A process is disclosed for making dehydration products from an aqueous sugars solution including pentoses, hexoses or both, for example, an aqueous high fructose corn syrup solution, or from an aqueous solution of one or more of the alcohols of such pentoses and hexoses, for example, from an aqueous sorbitol solution, by an acid-catalyzed dehydration using substituted sulfonic acids solubilized in the aqueous sugars or sugar alcohols solution.

The present invention is concerned with processes for making dehydration products from sugars and/or from sugar alcohols, and more particularly but without limitation, to acid-catalyzed processes for making such dehydration products as hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), levulinic acid and furfural from the pentose and/or hexose sugars and for making isohexides, such as isosorbide, from hexitols such as sorbitol.
Those skilled in the art have long appreciated that agricultural raw materials provide an inexpensive and renewable source of carbohydrates that could in turn be made into a variety of useful materials which are now made or derived from non-renewable feedstocks or into other, biobased or renewable source-derived materials that may have similar properties and utilities. Certain of these other, biobased or renewable source-derived materials have been conceived or proposed (as further elaborated below) based upon the dehydration products that can be made from, e.g., the pentose and hexose sugars or sugar alcohols such as sorbital which may be obtained by hydrogenating dextrose.
For its part, the particular sugar dehydration product HMF and its related 2,5-disubstituted furanic derivatives are of interest for a variety of applications and uses. More particularly, due to its various functionalities, it has been proposed that HMF could be utilized to produce a wide range of products such as polymers, solvents, surfactants, pharmaceuticals, and plant protection agents, and HMF has been reported to have antibacterial and anticorrosive properties. HMF is also a key component, as either a starting material or intermediate, in the synthesis of a wide variety of compounds, such as furfuryl alcohols, aldehydes, esters, ethers, halides and carboxylic acids.
In addition, HMF has been considered as useful for the development of biofuels, fuels derived from biomass as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. HMF has additionally been evaluated as a treatment for sickle cell anemia. In short, HMF is an important chemical compound and a method of synthesis on a large scale to produce HMF absent significant amounts of impurities, side products and remaining starting material has been sought for nearly a century.
Unfortunately, while it has long been known that HMF could be prepared from readily obtainable hexose carbohydrates, for example by acid-catalyzed dehydration methods, a method which provides HMF economically, with good selectivity and in high yields, has yet to be found. Complications for selectivity and yield arise from the rehydration of HMF, which yields by-products, such as, levulinic and formic acids. Another unwanted side reaction includes the polymerization of HMF and/or fructose resulting in humin polymers, which are solid waste products. Further complications may arise as a result of solvent selection. Water is easy to dispose of and dissolves fructose, but unfortunately, low selectivity and increased formation of polymers and humin increases under aqueous conditions. The purification of HMF has also proved to be a troublesome operation. On long exposure to temperatures at which the desired product can be distilled, HMF and impurities associated with the synthetic mixture tend to form tarry degradation products. Because of this heat instability, a falling film vacuum still must be used. Even in such an apparatus, resinous solids form on the heating surface causing a stalling in the rotor and frequent shut down time making the operation inefficient. Prior work has been performed with distillation and the addition of a non-volatile solvent like PEG-600 to prevent the buildup of solid humin polymers (Cope, U.S. Pat. No. 2,917,520). Unfortunately, the use of polyglycols leads to the formation of HMF-PEG ethers.
As to another sugars dehydration product, namely, levulinic acid, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (Denver, USA) has identified levulinic acid as one of a number of key sugar-derived platform chemicals that can be produced from biomass. Levulinic acid can be used to produce a variety of materials for a variety of uses, including succinic acid, 1,4-butanediol, 1,4-pentanediol, tetrahydrofuran, gamma valerolactone, ethyl levulinate and 2-methyl-tetrahydrofuran, for example, for producing resins, polymers, herbicides, pharmaceuticals and flavoring agents, solvents, plasticizers, antifreeze agents and biofuels/oxygenated fuel additives.
Rackemann and Doherty, "The Conversion of Lignocellulosics to Levulinic Acid", Biofuels, Bioproducts & Biorefining, 5:198-214 (2011) provide an overview of current and potential technologies which had been publicly identified or suggested, for producing levulinic acid from lignocellulosics. The "most promising" commercial process according to the reviewers utilized the Biofine™ technology developed by Fitzpatrick (and described for example in U.S. Pat. No. 5,608,105), involving a two-stage acid-catalyzed process wherein in a first, plug flow reactor a carbohydrate-containing material (primary sludges from paper manufacture, waste paper, waste wood, agricultural residues such as corn husks, corn cobs, rice hulls, straw, bagasse, food processing wastes from corn, wheat oats and barley) is dehydrated to 2,5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) at from 210 to 230 degrees Celsius for less than 30 seconds, and then levulinic acid is produced in a second reactor at 195 to 215 degrees Celsius for 15 to 30 minutes. The reviewers conclude that further improvements must be made, however, for the cost-effective production of levulinic acid from biomass, in particular citing yield losses from re-polymerization and side reactions.
The Rackemann and Doherty review (at page 203) further recognizes that levulinic acid may also be obtained from furfural, another sugars dehydration product—from pentoses in the hemicellulosic fraction of biomass—by catalytically reducing the furfural through the addition of hydrogen to form furfuryl alcohol, and then converting the furfuryl alcohol to levulinic acid and alkyl levulinates. Similarly, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,265,239 to Van De Graaf et al, furfuryl alcohol and water are converted to levulinic acid with the use of a porous strong acid ion-exchange resin, or furfuryl alcohol with an alkyl alcohol are converted to an alkyl levulinate. Still earlier references describe other means for converting the pentoses in the hemicellulosic fraction of biomass into levulinic acid and/or its derivatives, by means of furfural and furfuryl alcohol, see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,738,367; 4,236,012; 5,175,358; 2,763,665; 3,203,964; and 3,752,849.
The dehydration products that can be made by the acid-catalyzed dehydration of sugar alcohols, in particular, hexitols such as sorbitol, have also been the subject of extensive work. Isosorbide, also known as 1,4,3,6-dianhydrosorbitol, is now commercially produced and marketed as a monomer for imparting renewable content to polyesters and polycarbonates, and has been used as a pharmaceutical intermediate.
A variety of acid catalysts have been evaluated for use in carrying out the dehydration of carbohydrates or of alcohols based on such carbohydrates in order to provide the corresponding dehydration products, such as the above-mentioned HMF, levulinic acid, furfural and isosorbide. Inorganic acids such as H2SO4, H3PO4, and HCl are readily obtained, inexpensive materials but are difficult to regenerate. In order to avoid the regeneration and attendant disposal problems, solid resin catalysts have been tried. Unfortunately, in the presence of water and at the temperatures required for carrying out the dehydration, very few solid acids can demonstrate the activity and stability needed to begin to contemplate a commercially viable process.
WO 20091012445 by Dignan et al. is an example of a proposed process for making HMF using the inorganic acids. In Dignan, HMF is proposed to be made by mixing or agitating an aqueous solution of fructose and inorganic acid catalyst with a water immiscible organic solvent to form an emulsion of the aqueous and organic phases, then heating the emulsion in a flow-through reactor at elevated pressures and allowing the aqueous and organic phases to phase separate. HMF is present in the aqueous and organic phases in about equal amounts, and is removed from both, for example, by vacuum evaporation and vacuum distillation from the organic phase and by passing the aqueous phase through an ion-exchange resin. Residual fructose stays with the aqueous phase. High fructose levels are advocated for the initial aqueous phase, to use relatively smaller amounts of solvent in relation to the amount of fructose reacted.
WO 2009/076627 by Sanborn et al. is an example of a proposed process utilizing solid acid resins. In Sanborn '627, substantially pure HMF, HMF esters or HMF ethers are said to be provided from a carbohydrate source by contacting the carbohydrate source with a solid phase catalyst; "substantially pure" was defined as referencing a purity of HMF of about 70% or greater, optionally about 80% or greater, or about 90% or greater. In one embodiment, a carbohydrate starting material is heated with a solvent in a column, and the heated carbohydrate and solvent are continuously flowed through a solid phase catalyst in the presence of an alcohol to form a HMF ether. The solvent is removed by rotary evaporation to provide a substantially pure HMF ether. In another embodiment, a carbohydrate is heated with an organic acid and a solid catalyst in a solution to form an HMF ester. The resulting HMF ester may then be purified by filtration, evaporation, extraction, and distillation or any combination thereof.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,849,748; 7,420,067; 7,439,352; 7,772,412 and 7,982,059 provide examples of prior art methods for producing isohexides (also referred to as anhydrosugar alcohols, anhydrohexitols, anhydroalditols etc) such as isosorbide, from sorbitol from dextrose. Commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,849,748 to Moore et al., for example, describes a solvent-free process wherein a sugar alcohol—such as sorbitol—is heated with stirring until molten, and then dehydrated in the presence of a soluble acid or acidic ion exchange resin with stirring, under vacuum (to remove the water product and drive the reaction toward the products) and at all elevated temperature, then the resulting anhydrosugar alcohol is purified by distillation, followed by melt crystallization and/or redistillation. The final, purified product is isolated by centrifugation or filtration. Enumerated preferred acid catalysts include sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, and p-methanesulfonic acid. Commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 7,420,067 mentions these same acids, as well as acidic ion exchange resins and acidic zeolite powders as additional options. Successive film evaporators, especially wiped film evaporators under vacuum, are described for use in purifying the product isosorbide.
More recently, U.S. Pat. No. 7,772,412 to Holladay et al. describes a process for making isosorbide wherein sorbitol is fed to a reactor containing a dehydration catalyst and a hydrogenation co-catalyst, with hydrogen being supplied countercurrently to the reactor for removing water as it is formed and for "reducing or eliminating . . . oligomeric or polymeric material in the dehydration product", to which undesirable color formation had been attributed. Suitable dehydration catalysts include the mineral acid catalysts, solid acid catalysts such as the heteropolyacids, mesoporous silicas, acid clays, sulfated zirconia, molecular sieve materials, cation exchange resins and zeolites, and combinations of any of these. The hydrogenation catalyst is described as typically being a supported metal or multi-metal catalyst. Palladium in particular is described as especially preferable for the metal, with platinum, nickel, cobalt, ruthenium, rhenium, rhodium, iridium and iron also being listed.
Still more recently, U.S. Pat. No. 7,982,059 describes a process for converting aqueous sorbitol to xylitol and isosorbide in the presence of an acid catalyst and without a hydrogenation co-catalyst, more particularly involving reacting an aqueous sorbitol solution with an acid zeolite at about 250 degrees Celsius and a pressure maintained at from about 68 bars to about 80 bars to produce the xylitol and isosorbide.

