A method for executing after-triggers in an active database. A tree is constructed for each after-trigger and an operator tree is constructed for the statement that activates the trigger. The method joins each of the trees for the activated row-after triggers to the operator tree for pipelined execution with the operator tree. The trees for the activated row-after triggers form a group and each of the trees within the group execute in parallel with each other. The method joins trees for activated statement-after triggers to the operator tree for execution subsequent to the execution of the operator tree, the statement after trigger trees receiving rows from a temporary table that accumulates affected rows from the operator tree. Trees for activated statement after triggers form a group and each of the trees within the group execute in parallel with each other.

The present invention relates generally to executing triggers in active relational databases and more specifically to the concurrent execution of after-triggers in a relational data base management system.
Database management systems (DBMS) 11, such as the system shown in FIG. 1, have become the dominant means of keeping track of data, especially for servers connected to the Internet. These systems take an organized approach to the storage of data by imposing a data model, typically a relational data model, on the data 17 that is stored in the database 15. Included in the typical DBMS are a Query Processing Engine 13, a File Access and Storage Management subsystem 21 for accessing the database 15, a Concurrency Control subsystem 19 for managing locks needed for concurrency on database items (tables and rows) and a Recovery Control Subsystem 23 for restoring the DBMS 23 to a consistent state after a fatal error. The latter two subsystems 19, 23, are interconnected with the File Access and Storage Management subsystem 21.
In the relational data model, data is stored as a relation, which has two aspects, the relation schema and the relation instance. The relation schema specifies the relation""s name, and the name and domain of each column in the relation. The relation instance is a set of records (also called rows or tuples) that conform to the relation schema. A relation instance is therefore a table of records, each of which has a column that meets the domain constraints imposed by the schema.
Not only does the DBMS impose a constraint on storage of data, a DBMS usually formalizes the means by which information may be requested from the database. In particular, a query language is specified by which questions may be put to the database. The language is usually based on a formal logic structure such as relational algebra or calculus. Queries are usually carried out in the DBMS 11 by a Query Processing Engine 13, which has a number of components for parsing a query, creating a query plan, and evaluating the query plan. In particular, a component of the Query Processing Engine 13, a Query Optimizer, creates one or more query plans, each in the form of a tree of relational operators, that are evaluated for execution of the query based on some efficiency metric.
Relational operators take one or more tables as inputs and generate a new table as the output. For example, a selection operator selects one or more rows of an input table meeting the selection criteria to produce an output table having only those rows. Operators can be composed since an operator may take as input a table generated as the output of another operator. A tree of operators is the representation of a composition of the relational operators appearing as the nodes of the tree.
A tree of such operators for a particular query plan is shown in FIG. 3. As can be observed from the tree of FIG. 3, relational operators are connected to each other and to base tables T1 and T2 by means of queues Q1-Q4. These queues supply input rows to a particular operator and store output rows from the operator. The queues allow an operator to start processing rows as soon as the operator that supplies the rows begins to produce them and before all rows are produced. Such pipelining improves the efficiency of the system because intermediate results need not be stored in a temporary table and then read again for input.
The standard language for implementing a DBMS is the Structured Query Language (SQL). This language includes Triggers, which are actions executed by the DMBS under certain conditions.
A database having a set of triggers is called an active database and each trigger in the database has three parts, an event, a condition and an action. The event part is a change to the database, such as an insertion, deletion, or modification of a table, that activates the trigger. The SQL statement which is the activating event, is termed the activating statement. A condition is a test by the activated trigger to determine whether the trigger action should occur and an action is an SQL statement that is executed if the trigger event and trigger condition are both satisfied. The set of rows affected (i.e., inserted, updated, or deleted) by the activating statement is termed the affected set of rows for the relevant trigger.
The action part of the trigger can occur either before or after the activating statement. If before, it is called a before-trigger and if after, it is called an after-trigger. In addition, triggers can operate at the row level or the statement level. A statement trigger executes its action once per activating statement and a row trigger executes its action for each row in the affected set. The combination of xe2x80x9cbeforexe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9cafterxe2x80x9d with xe2x80x9crowxe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9cstatementxe2x80x9d creates four different types of triggers. Chain reactions of trigger actions and recursive trigger actions are also possible.
The execution of triggers in a relational database is governed by the proposed ANSI standard for SQL (SQL:1999) which places certain restrictions on trigger execution. A chief restriction is that the triggers be executed serially in their creation time order or at least that the serial execution of triggers be equivalent in outcome and effect on the database to the execution of triggers in their creation time order. However, the serial execution of triggers, in accordance with the proposed ANSI:99 standard, would seriously affect the performance of the DMBS, especially if many trigger actions are involved. Thus, there is a need for the improved execution of multiple trigger actions which leads to improved performance of trigger actions over a purely sequential execution, but still conforms to the ANSI standard.
The present invention is directed towards the above need. A method of forming an execution plan in accordance with the present invention includes the following steps. First, any triggers that may be activated by an activating statement and any rows in database tables that are affected by the activating statement are determined. An operator tree for the activating statement is then formed and a tree for the trigger that is activated by the activating statement is formed. The activated trigger is either a row-after trigger or a statement-after trigger. If the activated trigger is a row-after trigger, the tree for the row-after trigger is joined to the operator tree for pipelined execution with the operator tree and any rows affected by the activating statement are pipelined to the row-after trigger for input. If the activated trigger is a statement-after trigger, the tree for the statement-after trigger is joined to the operator tree for execution subsequent to the operator tree. The statement-after trigger obtains input during execution from a temporary table that accumulates affected rows from the execution of the activating statement.
If a plurality of row-after triggers is activated by the activating statement, each of the trees for the row-after triggers is joined to the operator tree for pipelined execution with the operator tree. In one embodiment, the plurality of trees for activated row-after triggers is connected to a parallel union operator to form a group and a flow operator is interconnected between the parallel union operator and the operator tree.
If a plurality of statement after triggers is activated by the activating statement, each of the statement-after trigger trees is joined to the operator tree for execution subsequent to the execution of the operator tree. In one embodiment, the activated statement-after actions are connected to a parallel union operator to form a group, a flow operator is interconnected between the operator tree and a temporary table that accumulates affected rows from the operator tree and an ordered union operator is interconnected between the parallel union operator and the flow operator.
Joining both a plurality of activated row-after triggers and a plurality of statement-after triggers to the operator tree is such that the activated row-after triggers execute in a pipelined fashion with the operator tree and the activated statement-after triggers execute subsequently to the execution of the operator tree. Each trigger tree within either the statement-after group or the row-after group executes in parallel with the other trigger trees in the group.
An advantage is that row after-triggers are executed substantially in parallel with each other and in a pipeline with the execution of the operator tree for the activating statement thereby substantially reducing the execution time of row-after triggers compared to purely sequential execution of the activating statement and the triggers.
Another advantage is that statement-after triggers are executed substantially in parallel with each other thereby substantially reducing the execution time of statement-after triggers compared to the purely sequential execution of the activating statement and the triggers.
Another advantage of the invention is that triggers execute in parallel with the activating statement and groups of triggers that are activated by the same activating statement execute in parallel.

Method of parallel trigger execution in an active database

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer composition capable of exhibiting both a low melting temperature and good heat resistance without the use of conventional naphthenic acids is provided. The melting temperature may, for example, range from about 250° C. to about 400° C. Even at such low melting temperatures, the present inventors have surprisingly discovered that the ratio of the deflection temperature under load (“DTUL”), a measure of short term heat resistance, to the melting temperature may remain relatively high. The specific DTUL values may range from about 200° C. to about 300° C. The ability to form a polymer composition with the properties noted above may be achieved, at least in part, by the use of an aromatic amide oligomer.

