The invention provides an ignition device for a gas discharge lamp. The device comprises a voltage multiplier which is connected to an AC mains source. A pulse generator is connected to the voltage multiplier and produces a trigger pulse when the source voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold. The output of the pulse generator is applied to a resonant network including a step-up transformer, which applies high voltage ignition pulses to the lamp. A delay circuit synchronizes the ignition pulses with the peaks of the AC mains waveform.

This invention relates to an ignition device for a gas discharge lamp.
Gas discharge lamps are usually driven by a source of alternating electrical current and are controlled by means of a regulating device such as an inductive choke or an electronic "ballast" circuit, which controls the lamp voltage and current, together with an ignition device to provide high voltage pulses which initiate the discharge arc in the lamp. The ignition device must only operate until the lamp ignites and must then be disabled. Such ignition devices can be controlled by manual switches, timers or voltage detection circuits.
The ignition pulse voltage which is required to ignite the lamp may be in the region of 20 to 65 kV. Because of the large step up ratios required to obtain such voltages from a standard AC mains voltage, step-up transformers which are used in typical igniters tend to be bulky and costly. To reduce the cost of such transformers, they are usually short-time rated to allow small frame sizes to be utilised, and multiple stages may be used to overcome insulation breakdown problems which may otherwise occur due to the high voltages involved. Due to the higher voltages necessary for re-ignition of a hot lamp (say, three or four times the cold ignition voltages), and the difficulty of achieving these voltages from normal mains supplies, hot lamp re-ignition is often not provided for commercially available ignition devices.
Certain ignition devices incorporate spark-gap oscillators which operate at high voltages and which are sensitive to changes in humidity and atmospheric pressure. Such devices may wear or need adjustment, which is a disadvantage.
In order for ignition to occur reliably, the lamp ignition pulse should be applied at or near the peak of the electrical waveform applied to the lamp. The ionisation caused by the ignition pulse dissipates rapidly in high pressure lamps such as high pressure sodium or metal halide lamps, so that timing is more critical with such lamps than with relatively low pressure lamps such as low pressure sodium or fluorescent lamps. The timing of the pulse is even more critical when the lamp is at full working temperature and must be restarted, since its internal pressure will then be at its highest level.
Known lamp ignition circuits produce a rapid sequence of high power, high frequency pulses in the hope that one of the pulses will be applied to the lamp close enough to he waveform peak of the lamp electrical supply to cause ignition. Such a system obviously has a relatively high power consumption, since many more pulses are provided than are required to start the lamp. Due to the large number of applied pulses and the power contained in them, the radio frequency interference (RFI) generated is considerable.

Ignition device for a gas discharge lamp


In one embodiment, a circuit element is described in text representation in a HDL source code file. The text representation is provided to a synthesis compiler for compilation. The text representation contains multiple expressions describing the logic circuits. During synthesis compilation, object names are selected for each expression in the text representation. The object names are derived from local counters and from the expressions depending on the context of the expressions such that a revision of one section of the source HDL text only affects the object names of the expressions local to the revised section. The object names of other sections of the source HDL text are not affected and remain the same.

The present invention relates generally to the field of circuit design synthesis, and more particularly to circuit design synthesis through hardware description language.
For the design of digital circuits on the scale of VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) technology, designers often employ computer-aided techniques. Standard languages known as Hardware Description Languages (HDL""s) have been developed to describe digital circuits to aid in the design and simulation of complex digital circuits. Several hardware description languages, such as VHDL and Verilog, have evolved as industry standards. VHDL and Verilog are general purpose hardware description languages that allow definition of a hardware model at the gate level, the register transfer level (RTL), or the behavioral level using abstract data types. As device technology continues to advance, various product design tools have been developed to adapt HDLs for use with newer devices and design styles.
In designing circuits using HDL compilers, designers first describe circuit elements in HDL source code and then compile the source code to produce synthesized RTL netlists. The RTL netlists correspond to schematic representations of the circuit elements. The circuits containing the synthesized circuit elements are often optimized to improve timing relationships and eliminate unnecessary or redundant logic elements. Such optimization typically involves substituting different gate types or combining and eliminating gates in the circuit, and often results in re-ordering the hierarchies and relationships between the original RTL objects and the underlying source code that produced the RTL objects.
Since object generation can happen during many different phases of synthesis, naming the objects in a consistent way is a challenge. Typical present circuit synthesis systems use a simple global counter mechanism and a fixed prefix to generate object names. Such implementation is inflexible because the generated names, such as instance names and net names, are not repeatable from one synthesis run to the next. This causes problems with repeatability, analysis, debug, incremental design, floorplanning and partitioning.
The present invention discloses methods and apparatuses that determine object names by analyzing the local context and using that information to generate repeatable names.
In one embodiment, a circuit element is described in text representation in a HDL source code file. The text representation is provided to a synthesis compiler for compilation. The text representation contains multiple expressions describing the logic circuits. During a synthesis compilation, object names are selected for each expression in the text representation. The object names are derived from local counters and from the expressions depending on the context of the expressions such that a revision of one section of the source HDL text only affects the object names of the expressions local to the revised section. The object names of other sections of the source HDL text are not affected and remain the same.
The present invention provides computer systems which are capable of performing methods of the invention, and the invention also provides computer readable material which, when executed on a digital processing system, such as a computer system, causes the system to execute one or more of the methods of the invention.


A computerized enhanced discreet coupon (EDC) processing system processes shopper EDC(s) using a scanner and a processor. The scanner scans purchased items. The processor generates tickets corresponding to the purchased items, syntactically validates shopper EDC(s), semantically checks the EDC(s), and authenticates the EDC(s). If an EDC is authentic, then the processor compares the EDC against the ticket to determine if the EDC qualifies, and if so, then the EDC is redeemable. Authentication can be accomplished by, for example, comparing EDC rule(s) and/or rule identifier(s) against genuine rule/identifier sets. Genuine rule set includes a qualifying rule and a redemption rule.

The present invention generally relates to improving the discounting functionality and security of point-of-sale (POS) processing systems, and more particularly relates to authoring, distributing POS processing, and post-processing of substantially improved discount coupons.
Conventional legacy discount coupons have been standardized and in widespread use at many retail stores for many years. Legacy coupons include only two fields, a product category field and a discount type field, each field being 256-bits in length.
The very limited number of fields and limited field length necessitates the use of broad product categories and also results in a limited number of discount types. As a result, these legacy discount coupons are very inflexible and also very susceptible to fraud. For example, an unscrupulous shopper may attempt to present a "$5 discount" coupon, intended for an item retailing for $50, towards the purchase of a significantly lower priced item retailing for $3, assuming that the $3 item is in the same product category as the $50 item. If the sales associate at the point of ale (POS) is not alert and the number of items purchased by the shopper is large enough, then the shopper ends up with a $2 net cash credit towards the purchase of the other items ($3 item minus $5 discount). In other words, the shopper was rewarded a $2 cash credit for merely acquiring the $3 item at no cost.
Hence there is an urgent need for an improved automated POS system capable of processing a wider variety of discounts for a wider variety of products and product categories, while substantially decreasing fraud.

Systems and methods for automated authoring, distributing and processing of enhanced discrete coupons


A method for controlling a current of a power supply system includes following steps. First, the power supply is started to produce an output current and the output current is increased. Afterward, the output current is decreased when the output current increases to a rated output current value. Finally, the output current is maintained at a typical output current value when the output current decreases to the typical output current value.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates generally to a power supply system and a method of controlling current thereof, and more particularly to a power supply system for driving light-emitting diodes and a method of controlling current thereof.
2. Description of Related Art
Safety certifications provide clear statements and guidance for manufacturing equipment and parts of products, thus providing safe and high quality products to users or operators. The main purpose is to prevent and reduce danger of electric shock, energy hazards, fire, mechanical and heat hazards, radiation hazards, chemical hazards, and so on to ensure life and property safety of users or operators. Accordingly, the manufacturing equipment and the parts of products must pass related safety certifications in different countries before shipping.
At present, most of the power supply manufacturers adopt the following safety certifications, such as International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Verband Deutscher Elektrotechnikere (VDE), Underwriter Laboratory (UL), Technisher Uberwachungs Verein (TUV), SLG-CPC Testlaboratory Co., Ltd, or Canadian Standards Association (CSA). In particular, the required applications for safety certifications are more when test projects of safety certifications are more diverse and stringent. For this reason, the required costs of safety certifications are relatively higher, especially the international certification costs. In addition, the internal components and output parameters of the tested power supply must be fixed when the power supply is certificated according to demands of the safety certification. In addition, different models of the power supply need to apply different safety certifications once the output current of the power supply is changed but electronic components and circuit structures are not, thus significantly increasing the research and development costs and manufacturing costs. Therefore, visibility of products and competitiveness of companies will be affected.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a power supply system for driving light-emitting diodes and a method of controlling current thereof so that different output currents for the identical power supply can be applied to the same power safety certification.