Processes for making sugar and/or sugar alcohol dehydration products


An electronic camera including an imaging device photoelectrically converting a formed image of a subject to generate an image signal, a manipulation section accepting an input instructing a release, a face detecting section detecting a face area in a shooting image plane based on the image signal during a standby period for the release, a controlling section photographing the subject in response to the release to generate shooting image data from the image signal, a face recognizing data generating section which extracts a feature point of a person's face corresponding to the face area based on the image signal and generates face recognizing data of the photographed person based on the feature point when the release takes place while the face area is detected, and a recording section recording the face recognizing data.

There have conventionally been disclosed techniques for extracting feature points of a face of a person from a shooting image of the photographed face of the person and recognizing the face based on to what degree face recognizing data regarding the person to be recognized agrees with the above feature points (see a patent document 1). Such face recognizing techniques require the advance registration of the face recognizing data in an electronic camera or the like. In particular, for improving accuracy of the face recognition, a larger number of face recognizing data are required, and therefore, it is necessary to generate the face recognizing data from a plurality of frames of shooting images.
If the abovementioned work of generating the face recognizing data in the camera is complicated, a generation amount and a generation frequency of the face recognizing data decrease, which may prevent full use of the face recognizing function. This has created a demand for a method enabling easier generation of the face recognizing data.
Patent document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. H 06-259534

Electronic camera that detects and extracts faces


A circuit sets an output potential at a radio frequency (RF) output of a pin photoreceiver that includes an ohmic terminal resistor connected between a supply voltage and the RF output. The circuit includes a control loop with an ohmic replication resistor having a resistance approximately equal to a resistance of the ohmic terminal resistor. The control loop further includes a sub-circuit configured to measure a voltage difference across the ohmic replication resistor and to reproduce the voltage difference as the supply voltage at an output terminal of the control loop.

Ultrasound photoreceivers which function in the serial 100 Gbit/s data rate range and are designed for d.c. voltage coupling to subsequent electronic circuits, e.g. to a demultiplexer circuit, in the simplest case consist of a pin photodiode with a rear-side bias feed, but also of a pin photodiode, integrated with a travelling wave amplifier TWA. The photoreceivers are usually designed as optoelectronic, integrated circuits (OEIC) which are connected to a further integrated circuit, e.g. to the demultiplexer which is mentioned above. However, subsequent electronics may also be a sampling circuit of a sampling oscilloscope or a travelling wave amplifier or likewise. A demultiplexer is hereinafter selected as subsequent electronics for explanation.
The photoreceiver converts an optical data flow which is coupled via a glass fiber into the photodiode of the OEIC, into an electrical output signal of the same data rate, which as a high-frequency output signal is transferred further to the subsequently connected demultiplexer. This demultiplexes, for example here the 100 Gbit/s electrical data signal, into two 50 Gbit/s data signals which appear at its two outputs.
If the photoreceiver is designed as a pinTWA photoreceiver according to FIG. 1, the travelling wave amplifier on the chip is integrated with the photodiode PD and its wiring to a bias resistance Rbias and a blocking capacitance Cbias, so that the photodiode signal is already amplified on the chip. The travelling wave amplifier comprises a plurality of transistors which are connected in parallel, FETS in the present case, but also bipolar transistors are possible, whose gate and drain terminals are each connected via micro-strip conductors to coplanar waveguide elements CPW. One end of the chain of coplanar waveguide elements CPW which is connected to the gate connections of the transistors via the microstrip conductor elements MSL, is connected to the photodiode PD, and the other end is connected via a terminal resistance Rgt to the negative operating voltage −Vss or via a blocking capacitance Cgt to ground or earth also with regard to RF technology. A further chain of waveguide elements CPW which is connected to the drain connections of the FETs T, on the one hand is connected to the integrated drain terminal resistance Rdt and via a chip-external bond wire inductance Ldt to a positive voltage supply connection +Vdt, and on the other hand to the signal output, to which a demultiplexer is connected for example. The pinTWA chip is supplied with voltage/current at the positive terminal +Vdt and at a negative terminal Vss (negative bias). A d.c. voltage potential Va is present at the output of the photoreceiver, apart from the high-frequency output signal or input signal for the demultiplexer, and is likewise present at the electric input of the demultiplexer. The demultiplexer in many cases has the best switching behavior if the average d.c. input voltage lies around 0 V, wherein its maximal voltage swing is to lie in a safe working range of −0.6 V to +0.4 V.
According to the state of the art, the demultiplexer circuits at their output are extremely sensitive to overvoltages, since with the high switching frequencies, the sensitive input transistors may hardly be provided with protective circuits against voltage peaks which would immediately reduce the limiting frequency. Accordingly, the user who connects a photoreceiver OEIC in series in front of the demultiplexer IC must ensure that such voltage peaks and also possible DC-offsets remain within the mentioned windows, otherwise one must reckon with a defect of the demultiplexer. The photoreceiver, in particular the pinTWA photoreceiver and the demultiplexer ICs in the high Gbit/range are currently very expensive circuits.
The output of the photoreceiver which in the case of a pinTWA photoreceiver may also be present in cascode circuitry, must therefore be connected to the input of the demultiplexer IC. With the pinTWA photoreceiver, whose potential of the high-frequency electric output may be set to around 0 V via a suitable setting of the two supply voltages +Vdt and −Vss, in practical operation, it is a question of being able to measure the voltage potential at the output of the photoreceiver, or at the input of the demultiplexer, in order to keep the supply voltages of the pinTWA photoreceiver always within the voltage margins of a secure operating range of the demultiplexer, also in the dynamic case of switching on and off as well as in operation, so as to avoid the possible destruction of the demultiplexer.
In the case of a simple photoreceiver in the form of a photodiode chip, although one or more bias terminals are provided, which permit the application of a bias voltage to the diode, in this simplified embodiment however, with a d.c. coupling of the signal-RF-output of the diode to the multiplexer circuit, the average photocurrent from the diode would lead to a shifting of the operating point of the demultiplexer, as a rule in the positive direction, by which means one departs from the optimal operating region of the demultiplexer.
With regard to the pinTWA photoreceiver, a concerted manual run-up of the two supply voltages Vdt and −Vss would have to be effected under the condition that the RF output of the photoreceiver is constantly kept around 0 V, in order to avoid the mentioned disadvantages. In order to rule out all risks of transient overvoltage impulses and also to be able to measure the output potential of the photoreceiver, the intermediate connection of a so-called bias-T into the connection line between the photoreceiver and the demultiplexer has established itself and this comprises a capacitance lying in the signal line, and a resistance or an inductance, which lead to a setting terminal. Such an application of a bias-T is also known with a pure pin-photoreceiver. These bias-Ts must be suitable for limiting frequencies in the 100 GHz region and also for lower limiting frequencies down to at least 100 KHz, in order with this to transmit the signal bandwidth as well as the so-called frame clock which may reach down to the 10 KHz range. They are thereby likewise very inexpensive and moreover they damp the high-frequency output signal of the photoreceiver by about 2 dB and thus negate a part of its amplification (10 dB).
If in prior stages of development, both components—the photoreceiver and demultiplexer are present in separate housings, then the intermediate connection of a bias-T is easily possible, even if having the previously mentioned disadvantages. In advanced housing scenarios, in the so-called co-packaging, however both components, the photoreceiver and demultiplexer are incorporated into a single housing, in order on the one hand to save housing costs and on the other hand to also reduce the signal damping between both integrated circuits, which otherwise additionally result by way of the necessary RF connection plug and leads which lie at approx. 2 dB per housing. Moreover, in this preferred co-packaging design, only medium-frequency signals leave the housing, so that connection costs for highest frequency plugs are saved. If this preferred co-packaging case is present, then both integrated circuits are packaged together in an as compact as possible manner in a housing and directly connected with ultra-short bond wires, so that then however one may no longer introduce any more bias-Ts. With this, the operationally accompanying possibility of measuring the output d.c. voltage Va of the photo receiver or the input voltage of the demultiplexer is then negated.