Thermotropic liquid crystalline polymers are condensation polymers that have relatively rigid and linear polymer chains so that they melt to form a liquid crystalline phase. The formulations are generally derived from aromatic hydroxy acid monomers (e.g., hydroxybenzoic acid ("HBA") or 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid ("HNA")), either alone or in conjunction with other monomers, such as diacids (e.g., terephthalic acid ("TA") or isophthalic acid ("IA")) and/or diols (e.g., hydroquinone ("HQ"), acetaminophen ("APAP"), and 4,4′-biphenol ("BP")). Unfortunately, conventional polymers tend to display a very high solid-to-liquid transition temperature ("melting temperature"), which precludes their ability to be melt processed at temperatures below the decomposition temperature.
To suppress the melting point and generate materials that can be melt processed, additional monomers are often incorporated into the polymer backbone as a repeating unit. One commonly employed melting point suppressant is naphthalene-2,6-dicarboxylic acid ("NDA"), which is generally believed to disrupt the linear nature of the polymer backbone and thereby reduce the melting temperature. The melting point of a liquid crystal polyester may be lowered by substituting NDA for a portion of the terephthalic acid in a polyester of terephthalic acid, hydroquinone and p-hydroxybenzoic acid. Another melting point suppressant is formed from NDA in combination with terephthalic acid and isophthalic acid. NDA has also been employed to help lower the melting temperature of a polyester formed from terephthalic acid, hydroquinone, and optionally 4,4′-biphenol. In addition to NDA, other naphthenic acids have also been employed as a melt point suppressant. For instance, 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid ("HNA") has been employed as a melting point suppressant for a polyester formed from an aromatic diol and an aromatic dicarboxylic acid.
Despite the benefits achieved, the aforementioned polymers still have various drawbacks. For example, it has been discovered that the heat resistance of such naphthenic acid compositions is relatively poor, as evidenced by a relatively high ratio of deflection temperature under load ("DTUL") to melting temperature ("Tm"). This is particularly problematic as the demand for heat resistance at high temperatures continually increases in molding, fiber, and film applications.
Various attempts have been thus made to increase this ratio (DTUL/Tm) at lower melting temperatures. For instance, liquid-crystalline polyesters have been formed by solid-state heat treatment of a polymer containing hydroxybenzoic acid (e.g., 4-hydroxybenzoic acid), HNA, hydroquinone, and NDA. While this purportedly addresses one of the problems associated with the use of naphthenic acids (DTUL/Tm ratio), many others still remain. For example, it has been observed that the melting temperature of some liquid crystalline polymers will actually increase when certain naphthenic concentrations (e.g., above 40 mol. %) are reached. This limits the extent that the melting temperature can be suppressed with NDA or HNA. The reactivity of the naphthenic acids with other monomeric constituents is also undesired in many cases and may have unintended consequences on the final mechanical and thermal properties of the polymer composition. In addition to functional concerns, the high cost of naphthenic acids alone dictates that the need for others solutions to the problems noted.
As such, a need continues to exist for a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer that exhibits a relatively low melting temperature and good heat resistance.

Heat-resistant liquid crystalline polymer composition having a low melting temperature


A vehicle rear structure includes: a rear sideframe disposed on either side in a rear of a vehicle body; and a rear subframe disposed under the rear sideframe, wherein a rear end of the rear subframe is disposed at the same position in the longitudinal direction as, or at a position posterior to, a rear end of the rear sideframe. The vehicle rear structure has better performance in transmitting an impact load at a rear impact with a vehicle than ever, to further improve performance in absorbing impact energy.

A vehicle rear structure is conventionally known to have a rear subframe, on which a drive unit and the like are mounted, joined to bottoms of rear sideframes connected to rear ends of side sills, and diagonal members extending obliquely forward, and inwardly in the vehicle width direction, from the rear sideframes (see Japanese Patent Application Publication No, 2016-52862 A, for example). This vehicle rear structure has a front end of each of the diagonal members connected to a cross member, which is spanned between the rear sideframes, at the midpoint in the vehicle width direction thereof. The vehicle rear structure further includes brackets extending downward from connection portions between the diagonal members and the cross member, and the brackets are joined to a battery frame With this vehicle rear structure, if a load at a rear impact with a vehicle (impact load) is inputted to the rear sideframes, the impact load is transmitted from the rear sideframes to the side sills. The impact load is also transmitted from the rear sideframes to the battery frame via the diagonal members and the brackets. Additionally the rear subframe joined to the rear sideframes suppresses deformation of the rear sideframes inputted with the impact load. This structure allows the rear sideframes to efficiently transmit the impact load to the side sills and the battery frame. As a result, the vehicle rear structure has improved performance in absorbing impact energy.


A wire connecting unit for an electrical connector includes a printed circuit board and four pairs of terminals. The printed circuit board has nose and termination areas, and a wire receiving passageway extending along an axis in the termination area. Contact connections are mounted in the nose area. Terminal connections are mounted in the termination area. Conductive paths on the circuit board electrically couple respective contact connections and terminal connections. Each of the terminals has a coupling portion mechanically and electrically coupled through one of the terminal connections, and has an insulation displacement contact portion. Each insulation displacement contact portion is adjacent the wire receiving passageway and extends in a plane oriented at an acute angle to the passageway axis.

Due to significant advancements in telecommunications and data transmission speeds over unshielded twisted pair cables, the connectors (jacks, patch panels, cross connects, etc.) have become critical factors in achieving high performance in data transmission systems, particularly at the higher frequencies. Some performance characteristics, particularly near end crosstalk, can degrade beyond acceptable levels at new, higher frequencies in the connectors unless adequate precautions are taken.
Often, wiring is pre-existing. Standards define the geometry and the pin definitions for the connectors, making any changes to the wiring and to the connector geometry and pin definitions for improving performance characteristics cost prohibitive.
The use of unshielded twisted pair wiring and the establishment of certain standards for connector geometry and pin definitions were created prior to the need for high speed data transmissions. Thus, while using the existing unshielded twisted pair wiring and complying with the existing standards, connectors must be developed that fulfill the performance requirements of today's higher speed communications, in order to maintain compatibility with the existing connectors.
Conventional connectors of this type are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,975,078 to Stroede, U.S. Pat. No. 5,186,647 to Denkmann et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,228,872 to Liu, U.S. Pat. No. 5,376,018 to Davis et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,270 to Pantland et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,586,914 to Foster et al and U.S. Pat. No. 5,628,647 to Roharbaugh et al, the subject matter of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Wiring unit with angled insulation displacement contacts


A vibratory gyroscope comprises, for example, a regular triangular columnar vibrating body, and on two side faces of the vibrating body, two driving and detecting piezoelectric elements are formed. To the piezoelectric elements, an output terminal of an oscillation circuit is connected. Further, the piezoelectric elements are connected respectively to two input terminals of a differential amplifier as a detection circuit which detects outputs thereof. An output terminal of the differential amplifier is connected to one input terminal of a differential amplifying circuit as a composite circuit through a synchronized detection circuit, a smoothing circuit and so on. Furthermore, the output terminal of the differential amplifier is connected to the other input terminal of the composite circuit through an integration circuit, an amplifying circuit and so on.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a vibratory gyroscope, and particularly, to a vibratory gyroscope comprising a vibrating body and two detecting piezoelectric elements which are formed on the vibrating body for detecting a vibration of the vibrating body, and used, for example, in a navigation system of an automobile or for protecting an unsteady hold on a video-camera and so on.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In this kind of conventional vibrating gyroscope, a vibration is given to a vibrating body. In this state, sine-wave signals having a substantially same strength are output from two detecting piezoelectric elements. When rotating about an axis of the vibrating body, a vibrating direction of the vibrating body is changed by a Coriolis force, the output signal voltage from one detecting piezoelectric element becomes larger and the output signal voltage from the other detecting piezoelectric element becomes smaller responsive to the rotational angular velocity. And hence, by a voltage difference of the output signals from the two detecting piezoelectric elements, the rotational angular velocity is detected.
In such conventional vibratory gyroscope, though the rotational angular velocity can initially be detected accurately, when the vibrating body has warped by temperature change, for example, a signal having a strength responsive to the warp is added to the output signal of one detecting piezoelectric element and deducted from the output signal of the other piezoelectric element, thus it has a possibility that the rotational angular velocity can not be detected accurately. Warped vibrating body is caused by a machining strain of the vibrating body, a difference in coefficients of linear expansion between the vibrating body and the piezoelectric elements formed thereon, and an inaccurate assembling. As such, in the conventional vibratory gyroscope, it was difficult to decide whether the warped vibrating body is caused by the rotational angular velocity or temperature change.
In order to solve such a problem, it may be considered to provide a heater in the vicinity of the vibrating body to keep temperature of the vibrating body at constant, but in this case, power consumption is worsened, the shape is enlarged and much time is required for stabilization.
Though a circuit for compensating characteristics change due to temperature change has been devised, it is not a conclusive solution because of characteristics differences in every piezoelectric element and the characteristics which can be corrected is limited.


A tool bit and collet assembly, and method of assembling, wherein there is a collar for holding the collet in the radially inward position to thereby hold the tool bit. Camming surfaces are between the tool bit and the collet, and between the collet and the collar, for opening the collet upon insertion the tool bit into the collet, and thereby move the collar to the opening position.

Assemblies of tool bits and collets are well known in the prior art. That art also is aware of having the tool bit activate the collet for opening the collet to receive the tool bit and then axially restrain the tool bit in the collet. Those arrangements commonly employ a collet having a ball and a tool bit having a groove which receives the ball for providing axial restraint of the tool bit in the collet. Also, there is a spring-urged collar which forces the ball into the groove.
That prior art of course requires that there be a ball, and that the ball be under the control of the collet and the collar. In that arrangement, there must not only be a ball, but the collet must be arranged to hold the ball for placement into the groove. That ball, collet, and groove assembly requires those special parts and special assembly process steps to achieve the assembly where the ball is employed.
The present invention improves upon the prior art by having a tool bit that activates a collet to open the collet and thereby receive the tool bit and to then have the collet close onto the tool bit, and the tool bit is then restrained both rotationally and axially relative to the collet, all without a ball and with fixed surfaces axially restraining the tool bit. To achieve this improvement, the tool bit and collet have camming surfaces which are interengaged upon insertion of the tool bit into the collet for expanding the collet into the tool bit receptive mode. Of course, that is accomplished without the need for those specially dimensioned and hardened balls, and without the need for controlling the balls, such as when assembling the parts together.
Additionally, the present invention provides for automatic retraction of the collet-holding collar, and that is achieved simply upon, and at the time of, insertion of the tool bit into the collet. There can be fixed surfaces on the tool bit and the collet and the collar, rather than loose and movable balls, all of which act as camming surfaces to perform the functions mentioned above.
Still further, in the axial restraint of the tool bit in the collet, there is no need to utilize or rely upon movable balls for that restraint, Instead, there are fixed surfaces on the tool bit and the collet for that function, and thus the restraint is more accurate and reliable compared to the prior art tool bit holders.
A method for arranging the tool bit and collet in an assembled relationship is also included in this invention. Opening the collet, and the release of the collet holding collar, and the closing of the collar onto the collet are all achieved by surfaces respectively fixed on those moving parts, and moving against each other, in response to the one action of the insertion of the tool bit into the collet.