Power supply system and controlling method


An optical module includes an emitter-side mounting substrate, a receiver-side mounting substrate and an external waveguide substrate. The mounting substrate is provided with a waveguide having a core and a pair of fitting recesses. The external waveguide substrate is provided with an external waveguide having a core, a pair of fitting tabs and a lap joint portion. As the fitting tabs are fitted into the respective fitting recesses, the mounting substrate) and the external waveguide substrate are joined together, the two cores are aligned with each other, and the lap joint portion is positioned to overlap the mounting substrate.

A conventionally known optical module used for transmission or reception of an optical signal is configured such that a polymer waveguide film (external waveguide substrate) having a waveguide (optical waveguide) with a core formed therein is bonded to a submount (referred to as a mounting substrate in this invention) carrying one or more optical elements (e.g., a light-emitting element and/or a light-detecting element) by adhesive with the polymer waveguide film positioned above the optical element(s) of the submount, whereby light emitted from the optical element is coupled to an incident end surface of the waveguide (refer to Patent Document 1).    Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 2006-243467
If, however, the polymer waveguide film is to be bonded to the submount in the aforementioned fashion, it is essential that the polymer waveguide film be precisely shaped to prescribed external dimensions, for instance, so that a position offset between the polymer waveguide film and the submount would never occur. It is practically so difficult to manufacture optical modules that way. Furthermore, even if the polymer waveguide film is manufactured with high dimensional accuracy and placed at a specified position on the submount, the polymer waveguide film might be displaced from the specified position when adhesive is filled into a gap between the polymer waveguide film and the submount, potentially causing an offset of optical axes of the polymer waveguide film and the submount and a resultant reduction in optical coupling efficiency.
There is also a case where a core of a waveguide is displaced relative to an outer shape of the polymer waveguide film. In this case, the core of the waveguide is displaced even if the polymer waveguide film is placed at the specified position on the submount. This could potentially cause an optical axis offset between the polymer waveguide film and the submount and a resultant reduction in optical coupling efficiency.
Also, since the polymer waveguide film is positioned above optical elements, there is a risk of damaging the optical elements or smearing surfaces of the optical elements when placing the polymer waveguide film in position.
Furthermore, since the adhesive is filled into the gap between the polymer waveguide film in which the waveguide is provided and the submount carrying the optical elements, the distance between the waveguide and the optical elements might increase, potentially causing a reduction in optical coupling efficiency.


The present invention relates to barrel extensions for firearms that have been converted to fire different, most likely lower, caliber ammunition than the firearms were originally designed to accommodate. The present invention in several embodiments is a barrel extension designed to supplement or replace the barrels and/or barrel extensions of firearms that have a sub-caliber conversion installed. Several embodiments of the present invention are configured to be installed on AR15 family rifles with a .22LR ammunition conversion to allow for accurate shooting of the .22LR ammunition through the barrel extension.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is related to firearm caliber conversions. More specifically, the present invention relates to a barrel extension that mates a barrel to a rifle to safely achieve more accurate firing of smaller caliber ammunition than the firearm's initial configuration.
2. Description of Related Art
In order to fire a different caliber in a firearm than what the firearm was initially designed to accommodate, a caliber conversion kit or device needs to be installed in the desired firearm. Caliber conversion kits and devices which change the caliber of ammunition a firearm fires have been known in the art. The primary purpose of many of these conversion kits is to enable the firing of less expensive ammunition. Typically lower caliber ammunition is less expensive than higher caliber ammunition, although cartridge size and other factors can affect the price of the ammunition.
For example, the CMMG™.22LR conversion Model Alpha (as shown in FIG. 8) available from CMMG Inc. P.O. Box 369 Fayette, Mo. 65248 is a .22LR caliber rim-fire blowback device which replaces the standard bolt/bolt carrier assembly in the AR15 family of firearms. It should be noted that the standard bolt/bolt carrier assembly in the AR15 family are gas operated systems. The CMMG™ .22LR conversion allows for the use of .22LR ammunition in place of 5.56 NATO or .223 Rem ammunition. This particular conversion is a blow-back operated sub-caliber conversion that allows for the firing of .22LR ammunition in an AR15 or M16 firearm. The CMMG™ .22 LR conversion also includes a magazine adapted for holding .22LR ammunition and having the same or similar exterior dimensions as a standard AR15 magazine adapted to hold 5.56 NATO or .223 Rem ammunition.
One shortcoming of this type of conversion is that it still utilizes a standard AR15 barrel extension and barrel with standard diameter bore and rifling twist rate resulting in an improper fit of the .22LR bullet to the barrel. This arrangement results in bullet wobble and inaccuracy of the firearm.
There is a need for a device and/or kit to safely improve the accuracy of a rifle that is firing sub-caliber ammunition.


Aspects of the disclosure relate to streaming influencer device audio content to listener devices. In some embodiments, a computing platform may receive, from a first influencer device, first stream information associated with a first music stream. Subsequently, the computing platform may identify a plurality of listener devices that subscribe to receive music streams from the first influencer device. The music sharing computing platform then may evaluate first tracking information associated with a first listener device of the plurality of listener devices to enforce one or more playback restrictions on the first listener device, and may evaluate second tracking information associated with a second listener device of the plurality of listener devices to enforce the one or more playback restrictions on the second listener device. Based on evaluating the tracking information, the computing platform may share the first music stream with the first listener device and the second listener device.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to computing hardware and computer software. In particular, one or more aspects of the disclosure generally relate to computing hardware and computer software for streaming influencer device audio content to listener devices.
Internet radio and other forms of online music streaming and/or audio streaming are becoming increasingly popular, particularly as more and more people adopt and use mobile computing devices, such as smart phones, tablet computers, wearable devices, and other types of mobile devices. As such streaming becomes increasingly popular, it may be difficult to scale the underlying technology to support increasing numbers of users. In particular, providing streaming audio content to various user devices may be technologically complex because of the computing resources and network resources required to stream audio content to many devices, and may be further complicated because of license restrictions and/or other playback restrictions that might need to be complied with when streaming such content. As a result, it may be difficult to provide streaming audio content to multiple listener devices.

Computer systems for streaming influencer device audio content to listener devices


Disclosed are systems and methods for providing a blanking panel. One embodiment includes a blanking panel for an information technology (IT) rack. The IT rack may have a width for receiving hardware into a rack space unit. The IT rack may have a plurality of vertical mounting beams that define the width. The blanking panel may include a cover that is sized and shaped to cover a front portion of the rack space unit on the IT rack and a plurality of rack connectors that connect the blanking panel to the plurality of vertical mounting beams. In some embodiments, the blanking panel includes a rotating pin, where at least one of the plurality of rack connectors is rotatably connected to permit rotation of the rotating pin around a second axis and where the rotating pin includes a pivot joint, to permit the rotating pin to rotate around a first axis.

In the information technology (IT) space, cloud computing has now become far more important than ever. As a result of this, server installations are not only more common, but constantly changing, resulting in increased utilization of computing hardware such as servers. Such hardware is typically installed inside IT racks that are usually housed in data centers. The IT racks may provide rack space units to host several servers. Normally, some of the rack space units are empty and these gaps may be closed on a front portion of the IT rack by blanking panels. The blanking panels may be configured as panels to fit into or adjacent a rack space unit that reduces or eliminates air mixing, as such cycling will not allow sufficient cooled air to be drawn by the hardware. The air circulation inside the IT rack can affect the operating environment of the IT rack and cause outages, as the hardware typically requires specific thermal cooling requirements to operate.
The IT rack distribution is based on cold and hot aisles where the IT racks receive the cold air from the front of the hardware, which removes the heat from the backside. The hardware may run in a conditioned environment to ensure proper function and avoid overheating that might result in hardware interruption.
Current solutions do not resolve the issue of losing blanking panels after a hardware installation and the installation of the blanking panels after decommission or replacement of the hardware with different unit sizes. Hence, there is a need in the art for a fixed flexible rotating blanking panel for an IT rack.