Circuit for setting the voltage potential at the output of a pin photoreceiver and photoreceiver assembly

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.


The access door of a chamber housing opening is secured releasably in closed position by a latching mechanism provided on each of the four edges of the door. Each latching mechanism includes a plurality of spaced apart wedges projecting outwardly from the edge of the door for releasable registry with a plurality of spaced apart wedges on a wedge member mounted on the chamber housing for movement by an hydraulic cylinder between a door opening position in which the wedges on the door register with spaces between the wedges on the wedge member, and a door latching position in which the wedges on the wedge member are moved by the hydraulic cylinder into sliding, wedging engagement with the wedges on the door, whereby to draw the door into sealing engagement with the chamber housing adjacent the periphery of the opening in the housing. An O-ring seal disposed about the periphery of the door is arranged to engage the chamber housing upon closure of the door, to seal the chamber for evacuation or pressurization. Locking mechanism includes an air cylinder having a piston rod movable into registering openings in brackets mounted on the door and chamber housing when the door is latched in closed position, to secure the closed position against inadvertent release.

This invention relates to processing chambers, and more particularly to mechanism for releasably latching and sealing the access door of a lyophilizer or other processing chamber housing which operates at sub-atmospheric or super atmospheric pressures.
Lyophilizers, commonly called freeze dryers, like many other industrial chambers require an access door that is capable of being releasably latched and sealed in closed condition in order for the chamber to be evacuated or pressurized.
Some conventionally employed latching mechanisms for such access doors require hardware that covers so much of the outside surface of the door that it is not possible to include in the door such desirable accessories as vision ports, sampling sub-chambers attached to such vision ports, which allow extraction of individual product vials without interrupting the production cycle, and sub-doors which are small doors within the main door for use in loading and unloading the interior shelves without requiring opening of the main door which promotes drastic intrusion.
An example of such conventional latching mechanisms is the arrangement of a plurality of radially extending spider arms movable outwardly into associated sockets by a central handwheel.
Other chamber access doors are secured releasably by a multiplicity of hinged latch bolts which are mounted on the chamber and are movable manually into notches in the periphery of the door and then rotated to press the door against a seal between the door and chamber. This type of latch mechanism requires considerable manual labor and time to open and close.
Still other chamber access doors are provided with a plurality of air cylinders which drive locking pins outwardly from the door into apertures in the chamber wall. An inflatable seal between the chamber wall and door serves to allow evacuation or pressurization of the chamber. Inadvertent deflation of the seal results in loss of vacuum or pressure in the chamber, with consequent destruction of the contents.

Latching mechanism for chamber access door


A semiconductor package includes a wiring board, a semiconductor device mounted on the wiring board, an electrically-conductive thermal interface material provided on the semiconductor device, a test electrode in contact with a first surface of the thermal interface material to be electrically connected to the thermal interface material, and an electrically-conductive heat spreader in contact with a second surface of the thermal interface material opposite to its first surface.

A semiconductor device used as a central processing unit (CPU) or the like is electrically connected to and fixed on a board in a semiconductor package. The temperature of the semiconductor device becomes high at the time of its operation. Therefore, the semiconductor device may be damaged unless its temperature is forcibly reduced. Accordingly, a heat spreader or a radiator fin (or a heat pipe) is attached on the semiconductor device to ensure a path for effectively radiating heat generated by the semiconductor device to its outside. Attempts have been made at smooth heat conduction by interposing a thermal interface material (TIM) between the semiconductor device and the heat spreader or the like so that the thermal interface material follows their respective uneven surfaces to reduce thermal contact resistance.
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional semiconductor package including a thermal interface material. In the semiconductor package, heat generated by a semiconductor device 200 mounted on a board 100 is transferred to a heat spreader 400 via a thermal interface material 300a provided on the semiconductor device 200. Further, the heat transferred to the heat spreader 400 is transferred to a radiator fin 500 via a thermal interface material 300b provided on the heat spreader 400.
Thus, the thermal interface materials 300a and 300b are used as means for thermally connecting the semiconductor device 200 and the heat spreader 400 and thermally connecting the heat spreader 400 and the radiator fin 500.
Reference may be made to Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 57-039364 for related art.

Semiconductor package, method of evaluating same, and method of manufacturing same


A zoom lens barrel has a lens unit with both functions of zooming and focusing, comprises a first cyindrical member having a zoom guide groove (or zoom cam) corresponding to a zooming orbit of displacement of the lens unit with both the functions of zooming and focusing and a second cylindrical member having a focus guide groove (or focus cam) for displacing the lens unit with the functions of zooming and focusing along an optical axis for focusing. The focus guide groove or focus cam is non-linear and has an area inclined with respect to the optical axis to permit the relative displacement of the first and second cylindrical members to each other in the optical axis direction necessary for the focusing of a given object to be held substantially constant irrespective of the status of zooming and also permit the displacement of the lens unit with both the functions of zooming and focusing for focusing to be varied according to the status of zooming.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a focusing apparatus for a zoom lens and, more particularly, to a focusing apparatus suitable for zoom lenses of an inner or rear focus system based on displacement of some lens units in a lens system and also of an object side lens feed system based on displacement of object side lens units or a whole lens feed system based on displacement of whole lens units.
2. Related Background Art
As a focusing system for a zoom lens, there are those of a so-called object side lens feed system, in which object side lens units nearest to the object side are displaced, an inner or rear focus system, in which some lens units in a lens system are displaced, and of a whole lens feed system, in which the whole lens system is displaced for focusing. Usually, in the inner or rear focus system and in the whole lens feed system, the necessary extent of feed for the same object distance is changed with changes in the focal distance of the overall lens system. Therefore, even when focusing is done with an object distance corresponding to a given focal distance, by changing the focal distance through zooming the position of focus is greatly changed. This means that the focusing should be done every time zooming is done.
There are proposed various methods of automatically and electrically effecting the focusing of lens. These methods may be utilized for auto-focus systems but can not be utilized for a commonly termed manual focus system, in which the focusing is done by manually operating a distance adjustment ring (or focus ring).
Further, even in case of application to an auto-focus system a time is necessary for calculating the extent of feed necessary for zooming every time zooming is done, thus posing problems in view of the quickness feature of the auto-focus system. In the object side lens feed system, with a zoom lens system of a variable length a reduction of the object distance increases the difference of feed extent due to the focal distance, thus giving rise to the problems as noted above.
As a method of solving the above problems, there is known system, in which the transverse magnification of a focusing lens unit is changed with zooming such that the extent of feed of lens units at the time of focusing is fixed irrespective of the focal distance. An example of such zoom lens is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Application Sho 58-202416. In this disclosed lens system, for focusing three focusing lens units are displaced independently of zooming and in unison with one another substantially for a fixed extent irrespective of the focal distance.
As an entirely difference method, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Application Sho 57-4018 discloses a structure, in a novel focusing cam for interlocking a zooming mechanism and a focusing mechanism to each other is provided to permit focusing structurally irrespective of change in the feed extent with changes in the focal distance.
However, in the method noted above, in which the extent of feed for focusing is substantially constant irrespective of changes in the focal distance, i.e., changes in the state of zooming, a plurality of lens units are displaced in unison with one another for focusing. Therefore, it is impossible to adopt a floating mechanism for suppressing close aberration variations, i.e., vary relative air distances of the individual focusing lens units to one another at the time of focusing, that is, it is impossible to maintain high performance when close focusing is done.
In the method using a novel focusing cam for interlocking the zooming and focusing mechanism to each other, curves as shown in FIG. 25, obtained as intersections curved surfaces representing the extent .DELTA.x of feed of focusing lens unit as a function of the inverse 1/F of focal distance and object distance R and planes parallel to a 1/F-.DELTA.x plane and corresponding to various values of R, are displaced in parallel displacement along the 1/F axis to obtain a single substitute curve, which is utilized as focus cam.
In this method, focusing can be obtained even if the extent of feed of the focusing lens unit varies with the focal distance. However, since curves corresponding to various values of R (object distance) are displaced by parallel displacement for substitution by a single curve, it is difficult to realize focusing in case when the extent of feed is not changed simply with the focal distance.
Further, where the floating for suppressing the close aberration variations is adopted for the focusing lens unit, the extent of parallel displacement in the stage of obtaining the focus curve from the individual curved surfaces is no longer fixed, and hence no correspondence between the extent of parallel displacement and focus cam for lens unit can be obtained. Besides, the extent of feed by floating is not presumably changed simply due to aberrations, and it is liable that a focus cam fails to be realized for each focusing lens unit.

Zoom lens apparatus with lens units for zooming and focusing


The present invention relates to a dental post for supporting dental prostheses by a screw attachment and method for the manufacture thereof which provides a customizable optimum solution for each case, both from the mechanical viewpoint and from the aesthetic viewpoint, essentially comprising an upper hole into which the retaining screw is screwed for retaining the prosthesis on the post such that the upper hole can be located at any point of the surface of the post once said post has been customized in terms of the shape thereof and type of retention to the prosthesis depending on the mechanical and aesthetic needs of the type of rehabilitation suitable for each particular case.