An implantable medical device, is designed to collect a signal representative of the electric activity of the heart and determine a cardiogenic impedance signal for at least a portion of the heart. An R-wave detector of the IMD detects the timing of an R-wave during a cardiac cycle based on the signal representative of the electric activity. A minimum detector detects the timing of a cardiogenic impedance minimum in the cardiogenic impedance signal and within a systolic time window of the cardiac cycle. A detected arrhythmia is then classified by the IMD based on the timing of the R-wave detected by the R-wave detector and the timing of the cardiogenic impedance minimum detected by the minimum detector.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to arrhythmia classification, and in particular to an implantable medical device capable of detecting and classifying an arrhythmia and to an arrhythmia classification method.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Implantable medical devices (IMDs), including implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and pacemakers, can today be used for detecting and combating arrhythmias, such as ventricular tachyarrhythmia in IMD patients. Ventricular tachyarrhythmias, for example ventricular fibrillation or tachycardia, need to be detected as early as possible as they may otherwise lead to the death of the patient if not quickly terminated. As a consequence, once tachyarrhythmia is detected, the IMD will combat it by delivering one or more defibrillation or cardioversion shocks.
However, in several IMD and ICD patients about 5-15% of the defibrillation or cardioversion shocks are in fact unnecessary. This means that worst-case approximately one shock out of five is inappropriate for these patients. Every inappropriate shock causes decreased quality of life for patients, battery depletion of the device and potential induction of dangerous arrhythmias. Unnecessary shocks should therefore be minimized.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,311,874 discloses a method for tachycardia discrimination. In a first embodiment, a cardiac biopotential signal is recorded and processed to identify a number of feature values representing maximum and minimum values of a complex in the signal, corresponding to a complete cardiac cycle. Firstly, the complex is classified as a baseline complex or a non-baseline complex based on the cycle length of the complex. If the complex is classified as a non-baseline complex, an extensive and very complex processing of its feature values is conducted to subsequently arrive at a discrimination point in a plane defined by a similarity vector and a dissimilarity vector. Depending on where this point is in the plane, the non-baseline complex is classified as a ventricular tachycardia (VT) or non-VT complex. In a second embodiment, a corresponding complex signal processing is performed but for discriminating between hemodynamically stable and unstable ventricular tachycardias. In this case, the input signal can be a signal or condition related to the hemodynamics of the heart, such as pressure, flow or impedance.
US 2005/0154421 discloses a technique for reducing inappropriate delivery of therapy to treat ventricular tachyarrhythmias caused by supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). The document specifies that SVT can be conducted to the ventricles and lead to short ventricular cycle lengths (VCLs) that would imply ventricular tachyarrhythmia. Their technique is based on measuring multiple VCLs over a defined time period. The number of such cycles that have a length shorter than a given threshold is determined and used as a basis for detecting ventricular tachyarrhythmia. If tachyarrhythmia is detected, it is determined whether the tachyarrhythmia is due to SVT or may indeed be lethal. This determination can be based on measured VCLs and atrial cycle lengths (ACLs), measured activity level of the patient or intracardiac pressure measurements.
US 2007/0043394 discloses an IMD having circuitry for sensing cardiac signals and determining an intracardiac impedance signal. Cardiac cycles of a subject are determined based on the sensed cardiac signal and tachyarrhythmia is detected using cardiac cycle to cardiac cycle changes in a plurality of intracardiac impedance parameters obtained from the intracardiac impedance signal.
There is still a need for a technique and IMD capable of accurately classifying arrhythmias in order to select appropriate treatments or select not to apply any combating treatment to the subject.


Disclosed is a broadcast/communication unified passive optical network system. The network system comprises: an optical line termination that time-division multiplexes the received digital broadcast signals, receives communication signals through the internet, and wavelength-division multiplexes and transmits the broadcast signals and the communication signals; a plurality of optical network units connected to the optical line termination in one-to-multi connection, each optical network unit receiving the broadcast signals and the communication signals from the optical line termination, time-division demultiplexing the broadcast signals, and sending the broadcast signals selected from the above broadcast signals in accordance with a subscriber control signal and the communicating signals; and, a plurality of setup boxes connected to the each optical network unit in one-to-multi connection, each setup box receiving the broadcast signals and communication signals from each corresponding optical network unit and sending the subscriber control signal inputted by a subscriber to the corresponding optical network unit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an optical communication system and in particular to a passive optical network system.
2. Description of the Related Art
In order to construct a subscriber network from a central office to buildings and homes, various network constructions such as x-Digital Subscriber Line (xDSL), Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC), Fiber To The Building (FTTB), Fiber To The Curb (FTTC), Fiber To The Home (FTTH) and schemes for enhancing them have been proposed.
Such FTTx (i.e., FTTB, FTTC and FTTH) can be implemented by active FTTx based on an Active Optical Network (AON) construction, or implemented by passive FTTx based on a Passive Optical Network (PON) construction. Passive optical networks have been proposed as an economic scheme for implementing an optical subscriber network for the future, due to the fact that it comprises a point-to-multipoint topology based on passive units.
The passive optical network is a subscriber network construction that connects one Optical Line Termination (OLT) to a plurality of Optical Network Units (ONU) by using a 1×N passive optical distributor, thereby forming a tree-structured distribution topology.
Currently, internet services including digital broadcast services and communication services such as Video On Demand (VOD) services are independently provided. Systems for digital broadcast services are designed for use in a broadcast network such as a Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC) broadcast network or a Direct Broadast Satellite (DBS) network. This separation of services is the result of the complicated and dedicated hardware apparatus that make up these respective systems. For example, a head-end and an optical line termination should be operated separately in order to provide broadcast and communication services, and sub-carrier analog transmission should be executed in order to transmit data to an optical network unit, in which case a complicated modulation mode is employed for increasing transmission efficiency. In addition, because in-house connecting networks are constructed using coaxial cable type, the transmission bandwidth is limited to about 900 MHz. Furthermore, with regard to broadcast networks, subscriber bandwidth utilization is unstructured and there are also associated limitations in transmission distance because a mode is employed in which all broadcast channels are transmitted to all of the subscribers. Although cable-modems are employed for use with the internet service receiving classes, there is a problem in that it is impossible to provide efficient bandwidth for increasing subscribers due to the fact that limited services are provided to the subscribers.
FIG. 1 shows a structure of a digital broadcast service system according to the prior art. A head-end 130 and an optical line termination 160 are shown. Digital broadcast signals are received at the head-end 130 from either a satellite antenna 110 or a Digital Media Center (DMC) 120. The digital broadcast signals may be in the form of an MPEG2 multi-program transport stream, which consists of a plurality of individual MPEG2 transport streams. The head-end 130 comprises a transport stream demultiplexer 140 and a plurality of local processors 150.
The transport stream demultiplexer 140 demultiplexes the MPEG2 multi-program transport stream into a plurality of MPEG2 transport streams.
The local processors 150 remultiplex the MPEG2 transport streams for the purpose of performing encoding processing, customer management processing or the like.
The optical line termination 160 consists of a plurality of quadrature amplitude modulators (QAM) 170, a plurality of frequency converters 180, a signal combiner 190 and an electric/optical (E/O) converter 200.
The quadrature amplitude modulators 170 change the phase and amplitude of carrier, thereby enabling high-speed digital transmission. The frequency converters 180 convert the frequency of an inputted signal into an intermediate frequency (IF). The RF combiner 190 multiplexes and thus outputs a plurality of inputted signals as one broadcast signal. The E/O converter 200 E/O converts and transmits the broadcast signals through an optical fiber. It is possible to employ a laser diode as the E/O converter 200, which outputs light having a predetermined wavelength.
The broadcast signals, which have been subjected to the E/O conversion, are provided to a plurality of optical network units (not shown) connected to the optical line termination 160 through the optical fiber 210.
FIG. 2 shows frequency band allocation of an HFC network of the prior art. As shown in the drawing, it will be appreciated that the transmission band width is limited to 825 MHz; because the frequency bandwidth for V OD, broadcast service, etc. is narrow, because there is difficulty in providing real VOD services, high-speed internet services or the like.
As can be seen, the following problems exist in providing communication services such as digital broadcast services, VOD services, internet services or the like in accordance with the prior art network.
i) Because digital broadcast services and communication services are individually and separately provided, use and management of resources are inefficient.
ii) The digital broadcast is adapted to an HFC network. Therefore, it is necessary to employ a complicated modulation mode such as 64-QAM and 256-QAMin order to enhance the transmission efficiency of the broadcast signals, which are sent from a satellite or a digital media center.
iii) The head-end and the optical line termination should be separately operated, and the sub-carrier analog optical transmission should be performed in order to transmit data to an optical network unit. However, because in-house connection networks are in the form of coaxial cable, there is a problem in that the transmission bandwidth is not more than about 900 MHz.
iv) Although there is a cable-modem type in communication service receiving classes, no efficient bandwidth can be provided for increasing subscribers because limited services are allocated to subscribers.

