.
It has also been known in the past that the time required for a temperature programmed GC analysis can be reduced even further if carrier gas flow is programmed. Scott, R. P. W., New Horizons in Column Performance, 5th International Symposium on Gas Chromatography as reported in Gas Chromatography 1964 by Goldup, pp. 32-37 indicates that analysis time can be reduced by increasing the flow rate. However, while increasing the flow rate may reduce analysis time, efficiency is also reduced due to so-called overloaded components which results in poor resolution at detection. By customizing the temperature and flow programs for particular mixtures so that flow is increasing during the detection of the overloaded components, the reduction in efficiency was said to be overcome somewhat.
Costa Neto, C., et al., Programmed Flow Gas Chromatography, Journal of Chromatography, Vol. 15 (1964) pp. 301-313 discusses the utilization of a programmed flow of GC mobile phase in isothermic or temperature programmed runs, in order to obtain the separation of complex mixtures. Theoretical derivations of equations relating flow rate to various chromatogram properties such as peak migration, peak width, peak area and peak height are discussed. Flow rate in relation to efficiency and resolution is also discussed. The programmed flow actually used by the authors was said to be manual in nature using a step valve.
Zlatkis, A., Flow Programming--A New Technique in Gas Chromatography, Journal of Gas Chromatography (Mar. 1965), pp. 75-81 discusses the use of a pneumatically regulated flow controller for regulating flow rate in an exponential fashion between preset limits. In reviewing previous flow programming reports, such as the Costa Neto reference discussed above, Zlatkis et al. characterizes that reference as only discussing flow programming in relation to so called preparative gas chromatography as opposed to practical analytical gas chromatography.
Nygren, S. et al., Flow Programming in Glass Capillary Column-Electron Capture Gas Chromatography by Using the Valve in the Splitter Line, Journal of Chromatography, Vol. 123 (1976) pp. 101-108 discusses flow programming through the use of a metering valve in the side outlet of an inlet splitter. It was said that by exponentially programming carrier gas flow, under certain circumstances, results could be achieved which were comparable to temperature programming.
More recently, Larson, J. R. et al., Flow Programming System for Process Capillary Gas Chromatography, Journal of Chromatography, Vol. 405 (1987) pp. 163-168 discusses a continuous flow programming technique for process capillary gas chromatography which processes do not have temperature programming capabilities. It was concluded that by programming carrier gas flow in a process GC application, shorter cycle times could be achieved than temperature programmed GC devices.
The problem with each of the above flow programming devices lies in that carrier gas flow and/or temperature programming are independently operated, i.e. closed loop systems. As such, these systems are operated exclusive of each other. Such devices cannot assure constant column efficiency or constant mass flow. The major drawbacks of such closed loop flow control systems are limited dynamic range, the need for flow sensing and changes or drifts in the calibration of the flow sensor. Changes or drift in calibration can be caused by the contamination of the flow sensor.
Additionally, such independently operated closed loop systems are incapable of detecting undesirable conditions affecting the accuracy of the chromatographic analysis and of making adjustments to avoid such conditions. For example, for a given temperature program, a desired flow characteristic may not be possible within the GC system parameters. The above described devices are not capable of determining or sensing the failure of the device to achieve the desired flow characteristic.
It has been discovered that through the use of the open loop flow control system of the present invention, not only can the problems of prior temperature and flow programming devices be overcome, but also, the molecular weight range of compounds capable of GC analysis can be extended. As used in this application the phrase open loop flow control system signifies that there is no direct feedback of the controlled parameter. In open loop flow control there is no flow sensing operation, only pressure sensing and computation of desired pressure to give calculated flow.

Gas chromatograph having integrated pressure programmer


A dual function air-gap switch actuator (26) is incorporated into the generally planar face of a wall box dimmer. The switch actuator is finger operated and provides both a main power disconnect via air-gap contacts (211) and the means (212) to activate a secondary function. The dual function air-gap switch actuator is optionally fitted with an indicator lamp (265).

1. Technical Field
This invention relates to wall box mounted lighting dimmers and more particularly relates to a dimmer having a bezel kit with a dual function air-gap switch and configurable buttons.
2. Background Art
Wall box dimmers are well known and frequently have a triac, a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR), a field effect transistor (FET), or any other controllably conductive semiconductor structure that is operable to deliver variable power to a lighting load. The controllably conductive device is frequently provided with an on/off control actuator and a dimmer level control actuator mounted in and operable from the front surface of the dimmer. It is required, in order to be "UL listed", to also provide an air-gap switch, which can be located in and operated from the same front surface of the device to provide a definite disconnect of the alternating-current (AC) power from the lighting load, independent of the off-time of the controllably conductive power device.
It is very desirable to organize the control actuators on the front surface of the dimmer to present an attractive smooth and uncluttered appearance while also being easy to configure with various combinations of buttons to allow ready customization.
The inventors have discovered that it would also be very desirable to utilize a required air-gap switch to provide additional functionality when it is not being used to interrupt an external AC load and to even combine a "night-light" feature into such a switch.