Flexible rotating blanking panel for an IT rack


In a DLL circuit between a phase comparator and a digital filter there is provided a signal switching portion preventing control signals UP and DOWN from being transmitted after a clock enable signal extCKE is activated and before a predetermined period of time elapses. Thus after a semiconductor device returns from a power down mode and before a predetermined period of time elapses it continues to stop updating an amount of delay of a delay line. Thus before an internal power supply potential stabilizes the delay line does not have a varying amount of delay and as a result the semiconductor device can output data at a timing free of significant fluctuation.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to semiconductor devices and particularly to synchronous semiconductor devices synchronized with an external, periodically applied clock signal to take in an external signal. More specifically, it relates to synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM) having a function to reduce fluctuation in access time introduced immediately after it returns from a power down mode.
2. Description of the Background Art
Dynamic random access memory (DRAM) used as main memory has been improved to operate faster. Its operating rate, however, still cannot catch up with that of a microprocessor (MPU). It is thus often said that the DRAM access time and cycle time are a bottleneck and thus impair a system""s overall performance. In recent years as a main memory for a high speed MPU there has been proposed a double data rate (DDR) SDRAM operating in synchronization with a clock signal.
For the DDR SDRAM there has been proposed a specification allowing a rapid access for example to four successive bits in synchronization with both of two clock signals (extCLK, ext/CLK) to achieve rapid access.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for illustrating a waveform of an input/output in an normal operation of a conventional DDR SDRAM.
FIG. 7 shows that the DDR SDRAM, capable of inputting and outputting data of eight bits (bite data) of data input/output terminals DQ0-DQ7, reads/writes four data (of 8xc3x974 equal to 32 bits in total) successively. The number of bits of data read successively is referred to as a burst length and for a DDR SDRAM, typically it is variable depending on the setting of a mode register.
With reference to FIG. 7, at time t1 an external clock signal extCLK has a rising edge and external control signals (a row address strobe signal /RAS, a column address strobe signal /CAS, an address signal Add. and the like) are taken in. Since row address strobe signal /RAS has a low level of an active state, the current address signal Add. is taken in as a row address Xa. Note that address signal Add. includes address signals A0-A10 and a bank address signal BA.
At time t2 column address strobe signal /CAS attains a low level of an active state and in synchronization with clock signal extCLK going high column address strobe signal /CAS is internally taken in. The current address signal Add. is taken in as a column address Yb. In response to the row and column addresses Xa and Yb taken in, the DDR SDRAM internally effects a row and column select operation.
D/Q represents data signals DQ0-DQi input/output to/from an input/output terminal. After row address strobe signal /RAS falls to the low level when a predetermined clock cycle (3.5 clock cycles in FIG. 7) elapses or time t4 arrives, initial data q0 is output and followed by data q1-q3 output successively.
The data are output in response to clock signals extCLK and ext/CLK crossing each other. To allow data to be transferred rapidly, a data strobe signal DQS is output in phase with output data.
Note that at time t3 when clock signal extCLK has a rising edge, control signals /RAS and /WE are set low and a re-write to a memory cell (or a precharge) is effected.
At time t5 and thereafter, a write operation is represented. At time t5 a row address Xc is taken in. At time t6 when column address strobe signal /CAS and write enable signal /WE are both set to have the low level of the active state, in response to the current clock signal extCLK having a rising edge a column address Yd is taken in. Then the currently provided data d0 is taken in as initial write data. In response to row and column address strobe signal /RAS and /CAS falling, the DDR SDRAM internally effects a row and column select operation. Subsequently in synchronization with data strobe signal DQS input data d1-d3 are successively taken in and written to a corresponding memory cell.
To achieve a high data transfer rate, data is read and written in synchronization with a clock signal having a high frequency. Implementing a steady system operation with a high frequency requires a DDR SDRAM to be internally timed as defined more strictly.
To reduce fluctuation in data access time in a read, a delay locked loop (DLL) circuit is typically used. The amount of delay of the DLL circuit, however, fluctuates with noise generated in a power supply potential. Accordingly, the DLL circuit receives as an operating power supply voltage an internal power supply voltage stabilized by a regulator.
FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram for illustrating a first example of a connection of the regulator and the DLL circuit.
With reference to FIG. 8, a regulator 500 receives an external power supply voltage EXTVDD and supplies a clock input buffer 509, an inverter 507 and a DLL circuit 510 with an internal power supply potential INTVDD. Clock input buffer 509 externally receives complementary clock signals extCLK, ext/CLK and detects a point at which the clock signals cross each other. Inverter 507 receives an output from clock input buffer 509, inverts it and outputs a clock signal ECLK. DLL circuit 510 responds to clock signal ECLK by outputting an internal clock signal INTCLK (not shown). Clock signal INTCLK provides a reference timing applied to externally output data from a data output buffer.
Clock input buffer 509 includes an n channel MOS transistor 506 having a source connected to a ground node and a gate receiving a clock enable signal extCKE, an n channel MOS transistor 503 having a source connected to a drain of n channel MOS transistor 506 and a gate receiving clock signal ext/CLK, and a p channel MOS transistor 501 having a gate and drain connected to a drain of n channel MOS transistor 503 and a source receiving an internal power supply potential from regulator 500.
Clock input buffer 509 also includes an n channel MOS transistor 504 having a source connected to a drain of n channel MOS transistor 506 and a gate receiving clock signal extCLK, and a p channel MOS transistor 502 connected to a drain of n channel MOS transistor 503 and having a gate connected to a drain of n channel MOS transistor 503 and a source receiving an internal power supply potential from regulator 500.
N channel MOS transistor 504 has a drain connected to an input of inverter 507.
FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram showing a second example of the connection of the regulator and the DLL circuit.
With reference to FIG. 9, regulator 500 receives external power supply potential EXTVDD and provides internal power supply potential INTVDD to DLL circuit 510. Clock input buffer 509 and inverter 507 directly receive external power supply potential EXTVDD as an operating power supply potential.
Clock input buffer 509 is configured and clock input buffer 509, inverter 507 and DLL circuit 510 are connected, as shown in FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of DLL circuit 510 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.
With reference to FIG. 10, DLL circuit 510 includes a delay line 530 delaying clock signal ECLK and outputting an internal clock signal INTCLK, a delay circuit 532 delaying internal clock signal INTCLK to output a clock signal RCLK, a phase comparator 522 comparing a phase of clock signal ECLK and that of clock signal RCLK and outputting control signals UP and DOWN, a digital filter 526 receiving an output from phase comparator 522, filtering it and outputting control signals UP_D and DOWN_D, and a counter and decoder 528 driven by an output of digital filter 526 to change an internal count value to determine a delay time for delay line 530.
FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of digital filter 526 shown in FIG. 10.
With reference to FIG. 11, digital filter 526 includes a shift register 52 providing an output set high when control signal UP is activated twice in pulses, an AND circuit 560 receiving an output from shift register 52 and control signal UP and outputting control signal UP_D, a shift register 54 providing an output set high when control signal DOWN is activated twice in pulses, and an AND circuit 564 receiving an output from shift register 54 and control signal DOWN and outputting control signal DOWN_D. Control signals UP_D and DOWN_D are applied to counter and decoder 528.
Data internal to shift register 52 is reset when control signal DOWN is activated in a pulse. As such, if control signal UP is activated only once and control signal DOWN is subsequently activated in a pulse, the high level is not transmitted to the output.
Furthermore, data of shift register 54 is also reset when control signal UP is activated in a pulse. Thus, if control signal DOWN is activated only once an output does not go high, and if in AND circuits 560 and 564 control signals UP and DOWN each attain the high level then the shift register""s output is transmitted to counter and decoder 528. Thus, if control signal UP is not activated three times in succession, control signal UP_D is not activated. Similarly, if control signal DOWN is not activated three times in succession, control signal DOWN_D is not activated.
The regulator as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 can generate a steady internal power supply potential if a constant electric current is consumed. For example if the value of the SDRAM""s internally consumed current changes rapidly in response to an externally applied clock enable signal being activated and inactivated, however, the internal power supply potential fluctuates because of a low speed of the regulator.
When the clock enable signal is inactivated, the external clock signal is no longer internally transmitted and in the SDRAM a power down mode is set. In the power down mode, external write and read operations are stopped and the SDRAM consumes reduced power. It should be noted, however, that internal data is held for example by auto refresh.
FIG. 12 represents waveforms of an operation for illustrating a fluctuation in a power supply potential.
As shown in FIG. 12, for example at time t1 when clock enable signal extCKE transitions from high to low the SDRAM""s current consumption rapidly reduces in value and internal power supply potential INTVDD accordingly, temporarily rises.
By contrast, as indicated at time t2 through t3, when clock enable signal extCKE transitions from low to high, the SDRAM starts to internally operate and its current consumption rapidly increases in value. The internal power supply voltage thus temporarily reduces.
As internal power supply potential INTVDD varies as above, the DLL circuit provides a varying amount of delay and internal clock INTCLK fluctuates and as a result a data output signal also fluctuates disadvantageously.
Furthermore the DLL circuit operation is stopped in the power down mode to reduce current consumption. Typically, an electric current with which clock input buffer 509 operates is interrupted by n channel MOS transistor 506 to stop clock signal ECLK, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Thus DLL circuit 510 also stops and thus cannot follow variation in frequency of the external clock signal.
The present invention contemplates a semiconductor device free of significant fluctuation in a data output after power-down.
In summary, the present invention provides a semiconductor memory device having a normal mode and a power down mode as a mode of operation thereof and it includes a variable delay circuit and a delay time control circuit.
The variable delay circuit delays an input clock signal to output an output clock signal. The delay time control circuit compares a phase of the output clock signal and a phase of the input clock signal to apply a control signal to the variable delay circuit to indicate a delay time. The delay time control circuit suspends control of the delay time for a first prescribed period of time when the power down mode transitions to the normal mode.
Thus a main advantage of the present invention is that after a return is made from a power down mode and before the first determined period elapses, controlling an amount of delay of the delay line is continuously stopped to reduce a fluctuation in an internal clock signal that is attributed to switching modes.
The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Semiconductor device outputting data at a timing with reduced jitter


Provided is a method for masking a sensitive signal by injecting noise into planes of a printed circuit board (PCB). The method comprises detecting, by a secondary integrated circuit (IC), a noise signal on a shared plane of a PCB that includes the secondary IC. The noise signal may be analyzed to determine the characteristics of the noise signal. A masking signal may be generated based on the characteristics. The masking signal may then be injected onto the shared plane.