Broadcast/communication unified passive optical network system


Silver salts of long chain carboxylic acids are prepared from long chain carboxylic acids by sequential addition of at least two different alkali metal hydroxides, one of which is lithium hydroxide, followed by converting the mixture of alkali metal carboxylates to silver carboxylates. Photothermographic materials prepared from such silver carboxylates display improved Dmin aging with little if any affect on other sensitometric properties.

Silver-containing direct thermographic and photothermographic imaging materials (that is, thermally developable imaging materials) that are imaged and/or developed using heat and without liquid processing have been known in the art for many years.
Silver-containing direct thermographic imaging materials are non-photosensitive materials that are used in a recording process wherein images are generated by the direct application of thermal energy and in the absence of a processing solvent. These materials generally comprise a support having disposed thereon (a) a relatively or completely non-photosensitive source of reducible silver ions, (b) a reducing composition (acting as a black-and-white silver developer) for the reducible silver ions, and (c) a suitable binder. Thermographic materials are sometimes called "direct thermal" materials in the art because they are directly imaged by a source of thermal energy without any transfer of the image or image-forming materials to another element (such as in thermal dye transfer).
In a typical thermographic construction, the image-forming thermographic layers comprise non-photosensitive reducible silver salts of long chain fatty acids. A preferred non-photosensitive reducible silver source is a silver salt of a long chain aliphatic carboxylic acid having from 10 to 30 carbon atoms, such as behenic acid or mixtures of acids of similar molecular weight. At elevated temperatures, the silver of the silver carboxylate is reduced by a reducing agent for silver ion (also known as a developer), whereby elemental silver is formed. Preferred reducing agents include methyl gallate, hydroquinone, substituted-hydroquinones, hindered phenols, catechols, pyrogallol, ascorbic acid, and ascorbic acid derivatives.
Some thermographic constructions are imaged by contacting them with the thermal head of a thermographic recording apparatus such as a thermal print-head of a thermal printer or thermal facsimile. In such constructions, an anti-stick layer is coated on top of the imaging layer to prevent sticking of the thermographic construction to the thermal head of the apparatus utilized. The resulting thermographic construction is then heated imagewise to an elevated temperature, typically in the range of from about 60 to about 225° C., resulting in the formation of a black-and-white image of silver.
Silver-containing photothermographic imaging materials (that is, photosensitive thermally developable imaging materials) that are imaged with actinic radiation and then developed using heat and without liquid processing, have been known in the art for many years. Such materials are used in a recording process wherein an image is formed by imagewise exposure of the photothermographic material to specific electromagnetic radiation (for example, X-radiation, or ultraviolet, visible, or infrared radiation) and developed by the use of thermal energy. These materials, also known as "dry silver" materials, generally comprise a support having coated thereon: (a) a photocatalyst (that is, a photosensitive compound such as silver halide) that upon such exposure provides a latent image in exposed grains that are capable of acting as a catalyst for the subsequent formation of a silver image in a development step, (b) a relatively or completely non-photosensitive source of reducible silver ions, (c) a reducing composition (acting as a developer) for the reducible silver ions, and (d) a binder. The latent image is then developed by application of thermal energy.
In photothermographic materials, exposure of the photosensitive silver halide to light produces small clusters containing silver atoms (Ag0)n. The imagewise distribution of these clusters, known in the art as a latent image, is generally not visible by ordinary means. Thus, the photosensitive material must be further developed to produce a visible image. This is accomplished by the reduction of silver ions that are in catalytic proximity to silver halide grains bearing the silver-containing clusters of the latent image. This produces a black-and-white image. The non-photosensitive silver source is catalytically reduced to form the visible black-and-white negative image of silver while much of the silver halide, generally, remains as silver halide and is not reduced.
In photothermographic materials, the reducing agent for the reducible silver ions, often referred to as a "developer", may be any compound that, in the presence of the latent image, can reduce silver ion to metallic silver and is preferably of relatively low activity until it is heated to a temperature sufficient to cause the reaction. A wide variety of classes of compounds have been disclosed in the literature that function as reducing agents for photothermographic materials. Upon heating, and at elevated temperatures, the reducible silver ions are reduced by the reducing agent. This reaction occurs preferentially in the regions surrounding the latent image and produces a negative image of metallic silver having a color that ranges from yellow to deep black depending upon the presence of toning agents and other components in the photothermographic imaging layer(s).
Differences Between Photothermography and Photography:
The imaging arts have long recognized that the field of photothermography is clearly distinct from that of photography. Photothermographic materials differ significantly from conventional silver halide photographic materials that require processing with aqueous processing solutions.
In photothermographic imaging materials, a visible image is created in the absence of a processing solvent by heat as a result of the reaction of a reducing agent incorporated within the material. Heating at 50° C. or more is essential for this dry development. In contrast, conventional photographic imaging materials require processing in aqueous processing baths at more moderate temperatures (from 30° C., to 50° C.) to provide a visible image.
In photothermographic materials, only a small amount of silver halide is used to capture light and a non-photosensitive source of reducible silver ions (for example, a silver carboxylate or a silver benzotriazole) is used to generate the visible image using thermal development. Thus, the imaged photosensitive silver halide serves as a catalyst for the physical development process involving the non-photosensitive source of reducible silver ions and the incorporated reducing agent. In contrast, conventional wet-processed, black-and-white photographic materials use only one form of silver (that is, silver halide) that, upon chemical development, is itself at least partially converted into the silver image, or that upon physical development requires addition of an external silver source (or other reducible metal ions that form black images upon reduction to the corresponding metal). Thus, photothermographic materials require an amount of silver halide per unit area that is only a fraction of that used in conventional wet-processed photographic materials.
In photothermographic materials, all of the "chemistry" for imaging is incorporated within the material itself. For example, such materials include a reducing agent (that is, a developer for the reducible silver ions) while conventional photographic materials usually do not. The incorporation of the reducing agent into photothermographic materials can lead to increased formation of various types of "fog" or other undesirable sensitometric side effects. Therefore, much effort has gone into the preparation and manufacture of photothermographic materials to minimize these problems.
Moreover, in photothermographic materials, the unexposed silver halide generally remains intact after development and the material must be stabilized against further imaging and development. In contrast, silver halide is removed from conventional photographic materials after solution development to prevent further imaging (that is in the aqueous fixing step).
Because photothermographic materials require dry thermal processing, they present distinctly different problems and require different materials in manufacture and use, compared to conventional, wet-processed silver halide photographic materials. Additives that have one effect in conventional silver halide photographic materials may behave quite differently when incorporated in photothermographic materials where the underlying chemistry is significantly more complex. The incorporation of such additives as, for example, stabilizers, antifoggants, speed enhancers, supersensitizers, and spectral and chemical sensitizers in conventional photographic materials is not predictive of whether such additives will prove beneficial or detrimental in photothermographic materials. For example, it is not uncommon for a photographic antifoggant useful in conventional photographic materials to cause various types of fog when incorporated into photothermographic materials, or for supersensitizers that are effective in photographic materials to be inactive in photothermographic materials.
These and other distinctions between photothermographic and photographic materials are described in Unconventional Imaging Processes, E. Brinckman et al. (Eds.), The Focal Press, London and New York, 1978, pp. 74-75, in D. H. Klosterboer, Imaging Processes and Materials, (Neblette's Eighth Edition), J. Sturge, V. Walworth, and A. Shepp, Eds., Van Nostrand-Reinhold, New York, 1989, Chapter 9, pp. 279-291, in C. Zou et al., J. Imaging Sci. Technol. 1996, 40, pp. 94-103, and in M. R. V. Sahyun, J. Imaging Sci. Technol. 1998, 42, 23.
Problem to be Solved:
Photothermographic materials are commercially available for use in the medical imaging industry, and are particularly used for diagnosis and archival of clinical images. These materials are currently widely used in regions of the world where viewing and storage of imaged films is done in a controlled environment and at moderate temperature and humidity. However, photothermographic materials are now also being used in regions where the environment for viewing and storage of imaged films is less controlled and the imaged films may be stored at higher temperatures and humidity.
A challenge in photothermographic materials is the need to improve their stability at ambient temperature and relative humidity during storage prior to imaging. This stability is referred to as "Raw Stock Keeping" (RSK), "Natural Age Keeping" (NAK), "Shelf-Life Stability". It is desirable that photothermographic materials be capable of maintaining their imaging properties, including photospeed and Dmax, while minimizing any increase in Dmin during storage periods. Raw Stock Keeping is a problem especially for photothermographic films compared to conventional silver halide photographic films because, as noted above, all the components needed for development and image formation in photothermographic systems are incorporated into the imaging element, in intimate proximity, prior to development. The large number of potentially reactive components that can prematurely react during storage that can lead to loss of photospeed, increase in Dmin, and changes in other sensitometric properties during storage. These problems can become more acute when photothermographic materials are stored prior to use in severe environmental conditions such as high humidity or high temperature.
One particular type of Raw Stock Keeping problem is "Shelf-aging Fog" or "Dmin aging". Shelf-aging fog is the increase in Dmin in non-imaged areas of photothermographic materials. The stored, non-imaged materials, upon later imaging and development have a higher Dmin in non-imaged areas when compared to freshly prepared samples of the same materials that have been imaged soon after coating. Shelf-aging fog shortens the shelf-life of photothermographic materials. A great amount of work has been done to improve the shelf-life characteristics of photothermographic materials. In order to destroy fog centers or to limit their growth during development, additional additives, such as stabilizers and antifoggants, have been incorporated into the imaging layers.
Yet another problem encountered in photothermography is that the photospeed and other sensitometric properties often change as the material ages during storage.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,161,408 (Winslow et al.) describes the preparation of silver halide/silver carboxylate soaps by converting a melted long chain fatty acid in water to an ammonium or a mixture alkali metal salts. Conversion by adding a mixture of sodium and lithium hydroxides is described. The ammonium or alkali metal salts are then converted to the silver salt of the acid.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,175,978 (Maeda et al.) describes the preparation of silver halide/silver carboxylate soaps by converting a melted long chain fatty acid in water to a mixture alkali metal salts. Conversion by adding a mixture of sodium and potassium hydroxides is described. The alkali metal salts are then converted to the silver salt of the acid.
There remains a need for methods to provide photothermographic materials whose photospeed and other sensitometric characteristics undergo little change as the material ages during, storage. That is, photothermographic materials with improved shelf stability are needed.