Implantology techniques currently allow replacing tooth roots by means of implants, to which the corresponding artificial dental pieces or prostheses are in turn coupled.
The implantation phases of said implants are generally summarized into an initial phase of implant insertion, followed by a subsequent immediate phase of osseointegration that involves a waiting time until the last phase of fixing the definitive prosthesis.
More specifically, the operations that are commonly carried out before the fixing of said definitive prosthesis are as follows:
1) stitching the soft tissue, keeping the implant covered for an osseointegration period and a later load implementation moment and subsequently opening the gum and placing the definitive prosthesis, or
2) not stitching the soft tissue, but rather leaving the implant exposed and in communication with the oral environment by means of:                2a) a healing abutment fixed on the implant, performing stitching around same and applying functional load at the moment established in the planning of the case; or        2b) placing a provisional prosthesis which is as similar as possible to the definitive prosthesis on the implant, which will allow early implementation with or without functional load but achieving an immediate aesthetic function.
That being said, both the provisional prosthesis which allows early implementation of the implant and the definitive prosthesis need to be attached or fixed on the post, or more accurately, on the post-implant assembly through the post. The techniques available today allow making said attachment:                by means of an attachment cement that gives rise to cement-retained prostheses; or        in the form of a screw attachment by means of a retaining screw going through the prosthesis to the post, that gives rise to screw-retained prostheses in which standard prefabricated titanium posts are normally used.
Choosing one type of attachment or another will depend on a good number of factors. Screw-retained prostheses generally have the following advantages with respect to cement-retained prostheses:                1. Reversibility since there is the possibility of removing the screw and taking out the prosthesis, providing the possibility of cleaning the area and checking that there is no infection or any type of alteration whatsoever, being able to clinically act on the tissues around the post and implant.        2. Precision in the connection of the prosthesis to the post-implant and fixing on the post, a better control of the forces that are generated and transmitted to the implant-post-prosthesis shaft being obtained.        3. It has no drawbacks that are inherent to cement-retained prostheses such as:                    3a.—an amount of cement used usually migrates to the biological space, being able to cause an infection;            3b.—there is always an attachment interface between the prosthesis and the cement post-implant that gradually degrades over time, being able to cause in patients with specific gum phenotypes, a chronic inflammatory reaction that would lead to a re-absorption of this cement and to a lower prosthesis stability and the invasion and intracoronal accumulation of possible bacteria in the attachment area which can lead to periodontal infections and subsequent implant loss.
Nevertheless, the use of the screw-retained prostheses also has a series of drawbacks such as:                1. The required level of fittings and tolerances both in design and in manufacture is very high, so methods, techniques and processes that are more complicated than in the case of cement-retained prostheses must be used; and        2. The aesthetic drawback, particularly in those cases in which the implant is in an inclined position in the bone with its axial axis towards the aesthetic front or side areas of the prosthesis, through which the retaining screw would pass, the hole for the entry of the screw remaining visible. In these cases, it is therefore necessary to carry out complementary techniques to cover or conceal this hole with the drawbacks in terms of materials and aesthetic termination.        This concern with respect to dental aesthetics in dentistry today has acquired a significant importance as patients become increasingly demanding of same, which involves a new challenge for health professional. For this reason, despite the fact that using screw-retained prostheses have the aforementioned advantages over cement-retained prostheses, many professionals chose to dispense with said screw-retained prostheses due to the need for using complementary techniques to close the hole for the passage of the screw to the post, choosing to use cement-retained prostheses instead.
On the other hand, an additional essential fact further regarded by the health professional when considering the post to be used is the fact that said post needs to be inclined or angled due to the relative and absolute position that must be taken up by the prosthesis in the patient's mouth for replacing the original dental piece and performing the same function.
As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, these posts (1) can be both straight and angled, respectively, having the following characteristics in each case:                In the case of straight posts (1), such as that shown in FIG. 1, the axial axis (7) of said post (1) and that of the implant (5) both coincide with the outlet of the hole (3) for the entry of the retaining screw (4) for retaining the prosthesis (2) on the occlusal surfaces (top surfaces matching the antagonist tooth) in posterior teeth and inner buccal surfaces in anterior teeth.        In the case of angled posts (1), their axial axis (7), which now does not coincide with the axial axis of the implant (5), and the outlet of the hole (3) for the entry of the retaining screw (4) for retaining the prosthesis (2) coincide with the aesthetic side surfaces in posterior teeth and aesthetic front buccal surfaces in anterior teeth.
Typically, the elements involved in such attachments as can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 consist essentially of a post (1) supporting the prosthesis (2), which is screwed and retained on the implant (5) inserted in the bone (6) of the patient by means of a threaded element (9), wherein said post (1) has a threaded upper hole (8) for housing the retaining screw (4) with which the prosthesis (2) is retained on the post (1), the prosthesis (2) in turn having a through hole (3) for introducing the retaining screw (4) to the post (1) and wherein the axial axis of said through hole (3) coincides with that of the upper hole (8) of the post (1), as well as with the axial axis (7) of the post (1) itself when it is a straight post such as that shown in FIG. 1.
As mentioned above and as can be seen in FIG. 2, in the case of angled posts (1), the axial axis (7) thereof does not coincide with the axial axis of the implant (5), the threaded element (9) for attaching the post (1) to the implant (5) and the retaining screw (4) for attaching the post (1) to the prosthesis (2) therefore also having different axes of insertion with respect to one another.
As can also be inferred from the preceding FIGS. 1 and 2, the screw retention system involves a dual use of a retaining screw according to the parts to be attached, said attachment being:
a) the attachment of the prosthesis (2) to the post (1), in which case the use of a straight post or an angled post will be chosen taking into account the position of the implant (5) in the bone (6) and the direction of entry of the retaining screw (4) for retaining the prosthesis (2) on the post (1), which will be that of the axial axis (7) of the post (1).
b) the attachment of the post (1) to the implant (5), wherein the retention between them is always on the axial axis of the implant (5), both in the case of straight and angled post.
Although surgical techniques in implant insertion and positioning have currently improved significantly, there being previously adjusted guided surgical systems for positioning the implant in the bone, the final position of the implant will always depend on the remaining bone structure and therefore on the options of insertion, from a position axial to the masticatory load (the most favorable) of the dental group antagonist to the placed implant to inclined positions of the implant, usually ranging from 0° to 30°, 30° being the most unfavorable.
It is inferred from the foregoing that there will be a large number of positions and that it will therefore be impossible to have so many angled posts manufactured in a standard manner as to solve all the drawbacks that they have in implant rehabilitations by means of the corresponding prosthesis thereof.
The fact that there are, on one hand, different implant configurations (in their connection design) which will demarcate the final vertical position thereof in the bone, and on the other hand, various post configurations, is furthermore added to this situation, the post-implant assembly furthermore depending on aspects such as the height of the remaining bone, the amount of the remaining soft tissue and the height between the area under treatment and the antagonist dental group that must be in masticatory occlusion. In other words, there are many possible configuration requirements.
For all these reasons, the difficulty existing today for solving the different situations that may arise with the standard implants and abutments available on the market is obvious, there being a number of said situations in which it is impossible to find a dynamic and resolute position which allows applying the functional load with more balanced force moments and in accordance with the area to be rehabilited and a screw insertion aesthetics with less drawbacks.
An example of how it is impossible to solve some situations due to the standard elements found on the market can be seen in FIGS. 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3. Said figures show a case wherein an implant is shown inserted in the bone with an angle of 10° with respect to the more favorable axial axis.
However, since a post angled 10° which allows correcting the insertion thereof is not available, this would force the professional to choose among three options:
a) using a cement-retention solution as can be seen in FIG. 3.1;
b) using a straight post (1) for screw-retained prosthesis (2) with entry of the retaining screw (4) through the outer side cusp, as can be seen in FIG. 3.2; or
c) using a standard post (1) angled 15° such as that of FIG. 3.3, which would force leaving the entry of the retaining screw (4) through the inner or lingual cusp of the anatomical surface of the prosthesis (2).
Therefore, cases b) and c) show how the entry of the retaining screw (4) for retaining the prosthesis (2), in this case the crown of a molar tooth, is positioned on the cusp, when it should be in the area of the groove of the anatomical surface of the crown as indicated in FIG. 3.4.
This solution would therefore mean that in said cases b) and c), the prosthesis (2) must be reconstructed once the retaining screw (4) is placed, with the aesthetic drawbacks indicated above, to which the fact that the attachment between same would produce an unstable interface due to the use of different materials in the implant and reconstruction, must be added.
Furthermore, this position is neither ideal from the mechanical nor functional viewpoint since the cusps of molar teeth laterally withstand the shearing forces from chewing food causing the post to suffer more as it is has a non-ideal angle, and the risk of breakage is increased.
Therefore, given those biomechanical and aesthetic drawbacks, when facing such situations it is common to resort to cement-retention solutions such as that shown in said FIG. 3.1, situations which are very regular situations since the standard solutions are rarely the best option both from the aesthetic viewpoint and from the viewpoint of mechanical response that they must provide.