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of integrated circuits, and more particularly to injecting noise in a printed circuit board to mask sensitive signals generated by ICs.
Printed circuit boards (PCBs) mechanically support, and electrically connect, a plurality of electronic components, including integrated circuits (ICs). Power is often provided to the electronic components using a set of planes, such as a power plane that carries a voltage and a reference, or ground, plane. The electronic components connect to these planes using a series of vias and traces.

Data detection mitigation in printed circuit boards

International Business Machines Corporation


A process and a device for numeric path control for electroerosion machines having a wire electrode stretched between two guides and a guide connected to a work piece are proposed. To lessen cutting errors on work pieces to be processed, and thus to decrease the amount of geometric information that must be fed into a numeric control of a wire electrode erosion machine, it is proposed that only a few figures for track points be supplied and intermediate track points be determined by interpolation. The interpolation for the intermediate track points of the two movable guides is carried out according to various types. For example, one interpolation is linear, while the other interpolation is performed according to a circular function.

The invention concerns a method and a device for numeric path control for electroerosion machines.
The processing of work pieces to achieve relatively difficult geometric figures, as for example a hyperboloid shape, must be done with the maximum possible precision of the existing surfaces as against the desired surfaces (actual surface, target surface). The surface precision of the work piece processed is in this instance defined by the course of an actual track curve on the surface in relation to a target track curve.
From European patent specification 0 062 074, it is known how to use an erosion wire the two guides of which are moved independently of each other. So that one does not have to feed in too many track points for the definition of the track curves for the guides, and thus indirectly for the target track curves, on the surface of the work piece, it is known how to determine the complete, desired track curve between given track points, with the help of a given function, by means of interpolation. According to the known art, the interpolation of the track curves is performed for the two guides of the wire electrode independent of each other; however, in both cases the nature or the interpolation, or, more precisely, the mathematical function, according to which the interpolation is made, is identical.
However, the measurement precision, and in particular the surface quality, of work pieces processed with the known machine, were found to be unsatisfactory.

Method and device for numerical control for electroerosion machine


A novel therapeutic agent and novel anti-HTLV-1 drug for HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) is provided. A substance capable of inhibiting tyrosine kinase encoded by the ABL1 gene is contained as an active ingredient.

Human T lymphotropic virus type 1 (hereinafter referred to as "HTLV-1") is a retrovirus that is integrated into the genomic DNA of CD4-positive T lymphocytes and infectiously propagated in vive and between individuals. Tumorigenesis of HTLV-1-infected cells causes adult T cell leukemia (ATL), and HTLV-1-infected cells infiltrate into the spinal cord, thereby inducing HTLV-1-associated myelopathy (HAM/TSP: HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis, hereinafter also referred to as "HAM") which causes spastic spinal paralysis and dysuria. Further, infiltration of HTLV-1-infected cells into the eye may cause HTLV-1-associated uveitis (HU).
The pathogenic mechanism of HAM among various diseases caused by HTLV-1 described above is unknown except that HTLV-1-infected cells infiltrate into the spinal cord and trigger inflammation. At present, no curative therapy has been established for HAM, and treatment for suppressing inflammation is performed depending on the rate of disease progression and the intensity of inflammation. In a case in which the inflammation is severe, symptoms are likely to progress. In such case, treatment such as steroid therapy or interferon-alpha injection therapy is selected to suppress inflammation and prevent the spinal cord from being destroyed. Specifically, it has been confirmed that oral administration of a corticosteroid (predonisolone) as an anti-inflammatory agent causes the proviral load to decrease to some extent, which is an effect of improving symptoms. However, in many cases, the above treatment cannot achieve complete cure, and there are problems such as a rebound phenomenon due to discontinuation of drugs. The treatment method is further problematic due to side effects such as steroid diabetes, osteoporosis, and immunosuppression.
As described above, there has been a need for therapeutic agents capable of achieving complete cure of HAM caused by HTLV-1. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a therapeutic agent for HTLV-1-associated myelopathy including an anti-human CXCL10 antibody that specifically binds to human CXCL10 or a fragment of the antibody.

Anti-HTLV-1 drug and therapeutic agent for HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP)


An electrically hammer comprising a hollow spindle, a piston, and an intermediate shaft. A wobble drive arrangement includes a wobble sleeve rotatably mounted on the intermediate shaft. A mode change element is selectively engageable, by movement along the intermediate shaft, with a set of drive teeth provided on the intermediate shaft and a set of driven teeth provided on the wobble sleeve. When the mode change element is engaged with both sets of teeth it transmits rotary drive from the intermediate shaft to the wobble sleeve so that the wobble sleeve arrangement reciprocatingly drives the piston. A mode change ring is formed integrally with an axial stop surface and the axial stop surface is engageable with a cooperating end stop surface formed integrally with one of the intermediate shaft and the wobble sleeve to limit the movement of the mode change element along the intermediate shaft.

This invention relates to electric hammers, in particular rotary hammers, having an air cushion hammering mechanism.
Such hammers will normally have a housing and a hollow cylindrical spindle mounted in the housing. The spindle allows insertion of the shank of a tool or bit, for example a drill bit or a chisel bit, into the front end thereof so that it is retained in the front end of the spindle with a degree of axial movement. The spindle may be a single cylindrical part or may be made of two or more co-axial cylindrical parts, which together form the hammer spindle. For example, a front part of the spindle may be formed as a separate tool holder body for retaining the tool or bit. Such hammers are provided with an impact mechanism which converts the rotational drive from an electric motor to a reciprocating drive causing a piston, which may be a hollow piston, to reciprocate within the spindle. The piston reciprocatingly drives a ram by means of a closed air cushion located between the piston and the ram. The impacts from the ram are transmitted to the tool or bit of the hammer, optionally via a beatpiece.
Such hammers can also be employed in combination impact and drilling mode or in a drilling only mode in which the spindle, or a forwardmost part of the spindle, and hence the bit inserted therein will be caused to rotate. In the combination impact and drilling mode the bit will be caused to rotate at the same time as the bit receives repeated impacts. A rotary drive mechanism transmits rotary drive from the electric motor to the spindle to cause the spindle, or a forwardmost part thereof to rotate.
In smaller hammers, a wobble drive arrangement is generally used to convert a rotary drive from the motor to the reciprocating drive of the piston. In a known arrangement the rotary drive from the motor is transmitted to an intermediate shaft mounted within the hammer housing generally parallel to the axis of the spindle. A wobble sleeve is rotatably mounted on the intermediate shaft. The wobble sleeve is formed with a wobble race which extends around the wobble sleeve at an oblique angle to the axis of the intermediate shaft. Balls are set to run between this inner race and an outer race of a wobble ring, which wobble ring has a wobble pin extending from it to the rearward end of the piston. The wobble pin is pivotally connected to the rearward end of the piston via a trunnion arrangement. Thus, when the wobble sleeve is rotatably driven the wobble pin reciprocates and reciprocatingly drives the piston within the spindle and hammering occurs. In drilling only mode hammering is not required and so a mode change mechanism is required to selectively transmit the rotation of the intermediate shaft to the wobble sleeve.
It is known to have a mode change element moveable along the intermediate shaft in a first direction in order to be engaged with sets of teeth on the wobble sleeve and the intermediate shaft to actuate hammering or in a second opposite direction in order to be disengaged with one of the sets of teeth to disable hammering. The mode change element generally requires some means of determining its end positions on the intermediate shaft. This is generally provided by an axial stop element mounted on the intermediate shaft or the wobble sleeve using a circlip. Such axial stops and circlips are difficult to assemble, if they are not assembled correctly the hammer will not operate correctly and if they become loose, then they can damage other components of the hammer. Alternatively, a mode change linkage, connected to a mode change knob or the mode change knob itself, which act to move the mode change element between its different positions can be used to determine the end positions of the mode change element. However, this may reduce the accuracy with which the end positions can be determined and so may lead to a less compact design.
In smaller hammers, where the compactness of the hammer is a critical design issue, the mode change mechanism must be compact. However, the mode change mechanism must also be robust so that it can operate reliably in the high vibration environment of a hammer.


An image forming system includes an image forming apparatus, a transmission apparatus, a reception section that is provided in the image forming apparatus and receives a designation of the transmission apparatus, a first transmission section that is provided in the image forming apparatus and transmits apparatus information indicating the own apparatus to a transmission apparatus designated in the reception section, a first storage unit that is provided in the transmission apparatus and stores the apparatus information transmitted from the first transmission section, a second transmission section that is provided in the transmission apparatus and transmits image data to an image forming apparatus indicated by the apparatus information stored in the first storage section, and an image forming unit that is provided in the image forming apparatus and forms an image corresponding to the image data transmitted from the second transmission section.

(i) Technical Field
The present invention relates to an image forming system, an image forming apparatus, and a non-transitory computer readable medium.
(ii) Related Art
There are cases where plural image forming apparatuses are connected to a client apparatus. In this case, it is necessary for the client apparatus to set an image forming apparatus which is a transmission destination of image data.