Method of preparing silver carboxylate soaps


A premix burner for a heat generator has partial cone shells (5) which make up a vortex generator, and which encompass a conically widening vortex chamber (6) and mutually define tangential air inlet slots (7), and also with feeds for gaseous and/or liquid fuel, of which at least one is arranged along the air inlet slots (7) on the partial cone shells (5), and at least one other is arranged along a burner axis (A) which centrally passes through the vortex chamber (6). At least n partial cone shells (5) encompass the vortex chamber (6), and define n air inlet slots (7), with n≧3, preferably n≧5, the n air inlet slots (7) each have at least a maximum slot width (10) which is equal to or larger than that slot width (10) which a generic type premix burner (1) of the same size and dimensioning with m≦2 partial cone shells (5) and m air inlet slots (7) has.

1. Field of Endeavor
The invention relates to a premix burner for a heat generator, with partial cone shells which make up a vortex generator, and which encompass a conically widening vortex chamber and mutually define tangential air inlet slots, and also with feeds for gaseous and/or liquid fuel, of which at least one is arranged along the air inlet slots on the partial cone shells, and at least one other is arranged along a burner axis which centrally passes through the vortex chamber.
2. Brief Description of the Related Art
Generic type premix burners have effectively been used for many years for firing combustion chambers to drive gas turbine plants, and represent largely perfected components with regard to their burner characteristics. Depending upon application and desired burner capacity, generic type premix burners are available which are optimized both with regard to burner capacity and also from the point of view of reduced emission of pollutants.
Such a premix burner is to be gathered from EP 0 321 809 B1, which premix burner basically includes two hollow, conical body sections which fit one inside the other in the flow direction, the respective longitudinal symmetry axes of which extend in an offset manner to each other so that the adjacent walls of the body sections in their longitudinal extent form tangential slots for a combustion air flow. Liquid fuel is preferably injected through a central nozzle into the vortex chamber which is encompassed by the body sections, while gaseous fuel is introduced through the additional nozzles which are present in the region of the tangential air inlet slots in the longitudinal extent.
The burner concept of the aforementioned premix burner is based on the generation of a closed vortex flow inside the conically widening vortex chamber. The vortex flow, however, on account of the increasing vortex in the flow direction inside the vortex chamber, becomes unstable and changes into an annular vortex flow with a backflow zone in the flow core. The location at which the vortex flow changes into an annular vortex flow with a backflow zone by means of bursting is basically determined by the cone angle which is inscribed by the partial cone shells, and also by the slot width of the air inlet slots. In the case of the selection for dimensioning of the slot width and also of the cone angle, by which the overall length of the burner is ultimately determined, narrow limits are basically set so that a desired flow field is established, which leads to the formation of a vortex flow which in the burner mouth region bursts into an annular vortex flow, forming a spatially stable backflow zone, in which the fuel-air mixture ignites, forming a spatially stable flame. A reduction in size of the air inlet slots basically leads to an upstream shift of the backflow zone, as a result of which, however, the mixture of fuel and air then ignites temporally and spatially earlier.
On the other hand, in order to position the backflow zone which is formed further downstream, i.e., to obtain a longer premix path or evaporation path, a mixing path in the form of a mixer tube, which transmits the vortex flow, is provided downstream of the vortex generator, as it is described in detail, for example, in EP 0 704 657 B1. In this publication, a vortex generator which includes four partial cone bodies is to be gathered, to which vortex generator a mixing path, which serves for a further mixing-through of the fuel-air mixture, is connected downstream.
Transfer passages are provided for continuous transfer of the vortex flow which issues from the vortex generator into the mixing path, which transfer passages extend between the vortex generator and the mixing path in the flow direction and serve for the transfer of the vortex flow which is formed in the vortex generator into the mixing path which is connected downstream to the transfer passages.
In addition to the constructional burner design, the feed of liquid fuel also has a decisive influence on the flow dynamics of the vortex flow which is formed inside the vortex generator and also of the backflow zone which is formed as spatially stably as possible downstream of the vortex generator. In this way, with a typical feed of liquid fuel along the burner axis, a rich fuel-air mixture, which is formed along the burner axis, becomes apparent at the location of the cone apex of the conically widening vortex chamber, especially in premix burners of larger design, as a result of which the risk of the so-called backflash in the region of the vortex chamber increases. Such backflashes lead on the one hand inevitably to high NOx emissions, particularly through which fuel-air mixture portions which are not completely mixed through are combusted. On the other hand, backflash occurrences are hazardous especially because of this and are to be avoided since they can lead to thermal and also mechanical stresses and, as a consequence of this, can lead to irreversible damage to the structure of the premix burner.
By means of the burner design which is described above, which is adapted in an optimized manner to the desired burner conditions in each case, it is clear that by mere size scaling of all premix burner components to form a larger burner with larger capacity, the desired burner characteristics are not also automatically maintained. If, in this way, for example the mass flow of a gas turbine is not linearly scaled to the geometric scaling factor of individual gas turbine components, but is largely quadratic, i.e., the output is to be doubled by size adjustment of the gas turbine plant, it is necessary to provide four times as much air for the combustion process. This has the result that, for each individual gas turbine plant, which differs by size and power factor, a completely new burner, and especially a completely new premix burner, has to be designed and built, which it is necessary to adapt to the desired optimized burner characteristics in a suitable manner. This incurs high costs which it is necessary to avoid. A large number of individual burners are arranged in a circular arrangement around a combustion chamber especially in high-output gas turbine plants in order to achieve an optimum burner performance with regard to burner capacity and also pollutant emissions, depending upon gas turbine output. It is clear, moreover, that single-row burner arrangements, but especially double-row or multi-row burner arrangements, around in each case one combustion chamber, demand large constructional volumes.
The preceding embodiments show that a power output variation in the sense of a power output increase of a gas turbine plant by the currently known means inevitably necessitates a complete new construction of a hitherto known conically formed premix burner. In this case, it is necessary to take remedial action and to search for measures in order to enable a desired scaling of gas turbine plants also to the premix burners which are currently in operation, and with only minor structural changes to existing premix burner systems.