Dental post for supporting dental prostheses and method for the production thereof


A release liner and a method for producing the same are provided. The release liner includes a resin base layer and two resin release layers. The resin base layer has two surfaces opposite to each other. The two resin release layers are respectively formed on the two surfaces of the resin base layer. Each of the resin release layers includes: a non-polar resin material and a polar resin material. In each of the resin release layers, the polar resin material is dispersed in the non-polar resin material in a plurality of granular forms, an average particle size of the polar resin material ranges from 0.1 μm to 10 μm, and a content of the polar resin material in the resin release layer ranges from 10 wt % to 50 wt %, so that a surface roughness (Ra) of the resin release layer ranges from 0.1 μm to 10 μm.

A conventional release liner is capable of providing a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material to be coated thereon, or providing a polyurethane (PU) material to be coated thereon.
In the related art, a high-strength plasma surface treatment or a solvent coating treatment is generally performed on a surface of a release liner to change a surface microstructure of the release liner, so that an adhesive strength between the TPU coating layer or the PU coating layer and the release liner can be improved.
However, after the release liner undergoes the above-mentioned treatments, an adhesive strength between the TPU coating layer or the PU coating layer and the release liner is usually too high, resulting in poor release effect. Moreover, due to the excessively high adhesive strength, after the TPU coating layer or the PU coating layer is separated from the release liner, a part of the release liner is prone to interlayer peeling, and therefore the release liner in the related art cannot have both a good release effect and a good adhesive strength.

Release liner and method for producing the same


A specimen retrieval device includes outer and inner shafts. An end effector is supported on a distal end of the inner shaft and includes first and second arms that are configured to support a specimen bag. The first and second arms are movable via actuation of a handle between a proximal position wherein the first and second arms are retracted and a distal positon wherein the first and second arms are deployed and the specimen bag is positioned for receiving tissue. A release tube is disposed within a collar defined in the specimen bag and is configured to releasably engage respective first and second arms to provide stability when supporting the specimen bag and facilitate disengagement of the first and second arms from within the collar upon retraction of the first and second arms.

Specimen retrieval devices are commonly used during surgical procedures to collect and remove tissue specimens from a patient. Typically, during a surgical procedure in which tissue is transected, e.g., a hysterectomy procedure, a specimen retrieval device including a tissue collection bag is positioned to receive the tissue specimen once the tissue is transected. In some procedures, a grasper may be used to transfer the transected tissue specimen into the bag. Alternately, the bag may be positioned in relation to the tissue specimen to allow the tissue specimen to fall into the bag.

Retrieval device with bag release mechanism


Embodiments for implementing virtual dialing campaigns using virtual calling modes include systems for receiving account data associated with customer accounts and identifying an account status associated with each of the accounts based on the account data. The embodiments further include grouping the accounts into one or more queues based on the identified account status, selecting a first call mode for at least one queue, determining dialing parameters associated with the first call mode, providing the at least one queue to a user via a display of a computing device that is in communication with the system, and launching an account from the at least one queue.

Companies often rely on calling campaigns to reach their customers. Based on regulations, time zones, customer preferences, and the like, each customer may require different calling strategies. For example, a customer may prefer to be contacted on certain days of the week or times of day, or certain law may restrict the number of calls or the phone number that can be used to contact the customer. Because each call may have different restrictions or preferences, determining and executing calling campaigns that are efficient, compliant, and satisfactory to customers can be challenging.


A digital phase locked loop (DPLL) operates in the frequency domain. The period (and hence frequency) of a reference frequency clock signal is determined by sampling with a (higher frequency) digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) clock. The period is compared to the period representation of a desired frequency, and the frequency error signal is integrated in a loop filter and applied as a control input to the DCO. To prevent spurious emissions resulting from the accumulation of quantization errors in the frequency determination and comparison operations, the arrival time of state transition edges of the reference frequency clock signal are randomized prior to sampling. The edge randomization control signal preferably has a triangular probability density function, and its spectrum has most significant energy outside the loop bandwidth of the DPLL; hence, the spurious emissions caused by the accumulation of quantization errors are filtered out by the loop filter.

A Phase Locked Loop (PLL) is a well-known circuit for deriving a steady (sometimes changeable or tunable) high frequency output signal. PLL are widely used in communication circuits, such as for generating carrier and local oscillator frequency signals for the modulation and demodulation of radio communication signals. PLLs compare a divided Radio Frequency (RF) signal with a reference clock to achieve phase lock, thus stabilizing the frequency of the undivided RF output. FIG. 7 depicts a functional block diagram of a conventional analog PLL. A Phase Frequency Detector (PFD) 12 compares the phases of a reference clock from a precision source 14, such as a crystal oscillator, to a feedback signal from a divider 16. The divider 16 divides down an RE output signal to the PLL operating frequency. The PFD 12 converts the phase difference between the reference clock and the divided RF signal into a control voltage level output. The PFD 12 output is low-pass filtered by a filter 18, and the control voltage is input to a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) 19 that changes the frequency of an RF output signal in response to the control voltage level.
Recently, digital PLL (DPLL) architectures have evolved, in which the phase difference is measured in a quantized fashion and converted into a digital control code for a Digitally Controlled Oscillator (DCO). In phase-domain PLLs, substantial analog circuitry is required to achieve sufficiently fine phase resolution to meet the phase noise requirements. One such circuit is a time-to-digital converter (TDC). A TDC is a device for converting a signal comprising pulses (or state transition edges) into a digital representation of their time indices. That is, a TDC outputs the time of arrival for each pulse, or edge, of a periodic signal.
Prior art phase-domain DPLLs have numerous deficiencies. Accurate representation of the control parameter in the phase domain requires infinite dynamic range (since the phase always increases). Practical implementation often requires N*2π wrapping and a large accumulator. The computation clock must be a retimed version of the reference clock. These clocks are asynchronous relative to each other, which may cause meta-stability problems. The DCO requires a frequency control code, so the phase must be converted to frequency. The TDC is an analog block, and typically has analog impairments such as mismatch; it often requires substantial area and also may draw significant current. Finally, the TDC requires analog design knowledge and is not very portable across semiconductor process generations (e.g. CMOS nodes like 65 nm, 40 nm and 32 nm).


A system and method for encryption of data. The system and method utilizes a cryptographic function that provides asymmetric encryption/decryption and digital signing capabilities that are hardened against cyber attack from quantum computers.