Image forming system, image forming apparatus, and non-transitory computer readable medium which is a transmission destination of image data


Stabilized luminescent nanoparticles for light emitting diode applications comprise perovskite nanocrystals encapsulated by an oxide coating, where the oxide coating includes ligand remnants comprising one or more elements selected from the group consisting of: nitrogen, carbon, phosphorus, and sulfur. A method of making the stabilized luminescent nanoparticles comprises dispersing perovskite nanocrystals and crosslinking ligands in a non-polar solvent to form a first mixture. Each of the crosslinking ligands comprises a head end and a tail end; the head ends attach to the perovskite nanocrystals and the tail ends remain unattached and available for crosslinking. An oxide precursor comprising crosslinking functional groups is added to the first mixture, and the crosslinking functional groups attach to the tail ends of the crosslinking ligands. Thus, an oxide coating is formed on the perovskite nanocrystals.

Perovskite nanocrystals have recently emerged as promising down-converters, due to their tunable emission wavelengths, narrow emission, non-scattering and high quantum yield (QY). These properties allow for improved LED performance by reducing losses associated with emission into the infrared, scattering to absorbing parts of the LED package, and down-conversion (i.e., low QY). One example is all-inorganic perovskite CsPbX3 (X=Cl, Br, I) nanocrystals, which have demonstrated many of the desired properties for down-converters in LEDs. However, perovskite nanocrystals have limited or no stability with respect to oxygen, organic solvents, and polar solvents such as water, which limits their application in LEDs as down-converters. Their instability in polar environments also makes it challenging to process the materials; for example, growth of a protection barrier following established methods for other nanoparticles can be difficult or impossible.

Stabilized luminescent nanoparticles comprising a perovskite semiconductor and method of fabrication


A method of controlling a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system includes measuring an ambient temperature and determining whether the ambient temperature is below a threshold temperature value. Responsive to a determination that the ambient temperature is below the threshold temperature value, measuring a condenser-fan cycle time of the HVAC system and setting a speed of the compressor based on the measured condenser-fan cycle time.

HVAC systems include multiple components to perform a desired function. HVAC systems typically include components, such as, for example, a compressor, a condenser coil, and a condenser fan. Depending upon various parameters such as, for example, set-point-temperature and humidity, the HVAC system cycles its components on and off to satisfy a requested cooling demand. For example, the HVAC system may be programmed to maintain a specific temperature. In order to maintain the specific temperature over a period of time, it may be necessary to cycle components, such as the compressor and the condenser fan, on and off multiple times. Repetitive cycling of the HVAC system components ultimately reduces service life, which may lead to premature failure of one or more components of the HVAC system.

Method of and system for minimization of condenser-fan cycling for low ambient temperature


A method, apparatus, and medium are provided for representing multiple programmatic hierarchal structures as a single hierarchal structure. The method includes identifying at least first and second datasets corresponding to first and second hierarchal structures. Referential links are provided between the first and second sets of data so that the first and second hierarchal structures appear as a single hierarchal structure to a software application. An application program interface enables user-interface elements to be manipulated and includes a set of instructions that can receive a request for information related to displaying one or more elements, a set of instructions that identify multiple hierarchal trees capable of satisfying the request, a set of instructions that represent the hierarchal trees as a single hierarchal tree, and a set of instructions that communicates the representation of the single hierarchal tree to a receiving component.

Individuals interact with computers through a user interface. The user interface enables a user to provide input to and receive output from the computer. The output provided can take on many forms and often includes presenting a variety of user-interface elements, sometimes referred to as "controls." Exemplary user-interface elements include toolbars, windows, buttons, scrollbars, icons, selectable options, and the like. Virtually anything that can be clicked on or given the focus falls within the scope of "element" as used herein. Information related to user-interface elements is often requested by assistive-technology products so that the products can enhance a user's computing experience.
Assistive-technology products are specially designed computer programs designed to accommodate an individual's disability or disabilities. These products are developed to work with a computer's operating system and other software. Some people with disabilities desire assistive-technology products to use computers more effectively.
Individuals with visual or hearing impairments may desire accessibility features that can enhance a user interface. For example, individuals with hearing impairments may use voice-recognition products that are adapted to convert speech to sign language. Screen-review utilities make on-screen information available as synthesized speech and pairs the speech with visual representations of words in a format that assists persons with language impairments. For example, words can be highlighted as electronically read. Screen-review utilities convert text that appears on screen into a computer voice.
To provide supportive features to persons that desire to use them, assistive-technology applications do not have access to the same code that native applications are able to use. This is because an assistive-technology application works on behalf of a user; instead of the user working directly with the user interface—as is the case in native applications. For instance, if a word-processing application wishes to display text to user, it can easily do so because the word-processing application knows what program modules to call to display the text as desired. But a screen reader—an application that finds text and audibly recites the text to a user—is unaware of much of a target application's programmatic code. The screen reader must independently gather the data needed to identify text, receive it, and translate it into audio.
Assistive-technology applications work under a variety of constraints. To further illustrate a portion of the constraints that assistive-technology applications are subject to, consider, for example, an application that needs to display the contents of a listbox. This would be an easy task for a native application because it would know where the relevant list-box values are stored and simply retrieve them for display. But an assistive-technology application does not know where the values are stored. It must seek the values itself and be provided with the necessary information to display the values. Thus, assistive-technology applications must function with limited knowledge of an application's user interface.
The difficulties associated with an assistive-technology application performing certain functions on all types of user-interface elements is somewhat akin to the difficulties that would be faced by a person asked to be able to program any type of VCR clock simply by providing access to the VCR clock. Unlike the VCR owner who is familiar with his VCR's clock and has the VCR manual, the fictitious person here has no foreknowledge of what type of VCR he may come across, what type of actions are necessary to program the clock, whether it will be a brand ever seen before, or the means of accessing its settings—which may be different from every other VCR previously encountered. Moreover, expecting the person to know about every type of VCR is an unrealistic proposition. As applicable to the relevant art, it is an unrealistic proposition to expect every client application to know about every type of listbox that it might encounter. Programming such a client application would be an expensive and resource intensive process.
One way a user interface may provide this information is by using logical hierarchal structures. A significant problem in the art, however, is that logical hierarchal structures provided by a user interface often do not have the requisite level of granularity needed by an assistive-technology application. Without the benefit of an adequate description of a UI or knowing the contents of certain data elements (such as listboxes, combo boxes, and many others), assistive-technology applications must request this information from the user interface to be able to manipulate or otherwise make use of the data.
Although assistive-technology applications can provide various user-interface customizations if they can receive accurate data regarding the user-interface elements, providing accurate information regarding user-interface elements has proven difficult. This difficulty stems from the fact that no single entity knows all the relevant information about any particular piece of a user interface. For example, although a list-box component may itself know the individual list-box items contained within it, only the name of the listbox may be known by its parent dialog window. Although a user interface or portion of a user interface may be depicted as a hierarchal structure such as a tree, a single tree may only provide limited information, which can prevent an assistive-technology application from functioning properly.
A shortcoming exists in the current state of the art whereby providing information described by two or more logical trees is either impossible or inordinately difficult. For example, a user interface may have three windows with a button and a listbox in one of the three windows. Information about the user interface may be contained in a first tree while information about the contents of the listbox may be described by a second tree. In such a situation, an assistive-technology application that requires knowledge of both trees must try to derive this information itself, which is difficult. There is no efficient way to represent the two or more trees to the client application as a single hierarchal representation. Accordingly, there is a need for a method and system for providing accurate, comprehensive hierarchal-structure information about user-interface components described in two or more logical trees to a requesting application. Moreover, there is a need to provide the information in a format that is easy for the requesting application to process.

Method and system for representing hierarchal structures of a user-interface


A method for producing a semiconductor device according to the present invention includes a step of sputtering a target (100A). The target (100A) includes a plurality of target tiles (11A) located while having a gap therebetween; a backing plate (15A) for supporting the plurality of target tiles (11A); and a bonding member (17A) provided between the backing plate (15A) and the plurality of target tiles (11A). The plurality of target tiles (11A) each contain In, Ga and Zn. When the target (100A) is seen in a direction normal thereto from the side on which the plurality of target tiles (11A) are located, the plurality of target tiles (11A) are each smaller than an insulating substrate (1), and the bonding member (17A) cannot be seen through the gap.

Recently, it has been proposed to form an active layer of a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) by use of an oxide semiconductor film of zinc oxide or the like instead of a silicon semiconductor film. A TFT including an oxide semiconductor film is referred to as an "oxide semiconductor TFT". An oxide semiconductor such as zinc oxide or the like has a mobility higher than that of amorphous silicon. Therefore, an oxide semiconductor TFT can be operated faster than a TFT using amorphous silicon. In addition, an oxide semiconductor film may be formed by a sputtering method. Therefore, an oxide semiconductor TFT has an advantage of being applicable to a larger-screen display device than a TFT using polycrystalline silicon (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).
According to a sputtering method, a film is formed by use of a target. A magnetron sputtering method is especially widely used in mass production system. According to this method, a magnet is located on a rear surface of the target to generate a magnetic field on a surface of the target, so that plasma is converged to the vicinity of the surface of the target. A target is generally produced as follows. In (indium) or solder is used as a brazing material, and a target tile is bonded to a support (backing plate) formed of Cu (copper). As the production devices have been enlarged, the targets have also been enlarged. Patent Document 3 discloses a method for solving problems caused by such an enlarged target.