A multi-stage boom having a plurality of boom members including a first boom member, at least one intermediate boom member and a last boom member, each being slideably inserted into its subordinate boom member to undergo telescopic expansion and contraction. An operating shaft is connected pivotably at its bottom portion erectly to a peripheral lower end portion of the last boom member, and a plurality of adjusting shafts are each disposed pivotably at its bottom portion erectly to a peripheral upper end portion of each boom member except the first boom member. A first tension cable is connected at its one end to a lower end portion of the first boom member, lead therefrom through an upper end opening of a subordinate boom member, turned forwardly at a top portion of an adjusting shaft disposed at a peripheral upper end portion of the subordinate boom member, and connected at its other end to an upper end portion of the first boom member. At least one intermediate tension cable is connected at its one end to a lower end portion of a corresponding intermediate boom member, lead therefrom through an upper end opening of a subordinate boom member, turned forwardly at a top portion of an adjusting shaft disposed on a peripheral upper end portion of the subordinate boom member, and connected at its other end to a top portion of another adjusting shaft disposed on a peripheral upper end portion of the corresponding intermediate boom member. A last tension cable is connected between a top portion of the operating shaft and a top portion of an adjusting shaft disposed on a peripheral upper end portion of the last boom member. A control mechanism controls tilting angle of the operating shaft according to expansion amount of the multi-stage boom to tension a chain of the first, intermediate and last tension cables.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a telescopic multi-stage boom used in a crane which shifts a hook up and down to lift a weight load, and used in an elevating device which shifts an elevating stand up and down above a vehicle body to lift a person or material. More specifically, the present invention relates to a reinforcement mechanism of the multi-stage boom, the mechanism being provided with flexible cables for supporting a part of a weight load applied to a top end portion of the multi-stage boom so as to avoid the multi-stage boom from bending.
2. Prior Art
There is known and frequently used a lifting mechanism including a crane mounted on a vehicle such as a truck and operable to lift a weight load so as to load and unload cargos.
There is also known and frequently used an elevating working station vehicle provided with an elevating station for use in assembling, painting and repairing work at high places such as highways and building constructions. The elevating station may accommodate workers and materials to transport them between the ground and elevated level.
These conventional crane and elevating working station vehicles are often provided with a multi-stage boom comprised of booms having different outer diameters and each being telescopically inserted into the other to undergo extension and contraction in their lengthwise direction.
This multi-stage boom has a very short total length in the most contracted state and a very long total length in the most extended state, and therefore is frequently installed on a crane vehicle and elevating or high working station vehicle which have a limited total length of vehicle body, because the multi-stage boom has the advantage that the multi-stage boom can be most contracted in compact size during the travel of vehicles.
However, since the multi-stage boom mechanism is comprised of a plurality of booms having different outer diameters and being telescopically connected to each other, there are many sliding contact portions in the mechanism. For this reason, there are drawbacks such as excessive play may be produced during the course of long time operation and such as the top end portion of the boom mechanism may swing up and down when extended longer or when lifting a heavier weight load. Consequently, in order to lift a heavy weight load, each boom must be physically strengthened, resulting in increase of the total weight of the multi-stage boom. Further, since each boom is made of metal, when a heavy weight load is applied to the top end of the multi-stage boom, the multi-stage boom is bent due to the heavy weight load and deformed in arch shape. Therefore, when the multi-stage boom lifts a heavy weight load, the multi-stage boom sometimes cannot be smoothly slided in the lengthwise direction thereof.
As described above, while the conventional multi-stage boom has a very short total length when most contracted, it has the drawback that each boom must be physically strengthened and made in rigid shape in order to withstand against an applied heavy weight load, thereby causing increase in the total weight. Further, each boom may be bent when applied with a weight load. In such case, sliding contact portion between adjacent booms must be accurately shaped to enable the smooth sliding even under bent state and therefore very high accuracy is required in shaping each boom.

Reinforcement mechanism for multi-stage telescopic boom


A light emitting device has a cup portion with a bottom surface opening, and one electrode of a light emitting element is connected to the cup portion. The other electrode of the light emitting element is connected to a lead set up from an inner space to outside the cup portion using the opening of the cup portion. Each electrode and lead of the light emitting device can be electrically connected without bonding wires. This prevents shadows or light unevenness from reflecting the shape of the bonding wire, thereby enhancing light-emission efficiency. As an alternative to setting up the lead from inside to the outside of the cup portion, the lead existing outside the cup portion and the other electrode are electrically connected via the bonding wire through the cup portion's opening. Thus, light outputted outside of the light emitting device is not intercepted by the bonding wire.

Conventionally, in light emitting devices using a light emitting element such as LED (light emitting diode) chip or LD (laser diode) chip, some of the devices have been manufactured in accordance with the following steps: Namely, a first lead of a lead frame and a first electrode (n electrode) of the light emitting element, and a second lead of the lead frame and a second electrode (p electrode) of the light emitting element are electrically connected to each other, respectively. Then, after sealing surroundings of the light emitting element with a transparent resin, the first lead and the second lead are cut off from the lead frame.
Also, at this time, either of the first lead and the second lead of the lead frame, in some cases, is formed into a cup shape having an inner space of, e.g., conic pyramid shape, elliptic pyramid shape, or concave mirror shape. Then, the light emitting element is implemented on bottom-surface portion of this cup-shape-formed portion (which, hereinafter, will be referred to as "cup portion"). On account of this configuration, light emitted from side surface of the light emitting element in a direction along the implementation surface can be reflected on concave-portion surface of the cup portion. This allows the light to be gathered and directed in advance in a predetermined direction, thereby allowing an enhancement in light-emission efficiency.
Also, in the light emitting element, semiconductor layers engaged in performing the light emission, such as, e.g., n-type semiconductor layer, light emitting layer, and p-type semiconductor layer, are multilayered via a buffer layer on one principal surface of the substrate.
Also, in the light emitting element, when roughly classified, there exist two ways to provide the first electrode and the second electrode. One is a method of providing the first electrode (n electrode) on rear surface of the principal surface of the substrate on which the semiconductor layers engaged in performing the light emission are multilayered, and providing the second electrode (p electrode) on the p-type semiconductor layer. The other is a method of exposing the n-type semiconductor layer by eliminating part of the p-type semiconductor layer and the light emitting layer multilayered on the substrate, and providing the first electrode on the n-type semiconductor layer exposed, and providing the second electrode on the p-type semiconductor layer.
Also, in recent years, there has existed a tendency that the amount of heat generated by the light emitting layer of the light emitting element increases because of high-luminance implementation of the light emitting element. On account of this, when implementing the light emitting element on the cup portion, the second electrode (p electrode) tends to be implemented in a manner faced to the bottom surface of the cup portion, so that the distance between the light emitting layer and the cup portion will become more proximate. At this time, if the first electrode (n electrode) is provided on the rear surface of the principal surface of the substrate on which the semiconductor layers engaged in performing the light emission are multilayered, the first electrode and the first lead are electrically connected via a bonding wire.
Also, if the first electrode is provided on the n-type semiconductor layer, e.g., a metallic layer with an intervention of an insulating layer is provided beforehand in a partial area of the bottom surface of the cup portion. Then, the first electrode and the metallic layer are electrically connected. Moreover, the metallic layer and the first lead are electrically connected via the bonding wire, thereby connecting the first electrode and the first lead electrically (Refer to, e.g., Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2.).
Also, in recent years, in the light emitting element, a light-through substrate such as, e.g., sapphire has tended to be used as the substrate. As a result, not only the light emitted from the side surface of the light emitting element, but light emitted from the light emitting layer onto the substrate side can also be emitted to the outside of the light emitting element. On account of this, when the second electrode (p electrode) is implemented in a manner faced to the bottom surface of the cup portion, the light emitted from the substrate side and the light reflected on the concave-portion surface of the cup portion are capable of being gathered and directed, thereby being able to be outputted to the outside of the light emitting device. This enhances the light-emission efficiency further.
However, when the first electrode of the light emitting element and the first lead are electrically connected via the bonding wire, the light emitted from the side surface of the light emitting element and the light emitted in such a manner that it passes through the light-through substrate are partially intercepted by the bonding wire. On account of this, there has existed the following problem: Namely, a shadow or light unevenness reflecting shape of the bonding wire occurs in the light outputted from the light emitting device. This lowers the light-emission efficiency. At this time, it is possible to reduce the problem of the light unevenness and the lowering in the light-emission efficiency by using an extremely thin bonding wire. However, when the extremely thin bonding wire is used, there exists the following problem: Namely, electrical resistance of the bonding wire results in a lowering in current capacity, thereby making it difficult to obtain the high luminance.    Patent Document 1: JP-A-6-314822    Patent Document 2: JP-A-11-251645

Light emitting device having a mirror portion


A simulator for providing teaching and training related to negotiable instruments is disclosed. The provided simulation includes a simulated negotiable instrument. The simulator captures an image of a portion of an environment including a piece of printed collateral. The simulator then displays an augmented reality version of the environment. Displaying the augmented reality version of the environment includes detecting the printed collateral in the image, replacing the printed collateral in the image of the portion of the environment with an image of the negotiable instrument to yield an image depicting the portion of the environment as including the negotiable instrument, and presenting, the image depicting the portion of the environment as including the negotiable instrument. The simulator provides an indication of an outcome of a simulated negotiation of the negotiable instrument. Related methods and computer-readable media are disclosed.

Negotiation of negotiable instruments such as, for example the deposit of checks, may involve activity by human participants. For example, a customer may perform a remote deposit. In another example, a teller may handle in-person deposits. Such individuals may need to be trained to learn to perform such operations to eliminate or reduce human errors. For example, it can be costly and time consuming to decline a poorly submitted image of a check received by a bank server and to then request the submitter (e.g., the customer or the teller) to resubmit.
Like reference numerals are used in the drawings to denote like elements and features.

Simulator for value instrument negotiation training


Voltage regulator circuitry includes a first gain stage, a second gain stage, and a feedback stage. Feedback is provided between the feedback stage, the second gain stage, and the first gain stage in order to tightly regulate an output voltage of the voltage regulator circuitry such that the output voltage is independent of process variations present in the devices therein. The voltage regulator circuitry is fabricated using a pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistor (pHEMT) process in order to reduce the size thereof and provide short turn-on times and low quiescent current.