Security over the Internet is crucial as everyday life is becoming ever more reliant on the Internet, e.g. remote access, social media, banking, money transfer, stock trading, shopping, researching, medical records transfer, voting, tax filing, identification, etc. There are many aspects of security over the Internet, one of which is safe guarding accessibility of data by blocking unauthorized access to hardware components such as servers. Another aspect is to prevent comprehension of data after unauthorized access has occurred. This second aspect is critical in addressing the ever-evolving illegitimate and malicious means of gaining access to data. Many technologies have been developed to make the Internet safe against such illegitimate and malicious activities.
A common type of malicious activity is inserting spyware into an end-user computer to surreptitiously copy Internet activity such as User Name and Password transmission for various sensitive accounts. Anti-virus programs are one tool used to combat this type of attack. Another common malicious activity is spoofing a web site, such as a banks' online login page, to look the same as the original. When a user enters login credentials, this forged site captures the sensitive login credentials. Digital Certificates are a tool used to secure the Internet against this type of attack. Digital Certificates help to guarantee that the site you are visiting is really the site operated by the original intended organization instead of a "look-a-like" spoofed site operated by a malicious party. Digital Certificates also allow software publishers to digitally sign executable files to prove legitimacy.
Even though there are many ways to block malicious activities, there is an ever-present risk of becoming a victim of a cyber attack. For example, malicious attackers are constantly working on ways to bypass anti-virus software. Malicious parties may also be able to gain access to the database of a public server, such as a bank or a social media site, by-passing the login process. Malicious parties may also be able to tap into a communication session between an end user and a website they are accessing and collect data as a "man in the middle". It is important, therefore, to implement lower level security, such as encryption, to ensure that no one can understand the content of the communication session even if security has been breached.
There are many different encryption techniques. Symmetrical encryption methods, such as AES and DES, use the same key to encrypt and decrypt. Another form of encryption is the asymmetrical encryption method using a pair of private and public keys. Examples of this type of encryptions include RSA and El Gamal. This type of encryption uses one of the keys to encrypt data so that only the entity having the other key can decrypt it. Banks use this type of encryption in their communication sessions and typically employ an SSL Digital Certificate with a pair of private and public keys. The public key is built into the Certificate and distributed publicly to whoever wants to establish a communication session with the bank's server. When the user is communicating with the bank's server, such as when transmitting the user name and password, the contents will be encrypted and the corresponding session keys of the symmetric encryption will be encrypted using the public key. Only the bank's server, having the private key, will be able to decrypt the data.
In general, a public and private key pair is generated by multiplying two very large randomly selected prime numbers as well as performing some other complex mathematical processes such as hashing. Security of asymmetrical encryption lies in the difficulty of factoring a semi-prime number that is the product of two very large prime numbers, an essential step to reverse engineer a private key from its public key twin. As a result, the time required to factor a semi-prime number into the original prime numbers in order to decrypt the message ("Brute Force Time") is exponentially related to the size of the public key.
An RSA key size of 4096 bits is believed to be unbreakable in human acceptable time as of the date of this application using brute force factoring. However, this assumption only applies to computer technologies generally available as of the date of this application. A new breed of computer has been in development since early 1980s referred to as quantum computers. Quantum computers employ quantum-mechanical phenomena, such as superposition and entanglement, so that computation can be carried out simultaneously as contrasted with classical computing which is based on just on/off states, i.e., bits, and in which computation is performed sequentially.
A quantum computer is able to factor large numbers in polynomial time and could be used to break the public/private key mechanism. Shor's Algorithm, which is designed to run on a Quantum computer, is the process of period-finding which is done using Quantum Fourier Transform (QFT). The QFT can be used to determine the period of a function f(x). QFT processing can be done efficiently on a quantum computer because all of the experiments can be run at once in superposition, with bad experiments deteriorating from destructive interference effects and the good experiments dominating from constructive interference effects. Once the period-finding mechanism of the QFT becomes available, it can be exploited to find patterns in the mathematical structure of the number being factored. While not yet a commodity item, quantum computers will be at least available via the cloud in the foreseeable future.
Another trend is Distributed Ledger Technology ("DLT") which involves distributing a database over multiple computers as opposed to being contained in a single central database. This technology is also frequently referred to as "Blockchain" technology. DLT increases security by requiring each new block of data to be digitally signed by the authorized node who posted it, and to also include a hash value for the previous block. Thus, a list is formed that contains the hash values of all of the blocks in this chain going back to the first block. By requiring the hash values of all previous blocks to be included, the history of transactions is greatly secured against editing.
DLT further requires the chain of data blocks be replicated among numerous computers with a self-correcting mechanism. This way, not only is a natural redundancy built-in but, importantly, a consensus is also required to legitimize a new block. In other words, malicious activities must simultaneously attack a large number of nodes for the fake transaction to "appear as legitimate." Otherwise, the "minority fake transaction" will be over-written by the self-correcting mechanism of DLT.
DLT is considered to be a highly secure platform for cyber-security that is also practically feasible. Notwithstanding the advantages provided by DLT and asymmetric encryption, both technologies rely on the difficulty of prime number factorization as their main defense. Quantum computers, which have the ability to factor large prime numbers, will therefore present a challenge to security using these technologies.
A number of methods have been proposed that are theoretically capable of making the Brute Force Time exponentially related to the key size when quantum computers are used to do such computational processing. Examples of such methods are code-based encryption, lattice-based encryption, hash-based encryption, systems based on multivariate polynomial equations, and systems based on supersingular isogenies of elliptic curves. Exemplary code-based encryption functions include the McEliece cryptosystem and the Niederreiter cryptosystem which have been mathematically proven to have an exponential relation between key size and the Brute Force Time in the Post-Quantum world.
There are 2 main components of the secret key for the McEliece and Niederreiter schemes, i.e., a Goppa polynomial, G(x), and L, i.e., the set of numerators of the codeword positions, also referred to as the locators or support set. From coding theory it is well-known that it is G(x) and L that uniquely define the Goppa code, i.e., (L,G) code. G(x) and L uniquely determine the parity check and generator matrices and they are also necessary to realize a constructive decoding algorithm of the (L, G) code. In all known schemes based on Goppa codes, the secret is a polynomial G(x) where set L is a set of all elements of the Galois field GF(2m), where 2m=n is an element of a public key.
With respect to the first component of the secret key, the known McEliece and Niederreiter encryption schemes are based on binary irreducible Goppa codes with the following 4 definitions:
Definition #1: Goppa code is called irreducible if G(x) is an irreducible polynomial.
Definition #2: A binary vector a=(a1a2 . . . an) is a codeword of (L, G) code if, and only if, the following equality is satisfied:
                    ∑                  i          =          1                n                                                              a          i                          x          -                      α            i                                =          0                                      mod                                              G                          (          x          )                      ,where αi∈L and L={α1, α2, . . . , αn}⊆GF(2m),G(αi)≠0, ∀αi∈L.
Definition #3: Goppa code is called separable if the polynomial G(x) does not have multiple roots.
Definition #4: Goppa code is called wild if the polynomial G(x) has the following form: G(x)=g(x)τ where g(x) is a separable polynomial.
With respect to the second component, the second part of the private key of McEliece and Niederreiter schemes is the support set L⊆GF(2m). In a classical McEliece scheme there are two matrices used: S, a random non-singular k×k matrix, and P, a random n×n permutation matrix. In the McEliece scheme, by using the two matrices and a generator matrix G, obtained from L and G(x), a public key matrix G*=S×G×P is calculated.
The McEliece cryptosystem (MECS) is defined as follows:
Private key: (Decoding algorithm, L, G(x), S, P)
Public key: G*=S×G×P
Encryption: Let m be a k-bit message, and let e be a random n-bit vector with Hamming weight WH(e)≤t. Then c=m×G*⊕e is a ciphertext.
Decryption: Decryption is given by the following algorithm:                1) c*=c×P−1=m×S×G⊕e×P−1=m*×G⊕e×P−1         2) Obtaining m*=m×S by using decoding algorithm (error correcting) with knowledge L and G(x).        3) m=m*×S−1
Although a more secure form of encryption, the McEliece and Niederreiter schemes use a large key size, requiring more storage resources. There is a need for a cyber security mechanism that addresses the challenges to cyber-security that quantum computers will present. This mechanism must not only be secure against the computing power of quantum computers but it must also be deployable in connection with classical computing devices, smartphones, Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices, miniature devices like credit card chips, etc. This mechanism must also maintain high efficiency in the encryption/decryption process.


An airplane is provided. The airplane includes a pack. The pack includes a shaft, a compressor, and a turbine coupled to the compressor via the shaft. The turbine receives and expands a first medium to provide power to the compressor via the shaft. The compressor receives and compresses a second medium in accordance with the power provided by the turbine via the shaft. The turbine is fluidly coupled to a heat exchanger of an air conditioning system.

In general, conventional aircraft air condition systems are supplied bleed air at a pressure of approximately 30 pounds per square inch (psig) to 35 psig at cruise. Every pound per minute of bleed air used to ventilate an aircraft is a penalty to an aircraft performance throughout an operating envelope of the aircraft.

Supplemental pack driven by bleed air and cabin air


The present disclosure describes a novel, cost-effective process for preparation of a 4-oxo-1,2,3,6,7,11b-hexahydro-4H-pyrazino-[2,1-a]isoquinoline derivatives. Specifically, it discloses a process for the preparation of the anthelmintic drug praziquantel through the use of a novel intermediate, 2-[(2,2-dimethoxyethyl)benzyl amino]-N-phenethylacetamide. This present disclosure also describes a novel crystalline form of 4-oxo-1,2,3,6,7,11b-hexahydro-4H-pyrazino[2,1-a]isoquinoline.

The present disclosure relates to a novel, cost-effective process for preparation of a 4-oxo-1,2,3,6,7,11b-hexahydro-4H-pyrazino-[2,1-a]isoquinoline derivatives. Specifically, it relates to a process for the preparation of praziquantel involving new intermediate.
Praziquantel of formula I, having the chemical name 2-cyclohexylcarbonyl-4-oxo-1,2,3,6,7,11b-hexahydro-4H-pyrazino[2,1-a]isoquinoline, is a member of the 2-acyl-4-oxopyrazinoisoquinoline compounds, which are used as drugs for the treatment of a variety of worm infections. Praziquantel is primarily used against parasites known as "cestodes" and it is also effective against flukes.

There are number of literature references which describe the process for preparation of praziquantel. U.S. Pat. No. 4,001,411 describes a process for preparation of praziquantel by acylating 4-oxo-1,2,3,6,7,11b-hexahydro-4H-pyrazino[2,1-a]isoquinoline with cyclohexanoylchloride in chloroform and triethylamine.
KR2002076486 describes a process for preparation of praziquantel by reacting phenylethylamine with chloroacetyl chloride to obtain 2-chloro-N-phenethylacetamide. The compound 2-chloro-N-phenethylacetamide is then reacted with pthalimide to give 2-pthalimido-N-phenethylacetamide, which is then treated with hydrazine monohydrate to give 2-amino-N-phenylethylacetamide. On further treatment with bromoacetal, 2-amino-N-phenylethylacetamide gives 2-[2,2-dimethoxyethyl)amino]-N-(2-phenylethyl)acetamide. This compound on further cyclization and acylation using cyclohexanoylchloride forms praziquantel.
CN1683346 describes a similar above process except the first step where 2-amino-N-phenylethylacetamide is prepared by reacting 2-aminoacetylchloride hydrochloride with phenylethylamine.
WO2009115333 describes many processes in one of which 3-phenylpropanenitrile is reacted with aminoacetal in presence of formaldehyde to obtain 2-[(2,2-dialkoxyethyl)amino]-N-(2-phenylethyl)acetamide, which is further cyclised and acylated using cyclohexanoylchloride to form praziquantel.
Eur. J. Org. Chem. 2008, 895-913 describes a process comprising: a) reacting phenylethylamine with chloroacetyl chloride in presence of sodium bicarbonate to obtain 2-chloro-N-phenethylacetamide, b) treating 2-chloro-N-phenethylacetamide with aminoacetaldehyde dimethylacetal to give 2-[2,2-dimethoxyethyl)amino]-N-(2-phenylethyl)acetamide, c) making hydrochloride salt of 2-[(2,2-dimethoxyethyl)amino]-N-(2-phenylethyl)acetamide, and d) cyclising using sulphuric acid to form praziquanamine (i.e.4-oxo-1,2,3,6,7,11b-hexahydro-4H-pyrazino[2,1-a]isoquinoline).
A major drawback in above the known processes is the use of aminoacetaldehyde dimethylacetal, a very expensive raw material. Moreover, it is used in two equivalents, with one equivalent being consumed in the reaction and the other equivalent being lost. It poses a lot of concern in terms of cost at the commercial scale production.
Thus there is a need to develop a process for the preparation of Praziquantel, which is cost effective and easy to handle on a commercial scale. In particular, there is a need to develop a process which avoids the use of costly aminoacetaldehyde dimethylacetal compounds to reduce the overall cost of production.
Thus, the present disclosure provides a cost effective process for preparing Praziquantel in good yield and good purity on a commercial scale.