Manufacturing method for semiconductor device


A system is provided for rigidly attaching a supply ship to a receiving ship to facilitate efficient transport of materials there-between even when the vessels are subject to heavy seas and weather. A telescoping truss assembly is provided on the first ship, and has a distal end configured to mate with a receptacle assembly on the second ship. Cables are disposed within the truss and are used to draw the truss and receptacle assemblies into engagement with each other. Once the assemblies are engaged, a hydraulic system is used to draw the two ships together, rigidifying the truss assembly and fixing the two ships in a “catamaran” arrangement. Subsequent transfers of materials between the ships can be carried out without the need to compensate for the relative dynamic vertical and horizontal displacements between the ships due to wind and waves.

Underway Replenishment is the method by which supplies are transferred from one ship to another at sea to enable a ship to remain at sea for prolonged periods of time. One current method of underway replenishment involves rigging a cable between the supply ship and the receiving ship and sending supplies over a wire using a trolley system.
An ideal scenario for transfer would be what is referred to as "skin-to-skin" replenishment, which is conducted by transferring material from two ships located directly next to each other. Currently this is possible only when the involved ships are at anchor or are moving at slow speeds in calm seas, due to the forces of water acting between the vessels, and the danger of the vessels colliding even while not making way. This method would be ideal for transfers at higher sea states because it would allow the transfer of supplies in 20 foot containers using standard crane systems. While skin-to-skin replenishment is not possible under all conditions and with all situations, increased capabilities for situations with higher sea states are desired.
One alternative is to develop a crane system that is capable of compensating for the relative movement between ships. However, such systems are highly complex and still may not be safe for transferring containers at higher sea states.
Alternatively, if the supplying and receiving ships can be rigidly attached, materials can be transferred from one ship to the other much more efficiently than previous systems, since complex crane systems would not be required. Larger, heavier loads could be transferred at relatively higher rates from hull to hull if a "catamaran" configuration were achieved between the ships. Further, it is expected that material transfers could be made at sea states of up to 4 or higher.
Accordingly, there is a need for a device which can securely and safely connect two large cargo ships at sea, in conditions of up to sea state 4 or higher, so that transfer of standard 20-foot containers ship-to-ship by crane can be performed.

Catamaraft alongside ship coupling system


Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to imperative attribution. In aspects, metadata of a managed runtime environment may be set by imperative statements included in code of a program executing in the managed runtime environment. The metadata may be associated with lookup data that identifies the metadata. The lookup data may be formed from an identifier supplied by an imperative statement and an identifier of a logical element which may be explicitly or implicitly supplied. The metadata may be computed at parse time, run time, or another time and may be computed based on state available to a managed runtime environment at the time the metadata is computed.

As software (and its development) has grown increasingly complex, there has been a trend towards augmenting the literal application source code of programs with additional supporting information, often referred to as "metadata". Program metadata is often consumed by development tools in order to provide a richer tooling experience. For example, metadata may indicate that a function or method may not be made inline. A compiler may use this metadata at compile time to create a binary executable where the function or method indicated by the metadata is not inline. After use, the metadata is discarded and cannot be retrieved on inspecting the compiled binary. The metadata described above can only include what is known or can be calculated at compile time.
The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one exemplary technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Imperative attribution for elements in managed runtimes


There is provided a power output system 1 comprising an internal combustion engine 6, an electric motor 2 and a transmission 20 including two transmission shafts 11, 16 which are connected to the internal combustion engine 6. The electric motor 2 includes a stator 3, a primary rotor 4 and a secondary rotor 5. The primary rotor 4 is connected to either of the two transmission shafts 11, 16. The secondary rotor 5 is connected to drive shafts 9, 9. And, the other transmission shaft of the two transmission shafts 11, 16 transmits power to the drive shafts 9, 9 without involving the electric motor 2.

Conventionally, a power output system for a hybrid vehicle is known which includes, for example, an engine, a motor, and a planetary gear mechanism including a sun gear, a ring gear, a plurality of planet gears which mesh with the sun gear and the ring gear and a planet carrier which supports the plurality of planet gears (for example, refer to Patent Literature 1).
As FIG. 63 shows, in a power output system 500 described in Patent literature 1, a primary motor 504 as a generator is connected to a sun gear 502 of a planetary gear mechanism 501, an engine 506 is connected to a carrier 505, and drive shafts 508 are connected to a ring gear 507. By this arrangement, torque of the engine 506 is divided between the ring gear 507 and the sun gear 502 by the planetary gear mechanism 501. The partial torque divided to the sun gear 507 is transmitted to the drive shafts 508. In the power output system 500 described in Patent Literature 1 above, part of the torque of the engine 506 is divided to the drive shafts 508, and therefore, a secondary motor 509 is connected to the ring gear 507 to assist in transmitting torque to the drive shafts 508.


A vehicle instrument system is described. The vehicle instrument system includes an input device configured to receive an input command, a display screen configured to display information, and a processing device coupled to the input device and the display screen. The processing device is configured to determine at least one parameter limit, receive at least one input signal from the input device that corresponds to a manual adjustment of the at least one parameter limit from a first limit value to a second limit value, and provide the second limit value to the display screen for display on the display screen.

The embodiments described herein relate generally to vehicle instrumentation, and more specifically, to methods and systems for displaying and adjusting parameter limits on a display screen included within the vehicle instrumentation.
At least some known aircraft include an electronic flight instrument system (EFIS). In an EFIS, conventional electro-mechanical flight instruments are replaced by at least one electronic display, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, or a cathode ray tube (CRT) display. The EFIS may include a primary flight display (PFD) that provides continuous flight status input to a flight crew, e.g., the pilot, co-pilot, and/or navigator of an aircraft. Typically, the EFIS presents flight information on the PFD in a format similar to that shown by electro-mechanical flight instruments, however, the electronic display provides flexibility to provide additional information and/or for altering the presentation of the flight information. Such information typically includes aircraft attitude, altitude, vertical speed, horizontal airspeed, and horizontal situation, e.g., aircraft heading. Also, such information contributes to improved situational awareness. Situational awareness is defined as continuous and conscious perception by flight crew of complex and dynamic relevant elements of the current flight environment. Such elements may include other aircraft, weather conditions, and a physical status of the known aircraft. Such situational awareness may also include an ability to forecast and then respond appropriately moment-to-moment and event-to-event to execute tasks based on those perceptions.
Certain flight parameters must be maintained within specific ranges during different phases of a flight. For example, airspeed must be maintained within a specific range in order to maintain an altitude or to provide a steady descent to prepare for landing. Typically, the pilot manually determines such ranges using charts or tables. Alternatively, the EFIS may determine such ranges, which may be changed by the pilot to account for flight conditions the EFIS does not monitor. However, such changes are not limited to ensure range limits are not exceeded.

Methods and systems for controlling an information display


A novel urease and a process for producing the same are disclosed. This novel urease has certain properties that are mainly useful for removing urea from alcoholic liquors or other foods and beverages produced by fermentation. These properties include an optimum pH in an acidic pH range, high stability in a considerably high concentration of alcohol such as in an alcoholic liquor, resistance to high temperatures, and highly specific activity to urea.. This urease can be produced by culturing a certain strain belonging to genus Arthrobacter, disrupting the cultured microbial cells and isolating the product.