Modern radio frequency (RF) systems generally require highly linear RF power amplifiers in order to properly transmit signals. To provide high linearity, RF power from an RF power amplifier must remain constant over the entirety of a data frame despite changes in duty cycle, ambient temperature, and supply voltage. Maintaining a constant RF power generally requires a tightly controlled bias signal to be provided to the RF power amplifier, which may be difficult due to the dynamic signal environments in which modern RF systems exist. Maintaining tight control over the bias signal will generally reduce the error vector magnitude and other metrics of linearity such as amplitude modulation AM to AM distortion of the RF power amplifier and therefore allow the amplifier to meet the stringent specifications of modern wireless communications standards such as WiFi.
A power amplifier voltage regulator is generally responsible for providing a bias signal to a power amplifier. As discussed above, it is desirable for a power amplifier voltage regulator to provide a highly stable bias signal that is not affected by process variation of one or more components therein. Further, it is desirable for a power amplifier voltage regulator to maintain a temperature slope that is suited for the bias circuits of the power amplifier with which it is used, achieve very short turn-on time such that the power amplifier is able to accurately amplify preambles of data frames, have a small size, and consume a low quiescent current to reduce battery drain (e.g., less than 0.5 μA). Generally, it is very difficult to design a power amplifier voltage regulator that meets all of these criteria.
FIG. 1 is a functional schematic illustrating an idealized power amplifier voltage regulator 10. The idealized power amplifier voltage regulator 10 includes an operational amplifier 12, a first feedback resistor RF, and a second feedback resistor RG. The operational amplifier 12 includes a power supply voltage node NVPS, a non-inverting input node NNI, an inverting input node N1, and an output node NREG. A power supply voltage VPS is provided to the power supply voltage node NVPS. An input voltage VIN is provided to the non-inverting input node NNI, and may be equal to the power supply voltage VPS. A regulated output voltage VREG is provided at the output node NREG. The inverting input node NI is coupled to the junction between the first feedback resistor RF and the second feedback resistor RG and thus receives a feedback signal therefrom. Given the feedback structure of the idealized power amplifier voltage regulator 10, the gain of the device can be expressed by Equation (1):
                    G        =                                            V              REG                                      V              IN                                =                      1            +                          (                                                R                  F                                                  R                  G                                            )                                                          (        1        )            Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the operational amplifier 12 will attempt to equalize the voltage at the non-inverting input node NNI and the inverting input node NI via the feedback formed between the output node NREG and the inverting input node NI. The feedback provided at the inverting input node NI effectively ensures that the regulated output voltage VREG is tightly controlled regardless of process variations inherent in the operational amplifier 12 and tracks ambient temperature. If the operational amplifier 12 acts ideally, then it will also provide short turn-on times and relatively low quiescent current consumption.
Implementing the idealized voltage regulator circuitry in a mobile device is a challenging task. Generally, standard operational amplifiers are created via CMOS processes and are too large for mobile applications. Accordingly, there is a need for voltage regulator circuitry for a mobile device with a small footprint that provides a tightly controlled output voltage that tracks ambient temperature, short turn-on times, and low quiescent current consumption.

High loop-gain pHEMT regulator for linear RF power amplifier


A multi-function travel case includes a plurality of features for facilitating ease of travel, including a retractable document sleeve for storing important travel-related documents in a manner that allows for quick, secure and easy access, viewing and storage of same during travel. The travel case further includes a retractable bottle holder extendable from a side pocket thereof, a side storage compartment adapted for storing eyeglasses in a manner that prevents scratching of same, a front interior storage compartment that houses a retractable light source, a key holder, and integrated pockets adapted for the storage of optical media without scratching the same, a central interior storage compartment having an adjustable top restraint and first and second user-positionable, impact resistant, adjustable cushions for securing portable computer devices of different sizes, a rear interior storage compartment having a removable file folder housed therein, ergonomically-designed rubber handles, and anti-tip feet.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to carrying cases, and in particular, carrying cases that provide one or more features for facilitating ease of travel.
2. Background
Conventional carrying cases, such as conventional cases for carrying portable computers, do not provide a combination of features for facilitating ease of travel as provided by the invention described herein.
For example, modem travel, and in particular modem airline travel, involves heightened security procedures that require a traveler to provide one or more important documents, such as an airline ticket, boarding pass, passport and/or other identification, at one or more checkpoints during a trip. Constantly accessing and presenting these documents can be inconvenient and time-consuming for the traveler. Moreover, each time the documents are removed and returned to storage, the traveler runs the risk of dropping or misplacing them, particularly when in a hurry. Conventional carrying cases do not provide a means for storing such important travel-related documents in a manner that allows for quick, secure and easy access, viewing and storage of same during travel.


Provided compositions, films, and methods impart a low-surface energy surface to a polyurethane layer whereby contaminants to bead up on the surface to dramatically facilitate removal. At the same time, the provided articles retain excellent clarity and processibility for use in surface protection applications. Compositions having these advantageous properties derive from reacting a primary polyisocyanate; a monohydroxyl polydimethylsiloxane present in a suitable amount; and a polyol selected from the group consisting of: a caprolactone polyol, polycarbonate polyol, a polyester polyol, acrylic polyol, polyether polyol, polyolefin polyol, and mixtures thereof.

Polyurethanes are synthetic polymers of great commercial and industrial importance. Characterized by carbamate (—NH—CO—O—) chemical linkages, polyurethanes are commonly prepared by reacting a multifunctional isocyanate with a multifunctional diol or polyol in the presence of a catalyst. Thermoplastic polyurethanes are characterized by linear polymeric chains having self-ordering block structures, while thermoset polyurethanes are highly crosslinked by covalent bonds.
Depending on the diisocyanate and diol or polyol constituents used to make the polyurethane, these materials can be engineered to display a high degree of chemical resistance and a wide range of material properties. Generally, polyurethanes are extremely durable and flexible, making them desirable materials for many applications. Such applications include, for example, high-resilience foam seating, rigid foam insulation panels, microcellular foam seals and gaskets, hoses, elastomeric wheels and tires, automotive suspension bushings, electrical potting compounds, high performance adhesives, coatings and sealants, synthetic fibers, and carpet underlay.
Polyurethanes films and coatings can be especially advantageous in protecting substrates from environmental weathering, chemical exposure, heat, and/or abrasion. Polyurethane coatings and films can withstand harsh environments, making them suitable in outdoor applications.
International Publication No. WO 1994/013465 discloses a polyurethane-based protective layer for protecting an embossed multilayer film. This reference discloses that a surface layer containing the reaction product of an aliphatic diisocyanate and a polyester polyol, polycarbonate polyol or polyacrylic polyol can provide adequate protection in both indoor and outdoor applications. It is further disclosed that the polyurethane-based protective surface layer can be either crosslinked or uncrosslinked and can be solvent borne.
International Publication No. WO 1994/013496 discloses a multilayer graphic article having a substrate, one or more color layers disposed on the substrate, and a protective surface layer. The protective surface layer may comprise a polyurethane obtained from the reaction of an aromatic diisocyanate and a polyether polyol or a polyurethane obtained from the reaction of an aliphatic diisocyanate and a polyester polyol, polycarbonate polyol or polyacrylic polyol.
International Publication No. WO 1993/024551 discloses aqueous polyurethane dispersions including a dimer acid and low molecular weight cycloaliphatic components for coatings on various substrates. The coatings may be protective or decorative, and can provide desirable properties such as chemical resistance, water resistance, solvent resistance, toughness, abrasion resistance and durability.
We have previously publicly disclosed blackout film constructed with a polyurethane layer disposed on a black polyvinyl chloride film. The polyurethane layer was based on polyester and polyether polyols containing 6 wt % of an acrylic polydimethylsiloxane, and did not have sufficient optical properties for clear film and coating applications.
One technical problem with conventional polyurethane coatings relates to stain resistance. Even chemically-resistant polyurethanes can permanently stain when contaminants become adsorbed onto its surfaces, resulting in poor aesthetics. Such stain resistance can be enhanced by creating a low surface energy surface that induces contaminants to "bead" on the surface, thereby facilitating removal. Prior efforts to create a low energy surface focused on building polydimethylsiloxane into the polymer backbone using, for example, a dicarbinol polydimethylsiloxane or diamine polydimethylsiloxane. These compositions are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,691,439 (Slack et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 6,271,332 (Lohmann et al.), and U.S. Pat. No. 7,732,055 (Nesten et al.). Unfortunately, these approaches tended to provide porous structures with poor silicone presence at the film surface, which impaired resistance to moisture, chemicals, and staining.

Polyurethane compositions, films, and methods thereof


A system allows a user to use spoken commands to select a position in an audio/visual program. The program may be identified by a file associated with a stored portion of a program that includes a field that identifies positions in the program. When the user requests a position, the user""s speech is recognized to produce information that may be compared to the information in the field to locate the position selected by the user.

This invention relates generally to the operation and play of audio/visual program.
xe2x80x9cAudio/visual programsxe2x80x9d may be video or audio or audio and video recordings such as those recorded on compact disks and digital video disks, as well as information stored on digital memories associated with processor-based systems such as hard disk drives. In a number of cases, it is desirable to locate and select a given portion within an overall audio/visual program. For example, a user may wish to watch or listen to a given track or chapter within a recording.
In many audio/visual systems, the user may be limited to a remote control unit to provide inputs for controlling the playback of audio/visual programs. These remote control units may control a television receiver and a processor-based system such as a set-top box or may control various audio/visual playback appliances such as a video cassette recorder, a digital video disk player, or other similar appliances. The set-top box generally sits atop a television receiver and provides advanced features such as electronic programming guides for the television receiver.
Thus, the user may wish to enter relatively complex requests to the television receiver or associated processor-based system through the remote control unit. However, the remote control unit, which is a handheld device, generally can only accommodate a very limited keyboard. As a result, the amount of information which the user can readily provide through the remote control unit is very limited.
Thus, there is a need for a better way to enable users to select audio/visual program portions.