Process for the preparation of praziquantel


A storage medium cartridge that has a substantially rectangular housing with an aperture formed thereon is provided for use with a cartridge gripping assembly. The cartridge gripping assembly includes a gripping mechanism having a first end which releasably engages the aperture defined on the housing of the storage medium cartridge. The gripping mechanism further includes a second end that is dimensioned for coupling with a first end of a mechanized robotic arm for providing motion to the cartridge gripping assembly.

The invention relates generally to a storage medium cartridge transport mechanism and more precisely to a storage medium cartridge adapted to cooperate with a storage medium cartridge gripping assembly.
Storage medium cartridges, such as tape cartridges or magneto-optical cartridges, have proven to be an efficient and effective means for storing data. Storage medium libraries utilize a plurality of storage medium cartridges as well as a number of storage medium drives for writing and reading data to or from the cartridges. The storage medium drives, for example, can be magnetic tape drives, magneto-optical drives, or a combination of both.
Storage medium cartridges employed within a library system are typically positioned within a number of removable cartridge magazines. Each magazine includes a plurality of magazine slots which contain the cartridges. The magazines are arranged within the library system to form an array of storage medium cartridges. Storage medium drives employed within the library system are generally positioned opposite the array of storage medium cartridges. A cartridge transport mechanism positioned between the array of cartridges and the drives moves the cartridges back and forth between the drives and the slots defined on the cartridge magazines.
The cartridge transport mechanism generally includes a cartridge gripper assembly positioned on an elevator mechanism. Typical cartridge gripper assemblies include a pair of cartridge gripping fingers that engage and securely hold a cartridge during transport. One example of a conventional cartridge gripper assembly that includes a pair of gripping fingers is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,691,859. This patent discloses a cartridge gripper assembly for moving a selected data cartridge between a tape drive and a tape cartridge magazine. The front bezel of the magnetic tape drive has both a gripper-tripping projection and two gripper spreading cam members. The two cam members cause the pair of gripper fingers of the cartridge gripper to spread apart when the gripper assembly travels toward the bezel. The gripper tripping projection abuts and snaps closed finger linkages which close the gripper fingers of the gripper assembly when the gripper assembly engages a cartridge. A pair of notches, formed on the exterior surface of the cartridge housing where the gripper fingers engage the cartridge, form a non-slip contact surface for the gripper fingers. In transporting a cartridge from a tape drive to a slot in the cartridge magazine, the elevator containing the gripping assembly is positioned adjacent to the drive containing the tape cartridge. The gripping mechanism moves toward the drive, actuating the gripping assembly, and causing the gripping assembly to engage the cartridge. The gripper fingers engage with the notches defined on the cartridge surface. The gripper assembly then moves away from the drive to extract the cartridge from the tape drive. The elevator mechanism containing the gripper assembly and cartridge is then moved to a position adjacent to the selected magazine slot. The gripping assembly and the cartridge then move into the magazine slot. At this point, a plunger defined on the gripping assembly is actuated as the cartridge inserts into the magazine slot and the cartridge is released.
One problem with the above described cartridge gripper, as well as with other similarly designed grippers, is that the gripper itself must be actuated by the gripper spreading cams and gripper-tripping projection defined on the front bezel of the tape drive. This gripper mechanism cannot be employed in tape library systems whose tape drives do not have these gripper spreading cams and gripper-tripping projection. Additionally, storage medium cartridges can have a substantially convex frontal portion that is not receptive to being engaged by the two-finger gripper as described above. When the convex frontal portion of a cartridge engages the two-finger gripper, the gripper fingers can snap on to the cartridge without engaging the pair of notches defined on the cartridge. As a result, the two-finger gripper can drop the cartridge.
Another drawback of the above described cartridge gripper assembly is that it requires numerous parts and is relatively complex and difficult to assemble.
Thus, a hitherto unsolved need has remained for a cartridge gripper assembly that can be employed within a storage medium library for moving cartridges that does not require gripper spreading cams and gripper-tripping projections.
A first embodiment of the present invention comprises both a storage medium cartridge that is adapted for use with a cartridge gripping assembly and a cartridge gripping assembly.
The storage medium cartridge includes a substantially rectangular housing having an aperture formed on the exterior of the housing. The aperture is dimensioned to be receptive to a cartridge gripping assembly. The cartridge gripping assembly includes a cartridge gripping mechanism. The cartridge gripping mechanism includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the gripping mechanism is dimensioned to engage the aperture defined on the cartridge and the second end of the gripping mechanism is dimensioned for coupling with a first end of a robotic arm. The first end of the gripping mechanism includes first and second ramped portions. The first ramped portion is defined on a first plane and the second ramped portion is defined on a second plane, where the first plane and the second plane are parallel with respect to each other. The second ramped portion is positioned directly over and is integral with the first ramped portion. However the second ramped portion has a narrower crosswise or transverse width than the first ramped portion. The longitudinal edges of the second ramped portion are undercut such as to form a pair of longitudinal grooves between the longitudinal edges of the second ramped portion and the planar surface of the first ramped portion.
The gripping mechanism further includes a central arm having a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotably connected to a slide portion via a hinge. The slide portion is a wedge shaped component that is dimensioned to slidably engage the grooves formed on the first and second ramped portions. The second end of the central arm is coupled to an actuation means via another hinge. One preferred actuation means is an air cylinder. Actuating the air cylinder results in the central arm moving back and forth along a longitudinal axis, where such motion is further translated to the slide portion for moving the slide portion up and down the ramped portions.
During operation, the first end of the gripping mechanism is positioned in the aperture defined on the storage medium cartridge. Then the actuation means associated with the gripping mechanism is actuated to move the front edge of the slide portion from a first position defined at the bottom region of the ramped portions to a second position defined at the top region of the ramped portions. In moving the front edge of the slide portion from the first position to the second position, the effective height of the combination of the ramped portions and the slide portion increases. This expansion of the ramped portions and slide portion presses the combination against the inner circumferential walls of the aperture and frictionally secures the cartridge to the gripping mechanism. Reversing the actuation means allows the slide portion to return back to its original position and disengages the cartridge engagement mechanism from the aperture and releases the cartridge.
These and advantages, aspects and features of the present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated upon consideration of the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment, presented in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Storage medium cartridge for use with a storage medium cartridge gripping assembly


An interface layer for separating first and second microelectronic ceramic substrates during firing includes a thermally degradable binder, preferably a polymer, that degrades at temperatures above room temperature and below a firing temperature for the microelectronic ceramic substrates, and a separating material, such as boron nitride or graphite. The method of making the interface layer includes mixing the binder, one or more solvents for the binder, a plasticizer and the separating material for a sufficient period of time to form a homogeneous mass, then casting the material in a thin sheet to form the interface layer.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a method of simultaneously making multiple microelectronic ceramic substrates by stacking the substrates prior to firing with an intervening thermally degradable interface layer, and to a method of making the interface layer. The invention also relates to the microelectronic ceramic substrates and to the interface layers made by the methods of the invention.
2. Description of Related Art
In the ceramic electronic industry, multilayer ceramic (MLC) technology is typically used to create three-dimensional circuitry in ceramic substrates for microelectronic devices such as integrated circuits and ceramic capacitors. The three-dimensional circuitry in the ceramic substrate is made by applying a conductive material in a circuit pattern on a ceramic/polymer composite sheet. The ceramic/polymer composite sheet is known as a "green sheet" and may have a number of via holes punched in it to allow vertical connection between the conductive material on adjacent sheets. The green sheets are stacked in a designated order and laminated together under appropriate heat and pressure to form a laminate which can be handled as a unified structure.
To produce the final ceramic material, the laminated ceramic/polymer composite is fired. The firing includes heating to remove the polymer, followed by heating to a higher temperature to sinter and densify the ceramic.
The laminate may make up a single large electronic component, but more often, it is a repetition of multiple components located adjacent to one another which need to be cut apart into individual substrates for subsequent use. This cutting may be done in the unfired stated, in the fired state or at some point therebetween.
Cutting laminates in the unfired state is the easiest, based on a criteria of laminate hardness, However, debris is generated during the cutting which will remain on the fired units. This debris is detrimental to electrical conductivity and may result in defective substrates.
Cutting laminates in the fired state can eliminate the debris problem, but the ceramic is now very hard and cutting efficiency is greatly reduced. An alternative method is to partially cut the laminate when unfired. This produces less debris. After firing, the laminate can be broken in a controlled manner along the partial cuts. However, this method also has disadvantages because of the debris generated prior to firing and the fracturing and cracking that occurs during the breaking process.
It would be desirable to provide some method of protecting the surface of the substrates against debris contamination so that cutting could be done in the unfired state. It would also be desirable to provide some means of allowing the individual substrates to be completely cut apart prior to firing, to avoid the disadvantages of fracturing when breaking them apart, while still holding the substrates together as a unitary structure prior to firing for convenient handling of the laminate.
The number of individual units produced by the methods described above is limited by the physical size of the laminate that can be produced. For a fixed maximum laminate size, more individual units can be produced if they are smaller. Given a fixed laminate size and fixed cycle times for the ceramic sintering process the output of relatively large individual units is low.
Bearing in mind the problems and deficiencies of the prior art, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method of increasing the number of units which can be produced during each firing cycle.
It is another object of the present invention to reduce the problems resulting from debris contamination.
A further object of the present invention is to eliminate or reduce the problems with fractured surfaces when partially cut laminates are broken apart after firing.
Still other objects and advantages of the invention will be in part obvious and in part apparent from the specification.