The present invention relates to novel urease which is capable of decomposing urea contained in alcoholic beverages and fermentation mashes and causes deterioration of the properties of alcoholic beverages, as well as to a method of producing the same, and relates particularly to a novel form of urease which has an optimum reaction pH value in the acid region and resistance to acidic pH and alcohols and which is produced by a novel microorganism belonging to the genus Arthrobacter, as well as to a method of producing the urease.
Fermented foods and beverages such as Japanese sake, beer, wine, soy source and the like contain urea which is converted from arginine, an amino acid, during fermentation with the aid of arginase which is an enzyme produced by the yeast or molds that take part in the fermentation. Although alcoholic beverages generally contain 2 to 80 ppm of urea, the content of urea in some cases reaches 100 ppm or more when mash is fermented for a long time for the purpose of reducing the lees and increasing the yield.
If an alcoholic beverage contains a large amount of urea, the alcoholic beverage becomes bitter, is discolored and suffers from deterioration of the quality of taste and smell after heat sterilization or long periods of storage.
Ethyl carbamate, a highly carcinogenic compound, is sometimes detected in alcoholic beverages, which is the cause of serious problems [J. Agric. Food Chem., 24, 323 (1976)]. Although the mechanism by which ethyl carbamate is formed has not yet been elucidated, the most plausible hypothesis is that ethyl carbamate is mainly produced from urea or carbamyl phosphate. In other words, it is considered that urea and ethyl alcohol which coexist in alcoholic beverages nonenzymatically react with each other to produce ethyl carbamate.
In order to prevent deterioration of quality, alcoholic beverages are these days required to be sterilized by heating at relatively high temperatures (65.degree. C. or higher) for a certain period (10 minutes or more), and brewages that are stored for a long time as alcoholic beverages have been increasingly used in various fields. Accordingly, a known method of preventing alcoholic beverages from experiencing discoloration and deterioration in flavor due to heating or long-term storage and of preventing the formation of ethyl carbamate is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 20830/1981. In this method a urease preparation obtained from a certain plant (Jack bean) is added to decompose urea into carbon dioxide and ammonia. In regard to distilled liquors, it is also thought to be effective from the viewpoint of preventing ethylcarbamate formation for the fermented mash that is to be distilled to be first treated with urease for the purpose of decomposing any urea in the mash, because the formation of ethylcarbamate is accelerated at the high temperatures that subsist during distillation.
No urease having suitable characteristics for this purpose is, however, known at present. In other words, it is known that the optimum pH of many kinds of urease for enzyme reactions is generally neutral or weak alkaline (see Japanese Patent Publication No. 55119/1985 and Japanese Patent Public Disclosure Nos. 17987/1984 and 257183/1986), and that these ureases exhibit very little activity and are considerably unstable at an acidic pH or at a high concentration of alcohol as when present in alcoholic liquors [Jack bean urease, Eur. J. Biochem. 73, 185 (1977), Bacillus pasteurri urease, The Enzymes 3rd ed. 4, 1 (1971)]. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide urease having characteristics that allow the urea to be efficiently decomposed in fermented foods and beverages (particularly alcoholic liquors), that is, to provide a urease having an acidic optimum pH value for reaction and a desirable degree of resistance to acidic pH and alcohol.
Although it is known that Arthrobacter oxydans, which is a bacterium belonging to the same genus as that of the strain of the present invention [Arch. Microbiol., 139, 355 (1984)], produces a urease, it has a neutral optimum pH for reaction and thus fails to meet the objectives of the present invention. This urease is thus the same as many kinds of urease derived from other bacteria. A urease produced by Lactobacillus fermentum, which is an anaerobic bacterium, is known to have an optimum pH value for reaction in an acid region [Appl. Environ. Microbiol., 37, 379 (1979)]. The urease produced by this strain, however, has the disadvantage that the urease strongly binds to the membrane of the bacterium, and thus cannot be easily purified, rendering it unsatisfactory.

Novel urease and method of producing the same


A computer implemented method of analyzing measurement results of a target system, such as an industrial process or communication network. The method includes receiving a data sample with a plurality of variables representing the measurement results, detecting that the data sample is an anomalous sample using an anomaly detection model, processing the data sample by applying an imputation model to selected subsets of variables of the data sample to obtain imputed samples, and applying the anomaly detection model to the imputed samples, determining anomalous variables of the data sample based on results from the processing of the data sample, and outputting the anomalous variables of the data sample for management operations in the target system.

This section illustrates useful background information without admission of any technique described herein representative of the state of the art.
Anomaly detection refers to identification of data points, items, observations, events or other variables that do not conform to an expected pattern of a given data sample or data vector. There are various statistical methods that can be used in anomaly detection. Such methods include for example principal component analysis (PCA), independent component analysis, autoencoder, one-class support vector machine, clustering methods, and others.
Anomaly detection models can be trained to learn the structure of normal data samples. The models output an anomaly score for an analysed sample, and the sample is classified as an anomaly, if the anomaly score exceeds some predefined threshold. Typically, only a subset of variables of the data sample cause the anomaly. That is, some variables remain non-anomalous or normal, while some exhibit anomalous behavior. The challenge is then to identify the variables that exhibit anomalous behavior and thus cause the anomaly. For example, a PCA model fails to adequately reconstruct abnormal data samples, which is utilized to detect the occurrence of an anomaly, but the PCA model does not in itself indicate the anomalous variables.
Contribution analysis method aims at identifying the anomalous variables in a given anomalous sample by decomposing the anomaly score into contributions of the variables. Variables with larger contributions can be defined to be the anomalous variables. The drawback in contribution analysis method is that it exploits the structure of principal component analysis (PCA) models and therefore cannot be used with other anomaly detection models. Additionally, the result can be ambiguous as the decomposition can be performed in multiple ways. Still further, performance of the contribution analysis method is mediocre, since due to the dimensionality reduction of the PCA model, anomalous variables influence the contributions of non-anomalous variables, which can lead to misidentification of anomalous variables.

Measurement result analysis by anomaly detection and identification of anomalous variables


Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer readable media are disclosed for providing variable blink rate ultra-wideband (UWB) communications. Some embodiments may provide for a radio frequency (RF) tag including a motion sensor, processing circuitry, and a UWB transmitter. The motion sensor may be configured to generate one or more motion data values indicating motion of the RF tag. The UWB transmitter may be configured to transmit blink data at variable blink rates. The processing circuitry may be configured to receive the one or more motion data values from the motion sensor, determine a blink rate for the UWB transmitter based on the one or more motion data values, and control the UWB transmitter to wirelessly transmit the blink data at the blink rate. In some embodiments, the RF tag may include a UWB receiver and the blink rate may be controlled remotely by a system.

Ultra-wideband (UWB) is a radio technology that employs high-bandwidth communications using a large portion of the radio spectrum (e.g., bandwidths greater than 400 MHz). Notwithstanding the high bandwidths, UWB communications are capped by a channel capacity that defines a theoretical maximum possible number of bits per second of information that may be conveyed through one or more links in an area. As such, channel capacity may limit the number of UWB devices that can concurrently communicate within a particular area. In this regard, areas for improving current techniques have been identified.

System, apparatus and methods for variable rate ultra-wideband communications


One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for freeing memory within a computing device. During operation, the system receives a command to free a given segment of memory within the computing device, wherein the command specifies the location of the given segment and the size of the given segment. In response to the command, the system adds the given segment to a free segment table that contains entries for free segments of memory within the computing device. During this process, if the given segment is contiguous with an existing segment in the free segment table, the given segment is concatenated with the existing segment by adding the given segment to an entry for the existing segment in the free segment table.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the process of managing memory in a computer system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for freeing memory within a computing device, such as a smart card, which includes both volatile and non-volatile memory.
2. Related Art
Dramatic advances in computer technology presently make it possible to integrate a significant amount of computing power onto a xe2x80x9csmart cardxe2x80x9d. This increased computing power enables smart cards to support large numbers of applications. However, unlike conventional computing systems, smart card-based computing systems do not presently provide a mechanism for reclaiming memory occupied by objects that are no longer in use. This process of reclaiming unused memory is often referred to as xe2x80x9cgarbage collectionxe2x80x9d.
Garbage collection can be performed in conventional computing systems using a number of well-known techniques. However, smart card-based computing systems are different than conventional computing systems because objects can reside in writeable non-volatile memory, such as electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) or flash memory. (Within this specification the term xe2x80x9cEEPROMxe2x80x9d refers to both xe2x80x9cEEPROMxe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9cflash memory.xe2x80x9d)
Existing garbage collection techniques are not suitable for EEPROM because individual memory elements in EEPROM can only be written to a limited number of times. Hence, existing garbage collection techniques, which operate by frequently marking objects in memory, can dramatically reduce the life expectancy of EEPROM. Moreover, the process of performing write operations to EEPROM is typically very slow, which can significantly degrade system performance.
Smart cards often contain a small amount of volatile random access memory (RAM), which does not suffer from the above-described problems of writeable non-nonvolatile memory. However, the amount of RAM is often extremely limited. Hence, it is not possible to store a complete image of EEPROM in RAM; even a bitmap representing blocks of EEPROM would take up too much space in RAM.
The garbage collection process operates by first deleting unused objects from memory. Once the objects are deleted, the memory space formerly occupied by the objects must somehow be reclaimed. In conventional computing systems, this reclamation process is typically accomplished by performing a compaction operation to eliminate xe2x80x9cholesxe2x80x9d in memory that arise as a consequence of deleting objects. However, a compaction operation typically involves rewriting a significant portion of memory, which tends to reduce the life expectancy of the EEPROM.
Hence, what is needed is a method and an apparatus for reclaiming memory without requiring the large number of write operations involved in performing a compaction operation.
Furthermore, in computing devices that include both EEPROM and RAM, it is possible to define xe2x80x9ctransient objects,xe2x80x9d which include a portion defined in EEPROM and a portion defined in RAM. In order to support such hybrid objects, what is needed is a method and an apparatus that reclaims memory used by these hybrid objects.
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for freeing memory within a computing device. During operation, the system receives a command to free a given segment of memory within the computing device, wherein the command specifies the location of the given segment and the size of the given segment. In response to the command, the system adds the given segment to a free segment table that contains entries for free segments of memory within the computing device. During this process, if the given segment is contiguous with an existing segment in the free segment table, the given segment is concatenated with the existing segment by adding the given segment to an entry for the existing segment in the free segment table.
In a variation on this embodiment, if the given segment is not contiguous with any existing segments in the free segment table, adding the given segment to the free segment table involves adding a new entry for the given segment to the free segment table.
In a variation on this embodiment, if the free segment table is full and the given segment cannot be added to an existing entry in the free segment table, adding the given segment to the free segment table involves allocating an additional free segment table to accommodate the given segment.
In a variation on this embodiment, if the given segment is contiguous with two existing segments in the free segment table, so that the given segment bridges the two existing segments, the system concatenates the given segment and the two existing segments into a single segment and updates the free segment table accordingly.
In a variation on this embodiment, the system additionally allocates a new segment from the free segment table using a xe2x80x9cbest fitxe2x80x9d technique that allocates the smallest segment that is large enough to accommodate the new segment.
In a variation on this embodiment, prior to freeing the given segment, the system deletes an object that occupying the given segment.
In a variation on this embodiment, the memory within the computing device includes writeable non-volatile memory that can only be written to a limited number of times, and is hence not suited for a memory management system that performs compaction because of the large number of write operations involved in a compaction operation.
In a variation on this embodiment, the computing device can be located within a smart card that can be part of, an identification card, a client loyalty card, or an electronic wallet; or can be located within a cellular telephone.