Using speech to select a position in a program


An amphibian bridge-forming and ferrying vehicle has a self-propelled main floating body having a main deck and two foldable lateral floating bodies having a lateral deck, respectively. Two foldable, hydraulically liftable and lowerable folding ramps with a ramp base and a ramp tip are provided. The folding ramps are connected to the lateral floating bodies. The ramp tips rest against the topside of the ramp bases, respectively, when the folding ramps are in a folded position. The main deck, the lateral decks, and the folding ramps together form a continuous roadway.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an amphibian bridge-forming and ferrying vehicle, comprising essentially a self-propelled main floating body, two folding lateral floating bodies, and two laterally foldable, hydraulically liftable and lowerable folding ramps, each comprised of a ramp base and a ramp tip.
2. Description of the Related Art
Amphibian bridge-forming and ferrying vehicles are known from German published patent documents 11 24 383 A, 19 49 206 A, 33 42 087 A as well as 33 42 088 A. They are comprised essentially of a main floating body, which comprises the required components for propelling the vehicle on land or on water, and two lateral floating bodies. During propelling on land, the two lateral floating bodies are folded inwardly onto the main floating body in order to provide a narrow road-suitable contour. The vehicle can be driven into the water and move in the water with the lateral floating bodies in the folded position.
When the amphibian vehicle is to be used as a bridge or a ferry, the lateral floating bodies are hydraulically unfolded outwardly by 180 degrees so that a stable floating position and a great carrying capacity can be obtained; in this way, even great weights can be supported thereon.
In addition to the main floating body and the lateral floating bodies, the afore described amphibian vehicles are provided with ramps which enable a comfortable and safe connection from the bank or shore to the amphibian vehicle and from the amphibian vehicle to a neighboring amphibian vehicle. These ramps, when not in use, are stored adjacent and atop one another on the folded lateral floating bodies or in matching cutouts between the main floating body and the folded lateral floating bodies. In order to move the ramps from their transport position in the longitudinal direction of the amphibian vehicle into their position of use in a direction transverse to the transport direction, suitable assisting devices, for example, an on-board crane are provided on the main floating body. For moving the ramps and for operating the on-board crane, several persons are required as operating personnel. They must work on the deck of the amphibian vehicle where they are completely unprotected. This is unsatisfactory.
A further disadvantage of the known solution is that the individual ramp elements are relatively narrow, in particular, have a width less than half the width of the main floating body. This means that on each side of the amphibian vehicle two spaced-apart ramp elements are required when the roadway is needed for carrying heavy vehicles such as trucks or tanks. When it is desired, for safety reasons, to close the gap between the two ramps, additional roadway plates must be inserted which must be transported loosely on the amphibian vehicle.
Initially, those ramps were rigid. However, this limited their length to the length of the amphibian vehicle. In subsequent developments, so-called folding ramps have been used. They are stored in the folded state on the amphibian vehicle when not in use. In the position of use, they can be unfolded so as to have almost twice the length of the amphibian vehicle. Such folding ramps are described in German published patent documents 19 49 206 A, 33 42 087 A, and 33 42 088 A. The configuration described in 19 49 206 A has moreover the advantage that for moving the folding ramps from the transport position into the position of use, an onboard crane is not required because the folding ramps are connected to an upright center part provided on the deck of the main floating body and rotatable about a vertical axis. The folding ramps are comprised of a ramp base, which is connected to the rotatable center part and can be lifted and lowered by means of hydraulic cylinders, and a ramp tip, which is connected to the free end of the ramp base and can be pivoted, also by hydraulic cylinders, about 180 degrees. The hinge between the ramp base and the ramp tip is configured such that the ramp tips rest against the underside of the ramp base in the transport position.
Additionally, an amphibian bridge-forming and ferrying vehicle is being used in which the folding ramps are connected to the front and the rear of the self-propelled main floating body. For increasing the carrying capacity, the ramp bases are provided with their own floating bodies. An advantage of this vehicle is its great length, comprised of the length of the two folding ramps and the length of the main floating body, as well as its great carrying capacity. However, one problem is that the main floating body must have a great width because of the required roadway width for the above-mentioned large and heavy vehicles. Such a wide contour however impedes fast propelling on land and on water. Also, when the ramps are unfolded, the operating personnel practically has no visibility from the cockpit.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an amphibian bridge-forming and ferrying vehicle which combines a narrow transport contour with a great bridge length and high carrying capacity.
In accordance with the present invention, this is achieved in that the vehicle has the following features:
a self-propelled main floating body;
two foldable lateral floating bodies;
two laterally foldable, hydraulically liftable and lowerable folding ramps, each comprised of a ramp base and a ramp tip, respectively;
the folding ramps are connected to the lateral floating bodies;
the ramp tips, when the floating ramp is in the folded position, rest on the topside of the ramp base;
the decks of the main floating body and of the lateral floating bodies form a continuous roadway together with the folding ramps.
The present invention also employs folding ramps which however are connected on the outer longitudinal sides of the unfolded lateral floating bodies. At the same time, the decks of the main floating body and of the lateral floating bodies provide a roadway so that the bridge length with the folding ramps unfolded is correspondingly enlarged. The topside as well as the underside of the folding ramps are used as a roadway. Moreover, almost the entire length of the main floating body is available as a roadway width so that the roadway can be used safely even in the case of problem loads under problematic conditions. When the amphibian vehicle is used as a ferry, a large base surface area is available for transport.
Further advantages of the invention reside in that the ramp tips, in contrast to the prior art, are folded against the topside and not the underside of the ramp base. In this way, in the case of the folding ramp being in the folded position, the complete ramp adjusting travel in the downward direction is maintained and the overload safety provided by the pressure relief valves on the ramps cylinders remains effective.
Since in the vehicle according to the invention the folding ramps in the transport position (folded position) are arranged on the main floating body transversely to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, they must not be rotated before being unfolded. Also, no loose parts must be handled anymore. In this way, it is possible to control all folding and unfolding steps from the interior of the vehicle, optionally by means of a computer. The operating personnel no longer must leave the protected vehicle area.
According to a first embodiment of the invention, the folding ramps have a wedge-shaped cross-section and the deck of the lateral floating bodies is slanted in a complementary or matching way. In this way, the folding ramps can be placed or stored without gaps on the lateral floating bodies. A planar roadway thus results because of the wedge shape.
As mentioned above, all of the pivoting steps are realized by hydraulic cylinders provided on the vehicle. In special cases, it can however be advantageous when certain elements are rigidly coupled to one another. In this connection, the hinges between the lateral floating bodies and the ramp base or between the main floating body and the lateral floating bodies come to mind. In these cases, rigid coupling brackets can be mounted.
In particular, in the area between the main floating body and the lateral floating bodies, multi-stage, in particular, three-stage coupling brackets were found to be advantageous. In this way, the ramp adjusting stroke can be significantly enlarged for the maximum ramp slant still permitting driving.
It is understood that between the ramp base and the ramp tip detachable hinge couplings must be provided in order to provide a bending-resistant connection of the two elements. These hinge couplings however also provide the possibility of coupling the folded ramps of two neighboring amphibian vehicles with one another in order to provide in this way a ferry of twice the width or a bridge of a corresponding great length.

General Dynamics Santa Bxc3xa1rbara Sistemas GmbH


Provided is a snap ring assembly (100) for use in holding papers together such as in a two or three-ring looseleaf notebook or binder. Assembly (100) is preferably a one-piece molded construction including an elongate base portion (30) extending between sidewalls including respective proximate sections (32, 32') extending transversly therefrom and distal sections (34, 34') that are separated by respective hinge sections (38, 38') and respective free-ends that are configured to matingly engage to cause ring sections (38, 38') to snap together to provide a closed connection when distal sections (34, 34') are pivoted for a predetermined distance toward each other.

Snap Ring assemblies have been used for many years for holding papers together. Most familiar are the two and three-ring looseleaf notebooks and binders utilizing such snap ring assemblies. Generally, the snap rings comprise two arcuate spaced apart ring halves that are in substantial registration with each other and that can be pivoted from an open condition toward each other and, at some predetermined position, are caused to snap together to provide closed condition. The papers characteristically include perforated holes adjacent one end that are positioned so that one of the ring halves can be received therethrough before the ring halves are piloted into the closed condition. Although snap rings of the type hereinbefore described have for many years been made from metal, more recently many have been made from molded plastic polymer such as the one-piece binder disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,607,970 and the one-piece ring binder molded from polypropylene polymers disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,295,747, the disclosures of both of which are incorporated herein by reference.
The snap ring assembly readily lends itself to preferably being made as a one-piece molded construction from suitable plastic polymers rendering it economical to manufacture, yet highly effective in operation.