Method of making an interface layer for stacked lamination sizing and sintering

International Business Machines Corporation


A system for performing remote usability testing of a website includes a module for generating particular tasks, a module for moderating a session with a number of participants, and a module for receiving usability data. The system further includes an analytics module for analyzing the received usability data. The module for generating the particular tasks includes a research server configured to interface with user experience researchers and storing multiple testing modules for selecting qualified participants from the number of participants and for generating the particular tasks having research metrics associated with a target web site. In an embodiment, the research server randomly assigns one or more of the multiple testing modules to one of the participants. The multiple testing modules may include card sorting studies for optimizing a web site's architecture or layout.

The present invention relates to computer systems and more particularly to gathering usability data for a web site.
The Internet provides new opportunities for business entities to reach customers via web sites that promote and describe their products or services. Often, the appeal of a web site and its ease of use may affect a potential buyer's decision to purchase the product/service.
Assessing the appeal, user friendliness, and effectiveness of a web site is of substantial value to marketing managers, web site designers and user experience specialists but is unfortunately difficult to obtain. Focus groups are sometimes used to achieve this goal but the process is long, expensive and not reliable, in part, due to the size and demographics of the focus group that may not be representative of the target customer base.
Therefore, there is a need to provide a low cost, quick and reliable way of gathering usability data using the Internet.

System and method for unmoderated remote user testing and card sorting


An insulated fireproof concrete form system. The system includes a pair of autoclaved aerated concrete blocks oriented parallel to each other. A pair of insulating blocks are disposed on a pair of internal surfaces of the pair of autoclaved aerated concrete blocks. The pair of insulating blocks are horizontally staggered relative to the pair of autoclaved aerated concrete blocks. A plurality of rods connects the pair of autoclaved aerated concrete blocks.

The present invention relates to an insulated fireproof concrete form system. Specifically, a system having structural orientation such that the blocks can be easily arranged in a manner providing enhanced stability and usability.
Installation of existing insulated concrete forms made from expanded polystyrene can be quick to install, but the wall may require extensive bracing in order to support the wall and to prevent the forms from moving while concrete is being poured. Further, since insulated forms are made of expanded polystyrene, they are extremely flammable. Furthermore, by law, they must be covered with non-flammable material to inhibit burning. Because of these properties, there is a defined need for an insulated fireproof concrete form system.
Autoclaved aerated concrete is commonly utilized to build structures due to fire-resistance benefits, insulating character, and mold-resistance. These products are commonly used in both outdoor structures and internal construction components. Additionally, these products may be painted, coated with substances like stucco and plaster, or utilized with siding materials. Structures that are made using traditional standard autoclaved aerated concrete blocks, however, may require the use of skilled craftsmen and do not provide sufficient insulation for colder climates.
Furthermore, modifications are commonly required for autoclaved aerated concrete blocks in order to accommodate electrical wiring, plumbing or other fixtures. In some instances, tradesmen may install a wood framing to the interior surface of the constructed autoclaved aerated blocks to provide a core for wiring installation. Furthermore, in colder climates and areas, the tradesmen may have to install insulative material to the exterior portions of the autoclaved aerated block structures in addition to the wood framing. This can be prohibitively expensive in several circumstances.

Insulated fireproof concrete form system


A fluid temperature monitoring system is characterized by an adjustable variable voltage divider for selecting a desired temperature range, a temperature detector for detecting whether the fluid temperature is above, below, or at the desired range, and a temperature indicator for emitting three different temperature indicating signals in accordance with temperatures above, below, or at the desired temperature range.

The present invention is related to a temperature monitoring system, especially for monitoring fluid temperatures, such as the water temperature of water exiting from a faucet in a sink or shower or the like.
Prior art temperature monitors utilize meters with a moving indicator or digital numeric displays of the temperature being measured Such temperature monitors are rather expensive to make and difficult to read, especially in certain practical use environments. For example, such prior art temperature monitors have not been widely adopted for in-home use or personal use to measure water temperature of water flowing from a faucet into a sink or bath or shower. Difficulty in reading the values displayed on such prior art temperature monitors is a particularly bothersome problem for people requiring eye glasses because when preparing to shower or shave they oftentimes have their glasses removed.
For persons who travel extensively staying in different motels and hotels, it is a particularly bothersome problem to be forced to test the water temperature by inserting a hand or foot into the water and experience discomfort if the water is too cold and discomfort and possibly burns when the hot water finally arrives.
Another problem with prior art temperature monitors that are intended to be portable and include a battery for supplying operating electrical current is that accuracy is lost when the supply voltage changes, such as when the battery is drained.
The present invention is directed toward providing a temperature monitor which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the problems related to battery drain are solved by providing a temperature monitor system which has an accuracy which is insensitive to reductions in the power supply voltage so long as the supply voltage is above a minimum operating range.
According to another aspect of the invention, the problems related to readability of the temperature indicator are solved by providing a temperature monitoring system with a small red, green, and yellow light indicator.
According to another aspect of preferred embodiments of the invention, the problems related to portability and economy of manufacture to facilitate widespread personal use, even for travelers, are solved by providing a compact hand holdable construction with a minimum of circuit components.
According to certain preferred embodiments of the present invention temperature monitoring arrangement is provided with the following combination of features:
(a) desired temperature selection means for selecting a desired temperature for a fluid medium, PA1 (b) temperature detecting means for detecting whether the fluid medium temperature is above, below or at the desired temperature, PA1 (c) and temperature indicating means for emitting three different temperature indicating signals indicating whether the fluid temperature is respectively above below or at the desired temperature, PA1 (d) wherein the temperature detecting and indicating means include electrical circuit means with a supply voltage, said electrical circuit means assuring accurate temperature detecting and indicating irrespective of the supply voltage level as long as said supply voltage is above a predetermined minimum voltage level.
In certain especially preferred embodiments of the invention, the temperature monitoring system is designed to be a hand-held, self-contained compact unit, which is easily transportable and operates on low voltage batteries such as a common 9 volt battery.
In certain other preferred embodiments of the invention, the temperature monitoring system is manufactured together with a plumbing fixture, such as a water faucet fixture, such that the system can be incorporated under factory conditions and marketed as intergral faucet/temperature indicating system units.
In other preferred embodiments of the invention, the temperature monitoring system is designed to be detachably mounted to the exterior of an existing plumbing fixture such as a water faucet, with a clamping bracket being provided for such a purpose. With this construction, the temperature monitoring system can be marketed separately from the plumbing fixture, but fixed in place as retrofit construction on existing in situ faucets.
In certain preferred embodiments of the invention, the temperature indicating means includes different color light signals to depict the respective fluid medium temperature conditions as above, below, or at a desired predetermined temperature range. In this manner, a very simple easy to read monitor is provided that can be used by persons with poor vision because of removal of their glasses. This easy to read monitor is advantageous even for people with perfect eyesight, for use in environments such as a shower or bathroom, where steam and the like further restricts vision. In especially preferred embodiments, the color signals are red, green and yellow, indicating with red that it is too hot, with green that it is within the desired temperature range, and with yellow when it is below the desired temperature range.
In certain preferred embodiments, the temperature indicating light signal is provided by way of light emitting diodes powered by the circuit of the temperature monitoring system. In certain preferred embodiments, three separate light emitting diodes of the three colors are utilized. In other preferred embodiments of the invention, only two light emitting diodes are provided, with red and green colors, a combination of the intensity of these colors being operable to create the third yellow indicating signal.
In especially preferred embodiments, the circuit for the temperature monitor includes a minimum number of elements, thereby improving reliability, while providing for a very economical compact construction.
In certain preferred embodiments, the indicators are automatically deactivated whenever the detected temperature falls below a predetermined level. This construction preserves the power source without requiring a manuel deactivation of the system.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.