Memory management system supporting object deletion in non-volatile memory


A thermal pack including an outer pouch having a pair of opposed faces arranged generally parallel to each other and defined by a single sheet of plastic film folded along a predetermined fold line. A second sheet of plastic film is disposed between the pair of opposed faces. A continuous weld line circumscribes the periphery of the faces, with the weld line bonding together the periphery of the faces and the periphery of the second sheet to define first and second volumes within the outer pouch. The second sheet provides a common wall between the first and second volumes. A heat transfer material is disposed in the first volume and an insulating layer is disposed in the second volume, substantially covering the second sheet.

Various chemical thermal packs have been proposed heretofore which contain a suitable liquid solvent, principally water, and a quantity of particulate material that absorbs heat or produces heat when dissolved in that liquid. These ingredients may be packaged in a flexible sealed pouch, with the liquid solvent segregated from the powder by a membrane that ruptures when the pouch is manually squeezed. When the solvent and powder mix with each other, the powder either produces heat or absorbs heat, depending upon its composition.
One example of a heat-producing thermal pack is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,328,136, as including a suitable heat-producing particulate material having magnesium sulfate as its principal constituent. The liquid solvent for such heat-producing particulate material preferably is at least 90% water, with a few drops of coloring and the remainder is an organic salt, such as sodium chloride or potassium chloride, to give the liquid solvent a lower freezing point. Alternatively, the hot pack may have calcium chloride as the principal ingredient of the heat-producing powder and water as the solvent.
As an example of a heat-absorbing thermal pack, a suitable heat-absorbing particulate material, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,979,463, may have as its principal ingredient urea or a urea compound, as a temperature depressant, along with the following:
One or more additional temperature depressants, such as ammonium chloride, potassium chloride or sodium chloride;
One or more heat-insulating substances, such as plaster of Paris or asbestos, to prolong the refrigerating effect;
One or more water absorbers, such as locust bean gum, and other minor constituents.
The liquid solvent for such heat-absorbing particulate material preferably is water with a few drops of coloring.
Alternatively, the cold pack may have ammonium nitrate as the principal ingredient of the heat-absorbing powder and water as the solvent.
A third type of thermal pack, known as a gel pack, can be placed in a hot or cold environment and will stay at a particular temperature when removed from that environment. Such a pack may contain water mixed with urea, potassium chloride and a gum such as locust bean gum. Alternatively, a water solution of calcium chloride may be used as the heat- or cold-sustaining mixture.
Such thermal packs have various uses, such as to warm the hands, or warm a baby bottle. The packs may also be used to warm, or cool an injured or painful part of the body, and in a great number of other situations that arise where promptly available, localizing heating or cooling effect for a limited period of time is desired.
Many such previous thermal packs were not entirely satisfactory from the standpoints of thermal efficiency and convenience of use because the heat transfer action takes place relatively freely at all exposed surfaces of the pack, with a resulting waste of the heating or cooling effect and often personal discomfort to the person holding the pack.
To overcome these deficiencies, it has been proposed heretofore to attach single-layer or multi-layer heat insulation to the outside o the inside of thermal packs. The arrangement with the insulation attached on the outside enables the interior of the thermal pack to be constructed substantially as before, but this tends to complicate and increase the cost of manufacture of thermal packs.
An example of a thermal pack with the insulation on the inside is U.S. Pat. No. 3,874,504. This patent is directed to a chemical thermal pack which has a sealed intermediate envelope filled with the powder that produces or absorbs heat when dissolved in water and a quantity of water separated from the powder by a membrane that may be readily ruptured. A relatively flat, sealed, flexible outer pouch slidably receives the filled intermediate envelope and the heat insulation sheet that is located along the inside of one major face of the pouch to retard heat transfer there when the pouch is squeezed manually to rupture the membrane. The patent also discloses use of an insulated pack containing gel in place of the powder and water.
Although this pack has met with great success, there is still room for improvement especially as it relates to the more economical production of a chemical thermal pack as well as a pack with increased durability and simplicity of construction.
The present invention is directed toward filling those needs.

Method of making a chemical thermal pack


A structural assembly that measures forces along and moments about three orthogonal axis with very low cross-talk or likelihood of affecting the reading the in one axis from loads and in another axis is disclosed. The assembly comprises a compact assembly having orthogonal links oriented in a nested arrangement in different planes and within recesses of the assembly.

The present invention relates to a structural assembly that transmits and measures linear forces along and moments about three orthogonal axes. More particularly, a structural assembly having a nested arrangement of links provides a compact assembly well suited for installation where space is limited.
Commonly, there arise situations where the forces and moments transferred from one loading member to a second loading member need to be ascertained. This information is useful, for example, in designing a bracket that will be used to connect the two loading members together. The determination of the forces and moments transferred through the bracket enable the bracket to be optimized to handle the expected loads with minimal costs.
It might appear that the problem of quantifying forces and moments transmitted through a mounting bracket could be solved by affixing strain gauges to the planar surfaces of the bracket and receiving electric signals from the strain gauges that are proportional to the applied forces and moments. As is well appreciated by those skilled in the art, however, such an approach would not yield the best data. Since the bracket often comprises planar surfaces that are non-orthogonal, the signals received from the strain gauges must be processed taking into account the geometry of the measured bracket. The system would thus not be easily adaptable for different types of mounting brackets, which would make each installation costly and labor-consuming. In addition, since the strain gauges are not located in orthogonal planes, inaccuracies arise from high cross-talk (the likelihood of affecting the reading in one axis from loads in another axis) because of lack of isolation between the strain gauges.


A pharmaceutical product in the form of an anti-snoring substance includes a container containing the anti-snoring substance, the anti-snoring substance being in the form of a solution pre-concentrate. The container is made by a blow-fill-seal technology, wherein the container material is Polyethylene or Polypropylene. The container includes a body portion containing the anti-snoring substance and a fluid outlet portion configured to deliver the anti-snoring substance.

The present disclosure generally relates to administering a substance to the throat. More particularly, the aspects of the disclosed embodiments relate to administering a substance to the throat via the nose using a blow-fill-mold style bottle.
Devices are available for administering active substances or substances to the body, particularly through the throat, lungs or sinuses. These devices generally include containers that have a main chamber holding the desired contents and a head portion that is inserted into the nose or mouth. By squeezing the container, the substance is released into the nose or mouth. In some cases, the device has a tab or seal that must be broken in order to release the substance. A relatively narrow neck on the device can form the outlet channel from the main chamber into the head portion. This outlet channel can sealed by a frangible membrane that is typically formed by placing a crimp, tab or seal across the head portion during the molding and sealing process. At the time of use, the head portion is broken away from the main chamber portion, thus opening the outlet channel and allowing removal or dispensing of the contents. When the substance is being administered orally, the user will typically inhale at roughly the same time as the substance is released in order to force the medicine into, or further into, the sinus cavity, throat or lungs.
The blow-fill-seal process (BFS process), also referred to herein as blow-fill-mold, is a single operation which produces sterile containers. Bottles or vials made from materials such as from thermoplastic, are blown to a desired shape and immediately on cooling are filled aseptically with a desired fluid and hermetically sealed. The containers that are produced by the blow-fill-seal process are generally referred to herein as "BFS containers." The blow-fill seal process generally produces compact, easy-to-use substance dispensing devices that can be used to deliver substance to the throat, lungs or sinuses.
Snoring is a serious problem for a large segment of the population. Snoring is a sleep disorder that can range from mild to severe in humans. Mild cases may result in no more than fitful sleep by the sufferer, while severe cases can cause disturbance of the sleep of others, and may result in insufficient inhalation of oxygen by the sufferer, apnea and, in extreme cases, death.
Remedies to alleviate the symptoms of snoring can range from surgery to a variety of substances. Although surgery has been proven to be somewhat effective, it is a radical and expensive approach that is subject to all the usual risks associated with surgery. Drugs are available by prescription for the treatment of the symptoms of snoring. Other snoring management techniques can include for example, mechanical aids, nasal strips and anti-snoring sprays. Anti-snoring sprays can tend to be ineffective unless applied repeatedly during the night. Additionally, device sterilization is a concern when administering anti-snoring sprays due to the potential for infection since the sprays are introduced directly into the lungs in a manner that at least partially bypasses the patient's natural defense mechanisms.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a system that addresses at least some of the problems identified above.

Method of administering a substance to the throat